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Showing posts with label endorsements. Show all posts
Showing posts with label endorsements. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 4

WHY MANNY VILLAR...

Some are called to lead despite remaining passive and unprepared most of their lives. They are suddenly presented with this grace, this opportunity to shine, but have done very little to earn this kind of noble calling. Beware of this kind of leader; he may just be going with the flow, blinded by the prospect of power and fame, and deafened by the roar of the crowd behind him. He may realize too late that he lacks the tools and the strength to shoulder the burden of leadership.

Then there are those who have been preparing most of their lives to gain the experiences and muster the strength to have what it takes to be a true leader. They are the ones who are truly prepared, who have done their homework, so to speak. They have the confidence and they have the tools and the capability to rise to the occasion. The inspiration they provide stems from their own lives, not from something bestowed upon by family background or circumstance.

The Self-Made Man

Manny Villar clearly belongs to this category. He is a self-made man, having built himself from scratch. He does not have a movie star's charisma to beguile the poor to vote for him. He does not rely on any distinguished pedigree or lineage to propel himself, because he really comes from humble origins. What he does have are concrete achievements as both entrepreneur and political figure. Powerful actions back up his inspiring words and programs, which is why you can believe in them.

Almost every Filipino by now knows that he, among all the candidates in the coming election, understands the true meaning of hardship. Coming from the poor, he exudes genuine compassion and understanding of what the destitute and the needy go through. Every Filipino knows this adage: “Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan, di makararating sa paroroonan.” Villar certainly knows he couldn’t have reached this far in life without always looking back at what he went through. And that should greatly inspire the multitude to rise from their present misery and want and on to the fulfillment of their dreams. Sipag at Tiyaga! Everyone knows that this simple philosophy of life is true. It is anchored in reality. It is something you can hold on to. It is a genuine promise of our salvation. It is a genuine roadmap to our progress.

Everything starts with the individual.

And it starts with you.

Anti-Poverty Platform

Manny Villar does not make promises alone. Although he has made poverty alleviation a top priority, he knows this is something that everyone, including the poor themselves, must strive for and work towards. He is just keeping it real and being honest about it.

This is his powerful message to the masses who are always mired in poverty, one administration after another. Many people say that corruption causes poverty. While this is surely true, it is also more the other way around : poverty causes corruption. Root out poverty, empower the people with the means to live well and rise above their station in life, and you can eliminate the need to beg, to steal, to kill. It is certainly important to eliminate corruption, especially those that happen in high places because they affect the most people. But equally important is the need to address the heart of poverty. And the inequitable distribution of wealth and access to it lies at the heart of this matter including his entrepreneurial revolution.

Nacionalista Party senatorial bet Gilbert Remulla hit it right when he said that the biggest issue for voters in the May 10 polls is poverty. All other problems are just side issues. Having overcome poverty himself, Manny could have easily been contented with having a comfortable life, except that he continually feels he has to give back to the poor and inspire them to elevate themselves. This is what the other candidates lack – genuine empathy with the impoverished, not just lip-service. And that's what's propelling him to popularity. People know it's about time to consider a candidate with solid credentials instead of empty promises. We need a candidate with programs backed up by experience and achievement instead of one riding on popularity alone.

And there's no one with more experience and achievement than Villar. Consider his accomplishments even before he embarked on his political career. He became known as the “housing czar” for initiating mass housing projects that benefited more than 100,000 poor and middle-class families. His pioneering initiatives and innovations that revolutionized the country's mass housing industry were complemented by his enactment of economic and social reform laws that proved vital in sustaining the country's economic momentum and improvement of the lives of Filipinos.

Achievements in Congress

As a young congressman, he applied his economic and managerial expertise in bringing about economic reform measures during the Ramos administration, such as the New Foreign Investments Act and the restructuring of the Central Bank.

He organized the “Manpower on Wheels Program” to help educate poor students. It has since produced more than 5,000 graduates and been awarded by various government and civic organizations. This accomplishment backs up his current plan of action to spend more for education and create a more competitive environment among schools and among teachers.

He oversaw various infrastructure projects in Las Piñas, and steered this district and Muntinlupa to cityhood. He upgraded the hospitals, launched drug prevention programs, and authored several legislation and initiatives that protected and promoted small and medium entrepreneurship. In the process, he garnered the highest satisfaction ratings while leading both Houses of Congress. As House Speaker, he was able to reform the “pork barrel” system, paved the way for leadership reform by appointing neophyte congressmen to head important committees such as ecology and banks, and pioneered laws such as Retail Trade Liberalization Act, the New Central Bank Act, New Securities Code and the New Banking Act.

Achievements as Senator

As a neophyte senator in 2001, Villar filed 204 bills covering a comprehensive legislative program of action. He authored 44 laws during the 12th Congress, filed bills aimed at providing business opportunities for the people and improving the Filipinos' quality of life through basic health care, decent shelters, responsive social services and high quality education. He spearheaded the building of schools, sent out medical missions and set up relief operations whenever or wherever needed. In addition to initiating a livelihood training program with the Sipag at Tiyaga Caravan Kaalaman, he privately funded a tree-planting drive consisting of over 1 million trees as his environmental advocacy. (Reads his legislative performance and Manny Villar's Governance Matrix)

Villar's life and achievements are too numerous to fit this page, but it should be sufficient to note that actions do back up his words. He is getting a lot of criticism for having the biggest advertising expenditure, but the good thing here is that he spends his own money, without the need for “backers” who naturally want to recoup expenses once he is elected. After decades of getting used to “crony capitalism,” we finally have a solid candidate who is a crony of no one, who is beholden to no one but the country. His advertising expenditure, in addition to carrying his messages of “sipag at tiyaga,” point to his capability as a business leader and effective communicator, and these qualities are important to have for someone to represent our country in the world stage.

villar-for-president-2010

Two signs show how effective Villar's advertising and marketing programs are: his lead in the polls, and the desperation of his detractors. As the campaign season heats up with him leading the surveys, more criticisms are bound to come flying thick and fast, left and right. But many people find this pathetic. The way his opponents have been hurling the C-5 issue against him is simply pulitika. Clearly, there has been no anomaly in the C-5 project; it is even a project that Villar is proud of. As he himself stated, “Only those with vision, capability, and are strong-willed can be part of something like the C5 project – a project that shows the country is moving forward. While many of us who want to get elected promise progress for our country, C5 is that promise realized. It is there for everyone to benefit from and take advantage of. “

Indeed, people will see this as the desperate move by his rivals to discredit him. Meanwhile, some candidates relish in bashing him but they will never get far with this kind of negativity. The people want candidates that can outline their programs in a positive way. Attacking somebody else is a cheap gimmickry that's good for a few laughs and a short hoopla but that's just about it.

If a candidate has truth on his side, and is backed up by genuine capability to manage people and lead the country, the slings and arrows of outrageous accusations will never hurt him. Instead he will shine through, as only the best among us does in the face of adversity.

Count on it.


Source: www.blogwatch.ph

The Lady from Sulu

Last January 2009, three members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). They were Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba.

After 77 days in captivity, Lacaba was released by the ASG to the honorable Vice Governor Nur-Ana “Lady Ann” Sahidulla; followed by Notter nearly two weeks later. The last to walk to freedom was Vagni who was turned over also to Vice Governor Sahidulla on July 12.

The Sulu Vice Governor‘s role in securing the safe release of the three ICRC workers was commended by Philippine National Red Cross chair Richard Gordon.

According to Gordon, “As the Vice Governor of Sulu and the Chair of the PNRC Chapter in her province, the responsibility of finding a peaceful, effective and humanitarian solution to the hostage crisis rested on her shoulders.”

Gordon said that the vice governor’s intimate and unique knowledge as well as the trust and respect of the people of Sulu made it possible to communicate effectively with the Abu Sayyaf and ensure the safety of the hostages, bring them food and medicines, and eventually secure their safe release from their abductors.

Sahidulla’s use of peaceful means to address the hostage crisis saved, not only the lives of the hostages but also of soldiers, the Abu Sayyaf and other people who might have been hurt if an all-out conflict was pursued, Gordon said as he defended the lady vice governor from critics and doubting Thomases.

She was also part of the team that negotiated for the release of broadcast journalist Ces Oreña Drilon and two other ABS-CBN employees who were kidnapped by the ASG in 2008.

Vice Governor Sahidulla, also known as “Lady Ann” enjoys the distinction of being the first Woman Vice Governor in the province of Sulu. She is running for the 2nd district congressional seat in Sulu and most of the Sulu town mayors are reportedly supporting her candidacy, affirming Sahidulla’s independence and firm decisions on any issue and her knowledge in the art of negotiation during conflicts.

Sahidulla is also known for her peace advocacy, saying that peace is an essential ingredient for sustainable development. “Mindful peace is uplifted if there’s harmony in each others heart. True and clear heart can overcome the rouse of evil in one’s mind,” she said. The lady vice governor also believes that the root cause of armed conflict in Mindanao is poverty. “Kung walang gutom, walang aakyat sa bundok at hahawak ng baril,” she stressed. Meanwhile, she’s helping her constituents thru her livelihood programs like soy sauce making, aquaculture, livestock raising and lately, coffee farming.

Sahidulla founded the Anak Ilo Foundation Incorporated in 1995. Anak Ilo is a foundation designed to help the orphans in attaining their dreams through scholarship grants.

She is also actively involved in livelihood projects, literacy programs and activities which support and promote the good image of Sulu, as well as in medical missions and relief operations benefiting families in Sulu who are affected by unending conflict and bloody encounters in her province. Through her, the building of the BLOOD BANK of the Philippine National Red Cross was made possible and raised for the benefits of the Suluanos.

Sahidulla said, “I will continue to provide assistance to our people and most especially the victims of war in Sulu even if armed conflicts in this province have waned down. As a vanguard for people’s right, we must guarantee support to children and refuge their rights”.

If elected, Sahidulla will replace 2nd district Rep. Munir Arbison who is on his third and last term as congressman of the district.

Give the Lady a seat in the House.

Friday, March 19

Ipanema's Colorful Sea Collection

A Sea of Style

Ipanema Gisele Bundchen launches new “Colorful Sea” collection

Ipanema, Brazil. The mere mention of this tropical paradise evokes images of pristine beaches, cool, blue waters, rhythmic samba grooves, and beautiful people—the stuff summertime dreams are made of. Make this summer fantasy come alive as renowned footwear brand Ipanema launches its latest GB collection dubbed as “Colorful Sea”, endorsed by Brazilian goddess and world’s most successful supermodel, Gisele Bundchen!


With its uber-chic look and feel, the Ipanema GB (Gisele Bündchen) line is remarkable not only for its hip design, unmatched style and high quality, but also for being an important medium for eco-awareness.

A devoted environmentalist, Gisele Bündchen actively adheres to her role as UN ambassador by using each GB collection to raise funds and awareness for specific eco-causes. The 2010 “Colorful Sea” collection supports the preservation of Brazil’s turtle population as well as the welfare of our own local marine life.

With this latest collection’s ocean-inspired theme and advocacy, fans of the GB line are treated to the cool, vibrant colors and soothing oceanic designs of the “Colorful Sea” flip-flop models, once again calling to mind the Ipanema beach fantasy that we all long for:

Looking for a sure-fire way to stand out among the crowd? The wedged “Plataforma” sandal gives you a satisfying height boost while giving lush comfort to your feet with its stylish curves.

The Colorful Sea “Thong Fem” exudes pure class and grace, adding an extra touch of tropic sophistication to your wardrobe, perfect for casual strolls or romantic evenings.


Make your everyday strolls come alive with the “Kirey”, featuring cool colors and an ergonomic design—perfect for hot fashionistas on the go!

Make everyday feel like a relaxing stroll to the beach with the new Colorful Sea “Sand Fem”, featuring stylish straps and stunning colors that truly captivate. Dress your feet in style!

Be a beach goddess anywhere you are with the “Sandal Star Fem”. With its luxurious strap design and eye-catching emblem, you will surely grab the spotlight whatever your outfit.

With its vibrant colors and uber-tropical design, the new “Star Thong Fem” will bring out the adventurous streak in you. Grab every color to match any outfit, and be a bona-fide head turner.









special edition of Ipanema thong with swarovzki crystals

Thursday, February 11

Another Heavenly Treat...




A combination of four kinds of chocolate goodness in every mouthful - chocolate brownie, mousse, ganache and curls.

Valentine Cake from Red Ribbon



Saturday, January 23

“Real Leaf Paparazzi”






Last December, we had our annual gift-giving project for the street children of Makati, Pasay and Manila. There are about 150 kids who participated. They danced with the mascot, ate merienda, joined our contest and before going home, we gave them goodies for their families as well. This is a yearly activity for our family, to give back and share what we have been blessed with. And my kids really enjoyed sharing their new toys with them.

After the activity, my family went to Rockwell to relax and have dinner. We went to Mongkok for their hot soup, mixed veggies and beef steak. When my kids have read the menu, they asked me for some money. And there, they all disappeared. It turned out they all went to Rustan's grocery and bought Real Leaf green tea for each of them because the resto is not serving one yet.

Of course, I have to take pics before they consume their favorite drinks. Now, our weekly grocery cart has lots of Real Leaf green tea, my fave is the one with lychee...Cheers!

Sunday, December 6

Chocolate Walnut Fudge by Red Ribbon...


INDULGE IN A 5-STAR DESSERT WITH THE NEW RED RIBBON CHOCOLATE WALNUT FUDGE WITH HERSHEY’S DARK CHOCOLATE

Over the years, Red Ribbon Bakeshop has come to be known as the leader and innovator in cakes. With its best-tasting signature cakes like the Black Forest, Chocolate Mousse and Chocolate Marjolaine that Filipinos have come to love and enjoy, Red Ribbon has become an essential part of every gathering. Aside from these signature cakes, Red Ribbon has not failed to surprise us year after year with innovative and delightful cake offerings that have instantly become dessert favorites and instant additions to any gathering—from the family favorite S’mores Chocolate Cake to the feel-good comfort of Cookies and Cream with Oreo and, most recently, White Forest which brings everyone’s favorites together.

As we usher in the Holiday Season, all of us are bound to be looking for that extra special cake for the season’s much-anticipated gatherings with family and friends or to gift to our loved ones. And, just as we thought we’ve seen and tasted everything, Red Ribbon caps off the year with yet another delightful offering, perfectly in time for the season of giving and celebration—the new Chocolate Walnut Fudge with Hershey’s Dark Chocolate.

Chocolate Walnut Fudge with Hershey’s Dark Chocolate is Red Ribbon’s newest addition to its Premium Selection line. It is made of a layer of creamy chocolate mousse on a bed of moist fudgy brownie, both loaded with chopped walnuts and finished with dark chocolate ganache, sprinkles and long chocolate curls all made with Hershey’s Dark Chocolate to make it even more irresistible.

So, as this season calls for a more special dessert for our gatherings and gifting needs, we need not look further than Red Ribbon’s new Chocolate Walnut Fudge with Hershey’s Dark Chocolate. This ultimately indulgent cake is guaranteed to make any gathering more special.

The new Chocolate Walnut Fudge with Hershey’s Dark Chocolate is available in all Red Ribbon stores and select booths for P680.00. Offered only this holiday season, it’s the perfect ending to any celebration.



Another Christmas Cake....



A VERY SPECIAL HOLIDAY GIFT WITH RED RIBBON’S SANTA’S WISH CAKE

Make your loved ones delightfully merry this holiday season with a unique gift as Red Ribbon Cakes by Design introduces a beautiful cake made especially for your Christmas festivities, the Santa’s Wish cake.

Inspired by the beloved icons of Christmas, Santa Claus, with his cherry-red hat, twinkling eyes and fluffy white beard, who brings joy and cheer to children and adults alike and Christmas trees that call to mind the one standing proudly in your home, Red Ribbon’s Santa’s Wish cake lets your loved ones revel in the joy of the Christmas spirit unlike any other. A truly special holiday cake, the Santa’s Wish cake is sure to bring much delight to any Christmas celebration.

Red Ribbon’s Santa’s Wish cake is made with moist and dense rhum butter cake with a layer of creamy caramel filling and covered in soft and smooth icing. The deliciously festive flavors combine for a true Christmas symphony of taste, certain to elicit appreciation from your loved ones this season.

To help you avoid the Christmas rush, Red Ribbon’s Santa’s Wish cake will be available on a pre-order basis at any Red Ribbon store from November 27 – December 15. Order now and add an extra special touch to your gift with a personal dedication on the cake.

Red Ribbon’s Santa’s Wish cake will be available off-the-shelf in all Red Ribbon stores from December 22 – 24 at only P550.

Wednesday, September 23

Let There Be White...

Red Ribbon launched its newest cake last Thursday, September 17 and I was privileged to be served with one....the White Forest Cake.

The Red Ribbon White Forest is made with creamy white chocolate and light, moist white chiffon cake layered between real cherry bits filing and a fusion of cream and white chocolate flakes. The cake is gloriously crowned with beautiful cream rosettes with luscious long-stemmed, red maraschino cherries on top. It is enrobed in and generously finished with melt-in-the mouth white chocolate shavings. One can't help but feel delight with the unique, heavenly taste of this combination of flavors when tasted. This harmony of white is definitely a sight to behold and taste! It's truly a deliciously memorable dessert experience that no one will soon forget!









We even took home a whole White Forest Cake. Thanks to Red Ribbon.


with mommy-bloggers Lyn, Julie, Salen and Enchie

For deliveries, call 8-77-77

Wednesday, August 26

Pond's Pore Management

If you want to feel good, a clean, fresh face is a great starting point. Pond's recommends a simple daily cleansing routine. In just three steps you'll feel like you've just walked out of a health farm.

Effective pore management

Knowing how your pores work is the first step in pore management. Pores are essentially openings in the skin, and there are two types: sweat glands and follicles, which secrete oil. Pores become clogged when oil, grime, makeup or pollutants accumulate as hardened plugs, and these plugs form blackheads.

Clogged pores occur most often around the nose, which has more oil glands per square inch than any other area on your face or body. When the duct is blocked, the waxy 'sebum' – that's the oil – trapped inside becomes infected and produces whiteheads, also called pimples or spots. Conventional methods of clearing blackheads and whiteheads include squeezing, but this is painful, it often leaves permanent scars, and it may lead to infection when the skin is broken. That means you're more likely to get acne.

Suction with a vacuum tube is often used in beauty salons, but that can cause broken capillaries and it isn't very effective: the treatment is superficial and may not remove deep-seated plugs completely. The best way to manage your pores effectively is a regular, thorough cleansing regimen to minimise the build-up of sebum and surface dirt.

A good routine would involve three easy steps.

1. Cleanse

Cleanse your face with a proper pH-balanced cleanser. There are different types of cleansers: some people like gels or liquids and others prefer solid bars. It's just a case of finding the one that's right for you. After cleansing your face, massage it for 1–2 minutes and then rinse it thoroughly.

2. Tone

Use a toning product to kill bacteria and remove any residual makeup. Natural ones such as tea tree oil and witch hazel are good: they have antiseptic and astringent properties.

3. Exfoliate

Exfoliate with products such as scrubs, creams and masques to slough off dead skin cells and stimulate cell renewal.

In addition to keeping your face clean, you should resist the urge to pick at spots. Try using pore strips to remove debris in pores.

If you wear make-up, be sure to remove it thoroughly with a reliable remover: never go to bed without cleaning your face. Avoid using make-up and skincare products that may aggravate pore clogging. For instance, applying a cream that is too rich on already oily skin may lead to the accumulation of debris inside the pores. It's important to know your skin type.

If you exercise regularly, make it a habit to cleanse your face after every workout. Good skincare practices will help to keep your pores clear and your skin free of blackheads and pimples.

Source: Unilever

Sunday, June 28

SHOES...SHOES...ON SALE





So many shoes... so little time :)

VNC celebrates its MID YEAR Sale!
Satisfy your foot fetish with up-to-the-minute trends
at half the price! Get strapped with fab finds at 70% off!

Visit VNC at Robinsons Galleria, Glorietta III, Robinsons Place
Manila, TriNoma, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Alabang Town Center,
Shangri-La Plaza Mall and SM North Edsa Annex.


Sale Period: starts June 26, 2009

Saturday, May 30

Clinique's 3 Steps To Great Skin

I have been using Clinique products for years. When the opportunity to go to a Clinique event came up, I knew this was an opportunity that I know I absolutely cannot pass up because I believe in these products.

I went to the Clinique event looking forward to what will be done with us and the other mommy bloggers who also signed up with the invite. And I can say this is one of the most organized and cool events I've been to.

First we had the Skin Type Analysis.

We underwent a skin type analysis during which a Clinique product specialist asked questions about our skin. I answered the questions and later knew what the type of skin I belong to. I have a SkinType 2 which is characterized as dry and dehydrated.

Then we were instructed to do the 3 Step Skin Care System

Step 1: Cleansing with Liquid Facial Soap

Step 2: Exfoliation with Clarifying lotion

Step 3: Moisturizing with Dramatically Moisturizing Lotion


These 3 step skin care I have continued to use till this day. I have noticed a dramatic change in my skin. My skin is now clearer and glowing. I even feel that my skin has become radiant.

Clinique products are 100% fragrance-free and have been formulated for Asian skin. These are also allergy-tested.

The results are more than satisfying and positive. My sisters noticed the change in my skin too.

I love the results I got from these Clinique products and that goes to say, hubby does too.