Angels and Demons

“Religion like man is Flawed!”

Robert Langdon is again at it. After cracking History’s most controversial code in the movie The Da Vinci Code, the Harvard scholar and world reknowned symbologist discovers the secret society that has been a long time nemesis of the Catholic Church. As the Carmelengo would put it “Our church is at war, we are under attack from an old enemy – The Illuminati! “ Formed in the 1600’s, the Illuminati were a group of artists and scientists led by Galileo whose progressive ideas threatened the Catholic Faith. The illuminati were persecuted by the church, they were hunted down, persecuted and driven underground. The Illuminati were dedicated to scientific truth, the Catholic Church ordered the brutal massacre to silence them forever. In the movie the Illuminati has returned for their revenge.

For centuries scientists have been trying to understand so many aspects of our world including the moment of creation. That is why scientists created the anti-matter which is their answer to their quest to study the origins of the universe, the Anti-Matter is what scientists call the God particle. The Illuminati has resurfaced and has used advanced science to threaten to destroy the Vatican once again. They have taken possession of the anti – matter and threatened to use it to annihilate Vatican. In their revenge they use the Illuminati path of Illumination symbols of earth, air, fire and water and eventually end with the Illuminati threat - Destruction of Vatican City through Light!

The movie is similar to a treasure hunt that is full of clues and mysteries but this time it turned out to be a suspense thriller. Langdon together with the beautiful Italian scientist Vittoria Vetra embark on a nonstop hunt to find the kidnapped Cardinals through dangerous catacombs, deserted Cathedrals (whose abundance in the Vatican surprised me) to be able to retrieve the Anti-Matter.

I wasn’t able to read the book that is why I was all ears everytime Robert Langdon would talk and share vital information or historical excerpts that would help them find the next clues. The screenplay is extraordinary which puts me in awe with the way the actors narrated their lines and the fast pace of their dialogues makes you want to say “can you repeat what you said?”What I find amusing about the movie is what happens behind the scenes in the Vatican. The constant bickering on protocols and historical data contested and narrated gives you additional knowledge on how the Vatican works and the how the people behind the Vatican cover up their flaws. As Director Ron Howard sums it up, this movie is really Thought Provoking! Congratulations to the cast of Angels and Demons it’s a movie worth watching over and over again.

.

This is the Life!

That's Me w/ Mark, Mike & Erwin aboard the Flying Fish

I have often explained to my friends what my job is but they still can’t figure out why my job has so much variety in it. Well, that actually is what makes my job very interesting. It is basically Events Management and I act as the resident Events Manager for STI. Again, the beauty of the events we handle is its variety.

That's me with Louise and Rose

Imagine having to watch a basketball game during office hours since I also act as the Team manager of the STI Basketball team. Imagine getting free rides at Star City since I am the one who manages the STI anniversary which is annually done in Star City. At the same time getting invites to shows at Aliw Theatre. Unfortunately I am not just interested with the shows they sometimes show.

Enjoying the Boracay Sun

One thing exciting is leading the STI tabulation team to various beauty pageants. The beauty of being in pageants has given me the opportunity to meet lots of beauty queens and nice ladies who are now my friends. Imagine that being a part of my work.

Living in Luxury

Lastly, the one thing that makes my job all the more happy is the opportunity to travel AND EAT for free! Just this week our event took us to Boracay and being there is just like working and having fun at the same time. Swimming in nice pools, eating in great restaurants an living in nice hotels definitely beats the stress of preparing for our various events.

Thanks Louise for the Boost!

My job really requires a lot of sleepless nights and stress but when push comes to shove I would never trade it with anything since it’s the happiest job on earth and feeling fulfilled is enough compensation for all the hard work I have done. As what I always say while laying down the pool in a nice hotel and enjoying the moment – This is the Life!

NAIA Terminal 3

Its my first time to travel going out of Manila trhough the NAIA three airport. Needless to say the Airport impressed me. It somewhat looked similar to the Airports of South Korea, Malaysiaand Thailand.

The only funny thing was that when we were about to board, we were led to a bus that transported us to the old domestic airport to board our plane. Hahaha I thought we were going “RORO” to boracay.

Well, I hope these pictures of the Terminal 3 would suffice for the moment. I just hope they can have good maintainance for this very nice airport so that all efforts to make it nice will not go to waste.

Boracay Regency

Three years ago I already asked for a quote from Boracay Regency for the 19^th STI Leaders convention. Unfortunately it was not meant to be as we decided to hold the event in Hong Kong instead. This year we were lucky that the Boracay Regency gave us a good price and that we all were excited to be on the new Garden wing of the Boracay Regency.

According to Pan Euro Travel, our official Travel Agency for the event, the Garden wing was constructed two years ago. That means it is quite new and has nice rooms. Lo and behold Boracay Regency did not disappoint as almost all our friends liked the rooms and the food that had for the event.

The Premier rooms have LCD flat screen televisions while the suites have added freebies for the guests coming. The Boracay Regency has three pools and the Garden wing pool is definitely the best among all the pools.

Staying there is a luxury and if the chance permits I will definitely hope that at one point I can go back to Boracay and bring someone to Boracay Regency. I only hope for the best!

The best part here is that I am the one who recommended the hotel! Its great to know that my efforts are appreciated.

Boracay 2009

I am quite fortunate because the past five years I have been to the Island Paradise at least once a year. Usually, whenever we have a Convention either in Iloilo or in Kalibo, we try to pass by Boracay and try to relax and enjoy ourselves. This summer I was fortunate to go back since we had another event in BOracay, the last time we had an event here was six years ago.  Consider the fact that a lot of my friends have not been able to get to Boracay, I am quite lucky that I have sported a nice tan after going to bOracay.

Great Pizza at Shakey's @ Station 2

Since my last visit a lot has already happened and for me the most important establishment that opened in BOracay is the Starbucks Coffee shop. I remember telling my friends that the only thing missing in boracay is starbucks. One of my favorite restaurants, Shakeys also found its way to the Island paradise! COffee, Pizza, what else do you think is missing in this great Island.

Enjoying the pool with Louise & Rose at Boracay Regency

Again, I was quite lucky since the event that I mounted in Boracay had us stay at the Boracay Regency.  Ever since I saw that Hotel when I was going to Boracay I vowed that someday I will go back there and stay in that hotel. Luckily I stayed there in one of their suites for free.  I never imagined I would be there to enjoy the nice services of this Boracay Hotel.  

The favorite hangout of people now is D'Mall since its the one stop shop where tourists and locals can buy nice dresses, souvenir shirts and even authentic Boracay sandals. I for one always buy those sandals everytime I visit BOracay.  One thing not nice during this time of year is that the waters is usually polluted by green weeds that wash up shore. Try going to Bora in January, the waters are fine and clear.   The four days I stayed was really another experience worth blogging and I am excited to go back to the Island Paradise in January.  As General M would say "I shall return!"

The STI 22nd Leaders Convention

The stage is set for the Leaders Convention

Every quarter all School Presidents and School Administrators of STI gather for a consultation on certain matters pertaining to STI and their schools.  The consultation is done for North Luzon, Southern Luzon and Visayas and Mindanao.  During first quarter of the school year, ALL of these Presidents and Administrators converge into one roof and the consultation becomes and event we call the STI Leaders convention.

Guest speaker Dr. Dups wowed the STI Heads

STI is already pushing 26 years and the convention has been around for the past 22 years. The event has been very flexible specially with the guest speakers and other people being invited to join.  Dr. Rodolfo "Dups" delos Reyes share very nice insights on Leadership as he reinforced the minds of all the STI leaders with his one of a kind presentation. The most awaited part of the convention is the Awarding Ceremonies followed suit.  

Elbert was a great host of the Awarding

As we very well know, schools also have a business side and although we recognize the efforts made by our students, we also recognize the efforts made by schools specially on the business side of things.  The convention’s awarding ceremonies honors the schools who have done well in terms of growth, sustainability and over-all performance. 

Rusty was swept but got a sweep

The highlight in the Oscars is the Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Film, here its basically the School Administrator of the Year, President of the Year, Education Center of the Year and College of the Year.  As we all know, the best kind of recognition is being honored in front of your peers and that in itself is a recognition that is unmatched in terms or pride and honor. 

Weng, for the third straight Year

The revelation of the night is Rusty Lagatic of STI Naga while Weng Basilio and STI College Fairview has lorded it over the College scene.  The best part of the convention is that we get to have  a day off for all the delegates to have  a little fun and recreation. See you again next year!

The Leaders of STI

Mike Enriquez wows STI Graduates

Pasok!!! Thus goes the line popularized by veteran Broadcaster Mike Enriquez as he addressed more than 700 graduates from 12 STI schools who took two-year TESDA courses.  I was quite taken aback by what Mike shared to the STI community which seemed to have inspired all the graduates that listened.

He started his story with current events and what was more fresh than the one sided win of Manny Pacquiao against Ricky Hatton.  He said he has met Manny and Aling Dionisia and he was quite happy to be a friend of the one and only unifying force in the Philippines.  He said that Manny’s sensational win got him more than a hundred million pesos with just almost 6 minutes. Impressive as it may look, the most important thing with Pacquiao is that he always looks at himself as a person who improves everytime he goes to the ring. His determination to improve and become better is unmatched. He then mentioned that with all that talent and money, Manny had to start somewhere.

 

Mike then related his experiences in Broadcasting specially when he was a neophyte and trainee that didn’t get much money but settled for the experience that he got from the people who were more senior than him.  One startling story was his story about how GMA became the No.1 network in the Philippines.  It was not about hiring good people or getting new and better equipment, it was all about the 7 core values that all of them live by heart.  That story really struck me since it just proves that the direction they took made them what they are right now.  Eventually everything else fell into place.

 

Mike had other stories but he still ended with Manny Pacquioa and the showbiz person that he is took place. (Even though he is from the news sector he still rocked the place) He brought with him a cd of Manny Pacquiao’s new song and sang it with the audience. He was given a rousing standing ovation by the inspired graduates of STI.  With all the experiences he had, Mike Enriquez’s success can be attributed to the fact that he paid his dues by going through all the motions needed to become who he is today. In closing he said “Share your success, the more you share success the more it happens in your life!” Thanks Mike I hope that “hindi ka tatantanan ng Success in your life

STI Graduates ready to face the world

One thousand Five hundred STI students from twelve STI schools in Metro Manila gathered together for the graduation rites of school year 2008-2009.  To make things easier, the STI graduation had the TESDA graduates do their ceremonies in the morning while the CHED graduates had theirs in the afternoon.

Two different personalities were invited as guest speakers with GMA 7's Mike Enriquez doing the honors in the morning and Ortigas and Company CEO Rex Drillon III doing speaking in the afternoon. Mike shared many stories to the graduates most specially his own story when he was starting out. Rex on the other hand gave a great example of a person that the graduates should emulate, and that is STI President Nick Jacob.

Parents and Guests flocked the Crossroad 77 Convenarium as various emotions were on the air for the four hour ceremony.  The event is a fitting end for the efforts that every STIer had in their years of stay in their STI campus and a signal of bright things to come. TO all the STIers, congratulations and welcome to the corporate world.

Slimmers World Inc. Ms. Bikini Philippines 2009

Of all the pageants I have attended the past few years, the one that is fast rising and in a way is backed up by mega bucks is Slimmers World International's search for Ms. Bikini 2009.  The pageant started last year with 18 year old Yen Lopena winning the title and 15 year old Pearl Kellie getting the other major title.  The event was a success with the two winners beggining to become quite good role models and spokespersons of Slimmers World. The project they lined up for the two beauties kept them busy whole year long. 

Slimmers World has since made two more big events last year namely the Grand Aero Fusion event and Mr and Ms. Slimmers World International.  This year with a year long preparation, the organizers of Slimmers World Ms. Bikini PHilippines 2009 made it bigger and better with a total of more than 2 Million Pesos in Prizes.  STI on its part was again the provider of computers and tabulation systems which gave me first hand information on the candidates themselves.  

The screenings started last March and I even called up some friends and STIers if they would want to join. Unfortunately none of them even gave it a try.  Tough luck since the prizes alone is enough to make me join if I had the chance. AHem. 

One of the most awaited part of this pageant is the Creative Posing part. Although it was part of the preliminary and pre pageant, the viewers saw the top 10 strut their wares for all to be able to see. 

In the end it was candidate # 17 Kim de Guzman who became Ms. Bikini Philippines-World 2009 and Kimberly Ann Brandon as Ms. Bikini Philippines – International 2009. Congratulations to all the winners. 

Manny floors the hitman

Now it shows, Floyd Mayweather Sr. is the best trainer in the world but Freddie Roach is the best i the Universe.  In what was billed as the fight of the year turned out to be another mismatch of the year.  All that talk on Ricky Hatton being that great as an undefeated champion went down the drain after two rounds!. Yes only two rounds. In the first round Hatton already kissed the canvass twice and was stunned again in the second round that forced the referee to call it quits. In this fight Ricky is definitely the hitman since he was hit most of the time.

Congratulations Manny, now it can be said without any hesitation that you are the best fighter in the World pound for pound.

LABOR DAY JOBAPALOOZA 2009 - A resounding success!

Close to 30,000 jobseekers flocked the SMX Convention Center on Labor day to join the biggest Job fair the country has ever seen.  Spearheaded by the Department of Labor of employment, this Jobapalooza is also the collaboration of many heads namely the DOLE, the main sponsors and the employers themselves. Partnering with DOLE is Jobstreet.com which is the no. 1 jobsite in the country which has more than 6 million registered jobseekers which includes me. Well I registered so that I may know how to register since we took care of the registration needs of the event since the mobile caravan was launched.

 

Mayday, Mayday...7557 got hired today

Aside from Jobstreet.com  one of the major sponsors of the event was Globe Telecoms, Banco De Oro and the SM Group of companies, the City or Manila and Pasay, the Philippine Online Chronicles, Philjob.net and the STI Education Services Group which took care of the registration. STI provided 50 computers for the event plus manpower to help on the registration. As I wrote in this blog even before the event STI has already helped in the pre - registration by way of the STI Mobile Caravan.

 

STI Student Volunteers Getting Ready

Prior to the event, pre registered jobseekers totaled more than 20,000 and a lot of them got their final interviews as 7557 jobseekers were employed on labor day. There were 330 employers that joined the Jobapalooza and the long lines of people waiting for their turn to make it inside and submit their resumes made the day also fulfilling for employers who were ready to get new employees. Leading the way were call centers, BPOs and other big companies with multi businesses like SM.

 

The Registration Scene

The registration of the participants was quite a tideous task but I am glad that our STI volunteers pulled through.  Its no joke sitting there for hours and receiving registration slips and helping others register specially when you entertain 20,000 people.  The combined team of STI Headquarters, STI College Global City and STI College Taft plus some other volunteers from STI College Cubao proved to be a great mix of STIers working for a worthy cause. If there is one thing they learned today, its that applying for a job is no joke.

The Internet Kiosk, Computers by STI, Internet by Globe

At around 10:30 AM Jobstreet Country Manager Grace Colet was alarmed that the number of people who flocked the SMX Convention Center was twice than what was expected. Crowd control seems to be the problem now and how to manage the flow of people coming in and going out. Grace pulled togehter her men, together with some people form DOLE and also some from our team to help out in making sure that the people are line up correctly so that no more problems on getting out of line will be met. When the coast cleared up at around 5:45 pm when the lines were cut and the employers already tired of a whole day’s work has already closed shop, the job fair finally ended.  

My congratulations to the small group of friends that has spent countless hours in making sure that we deliver what we promised, from DOLE Lites Villoria, Globe’s  Nonie Busuego, Manolo Nava and Ryan Fernandez, BDO’s Mau Laus and Leah Lau, Jobstreet’s Lindsay Querubin and my partner who pieced everything up Karen La Rosa, congratulations everyone for a JOBapalooza well done. My hat goes off to jobstreet for their team that never got tired in making sure that the everyone got entertained.  I was also moved by Jobstreet’s Grace Colet who thanked all our STI students one by one for their help and participation. Thanks Grace and Lindsay.  

Zerina, Rynee, RJ, Geann, Rezyl with Aga

After a full day of work to help people get work, it was time to unwind. I was lucky I was accompanied by my 5 galpals, Zerina,Rynee, RJ, Ge-ann and Rezyl. It made working all the more light and enjoyable. We are lucky that Globe sponsored a concert that featured Hajji Alejandro, Rachel Ann Go, Rivermaya and Mr. Pure Energy himself Gary Valenciano.  This worthwhile endeavor is something that we will talk about in months to come. Now let’s prepare for JOBapalooza 2010!