Bawat Punto

Life Planning

2008-01-29T20:41:00.000-08:00

Last year, I turned "Golden" and suddenly had the urge to review my insurance policies (from two different companies). It was an unfortunate experience trying to get in touch with my agents and be told of stories on why I wasn't contacted.

During the time I was not able to make contact with my insurance agents, I consulted a friend and she convinced me to take the qualifying exam and become an insurance agent myself. So, here I am today with an assigned Agent I.D. code.

I am in the process of learning the products, understanding the mechanics behind all these numbers, remembering the riders and what they do to your policy once it is applied.

Ninety-nine percent of Filipinos are not insured. This means, there is a big opportunity to sell and educate. I believe today that this is my contribution to nation building and being of service to our country.

I am currently learning more and more about the various products, its benefits and its cash values. Soon I will be writing about different programs that may "fit" your investment requirements.

Laughing with Mimi

2008-01-07T17:15:00.000-08:00

I laughed with a friend yesterday, over the phone, she in California, me in Manila. We haven't seen or spoken to each other for 9 years. This I am sure of cause I never met her son, Rafael, who is turning 9 this year.

From the moment we both said "hello" on the phone, we laughed. We knew we'd be talking about EVERYTHING. And we did. There was laughter, hurt and laughter again.

Laughter is the closest distance between two people. ~ Victor Borge ...

And did we close the gap of years and miles between us. I realized how much I missed my friend and how made each other feel good.

Our deepest fear

2008-01-07T17:04:00.000-08:00

I recently caught this movie on cable in mid-stream. The quote caught me and I needed to read it myself again. I searched the internet not knowing the title of the movie, forgot the channel it was on, and neither did I know the names of the characters although I knew that her coach was this guy from the movie The Matrix. So, on I went to the Matrix site, found his name, Laurence Fishburne who played Morpheus. He is Dr. Larabee in the movie, the spelling coach of Akeelah in the movie: Akeelah and the Bee (2006). Here is the quote:

Akeelah and the Bee (2006) Akeelah: [quoting Marianne Williamson]

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

Here is some dialogue:

Dr. Larabee: Does that mean anything to you?
Akeelah: I don't know.
Dr. Larabee: It's written in plain English. What does it mean?
Akeelah: That I'm not supposed to be afraid?
Dr. Larabee: Afraid of what?
Akeelah: Afraid of... me?

Akeelah: Okay. But when I'm at the bee, and they tell me to spell some little fish from Australia or some weird bacteria on the moon, we're going to wish we'd done a little bit more "rotemorizing" and not so much essay reading. If you don't mind me saying.
Dr. Larabee: Bacteria don't exist on the moon.

Dr. Larabee: Where do you think big words come from?
Akeelah: People with big brains?

Akeelah: I'm naturally inquisitive.
Dr. Larabee: Yes, which is also sometimes confused with being naturally obnoxious.

And from the site of Marianne Williamson, here is the whole quote:

Our Deepest Fear

by Marianne Williamson from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Hope you catch the whole movie.

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Surrender

2007-12-05T18:38:00.000-08:00

Lord, I receive every blessing, every miracle, and every healing that You want to give me today. And because of this, I will become a rich blessing to others. Lord, I surrender my future to You. I place my entire life into Your hands. I also surrender my family and friends into Your care, knowing that you love them more than I can ever love them. I pray all these with a trusting heart, in Jesus' name, Amen.

Until now, you have not asked for anything in my name.
Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
(John 16:24)

Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find;
knock, and the door will be opened to you.
(Matthew 7:7)

Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
(Matthew 6:8)

My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:19)

If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.
(John 14:14)

Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.
(John 16:23)

Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in pra yer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours.
(Mark 11:24)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens...
(Ephesians 1:3)

Declaration of Abundance

2007-12-05T18:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I received this prayer that is worth sharing.

Novena to God's Love, by Bo Sanchez

"Feast Declaration Of Abundance"
Today, I receive all of God's love for me.
Today, I open myself to the unbounded.
limitless, overflowing
abundance of God's universe.
Today, I open myself to Your blessings,
healing, and miracles.
Today, I open myself to God's Word so that I
become more like Jesus every day.
Today, I provlaim that I'm God's Beloved.
I'm God's Servant,
I'm God's Powerful Champion,
And becaus I am blessed,
I will bless the world,
In Jesus' Name.
Amen

Passion 1 - Tribute to Jay

2007-10-25T15:02:00.000-07:00

A dear friend of mine passed away last week. Jay Canilao was a great listener. He always had the right things to say to calm your worries. He now joins my guardian angel, Grace, in being with me all the time.

Rest in peace, my friend.

Passion 1 - Adopt a Turtle

2007-10-19T17:19:00.000-07:00

"Adopt a Baby Turtle"

Bataan Eco Camping

October 27, 2007

Marine Turtles are transboundary creatures, they travel great distances to feed and grow. But because as hatchlings the imprint the magnetic field of area they always go back to where they were hatched after 25 to 30 years to copulate and lay their eggs.

However communities especially in underdeveloped countries, uninformed of their functions in the environment have hunted them down in the sea or slaughtered them while they lay their eggs in the beach for their shell and skin. While their eggs and meat are collected as food.

NACCI now promotes and support the Pawikan Conservation Center , a community based project of reformed poachers in the protection of the turtles.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Saturday

5:00 am ETD from the Office

Mangrove Park Walk to discuss the Magrove Eco System & Marine Life

11:30 am Lunch at Duty Free (pax account)

2 pm Proceed to Pawikan Conservation Center in Bataan

- Pawikan Orientation, Adoption and Releasing

6 pm ETA in Manila

PACKAGE RATE P 1,750/ per person

INCLUSIVE OF

Round trip aircon Fares
Entrance at the Mangrove Park Walk
Lunch
Snack
Turtle to Adopt and release in the sea
Entrance to the Turtle Sanctuary
One Adopted Turtle with Certificate of Adoption (option to adopt more)
Souvenir T shirt

NOTES

Payment of Reservation at Las Pinas Home Office Mon to Fri 9am to 3pm (8061720) 18 Pioneer St. , Moonwalk Village , Las Pinas City

OR at RCBC Savings Bank SA # 1024-07535-1

Nature Awareness & Conservation Club, Inc Bank deposit

OR at Banco de Oro Accnt # 1700072011 (NACCIncAccnt)

Accnt Name : Dinah C. Pizarro & Violeta C. Imperial

(Bank hrs up to 6pm Saturday)

OR for regular NACCI Members and Patrons ONLY at Metro Bank

Account Name : Violeta C. Imperial Accnt no.2183218107452

Fax the deposit slip at 8061720 OR Scan Email at Mother_nature888@ yahoo.com
Deadline of reservation on October 23, Late Registrants will be accommodated if there are still space available.
Unused reservation fee, services, rooms, tickets, meals are non refundable and non rebookable BUT transferable to another person 3 days before the trip please notify the club, otherwise reservation will be forfeited
Rate is subject to change with out prior notice
Activity is limited to 50pax only
Conservation Education Kit will be provided to all participants thru emails

Nature Awareness & Conservation Club, Inc.
8061720 Telefax / 09194839250 / 09155101600
WEBSITE http://philecotouri sm.wordpress. com
Email: mother_nature888@ yahoo.com or mother_nature888@ hotmail.com
Group: http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/Greennatur e
Photos: http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/Greennatur e/photos
Blog: http://www.friendst er.com/mominatur e
RELAX – REWIND – REFLECT – RENEW – REDUCE – REUSE - RECYCLE

Passion 2 - Forbes.com: The Worst Jobs For The 21st Century

2007-10-14T17:05:00.001-07:00

The economy is changing from goods-based to service-based. So what professions should you council your kids to avoid? Insurance agents, jeweler, journalist, etc.

The Worst Jobs For The 21st Century
If you're a kid right now, here's what not to be when you grow up.
By Brian Wingfield

http://www.forbes.com/2007/10/08/jobs-employment-economics-biz-wash-cx_bw_1009worstjobs.html?partner=email

Passion 1 - I Love New York

2007-10-09T00:10:00.000-07:00

While preparing for a Travel and Tourism Management course syllabus, I came upon this case study on New York. For all who actually LOVE New York.... cheers!

CASE STUDY

I LOVE NEW YORK - A Classic Case Study of Destination Marketing

New York, during the mid seventies, was passing through critical times. It had problems of law and order, and had an unenviable reputation of an unsafe place to live and visit. Its economy was in bad shape, business was moving out and workers laid off. For the year 1980, the official economists of the city of New York predicted mild recession, loss in tax revenue and loss of 30,000-60,000 jobs. However, in early 1981, when the situation was assessed, much to everyone’s surprise, tax revenue was well ahead of the previous year, sales-tax income jumped and there was no loss of jobs.

This became possible due to a very successful marketing campaign launched on behalf of New York City to attract tourists. The campaign was so effective that retail sales in New York City increased sixteen percent in 1980, with only seven percent increase registered for the nation as a whole. Similarly, sales-tax revenue increased due to more sales. Six thousand new hotel rooms were added to the existing inventory of New York City in one year. Average occupancy of the city’s hotels was eighty-two percent – a remarkable achievement. New York’s surprising ability to withstand the impact of recession was explained only by rapid growth of tourism stimulated by a new destination marketing campaign.

In 1976, Governor Carry of New York created a Division of Marketing and Advertising with William S. Doyle as its head to change the image of New York City and to make it a tourist Mecca. The story of ‘I Love New York’ campaigns as it developed in the next few years has been told by William Doyle in his words:

RESEARCH

As a first step, I committed the entire year’s advertising budget of $2,000,000 for market research.

Research conducted by Consumer Behaviour Inc. screened more than 3,000 people and interviewed approximately 1,800 vacationers from adjacent states and Canada. From these interviews, a psychographic profile was created: what they sought in a vacation and how they perceived New York as a place to fulfill their needs. Our state had two attractive ‘products’ – the research revealed. One is Broadway theatre, the other is the outdoors, both in summer and winter.

From this information and other ideas, a comprehensive five-year marketing plan was developed and presented to New York State legislative leaders in May 1977. With bipartisan support, $4.3 million was approved for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1978. “I LOVE NEW YORK” was the theme. Mountains, lakes and the Broadway theatre were the subjects and television was the principal advertising medium.

Promotion

Commercials placed in every market in New York State, major markets in surrounding states of the North-East and in Ontario and Quebec in Canada launched the first phase of ‘I Love New York’ campaign in June 1977.

The winter promotion began appropriately and spectacularly, on Valentine’s Day 1978; a cast of some eighty Broadway actors, actresses, singers and dancers from nine shows performing the “I Love New York” theme song composed by Steve Karmen in the television commercials was placed in twelve markets. An added attraction was an 800 toll-free telephone number for viewers to request information.

The advertising ran for five weeks, and the total number of calls asking for the brochure was 93,800.

Magazine and print advertisements and radio commercials were used to supplement the campaign, but the main thrust was on television.

Monitoring

The results of the first year’s programme were substantial:

a) The earnings from travel activity in the summer of 1977 were ten percent up, thereafter earnings rose by 19.9 percent

b) Overall increase during the year was nine percent

c) Restaurant revenue in New York City rose by an estimated ten percent

d) Hotel occupancy in New York City was at eighty five to ninety percent. As a result of the spectacular success, the state legislature increased the budget for tourism campaign from 4.2 million dollars to 10.5 million for the fiscal year 1979.

Simultaneously, the campaign was further strengthened by airlines flying out of New York joining hands to spread the message of “I LOVE NEW YORK” to markets where New York state could not penetrate due to limitations of funds. Their enthusiasm led to an enlarged role. They spread the message of “I LOVE NEW YORK” into major fly markets through their own television commercials. The campaign became so popular that “I LOVE NEW YORK” sweat-shirts, buttons and other similar publicity items appeared all over the country. The state legislature has continued funding of “I LOVE NEW YORK” campaign with excellent results for New York City and the rest of the state.

Successful Tourism Management
Volume II by Pran Nath Seth

Passion 1 - Tiger Deals

2007-10-08T17:06:00.000-07:00

This week's deal on fares from Singapore Dollars 19.99 one-way.
Buy between 8 Oct and 14 Oct 2oo7 only.
Fly from 1 Nov to 15 Dec 2007 only.
Conditions apply.

Visit the website at www.tigerairways.com

Make sure you click on the:
- SEAT SELECTOR to select the seats you want for better comfort.
- SPORTS EQUIPMENT CHECK-IN for a hassle-free check-in
- LUGGAGE UPSIZE
- TIGER TALES for the latest in-flight features.

Tiger Airways, the Low Cost Airline of the Year 2006.

Passion 1 - Airline Rating

2007-10-02T18:06:00.000-07:00

Which Airline is Rated "Worst"?

If you’re a frequent business traveler, you’re also a frequently annoyed at mismanaged baggage, cancelled flights, and delays. To see which airline takes the trophy for the most complaints, here is the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Air Travel Consumer Report. The worst performing airline, based on number of complaints, is U.S. Airways, which received a total of 5 complaints per 100,000 fliers [PDF].

The most frequently reported complaint in the data is, not surprisingly, cancelled or delayed flights, followed by baggage mismanagement (U.S. Airways had 10 reported baggage issues per 1,000 customers), and mistakes made in reservations & ticketing.

Forbes selected Atlantic Southeast Airlines as their overall “worst,” using a different methodology. U.S. Airways, however, has five times as many boarding passengers, and more complaints per 100,000 customers.

Be sure to keep an iron grip on those bags of yours! The burning question: Which airport has the fattest chance your luggage will be pilfered? The answer: Los Angeles International (LAX). A 2004 report by the Transportation Security Administration reported 1,458 luggage theft claims at LAX. Other exemplars in the top three include Chicago O’Hare (963) and Seattle-Tacoma (904).

If you’re going international, risk assessment experts give parts of Africa and Latin America the highest risk of stolen items. In some locales, even the security personnel are part of the criminal enterprise. Tobias Friedl, manager for iJET Intelligent Risk Systems told the New York Times about a particular incident at Guatemala City’s airport where an armored car en-route was stolen. The take? Eight million, cash.

(condensed from Jonathan Haeber)

Passion 2 - Herp Alpert

2007-09-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

Everyone has got to listen to this... : Rise (1979) by Herp Alpert and the Tijuana Brass
I just love the part where they dance behind Herp like he was the Pied Piper. The guy in white trunks and curly hair reminds me of how Roderick Paulate (Filipino movie actor) played his gay roles in the movies... Listening to it brings back memories....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-cOq_LaEZ0&mode=related&search=

More of Herp, ...This Guy's In Love With You I remember hearing this song in the summer of 1968. We would spend our summer vacations (whole two months) up in Baguio. Let's see, we would be at the Wright Park at least twice a day (the route would be via the Grotto, Mansion House, Teacher's Camp... for at least an hour each time). Then we'd be in some of these places almost everyday - Burnham Park, Camp John Hay, Easter School, The Cathedral and the convents on Sundays with lunch at the Star Cafe, PMA, , the market, Mines View Park, Baguio Country Club, Session Road ... I'll write about Baguio again another time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqmhXmTsCPw

A Taste of Honey (1966 with an unusual video)? I would hear this music all the time coming from my grandparents house, probably my uncle playing an LP on his turntable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWzmhW9Q4gA&mode=related&search=

Rise.... I think I played this about eight times tonight... no, ten! Okay, at least twelve... I guess I will never get sick of it.

Passion 1 - Chili and Star

2007-09-18T00:53:00.000-07:00

Visit

SINGAPORE / MALAYSIA / THAILAND

Oct 27 to Nov 01, 2007

SuperStar Virgo Cruise

For as low as US $572 per person on triple accommodations with free Travel Insurance via Cebu Pacific or Jet Star.

Sailing dates October 28-31, 2007.

Oct. 27-Nov. 01
Oct. 28-31 Sailing

Cruise Itinerary

Day	Destination	Arrival	Departure
Oct 28	Singapore	----	1600
Oct 29	Penang	1200	2000
Oct 30	Phuket	0800 (0700)	1800 (1700)
Oct 31	Singapore	1900	----

Inclusions

Roundtrip economy airfare via Cebu Pacific or JetStar.
Cruise accommodations onboard SuperStar Virgo, full board meals, entrance to nightly theater shows, access to bars, discos and karaoke, free use of swimming pool, gym, and sports facilities as specified.
Pre accommodation on twin sharing at Fragrance Selegie Hotel (3-Star) in Singapore with breakfast and transfers (airport/hotel/cruise center/airport).
Notes:

A deposit of US$100 per person is required upon booking which is non refundable upon confirmation of airline seat and cruise accommodation.
Add $20 if full payment is made after Sept. 12, 2007.
Details of passport with 6 months validity from date of cruise must be submitted upon booking.
Rates subject to change without prior notice.

Exclusions

US$65 (5J)Singapore Tax, Airline Ins. & Fuel Surcharge
USD73 (3K)Singapore Tax, Airline Ins. & Fuel Surcharge
US$66 - Cruise Fuel Surcharge and Port Charge
P1,620 - Philippine Travel Tax
P 750 - Terminal Fee - payable at NAIA Airport
Shore excursions in Penang, Malaysia and Phuket, Thailand

ASIANTRAVELLER
Chili Z. Pefianco
Tel Nos. : (632) 41353 83
Fax No. : (632) 373 2544
Cell Nos. : 09 20 9187358
E-Mail : chili@asiantraveller.com
website: www.asiantraveller.com

Passion 1 - Travel Tips 3-1-1

2007-09-17T22:34:00.001-07:00

My friend Gina, who celebrated her golden year last Saturday, is leaving for the USA in October. This is a long deserved vacation for her and a visit to her siblings in New York and Vancouver. I would love to hear of your road trips from the west to the east coast when you return.

As of September 26, 2006, the TSA adjusted the ban on liquids, gels and aerosols. Air travelers may now carry liquids, gels and aerosols in their carry-on bag when going through security checkpoints. The following rules apply to all liquids, gels, and aerosols carried through security checkpoints.

All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. Each container must be three ounces or smaller.
All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed. Each traveler can use only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.
Each traveler must remove their quart-sized plastic, zip-top bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.

How about make-up, medication and personal items? Yes, as long as they are in 3 oz. containers or smaller. This will include bug or mosquito spray and repellents, deodorants, eye drops, lip gel, lip gloss, liquid foundation, liquid perfumes/colognes, liquid mascara, make-up removers or facial cleansers, mouthwash, nail polish, etc. You can also hand carry umbrellas and walking canes once they have been inspected to ensure that prohibited items are not concealed.

For us smokers, common lighters are still not allowed in your carry-on.

Food and drinks – Beverages brought from home or purchased before reaching the security checkpoint in a 3 oz. or smaller container and in your quart-size, zip-top plastic bag is allowed. Medications, baby formula, canned or jarred soup, sauces, peanut butter, pudding, jell-Os, yogurt, fruits, vegetables and jellies are allowed as long as they are in 3 oz. or smaller containers.

Gin, I think you have more valuable stuff to put in your carry-on rather than peanut butter and liquid mascara….

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides you with a travel tip to speed up screening. . Just remember 3-1-1

3 –3 ounce or smaller container of liquid or gel

1 – 1 quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag holding 3 ounce or smaller containers

1 –1 bag per traveler placed in the security bin

For more information, you can visit www.tsa.gov or www.faa.gov

Passion 2 - Me, a boomer!

2007-09-16T22:33:00.000-07:00

According to the Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, a baby boomer is a person born between 1946 and 1963 in Australia, Canada or the United States. Following World War II, the United States experienced an unusual spike of birth rates, a phenomenon commonly known as the baby boom.

Steve Gillon, in his book Boomer Nation, states that the baby boom began in 1946 and ends in 1960, but breaks Baby Boomers into two groups: Boomers, born between 1945 and 1957; and Shadow Boomers born between 1958 and 1964.

Brent Green, author of Marketing to Leading-Edge Baby Boomers, defines Leading-Edge Boomers as those born between 1946 and 1955.

Children of the Baby Boomers are referred to as Echo Boomers, born between 1982 and 1994. Echo Boomers are followed by the MTV Generation and immediately precedes the Internet Generation. This generation is significant because they are the last born to appreciate the changes of the digital revolution, and the rise of the internet and computer technology. The “Echo Boomers” are expected to be highly involved in what is now being called Generation C.

To complete the list of generations:

Generation X – also known as the Cold War generation, born between 1961 and 1981 (although others refer to born between 1965 and 1976).

Generation Y – also called N generation, born between 1984 and 2001.

Note: Many may disagree with the above demographic profiling. I am referring to the above for the purpose of this article.

The Baby Boomer’s generation has found that their parents (due to modern technology) are living longer, their children are seeking a better and longer college education, and they themselves are having children later in life. The boomers have become “sandwiched” between generations. The “sandwich generation” takes care for both elderly parents and young children at the same time.

The baby boomers were the first group to be raised on television. As early as the 40’s. are, people in diverse geographic locations could watch the same shows, listen to the news, and laugh at the same jokes. Later, the boomers watched scenes from the Vietnam War, and the assassinations of JFK, Martin Luther King and Robert F Kennedy.

In the Philippines, according to Ernst & Young, one of the world’s leading professional services organizations that helps companies identify and capitalize on business opportunities, the population of the Philippines has increased fourfold in the last 50 years, from about 20 million in 1950 to today’s 88,706,300 (ref: NSO as of 08Dec06, Summary of Projected Population). So, we did contribute to the Baby Boom. Uhmm,,, the U.S. Colonial rule of the Philippines in December 1899 lasted until full independence in 1946 (briefly interrupted by the Japanese occupation in 1945) and much of what we are today is colonial.

Details here were researched from the Internet, specifically from the Wikipedia. Hmph! I remember having to research using the Collier’s encyclopedia, and I mean from all 24 volumes. These were hard-bound- glossy paged- 8” x 14”-one inch thick books.

Growing up, we lived in a compound, so boomer!, and the encyclopedias were on the second floor of my grandparent’s house. Now, if you had three topics to research on, you’d be lucky if all these were in one book. If the topic was short, I could copy it right away but most of the time I had to borrow the books and carry them across the driveway back to our house. If I was lucky, the househelp would carry them for me.

Making the report…. it was handwritten! Back then we had Penmanship twice /thrice a week at school and were taught how to use a fountain pen, and together with Kuya, we both got pens with iridium nibs. Do you remember when penmanship could identify an Atenean from a Lasallite, a Theresian from an Assumptionista or one from St. Scho?

By the time my younger siblings were in college we had an electric typewriter featuring the backspace to auto-erase. Ahhh, technology!

For my Echo Boomer-Gen C-Gen N daughter, research is straight from the Internet, paperless and submitted electronically.

I am thinking about my next boomer topics: Kuya’s Polaroid camera or his Agent007 briefcase? How about the Betamax (with a red underline)?

Passion 2 - Marco.Tito. Gina and a Prayer

2007-09-15T03:24:00.000-07:00

Last night, my cousin Marco celebrated his 35th birthday (actually he was born on September 16) at Galleria Estrada, along Scout Rallos (closer to Scout Ybardolaza). It is the home of Tito Estrada, a self-taught artist, who converted it to his gallery cum bistro cum disco.... Every Friday there is a pianist accompanied by a violinist. We requested piano pieces by Bach, Mozart, OPMs, James Taylor, etc. A gentleman sang along to songs from the Sound of Music, West Side Story, etc. In between the piano concertos Tito played his personal music collection.... which was great too. I loved the center lighting in his living room.... Its an inverted umbrella, from Italy, with the finest pinlights at each end of the rib. To view his paintings, visit www.titoestrada.com

Today is the birthday of Gina Olaguera Gil. Our friendship is ancient, deep, solid and precious. Happy Birthday, Gin. Hope your wishes come true. I will see you at your home (Alta Vista) in a while. Last night, the evening was dry, hot and starless. I am hoping Gina would have the same rainless night tonight.

I did write about THE SECRET... well, Gina and Marco get a copy each for their birthdays. Here is a prayer to share:

I promise myself
To be strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person I meet.
To make all my friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature I meet.
To give so much time to improving myself that I have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for feat, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
To think well of myself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words, but in great deeds.
To live in the faith that the whole world is on my side, so long as I am true to the best that is in me.

Christian D. Larson

Passion 1 - EON and Silk

2007-08-25T02:36:00.000-07:00

My friend EON is a master of her trade. She is a manager for inbound operations at one of the leading travel agencies in the Philippines. If you need to know anything about local travel EON will answer you with her personal experiences. You may contact her through her e-mail at en7ph@yahoo.com

She recently took a trip to Beijing, wait that's not local, but here she is with her survival tips to shopping at the Silk Market.

SURVIVAL TIPS TO SHOPPING AT THE SILK MARKET

For those wondering what the Silk Marketi is... it's a building in Beijing where you can buy almost anything under one roof. To some it's a shoppers haven and to others a combination of shopping paradise and a war zone.

My first time at the Silk Market did not leave me with a good impression. Yes, I was able to buy the things that I wanted but that was the first time I have experienced being "mauled" while shopping. OK... the description might be a little too exaggerated BUT there were bruises on my arms the day after. That should give you an idea on what to expect after shopping there.

On my second visit to the Silk Market (which was a year after), a friend gave me advise that made me think that all this haggling can actually be "fun". So my thought when I went there this time was to try to get some good bargains again and just think of this exercise as another fun adventure in China.

The second time worked like a charm... I was able to get the things that I wanted which was not really much but also had fun in the process. Believe me... the bruises and nail marks were there after the exercise but not as horrific as the experiences I was told by some of my traveling companions.

Rules to follow:
1. Do not take things personally. Remember to think of this as a game... a numbers game. The number being the price that you want and the price that the vendor will settle for.

2. It is preferred to shop in the morning because you will be the first sale of the day. For the Chinese, there is a superstition that the first sale of the day will dictate how good or bad a sale they will have for that day. So it is a bigger possibility for you to get good prices or even the price you want no matter how preposterous it may sound to the vendor.

3. Always ask them to give the price first. If they don't, do not bother. There are a lot of stores you can go to.

4. Your first bargain offer should be at least 50-60% off the price that the vendor tells you. YES, they will rant and rave but they will start bargaining from there. If the ranting and raving goes to name calling... LEAVE THEM! You don't need the aggravation or the stress.

5. And the exciting part... if they start touching you so that you will not be able to leave their stall... TOUCH BACK!!! Men, this would be a rule you will love since most of the vendors are women... for the Ladies... DON'T BE SHY... it is definitely NOT the time to do so... First chance you get after the touching part.... RUN!!!

If you follow these simple rules to shopping, your experience at the Silk Market will definitely be a more pleasant and less stressful one OR you will definitely get to add the Chinese Jail to your itinerary.

Have fun shopping!

Hmmm.... except for the touching, name-calling, bruises and nailmarks, the same rules apply when shopping at the Greenhills Tiangge.

Passion 1 - Brian and The Secret

2007-08-23T05:24:00.000-07:00

I wanted to Boomer write today but instead I decided to complete a recommendation for a former colleague from Galileo Asia LLC (a global distribution system for travel services). Everyday, he came to work with so much energy and filled the office with life! He serviced the company’s accounts and worked exceptionally hard to succeed. .

Later, he joined another global distribution system based in Singapore. A few months on the job, he received a CEO Special Award, in 1.5 years (a record in the company), he was promoted to management. His team successfully turned around the operations resulting in a budget surplus. And now, he is being groomed for bigger responsibilities. Congratulations, Brian!

On the side, he is an unofficial Mandarin singer-heartthrob, a dream come true! And of course, I shouldn’t forget, into advertising – there he is extreme right. (@#!!! It took me a while to find this flyer!)

We share insights and today he told me about, The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne. He said it would change your life. Just to show you how much I value his recommendations, I went and got the book this afternoon.

Here is an excerpt:

The Secret is the law of attraction! Everything that’s coming into your life you are attracting into your life. And it’s attracted to your by virtue of the images you’re holding in your mind. It’s what you’re thinking. Whatever is going on in your mind you are attracting to you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2MqciSMOmk

Michael Brian Calaycay is the Account Manager, Southeast Asia at Abacus International Pte Ltd
Singapore-based Abacus International is the Asia Pacific’s leading travel facilitator with more than 15,000 agency locations in 24 markets. Founded in 1988, Abacus has 19 years of experience infusing international best practices and local expertise with global and local partnerships. We provide travel information and reservations specifically tailored to Asia Pacific region.

Passion 1 - A Travel Blog

2007-08-21T22:18:00.001-07:00

For the past months, I have been having an affair with the Internet and often end up reading someone’s blog. A blog is a web log – a diary of thoughts, observations and insight posted on a Web site. A recent article by Susan Scrupski gives you the rules of blogging:

Be sincere.
Write about your passion and write passionately. Be credible.
Participate in a community. Blogging is not a solo activity. Encourage comments.
(Try to) Be humble.
When you reference other bloggers, you should mention them by name as opposed to just linking to them. This is blogger etiquette.
Check your links, spelling and grammar.
Don’t ever edit or rewrite something you wrote in the past.
Never delete posts. Never delete something you’ve written.
Use a human voice.
Keep your posts regular and relatively short (less than 500 words).

So basically, what I will begin to do is talk about my passions. One of them is to create an open community that brings together many of the best advises on the topic of travel. There is a tremendous amount of great information about travel issues being generated by people who are true experts in the field, but until now there has been no place where it all comes together in the form of one large conversation. By bringing all the great writing and thinking into this Web site, I hope to build a community of concerned citizens from the hotel, airline and travel (travel counselors, agents, representatives, managers, owners, and travelers themselves) industries that will have a real impact on this activity.

I was recently asked on how to lower a Northwest airfare for the following itinerary: Manila – Washington DC – Portland, Oregon – Washington DC – New York – Manila

After advising to buy a Portland-Washington ticket on the Internet (approx US$ 250) and taking the bus from Washington to New York (US$25), we got the price down by over US$500. Now that’s a lot of savings.

On European motor coach tours, I was asked what it meant when the article said “Venice area”. The low cost tours have hotel accommodation in the provinces, far from the city center. To get to the city, you need to take alternative transport (the train, bus or taxi). Higher costing tours with the same itineraries provide hotel accommodations right smack in the city center. Now, it’s your choice where to put your money’s worth.

The other topic I will write about is on being a boomer. But this will be for a later posting.