Nun of the Above

Sister Susay almost changed her mind because of me..
Hard to admit but I lost to the better man...

I remember the time when I was in third year high school and the Dulaang Sibol then was showing the hit variety show “Kwerdas para sa Sacadas” My good friend Joey Valdez introduced me to his sister Susay who was an avid fan of the show. Joey’s sister was always there to support her brother by watching every chance she gets and more importantly bringing over some friends to watch the show. That was how I got to know that sweet gal who happens to be a look alike of Joey but sweeter and cuter and very different from Joey in a lot of ways. Every time she watched we would have a chance to casually chat and have a laugh or two.

Sister Susay bows for her vows

Fast forward to 2008 when i got to get in touch with Susay via facebook. Would you believe that I almost fell of my seat when I got to chat with her and got to know that she is already connected with the Cenacle Sisters. Then a few minutes after I absorbed the news I got to smile since I knew that Susay is someone who was really close to the Lord and becoming a nun is actually a blessing not only to her family but also to the Cenacle Sisters. I was just touched when she invited me over to witness this event and like what I told her, I wouldn’t miss it for anything.

Fr. Dan McNamara S.J
"Thy will be Dan!"

The profession of perpetual vows was done during the mass. The celebration of the Holy Eucharist was presided by one of my favorite Jesuit Priests Fr. Dan McNamara S.J who flew all the way from Davao to celebrate the mass. The venue was one of the new churches in Loyola, the Our Lady of Pentecost Parish which is located at C.Salvador St. that a stone's throw away from the Cenacle Sister’s residence. Another guest of Sister Susay is Fr. Jett Villarin S.J who gave the homily.

Fr. Jett Villarin S.J
"Sister Susay found God's goodness..."

Fr. Jett gave an in depth homily on the theme that enveloped the whole ceremony of Susay's perpetual vows. Fr. Jett talked about Goodness in general and then came to infuse that virtue to the deeds that Sister Susay has done. Fr. Jett said “Sister Susay is now here because she found God’s goodness in the convent and in the goodness of her sisters and community.” Another thing that Fr. Jett mentioned was that another part of goodness is also letting go and surrendering. Goodness can endure simply by surrendering again. Surrendering as he said is “giving one’s self." Fr. Jett also added that to be good is to be fitting, and to fit is to belong. Fr. Jett said that the best thing about Sister Susay is that she is fit for God’s calling, as Fr. Jett put it, “kasyang kasya..lalo na sa size 34!”

Fr. Dan, Fr. Jett & the two other priests are Sister Susay's Four Fathers

Those are just excerpts of the great homily that Fr. Jett gave. Another memorable anecdote is what Fr. Jett narrated. Since he was once the spiritual adviser of Sister Susay back then, Fr. Jett also mentioned Sister Susay was there not because of default, meaning she was there not because she has no boyfriend. In fact Fr. Jett said, “She even had a boyfriend who was a varsity player.” That comment elicited a thunderous laugh from the friends of Sister Susay.

Sister Susana Carina "Susay" Sta. Ana Valdez R.C

Sister Susay Valdez took time to thank everyone who helped her in the event and like the bride who got wed to God, she invited everyone over to a lunch reception at the Cenacle Sister’s convent which is just walking distance from the church. I definitely obliged and you know what happens whenever I go to receptions.

Mhel, Tita Ampy, Joey, Janna, Gladys, Tito Tony, Saree, Therese, Cholo, Sister Susay

It was another “glutaphos moment” for me since I saw a lot of familiar faces but could not remember most of their names. During the mass I saw a lot of my teachers in the Ateneo Grade School since Sister Susay’s mom, Tita Ampy was a Grade School faculty member for who knows how long. I was glad to see my good friend Fr. RB Hizon S.J there. I even told Fr. RB that I think the reason why he was there because there were a lot of nuns there. Hehehe.

I was hoping I could hear Basil sing again,

Well, he just asked me to take the lead

Another person I was glad to chat with was Basil Valdez. Basil incidentally is the uncle of Susay. I got to see him in the Alumni Homecoming but never got to talk to him. It’s so nice to reminisce the times when we had a caroling group back in 1987 and 1988.

"Sister, I will clear my mind of impure thoughts"

I thought that my presence during these perpetual vows would make Sister Susay change her mind, but unfortunately we were not meant to be. I am happy that she has now professed her final vows as a nun for the one who is above us. That is what led me to say that she is really a Nun of the above. Love you Sister Susay and good luck with your journey.

My All-Star Christmas

A toast for a blessed 2009

For the second year I hosted a lunch party for my beloved STI All-Star Dancers. Since only 7 of them came, I also invited some close friends from STI and others who are not from STI. So all in all I had 18 guests who were around for lunch. Unfortunately, the reason they came to my house was not me …well I have to admit I had to take a backseat to the star of the show and that was the famous recipe of my mom now perfected by my sister in law, the famous "Garrido Embotido."

My Gurls

My mom has perfected the embotido in such a way that everyone in the house know’s how to mix and cook it, unfortunately I am the only one who doesn’t know how its done. After a simple lunch we went to TRINOMA for a little recreation and eventually parted ways after having merienda at 5pm.

I am happy that even though we don’t see each other much, my gals proved to be resilient when it comes to our secret recipe. That is why I told them that hopefully we can make this event a yearly thing. So next year I hope the numbers will grow even bigger. Go Embutido!

Spotted at TRINOMA, the All-Stars take a pic with RAM of Fear Factor fame.

Chateau Royale

The Chateau Royale Sports and Country club in Batangas is quite a nice getaway for people looking for something simple outside the outskirts of tagaytay. The cabin type rooms are quite simple but then again its the weather that keeps the place great. At this time its near Baguio weather in Tagaytay which makes walking from the cabin to the front desk and restaurant worth it.

The place is a cool 15 hectare land that has nice trees and a lot of other things growing in them. At the same time it is quite nice to walk around and breathe the air and have some peace time alone.

The place is also perfect for team building activities as the other facilities in the place included wall climbing, paintball, a nice swimming pool and other things that can make groups bind together better.

The pseudo pond going to the cabins have at least 10 turtles that makes it quite cute looking and relaxing. If you are the kind of person who likes to look at aquariums to relax, the pond is quite a nice relaxation and photography subject.

A Golden Celebration

Free your heart from hatred, Free your mind from worry, Live simply, Give more, expect less. These are the five things that Roger Buhay and Letty Nietes kept in mind as they endured the hardships and difficulties of raising a family of 5 kids. That was then, fifty years have passed since they tied the knot and they still live with these five secrets to live a life of fullness, wellness and happiness.

Tito Roger and Tita Letty are the parents of my good friend Jerome Buhay who has been a part of my life for the past 25 years not only as a friend but moreso like someone who is a part of my family. We have shared and survived a lot of tough and happy times together and I believe we still have a lot more in store in the future. The "Renewly Weds" renewed their vows in Sonya's Garden in Tagaytay and they created a short list of people close to them to attend. Mostly friends, cousins, and other close family members. WIth what has been happening in the world nowadays, it has been a rarity to see couples make it to 25 years, moreso 50! I am happy that Tito Roger and Tita Letty are such great examples that love in its simplest form can endure a lifetime. Congratulations to the renewly weds.

Jerome Buhay

Filipino Barak Obama Commercial

This just shows the ingenuity of Filipinos hehe.....just a few laughs.

STI reaches out to the kids in Payatas

What is the first thing that comes to your mind about the place Payatas? To me it is where garbage turns into gold as a lot of scavengers live there and turn garbage into something they can earn from. Payatas in Quezon City has a lot of sad stories most notably the collapse that happened on the dumpsite several years back. What is most jaw dropping is the fact that a lot of these impoverished scavengers never really did get some education to enable themselves to further improve their way of living. A lot of the people living this area never saw the need to send their kids to school since they themselves never had any education.

STI Alumni Relations Manager Chicky Recheta
togehter with Ms. Letty Reyes & Marie Nucum

In 1982 Letty Reyes "migrated" to the beautiful scenery and landscape which was once known for its greenery, it was the old Payatas. A year later it was turned into a dumpsite of garbage coming from all over the metropolis. Letty later on met with a lot of mothers from payatas and learned about the concern of the mothers about the future fo their children. A lot of the kids who live in this area do not even have birth certificates but are willing to learn and go to school. Letty then went into action as she started to give classes to a group of five kids. When word got out the students became bigger and the numbers grew to 40 and has since grown to have bigger groups and the school came to become a reality in 1989 and it is known now as the school of Humanity.

Sir Stanley giving some pointers

The School of Humanity or "Paaraalang Pantao" has no requirement for uniform or tuition fees because the only requirement is the kid's willingness to learn. The school is located at the foot of the mountain which is almost at the Montalban Rizal area which is at the back of Payatas.

Mam Aime having fun with the kids

The classes are run in a friendly and enjoyable manner which helps create for children the home away from home atmosphere. All the staff encourage the children to uphold their dignity in life and consider the school as a place for them to learn how to prepare themselves with certain things in life.

Sir Jojo Recio assisting his wife Dra. Weng Recio

The STI Alumni Association for that matter saw the need to improve the education of these kids by creating an outreach program which is more of a medical and dental mission. It is believed that if a kid has bad health and suffers from numerous gum and tooth problems which are the primary problem of these kids aged 5-13, then learning will be a hard task to do. Much so these kids and their parents don't have enough earnings to prioritize health related issues. The event was held at the Ynares Covered Courts at the SUburban Subdivision in Montalban Rizal.

Tito Aga sharing some jokes

Yours truly was in awe with the warm reception of the kids when i got to know them. Again I was again the master of ceremonies slash entertainer in making sure that the kids have a lot to do while the medical/dental mission is ongoing. I am quite happy to be involved in this project knowing that there are still people who believe in helping other people live better lives.

The sterilization team

The STI team came with a lot of help from volunteer students from different STI schools namely STI College Fairview, STI College Novaliches and STI College Recto. The STI students helped out in administering blood pressure, sterilizing the instruments, manning the make shift pharmaceutical counter and giving out some goodies.

The makeshift Pharma

The kids were not only received a check up but some goodies, medication and other supplements as well. In return they also gave intermission numbers and ended the event by thanking STI with a song. "..Di ba't ang Pasko ay para sa lahat. "

The giveaways

It is nice to share these things knowing that the company you belong to is in one direction when it comes to helping other people. I hope that I'll be involved in a lot of projects like this in the future. Stay tuned.

The kids having lunch

8TH NAASCU Volleyball Tournament

After the basketball season, the NAASCU shifts its gears to the other sporting events lined up in its calendar. The NAASCU 8th season started the volleyball competition for men and women in its inaugural games at the Makati Coliseum last December 15, 2008.

Ten teams in the Men's Division are expected to slug it out for the right to fight defending champion University of Manila while 9 teams will vie for the women's title. The event opened at 1:00 pm by NAASCU President Dr. Ernesto Jay G. Adalem and declared open by the Chairwoman of the NAASCU Volleyball Tournament, Prof. Loreto Panganiban.

CEU beauty Annabelle Chua led the oath of sportsmanship.

The NAASCU has already completed five events namely the Basketball Tournament, Billiards, Cheering competition and Chess competition. Other events will follow suit come January.

Jonavie Quiray -Mutya ng Pilipinas 2008

I forgot to post this last week. Actually it was my first time to skip the Mutya ng Pilipinas Pageant. The event was hosted by the city of Puerto Princesa and I just sent an STI representative to coordinate with STI Puerto Princesa to do the tabulation of the event. COngratulations to Jonavie Quiray the new Mutya ng Pilipinas together with Jam Libatong and Loren Andre Fermin Burgos who ran away with the Major prizes. Katrina Rigets and Quency Benaldes copped the 1st Runner up and Second Runner up titles respectively.

Congratulations also to the STI Puerto Princesa team led by Ms. Sheba Timbreza their administrator for doing us proud and providing the computers and additonal manpower for the tabulation proceedings.

CAP Cebu - Home of Sergio Osmeña Sr.

During the past five years I have always rented the CAP Development Center for our National Youth Convention. Little did I know that there is a lot of history in the venue. Just this week, while paying for the rental I chanced upon the second floor of the building and found some memorabilia. I asked the caretaker what are those and he mentioned that the place was actually the house of former President Sergio Osmeña Sr. The house was eventually sold to CAP and has since operated as a venue for various events. Here is a video of the place.

BIGBY'S RESTAURANT

Cebu as I have mentioned has a lot of BBQ restaurants and other home made restaurants popularized by the home crowd. Another one of a kind restaurant to experience in Cebu is BIGBY's Cafe and Restaurant. BIGBY'S originated in Cagayan de Oro where a couple of friends came up with the idea of creating an atmosphere fit for an adventure into the different cuisines in the world.

Mhel deciphering the Grilled Rodeo Chops.

The originators of this Restaurant wanted the interior design and service as somewhat a mix between fine dining and casual dining. That is why the ambience is just like eating in a fine dining spanish restaurant. The restaurant eventually found its way to CEBU in 2000 at the Ayala Mall and has since made a name for itself because the cebuanos fell in love with the restaurant.

A closer look at the Grilled Rodeo Chops which is a big serving considering its just P 199.00 complete with rice and other vegetables. This food is fit for a cowboy's appetite. Marinated pork chops grilled nice and easy and served with just enough rice. The food is mouth watering and the taste is sumptuous

Bistro Cheesesteak Sandwich

One of the best sellers in the restaurant, the Bistro Cheese Steak sandwich is beef sauteed with butter and onions then served with lettuce tomato and mozzarella cheese.

Jojo Recio enjoying his order, the Tapa Bai. The Tapa Bai are spicy and juicy tenderloin tips served in a sizzling platter with rice.

AA BBQ RESTAURANT

I remember during the first time I went to Cebu as an STIer I was introduced to the Visayan style of barbecue. In Cebu there are a lot of BBQ Restaurants but the one I truly enjoyed was the very popular and mouth watering dishes at the AA BBQ Restaurant. Located along Salinas Drive at the heart of Lahug. The original AA Restaurant in Lahug has been serving customers for 10 years now.

For me one of the most satisfying taste in the place is their hot tasting chorizo which was injected with lots of chili seeds before it was cooked. For those who enjoy eating spicy food this chili chorizo is for you.

For every BBQ restaurant, their liempo is their main menu which did not fail to impress me with its superb and yummy taste. The serving is just right and the taste leaves you wanting for more.

I have always liked eating "Kinilaw" and their Kinilaw na Tangigue did not disappoint. I ordered two bowls just to anticipate the very mouth watering taste of this Cebu delicacy.

What's nice is that the AA BBQ Restaurant is just a two minute walk to STI College Lahug which means that every year I can come back and have lunch and still make it early to the meetings in the school. They have already improved their parking to accommodate more people but their taste is still the same and the price is something one should not worry about. If its BBQ you are looking for, its got to be AA.

Cebu's best kept secret : CASA VERDE

CASA VERDE is located at 69 V. Ranudo extension which is between F. Ramos St. and Jones Avenue. It is just a 5 minute walk from our Hotel the Holiday Plaza Hotel along Ramos street.

Five years ago while looking for a place to eat dinner during the 10th National Youth Convention in Cebu, my good friend Manny Amador suggested a restaurant that is flocked by a lot of Cebuanos and Manileños because of its giant sized baby back ribs. Since we were billetted at the HOliday Plaza in Ramos street, we just took a liesurely walk towards Casa Verde. The place was crafted from a house and made into a restaurant and there were plenty of people eating. Well enough the food's taste and serving did not disappoint since their Baby Back Ribs is not fit for a baby but fit for a person of my appetite!

Two years ago they were already making some expansions in their area, most probably because of the influx of a lot of people eating in this restaurant. The best seller is still BRIAN's BABY BACK RIBS. I remember years ago the BBRibs this big was at P 99.00 only! My Gosh that most probably is the reason a lot of people flock this restaurant. Three years ago it went up to P128 per serving and is now pegged at P168. But then again if you see the serving you can say that it is still value for your money.

As of today the restaurant has already expanded and is now having a branch at the Ayala Mall. By Christmas or January most probably a lot will be exposed to the wonderful baby back ribs experience here at Casa Verde. As my friend said "Its really value for your money!"

Celebrate a Childlike Christmas

Street children usually work 6 to 16 hours just to help their families earn a decent living. A lot of these kids are exposed at an early age to the pressures of life early which also includes neglect at home, bullying from bigger kids and other psychological stresses. These street kids are very happy that a visionary by the name of Teresita Silva came into the picture and created Childhope Asia Philippines, a foundation that aims to provide alternative education opportunities to street children.

The STI Foundation for its part partnered with Childhope asia to celebrate a child like christmas to the street children of the said foundation. A lot of these kids are pressured to earn rightaway that is why they don't even understand how to enjoy once in a while and become kids in the true sense.

The STI foundation set up a day with which its team brought the kids to Jollibee for a merienda, gave gifts to the kids so that they can experience toys that kids their age play and more importantly gave them the opportunity to enjoy by having the rides of their lives in Star City. I asked them who among them have gone to Star City, a lot of hands were shown but after clarification Ms. SIlva said they have gone to Star City but not INSIDE star city to experience the rides.

STI College Recto students were at hand to assist these young kids and they served as their instant "Kuya's", "Ate's" and chaperone since lots of schools also booked their excursions in the said venue.

It was truly a humbling experience meeeting with the kids and having fun with them. We hope we have brought light to these kids that not all people are the same and that some have generosity also in them. I hope that these kids will seriously come out as morally upright people and educated so that they may also become succesful in their chosen endeavors. I am happy to spend time with them and hope they celebrated a true childlike christmas for a change.