I thought I’d share to you what I have been doing the past few weeks since the year started.

My gadgets as shown in the photos above:

1. Macbook or the light weight HP Mini to live blog or update via Twitter (as @momblogger or @blogwatchdotph)

2. Flip Video Camcorder to take my own videos which I place on a either a mini-tripod or stand tripod. These are uploaded to youtube.com/blogwatchdotph

3. iPhone as back up for the ustream broadcasting which appears at ustream or blogwatch.

4. Nikon D40 for close-up photos of the candidates

5. Must always bring: extension cords, AA rechargeable batteries, chargers for iphone and laptops, usb cables, smart 3g, Globe tattoo for internet backup.

Can you tell I am too exhausted to even blog? The campaign period is about to start and I’ll be even more busy. I am glad that Noynoy Aquino is the 7th presidential candidate that blogwatch.ph interviewed. That means there are just 3 more to go. Then there are vice-presidential candidates and senatorial candidates.

It’s actually fun. I need a lot of sleep though as I am getting eye bags already.

So that’s it!

Photo Credits- Thanks Creativoices.net ——————————-
You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets.

How about visiting my daughter’s ukay-ukay blog at ukaymanila.com?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

I am forced to stay on in politics because awang awa na ako sa mga mahihirap. I also have to fight for my children’s future. Justice demands that those who have been blessed with a good, comfortable life should do battle with a rotten, corrupt system, oppressive to God’s beloved children – the poor and the marginalized…..

What caught my attention with Atty. Grace’s email is how she connected patriotism and motherhood, where homemakers are at the fore-front of dreaming of a better world. But shall mothers stop at dreaming? I propose that ideally, real moms not only dream of a better world for their children, they raise their children to shape a better world. The word ‘authority’ comes from author. What do we want to author in our children?

I can dream, can I?

I just want a better future for our children. It’s that simple. It’s been A Mother’s Hope, A Mother’s Love.

This is for my two girls and to all our children.

Support Voter’s Education. Visit blogwatch.ph

——————————-
You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets.

How about visiting my daughter’s ukay-ukay blog at ukaymanila.com?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Peace , love and prosperity is what I wished for 2009. Though Ondoy hit us and to this day, our cars are still in the shop, life is good. When I wondered what was coming for 2009, I told myself the best is coming, the very best in life and love had to offer, the best God will send and claim it as mine.

As the year ends, I feel blessed to be offered the position of Features Editor of Vibal’s Foundation, Philippine Online Chronicles (POC) in recognition for the editorial work I do for blogwatch.ph.

How did I end up in an election watch project anyway when my only exposure to politics was my student council days? I had long envisioned myself to be of service to our country. Perhaps blogging is one way. New media events just fell into place. Sure, I am a blogger but a new media publisher is the more accurate word, because I create content, collaborate and connect.

Here are the events that brought me to the challenge I face today.

It started when Carlo Ople, the New Media Consultant of Senator Mar Roxas back in August 2008 invited me for a bloggers’ meetup and I almost choked:

“Whaaat? I hope you won’t ask me to endorse him or something”.

Another meetup with Mar Roxas in early 2009 brought me to the realization that politicians will actually meet with bloggers as election nears. I resolved to meet up with each candidate if an invitation is offered to me. It seemed important to share my thoughts to my readers in a simple and effective format.

Meeting Kiko Pangilinan brought an intensified voter’s registration that April.

The second ANC Leadhrship forum had a lineup of Senator Loren Legarda, Mayor Jejomar Binay, MMDA Chair Bayani Fernando and Former President Joseph Estrada and only Loren Legarda impressed me that time. I always thought Loren Legarda and Mar Roxas would be presidential candidates.

Getting to Know Senator Manny Villar in July was a revelation. I know politicians are really supposed to appear nice at all times but I felt his sincerity in that meeting together with his children. (and no, I am not endorsing him)

I met Noynoy Aquino at President Cory Aquino’s wake in August 2.

I know it’s cliche to say this but there are no words to describe the incredible outpouring of public sympathy during the 9 hour funeral drive. As I covered her funeral, I saw the people lining in the streets occasionally yelling their anger towards Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA). I thought that GMA would never get away with Charter change with this kind of mood.

Then came the invitation from Philippine Center for Journalism (PCIJ) for a training seminar on “Covering Elections in the Era of Internet and Automation” in August 26.

My dream story for the Election 2010 at that time was for bloggers to pool their resources and cover topics like youth vote, the effect of infomercials on voter’s decision, automation, role of technology in election. I created a page in this blog for Voters Education and provide equal opportunity of candidates to be known to the voting population.

Rumors were ripe with Noynoy being the game changer. I knew he’d run.

In the first week of September, Kristine Mandigma and Gus Vibal discussed a citizens portal for POC by chance and the rest is history. blogwatch.ph was conceived based on the PCIJ training.

Chiz Escudero and bloggers met in November.

I showed a sneak Preview of Blogwatch.ph on November 13.

Blogwatch.ph launched in November 24 just a few days before the deadline of the filing of the candidacy. The day before the press conference, the Ampatuan massacre occured which brought shock and rage here and abroad.

None of the presidential candidates issued a statement on the massacre and even GMA was not taking action. I got hold of Nick Perlas views on the Ampatuan massacre, That same day, ABS CBN TV Patrol’s Adrian Ayalin, got to interview me about the noise generated in social media.

ANC invited me once again to their forums and got to chance to watch seven presidential candidates “debate” live without much substance.

I managed to get a photo op with Erap.

It was December 22 when I read a news item in the papers featuring Nick Perlas and his disqualification by COMELEC. I immediately asked Dine if she wanted to interview Nick along with me. Nick was gracious enough to squeeze us in. The topic on new politics fascinated me. Is new politics really possible?

Nick claims Noynoy is not the bearer of new politics and cites his article, eight reasons why Noynoy can weaken new politics. I like Nick Perlas. He seems so sincere and is so nice. (and no, I am not endorsing him).

None of these events were accidents. I envisioned them in my mind and it all fell in to place.

I am optimistic for 2010. The initiative of new politics and new media in Election coverage is a new beginning. I am new in editorial job and politics but I am constantly reading materials, getting myself empowered to understand all this “nosebleed” political and election jargon.

The prospect of being both Features editor of POC and blogwatch.ph editor excites me. I am not afraid of taking up the challenge.

What about you? Are you ready for the challenge of new politics? Are you ready to play an active role as a citizen in the election watch? Are you ready for change?

I am excited.

I am hopeful.

As the 2009 ends, I am full of gratitude for all that I received this year. Good and bad.

To all my readers, I hope that when you think about the year ahead, you will focus on the good that is coming.

Remember the laughter,
the joy,
the hard work,
and the tears.

And as you reflect on the past year,
also think of the new one to come.

Because most importantly,
this is a time of new beginnings
and the celebration of life.”——————————-
You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets.

How about visiting my daughter’s ukay-ukay blog at ukaymanila.com?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Oh, and did I mention that drinking green tea regularly also helps you lose weight? Green tea contains high amounts of catechins, which works with other bodily chemicals to increase the amount of fat oxidation and the speed of your metabolism. I used to drink Real Leaf Green Tea after dinner for its refreshing taste, but I’m glad to know that it also helps burn calories! I think this is something we can all use after all that food we ate on Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas, I know that it’s a little late for holiday giveaways, but I’m giving away an amazing prize to one lucky reader or subscriber who is based in the Philippines . All you have to do is share a photo with your Real Leaf Green Tea Story! It’s really simple.

1. Take a picture of a person enjoying Real Leaf Green Tea.

2. Post the photo in your blog, Multiply site, Friendster account, or Facebook wall, Tumblr along with a description of

• why the person was drinking Real Leaf Green Tea
• the situation the person was in.

You could also be that person just like my Real Leaf Green Tea story.

3. Reply to this entry with a link to your post before January 30, 2010.

Contest starts December 28, 2009 till January 30, 201.

We will pick the most creative, funny or cutest photo to win the 8GB iPod Nano. Additionally, Coca-Cola Philippines will select one winner from the five who will receive P10,000 in cash plus a year’s supply of Real Leaf Green Tea.

Note that four (4) other similar giveaways can be found at the blogs of Yuga, Chris, Anton and Apples and participants can only win once.

Good luck!

Here is an example of the Photo and Description

It’s midnight and I am sleepy but I need to finish my work. This Real Leaf Green Tea helps me stay focused so my face does not drop onto my laptop.

I know I need to get up from this chair and burn calories but hey, Real Leaf Green Tea helps me burn calories because of the catechins. Excuses , excuses. I promise to do regular workouts but let me finish my work first.

It’s so easy. Just snap away.——————————-
You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets.

How about visiting my daughter’s ukay-ukay blog at ukaymanila.com?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

It’s 1:42 AM and I have just uploaded the photos of the biggest blogger event I have ever attended. I loved it. The event was well organized, food was great, and meeting bloggers from 3 other countries is something different from other blogger events attended so far. The Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards gathered over 400 bloggers from Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Australia. Around 31 Pinoy bloggers flew all the way to Singapore.

Photo via Ada Lajara. Glamorous Filipina bloggers gather at the Link Hotel before proceeding to the Pan Pacific Hotel for the Awards Ceremony

After 2 years of community building, Nuffnang.com presented the first ever Asia-Pacific Blog Awards at the Pan Pacific Hotel.

with Nuffnang co-founder Tim

Honoring the best of the blogosphere in the region, they ran 2 months worth of nominations and campaigning and culminated last night’s award ceremony. It is also the first time to see bloggers dressed in fancy or classy attire.

Anton and I loved the formal wear for once.

But see, the Aussie delegation were even more glamorous.

Meeting a few Malaysian bloggers was interesting. I like their formal wear too.

Of course, the gorgeous Gosengfiao sisters and Jehzeel in black tie affair gave a touch of elegance.

With Alodia Gosiengfiao, Ashley Gosiengfiao, Jehzeel

Photo Credits to Ada Lajara . Philippine Nuffnang President Eric Ramirez with Filipino Bloggers at the Pan Pacific Hotel

Congratulations to Ferdz Decena for winning Best Travel Blog for his ironwulf.net. He also won in the First Philippine Blog Awards. Ferdz is truly a winner.

I know the challenges faced when organizing Blog Awards and one is forever grateful to the sponsors. One of the major sponsors was Pringles which held a viral video contest and gave a prize of 5,000 singapore dollars for the winner. Here is that winning video:

The Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards criteria in determining the winners differ from the criteria that we set for the Philippine Blog Awards which is mostly based on the judges and a set of criteria. I noticed that content was not a main winning criteria (around 40% including relevance to category). Popularity for one was based on the 50% voting from readers. When I asked Xiaxue, the secret of winning three awards (Best Original Blog design, Best Regional blog, Most Influential Blog), she said that she asked her readers to vote for her. Well, but that is only 50% but when I asked her secret for her popularity, she said “just being myself” . I have yet to read her blog entries though.

Video I took of the Asia Pacific Blog Awards

In any case, I still believe that content should be the overall factor in determining a winner. Sure, the blog may not be popular but after the recognition, the blog gains a bit of fame and popularity. I hope Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards give a bit more weight to content rather than popularity in future winners. Is the content making a difference in Asian Pacific region? Owning unique content is more valuable than owning the blog or the design. A blog’s content is even more valuable if one can open it up for broad and creative use and making a difference in the world. Or perhaps just giving value. On the other hand, Filipino bloggers have the distinct advantage of freedom of speech compared to some of our Asian neighbors. There lies the difference in diverse content among our Asian counterparts.

Photos

My Photos of Asia Pacific Blog Awards

Flickr Photos from Ada Lajara

Official Photographs

Photos from Dustyhawk (Dustyhawk)

Other Entries

Ironwulf.net En Route is Nuffnang Asia-Pacific Blog Award’s Best Travel Blog 2009 by Ferdz Decena

Nuffnang Blog Awards Gala Dinner! from Kuala Lumpur

Nuffnang Awards – A View from Serge (Malaysia)——————————-
You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets.

How about visiting my daughter’s ukay-ukay blog at ukaymanila.com?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

I went online to make sure my family got food, looked around for rubber boats. Media with me like Tim Yap did relief goods coordination in Eastwood but there was no boat to reach home. I begged around for small boats to reach our neighborhood and finally by 4:00 PM, there were helicopters for food drops and 37 rubber boats. My family finally got food by 4:30 PM. That lifted my spirits up because I felt that going to a party with Apl.de.Ap just didn’t seem right if I am not assured that my family is safe.

I am in Singapore for the launch of “Take Me to the Philippines” a result of Secretary Durano’s collaboration with Black Eyed Peas’ member Apl.de.ap that began in 2008. Apl.de.ap even offered to create a music video for the campaign entitled, “Take U to the Philippines.” Ace and Apl both refined the campaign through time, adding elements to achieve the goal of hauling in more tourists to the country. “It was hard work, but with Apl’s support, we were able to pull through a great campaign.

This campaign is not out yet in mainstream media. I took this using my flip camera. DoT secretary Ace Durano mentioned that in a world that’s predominantly driven by media, they are proud to produce a video that captures the essence of the country’s beauty and interprets it into a hip and dynamic music video.

As I watched the video, I saw in Apl’s eyes that his accomplishment was that of a Pinoy, beyond his persona as a member of the Black Eyed Peas.

Later that night, we moved to the Supper Club to hear him spin and a short interview, It was so short. We were given 15 minutes for a batch of 5 media people.

I wanted to get Apl.de.Ap to give a message of comfort to Odong victims. Instead he said ” I would like to bring awareness to donate and help out.”

I felt so much better after hearing his commitment to help out. I felt guilty trying to have fun here while my family is not doing well back home. A lot of Filipinos need help right now and Alp.de.ap is using his celebrity status to help his country. Here is the rest of the interview with Apl.de.Ap

Both Ace and Apl see the project as the spark needed to re-establish the positioning of Philippine tourist spots as global destinations. But during their stay in Singapore, Ace focused more on the campaign’s impact on the Philippines.

Ace thinks that “Tomorrow, we’ll see the Filipino people patronizing our destinations over the tourist spots abroad. We envision Filipinos not just to know the tourist destinations, but to be proud of each destination.”

It was great time bonding with Apl.de. Ap. It was a super exclusive party that we were not allowed to take photos once the party started. The rest of the Black Eyed Peas came along except Fergie. I loved seeing them dance while Apl.de.ap was spinning in the background. Really danceable moves. It felt surreal to be dancing with the Black Eyed Peas but it was fun. Their music is not just for the young but the young at heart like me.

And if you are wondering why I lost weight, I use their music for my workout.

——————————-
You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets.

How about visiting my daughter’s ukay-ukay blog at ukaymanila.com?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

It’s my husband’s fault. He woke me up at 6:00 AM and said that if I wanted to attend the Cory Aquino’s memorial services, I should queue by 7:00 AM. I arrived at La Salle Greenhills before 7:00 AM and the long queue outside the gates looked frustrating. I took my chance and requested for media accreditation from the Secretariat at Gate 2. Armed with my Media ID card from Philippine Online Chronicles I got my yellow colored media ID card. So here I am live-blogging, and covering Cory Aquino’s wake in La Salle GreenHills. Taking photos inside the gym had certain guidelines and I wish to respect that. I couldn’t take much of the President Cory Aquino’s casket but I took snippets of the people and activities that transpired today.

Cory T-shirts for sale by vendors at 120 pesos each

The line before the public viewing opened at 7:00 AM

Very enterprising vendor.

The line inside La Salle Greenhills.

Wan Azizah Ismail president of the opposition People’s Justice Party and wife of de facto opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim

My view from the media table where I am positioned at

After the viewing, guests sign on the guestbook at the desk

MERALCO comes in full force wearing yellow t-shirts

the noon Mass about to start

Media Table

The military is also here.

Mass ended and everyone sang Cory’s favorite song “Bayan Ko”

Ramon Balang, witness on the Assasination of Benigno Aquino. He was a technician of Philippine Airlines

Press Con for the Second Media Advisory (See below)

Jun Lozada giving out yellow ribbons

Ballsy Aquino Cruz, eldest daughter of President Cory Aquino

A Cory Aquino photo gallery near the exit

Just before the entrance of the gym

The Namfrel National Tally Board (Marcos-Aquino)

Senator Benigno Aquino III

Deedee Siytangco and Rapa Lopa brief media, a second tie on the route for tomorrow as Cory’s coffin is moved out of LSGH to Manila Cathedral at 11:00 AM. It will drop by briefly at the Ninoy Aquino monument in Ayala Avenue, Makati City. The convoy is expected to arrive at 2:00 PM at the Manila Cathedral

The 8:00 PM mass is about to start. Erap, Jinggoy and the rest of the Estrada family attend this mass.

Vendors are still at it selling yellow t-shirts. A lot are actually buying this 120 peso shirt.

I decided to go home as I was getting hungry already. Though the first floor had food set up for media and other volunteers, it was just not enough to satiate me.

As I weaved myself out of Gate 2, I saw a very long line of people waiting. They will be waiting for one hour for the mass to end before they can get inside at around 10:00 PM. I took this photo on the pedestrian flyover in EDSA. I crossed EDSA to meet up with my husband near Robinson’s Galleria. If he picked me right there in La Salle, it would have taken him longer.

You can just see the outpouring of love from all walks in life. They braved the rains, the long queue, the wait just to see their beloved President Cory. Truly, President Cory is loved by the people because she was also sincere in her love for her country. Love begets love.

I missed the momentous People Power in 1986 because I was 8 months pregnant with Lauren. How I wish I were there to rejoice in Cory’s triumph as President of a democracy. I am paying tribute to our dear President Cory by being there at her memorial services. I admire her so much and I owe her this.

This is my way of thanking her for all her work and courage for our country.

We love you, Cory.

Read my entry on Cory’s Funeral Convoy from La Salle Greenhills to Manila Cathedral

Media Advisory- Wake of President Cory Aquino

Second day of Memorial services- August 2, Sunday

1. This will be the second day wake at the La Salle Greenhills gym, Ortigas Avenue.

2. Catholic masses will be celebrated at 12:00 Noon and at 8:00 PM at La Salle Greenhills Gym.

3. Public viewing will be from 7:00 AM till 12 noon. It will resume immediately after the noon mass until 7:30 PM. After the 8:00 Pm mass, public viewing resumes until 4:00 AM the next day. The line will start and end at Gate 5 of La Salle Greenhills Gym, Ortigas avenue.

Third day of Memorial Services, August 3, Monday

Procession to Manila Cathedral

1. at 11:00 AM of August 3, the cortege of President Aquino leaves La Salle Greenhills for the Manila Cathedral.

Route: La Salle Greenhills , right on Ayala Avenue then will stop at Ninoy monument at Ayala Avenue for 5 minutes, Left on Buendia, Right on SLEX, left on President Quirino Avenue, Right on Roxas Blvd, Right on Intramuros.

2. There will be honor guards ceremonies before the Presidential Cortege departs La Salle Greenhills gym and before entering Manila Cathedral.

Memorial Services at the Manila Cathedral- August 3

4:00 PM- 4:00 AM- Public Viewing

8:00 PM- Mass;Public Viewing will stop for the duration of the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist

Memorial Services, August 4- Day 4-tuesday

7:00 AM- 12 Noon- Public Viewing

12:00 Noon- Mass

4:00 PM- 6:00 PM- Necrological Services ( to be carried live on Channel 2)

8:00 PM- Mass

8:00 PM- 4:00 AM- Public Viewing

Memorial Servics on Day 5, August 5 – Last Journey

1. 9:00 AM- Requiem mass to be officiated by

2. The Family Response will be given by Senator Benigno Aquino III

3. There will be the Honor Guards Ceremonies before the Cortege leaves Manila Cathedral

Route: From Manila Cathedral to Roxas Boulevard, Left on Quirino, Right on SLEX, Exit at Sucat, RIght on Sucat ROad, left to enter Manila Memorial Park.

President Aquino’s cortege will take Bouganvialla Road. After the bridge, only numbered vehicles will be allowed to follow until the designated area. There will be an honor guard ceremony for the last time before President Aquino’s casket is brought for internment.
——————————-
You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets.

How about visiting my daughter’s ukay-ukay blog at ukaymanila.com?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Maybe this video compilation of photos will help?

It’s my first time to cover an event of a country. Usually it’s either I blog about a product, service or even politicians and personalities but an event in a country? It was truly an experience! My trips to Singapore have always been limited to shopping at the digital mall , Hawker’s center or museums. In the course of my media familiarization tour, I found out that Singapore saw visitors spend more than S$1.4 billion on food and beverage, about 14 per cent of their total expenditure in 2007. On the average, around 20% of the Singapore Food Festival attendees are tourists. No wonder the Singapore Tourism Board needed to sustain that source of economic activity or even increase it further. A country needs to be run just like any profitable business enterprise. Media promotion is one way to champion tourism just like how Secretary Ace Durano invited Happy Slip to do videos for the Philippines Tourism global campaign.

One very fascinating trivia I found out is that a popular TV show called Little Nyonya helped revive a declining Peranakan culture.

The unprecedented success of this drama series immediately brought about a fever in things Peranakan, as it were, among Singaporeans. First to benefit from it were the established Nyonya food restaurants whose business turnovers immediately shot up by between 20% and 30%, followed by bakeries and hawker stalls specialising in Peranakan cakes and tidbits and other beneficiaries include the tailoring and shoe shops catering exclusively to customers interested in Nyonya attires, beaded sandals and other paraphernalia.

Peranakan cuisine is being showcased this time around and am I glad to have tasted the richness of the cuisine that originated from the union of Chinese ingredients such as bean paste, garlic, bamboo shoots with Malay spices like chillies, turmeric, lemon grass and belacan, and peppered with influences from India and Britain.

The Peranakan culture truly reflects Singapore’s multi-cultural landscape. I truly enjoyed my multi cultural gastronomic experience in Singapore that I will now expand the coverage of my Recipes Blog to include Asian Cuisine.

Even if my family couldn’t be with me during these trips, they are always in my heart and even, Kippy Cat travels with me.

Lastly, I want to thank the Singapore Tourism Board for placing faith in online media and, the Filipino blogger.

Read my other entries of the Singapore Food Festival

Opening Day at Clarke Quay on July 17
Multi Cultural Gastronomic Experience in Singapore
Working and Having Fun in Singapore
True Blue Cuisine: Authentic Peranakan Food and Boutique Restaurant
Selected Video Clips (Playlist)
How to Cook Singapore Chilli Crab (A Recipe)
Longest Peranakan Buffet on July 26
Violet Oon Demonstrates Peranakan food recipes——————————-
You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets.

How about visiting my daughter’s ukay-ukay blog at ukaymanila.com?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Disclosure on Political Affiliations: I do not work for Senator Manny Villar or any other politician. I was only aware of his friendship with Senator Alan Cayetano through my husband when he told me a day before the interview. Ties with Senator Pia Cayetano and Senator Alan Cayetano date back even before they became senators. Former President Fidel V. Ramos is a family friend due to ties from my father-in-law. I used to be a student activist in my UP Diliman days. My political views range from conservative to liberal. I don’t have plans to run for public office. Meeting with politicians and writing about their programs is part of my current plans for this blog till 2010. Any endorsements (if any) will be made just a few weeks before Elections 2010.

I have always been curious why Senator Manny Villar ranks high in most Presidentiable polls. There must be something he did that made him quite popular with the masses. My helper told me that he is known to help her “kababayan” way down south. Really? All I know about Manny Villar is that he is a successful real estate business man and associated with that C5 mess. Yesterday, I asked my husband what questions to ask Senator Manny Villar. Butch said “ask him about the corruption charges with regards to C5″ and added “oh and they are good friends with Alan Cayetano”.

The opportunity came today when a few bloggers had an intimate interview with Senator Villar at Bo’s Coffee Shop. Present were a few of his staff and his two sons, Paolo, Mark and his daughter, Camille. I thought it quite unusual that he brought his three children and was quite charmed by their humility. No airs at all.

What were the points that struck me in the more than 3 hours conversation?

1. I am not privy to the facts on the C5 corruption but he claims the charges are untrue. He gives the real score on C5 which I will let you judge for yourself. (see his explanation below and the video interview). Even after a year, there is still no evidence of corruption. He never got the money. If ever, the DPWH should be held accountable.

2. I think he should be more supportive of the Reproductive Health Bill even if they are Catholic Couples for Christ. Being a Catholic is a personal choice but as a potential leader, he should be able to dissociate his political and religious beliefs. Besides, the country is not composed of the Catholic faith alone.

3. Like all the other political ads I see on TV, I find them just so sickening and self-serving. I know it is all a marketing strategy. Senator Villar claims that the stories in the ads are all true and the funds come from his pocket. Of course he sets priorities on the beneficiaries. He needs to place ads because he is at a disadvantage compared to other presidentiables that have some “media celebrity” status. Hm. let’s see Senator Loren Legarda, Senator Mar Roxas and his fiancee,, Vice President Noli de Castro Chiz Escudero because of FPJ, (edited to correct the fiancee part)

4. I believe him when he says that the country should be ruled by someone with experience in managing people. Senator Villar says he has the experience of being a leader in his own business, the Senate and the Congress.

5. I also support his advocacy on Entrepreneurship which he will launch simultaneously in all sectors of society whether he is a President or not. Apparently, media does not really cover his interest in entrepreneurship. Like Senator Villar, I believe that entrepreneurship values should be encouraged in our society so we can be self-sufficient and stimulate economic growth.

Of course that advocacy remains to be seen. During the photo opportunity, I told Senator Villar that if he becomes President of our country, I will show this photo and remind him of his promises.

And he reassured me “Don’t worry, I will pursue Entrepreneurship even if I am not President” and then thanked me for bringing up the topic of his cause on the small and medium-sized enterprises. I later found out that he authored and passed into law the landmark New Magna Carta for Small and Medium Enterprises (RA 8289) and initiated creative legislation such as the establishment of the Small and Medium Enterprises Stock Exchange and Business One-Stop-Shop centers, the latter he immediately implemented in Las Piñas City with the help of local officials.

It was an enlightening chit-chat. I have more to say but that will come once I’ve talked to all the Presidentiables.

Read more from other bloggers who attended:

Chuvaness
Sonny
Ganns
Jude

The Real Score of C5

Judge for yourself
C5 the Real Score ——————————-
You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets.

How about visiting my daughter’s ukay-ukay blog at ukaymanila.com?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

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1. Salen

2. Iris Pulga

3. Rowena Wendy

Time = life; therefore, waste your time and waste of your life, or master your time and master your life. Alan Lakein

My first job as a Production Supervisor at a candy factory was to undertake a study on the time and motion activities which I used later on for implementing a production schedule. The techniques I learned as Production Supervisor came in really handy when I became a parent 5 years later. As moms, we learned to multi-task and set priorities in our child-rearing activities not to mention work, couple and me time!

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Do you love life? Then do not squander time, for that’s the stuff that life is made of.”

If there is one thing I am proud of my kids (even my departed son), they knew time management. Never were they tardy for school. Never did I ever have to yell at them “Come on, hurry up”. Sure, sometimes it was hard to wake them up but they knew the schedule of each school day and their play time. Their dad may not be a prompt person but you know the kids didn’t have to follow their father’s footsteps. There is no such thing as inherited trait of “being late”. Teaching my children the values early on in life , particularly the important lesson of time management was crucial part of their growing years. I prepared them for a lifetime of self-discipline helped them in their adulthood.

Time management is not necessarily about getting lots of stuff done, because much more important than that is making sure that you are working on the right things, the things that truly need to be done.

1. Set clear priorities on daily activities.

This means give a daily schedule. There was a time for schoolwork, naps and play time. By the time, the girls ate solid food, I gave them an hour to finish their lunch. If they weren’t done, I removed the plate. The consequence of getting hungry is not eating their lunch properly. They learned that one has to eat at the proper time. Bedtime was also strictly followed. No late nights for my kids up to their pre-teen years. As they reached their teen years, I gave more allowances for them to arrange their schedules but still the bedtime and waking up rule was followed.

2. There are consequences if time is not managed properly.

Of course they knew this very clearly once they were at school. Tardiness had consequences. In fact, I remember as a kid, the tardy were listed in the blackboard.

3. Give them an idea on the possible duration of an activity.

As young kids, I didn’t want them to study long hours so I told them that the maximum is only 2 hours, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. They had to finish their homework really quickly or their assigned tasks. It worked quite well and by the time they reached their fourth grade, the kids studied on their own. I reminded them though when bedtime was coming soon, “It’s almost bedtime. Ten minutes more so wrap things up”.

I learned to adjust the lesson of time management at every stage of my kids’ life. I gave them more leeway to make decisions on their own and handle their schedules properly. It helped that I installed time-telling tools such as clocks in every room of the house and gave them watches to monitor their time.

I often told them that if they didn’t manage their time well, they will be far less productive than they could be and get a lot less done. They will also feel much more stressed and overwhelmed, and struggle to find time to spend with the people they care about and to do the things they enjoy.

My two girls are not little girls anymore. In fact, they are adults, working and busy managing their work and social life. Lauren knows when to work hard, and play hard that she even took the time off to New York for a short vacation. Marielle is devoted to her new job but takes the weekend off to socialize with her friends.

Without doubt, parents should give their children an early head start on the lesson of time management. With proper guidance and the right tools , kids will definitely learn this important lesson well.

As a treat, I am having a contest for mommies out there in cooperation with Kids Watch Central (KWC)

KWC Time Management for Mom and Kids

1. Please share the most effective time management techniques that you give out to your kids via the comment section below.

2. Share short anecdotes on how you implement these techniques and what was the outcome of these to your children.

Place it in the comment section.

Aside from managing your time for the different activities that they undertake, teaching kids how to tell time also gives kids a head start on the virtue of discipline.

The three (3) most unique and interesting comments will be given one (1) Kids Watch Central Watch.

Deadline for Submission of Entries is until July 20, 2009. I will edit this entry to announce the 3 winners. Please note that I reserve to change the winners if I find out that you also won in Teacher Julie, Imomonline, Yoga Jane or from Jenn Tan. Good luck!

Winners may claim their prizes at GeiserMaclang c/o Arbee Panga at Unit 7D Tuscan Building, 114 V.A. Rufino St., Legaspi Village, Makati City.
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You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets.

How about visiting my daughter’s ukay-ukay blog at ukaymanila.com?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado