Yuppie Filipinos get the chance to be employed easily once they obtained their bachelor or diploma degrees because of the emergence of contact centers everywhere in the Philippines. These workers started to fill the 24-hour skyscrapers that gives a colorful background to metro Manila’s financial districts at nighttime.

This only shows that people employed in this job for a couple of years were used to on their ticking biological sleeping habit. They slept all day long just to regain their strength and wake up again at the wee hours to prepare themselves for a nightlong work. Clad in casual attire with matching fashionable coats are the most common props if you are a customer service representative. During break time some even used to occupy the al fresco various dining areas in Manila. In Ortigas for instance, call center agents enjoy their 30-minute to 1 hour break at McDonald’s, Starbucks, among others. For those who have extra pennies, they enjoy the hot aroma of Brazilian coffee in various blend. Others may sit on the corner and lit up their cigarette in a way of releasing their stress from work. It is enjoying isn’t it?

At 8 pm. about 100 people, most 25 younger, sit in a room of enclosed cubicles outfitted with phones and computers. They’ll be working until 4 am. or depends on the schedule of their shifts. As their shifts starts, it is usually morning in the US. These contact centers are following US standard zones such as Pacific, Eastern, Mountain and Central.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Luisa Geneta disclosed that call center is her first job when she finished her bachelor’s degree on May 4, 2007. At 12 am., Geneta left her house in Tondo, a suburb village in Manila, as her shift starts at 2 am. This Banking and Finance graduate from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) is one of the top caliber representatives for Unique Interaction, an American call center based in Ortigas.

“Working in a call center in the Philippines is really a big challenge for me especially that I’m new to this business. I spent most of my time and energy on this job,” she said, who handles an inbound account.

It is a very risky to leave my house at midnight for a young lady like me. However, I consider that this is the most rewarding career that we have nowadays and this will be a big help in creating another means of livelihood for us Filipinos especially for fresh graduates like me, she claimed.

On the other hand, Margaret Estanislao, 19, a team leader of the same company, disclosed that placing the agents into action challenge her in keeping her job.

Estanislao, who started as an agent added that they tried everything in sorting out the problem of the customers. “We need to maintain our empathy if the customer is upset. They are pissed and upset not because of the representatives but to the products itself”.

Both Geneta and Estanislao agreed that this job has given them the opportunity to enhance their skills and boost their confidence when it comes of interaction with their clients in a phone-to-phone conversation.

“Not to mention the financial aid that it gives to me and my family. I think this industry will continue to prosper in the succeeding years and it will continue to be one of the leading providers of career opportunities for Filipinos,” Geneta further said.

It cannot be denied that outsourcing business is one of the most flavored industries in the Philippines and other Asian countries. It appears that contact center executives preferred this country because of the number of students produced every year, which can speak English in American way. As the third largest English-speaking country in Asia no doubt that business process outsourcing is in demand today.

BPO companies provides a state-of-the-art equipment in outsourcing their business in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia. These companies trained their employees to speak like American way. In Unique Interaction, they provide fundamental call center training before the call center trainees will be allowed to take calls. The trainees has to learn account information first. Once they know the account then they are deployed ready on the floor and receive as many calls as they want. The company also teach their employees on how to handle their customers well. It is so hard to lose a customer, we know that they are considered as the lifeblood that gives full stream of support to make the company up and running and stay on the business for long.

The fact is call centers are part of the Philippine economic activity. Almost half of the 86.2 million people in the Philippines are younger than 20 years old. So don’t be surprised if you will be able to meet supervisors, team leaders, managers below 25. This is because that call center has the fastest way of promoting a career development. If the agent is performing better and receiving good CSAT ratings then no doubt that within six months or less than, this certain employee is entitled to move to another level in his or her career path. The Philippines is also one of the potential factors for outsourcing. It has been also forecast by the XMG Inc., Manila-based research and advisory firm that the nation will surpass India by 2008 as home to the world’s largest call center companies.

The Philippines offers attractive environment for the BPO companies, which is one of the key requirements by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) in applying for this business. Even now big contact center firms also expanded their centers not only in Manila but targeting the provincial levels. So it means, the revenues will not only take place within the National Capital Region (NCR) but it will also circulate to the provincial areas after passing the standard set by the Peza. Largest call centers are also found operating in Pampanga, Laguna and Baguio in Luzon; Bacolod, Cebu, Dumaguete and Iloilo in the Visayas; and Cagayan de Oro and Davao in Mindanao.

The Philippine Government is very supportive to this. Under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, she said that BPO companies will generate billions of pesos in the country with target by 2010. When it starts to operate in 2000, now off-shore call center industry estimates to employs 60,000 people.*

Balikbayans always find themselves wanting to come back to Kabayan Hotel whenever they spend vacation in their homeland. Here are some of the reasons why Kabayan Hotel is admired by Balikbayans.

Simple yet comfortable. One of the things that Balikbayans miss the most in the their homeland is life’s simplicity. That’s why Kabayan Hotel lets guests enjoy the same uncomplicated lifestyle Balikbayans missed during their stay abroad. Rooms are designed with simplicity and are modestly furnished to bring a homey feeling to guests.

Low, low rates. Spending time with loved ones doesn’t mean one has to splurge to enjoy moments with them. Kabayan Hotel Pasay offers affordable accommodation that surely matches the guests’ budget. Rates start at $16.

Unmatched hospitality. Kabayan Hotel Pasay is known to give balikbayans home-like comfort. Committed to give each guest a special treatment, its staff makes sure to go extra mile to bring quality accommodation, unsurpassed services and security to everyone.

Kabayan Hotel understands their needs. Only Kabayan Hotel knows the needs of Balikbayans from convenience to security. Here, quality accommodation at its best is given to every guest from start to finish. Family, Deluxe, Superior and Premium accommodation at Kabayan Hotel include 24-hour airport transfers and breakfast. Also, guarded parking, safety deposit boxes and secure luggage room are available 24/7.

Bataan peninsula is located southwards from the western shores of central Luzon, forming the enclosed and well-sheltered Manila Bay to the east that is nearly cut off from the open China Sea in the west. The narrow outlet separates the peninsula from Corregidor Island and Cavite to the south.

The provinces of Zambales and Pampanga form common boundaries to the north. About 80% of Bataan is mountainous or hilly with Mount Mariveles and Mount Natib dominating the interior. Most of the agricultural portion of Bataan is in the north and east.

The province experiences two pronounced seasons; dry from November until April and the wet from May to October. During World War II it was the scene of heavy fighting between Allied and Japanese forces from January 6, 1942, to April 9, 1942. Bataan fell to Japan on April 9 and was retaken by an American force on February 17, 1945.

HISTORY

Several villages in the coastal plains of Bataan were already thriving communities when Spanish missionaries found them in the 1570s. Bataan, then known as Vatan, was part of the vast Capampangan Empire that included what now are the provinces of Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and some portions of Bulacan, Zambales and Pangasinan, These coastal villages were inhabited by natives who were predominantly fishermen, farmers and craftsmen. Meanwhile, the hillsides were inhabited by nomadic Aeta tribes.

Bataan was established in 1754 by Governor General Pedro Manuel Arandia. Before this, the region was divided into two parts: the Corregimiento of Mariveles and the Province of Pampanga. The towns of Mariveles, Bagac, Morong and Maragondon, Cavite comprised the Corregimiento of Mariveles that was under the jurisdiction of the Recollect Order of the Roman Catholic Church. The province of Pampanga included the towns of Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Abucay, Samal, Orani, Llana Hermosa and San Juan de Dinalupihan. The latter group was under the charge of the Dominican Order. Limay, the twelfth town of Bataan, was named only in 1917.

Long before the outbreak of Word War II, Bataan already earned herself a secure place in the history of the Philippines. The prince of Filipino printers, Tomas Pinpin, a native of Abucay, who either authored or co-authored some of the oldest books in the Philippines and printed them himself between 1610 to 1639 in the printing press located inside the Abucay Catholic Church. In 1647, the plundering Dutch Naval forces were resisted in Bataan, the defenders ultimately chose the glory of death to the ignominy of surrender.

Bataan was among the first provinces to rise in revolt against Spanish tyranny. Two of her sons, Pablo Tecson and Tomas del Rosario, figured prominently in the Malolos Convention in 1898, and were instrumental in ensuring that the Filipinos enjoyed religious freedom. Cayetano Arellano of Orion became the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Revolutionary Government, and later on became the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

When the Pacific War broke out in 1941, the selection of the peninsula as the locale of the last defensive stand by the USAFFE against the invading Japanese forces brought fame and infamy to Bataan. The loss of life and property cannot be estimated. Bataan then became the symbol of valor and tenacity in its hopeless stand against the much superior invading Japanese Imperial Forces. Today, a national landmark called the Shrine of Valor (Dambana ng Kagitingan) stands majestically on top of the Mt. Samat in Pilar as testimony to the gallantry and sacrifices of the men and women who with their blood, tears, and sweat made the grounds of Bataan hallow.

CULTURE

Most of the 424,000 people living in Bataan are Tagalogs. Kapampangans comprise a significant minority of less than 10% and are concentrated in the municipalities adjoining the province of Pampanga. Recent rapid industrialization has lured thousands of people from other provinces to settle within Bataan.

The province of Bataan has always been linked closely to the culture and economy of Manila. Much of what the province produces is exported to Manila. The primary traditional industry of Bataan is fishing. It is the home of thousands of fishermen whose industry has spawned a unique craft of net and fishtrap making. Nets produced in Bataan take on various forms and shapes like the panli, kalukutok, pambonot, pansiliw, panitig, mananacag hipon, panglusong, hila-hila, kitang, pangapak, bintol, salambaw, dala, bating, pangalabaw and the gulgureta.

Each net type responds to various needs and uses. There are also various fishtraps like the saluhin, paclang, aguila, panghipon and pangalalo.

The province exports the excess of its fish catch and the town of Orion is famous for its tuyo (dried fish). Orani used to have large tracts of nipa groves, which used to produce a native beverage called tuba. Tuba is still produced but in smaller quantities and primarily for local consumption.

POINTS OF INTEREST

First Line of Defense Marker (Dinalupihan) – Marks the first strong line of defense of combined Phil. and USAFFE troops against the Japanese invasion during World War II.

Fall of Bataan Marker (Balanga) – This commemorates the fall of Bataan, in memory of war veterans, living and dead. The marker symbolizes the courage and the enduring commitment of a Filipino soldier to his country.

Surrender Site Marker (Balanga) – Marks the spot where the grim surrender of Bataan and Corregidor was signed by Maj. Gen. Edward King Jr., on April 9, 1942. Surrender marker can be found within the compound of Balanga Elementary School.

Democracy Marker – Situated at the provincial boundary between Pampanga and Bataan which depicts the role of Bataan in the fight for freedom for the preservation of democracy.

Death March Marker (Orani) – The folk arts statue commemorating the defiant spirit of Bataan, where Death march marches passed on their way to the prison camp.

Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) Pilar – Natural shrine atop Mt. Samat which immortalizes the agony of the Filipino and Americans against the forces of aggression and articulates the Commitment of the Filipino people to freedom and dignity.

Tomas Pinpin Monument – In memory of first Filipino printer. It was in Abucay church where Tomas Pinpin co-authored and printed the earliest books in the country with Fr. Blancas de San Jose in 1610

Mt. Samat – Was the scene of the most heroic defensive battle during World War II.

First Abucay Catholic Church – On this site a fierce battle between the Dutch and the natives together with defenders took place in June 23, 1647. The church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It housed the first printing press in the country which outdated any single press in the US

Mt. Malasimbo – A cinica-shaped mountain cinsidered as a weather forcasting device predicting a coming typhoon when its summit is covered with dark clouds.

The Main Battle Position (Abucay Town) – The battle possition of the USAFFE, known officially as the Abucay -Morong Line, under the War Plan Orange 3. The then second Lieutenant Alexander R. Miniger, Jr., 57th Infantry (PS) Gainsville, Georgia was posthumously decorated the Congressional Medal for an action on this line 12 January 1942, and became the first America’s highest military decoration.

Abucay Municipal Building – A historic relic of one of the largest town of Bataan.

Bankal Settlement -A newly created barangay where the Actas still maintain their traditional customs and usages in accordance with our cultural heritage.

Battle of Toul Pocket Marker (Bagac) – Marks the significant pockers where a battle ensued as a prelude to the final defense in Bataan. The series of fights to eliminate the Japanese forces known as the Battle of Pockets fought from Jan 27 to Feb. 17.

Sibul Spring – A tourist potential with sulfuric swimming pool and wide area for outdoor recreation.

Pasukulan Falls – A natural wonder at the valley of Mt. Natib which has fresh vegetation and unexplored area.

Bagak Town – Zero Kilometer Marker. The start of the infamous Death March that also marks the beginning of Japanese control over the nation.

Maria Canon Statue – This tower was erected for the repose of many dead souls in the Philippines during World War 2 by the Mie-ken Daiichi Shueesec of the Japanese Sohtohshuh Spot, September 1978.

Philippine-Japan Friendship Tower – This symbolizes that after a war, there is a period of reconciliation, peace and friendship.

Kaytibong Falls – This natural waterfalls remains to be developed.

Roosevelt National Park – A forest reservation ideal for outdoor adventures and Boy Scout Camporal area with facilities for irrigation and game hunting.

Catholic Church Belfry – This was used as a site for Japanese artillery bombardment of Mt. Samat where both Filipino and American Forces gave their last stand.

Lamao World War II Marker – World War II exempted almost no place in the province that this town overlooking Manila Bay and Corregidor deserves a marker.

Alangan River – In Bataan every place is a place to go. No small creek or river is without a tint of history and of practical value.

BEPZA – The Bataan export Processing Zone Authority is the site of many foreign based factories and companies producing items ranging from dolls to automobiles for export.

Flaming Sword – A symbol of the Filipino courage and gallantry in the face of external threats to the nation’s democracy and peace

Final Battle Site Marker – To remember the coutage and heroism of Bataan defenders amidst hunger, sickness and death.

Battle of Trail 2 (Capot Hill) – A point where several men died in defense of freedom and democracy.

Dunsulan Falls – Ideal site for pocnics and inland swimming.

U.N. Refuge Center – Located in Morong Town. A temporary resettlement area and processing center for Indo-Chinese refugees migrating to European, American and Facific countries.

Nuclear Power Plant – The country’s first controversial commercial nuclear power plant with a capacity of 620 megawatts.

Cayetano Arellano Marker – Located on Orion Town. This marks Orion, as the birthplace of the first Filipino Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Francisco Balagtas Monument – In honor of the great Filipino poet and patriot, this monument was erected.

Sitio Diwa – A full-pledged barangay but a glorious example of a small village which answered the call for the united defense against foreign aggressors. (From Tambayanet)

Like the country’s image as the Pearl of the Orient Seas, Pearl Manila Hotel lives up to its promise as a three-star hotel in the historic city of Manila. This Manila hotel’s luster is compared to a cultured pearl that has achieved its luster in two to three years of delicate process. Pearl Manila Hotel’s commitment is to bring excellent service and accommodation to its local and foreign guests.

For leisure travelers, this Manila hotel provides a great location with its proximity to the city’s famous landmarks such as the National Museum [Old Congress Building] on Padre Burgos Street, Casa Manila Museum on General Luna Street [Calle Real del Palacio], the famous nightlife hub on Nakpil Street, Rizal Park on Roxas Boulevard, the University of the Philippines-Manila campus on Taft Avenue, Paco Park on both San Marcelino and General Luna Streets, and Fort Santiago on Santa Clara Street [Intramuros]. Also, Pearl Hotel Manila Hotel has 83-well furnished rooms in Superior, Junior Suites, Executive, and Penthouse accommodations.

This Manila hotel is situated on General Luna corner Taft and United Nations Avenue. Pearl Manila Hotel’s website is www.pearl-manila.com.

The only issue with these high-end hotels in the country is that the interested visitor and traveler should be ready to pay up the extra cost of the services at these hotels. For those looking to stay at luxury hotels in the country, then there are a number of suggested luxury hotels.

Here is a listing of seven of the often-suggested luxury hotels in the Philippines:

•    Pan Pacific Manila, Manila

•    Makati Shangri-la Manila, Makati

•    Traders Hotel Manila, Pasay

•    InterContinental Manila, Manila

•    The Peninsula Manila, Makati

•    Amanpulo, Pamalican Island

•    Mandarin Oriental Manila, Manila

All these hotels are known for their classic luxury and super luxury, and just a sampling of some of the better hotels in the country in terms of luxury that it provides to residents. Some of the best hotels are found in Boracay Island. And to fully enjoy the things that the island has to offer, the traveler should take into account his accommodation in the area. It’s best to know the island hotels in Boracay on order to get the best experience in the island.  These island hotels are plentiful in the area, and hotels here are categorized into high-end ones and to those hotels that can meet even the smallest budget. Of course, to get the maximum experience, the top Boracay Island hotels should be priority on the said list of choices.  The best in the island of Boracay can be found in the White Beach. The White Beach is a 4 kilometer strip of fine white sand beaches. This trip is well-known in other parts of the world, in fact the Boracay Beach and this part of the island was named in 2007 as one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world. This was the result of the survey conducted by Yahoo Travel.  In the same listing by Yahoo Travel, most of the beaches that were listed were located in Hawaii and in mainland United States and it was the island as the sole entry from Asia. This says a lot about the island as a haven for tourists. A good number of the best hotels in the area are found in White Beach. White Beach is the main tourism beach of the area and this is over 4 kilometers long and the shoreline is lined with resorts, restaurants, bars and of course hotels. There are around 40 hotels in the White Beach area and these hotels will meet the demands of the travelers of different tastes and budget range.

By Maynard Delfin

Manila, Philippines

One practice to keep your skin young and healthy is to learn organic skin care. This can be done by taking in sufficient organic materials in the body like eating many fruits, drinking natural juices and having vegetables in your daily meal.

Food preparations that do not have too much chemicals, additives, synthetic hormones or other unnatural ingredients are the simplest ways of starting an organic regimen.

As you become more careful in choosing your daily food intake, this leads you a step closer to what organic skin care is all about. As an adage goes, “You are what you eat.” How you look depends on your food intake and what you eat eventually will manifest in your physical attributes whether you will be fit or obese.

Getting organic skin care products developed from natural ingredients can be fun and exciting. Forget about the expensive beauty products and have an option to try affordable organic skin care. Expect such products to be very easy to use without preservatives, synthetic ingredients or harsh components.

For some, you might be wondering what are organic skin care products. These are the products that are readily available in your kitchen. Looking at the historical perspective, primitive women have their own way of preserving a fresh and youthful look. What is found in nature are the usual ingredients in making organic products.

One basic ingredient that you may come across as you search for an organic skin care product is oatmeal. Oats have a very soft texture that can be used as cleanser. They slowly remove dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin. Impurities are also drawn away as you wash your face by using oats. Instead of buying your usual mask or other synthetic skin care products; you may take oatmeal to relax your tired facial skin.

Why shell out cash for a dermatologist’s skin care regimen if household materials can remedy to have smooth skin? Aside from oatmeal, you can also use honey, olive oil, yogurt, mayonnaise or avocado as your moisturizer. These products retain the natural moisture of the skin. They unclog pores, relax the facial skin and leave no residues compared to synthetic products. They do not irritate the skin and may be suitable for all skin types.

At night, you can try eggs as a replacement for a mask. Eggs are rich in Vitamin A and a raw beaten egg can be a good simple mask. For your facial, you can try honey, mashed avocado, some drops of olive oil or anything that can be used as paste. If you have oily skin, lemon juice can serve as your astringent as it reduces the excess oil in your face.

Organic skin care products should also be consulted to your doctor to be guided of the proper amount of ingredients. Some people may have hypersensitivity to certain organic materials so it would be recommended to seek your doctor’s guidance. The face should be well taken care of before applying anything.

Although organic skin care has fewer risks, sensitivity issues among users should be addressed. At the same time, we can say that organic products are more affordable compared to commercial beauty products.

 

 

The City of Manila is the thriving capital of the Philippines. The city is also part of Metro Manila together with the other 17 cities and municipalities. The city is the second most populous city in the world, next to Quezon City which is its neighbor. The whole metropolitan area is the second most populous in Southeast Asia. Metro Manila is home to around 14 million people, and the city of Manila is home to 1.6 million people. Manila is nearest Hong Kong which is around 950 kilometers and the city is around 2,400 kilometers northeast of Singapore. The city is located in the west coast of Luzon and the city is surrounded by the fertile plains. There are around 897 barangays in the city and the city is also subdivided into six Congressional Districts.

Manila is a famous player too based on some records. It was said that the city was famous during the Manila-Acapulco trade and this trade lasted for three centuries. In this trade, goods from as far as Mexico were brought to the Southeast including Manila. As a city, Manila is often described as fascinating and a cosmopolitan city and rightfully so. The city of Manila is a lively place that commands an excellent view of the world-famous Manila Bay and its sunset. First time visitors of the city should not miss the well-known Manila bay sunset; a beautiful scene as if straight from the postcards. Another label that can be said of the city is historic- and rightfully so since the city traces a long history in the hands of many colonizers. The city blends the cultures and flavors of its colonizers to bring up a unique Manila experience for the first time travelers and the visitors.

Intramuros: Walled City and Heart of Manila

Intramuros was considered as one of the world’s best preserved medieval cities. The interested travelers and tourists will see here some dungeons and old churches and these buildings share space with art galleries and parks in the area. Just south of the walled city is the Rizal Park. This is considered as the country’s most significant park. This is also known as Luneta, which stands in Stands in Spanish as ‘crescent-shaped’. This is a 53-hectare park and this was the site where the national hero of the Philippines was executed by the Spaniards. Monument in memory of Jose Rizal stands in the park and there is also a towering flagpole to the west of the monument. The park is also the location of Kilometer Zero for road distances on Luzon and the rest of the country.

Rizal Park is also home to many points and places of interest that the traveler will surely like:

• Chinese and Japanese Gardens

• Department of Tourism Building

• National Museum of the Philippines

• The National Library of the Philippines

• Planetarium

• Orchidarium

• Butterfly Pavilion

• Relief Map of the Philippines

• Fountain area

• Children’s lagoon

• Chess Plaza

• Quirino Grandstand

The city is highly urban and a fast-developing city, but still the city of Manila has a number of open public places. The list of open public places and parks include:

• Rajah Sulayman Park

• Mehan Garden

• Paco Park

• Remedios Circle

• Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden

• Malakanyang Garden

And just recently, Manila Ocean Park opened in the city. The city of Manila is also home to the seat of power- the Malacañang Palace. This is the official residence of the chief executive of the country. Travelers and tourists will not be lost and feel tired in the city since Manila also offers a wide range of accommodations, from deluxe hotels to the high-end five star hotels. A number of these accommodations are situated in Roxas Boulevard, near world-renowned Manila Bay. Other well-known hotels in the city are located in the districts of Malate and Manila. One popular hotel in the city of Manila is the Manila Hotel.

I received a copy of ‘The Philippines Through the Eyes of a Foreigner’ through an email last June 2007. Why did I not react then? First, I did not have my own blog yet. Second, and more importantly, I did not see the need to do so as it was one man’s sentiment and there was some truth to it. So why am I reacting now? Well, yesterday as I was sorting out my email I chance upon the letter again and then later on as I was doing some research on Filipino culture I chance upon the same essay. This time though, I was surprised to see a lot of reactions from my kababayans, ranging from defensive to violent rections. Why be so harsh on the guy when he is merely voicing out his sentiments as he is entitled to in the first place.

Although there are some truths in his essay, there are also some overstatements.

Let me start with the sad truths:

1. Yes, it is true that we do have streets lined with street people, beggars and squatters.

But, let me remind you that those people did not dominate our sidestreets overnight.

Once upon a time, those people used to live happily in the rural areas. Then one day, a politician named Mr. Trapo arrives in a shiny limo and promises them the sun, the moon and the stars. But there is a catch, they have to go to his town to help him win elections by becoming ‘flying voters’. They were pledged mammoth promises, given a few measly bucks and picked up by huge Sarao jeepneys bound for Zion. After Mr. Trapo wins his election, he leaves all the necessitous folk behind. With their families still with them, hungry, broke and exhausted, where do they go now? With very little money left from Mr. Trapo, they begin building shanties along the sidestreets. And the rest as they say is history……..

2. Yes, it is true that our roads are cursed with pollution and our public utility vehicles are in disreputable states of repair. Yes, we have streets full of potholes and unrepaired streets.

Then one day, after Mr. Trapo is sworn into office, he becomes Congressman Trapo. He decrees that the roads be repaired and lined with asphalt. Since he has the power to pick the contractor, he selects the one who offers him the most proceeds. And because the contractor has to give a huge chunk of his earnings to Congressman Trapo, he figures that to earn more he could probably gain more by using substandard materials. That explains the potholes.

Congressman Trapo runs for the Senate and wins. Senator Trapo is now even more jaded by all his power. He does not care (or he has been bribed enough) to overlook that the other government subsidiaries are allowing bus comapnies to import buses that are really old and dilapidated. So that explains the disintegrating vehicles and the pollution that comes with it.

3. Yes, it is true that our educational system allows children to attend schools without desks or books to accommodate them. Yes, it also true that teachers, even college professors, are paid salaries so disgracefully low that it’s a wonder that anyone would want to go into the teaching profession in the first place.

Senator Trapo has his share of the The Pork Barrel, A.K.A. Pork, Countrywide Development Fund (CDF) or Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). These are funds given to both members of the Senate and Congress, these are discretionary in nature so it is up to Senator Trapo to identify the projects that will be funded from these funds. Senators get P 200 million each while the congressmen are allotted about P 70 million each. To have something to show for, Senator Trapo builds small waiting sheds with a huge picture of his face and his name in large fonts to advertise what he has done. He forgets about the public schools that cannot accommodate half the school’s population. Senator Trapo also needs more funds to help him in his re-election bid. He forgets about the teachers who, aside from a meager salary, work long, grueling hours.

There are a lot of Mr. Trapos all around us. He could very well be holding office at your Barangay Hall, the City Hall, the House of Representatives, the Senate, maybe even in Malacañang. Who knows?

There is no ending to my fairy (goblin) tale. The rest is up to you.

As for the overstatements, here’s my take on that:

1. Filipinos do not worship, almost slavishly, everything foreign. Foreigners are not looked up to and idolized.

Filipinos are essentially warm, nurturing, and tolerant to a fault.

Do not mistake Filipino hospitality for worship. Having said that, it is but natural for Filipinos, even Asians in particular to be generous givers. Luxury goods, more often than not, imported brands flatter not just the giver but the receiver as well. Isn’t that what it’s about, status quo?

Case in point, last week my husband & I were in Greenhills for an errand. In case you don’t know, it is a shopping mecca for everything faked or copied. We traverse the tiangges as I wanted to do some research on the demographics of people who patronize fakes. Surprise, surprise. In one corner, we saw 2 Americans (males) searching for an ‘authentic looking fake’ briefcase. We walk some more and more and we see 3 foriegners (they sounded British but I wasn’t sure) looking for ‘authentic looking fake’ Mont Blanc pen. We walk a bit more and we see 2 foreigners (males) looking for ‘authentic looking fake’ Louis Vuitton bags for their girlfriends. Is that what character is to you? I’m not even making this up.

Allow me to spill another anecdote. A few months ago I was at Louis Vuitton in Greenbelt waiting for my purchase to be wrapped when I was approached by a man in his 60’s (about my Dad’s age) asking my impression on 4 LV bags laid out in front of him. He said he was having a hard time deciding which one to pick as an anniversary present for his wife and the SA(sales associate) wasn’t much help. I gladly oblige. Mind you, he was Filipino, very simply and unostentastiously dressed. He didn’t look like a fashion victim nor did he look uber rich. Maybe just like the rest of us, he appreciates a little luxury. Don’t you think?

Even in HongKong, walk around and you’ll see about 60% of the locals are carrying LV bags. Real ones, I’m sure. We went to all 3 stores and all of them were packed. In one store, we had to wait in a long queue just to get in. You wouldn’t call them slaves to foreigners, would you?

2. Filipinos are not itching to leave the country.

It’s just that sometimes, for some people, there seems to be no other choice.

Do you think our OFWs would still leave the country if they were given the same rate here as they are given abroad? Domestic helpers abroad are paid more than thrice over than what our teachers are paid here.

In the United States for instance, the minimum wage (average) is about $6.00 an hour. Did you know that that same amount is the minimum wage here BUT for a full day’s labor? I hate it when I hear foreigners say, ‘Oh, the gasoline prices here are the same as in the US’ or whatever country. No matter how the numbers match, it’s still not the same. No matter how our government rubs all sorts of figures on our faces, they mean nothing. Absolutely nothing. Why? Because we, the Filipinos, feel nothing. The government has nothing to offer. The jobs they claim to have are mediocre compared to what we as parents have to pay for in tuition fees. What jobs await U.P., Ateneo and La Salle graduates? Jobs at call centers?

To strive for something better is no shortcoming on our part. We will always strive for the best, not just for ourselves, but for our families and our nation.

The government claims that it is helping boost tourism in our country. How exactly?

When we went to Bangkok just a few weeks ago, I wanted to visit Siam Paragon. We could’ve walked as the mall was only about 5 kilometers from our hotel, I merely wanted to ride a tuk tuk so we hail one to take us there. Since the cab and tuk tuk drivers there understood very little English I brought a map, a picture of the mall and a copy of the exact address. About 15 minutes and many kilometers later, still no mall in sight. He brings us to a jewelry store, when we asked why, he said that he’s bringing us there at no extra charge to us. It’s just that everytime they bring in tourists, they get a coupon for free LPG (their petrol) from the government. We aren’t under any obligation to buy, just come in for a visit. He then takes us to another shop (and thus my asthma was triggered by the stench of LPG). We ended up buying some goodies as he says he will get a small commission if we do so (yes, we were that gullible, but to us it was being helpful). Even during the temple tour, the tour guide told us that it was compulsory for them to bring tourists to particular spots. That is because their government encourages exactly that. Do you think the tricycle drivers here would get an incentive if they bring you to Luneta? I don’t think so.

But what about tourism in the Philippines. My husband & I were surprised to see on a cable channel that some of our museums are still open. Note that it was on a cable channel and not even a local channel. Up until that moment we thought all our museums have closed down. Is that the government’s definiton of ‘boosting’ tourism?

We are a free country. We are free people. We are entitled to our own opinion. In the same way that each of us is free to voice that opinion. If you’d want to block or edit everything negative you hear just to make it favorable to you, won’t that be the start of censorship?

The reason behind my poking fun at Filipino drivers (in my blog) isn’t to insult, ridicule or degrade them but maybe, just maybe with those little insights I could reach out to someone to do something about it, be it by doing better at it (it is a skill after all) or by at least implementing the laws that are there for a reason.

Hats off to Mr. Barth Suretsky. I do believe that it was in his best intention to put a little perspective into our culture and I take no offense whatsoever. I thank him for taking the time to analyze the things that somehow puzzle me as well.

To all foreigners, always remember this, we Filipinos have managed to unseat 2 presidents in the last 2 decades. It is my belief that we can do so again. It’s just that at this point, there is no one person who could penetrate the system and not be spoiled by it. It will take time, discipline, and the will to change in each of us. Like I said, probably not in my lifetime. But soon, I hope.

I am a Filipino and I am proud to be one. I love my country and it is here that I will spend my old age until the rest of my days.

I hope you can say the same for yourselves.

For most Filipinos, Makati and Ortigas are two of the best cities to check out, since both offer exciting spots as well as discoveries evoking human senses. Pasay City being one of the original four cities of Metro Manila and was famous back in the American era is still capable of competing with its neighboring districts.

It is bordered on the north by the country’s capital, Manila, to the northeast by Makati City, to the east by Taguig City, and Parañaque City to the south.

What can actually excite visitors of Pasay City? There are at least five interesting finds visitors should not fail to experience.

Touring Pasay City via a Jeepney Ride. Riding a Jeepney is not only cheaper, and it gives visitors a taste of real Manila. A tour in Manila, particularly in Pasay City would not be complete without trying a Jeepney. Jeepney routes start from Baclaran to Taft Avenue, then from Taft corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue to Makati City, the country’s central business district.

A Jeepney is a chrome-plated vehicle, known to be an automotive icon in the Philippines. Filipinos ride on this type of war-ravaged American military-inspired vehicle [a surplus from Second World War], but manufactured brand new by enterprising Filipinos to fit the Philippine setting. These vehicles with elaborate decors accentuated with eclectic colors, carry one-third of the city’s commuters daily.

Witness the talents of Singing Cooks and Waiters. The Singing Cooks and Waiters combine Filipinos’ love for food, music and socialization as they never fail to wow their diner-guests. For decades now, it has become a Manila institution as they serve their guests by serenading through metal platters as musical accompaniment along with the best Filipino cooked dishes such as such as Kare-Kareng Baka [beef in peanut sauce] and Adobong Pusit [squid cooked in stew-style].

The Ongpaucos of and their business partners of the Barrio Fiesta fame take pride in their 17 years of food business experience and are responsible for success of Singing Cooks and Waiters.

http://www.barriofiesta.com.ph/site/index.php

Cultural Center of the Philippines. With the purpose of promoting and preserving Filipino arts and culture, the Cultural Center of the Philippines [CCP] was created back in 1966 and had its inauguration in 1969. Today, a trip to Manila should include a visit to the country’s premiere institution for culture and the arts that hosts four art companies, Ballet Philippines, Philippine Ballet Theater, the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company and the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group.

At present, Cultural Center of the Philippines is attached to the Office of the President and is under the umbrella of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts as stipulated in Executive Order No. 80. It envisions being the home for artistic excellence that promotes Filipino aesthetics and nurtures cultural values, social responsibilities and national identity.

Cultural Center of the Philippines is at the heart of CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City. For more information, visit CCP’s website www.culturalcenter.gov.ph.

SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, 7th Largest in the World. SM Mall of Asia is a 2.5 billion-peso two-storey superstructure that stands on 19.5 hectares of reclaimed land in Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City. It is owned and managed by Henry Sy, a Chinese-Filipino business magnate.The mall includes branches of all of the standard anchor stores found in most of the SM Supermalls. Main attractions include the first-ever IMAX theater in the country; the Director’s Club Theater, an intimate venue with 30 La-Z-Boy seats for unrivaled guest comfort; the digitally superior Premiere Cinema; and the CenterStage Cinema, a popular venue for live musical concerts and theatrical performances.

SM Mall of Asia is the seventh largest mall in the world. For a quick tour online, visit this link. ->

http://www.smprime.com/Supermalls.php?MallsID=14

A Roomy and Cozy Stay at Copacobana Apartment – Pasay City Hotel. For visitors looking for an affordable place to stay while touring Pasay City, Copacabana Apartment Hotel is an ideal choice. This Pasay City hotel is an 11-storey edifice with newly-refurbished, apartment-style accommodations offering roomy and comfy living for its guests.

The hotel is situated at 264 EDSA Extension, Pasay City. Just a 15-20 minute drive from Ninoy Aquino International Airport or the Manila Domestic Airport. Copacabana Apartment Hotel is accessible by two major train routes in Manila, the Light Rail Transit [LRT] and the Metro Rail Transit [MRT].

For inquiries and reservations, visit its website, www.copasuites-manila.com.

 

Anyone who has worn dentures knows just how bad they can be. Being foreign to the mouth, dentures can irritate the gums and cause pain. They have a tendency to wobble or slip while you are talking, eating or laughing.

What’s more, dentures won’t prevent the jawbone from shrinking which normally occurs when teeth are lost. This changes a person’s appearance and can greatly affect one’s social life.

With dental implants (artificial teeth which are anchored to the jawbone with tiny screws), these problems are eliminated. You can eat anything, speak better and look great.

Unlike dentures, dental implants look and feel like real teeth. They also prevent the erosion of the jawbone, making them a viable alternative to dentures.

“Many people have periodontal disease – the reason why they have missing teeth. Compounding the problem is the fact that very few people have access to quality dental care because of a severe lack of dentists in many parts of the world,” according to Dr. Joseph D. Lim, a member of the Philippine Dental Association, former associate dean and presently a faculty of the University of the East College of Dentistry in Manila, and honorary fellow/member of the Asian Oral Implant Academy and the Japan College of Oral Implantologists.

“These ‘dental cripples’ cannot tolerate dentures because they are uncomfortable and inconvenient, Dental implants can help these people lead normal lives again just as they have helped over a million people worldwide,” he added.

Indeed, dental implants have made life better for many people thanks to the services that implantologists like Lim provide.

“These people are doing a good job in advancing this new technology and changing the face of dentistry. I have learned a lot from them and my patients will certain benefit from this as well,” said Dr. Ana Maria A. Lorenzana, former president of the Olongapo Dental Society in Manila.

“I look forward to the day when oral implantology will be included in the curriculum of dental schools here. We cannot ignore advances in dentistry,” added Dr. Oscar B. Villaluz, former dean of Southwestern University in Cebu City, Philippines.

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