Visit Bohol and Find a Super Destinationwith All to Give to the Tourist

Bohol may be one of the largest islands in the Visayas area, however that does not mean that there isn’t everything a traveler’s heart could hope for, does it? Well, yes it does indeed; everything which one could wish for as a visitor in one place. You can uncover a rich culture, great adventure, relaxation, shopping complexes, and great tasting food in this one island and one will through this article learn the many specialties which the tropical island Bohol has waiting for you.



Tourists can get to Bohol easily via fast craft such as Ocean Jet or Weesam express from Cebu and from Dumaguete City. Tourists can likewise use a Fast Ferry from Manila or even better yet a domestic flight with Air Philippines, Philippines Airlines or Cebu Pacific. Visitors really do not need to be concerned about one’s sleeping arrangements as there are beach resorts in just about every corner of Bohol and almost all of these resorts are operated by German or Swiss people so if you speak German, you will feel right at home.



If you are not keen on travelling too far away from the capital Tagbilaran, then you can visit the Bohol Tropics Resort Club which is said to be one of the best known and famous sites because of its abundant function rooms and amenities.



However, if one is on the adventurous side, one may grab a cab and drive down and ship your self to Cabilao Island as it is one of the most amazing diving sites as well as its white sandy beaches.



Speaking of SCUBA diving, Bohol is famous for their dive sites and their coral reefs. You will find many large turtles, groupers, barracudas and lots of banded sea snakes. The diving spots Bohol has to offer are considered world class, additionally there are sites for starting divers, advanced as well as expert divers. If you hit the big jackpot then you might see a Hammerhead shark. Ensure that you have your PADI ID card with you always to avail of dive spots and get reduced rates in various dive shops.



Bohol is not only good for diving, but it is also popular for sightseeing. The most popular spot in Bohol is a place right before Carmen where the Chocolate Hills are found. The Chocolate Hills are hills which extend in equal size and color over a vast space and during the dry season, the green grass turns brown and thus the name Chocolate Hills. Yet another little wonder is a primate which is unique and can only be found in Bohol. This animal is one of the primates, the tiniest in the world to be exact, and is called the Philippine Tarsier. This little creature is only as large or we should say, as small as a regular mango tree leaf. The Tarsiers are under protection and travelers can visit their sanctuary in the Philippine Tarsier Foundation Bohol.



Bohol has even more than nature to offer, visitors can also relax in one of the three major shopping malls which one can discover in Tagbilaran City.



You can see that Bohol is truly a tropical paradise for every visitor as you can find everything for every taste such as diving sites for the adventurers, sightseeing for the culture lovers and shopping malls for those who desire to shop. Come to Bohol now and let this tropical paradise experience change your opinion of a ordinary vacation forever.

Poetry: Emotions

The Wolf

Look, Sheila

this is the key to my extra condo

and this is the key to my BMW

they are there waiting for you

at your pleasure.

This angmo here works under me

I’m his boss

How many people in this city

can have angmos as their subordinates?

Though I’m limping

I can give you the best in this world

You don’t have to serve coffee again

You don’t have to look at

the unfriendly faces of these customers.

Why can’t you just accept it ?

Opportunity never knock twice

Please think it over

I shall give you two days

to decide

After which I shall bring in

a Philippino girl from Manila.

and I shall never come to this

cafeteria again.

(END)

How To Profit From Sales

It’s no secret that sales are a great way to increase profits. Two types of sales are discusses below.

A TAG SALE

One of the big stores in Boston has had considerable success in attracting trade during the dull weeks, by what they called a Tag Sale. This sale immediately followed a sale of another concern’s bankrupt stock, which was closed out sooner than was expected. They had planned the bankrupt sale to last at least two weeks, but low prices and the well-known high quality of the stock caused it to be closed out in three days. They immediately telegraphed to fifty manufacturers to send them any small odd lots they had left over, on approval, the only stipulation being that the price must not be over one-half what the goods sold for at the first of the season.

The result was that they were soon in receipt of enough goods at very low prices to carry on the sale. The newspapers announced that they had bought all the over-production of the manufacturers who usually supplied them, at half-price. In the newspaper ads were printed photographic reproductions of several letters and telegrams to and from manufacturers. These had the effect of convincing the public of the genuineness of the sale. The goods were exactly the same grade and quality as the goods they usually carried, which in fact they were, and would be offered at one-half the price asked a month previous.

All the goods were displayed in the windows and store in as careful a manner as if it were the opening of a new season. The only noticeable difference being that all articles were marked with price tickets with the selling price and the “First of the Season Price”. These tickets were various sizes of manila shipping tags, the prices being painted in red on the lower part of the tag. On the upper part of the tag was printed in red ink the story of the sale, explaining that all the goods were similar in grade and quality to their regular stock, but owing to the over-production of over fifty manufacturers, with whom they did business every year, they were enabled to offer these goods at one-half price.

All the newspaper announcements were enclosed in rule in the shape of a shipping tag, and all large signs about the store and in the windows were cut from manila paper in facsimile of tags. The sale was entirely successful; in fact, business was so brisk for over a week that it was necessary to engage temporary clerks and delay the date for vacations. All manufacturers have lots at the end of the season which they are glad to dispose of at most any price and there is no reason why other concerns may not use the same idea to stimulate business in July and August. This gives them an opportunity of closing out their own odds and ends, which may be broken in sizes and colors, and makes it unnecessary to take a loss, as the goods they receive from the manufacturers are sold at the same percentage of profit.

A JAPANESE SALE

A novel and successful sale was held by J. N. Euwer’s Sons, of Youngstown, O. This firm is noted for its elaborate store decorations on special occasions, but on this occasion they determined to excel all previous attempts in that line. Accordingly their decorator was given carte-blanche in the matter of decorations, with the result that the affair was a shining success. The entire scheme of decoration was in the Japanese style. All over the store were hung hundreds of Japanese lanterns of all colors, sizes and shapes. Then there were paper parasols, banners, strings of flags and cherry blossoms everywhere. In addition, about 500 tissue paper bells were used with good effect. The expense of these decorations was less than nothing as practically all of them were sold at a profit of from fifty to one hundred per cent long before the closing day of the sale.

Stationed at the door was a small Japanese boy who gave every one who entered a ticket announcing free tea and coffee at the “Geisha” as a specially decorated booth was called. This feature proved a great success. One of the leading wholesale grocers demonstrated a certain brand of coffee with such success that an average of 100 pounds a day was sold. A luncheon was served and sandwiches were sold at five and ten cents, as high as seventy loaves of bread being used in a single day. Of course all this helped to swell the profits. On the first day of the sale, chrysanthemums with ribbons attached were presented to visitors.

All show cards and price tickets were done in the Japanese style, but one of the most novel and pleasing features of the affair was the costuming of the saleswomen. These were all attired in kimonos and wore their hair dressed after the manner of Japanese maidens with chrysanthemums and miniature fans as ornaments. A hundred girls thus Arrayed made a charming picture and one which was much admired by the public. The entire store was perfumed with Japanese incense. Another feature that helped to popularize the sale was the giving away of free photographs with purchases of a certain amount. Considered from every point of view, the affair was a great success. On the first day a tremendous crowd packed the store and each succeeding day the interest continued with little abatement.

Places to visit in Metro Manila, Philippines

Metropolitan Manila Sights & Sounds

The Manila City Clock Tower fascinates the viewer because of its lack of symmetry and regularity. Imposing and distinctive, it marks the point of connection. At night, it shines vibrantly as if to make known Manila is the heart of the Metropolis.

Manila has since expanded to become the core of the Philippines‘ largest metropolis. The city is now part of Metropolitan Manila or Metro Manila, which is a bustling metropolis of four cities and thirteen municipalities.

Metro Manila is popular for its charming sights and astounding golden sunset views from the shores of enchanting Manila Bay. Because of its strategic location, this modern and teeming metropolis is the take-off point for further travel to other parts of the country the Gateway to the Philippines.

Pause for a second and you will feel the richness of the culture emanating from all directions. Carry on, and you become part of the ebb and flow.

At the turn of the 20th century, the great American city planner, Architect Daniel Burnham, noted, “the old walled city of Intramuros at the mouth of the “Pasig River is one of the best preserved medieval cities anywhere in the world.” Intramuros is a legacy of the 17th-century Spanish Occupation. At the center of the Old Walled City is the grand Manila Cathedral, well known for its detailed stone carvings, stained glass mosaics, and rose windows. The present Romanesque edifice rises majestically over the remains of five predecessors, the first of which was in 1581.

Not too far, is the old San Agustin Church with notable baroque touches, and 1875th trompe-l’oeil ceiling paintings. The church courtyard is grace by several granite sculptures of lions, which were gifts from Chinese converts to Catholicism. Next to the church are the restored botanical gardens of Fr. Jose Blanco, now a favorite place for wedding receptions.

Guarding the vital entrance to the Pasig River is “Fort Santiago,

Love: is it Really Blind or a Little Bit Cross-eyed?

Poonin 1

Onofre Poonin

Second Article

September 12, 2008

Love: Is It Really Blind or A Little Bit Cross-Eyed?

“I’ve been in-love so many times, ‘though I knew the score”…

So goes the song of Tom Jones, one of my favorite vocalists in the early 70’s. And yes! I, myself had been in love so many times, with so many girls in so many occasions. I considered myself a prototype of a flirty lover boy who used to change heart as frequent as I changed my clothes. But that was long ago, long before the first internet was invented or shortly after I got my first sexual experiment with a tramp as old as my 40-year old mom. I had such weaponry of good verbal communications; the so-called enticing eyes that add up to my good looks, and caress that had been the hub of every lady’s interest. .That’s why, I had several intimate relationships with different women, be it pretty or ugly, smart or dumb, and so forth and so on. But the dumbest thing I’ve ever done in my life was when I decided to marry a 16-year old lass who was an archetype of a lady in the boxing arena who punched back in unorthodox fashion, always knocking myself out of the discussion. Comparing to my way of thinking, we were indeed a pole apart. She loved to indulge in a never-ending chitchat even with people whom she just first met, talking like an amplifier as if she were alone in the mountain, couldn’t dress and make up properly, and most of all, she had never agreed to any of my ideas….err… aside from marrying her. Never dare suggest “I will build a house for us and for our kids”, she would likely to respond, “No it’s no use; it may only be burned down later”. Perhaps, it’s only in the Philippines that you can find an example of two lovers like us,

Poonin 2

who, while still engaged and soon to be married, used to break up daily because of disagreement, mostly in the late afternoon and came up to a truce later in the morning?.. …my God!! But no big deal! This is what I called “love”. After all, “love is blind and lovers cannot see it”. (Ne Nye nenye Nye!!!)

Our marital relationship went on and on like war between Iran and Iraq until we were blessed with five beautiful children. They all physically look alike with their mother no doubt about that – anyway I look like Jim Carrey, no regrets!! My biological parents implied that my wife’s blood could be thicker than mine, hence, the maternal similarity.

I am a good father and a good provider. As a matter of fact, I was able to build a fully-furnished comfortable house as a result of my well-paid job in the embassy. I was also able to send my children in classy schools and two of them have already graduated in college. But being a good provider didn’t seem to be an accomplishment in my case. My wife got more apprehensive about my suspected “business affairs”. When I was home, I could no longer go for a lengthy chat with my neighbors. She was an archetype of a snipping dog who could trace my stink wherever I go. She would tick me off, and then cow me back home.

But perhaps she could be right in the first place, because the more I got fed up of her peculiarities, the more I got involved with a pretty woman, so loving, so alluring, and sexually dynamic. In fact she was so devastatingly sexy on bed that I used to perform the greatest performance of my life, as if I were repeatedly sipping savory mushroom soup at the wee hour of the night – followed by early morning snack.

The internet which is considered the present state-of-the-art technology had done a lot in the commencement of our connubial intimacy.

Poonin 3

I came across with this lady when I was fooling around with the internet minutes after I tossed down a cup of coffee from the Starwax Café’ near the Araneta Center. From then on, the website had been the prime intermediary for us to know each other better; where such chat in the internet subsequently developed into an intimate friendship and later on to a clandestine love affair. Both the internet and the cellphone we normally used became the silent witnesses of our numerous sexual contacts wherein both of us enjoyed the thrills of adolescent’s delight. I abandoned my family and lived in concubinage with this woman whom I thought could give complete happiness to me.

But that was two years ago. We both parted ways as I got sick and could no longer sustain her beauty stuff as well as her daily whims. The only regret I had was that I momentarily forgot myself and the wasted times I spent unconsciously setting aside the future of my family in exchange of my own selfishness.

Last month I was all alone in my miserable rented room in Manila when my wife showed up to lend her helping hand and brought me to the hospital for treatment. Two weeks before my recovery we talked about the past rather intently and seriously. I asked for forgiveness about the things I’ve done, and so did she and we both forgave each other. We went back to the fold of rectitude and henceforth lived contentedly with our children. My wife is still chatty and talks loudly as if she were alone in the mountain. But that doesn’t matter anymore. Deep in my heart, I now realize that my love for her during our younger days has not been changed by the test of time; only it got misplaced but I am able to get it back now. It leaves a lesson to me. I understand now that love is not really blind, it is only cross-eyed that can still be rectified.

Chinese Silk Through 5,000 Years

China has a history of silk more than 5000 years, since she first invented the sericulture and silk production. It is silk that built a bridge between China and Europe, then the Silk Road became a symbol of the cultural and economic exchange between the East and the West. So silk is a part of the Chinese civilization, which made a great contribution to the world.

What kind of oriental silk mysteries will be brought to this beautiful country? It is learned that there will be more than 140 pieces /sets of silk textile exhibits collected by ChinaSilkMuseum, of which 80, carefully selected, extremely precious and rare, are relics of ancient China which epitomizes the historical development of ancient silk culture. Besides, woven fabrics and modern brocade add up to 60 pieces / sets, among which, some master embroidered pieces are supplied by the Culture Ministry of the People’s Republic of China.

The exhibition is made up of three parts.

Part I narrates how China and Europe are connected through the route of Silk Road, that is, the silk relics textiles excavated along the Silk Road by land, sea and desert. Chinese silk chronology charts the development of silk in the past 5,000 years with emphasis on Chinese silk history and culture. A group of model weaving looms, ranging from the primitive back-strapped loom, the treadle plain-weave loom, the reclining loom and the mechanical patterning loom act out not only the weaving technology but also how the ancient Chinese made exquisite silk. The precious exhibits, the 5,000-year old components of a primitive back-strapped loom and the silk yarn unearthed in Yuyao county, Zhejiang Province, enable people to understand that the ancestors of the Chinese people began to grow mulberry trees, raise silkworms and weave silk fabrics even then, hence, the long civilization history of China.

Part II exhibits the silk textile relics from the early Qin period (306 BC) to the 40s of last century. You can see a Han dynasty brocade (206 BC) with the motif of running animals amidst the misty mountains, an indication of people’s longing for a fairyland. Still another piece called “Persian Samite” which dates back to the Northern dynasties (386-581AD) with its motifs of elephant, camel, winged horse, lion, and hunter in half a dozen colors, clearly indicates the influence of the western regions. Rare animals and gods from the Greek mythology form the major motifs of silk textiles from the 5th-9th centuries. A well preserved silk tabby coat tie-dyed by hand helps us to understand and study the silk production techniques as well as the fashion style in that dynasty. The brocade fabrics, elegant and poised with pearl roundel and floral spray motifs produced in the Tang dynasty not only reflect the prosperity of that dynasty but also the high level of technology in the silk production. The delicate and refined style of the Song dynasty is shown in a suit of gauze coat, trousers and a pair of shoes on display. They are thin, light and graceful. The trousers with its short yet loose legs recapture the fashion style of that time. The silk textiles and clothes after the 19th century on this show are all bright in color, diversified in style and exquisite in embroidery. Beautiful and gorgeous are these magnificent yellow fabrics for the emperor’s robe with dragon motifs, the embroidered coats with red flowers, green embroidered woman’s-wear and slim-figured Qipao of superb handwork.

Part III deals with the rapid advance of computerized digital technology and resultant digital weaving techniques. Brocade embroidery is the most resplendent chapter of the silk history. With the help of color separation and structure design, electronic jacquard and the new- type rapier, digital colorful silk paintings are more vivid in motif and richer in color expression. On the basis of the traditional printing and dyeing technology, printed silk paintings, and silk paintings from wax-resist dyeing and digital ink-jet improved on by contemporary high tech, are enjoying more appreciation among people. Hand painting and embroidery know-how are also nearing perfection with quite a number of innovative embroidery stitches. Dozens of scenic paintings and embroidery art needlework will surely bring you an eye treat.

The Chinese delegation also brings with them a team of fashion show. At the opening ceremony six beautiful girls from China will put on a performance of what the Chinese wear from the Han Dynasty（206BC-220AD）down to the present, a manifestation of the good time of silk in the past 5,000years. The show will last for 3 days. At the same time, the Chinese textile experts will have dialogue with the audience and receive interview by the media ( in English).

In the past 5,000 yeas silk has become an integral part of Chinese civilization and a great contribution to the world civilization as well. Living in silk is one of the pursuits by the people for a better life. It is believed that this exhibition will promote the cultural exchange between the two countries, strengthen their friendship and facilitate the Czech to understand the long history and culture of China.

“A silkworm spins all its silk till its death and a candle won’t stop its tears until it is fully burnt.” This Tang poem accurately describes the property of the silkworm. Despite technological development, a silkworm can only produce a certain amount of silk—1000 meters (3280feet) in its lifespan of 28 days. The rarity of the raw material is the deciding factor of both the value and the mystery of silk.

Legend has it that in ancient times, Lei Zu, the wife of Huang Di , taught people how to raise silkworms and how to extract the silk.

The Warring States Period, the beginning of feudalist society in Chinese history, witnessed a prosperous time. The development of productivity popularized silk and it was no longer a luxury just for aristocrats. The pattern, weaving, embroidery and dyeing skills were all improved as they were influenced by the free ideology of the time, while the silk designs had sense of a free and bold air about them.

The silk products excavated from Mawangdui Han Tomb are proof of the advanced skill and artistry of silk at this time.

Silk production peaked during the Han Dynasty when the manufactured goods were transported as far away as Rome from Chang’an (today’s Xian). The overland trade route was to become famously known as the Silk Road. However, there was also a Marine Silk Road extending from Xuwen, Guangdong or Hepu, Guangxi to Vietnam. An outward bound voyage lasting five months would arrive in Vietnam; it would take another four months to reach Thailand; while a further twenty days would carry the merchants on to Burma. Two months later they would arrive in India and Sri Lanka, from where the silk would be eventually transported to Rome via the Mediterranean. After such a long journey, the price of silk was equivalent to that of gold. Legendary as it seems, tender silk connected China to the rest of the world.

During subsequent dynasties, professional designers created novel patterns and improved the machines.

The Marine Silk Road took supremacy over the land Silk Road following the Song Dynasty extending the trade to Southeast Asia which became fully developed in the Yuan Dynasty. Besides Chinese exports, foreign businessmen also came to China to buy silk and china wares.

During the Ming and Qing Dynasties silk was transported to Europe and America from Manila and this meant that China dominated the world’s silk market until 1908.

Chinese characters including the component “silk” have the intonation of silk or its implication of fine and deep. The richness of color, texture, strength and beauty of silk make it the means to imply something is fine and impeccable. A woman’s raven hair is referred to as ‘black silk’ ; tender feelings are ‘feelings of silk’ and the Chinese word for a lingering and emotive feeling contains the component of “silk”, and even a flavor can be silky and smooth.

Philippines Casinos

The casino sector in the Philippines is one of the fastest-growing parts of the Filipino economy. Philippines casinos are popular with locals, but it is tourists who increasingly form the mainstay of most casinos’ clientele. Traditionally, most casinos in the Philippines have been licensed through a state-run company called PAGCOR, but recent liberalization of the rules has allowed private firms to open up casino ventures of their own, encouraged by the growing popularity of gambling in the country.

The largest concentration of Philippines casinos can be found, unsurprisingly, in the capital of the Philippines, Manila. Manila casinos are the biggest and most popular in the country, attracting thousands of visitors every year, many of them travelers from abroad. The capital is very popular with tourists from neighboring East Asian countries, but also further afield, including the USA and Europe. Consequently, casinos are a natural magnet for visitors wanting to relax in what can sometimes be a very crowded and busy city, with a varied and thriving nightlife scene. Manila casinos are famous for their relaxed ambience, and socializing is viewed as being almost as important as gambling. The pace of the games is often quite slow, which acts as a welcome antidote to the frenzied pace of city life.

One of the most popular Philippines casinos was the PAGCOR-owned Subic Bay Legend, situated at Subic Bay north of Manila, on the site of a former US Naval base, but the casino was closed in May 2006. However, there is another casino in the Subic Bay development called the Diamond, with tentative plans to create further casinos in the area. Casino development is further encouraged by the positive business conditions in the Philippines, a cheaper place to do business than alternative countries such as Macao and Japan, and the more relaxed rules on casino ownership in areas like Subic Bay, which have “Special Economic Zone” status to encourage investment.

In addition to these developments, there are several casinos further afield in the Philippines, including the islands of Cebu and Davao. The PanAsia Poker Tour has also hosted its first event in a Philippines casino, the Philippines Open, which is open to poker players from around the world and is held at the Airport Casino Filipino. Philippines casinos are a growing part of the Filipino tourist scene, and they provide an increasingly attractive alternative to casinos in other East Asian countries.

Budget basics: How to set up a sensible budget

Setting up a budget sounds overwhelming so many of us put it off until we find ourselves in a real financial crisis. When I first moved out on my own, a budget became a necessity and helped me avoid disaster and save money for unexpected emergencies. Here are a few tips to help make it a little easier to get started.

1. Make a list of all your expenses; rent, food, utilities, phone, transportation ,insurance, clothing, toiletries, laundry, gifts, etc. Make sure to include expenses like postage, dues to clubs, church donations, cable and also entertainment. Life is no fun if you can’t go to a movie or attend a concert once in a while. Also have an emergency fund for car repairs, appliance repairs and the replacement of small appliances like hair dryers or toasters that croak unexpectedly.

2. Pay yourself first. No matter how tight your budget is, pay yourself and set that money aside for the future. A small insurance policy that will pay off at maturity, a savings account, investment plan or whatever works best for you. Even if it’s only ten dollars a week, that’s $520 a year!

3. Add up all of your expenses and see where you stand. If you don’t have enough income to cover them, then it’s time to start figuring out where to make cuts. Buy less take-out or prepared convenience foods, shop at thrift shops, compare your auto insurance company with others to see if you can get better rates, and so on. Trust me, a few changes can make a huge change in your available cash.

4. Using a computer spreadsheet is an excellent way maintain your budget, but a simple ledger or composition notebook work fine too.

5. Keep track of your monthly expenses as they do fluctuate and you’ll need an average amount to create a workable budget. Depending upon your climate your heating or cooling bills will vary according to the seasons, so knowing what the average monthly bill make certain you have enough every month.

6. Save your receipts. I put every receipt in a desk drawer, so I will be able to return an item to a store if need be. This also helps me figure out where my money went one year so I can adjust my budget the for next. I put all the receipts in a manila envelope, date them and keep them for one year. Well, I’m a pack rat, so I often keep them longer than that, but you get the picture.

7. I put a little extra in each category to accommodate for inflation. It helped, although not enough, when gas prices rose and the cost of food went up so much this year, but I wasn’t in as much trouble as I might have been.

A Few Extra Tips:

A friend of mine uses the ‘envelope’ method and puts cash in each one (rent, food, gas, etc.). This works great for her. It wouldn’t work for me because I’d constantly worry about losing an envelope or being robbed, but it’s a method all the same.

If you keep your money in a bank, shop around for those that offer the best rates for savings accounts, free checking and the lowest fees. I chose my bank because there are more branches near me so I wouldn’t be paying all of those ATM fees.

Start slowly, be honest with yourself about your expenses, take it one step at a time and you’ll succeed. Having a budget will take a lot of stress out of your life and will help you save for the future. Perhaps that new car or your own house may not be as far away as you thought they would be!

Finding Hope After 7 Years

Henry (a pilot) and Ingrid (a flight attendant) exchanged “I dos” last Dec. 6, 1997. This couple’s stable careers make them ideal parents-to-be, with adequate resources to raise kids. But after seven years of trying to conceive naturally, Henry and Ingrid got tired of waiting. They immediately consulted friends who knew of modern ways to help them have kids.

Since acknowledging the problem, Ingrid and Henry sought medical help right away. The couple both underwent several infertility treatments; taking oral medications and artificial insemination (AI) yet still with no positive results.

Ingrid had two major operations: laparoscopy (a surgical procedure to remove several ovarian cysts and to further evaluate the condition of her reproductive system) and one to remove her right ovary & fallopian tube. “Actually, the AI was too much effort, time and expense for me already. We knew that IVF was the last resort for us.”

Last year, her doctor advised her to seek treatment in Singapore because of the presence of good In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) labs. “But I didn’t proceed to Singapore. We did all the tests here in Manila. When I was ready to leave, the secretary in the Singapore lab told me I needed to have an immunization for Rubella virus which meant that I should not get pregnant within three months after the immunization since it was a live vaccine and could cause serious abnormalities to the baby. I didn’t want to wait anymore. I eventually told them that I’ll just try it here in Manila,” Ingrid narrated.

It was during that time also that a friend of hers suggested an IVF center called Victory A.R.T. Laboratory at Medical Plaza in Makati.

Considering the previous treatments, Dr. Novero (their attending IVF specialist) first checked the couple’s blood tests for hepatitis A, B and HIV; and also for tissue cross-match. Earlier tests revealed that Henry and Ingrid have near-identical blood compositions. In simple medical explanation, Ingrid’s white blood cells and genes are too strong to combine with Henry’s. When the egg and sperm meet, Ingrid’s body destroys the embryos because it recognizes the union as infection.

Right after this clinical finding, her immunologist Dra. Lara Aleta conducted leukocyte immune therapy or LIT on the couple. They extracted blood from Henry where they separated the white cells from the red blood cells. Henry’s white blood cells were injected to Ingrid’s. This will allow Ingrid’s immune system to be accustomed to Henry’s white blood cells. This procedure will eventually benefit the fertilization process and hopefully produce a viable outcome. LIT was done for three sessions, separate from the actual IVF process. Before proceeding to IVF, the couple underwent another AI to help yield reproduction. But it failed. So the doctors eventually conducted IVF. “From LIT to IVF, the whole procedure took six months,” Ingrid said.

Ingrid and Henry were briefed by Tracy Ong (Victory A.R.T. Laboratory’s resident embryologist) on IVF, as well as expectations and other preparations before the actual procedure. “Tracy was always around. If you need to talk to her, you can call her. She’s like a friend. She’s not here only for business but to really help us out in this process,” Ingrid said.

Victory A.R.T. Laboratory, with regard to the case of Ingrid and Henry and other couples as well, always treats its patients with utmost confidentiality and privacy. The lab’s fertility experts, embryologists and staff maintain a high level of professionalism when handling fertility cases. Also, they are highly trained abroad on the latest fertility techniques that make them highly qualified to attend to couples. This is in line with the lab’s continuing commitment to help couples achieve their goal of having their own babies.

During the course of the treatments, Ingrid and Henry (being born-again Christians) did not waver in their faith and trust. They both strongly believed that everything happens for a reason and that God dictates the right time for these things. “In fact, even before we started with IVF, we already knew in our minds and in our hearts that the doctors and science can only do so much. It’s only God who can tell that this time you’ll be successful,” Ingrid said.

In retrospect, Ingrid described how difficult it was for them to handle the problem. They were both frustrated at the fact that they couldn’t conceive naturally after years of trying. Depression was another emotion they both hurdled especially after finding out that the treatments they underwent failed to produce results.

Another factor the couple faced was that they both belonged to a close-knit family. Regular family occasions like Christmas, New Year, birthdays and anniversaries would make them both realize over and over again that something is still missing in their own family.

After several months of anticipation, Ingrid became pregnant and finaly gave birth to twin girls last March. Henry also happily recounted: “Actually, before I was really pressured, especially among my peers. But I was not totally hopeless. And after two weeks and the result was positive, I was boastful about it already!”

It was a slow realization for Ingrid because of the longer time that it took for them to finally conceive. “My ultra-sound is every two weeks. So every time I get the pictures, I place them on top of my desk beside my bed so they are the first ones that I will see in the morning… During the 5th month, I would really feel them kicking inside… When I’m inside my room, I would always talk to them. I would take Henry’s hand and let him feel the girls’ kicks. Our joy and happiness right now is really indescribable.”

Henry and Ingrid only have good words for Victory A.R.T. Lab. Its capabilities are really at par with other IVF labs abroad—or even better. That’s why for fertility concerns, couples need not go overseas for treatment as long as Victory A.R.T. Lab is around.

So for other couples who are faced with the same problem, Ingrid and Henry have this to say: “We would tell them not to waste time; and not to lose hope. And if they undergo the same process, they should always remember that whatever happens, God is still in control and his timing is always the best.”

* Victory A.R.T. Laboratory is located at Deck 1 Medical Plaza Makati, Amorsolo cor. De la Rosa Sts. Legaspi Village, Makati City. For more information on IVF, interested parties may contact 884-2290 to 92 or email victoryartlab@yahoo.com. All inquiries will be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Short stories: The Jersey girl

The Jersey Girl:

The woman fought for her life at the end of the dark pier covered with a canopy. No one could see her being assaulted by the pimp that owned the rights to her services. This was a common thing for her to be beaten on a daily basis by her pimp. He was a big fat white man that owned a lot of real estate in lower Manhattan and he set up his women to meet customers strictly by his rules. The Jersey girl knew she would be beaten the minute she had stepped out of a clients car. She could see the rage in Richard’s face and she swallowed hard in knowing what was coming.

Richard the pimp led her by her arm down the long plank way of the pier. Jersey girl never looked up as they walked, she just peered through the cracks in the wood planking’s and watched the white foam of the sea carry the water towards the shore behind her. The end of the pier was vacant and Richard grabbed her purse and dumped the contents on to the fish prep table that was there. “Where is the rest of the money”, Richard said in a irate voice. “That’s all there is, you pulled up before he would give me the rest”, the Jersey girl cried. “You liar”, Richard said and slapped her hard across the face. The Jersey girl fell to the planking and Richard was so enraged that he began to strangle the Jersey girl.

Jersey girl felt herself going in and out of reality as Richard’s strong hands crushed her throat and the air left her body for the last time. Her body was limp and her pupils fixed as life left her once beautiful body. Richard threw her body over the side into the sea by the pier. He watched as the tide took her body out and Jersey girl slowly sank beneath the white foamy water of the rolling waves. “Damn her” was all Richard could say as he walk briskly back towards the beach. Night had fallen now and Richard opened the door to his red Buick and shut the door. He sat there under the street lamp for the longest time, but he never felt any remorse towards the Jersey girl.

The sun arose to a body lying spread eagle on the sandy beach. The Jersey girl lay on her back with eyes open and her wet clothes clung to her body. The investigator and CSI team were searching the area for evidence and noticed that her drivers license just inside her bra. The other side of her bra had a tiny zip lock bag that contained a note that said, “If any one finds me dead please contact this number”. The investigators were puzzled and slipped the evidence into a manila envelope and put it with Jersey girls

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