At work the woman went about her chores stopping every now and then to chat with someone on somethings concerning her job. It was always like this. Her officemates always see her like this. Any hitches and turns that she faces she just mumbles “oh it is just one of those days.”

At a party of an old friend, the friend commented that the woman looked trully happy. So she asked her about her family, her work, her social life to which the woman just answered with an “ok” and a smile. Believing that this is the real score, the friend congratulated the woman for her life saying she hoped she had the kind of life the woman had and she was as happy as her. The woman just told her “oh dont worry you will have it in time, just think of the bad days as just one of those days.”

One day the woman left work early. This was unusual for her so her officemates teased her about having a date with her husband to which the woman just smiled. Unknown to everyone, the woman was going somewhere to cry her heart out. She left early so she still could be home on time. Earlier in the week the woman got to know of her husband’s indiscretions and was badly hurt. She wanted to lash out at him but could not do so since the kids would be there. She wanted to hurt him the way she was hurt but she thought that it would be stooping down to his husbands level. So she just cried for the love that was lost. She just felt pity for herself for loving someone who was not loving her as much in return. She felt lost. She wanted to ask what she did to deserve such treatment but could not. Finally she just settled for the thought that she was not what her husband wanted and would make her husband happier if she just let him go.

At home the woman went on appearing very calm. At work she was the same woman her officemates knew. The one thing that she could not do was to stay the same to her husband. Nobody else knew what she knew except her. Never did she discuss this with her husband. As time went on, the marriage was broken and friends soon knew about it.

They asked the woman why she did not tell them. Who comforted her? Who was with her? Did she have someone new? How could she go on as if nothing was happening?

The woman replied “oh I just treated it as one of those days.”

The moral of the story? Happiness is not found in somebody else. You have to decide to be happy. There are times in our life that we may feel God has left us and ask ourselves what we did to deserve the bad things that are happening to us. In those times always remember it is not your will but the Lord’s will that will be done.

I asked for Strength………
And God gave me Difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for Wisdom………
And God gave me Problems to solve.

I asked for Prosperity………
And God gave me Brain and Brawn to work.

I asked for Courage………
And God gave me Danger to overcome.

I asked for Love………
And God gave me Troubled people to help.

I asked for Favors………
And God gave me Opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted ……..
I received everything I needed!

Trust in God. Always !

Happy weekend everyone!!!

For nurses they should have:

a) diplomas
b) transcripts of records
c) cgfns or nclex and ielt

For physical therapists they should have:

a) npte ; toelt

More info available at the agency!!

Position or type of JOB: Hospital Assignment
Contact Number: 536 3122 / 526 3848
Contact Person: Mr.Jose P. Santos,Pres/Gen.Manager or Fely C.Tan ,Overseas Marketing Officer
Website of the Company if any: not available
Company e-mail: not availaible

Additional Message: The agency,E.M.S,is at present recruiting around 200 nurses and 200 physical therapists.This is as per information here at Nevada wherein all qualifier’s papers are being coursed through.All who are hired are to be assigned in different hospitals here in the States.

I have posted this message for all qualified nurses and physical therapist here in Tanauan. A word of advise: To minimize expenses if it is possible for the prospective applicant,a call to the agency would be practical before embarking on a trip to Manila.

This agency is POEA LICENSED. LICENSE NO: 077-LB-120706-UL

Taga sulod ako hin usa nga baranggay dinhi ha Tanauan. So all those who have what it takes,think about this opportunity.

Maupay nga aga!! Salamat hin damo.Prepare for the coming town fiesta.

sulodnon

Submit your updated Curriculum Vitae to emiratessailhfc@gmail.com or to orangepalacio@gmail.com

Among the sponsors are:

• i.PH: the Domain for Individuals
• Free Online Flash Games
• Wazzup Manila Philippines
• Real Estate CRM
• Real Estate Website Designers
• Orange County Real Estate
• Auto Insurance Quotes
• Lane Systems Inc.
• RedMedia
• Orange County Business Lawyer

The event is sponsored by TanauanLeyte.com.

Those who are in Manila and would like to venture Call Center career opportunity, TUCP offers PGMA Scholarship. It is located in QC Circumference, TUCP Headquarters and screens every Friday. It’s a day screening from written exam to oral exam down to phone testing. If able to score the 55 to 80, you qualify, score is 25 to 54, may still be considered for Call Center Training for a minimal fee of Php3000.00. Compare with other TESDA accredited with PGMA Finishing Course, this NGO is far more reliable and it has numbers to tell that theirs is serious enough in helping our fellows, who are jobless and would like to venture the said industry.

Join the forum discussion on this post

I just facilitated a budgeting and forecasting workshop in Entrepreneurs Accounting Academy and one participant caught my attention regarding his reason for attending the workshop. To cut the story short, he was the General Manager of an agro firm based in Mindoro and the main reason why he attended the workshop was because they saw the rice crisis as an opportunity for the company to earn more and would like to align resources for this. During the lunch break he came to my office and asked if he could discuss something with me. During our discussion, I could not help but think of Tanauan, Leyte.

Tanauan, Leyte is such a “landed” town. To prove this, aren’t most of us who were able to graduate from college were one way or the other funded through the produce of our family’s farmland? I, for one, know that my great grandparents do have a lot of farmland in Tanauan, Leyte though I am not sure if these still exist. When I was a kid, I would see sacks and sacks of rice being delivered to my great grandparents place. Over the years though, that has considerably dwindled. I would not know the reason, as I am not privy to these things. However, the truth remains that rice is not such a problem for us in Tanauan, Leyte, then. Whatever the is situation now, I would not know, as I am also guilty of leaving my hometown in search for a better life.

In this context, I am just curious as to the economic program of our town with regards to agriculture. The last time I was home, I had a chat with our Hon. Mayor Roque Tiu and if I remember right he did tell me something about schools in some of the barangays who were teaching modern farming. This is a good start. I, however, am apprehensive if an economic program that would help the graduates start something on their own supports this action.

I was in Dagupan City, Pangasinan a few weeks ago to visit clients and a client of mine was talking about a certain ordinance entitled the Investment Code of Dagupan. When I saw the write-up, I was not surprised knowing the economic landscape of Dagupan City. But come to think of it, Dagupan is such a small place. It is in between municipalities that if you could go to all the places in Singapore in just a day, in Dagupan you can see all the places in just half of a day. It is a wonder that for such a small place, you can see branches of all the major banks in Manila there which only points out the fact that there is a lot of money circulating in the market. To make comparisons more glaring, Dagupan, City is composed of only 31 barangays, 22 barangays short than what we have. But, hey, don’t get me wrong. I am only making the comparisons to say that economically, it is not a question of whether we have a chance because it has been seen that everyone has but a question of whether we have the plan to make our town a viable economic zone.

Going back to the rice crisis, had we given attention to our agricultural industry, we could have stood a chance in creating an opportunity for our town in this situation. I am not saying that we could take advantage of the situation to make profits of our own (though I am not sure also if the rice cartel they are saying in Leyte is really existent as I have no first hand knowledge) but we could have helped our fellow Tanauanons rise beyond what they normally experience in terms of income and make them part of a national cause. But you know that was just a thought that crossed my mind.

An economic plan is somewhat like a plan for your life. What you want to be, where you would get the resources, how you are going to get where you want to be and all the other things to be considered. Just like what Arch. Hector Gomez was saying in the construction of the public market. We cannot just go on constructing here and there and planting here and everywhere without any plan that will integrate all our actions together. I guess, all these things that we are experiencing is just a consequence of what the macroeconomic landscape also is. Yet, at the back of my mind, a question so insistently wants to be said out loud: “How come nobody in Tanauan, Leyte has so wholeheartedly stayed to develop the potential of the town? Are we so poor and unattractive and lacking in resources as not to get the attention of anyone wanting to invest in the Philippines? And how come over the years, the economic infrastructure of our town has not been so touched with changes that will make a difference in the lives of the Tanauanenos that will in turn make them stay instead of leaving their hometown in search for a better life? Are we really the “bungto han kamagaraman”?

This rice crisis is not a joke. Two weeks ago, my family purchased rice and the price per kilo was 36.50 pesos. A month before that, the price per kilo of the rice was only 26.50 pesos. This morning we had to buy rice again and you know how much the price per kilo was? It was 40.50 per kilo. In a span of less than two months, the price of rice increased by 53%. You can just imagine the impact this has on the low-income families. I pray that this will not affect our hometown for if this problem will cascade to Tanauan, Leyte (if it hasn’t, yet), it would really be ironic. These are just my thoughts on the matter. I am looking forward to visiting my hometown again and see what can be done. Probably, all those enjoying a better life in other places would like to be part of a big cause all for our beloved hometown. As our Hon. Mayor aptly puts it in his reply to the blog of Hector Gomez: “Hope others who have nothing to do will follow your pagmamalasakit han aton bungto” referring to the many ideas HG said on his open letter. Let’s all try to discuss these ideas in this website. It’s been a while since my last blog, which talked about economies of scale, but I have been reading some of the posts. Thank you all for making tanauanleyte.com a part of your routine. Best regards to everyone!!!

As a fellow Tanauananon, I fully support the move of the Tanauan LGU, thru our mayor’s leadership and initiative, in proposing this timely project that would truly benefit our local folks, as well as local and foreign visitors to our town. Recently, I’ve read about the news article on the web regarding the LGU’s effort to conduct a feasibility study on the matter and truly this is a step in the right direction (one thing that was not clear though is the parameter of the whole “modernization” project). In view of this, conducting the feasibility study, particularly by integrating the design and concept of the whole site development, including the design of its individual or group of buildings and related engineering components like drainage systems and utilities, is a vital step to determine the viability of the project. I am aware that there are certain individuals who oppose such project (and some are incorporating the issue of the construction of the municipal hall which is a totally different subject), but despite the negative criticisms, I am still convinced of the necessity of such project to replace the existing, old and dilapidated structures of the public market and improve the overall (site) planning of its surroundings in order to promote and safeguard the health, welfare and safety of the general public. The existing structures could become unsafe (or probably they are already unsafe!) and could pose greater danger to life and property. Also worth noting is the fact that there are certain requirements of the current Building Code standards that needed to be addressed (e.g. lack of parking spaces, barrier-free facilities, etc. to name only a few).

In the interest of my architect colleagues and the architectural profession, and in promoting quality planning and design of public and private buildings, I am of particular concern on certain individuals or entities that may be involved in such undertaking, particularly those who are/is conducting the feasibility study. In addition, I will still even be more concerned on the professionals who will be tasked to do the physical planning and architectural design of individual or group of buildings, if these certainly are included in the development. The reason behind is the fact that Republic Act 9266, “An Act providing for a more responsive and comprehensive regulation for the registration, licensing and practice of Architecture, repealing for the purpose Republic Act No. 545, “An Act regulating the practice of Architecture in the Philippines” was passed and became fully effective in the year 2004. This is a valid and subsisting law that prohibits individuals who are not registered and licensed architects to practice architecture in any part of the country.

As of this date, per the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture, there is “no temporary restraining order (TRO), no writ of preliminary injunction (WPI) and no pending question on the constitutionality on any of its provisions.” All national and local government officials are therefore mandated under law to implement and enforce it. For the past years and decades, we’ve witnessed the poor planning and design of many of our public buildings and facilities around the country, apparently because they were designed by individuals who illegally practiced and offered architectural services — and are not architects registered and
licensed by the state. The fact is, they have done considerable injustice to the Filipino architects and the Architectural profession, and to the general public as a whole. We can notice things such as multiple violations of the National Building Code (lack of parking spaces required, openings on firewalls, improper setbacks, etc.), incorrect building orientations, poorly designed and uncomfortable living spaces, violations of the Accessibility Law on the requirements of barrier-free facilities, and the list goes on and on – and these all contributes to the degenerative quality of the natural and built environment. Besides, these are issues that relate to public interest, safety and welfare — and are clearly attributed to non-architect’s lack of academic training and professional experience in the design and physical planning of buildings and their environs.

I have been following closely the development of this proposed project, even though I’m far away from home, and hope that this becomes a reality in the near future. I trust that the LGU have done and will do the right thing at the get go and pray for the success of this project.

Lastly, I ask the LGU of Tanauan to support the full implementation of Republic Act 9266 as part of the progress of our beloved town.

Together, let’s support all Filipino architects!

All the best,

Hector L.I. Gomez II, UAP
Registered Architect

In an interview SPAWNorg President Larry Basas revealed that even the President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, asked the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) that owns the said lot, to award these grounds to the local government of Tanauan for them to have more permanent plans laid out for this annual event that draws more and more crowd every year.

Basas said Tanauan being the Skimboarding capital of the country, will reap so many benefits once this lot is awarded to them since organizers of the annual Skimboarding competition like SPAWNorg, can now come up with permanent structures that will house the equipment and facilities used for this event.

Permanent edifice and buildings will be built all over the place that will cater to visitors not only from other parts of the country but also from all over the world. Tanauan LGU plans to construct stores, hotels, stage, and the likes that will be used for the Skimboarding competition alone. This way, more stable facilities can be banked on each time the said event happens. So much effort and resources are wasted in building temporary shelters, tents and edifices every year for the annual Skimboarding contest and the only way to counter this dilemma is to put up permanent ones.

Making a permanent site for this Skimboarding competition will also be beneficial and be of great use to prep the planned international Skimboarding contest this year.

SPAWNorg, PSA and Tanauan LGU hopes to get a positive nod on this effort this year in time for the 5th National Skimboarding Competition come December 2008.

This Bikini Open Competition held just last December 30, 2007 was part of the nightly attraction to lure people to the 2007 Tanauan Skim Open 4^th National Competition (see related article previously posted on this website) as organized by the LGU. With a jampacked crowd, I suppose it completely stole the main attraction which was skimboarding. I deduce we’re not just touting the town now as the skimboarding capital but probably the center of bikini open and exploiter of women as well. Well, just nine very young women tried to outshine each other through a hotly-contested showcase of flesh and flesh and flesh to the delight of the audience composed mostly of men.

I have seen too many a bikini competition but not as vulgar and as indecently choreographed as this one. It became nauseating at some point as each girl tried to win the nod of audience and judges by doing stuffs and acts seen only in cheapy girlie bars. Foreign visitors acted as judges who all seemed to be shocked at the lewd show hurled at their face. One judge was even seen documenting the show with his digital video camera as each girl stepped down and gyrated right infront of the judges. The rest of the men scamper to the front with their camera cellphones as each one comes out of the stage. It was truly a sight of lust and basic instinct in men all trying to get a slice of the best meat, this time, the best view.

As the show progresses, the girls all generated yelps, not just shrieks, as they come out with less and less piece of cloth to hide their loins. What made it even more improper was that there were too many kids present. My godchildren, aged 7 and 9 years old could not help but utter, “Mama, panguli na kita, makaharadlok na man iton”. (Mama, let’s go home, this is getting scary). We had to protect the impressionable mind of these kids by bringing them home.

Now, the height of this offensive show came when the girls were made to have that “wet-look” by stepping down to a water shower all the more emphasizing their wares and executed steps way beyond the decency level. The audience really became euphoric! As if by act and reminder from God, even before the show was midway through, the whole of Tanauan was engulfed with darkness as the light went out. For nearly an hour, the show was suspended. Thanks to the generated light beamed at the beach front for the night scheduled skimboard competition, the Bantay-Dagat was spared from total darkness. Even then, most of the audience decided to go home rather than wait.

The show was indeed a success judging by the men who still decided to stay. Now, I could not just comprehend why the show must be presented this way. It could have been done in a tasteful manner as not to offend the taste of everyone and an acceptable decorum or modesty level for a show of this nature. Granting that this was done in the beach, still it did not justify the type of choreography and production the girls were made to go through. I really pitied those girls who, as I heard from others near me, that they are projecting images of easy lay girls or in local dialect, “baga hin mga pokpok”. I know these girls are decent but with the kind of treatment they got and the intensity of the competition, they really had to do shameful acts just to be shine and be noticed. Right after the show, I witnessed how one drunk man approached one of the contestants, asking for her number and uttering suggestive words implying the girl is an easy lay.

Even more, what deeply disturbed my mind is why our local government unit is nurturing this kind of show. Why do we have to resort to this cheap gimmickry just to lure domestic tourism and financial backers? They could have at least “censored” or mentored the choreographers and girls to produce a decent show and not as “wildly primitive” as this one. Had it been shown on national television, for sure, this could have generated negative publicity mileage for our town and its leaders or, probably, responsible authorities could have been sacked and sanctioned by now. By then, we would have unabashedly and completely achieved our dream as the Skimboarding Capital of the Philippines vis-à -vis Exploiter of Women”. Now, we do not want that to happen, right? After all, Tanauan, so they say, is the “Bungto han Kamag-araman.” Well, we just hope this will not happen again.

Sadly, even before I left for Manila, I heard there was another bikini open in Marabut, Samar, with almost the same set of girls joining the competition. But then, the producer of the said show, who also witnessed the Tanauan Bikini Open declared, “I do not want that kind of show as done in Tanauan.” Need I say more?

Before coming up with an article telling the untold story of my quest to find out what in the world is Skimboarding, I made a promise to publish as well an article about it that will lead people to understand the basics of the sport. Now, I myself is not much of a reliable source of information, so I decided to write the interview I did with Philippine Skimboarding Association (PSA) President Juan Duazo Jr., this, to give more “teeth” and credibility in this story. So for all those “blind” about the sport, the way I was before, here’s your chance to know stuff about it.

Read on…

(The interview was done in Cebuano dialect, as requested by Mr. Duazo and I took the liberty of translating it in English for the benefit of those who can’t understand that language…)

RMEB: Good afternoon po, thank you for accommodating my request to have this interview.
JDJr: Your welcome. I hope I can satisfy your curiosity of the sport.

RMEB: Ok, here we go po, the first and probably the most important question for the day is, what is Skimboarding? And why is it called Skimboarding?
JDJr: Skimboarding is a sport that makes use of the waves that break in the shore. Skimmers use these waves to do some tricks and exhibitions, practically riding over them, doing stunts, under or “in” them before the wave finally breaks into the shoreline.

RMEB: Why the term SKIM po?
JDJr: The term skim means glide and read or browse quickly. Thus, Skimboarding is basically gliding quickly into the thin water.

RMEB: Now, this part is quite confusing to me, is Skimboarding the same as surfing? Is there any difference? Who gets to have a better standing where proficiency or excellence in this sport is concerned?
JDJr: Actually we skimmers don’t hold much weight as to who gets to “conquer” the water or the waves more. Skimboarding is very much different from surfing. You were right in your quip kanina that Skimboarding and surfing uses different sizes of waves. While surfing requires you to be in the deeper part of the sea, Skimboarding is basically done in the shorelines of the sea, using the thin water on it to do stunts and exhibitions.

RMEB: So which one is tougher or more difficulty to do po?
JDJr: We skimmers don’t get to judge as to who are better or who can deliver more tricks using waves, if that’s what you want to know. All we know is the fact that Skimboarding and surfing are different sports using the same requirements, a board and a wave. No contest between them at all.

RMEB: Oh I see. So in Skimboarding, you just have to do your thing here in the shore? No need for you to really like, worry about sharks or other deep-sea water perils? Hehehe…forgive po my naiveté?
JDJr: Yes, Skimboarding is done in the shores. No sharks involved. (Smiles) Actually, it’s like painting, the wave is the canvas, the smaller the wave, the smaller the chance for you to paint your image. The bigger the wave, the bigger the chance to do more tricks and stuff using your board.

RMEB: So Skimboarding also utilizes big waves breaking into the shore?
JDJr: Yes. Necessarily. Skimboarding competition is actually judged using 3 sound bases: wave quality, trick difficulty and execution of the trick. Skimmers have to wait for the right wave to rush into the shore, do their stunts using this wave before it finally breaks into the shore line.

RMEB: So with this po, what physical training does one need for the sport?
JDJr: Well, just like surfing, a skimmer has to master their balancing prowess, the gift of swimming and the ability to ride the waves. But I guess Skimboarding is even more athletic than surfing, since it will require you to run to meet the waves before doing your trick. As for personal training, well, I think there are no actual physical examinations needed; to do Skimboarding one has just to be enthusiastic about the sport and should do personal preparation before actually doing the sport, some great skimmers today actually begun by observing others to do it. I think skimmers would agree with me when I say that they have to suffer mending thousands bruises, aching muscles and at times worse case scenario, broken bones, before finally mastering the sport.

RMEB: Run? Bakit po?
JDJr: The running part is actually needed because you have to “meet” the wave before riding your board and doing your tricks on or in them. Surfers will have to lay flat or sit on their boards, paddling, as they wait for the right wave. Skimmers run and meet the waves.

RMEB: Ah…okay. If I intend to do the sport, what specific size of board do I need? Do I need to use a big one, since I am big? What’s the measurement po?
JDJr: Actually Skimboarding requires the basic law of physics, that for you to really balance on a board there has to be congruence on the size of the board and your body type. These two have to be “balance” to a certain extent. So, for every body type there is a specific size of the board. Ergo, the taller or heavier a skimmer becomes, the bigger the board he needs. I think most of our skimmers use custom-made boards for themselves.

RMEB: During a competition, does each skimmer have to just run and ride the waves? Or do they compete simultaneously? How do you go about it?
JDJr: Every round of the competition is called Heat. Each heat requires 4 skimmers to simultaneously do their tricks for 5 to 10 minutes. These skimmers will share the “limelight” and the waves for that allotted time. At the end of each heat, 2 skimmers will be given the chance to advance to the next round.

RMEB: As for the tricks sir, can you describe or name some?
JDJr: Oh well, for the tricks we have call Front Side Air Shove It, in this trick, a skimmer is to use the wave as a ramp to launch into the air to make a 180 degrees revolution while on board. And then we also have what we call, Tube Ride or Barrel where the skimmer has to duck into the wave as it closes out, just like surfing.

RMEB: So, how does Skimboarding “network” grow? Or how do you encourage individuals to do this kind of a sport?
JDJr: Actually, the sport’s basic requirement is personal passion to really do the sport as well as an untiring enthusiasm. Once you finally decide to do Skimboarding, then off you go!

RMEB: So there are other competitions aside from this national competition?
JDJr: Actually PSA holds local competition is done to encourage beginners and see if they are really into the sport. And then we hold this annual National Skimboarding competition to scour and discover more gifted skimmers all over the country. We hope to establish Skimboarding as one credible and valid sport. Who knows, it may soon find its way to the Olympics or Sea Games, di ba? International competition here in Tanauan is not impossible but we, together with Tanauan local government and SPAWNorg, is still gearing up for it.

RMEB: And now the clincher question? Hehehe… Why in Tanauan, Leyte? Why did Tanauan become the Skimboarding capital of the Philippines?
JDJr: Actually, Skimboarding is done by some in other parts of the country. However, Tanauan became the Skimboarding capital because the town has the highest saturation of skimmers and riders in the country. I think skimmers in Tanauan grow like mushrooms overnight. A lot of Tanauanons love the sport and almost every day, a new skimmer is born here in Tanauan. This is well-received sport here in Tanauan and it is definitely here to stay.

RMEB: Okay po! Now I know now why Skimboarding is such a great hit not only here in Tanauan but in the rest of the country. My thanks to you Sir for the time provided. Hope we Skimboarding in Olympics soon.
JDJr: Welcome dear. The pleasures mine. So, you’d like to understand more of Skimboarding? Come, let’s see what’s happening there on the shores now…

So off we go to watch the 4th National Skimboarding held in Tanauan just very recently.

If you want to try the sport, the shores of Tanauan wait!

Going home is also the time to know the progress the town has made in the year or so I was gone. As you will know, my house is situated along the stretch of P. Burgos St., in Brgy. San Roque, one which I could say is turning into a commercial thoroughfare. This is one of the busiest streets especially on Market Day when all roads led to the Tanauan Public Market as this is one of those streets one would tread on the way out. For those of you who might be unfamiliar with P. Burgos St., it is that short strip of road just across or next to Tanauan Public market which also traverses to Imelda Avenue or the main town highway. Indeed, few changes can be seen everywhere, to include this commercial area.

A few years ago, P. Burgos St. was an ideally clean road every Tanauaneño is familiar with. All locals, to include the political leaders cannot claim they have not walked nor is familiar with this street as it has long served as the commuter’s road from the public market. Even San Roque’s Brgy. Chairman lives in P. Burgos St! What used to be a clean and passable street is now a little lake of water wastes perennially present 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and emitting a foul smell at that! Now, who can live with that!

Residents in this street do enjoy the best of all worlds the town can offer as it is near everything! It is indeed an ideal place to live. But now, it has turned into hell not only for those living along this street but for everyone passing through this road from the market. It is indeed a daily punishment for Tanauaneños especially for my family and neighbors who get to inhalel and endure this “little smelly lake” everyday. Why is this so? My house happens to be beside the source of this water wastes! As it is, P. Burgos also turns into a terminal on Sundays for tricycles bound for Tabon-Tabon and other outskirt barangays. My street has literally changed its reputation to this “mabaho” street as I hear from those commuters.

And who is the culprit? It is this small 24/7 bakery called Park & Go! strategically located at the corner of P. Burgos St. and Imelda Avenue which constantly release their water wastes directly onto the street. One gets to wake up at wee hours of the morning when the bakery is at its peak discharging their water wastes, that is also, when the foul and pungent smell totally invades the whole area.

As I discovered, complaints have been made by everyone in my street to no avail. Government agencies and our local health authorities attended to it at one or two instances “daw” but no concrete and long-term plan has been made. The thing is, I just cannot comprehend why the local government is still allowing this bakery to operate when it has become a source of pollution for the town for two years or more. I don’t know if some officials have made “business” out of this mess to the detriment of its populace. But then, one can only surmise this is the usual case. Need we say more? In its web portal, Tanauan, Leyte, proudly claims it has for its vision a dynamic and strong community which has attained sustainable economic growth through an effective and responsive local governance, with God-loving, morally upright, healthy and happy families living in a peaceful, orderly and ecologically-balanced environment. Why are they permitting this kind of pollution and menace to happen in the first place? This kind of contamination in a very public area has slowly eaten the souls and the last ounce of pride of my family and the rest of my neighbors. When I was asked where I live and I mentioned I reside in that area near Park & Go!, Lo, and behold, what did I hear? “Ah, an mabaho na kalye. Kaluluoy man niyo.” Now, this is not only our problem. After all, in the long run, it will also reflect the image of the town and the kind of leaders it has. In fact, it has done so! Well, can they not do something about this problem?

I can only say that the only thing that will stop this water wastes from being dumped into the open street is not to allow Park & Go! to operate. No other establishments should be allowed anywhere when it poses hazardous threat to the environment and health risks to the populace no matter how big comfort or financial blessings it may offer. The local government should not issue them any business permit due to health reasons and non-compliance to environmental safety standards or whatever term they may call it. Then and only then can P. Burgos St. breathe freely again and regain back the pride it once had.

Now, I long for the day when I go back to my town come December 2008 when I am not welcomed by the foul smell and water wastes in my precious kingdom called P. Burgos St. If this is still the case, I can only heave and blame those in power to be totally oblivious, blind and unresponsive to the interest and needs of the people. Ah, what’s in a vision and mission?

The said competition picked its starting phase on December 20, 2007 with a variety of nightly activities that were highly attended by people of all ages coming from different towns and cities, seeking to get a taste of true blue and world class skimboarding skills, exhibited by many Tanauananons who are so hooked into this sport. Also, Tanauan locals also opened various stores and shops for the spectators to scour and buy.

The nightly activities ranged from acoustic/reggae concert to band shows, festival (Kaadlawan), acoustic night, concert for local talents, Bikini Open, reggae party and the much-awaited skimboarding competition proper.

These activities went on for nine solid and full nights (December 20-23 and December 26-30), making an additional lively bang on Tanauan’s traditional yuletide seasons’ customs and traditions.

These festivities attracted more guests, visitors and tourists that trooped to the portals of Tanauan and witnessed a deluge of vivacious activities that made their Christmas break worth it.

Organizers, sponsors and patrons of the said competition promised a louder Skimboarding competition blast next year as Tanauan, the Skimboarding Capital of the Philippines will bring forth the 5th Skimboarding National Competition, December of this year, 2008.

Yanuario rules 4th Skimboarding National Competition!

Fondly known to be one of the most intense and passionate skimboarders, the country will always be proud to have, Obet Yanuario bested 105 Open Division competitors of under Men’s Category in the 4th National Skimboarding Competition held last December in Bantay Dagat Area, Tanauan Shores. Placing second and third respectively are Tanauan’s homegrown skimboarding cousins Dariel and Leo Espada.

After so many heats, patiently waiting for the right wave to come, Yanuario was able to impress Skimboard Competition judges, Juan Duazo Jr. (Phil. Skimboard Association [PSA], President) and Skim Guru Dave Debuque, with his tricks and execution as he does his moves over the thin water of Tanauan shores.

The crowd was also equally pleased with Espada’s performance however it was Yanuario’s intense and passionate feat that captured the nods of the judges. Yanuario’s performance was pegged on the following criteria, wave quality, trick difficulty and execution of tricks.

Under the Women’s category, Sheryl Pajelleno placed first followed by Kikay Espada. For the Groumet (Kids) category, Jhonrey Cinco emerged as the champion closely followed by Frandy Piamonte.

This skimboarding competition was brought about by the concerted efforts of PSA, SPAWNorg, Tanauan local government unit and the Province of Leyte.

Every so often he would shift position, not out of discomfort so much, but from a sense of unease, anxiety, crowdedness. Instead of hundreds of sheep with whom he felt quite at home, this hillside was flocked with people — thousands of them — listening attentively to the Teacher. They could hear him fairly well, except when the wind whisked away his words.

Tobias ben David (pronounced da-VEED) was the shepherd’s name, though people called him Toby. His flocks were in good hands this week, cared for by his grown sons, but Toby had left them to listen to Jesus of Nazareth. Today the Teacher was talking about salvation, how God came to save his people from their waywardness and sins, to rescue them and gather them close.

Now Jesus’ illustration turned to sheep. Toby felt better. He knew a lot more about sheep than people.

“The good shepherd,” Jesus was saying, “lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand who doesn’t own the flock runs away when he sees the wolf coming, but not the good shepherd….” One night, years ago, the men Toby had hired to watch the flock with him fled when they saw a mountain lion roaming the hills. But Toby had stayed. Shepherding was his livelihood. He knew the sacrifices that good shepherding required. He knew about defending defenseless lambs. He knew about putting his life on the line for the sheep. That’s what good shepherds did.

Jesus continued, “Suppose you have 100 sheep and when night comes one is missing. What do you do? You leave the 99 sheep all safe together and then climb the hills, looking, searching until you find the lost sheep. Then you pick him up, put him on your shoulders, bring him down the hill to the camp, and ask your fellow shepherds to rejoice with you.”

“Your heavenly Father is like that,” Jesus said. “When you have lost your way, he will rescue you and save you and never give up on you until he finds you — and you find him.”

Toby’s heart was racing. He felt a lump in his throat. He understood. Toby had combed the hills for lost sheep, not stopping, not quitting. He knew the joy of discovery, of rescuing the sheep from a thicket, of bringing it back and celebrating with his friends. He had been that kind of shepherd.

But he also knew how it felt to wander off, feeling lost, aimless, trapped. Clueless about where he was and where he was going. Flailing about, struggling to climb out of what seemed like a steep ravine. That’s why he came today to hear the Teacher, hoping to regain the faith he had felt as a child, a ten-year-old child.

His mind spun back to the evening of his tenth birthday. Like nearly every night, he was out on the hills with his dad or his uncles, caring for the sheep. The stars were brilliant, dancing in the black sky. But suddenly an overpowering bright light flooded the hillside. A voice boomed out, “Behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people. For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!”

A savior, a rescuer — shepherds’ work. He had often wondered about the boy-child they discovered that night, lying in a manger, just as the angel had said. Toby had knelt down and worshipped the baby who bore the world’s destiny upon his tiny shoulders. What had become of him, this baby? By now he must be thirty-something. Had this savior saved anyone yet? Rescued anyone? Could he rescue me from my aimless existence? Toby wondered.

Just then the wind caught Jesus’ words and blew them Toby’s direction. “I am the Good Shepherd,” Jesus was saying, “who lays down his life for the sheep. Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,” he said with warmth and joy full on his face, “for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

I wonder? thought Toby as he felt big tears begin to roll down his cheeks and into his beard. I wonder? thought Toby as joy and the certainty of God’s love began to fill his heart until it seemed like he would explode. I wonder? thought Toby, if this Jesus is the little baby I saw that night, the Savior of the world? Yes, thought Toby, he must be. His words found me and, frankly, he sounds just like he’s … God’s shepherd.

Source: Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

ARE YOU IN FAVOR FOR THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT (LGU) OF TANAUAN TO RESORT TO BORROWINGS FROM THE BANKS IN THE AMOUNT OF P40M FOR THE TOTAL REHABILITATION OF THE PUBLIC MARKET?

FACTS:

The Tanauan Public Market is patronized not only by Tanauananons but by those from neighboring towns like Tolosa, Tabon, Dagami, Palo, Burauen and even Tacloban. Buildings at the public market are dilapidated and need immediate repair or replacement. The amount needed is estimated at P40M to replace the old buildings with new structures and elevation of the area. The income of the LGU is not enough to finance the whole cost at one time.

If ever, it will take not less than 5 years to finish it using the funds of the LGU. This would mean 5 years or more of dislocation and disturbance to our market vendors and market goers. The cost may also increase as the materials is increasing every year. Actually, this is what had happened to our Municipal Hall construction.

On the other hand, per the feasibility study made, the present financial condition of the LGU would allow us to borrow from banks up to P70M but only the amount of P40M will be sourced as it will be enough already and the LGU can well afford to pay it in 7 years time. Basic services will not be affected even if the LGU will resort to borrowings. Local income is sufficient to pay the amortization. Construction period will last for 6 months only.

The LGU does not have any loan obtained ever since and does not have any liability to anybody. Should the LGU decide to resort to borrowings, it will make sure that a public hearing will first be conducted and the Sangguniang Bayan give its Legislative authority.

SOURCE: http://tanauan-leyte.gov.ph/news/Z018_facts_market.html

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With all the festivities around, the town plaza as the center of all these activities always buzzing with life because of the long list of daily “nighttime” entertainment and shows, more balikbayans everywhere arriving as the fiesta draws near, the busy streets buzzing with life from the seemingly restless constituents because of all sorts of “preparations”, you can’t help but smile at this familiar happy feeling—swept with anticipation of an event that takes place only once a year and celebrating the occasion with cherished family and friends. Tanauan fiesta is nothing like it…

In my experience when still younger, people in the barrios troop to the plaza every night, as activities and shows already start at least nine days prior to the actual date of the fiesta, and the voices of excitement and anticipation of all these people passing by our streets is always expected yet reassuring. People are in the mood for celebration—that is something good to think about, despite the hard times and whatever situation they may be in. I arrived home on the 11th of August and by evening came to notice the streetlights gone. The whole stretch of our neighborhood, from Solano Bridge all the way up to the residence of Mr. Andres Modesto, was in darkness. Literally. I didn’t mind at first because whoever may be responsible for loss of the street wire connecting the streetlights have already been reported to the authorities and are already subjects of investigation. It serves them right. Besides, the people who are responsible for the restoration and reconnection of these streetlights are just busy attending to all their personal preparations for the upcoming fiesta. Further, there remains two more days before the eve of the big event and assuming competence and efficiency on our elected leaders, they can still do something about this.

I learned that the cause of our literally dark “kalsada” is because felons stole the wire connecting the streetlights. While this matter has already been reported to the Tanauan Police Department, no news of prosecution has reached me concerning the alleged perpetrators of the theft. I can only surmise that people responsible for this loss can be good in what they’re doing considering the facility employed to disconnect and cut electric wires on top of the electric posts! For a well-conceived plan of theft, and for the obvious realization of such criminal act, there is nothing left but the consequence of prejudice experienced by the residents in the affected area.

So that come the bisperas, the actual day of the fiesta, and MORE THAN TWO MONTHS after the reported loss of August 2, 2007, more or less, sadly, nothing constructive has been done about it. The streets remain to be engulfed in darkness and this situation already creates a climate conducive to risks for our motorists plying this route, danger to life and limb of pedestrians nearby, not to mention the threats to safety and security of the households affected because of unlighted streets.

Who is the right person to relieve these households of the present predicament they are in?

With the barangay elections over and winners already proclaimed, perhaps a swift action is reasonable. This simple and basic need to restore these streetlights, even at the level of our barangays, would be a feat, more of a reassurance actually, in this era where discharge of government services is always put to test. Actually, this problem has endured months, and to this day, more than three months to be precise. It is sad that this author, who happens to be afar can be the beacon to call the attention of those who ought to be responsible to these affected households. Anyhow, distance should not be used an excuse not to mind and be concerned about what goes around in his neighborhood! For after all, when I think of the schoolchildren and other pedestrians using these affected streets, dim, dimmer at the strike of nightfall until the area becomes pitch black, I always sigh along with a muted prayer for their safety and protection. And with this feeling comes always the renewed resolve to never cease on thinking only the best if not the urgent concerns of our neighborhood, which undoubtedly remains to be an area that cannot be lightly ignored. With each day passing by with these streets still unlighted, I do reserve the thought that politics is not the issue here, that the hand of fate stretching out to remedy the situation is not wittingly and consciously restrained, that these affected households are not inconvenienced on account of their political preferences and choices. These schoolchildren and pedestrians who use these streets everyday will mature to be qualified and intelligent voters soon and mind you their votes will count.

At nighttime, it is still pitch black in my neighborhood even to this day. My kid brothers have actually grown and even toddlers in my neighborhood grow fast since I last went home. I hope by the next time I go home, I will be welcomed by these streets now illumined…it is never healthy for these growing children to have childhood memories of pitch black and dark streets…instead happy memories “only in lighted streets” should be etched in their minds.

For the past few days, I had a hard time looking for change, especially, 20-peso bills. I always thought that people here in Tanauan had a lot of money since I often see big bills. 50 peso bill, 100 peso bill and up. Everybody seemed looking for change. Yesterday, Sunday and “Tabo” day for Tanauan Public Market. Many “Tinderos/Tinderas” and some other Tanauanons were looking for a change. I even heard some others trying to change their bigger bills at 20% discount. So that if I change 1,000 peso bill for 20-billsthe total amount you will give wil be less than 20%. Wow, this is even higher than what the Bombays charge for their loans!

Why they need for 20 peso bills, I ask? Ahhh, yes, it’s Election Time, I again answer myself. So what’s the point? Some running for officials in certain barangays are doing the usual thing. VOTE BUYING.

Hays, Election Time, Vote Buying, when will this stop. I pity the younger generations since this is the “usual” way of our elections here not only in Tanauan but in the Philippines, as well. Yup, even those who are running for the SK Barangay Election are already practicing this. Anyway, I hope this will stop some day.

So much for that 20-Peso Bill that is missing. Now I can see them since vote buying is already finished.

Another thing, I know for those who are not here in Tanauan again, you want to know who are running in your Barangays. I’ll try to give you some news and hopefully, tomorrow I can get the official results for this.

Those running for Punong Barangay in Canramos are: Felipe Candela (Incumbent), Jose “Boy” Angulo and Totti Copino. In Licod, Toton Morantte and Vic Badana. San Miguel, Marchadesh (Incumbent), Chito Molon, Alex Mazo, and Milan Villegas. In Buntay, Musca (Incumbent), Bobby de Veyra and George Tecson. San Roque, Almeria (Incumbent) and Yobot BOco. I am not sure if there are still others running other than the two mentioned in San Roque. That’s all information I can share with you for now. Till the next blog!

Go out and Vote!!!

However the world change, to whatever direction, to whatever extent, still, some things don’t just go away and fade with the onslaught of change. Our past dictates histories and traditions. Traditions that will forever live on the hearts of the people, lodge like bedrock of our own sense of identity and will continue to thrive despite changes and time’s dynamism. One of which is that classic tradition of molding and shaping using our own bare hands! The one true measure of craftsmanship that even time won’t wash away – pottery!

It is said that the production of pottery is one of the most ancient arts. The earliest pottery wares were hand-built and fired in bonfires. The first constructed kilns for pottery-firing purposes were actually trench-kilns, made up of holes dug in the ground and covered with fuel. History traced pottery back to 8,000 years ago in Japan, Iran and China. And some contends that it even started in the Philippines 6000 years ago. The art of pottery ranged from primitive fired-clay vessels to jars and vases, to bricks and ceramics, from the most basic mound of clay to the very artistic and creative designs and concepts that adorn our homes and offices these days.

Defined, pottery is made by forming a clay body into objects of a required shape, after which, heating them to high temperatures in a kiln that will lead to permanent shapes and increased strength (strength hardens and sets their shape).

If Rome, Greece, South Africa and North Africa are known for their craftsmanship on pottery Filipinos are not in anyway, alien to this craft for a lot of our regions here are into it. In Luzon, Vigan is known for their creative designs of burnay (strong and sturdy, unglazed jars created to serve a purpose), In Visayas, Leyte in particular, a place that is not only known for their world-class binagol and roscas and even lechon – is also a haven for most inventive potters. Tanauan, Leyte, for example, is a home for ingenious and intricately-crafted pots and jars since the place is known for its pottery and ceramics. Another home for pottery in Leyte is Maripipi, Biliran – which is not only popular for their pristine beaches and coves but also for its authentic and nifty family-based pottery. In Mindanao, Cagayan de Oro’s pottery pride is Bulua, the home of beautifully-crafted ceramics, made precious by the women who had made these products with their own loving hands.

Indeed time had spanned humanity into different levels of trends and breakthroughs but as they often say, there are still some habits which are hard to break, among them is every individual’s craftsmanship and skills that have made them a certain sense of identity and have created a bond that forever etched belongingness in their hearts. Just like pottery! Regardless of time, place and variety – the simple fact remains, in pottery what is essential are — the balance of use of materials, experience, judgment, technical skill and the passion for creativity — needed for this tradition to be carried on for the generations to come!

October 15, 2007 will mark another milestone in the country’s finance and business arena as Entrepreneurs Accounting Academy starts their regular classes on basic bookkeeping.

With 48 initial slots to fill, Entrepreneurs Accounting Academy’s plush, comfortable and state-of-the-art training center located in the heart of Makati Business Center, 1007 Rufino Plaza, 6784 Ayala Avenue, awaits its first batch of competent bookkeepers who will be trained for 60 hours of guaranteed bookkeeping training.

You can choose from the 3 sessions schedules within a week. 16 slots per session are out for grabs. Students will meet twice a week, either Monday and Thursday, Tuesday and Friday or Wednesday and Saturday, with a choice of either a morning (8 a.m.-12 nn), afternoon (1-5 pm) or evening (6-9pm) session. Also, Entrepreneurs Accounting Academy accepts walk-in and online enrollees, making it easier for you to access their quality trainings.

Not only does Entrepreneurs Accounting Academy pride itself of their quality bookkeeping training but also the fact that their basic bookkeeping course is in alignment with the current bookkeeping and accounting standards that will basically ease business owners’ problems on problematic financial records brought about by erroneous bookkeeping.

Don’t just take their word for it, come and enroll. Arm yourself with a training you can use for keeps!

Maganda rin naman ang naidudulot ng pagiging prangka ni Senador Miriam Defensor-Santiago. Ayon kay Santiago, marami ang tumatakbong Senador dahil sa laki ng budget na ibinibigay sa kanila kada buwan.

Lumalabas na P35,000 suweldo nila kada buwan ay pakitang-tao lang sa milyun-milyong budget ng bawat senador. Kada buwan ay may Fixed
Monthly Budget ang bawat Senador ng humigit-kumulang P2 Milyon.

Sa opisina pa lang nila ay humigit-kumulang P500,000 and budget nila sa Maintenance and Operating Expenses (Rental, Utilities, Supplies at
Domestic Travels) at P500,000 para sa Staff at Personal expenses. Kaya para makatipid ang ibang Senador, kaunti lang ang staff na kinukuha nila. Nagtataka ka pa kung bakit mayroong mga Ghost Employee?

Bukod diyan, may P760,000 allowance pa sila kada buwan para naman sa Foreign Travel. At ang masakit pa nito, hindi na kailngan i-liquidate ang mga resibo ng mga gastusin ‘yan kundi Certification lang ang Requirement.

Heto pa, lahat sila ay Chairman ng mg Komite sa Senado. Ang Committee Chairman ay tumatanggap din ng budget na sinlaki ng tinatanggap ng mga Senador na humigit-kumulang P1 Milyon din! Hindi sila mawawalan ng Komite dahil 24 lang ang ating mga Senador at 37 naman ang Committee sa Senado. There’s food for everybody ‘ika nga! Lumalabas na doble ang kanilang benepesiyo at kita kapag sila ay nabiyayaan ng Committee Chairmanship.

Sa P200 milyon na Budget para sa Pork Barrel ng mga Senador bawat taon, awtomatikong may 10% na S.O.P. o kita ng Senador na P20 milyon. Ito ang porsiyento na ibinibigay ng mga kontratista sa mga Senador na nagbibigay sa kanila ng mga Infrastructure at Livelihood Project.

Bago matapos ang termino ng isang Senador, kumita na siya ng P100 milyon sa Pork Barrel pa lang. Yung ibang Senador mas gahaman, hindi lang 10% kundi 20-30% ang komisyon hinihingi sa mga kontratista.

Pansinin niyo na lang ang pagbabago ng buhay ng ilan sa ating mga Senador simula nang manungkulan sa puwesto. Kung dati ay simple lang
ang kanilang pamumuhay ngayon ay nakatira na sila sa mga eksklusibong subdivision, maraming bahay sa Pilipinas at abroad at mahigit lima
ang sasakyan.

Ngayon nagtataka ka pa ba kung bakit gumagastos ng daan-daang milyong piso ang mga Senador sa kampanya para sa isang posisyon na P35,000 lang ang suweldo kada buwan? Bawing-bawi pala ang gastos kapag naupo na!

ANG SARAP MAGING SENADOR ! ! !

Source: Taken from

Maupay nga adlaw ngadto han bungto han Tanauan! I was able to surf your website and I was surprised that, many places are now booming and I can only imagine, as to what are the many new things were put in places, as I never had a chance anymore to visit Tanauan, anymore. Anyway, the reason why I’m sending an e-mail letter is that, I’m looking for the address of a catholic church. I was referred by one Msgr., who at that time, was the Head of Santo Nino Church of Tacloban City, that, if I wanted to talk to other Msgrs., in Tanauan, that, I could see them, but, I never had the chance to visit the two priests, whose names were referred to me, for I, to talk to them about something. But, a relative of mine, was able to tell me, that, Fr. Ramon Silas, still in Santo Nino Church of Tanauan, Leyte. The two are cousins.

The names of the two Msgrs., given to me, began with a Msgr. Manny. Do you think if Msgr. Manny Salinas, is still assigned in one Catholic Church in Tanauan, Leyte? What church is he assigned? What about Fr. Silas? I wonder if its possible to ask for the mailing address of these two church? I sent an e-mail letter to one, which the address was, lgu_tanauan_leyte@yahoo.com and of course, I don’t know as to who this e-mail address belongs to, and I have requested to that e-mail address, if it was possible to relay a simple request to the Mayor of Tanauan, man Roque Tiu, lawyer and businessman, having seen his picture with a 7 year old boy who was interviewed, first week of September 2007, if that news could be shown again, as well, if Mayor Tiu, man Roque Tiu, an old friend of one older brother, way college years, since he has many connections in Tacloban City, to retain the old DWU lengganay to the new DWU under a different name.

I had the chance to visit the old DWU in year 2000 and I had the chance to talk to a cashier-clerk who was retained since the foreclosure of the old school, and I was able to tell her, that, there was a message for a Fr. William Yap, to repaint the buildings, to have a better look from the outside, but according to one, who was the last old DWU cashier-clerk, said, that, there was no fund to buy a new paint for the front building, upstairs, the old library. The old DWU was actually a better school. There was a MUST (Movement of United Studentry), way then, and as to how, the MUST fell apart, there must be a good reason, as to why it did. I wonder if this can be related to the Mayor of Tanauan, Leyte. Thank you and Mabuhay to Tanauan! Regards, regards to the many cousins there.

To the Mayor of Tanauan (Atty. Roque Tiu),

Kumusta na. The last time we saw each other was, way back 2000, near Shell Gasoline Station, there’s a billiard, dining cafe, and you just smiled at me. You wouldn’t know me too much, as, it was years ago in DWU, that, I had the chance to know a few LLB students, outside the new building, near the old DWU lengganay. I believed, you happened to have relatives, who owned the old
Kyrex Theater, who was a friend of our late father, who was then, the Administrative Officer of City Health Office, in the `70’s. Anyway, I just thought of e-mailing you a little note, if there’s a way, I can view again that piece of news, I had the chance to browse (September 13, 2007) for just a bit, if it is not too much the asking.

I was told before to write to some priests that they should have a rosary procession, like a rosary mass rally, and for them to petition in their mass procession prayer, that, no worst typhoon to hit Tacloban. It was supposed to be done every after three months, but some priests in Tacloban, had deafened in what was requested to them, that, come December 2006, Typhoon senyang, hit a part of Tacloban. This has to be done again, to petition that no worst typhoon to come, but, priests will need to have a mass prayer procession, from Redemptorist Church, starting point venue to Plaza Rizal. Request for DYVL to announce and priests to coordinate. This, when you have the chance to say hello to many Taclobanons. They should start doing this in October. This was supposed to start before December 2006, as there was a message given in ending year 2005. Sorry, that I have to tell you this. Anyway, thank you for taking your time to read this letter, as well, thank you for the small request, to retain the old DWU lengganay. There’s a meaning for that old bell in the area.

My best regards,
Amy

Age: 51
Fortune: self made
Source: Microsoft
Net Worth: $56.0 bilion
Country Of Citizenship: United States
Residence: Medina, Washington , United States, North America
Industry: Software
Marital Status: married, 3 children
Education: Harvard University, Drop Out

After numerous delays, Microsoft visionary released latest operating system, Vista, in January. Last June announced his retirement from company he co-founded 31 years ago. The Harvard dropout who promised “a computer on every desk and in every home” now focusing time and talents on tackling diseases (hepatitis B, AIDS, malaria) in Africa, boosting America’s lackluster high school graduation rate and helping women abroad start small businesses. This summer bridge buddy Warren Buffett pledged majority of his Berkshire Hathaway stock to Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over the next 20 years, potentially doubling foundation’s endowment. Sells 20 million Microsoft shares a quarter, plows proceeds into personal investment vehicle Cascade. Today more than half of net worth invested outside Microsoft.

#2 Warren Buffett
Age: 76
Fortune: self made
Source: Berkshire Hathaway
Net Worth: $52.0 billion
Country Of Citizenship: United States
Residence: Omaha, Nebraska , United States, North America
Industry: Investments
Marital Status: married, 3 children
Education: University of Nebraska Lincoln, Bachelor of Arts / Science Columbia University, Master of Science

Nation’s most beloved investor married longtime girlfriend Astrid Menks on his 76th birthday last August. Had long promised to give away his fortune posthumously. Then last June announced he had irrevocably earmarked the majority of his Berkshire Hathaway shares to charity. At the time the gift was worth $31 billion; believed to be the largest gift in history, it will go mostly to the Gates Foundation. Son of Nebraska politician delivered newspapers as a boy. Filed first tax return at age 13; claimed $35 deduction for bicycle. Studied under value-investing guru Benjamin Graham at Columbia, learned to hunt for undervalued stocks. Bought control of textile firm Berkshire Hathaway 1965; added insurance underwriting for the investable float. Today holding company has insurance (Geico, General Re), apparel (Fruit of the Loom), utilities (MidAmerican Energy), home furnishings (R.C. Willey). Also has noncontrolling stakes in Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo. Despite gifts, the Oracle of Omaha is $10 billion richer than last year: Berkshire stock up 22% in past 12 months.

#3 Carlos Slim Helu
Age: 67
Fortune: self made
Source: telecom
Net Worth: $49.0 billion
Country Of Citizenship: Mexico
Residence: Mexico City , Mexico, Latin America
Industry: Communications
Marital Status: widowed, 6 children
Education:

The world’s third-richest man is $19 billion richer this year and catching up with Americans Bill Gates and Warren Buffett thanks to a strong Mexican equities market and the performance of his wireless telephone company, America Movil. The son of a Lebanese immigrant, Slim made his first fortune in 1990 when he bought fixed line operator Teléfonos de México (Telmex) in a privatization. Last year he spent $3.7 billion to buy the Latin American operations of Verizon Communications, expanding his empire into Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. A widower and father of 6, Slim is a baseball fan and art collector. He keeps his art collection in Mexico City’s Museo Soumaya, which he named after his late wife. In recent years he has donated close to $4 billion to education and health projects, and to the revitalization of downtown Mexico City’s historical district.

#4 Ingvar Kamprad & family
Age: 80
Fortune: self made
Source: Ikea
Net Worth: $33.0 billion
Country Of Citizenship: Sweden
Residence: Lausanne , Switzerland, Europe & Russia
Industry: Retailing
Marital Status: married, 4 children
Education:

Peddled matches, fish, pens, Christmas cards and other items by bicycle as a teenager. Started selling furniture in 1947. Now his company Ikea, which sells hip designs for the cost conscious, is one of the most beloved retailers in the world, with an almost cultlike following. Ikea, which has stores in 34 countries, continues to expand into new markets such as Chengdu, China and opened its first store in Japan last April. As egalitarian as his brand, Kamprad avoids wearing suits, flies economy class and frequents cheap restaurants. Has been quoted as saying that his luxuries are the occasional nice cravat and Swedish fish roe. Says his home is furnished mostly with his own Ikea products.

Steel titan known for his dealmaking won six-month battle for rival Arcelor. The $34 billion merger created an industry behemoth that now accounts for 10% of world’s production, putting it well ahead of Japan’s Nippon Steel. Mittal owns 44% of combined $80 billion (sales) Arcelor-Mittal and is its chief executive. Mittal began his career working in the family’s steelmaking business in India. Today Arcelor-Mittal operations span more than 60 countries and employ 330,000. Not content to dominate the steel industry, Mittal is branching out. Among his latest deals: spent $980 million for a 50% stake in Kazakh oil firm Caspian Investment Resources, a subsidiary of Russia’s Lukoil. This Londoner is the UK’s richest resident.

#6 Sheldon Adelson
Age: 73
Fortune: self made
Source: casinos, hotels
Net Worth: $26.5 billion
Country Of Citizenship: United States
Residence: Las Vegas, Nevada , United States, North America
Industry: Gambling/Leisure
Marital Status: married, 5 children
Education: City College of New York, Drop Out

Son of a Boston cabdriver borrowed $200 from his uncle to sell newspapers at age 12. Made first fortune in trade shows. Created computer industry’s premier show, Comdex, mid-1980s; ran 70% profit margin renting space for 15 cents a square foot and leasing it to exhibitors for up to $40 a square foot. Sold show to Japan’s Softbank for $862 million in 1995. Then Las Vegas: bought old Sands casino for $128 million, demolished it to build the $1.5 billion all-suites Venetian casino resort and the 1.2-million-square foot Sands Convention Center. Changed the way Vegas does business by enticing conventioneers to Sin City midweek, taking emphasis off gambling. Sold suites for $250 a night, added high-end retailers, celebrity-chef restaurants. Old guard mocked him: “I loved being the outsider. I didn’t care what those guys said.” Took Las Vegas Sands public December 2004. Building $1.8 billion Palazzo resort adjacent to arch-rival Steve Wynn’s Wynn Las Vegas. Big bet on Asia: opened $265 million Sands Macau casino May 2004, recouped entire investment in one year. Ramping up construction on Cotai Strip: $6 billion project will place 7 hotel-casinos on Macau’s 2 islands, Taipa and Coloane. Cornerstone of project will be $1.8 billion Venetian Macau. Last May won coveted Singapore gaming license. Plans to build $3.5 billion Marina Bay Sands on 51-acre site with a view of the city’s skyline.

#7 Bernard Arnault
Age: 58
Fortune: inherited and growing
Source: LVMH
Net Worth: $26.0 billion
Country Of Citizenship: France
Residence: Paris , France, Europe & Russia
Industry: Diversified
Marital Status: married, 5 children
Education: Ecole Polytechnique de Paris, Bachelor of Arts / Science

Put up $15 million from his family’s midsize construction firm to buy Christian Dior in 1985. Since then has built the world’s largest luxury goods empire, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, whose brands also include Dom Pérignon, Fendi and Tag Heuer Still heads the company, which is expanding rapidly in China, Russia and India. LVMH recently hired Frank Gehry to design a $