To My Batchmates
HAPPY NEW YEAR
and may we all have prosperous fruitful year ahead of us.
alex pineda
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
New Year
Every December 31st all over the world people from all walks of life celebrate in their own way to usher in the New Year. It is a time to remember that we humans can renew our life and seek a new beginning. In places where there is no specific day for thanksgiving, It is a time to give thanks for all the blessings we have from the passing year. Some of us may not have a very good year but a year full of challenges and suffering but we can still think of something to give thanks for. It is a time to rekindle the simple warmth of family kinship and friendship. A time to bury the hatchet and old grudges and begin a new year with a lighter heart and new friendships (watch out the friendships it might be the beginning of something new). Most of all, it is a period to appreciate the virtue of humility for being one that lived to see the dawn of the New Day in another New Year.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Christmas Party sa Gapo 2008
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL BATCH 80. Here are comments about the just concluded Christmas Party in Olongapo attended by 21 members of the batch with Anna, Sol, and Jong comming from out of town just to be with thier batchmates to celebrate the Christmas.
Oo nga Rica grabe talagang saya ng ating christmas party to the max, kahit napuyat ako at kinabukasan pasok sa trabaho okay lang sulit naman, I felt sorry sa ating mga kabatchmates na hindi umaatend sa ganitong gathering they always missed a big part of their lives. I hope everybody who are still in gapo or yung mga nagbabakasyon dito will join us next time para mas masaya wag po kayong mag alala dahil wala pong discrimination na nangayayari succesful ka man o hindi, mayaman o mahirap, from higher or lower section, kapamilya or kapuso lahat pantay pantay. Lahat po tayo ay anak ng Diyos. Masaya talaga promise. To our president slamat for posting our pics. Hey lola myrna nagwala ka na nanaman talaga itong aming friend hindi mapigilan but we truly enjoyed your ago go go dancing part. Salamat din kay grace sa kanyang masasayang palaro s uulitin ulit. Syempre kay Susan who keeps her house open sa lahat ,salamat mama susan and husband ronald for being hospitable wag kayong magsasawa. Rica salamat din pala dahil ikaw ang matiyagang nag organize kung anong food ang dadalhin namin. Salamat kay Lord at sa lahat for making the party possible. Cora
Weng, salamat sa comment. Sayang, wala ka sa gathering, miss na rin kita. Sa sobrang laki ko nga walang nakakilala sa akin except si Cliff. Super enjoy ang reunion, para bang ang feeling ko bumalik kami sa high school days kaya lang for adults only ang mga games. Sabi nga ni Mr. Prez, matatanda na tayo kaya puro green na ang theme ng games natin. Enjoy pati husband ko sa mga happenings. Kaya lang, next time I have to diet na kasi di na daw niya ako sasamahan pag ganito pa rin ako kahealthy! Susme! Di ako magkasya sa plastic rope. But I admire Myrna the most upon learning about her condition. Di pa rin nagbabago ang grace ni Dersie sa pagsasayaw, pati na iyong ibang dancing partners ni Raf. You have to see their entries sa YouTube. To all the beautiful and handsome batchmates I met again, thank you for making the occassion memorable for me. Anna Sumeracruz-Dimapilis
Hi Weng, Thanks for the comment. Sana your're here para enjoy ka rin. Ang gulo namin hehehe.... I really enjoyed a lot di nasayang ang pag-uwi ko. Thanks to everybody. Hoping to see you on our next reunion. Sol
Dear batchmates sa Gapo, ang saya naman ng party nyo.... happy to see you all enjoy..... good to see you anna, I didnt recognize you sa salamin mo, bagets ang dating, sana mapadalas ang pagsama mo sa gatherings ng grupo.... and to the boys, kahit konti lang kayo, kitang kita ang saya, all the girls..... walang kupas.... can't wait to see you all in you tube, don makikita ang gulo nyo..... kakamiss, .... Weng
We are 21 all in all. memory gap na yan kapatid. sign of old age nah. wag ka naman pahalata. hehehe.... nabubuking eh. sabi ko sau member pa tau ng "SK" (SOBRA KUARENTA). we had so much fun and enjoy talaga to the max. ANG SAYA NG MGA PALARO NI MAMA GRACE... sobrang saya!!! grabeeeeh!!! sa muli mga kabatchmate. .. kitakitz uli tau. Rica
Thank you sa lahat ng dumating, Rica, Susan , Nona, Myrna, Mercy, Bunny, Grace, Dersie, Cora, Thelma, Sol, Anna, Amy, Erlinda, Jean, Ed, Raf, Jong, Cliff, Arlie, at Francis at kung meron man po akong di nabangit, paki bangit nyo na lang po...pacensya na po at tumatanda na. Yung ibang pictures, paki post na lang nina rica , susan, sol, anna, nona, mercy at cora.yung pong video ni myna, paki abangan sa you tube. i po post ko po. kay rica naman po yung video ni raf at ni dersie, paki abangan din po yun. ( parental guidance recommended) marami pong salamat. Francis Rivero
Rizal Day
Dr. José P. Rizal (full name: José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda) (June 19, 1861 – December 30, 1896) was a Filipino polymath, nationalist and the most prominent advocate for reforms in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era. He is considered the Philippines' national hero and the anniversary of Rizal's death is commemorated as a Philippine holiday called Rizal Day. Rizal's 1896 military trial and execution made him a martyr of the Philippine Revolution.
The seventh of eleven children born to a wealthy family in the town of Calamba, Laguna (province), Rizal attended the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree sobresaliente. He enrolled in Medicine and Philosophy and Letters at the University of Santo Tomas and then traveled alone to Madrid, Spain, where he continued his studies at the Universidad Central de Madrid, earning the degree of Licentiate in Medicine. He attended the University of Paris and earned a second doctorate at the University of Heidelberg. Rizal was a polyglot conversant in at least ten languages. He was a prolific poet, essayist, diarist, correspondent, and novelist whose most famous works were his two novels, Noli me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. These are social commentaries on the Philippines that formed the nucleus of literature that inspired dissent among peaceful reformists and spurred the militancy of armed revolutionaries against 333 years of Spanish rule.
He was known as a hero, author, and an eye doctor. As a political figure, Rizal was the founder of La Liga Filipina, a civic organization that subsequently gave birth to the Katipunan led by Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo. He was a proponent of institutional reforms by peaceful means rather than by violent revolution. The general consensus among Rizal scholars, however, attributed his martyred death as the catalyst that precipitated the Philippine Revolution.
December 30 is also the day that Olongapo celebrates its Fiesta every year. It is held in december probably due to the fact that Olongapo was converted into a municipality on December 7, 1959. Olongapo was reconverted to a chartered city on June 1, 1966. Olongapo usually celebrates its fiesta by having the Miss Olongapo pageant, Olongapo sportsfest, several times with battle of the bands contest, and culminating to a parade on the 30th.
The seventh of eleven children born to a wealthy family in the town of Calamba, Laguna (province), Rizal attended the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree sobresaliente. He enrolled in Medicine and Philosophy and Letters at the University of Santo Tomas and then traveled alone to Madrid, Spain, where he continued his studies at the Universidad Central de Madrid, earning the degree of Licentiate in Medicine. He attended the University of Paris and earned a second doctorate at the University of Heidelberg. Rizal was a polyglot conversant in at least ten languages. He was a prolific poet, essayist, diarist, correspondent, and novelist whose most famous works were his two novels, Noli me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. These are social commentaries on the Philippines that formed the nucleus of literature that inspired dissent among peaceful reformists and spurred the militancy of armed revolutionaries against 333 years of Spanish rule.
He was known as a hero, author, and an eye doctor. As a political figure, Rizal was the founder of La Liga Filipina, a civic organization that subsequently gave birth to the Katipunan led by Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo. He was a proponent of institutional reforms by peaceful means rather than by violent revolution. The general consensus among Rizal scholars, however, attributed his martyred death as the catalyst that precipitated the Philippine Revolution.
December 30 is also the day that Olongapo celebrates its Fiesta every year. It is held in december probably due to the fact that Olongapo was converted into a municipality on December 7, 1959. Olongapo was reconverted to a chartered city on June 1, 1966. Olongapo usually celebrates its fiesta by having the Miss Olongapo pageant, Olongapo sportsfest, several times with battle of the bands contest, and culminating to a parade on the 30th.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Day
Christmas Day in The Philippines is primarily a family affair. Prior to the stroke of 12 midnight on the morning of December 25, the Misa de Aguinaldo is being celebrated. It is usually attended by the whole family. Misa de Aguinaldo is the Holy Mass to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Roman Catholic Church and Philippine Independent Church (Aglipayan) in the Philippines' main means of celebrating Jesus Christ's birth.
Misa de Aguinaldo is also celebrated at dawn or in the morning between immediately after sunrise and 10 a.m.; this schedule is preferred by Filipinos who choose to celebrate Christmas Eve with a night-long celebration of the Noche Buena.
Preferably in the morning, Filipino families visit members of the extended family, notably the elders in order to pay their respects. This custom of giving respect has been an age-old tradition in the Philippines called "Pagmamano"; this is done by touching one's forehead to the elder's hand saying Mano Po. The elder then blesses the person who has paid respect. "Aguinaldo", or money in the form of crisp, fresh-from-the-bank bills is given after the Pagmamano, mostly to younger children.
A Christmas Lunch usually follows after the "Pagmamano". The lunch is heavily dependent upon the finances of the family. Rich families tend to prepare grand and glorious feasts that consist of Jamon de Bola, Queso de Bola, Lechon and other Filipino delicacies. Some poor families choose to cook simple meals, nevertheless still special. When the family is settled after the lunch, the exchange of gifts is usually done. Godparents are expected to give gifts or Aguinaldo to their godchildren.
When nighttime falls, members of the family usually take part in family talks while listening to favorite Christmas carols. Some may opt to have a glorious Christmas feast for dinner.
St Joseph's, alumni usually see each other during the mass at St Joseph's church on 11pm of the 24th. The mass often becomes a mini reunion of sort.
Misa de Aguinaldo is also celebrated at dawn or in the morning between immediately after sunrise and 10 a.m.; this schedule is preferred by Filipinos who choose to celebrate Christmas Eve with a night-long celebration of the Noche Buena.
Preferably in the morning, Filipino families visit members of the extended family, notably the elders in order to pay their respects. This custom of giving respect has been an age-old tradition in the Philippines called "Pagmamano"; this is done by touching one's forehead to the elder's hand saying Mano Po. The elder then blesses the person who has paid respect. "Aguinaldo", or money in the form of crisp, fresh-from-the-bank bills is given after the Pagmamano, mostly to younger children.
A Christmas Lunch usually follows after the "Pagmamano". The lunch is heavily dependent upon the finances of the family. Rich families tend to prepare grand and glorious feasts that consist of Jamon de Bola, Queso de Bola, Lechon and other Filipino delicacies. Some poor families choose to cook simple meals, nevertheless still special. When the family is settled after the lunch, the exchange of gifts is usually done. Godparents are expected to give gifts or Aguinaldo to their godchildren.
When nighttime falls, members of the family usually take part in family talks while listening to favorite Christmas carols. Some may opt to have a glorious Christmas feast for dinner.
St Joseph's, alumni usually see each other during the mass at St Joseph's church on 11pm of the 24th. The mass often becomes a mini reunion of sort.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Oceanside Reunion
The day begins like any other day, except that for a Batch 80 like me it is special. Today is the day that we've agreed to have a small reunion at Butch Paz house at Oceanside in honor of a visiting classmate, Jen Velarmino. The batch has been silent for a while, but the arrival of Jen triggered a flurry of activity. It started when Butch sent email to everyone asking who is interested in having a reunion to welcome her in his house. The batch responded by agreeing to have a potluck December 6 at 1 pm.
I was very excited to go because the last time I met my batch mates was in 2003. At that time I only got a few pictures coming from Butch camera, and this time I promised myself I will take all the pictures I could get and document the event. It also falls on the day of Pacquiao's fight and I can't wait to watch it there live (i do not have cable subscription), with my batch mates (how nice that could be), and that makes it even more exciting.
I arrived at 1:30 with my share of the potluck and a couple of camera's to record the event and then one at a time my batch mates came. So I met Bennette and Ces for the first time since high school graduation, not knowing that the 3 of us where in Los Angeles. Then Abdon came, since it is past 2 pm we agreed to start lunch (me and Butch started eating at 1:30). Then Elmer came followed by Susan and Jun bringing in the fresh lumpia together with Shirley. Again we started eating the lumpia and here comes Ron and Irma bringing in the wines and beer (we are improving, I don't even know what a wine look like back in high school).
The stories begun with Susan leading the pack. Then Noel showed up ridding his magnificent bike (i wish i know how to ride one). The fun and stories continued, we where just wondering where our guest of horor was. We called Jen and she said that she was on her way, they just passed Los Angeles (Jen came straight from San Jose up north, near San Francisco that day, a travel of almost 8 to 10 hrs) and that she will be arriving within the next 2 hours.
The batch continued with our stories. I was so excited to meet my classmates from 1R,2O and 3U days (Susan, Bennette and Shirley) talking about the old days. Jen finally showed up together with her fraternal brods at 5 pm. She looked very exhausted from the trip, but that did not stopped the excitement of meeting her classmates, "barkadas", and neighbors in highschool and gradeschool. Amber and Ofie showed up at 6:30 pm, (he came straight from work in Los Angles) bringing a whole new set of food, good for 50 people and a pail of "gulaman at sago" (and they were soooo good, i decided to eat again). So the stories and wine continued until it is time to watch the fight. Amber collected 5$ to start a pool, and guess who won? The guest of horor Jen in her striking red outfit! After the fight the Karaoke begins with Butch and Ron trading songs and the laughter and stories go on. At 8 pm Mike showed up also straight from work but refused to missed being with his classmates.
The feeling was so nice to see your old classmates again, and the stories never end. Stories of challenges that our batch mates overcame with flying colors (that as a member of the batch, it make you feel proud that you were given a chance to know them). Stories of success that I think should served as inspiration to a lot of people (only thing is, that it is our story and need not be published). Each one has a story to tell and before you know it, It is midnight. A few people started to leave but we still continued with our life's stories and singing our hearts' out (we were actually thankful that it is cold and all the doors and windows were closed or there might be cops knocking on the door). Ron invited everyone for a breakfast at his house if it reached 6 am and we're still there. We decided to call it quits at 2:30 am as each one was beginning to wear their eye bags (lower than necessary), although you would not noticed any tiredness as the stories continued.
We left with heavy hearts but planned to meet again once time permits. We also talked of plans for the future as batch 80 would be part of the organizers for 2010 reunion of SJS. At this time, Jen is still here and our batch mates in San Diego is planning another get together. I think we just do not want to let go of a good thing.
agpineda
I was very excited to go because the last time I met my batch mates was in 2003. At that time I only got a few pictures coming from Butch camera, and this time I promised myself I will take all the pictures I could get and document the event. It also falls on the day of Pacquiao's fight and I can't wait to watch it there live (i do not have cable subscription), with my batch mates (how nice that could be), and that makes it even more exciting.
I arrived at 1:30 with my share of the potluck and a couple of camera's to record the event and then one at a time my batch mates came. So I met Bennette and Ces for the first time since high school graduation, not knowing that the 3 of us where in Los Angeles. Then Abdon came, since it is past 2 pm we agreed to start lunch (me and Butch started eating at 1:30). Then Elmer came followed by Susan and Jun bringing in the fresh lumpia together with Shirley. Again we started eating the lumpia and here comes Ron and Irma bringing in the wines and beer (we are improving, I don't even know what a wine look like back in high school).
The stories begun with Susan leading the pack. Then Noel showed up ridding his magnificent bike (i wish i know how to ride one). The fun and stories continued, we where just wondering where our guest of horor was. We called Jen and she said that she was on her way, they just passed Los Angeles (Jen came straight from San Jose up north, near San Francisco that day, a travel of almost 8 to 10 hrs) and that she will be arriving within the next 2 hours.
The batch continued with our stories. I was so excited to meet my classmates from 1R,2O and 3U days (Susan, Bennette and Shirley) talking about the old days. Jen finally showed up together with her fraternal brods at 5 pm. She looked very exhausted from the trip, but that did not stopped the excitement of meeting her classmates, "barkadas", and neighbors in highschool and gradeschool. Amber and Ofie showed up at 6:30 pm, (he came straight from work in Los Angles) bringing a whole new set of food, good for 50 people and a pail of "gulaman at sago" (and they were soooo good, i decided to eat again). So the stories and wine continued until it is time to watch the fight. Amber collected 5$ to start a pool, and guess who won? The guest of horor Jen in her striking red outfit! After the fight the Karaoke begins with Butch and Ron trading songs and the laughter and stories go on. At 8 pm Mike showed up also straight from work but refused to missed being with his classmates.
The feeling was so nice to see your old classmates again, and the stories never end. Stories of challenges that our batch mates overcame with flying colors (that as a member of the batch, it make you feel proud that you were given a chance to know them). Stories of success that I think should served as inspiration to a lot of people (only thing is, that it is our story and need not be published). Each one has a story to tell and before you know it, It is midnight. A few people started to leave but we still continued with our life's stories and singing our hearts' out (we were actually thankful that it is cold and all the doors and windows were closed or there might be cops knocking on the door). Ron invited everyone for a breakfast at his house if it reached 6 am and we're still there. We decided to call it quits at 2:30 am as each one was beginning to wear their eye bags (lower than necessary), although you would not noticed any tiredness as the stories continued.
We left with heavy hearts but planned to meet again once time permits. We also talked of plans for the future as batch 80 would be part of the organizers for 2010 reunion of SJS. At this time, Jen is still here and our batch mates in San Diego is planning another get together. I think we just do not want to let go of a good thing.
agpineda
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Christmas Eve
For Filipinos, Christmas Eve ("Bisperas ng Pasko") on December 24th has the much-anticipated Noche Buena – the traditional Christmas Eve feast after the midnight mass. Family members dine together around 12 midnight on traditional Noche Buena fare, which includes: queso de bola (Spanish: "ball of cheese"; this is actually edam cheese), "Tsokolate" (a hot chocolate drink) and jamon (Christmas ham), and some would open presents at this time.
In different provinces and schools throughout the Philippines, Catholic devotees also reenact the journey of Joseph and the pregnant Blessed Virgin Mary in search of lodging for the soon-to-be born Jesus Christ. This is the traditional "Panunuluyan'", also called "Pananawagan" and "Pananapatan".
This street pageant is performed after dark on Christmas Eve, with the actors portraying Joseph and Mary going to pre-designated houses. They chant wika wika bang bang, a traditional folksong that is meant to wake up the owner of the house as the actors ask for lodging. But the couple (actors) are turned away by the owners, also through a song. Finally, Joseph and Mary make their way to the parish church where a simulated manger has been set up. The birth of Jesus is celebrated at midnight with the Misa de Gallo, together with hallelujahs and Christmas carols. Everybody celebrates this tradition happily yet solemnly.
Naalala ko pa ang simbang gabi sa St Joseph, madalas ay na uuwi sa daldalan dahil nagki-kita kita ang mga mag ka-kaklase. Kasabay ng misa ang kamustahan at chikahan. Pagkatapos ay uuwi at kainan na.
In different provinces and schools throughout the Philippines, Catholic devotees also reenact the journey of Joseph and the pregnant Blessed Virgin Mary in search of lodging for the soon-to-be born Jesus Christ. This is the traditional "Panunuluyan'", also called "Pananawagan" and "Pananapatan".
This street pageant is performed after dark on Christmas Eve, with the actors portraying Joseph and Mary going to pre-designated houses. They chant wika wika bang bang, a traditional folksong that is meant to wake up the owner of the house as the actors ask for lodging. But the couple (actors) are turned away by the owners, also through a song. Finally, Joseph and Mary make their way to the parish church where a simulated manger has been set up. The birth of Jesus is celebrated at midnight with the Misa de Gallo, together with hallelujahs and Christmas carols. Everybody celebrates this tradition happily yet solemnly.
Naalala ko pa ang simbang gabi sa St Joseph, madalas ay na uuwi sa daldalan dahil nagki-kita kita ang mga mag ka-kaklase. Kasabay ng misa ang kamustahan at chikahan. Pagkatapos ay uuwi at kainan na.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Oceanside Reunion 2008: Chairmans' Note
Dear Batchmates,
Everyone is quiet, trying to recover from Saturday's get together..Maraming salamat sa mga umattend ng potluck, it was a pleasurable evening and it's really good to see everyone again, it's been a while since our last gathering.
I especially want to thank Jen for spending time with us, hindi ka pa rin nagbabago, mabeauty pa rin and still kalog just like I remember you way back when..
Alex thank you for bringing your high tech gadgets to capture the moments, your officially the Director of video and photography, thanks again.
Also, besides a lot of catching up, eating, singing and watching the fight, we talked about the upcoming SJS (U.S.) annual reunion in 2010, batch 80 is going to be one of the sponsors for that year. We elected a group of people that will lead us for that event,
namely:
For President - Abdon Pugal + Co Chair
We have 3 Vice Presidents
For San Diego - Susan Caluza
For L.A. - Alex Pineda
For the North - Vic Tisuela
For Secretary - Cecilyn
For Treasurer - Shirley
Ambassador to Batch 80 PI - Jen
Also in attendance:
Elmer
Noel
Michael
Bennette
Amber with wife Ofie
Jun Caluza and Susan, Ron with Irma and Jaron
Butch with Rose, Sean and Stephanie
Each region has a point of contact, for better communication.
Kung meron kayong question, please e-mail and stay tune.
Happy Holidays!
Butch
Everyone is quiet, trying to recover from Saturday's get together..Maraming salamat sa mga umattend ng potluck, it was a pleasurable evening and it's really good to see everyone again, it's been a while since our last gathering.
I especially want to thank Jen for spending time with us, hindi ka pa rin nagbabago, mabeauty pa rin and still kalog just like I remember you way back when..
Alex thank you for bringing your high tech gadgets to capture the moments, your officially the Director of video and photography, thanks again.
Also, besides a lot of catching up, eating, singing and watching the fight, we talked about the upcoming SJS (U.S.) annual reunion in 2010, batch 80 is going to be one of the sponsors for that year. We elected a group of people that will lead us for that event,
namely:
For President - Abdon Pugal + Co Chair
We have 3 Vice Presidents
For San Diego - Susan Caluza
For L.A. - Alex Pineda
For the North - Vic Tisuela
For Secretary - Cecilyn
For Treasurer - Shirley
Ambassador to Batch 80 PI - Jen
Also in attendance:
Elmer
Noel
Michael
Bennette
Amber with wife Ofie
Jun Caluza and Susan, Ron with Irma and Jaron
Butch with Rose, Sean and Stephanie
Each region has a point of contact, for better communication.
Kung meron kayong question, please e-mail and stay tune.
Happy Holidays!
Butch
Friday, December 5, 2008
Misa de Gallo
Traditionally, Christmas Day in the Philippines is ushered in by the nine-day dawn masses that start on December 16. Known as the Misa de Gallo (Rooster's Mass) in the traditional Spanish and in Filipino as Simbang Gabi, or "Night Mass", this novena of Masses is the most important Filipino Christmas tradition.
These nine dawn Masses are also considered as a Novena by the Catholic and Aglipayan faithfuls. This refers to the Roman Catholic and Aglipayan practice of performing nine days of private or public devotion to obtain special graces.
In some parishes, the Simbang Gabi begins as early as four o'clock in the morning. Going to mass this early for nine consecutive days is meant to show the churchgoer's devotion and faith as well as to heighten anticipation for the Nativity of Jesus. In traditional Filipino belief, however, completing the novena is also supposed to mean that God would grant the devotee's special wish or favour.
After hearing Mass, Filipino families partake of traditional Philippine Christmastime delicacies, either during breakfast at home or immediately outside the church, where they are sold. Vendors offer a wealth of native delicacies, including bibingka (rice flour and egg based cake, cooked using coals on top of and under the pastry), puto bumbong (a purple sticky rice delicacy which is steamed in bamboo tubes, with brown sugar and shredded dried coconut meat served as condiments), salabat (hot ginger tea) and tsokolate (thick Spanish cocoa).
These nine dawn Masses are also considered as a Novena by the Catholic and Aglipayan faithfuls. This refers to the Roman Catholic and Aglipayan practice of performing nine days of private or public devotion to obtain special graces.
In some parishes, the Simbang Gabi begins as early as four o'clock in the morning. Going to mass this early for nine consecutive days is meant to show the churchgoer's devotion and faith as well as to heighten anticipation for the Nativity of Jesus. In traditional Filipino belief, however, completing the novena is also supposed to mean that God would grant the devotee's special wish or favour.
After hearing Mass, Filipino families partake of traditional Philippine Christmastime delicacies, either during breakfast at home or immediately outside the church, where they are sold. Vendors offer a wealth of native delicacies, including bibingka (rice flour and egg based cake, cooked using coals on top of and under the pastry), puto bumbong (a purple sticky rice delicacy which is steamed in bamboo tubes, with brown sugar and shredded dried coconut meat served as condiments), salabat (hot ginger tea) and tsokolate (thick Spanish cocoa).
Monday, December 1, 2008
Christmas
Christmas, also referred to as Christmas Day or Christmastide, is an annual holiday, celebrated on December 25 that marks and honors the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. His birth, which is the basis for the anno Domini system of dating, has been determined by modern historians as having occurred between 7 and 2 BC. The date of celebration is not thought to be Jesus' actual date of birth. It may have been chosen to coincide with the winter solstice, which the ancient Romans,celebrated on December 25.
For many centuries, Christian writers accepted that Christmas was the actual date on which Jesus was born. In the early eighteenth century, scholars began proposing alternative explanations. Isaac Newton argued that the date of Christmas was selected to correspond with the winter solstice, which in ancient times was marked on December 25. In 1743, German Protestant Paul Ernst Jablonski argued Christmas was placed on December 25 to correspond with the Roman solar holiday Dies Natalis Solis Invicti and was therefore a "paganization" that debased the true church. In 1889, Louis Duchesne suggested that the date of Christmas was calculated as nine months after March 25, the traditional date of the conception of Jesus. On the Roman calendar, March 25 was the date of the spring equinox. In modern times, it is celebrated as Annunciation.
Christmas in the Philippines, is one of the biggest holidays on the calendar. The country has earned the distinction of celebrating the world's longest Christmas season, with Christmas carols are heard as early as September and the season lasting up until Epiphany.
For many centuries, Christian writers accepted that Christmas was the actual date on which Jesus was born. In the early eighteenth century, scholars began proposing alternative explanations. Isaac Newton argued that the date of Christmas was selected to correspond with the winter solstice, which in ancient times was marked on December 25. In 1743, German Protestant Paul Ernst Jablonski argued Christmas was placed on December 25 to correspond with the Roman solar holiday Dies Natalis Solis Invicti and was therefore a "paganization" that debased the true church. In 1889, Louis Duchesne suggested that the date of Christmas was calculated as nine months after March 25, the traditional date of the conception of Jesus. On the Roman calendar, March 25 was the date of the spring equinox. In modern times, it is celebrated as Annunciation.
Christmas in the Philippines, is one of the biggest holidays on the calendar. The country has earned the distinction of celebrating the world's longest Christmas season, with Christmas carols are heard as early as September and the season lasting up until Epiphany.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Discovery of Sunken US spyship highlights
Monday, April 26, 2004
Discovery of sunken US spy ship highlights Pinoy heroism in WW II (10:30 a.m.)
SUBIC BAY -- A 90-year-old wooden schooner has been dug from its watery grave near this former US naval base, bringing to light the heroism of its Filipino and American crew in World War II. “It brings a lot of memories about my father,” says Jaime Velarmino, 65, as he inspects the barnacle-encrusted wheel of the 76-foot (23-meter) Lanikai, which was sunk by a storm in 1947 shortly after the war.
Velarmino’s father, Hilario Velarmino, was among the 12 Filipinos in the 18-man crew of the vessel, which US and Filipino naval historians say played a crucial role in the allied effort against Japan. Built in 1914, the Lanikai once fished Alaskan salmon in Seattle and was chartered out as a yacht from Hawaii, briefly sailing in Hollywood when it was used for the pre-war movie "Hurricane" before it was commissioned into the US Navy at the start of the war in 1941.
According to Filipino historians, US President Franklin Roosevelt ordered it to be fitted with guns and sent it on secret missions. The Lanikai gathered intelligence for the US Navy and had patrolled the shores of Indonesia and Australia to monitor the southward push of the Japanese Imperial Army. But the auxiliary schooner skippered by Lieutenant Kemp Tolley during the war, may have had an even bigger mission. "There were some accounts that Roosevelt may have used it to bait the Japanese to start World War II," says Felicito Payumo, who heads the port authority that runs Subic, which was the Americans' premier naval base in Asia until 1992. Payumo says the Americans have not confirmed such accounts and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor drew the US into the war, before the Lanikai was able to play a pivotal role.
In his book "Cruise of the Lanikai: Incitement to War," Tolley says it was clear to him that his mission was to create an incident that would incite war with Japan but events overtook his mission. The crew survived the war but the Filipinos' contributions, along with those of the ship, were all but forgotten before an Australian diver found the wreck and sought permission from the Philippine government to salvage it. The schooner's remains, which now sit at a restaurant by the wharf here, have also come to symbolize the Filipino crew's quest for recognition, pensions and other benefits. "Very little has been previously known about Lanikai," until recently, concedes Payumo.
Velarmino said his mother recounted his father would often slip out of their home to board the Lanikai, but had kept its mission a secret even after he retired after the war. "He only told us he was a fisherman," he said, but said the family would often wonder why the family received payments from the US Navy entitling them to war rations and provisions. The family learned about Lanikai's importance when its American skipper, Tolley, resumed correspondence with his father in the 1970s. Velarmino said, his father named one of his brothers after Tolley -- the US captain who rose to become an admiral at the time of his retirement. Both the elder Velarmino and Tooley are now dead.
In his book, Tolley paid tribute to the Filipino crew's unflagging dedication to the war and recalled many "funny and heroic things" about Lanikai. Payumo said the Lanikai artifacts would become the centerpiece of a planned naval museum in Subic, now a freeport and major tourist destination in the region. The US Navy had also been in touch and was working on a documentary about Lanikai, officials in Subic said. "The boat itself is not very big, but this is a significant historical find, considering the mission given to Lanikai and that majority of its crew were Filipinos," Payumo said. It also underscores the importance of Subic in US naval history, and by extension the former US colony the Philippines, which remains a staunch American military ally in the region, Payumo said.
The Filipino sailor's granddaughter, Noraida Jen Velarmino, a journalist, said Lanikai was "an amazing discovery." "Suddenly, we found ourselves retracing our rich family history," she said. "There are a lot of questions that are now just beginning to be answered." She recalled that her grandfather, whom Tolley fondly called Cookie, used to tell her war stories, including how they would outsmart Japanese forces by pretending to be fishermen while American crew members hid under heavy fishing nets. "What we are asking now is at least for the US government to give recognition to these 12 brave Filipinos," her father Jaime Velarmino said. "These people were heroes," he said. "At least now, we can let the world know about their mission."
Master Divers, a private consortium based in Subic, headed by Australian Brian Homan discovered Lanikai's remains lying at a depth of 130 feet (40 meters) in Subic's Nabasan bay. Homan has an extensive track record in recovering underwater treasures. The National Museum authorized its refloating in an operation that used robotic machinery and underwater video cameras last year. AFP
Discovery of sunken US spy ship highlights Pinoy heroism in WW II (10:30 a.m.)
SUBIC BAY -- A 90-year-old wooden schooner has been dug from its watery grave near this former US naval base, bringing to light the heroism of its Filipino and American crew in World War II. “It brings a lot of memories about my father,” says Jaime Velarmino, 65, as he inspects the barnacle-encrusted wheel of the 76-foot (23-meter) Lanikai, which was sunk by a storm in 1947 shortly after the war.
Velarmino’s father, Hilario Velarmino, was among the 12 Filipinos in the 18-man crew of the vessel, which US and Filipino naval historians say played a crucial role in the allied effort against Japan. Built in 1914, the Lanikai once fished Alaskan salmon in Seattle and was chartered out as a yacht from Hawaii, briefly sailing in Hollywood when it was used for the pre-war movie "Hurricane" before it was commissioned into the US Navy at the start of the war in 1941.
According to Filipino historians, US President Franklin Roosevelt ordered it to be fitted with guns and sent it on secret missions. The Lanikai gathered intelligence for the US Navy and had patrolled the shores of Indonesia and Australia to monitor the southward push of the Japanese Imperial Army. But the auxiliary schooner skippered by Lieutenant Kemp Tolley during the war, may have had an even bigger mission. "There were some accounts that Roosevelt may have used it to bait the Japanese to start World War II," says Felicito Payumo, who heads the port authority that runs Subic, which was the Americans' premier naval base in Asia until 1992. Payumo says the Americans have not confirmed such accounts and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor drew the US into the war, before the Lanikai was able to play a pivotal role.
In his book "Cruise of the Lanikai: Incitement to War," Tolley says it was clear to him that his mission was to create an incident that would incite war with Japan but events overtook his mission. The crew survived the war but the Filipinos' contributions, along with those of the ship, were all but forgotten before an Australian diver found the wreck and sought permission from the Philippine government to salvage it. The schooner's remains, which now sit at a restaurant by the wharf here, have also come to symbolize the Filipino crew's quest for recognition, pensions and other benefits. "Very little has been previously known about Lanikai," until recently, concedes Payumo.
Velarmino said his mother recounted his father would often slip out of their home to board the Lanikai, but had kept its mission a secret even after he retired after the war. "He only told us he was a fisherman," he said, but said the family would often wonder why the family received payments from the US Navy entitling them to war rations and provisions. The family learned about Lanikai's importance when its American skipper, Tolley, resumed correspondence with his father in the 1970s. Velarmino said, his father named one of his brothers after Tolley -- the US captain who rose to become an admiral at the time of his retirement. Both the elder Velarmino and Tooley are now dead.
In his book, Tolley paid tribute to the Filipino crew's unflagging dedication to the war and recalled many "funny and heroic things" about Lanikai. Payumo said the Lanikai artifacts would become the centerpiece of a planned naval museum in Subic, now a freeport and major tourist destination in the region. The US Navy had also been in touch and was working on a documentary about Lanikai, officials in Subic said. "The boat itself is not very big, but this is a significant historical find, considering the mission given to Lanikai and that majority of its crew were Filipinos," Payumo said. It also underscores the importance of Subic in US naval history, and by extension the former US colony the Philippines, which remains a staunch American military ally in the region, Payumo said.
The Filipino sailor's granddaughter, Noraida Jen Velarmino, a journalist, said Lanikai was "an amazing discovery." "Suddenly, we found ourselves retracing our rich family history," she said. "There are a lot of questions that are now just beginning to be answered." She recalled that her grandfather, whom Tolley fondly called Cookie, used to tell her war stories, including how they would outsmart Japanese forces by pretending to be fishermen while American crew members hid under heavy fishing nets. "What we are asking now is at least for the US government to give recognition to these 12 brave Filipinos," her father Jaime Velarmino said. "These people were heroes," he said. "At least now, we can let the world know about their mission."
Master Divers, a private consortium based in Subic, headed by Australian Brian Homan discovered Lanikai's remains lying at a depth of 130 feet (40 meters) in Subic's Nabasan bay. Homan has an extensive track record in recovering underwater treasures. The National Museum authorized its refloating in an operation that used robotic machinery and underwater video cameras last year. AFP
Saturday, November 15, 2008
A Month Of Sorrow
Batch 80,
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.
Pareng Butch and Monico- Thanks for coming over to my mom's wake.
Abdon- Thanks for your call.
Sherman and Vic- Thank you for calling although I never got a chance to return your call, naging busy kasi, I hope you understand.
Jen, Francis, Rowena and all batchmates,
maraming salamat sa inyong pakikiramay. Joel
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A few weeks was the only difference from several emails that we have recieved from our batchmates. These emails conveyed information regarding the demise of several loves ones that were dear to our batch and family to some members. Like a family, we felt your sadness and to Fidel, Joel, and to the family of Mrs Salome Interino we convey our deepest sympathies.
Alex
In your hour of grief, may you all be blessed with courage and strength and know that they were with our redeemer. Eternal light shine upon them and their souls rest in peace amen.
Rowena
November 15, 2008
Viewing for Joel's Mom, is going to be at Greer Family Mortuary located at
2694 Blanding Ave, Alameda, CA 94501, on the 15th and 16th of November.
Our thoughts and prayers to Joel Malinis and family, his mother passed away the other night. We pray for your strength and we share the sorrow of your loss.
Pareng Joel, even though "Mamang" has left us physically, her love, joy, and good memories will remain with us, until we're ready to once again join her in the Kingdom of God. Butch
May the soul of your mother rest in peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept our deepest sympathy from batch 80, Olongapo Group
November 4, 2008
Dear batchmates,
I am sad to inform you of the demise of our dear math teacher, MRS SALOME INTERINO at 230am today. Her remains lies at their residence... Blk 14 Gordon Heights... no interment has been announced yet at the moment.. Pls include her in your prayers!! Beth Belleza-Nazareno
Please extend to her family our sympathies. I can still remember her face clearly. She really touched our lives. Tell her family that we are so grateful to her. Vic
October 25, 2008
To all batch mates,
I am sad to announce that Fidel Medina's father died wednesday. It was just texted to me by Beng Cortez.
To Fidel, accept our deepest sympathy. Francis rivero
Dear Fidel & family,
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing away of your father, Tatay Romy. As a journalist, I've always held Tatay Romy in high esteem as he was unselfish in sharing his experiences, the veteran that he was. He was the epitome of an unsinkable servant of what is right and what is true in our profession. Most weekends, at the popular watering hole for journalists in Subic called "Magellan's Landing," Tatay Romy would regale us with his stories of the old Olongapo and of the legendary journey that he shared with those who were fighting against the local political dictatorship. He would buy us rounds of drinks and if you knew him upclose you were familiar with his famous hikhikhik giggle in concert with the jolly countenance of a man who enjoyed a prolific lifetime and had done good things for Olongapo's freedom. He will surely be missed but his mark in Olongapo history shall never be forgotten.
Fidel, Raquel, & kids- May God hold your hand in your hour of grief. Jen Velarmino & children
Nothing is permanent in this world. The fact remains that we will leave this world, it is only a matter of time. So while we are here, do the best we can to make the world a beter place. Tell our love ones and each other how important they were to us for touching our lives and how we love them.
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.
Pareng Butch and Monico- Thanks for coming over to my mom's wake.
Abdon- Thanks for your call.
Sherman and Vic- Thank you for calling although I never got a chance to return your call, naging busy kasi, I hope you understand.
Jen, Francis, Rowena and all batchmates,
maraming salamat sa inyong pakikiramay. Joel
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A few weeks was the only difference from several emails that we have recieved from our batchmates. These emails conveyed information regarding the demise of several loves ones that were dear to our batch and family to some members. Like a family, we felt your sadness and to Fidel, Joel, and to the family of Mrs Salome Interino we convey our deepest sympathies.
Alex
In your hour of grief, may you all be blessed with courage and strength and know that they were with our redeemer. Eternal light shine upon them and their souls rest in peace amen.
Rowena
November 15, 2008
Viewing for Joel's Mom, is going to be at Greer Family Mortuary located at
2694 Blanding Ave, Alameda, CA 94501, on the 15th and 16th of November.
Our thoughts and prayers to Joel Malinis and family, his mother passed away the other night. We pray for your strength and we share the sorrow of your loss.
Pareng Joel, even though "Mamang" has left us physically, her love, joy, and good memories will remain with us, until we're ready to once again join her in the Kingdom of God. Butch
May the soul of your mother rest in peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept our deepest sympathy from batch 80, Olongapo Group
November 4, 2008
Dear batchmates,
I am sad to inform you of the demise of our dear math teacher, MRS SALOME INTERINO at 230am today. Her remains lies at their residence... Blk 14 Gordon Heights... no interment has been announced yet at the moment.. Pls include her in your prayers!! Beth Belleza-Nazareno
Please extend to her family our sympathies. I can still remember her face clearly. She really touched our lives. Tell her family that we are so grateful to her. Vic
October 25, 2008
To all batch mates,
I am sad to announce that Fidel Medina's father died wednesday. It was just texted to me by Beng Cortez.
To Fidel, accept our deepest sympathy. Francis rivero
Dear Fidel & family,
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing away of your father, Tatay Romy. As a journalist, I've always held Tatay Romy in high esteem as he was unselfish in sharing his experiences, the veteran that he was. He was the epitome of an unsinkable servant of what is right and what is true in our profession. Most weekends, at the popular watering hole for journalists in Subic called "Magellan's Landing," Tatay Romy would regale us with his stories of the old Olongapo and of the legendary journey that he shared with those who were fighting against the local political dictatorship. He would buy us rounds of drinks and if you knew him upclose you were familiar with his famous hikhikhik giggle in concert with the jolly countenance of a man who enjoyed a prolific lifetime and had done good things for Olongapo's freedom. He will surely be missed but his mark in Olongapo history shall never be forgotten.
Fidel, Raquel, & kids- May God hold your hand in your hour of grief. Jen Velarmino & children
Nothing is permanent in this world. The fact remains that we will leave this world, it is only a matter of time. So while we are here, do the best we can to make the world a beter place. Tell our love ones and each other how important they were to us for touching our lives and how we love them.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Conceptual Healing
Magandang araw mga kapatid.... kamusta na kayong lahat.... Ang lahat man ay abala, hopefully you find time to read my sharing today, for this one has really blessed me and I want to share this to all of you.... first part pa lang ito..
We have just finished having our annual Tagalog retreat we call Tagalog Mission. Fr. Arlo Yap SVD is a truly amazing Retreat Master. Truly overwhelming, hope you will all be blessed too.... ang di ko na lang ma-share is the relections and jokes (which really filled the church with so much laughter) he prepared during the whole 2 hours no dull moment ... this may be long but worth reading.... God bless to all!
email from my colleague tess....
He (Fr Arlo Yap) says “maraming namamatay sa maling akala” - a lot of people die because of wrong thoughts or thinking and it’s all in the mind!
The way we think is the way we feel
The way we feel is the way we BECOME.
1. Take good care of your Health
You have a lot of money to buy food of any kind but you are not allowed to eat what you want because you have diabetes or other diseases, you have a very huge farm/ hacienda but you can’t enjoy it because you have rheumatism or you’re blind etc. You really work hard to earn and get all you wanted in life but at the end you can’t enjoy it, how can you say you have a happy old age?
2. Take care of your family
A. Take care of your children
It’s the way how parents teach their children by example. The legacy parents can give to their children is not really a good education it’s only secondary but knowing that before you leave this earth you are so sure that your children are helping and loving each other and you cant see any selfishness in them, enough for you to have a peace of mind in your old age.
B. Take care of your Spouse
Sooner or later even you have a dozen children, you and only your spouse will end up living together, your children will soon have their own family to care of. Learn to nurture more the sweetness and love you have when you’re only in your courtship or GF/BF stage. It’s really good to know that you have somebody TO GROW OLD WITH, to add to this try to listen to a song Grow Old with you with these lyrics:
We have just finished having our annual Tagalog retreat we call Tagalog Mission. Fr. Arlo Yap SVD is a truly amazing Retreat Master. Truly overwhelming, hope you will all be blessed too.... ang di ko na lang ma-share is the relections and jokes (which really filled the church with so much laughter) he prepared during the whole 2 hours no dull moment ... this may be long but worth reading.... God bless to all!
email from my colleague tess....
He (Fr Arlo Yap) says “maraming namamatay sa maling akala” - a lot of people die because of wrong thoughts or thinking and it’s all in the mind!
The way we think is the way we feel
The way we feel is the way we BECOME.
Happy old age for you and for your parents means enjoying the fruits of your labor.
Four Considerations to have a Happy Old Age
Four Considerations to have a Happy Old Age
1. Take good care of your Health
You have a lot of money to buy food of any kind but you are not allowed to eat what you want because you have diabetes or other diseases, you have a very huge farm/ hacienda but you can’t enjoy it because you have rheumatism or you’re blind etc. You really work hard to earn and get all you wanted in life but at the end you can’t enjoy it, how can you say you have a happy old age?
2. Take care of your family
A. Take care of your children
It’s the way how parents teach their children by example. The legacy parents can give to their children is not really a good education it’s only secondary but knowing that before you leave this earth you are so sure that your children are helping and loving each other and you cant see any selfishness in them, enough for you to have a peace of mind in your old age.
B. Take care of your Spouse
Sooner or later even you have a dozen children, you and only your spouse will end up living together, your children will soon have their own family to care of. Learn to nurture more the sweetness and love you have when you’re only in your courtship or GF/BF stage. It’s really good to know that you have somebody TO GROW OLD WITH, to add to this try to listen to a song Grow Old with you with these lyrics:
I want to make you smile whenever you're sad
Carry you around when your arthritis is bad
All I want to do is grow old with you
I'll get your medicine when your tummy aches
Build you a fire if the furnace breaks
Oh it could be so nice, growing old with you
I'll miss you
Kiss you
Give you my coat when you are cold
Need you
Feed you
Even let ya hold the remote control
So let me do the dishes in our kitchen sink
Put you to bed if you've had too much to drink
I could be the man who grows old with you
I wanna grow old with you
3. Take care of your Properties
For parents, divide/arrange the properties you have for your children before your children ask you to do it for you, as if they wanted you guys to die, hehehehe =) and learn to save for you and your spouse for your old age so whenever you need something to buy for a medicine, hospitalization etc, you don’t have to ask your children.
For sons/daughters, what ever you received is your privilege not your want. Never ask your parent’s decision especially when it comes to inheritance, they know what’s best and who need most of that.
4. Serve the Lord in all the way you can
Remember whatever you have : material things, talents, family, friends, job, colleague, struggles in life, lessons are all from God and God alone!
Well, that’s all for Talk 1
For parents, divide/arrange the properties you have for your children before your children ask you to do it for you, as if they wanted you guys to die, hehehehe =) and learn to save for you and your spouse for your old age so whenever you need something to buy for a medicine, hospitalization etc, you don’t have to ask your children.
For sons/daughters, what ever you received is your privilege not your want. Never ask your parent’s decision especially when it comes to inheritance, they know what’s best and who need most of that.
4. Serve the Lord in all the way you can
Remember whatever you have : material things, talents, family, friends, job, colleague, struggles in life, lessons are all from God and God alone!
Well, that’s all for Talk 1
Rowena Salvador
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Mayonaise Jar and 2 cups of Coffee
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 Hours in a day is not enough,
remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full.
They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full.
The students responded with an unanimous "yes."
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided,"I want you to recognize that this jar represents our life.
The golf balls are the important things - God,family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions -- things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car.
The sand is everything else -- the small stuff.
"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
So... Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play With your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. "Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled.
"I'm glad you asked". It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."
(this was shared by "thelma Galvez-Curiano" a while back. it is a simple reminder of how life should be treated. there were other versions of this but i like this one the most.)
remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full.
They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full.
The students responded with an unanimous "yes."
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided,"I want you to recognize that this jar represents our life.
The golf balls are the important things - God,family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions -- things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car.
The sand is everything else -- the small stuff.
"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
So... Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play With your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. "Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled.
"I'm glad you asked". It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."
(this was shared by "thelma Galvez-Curiano" a while back. it is a simple reminder of how life should be treated. there were other versions of this but i like this one the most.)
Saturday, August 16, 2008
A Prayer
Thought you might enjoy this interesting prayer given in Kansas at the opening session of their Senate. It seems prayer still upsets some people. When Minister Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but this is what they heard:
Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done.
We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.
We have abused power and called it politics.
We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression.
We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free.
Amen!
(passed on by Weng S. through email)
This is basically true but a bit modified. The following is the prayer as read by Pastor Wright in January of 1996 on that Opening of Kansas Senate.
Heavenly Father we come before you to ask your forgiveness. We seek your direction and your guidance. We know your words says " Woe to those who call evil good." But that's what we've done.
We've lost our spiritual equilibrium. We have inverted our values. We have ridiculed the absolute truth of your word in the name of moral pluralism. We have worshiped other gods and called it multiculturalism.
We have endorsed perversion and called it alternative lifestyle.
We've exploited the poor and called it a lottery. We've neglected the needy and called it self preservation. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. In the name of choice, we have killed our unborn. In the name of right to life, we have killed abortionist.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abuse power and called it political savvy. We have coveted our neighbor's possession and called it taxes. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us, oh, God, and know our hearts today. Try us. Show any wickedness within us. Cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Guide and bless this men and women who have been sent here by the people of the State of Kansas, and that they have been ordained by you to govern this great state.
Grant them your wisdom to rule. May their decisions direct us to the center of you will. and, as we continue our prayer, and as we come in out of the fog, give us clear minds to accomplish our goals as we begin this legislature. For we pray is Jesus' name, Amen.
Reverend Wright is not the original. It was a version of one written by Bob Rusell in 1995.
(from snopes.com)
Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done.
We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.
We have abused power and called it politics.
We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression.
We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free.
Amen!
(passed on by Weng S. through email)
This is basically true but a bit modified. The following is the prayer as read by Pastor Wright in January of 1996 on that Opening of Kansas Senate.
Heavenly Father we come before you to ask your forgiveness. We seek your direction and your guidance. We know your words says " Woe to those who call evil good." But that's what we've done.
We've lost our spiritual equilibrium. We have inverted our values. We have ridiculed the absolute truth of your word in the name of moral pluralism. We have worshiped other gods and called it multiculturalism.
We have endorsed perversion and called it alternative lifestyle.
We've exploited the poor and called it a lottery. We've neglected the needy and called it self preservation. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. In the name of choice, we have killed our unborn. In the name of right to life, we have killed abortionist.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abuse power and called it political savvy. We have coveted our neighbor's possession and called it taxes. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us, oh, God, and know our hearts today. Try us. Show any wickedness within us. Cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Guide and bless this men and women who have been sent here by the people of the State of Kansas, and that they have been ordained by you to govern this great state.
Grant them your wisdom to rule. May their decisions direct us to the center of you will. and, as we continue our prayer, and as we come in out of the fog, give us clear minds to accomplish our goals as we begin this legislature. For we pray is Jesus' name, Amen.
Reverend Wright is not the original. It was a version of one written by Bob Rusell in 1995.
(from snopes.com)
Friday, July 4, 2008
4th Of July
In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Congress approved the wording of the Declaration on July 4 and then sent it to the printer. Whether John Hancock, as the elected President of the Second Continental Congress, or anyone else signed the document that day is unknown, because that document has been lost — presumably destroyed in the printing process. Hancock's name and that of a witness do appear on the typeset broadside that was published within a few days. On August 2 in the following month, an engrossed document in script form was signed by Hancock and other delegates.
Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, baseball games, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States, but is often also viewed as simply a summer festival, apart from its patriotic overtones.
In the Philippines the 4th of July is celebrated as the Filipino-American Friendship Day. It was designated by President Diosdado Macapagal to commemorate the liberation of the country by joint Filipino and American forces from the Japanese occupation at the end of World War II.
The Philippines was a U.S. territory from 1898 to 1942, when it was occupied by Japanese forces, and again for a brief period after the war. The country gained complete independence on July 4, 1946.
Initially, the nation's Independence Day holiday (Araw ng Kalayaan) was held on July 4. Former President Diosdado Macapagal moved it to June 12, the date on which the Philippines declared independence from Spain in 1898. Filipino-American Friendship Day was created in its place, and coincides with the United States' July 4 Independence Day.
Another reading: The Independence Day That Wasn't.
HAPPY EATING and FIREWORKS TO EVERYONE WHO WILL CELEBRATE THIS JULY 4th
Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, baseball games, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States, but is often also viewed as simply a summer festival, apart from its patriotic overtones.
In the Philippines the 4th of July is celebrated as the Filipino-American Friendship Day. It was designated by President Diosdado Macapagal to commemorate the liberation of the country by joint Filipino and American forces from the Japanese occupation at the end of World War II.
The Philippines was a U.S. territory from 1898 to 1942, when it was occupied by Japanese forces, and again for a brief period after the war. The country gained complete independence on July 4, 1946.
Initially, the nation's Independence Day holiday (Araw ng Kalayaan) was held on July 4. Former President Diosdado Macapagal moved it to June 12, the date on which the Philippines declared independence from Spain in 1898. Filipino-American Friendship Day was created in its place, and coincides with the United States' July 4 Independence Day.
Another reading: The Independence Day That Wasn't.
HAPPY EATING and FIREWORKS TO EVERYONE WHO WILL CELEBRATE THIS JULY 4th
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Condolence
Our age is starting to show when the people that took care of us when we were in high school begins to disappear one at a time. The month of June witnessed another loved one saying goodbye and so is the beginning of July. No one lives forever, but it is hard to let go of a loved one.
To Manning and Gil your batch mates joins you in your grief and convey our deepest sympathies. You are all in our prayers and may GOD guide you in this hour of need.
The following were copies of emails sent by batch mates who received the news.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, July 1, 2008, 3:40 PM
Abdon wrote:
To All Batch mates,
Manning's father passed away. Viewing tomorrow (July 2, 2008) at Humphey's mortuary I think this is in Chula Vista.
Abdon Pugal
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, June 28, 2008, 7:35 AM
Francis wrote:
For every body's information,
Gil Pizzaro's father died this morning. The remain lies at Dalluay funeral parlor.
Francis Rivero
To Manning and Gil your batch mates joins you in your grief and convey our deepest sympathies. You are all in our prayers and may GOD guide you in this hour of need.
The following were copies of emails sent by batch mates who received the news.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, July 1, 2008, 3:40 PM
Abdon wrote:
To All Batch mates,
Manning's father passed away. Viewing tomorrow (July 2, 2008) at Humphey's mortuary I think this is in Chula Vista.
Abdon Pugal
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, June 28, 2008, 7:35 AM
Francis wrote:
For every body's information,
Gil Pizzaro's father died this morning. The remain lies at Dalluay funeral parlor.
Francis Rivero
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
There's a Pinoy behind this leader
There’s a Pinoy behind this leader
By Ignacio Dee
George Walker Bush may be president of the most powerful country in the world, but it is a Filipino who literally has control over his every whim.
This man, Fidel Medina, is his personal valet, and he serves his master with unquestioned loyalty and with efficient service that has been the hallmark of every Filipino valet who has served every US president since 1969.
Richard Nixon’s personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, and his wife, first made a name for Filipino valets when Nixon praised them in his autobiography.
Succeeding presidents such as Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and the elder George Bush have all been served by Filipinos, whose efficiency is highly valued by the American leaders.
Medina, an American citizen, has been the White House valet since the time of Bill Clinton in 1993 and continued the job when George W. Bush became president in 2001.
Bush, who has relentlessly waged war against terrorism since the tragedy of 9/11 is a totally different person in private says Medina.
“He is a regular guy and his family is very nice,” said Medina during a break in Bush’s state visit to the Philippines yesterday.
Medina said he also serves the president’s father, George Sr., when the latter is around. He says George Jr. is very similar in temperament to his dad.
Being the president’s personal valet means ministering to Bush’s every needs: from the time he gets up till the time he goes to bed. This means staying up at least 12 hours, which Medina, thanks to his energy and fitness, manages.
But the valet’s biggest asset is learning to be circumspect and even neutral in times of crises, for his service depends on the extent of his boss’ trust.
Despite the pressure-packed demands of his boss’ job, Medina says Bush keeps regular hours. Even when the US mounted attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq, “his hours didn’t change,” Medina said.
Medina also serves Mrs. Bush and their two daughters, as well as the elder Bush and the former first lady, Barbara, when they visit their children. “Former president Bush also has a Filipino valet, but he prefers that I serve him,” he said.
From Navyman to valet
The eldest child of veteran newsman and public relations practitioner Romy Medina, Medina joined the US Navy in 1984. After becoming the youngest noncommissioned officer in the US Navy, where he was a master chief, Medina applied for the job of the US president’s personal valet in 1997.
Medina passed the required tests, but he had to obtain security clearance which, due to the nature of his job, carries the highest security clearance in the world. He got it, no thanks to his performance as master chief.
His father Romy, a veteran newsman, said his eldest son was familiar with the job, having worked with former president Clinton when he was at Camp David. Working with admirals also imbued in him a respect for protocol and to be reserved.
“He is quiet, efficient and loves sports,” said his father, who met him yesterday at the airport.
taken from Manila Standard Today 2002
By Ignacio Dee
George Walker Bush may be president of the most powerful country in the world, but it is a Filipino who literally has control over his every whim.
This man, Fidel Medina, is his personal valet, and he serves his master with unquestioned loyalty and with efficient service that has been the hallmark of every Filipino valet who has served every US president since 1969.
Richard Nixon’s personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, and his wife, first made a name for Filipino valets when Nixon praised them in his autobiography.
Succeeding presidents such as Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and the elder George Bush have all been served by Filipinos, whose efficiency is highly valued by the American leaders.
Medina, an American citizen, has been the White House valet since the time of Bill Clinton in 1993 and continued the job when George W. Bush became president in 2001.
Bush, who has relentlessly waged war against terrorism since the tragedy of 9/11 is a totally different person in private says Medina.
“He is a regular guy and his family is very nice,” said Medina during a break in Bush’s state visit to the Philippines yesterday.
Medina said he also serves the president’s father, George Sr., when the latter is around. He says George Jr. is very similar in temperament to his dad.
Being the president’s personal valet means ministering to Bush’s every needs: from the time he gets up till the time he goes to bed. This means staying up at least 12 hours, which Medina, thanks to his energy and fitness, manages.
But the valet’s biggest asset is learning to be circumspect and even neutral in times of crises, for his service depends on the extent of his boss’ trust.
Despite the pressure-packed demands of his boss’ job, Medina says Bush keeps regular hours. Even when the US mounted attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq, “his hours didn’t change,” Medina said.
Medina also serves Mrs. Bush and their two daughters, as well as the elder Bush and the former first lady, Barbara, when they visit their children. “Former president Bush also has a Filipino valet, but he prefers that I serve him,” he said.
From Navyman to valet
The eldest child of veteran newsman and public relations practitioner Romy Medina, Medina joined the US Navy in 1984. After becoming the youngest noncommissioned officer in the US Navy, where he was a master chief, Medina applied for the job of the US president’s personal valet in 1997.
Medina passed the required tests, but he had to obtain security clearance which, due to the nature of his job, carries the highest security clearance in the world. He got it, no thanks to his performance as master chief.
His father Romy, a veteran newsman, said his eldest son was familiar with the job, having worked with former president Clinton when he was at Camp David. Working with admirals also imbued in him a respect for protocol and to be reserved.
“He is quiet, efficient and loves sports,” said his father, who met him yesterday at the airport.
taken from Manila Standard Today 2002
Saturday, June 14, 2008
FATHERS DAY
HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO ALL BATCH 80 FATHERS. . .
Father's Day is a celebration inaugurated in the early twentieth century to complement Mother's Day in celebrating fatherhood and male parenting, and to honor and commemorate fathers and forefathers. Father's Day is celebrated on a variety of dates worldwide and typically involves gift-giving to fathers and family-oriented activities. In 2008, it will be celebrated on June 15th in most countries.
In the Catholic tradition, Father's Day is celebrated on Saint Joseph's Day, commonly called Feast of Saint Joseph, March 19, though in most countries Father's Day is a secular celebration and celebrated on a different date.
In the United States, the first modern Father's Day celebration was held on July 5, 1908, in Fairmont, West Virginia or on June, 19th of the same year, in the state of Washington.In West Virginia, it was first celebrated as a church service at Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South, now known as Central United Methodist Church. Grace Golden Clayton, who is believed to have suggested the service to the pastor, is believed to have been inspired to celebrate fathers after the deadly mine explosion in nearby Monongah the prior December. This explosion killed 361 men, many of them fathers and recent immigrants to the United States from Italy. Another possible inspiration for the service was Mothers' Day, which had been celebrated for the first time two months prior in Grafton, West Virginia, a town about 15 miles (24 km) away.
Another driving force behind the establishment of the integration of Father's Day was Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd, born in Creston, Washington. William Smart, a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife (Mrs. Dodd's mother) died in childbirth with their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children, by himself, on a rural farm in eastern Washington State. It was after Mrs. Dodd became an adult that she realized the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent. She was inspired by Anna Jarvis's efforts to establish Mother's Day. Although she initially suggested June 5, the anniversary of her father's death, she did not provide the organizers with enough time to make arrangements, and the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday of June. The first June Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, WA.
Unofficial support from such figures as William Jennings Bryan was immediate and widespread. President Woodrow Wilson was personally feted by his family in 1916. President Calvin Coolidge recommended it as a national holiday in 1924. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson made Father's Day a holiday to be celebrated on the third Sunday of June. The holiday was not officially recognized until 1972, during the presidency of Richard Nixon. Then rest of the world follows to celebrate a fathers day.
In recent years, retailers have adapted to the holiday by promoting male-oriented gifts such as electronics, tools and greeting cards. Schools and other children's programs commonly have activities to make Father's Day gifts.
agpineda
Father's Day is a celebration inaugurated in the early twentieth century to complement Mother's Day in celebrating fatherhood and male parenting, and to honor and commemorate fathers and forefathers. Father's Day is celebrated on a variety of dates worldwide and typically involves gift-giving to fathers and family-oriented activities. In 2008, it will be celebrated on June 15th in most countries.
In the Catholic tradition, Father's Day is celebrated on Saint Joseph's Day, commonly called Feast of Saint Joseph, March 19, though in most countries Father's Day is a secular celebration and celebrated on a different date.
In the United States, the first modern Father's Day celebration was held on July 5, 1908, in Fairmont, West Virginia or on June, 19th of the same year, in the state of Washington.In West Virginia, it was first celebrated as a church service at Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South, now known as Central United Methodist Church. Grace Golden Clayton, who is believed to have suggested the service to the pastor, is believed to have been inspired to celebrate fathers after the deadly mine explosion in nearby Monongah the prior December. This explosion killed 361 men, many of them fathers and recent immigrants to the United States from Italy. Another possible inspiration for the service was Mothers' Day, which had been celebrated for the first time two months prior in Grafton, West Virginia, a town about 15 miles (24 km) away.
Another driving force behind the establishment of the integration of Father's Day was Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd, born in Creston, Washington. William Smart, a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife (Mrs. Dodd's mother) died in childbirth with their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children, by himself, on a rural farm in eastern Washington State. It was after Mrs. Dodd became an adult that she realized the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent. She was inspired by Anna Jarvis's efforts to establish Mother's Day. Although she initially suggested June 5, the anniversary of her father's death, she did not provide the organizers with enough time to make arrangements, and the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday of June. The first June Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, WA.
Unofficial support from such figures as William Jennings Bryan was immediate and widespread. President Woodrow Wilson was personally feted by his family in 1916. President Calvin Coolidge recommended it as a national holiday in 1924. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson made Father's Day a holiday to be celebrated on the third Sunday of June. The holiday was not officially recognized until 1972, during the presidency of Richard Nixon. Then rest of the world follows to celebrate a fathers day.
In recent years, retailers have adapted to the holiday by promoting male-oriented gifts such as electronics, tools and greeting cards. Schools and other children's programs commonly have activities to make Father's Day gifts.
agpineda
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
CONDOLENCE
Our CONDOLENCES and PRAYERS for the Quitangon Family. May GOD comfort them in this tough times.
Cely Quitangon, wife of Eugenio Quitangon (deceased ) of SRF Design died two days ago of a stroke after two weeks in coma, in Goodyear Arizona. Cely worked in Safety Division. She is survived by her children, Dante in Matain Subic, Zambales; Rey in San Diego, CA and Fe, Eugene Jr, and Eric in Goodyear Arizona. Viewing will be on Friday, May 23 and Funeral on Saturday, May 24.
It is also with sad news that their eldest daughter, Luz, has just died a month ago of blood clot in her lungs.
Her daughter Fe Quitangon is a member of our batch (seen on this picture taken a long time ago).
From: SJS HS Batch 1980
Cely Quitangon, wife of Eugenio Quitangon (deceased ) of SRF Design died two days ago of a stroke after two weeks in coma, in Goodyear Arizona. Cely worked in Safety Division. She is survived by her children, Dante in Matain Subic, Zambales; Rey in San Diego, CA and Fe, Eugene Jr, and Eric in Goodyear Arizona. Viewing will be on Friday, May 23 and Funeral on Saturday, May 24.
It is also with sad news that their eldest daughter, Luz, has just died a month ago of blood clot in her lungs.
Her daughter Fe Quitangon is a member of our batch (seen on this picture taken a long time ago).
From: SJS HS Batch 1980
Monday, May 5, 2008
SHELL ACHIEVES ENGINEERING FEAT IN SUBIC BAY
SHELL ACHIEVES ENGINEERING FEAT IN SUBIC BAY (By Jen Velarmino)
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, May 30, 2000 - Thousands of residents here watched as three tugboats towed a gigantic concrete structure out of Subic Bay last Sunday afternoon en route to its final destination 50 kilometers offshore in northwestern Palawan.
The so-called "concrete gravity structure (CGS)," which weighs 85,000 tons and built by Shell Phils. Exploration B. V. (SPEX) at a cost of $150 million, is expected to reach the waters of Palawan by late Friday morning at the earliest.
Described as an "engineering feat," the CGS was successfully towed out of its casting basin in Redondo Peninsula where the structure was constructed by more than 1,300 workers starting in late-1998.
According to SPEX and its contractors, the Malampaya CGS Alliance led by Halliburton International, the structure, once it reaches the Malampaya natural gas field, will be "ballasted and sunk onto a pre-prepared seabed" more than 3,000 meters below sea level.
The CGS is just one of the components of the government's flagship $4.5-billion Malampaya deep water gas to power project. It will be used as base of a production platform that will extract an estimated 2.6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, enough to fuel 2,700 megawatts of power for Luzon for 20 years starting October 2001.
The CGS measures 63 meters high, equivalent to an 18-story building. It was designed to hold 500 million standard cubic feet of gas.
The government, which owns the natural gas resource, stands to generate revenues of about $10 billion in 20 years.
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Felicito Payumo said this is the first time that Subic hosted "a record-breaking project" such as the CGS.
"SPEX and its contractors should be congratulated for a job well done which is sure to benefit the country because they were right on target on their budget and were three months ahead of schedule. They also spent four million accident-free working hours with the help of world-class Filipino workers," he said.
"That alone made it an exceptional project that's why they said Subic was already on the map of the gas and oil industry," he added.
Payumo also revealed that plans are under way for an alternative use of the area the CGS vacated in Sitio Agusuhin.
"The area can be used for constructing another CGS and it will be much easier this time because of the available infrastructure and highly capable manpower. But that's not the only possible use, there are others looking at it for possible ship repair yard and other completely different land uses such as a resort or marina," he said.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2000 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE All rights reserved
seen on the internet a published news written by our Batchmate Jen Velarmino
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, May 30, 2000 - Thousands of residents here watched as three tugboats towed a gigantic concrete structure out of Subic Bay last Sunday afternoon en route to its final destination 50 kilometers offshore in northwestern Palawan.
The so-called "concrete gravity structure (CGS)," which weighs 85,000 tons and built by Shell Phils. Exploration B. V. (SPEX) at a cost of $150 million, is expected to reach the waters of Palawan by late Friday morning at the earliest.
Described as an "engineering feat," the CGS was successfully towed out of its casting basin in Redondo Peninsula where the structure was constructed by more than 1,300 workers starting in late-1998.
According to SPEX and its contractors, the Malampaya CGS Alliance led by Halliburton International, the structure, once it reaches the Malampaya natural gas field, will be "ballasted and sunk onto a pre-prepared seabed" more than 3,000 meters below sea level.
The CGS is just one of the components of the government's flagship $4.5-billion Malampaya deep water gas to power project. It will be used as base of a production platform that will extract an estimated 2.6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, enough to fuel 2,700 megawatts of power for Luzon for 20 years starting October 2001.
The CGS measures 63 meters high, equivalent to an 18-story building. It was designed to hold 500 million standard cubic feet of gas.
The government, which owns the natural gas resource, stands to generate revenues of about $10 billion in 20 years.
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Felicito Payumo said this is the first time that Subic hosted "a record-breaking project" such as the CGS.
"SPEX and its contractors should be congratulated for a job well done which is sure to benefit the country because they were right on target on their budget and were three months ahead of schedule. They also spent four million accident-free working hours with the help of world-class Filipino workers," he said.
"That alone made it an exceptional project that's why they said Subic was already on the map of the gas and oil industry," he added.
Payumo also revealed that plans are under way for an alternative use of the area the CGS vacated in Sitio Agusuhin.
"The area can be used for constructing another CGS and it will be much easier this time because of the available infrastructure and highly capable manpower. But that's not the only possible use, there are others looking at it for possible ship repair yard and other completely different land uses such as a resort or marina," he said.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2000 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE All rights reserved
seen on the internet a published news written by our Batchmate Jen Velarmino
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Alumni Night
The Alumni Night was held on March 16, 2008 at Olongapo City Convention Center (dating Phil Am). The occasion start at 5pm but the parade of the alumni batches did not start until 10pm. Batch 80 was given a part of the program. Our part was for the batch to sing, and sang we did.
You have seen the practice on the previous post. The performance of the batch during the alumni night would be seen on this video . We tried our best classmates, even if the members of the batch got very few practice. Cliff provides the accompaniment but you would not see him. He is at the back of the singers. Jen's voice could be heard at the top (due to her more closer to the mic) but everyone did their best and share their talent (there were only 3 mics not enough to cover everyone). The boys although few did their best and sang their heart out (after 2 long necks of Fundador).
On this Video we were singing the last part of "Teach Your Children" and this was followed by "Masdan Mo Ang Kapaligiran" by Asin which was our 3rd and final song. The batch has changed some parts of the lyrics to fit the current situation. I think everyone remembers this song.
And the lyrics goes like this . . .
alex pineda
You have seen the practice on the previous post. The performance of the batch during the alumni night would be seen on this video . We tried our best classmates, even if the members of the batch got very few practice. Cliff provides the accompaniment but you would not see him. He is at the back of the singers. Jen's voice could be heard at the top (due to her more closer to the mic) but everyone did their best and share their talent (there were only 3 mics not enough to cover everyone). The boys although few did their best and sang their heart out (after 2 long necks of Fundador).
On this Video we were singing the last part of "Teach Your Children" and this was followed by "Masdan Mo Ang Kapaligiran" by Asin which was our 3rd and final song. The batch has changed some parts of the lyrics to fit the current situation. I think everyone remembers this song.
And the lyrics goes like this . . .
wala ka bang napapansin
sa iyong mga kapaligiran
marami nang anak namin
pati na ang mga apo namin
hindi na masama ang pag unlad
at malayo-layo na rin ang aming narating
ngunit masdan mo ang mga buhok namin
dati kulay itim ngayo'y may puti na rin
ang mga duming ating ikinalat sa hangin
sa langit huwag na nating paabutin
upang kung tayo'y pumanaw man
sariwang hangin sa langit natin matitikman
mayroon lang kaming hinihiling
sa aming pagtanda sana ay tag ulan
I-pod namin as aming dadalhin
upang sa Starbucks na lang tayo mag ja-jaming
ang mga batang ngayon lang isinilang
may J-S na silang natitikman
samantalang nung panahon ng Batch 80
ang J-S di man lang nasubukan
lahat ng bagay na narito sa lupa
biyayang galing sa diyos kahit nung ika'y wala pa
ingatan natin at huwag nang sirain pa
pagkat pag kanyang binawi, tayo's mawawala na
alex pineda
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Our Practice of Teach
Our batch decides to sing, and they say that Jen was the one who pick the songs. If were going to sing, we need to practice at least to have a rhythm. Cliff was the conductor, music teacher, coach and guitarist for the batch (we were once genesis II members). On this video we were singing "Teach Your Children" by CSNY. Teach your children is our song number 2 on the line up of 3 songs.
And the lyrics goes like this...
YOU, WHO ARE ON THE ROAD, MUST HAVE A CODE
THAT YOU CAN LIVE BY
AND SO, BECOME YOURSELF
BECAUSE THE PAST IS JUST A GOODBYE
TEACH, YOUR CHILDREN WELL, THEIR FATHERS HELL
DID SLOWLY GO BY, AND FEED THEM ON YOUR DREAMS
THE ONE THEY TEACH, THE ONE YOU'LL KNOW BY
DON'T YOU EVER ASK THEM WHY,
IF THEY TOLD YOU, YOU WOULD CRY
SO JUST LOOK AT THEM AND SIGH,
AND KNOW THEY LOVE YOU
AND YOU (CAN YOU HEAR AND)
OF TENDER YEARS (DO YOU CARE AND)
CAN'T KNOW THE FEARS (CAN YOU SEE ME)
THAT YOUR ELDERS GREW BY (MUST BE FREE TO)
AND SO PLEASE HELP (TEACH YOUR CHILDREN)
THEM WITH YOUR YOUTH (YOU BELIEVE AND)
THEY SEEK THE TRUTH (MAKE A WORLD THAT)
BEFORE THAY CAN DIE (WE CAN LIVE IN)
TEACH YOUR PARENTS WELL, THEIR CHILDRENS HELL,
WILL SLOWLY GO BY, AND FEED THEM ON YOUR DREAMS
THE ONE THEY TEACH, THE ONE YOU'LL KNOW BY
DON'T YOU EVER ASKED THEM WHY,
IF THEY TOLD YOU, WOU WOULD CRY
SO JUST LOOK AT THEM AND SIGH,
AND KNOW THEY LOVE YOU
alex pineda
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Practice
On the day of registration we also need to practice for our batch presentation on the alumni night. The Alumni night was the culmination on all the celebration for the home coming. Here is a video at the beginning of the practice while we were waiting for the rest of the gang. It was done at Susan's house and Susan prepared a lot of food as if she knows that me and cliff would be there.
alex pineda
Registration
The first day of the alumni home coming was the registration of all alumni that will attend the celebration. I was directed to go to the auditorium which was on the 3rd floor of the new building situated on the location of the social hall during our time (the social hall is now a concrete building, our old school rooms in elementary that was torn down and connected to make one big hall, where we used to do our activities was gone. The principal's office, teachers lounge and teachers meeting rooms where located on the 2nd floor of the social hall.)
As I was climbing up the stairs to go to the registration area. I run into one of our batch mates, Cliff (who was so surprised that I was there). Cliff was going down the stairs looking for other batch 80 members. Then Francis showed up at the bottom of the stairs and so the three of us went up to register. After registration we went back downstairs, climb into the stage where our principal (Mrs Ridon) and some of our teachers were and together watched the presentation of students on the quadrangle. We also got handed some barbecues on stick (I just hope there's more of them) and I ate one.
This picture was taken inside the registration hall which was the whole auditorium.
alex pineda
Introduction
Here I am again making something I have never done before. I just came from the Philippines on my vacation and it so happens that it was also the date of SJS alumni Home coming. Needless to say, I ended up attending the occasion. In one of my heart to heart talk with Jen. We ended talking about the probability of starting a blog regarding our batch. Our beloved Batch 1980 of St. Joseph's School of Olongapo City. On that short talked, we felt that we need some way to express the needs of our batch. We long for connection and updates regarding our school, our city and our batch mates. We do have a yahoo group but it was felt that yahoo group alone does not satisfy the need for connection with each other (we need more). We need something that is dynamic and active. So here it is the BLOG which can be accessed by anyone from our batch (just send me an email and I will send you the sign in and password). So that we can tell those who want to hear what we want to say, regarding ourselves, development, improvement and anything else as long as it does not hurt anyone.
So here it is Jen, our very own BLOG. I do remember that you as a journalist wanted to post related things to our batch, school, Olongapo, or anything under the sun. As long as it is interesting.
Alex Pineda
So here it is Jen, our very own BLOG. I do remember that you as a journalist wanted to post related things to our batch, school, Olongapo, or anything under the sun. As long as it is interesting.
Alex Pineda
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