Santa Rosa City Laguna Philippines - attracting investors from all over Asia and the world.
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SANTA ROSA MAGAZINE TOPS
GOOGLE SEARCHES AGAIN
IT'S HAPPENED MANY TIMES IN THE PAST AND WILL HAPPEN MANY TIMES IN THE FUTURE. During the past 5+ years since the magazine of Santa Rosa City Laguna first appeared online, it has several times captured the top spot (excluding paid positions like Google's TripAdvisor ad above) of every major search engine on the internet. Why? Because it's dedicated to supporting all that's good in Sta. Rosa Laguna and to opposing all that's bad. And we recognize that as a rapidly growing city, its residents take an interest in global issues and have opinions on matters that affect them.
We don't claim to own Google's or any other top search position, which can change not only from day to day but also during any day. What we do claim with ample justification is that SRM is the most accepted and respected of any Sta. Rosa local media.
We sincerely appreciate all the local support, and the support of so many Filipino OFWs around the world, that bring us this position.
JOIN GOOGLE'S GLOBAL ACTION
TO KEEP A FREE AND OPEN INTERNET
WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE WORLD, YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING THE GREATEST ASSET WE ALL HAVE TO CONNECT AND COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER. Once again the most corrupt politicians of the world are attempting to take control of the internet for their own purposes of power and profit.
These politicians don't believe in freedom of speech or freedom to communicate. They don't want anyone to post photos or videos on the internet of scenes that politicians want to prevent the public from seeing. Like, for example, innocent women and children being massacred by Assad's army in Syria.
The internet is the greatest and most democratic force for good that the world has ever experienced, and it's available in every country. It must be kept permanently free and open to everyone.
Watch the above video and join Google's Action. Santa Rosa Magazine has already done so.
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SANTA ROSA LAGUNA IS
FEATURED TWICE ON GMA7'S I LOVE PINAS
Special Message to readers of Santa Rosa Magazine from Carlo Lorenzo
The Museo de Santa Rosa's fascinating exhibits, photos and reports give you an opportunity to reflect on the city's remarkable history and culture. Visit this blogsite to find out more.
TWO JULY EPISODES OF I LOVE PINAS FEATURED SANTA ROSA LAGUNA:
1) -----Bisitahin natin sa I LOVE PINAS Thursday July 12 11:59pm GMA News TV on Channel 11 (formerly QTV) ang Museo de Santa Rosa... Puntahan natin ang Kwartel ng Sto Domingo at silipin ang umano'y underground tunnel papuntang Cavite... Gumawa tayo ng scented candles. Ilubog ang mga itlog sa putik para maging itlog na maalat. Magluto tayo ng ukoy na may bagoong!
-----Episode 1: Kwartel ng Santo Domingo - Museo De Santa Rosa - GK Candles (Bgy. Tagapo, Sta Rosa, Laguna) - Bok's Homemade Original Ice Cream (LM Subd., Market Area, Sta Rosa, Laguna) - D'Original Nene's Special Ukoy - Nenet's Balut at Itlog na Pula - El Cielito Inn - Southpick Resort.
Taking a boat ride on the lake, feasting at a choice of delicious restaurants, and feeding the fish are some of visitors' favorite activities at Nuvali. Visit this blogsite to find out more.
2) -----Tara na para sa I LOVE PINAS Thursday July 19 11:59pm GMA News TV on Channel 11 (formerly QTV). Adventure packed trip sa Sta Rosa Laguna!
Experience the super fun rides and new activities sa Enchanted Kingdom... Pakainin naman natin sa Nuvali ang gutum na gutom na isda, mag boat ride, puntahan ang greens and patches para ma-experience ang pag-ani ng fruits and vegetables at siyempre pa mag foooood trip tayooooo!
-----Episode 2: Enchanted Kingdom - Nuvali (Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary, Greens and Patches, Fish Feeding, Taxi Boat Ride, Biking, Evoliving Center Exhibit) - Pig Out - Domo Tomo - LZM Restaurant - Chato's Canteen.
I LOVE PINAS Via GMA LIfe TV International: Hong Kong: 9:45 - 10:15PM Saturday & 10:50 - 11:20AM Monday (replay) Japan: 10:45 - 11:15PM Saturday & 11:50AM - 12:20PM Monday (replay) Guam/ Papua New Guinea / Australia: 11:45PM - 12:15AM Saturday & 12:50 - 1:20PM Monday (replay) New Zealand: 1:45 - 2:15AM Sunday & 2:50 - 3:20PM Monday (replay) Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: 4:45 - 5:15PM Saturday & 7:55 - 8:25PM Tuesday (replay) Italy: 3:45 - 4:15PM Saturday & 6:55 - 7:25PM Tuesday (replay) US Pacific/ Canada (Vancouver): 7:50 - 8:20PM Sunday & 9:55 - 10:25 am Tuesday (replay) US Central/ Canada (Winnipeg): 9:50 - 10:20PM Sunday & 11:55AM - 12:25PM Tuesday (replay) US Eastern/ Canada (Toronto): 10:50 - 11:20PM Sunday & 12:55 - 1:25PM Tuesday (replay) Hawaii: 4:50 - 5:20 pm Sunday & 6:55 - 7:25 am Tuesday (replay)
(Editor's update: Carlo brings humor, energy and a feeling of excitement to his presentations that make them fun to watch as well as getting a lot of interesting information, especially as his hands-on approach gives you every little detail of whatever he's focusing on. Following an introductory chat with Tourism Officer Narcisa Esguerra, who gave an enticing overview of the numerous varied attractions the city of Sta. Rosa has to offer, in Episode 1 Carlo literally worked his way round it. He studied its history at the Museo De Santa Rosa, very nearly scalded himself with hot wax while making a star-shaped candle at GK Candles, went on to make some Bok's Original Ice Cream and some Nene's Special Ukoy, then prepared some Nenet's Balut at Itlog na Pula-- but the program shoot couldn't wait 15 days for incubation! Even on their own home ground it's a daunting experience for those not normally in the public eye to face TV cameras and microphones and know that millions will see the resulting video. Carlo Lorenzo, like Willy Revillame, has the rare gift of creating a close rapport with non-media people featured in his programs. He gives them the needed confidence to feel at ease and express themselves. Add to this the clever direction, camerawork and editing-- from panning through valuable antiquities at the Museo de Santa Rosa, luxurious rooms at El Cielito Inn, and sporting activities at Woodpick Resort to stunning quick shots of other local scenes. All in all, "I Love Pinas" is a great production that entertains as it informs. Carlo evidently had a wild time in Episode 2 at Enchanted Kingdom and Nuvali but unfortunately the broadcast experienced some technical problems, so I hope a replay will soon be scheduled. Meanwhile you and your club- or team-members, family, friends or work colleagues may avail a special fantastic bonding and money-saving I Love Pinas Promo Deal at Sta. Rosa's sporty Southpick Resort. See below.)
Get a group of 12 friends together and grab this great half price opportunity. Find out more.
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Scroll down this page for information about Nuvali Evoliving.
Scroll down this page for information about Nuvali Evoliving.
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CONGRATULATIONS
TO ALL WHO HELPED THIS MOVIE ABOUT EXPLOITATION OF PHILIPPINE
WOMEN TO ACHIEVE ITS KICKSTARTER TARGET AND GO ON TO
FINISH POST-PRODUCTION
KICKSTARTER
IS A FUNDING PLATFORM FOR CREATIVE PROJECTS.
At
this very second, thousands of people are checking out
projects on
Kickstarter. They're rallying around their
friends' ideas, backing projects from people they've
long admired, and discovering things that make them
laugh and smile.
Every project is independently crafted, put to all-or-nothing funding, and supported by friends, fans, and the public in return for rewards. It offers up original video content that marries the talent of great teachers with top animators to bring concepts like neuro-science to life in short videos, typically 5 minutes long. The channel is part of the youtube.com/edu offering, a collection of half a million educational videos available in many schools as well as to the public online. Hello Forever is the story of four courageous women faced with the harsh realities of single motherhood, poverty, prejudice, and corruption. In a world dominated by men, together they embark on a journey to find a way out. A tale of human survival! Hello Forever is a film that was conceived by Australian award winning Director Peter Kirk two years ago while visiting his in-laws in the Philippines. Peter is married to a Filipina and while vacationing there, became intrigued with how and why the prostitution industry has become normalized in society. Peter pulled together a talented team of experienced industry professionals and their proteges and has been able to pull off this project thus far with a shoestring budget by indie film standards.
A three time Academy Award Winner, an America's Next Top Model Contender, an Online Film Festival Director... the cast and crew of Hello Forever is composed of talented, passionate individuals each trying to be an instrument of change.
This collaboration of seasoned veterans and new industry professionals makes for an intriguing blend of old and new school film making. Academy Award winning sound engineer Chris Newman has brought on board two of his former students from the Manhattan School of Visual Arts to anchor the sound and scoring. The actors are a mix of trained veterans and emerging talents. Isis King from America's Next Top Model is making her acting debut. What we have is a group of talented creators, learning from each other, and needing your help to complete this project.
The filmmakers, musicians, artists, and designers you see on Kickstarter have complete control and responsibility over their own projects. They spend weeks building their own project pages, shooting their own videos, and brainstorming
what to offer as rewards.The filmmakers, musicians, artists, and designers you see on Kickstarter have complete control and responsibility over their own projects. They spend weeks building their own project pages, shooting their own videos, and brainstorming
what to offer as rewards.
Rewards are things
like a copy of what's being made, a limited edition,
or a custom experience related to the project. This
isn't Best Buy -- rewards aren't shrink-wrapped and
ready to ship. Once the project is funded, the journey
to bring them to life begins.
Since the launch of Kickstarter in 2009, more than 24,000 creative projects have been successfully funded by awesome people from around the world. But Kickstarter is about much more than money...
Find out more on the Hello Forever Facebook page. -- Iya Nakpil-Roxas (Iya is a 26-year old artist, free-spirit, dreamer, individual with an eye for detail, a sense of adventure, a wandering imagination, a blossoming creativity and a foundation of truth. She is currently managing the Kickstarter for Hello Forever. Help her out! Also, see Iya's contribution to the Coalition Against Trafficking In Women - Asia Pacific and read this article about her paintings by Barbara C. Gonzalez from the Philippine Star. - Ed.)
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BORN JUNE 19, 1861, AND UNJUSTLY EXECUTED BY SPANISH FORCES ON DECEMBER 30, 1896, AGED 35.
CELEBRATE
THE 152nd YEAR SINCE RIZAL'S BIRTH by reading,
or re-reading, his predictions of how the Philippines
would develop a hundred years after he wrote them as
a series of contributions to the the Spanish newspaper
La
Solidaridad in Barcelona. Under the title "The
Philippines A Hundred Years Hence", you can download
the complete collection in English as a PDF e-book by
clicking the above graphic. It's totally FREE
with no form to fill in, so you don't need to give your
name or email address or any other information.
Rizal's astute writings contain perceptive insights into Filipino conditions of his time and their relevance to Philippine history during the first few decades after independence from the USA in 1946.
The Philippine Star published a brilliant article on the subject by Boo Chanco to mark last year's 150th Anniversary of Rizal's birth. He said: "Rizal in his writings often revealed an uncanny ability to describe Philippine society a hundred years hence. For instance, the Lopez Museum website points out that in his historical essay, Dentro de Cien A?os and Sobre La Indolencia de los Filipinos, Rizal observed that as a colony of Spain, 'the Philippines is depopulated, impoverished and retarded, astounded by the metamorphosis with no confidence in her part, still without faith in her present and without any flattering hope in the future.' ... Spain may be long gone as a colonizer but it seems things haven't changed much." (The Lopez Museum website seems to be offline at the moment but it has a Facebook page.- Ed.) Download The Philippines A Hundred Years Hence by Jose Rizal now. Nothing to pay. Nothing to lose. Amazing insights to gain from the #1 Philippine Hero in the 152nd year after his birth at Calamba Laguna on June 19, 1861. It's our history. It's our heritage. It's the heroic blood that runs in our veins. It's the patriotic force that enabled People Power to depose dictator Marcos. It's the spirit and energy and determination behind President Benigno Aquino's war against Philippine corruption.
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Parade, Beauty Pageant, Singing Contest, Dance Contest, Dog Show, Battle of the Bands, Fireworks, Variety Show and more! All these fabulous fun-filled festivities were organized by our Santa Rosa City Council for us to enjoy at the start of summer.
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THE MOST ROMANTIC DAY OF
THE YEAR BEGAN AND ENDED
WITH "I LOVE YOU"
Eric Santos sang to lucky wedding couples
at SM City Sta. Rosa.
City Mayor Arlene Arcillas, looking like a Hollywood movie star, flanked by Vice Mayor Arnel Gomez and city councilors, made sure that Valentine's Day 2012 would be a day for 355 wedding couples to remember and tell their children about.
THE ANNUAL KASALAG BAYAN was held at the mall's Event Center on February 14. A total of 355 couples exchanged marital vows in a ceremony overflowing with promises of undying love and devotion. Santa Rosa Mayor Arlene Arcillas, together with Vice Mayor Arnel Gomez and city councilors, made their special wedding day an event to remember for the rest of their lives.
Later, like cream on their wedding cakes, the newly married couples were serenaded by popular romantic crooner Eric Santos. This emotion-packed Valentine's Day tradition at SM City Sta. Rosa gives couples engaged to be married a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their weddings on the day of the year that's dedicated to love, and enhanced by sharing it with others who also wish to marry on the same symbolic day. Without a doubt, it's a tradition that their children and grandchildren will wish to follow when their time comes.
Relatives and friends shared this special occasion, enjoying every moment, full of love and joy for the happy couples who invited them.
Today Valentine's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, mostly in the West although it is gaining popularity in the East. The original St. Valentine was an early Christian saint named Valentinus, but romantic connotations were added centuries later by English poets. The date February 14 was first associated with romantic love by Geoffrey Chaucer. To honor the first anniversary of the engagement on February 14 1381 of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia, he wrote in 1382: "For this was on Saint Valentine's Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate."
In the next hundred years it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other with flowers, confectionery, and greeting cards known as 'valentines'. Edmund Spenser wrote in 'The Faerie Queen' (1590): "She bathed with roses red, and violets blue, And all the sweetest flowers, That in the forest grew." William Shakespeare's play 'Hamlet', written 1600-1601, has Ophelia saying: "Tomorrow is Saint Valentine's day, All in the morning betime, And I a maid at your window, To be your Valentine." And John Donne's 'Epithalamion' (1613) says: "Let not this day, then, but this night be thine, Thy day was but the eve to this, O Valentine."
Modern Valentine's Day symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, mass-produced greeting cards have replaced handwritten 'valentines', but the fundamental message remains the same: "I Love You."
- Pam Peters-Baun (Photos courtesy of SM Prime Holdings. History courtesy of Wikipedia.)
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THE UNITED KINGDOM BACKS THE PHILIPPINES
ENGLAND IS THE HOME OF MODERN FOOTBALL (AKA SOCCER), AND BRITISH AMBASSADOR STEPHEN LILLIE, speaking from the Embassy of the United Kingdom in Manila, gives a strong thumbs up to doing business in the Philippines. To avoid confusion, England is part of Great Britain which is part of the United Kingdom which is part of the European Union.
Therefore with reference to the 2011 Royal Wedding, Prince William and Princess Catherine are now second in line to be King and Queen of the United Kingdom - but not of the European Union, although millions of Europeans have publicly expressed the opinion that 'Will & Kate' also belong to them, as Will's ancestors came to Britain from from Germany and they have branches all over Europe.
Stephen Lillie does not discuss this issue and states that the Philippine population of 92 million makes us the 3rd English-speaking country of the world. He goes on to praise the international success of Philippine call-centers, whose clients include British blue-chip companies such as Shell, HKBC, and the Financial Times.
He says that our battle against corruption is being won, and the presence of more than 200 major British companies here signifies clearly that now is an excellent time for British and other European companies to invest in the Philippines.
Enthusiastic about the developing popularity of Filipino football and the inspiring progress of the Philippine Askals, most Englishmen everywhere look forward to seeing them qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and they also hope that before then Filipino sports fans will join them in visiting the 2012 Olympics in London.
Welcome to Santa
Rosa Magazine - the accessible open e-magazine of Santa Rosa City,
Laguna, Philippines. No payment, no registration, no login required.
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Nuvali Evoliving
a
real gem of master planning
and sustainable design
Under 50 mins south of Makati thru the Sta. Rosa Exit
of the South Luzon Expressway, a new metropolis is evolving.
Nuvali is Ayala Land and the Yulo family's vision of
sustainable future. Covering a total land area of 1,600
hectares, it's growing at unprecedented scale and speed.
The evolution began with 3 new residential communities
and a new road connecting Nuvali directly to the Mamplasan
Exit of the SLEX.
Nuvali's 1st phase comprised Abrio, Treveia, and Avida
Settings residential communities, the Solenad retail
center linked to a business and technology campus, and
an iconic visitor's center gathered around a four-hectare
multi-functional lake.
Solenad
blends essential shopping with leisure and dining in
a relaxing, al fresco, lakeside environment. The area
is connected to the now operational Lakesize Evozone
commercial area by dedicated pedestrian and bike lanes.
The Lakeside Evozone is the refreshing campus-like commercial
area of Nuvali. It creates a new space for offices and
businesses to thrive in an environment of productivity
and connectivity. Solenad is nestled next to the lake
and at the entrance of the Lakeside Evozone area coming
from the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road. Its accessible and
picturesque location invites people to sit, sip and
dine with family and friends. Solenad has already become
a popular destination for surrounding communities of
Santa Rosa, Calamba, Tagaytay and Manila.
Conti's, Italianni's and Domo Tomo are inviting to those
seeking an alternative flavor in the area. Options for
casual dining such as Yellow Cab enjoy a relaxing atmosphere.
Bookworms can find a nice quiet spot in National Bookstore.
Coffee aficionados find a sipping spot and a quiet space
for conversation at Starbucks. Find your own spot within
the intimate spaces of Solenad. On weekends, one can
find time for bonding or discovery. Biking, boating,
fish feeding are only some of the things one can enjoy
in between a heavy meal or sips of coffee. And to start
(or end ) the week right, regular Sunday masses are
offered. Beyond the shopping, leisure and wellness destination,
Solenad creates new avenues to embrace nature, nurture
relationships and enjoy life.
From its inception, Nuvali was developed with one thing
in mind: Evoliving, a way of life that
promotes intelligent and systematic care for the environment,
enriches the community, and values its people. Low-density
residential neighborhoods are designed to promote a
healthy social atmosphere without overcrowding. It's
a metropolitan development project representing Ayala
Land's approach to master planning, whereby some 50
percent of residential areas are devoted to open spaces,
and it's the first large-scale development in the Philippines
to be built on the principles of sustainable design.
Environmental Sustainability
* Water conservation systems built into core infrastructure
* Advanced waste management and recycling systems
* Road networks with dedicated bike lanes and walkways
* Privately managed eco-friendly mass transport systems
* Energy-efficient equipment and fixtures
Economic Sustainability
* Eco-friendly building features that lead to lower
long-term operating costs, lower insurance costs, higher
marketability and higher asset values
* Open, natural, and peaceful environment that yields
greater productivity and better worker retention
* Diversity of opportunities to live, work and recreate
* Improved economic progress in the greater Laguna area
Social Sustainability
* Abundant public spaces, schools, museums, and park
* Workforce supported by local communities, who will
benefit from training programs established by Nuvali
Part of an approximately 150-hectare commercial hub
dedicated to become the premier business district of
Nuvali, the 46-hectare Lakeside Evozone provides perks
to locators such as fiscal incentives for business establishments
operating within the Lakeside Evozone. Incentives include
income tax holiday, exemption from import and export
tax, foreign exchange assistance and financial assistance
for PEZA registered companies and industries. Nuvali's
Lakeside Evozone was carefully conceptualized with well-thought
out facilities and infrastructures such as telecom redundancy,
central sewage treatment plant and underground utilities
in a campus-type setting with generous open spaces,
landscaped parks and side walks, parking areas with
permeable blocks, and located near the lakeside shops
and the transport terminal area.
COMMERCIAL LOT CLASSIFICATIONS
Premier
Lots facing a 25-meter
wide road providing oppurtunity for excellent frontage
and direct access from NUVALI Boulevard.
Premier Plus
Corner lots provide
great vantage points, excellent frontage, and better
access as it is bounded by a 25-meter wide road on one
side, and a 15-meter wide road on the other.
Prime
Lots are nestled
at the heart of the district. Facing away from the main
road, it provides for more privacy yet is conveniently
accessible through a 15-meter wide secondary road.
Prime Plus
This individual
lot is afforded a prime corner location directly accessible
from NUVALI Boulevard and bounded by two access roads,
yet provides unusual privacy.
Evo Lot
Evo lots are all
frontage locations accessible through a 15-meter wide
road, and beside a 10-meter wide buffer area.
For more information about Avida Parkway Settings at
Nuvali, and also about other Ayala Group projects (AyalaLand
Premier, ALVEO, Avida and Amaia) contact:
ADZNA A. MALLI
International Property Specialist
AyalaLand International Sales
Mobile: +63.917.523.9626 Email: adznamalli@gmail.com
The 3 first residential communities made the promise
of EVOLIVING possible for all and are described here
for your information although all lots are now sold.
The latest residential community, Avida Parkway Settings,
is shown in the photos and the lots are now released
for sale. See sales contact below.
ABRIO delivered an extraordinary level of privacy, exclusivity,
and security to Ayala Land's top-tier clients, who placed
great value in the ability to live in a discreet environment
where freedom of movement can be enjoyed without having
to live behind high walls. Abrio's roads are designed
to conceal homes from street view, and its main road
has a right-of-way nearly as wide as the carriageway
of Ayala Avenue. The property's size is limited to only
380 lots, and its building density is only be half that
of comparable premium neighborhoods. Security and resource-management
systems employ the latest technology, such as infrared
fencing and rainwater harvesting, to ensure an unrestricted
yet environmentally responsible lifestyle.
TREVEIA introduced a lifestyle that warmly nurtures
close family and community ties in a healthy, upscale
and eco-friendly environment. Almost half of its 60-hectare
land area is dedicated to tree-shaded open spaces and
parks, with an extensive array of beautifully designed
and innovative modern amenities. The development is
neatly organized into several small neighborhood clusters,
and grouped into four distinct themes after the natural
elements of water, wood, earth and wind, each one creating
interesting opportunities for community activities.
At the center of it all is a 2.5-hectare grand central
park with an impressive clubhouse and expansive outdoor
area that cater to different peer and individual activities
for all ages. Treveia definitely presents plenty to
regain quality time with the people who matter the most.
AVIDA SETTINGS was sold as an affordable, environment-friendly
community designed with the Mother Nature at its center.
It offers well-planned community amenities and facilities
that allow more time for family bonding activities.
The house and lot offerings of this neighborhood created
many firsts for Avida's residential developments. Consistent
with the overall NUVALI master plan, 45% of the property
has been allotted to open space, which meant wider roads
and more areas for families to play and relax outdoors.
House designs are also more modern and contemporary.
Three neighborhood patters were available to choose
from: the standard block, the courtyard, and a new concept
called green ribbons. The green ribbon layout is an
exclusive feature of the development. Here, one can
have immediate access to open space surrounding the
house, creating mini-gardens, which are easily accessible
and visible from homes.
For more information about Avida Parkway Settings at
Nuvali, and also about other Ayala Group projects (AyalaLand
Premier, ALVEO, Avida and Amaia) contact:
ADZNA A. MALLI
International Property Specialist
AyalaLand International Sales
Mobile: +63.917.523.9626 Email: adznamalli@gmail.com
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Support
the stand of Wikipedia,
US President Obama, Google, Yahoo, Facebook, Boing
Boing, Reddit, Flickr, Cheezburger network, and others
against the draconian bid by computer-illiterate American
lawmakers to destroy the international freedom of
the internet. Voting on the offensive proposed bills
has now been postponed pending further consultation,
but to combat the continuous lobbying and bribing
of congressmen and senators by lawless corporations
we will need to maintain our global pressure. To find
out more and to stay updated on this issue just click
anywhere on the above graphic.
See also Angel Tugado's comments on our Opinion
page.
If
you are an American citizen, even if you are traveling
outside the country on business or vacation and even
if you are currently living overseas, you can help by signing
Google's petition to the US Congress.
Forget
the negative attitudes of stick-in-the-mud critics
and do a Google search to see the
creativity of Filipinos who have posted on the internet
their own versions of DOT's inspiring
new tourism slogan. Who cares what the Swiss did in
1951? They didn't invent the English
language and they didn't coin the "it's more
fun" phrase. Positive-thinking Filipinos like
the
new slogan and are having lots of fun proving the
truth in it. DOT deserves congratulations!
(See Angel Tugado's comments on our Opinion
page.
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TWO
GREAT EVENTS WITH HUGE GLOBAL IMPACT THAT SIMPLY CAN'T
BE MISSED
THIS YEAR!!!
Yeosu,
Korea, and London, England,
bring the world together in 2012
WHETHER
VIEWED ON TELEVISION OR ATTENDED IN PERSON,
the
two most spectacular and exciting world events this
year will be Expo
2012 from May 12 to August 12 in Yeosu,
South Korea, and the 2012
Olympics from July 27 to August 12 in London,
England.
See
the videos and graphics below:
The first is an
inspirational overview of Expo 2012's main theme of
"The Living Ocean and Coast" with its three subthemes
of "Preservation and Sustainable Development of the
Ocean and Coast", "New Resources Technology", and "Creative
Marine Activities".
Following North
Korea's failed rocket launch on Friday April 13, 2012,
which eastern sages, Buddhist monks, and Feng Shui experts
had advised North Korea against, more than the hoped
for 100 countries and international organizations will
now participate in, and more than the originally anticipated
8 million visitors will now attend Expo 2012 in Yeosu,
South Korea.
During Expo
2012 the City of Yeosu will make a formal declaration
demanding international response to situations, such
as pollution and overfishing, that threaten conservation
and sustainable development of the ocean's resources.
It will emphasize the importance of international cooperation
and feasible joint actions to solve problems concerning
the ocean.
After Expo 2012,
the city will be developed as a model environmentally-friendly
coastal community, and used as a test bed of Green Home
projects. There will also be a focus on ocean-themed
timeshares and premium dwelling places.
The Beijing
2008 Olympics was a hard act to follow. Its large-scale
approach and new iconic modern buildings transformed
Beijing into the major tourist destination that it is
today. At its closing ceremony in 2008 the flame was
passed to London, which becomes the first city in the
world to host the Olympic Games 3 times, and athletes
from 147 countries will be taking part in 2012.
As its Grand Opening
Ceremony approaches, the biggest question of all on
everyone's lips is: "Will China dislodge the USA from
its Beijing top spot and win the most Olympic medals
4 years later? Or will Russia leapfrog them both to
regain the domination it once enjoyed as the force behind
the USSR before collapse of communism in eastern Europe?"
Take a look at the below final rankings after Beijing
Olympics 2008.
Above: Official Top 5 results from the Beijing
Olympics 2008. Before the collapse of Communism
in Eastern Europe, the two dominant Olympic forces
were Russia and East Germany. Since then it has become
a sporting battle between the USA (world's richest
nation) and China (world's most populous nation),
with China rapidly gaining ground. Russia, Great Britain
and Australia look too far behind to catch them and
in 2012 there will be other countries in close competition
for the runner up-positions.
The above video
is a humorous indication of how the London
2012 Olympics will have a fresh down-to-earth approach
based on the factual theme that ordinary people anywhere
in the world, who are interested in sports, can and
do take part and become champions.
Both approaches
are valid within the Olympic Charter, and to get this
into perspective, Britain's population (63 million)
is less than Thailand (66 million), Germany (82 million),
Vietnam (88 million), the Philippines (95 million),
Japan (128 million), Russia (143 million), Nigeria (163
million), Brazil (193 million), Indonesia (238 million),
the USA (313 million), India (1.2 billion), or China
(1.4 billion).
London has prepared for the massiive influx of
tourists in 2012 with a new eco-friendly double decker
bus, brightly decorated new underground trains, and
the Olympic Javelin high-speed overland trains.
See
more videos
about the 2012 Olympics. They're funny, heartwarming,
inspirational, and packed with thinking outside the
box.
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WORLD'S BIGGEST McDONALD'S WILL OPEN FOR LONDON OLYMPICS 2012
"> The new flagship McDonald's has a completely different style of design and decor.
LONDON OLYMPICS 2012 WILL BOAST THE NEW AND BIGGEST EVER FLAGSHIP McDONALD'S, AS WELL AS 3 SMALLER BRANCHES AT STRATEGIC LOCATIONS.
Constructed mainly from recycled lumber, its brightly modern design and comfortably spacious layout are far removed from the tightly packed branches that over the years most of us have gotten used to.
This will be the 9th consecutive time that McDonald's has been official restaurant to the Olympics, and for the first time it will be exclusive provider of branded foods, although there will be a wide variety of non-branded eateries at the games.
The spacious flagship McDonald's has 1,500 comfortable seats and will employ 500 staff.
McDonald's will also be offering its biggest ever menu with a range made possible by its long-established food supply chain of 17,500 British and Irish farms.
Its 4 restaurants at the Olympic Park are expected to sell a staggering 3 million meals in 6 weeks, boosted by the flagship's perfect location next to the main Olympic Stadium, to include at least 50,000 Big Macs, 100,000 portions of french fries and 30,000 milk shakes.
The modern new flagship McDonald's has eyecatching murals and informative posters.
With a floor area of 3,000 sq ft spread over 2 storeys, the flagship will need to be run as efficiently as a military operation. To achieve the speedy service that customers will expect, McDonald's advanced technology will control express lanes and contactless payment.
It will also benefit from the cream of McDonald's "Champion Crew" - key staff from 40 countries specially trained and experienced in ultra-heavy customer traffic. 2000 of the top staff will be available to ensure that all 4 restaurants run smoothly throughout the games.
Like many popular pizzeria, customers can see food being prepared in the busy kitchen.
Despite the global financial meltdown, McDonald's longstanding popularity continues to grow. Its extraordinary worldwide success at keeping its customers satisfied and happy is reflected in healthy annual results.
This year, the company reported global sales 9 percent higher than the previous year, with profits over the same period increasing by 10.9 percent.
- Eduardo Garcia (Photos courtesy of McDonalds.)
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VICTORIA BECKHAM TALKS ON CREATIVE BRITAIN AS IT HOSTS THE 2012 OLYMPICS
Videos of Victoria Beckham (above) and Victoria's Secret (below) courtesy of YouTube.
AS REFLECTED IN SM's PARISIAN COLLECTION, THE 17TH CENTURY
ENGLISH SCHOOLBOY'S REAL-LEATHER SATCHEL IS AN ICONIC
STYLE THAT'S STILL GLOBALLY POPULAR FOR 21ST CENTURY
FASHION ACCESSORIES.
This practical functionality and creative design, combined
with top quality materials and workmanship, have been
the backbone of British fashion for centuries. Victoria
Beckham's phenomenal worldwide success embraces
this tradition and expands on it with her unique imagination
and flair for modern materials and colors which enhance
today's lifestyles. In 2012, many of the most famous
international women celebrities are also among her most
enthusiastic fans.
Victoria now lives
in Los
Angeles, which she loves, and in the above video
she explains why she is is so proud to be English
and why she decided to base her fashion business in
London.
If you're going to the London Olympics 2012, take advantage of the London Pass to visit some of the many fantastic shopping, entertainment, sightseeing and cultural attractions of England's world-famous historical capital city.
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THIS MONTH'S BIG 4 VIDEOS
See our Videos Page for this month's mind-expanding selection.
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HELP GOVERNOR TO MAKE LAGUNA EVEN GREATER
Luguna De Bay could be a beautiful attraction as well as a haven for nature and a rich source of food, but it badly needs help.
WE APPLAUD OUR PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR FOR HIS EFFORTS TO MAKE LAGUNA GREAT. He's already doing great things to improve housing, medical care and education for the poor, and has launched high profile campaigns and initiatives to clean up pollution, nurture the environment, and attract the wide range of investments needed for future development and growth.
Visit the Laguna Province official website for a free Investor's Guide and details of the Save Laguna Lake campaign. Also see the story on our Opinion Page.
- Sarina Fernandez (Photos courtesy of Laguna Provincial Government).
Governor Jeorge "ER" Ejercito-Estregan also received a Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award for 2011, the first provincial Governor ever to win this prestigious official recognition of excellence in public service, and along with the award to Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene B Arcillas
making it an unprecedented double for our province.
LAGUNA GOVERNOR JEORGE "E.R." EJERCITO ESTREGAN has set another milestone for the Province of Laguna for being the first Governor to be awarded the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award during the 2011 Outstanding Public Officials and Employees Awards Rites on November 9, 2011 at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall, Malacañan Palace.
The Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award is the highest and most prestigious award given by the President to public officials and employees who have shown excellence in their conduct of duties as public servant leaders.
Civil Service Commission Chairman Francisco T. Duque III (left), and Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr.(2nd from left) presented the award to Governor Ejercito-Estregan. Former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada (right) also graced the event as honorary guest.
(Article and Photo by Gerry Tomandao courtesy of Laguna Provincial Government)
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AIR ASIA APPOINTS WOMAN CEO
Described by her predecessor as "tough", Aireen Omar has the financial expertise needed for the airline's controlled expansion.
CONGRATULATIONS TO AIREEN OMAR ON HER APPOINTMENT TO CEO OF AIR ASIA MALAYSIAN OPERATIONS. Formerly the Head of Finance, she will keep a tight rein on Southeast Asian operating costs at the same time as expanding the Kuala Lumpur based budget airline's markets in the region.
Tony Fernandes, whom she replaces, will oversee the group business with a main focus on core operations. He is well-known for his flamboyant style and he thrives on world market downturns, which he sees as major opportunities. After being headhunted from the music industry 10 years ago, he turned Air Asia around from serious losses to sustained profits. He said: "We are always growing when things are tougher. We are now the beneficiaries of a slowdown. We are always growing when there is a slowdown."
2015 will see implementation of the Southeast Asian open-sky policy, which is great news for Filipino travelers as it will attract more budget airlines to give them a bigger choice of flights and destinations coupled with more competitiveness of price and quality of service. Already Air Asia is increasing its flights from Clark Airport in Pampanga to domestic and international destinations at prices comparable to the promos of Cebu Pacific but at much more convenient times and with much better customer after-sales support than Cebu Pacific.
Aireen Omar (third from left) and Group CEO Tony Fernandes (second from left)
pictured with other top Air Asia officials.
Also, the operation established by Air Asia in the Philippines is a genuine subsidiary with responsible staff employed by Air Asia, unlike the outsourced branches that Cebu Pacific has in other countries, making it impossible for Filipino travelers to get help when a Cebu Pacific promo trip goes wrong, as the disinterested staff of outsourced companies simply say the problem's not their responsibility and leave the customers stranded. Fortunately the smarter Filipino budget airlines such as AirPhil Express make good use of the internet, providing accessible 24/7 after-sales support wherever their customers may be. Air Asia by contrast now has genuine subsidiaries in Thailand and Indonesia, and will be opening its next one in Japan. Further new competitors attracted by the open air policy will, along with Air Asia, produce a travel market scenario in the Philippines where their goal is to create happy and satisfied repeat customers who are accorded the importance they deserve and who make recommendations by word of mouth to all their friends, relatives and colleagues. This is the way to guarantee profitability and growth in a streetwise budget market.
- Eduardo Garcia (Photos courtesy of Air Asia.)
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DRAGONAIR LOOKS TO TALENTED YOUTH FOR A FABULOUS FUTURE
The lucky 24 eager youngsters get ready for takeoff as Dragonair launches its seventh Aviation Certificate Programme in Hong Kong.
THE DRAGONAIR AVIATION CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME is an educational initiative co-organised by the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps and an integral part of the Dragonair Youth Aviation Academy. Established in 2005, it offers local youth a solid platform to explore the world of aviation through training sessions and facility visits hosted by various Dragonair departments and aviation-related organisations. Each participant is paired with a Dragonair pilot who acts as a personal mentor.
Out of the 24 participants in the 2012 programme, 12 are members of the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps while the remaining 12 were recruited from the general public in Hong Kong. The programme was opened up to the public for the first time in 2011 and this year saw a 30% increase in the number of applications.
Officiating at the inaugural ceremony were Guest of Honour Director-General of Civil Aviation Norman Lo, Dragonair Chief Executive Officer Patrick Yeung and Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps Deputy Commanding Officer, Training Wing Commander John Siu. Guests from supporting organisations, programme participants, Dragonair pilot mentors and programme alumni were also in attendance.
Director General of Civil Aviation Norman Lo (centre, right), Dragonair CEO Patrick Yeung (centre, left), Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps Deputy Commanding Officer, Training Wing Commander John Siu (sixth from left) and Dragonair General Manager Operations Captain Peter Sanderson (sixth from right) together with the 24 students participating in the 2012 Dragonair Aviation Certificate Programme.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Mr Norman Lo said that the aviation industry is developing rapidly and young talents are needed to sustain the development."Moving on to its seventh year, this programme has become stronger and more versatile," he continued with great enthusiasm. "I learnt that the number of applications from the general public increased significantly compared with that in last year. I encourage mentees to embrace diversity among themselves and share their experience in the programme so as to inspire their friends and bring more talents into the aviation industry."
Mr Patrick Yeung said at the ceremony: "The prospects for the development of aviation in Hong Kong are very promising and there will be strong demand for new young talent. We are excited to see the Dragonair Aviation Certificate Programme bringing new blood into the industry, and to date around 30% of our programme alumni have already embarked on an aviation-related career."
Support from related organisations is one of the key factors in the success of the programme and three new partners -- Hong Kong Fire Services Department, Hong Kong Police Force and Dragonair's inflight catering provider LSG Lufthansa Service Hong Kong Limited -- are all taking part for the first time this year.
The other aviation partners include Airport Authority Hong Kong, Aviation Security Company Limited, the Civil Aviation Department, the Government Flying Service, Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Ltd, Hong Kong Airport Services Ltd, the Airport Meteorological Office of the Hong Kong Observatory, and TAG Aviation Asia Limited.
The mentorship scheme is a core part of the programme and Wing Commander John Siu said: "The examples set by the pilot mentors, including their high professional achievements and their very own unique personal experience, will serve to influence and inspire our next generation."
Mr Yeung expressed his appreciation to all the Dragonair pilot mentors for contributing their precious time, and thanked programme co-organiser the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps for sharing the same passion as Dragonair in nurturing Hong Kong's aviators of the future.
- Report and photos courtesy of Dragonair. More information on the Dragonair Aviation Certificate Programme and other activities in the Dragonair Youth Aviation Academy is available at www.dragonair.com/aviationacademy.
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FOR AQUABEST THIS WAS A VERY BUSY SUMMER, WITH:
SUMMERTIME CONJURES UP IMAGES OF TRAVELING TO BEACHES, MOUNTAINS, and other exotic destinations which while fun and exciting can also drain one's budget.
That is why more and more people are discovering the joys of urban camping. Urban camping redefines the concept of camping by making it within everyone’s reach and involves nothing more than spending a night or more in the city setting. Its popularity is due in part to its affordability, convenience, and the thrill of experiencing the city in a new way. Because of this, many people are increasingly finding the urban nomad lifestyle an interesting alternative to the usual outdoor camping experience.
To better enjoy your urban camping experience, Aquabest would like to share the following tips:
Determine the proper site for your urban camping adventure: Not all campsites are created equal, scout ahead and determine the best places to camp out in terms of safety, accessibility, and of course decide on the place where you will have the most fun.
Pack up everything you will need for the time you are staying: Bring everything you need such as food, water, and other supplies but remember to pack light it is after all a camping trip. Pack extra food in case something goes wrong or you are delayed. To ensure the quality of your drinking water bring along Aquabest structured water a completely new type of water that is not only clean but also offers health benefits. Structured water builds upon and improves water’s inherent rejuvenating and healing properties leaving you refreshed and rejuvenated inside and out.
Shower and sanitary facilities: Always choose a campsite with bathroom facilities or shower facilities. This is particularly important for multiday camping trips over the weekend. If you have a membership of a gym that extends to your area you are going to and has some along the way, you can use their showers. If you don't have that, you can sneak into pools and shower there. Make sure to watch your stuff or lock it up.
Restock on your provisions: For multiday camping trips, you may find the need to buy additional food, water, and other supplies. For that reason it pays to camp near convenience stores or supermarkets. For clean and healthy water one can check out Aquabest structured water in select convenience stores all over Metro Manila.
Recognizing the growing popularity of urban camping, Aquabest in cooperation with Discovery Channel and Coleman Philippines recently held its first-ever Urban Survival Camp at the SM Mall of Asia grass grounds near San Miguel By the Bay.
The event featured various talks, demonstrations, and exhibits regarding basic mountaineering, outdoor cooking, stargazing, and night photography. Participants spent the night roasting smokes over bonfires, playing games and watching a mini entertainment show, and an outdoor cinema. It was an enjoyable and informative experience that showed everyone how urban camping can be simple, but it does take a little planning. (More about Aquabest)
AND:
IN RECENT YEARS MARATHONS AND OTHER RUNS FOR A CAUSE have become very popular among fitness buffs with several being organized at any given time.
However, the problem with all these marathons is they are increasingly predictable with largely the same events and flow. That is why trail runs are always a welcome change from the monotony of road running that all of us have been experiencing. Organized trail races are not frequently held and are sometimes far in between.
But what makes it all the more exciting is the fact that each trail race is different from the other. One of the trail races eagerly looked foward to was this year's most extreme running event, the MERRELL ADVENTURE RUN 2012 held on June 2 at the Timberland Heights, San Mateo, Rizal. This year's boasted a more challenging trail packed with dirt roads, flowing streams, river crossings, rock scrambling, and uphill and downhill paths.
Aquabest actively participated in two ways. Apart from joining the thousands of runners who braved the elements, the company also gave away Aquabest Structured Water to the runners, helping them to improve their performance and endurance by offering superior hydration. Staying hydrated in particular is important for athletes participating in a trail run as they tend to get dehydrated faster.
Structured water offers athletes the same hydrating ability of sports drinks without the food colorings that accompany conventional sports drinks. Being more efficient than ordinary water in hydrating the body, structured water is perfect for athletes who are looking for quick hydration on the go. Aquabest brings water back to life and restores its original properties with the Grander advanced technology developed from Austria and exclusively licensed in the country to the company.
To get an idea of how Grander technology works picture this. Imagine your cells are doors with the water molecules as people trying to get inside. With ordinary water, these people are disorganized making entry slow, laborious and inefficient. With structured water, picture these people lining up in neat lines causing entry to be faster and more efficient. This allows structured water to offer superior hydration by penetrating each cell to its core.
So while having a blast in this year's MERRELL ADVENTURE RUN, participants were able to stay hydrated by drinking Aquabest Structured Water. (More about Aquabest)
AND:
AQUABEST, THE COUNTRY'S LEADING WATER REFILLING FRANCHISE,
was very proud to support the Cebu Food and Beverages Exposition, known as CEFBEX, and its active participation last May 24-27 was a great success.
The company participates at a number of Expos throughout the year, and hundreds of people visit the Aquabest booths. Next is the Manila Food & Beverage Expo (MAFBEX) at the World Trade Center June 13 to June 17 from 10am to 8pm. (More about Aquabest)
AND:
CARSON TAN, CEO OF GQWEST INC, which owns the Aquabest and Aquaquest brands, says of the Manila Food & Beverage Expo: "MAFBEX has always showcased the cutting edge in the food service and beverage industry. It has proven that it is the best source for Filipino and international players in the food industry. From setting trends to highlighting Filipino ingenuity, MAFBEX has helped contribute to the growth of the Philippine economy by extending a helping hand to enterprising Filipinos interested in the food industry."
This year the company has a series of activities lined up in support of the event. These include a seminar on marketing and branding to be delivered by the company's Marketing Manager Joel Cruz. The talk will focus on how SMEs can use marketing to help their businesses gain an edge in today's hyper competitive market. The company would also be giving away free water and exciting freebies at its booth. Aquabest has a nationwide network of around 500 stores in the Philippines and is considered among the leading players in the water franchising industry. Aquaquest has a nationwide store network of more than 200 stores and is now one of the industry's fastest growing franchises. Both brands are recognized as major providers of clean water used for various food service applications by several companies. (More)
- Reports by Jey-an O. Oroceo (Photos courtesy of Aquabest.)
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Developing Scandal 2012:
"THE
PAINFUL TRUTH IS THAT
I MARRIED AN ABUSER, A SCROOGE, AN INCORRIGIBLE PHILANDERER,
AND WORSE
- A PERVERT."
Susana
Ortigas, the wife of Francisco Ortigas for 43 years,
stated the above in an affidavit to the police.
IN
YET ANOTHER CASE OF IMMORALITY AND CORRUPTION IN HIGH
PLACES, FRANCISCO ORTIGAS HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH CONCUBINAGE.
His
wife of 43 years also accused him of frequent sex with
a company employee and a maid. If convicted, Ortigas
will be sentenced to from 6 months to 4 years imprisonment.
Especially in the
month that Filipinos with true integrity celebrate their
love on Valentine's Day, this story is a sad confirmation
of the decadence and spoilt-brat mentality of so many
rich and powerful Philippine families. As one of the
Philippines' richest, Ortigas enjoys enormous inherited
wealth, and can afford to pay vast sums to all the lawyers
who represent him and attempt to defend his corruption
and immorality.
But what he no longer
has is any credibility with stockholders or leverage
with SM's Henry Sy, who is negotiating the purchase
of Ortigas Holdings Inc., owners and developers of prime
Manila real estate. Corruption and immorality of existing
management always undermines investor confidence, especially
when evaluating a takeover bid.
This means that under
Ortigas control the stocks will fall in value, and under
SM control they will rise. Not a good legacy for any
rich man to leave either his immediate family or his
company's wider stockholders. And not a good reputation
for any eminent citizen to bequeath as example to patriotic
Filipinos who wish to believe in their country.
We applaud Susana Ortigas
for standing up for her rights, and we encourage all
Philippine wives - rich or poor - to do the same. Women
are equal to men and should not be subjected to such
humiliation and disgrace by arrogant, dishonorable,
immoral, unfaithful husbands.
Every High School student,
male or female, knows that Philippine Hero Jos? Rizal
warned us in El Filibusterismo of dangers that
oppressed peoples must protect themselves against when
seeking freedom from tyrannical foreign occupation.
He asks: "Why independence if the slaves of today will
be the tyrants of tomorrow?"
Now, after several decades
of independence on the surface, layer upon layer of
corruption below the surface have created more oppression
in the Philippines than that of the Spanish in Rizal's
time, camouflaged by the bribe-taking lawmakers and
judges whose job is to stop it.
Too many former "slaves"
have indeed become today's "tyrants", just as Rizal
feared, making our nation a global laughing stock and
undermining all the good works that genuine patriotic
Filipinos are doing to build the Philippines into the
shining light of Asia that it can become. -
Angel Tugado
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Congratulations to Miss Universe 2011 above, Leila
Lopes from Angola,
and to our own Shamcey Supsup, who was placed 3rd
Runner Up,
one position higher than Venus Raj last year. Editorial photo courtesy of Miss Universe Organization.
(More...)
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No need live in Manila to get superfast internet.
Now you can apply
online in Sta. Rosa.
Globe continues to lead the way in Sta. Rosa with
its innovative customizable
broadband.
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Watch
this YouTube animated video by Ericsson Multimedia
about life in 2015
and the networked society. (Read
more....)
History
and culture of Santa Rosa City Laguna Philippines
were lovingly revived with colorful displays and entertainments
in the "My City My SM" event at SM City mall.
(Read more:)
There's
no live theater in Sta. Rosa yet, but the Insular
Life Theater at nearby Alabang
features productions by the talented and popular drama
group Theater
Down South.
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WOMEN
INSPIRING
THE WORLD
Women from around the globe are making a big difference
to the whole world
and taking lead roles in finding ways to make it a
better place for everyone. Click here to
read more and see videos
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Do
you and/or your kids need to know the nutritional
values of different foods and the
necessity of a healthy balanced diet? Michelle Obama
has launched...(Read
more:)
Forget the negative attitudes of stick-in-the-mud critics and do a Google search to see the creativity of Filipinos who have posted on the internet their own versions of DOT's inspiring
new tourism slogan. Who cares what the Swiss did in 1951? They didn't invent the English
language and they didn't coin the "it's more fun" phrase. Positive-thinking Filipinos like the
new slogan and are having lots of fun proving the truth in it. DOT deserves congratulations!
(See Angel Tugado's comments on our Opinion page.
