Roxanne shares fashion tips
Get Laud Ladies Apparel
For every role that a Filipina takes, she needs a fashion style that will suit her personality and brings out the best in her as a mother, a wife or a career woman. To achieve this, a Filipina demands for a brand that will cater to her needs – something that is affordable but doesn’t sacrifice style and quality.
Husband and wife, Darren and Gigi Laudencia understand the Filipina woman and had her in mind when they created Get Laud, a fashion line that is specific for Filipina’s distinctive taste. In 2003, Get Laud was born in a kiosk at the Alabang Town Center. The clothes are made of spandex material, a synthetic fabric that is known for its durability and elasticity which complements every figure.
"Each product is an ode to femininity and to the woman’s God-given gifts. It includes one-of-a-kind fashion pieces that further accentuate a woman’s curves. Each piece is dedicated to women who are proud of who they are, where they came from and where they’re going," shares Gigi.
Gigi herself does most of the designs, getting inspiration from top labels and indie brands and giving special attention for rich colours, texture and diversity like in their 2008 Fall Collection. Such is the impact of Get Laud in the fashion preference of Filipinas that its growth accelerated to 30 stores in the span of less than five years.
But the company’s goal to give women a choice of affordable but quality and classy products doesn’t stop from putting up branches nationwide.
They got young actress Roxanne Guinoo to be the epitome of Get Laud’s fashion philosophy.
Roxanne rose from being a timid finalist in the "Star Magic Quest" in 2005 to a talented dramatic performer she is today, top billing the noontime hit "Ligaw na Bulaklak" and one of the most anticipated member of the sexy sitcom "Banana Split" on ABS-CBN. Like a true Filipina, Roxanne maintained her wholesome image despite some sexy commercials that she did.
According to Roxanne, her style is actually simple and very basic, leaning more on jeans and white shirts rather than dresses and pumps. Get Laud products that match her preferences for jeans with tops that makes her get-up stylish and not totally plain or boring. During occasions that require her to glam up like her former noontime hosting in "Wowwowee," Roxanne prefers Get Laud’s long dresses because it gives her look an illusion of height.
"I became more confident with myself and it also reflects in how I carry myself especially in public. I think that’s the most important thing in choosing what you wear, you have to feel good with it to look good on it" says Guinoo.
Practicality is also one of her values when it comes to buying clothes. She doesn’t spend on expensive pieces especially when it is not a necessity for her. She invests in clothes that are reasonably priced but can be compared to its more expensive counterparts and allows her the freedom to change style frequently and then without robbing her bank account.
She also advises women like her who goes for simple style to experiment with accessories, mix and match with shoes and bags to avoid having a boring look.
"We strongly believe that fashion is not a luxury but a lifestyle and that every woman deserves to look good without having to rob a bank to achieve it," says Gigi.
The couple’s dedication is also represented in their numerous awards of excellence including the National Product Quality Excellence Award’s Seal of Product Quality for Best Spandex Retail for 2006 and the Most Promising Retailer for 2007 for Market Market Award at the Ayala Malls Marketing Excellence 2007 Awards.
Get Laud carries clothing line from formal, semi-formal, casual to business and basic pieces. They have also included shorts and shirts in their collection as well as accessories that will fully give an edge to the fashion sense of the Pinays.
Get Laud stores are in Alabang Town Center, SM Malls, Market!Market!, Festival Mall, Metropoint Mall, Farmer’s Plaza, Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, Robinsons Metro East.
For every role that a Filipina takes, she needs a fashion style that will suit her personality and brings out the best in her as a mother, a wife or a career woman. To achieve this, a Filipina demands for a brand that will cater to her needs – something that is affordable but doesn’t sacrifice style and quality.
Husband and wife, Darren and Gigi Laudencia understand the Filipina woman and had her in mind when they created Get Laud, a fashion line that is specific for Filipina’s distinctive taste. In 2003, Get Laud was born in a kiosk at the Alabang Town Center. The clothes are made of spandex material, a synthetic fabric that is known for its durability and elasticity which complements every figure.
"Each product is an ode to femininity and to the woman’s God-given gifts. It includes one-of-a-kind fashion pieces that further accentuate a woman’s curves. Each piece is dedicated to women who are proud of who they are, where they came from and where they’re going," shares Gigi.
Gigi herself does most of the designs, getting inspiration from top labels and indie brands and giving special attention for rich colours, texture and diversity like in their 2008 Fall Collection. Such is the impact of Get Laud in the fashion preference of Filipinas that its growth accelerated to 30 stores in the span of less than five years.
But the company’s goal to give women a choice of affordable but quality and classy products doesn’t stop from putting up branches nationwide.
They got young actress Roxanne Guinoo to be the epitome of Get Laud’s fashion philosophy.
Roxanne rose from being a timid finalist in the "Star Magic Quest" in 2005 to a talented dramatic performer she is today, top billing the noontime hit "Ligaw na Bulaklak" and one of the most anticipated member of the sexy sitcom "Banana Split" on ABS-CBN. Like a true Filipina, Roxanne maintained her wholesome image despite some sexy commercials that she did.
According to Roxanne, her style is actually simple and very basic, leaning more on jeans and white shirts rather than dresses and pumps. Get Laud products that match her preferences for jeans with tops that makes her get-up stylish and not totally plain or boring. During occasions that require her to glam up like her former noontime hosting in "Wowwowee," Roxanne prefers Get Laud’s long dresses because it gives her look an illusion of height.
"I became more confident with myself and it also reflects in how I carry myself especially in public. I think that’s the most important thing in choosing what you wear, you have to feel good with it to look good on it" says Guinoo.
Practicality is also one of her values when it comes to buying clothes. She doesn’t spend on expensive pieces especially when it is not a necessity for her. She invests in clothes that are reasonably priced but can be compared to its more expensive counterparts and allows her the freedom to change style frequently and then without robbing her bank account.
She also advises women like her who goes for simple style to experiment with accessories, mix and match with shoes and bags to avoid having a boring look.
"We strongly believe that fashion is not a luxury but a lifestyle and that every woman deserves to look good without having to rob a bank to achieve it," says Gigi.
The couple’s dedication is also represented in their numerous awards of excellence including the National Product Quality Excellence Award’s Seal of Product Quality for Best Spandex Retail for 2006 and the Most Promising Retailer for 2007 for Market Market Award at the Ayala Malls Marketing Excellence 2007 Awards.
Get Laud carries clothing line from formal, semi-formal, casual to business and basic pieces. They have also included shorts and shirts in their collection as well as accessories that will fully give an edge to the fashion sense of the Pinays.
Get Laud stores are in Alabang Town Center, SM Malls, Market!Market!, Festival Mall, Metropoint Mall, Farmer’s Plaza, Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, Robinsons Metro East.
A Background: The Netherlands-India Trade Relations
www.nidesk.net
Netherlands and India has a long history of trade relations that dates back to the 16th century. Based on the latest reports, the two-trade between the two countries has dramatically increased in the period of 2003-2007 with a growth of 112% especially in the export/import sector.
Textile fabrics and textile good, machines, electronic goods, mineral products and non-precious metal products are among the top exports of India. Meanwhile Netherlands exports local products that falls into the categories of machines, electronic goods and electrical machinery are the biggest imports of India. Both countries are actively collaborating with each other in sectors like finance, food and chemical processing, petroleum and industrial manufacture. The Dutch are in India’s top 10 investor’s list and currently sitting on the fourth position, hoping to retain it or go higher.
Of the later years, there has been significant and regular state visits of leaders by both countries. In 2004, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh visited Netherlands while D4tch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende came to India where the EU Strategic Partnership was launched. Also during this visit, Prime Minister Balkenende declared that India is a priority country for the Dutch Foreign Policy.
In 2007, the Queen of Netherlands herself, Queen Beatrix and her son Prince Willem and Princess Maxima, paid another visit to India, this time with Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagenhigh ranking CEOs from Dutch companies. This visit yielded vital business perspectives for the Indo-Dutch and made way for signing of mutual agreements and holding of key events in Netherlands the following year.
In terms of bilateral agreements, India and the Netherlands still has few policies. In July 1988, the two countries signed an agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation which provide tax credit for taxes withheld or paid in India that correspond to Indian income tax. The tax credit is limited to the lower of the tax paid abroad and the Indian tax on the foreign company..
Another trade policy is the Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement in November 1995, which was done to provide predictable investment climate to foreign investment in India as well as to protect Indian investments abroad. This agreement provides a certain assurance that there will be fair treatment with regards to business of contracting parties in each territory as well as smooth financial transactions between them.
Earlier in 1982, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Dutch Employer’s Association (VNO-NCW) signed an agreement to promote bilateral trade and economic relationships. This was later duplicated in January 2000 between the Confederation of Indian Industry and VNO-CNW.
In 2008 more significant Memorandum of Understandings were signed. In February 2008, The Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, T.R. Baalu, and The Netherlands Minister of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, Camiel Eurlings signed an MOU that explores the shipping and port sectors. The said agreement is expected to boost close trade and technical cooperation between the two countries in the maritime sector.
Another MOU was inked in 2008, this time with concerns to the Science and Technology field. This aims to develop joint projects in areas of agriculture and medical biotechnology with specific concerns in molecular biology, plant breeding, food processing technology, food nutrition, bioorganic chemistry, microbiology, life-sciences developments, intellectual property rights, bio-safety and others.
Flowers and plants are also included in the shared interests of Netherlands and India. According to a report in www.onderzoekinformatie.nl, knowledge cooperation projects in Horticulture will be started between Netherlands and India with an aim to collaborate on conducting research and development for the Horticulture sector and hopes to eventually come up with an MOU.
In the first month of 2009, trade relations between the Netherlands and India have reached a higher level with the opening of Netherlands-India Desk. The private company which officially launched into business in January is strongly backed-up by the City of Rotterdam. It aims to establish business contacts between enterprises of the two countries especially in terms of market research and public relations.
Netherlands and India has a long history of trade relations that dates back to the 16th century. Based on the latest reports, the two-trade between the two countries has dramatically increased in the period of 2003-2007 with a growth of 112% especially in the export/import sector.
Textile fabrics and textile good, machines, electronic goods, mineral products and non-precious metal products are among the top exports of India. Meanwhile Netherlands exports local products that falls into the categories of machines, electronic goods and electrical machinery are the biggest imports of India. Both countries are actively collaborating with each other in sectors like finance, food and chemical processing, petroleum and industrial manufacture. The Dutch are in India’s top 10 investor’s list and currently sitting on the fourth position, hoping to retain it or go higher.
Of the later years, there has been significant and regular state visits of leaders by both countries. In 2004, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh visited Netherlands while D4tch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende came to India where the EU Strategic Partnership was launched. Also during this visit, Prime Minister Balkenende declared that India is a priority country for the Dutch Foreign Policy.
In 2007, the Queen of Netherlands herself, Queen Beatrix and her son Prince Willem and Princess Maxima, paid another visit to India, this time with Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagenhigh ranking CEOs from Dutch companies. This visit yielded vital business perspectives for the Indo-Dutch and made way for signing of mutual agreements and holding of key events in Netherlands the following year.
In terms of bilateral agreements, India and the Netherlands still has few policies. In July 1988, the two countries signed an agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation which provide tax credit for taxes withheld or paid in India that correspond to Indian income tax. The tax credit is limited to the lower of the tax paid abroad and the Indian tax on the foreign company..
Another trade policy is the Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement in November 1995, which was done to provide predictable investment climate to foreign investment in India as well as to protect Indian investments abroad. This agreement provides a certain assurance that there will be fair treatment with regards to business of contracting parties in each territory as well as smooth financial transactions between them.
Earlier in 1982, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Dutch Employer’s Association (VNO-NCW) signed an agreement to promote bilateral trade and economic relationships. This was later duplicated in January 2000 between the Confederation of Indian Industry and VNO-CNW.
In 2008 more significant Memorandum of Understandings were signed. In February 2008, The Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, T.R. Baalu, and The Netherlands Minister of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, Camiel Eurlings signed an MOU that explores the shipping and port sectors. The said agreement is expected to boost close trade and technical cooperation between the two countries in the maritime sector.
Another MOU was inked in 2008, this time with concerns to the Science and Technology field. This aims to develop joint projects in areas of agriculture and medical biotechnology with specific concerns in molecular biology, plant breeding, food processing technology, food nutrition, bioorganic chemistry, microbiology, life-sciences developments, intellectual property rights, bio-safety and others.
Flowers and plants are also included in the shared interests of Netherlands and India. According to a report in www.onderzoekinformatie.nl, knowledge cooperation projects in Horticulture will be started between Netherlands and India with an aim to collaborate on conducting research and development for the Horticulture sector and hopes to eventually come up with an MOU.
In the first month of 2009, trade relations between the Netherlands and India have reached a higher level with the opening of Netherlands-India Desk. The private company which officially launched into business in January is strongly backed-up by the City of Rotterdam. It aims to establish business contacts between enterprises of the two countries especially in terms of market research and public relations.
The City of Rotterdam:Gateway to European Commerce
www.nidesk.net
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and a melting pot of culture and business. Sitting strategically in the banks of rivers Maas and Rhine, the city owns the biggest port in Europe and with two international airports, Schipol and Rotterdam Airport, in close proximity, Rotterdam has established its vital role in Europe’s trade and commerce. It is home to some of the biggest companies in Netherlands including Unilever and Mittal Steel Company N.V., subsidiary of the largest steel company in the world. Among these corporate giants, other businesses and multinationals especially from the banking sector like ABN AMRO and ING are holding offices in Rotterdam.
The key to its continuously booming business activities is the easily accessible modes transportation. Reliable railway systems and road services, in addition to its ports and airports, makes it convenient to transport consumer goods in and out of the country through Rotterdam. It is connected to 31 sister and partner ports around the world, including international business hubs like United States, Japan and China.
Rotterdam’s mix of international residents, almost 50% of its population comprised of foreigners, is a testament to the city’s dedication to its worldwide connection. The city is vibrant with a fusion of different cultures and ideas, reflected in its cultural events and economic activities. Furthermore, on-going development efforts like the construction of the new central station and extension of the main port, make Rotterdam’s position in international trade goes further up the ladder.
The city presents itself to a wide array of business opportunities that promises to widen or jumpstart their European and international reach. The biggest of its industries lies in petrochemical, cargo handling and transshipment. In itself alone, these industries open to a greater number of opportunities in the export/import and logistics field. Rotterdam adheres to world-class standards and strict quality assurance that are vital requirements in order to have strong and lasting business standing. Being an old timer in trading industry, Rotterdam has the capacity of breaking barriers in terms of knowledge and language skills when it comes to trading and commerce in Europe, an advantage that is very important to overseas investors.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is also a booming industry in Rotterdam. As an upshot of its strong financial market, businesses in the field of IT and ICT are flourishing in the city and greater demands for professionals who ensure smooth financial transactions are increasing rapidly.
In addition to this, Rotterdam is also becoming known in the field of animation and development of computer games. Educational institutions related in this field are setting their homes in the city, specifically in Schiecentrale where audio-visual, ICT and film companies like Neon, FunX, RA.NJ, Llink, RTV Rijnmond are located, providing big opportunities for those who are interested in enhancing their skills or starting a business with this industry, whether they come locally or overseas.
The Dutch health care industry also opens up a lot of business opportunities. Erasmus Medical Centre, the third largest medical research institute next to Harvard and John Hopkins, is located in Rotterdam while Bayer; the third largest pharmaceutical company in the world has its headquarters in the neighboring country Germany. Opportunities in the medical sector with these two institutions adjacent to each other are plenty and steady.
Architecture is the next strongest point of Rotterdam next to shipping. In 2007, Rotterdam was named City of Architecture because of its contemporary style in buildings and bridges. Not only it is home to some of the finest modern architectural designs in the Netherlands, it is also where the architects are made. Located in the city are Berlage Institute and Netherlands Architecture Institute, two of the most revered schools in the world.
Aside from its lively economic life, Rotterdam also promises a great deal lifestyle activities with arts and entertainment. The Rotterdam Film Festival is attended by a quarter of a million film enthusiasts yearly, while museums like Volkenkundig Museum caters to local and international visitors.
Living in Rotterdam is also convenient for foreign investors because of its easy access to different historical cities all around Europe, either by bus, trains or planes. Shopping centers and daily/weekly markets and international stores are teeming around the city and one would not have a hard time looking for products when they crave for a taste of home.
These maybe just a fraction of the many business opportunities awaiting investors in the City of Rotterdam and there is a lot more industries to be discovered. But knowing that your business sits in one of the most competitive and stable city in Europe, in terms of politics and finances, you are assured that your valuable investments are well on the way of growing.
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and a melting pot of culture and business. Sitting strategically in the banks of rivers Maas and Rhine, the city owns the biggest port in Europe and with two international airports, Schipol and Rotterdam Airport, in close proximity, Rotterdam has established its vital role in Europe’s trade and commerce. It is home to some of the biggest companies in Netherlands including Unilever and Mittal Steel Company N.V., subsidiary of the largest steel company in the world. Among these corporate giants, other businesses and multinationals especially from the banking sector like ABN AMRO and ING are holding offices in Rotterdam.
The key to its continuously booming business activities is the easily accessible modes transportation. Reliable railway systems and road services, in addition to its ports and airports, makes it convenient to transport consumer goods in and out of the country through Rotterdam. It is connected to 31 sister and partner ports around the world, including international business hubs like United States, Japan and China.
Rotterdam’s mix of international residents, almost 50% of its population comprised of foreigners, is a testament to the city’s dedication to its worldwide connection. The city is vibrant with a fusion of different cultures and ideas, reflected in its cultural events and economic activities. Furthermore, on-going development efforts like the construction of the new central station and extension of the main port, make Rotterdam’s position in international trade goes further up the ladder.
The city presents itself to a wide array of business opportunities that promises to widen or jumpstart their European and international reach. The biggest of its industries lies in petrochemical, cargo handling and transshipment. In itself alone, these industries open to a greater number of opportunities in the export/import and logistics field. Rotterdam adheres to world-class standards and strict quality assurance that are vital requirements in order to have strong and lasting business standing. Being an old timer in trading industry, Rotterdam has the capacity of breaking barriers in terms of knowledge and language skills when it comes to trading and commerce in Europe, an advantage that is very important to overseas investors.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is also a booming industry in Rotterdam. As an upshot of its strong financial market, businesses in the field of IT and ICT are flourishing in the city and greater demands for professionals who ensure smooth financial transactions are increasing rapidly.
In addition to this, Rotterdam is also becoming known in the field of animation and development of computer games. Educational institutions related in this field are setting their homes in the city, specifically in Schiecentrale where audio-visual, ICT and film companies like Neon, FunX, RA.NJ, Llink, RTV Rijnmond are located, providing big opportunities for those who are interested in enhancing their skills or starting a business with this industry, whether they come locally or overseas.
The Dutch health care industry also opens up a lot of business opportunities. Erasmus Medical Centre, the third largest medical research institute next to Harvard and John Hopkins, is located in Rotterdam while Bayer; the third largest pharmaceutical company in the world has its headquarters in the neighboring country Germany. Opportunities in the medical sector with these two institutions adjacent to each other are plenty and steady.
Architecture is the next strongest point of Rotterdam next to shipping. In 2007, Rotterdam was named City of Architecture because of its contemporary style in buildings and bridges. Not only it is home to some of the finest modern architectural designs in the Netherlands, it is also where the architects are made. Located in the city are Berlage Institute and Netherlands Architecture Institute, two of the most revered schools in the world.
Aside from its lively economic life, Rotterdam also promises a great deal lifestyle activities with arts and entertainment. The Rotterdam Film Festival is attended by a quarter of a million film enthusiasts yearly, while museums like Volkenkundig Museum caters to local and international visitors.
Living in Rotterdam is also convenient for foreign investors because of its easy access to different historical cities all around Europe, either by bus, trains or planes. Shopping centers and daily/weekly markets and international stores are teeming around the city and one would not have a hard time looking for products when they crave for a taste of home.
These maybe just a fraction of the many business opportunities awaiting investors in the City of Rotterdam and there is a lot more industries to be discovered. But knowing that your business sits in one of the most competitive and stable city in Europe, in terms of politics and finances, you are assured that your valuable investments are well on the way of growing.
De-stressing in Camiguin
Manila Standard Today
November 22, 2007
For someone who has been traveling for 22 years, all roads looks the same.
All sea voyages are the same, as well—the port with its busy people hurrying to go home, porters getting their luggage’s for some coins and vehicles lining up to get into a good spot in the ship. When I got the assignment to go to Camiguin, I was expecting the same kind of trip I always have whenever I go home to my island province of Marinduque.
As it turned out, the trip unveiled not a few surprises.
Anticipating Camiguin
Our first stop was at The Gardens of Malasag eco-tourism village where the owner treated us to a generous lunch of shrimp sinigang and the best humba I ever tasted, Visayan style with the right blend of sweetness.
There was also stuffed squid and kilawing maya-maya. The two ethnic tribes in the village, the Higaonon and the Subanon, offered up a tribal dance—complete with colorful costume and headdress—as part of the welcoming rites.
After lunch, we started the one-and-a-half hour road trip to Balingoan Port, some 88 kilometers away from the airport of Cagayan de Oro for another one hour of sea travel. A stop-over at the Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort, where we were treated to buko juice, revived our energies.
We docked at Benoni Wharf in Mahinog, Camiguin just when the sun was about to go down. After about half an hour we finally arrived at Hotel Villa Paraiso, our home for the next three days. On the evening of our first day, a natural warm bath relieved my sore muscles at the Esperanza Ardent Hot Spring, an ideal place for a natural spa with the 40 degrees Celsius of hot spring in the middle of a rainforest.
If you are taking a dip during the evening, the sound of crickets, wild birds and the humming of the leaves of old tress and the cool breeze will send you right to sleep.
Morning walk and afternoon bath
The little island, which measures only 64 km. in circumference, reminds me of my own province, green and solitary when you look at it from the sea.
Camiguin is often called the Island Borne of Fire because of the devastating volcanic eruption of Mt. Vulcan Daan in 1871 that rained lava and volcanic rocks on the town of Bonbon just when the sun is setting down at six in the afternoon. All that remains of the town is the church’s thick upper walls now a major attraction in Bonbon, the Old Catarman Church Ruins and the more popular Sunken Cemetery which is marked by a large white cross and can be reached through a boat ride from Bonbon. During low tide, you can still see the graves which sank during the eruption with the rest of the town.
On the second day, we started the day with a breakfast of grilled fresh fish at White Island, an inhabited strip of white sand, 2 km. away from the towns of Agoho and Yumbing.
A 10-minute boat ride will take you to the island which is a favorite spot for snorkeling, diving and swimming. A fantastic view of Camiguin Island with the towering Mt. Hibok-Hibok and the old volcano as the background is an ideal location to shoot good photographs perfect for post cards with its pristine white sand and shallow blue green waters. From afar, the volcano looks like a pregnant woman in her peaceful slumber.
The local tourism office built 15 Stations of the Cross along the trail leading up to the peak of the mountain. During the Panaad Festival, celebrated during the Lenten Season, the old folks of Camiguin would hike up the Old Volcano trails barefoot to commemorate the sufferings of Jesus Christ.
On the top of the mountain is a breathtaking view of the island with its tall coconut trees and white beaches that clearly defined the pear-shaped island. It also offered a distant view of the Sunken Cemetery.
After the exhausting hike, we took a dip in the first and only soda pool in the Philippines, the Bura Soda Water Swimming Pool, in Catarman.
After the refreshing soda splash, we traveled on to Sto. Niño Cold Spring, a 25 meters by 40 meters pool of freezing water. Its temperature can be compared to that of water that has been in the fridge for three days. Camiguin also boasts of some beautiful falls in the country, the Katibawasan and Tuasan respectively located in the towns of Mambajao and Catarman. Both cascade are amidst unspoiled forest land and plunges into deep clear waters. Repelling down the falls is another activity one should not miss.
Of old houses and festivities
The Lanzones Festival is the most popular activity in the island. Started by the local tourism office 25 years ago, the festival is a showcase of colorful costumes, street dancing, drum beatings and local and foreign tourists.
According to legend, a black diwata (goddess) once roamed the forests of the island, handing out poisonous fruits to young boys. Those who succumb to the love of the goddess will inherit the bad spirit from the black goddess and will die. A White Goddess allegedly came later on and pinched the fruit, expelling the poison from the fruit, leaving it sweet-tasting.
Since then, the town has been paying tribute to their White Goddess with songs and dances not just for saving them but also for the good harvest of lanzones. Lanzones is one of the major exports of Camiguin.
Going around the town of Camiguin, one will notice a lot of old Spanish houses. The houses were able to preserve their original look, with big windows made of capiz shells, large and airy azoteas or living rooms and stairways adorned with religious relics and old four-poster beds of the upper classes during the Spanish time.
In the afternoon of our last day, we took another hike, this time to the Philvocs observatory station in Payahan Hills in Mambajao. The station serves not only to monitor Mt. Hibok-Hibok, but also as a showcase for the memorabilia collected during the 1871 eruption.
In the evening, everyone bought their boxes of pastel, a famous delicacy of Camiguin, a coffee bun which has rich and creamy yema filling inside soft milky bread which is perfect with coffee to bring back home.
We also took home tableas, the local chocolate tablets made from cacao beans which when melted in low heat is great with champorado or a morning drink mixed with milk.
Getting there
If you are planning to visit Camiguin, reserve your whole week for exploring the island. Coming from Manila, Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific has a daily flights to Cagayan de Oro airport. You can also take the ferry trips of WG&A, Negros Navigation and Sulpicio Lines.
From the Cagayan de Oro airport, you can go to the Agora Market where the terminal of buses going to Balingoan is located. At the Balingoan Port, it takes another hour to reach the Benoni Wharf of Mahinog. From there, it takes less than an hour ride to reach Mambajao.
Another route would be a three-hour ferry ride from Cagayan de Oro terminal to the port of Guinsiliba.
November 22, 2007
For someone who has been traveling for 22 years, all roads looks the same.
All sea voyages are the same, as well—the port with its busy people hurrying to go home, porters getting their luggage’s for some coins and vehicles lining up to get into a good spot in the ship. When I got the assignment to go to Camiguin, I was expecting the same kind of trip I always have whenever I go home to my island province of Marinduque.
As it turned out, the trip unveiled not a few surprises.
Anticipating Camiguin
Our first stop was at The Gardens of Malasag eco-tourism village where the owner treated us to a generous lunch of shrimp sinigang and the best humba I ever tasted, Visayan style with the right blend of sweetness.
There was also stuffed squid and kilawing maya-maya. The two ethnic tribes in the village, the Higaonon and the Subanon, offered up a tribal dance—complete with colorful costume and headdress—as part of the welcoming rites.
After lunch, we started the one-and-a-half hour road trip to Balingoan Port, some 88 kilometers away from the airport of Cagayan de Oro for another one hour of sea travel. A stop-over at the Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort, where we were treated to buko juice, revived our energies.
We docked at Benoni Wharf in Mahinog, Camiguin just when the sun was about to go down. After about half an hour we finally arrived at Hotel Villa Paraiso, our home for the next three days. On the evening of our first day, a natural warm bath relieved my sore muscles at the Esperanza Ardent Hot Spring, an ideal place for a natural spa with the 40 degrees Celsius of hot spring in the middle of a rainforest.
If you are taking a dip during the evening, the sound of crickets, wild birds and the humming of the leaves of old tress and the cool breeze will send you right to sleep.
Morning walk and afternoon bath
The little island, which measures only 64 km. in circumference, reminds me of my own province, green and solitary when you look at it from the sea.
Camiguin is often called the Island Borne of Fire because of the devastating volcanic eruption of Mt. Vulcan Daan in 1871 that rained lava and volcanic rocks on the town of Bonbon just when the sun is setting down at six in the afternoon. All that remains of the town is the church’s thick upper walls now a major attraction in Bonbon, the Old Catarman Church Ruins and the more popular Sunken Cemetery which is marked by a large white cross and can be reached through a boat ride from Bonbon. During low tide, you can still see the graves which sank during the eruption with the rest of the town.
On the second day, we started the day with a breakfast of grilled fresh fish at White Island, an inhabited strip of white sand, 2 km. away from the towns of Agoho and Yumbing.
A 10-minute boat ride will take you to the island which is a favorite spot for snorkeling, diving and swimming. A fantastic view of Camiguin Island with the towering Mt. Hibok-Hibok and the old volcano as the background is an ideal location to shoot good photographs perfect for post cards with its pristine white sand and shallow blue green waters. From afar, the volcano looks like a pregnant woman in her peaceful slumber.
The local tourism office built 15 Stations of the Cross along the trail leading up to the peak of the mountain. During the Panaad Festival, celebrated during the Lenten Season, the old folks of Camiguin would hike up the Old Volcano trails barefoot to commemorate the sufferings of Jesus Christ.
On the top of the mountain is a breathtaking view of the island with its tall coconut trees and white beaches that clearly defined the pear-shaped island. It also offered a distant view of the Sunken Cemetery.
After the exhausting hike, we took a dip in the first and only soda pool in the Philippines, the Bura Soda Water Swimming Pool, in Catarman.
After the refreshing soda splash, we traveled on to Sto. Niño Cold Spring, a 25 meters by 40 meters pool of freezing water. Its temperature can be compared to that of water that has been in the fridge for three days. Camiguin also boasts of some beautiful falls in the country, the Katibawasan and Tuasan respectively located in the towns of Mambajao and Catarman. Both cascade are amidst unspoiled forest land and plunges into deep clear waters. Repelling down the falls is another activity one should not miss.
Of old houses and festivities
The Lanzones Festival is the most popular activity in the island. Started by the local tourism office 25 years ago, the festival is a showcase of colorful costumes, street dancing, drum beatings and local and foreign tourists.
According to legend, a black diwata (goddess) once roamed the forests of the island, handing out poisonous fruits to young boys. Those who succumb to the love of the goddess will inherit the bad spirit from the black goddess and will die. A White Goddess allegedly came later on and pinched the fruit, expelling the poison from the fruit, leaving it sweet-tasting.
Since then, the town has been paying tribute to their White Goddess with songs and dances not just for saving them but also for the good harvest of lanzones. Lanzones is one of the major exports of Camiguin.
Going around the town of Camiguin, one will notice a lot of old Spanish houses. The houses were able to preserve their original look, with big windows made of capiz shells, large and airy azoteas or living rooms and stairways adorned with religious relics and old four-poster beds of the upper classes during the Spanish time.
In the afternoon of our last day, we took another hike, this time to the Philvocs observatory station in Payahan Hills in Mambajao. The station serves not only to monitor Mt. Hibok-Hibok, but also as a showcase for the memorabilia collected during the 1871 eruption.
In the evening, everyone bought their boxes of pastel, a famous delicacy of Camiguin, a coffee bun which has rich and creamy yema filling inside soft milky bread which is perfect with coffee to bring back home.
We also took home tableas, the local chocolate tablets made from cacao beans which when melted in low heat is great with champorado or a morning drink mixed with milk.
Getting there
If you are planning to visit Camiguin, reserve your whole week for exploring the island. Coming from Manila, Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific has a daily flights to Cagayan de Oro airport. You can also take the ferry trips of WG&A, Negros Navigation and Sulpicio Lines.
From the Cagayan de Oro airport, you can go to the Agora Market where the terminal of buses going to Balingoan is located. At the Balingoan Port, it takes another hour to reach the Benoni Wharf of Mahinog. From there, it takes less than an hour ride to reach Mambajao.
Another route would be a three-hour ferry ride from Cagayan de Oro terminal to the port of Guinsiliba.
Morong: A sanctuary for turtles
Manila Standard Today
12/13/2007
Lying at the south western part of Central Luzon is one of the country’s prime historical destinations, Bataan.
During World War II, Bataan was the last standing territory of American and Filipino soldiers before the country succumbed to the Japanese forces.
The monuments and markers conceal yet another paradise; the town of Morong, farthest among the 12 municipalities of Bataan is a sanctuary not only for humans but also for turtles.
For many years now, the sleepy town of Morong has been the breeding ground for two kinds of marine turtles, the Olive Ridley and the Hawksbill.
What started as a humble effort of some fishermen and farmers along with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement and the Bantay Kalikasan, to save endangered marine turtles in 1999, is now a huge yearly celebration attracting both foreign and local tourists.
The Pawikan Festival is marked with the ceremonial release of baby turtles into the sea, led by public officials of the province of Bataan.
Caring for the pawikans
Several years before, the marine conversation group Bantay Kalikasan came to Morong. Fishermen and farmers of the coastal community of Nagbalayong have been harvesting pawikan’s eggs for income and for food. The eggs were gathered from its shallow sand dug out in the coastal area and sold at P10 a piece.
Meanwhile, the adult pawikans, chanced upon by fishermen, were also caught and sold, believing sea turtles meat is an aphrodisiac.
In 1999, during a meeting with the environment department, PRRM and Bantay Kalikasan, the issue of egg poaching and pawikan killings was unexpectedly raised.
Struck by the realization of losing this endangered species for good, Bantay Kalikasan and the concerned fishermen and farmers collaborated to protect the pawikan, which led to the formation of Bantay Pawikan Inc., a people’s organization composed of volunteers and the people who used to poach and catch the marine turtles. Struggling in their early years, because of limited resources, the efforts of Bantay Pawikan didn’t remain unrecognized.
In 2001, the United Nations Development Program allotted funding for the organization. Shortly, the Pawikan Conservation Center was established in Nagbalayong, strengthening their advocacy to save the marine turtles from extinction.
The sacrifice of the fisher folks, in giving up one of their major sources of income was rewarded in 2005 when the Japanese Embassy under Ambassador Ryuichiro Yamazaki awarded US$52,311 to Bantay Pawikan Inc.
The money was used to buy rescue boat and assorted fishing equipment for Lambaklad fishing as well as the construction of a storage facility. A year after, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of the United Arab Emirates, took an interest in the struggle of the Bantay Pawikan Inc., when he saw it over an international television. Also the head of the Emirates Heritage Club, a project that protects and conserves national treasures, culture and heritage of UAE, the sheikh sent over some of his staff to the Philippines to propose a partnership between the two organizations.
Through the said partnership, members of the Bantay Pawikan Inc. take turns in going to UAE, in the areas occupied by Zackum Development Co., one of the biggest oil companies in UAE, to initiate the same program being implemented in Nagbalayong, since it has the same coastal features as UAE and is also a nesting ground for marine turtles. These job opportunities earned them more than what they used to get while trading pawikan eggs.
Sanctuary for the Magbikin
Up in the mountains of Morong, about a 15-to 25-minute trek to Sitio Kanawan in Barangay Binaritan, is another Philippine indigenous that is nearing extinction, the Magbikin Tribe, who were of Aeta descent. To reach the village of the Magbikins, one has to cross a wooden hanging bridge with a scenic view of a river and a valley which offers a cool diversion from the city’s concrete jungle and traffic jam. Life has been cruel for this tribe of 400 families.
During the conversion of some 25,400 hectares of the Morong forest in 1945 into Bataan Natural Park, this tribe was displaced of the home they freely roam for hundreds of years. While resettled in Sitio Lemon, the Vietnam War broke out and the place was converted into the Philippine Refugee Processing Center and the Magbikin Tribe yet again transferred locations. But finally, their current settlement in Sitio Kanawan was declared a Negrito reservation area assured them of a permanent forest to call home.
“We are free in the mountains. If the forest is lost, we will be gone, too,” said Belinda Ristom, one of the tribe’s elders. True enough, the mountain is their main source of livelihood. When not hunting for games or fruits, some of them serve as tourist guide for the locals and foreigners who want to take a swim in the nearby Kairukan and Tambangan Falls.
The lucky tribe members who were able to get sufficient education are working in the environment department or in Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. They also plant crops including kamote and palay in the fertile mountains of Morong. Despite the daily struggle, most of them don’t want to leave Sitio Kanawan.
As Josefina Alejo, tribal captain puts it, “We are ok here.” True to their symbolic tribal clothes, in red which symbolized war and courage, and white for the purity of their souls, the Magbikin Tribe would remain unfazed with the constant and rather harsh change in their lifestyle.
A welcome change
Meanwhile in the adjacent Bataan Technology Park Inc., about 10 minutes ride away from Sitio Kanawan, welcomes developmental changes in its technopark.
According to retired Armed Forces Commo. Amado Sanglay, administrator of BTPI, they are leasing parts of what used to be a refugee camp, to some Korean investors willing to invest some $400 million for a world-class 36-hole golf course in the area. “We saw the potential of tourism rather than the agri-aqua culture for the BTPI so we are shifting our priorities to tourism,” said Sanglay. Part of their plan is to develop the BTPI as retiree’s destination, with construction of more club houses, villa and hotels as well as extreme adventure facilities, set at a three- to five-year plan.
They also collaborated with SBMA to include BTPI in their tourism package. BTPI used to be home for almost 400,00 refugees from Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. Going around BTPI, you could still see some monuments erected during the time that refuges are taking turns in seeking asylum in the island of Bataan.
Among these are a miniature Angkor Wat, two Buddhist temples, That Luang, Bayone, Khmer and Vietnamese Monuments. Even the original boat used by the Vietnamese refugees in their escape is preserved in the museum along with some photographs, and momentums of Philippines’ assistant to the refugees before their resettlement to Australia, United States and Europe.
As drizzles marks the approaching evening, our bed in one of the rooms in Bataan White Corals Beach Resort and Hotel has been an inviting refuge for our tired bodies. But our souls and our dreams will always lead us back into the sedating surroundings of Morong, Bataan, where nature and its preservation is most important to each and every citizen.
12/13/2007
Lying at the south western part of Central Luzon is one of the country’s prime historical destinations, Bataan.
During World War II, Bataan was the last standing territory of American and Filipino soldiers before the country succumbed to the Japanese forces.
The monuments and markers conceal yet another paradise; the town of Morong, farthest among the 12 municipalities of Bataan is a sanctuary not only for humans but also for turtles.
For many years now, the sleepy town of Morong has been the breeding ground for two kinds of marine turtles, the Olive Ridley and the Hawksbill.
What started as a humble effort of some fishermen and farmers along with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement and the Bantay Kalikasan, to save endangered marine turtles in 1999, is now a huge yearly celebration attracting both foreign and local tourists.
The Pawikan Festival is marked with the ceremonial release of baby turtles into the sea, led by public officials of the province of Bataan.
Caring for the pawikans
Several years before, the marine conversation group Bantay Kalikasan came to Morong. Fishermen and farmers of the coastal community of Nagbalayong have been harvesting pawikan’s eggs for income and for food. The eggs were gathered from its shallow sand dug out in the coastal area and sold at P10 a piece.
Meanwhile, the adult pawikans, chanced upon by fishermen, were also caught and sold, believing sea turtles meat is an aphrodisiac.
In 1999, during a meeting with the environment department, PRRM and Bantay Kalikasan, the issue of egg poaching and pawikan killings was unexpectedly raised.
Struck by the realization of losing this endangered species for good, Bantay Kalikasan and the concerned fishermen and farmers collaborated to protect the pawikan, which led to the formation of Bantay Pawikan Inc., a people’s organization composed of volunteers and the people who used to poach and catch the marine turtles. Struggling in their early years, because of limited resources, the efforts of Bantay Pawikan didn’t remain unrecognized.
In 2001, the United Nations Development Program allotted funding for the organization. Shortly, the Pawikan Conservation Center was established in Nagbalayong, strengthening their advocacy to save the marine turtles from extinction.
The sacrifice of the fisher folks, in giving up one of their major sources of income was rewarded in 2005 when the Japanese Embassy under Ambassador Ryuichiro Yamazaki awarded US$52,311 to Bantay Pawikan Inc.
The money was used to buy rescue boat and assorted fishing equipment for Lambaklad fishing as well as the construction of a storage facility. A year after, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of the United Arab Emirates, took an interest in the struggle of the Bantay Pawikan Inc., when he saw it over an international television. Also the head of the Emirates Heritage Club, a project that protects and conserves national treasures, culture and heritage of UAE, the sheikh sent over some of his staff to the Philippines to propose a partnership between the two organizations.
Through the said partnership, members of the Bantay Pawikan Inc. take turns in going to UAE, in the areas occupied by Zackum Development Co., one of the biggest oil companies in UAE, to initiate the same program being implemented in Nagbalayong, since it has the same coastal features as UAE and is also a nesting ground for marine turtles. These job opportunities earned them more than what they used to get while trading pawikan eggs.
Sanctuary for the Magbikin
Up in the mountains of Morong, about a 15-to 25-minute trek to Sitio Kanawan in Barangay Binaritan, is another Philippine indigenous that is nearing extinction, the Magbikin Tribe, who were of Aeta descent. To reach the village of the Magbikins, one has to cross a wooden hanging bridge with a scenic view of a river and a valley which offers a cool diversion from the city’s concrete jungle and traffic jam. Life has been cruel for this tribe of 400 families.
During the conversion of some 25,400 hectares of the Morong forest in 1945 into Bataan Natural Park, this tribe was displaced of the home they freely roam for hundreds of years. While resettled in Sitio Lemon, the Vietnam War broke out and the place was converted into the Philippine Refugee Processing Center and the Magbikin Tribe yet again transferred locations. But finally, their current settlement in Sitio Kanawan was declared a Negrito reservation area assured them of a permanent forest to call home.
“We are free in the mountains. If the forest is lost, we will be gone, too,” said Belinda Ristom, one of the tribe’s elders. True enough, the mountain is their main source of livelihood. When not hunting for games or fruits, some of them serve as tourist guide for the locals and foreigners who want to take a swim in the nearby Kairukan and Tambangan Falls.
The lucky tribe members who were able to get sufficient education are working in the environment department or in Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. They also plant crops including kamote and palay in the fertile mountains of Morong. Despite the daily struggle, most of them don’t want to leave Sitio Kanawan.
As Josefina Alejo, tribal captain puts it, “We are ok here.” True to their symbolic tribal clothes, in red which symbolized war and courage, and white for the purity of their souls, the Magbikin Tribe would remain unfazed with the constant and rather harsh change in their lifestyle.
A welcome change
Meanwhile in the adjacent Bataan Technology Park Inc., about 10 minutes ride away from Sitio Kanawan, welcomes developmental changes in its technopark.
According to retired Armed Forces Commo. Amado Sanglay, administrator of BTPI, they are leasing parts of what used to be a refugee camp, to some Korean investors willing to invest some $400 million for a world-class 36-hole golf course in the area. “We saw the potential of tourism rather than the agri-aqua culture for the BTPI so we are shifting our priorities to tourism,” said Sanglay. Part of their plan is to develop the BTPI as retiree’s destination, with construction of more club houses, villa and hotels as well as extreme adventure facilities, set at a three- to five-year plan.
They also collaborated with SBMA to include BTPI in their tourism package. BTPI used to be home for almost 400,00 refugees from Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. Going around BTPI, you could still see some monuments erected during the time that refuges are taking turns in seeking asylum in the island of Bataan.
Among these are a miniature Angkor Wat, two Buddhist temples, That Luang, Bayone, Khmer and Vietnamese Monuments. Even the original boat used by the Vietnamese refugees in their escape is preserved in the museum along with some photographs, and momentums of Philippines’ assistant to the refugees before their resettlement to Australia, United States and Europe.
As drizzles marks the approaching evening, our bed in one of the rooms in Bataan White Corals Beach Resort and Hotel has been an inviting refuge for our tired bodies. But our souls and our dreams will always lead us back into the sedating surroundings of Morong, Bataan, where nature and its preservation is most important to each and every citizen.
From room renters to millionaires
Manila Standard Today
18 of November 2008
It was a stroke of luck when couple Percival and Venus Lazo discovered Nu Skin after they volunteered themselves to substitute a friend invited for a Nu Skin business opportunity seminar in September 2001. Both, being natives of the South and living less privileged lives, saw a glimmer of opportunity to brighten their future.
Percival was a farmer and Venus, a plain homemaker. Both grew up leading simple lives, lacking even toys that kids nowadays take for granted. As a young couple, Percival and Venus lived in a simple shack in Quezon province, where they were residing before migrating to Manila to start their Nu Skin venture. These encounters with poverty made the couple more determined and focused to dream of a better life.
“Our main motivation was really our dreams and ambition. We were very poor that is why we dreamt of living an extravagant life. We dreamt of a comfortable and decent life for our children,” narrates Venus.
Percival fondly recalls his simple life as a farmer before and how it turned into something he did not expect.
“I was just a simple farmer, working in a farm with the animals and the plants. And my dreams before were also simple, to eat and sleep. But my father who was also a farmer told me that if I wanted to become a millionaire, I should not be like him,” said Percival.
Before joining Nu Skin Percival had been buying and selling clothes in Quezon. After attending the business seminar of Nu Skin, his instinct, and his limited knowledge in marketing instantly told him that the business was going to work for them.
“I was looking for a company that has a strong foundation especially in innovation. I found out that Nu Skin products have competitive advantage. The products are 10 years ahead of their competitors,” he says.
Lack of capital
However, financial constraint became their biggest problem. They did not have any capital to start with, not even relocation money to migrate to Manila where they saw a bigger potential for growing the business.
“I assessed the people whom I knew but I found no one that could help me because they, if ever, would have had to sell their carabaos just to become a partner. In addition, when I counted the number of friends I had at that time, it did not even reach 100. The business requires thousands of people for you to get rich. So, I had to look for people,” narrates Percival.
During those times, Percival was also having acne problems. He has sensitive skin.
“It’s hard to sell beauty products if you have a face that itself needs skin care,” he quipped. Percival then decided to buy their first set of Nu Skin products to test them first on himself.
When Percival’s acne problems slowly disappeared, he became all the more convinced that Nu Skin is it.
Betting on Nu Skin and their dreams, Percival and Venus decided to borrow money from a 5-6 agent and moved to Manila. They rented a small room in San Andres Bukid which, according to Percival, became bedroom, living room, and dining area all rolled into one.
To be able to come up with the required number of partners, Percival looked outside his circle and fixed his eyes on where there are a lot of people, the street!
Percival walked the streets of Manila, approaching people and telling them of the great business opportunity they can get from Nu Skin. He talked to everyone, from the people who sit beside him in the bus or in the jeepney to mall goers and everyone that are willing to listen to him.
“I was never ashamed or scared because I knew what I was offering and sharing them was an opportunity that could make them rich. I knew I had to do it if I want to someday lead a comfortable life. The product was only secondary but, of course, it helped a lot that I was selling very high quality products,” he continues.
Their first customer came when a 50-year-old mother recommended her daughter to become a business partner for Percival and bought his products while the second one literally dropped into her when Venus stepped into her calling card.
It took the couple five months of hard work of seeking partners and convincing people before they received their first biggest commission, P70,000. On their sixth month, they were able to move out of their cramped room to a three-bedroom apartment in Las Piñas.
On his seventh month, the couple was able to acquire their first car, a Ford Lynx and on the ninth month, Percival already tasted his first P1 million commission. When his friends and family saw the couple’s transformation, they realized that there was indeed a potential for financial freedom in what Percival was offering. They also became the couple’s partners, and the business grew even bigger.
Seven years later, the couple’s earnings have reached into the seven-figure a month territory. They have also received the Blue Diamond Award, one of the highest given by Nu Skin to dealers/distributors. Percival and Venus altogether have built a 5,000-customer base, 60 percent of whom have repeat orders.
From toiling the rice fields in Quezon, the couple are now living in a plush condominium in Makati and have acquired two more vehicles. They have also ventured into real estate business while continuing to work on growing their Nu Skin network.
Most of all, according to Percival, they are now able to help other people. Now, they are sending three scholars to school, while three have already graduated.
A matter of quality
Although Nu Skin is priced for the A and B markets, it is not difficult to sell it, according to Percival.
“It is not an issue of price; it’s an issue of whether a person needs the product,” he explains. “The price only assures the quality of our products; otherwise, the high-end buyers can sue us if Nu Skin does not live up to their standards.”
According to Percival, his training in Nu Skin provided him personal growth through financial literacy and leadership, aside from giving him time and financial freedom. Unlike other dads who usually missed their children’s momentous events, he and his wife can take the children to and from the school every day without worrying about office schedules and workloads. It also gave them the means to help other people by giving them an opportunity for growth through their company, and by giving out to the church and charities.
Today they are concentrating on expanding the business and reaching people locally and globally. The young couple plans to retire in five years and are now concentrating on passing the business to the next generation of distributors, even to their children.
As parting words, Percival advises that if people want to make their dreams come true, they only need to make it happen.
“Skills and educational background are just secondary. The biggest challenge is setting a clear goal and pursuing it,” he says.
18 of November 2008
It was a stroke of luck when couple Percival and Venus Lazo discovered Nu Skin after they volunteered themselves to substitute a friend invited for a Nu Skin business opportunity seminar in September 2001. Both, being natives of the South and living less privileged lives, saw a glimmer of opportunity to brighten their future.
Percival was a farmer and Venus, a plain homemaker. Both grew up leading simple lives, lacking even toys that kids nowadays take for granted. As a young couple, Percival and Venus lived in a simple shack in Quezon province, where they were residing before migrating to Manila to start their Nu Skin venture. These encounters with poverty made the couple more determined and focused to dream of a better life.
“Our main motivation was really our dreams and ambition. We were very poor that is why we dreamt of living an extravagant life. We dreamt of a comfortable and decent life for our children,” narrates Venus.
Percival fondly recalls his simple life as a farmer before and how it turned into something he did not expect.
“I was just a simple farmer, working in a farm with the animals and the plants. And my dreams before were also simple, to eat and sleep. But my father who was also a farmer told me that if I wanted to become a millionaire, I should not be like him,” said Percival.
Before joining Nu Skin Percival had been buying and selling clothes in Quezon. After attending the business seminar of Nu Skin, his instinct, and his limited knowledge in marketing instantly told him that the business was going to work for them.
“I was looking for a company that has a strong foundation especially in innovation. I found out that Nu Skin products have competitive advantage. The products are 10 years ahead of their competitors,” he says.
Lack of capital
However, financial constraint became their biggest problem. They did not have any capital to start with, not even relocation money to migrate to Manila where they saw a bigger potential for growing the business.
“I assessed the people whom I knew but I found no one that could help me because they, if ever, would have had to sell their carabaos just to become a partner. In addition, when I counted the number of friends I had at that time, it did not even reach 100. The business requires thousands of people for you to get rich. So, I had to look for people,” narrates Percival.
During those times, Percival was also having acne problems. He has sensitive skin.
“It’s hard to sell beauty products if you have a face that itself needs skin care,” he quipped. Percival then decided to buy their first set of Nu Skin products to test them first on himself.
When Percival’s acne problems slowly disappeared, he became all the more convinced that Nu Skin is it.
Betting on Nu Skin and their dreams, Percival and Venus decided to borrow money from a 5-6 agent and moved to Manila. They rented a small room in San Andres Bukid which, according to Percival, became bedroom, living room, and dining area all rolled into one.
To be able to come up with the required number of partners, Percival looked outside his circle and fixed his eyes on where there are a lot of people, the street!
Percival walked the streets of Manila, approaching people and telling them of the great business opportunity they can get from Nu Skin. He talked to everyone, from the people who sit beside him in the bus or in the jeepney to mall goers and everyone that are willing to listen to him.
“I was never ashamed or scared because I knew what I was offering and sharing them was an opportunity that could make them rich. I knew I had to do it if I want to someday lead a comfortable life. The product was only secondary but, of course, it helped a lot that I was selling very high quality products,” he continues.
Their first customer came when a 50-year-old mother recommended her daughter to become a business partner for Percival and bought his products while the second one literally dropped into her when Venus stepped into her calling card.
It took the couple five months of hard work of seeking partners and convincing people before they received their first biggest commission, P70,000. On their sixth month, they were able to move out of their cramped room to a three-bedroom apartment in Las Piñas.
On his seventh month, the couple was able to acquire their first car, a Ford Lynx and on the ninth month, Percival already tasted his first P1 million commission. When his friends and family saw the couple’s transformation, they realized that there was indeed a potential for financial freedom in what Percival was offering. They also became the couple’s partners, and the business grew even bigger.
Seven years later, the couple’s earnings have reached into the seven-figure a month territory. They have also received the Blue Diamond Award, one of the highest given by Nu Skin to dealers/distributors. Percival and Venus altogether have built a 5,000-customer base, 60 percent of whom have repeat orders.
From toiling the rice fields in Quezon, the couple are now living in a plush condominium in Makati and have acquired two more vehicles. They have also ventured into real estate business while continuing to work on growing their Nu Skin network.
Most of all, according to Percival, they are now able to help other people. Now, they are sending three scholars to school, while three have already graduated.
A matter of quality
Although Nu Skin is priced for the A and B markets, it is not difficult to sell it, according to Percival.
“It is not an issue of price; it’s an issue of whether a person needs the product,” he explains. “The price only assures the quality of our products; otherwise, the high-end buyers can sue us if Nu Skin does not live up to their standards.”
According to Percival, his training in Nu Skin provided him personal growth through financial literacy and leadership, aside from giving him time and financial freedom. Unlike other dads who usually missed their children’s momentous events, he and his wife can take the children to and from the school every day without worrying about office schedules and workloads. It also gave them the means to help other people by giving them an opportunity for growth through their company, and by giving out to the church and charities.
Today they are concentrating on expanding the business and reaching people locally and globally. The young couple plans to retire in five years and are now concentrating on passing the business to the next generation of distributors, even to their children.
As parting words, Percival advises that if people want to make their dreams come true, they only need to make it happen.
“Skills and educational background are just secondary. The biggest challenge is setting a clear goal and pursuing it,” he says.
Dancing to a slender figure
Manila Bulletin
August 6, 2008
Dancing has been proven to be an effective, fun exercise and weight loss strategy for people on the go, especially those who don’t have time at all for regular visits to fitness centers. Different genres of dance have inspired exercise videos which became bestsellers around the world including Hip Hop Abs, Strip Dance, and Belly Dancing.
The makers of Slenda weight loss supplement recently joined the craze for dance exercises by coming up with a 30-minute work-out DVD called Slendance, featuring endorser Valerie Concepcion. The instructional DVD uses three major dance genres – Hip Hop, Latina, and Club – for a combined aerobic exercise, coordination, endurance, and mental workout.
"I love it. Dancing has always been (a) part of my life, so I see to it that I dance everyday, and if I have time, I also do it at home," says the TV host.
Concepcion was launched this year as the official endorser of Slenda, an all-natural herbal dietary supplement made from resveratrol, ECGC, banana, and turmeric. Resveratrol has been proven to help reduce fats by blocking the accumulation of fats in the tissue. It can be found in the skin of grapes and is a component of red wine. From 116 pounds, the 20-year-old mom is now down to 108 and close to achieving her dream figure of a 24-inch waistline. She religiously takes Slenda, twice daily, before each meal.
According to her, the video is especially meant for busy people who can’t devote so much time to go out for exercise. Since people can watch the video in the convenience of their own homes, spending on gym outfits, membership fees, and transportation will also be avoided. Complicated, hard-to-follow steps were simplified so as not to bore people who want to become slender.
Hip Hop Slendance is designed for a full body workout, while Latin Slendance works to tone the waist area. Club Slendance combines the steps of the first two dances and aims at honing dancing skills for social gatherings and club visits. At the end of each exercise, Concepcion is shown strutting the full work-out, dressed in a hiphop outfit, a sizzling sexy dress, and a glittering black dress, following the motif of each dance.
"I did [the video] for the people drinking Slenda who want to be even slimmer," explains Concepcion. "We decided to make the video easier and fun so people won’t (notice the) time or become bored."
Makers of Slendance were quick to add that to optimize the effect of the pill, a lifestyle component is necessary. Good diet, a healthy lifestyle, and regular exercise or Slendance will definitely yield desired results.
Slendance DVD is available at any record bar and the ABS-CBN online store for only P 200. Log on to www.gonatural.com for more information on how to get the free Slendance DVD.
August 6, 2008
Dancing has been proven to be an effective, fun exercise and weight loss strategy for people on the go, especially those who don’t have time at all for regular visits to fitness centers. Different genres of dance have inspired exercise videos which became bestsellers around the world including Hip Hop Abs, Strip Dance, and Belly Dancing.
The makers of Slenda weight loss supplement recently joined the craze for dance exercises by coming up with a 30-minute work-out DVD called Slendance, featuring endorser Valerie Concepcion. The instructional DVD uses three major dance genres – Hip Hop, Latina, and Club – for a combined aerobic exercise, coordination, endurance, and mental workout.
"I love it. Dancing has always been (a) part of my life, so I see to it that I dance everyday, and if I have time, I also do it at home," says the TV host.
Concepcion was launched this year as the official endorser of Slenda, an all-natural herbal dietary supplement made from resveratrol, ECGC, banana, and turmeric. Resveratrol has been proven to help reduce fats by blocking the accumulation of fats in the tissue. It can be found in the skin of grapes and is a component of red wine. From 116 pounds, the 20-year-old mom is now down to 108 and close to achieving her dream figure of a 24-inch waistline. She religiously takes Slenda, twice daily, before each meal.
According to her, the video is especially meant for busy people who can’t devote so much time to go out for exercise. Since people can watch the video in the convenience of their own homes, spending on gym outfits, membership fees, and transportation will also be avoided. Complicated, hard-to-follow steps were simplified so as not to bore people who want to become slender.
Hip Hop Slendance is designed for a full body workout, while Latin Slendance works to tone the waist area. Club Slendance combines the steps of the first two dances and aims at honing dancing skills for social gatherings and club visits. At the end of each exercise, Concepcion is shown strutting the full work-out, dressed in a hiphop outfit, a sizzling sexy dress, and a glittering black dress, following the motif of each dance.
"I did [the video] for the people drinking Slenda who want to be even slimmer," explains Concepcion. "We decided to make the video easier and fun so people won’t (notice the) time or become bored."
Makers of Slendance were quick to add that to optimize the effect of the pill, a lifestyle component is necessary. Good diet, a healthy lifestyle, and regular exercise or Slendance will definitely yield desired results.
Slendance DVD is available at any record bar and the ABS-CBN online store for only P 200. Log on to www.gonatural.com for more information on how to get the free Slendance DVD.
Cora Jacob goes back to Europe
Manila Standard Today
April 13, 2009
She was the reigning Filipino bag designer in the ’70s and ’80s, introducing Filipino craftsmanship to exclusive fashion houses like Dior, Givenchy and Yves Saint Laurent in Paris. Her designs also grace the shelves of New York’s Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s as well as other chic boutiques in Hong Kong and Singapore.
Lawyer-turned bag designer Cora Jacob was at the zenith of her achievements when stress and diabetes forced her to take an indefinite hiatus.
Recently, Jacob was invited by no less than the director and curator of the world’s biggest museum of bags. Made of indigenous Philippine materials, Jacob’s bags stand alongside those dating from the late 16th century to present day at the Tussenmuseum Hendrikje or Museum of Bags and Purses in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Back to Amsterdam
“The Dutch were one of my first customers way back 1978,” said Cora during the launch of her exhibit. “So I started again here [but] more of an artist, just to show my art.”
Dubbed as Woven Chic Spring-Summer Collection 2009, the show featured eight different lines of bags made of shells, crystal beads, sequins, pearls and other materials woven onto buntal fabric.
Sigrid Ivo, daughter of museum founder Hendrikje Ivo, was impressed by the colorful collection inspired by tropical themes like the sea, lush forests, tropical fruits and the sun.
“Even in Netherlands, there are craftsmanship that are already lost that is why I am very happy to see old craftsmanship in modern designs. The materials are very elegant and unusual that we don’t even know here in Europe that is why they are very interesting.” adds Sigrid.
The collection impressed even Madame Martine Louise Amélie van Loon née Labouchere, the Mistress of the Robes to Queen Beatrix (closest confidante of the queen), who graced the ribbon cutting.
Woven Chic, Cora Jacob Summer-Spring Collection 2009, will be displayed at the Museum of Bags and Purses until May 3. Meanwhile, Cora also flew to Paris, France to conduct a similar exhibition.
April 13, 2009
She was the reigning Filipino bag designer in the ’70s and ’80s, introducing Filipino craftsmanship to exclusive fashion houses like Dior, Givenchy and Yves Saint Laurent in Paris. Her designs also grace the shelves of New York’s Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s as well as other chic boutiques in Hong Kong and Singapore.
Lawyer-turned bag designer Cora Jacob was at the zenith of her achievements when stress and diabetes forced her to take an indefinite hiatus.
Recently, Jacob was invited by no less than the director and curator of the world’s biggest museum of bags. Made of indigenous Philippine materials, Jacob’s bags stand alongside those dating from the late 16th century to present day at the Tussenmuseum Hendrikje or Museum of Bags and Purses in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Back to Amsterdam
“The Dutch were one of my first customers way back 1978,” said Cora during the launch of her exhibit. “So I started again here [but] more of an artist, just to show my art.”
Dubbed as Woven Chic Spring-Summer Collection 2009, the show featured eight different lines of bags made of shells, crystal beads, sequins, pearls and other materials woven onto buntal fabric.
Sigrid Ivo, daughter of museum founder Hendrikje Ivo, was impressed by the colorful collection inspired by tropical themes like the sea, lush forests, tropical fruits and the sun.
“Even in Netherlands, there are craftsmanship that are already lost that is why I am very happy to see old craftsmanship in modern designs. The materials are very elegant and unusual that we don’t even know here in Europe that is why they are very interesting.” adds Sigrid.
The collection impressed even Madame Martine Louise Amélie van Loon née Labouchere, the Mistress of the Robes to Queen Beatrix (closest confidante of the queen), who graced the ribbon cutting.
Woven Chic, Cora Jacob Summer-Spring Collection 2009, will be displayed at the Museum of Bags and Purses until May 3. Meanwhile, Cora also flew to Paris, France to conduct a similar exhibition.
Rediscover Metro Manila
Manila Standard Today
November 20, 2008
Metro Manila has always been the jump-off point to the 1,107 islands in the Philippines, being the country’s capital in governance and trade and industry. It houses the best and most modern in terms of facilities, products and services, not to mention the biggest international airport. But despite being the capital city, Metro Manila is barely seen as a tourist attraction or a tourist destination.
The Department of Tourism National Capital Region wants to change this impression with Rediscovering the Best of Metropolitan Manila, People, Places, Products and Practices, a product and photo exhibit first presented in the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on a three-day exhibit held recently. It aimed to promote awareness, especially among the youth, the NCR region’s heritage and enhance pride on what Metro Manila has to offer to local and foreign visitors.
The exhibit was participated by the 17 cities and municipalities that make up Metropolitan Manila including Manila, Quezon City, Makati, Caloocan, Pasay, Taguig, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Malabon, Novaliches, Pateros, Marikina, San Juan, Mandaluyong and Pasig. Photos of different spots in Metro Manila were displayed as well as some products especially shoes from Marikina City. Graced by environmental beauties, Miss Earth 2007 Jessica Trisko and Miss Earth Philippines 2008 Karla Henry, the opening night was made lively by the amazingly lovely performers of the Amazing Philippines of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City.
‘‘Pasay has been the quiet, sober and stagnant area before but not now. It has evolved into a modern city fully equipped with modern services and we have pleasant and wholesome attractions here now. We hope in the coming years, we will surpass if not all our colleagues in Metro Manila,’’ says Edith Vergel de Dios, chairman of the Pasay City Committee on Tourism who represented her city along with other tourism officers of the 17 cities and municipalities. Like de Dios, his colleagues also aimed for greater recognition of Metro Manila as a place worth seeing and exploring.
The traveling photo and product exhibit will be touring Metro Manila’s 17 local government units in a period of six months. It will also be showcased in other parts of the country through the support of the Super Ferry, one of its major sponsors. Moreover, a one month display will also be held in Rizal Park from Dec. 1, 2008 to Jan. 6, 2009 to give more of Manila’s residents a longer time to visit, especially during the Holidays.
Meanwhile, the Miss Earth beauties pledged on keeping their sacred duty of protecting and caring Mother Earth especially in Metro Manila where pollution is a bigger problem than anywhere else. Apart from the clean-up drives that they regularly hold, they also visit elementary schools to educate the children on recycling, waste segregation and other environmentally sustainable practices.
November 20, 2008
Metro Manila has always been the jump-off point to the 1,107 islands in the Philippines, being the country’s capital in governance and trade and industry. It houses the best and most modern in terms of facilities, products and services, not to mention the biggest international airport. But despite being the capital city, Metro Manila is barely seen as a tourist attraction or a tourist destination.
The Department of Tourism National Capital Region wants to change this impression with Rediscovering the Best of Metropolitan Manila, People, Places, Products and Practices, a product and photo exhibit first presented in the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on a three-day exhibit held recently. It aimed to promote awareness, especially among the youth, the NCR region’s heritage and enhance pride on what Metro Manila has to offer to local and foreign visitors.
The exhibit was participated by the 17 cities and municipalities that make up Metropolitan Manila including Manila, Quezon City, Makati, Caloocan, Pasay, Taguig, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Malabon, Novaliches, Pateros, Marikina, San Juan, Mandaluyong and Pasig. Photos of different spots in Metro Manila were displayed as well as some products especially shoes from Marikina City. Graced by environmental beauties, Miss Earth 2007 Jessica Trisko and Miss Earth Philippines 2008 Karla Henry, the opening night was made lively by the amazingly lovely performers of the Amazing Philippines of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City.
‘‘Pasay has been the quiet, sober and stagnant area before but not now. It has evolved into a modern city fully equipped with modern services and we have pleasant and wholesome attractions here now. We hope in the coming years, we will surpass if not all our colleagues in Metro Manila,’’ says Edith Vergel de Dios, chairman of the Pasay City Committee on Tourism who represented her city along with other tourism officers of the 17 cities and municipalities. Like de Dios, his colleagues also aimed for greater recognition of Metro Manila as a place worth seeing and exploring.
The traveling photo and product exhibit will be touring Metro Manila’s 17 local government units in a period of six months. It will also be showcased in other parts of the country through the support of the Super Ferry, one of its major sponsors. Moreover, a one month display will also be held in Rizal Park from Dec. 1, 2008 to Jan. 6, 2009 to give more of Manila’s residents a longer time to visit, especially during the Holidays.
Meanwhile, the Miss Earth beauties pledged on keeping their sacred duty of protecting and caring Mother Earth especially in Metro Manila where pollution is a bigger problem than anywhere else. Apart from the clean-up drives that they regularly hold, they also visit elementary schools to educate the children on recycling, waste segregation and other environmentally sustainable practices.
Surf, sun and weekend fun
Manila Standard
11/29/2007
Weekends are for families and friends. It’s the only time of the week where one does not need to wake up early in the morning, brave the metropolitan traffic and hurry to catch the 9:00 a.m. time in or their 7 a.m. classes. For some, spending the weekend at home watching DVD’s, catching the latest on TV or hitting the mall for some shopping, coffee or movie maybe. But the more adventurous fun seekers would troop to the nearest beach or mountains to maximize their two-day vacation.
For surfers and for everyone
Launched last year, the La Union Surfing Break is the local version of the spring break held annually in the United States. The organizers targeted the young crowd, mostly students and yuppies from Manila, Baguio and other nearby areas to expand the surfing market of San Juan. Tents spaces, food stalls and activity areas were made available at the beach to provide affordable accommodation to everyone especially backpackers from Manila and other provinces. According to Martin Valero, regional director of DoT Region, visitors need not worry about security because of added security personnel they assigned to the area. To prevent security lapses that happened the year before, they also deployed Navy forces complete with rescue equipment, uniformed and civilian policemen and air patrol in the beach so everyone will only think of having fun and set aside security worries.
Valero added that unlike other surfing spots like Siargao and Camsur, they want to make San Juan a surfing area for fun rather than for competition. So they included a line of other sports including wall climbing, Frisbee and volleyball in addition to regular surfing clinics.
“We like to have other beach events, fun events that will be enjoyable not just for the surfers but also for the kids and the families which will visit San Juan for the surfing break,” said Valero.
The tripartite initiative of the PGLU, DoT, the local government along with private organizations to promote La Union as a surfing haven with the 2nd Surfing Break took five months of planning and conceptualizing.
San Juan boasts of an 800-meter stretch of beach and is gifted with good waves almost all year round. The best waves occur from September to February. The beaches of Urbiztondo are very ideal for both local and foreign surfers especially for surfing beginners because of its sandy bottoms. Moreover, San Juan offers a safer venue for starters to try surfing.
Surfing in La Union was first introduced during the 1980’s by some Japanese and German surfers. 37-year-old Clemente Villanueva was lucky enough to be taught by these visitors. After only three days of learning to stand on the board, Clemente, popularly called Enteng by the locals, impressed them with his quick grasp of the surfing tricks. According to Enteng, he was very glad when they gave him his first surfing board, that he also urged the other men, who are mostly fishermen and construction workers to try to ride the “white wave.” Try they did, and for the next two years, 12 people were taking turns in using the gift the foreigners left Enteng. When the lone surf board broke, they were lucky enough that another foreigner gave them a new one, which they also shared while perfecting their balances and riding the barrels. Today almost 98 percent of the surfers who comes to Urbiztondo are locals, outnumbering the foreigners and expats. Enteng, and his three kids, also champions in surfing regularly compete in other sports like Lanuza in Surigao and in Daet, Camarines Sur. Presidential daughter Luli Arroyo, also a surfer and a regular visitor of Urbiztondo provides them with financial back-up in every competition.
Ride, ready, stand
It’s not everyday that someone is given a chance to try surfing. So with two of my colleagues, I lined up for the fourth batch of the surfing clinic. The local surfers, who, according to Valero, are mostly out-of-school youth who learned surfing from the expats in the area, facilitate the clinic, with 15 people on each batch. At P300 per person, participants are automatically given surfing lessons, use of surfing board, and personal instructor, in addition to Frisbee try-outs and wall climbing registration. It also comes with a free event shirt, very much affordable package for the students and those in a tight budget.
My instructor Badz, a surfer for four years, won third place in the surfing showdown of the locals overcoming a 13 feet barrel wave during the last day of the event, has been very helpful in my first attempt at surfing. Like a good tutor, he taught me to ride the board facing down with my feet firmly flattened at the end of the board, my body on the center and my hands on a paddling position. Patiently, he guided me toward the waves I was so terrified to brave least I get drown then turned my board towards the shore in preparation for my first ride.
The waves in Urbiztondo ranges from six to 10 ft. high, but could go up to 13 ft. according to the first local surfer in the area, Clemente Villanueva. When my instructor yelled stand, I struggled to my feet to get up just like the way it was demonstrated in the beach, with the knees bended and the arms parallel to it. Giving it all the concentration I could muster, I got up, bended my knees, let my arms fly and fell flat to my face, with the water and the sand taking over my whole body.
After several failed attempts, I finally made one successful ride, which my instructor called a perfect one. Sadly, that’s really the only one I was able to do right. But to be able to ride the waves up to the shore with that one perfect ride, feeling weightless flying on the water and reaching the sand still standing, was worthy of several failures.
Even if I got bruises and scratches and swollen shoulders, I would have tried surfing again and again if I had more time to spare. Pinoy Big Brother celebrities Uma Khouny, Kian Kazemi, JB Magsaysay got in the next batch along with Vice President Noli de Castro’s daughter, Kat-kat. The event endorser Paolo Bediones was also present, playing Frisbee first before trying out surfing.
Next activity I dared not pass was wall climbing which is also my first time. Although a bit nervous especially while looking up the towering yellow wall, I’ve managed to reach the last rock with knees slightly shaking. Only when I got down did I realized that wall climbing is an easier way to lose weight with all the sweating you will get plus it’s definitely exciting up there. It would have been a perfect and fast climb for me, had I not been stuck at the top for some two minutes because I didn’t know that the only way down is to let go of the ropes. The more experienced climbers on the other hand joined the La Union Speed Climbing Championships where one can register for a team of five with a fee of P150.
Clinics and competitions for Frisbee and volleyball were also held, with instructors coming from different clubs in Manila.
Beers, bands and bonfires
The day activities is just one part of the La Union Surfing Break II, the other part is the night life which proved to be as enjoyable. After a tiring day of trying every activity one’s body can take, the after sun down is the next relaxing thing to do in San Juan.
By 7 p.m., dead tree branches and coconut leaves were gathered on sand dug outs and lit to serve as bonfires. Children gathered around the bonfires playing while the young at heart sits at the monobloc chairs set up every evening, drinking cold beers and waiting for local and techno bands invited to provide entertainment for the night. Barbeque stalls are everywhere, where once can get fresh grilled fish or pork to go with their beers. The playing field suddenly becomes a party place to meet new acquaintances and drink and dance to your heart’s content.
Aside from local talents, the ska band Coffee Break Island and Dutch DJ Martijn van Baggem were also invited to play at the beach party held every night for the three-day duration of the event.
“San Juan is a very accessible place for the Manileños because of its nearness to the city. A five-hour ride is all you need to take to be able to experience surfing here, unlike in Siargao where you have to travel very far and spend a big amount on airfare alone,” added Valero.
Indeed, an out of town trip to San Juan over the weekend, spend with a lot of fun and exciting activities is all we need to relieve the stresses of the whole week. For more information on budget-friendly packages to San Juan, contact the Department of Tourism Region I at (072) 888-2098, the La Union local government at 0921-804-8338, La Union Surf Club at 0919-765-0702 or the La Union Convention and Visitor’s Bureau at 0918-404-0368.
11/29/2007
Weekends are for families and friends. It’s the only time of the week where one does not need to wake up early in the morning, brave the metropolitan traffic and hurry to catch the 9:00 a.m. time in or their 7 a.m. classes. For some, spending the weekend at home watching DVD’s, catching the latest on TV or hitting the mall for some shopping, coffee or movie maybe. But the more adventurous fun seekers would troop to the nearest beach or mountains to maximize their two-day vacation.
For surfers and for everyone
Launched last year, the La Union Surfing Break is the local version of the spring break held annually in the United States. The organizers targeted the young crowd, mostly students and yuppies from Manila, Baguio and other nearby areas to expand the surfing market of San Juan. Tents spaces, food stalls and activity areas were made available at the beach to provide affordable accommodation to everyone especially backpackers from Manila and other provinces. According to Martin Valero, regional director of DoT Region, visitors need not worry about security because of added security personnel they assigned to the area. To prevent security lapses that happened the year before, they also deployed Navy forces complete with rescue equipment, uniformed and civilian policemen and air patrol in the beach so everyone will only think of having fun and set aside security worries.
Valero added that unlike other surfing spots like Siargao and Camsur, they want to make San Juan a surfing area for fun rather than for competition. So they included a line of other sports including wall climbing, Frisbee and volleyball in addition to regular surfing clinics.
“We like to have other beach events, fun events that will be enjoyable not just for the surfers but also for the kids and the families which will visit San Juan for the surfing break,” said Valero.
The tripartite initiative of the PGLU, DoT, the local government along with private organizations to promote La Union as a surfing haven with the 2nd Surfing Break took five months of planning and conceptualizing.
San Juan boasts of an 800-meter stretch of beach and is gifted with good waves almost all year round. The best waves occur from September to February. The beaches of Urbiztondo are very ideal for both local and foreign surfers especially for surfing beginners because of its sandy bottoms. Moreover, San Juan offers a safer venue for starters to try surfing.
Surfing in La Union was first introduced during the 1980’s by some Japanese and German surfers. 37-year-old Clemente Villanueva was lucky enough to be taught by these visitors. After only three days of learning to stand on the board, Clemente, popularly called Enteng by the locals, impressed them with his quick grasp of the surfing tricks. According to Enteng, he was very glad when they gave him his first surfing board, that he also urged the other men, who are mostly fishermen and construction workers to try to ride the “white wave.” Try they did, and for the next two years, 12 people were taking turns in using the gift the foreigners left Enteng. When the lone surf board broke, they were lucky enough that another foreigner gave them a new one, which they also shared while perfecting their balances and riding the barrels. Today almost 98 percent of the surfers who comes to Urbiztondo are locals, outnumbering the foreigners and expats. Enteng, and his three kids, also champions in surfing regularly compete in other sports like Lanuza in Surigao and in Daet, Camarines Sur. Presidential daughter Luli Arroyo, also a surfer and a regular visitor of Urbiztondo provides them with financial back-up in every competition.
Ride, ready, stand
It’s not everyday that someone is given a chance to try surfing. So with two of my colleagues, I lined up for the fourth batch of the surfing clinic. The local surfers, who, according to Valero, are mostly out-of-school youth who learned surfing from the expats in the area, facilitate the clinic, with 15 people on each batch. At P300 per person, participants are automatically given surfing lessons, use of surfing board, and personal instructor, in addition to Frisbee try-outs and wall climbing registration. It also comes with a free event shirt, very much affordable package for the students and those in a tight budget.
My instructor Badz, a surfer for four years, won third place in the surfing showdown of the locals overcoming a 13 feet barrel wave during the last day of the event, has been very helpful in my first attempt at surfing. Like a good tutor, he taught me to ride the board facing down with my feet firmly flattened at the end of the board, my body on the center and my hands on a paddling position. Patiently, he guided me toward the waves I was so terrified to brave least I get drown then turned my board towards the shore in preparation for my first ride.
The waves in Urbiztondo ranges from six to 10 ft. high, but could go up to 13 ft. according to the first local surfer in the area, Clemente Villanueva. When my instructor yelled stand, I struggled to my feet to get up just like the way it was demonstrated in the beach, with the knees bended and the arms parallel to it. Giving it all the concentration I could muster, I got up, bended my knees, let my arms fly and fell flat to my face, with the water and the sand taking over my whole body.
After several failed attempts, I finally made one successful ride, which my instructor called a perfect one. Sadly, that’s really the only one I was able to do right. But to be able to ride the waves up to the shore with that one perfect ride, feeling weightless flying on the water and reaching the sand still standing, was worthy of several failures.
Even if I got bruises and scratches and swollen shoulders, I would have tried surfing again and again if I had more time to spare. Pinoy Big Brother celebrities Uma Khouny, Kian Kazemi, JB Magsaysay got in the next batch along with Vice President Noli de Castro’s daughter, Kat-kat. The event endorser Paolo Bediones was also present, playing Frisbee first before trying out surfing.
Next activity I dared not pass was wall climbing which is also my first time. Although a bit nervous especially while looking up the towering yellow wall, I’ve managed to reach the last rock with knees slightly shaking. Only when I got down did I realized that wall climbing is an easier way to lose weight with all the sweating you will get plus it’s definitely exciting up there. It would have been a perfect and fast climb for me, had I not been stuck at the top for some two minutes because I didn’t know that the only way down is to let go of the ropes. The more experienced climbers on the other hand joined the La Union Speed Climbing Championships where one can register for a team of five with a fee of P150.
Clinics and competitions for Frisbee and volleyball were also held, with instructors coming from different clubs in Manila.
Beers, bands and bonfires
The day activities is just one part of the La Union Surfing Break II, the other part is the night life which proved to be as enjoyable. After a tiring day of trying every activity one’s body can take, the after sun down is the next relaxing thing to do in San Juan.
By 7 p.m., dead tree branches and coconut leaves were gathered on sand dug outs and lit to serve as bonfires. Children gathered around the bonfires playing while the young at heart sits at the monobloc chairs set up every evening, drinking cold beers and waiting for local and techno bands invited to provide entertainment for the night. Barbeque stalls are everywhere, where once can get fresh grilled fish or pork to go with their beers. The playing field suddenly becomes a party place to meet new acquaintances and drink and dance to your heart’s content.
Aside from local talents, the ska band Coffee Break Island and Dutch DJ Martijn van Baggem were also invited to play at the beach party held every night for the three-day duration of the event.
“San Juan is a very accessible place for the Manileños because of its nearness to the city. A five-hour ride is all you need to take to be able to experience surfing here, unlike in Siargao where you have to travel very far and spend a big amount on airfare alone,” added Valero.
Indeed, an out of town trip to San Juan over the weekend, spend with a lot of fun and exciting activities is all we need to relieve the stresses of the whole week. For more information on budget-friendly packages to San Juan, contact the Department of Tourism Region I at (072) 888-2098, the La Union local government at 0921-804-8338, La Union Surf Club at 0919-765-0702 or the La Union Convention and Visitor’s Bureau at 0918-404-0368.
Christmas art to make wishes come true
Manila Standard Today
December 11, 2007
From afar, it looks like some fancy Christmas decorations made from imported materials, masterly designed with distinct attention to details. When you look closely though, you will realize that the hanging Christmas decors are handcrafts made of old newspapers and metals, creatively cut and painted with sheer precision to give it a uniform look and incorporated with other light but inexpensive materials to complete the whole impression of a classy Christmas decoration…. pure art. These collection of hanging sceptres, made by prominent paper artist and product designer Tes Pasola, now adorn the lobby and hallways of Hyatt hotel and Casino,
The exhibit, dubbed as Christmas Impressions at Hyatt, is not just another profitable social display. The event was held in time for the holiday season, to celebrate the spirit of giving and making wishes come true, especially for indigent children.
Kythe Foundation, a non-profit organization which dedicated in helping pediatric cancer patients, and Make-A-Wish Foundation, who helps children with life-threatening medical conditions, are the beneficiaries of the proceeds generated from the exhibit.
Pasola, a member of the prestigious Movement 8, a group of home accessories and furniture designers, globally recognized for their modern pieces, was commissioned by Hyatt hotel to make the decorations. On her part, Pasola believes in the spirit of sharing, and was much more inspired by Hyatt’s dedication in helping charity organizations. She immediately had the yearning to make similar socio-civic initiatives but with more focus on the environment.
“I was inspired by the success of Hyatt’s corporate social responsibility programs. I felt the decision to use paper, specifically newspaper [because] it was in line with the rationale of conversation, expressed through the practice of recycling. “said Pasola, who also owns Mind Masters, Inc. a company that exports paper-based products.
Former first lady, and a known advocate of beauty, Imelda Marcos was immediately awed by the brilliance and exquisite design of Pasola’s recycled Christmas decors. She applauds the 35-year-old paper designer in the project that turns waste into something beautiful.
“I really feel that if you see God everywhere, you will see beauty even in junk,” said the former governor of Manila, who is still very regal with her “recycled gowns”. Marcos also made use of her recycled old accessories and clothing to create a jewelry collection selling at very affordable prices. “I think the message here is that, if we recycle all the junk that humanity has produced, we can make a beautiful world together,” added the former dictator’s wife.
Through this project, the hotel hopes to encourage the spirit of kindness, sharing and hope by volunteering time and resources to both charities. Aside from its charitable cause, Hyatt also wants to convey the message of nature’s preservation to people.
“We seek to play our part in creating awareness in the community of the fragile state of the environment. That is why we joined forces with Tes Pasola, who focuses on how products and materials can be reused and recycled into world-class work of arts,” says Gottfried Bogensperger, Hyatt’s general manager.
During the launching, a candle lighting also took place, led by Mrs. Marcos, Pasola and Bogensperger. A dinner followed at the Lili Restaurant, where diners would be greeted by a giant leafless Christmas tree made of paper sceptres.
“The display is in the public place, where a wide variety of people can view it, making it more interesting and inspirational. The intention and purpose of this project is therefore shared, and made accessible to a broader audience which makes it more meaningful and fulfilling,” added Pasola. The Christmas Impression collection paper sceptres ranges from P250 to P750 depending on the sizes while the Votive Genie Holder with Tea Light Candle costs P300.
The Christmas Impression will be on display at Hyatt Hotel and Casino throughout the whole holiday season, located at 1588 Pedro Gil cor. M.H. Del Pilar, Malate, Manila with tel. no. 245-1243.
December 11, 2007
From afar, it looks like some fancy Christmas decorations made from imported materials, masterly designed with distinct attention to details. When you look closely though, you will realize that the hanging Christmas decors are handcrafts made of old newspapers and metals, creatively cut and painted with sheer precision to give it a uniform look and incorporated with other light but inexpensive materials to complete the whole impression of a classy Christmas decoration…. pure art. These collection of hanging sceptres, made by prominent paper artist and product designer Tes Pasola, now adorn the lobby and hallways of Hyatt hotel and Casino,
The exhibit, dubbed as Christmas Impressions at Hyatt, is not just another profitable social display. The event was held in time for the holiday season, to celebrate the spirit of giving and making wishes come true, especially for indigent children.
Kythe Foundation, a non-profit organization which dedicated in helping pediatric cancer patients, and Make-A-Wish Foundation, who helps children with life-threatening medical conditions, are the beneficiaries of the proceeds generated from the exhibit.
Pasola, a member of the prestigious Movement 8, a group of home accessories and furniture designers, globally recognized for their modern pieces, was commissioned by Hyatt hotel to make the decorations. On her part, Pasola believes in the spirit of sharing, and was much more inspired by Hyatt’s dedication in helping charity organizations. She immediately had the yearning to make similar socio-civic initiatives but with more focus on the environment.
“I was inspired by the success of Hyatt’s corporate social responsibility programs. I felt the decision to use paper, specifically newspaper [because] it was in line with the rationale of conversation, expressed through the practice of recycling. “said Pasola, who also owns Mind Masters, Inc. a company that exports paper-based products.
Former first lady, and a known advocate of beauty, Imelda Marcos was immediately awed by the brilliance and exquisite design of Pasola’s recycled Christmas decors. She applauds the 35-year-old paper designer in the project that turns waste into something beautiful.
“I really feel that if you see God everywhere, you will see beauty even in junk,” said the former governor of Manila, who is still very regal with her “recycled gowns”. Marcos also made use of her recycled old accessories and clothing to create a jewelry collection selling at very affordable prices. “I think the message here is that, if we recycle all the junk that humanity has produced, we can make a beautiful world together,” added the former dictator’s wife.
Through this project, the hotel hopes to encourage the spirit of kindness, sharing and hope by volunteering time and resources to both charities. Aside from its charitable cause, Hyatt also wants to convey the message of nature’s preservation to people.
“We seek to play our part in creating awareness in the community of the fragile state of the environment. That is why we joined forces with Tes Pasola, who focuses on how products and materials can be reused and recycled into world-class work of arts,” says Gottfried Bogensperger, Hyatt’s general manager.
During the launching, a candle lighting also took place, led by Mrs. Marcos, Pasola and Bogensperger. A dinner followed at the Lili Restaurant, where diners would be greeted by a giant leafless Christmas tree made of paper sceptres.
“The display is in the public place, where a wide variety of people can view it, making it more interesting and inspirational. The intention and purpose of this project is therefore shared, and made accessible to a broader audience which makes it more meaningful and fulfilling,” added Pasola. The Christmas Impression collection paper sceptres ranges from P250 to P750 depending on the sizes while the Votive Genie Holder with Tea Light Candle costs P300.
The Christmas Impression will be on display at Hyatt Hotel and Casino throughout the whole holiday season, located at 1588 Pedro Gil cor. M.H. Del Pilar, Malate, Manila with tel. no. 245-1243.
Spirit of giving
Manila Standard Today
December 11, 2007
Christmas has always been a season for giving. For some, though, giving and sharing do not only come at Christmas time. Instead, they make it an everyday advocacy to help other people.
It was a drizzling morning when I arrived at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Pasig City and I am greeted by a long line of children. A woman approached me and introduced herself as Teresa Raymundo, founder of the Pasig Soup Kitchen. She had me seated at the table at the far end of the room where it was not as noisy, where I was able to watch the children and the elderly enjoy their free meal of Tinolang Manok and rice.
“God Provides,” this is what she told me when I asked whether it was difficult for them to generate funds for their projects.
The Soup Kitchen of Pasig is not patterned after soup kitchens in the United States.
Started in 2000 at the recommendation of Msgr. Manuel Gabriel, the Soup Kitchen has since provided assistance to the indigent parishioners of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. According to Raymundo, the soup kitchen adopts a holisitic approach to helping the poor—not only taking care of the physical needs of the neighborhood, but other needs as well, such as cultural, educational and livelihood needs.
They conduct regular seminars on different livelihood opportunities, with financial backing coming from private individuals, mostly other Pasig residents.
In fact, Raymundo may very well be speaking the truth when she invokes Divine Intervention when referring to the fact that they are able to feed 700 persons every week and still have enough budget for their other projects despite the lack of a permanent sponsor.
“The soup kitchen has really made a lot of changes in my life. I realized that you cannot say to the poor that they are just poor people, you have to give them dignity and you can do it by helping them even in little ways like this,” added Raymundo.
None of the volunteers of the soup kitchen have received any financial compensation for their work.
True believer
One of the main believers of their advocacy is Rep. Roman Romulo, the grandson of former Senator Carlos Romulo and son of current Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo. Even before he was elected representative of the lone district of Pasig this year, Romulo has been an active participant at the soup kitchen.
Apart from giving financial support, Romulo is also involved in creating ideas to further assist the poor children under the care of the soup kitchen.
The Soup Kitchen in Pasig, was introduced to the young Romulo years ago by a family friend. According to Romulo, he finds this project really beneficial, especially to the children.
“They teach these kids proper values through the catechism that they conduct before each session. I think this is very good since you imbibe the right values in their innocent mind. What they see is what they believe, and through this catechism you help them develop their conscience. When you are able to show them that there are people who care for their welfare, they would tend to do the same thing with others,” said the Romulo.
Apart from supporting the feeding program, Romulo also donates educational materials to the kids being supported by the soup kitchen. He believes that these children, given the right opportunity and proper support, may be able to improve their status as well as that of their parents and communities.
“My door is always open to help other people, especially the children, not just for Christmas but the whole year, and as long I can,” is his simple answer when I asked him his plans for his charity. But to make the Holiday Season more special, Romulo has already started packing gifts to be given out to these children.
“I want everyone to be happy this Christmas because this is basically what the celebration is all about.”
December 11, 2007
Christmas has always been a season for giving. For some, though, giving and sharing do not only come at Christmas time. Instead, they make it an everyday advocacy to help other people.
It was a drizzling morning when I arrived at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Pasig City and I am greeted by a long line of children. A woman approached me and introduced herself as Teresa Raymundo, founder of the Pasig Soup Kitchen. She had me seated at the table at the far end of the room where it was not as noisy, where I was able to watch the children and the elderly enjoy their free meal of Tinolang Manok and rice.
“God Provides,” this is what she told me when I asked whether it was difficult for them to generate funds for their projects.
The Soup Kitchen of Pasig is not patterned after soup kitchens in the United States.
Started in 2000 at the recommendation of Msgr. Manuel Gabriel, the Soup Kitchen has since provided assistance to the indigent parishioners of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. According to Raymundo, the soup kitchen adopts a holisitic approach to helping the poor—not only taking care of the physical needs of the neighborhood, but other needs as well, such as cultural, educational and livelihood needs.
They conduct regular seminars on different livelihood opportunities, with financial backing coming from private individuals, mostly other Pasig residents.
In fact, Raymundo may very well be speaking the truth when she invokes Divine Intervention when referring to the fact that they are able to feed 700 persons every week and still have enough budget for their other projects despite the lack of a permanent sponsor.
“The soup kitchen has really made a lot of changes in my life. I realized that you cannot say to the poor that they are just poor people, you have to give them dignity and you can do it by helping them even in little ways like this,” added Raymundo.
None of the volunteers of the soup kitchen have received any financial compensation for their work.
True believer
One of the main believers of their advocacy is Rep. Roman Romulo, the grandson of former Senator Carlos Romulo and son of current Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo. Even before he was elected representative of the lone district of Pasig this year, Romulo has been an active participant at the soup kitchen.
Apart from giving financial support, Romulo is also involved in creating ideas to further assist the poor children under the care of the soup kitchen.
The Soup Kitchen in Pasig, was introduced to the young Romulo years ago by a family friend. According to Romulo, he finds this project really beneficial, especially to the children.
“They teach these kids proper values through the catechism that they conduct before each session. I think this is very good since you imbibe the right values in their innocent mind. What they see is what they believe, and through this catechism you help them develop their conscience. When you are able to show them that there are people who care for their welfare, they would tend to do the same thing with others,” said the Romulo.
Apart from supporting the feeding program, Romulo also donates educational materials to the kids being supported by the soup kitchen. He believes that these children, given the right opportunity and proper support, may be able to improve their status as well as that of their parents and communities.
“My door is always open to help other people, especially the children, not just for Christmas but the whole year, and as long I can,” is his simple answer when I asked him his plans for his charity. But to make the Holiday Season more special, Romulo has already started packing gifts to be given out to these children.
“I want everyone to be happy this Christmas because this is basically what the celebration is all about.”
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