Ram Felix Rengel, Jr.
Memorable Moments 2005: Entertainment
Despite my hectic schedules, I always find a time to make myself entertained. Although I have to say that the adrenaline rush of managing one's own business is highly entertaining for me, watching from the sideline all the happenings in the entertainment industry especially in the Philippines, is even more gratifying and even more nerve-wrenching.
Okay, so in three (3) hour's time, I will bid goodbye to 2005, and celebrate 2006 with a bang courtesy of Tagbilaran City's newest and most happening place, which is The Courtyard! But before I do that, I am compelled to make this blog posting on the Entertainment Category since I only had one posting since I started this BlogSpot thing of mine last December 16.
Punta Cruz Watchtower, Maribojoc, Bohol
In Maribojoc, some 14 km west of Tagbilaran City, a curious triangular watch tower oversees the seas South of Bohol. From its windows at the top, you can see Cebu, Siquijor, and Mindanao. The Spanish had it built in 1796 as a look-out post against pirates and Muslim marauders, who at that time where a plague to the religious people of Bohol. Legend has it that the tower's wooden cross has supposedly exerted miraculous powers in repelling raiders from the sea.
Destination: Boracay, Philippines
The palm-studded island of Boracay - with its white, talcum-fine beach, balmy weather and warm, crystalline waters - is like a hypnotic magnet that lures many to a lotus existence.
In this tiny, butterfly-shaped island at the northwestern tip of Panay in Western Visayas, days can be spent by simply lazing on the beach and nights are for indulging in the tropical party lifestyle.
Destination: Bohol, Philippines
Scenic Bohol casts an enigmatic charm drawn from the many archaic mementos spread throughout the oval-shaped island - from unique rock formations to a 45-million-year-old mammal species, from massive stone watchtowers built by the Spaniards in the 18th century. Surrounding the mainland are 73 other smaller offshore islands and islets whose palm-fringed coastlines are rimmed by white sand and sheltering coves. Serpentine coastal highways wind along unsullied beaches and rustic rivers where the tourist can stop at any point and jump in for a dip.
Bohol is the perfect arena for scuba diving, kayaking, trekking and cave exploration. For the less adventurous, it offers leisurely pursuits like cruising, swimming, snorkeling or, simply, collecting seashells by the seashore.
Christmas Party Bonanza
Christmas time is synonymous to parties. These parties are for thanksgiving for a year that was, and as a celebration for the coming new year. At Le Spa Massage and Le Spa Gym, this year’s Christmas Party was done last December 23, 2005. It was a party to remember for the years to come!
The Philippines' New Gold Rush
Mining companies have long known that the Philippines is one of the most mineral-rich countries on earth. The archipelago sits atop the Pacific "rim of fire," a zone with more than its share of volcanoes and earthquakes, but also containing vast stores of gold, nickel, copper, silver, platinum, zinc, and more. The problem has been getting permission to actually dig the stuff out of the ground.
Despite a 1995 law allowing foreigners to own 100% of mines in the Philippines -- up from the previous limit of 40% -- challenges to the constitutionality of the measure kept all but the most adventurous foreign miners at bay.
Holidays at the Malls
The holiday is that time of the year when mall operators bet their sales to soar. It is also that time of the year when everyone wants to see a piece of Christmas-paradise. And with increasing competition, changing tastes of Filipino consumers and the ever lure of other alternative venues, malls in the Philippines rely on creativity and sheer talent to out-design and outlast one another. It is all about surviving, and cashing in more!
The Year 2005 in Review: Politics
The worst kind of politics ruled the lives of Filipinos in 2005 as the country struggled with a scandal that almost toppled the government of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo amid a worsening economy.
As political leaders threw mud and everything but the kitchen sink at each other all year round, the country was constantly on edge over rumours of a military takeover or alleged plans by the government to declare martial law.
December 25 is Jesus Birthdate
The dictionary defines Christmas as a church festival observed annually on December 25 in memory of the birth of Jesus Christ.
But was Jesus Christ really born on December 25? Some would say that Christmas is just an imitation of the Roman festival of Saturnalia celebrated during the winter solstice. But the winder solstice is on December 21 or 22, why is Christmas on December 25? There must be a better explanation.
Holy Gals Batch '93 Reunion
Reunions help us re-connect to old friends, reminisce memories of happiness and sadness brought about by adolescence, and rekindle the spirit of being classmates and high school students. As I was scouring my husband’s photo files stored in his computer, I came across a folder containing pictures of our reunion held last year. My husband suggested to me to write a photoblog about the said event. I hesitated at first, but realized later the importance of sharing the story and pictures of the reunion to those who attended and those who did not. With the Internet, my classmates in high school, wherever they may be, can easily access the files anytime. So I told my hubby, "Why Not?"
Diaspora of the Filipino People
Patricia Evangelista, a 19-year- old, Mass Communications sophomore of University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman, did the country proud Friday night by besting 59 other student contestants from 37 countries in the 2004 International Public Speaking competition conducted by the English Speaking Union (ESU) in London.
She triumphed over a field of exactly 60 speakers from all over the English-speaking world, including the United States, United Kingdom and Australia.
The Angels at Shepherds Arms Orpahage
December 23, 2005 was a very eventful day for my family, my employees at my business organization, Le Spa Massage, Le Spa Gym and The Courtyard, and also for myself. In the morning we had our first ever outreach program, and in the evening, we had our annual Christmas Party. But for this blog posting, let me focus on our outreach program. I will be sharing with you my experiences with our Christmas Party later.
This is My Son, Tonzy
I was 21 years old when I had my first (and hopefully not the last) child. When I heard the news from my wife that she is three-month pregnant, I was so excited and ecstatic.
Jesus, The Superstar
I was cleaning my hard drive because it is now cluttered with various files, when I came across a folder that I already forgot. The folder contains six hand-drawn charcoal pictures of Jesus.
Prelude to Christmas--Misa de Gallo
My current abode is just a stone-throw away from my local church. As I normally sleep very early in the morning, and early December 16 was no exception, I must be one of the firsts to hear Christmas songs emanating from the church’s amplifiers signaling the start of the traditional Misa de Gallo.
Misa de Gallo is a nine-day series of pre-dawn masses starting on the 16th of December, marking the opening of the Christmas season in the Philippines. Churches are lit up in the early morning as the church grounds are filled with stalls selling Christmas wares and delicacies.
A Love Story
Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived: Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others including Love. One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all repaired their boats and left.
A Lift to Your Day
On November 1, 1986 a corporate jet owned by Coca-Cola arrived at Elisabeth City, North Carolina carrying the CEO and Acting-President of the Word Foundation and several members of the board of directors. Shortly after they had left the airport for a meeting in town, a series of events began to unfold which drove one man to create what we know today as Corporate Angel Network or "Angel Flight".
Fifty Seven (57) Cents
A sobbing little girl stood near a small church from which she had been turned away, because it 'was too crowded'. "I can't go to Sunday school.” she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the reason and, taking her by the hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday school class.
Gothic-Inspired Church of Calape
Today is Sunday, and in the Christian world, today is the day when God rested after creating all the things in heaven, on earth and anything in between. Sundays remind me of my weekly obligations to go to church and attend the services.
The Mystery of the Virgin Mary on a Tree
There are things on earth that are truly out-of-this world, truly mysterious and unexplainable. I witnessed one of these things two weeks ago, while visiting the rural areas of Totolan, Dauis, Bohol, Philippines.
The Phenomenon That is Pinoy Big Brother
Finally, the 100-day episode of that seemingly overnight TV phenomenon "Pinoy Big Brother" ended last Saturday with Nene Tamayo, a beautiful former Philippine Military Academy (PMA) student, bagging the top P6 million prize over three other equally worthy contestants.
That being said it's been six days since the announcement of the winner and here we are still being peppered with appearances by Pinoy Big Brother contestants--even those long ago eliminated--in most ABS-CBN shows, proof that the broadcast giant is a master in maximum TV over-exposure--draining every last ounce of the viewer's patience.
Remembering My First Trip to Baguio City
There are some firsts in your life that are worth remembering. My first trip to Baguio City was when I was 8 or 9 years old. I was with my dad during that time. I can still remember getting excited when my father told me that he will be attending a conference in Baguio City and that he will be accompanying him to the trip, as some sort of a reward for being a consistent honor pupil during that time.
The trip was tiresome for a young man at my age. Imagine taking a 24-hour trip boat ride from Tagbilaran City to Manila, then from Manila, taking an 8-hour land trip going to Baguio City. If I remembered right, my father and I took William Lines going to Manila, and Philippine Rabbit going to Baguio City.
Serene Place at Songculan, Dauis Bohol
Two days after I bought my new Canon A610 digital camera, I took a trip to the Island of Panglao where I brought with me my new "toy". Actually, the intention of the trip was to take pictures of real estates that I will be posting to my E-Realtor site. Although I have been passing this part of the island, it was during this time that I had the chance to scrutinize fully the place. I passed by another route taking a barangay road, and I was lucky having done just that. The pictures below are some of the breath-taking sceneries I captured. Aren't they gorgeous? Enjoy!
Entrepreneurship According to John Gokongwei "the Great"
I was so inspired by John Gokongwei's speech before the Atenean Graduates of 2004, that I am posting here its full transcript. I hope that you can also learn from it.
I wish I were one of you today, instead of a 77-year-old man, giving a speech you will probably forget when you wake up from your hangover tomorrow. You may be surprised I feel this way. Many of you are feeling fearful and apprehensive about your future. You are thinking that, perhaps, your Ateneo diploma will not mean a whole lot in the future in a country with too many problems. And you are probably right. You are thinking that our country is slipping-no, sliding. Again, you may be right.
Perfect 10 at Hongkong Disneyland
I have always loved Disney movies and characters. I make it a point to watch all their movies and keep DVD copies of them so that I can review them whenever I want to. I also make it a point to visit Disneyland if I come to a place where there’s one.
A few weeks back, I was in Hongkong and was just in time for the grand opening of Hongkong Disneyland. The child in me and that of my wife Ruthie cannot help but took a day of enjoyment to become part of this event, and eventually sample the thrill and excitement of this newest theme park from Disney.
Welcome to My BlogSpot
Let me first welcome you to my first blog posting, and my blog site. This blog site is specifically geared towards those who have an inclination about the Philippines and everything related to its people.
Many things have been said about the Philippines, either positively or negatively. They may be true or not. But one thing is certain, and I speak freely on my own will, I am proud to be a Filipino residing in the Philippines.
