Some Notes About Halloween

Halloween is a tradition,celebrated on the night of October 31, also known as Hallowe'en, All-hallow-even, All Hallows' Eve, Hallow Eve, and All Saints' Eve.

Halloween, or Hallowe’en, is a holiday celebrated on the night of October 31. Halloween activities include trick-or-treating, ghost tours, bonfires, costume parties, visiting "haunted houses"
halloweencarving ,Jack-o'-lanterns,reading scary stories and watching horror movies.

Irish immigrants carried versions of the tradition to North America in the nineteenth century. Other western countries embraced the holiday in the late twentieth century.

Halloween is celebrated in several countries of the Western world, most commonly in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Ireland, Puerto Rico, Japan, New Zealand, and occasionally in parts of Australia. In Sweden the All Saints' official holiday takes place on the first Saturday of November.


Halloween is very popular in Ireland, where it originated, and is known in Irish as Oíche Shamhna (pron: ee-hah how-nah), literally "Samhain Night". Pre-Christian Celts had an autumn festival, Samhain (pronounced /ˈsˠaunʲ/from the Old Irish samain), "End of Summer", a pastoral and agricultural "fire festival" or feast, when the dead revisited the mortal world, and large communal bonfires would hence be lit to ward off evil spirits.

Here are a couple of links to explain the origins of Halloween night and the meanings of it .

Please check the sites:
http://people.howstuffworks.com/halloween.htm/printable
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween

Canada - My Second Home

My wife Cecile and I recently took our Canadian citizenship, and I thought I should share with you a part of this country we have adopted as home.

Here are some things about this beautiful country - Canada:

Canadian Geography

3.9 million - Canada's total area, in square miles (10 million sq km). That makes it just about one Florida bigger than the United States. It also makes it the second largest country in the world. Only Russia spans more land than Canada.

1 - Number of countries that border Canada. It's just the United States. In fact, Canada and the United States share the longest international border in the world. Including the frontier between Canada and Alaska, it's more than 5,500 miles (8,800 km) long.

3 - Number of oceans that border Canada. Canada may only border one country, but it touches three oceans: the Atlantic, the Pacific, and the Arctic. The Canadian arctic archipelago, composed of more than 36,500 islands north of mainland Canada, extends deep into the Arctic Circle.

Canadian Demography

33 million - Canada's total population. There are about the same number of people living in Afghanistan, and more than 3 million more living in California. Canada may have lots of land, but it does not have lots of people. With only about a tenth of the population of the United States, Canada is one of the least densely populated countries in the world.

90 - Percentage of the population that lives within 100 miles (160 km) of the United States. There, the weather is more temperate and the winters less harsh. Permafrost in the "Great White North" makes living there a challenge.

70 - Percentage of the population that lives in eastern Canada, especially in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Together, those two big eastern provinces get to elect 181 out of Canada's 308 members of parliament.

Canadian Confederation

10 - Number of provinces in the Canadian confederation. In Canada's federal system of government, the 10 provinces have more power than U.S. states. Canadians often group the provinces this way. In the east, on the Atlantic coast, lie the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the 3 "maritime" provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. Down the St. Lawrence Seaway lie French-speaking Quebec and populous Ontario. Inland are the "prairie" provinces: Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. And in the west, on the Pacific coast, lies British Columbia.

3 - Number of Canadian territories. Canada's territories--the Yukon Territory, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut--have fewer powers than the provinces. They're also all north of the 60th parallel and largely covered by arctic permafrost and ice. The territory of Nunavut was created most recently, in 1999, as a homeland for the Inuit peoples. Nunavut means "our land" in the language of the Inuit.

My Grandchildren

Is there anything better than children in our homes? Their innocence, their love, their curiosity provide joy to us. I have at present seven grandchildren from my nephews and nieces. Three of them are in the U. S. and their ages range from 7 to 8 months old.

On weekends, I always find time with them…reading stories, guiding them in their drawing sessions, teaching them some kiddies games and watch cartoons on TV with them. What is amazing is that I am transformed into a doting grandma from the usual “commander in chief “at home. Mind you all my grandchildren call me “ATE”

Grandchildren are wonderful they trust us adults implicitly, to tell them the right things. How great a responsibility is that?

Our Golden Years

Take the aging quiz.

The Mayo Clinic designed a test to be able to assess the reader’s grasp of some concerns in the aging process. Take it and see how much you know: True or False?
"1. Most older adults are missing most of their natural teeth and must use dentures.
2. Older adults go to bed earlier and get up earlier than their younger counterparts.
3. Getting older means giving up your driver’s license.
4. You should cut back on having sex as you get older, or eliminate it entirely, to save strength. (I can almost hear my fellow Rotarians in RCM gnashing their teeth).
5. Older adults are at risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
6. Memory problems are inevitable as you age.
7. Retired people can live rich and productive lives.
8. If you continue to work past age 65, you probably won’t be able to keep up with your co-workers.
9. Most older adults are sick or disabled, making them dependent on other people.
10. Incontinence becomes more common as you age."
The correct answers are:
1. False – as long as good dental hygiene (flossing daily and brushing after meals and seeing the dentist at least twice a year) is followed, dentures may not be part of aging.
2. True – the body’s internal clock or circadian rhythm changes as one ages. Older people usually sleep earlier and get up earlier as well. However, the quality of sleep is important so try to avoid caffeine in the evening and to consider a medical checkup if snoring or frequent urination at night have become bothersome.
3. False – Giving up driving is a personal decision affected not by age alone but by failing vision, poorer reaction times, and worsening hearing. Older people may even be better drivers because they are not likely to speed or drink and drive.
4. False – Satisfying sex is not only for the young.
5. True – regardless of age, polygamous sex is always a risk factor for STDs.
6. False – now is it known that glial cells, intricate connections between neurons continue to multiply. Memory loss becomes a problem to those who are too lazy to read and learn as they grow older.
7. True – especially in the Philippines, older people are given a prominent role in family affairs. Retirement may also be seen as a time to go back to old hobbies or to start new ones.
8. False – as a senior member of a team, you can offer wisdom and experience.
9. False – Exercising daily, eating sensibly, and getting enough sleep are mainstays in an older adult’s regimen versus sickness and disability.
10. True – at least 1 out of every 10 people over 65 has urinary incontinence – but it isn’t caused by aging alone. Some conditions such as urinary tract infection or prostate enlargement are implicated. Therefore, you should see a urologist or an OB-Gyne.
The more you know about the aging process, the more you should expect to truly enjoy the golden years

G'Day

Hi there, folks! Apologies for not replying to your emails as I got to read them only when we came home from Sydney. Your concern is, as always, very touching and profoundly appreciated. However, please be assured that rumours of my demise are a bit premature and I am still around to nag and annoy you, all.


As Mike informed you, we were in Sydney for about 2 weeks. We stayed at The Entrance, a seaside suburb in what is called NSW Central Coast which is a little more than an hour drive north of the city of Sydney, to attend an annual Church Feast called The Feast of Tabernacles, the same feast we attended in Baguio City last year and in Harrisburg Pennsylvania in 2003. I guess you have no clue what it is about but just in case you are interested, this feast pictures the Millenial reign of Jesus Christ when He returns on earth. It is a time for concentrated learning about what the Bible teaches on God's plan for mankind which eventuates in the very near future. Loads of great wholesome fun!

We had not seen Sydney for more than 2 years so it was a nostalgic trip for us. We got to drive around the city and see the old familiar landmarks, our old suburb and the house we used to live in. I had trouble holding back the tears. Sydney was my home state for 30 years. My love affair with it has not been diminished by my absence.

We also visited three new grandnephews (one by my sister and two by my first cousins), one of whom is Fely's 5th grandchild. Fely has not yet met this new addition to her family thus the photo.


When we arrived on Thursday about midnight, I tried to open my mail and was greeted with dire warnings/messages of computer infection. My children have been trying to help me clean it but it looks like a really severe attack. A lot of our files have now been corrupted and a number have been completely erased. I am doing this blog knowing that there is a possibility of greater damage but I felt that I should do this one at least before my computer gets totally incapacitated. So if you do not hear from me, it will be because of this problem.

Anyway it has been a tremendous pleasure reading all your blogs. Please keep it up, until we meet again in 2010. My very best wishes to all of you.

GREETINGS FROM THE GARDEN STATE

Hello Everyone:

We are your long lost friends from New Jersey. Annie and I are doing okay, thanks the Lord. It has been ages yes, since I posted anything. Now I'm writing about almost anything. Pardon the long silence, been busy with other stuff. Where did the summer go? Don't know, but it went pretty quick... The last time we were in touch with any batchmates, was in Baltimore with Manny and Larps, July 4th. Time flies...

We were busy doing house upkeep and maintenance. Aside from visiting our grandkids every so often, there's yard work, car maintenance, and a couple of trips here and then. Yes, I still love to do car repairs and stuff, just like when I was in our home town. I must admit, I toned down a little bit as far as "getting under the hood". Besides, modern vehicle maintenance is not as often or closer interval as in the earlier model. But I still manage to change oil, rotate tires, change brake pads, etc... Enough of the boring stuff.

September was a busy month because of a military reunion that I spearheaded about a year or so ago. Some of you maybe aware that I started a blog ,too. It's about a group of military family that served in Keflavik, Iceland between 1987 - 1993. We held the 20th year reunion in Las Vegas, Nevada. It turned out okay, but not a tad close to the success of your reunion in 2007. Since we were out west, we shared a rented car with a couple (close friends) from Florida and visited two national parks, the Grand Canyon National in Arizona and Bryce Canyon National in Utah. We logged about 1200 miles including the three day stay in Vegas, so we got our money's worth for the six day tour. That trip ended in Salt Lake City, where we saw a little bit of the Mormon Tabernacle, their visitor center, and their temple. We watched the choir practice for about an hour. It was an amazing group of singers, that I can only relate in tv beforehand. Why is vacation time always too short? Anyway, we've had a great time, even if it was a short time off from work. Meanwhile, back to reality. Hello from the Garden State, everyone! Looked like we missed a lot of great events in the past three months, huh?

Email ni Kuya Mickie

Am posting Pres. Mike's email about Cora .


Hi Guys,

Kumusta na kayo?, lalo na ang ating napakasipag na
assistant administrator na si Tita Jo. Kailan ba ang punta
mo rito Tita Jo at nang tayo'y mapag-reunion uli sa San
Diego sa May 8, 2009. Siya nga pala ang isang dahilan
ng e-mail kong ito eh para ibalita na okey pala naman si
Cora, kasi labis na nag-aalaala si Larpi. Tumawag ako kanina
at nagkataong naroon na sila. Nagbakasyon pala sila sa
Sydney ng mga two weeks at ang kanya computer eh may virus
kaya hindi magamit.patitingnan niya raw sa kanyang anak. Baka
bukas o makalawa eh mag-post na siya sa blog pag naayos na
ang kanyang computer.O Larpi seguro hindi kana nag-aalaala kay
Cora.Hanggang sa muli, ito ang inyong Kuya Mickie. (ha! ha! ha!)

With love and prayer.
Kuya Mickie

So Pinoy

1. Parlor in San Juan is named "Cut & Face".

2. Wholesaler of balut in Sto.Tomas, Batangas:
"Starduck".
3. Fast food eatery in Nueva Ecija: "Violybee"
4. Internet cafe opened among squatters named
"Cafe Pindot".
5. In Manila , there's a laundry shop named, "Summa Cum Laundry".
6. Petshop in Ortigas: "Pussies and Bitches".
7. A pet shop in Kamuning: " Pakita Mo Pet Mo".
8. Bakery: "Bread Pit".
9. Bank in Alabang: "Alabank".
10. Restaurant in Pampanga named, "Mekeni Rogers".
11. Restaurant in Pasig : "Johnny's Fried Chicken: The 'Fried' of Marikina ".
12. A boxing gym: "Blow Jab".
13. A tombstone maker in Antipolo: "Lito Lapida".
14. A copy center in Sikatuna Village called "Pakopya ni Edgar".
15. A beer house in Cavite called, "Chickpoint" .
16. Laundromat in Sikatuna: " Star Wash : Attack of the Clothes".
17. Internet cafe in Taguig named, " n@kopi@"

18. Name of a kambingan, "Sa Goat Kita".
19. A salon somewhere, "Curl Up And Dye".
20. A lugawan in Sta. Maria, Bulacan: "Gee Congee".
21. A water refilling station in Dapitan named "Wa-Thirst".
22. A store selling feeds for chickens: "Robocock".
23. Shoe repair in Marikina : "Dr. Shoe-Bago".
24. Shoe repair store along Commonwealth,
"SHOEPERMAN: we will HEEL you, save your SOLE, and even DYE for you".

Smile !!

Eating my words...

It's not even a week ago when i wrote "So far, so good..." but here I am appealing for blogs again. Well, there are times in one's life when one has to eat his words. My time to do that is NOW. I make bawi that 'so far, so good' comment of mine. No one blogged after I said that. A Cebuano would say, "nabuyagan" in exasperation. Okay, NABUYAGAN!!!

So, once again, dear batchmates, please send in your blogs, photos, news, comments, questions, complaints, jokes, recipes, announcements, advertisements, even obituaries (okay lang). KAHIT ANO TALAGA! ( okay na okay)

And so until I see a new blog from anyone of you, I'd say, "So far, so bad. SORRY...

Hmmm... so far, so good...

We made the appeal for blogs middle of last month(September). So far, so good.

Unang nagising si Larpi. Sumunod si Nelia. Tapos si Ernesto (EDR). Di nakatiis si President-for-Life Mike, nagsulat na rin, kahit na masyado siyang okupado sa trabaho niya, maging sa home chores. (paalaala, Presidente, unahin mo ang paglalaba kaysa pamamalantsa, para di ka mapasma. At paghiwahiwalayin mo ang puti at de kolor, para di magalit si misis). HEHEHE!

Ngayon, Rollie posted his very inspiring blog and his truly congressman-looking picture.

Who will blog next? Will it be my dear relatives- the BENJAMINS? Or Emma, Fely, Julie, Aida(not necessarily in that order)? Or are we bound for surprise articles from Lagrimas, Violet, Julita, Siony, Armando and the rest of JRI ORION BATCH 1963 PERSONALITIES?

But most of all, MS. ORIONJRI, PLEASE SURPRISE US WITH YOUR RE-APPEARANCE IN YOUR "BABY"-THE http://www.jriorionbatch1963.blogspot.com
PLEASE! PLEASE! MISS NA MISS KA NA NAMIN.

Apologies

Sorry mga batchmates,ngayon lang ako naka pag post,, nasira kasi ang laptop ko kaya kug minsan sa internet cafe na lang ako. Buti naman at na explain na ni Lucille who texted me tyhe other day. Again, my apologies.


I'm in the midst of preparation for a literacy project under Rotary. Nag workshop kami sa Baguio and the trainees comprising of the english supervisor, principals and teachers will then be the trainors during the workshop here in Orion on the 29/30th October. So many things are going on here.Na involve din ako sa Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BSPC) which is under the municipal CPC. During the Fund launching, I adopted a coin bank which I hope to fill up and turn over to the municipal council. This a real worthwhile project targetting children from 0 - 17 years. Mayroon silang website which you can find at Udyong.com in which there are account numbers where you can send donations.


Medyo hectic ang sked ko ngayon in my capacity as pres. of the Rotary Club of Orion pero rewarding naman dahil nakakatulong din kahit papaano.
the accompanying pix is from Baguio, medyo mukhang tonggressman ako dito. Some of our projects are posted at Udyong.com.
Nagutom akong bigla sa mga handa sa birthday ni Nelia. Hindi ko na matanggal ang 6 kilos na excess weight ko.
Medyo mahaba na ito, boring na. C u later folks.

An Rx for Batch'63

Home » Lifestyle

Aerobic activity may reverse mental decline

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Reuters Health | 10/19/2008 7:53 AM

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NEW YORK – Regular aerobic exercise can not only stave off the decline in brain function that often comes with age, it can also help turn back the clock on brain aging, two experts in the field report, based on a critical review of published studies.

Age-related deterioration in the all-important white and gray matter in the brain makes a number of high-level "executive function" tasks -- such as planning, scheduling, working memory and multi-tasking -- much more difficult, Drs. Arthur F. Kramer and Kirk I. Erickson explain in the latest issue of the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Yet a substantial body of research shows that these are the very processes that are most responsive to physical exercise, note the authors from the University of Illinois Beckman Institute, Urbana.

In people with or those without signs of dementia or Alzheimer's disease, regular moderate physical activity, enough to make a person breathless, has been shown to boost not only the speed and sharpness of thought but also the actual volume of brain tissue and the way in which the brain functions, Kramer and Erickson note.

For example, in a 6-month study Kramer and colleagues conducted, adults ages 60 to 75 who walked briskly for 45 minutes a day three days a week not only improved their aerobic fitness but also their mental fitness -- particularly their ability to perform executive function tasks - compared with a control group who engaged only in non-aerobic stretching and toning exercises.

These results suggest that regular moderate aerobic exercise can "reliably reverse age-related cognitive decline," Kramer and Erickson write, and that the aging brain retains its capacity to grow and develop.

Other researchers, they note, have found that physically fitter adults have less evidence of deterioration in gray matter (critical to thinking) than their less physically fit counterparts.

Still others have found that physically fitter older women going through menopause -- a time of declining estrogen levels and memory trouble -- have more gray brain matter and perform better on measures of executive control than their less physically fit peers, whether or not they are taking hormone replacement therapy, which can boost cognitive function.

Summing up, Kramer and Erickson point out that "many questions remain unanswered" regarding the effects of exercise on the brain. However, "we can safely argue that an active lifestyle with moderate amounts of aerobic activity will likely improve cognitive and brain function, and reverse the neural decay frequently observed in older adults," they conclude.

as of 10/19/2008 7:53 AM

Source: ABS-CBN news.com

An inspiring story....

In rags, he found riches

He once sent 50 application letters to find a job

By Irene R. Sino-Cruz
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:50:00 10/19/2008

CEBU CITY, Philippines—Rey Calooy once mailed 50 job application letters because he felt he would not get hired if he were to apply in person. Now the general manager of RNC Marketing Philippines, Calooy has come a long way.

He grew up in a poor family in Libagon, Southern Leyte. Dreaming of a better life, Calooy packed his bags and went to Cebu to get an education, even though his mother could not afford to send him to college.

Calooy worked for his education by carrying goods for buyers in Cebu City’s Carbon Market. He also sold bookmarkers made from used boxes and other recycled products.

Calooy now enjoys the fruits of that education, managing a repacking business, a trading company and another firm that produces instant hot chocolate drink, ginger tea and noodles.

Calooy says he has learned a lot from University of Cebu president Augusto Go, whom he knew when he was still taking up Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at the university.

He came to know and admire Go because the latter made it possible for poor students like Calooy to continue studies despite the uphill struggle to make ends meet.

There were many times, he recalls, when he could not pay his tuition on time. Each time, Calooy would pay Go a visit at his office.

Calooy also recalls how he had to make do with an average of three hours of sleep each night because he had to earn the money to finance his education.

But Calooy made use of his time in school. He was a member of 13 student organizations, including the UC debating club.

When he graduated, he worked as a news reporter with radio station dyLa for over a year.

It was shortly after he lost his job at the station—the company had to lay off workers at the time—that he decided to mail 50 job application letters.

“I did not feel confident. If I apply in person, I would be at a disadvantage. The other applicants came from very good schools, graduated with honors and were dressed up. Even the soles of my shoes had holes,” he says with a laugh.

He found a job with a Manila-based pharmaceutical firm looking for clients in the Visayas. When he succeeded in establishing a sales network in the region, the company hired more salespeople and promoted him to sales manager at the age of 24.

Calooy realized that he did not enjoy the desk job, preferring to go out and meet people. The job also lost its appeal since he could never become the owner of the company, he says.

So, he resigned, even though the company tried to make him change his mind by offering an attractive compensation package. He still decided to leave.

It was a risky move as he already had a family at the time. Calooy recalls how his wife had expressed her fear over their future. But he told her not to be afraid because they were used to being poor.

Using the P20,000 cash bond the company returned to him, Calooy decided to sell dust rags in 1994. He came up with the idea after seeing small boys selling the rags on the streets.

Calooy looked into the demand for dust rags among companies in Cebu and realized that there was an unserved market for the product.

He went to the manufacturer of the dust rags, bought his stock for P15 a kilo and sold the rags for P25 a kilo.

His income from that business was greater than what he used to get when he still worked with the pharmaceutical firm.

He felt he owed the firm something for it was during his stint there that he got to establish business contacts. He contacted them and told them he would supply whatever they needed.

That was the start of his trading business.

At the same time, he tried making laundry soap from used cooking oil. Several attempts resulted in failure, but he did not give up. He spent a sizeable amount before he succeeded in producing laundry soap, which he now sells in Leyte.

He also developed other products, such as ginger tea powder and squash noodles.

Calooy says that his mother is fond of making fresh ginger tea. He also decided to develop squash noodles, remembering the time when his family only ate squash raised by his father when Typhoon “Besing” hit Southern Leyte in 1984, destroying all crops.

He decided to develop agri-based products to help farmers, Calooy says.

Later, he set up a small laundry soap plant and a noodles factory in his hometown, providing employment to 30 and 10 workers, respectively.

His company, RNC Marketing Philippines, provides regular employment to 10 workers.

Another company, My Partners Trading International, is engaged in trading and distribution, while Rhea Naomi Food products manufactures ginger tea, squash noodles and instant chocolate drink.

Calooy has not considered going into exports, believing that the poor, constituting over 90 percent of the total population, remains underserved due to the absence of quality but affordable products.

Calooy recently went to the provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry to seek assistance so that he could improve the appearance and shelf life of his products.

Calooy attributes his success to discipline, his passion for hard work and his refusal to accept failure.

He urges would-be entrepreneurs to focus on their work and choose friends who have entrepreneurial minds.

But he maintains that education is an important element in attaining success in life.

He urges the youth to consider going into business rather than seek employment when they graduate from school. Succeeding in business does require hard work and perseverance, he says.

“Never give up,” says Calooy, who has been recognized by Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship as one of Cebu’s most inspiring micro-entrepreneurs this year.

Update kay Ursulo

Narito ang update tungkol sa batchmate nating si Ursulo na pinsan ko.Nahihiya nga ako sa inyo kasi dapat alam ko kung ano ang kalagayan niya.Nagkataon lang na weekends lang ako nasa Orion at madalas na okupado sa maraming bagay,di ko siya napupuntahan.. Kaninang umaga,matapos kung magpagupit ng buhok sa parlor,dumaan ako sa kanya at kinamusta ko ang lagay niya. Napaluha siya ng makita ako at sabihin ko na kinakamusta siya ng mga kaklase na nasa abroad . Sa ngayon sa tulong ng lingguhang Dialysis maayos pa ang kalusugan niya.Malaki rin ang pasasalamat niya sa tulong ng 3 anak niya na nasa abroad ay natutustusan ang medication niya.Ang babae niyang anak ang nag-aalaga sa kanya.Sana raw ay makadalo pa siya sa susunod na reunion sa 2010.
Nagkausap kami ni Rolly, nasira daw ang laptop nya kaya di siya nakakapagpost ng blog at ibinigay niya ang contact number ni Nanding,na 2 beses kong tinawagan ngunit di ko siya nacontact. Mamaya ,sa landline number ko siya tatawagan. Ernie, may sagot na ang isa,next time ang iba,okay?

Good News!

Australia needs engineers, workers
By Amy R. Remo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:09:00 10/17/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Filipino engineers and other skilled workers who may be displaced due to the global financial crisis need not look far for overseas job prospects.

Due to the continuous boom in the mining sector, the Australian government wants to hire more foreign workers, particularly for its Australasia Pacific minerals sector, where there are skills and manpower shortages, said John Corbett, managing partner of Migration Lawyers Australia.

In a discussion on manpower issues at the 8th Asia Pacific Mining Conference and Exhibition, Corbett explained that while the United States has begun cutting jobs across industries as an offshoot of the global financial meltdown, Australian and Asean mineral producers like Indonesia and the Philippines were fortunate to be riding the "crest of the boom in mining and resources industry."

According to Corbett, this may be the "biggest and most sustained boom in living memory, based on demand from China, India and other emerging markets."

But even as the number of large-scale mining projects has been steadily increasing, Australia faces one major problem: manpower shortage.

"The problem is that there is not enough skilled labor, even for the major projects costing billions of dollars. The shortage is so acute that it is driving wages and project costs higher," he said.

He pointed out that in Australia, only 5,000 engineers graduate every year.

"The major impediment to the Australian mining industry is the global shortage of engineers, geologists, trades people," he noted.

Aside from engineers, Corbett said Australia also has a big demand for other personnel such as geologists, metallurgists, truck operators and, surprisingly, hairdressers.

Corbett added that the labor shortage in Australia has also opened more business opportunities for mining contractors from Asean countries.

He explained that some mining projects have now decided to break down the construction of facilities into modular units that contractors can build offshore. These prefabricated units are shipped to Australia and assembled at the mining sites.

For those interested in migrating, Corbett said that the "fly in, fly out" scheme was becoming a more popular solution. For instance, a company may have employees living in New Zealand but working in Australia, he explained.

Corbett lamented that most mining projects are usually located in remote and isolated areas, making it difficult to attract and keep skilled workers.

Labor requirements in the mining sector are also cyclic as they depend on the stage of the project, thus making the "fly in, fly out" operations more feasible.

Corbett said applicants who are under 45 years of age, speak English competently and are willing to migrate to isolated areas (virtually anywhere outside Sydney) can easily land a job in the country.

Ikalimang pagdiriwang sa kaarawan ni NELIA

MALIGAYANG KAARAWAN ULI, NEL! Ang haba pala ng selebrasyon mo. Mantakin mo, nakakaapat na handaan ka na. Alam mo ang konklusyon ko diyan ay totoong maraming nagmamahal sa 'yo, at napakaganda ng relasyon mo sa kanilang lahat.

Puwede naman nating gawing lima ang pagdiriwang mo sa iyong bertdey. Dito naman sa Pinas ang ika-lima. Mayaman ang batchmates natin sa pagmamahal sa 'yo. Kung nandito ka sana, puwede tayong magsalo-salo uli sa hulo nina Lucing at Islaw, o kaya ay sa piknikan nina Terry Quicho. Libre kasi ang Batch '63 doon, di ba?

So ang pagsasaluhan nating mga pagkain, na nakalatag sa dahon ng saging ay halabos na hipon, inihaw na liempo ng baboy, krispi pata, nilagang okra, talong at talbos ng kamote na isasawsaw sa ginisang bagoong na isda, tinapang alugasin na may kasamang ensaladang malutong na kamatis at manggang hilaw , sinigang na bangus, malutong na ukoy ni Ate Glory, espabok ni Tia Flor Bascarra, litsong manok, adobong tahong, minatamis na saging na saba, buko salad at keyk na ibebeyk ni Tia Annie Benj. (Ilang kandila ang ilalagay?) Ay nakalimutan ko, ilada ni Rene Diolola, sago at gulaman, para di tayo mahirinan.

Tapos, sa meryenda sa hapon, pabitak (para kay ms.orionjri), puto bumbong, bibingka at butseng bukloy-bukloy-na makapal ang gata sa ibabaw. Siempre, di dapat mawala ang suman at manggang hinog. Yong sobra ay babalutin natin - teyk howm. Kaya, batchmates, huwag nyong kakalimutang magdala ng"selpon" (selopeyn para sa teyk howm).

Ayos ba, Nelia? Kaya lang, sa dami ng isinulat kong handa mo, nabusog na ako. So, pwede ba sa susunod na taon na lang natin 'to gawin?

HAPI BERTDEY TO YU,
HAPI BERTDEY TO YU,
HAPI BERTDEY, HAPI BERTDEY,
HAPI BERTDEY TO YU!!!

NELIA'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

This is to update you guys about Nelia's Birthday Celebration. I greeted her through e-mail and I got a response from her today. She said she had three days birthday celebration at work, at home and at her part time job. She said she ordered in a Pilipino Restaurant, guisadong pansit, lechon kawali, pakbet, etc., and her office mates brought cake from Red Ribbons and Goldilocks and after eating tawanan kaya lumaki ang tiyan niya kasi bukod sa masarap na pagkain may kasamang hangin sa katatawa. (Ginutom tuloy ako) Alam naman natin na masayahin si Nelia at may sense of humor. Tomorrow she said they will eat in Mexian Restaurant as continuation of her Birthday Celebration. It will be the fourth day celebration. Kaya batchmates huwag kayong magtataka na pagnakita ninyo si Nelia siya ay lumobo. Ang dahilan ay ang mahabang celebrasyon ng kanyang kaarawan. Pinapanghunahan ko na kayo. Pero sabi niya next week she will start her diet. Para daw sexy na siya sa 2010Kkaya lang may isang birthday pa siyang dadaanan at ito ay sa 2009. Baka 10 days naman ang celebration. Ay naku ang sarap magsalita ng tagalog kaya lang ang hirap magtype kaya kung may maling speling unawain na lang niny.

By the way I talked to Mike and Ernesto S. through phone yesterday asking if I have any news from Ms.OrionJRI. Luz and Jo do you have any. Please let us know. We are worried about her.

Love you all. God Bless and take care.

Updates PLEASE!

As Pilar and EDR have requested, will someone from over there in Orion, give us some news about our classmates who needed medical attention?
Ursulo, Leonardo(Sto.Domingo), Ofelia, Norberto. Please include those whose names I missed here. Pasensiya na, am having one of those senior moments again.

EDR is right, wala ngang naging sagot ang question ni Larpi about Ursing and Nanding. We all got caught up in the excitement about sa blog ni Luz on Mareng Perlita's business. That blog drew the most number of comments (18 as of this writing), so Luz - you deserve this -CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I'm taking this chance to appeal to each and everyone to post something in our blog. Kahit anong topic, wag lang x-rated (baka tayo ma-censor). We also welcome photos (very much). Luz is very willing to upload them for you. Please! Please!

MOST OF ALL, WHERE ARE YOU, ms.orionjri?, OUR SITE ADMINISTRATOR. I GUESS YOU'VE RESTED LONG ENOUGH. TAPOS NA ANG LEAVE OF ABSENCE MO. WE'RE ALL DYING TO HEAR FROM YOU. WE MISS YOU AND WE MISS YOUR BLOGS,TOO. LUZ AND I HAVE KEPT OUR PART OF THE BARGAIN. WHAT DO YOU THINK, MY FRIEND???

Good news for RP Education

CHEd hails rankings of 4 RP universities
By Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:40:00 10/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) Chair Emmanuel Angeles on Thursday congratulated the four Philippine universities who made it to the The Times Higher Education-Quacquarelli Symonds (THE-QS) World University Rankings 2008, saying the institutions should do better next year.

Angeles said he was happy that the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), University of the Philippines (UP), De La Salle University (DLSU) and the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) made it to the world’s top 500 universities in the survey conducted by The Times Higher Education-Quacquarelli Symonds.

“I commend them for their achievement,” he said.

According to the survey released this week, Ateneo ranked 254th, leaping from its 400th and 500th position in the previous two years. Ateneo was sandwiched between London’s School of Oriental and African Studies and the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Spain.

UP, the country’s premier state university, was ranked 274th, up from its 398th place last year, getting a slot between two German universities, the University of Hamburg and Ülm University.

DLSU and UST, both Catholic and private universities along with Ateneo, were ranked 415th and 470th, respectively. In the past year, the two schools were out of the Top 500.

Angeles said that Philippine schools would get better rankings if they chose to advertise in the THE-QS’ publications. “I think if we can participate, the ranking would move forward,” he said.

Angeles, who also chairs the UP Board of Regents, rued UP’s second-place position behind the Jesuit-run Ateneo. This year was the first time that Ateneo overtook UP in the rankings.

UP did not join the THE-QS 2008 survey nor did it respond to the 2007 survey, contrary to an earlier report.

UP has questioned the validity of the 2008 rankings, saying the methodology was “problematic.” The university said the THE-QS refused to divulged where and how it got its data.

Angeles said UP could have ranked higher, had it not been for its budget problems. He said the survey took note of the institution’s budget, tuition, and the salaries it gave to its faculty and researchers.

“UP charges a small tuition, it has a smaller budget, and the salary scale of teachers is low,” Angeles said.

“Now that UP has a charter, the teachers will not be included in the Salary Standardization Law. They can have better salaries and possibly in the next year, we will be doing better,” he added.

“We are going to appeal to Congress to give UP a higher budget. We will work on it,” he said.

The UP system, which has its flagship campus in Diliman, Quezon City, is composed of seven constituent universities, with 12 campuses nationwide.

FYI

www.udyong.com

do log in there for pictures of FIESTA NG MAHAL NA PATRONG SAN MIGUEL ARKANGHEL, held in our town last September 29.

happy viewing!

Help For HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

This is a simple topic written by Michael O'Shea published in the magazine Parade of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Exercise is one of the most effective tools in treating high blood pressure. Yet, according to a recent study, two-thirds of doctors don't take the time to tell their at-risk patients about the importance of staying active. The good news is that you don't need a prescription for getting up off the couch. Combined with a healthy, low-salt diet, exercise can help treat hypertension and lessen the risk of heart disease and stroke. When patients in the study increased their activity levels, 71% saw a drop in blood pressure. Even moderate exercise such a brisk walking can have a positive effeect.
In other blood pressure-related news, Italian researchers have found that listening to rhyhmic music such as classical, Celtic, or Indian for just 30 minutes a day while concentrating on breathing also may be beneficial. Doctors believe the music helps to slow down and deepen your breaths. Try winding down after a workout with a half hour of Mozart and meditation.
Finally, give yourself a treat! Exercising and eating right are still among the best ways to control hypertension, but researh suggests that there may be a reason to indulge your sweet tooth, too. In a recent study, patients who ate small amounts of dark chocolate for two weeks lowered their blood pressure and risk of heart disease. Keep in mind, though, that milk chocolate doesn't have the same benefit and you still have to count calories.

I'm very sorry guys at ngayon lang ako nag-published. I'm hoping that this topic may help a little bit for those who have hypertension. See you on January 17, 18 & 19, 2010.

Mabuhay ang ORION!!!

Orion joins the International Coastal Clean Up Day

Written by Administrator

Wednesday, 24 September 2008

Photos available here The Municipal Government of Orion led this year's International Coastal Clean Up day with participants from different schools and various groups dedicated to save and clean Orion's Coastlines. The event was also celebrated in 118 countries around the world.The Philippines support to the International Coastal Clean Up day was made affirmed when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared every 3rd Saturday of September as the country’s coastal clean up day by virtue of Proclamation No. 470. Source : http://www.udyong.com

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"$3.00 to $5.00 for a guided tour!!!"

Strolling along Carriedo street

‘Icot-Icot’ in Tacloban

10/13/08

Posted under Tacloban, Travel & Commuting

TACLOBAN CITY — If you’re in Tacloban and would like to have a quick tour of the historical and religious places of interest in the city and its environs, just hop on the “Icot-Icot” vehicle.

Vicente Labro of the Inquirer Visayas writes about the “Icot-Icot” rides that will provide you a three-hour guided tour of Tacloban and some nearby towns at affordable rates.

Excerpt:

Launched in September 2007, the Icot-Icot tour was first operated on weekends, says Nelieta Baguna, head of the Leyte Tourism and Investment Promotion Canter.

A brainchild of Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho L. Petilla, the “Icot-Icot” tour was conceived to provide visitors, and even the locals, an opportunity to visit tourist destinations in the city and nearby towns through a group tour.

The term “Icot-icot” came from the Tagalog word “ikot-ikot,” which means going around, and from the governor’s nickname, “Icot.”

Baguna says the local government decided to make the tour available on weekdays due to the growing demand.

The tour fee is P100 for the morning trip and P150 for the afternoon trip because this would include a visit to a bucolic farm resort in Babatngon, Leyte. The fee already includes the ride, tour guide and the entrance fees at the Sto. Niño Shrine and at the farm resort.

The “Icot-Icot” vehicle, actually a multicab that can accommodate around 10 persons, leaves the RTR Plaza in Tacloban City at 9 o’clock for the morning trip and 2 o’clock for the afternoon tour.

Source: PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER.October 12, 2008

TO: BATCH '63 CINDERALLAS

EIGHT WAYS TO SPOT A DISHONEST DATE: by Dating Expert Caroline Preson, Ed.D.,P.C.C.

l. Eyes Aflutter - When people lie, their blink rate tends to go up.

2. The Eyes have it. - Conventional wisdom says that liars don't look you directly in the eye. And sometimes this is the case. However, research shows that practices liars will actually give you more eye contact than people telling the truth.

3. Frankly, my dear. - People who lie often feel the need to draw your attention to their trustworthiness. They may preface statements whith words like "honestyly," "Frankly," and "truthfully." They're also liketly to make assertions such as "I would never lie to you" and "I'm not lying."

4. Coll anc casual. - Most people expect liars to be nervous, but practiced liars know how to act casual while weaving a web. They may have their feet up or be slumped down in a chair as the lies flow.

5.Behind the smile. - A liars's smile is different from a truth-tell's smile. According to research, true "enjoyment smiles" are so big and bright that you'll notice a crinkle around the eyes. These authentic smiles last for less than five seconds. The "masking smile", tends to last longer than five seconds, doesn't involve the eyes, has a hint of negative emotion, and may be crooked.

6. Sticking to it. - Good liars stick to the true parts of their story as much as possible and insert lies at key points. If you suspect you're being lied to, don't be fooled into thinking that the whole story is true, even if you can confirm that parts of it are true.

7. Derailed by details. - Liars often try to divert you from their falsehoods by detaing you to death. they'll get you so bogged down by the minutiae of the story that you lose track of what theyre saying or you get tired of listening. Never hesitate to ask for clarification if the story seems confusing or doesn't add up.

8. It's not me, it's you. - If you catch someone in a lie, they'll frequently try to turn it back on you. "You must be crazy. I never said that!" or "You must have memory loss becasue that's not the way it happened."

What to do when you suspect someone your're dating is repeatedly lying to you? In order to feel more secure in the relationship, let them know that even though the truth can hurt, you want to deal with things honestly and openly. The truth will untimately be better than losing trust and being devastated by lies.

The more people lie and get away with it, the more lies they tell. Stop the cycle by confrontin ght lies!

These tips are not only for our Cinderellas but also all those batch '63 who are dating.

Isang linggong kaligayahan

You have heard and sung "Isang Linggong Pag-ibig" but have you experienced "Isang Linggong Kaligayahan"? "I'm in seventh heaven! Nothing could compare to the bliss that I felt for a week!" Hahaha! I could almost feel your disbelief, I could almost see your raised eyebrows, and could almost hear you say, "what? isang linggong kaligayahan na nadama ng isang SENIOR CITIZEN?" ?!?!?! Magkahalong gulat at pagtataka, yan ang siguradong reaction nyo to what I said.

"Of course, I did! I really did!!!" Oh no, not the 'seventh heaven bliss' when we were a lot younger. You got me wrong, hindi 'yon'.

It's our only grandchild, IYA! She's been vacationing with us for a week. So, "Isang Linggong Kaligayahan", like what I said. Now, I could almost see the lolos and the lolas in the batch, nodding their heads, and saying, "Tama si Josie, totoo ang sinabi niya."

It's a universal feeling - the love for grandchildren, the special kind of happiness that only they can bring.

IYA is now 2.75 years old. She's grown so fast. She's learned so many things real fast, too. She reads every letter that she sees on street signs, packages, books, etc. She names the color of every object that she sees. She counts 1 - 20 without any effort at all. She mimics every action and delivers every dialogue of DORA, her favorite tv character. She sings nursery rhymes, the lyrics of some, I can't recall now. She chooses which shirt or shorts to wear, including which hair clips to use for the day. She has full control of the tv and dvd player remote gadget. What she has not outgrown (thank God) is her 'lambing'. She's very 'malambing' (sabi ng Lolo, mana raw sa akin.) ehem!

The sad part is, her mom and dad (Myra and Ian) are coming today, to take her home on Monday. Well, life is a never ending story. We 'lent' our children to our parents from time to time, but were never able to leave them permanently with them. Pahiram lang always, hindi kayang ibigay. It was the same situation with their parents and the parents before them, and so on and so forth.

Whatever, now you understand and believe that I really was in seventh heaven, experiencing "Isang Linggong Kaligayahan."

Care to share your happy experiences with your "apos"? ( either from your children or from your pamangkins)?

Sige na, please, LOLO - LOLA, TATAY - NANAY, DADDYLO - MOMMYLA, PAPITO - MAMITA, GRANDPA - GRANDMA, TATANG - INANG, INGKONG - IMPO, GRAND*DAD - GRAND*MOM, UNCLE-LO - AUNTIE-LA...

Sheer arrogance(of Tiger Aspect Productions)

BBC producers defiant over racist slur

Agence France-Presse
First Posted 07:30:00 10/08/2008

LONDON -- The production company behind a BBC comedy sketch that provoked outrage in the Philippines for being racist said Tuesday that the show was "absurd" and should not be taken seriously.

The Philippine justice minister and the ambassador to Britain have demanded a public apology from the British broadcaster for the sketch, which shows a character urging another to "mate" with a Filipino maid.

In a letter to the BBC, Ambassador Edgardo Espiritu said the episode of "Harry and Paul", the brainchild of British comics Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse, was "very malicious and is a blatant display of racial prejudice".

The BBC, which has received 54 complaints over the show, said it had yet to receive a formal complaint from any official Philippine body, but that if one arrives, "we will deal with it according to the correct procedures".

But a spokesman for Tiger Aspect Productions, which makes the show, said it was an adult program that "tackles many situations in a comedic way".

"Set in this context, the sketch in question is so far beyond the realms of reality as to be absurd -- and in no way is intended to demean or upset any viewer," he said.

During the sketch, Enfield's character urges his neighbor to have sex with another neighbor's Filipina maid, saying he is trying to see if "we could mate their Filipina maid with our Northerner, but he's not having any of it".

He then says, "Come on Clyde, mount her" and addressing the maid, says: "You, you, present your rear."

Espiritu wrote that the sketch was "not only egregiously insulting to the Filipino community in the UK. It is also very malicious and is a blatant display of racial prejudice".

"Not only did the show give a bad impression of Filipino women. It also portrayed British employers as perpetrators of exploitation of young women, vulgarity and immoral activities, using their employees, in this case, the domestic worker, as a sex toy," he wrote.

Earlier, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez said he would add his name to a petition calling for an apology from the British broadcaster, saying: "I don't like our fellow Filipinos to be insulted."

Millions of Filipinos go abroad to work and the money they send back home is an essential part of the country's economy.

American television network ABC apologized last year for an episode of "Desperate Housewives" which questioned the competence of Filipino doctors.

"How could you, BBC?"

Pinoys to launch protest action vs BBC ‘racist’ show

10/06/2008 | 09:29 PM

Email this | Email the Editor | Print | Digg this | Add to del.icio.us

MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos in London are set to launch "concerted efforts" against British government-owned British Broadcasting Corp (BBC) for its reportedly "racist and humiliating" portrayal of a Filipina domestic worker, a lawmaker said on Monday.

Batangas Rep. Hermilando Mandanas, head of the subcommittee on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), said during the plenary debates on the proposed 2009 budget that Philippine Embassy representatives in the United Kingdom were already coordinating with the Filipino community there regarding their protest actions.

"The Philippine embassy, our representatives there, already have met with the Filipino community for concerted efforts versus the BBC such as a silent protest and a vigil right at the BBC," said Mandanas.

Mandanas added that an email campaign "condemning" the BBC and a demand for apology were also being circulated among Filipinos in London.

The Philippine Embassy has sent letters of complaint to various United Kingdom government offices — including the UK regulatory industry, the Mayor of London, and the BBC itself — while Philippine Ambassador to the UK Edgardo Espiritu is studying whether any legal action can be made, according to Mandanas.

"Ambassador Espiritu is really very active in filing the complaint and studying whatever actions can be done," said the Batangas lawmaker.

Mandanas made the statements in response to the inquiry of Akbayan Rep. Ana Theresia Hontiveros who earlier urged the DFA to demand apology from the British government for the BBC skit portraying a Filipina domestic worker in a "humiliating" manner.

The controversial skit aired in the September 26 episode of Harry and Paul showed comedian Harry Enfield telling a postman that he is ordering his Filipino maid to mate with his friend Paul Whitehouse.

Hontiveros said the supposed young Filipina, who was wearing a gray uniform and an apron, was shown "gyrating and dancing lasciviously."

"He (Enfield) kept ordering the girl to gyrate and dance in front of Paul and even instructed her to hump him," Hontiveros said in a statement.

The lawmaker added that "when an indifferent Paul stood up to go inside the house, Harry scolded the Filipina girl, telling her to get out and just go. The scene closed with the postman sidling up to the Filipina, whispering to her as they walked off together."

Hontiveros said the humiliating portrayal of Filipina workers "promotes negative stereotypes that cultivate impunity among those who abuse Filipina workers abroad."

"By making a horrible scene of exploitation an object of ridicule, the show trivializes an act of abuse commonly experienced by Filipina workers abroad. It desensitizes its audience on human trafficking, an issue that merit global indignation," she said.

She added that making overseas Filipinas appear as submissive sex objects reinforces the notion that foreigners could easily hire small and sexy Filipina domestic helpers and turn them into sexual objects.

"By making it a joke, it encourages a consciousness that promotes human trafficking," Hontiveros said. - JOHANNA CAMILLE SISANTE, GMANews.TV

SEARCH GMANEWS.TV »

All Article Vid

Perlita's Hideaway

Are you in need of some stuff for your parties ? Our batchmate Perlita can make things easy for you,she can provide your party needs....flowers,cakes giveaways,disposable plates,fork and spoon,cake decors,party hats for kids,lootbags...name it she can provide pronto !
Well, visit her store located at Gerry and Wendy Building at the heart of Orion...the ever busy stretch which we call Centro.I was in her store last Sunday to buy flowers for the 11th death anniversary of my Dad.According to Eling,business is doing good since there is less competition ,only a few stores sell those stuff.

www.fatherfernando.com

About Father Fernando Suarez
updated Dec 12, 2006

Fr. Fernando Suarez CC, was born in the Province of Batangas in the Philppines in 1967. After spending much of his life living and working in the Philippines, with a Chemical Engineering degree, he came to Winnipeg, Canada in 1995. In Canada, he continued to pursue his desire to follow the Lord as a Roman Catholic Priest, something he strongly felt God was calling him to become. In 1997 he joined the Companions of the Cross religious community of priests and seminarians, founded by Rev. Robert Bedard in 1985 in Ottawa, Canada, and Fr. Fernando was ordained to the priesthood in 2002.

Early in his life, sometime around the age of 16, God was beginning to use him in a powerful way as he reached out to people who were in need. He found that as he sensed God calling him to pray with people who were sick, these people he ministered to were getting healed. At first he struggled understanding the gift God had given him, but more and more, as the Lord put the people in his path who were in need, the sick were able to find the healing touch of Jesus through the hands of Fr. Fernando Suarez. To date, Fr. Fernando has prayed with literally thousands of people in need of healing, with much success for those with faith.

Since his ordination to the priesthood, Fr. Fernando has found that the gift of healing has become more pronounced in him and that God is using him even more. He spent the first year of his priesthood as the associate pastor of St. Timothy¹s parish in North York, Ontario, however, since July, 2003, he has been given a new ministry in his community which would help to foster the spiritual gifts God has given him. He is now regularly conducting Healing Masses, retreats and missions, with large numbers of people now in attendence.

I met Fr. Fernando back in early 1997, before he joined the Companions of the Cross, and I have especially come to know him as a close friend over the last six years. I can truly say, with complete certainty and assurance, that Fr Fernando is a deep man of prayer, and the most balanced and wholesome person I have ever met. He exhibits, on the day to day level, the fruitful lifestyle and way of life that befits a man who has been called by God to minister as a priest with a healing ministry. He radiates the joy of the Lord to everyone he meets, and people flock to him as they sense his genuineness, holiness, and his personal love for them. Fr. Fernando never lets people down who come to him and for those who open up to him, he is able to speak a loving word and personal affirmation from the Lord which they need to hear for the next step in their personal journey. I can personally attest to the authenticity of the many healings which have taken place through Fr. Fernando's ministry, knowing and speaking with many of those who have experienced healing from the Lord through him.

In July, 2006, I was appointed by our community to work directly with Fr. Fernando to support his ministry. We work for Mary Mother of the Poor (MMP), a foundation he started to assist the poor and disadvantaged in the Philippines and beyond (see webpage link). In 1996, while praying, Fr. Fernando had a vision of thousands of poor children coming to him seeking assistance. MMP began informally at this time as he gave from the small stipends he received while giving talks as a seminarian. Now MMP has become a charitable organization and all the proceeds from his healing ministry are funneled into MMP to support the poor. Currently, MMP is feeding 2000 students daily, sponsoring close to 140 families, 25 seniors, 50 scholars, and 6 seminarians in the poor areas of the Philippines. MMP has also hosted medical missions, built homes for needy families and erected classrooms in a few schools where the children have classes outside. There are many more projects ahead for Mary Mother of the Poor in the future.

The healing ministry, under the umbrella of MMP, has us conducting healing Masses, missions, retreats, and conferences, along with Life in the Spirit seminars and marriage enrichment weekends. This demand has taken Fr. Fernando all throughout Canada, the USA, the Philippines, Central America, Europe, other parts of Asia, and anywhere else God sends him. Fr. Fernando has ministered in many countries and has prayed over close to half a million people in 2006 alone! Thousands upon thousands have been healed and the testimonies continue to roll in about the power of the Lord Jesus healing His people through the hands of Fr. Fernando. (see testimonials on this webpage)

Fr. Fernando only prays with people after the celebration of a healing Mass. It is the REAL PRESENCE OF JESUS IN THE EUCHARIST who heals and He is using Fr. Fernando's hands to heal the sick and the broken hearted. Therefore, he discourages people coming to him seeking healing outside of the context of the Mass. I have witnessed on many occasions the blind able to see, the deaf able to hear, and the lame able to walk, and cancer disappearing. These are the most powerful healings that often take place on the spot. As well, back pains, shoulder pains, coupled with thousands upon thousands of spiritual healings have become a regular occurrence in the ministry I am witnessing in the life of Fr. Fernando.

The healing ministry of Fr. Fernando Suarez is just beginning and he truly does it all for the Lord. He is a humble man with much wisdom from the Holy Spirit and he is working diligently in the vineyard of the Lord. I consider myself quite blessed to have come to know him and share with him my ministry as a brother priest and I know the Lord is going to continue to use him in greater ways to help light a brighter fire in our Church and in a world that is so desperately seeking the love of Jesus in their lives.

Blessings to you all!!

Fr. Jeff Shannon CC,
Mission team w/ Fr. Fernando
Mary Mother of the Poor

P.S. Please keep us in your prayers, especially Fr. Fernando as he has a very demanding ministry and at times it can become overwhelming so your prayer support is much appreciated. Thank you!!

---

"Healing Hands"
Article by Domenic D. Nicassio
The Catholic Register
(Published: Sept 19, 2005)

Fr. Fernando Suarez has an unusual vocation. His full-time ministry involves praying over sick people in Toronto and any diocese of the world that invites him. Suarez’s ministry developed because of an unusual gift.

When Suarez prays with people, they are sometimes healed instantly.

“It’s not me, I don’t know anything about how it happens. Up till now I don’t know how people get healed, but I know it’s God,” he told The Catholic Register.

Click to Read Full Article

Rev. Fr. Fernando Suarez - Healing Priest

October 07, 2008 Tuesday
8:00AM Eucharistic Celebration followed by Healing Service
Saint Joseph Cathedral
Balanga City, Bataan
Tel #: 047-7913648
Contact: Mher or Perlas
website: www.balangadiocese.org

Chanced upon this info while on Google Search re: www.fatherfernando.com

I am alive!

My dear Batchmates,

I would like to apologize for hibernating too long! I guess the cold here in Toronto is enough to hide me from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Anyway, I am coming out from my coccon and ready to soar into cyberspace again! Only thing is I am not getting too serious about life, but simply enjoying its frivolity. And below is one.

I hope to keep in the communication loop, and not frustrate our Administrator. I know it is not an easy task to keep the site alive. Keep it up Ma'am, we are just lurking on the side but enjoying the blogs!

Ernie


Grandma's letter: She is eighty-eight years old and still drives herown car. She writes:

Dear Grand-daughter,

The other day I went up to our local Christian book store and saw a 'Honk if you love Jesus' bumper sticker.

I was feeling particularly sassy that day because I had just come from a thrilling choir performance, followed by a thunderous prayer meeting. So, I bought the sticker and put it on my bumper.

Boy, am I glad I did, what an uplifting experience that followed.

I was stopped at a red light at a busy intersection, just lost in thought about the Lord and how good He is, and I didn't notice that the light had changed.It is a good thing someone else loves Jesus because if he hadn't honked, I'd never have noticed.

I found that lots of people love Jesus! While I was sitting there, the guy behind started honking like crazy, And then he leaned out of his window and screamed, 'For the love ofGod!'"Go! Go! Go! Jesus Christ! GO!" What an exuberant cheerleader he was for Jesus.

Everyone started honking! I just leaned out my window and started waving and smiling at all those loving people.I even honked my horn a few times to share in the love! There must have been a man from Florida back there because I heard him yelling something about a sunny beach.

I saw another guy waving in a funny way with only his middle finger stuck up in the air. I asked my young teenage grandson in the backseat what that meant. He said it was probably a Hawaiian good luck sign or something.

Well, I have never met anyone from Hawaii, so I leaned out the window and gave him the good luck sign right back. My grandson burst out laughing.Why even he was enjoying this religious experience!!

A couple of the people were so caught up in the joy of the moment that they got out of their cars and started walking towards me.I bet they wanted to pray or ask what church I attended, but this is when I noticed the light had changed. So, I waved at all my brothers and sisters grinning, and drove on through the intersection.

I noticed that I was the only car that got through the intersection before the light changed again and felt kind of sad that I had to leave them after all the love we had shared. So I slowed the car down,leaned out the window and gave them all the Hawaiian good luck sign one last time as I drove away.

Praise the Lord for such wonderful folks!!

Will write again soon,

Love,

Grandma

Ukoy Udyong

Finally,I have interviewed Ate Glory Alvarado in Wawa. She cooks delicious "Ukoy" and sell them in the public market . I was told that she was the one who prepared the 300 pieces of special Ukoy which Anselmo (Mok) brought during our reunion last year. I also saw the special cucharon she is using as mold...it is made of stainless metal, quite hollow so that the cooked ukoy can easily slide . Although I don't cook,I hope I can accurately enumerate the procedures she unselfishly shared in making three variants of this delicious Filipino dish . Yes, three variants but the procedure is the same .

Variants :
a. shreded unripe papaya,togue(mongo sprouts),Puso ng saging and onions
b. kalabasa, papaya and onions
c. Potatoes and onions

Ingredients :(These will be good for 50pcs. of ukoy )

a. Any of the above listed ,for the patty
b. medium sized shrimps,cooked ,
c. galapong (giniling na bigas 1/2 kilo)
d. 1 tablespoon atsuete powder for coloring
e. 3/4 kilo flour
f. cooking oil
g. vetsin(optional)
h. salt
i.1 tablespoon baking powder
j.for the sauce;vinegar,crushed garlic, ground pepper, salt

Procedure :
( Note: If you will cook variant a, shred the papaya, wash three times and remove the pungent taste by putting salt in the shredded papaya and remove the juice. Let it stay overnight in an uncovered tray.)

a. Prepare the patty; any of the variants (finely cut kalabasa,potatoes onions.mix them .
b.Prepare the batter :mix the galapong,atsuete powder,baking powder, flour,3 glasses of water. Mix until you get the right smoothness.
c.Heat the cooking oil together with the empty cucharon or ladle
d.Put a thin layer batter in the cucharon then put the patty and 2-3 pieces of shrimps on top, put another layer of batter and dip it in the hot cooking oil until the ukoy turns golden brown.Low heat cooking is recommended.

You may use chopped shrimp if you like to taste the shrimp in every bite. Having a whole shrimp in each patty is more for aesthetics in my opinion. But hey, to each his own, you can make it whatever way you like. :)

FIVE BEST THINGS TO SAY IF YOU GET CAUGHT SLEEPING AT YOUR DESK

NUMBER 5: They told me at the Blood Bank this might happen.

NUMBER 4: This is just a 15 minute power nap they raved about in the
time-management course you sent me to.

NUMBER 3: Whew! Guess I left the top off the white-out. You probably got here in
time.

NUMBER 2: Did you ever notice sound coming out of these keyboards when you put your
ear down real close?

NUMBER 1: AND MY ALL FAVORITE: best thing to say if you get caught sleeping at your
desk: (RAISING YOUR HEAD SLOWLY)... In Jesus name, Amen.