Travelogy: Koronadal City

Koronadal City - a place known for Hinugyaw Festival. I will not be talking about its festivities, however, I will be talking about a place where  you could stay in a budget. Budget hotels, inn or motels are very hard to find nowadays.

If you're looking for a budget inn in Koronadal City, then go to Villa Princessita. Strategically located that is not far from the city proper, malls and restaurant and still find an oasis to rest and relax.

Their rooms are cozy and nice. Cable TV, beds can be in pairs, or by fours. It terms of place? really cheap so can enjoy most of your money to the local delicacies of Koronadal.

Pasalubong ba hanap mo? Buko pies in this Inn is a must. Buko pies, once tasted, is heavenly so don't check out without buying the pie.

The crews are all friendly and are willing to attend to all your needs. They even serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. What more could you ask for in a budget inn.

Life and Love

Life must go on...

Like a tree that is planted in my heart
It needs to be nourished and watered;
Like a flower that blooms every spring
Like my heart pounding in a boxing ring.


But love cannot be love without someone to be loved
I may be foolish but I know it's true;
That falling in love with you
Is the greatest feeling even when I am blue.

Could love be there when the rain starts to pour?
Could love still be there even when it's broken?
Could love still be there when you're not around;
No it isn't
because Love, your Love is the Love when Love isn't there.


5/30/2004
5:30PM

Fate: A Sassy Girl Story

fate and love

What is fate? as most people may ask. It is building a bridge of chance for someone you love. There is one thing that love strongly suggest that if you love someone, set her free. What is wrong with someone whom you do not love marry?. Ironic, however, true.

What is love? Ask yourself. Do you love her? I think not. If you want to find love, stop being foolish and start living. If she comes back to you, she's all yours.

Love is blind they say
But what can't you see states;
That falling in love is a hearsay
This feeling of mine obliterates.

sassy girl movie

a sassy girl

Can you see this ache in my heart
How I wish this wouldn't last;
But what can I do, I love you so
God, help me to find a cure fast.

fate? what is it?

Why can't I erase you in my mind
I am full of you;
Please stop this at once
Or else I may be blind.

I want to lose you  but I can't
I want to slap you but my hands got tied up;
I want to squeeze you hard until you pop
But this love mine keeps stronger in an instant.

fate controls

O, how I love you so
Please get out of my sight;
I don't want to be hurt again
But I can't help it, I'm a fool for you.

I love you with all my heart
I love you no matter what;
O, how I wish you will be a part
Of my life 'til the very last drop of my blood stops.

Travelogy - Travels to Luzon

In one of my travels going to Manila, a place i rarely go to, who knew that there's a budget hotel that every Juan can afford. Though it's not in Metro Manila per se, however, its accessibility to almost anything is commendable. I am talking about Gohotels in Mandaluyong City. It is located near MRT-Boni Station, right beside the Robinsons Mall Forum.

When I first arrive there during the holidays, ignorance just crept in, I couldn't open their front door. It was locked from the inside and in order for you to go in is to swipe their guest cards and I don't have that. Luckily one of the crew saw me and  opened the door from the inside. I later found out that you have to push the buzzer button to let them know. It amazes me to have such security system in a budget hotel.

A friendly staff greeted me with a smile. A smile on their faces felt so warm that really invites you to really check in. That's a way to start your day in a hotel. Security is their primary concern as all floors have CCTV cameras.

side table lamp is also provided

two beds, clean sheets

bathroom

Their rooms are cozy and minimalistic. A good place to rest and relax after long day of travel and shopping (just outside the hotel is a mall to go shopping in). All floors are WIFI ready so better bring along your laptops or do your reports without worries of not submitting it on time while enjoying their beautiful lounge.

a window or not? Guess?

me at a huge mirror

massage anyone?

After a tiring day at the mall or just frolicking around the metro, a massage booth is located on the fifth floor at a very affordable price is a steal. Just imagine, Right at the comfort of the hotel is a massage parlor right at your doorsteps.

Hungry? No problemo. At the lobby, you could access to the wondrous and sumptuous meals of Tokyo Cafe. Try their Bento or breakfast meals for an affordable price. Try Loco Moco and a taste of their Tokyo blend, it will energize you for the day.

Forgot some goodies, toiletries or maybe a mid night snack, then go to the Mini Stop right beside Tokyo Cafe. A variety of groceries to choose from. If your in a hurry, try their microwaveable sandwiches and meals, complete with rice, eggs and coffee in a few seconds.

 
It was fun staying in a budget hotel where all your needs are met. To know more about gohotels and promos just click the link: Gohotels

Travis Ryan sings He's Been Faithful

In Christ Alone gospel karaoke / accompaniment

O.C. ba ako? Ikaw?

Dokyu ni Sandra Aguinaldo link

While watching the documentary of Ms. Sandra Aguinaldo (GMA 7), I wondered if I have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Efren, the guy Sandra interviewed, washes his hands almost every minute. Even brings alcohol in his pocket to clean his (filthy/dirty) hands. We may find it weird, however, some of us (1 million Filipinos, i might add) is suffering from this yet they hide for humiliation. It's a brave thing Efren did for coming out that He has this disorder.

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder anyways?. One friend said that I was OC. It's strange how he find me being obsessive or compulsive. Anyways, OCD is a psychiatric disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions, such as cleaning, checking, counting, or hoarding. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), one of the anxiety disorders, is a potentially disabling condition that can persist throughout a person's life. The individual who suffers from OCD becomes trapped in a pattern of repetitive thoughts and behaviors that are senseless and distressing but extremely difficult to overcome. OCD occurs in a spectrum from mild to severe, but if severe and left untreated, can destroy a person's capacity to function at work, at school, or even in the home.

 
How to know if you have OCD:

Step 1: Rate your anxiety

Rate your anxiety level. Many people are worrywarts, but OCD sufferers have persistent and disturbing thoughts, images, and impulses that they can’t suppress.

Step 2: Look for a pattern

Ask yourself if your obsessions have a theme. Common ones include an intense fear of germs; needing things to be symmetrical in order to feel calm; and violent or sexual thoughts you can’t control.

Step 3: Consider how you handle your fears

Consider how you handle your obsession. People with OCD try to control their worries or distressing impulses with rituals like constant hand-washing, counting in certain patterns, cleaning excessively, double-checking for safety hazards, and making sure objects are aligned.

Most adults with OCD recognize that their rituals are out of the ordinary, but most children with the disorder do not.

Step 4: Weigh how much your rituals interfere with your life

Weigh how much your rituals interfere with your life. OCD sufferers spend more than an hour a day performing their repetitive behaviors. Some are so controlled by their compulsions that they interfere with their ability to hold a job or sustain a relationship.

Step 5: Get diagnosed

See a doctor if you suspect you have OCD. A combination of medication and therapy can relieve symptoms in most sufferers.

(reference: how to know OCD)

DSWD rolls out Conditional Cash Transfer Program

Money matters – this phrase rings true in the daily lives of hundreds of poor Filipino families nationwide. Poverty alleviation has long been a government program in the Philippines, where, according to a 2010 Social Weather Stations report, 49% of families rated themselves as poor. The rate of hunger incidence among 3.4 million families is up by more than 2%, from last year’s 15.1% to this year’s 18.1%*.Increase in poverty and hunger in 2010 is attributed to the high prices of basic commodities. In a Business World article, Presidential Communications Development Secretary Ricky Carandang was quoted as saying, “The fact that there was some increase makes it all the more urgent for us to get our social programs in place. We’re hoping that some of that will be felt this year.” - CSC January 2011 issue

To know more about the cash transfer fund, kindly click the link below.


DSWD Cash Transfer Program Download file

DSWD Cash Transfer download file

Career Executive Service (Third Level Eligibility)

 The Civil Service Commission has released MC 2, series of 2011 on the decision of the Supreme Court on CSC versus Court of Appeals and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, G.R. No. 185766 dated November 23, 2010 (Third Level Eligibility). This Memorandum Circular will clear the issue on the coverage of the Career Executive service(CES). To find out more of the decision kindly click the download file below.






third level download file

Aubrey Pagarigan sings Saving Grace

When it comes to gags, jokes and on the spot comedic performance nobody can beat Aubrey. But who knew that inside of that fun and laughter lies an angelic voice. Once you hear her sing, you just stare in awe of her Alto voice. Here's a sample of her singing.

aubrey pagarigan singing



 

Sing me a Song 2

The title of the song is Beauty of Your Grace. As I led the music ministers in singing this song, we just want to praise God for the wonderful grace that He has given us.

travis singing beauty of Your Grace

Sing me a Song

My family are singers except for me though. I struggled a lot to find the right tone and pitch. So I joined our church choir and music team and started out as a projectorist (if there is such a word). So while practicing for the sunday's worship service, one member video taped me practicing some of the songs. Here's one of them.

click me singing

Humility

i came down for you to see
the love i have received with glee
but disgrace and distrust was upon you
now who i am to give this love, i woe.

i gave up my position for my friends
but you never noticed, as if you’re my fiend
i am willing to give up even my life
but you broke my heart like a cut of a knife

but love in me didn’t stop
though you ignored me, it breaks my heart
unconditional love i give, that’s for free
receive it in your heart truthfully, i plea.
-JESUS-

humility 

Thank You MBFI Family

 My quest on becoming a Metrobank Scholar was indeed God’s favor.

I was born barely having parents beside me. My mother, who is a nurse, left us to pursue her dreams abroad. I was eleven months old then and the youngest among three boys. My father took care of us up until he became a fugitive of the law when i was in grade 3. Life is hard, mind you, without any parents living beside you nor giving you advises and support. God has been so gracious that He didn’t allowed us to have no shelter, food and clothing. God provided us a family who would take good care of us. My father’s sisters took us and became our guardians. They chose not to have a family of their own and be a responsible guardians.

I lived independently ever since my parents was not around. I strive really hard to be on top of the game. Learning the basics on my own, selling ice drop in our school, and save a little of my allowance to buy educational books. Walking was always a part of my life. To save more, I seldom ride a transport and just walk.

I have learned a lot since childhood. I owe them all to my wonderful Aunts who has always been there for me and to my siblings.

After graduating in High School, I started wondering if I could go to college. At that time, I was ashamed of asking a big favor to my guardians to send to me to a good university. I started applying for a scholarship, without them knowing it. I prayed really hard to God to order everything and allow me to pass any scholarship. I’ve waited for an answer.

My heart was pounding, beating fast, as the day of enrollment comes near. I have chosen a course way back in grade school. Since then I was preparing myself to face a degree in Biology and be a medical doctor after. I enrolled in Ateneo de Davao University with a degree in Biology. I could get a part time job while going to school, i told myself. But right after I could pass all the requirements to the registrar, i received a call and told me that I passed the Metrobank Scholarship. My mouth was shut. I don’t know how to react and just thank God for the blessing. I went immediately back to Cotabato City and enrolled in Notre Dame University. While my dream was to become a doctor, the course granted by the Foundation was BS in Accountancy and BS in Mathematics.  I later chose BS in Accountancy. At first I was shocked by the numbers and later loved them. After graduation, i finally saw my mother and her new family.

I thanked God all the more when I finished a degree. I said that without God’s blessing and favor and without the foundation, one person’s dream may not be realized. When a person strive so hard, God sees the effort and grants him his desire, touching other people to be a vessel and an instrument in achieving that desire. To Tito Chito, and all my MBFI Family, words of thanks may not be enough. I continually pray that you will inspire more people in believing and achieving their dreams.

I now pursue my Doctor of Philosophy degree, it may not be a medical doctor that I desired before, still I thank God that I could help other people as well.

Thank you so much 

Just Do It

I
A friend opened up his difficulties
He struggled on matters that I hardly know;
But one thing I know that I should listen for feelings
Be quick to listen and slow to speak.

II
That friend released his emotions
the wounds of his heart sets his tongue in motion;
we ought to have control in our speech, I said
see our hearts and maybe the problem is you.

III
we ought to desire and experience life change
humble in ourselves to accept God’s word;
just do it as Nike’s motto says
do what the Word says, lasting life change shall begin.
~James 1:19-27~


NIKE Just do it

TUKSO

I
as i walk down the road of Cd’s and DVD’s
i saw new release videos, my eyes drawn away and was enticed;
naked people posing everywhere, nudity exposed
“tukso layuan mo ako”, i shut my eyes closed.

II
a few steps further brand  new cellphones for sale
oh, i can’t resist looking at them, i failed
the test of being tempted, i plea
Lord help me stay away from there, so it be.

III
glitters, gold, silver, diamonds displayed
a few steps forward it purposely deceive
people walking by unknowingly enticed
undivided attention now they see.

IV
temptation is not a sin they say
giving in to it, that is sin, please stay away;
satan wants you to play his game
God is good, don’t let Him get the blame.

Oh Tukso layuan mo ako 

Top Philippine Government Agencies in terms of Performance

Last year I had a chance to be part of the Report Card Survey conducting interviews to the constituents of the Local Government in the Philippines. This is an excellent program of the Civil Service Commission to really know what their constituents like about the services of their leaders. This is part of the Anti Red Tape Act campaign of the government.

Here's the article written by the Civil Service Commission and listed the top 6 performing Government agency.

Six local government units (LGUs) have been qualified to receive the Citizen’s Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence Award for garnering the highest ratings in a client satisfaction survey, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced.

The recipients of the Seal of Excellence Award are the Provincial Government of Compostela Valley with a rating of 95.5 (Excellent); City Government of Mati, Davao Oriental, 87.15 (Very Good); City Government of Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat, 85.1 (Very Good); City Government of Borongan, Eastern Samar, 83.86 (Very Good); Municipal Government of Burauen, Leyte, 81.88 (Very Good); and Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, 81.14 (Very Good).

The said LGUs, which hold the distinction of being the first government agencies to receive the award, are entitled to receive a wall-mountable glass seal bearing the Seal of Excellence Award symbol along with a cash reward.

The awardees attained the highest ratings in the Report Card Survey (RCS) conducted by the CSC during the pilot implementation of the program. The conduct of the Report Card Survey is one of the requirements under Republic Act No. 9485, known as the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 or ARTA.

The CSC, through its regional offices, conducted the RCS pilot run in selected government agencies from July 1 to August 31, 2010. It covered 10 priority agencies in the National Capital Region identified in Administrative Order No. 241, and the model province and model city of every region previously identified by the CSC.

Researchers were asked to interview clients who have already finished their transaction with the agency. Using a questionnaire and checklist as tools, the researchers rated the agency in terms of compliance with the requirements of ARTA, such as the presence of Citizen’s Charter, anti-fixer campaign materials, and help desk; and implementation of “No Lunch Break” policy.

It also evaluated client satisfaction based on the quality of service received, time it took them to complete the transaction, physical setup of the agency (e.g. signage/directions, accessibility, cleanliness, orderliness, lighting, ventilation and layout) and availability of basic facilities (e.g. comfort room, canteen, waiting area, facilities for pregnant women, persons with disability and the elderly).

A relatively new endeavor of the CSC, the grant of the Citizen’s Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence Award forms part of the Commission’s mandate to promote prompt, excellent, honest and courteous frontline service in the bureaucracy.

source

Job Opening: Project Director Literacy for Peace and Development (LIPAD) Project

The Magbassa Kita Founda­tion, Inc. (MKFI), is a non-stock, non-profit, non-government organization dedicated to the promotion of literacy, poverty alleviation, and peace especially in Mindanao.

MKFI was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 1991 and launched that same year.

The Magbassa Kita Foundation got its name from the “Magbassa Kita” literacy project, which former Senator Santanina T. Rasul launched in 1966.   “Magbassa Kita is a Tausug phrase which means “let us read”.

Its mission is anchored in the philosophy that literacy, education and economic empowerment are preconditions for the meaningful participation of individuals in society.

While maintaining literacy promotion as its major area of concern over the years, MKFI expanded its activities to include livelihood skills training, capa­bility building among farmers, and other economic empowerment initiatives.

MKFI realized that changing the quality of life in Mindanao requires addressing the armed conflict and the unstable peace and order situation, Thus in 2001 it launched its peace advocacy program by training women from the areas of conflict as peace advocates and agents of change.

For complete details of the job description and forms, kindly click the link below.

MKFI_Application_Pack-Project_Director