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iKobo: The Surest Way to a Worldwide Money Transfer iKobo is a global financial services company which provides online electronic payment and remittance services. iKobo's proprietary, web-based Global Integrated Funds Transfer System (GIFTS) is optimized for easy, fast and secure personal money transfer and e-commerce services for anyone, anytime, anywhere. Solitude at Dumaluan Beach Dumaluan Beach is my favorite hangout beach on Panglao. Long, blindingly white powdery sand, too dazzling leaving me squinting against the blinding spark of the sand. Swimming in the waters of Dumaluan comes next to Boracay's White Beach. Water in Dumaluan Beach is crystal clear exposing the bottom world of fine white sand. Boholanos are blessed with such an amazing beach, I say so because Dumaluan Beach is a public beach, although the western end of the beach is off-limits to non-guests of Bohol Beach Club. However, one may enjoy BBC surroundings without checking-in. Pay 100 pesos for entrance which is also consumable. You may use the facilities except the swimming pool. BBC is popular among traveling Mormons. A group of these young preachers was playing beach volleyball next to us. Cogon Shrine - Simbahan Lingin When in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, ask anybody about a "Simbahan Lingin" and everybody would instantaneously point you to Cogon Shrine. Simabahan Lingin translates to a church that is round in shape. Cogon Shrine is indeed a round church, and is the only round church in Bohol, so without mistake, this will be the church that will be pointed by local folks if you are looking for a Simbahan Lingin. Only in the Philippines: Uniquely Pinoy I found this article by Matthew Sutherland, a British journalist stationed in the Philippines very hilarious but also very true. I hope you also like it! Megaworld Philippines: Building the Future Megaworld began as a high-end property developer, building residential projects that captured the imagination of the upscale market. In 1994, it spun off Empire East Land Holdings, Inc. and Empire East Properties, Inc. to answer the needs of the middle-and low-income market. Thus was born the country’s premier housing supermarket, catering to a wide range of customer budgets (from PhP 750,000 to 10 million), with housing options ranging from house-and-lot packages to duplex-type homes, townhouses, residential lots, high- and medium-rise condominium units and fully serviced residential suites. The Legacy of San Miguel Corporation San Miguel Corporation is Southeast Asia's largest publicly-listed food, beverage, and packaging company with over 26,000 employees in more than 100 facilities throughout the Asia-Pacific. GLOBE: Connecting People Globe Telecom has a long history of uniting people by forging strong links of communication throughout the country and with the world. Globe Telecom descended directly from Dollaradio, a ship-to-shore radio and telegraph company in the 1920s which was later renamed Globe Wireless Limited (GWL). SMART: Simply Amazing SMART is the Philippines' leading wireless services provider with 20.8 million subscribers on its GSM network as of end-June 2005. The Unofficial Philippine Television Ratings Tally This section of my blog will highlight the unofficial Philippine television ratings tally on the daily basis (if data is available). It is the aim of this section to prove (or disprove) the various claims done by our television stations about their real score in the ratings game. Check this site on the daily basis for a compilation of overnight ratings for ABS-CBN and GMA 7. Souvenir Shops and Pasalubongs Filipinos are known for their pasalubongs—gifts that are normally brought by a traveler to friends and relatives back home. When I was still employed at AccountMate, and I was tasked to be at its worldwide headquarters to re-do the corporate website, before leaving the Philippines, some colleagues of mine now residing in America would ask me to bring pasalubongs. And when I come back from my stint in Novato, California, friends and relatives would request that I bring something for them from the USA. East Meets West at Chowking Chowking Food Corporation was founded in early 1985, at a time when burger chains were the dominant players in the Philippine fast-food landscape. Ayala Corporation: Pioneering the Future Ayala Corporation's legacy is its adherence to the principles and ideals that wrought its existence. The Ayala tradition of excellence and integrity has run continuously through seven generations of one pioneering family aided by some of the best management talents in the country. It is among the oldest business houses in the country. From a fledgling company in 1834, it has become one of the largest, most respected, and most widely diversified conglomerates in the Philippines today. National Book Store: Truly Pinoy Luck is only a small part of National Book Store's success. Through the hard work and powerful leadership of Socorro Cancio-Ramos and the late Jose Ramos with their family, the company has evolved from its humble beginnings into the biggest and strongest bookstore chain in the Philippines. Philippine Airlines: A Proud Heritage Philippine Airlines (PAL) began life with a noble mission: to serve as a partner in nation-building. With this in mind, PAL took to the skies on 15 March 1941, using a Beech Model 18 aircraft amid the specter of a global war. It became Asia's first airline. Metrobank: The Philippine's Biggest Bank Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company (Metrobank) is the flagship company of the Metrobank Group. A universal bank, Metrobank provides a full range of banking and other financial services through its local and international branches. Superferry: Sakay Na! SuperFerry is the leading sea transport in the Philippines, sailing to 20 major ports / island destinations across the archipelago. Cebu Pacific Air: Our Time is the New Filipino Time Cebu Pacific (CEB), the second largest domestic carrier in the Philippines entered the market on March 1996 and pioneered the “low fare, great value” strategy in the local aviation industry. Serving almost 80 flights daily to 15 domestic destinations, CEB launched its International Operations on November 2001 and now fly to Hong Kong and Seoul, Korea. Flights to Korea though cannot be booked via this website. You may visit any of our ticket offices instead. Pinoy Snack Food ng Bayan: Chippy by URC Universal Robina Corporation is one of the largest branded food product companies in the Philippines with a growing presence in other Asian markets. It was founded in 1954 when Mr. John Gokongwei, Jr. established Universal Corn Products, a cornstarch manufacturing plant, in Pasig. The Company has since expanded and is now involved in a wide range of food businesses including the manufacture and distribution of branded consumer foods, flour milling, as well as, sugar milling and refining. In addition, the Company produces hogs and day-old chicks and manufactures animal and fish feeds, glucose and veterinary compounds. These businesses are operated through divisions and wholly or majority-owned subsidiaries that are organized into three core business segments, namely, branded consumer foods, agro-industrial products and commodity food products. The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño The conquering troops of Legazpi, upon landing in Cebu, in April 1565, discovered an image of the Christ Child inside a burning house. The soldier Juan Camus, a Basque, found the image still inside a wooden box. The image was clearly the Santo Niño done in the style of Flanders. The Augustinians in Legazpi’s expedition regarded the finding as an omen of good things to come. Thereupon the Augustinians established their first house. It was 28 April 1565. On 8 May Legazpi and his men drew up plans for the urbanization of Cebu and a site was allotted for a church and convent dedicated to Saint Augustine. A chapel of wood and nipa was hastily built and with appropriate ceremonies the image was enthroned in the chapel. On 1 June, Fr. Diego de Herrera, OSA was appointed as the first prior of the convent. Nightlife at Alona Beach, Panglao Island Nightlife at Alona Beach in Panglao Island, Bohol is more subdued compared to those in Boracay. But some tourists actually like this kind of atmosphere. More and more foreigners are coming to the island to savor the beauty and comfort of the place. Destination: San Carlos City San Carlos was Nabingkalan, an arrabal of Hilub-ang (Calatrava) in the island of Buglas (Negros). Nabingkalan derived its name from Nabingka, an ebon beauty of a princess, who ruled the barrio during the early part of the 17th century. She was famous for her loveliness and mental and physical prowess. After her death, the people mourned for two years, but to perpetuate her memory, something had to be done, and that was to name the barrio Nabingkalan. So it was, as it is to this day. Destination: Ormoc City The name "Ormoc" originated from "Ogmok", an old Visayan term for lowland or depressed plain. "Ogmok" also refers to a spring located between Brgy. Donghol and Mahayag. President Corazon Aquino President of the Republic of the Philippines since February 25, 1986, Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, has experienced praise and faced adversity with courage and directness. Business Tycoon Lucio Tan Lucio Tan is the richest industrialist in the Philippines, with a personal net worth of at least $1.5 billion. Known to be shrewd but secretive and reclusive, Tan has extensive investments in China and Hong Kong. Ayala Center Cebu: The "Tourist-Friendly" Mall Shopping and leisure mall Ayala Center Cebu (ACC) is intensifying its position as a "tourist friendly" mall through crafting new offerings to draw in more tourists to shop. Panaghoy sa Suba Along Loboc River in Bohol Enjoy a fascinating boat ride in the serene waters of Loboc River, starting from Loay Bridge which is the outlet of the river, and along the palm-fringed banks inland. The ride via motorized pump boat ends near the Tontonan water falls, where several falls with cascading water provides a pleasant bathing session. The Year of the Dog After the turbulent year of the rooster, a year full of surprising and unfortunate events, we welcome a period of relative calm in the Year of the Fire Dog. Of all the animals, the Dog is man’s best friend, and we will therefore see a great deal of humanity and domesticity coming to the fore. But before we reveal our fearless forecast for this year, let us first look at the year just ended, the Year of the Wooden Rooster. PBB Celebrity Edition Premieres on February 4 Preparations for the much-awaited celebrity edition of Pinoy Big Brother are now in full swing with only few weeks left before the ball starts rolling for the 12 celebrities who will take on the new challenges of Big Brother! Creating Wealth in a New Environment A chilling breeze greeted me the moment I entered the door that leads to the main viewing area. The place was filled with local and foreign tourists, all quiet but the amazement in their faces were very visible as they enjoyed watching the breathtaking scenery of the entire Cebu City and neighboring towns. A View from the Tops, Cebu City A chilling breeze greeted me the moment I entered the door that leads to the main viewing area. The place was filled with local and foreign tourists, all quiet but the amazement in their faces were very visible as they enjoyed watching the breathtaking scenery of the entire Cebu City and neighboring towns. Housemate Sam Milby At 21, not so tall, but handsome and engaging Sam Lloyd Milby is a prized catch for ABS-CBN and Star Cinema -- probably the only genuine showbiz find in the first edition of Pinoy Big Brother last year. Pinoy Malling at SM ShoeMart SM Prime Holdings, Inc. is part of the SM Group of Companies, one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines with interests in commercial property development, shopping mall operations, retail/wholesale and merchandising, banking and financial services, and leisure/tourism and real estate development. Pinoy's Langhap Sarap at Jollibee Jollibee is one of the Philippines' phenomenal business success stories. Starting in 1975 as a two-branch ice cream parlor, it later expanded its menu to include hot sandwiches and other meals. With encouraging success, Jollibee Foods Corporation was incorporated in 1978 with seven outlets to fully explore the possibilities of a hamburger concept. Thus was born the company that revolutionized the fast food industry in the Philippines. Kabayan Noli de Castro Noli de Castro's ascendancy to the second highest post in the republic could rightly be called, as one news report puts it, "the pinoy dream." He transcended his family's poverty and now holds the mandate of the Filipino people. Destination: Bacolod City Bacolod City, situated on the northwestern part of the island of Negros, is bounded by the Guimaras Strait on the west, the municipality of Talisay on the north, the municipality of Murcia on the east, and Bago City on the South. Destination: Tacloban City Strategically located at the heart of Eastern Visayas or Region VIII, Tacloban City lies along the northeastern side of the island of Leyte. Tacloban`s location and accessibility have made the city the commercial, educational, government and political hub as well as the tourism service center of the region. Le Spa Massage: Respite in the City There is the sub-story in these beckoning images at Le Spa, an urban haven amidst the city's hustle and bustle. It is a yarn of battle flesh and spirit come alive because of the indulgent care of the city's undoubtedly posh-iest spa. Some Outstanding Businessmen of the Philippines in 2005 It's admirable how indefatigable business people defied the nauseating political and economic crises and other problems and made a positive impact on the Philippine economy in 2005. Tycoons like Lucio Tan of Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Philippine National Bank, brothers Jaime Augusto and Fernando Zobel de Ayala of Ayala Land and Globe Telecom, Atty. Felipe Gozon of GMA Network Inc., and others have continuously invested in the Philippine economy. However, here is a list of inspiring mavericks – gutsy business people who were the most innovative – and audacious – in their 2005 investments. This list is not in any order of importance, seniority or degree of charisma. The Heart of a Boxing Champion: Manny Pacquiao A bigger, stronger, smarter, and more focused Manny Pacquiao gradually and dramatically wore down and stopped Erik Morales in the 10th round of an electrifying rematch Saturday before 14,618 fans at the Thomas & Mack Arena. The Miraculous Water of Dauis Church in Bohol Located in the town of Dauis, three kilometers from Tagbilaran City, Dauis Church is one of Bohol's beautiful churches that has retained its Spanish architecture despite a semi-modern façade. The interior has life-like murals painted on the ceiling. Dauis Church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It was built in the year 1697, its design largely influenced by Romanesque and Byzantine architecture. Beautiful frescoes painted in 1916 by a painter named Ray Francia decorate the entire ceiling of the church. Philippines Wooing Japan's Aged with Skilled, Low-Cost Care In a spacious room at the Rose Princes Home, a nursing facility on the outskirts of Manila, a caregiver feeds an 81-year-old partially paralyzed Japanese man. The Treaty of Friendship: Blood Compact of Legaspi and Sikatuna One of the most important historical events etched in the annals in the Philippine history and immortalized in canvass by the famous Filipino painter Juan Luna as one of his masterpieces, is the famous Blood Compact between Datu Sikatuna, a local native chieftain, and Captain Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, the intrepid Spanish explorer and colonizer. Sinulog: History and Pageantry Sinulog is a pageantry of faith, a festival held in honor of the Santo Nino, celebrating the origin of the island of Cebu. Thoughts on Sinulog as a Secular Festival Festivals are public events celebrated or held either for religious reasons or secular purposes. The activities often involve carefully planned programs or ceremonies, outpourings of admiration, rejoicing, or high revelry. In many cases, especially in pious societies, traditional secular celebrations normally include a religious service. Comparative Study Between Thailand and the Philippines In the early 1970s, the Philippines was a leading economic power of Southeast Asia with its growth overshadowing that of its counterparts in the region. One example of its economic predominance was its successful bid to bring in the Asian Development Bank, outplaying a competing bidder, Japan. Other international organizations followed suit by placing their Southeast Asian or Western Pacific regional headquarters in the country. In those days, with Thailand still dismal in its growth, the two countries projected a clear contrast in the state of their economies. My Wonderful Calendar Cards It has been a week since my last posting here in my blog. I have been very busy with the three projects I am handling under WebScout--the web design and development company that I am starting. The first project is a website for a company based in Novato, California. I will give you the details of the project as soon as we have formalized the arrangements. The second project is for the upcoming reunion of our batch. This year is the tenth anniversary of DWCT-HS Batch '96 and we are planning a big celebration this coming December 2006. One of the tasks assigned to me is to develop a website for the reunion. The last project that I am doing this week is for the ESL Edu-Tourism Institute, whcih I have partnered with GreatMinds. It is an ESL Program that focuses on the Korean and Japanese market for these people to come to the Philippines, specifically in Bohol, to study the English Language at the same time enjoy the country's tourist destinations and spots. Drink Water on an Empty Stomach An email containing something intriguing arrived at my inbox. It talks about water therapy as a possible cure to many of today's illnesses. If I am to follow the guidelines enumerated in the email, I lose nothing. So here I am on the first day of the water therapy. It's really up to you if you would also try the procedures. The Ever-Fragile Tarsier in Loboc, Bohol The Philippines Tarsier Monkey's are probably the smallest primates in the world. Its Latin name is 'Tarsius Syrichta'. Its diet consists of insects in the main which they eat live. Its height is between 90 to 160 mm (3.5 to 6.25 inches) and its weight is between 70 to 165 grams (3-6 ozs). Its big eyes give them very acute night vision, which make them good night hunters. Their big ears can move in the direction of any noise and their heads can swivel through 180 degrees which all help them in hunting. That Rotunda Called Fuente Osmeña Cebu will never be Cebu without that circular rotunda called Fuente Osmeña. Before the boom of the malls in the North Reclamation Area for SM City Cebu and the Ayala Center Cebu in Lahug, the Fuente Osmeña Circle is the place to be. Standing gloriously around the circle are some of Cebu's legacy establishments like Robinsons and Midtown Hotel, Elegant Circle Inn, Rosita's, and Rajah Park Hotel. Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos Fidel Valdez Ramos (born March 18, 1928), military hero of the 1986 People Power Revolution that toppled the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos, became the 12th President of the Republic of the Philippines on June 30, 1992. He succeeded Corazon Aquino and governed until 1998, when he was succeeded by Joseph Estrada. His six-year term as president was widely recognized in building economic and political growth and stability in the country despite facing communist insurgencies, an Islamic separatist movement in Mindanao and the onslaught of the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Doing a Manny Pacquiao on the Economy How and when can the Philippine economy become as aggressive and as victorious as the world featherweight boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, the formerly poor tailor and construction worker born in General Santos City, Mindanao? The day the value of the Philippine peso plunged to another historic low due to worries about military coups, the government budget deficit and political uncertainties, the 77-year-old founder of the country’s most diversified industrial conglomerate delivered a rare public speech in the country’s second biggest city, boldly calling for five major reforms to strengthen our weak, heavily-indebted and uncompetitive Philippine economy. The Hills are Alive at the Chocolate Hills in Carmen, Bohol The world-renowned cone-shaped Chocolate Hills is Nature's expression of beauty, mystery and romance. Spread over the municipalities of Carmen, Sagbayan and Batuan, the Chocolate Hills is the province's signature attraction. It consists of approximately 1,268 hay cock hills with heights ranging from 40 to 120 meters. Formed centuries ago by tidal movements, the hills are considered as a National Geologic Movement. During the summers, the dome-shaped grass covered limestone hills dry up and turn brown, transforming the area into seemingly endless rows of chocolate "kisses" SM's Sy Bullish on RP Economy Doomsayers hear this: one of the country's most successful businessmen is bullish on the Philippines' economic prospects for 2006. Philippine Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr. Partisan politics is the public face of democracy, the most visible manifestation of political liberty. It thrives in the Philippines. Yet in the Philippines and everywhere else, as we know, the liberty of partisan politics depends ultimately upon restraints imposed by law and by the authority of governing institutions. Few people understand this paradox of freedom better than Hilario G. Davide Jr., chief justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. Destination: Laoag and Vigan, Philippines Time-locked Ilocos is a broad hardy country blessed with impressive wide highways and stretches of narrow cobblestoned roads, antiquated towns dominated by heavily-buttressed grand churches and Antillan ancestral homes, and a brave people who, by sheer industry, harnessed a formidable terrain into a source of sustenance. Señor Sto. Niño de Cebu Cebu is starting to warm up to its annual Sinulog celebration. I just came from Cebu today and I have to admit that the place is as festive as ever! The streets at night are jammed with traffic with people going to places within the city that offer entertainment. During daytime, the streets are also crowded with people witnessing various street activities like Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan and Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Sugbu. Destination: Palawan, Philippines Palawan is paradise, sanctuary to an amazing variety of fauna and flora found nowhere else in the world. It is blessed with incredibly awesome landscapes that astound even the most indifferent of visitors. Developments Along Archbishop Reyes: Banilad Town Center The stretch from Ayala Center Cebu going to the University of San Carlos (USC)-Talamban in Cebu City is becoming a hub for an assortment of businesses sprouting like mushrooms. It seemed like yesterday when this stretch was only accentuated by the Grand Convention Center near the Ayala Center Cebu end, and the Gaisano Country Mall on the other end near the USC-Talamban. Destination: Manila, Philippines The capital of the Philippines - its heart and soul -- is Manila. It sets the rhythm of life in this archipelago and is a pulsating hub that blends the Oriental with the Occidental, the quaint with the modern, the mundane with the extraordinary.. The Amazing Bohol Bee Farm I just had the most out-of-this world but awesome experience two days ago at Bohol Bee Farm. Imagine yourself eating flowers like gumamela, bougainvilla and others; how about eating a squash muffin or a camote-made slice bread. These are some of the tasteful delicacies that I tried during our day tour at Bohol's only ultra-organic community. Experiencing Finland-Made Sauna at Le Spa Massage In most European countries where the sun almost never shine, its people use the most sophisticated equipment—a Sauna—to sweat out and release toxins from their bodies. And this is done entirely in the comfort of their homes while relaxing. But Boholanos need not go to Europe to experience the classiness and elegance of a sauna. That’s because, the first Finland-made sauna is now available in Bohol, specifically in Tagbilaran City at Le Spa Massage. Baclayon Church, The Philippines Oldest Stone Church The town of Baclayon, Bohol, a 20-minute ride from the City of Tagbilaran is where the oldest stone church in the Philippines is nestled—the famous Baclayon Church. TOYM Awardee Francisco Bernardo III, Entrepreneur-At-Heart He grew up in Tondo among people hungry for food and ideas. But this did not deter Francisco "Jay" Bernardo III from achieving success, which resulted in his inclusion in the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines awards. Baclayon Church, The Philippines Oldest Stone Church The town of Baclayon, Bohol, a 20-minute ride from the City of Tagbilaran is where the oldest stone church in the Philippines is nestled—the famous Baclayon Church. Alona Beach, Panglao Island, Bohol If you are looking for an alternative to Boracay, then Panglao Island is it! The beaches, the sand and the sun in it are as good as Boracay; but it is half as crowded and the food, the accommodation and everything half as costly. More people know about Boracay because it is heavily publicized but Panglao Island is slowly getting there with good word of mouth reviews from travelers far and wide that have been to this exotic paradise. To some, it is a beach haven par excellence, bar none! Destination: Davao, Philippines Endowed with a variety of picturesque landscapes, Davao's topography dazzles: Fruit plantations and orchid farms mantle volcano-fed hills and valleys. Virgin forests nurture rare wildlife. Coral islands lie on mirror flat water. And the country's highest peak magnificently lords over the hinterland. The DWCT-HS Batch '96 Grand Reunion EXECOM For the DWCT-HS Batch 1996, this year—2006, will be its 10th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, back then in 1996 before our graduation, everyone has agreed to celebrate the reunion in 2006. Showbiz Predictions for 2006 I am an avid reader of Ricky Lo, The Philippine Star's resident entertainment writer. I have to admit that his views and commentary are very objective despite his affiliations (with GMA-7 and Philippine Star). And every year, he writes down some predictions for the local entertainment scene. After one year, let us all see which of his predictions will come true and which ones did not. A Visit to a Butterfly Farm: Sagbayan, Bohol On New Year's Eve, my family, together with my staff had a tour of Bohol. I have to admit that despite living in Bohol for most of my childhood, and now since last 2003, I have not been to all nooks and corners of the island. The Hitlist: Only in the Philippines From the 1896 Revolution to the first Philippine Republic, the Commonwealth period, the EDSA Revolt, and the tiger cub economy, history marches on. Thankfully, however, some things never change. Like the classics, things irresistibly Pinoy mark us for life. They're the indelible stamp of our identity, the undeniable affinity that binds us like twins. They celebrate the good in us, the best of our culture and the infinite possibilities we are all capable of. Some are so self-explanatory you only need mention them for fellow Pinoys to swoon or drool. Here, from all over the country and in no particular order, are some of the best things that make us unmistakably Pinoy. Destination: Cebu, Philippines Cebuanos celebrate life like no other. They strum their guitars and sing the "balitaw" when they're happy. They strum the guitar and sing the "harana" when they're sad. And when they pray, they dance! It therefore comes as no surprise that the guitar is a prime product in Cebu which, quite naturally, has also produced a large share of the country's best musicians and master showmen.
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