Sunday 24 March 2013

KUDOS,Graduates of 2013!

"You are educated. Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world. "- Tom Brokaw

CONGRATULATIONS BATCH 2013!!

To my Alma Mater,La Salle University-Integrated School,CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR NEW GRADUATES!:) #HailToAlmaMater #LongLiveTheAnimo #AN1MO #WeBleedGreen #OnceALaSallianALWAYSALaSallian!:)

To my new school, Silliman University, CONGRATULATIONS to your new GRADUATES,as well!:) #Sillimanians #ProudToBe #Via #Veritas #Vita

And to EVERYONE who GRADUATED this Year,a Big CONGRATULATIONS!You guys,MADE IT.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Tuesday 19 March 2013

WHO IS POPE FRANCIS ?

The new pope, 76-year-old Jorge Bergoglio, the archbishop of Buenos Aires, is the first pontiff from Latin America and the first Jesuit, but he appears to hold views very much in line with his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI.

Pope Francis at the balcony after his election.

Personal Name: Jorge Mario Bergoglio

Papal Name: Pope Francis

Birthdate: December 17, 1936

Age: 76 years old

Title and Style: His Holiness Pope Francis

Early Life:

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born in Flores, Buenos Aires City, one of the five children of Mario José Bergoglio, an Italian immigrant railway worker born in Portacomaro (Province of Asti) in Italy's Piedmont region, and his wife Regina María Sívori, a housewife born in Buenos Aires to a family ofnorthern Italian (Piedmontese-Genoese) origin. Bergoglio's sister María Elena told reporters decades later that her father often said that "the advent of fascism was the reason that really pushed him to leave" Italy.

Bergoglio has been a supporter of the San Lorenzo de Almagro football club since his childhood. According to the Agencia Informativa Católica Argentina (Argentine Catholic Information Agency), Bergoglio is also a fan of the films of Tita Merello and of neorealism and of tango dancing, with an "intense fondness" for the traditional music of Argentina and Uruguay known as the milonga.

He graduated from the technical secondary school Escuela Nacional de Educación Técnica N° 27 Hipólito Yrigoyen with a chemical technician's diploma. He worked for a few years in that capacity in the foods section at Hickethier-Bachmann Laboratory. According to some sources, he earned a master's degree in chemistry from the University of Buenos Aires. In the only known health crisis of his youth, at the age of 21 he suffered from life-threatening pneumonia and cysts and had part of a lung removed shortly afterwards.

Bergoglio is conversant in Spanish, Latin, Italian, German, French, and English.

Election to Papacy:

Cardinal Bergoglio was elected pope on 13 March 2013, the second day of the 2013 papal conclave, taking the papal name Francis. Francis was elected on the fifth ballot of the conclave. The Habemus Papam was delivered by Cardinal protodeacon Jean-Louis Tauran.

Instead of accepting his cardinals' congratulations while seated on the Papal throne, Francis received them standing, reportedly an immediate sign of a changing approach to formalities at the Vatican.During his first appearance as pontiff on the balcony of Saint Peter's Basilica, he wore a white cassock, not the red, ermine-trimmed mozzetta used by the previous Pope Benedict XVI. He also wore the same iron pectoral cross that he had worn as Cardinal Archbishop of Buenos Aires, rather than the gold one worn by his predecessors.

After being elected and choosing his name, his first act was bestowing the Urbi et Orbi blessing to thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square. Francis began with "Buonasera" ("good evening"), breaking with the traditional formality at this event. Before blessing the pilgrims, he asked those in St. Peter's Square to pray for the pope emeritus, Benedict XVI and for himself.

Choice of Name:

At his first audience on 16 March 2013, Francis told journalists that he had chosen the name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, and had done so because he was especially concerned for the well-being of the poor. He explained that, as it was becoming clear during the conclave voting that he would be elected the new pontiff, the Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes had embraced him and whispered "don't forget the poor", which had made him think of the saint. Author and Vatican reporte rJohn Allen remarked that the choice of the name Francis sent a clear message to the Church about the new Pope's intention to let "the church of the spirit, a humble and simple community of equals with a special love for the least of this world.... shine through."This is the first time that a pope has been named "Francis" and the first time since Pope Lando's 913–914 reign that a serving pope held a name unused by a predecessor.

Francis also mentioned at the audience that some cardinal-electors had jokingly suggested to him that he should choose either "Adrian", since Pope Adrian VI had been a reformer of the church, or "Clement" as "payback" to Pope Clement XIV who had suppressed the Jesuit order.

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Monday 18 March 2013

Local Destination for Summer: BUKIDNON

BUKIDNON is a landlocked plateau in North Central Mindanao. It is bounded on the north by Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City; on the south by North Cotabato, Davao del Sur and Davao City; on the east by Agusan del Sur and Davao del Norte; and west by Lanao del Sur. It lies between parallels 7°25' and 8°38' North latitude and meridians 124°03' and 125°16' East longitude. Malaybalay City, the capital town, is about 850 km by air from Manila and 91 km by road from Cagayan de Oro City.

While you won't find any beach here, Bukidnon exudes an irresistible raw appeal that you'll quickly forget about its lack of sand and sea. This bountiful province in Mindanao is teeming with spectacular peaks adorned by pine trees-strewn jungles plummeting into dense pineapple plantations and cornfields.

Bukidnon’s main settlement, Malaybalay, is pretty easy to navigate. Its commercial center also houses most of the city’s attractions. The golden monument called Ereccion del Pueblo (creation of the town) at Rizal Park depicts the 1877 agreement between the Spanish colonizers and the local leaders. Also check out the Roxas Monument in Casisang south of Malaybalay honoring the late Manuel Roxas, the Philippine’s first president of the independent Third Republic. Other historic monuments found in the city are World War II Prisoners of War Memorial Shrine and the Dalwangan Centennial Marker.

While in Bukidnon, start the day by climbing the Two Trees Mountain of Bukidnon Provincial Tree Park. This is a popular trekking destination for students and locals. The trail via Gawad Kalinga Village is quite easy, even non-climbers won’t have a hard time reaching the top. The summit offers a majestic view of the farmlands of Sitio Tigbawan of Barangay Can-ayan at the eastern side while on the west hikers will get a panoramic view of Malaybalay city. The 4th highest peak in the country – Mount Kitanglad is also clearly visible here. Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park is an ASEAN Heritage Park.

Stroll at the evergreen Kaamulan Nature Park, a place dotted with pine trees and native-inspired cottages that provides a leisurely highland ambience. The Bukidnon Provincial Capitol fronting the nature park is also worth checking.

A few minutes ride from the city is the Monastery of the Transfiguration in San Jose, home of the Benedictine monks. It has a pyramid-shaped church designed by the National Artist for Architecture, Leandro Locsin. This is the last project of the artist before he passed away. Staying at the monastery is also popular among visitors on retreat. An overnight stay here costs around Php 750, inclusive of food. If you’re pressed for time, you can just drop by and buy their famous products like Monk’s Blend Premium Coffee, Monk’s Peanut Butter, roasted peanut, peanut brittle and tablea. A Malaybalay also houses two other spiritual destinations: the Monastery of Carmelite Nuns and Jesuit Retreat House.

If you are looking for a place to dine with a scenic view, head to D’Stable Eco Resort (Quadra). This ranch offers affordable rooms for tourists. They also offer short or day-long horse rides. The place is dappled with charming nipa huts where visitors can dine. D’Stable Eco Resort also serve delicious and reasonably-priced dishes. But if you’re looking for a great picnic spot or if you’re itching to swim, local favorite Nasuli Spring in Bangcud, is ideal.

Bukidnon also boasts of having the sweetest pineapples, exported all over the world. The Lapanday Food Corporation has a pineapple farm near Malaybalay’s city center. They grow and pack pineapples under the brands –“Estrella” and “Aloha” including the super-sweet line of Honey Pines. Bukidnon also houses the Del Monte Golf Course at Manolo Fortich. To commute here, take a bus bound to Cagayan de Oro, and drop off at the intersection going to this pineapple plantation. Must try is the famous steak at the Clubhouse.

Aside from its scenic view and relaxing atmosphere, Malaybalay is a perfect destination for budget travelers. Rooms are priced as low as Php 300 (twin sharing) and getting around the city will only cost P8 per ride on a motorcycle and P10 on a multi-cab to the Monastery of Transfiguration.

For souvenirs, take home the Malaybalay native product called hinabol. This woven fabric is made of abaca fibers and used for making house decors, fashion accessories, purses, blinds, flowers, placemats and bags. You can find hinabol fabrics at Nida’s Handicrafts, Malaybalay Choice Handicrafts, Zeta Trading and Valdez Handicrafts.

How to commute to Malaybalay:

Nearest airport and port to Malaybalay is located at Cagayan de Oro (CDO) city. From CDO, Malaybalay is roughly 2 1/2-3 hour ride. Take a bus bound to Valencia (Bukidnon) or Davao from Agora Terminal in CDO. Get off at Malaybalay Bus Terminal. Ride a motorela to take you to the city center.

From the original article:

Why not try the breathtaking Bukidnon?

Courtesy of http://ph.news.yahoo.com/why-not-try-the-breathtaking-bukidnon-.html

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Thursday 14 March 2013

It's Summer Time!:Tips to have a healthier summer vacation.

Since summer is the hottest season of the year. The period of summer season covers the months of April, May and June. During this season, the days get hotter and the nights shorter. The sun rays are very hot.

To keep ourselves healthy this summer season here' s free tips.:)

10 Tips For Staying Healthy In Summer:

1. Stay cool and hydrated. Drink water, at least two to four cups (16-32 ounces) upon rising, and similar amounts if you are going out for

activities and exercise. Carry water with you in a hard plastic container (more stable polycarbonate rather than polyethylene that leaches plastic into the water). You may also use a traveling water filter.

2. While enjoying the sun and outdoors, protect yourself from overexposure to sunlight by wearing a hat and using natural sunscreens without excessive chemicals. Carry Aloe Vera gel for overexposure and have an aloe plant growing in your home for any kind of burn. The cooling and healing gel inside the leaves will soothe any sunburn. It works great.

3. Keep up or begin an exercise program. Aerobic activity is important for keeping the heart strong and healthy. If you only work out in a health club, take some time to do outdoor refreshing activities -- hiking, biking, swimming, or tennis. Reconnecting with these activities will help keep your body and mind aligned.

4. Enjoy Nature's bounty – fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables at their organic best. Consuming foods that are cooling and light -- fresh fruits, vegetable juices, raw vital salads, and lots of water -- will nourish your body for summertime activities. Include some protein with one or two meals. There are a number of light, nourishing proteins that don't require cooking. Most of these complement fruits and vegetables nicely-- nuts, seeds, sprouted beans, soy products, yogurt, kefir, and cottage cheese. Fish and poultry can also be eaten.

5. Take some special summer time with your family, kids, and friends who share the enjoyment of outdoors. Plan a fun trip if you're able and motivated for a day or longer -- hiking in the wild, camping, playing at the river, or a few days resting at the ocean. Rekindling our Earth connection has benefits that last beyond this season, continuing to enrich the whole of your life.

6.Relax and breathe. You've been working hard. This is the season to slow the pace a bit and absorb the light that stimulates your hormonal message center. Leave your cell phone at home or take a week off from TV. In many European countries, most of the population has a month off during the summer.

7. Sun teas are wonderful. Use flowers and leaves (or tea bags) in a clear half- or one-gallon glass jar filled with spring water. Hibiscus or red clover flowers, peppermint, chamomile, or lemon grass are all good choices, or use your local herbs and flowers that you learn are safe, flavorful, and even medicinal. Leave in the sun for two hours or up to a whole day. Moon teas can also be made to enhance your lunar, dreamy side by letting your herbs steep in the cooling, mystical moonlight. Add a little orange or lemon peel, or a sprig of rosemary and a few jasmine flowers.

8. Nutritional supplements can support you with a greater amount of physical energy, enhancing your summer activities. The B-complex vitamins are calming to the nervous system and helpful for cellular energy production, while vitamin C and the other antioxidants protect your body from stress, chemical pollutants, and the biochemical by-products of exercise. Helpful summer herbs are Siberian ginseng as an energy tonic and stress protector, dong quai is a tonic for women, hawthorn berry is good for the heart, and licorice root will help energy balance and digestion.

9. Use the summer months to deepen the spiritual awakening begun in the spring. Begin by checking your local bookstore or the web for ideas that interest you. Plan a vacation that incorporates these new interests and provides you time to read, relax, contemplate, and breathe.

10. Above all, give yourself the time to truly experience Nature. This can happen, even in a city park, if you relax and let in your surroundings. When traveling, take activities for the family and your first aid kit for bites, bee stings, and injuries. Check for ticks after your hikes. Watch for overexposure, take time in the shade, and drink your water.