 | Welcome | Aug 30, 2004 |
Welcome to my site! Thanks for stopping by going through snippets of my life via the photos and journals as well as some other features I hope you will try to check out. Please do check out my main blog, Serious Prattle, which is actually the only one I currently update due my busy schedule: http://seriousprattle.com My other themed blogs are: http://maanstravels.com http://spaandwellnessblog.com http://catholicpilgrim.org My old blogs which contains past interesting posts are at: http://maansramblings.blogspot.com http://maanstravels.blogspot.com I do use multiply often however since its easier to upload photos. When its time to write some explanatons esp on my travel site I shift to my worrdpress blogs. In the meantime, the fresh photos can all be found here. Feel free to leave a comment/message on how I can improve this or about any of the stuff I have posted .  |  | Phil Internet Commerce Directors met with Privacy Intl people from London School of Economics as well as Cong. Liwayway Vinzon-Chato, author of the Privacy Bill in Congress |
 | | Held at Betty's, QC i was a suprise party. The guest book was unique. We all had to fill up the questions which was all about Tito Jun. Leo took our photos and printed right on each personalized page. So much food and the place was full packed with friends, relatives and colleagues of Tito Jun in the medical field. |
 | | For her golden year celebration, lulu chose to party by hiring a Suncruise ferry to bring us around the bay. Her only brother Fr. Anton said mass before we left the docking area. Ended around 10pm. |
 | | Check out my blog at : http://catholicpilgrim.org for the ff:
- Schedule of Relic visits throghout the country, Movie trailer, Movie Soundtrack, some other videos of St. Therese, My visit to the National Shrine Last night etc |
 | | Chicago Downtown, LakeShore Drive, Navy Pier, Chicago Trolley, Magnificent Mile, Soldiers Field, Bloomingdales, Water Tower, Chinatown |
 | | It pays to have a cousin who is a professional photographer. I get to have great photos! :) |
 | | Last friday the annual christmas party of the cyberpress was held at the penthouse of Eatons place in Salcedo Village. I usually arrive late except this time since Maricor said she will be early and I was supposed to fetch her in her office. This was the longest time I ever stayed in their party and it was surely fun! For the first time these journalists let their hairdown and danced to the tune of 80s bagets music (oops I seem to forget the name of the music but it is the theme of movie of the same title). Most guests were PR practitioners except some heads of IT and related companies like good friends Vicky Agorilla, country head of Lenovo, Ricky Banaag of Intel, country head of Cisco and various other folks from Microsoft like Mae Rivera (I surely asked her about the headline report of their supposed IT violation), Ericsson, Nikka Abes from Nokia, Racquel Cagurungan of Innove, Wo Rosete of Smart, Christine Matriano formerly from Teletech now Holcim etc.
In the absence of CICT Secretary Ray Roxas-Chua, Cynthia Mamon of Sun Micro inducted the new board of the IT journalists association.
I surely missed my friends from a major online publication (the biggest?) :) As in any organization or community, disagreements do happen. Hope they resolve it soon.
Beside the 90s dance of the media people, another highlight of the evening is the Cindy Lauper vs. Madonna Act. Was truly a riot! :)) |
 | | Last night the yearly traditional christmas celebration for the friends of Nunciature was held in their reception hall. Although I didnt feel quite well, I made sure I am present first because of my dad who I know would like me to be there and second, to meet the new Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Edward J. Adams, the first American representative of the Pope. Since my honda was coding I couldnt leave early. Because of the traffic I got very delayed. I thought is was a cocktail party but it turned out to be a sit down dinner. I get confused with the Pope's Day and christmas party.
Maybe it was a blessing because everyone was already seated and starting their dinner so I end up with Sister Jean leading me to the front table which again turns out to be the VIP seat. Oh well.....I was telling sister that usually dad never wants to take the center table and instead prefers to sit at the back or somewhere on the sidelights.
I didnt even recognize His Excellency who was apparently seated at the back when I arrived. Sister Jean introduced me to him then got me seated. After a few minutes he joined our table in front with Ambassador Tita de Villa, Mr and Mrs FF Cruz, and Mr and Mrs. Sabino Padilla.
Just before dessert, His Excellency made an announcement. He mentioned that someone who has worked for decades in the Nunciature will be given a Papal Award for all her efforts since she has to move on to a higher position in the Focolare movement, then he calls Mariela.
Apparently Mariela was not informed beforehand so she had the surprise of her life. His Excellency mentioned that Mr. Sabino Padillo will also be conferred a an award but this time more formally at the Manila Cathedral.
After we all had our dessert, His excellency gave his christmas message and a toast. He seemed 'cowboy" unlike his predecessors. I was surprised when he mentioned he was an only child so I asked him if I heard right and he said yes. His mother was also an only child so I said welcome to the club!
At the strike of 9pm, the protocol officer approached the nuncio and whispered that he has to say his goodbye message. Everyone made a long line to once again greet the nuncio and have some photos. I was really lucky to be seated wtih him so I was able to get to know him better than the rest.
http://catholicpilgrim.org |
 | | And it came to pass that the much awaited Part 2 of the momentous birthday celebration of my two schoolmates and business partner was held at the posh
Circles of Makati Shangrila, Nick's favorite hotel. This must be the nth birthday party of Atty Gerry (from his family, law school, wellness,group to parties with his clients).
Nick has always looked forward to coming to manila for Christmas to be with family and old school friends who he has always missed so much since somehow he never got to be informed of our last silver jubilee.
I actually didnt know who else were invited except a few who Nick requested me to call. I arrived shortly after 630 pm and I think that besides the two celebrants, only Sonny Clutario, AIM'sRonnie Rivera, Sonny Clutario and Food business expert Boyet Palma were there. A minute later Singapore Airlines big boss Ella Salita and Nick"s best friend Glenn Tecson who motored all the way from Nueva Ecija arrived then we all decided to start with the mouth watering appetizers.
My last meal was actually at 10am so I was famished. Then they all arrived Mandy Pascual who luckily is still in Manila and not assigned somewhere in Asia or Europe, Hongkong based citibanker Joel Limjap, Pawnshop magnate Tina Legazpi with ex-Citibanker Carissa Asperilla who suprisingly attended an ateneo affair this time.
A few minutes later we see Bunny Concepcion, Makati Med's chief of Endocrinology dept's Dr. Jojo Carlos-Reboca and Direct Selling guru now property management consultant Paeng Javellana.
While we were taking our main meal, the forever lovely and voloptuous Aisy Dantes-Payumo arrived representing her husband Bong who is still in New York. Mon Jarencio followed in a while and Chiqui Lara, the advertising industry icon.
The very late comers were Innove's Clarisse Gener and appliance king Vic Santillan who was also one of those who left early.
Nick once again showed his major production which had everyone laughing (a collage in film of his various past reunions which schoolmates). Right after the film showing, two cakes were brought in, we sang, they blew the candle, then more photo shoots. We all went back to chit chats and updating each other. I was requested to brief everyone about our Australian immigration business.
At around 11pm, we all called it an evening, super full with the mountains of food and very much happy just being with good old friends from college.
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 | | Last night we found ourselves again in the sprawiling mansion of Joey Concepcion at Forbes Park this time celebrating christmas and honoring successful disabled entrepreneurs. I was with Phil Internet Commerce Colleagues Mon Lizardo, Teddy Kalaw and Winthrop Yu. It was a smaller crowd than the first time I was invited to the place during the book launch of the Top 50 entrepreneurs of the country.
There were some familiar faces in the crowd. First person I surprisingly met was a former officemate Mona Montemayor who is now with ING Private Banking, then I met Evelyn who I was just having dinner with together with the other "Women of Ateneo" friends. Evelyn, the current mayor of Dipolog was with her sister Myrna Yeo, who heads one of the largest Women NGOs in the country. She was so much interested in the wellness industry so had quite a chat.
Later in the evening we met former CICT commissioner Dondi Mapa who was hudlled together with my former officemate Jojo Ocampo, SVP of BPI and Tito Panilio, a former high ranking bank executive now also an entrepreneur. Tito's father was a close friend of my dad's. We both reminisced our late dad.
A program ensued later hosted by Paolo Bediones. They honored the disabled entrepreneurs led by Dikoy Magdaraog, the son of Vic who is one of the founding directors of PICS. I had a photo with him to show his dad. He was the one who spoke in behalf of the other awardees.
While I was on my out, I met Dennis Valdes who just arrived from another party so I still stayed on a couple of minutes. The inviation mentioned cocktails but food was overflowing - at least two roasted calves, giant turkeys, my favorite collection of cheese with grapes, pasta and the delectable desserts - paana cotta and choco covered strawberries.
Senator Mar Roxas also dropped by. He will meet with our group next month. We were all given calendars shoing photos of the next Go Nego book which features celebrity entreps and a pot of Orchids as gift from Mr and Mrs Joey Concepcion.
When I reached home, I received a text from Winthrop saying he fell on the fishpond while looking for the restroom :) |
 | | This is the last batch of photos but somehow I cant remove some duplicates I uploaded. Nevertheless to continue, as we were touring Gerry's house, Elma Plana-Tetangco fancied going out through the glass door of the shower and walked along the ledge. I followed her but didnt walk through the end for there were no railings and it sure was scary for you can just fall blank on your place from the second floor! Consider checking out the two photos where elma was staring down, ang lakas ng loob! Anyway, achoot was calling on us so she can take our photo from below. Elma kept prodding me and with so much guts and not looking down I tried walking till the edge till achoot clicked her canon and I quickly went back, still staring straight and trying hard not to look down. Nakakahilo!
Now back to the ground floor, we joined the others and tried the french meal specially catered by a french company. We had some pasta with pesto, loved the dips esp the pate with melba toast. There was also green salad, two types of quiche, tomato and quiche lorraine, some concoction of I guess chicken with egpplant cant really recall everything. Dessert was superb but I wasnt able to catch some of the creme brulee but I loved the white merengue with cream and fruit plus choco on the side, forgot the french name.
After our meal, we had another group photo this time fronting the pool and with the house as background. We proceeded then to formally thank gerry and offer a gift of appreciation (also a caricature).
Some started to leave for manila but many still remained and drank wine and liquor plus muched on some more of the french food.
A bit later, our last batchmate arrived, photo finish, Conrad Favorito! Istorbo talaga corporate meeting which he just cant miss but he quickly rushed to the highlands to join his beloved classmates. Of course we had the last group photo of the day this time with Conrad.
After a few minutes we decided to call it a night. Some of the guys stayed overnight. It takes at least half an hour to say goodbye so we finally went out close to 7pm, had a final photo shoot in front of the Rosa coaster then proceeded to Manila.
List of those who attended which I based on those who submitted the updated info for our batch directory:
Adela "Ella" Marzan
Agerico "Gerry" Paras
Alexander "Alex" Cayaba
Ana Maria "Ana" Chua-Mendoza
Andres "Chito" Narvasa
Angela Rita "Ella" Salita
Antonio "Ony" Leyba Jr.
Antonio "Tony" Razon
Ava Cariquez
Celestino "Boyet" Palma III
Chyril Luz Rivera-Carino
Clarissa "Clarisse" dela Cruz-Gener
Conchita "Tina" Ribas-de Guzman
Conrado "Conrad" Favorito
Danilo "Dan" Carandang
Edgar Tan
Edward "Ed" Wenceslao
Elvira "Elma" Plana-Tetangco
Emmanuel "Emong" de Leon
Enrique "Jojo" Montero
Enrique "Ric" Lagria
Erlaster "Aster" Sotto
Fr. Roque Villanueva
Gina Rialp-Tan
Glenn Macavinta
Grace Roxas-Bayot
Gracia "Grace" Saulog
Joanne "Wendy" Lee
Joel Osorio
Jose "Joey" Cuyegkeng
Jose Alejandro "Sonny" Clutario
Jose Antonio "Jan-B" Banson
Jose Manuel "Joel" Limjap
Jose Victor "Jovie" Sison
Joseph Co
Lily Reyes-Lao
Ma. Assunta "Achoot" Cuyegkeng
Ma. Cristina "Tina" Legazpi
Ma. Luisa "Marissa" Segovia
Ma. Socorro "Mitos" Posadas_Santos
Manuel "Manny" Calejesan
Marcy Rivera
Maria Patricia "Patty" Tiangco
Maria Teresita "Maritess" Ramos
Mary Anne "Maan" Tolentino
Mirella "Lella" Medenilla-Santiago
Nini Santos-Borja
Olive Martinez
Pablo "Bing" Magtibay
Pamela "Pam" Lazatin-Escobar
Ramon "Mon" Jarencio
Ramon "Mon" Villarama
Ronnie Rivera
Sofia "Pia" Montinola-Lopez
Veranio "Bunny" Concepcion
Vicente "Benjie" Laza
Willy Ocier
Winnie Jimenez
Yohanna Esther "Yoyo" Bongco
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 | | The photos below include group photos inside The Peak, part of the program where people introduced themselves, message from Achoot Cuyegkeng, our very own batchmate and VP of Loyola schools, token gift for our host Willy Ocier (caricature) with an intro from Gina Rialp-Tan.
You can see US-based Tony Razon and Bing Magtibay
Before we took our own transport to move to Gerry's place, we had another group photo outside the building since our camera lenses couldnt accomodate everyone inside.
Some of us took the brand new Rosa Mitsubishi coaster which Gerry had brought from his hometown Pampanga for our use. A motorized security escorted our bus (see photos) to guide us to midland level where the California Mission-inspired mansion of Gerry is located. All the other vehicles of batchmates followed us.
When we reached Gerry's rest house, almost everyone proceeded to tour the place. Part of the photos are shown below.
I accompanied some of the people to the rooms upstairs since I was able to sleep over here a few months ago. They all gaped at the classy design and simple understated luxury.
Glenn was so amazed with the toilet that he sat on it while I took his photo :) Elma and lella as well as the rest who followed were amazed with the rest room design where you have glass doors on the side of the toilet and shower which leads to the ledge. The next album will show how elma braved walking to the ledge just to admire the surroundings :)
Some of the photos way below show some of our batchmates around the lap pool where tables were set up. Willy jokingly told us that he was Gerry's landscape artist since his garden extends to the HIghlands Golf fairways which in turn overlooks a fantastic view of the taal lake.
To be continued.....
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 | | Since the mass started late, Boyet Palma, Alex Cayaba, Bing Magtibay and Ony Leyba were able to catch up during the last half, and right before the mass ended, Nini Santos-Borja (sans Boy Abunda who contracted the flu) and MItos Posadas-Santos were the last to arrive just before the mass ended.
I failed to mention earlier that the pre-div guys (Ric, Tony, Glenn and Joel) and ex ateneo glee club folks (maritess, lella, tina and I) made up the impromptu choir which led the singing of the various mass songs. I realized a few mins after the mass started that there was no lector so Tina Ribas volunteered. Maritess chose all the mass songs.
For the recession hymn, we all sang the Mary Song complete with arms raised (We stand on the hill........), truly touching.
The sumptuous lunch followed plus the all important chikka chikka and updates. After the mass, Emong, the ever reliable emcee asked everyone to say a few words/updates since we last met. Prizes were raffled off and a special gift was given to our host Willy. We then had a group photo inside the Peak before we left for the house of gerry.
The Peak gave a truly breathtaking view of the whole Tagaytay Highlands. While on the balcony, one can savor the fresh breeze from the lake. We would have loved to stay longer but we only had a day. To be continued..... |
 | | Most of us arrived almost at the same time around close to noon time. I think the earliest seemed to be the group of Tina Legazpi, Ella Marzan and Mariz Segovia. Everyone was too engrossed exchanging pleasantries that we started mass around 1pm or so instead of 12:15 as originally scheduled.
We all gathered at The Peak, the highest point in Tagaytay Highlands. Willie Ocier, our most gracious host and batchmate reserved the place exclusively for us. It was Willie's dream to build this sprawling property. Fr. Roque came all the way from Olongapo to say mass for his classmates. Unfortunately batchmate Bishop Ambo couldnt make it due to his bz sked as mentioned by Fr. Roque but many of their pre-div classmates attended.
Fr. Roque in his homily mentione how happy he was that Mass preceeded lunch for he heard that it might be the other way around earlier. He said it was good we all realized what was more important - the sacrament to feed the soul, rather than food to feed the body. To be continued..... |
 | | From a brief downtown sojourn, to the Opening Reception and start of conference proper - see my personal blog for details http://seriousprattle.com |
 | | Right after lunch, tito paquito and tita edna accompanied me to the train station just a few mins from their place for our journey to downtown. It takes 1.5 hour to reach downtown but only one hour on an express train. Convenient enough as the New Lenox is the second to the last stop and downtown La salle st station is the last stop. Didnt know however we were going to walk to Palmer Hilton with my two luggages so after more than an hour morning excercise and another hour with my luggage, my feet surely hurt! :)
They left me after checking in including registration to the Int'l Womens Forum Leadership conference.
I walked around and bought some water and other stuff then went back to the hotel to meet my roomate Maricor Akol. See my blog for other details http://seriousprattle.com
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 | Guestbook | |
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ATTN: To all who may have been misdirected by a certain Alvin Su's posts,
This man is very misled about his perceptions of the Catholic Faith and grossly misunderstand its sacred teachings. He promotes a myopic and tendentious anti-Catholic belief which are filled with falf-truths and lies. His malicious hatred for the Catholic faith he masks in seemingly gentle words... but they are nonethless full of guile and insult. any discerning Christian faithful (regardless of sect) would find this aggressive and proviocative attitude offensive to the spirit and legacy of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Unless he can assure me otherwise, he seems to me as someone who speaks from a mind who cannot dialogue: inter-religious peace can only come about if there is first some amount of mutual respect about each other's beliefs. One cannot say s/he not to intend to offend and yet still insist on a misrepresented understanding of another's creed. i think that's pure baloney.
Let us therefore beware of wolves in sheep's clothing, of those with smooth tongues speaking falsehood. and i declare this in charity.
To all true and good Christians (regardless of sect), if you are in any way dissipated or disturbed by his posts please consult your priest, minister, pastor, spiritual director, or any spiritually sober and mature individual. Please do not be seduced by the slanders against Catholicism being spread by this Alvin Su. The Catholic Faith IS NOT what he preaches it to be.
God bless you all.
your little brother,
Friar Jose Eduardo
ps: I write this in the spirit of charity so that it cannot be said that no finger was lifted to defend the Faith. Alvin Su insists on infiltrating well-meaning Catholic or Ecumenical groups and sites to post such sad and hateful lies. Normally, I ignore his kind but many online friends have complained about his abusive "proselytizing" that i feel compelled to speak about this now. |
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mau lihat resep2 makanan enak gratis http://infooddrinks.blogspot.com biar pada jago masak nantinya.banyak ribuan resep2 masakan bintang 5. semua gratis lagi.saya buka resto, karena resep2 di sini lo. ada resep2 untuk diet dan noncolesterol lo... pokoknya komplit deh....caba aja kamu buka2 resepnya.... |
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bonsoir un peu tard mais merci d avoir visite mon site |
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thanks for visiting my site (',) i like the way you write.... |
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Hi! Thank you for adding The Book Parlor! Do check out our site from time to time for new reading materials! (: http://bookparlor.multiply.comGod Bless! (: |
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Thanks for the invite! =) |
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Hi Maan. I usually do not write on guestbooks of people i do not know... but... I was looking for links to the Virgin of the Poor when I tripped into your site. It's like looking into my own site or what i would like it to be... Your pilgrim site shows places i too have visited... How do you explain such coincidences? By the way, if you are a ex-banker and now and entrepreneur... I am an ex-govt employee who retired at age 40something last year and am now working with the youth as a counselor... It's a thrill stumbling int your site... God bless! |
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hi maan, can u tell me the name of ur au agency thing? and ur website as well.. thanks |
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Gold Account
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference
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