Saturday, October 25, 2008

Glenn Mark Blasquez: What's true, what's not true

" The best changes often start as a single, simple thought. Think big, and discover the ways to make your dreams real.

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From Karen Schinnerer, deputy press secretary, US Embassy in Manila (for attribution to U.S. Embassy Spokesperson):

There are an estimated 130,000 American citizens residing in the Philippines as well as numerous others visiting for tourism or to see family and friends each day. Under the Uniformed and Overseas citizens.


Absentee Voting Act, American citizens residing outside the United States may register to vote where they last resided immediately prior to departing the United States.

The U.S. Embassy not only assists American citizens with absentee voting, but also has been holding a wide range of outreach activities to talk about the U.S. election process, the electoral college system and hear views from both Americans and Filipinos.

Cleary, there is a lot of interest and excitement in the Philippines for the U.S.

presidential elections. On November 5, the U.S. Embassy will be hosting Election
Watch celebrations simultaneously at the Mall of Asia in Manila and the SM Mall in Cebu for Americans and Filipinos to join in and participate in this year's exciting U.S. presidential election. We expect hundreds of people at each location to watch the election returns and celebrate what democracy means to Americans and Filipinos alike.

For further information on registered voters, I would direct you to the appropriate offices in each state. Also, you may want to contact the local chapters of Democrats Abroad (http://www.democratsabroad.org/countries) or Republicans Abroad
(http://www.republicansabroad.org/asia_pacific.php) for further information.

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So what is true about the dashing and young entrepreneur Glenn Mark Jubac Blasquez and what is not true?

Glenn's "invisibility" in Tagbilaran events and parties for the past weeks created stories and blind items among his circle of friends and society watchers. Until he decides to speak up or to show up in events, Glenn will sustain the speculations and rumors about his and his beloved Sunshine Cunanan ("Sunshine" of his life), a local star in Cebu City (with TV appearances on ABS-CBN Cebu).

Glenn, according to a Very Reliable Source (VRS), is in Manila. While, he is miles away from his beloved home province (he owns the posh Bohol Coconut Palms Resort in Laya, Baclayon, contact numbers: 038 540 9250/ 0919 820 7346, email: boholcoconutpalmsresort@yahoo.com), he is adding more time to the gravepine which is sizzling with hot items such as:
He and his girlfriend (the "Sunshine" of his life) are living together.
He and Sunshine are planning to settle down this year.
His parents and close friends "disapproved" their relationship because they heard "negative" things about the girl, you know, he is just used by the girl (ouch!)
He has, ehem, another girl in Manila and Glenn visits the girl frequently.
Those are mere speculations VRS told Bared. And here are what true, pay attention, please!

They're not living together. Sunshine of his life worked in the resort as marketing sales representative.
The resort has new additional executive rooms. Glenn (with the help of his parents who are good couple in Baclayon and Albur towns) is expanding his resort. So, this venue is excellent for parties, birthdays, debuts and other occasions.
Glenn designed the resort's official website, www.boholcoconutpalmsresort.info.
Glenn is in Manila finishing his Master in Ship Management at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy. He has sterling scholastic records as he holds degree in Business Management at Centro Escolar University and MBA-Juris at De La Salle University.
They're officially off. Ouch! And they are just remain friends.

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Briefly noted:

Good luck to SK national president Jane Censoria Cajes for the SK National Congress 2008 on Oct. 28-30 in Cebu City. More than 1,000 SK youth leaders are expected to attend the gathering. Break a leg, girl! We believe in you!

Get connected with Metro Centre's Club Atmosphere through its multiply.com account/ Add www.atmospheresbar.multply.com to know what's hot and what's new. Stars may fall, nights wither but the vibe peeps on rolling as Club Atmosphere brings you to loads of party goodies to the highest level.

The Latest of Baba Yap

We like to party. This statement came from Baba Yap (John Geesnell Yap II in real life) who turned a year "wiser" (age not revealed) on October 16. During his birthday, this party organizer and event specialist did "meditation" a peace of mind! And he received a very special gift from someone special, the "apple" of his eyes.

Baba is the big boss of Lazer Party Club. If people think that Tagbilaran City's nightlife is deadly boring and has no place to party, obviously they've never been to Lazer Party Club (located at the posh Bohol Tropics Resort).

Lazer Party Club is still the best party hang-out in the city with its resident disk jock DJ Macky Magic, Models Unlimited and the hottests bands, molecules (performing every Fridays and Saturdays), Muddcake (performing every Friday) and Centerstage (performing every Wednesday and Saturday).

Lazer introduces something new once in a while. This year, it has invited notable artists and performers like Kim Chiu and MYMP (Make Your Momma Proud), Kim Chiu publicly announced she has a crush on Baba (Kim Chiu has relatives in Cortes, Bohol and she visited Bohol more often when she was relatively "unknown" in showbiz). It also invited stand-up comedians from Manila who knocked down the house Superlaughin!On October 11, Lazer concluded its freestyle dance contest featuring the best and the finest freestyle dancers ever in Bohol. That is discovering talents.

Another historic envent happened last night was the performance of Luningning (Lea Carla Santos in real life ) of ABS-CBN'w Wowowee who did a sultry performance that wowed the crowd.

There's something more after the Halloween Party, don't miss the chance to witness the country's premier band, Side A on December 20 at the New Sandugo Grand Ballroom in a pre-Christmas concert.

Men (many, many of us) envy Baba. He has the fame , money, good looks (blessed with looking like Greek nythological hunk Paris making him an eye candy for the ladies and fags), charisma, and talent. Despite all these attributes, he remains humble and nice.

How about girls? And the most intriguing question, ahem is when he will settle down. We don't know -- yet, do we?

Here're basic facts about Baba Yap as requested from readers:
Motto in Life:

Live hard, die harder. He's a pet lover. He owns champion labradors and president of the Bohol K9 Club Inc.

Most important lesson that life has taught him: To be humble in victory and honorable in defeat.

You leave girls or girls leave you? Neither

Music he plans in his room : RNB

Last thing that you do before you go to sleep: I take time to pray.

First thing that you do when you wake up: Text.

Boxers or briefs: Secret! Hahahaha

Sexiest part of me : Hairstyle

Favorite Food : Sisig

Favorite Fruit : Banana

Part of body that needs some improvement: Everything.

Part of body that is most vulnerable : My heart.

Ideal woman : 5'5" slim and must not be a transexual.

Ideal age to settle down: 32-35

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What's up?

Pete Lacaba honored with lifetime achievement award

For poet and YES! magazine executive editor Jose 'Pete" Lacaba, Jr., blessings pour down from heaven if you work hard for it. For the 10th edition of the Cinemanila International Film Festival, Amable "Tikoy" Aguiluz VI announced that they have chosen to confer this year's Lifetime Achievement Award to screenplay writeer Jose "Pete" Lacaba Jr. Lacaba is the son of Jose Monreal lacaba of Loon, Bohol and Fe Flores from Pateros, Rizal. his grandmother Agapita is the sister of Reigh Monreal's grandfather Guillermo Monreal. (Full name : Jose Maria Flores Lacaba Jr. Usual byline: Jose F. Lacaba. The late Jose Sr. was nicknamed Pepe, so Jr. was nicknamed Pepito, the little Pepe. In college Pepito's nickname got shortened to Pito, but the latest gave rise to jokes about armpits, so Pit was respelled Pete.)

"It's about time! Pete should be a National Artist for Cinema. Number one, lahat ng pelikula ni Lino Brocka na nag-compete sa Cannes, sino ang sumulat? Si Pete Lacaba," Says Tikoy Aguiluiz.

Last July, Mr. Lacaba received the Aruna Vasudev Lifetime Achievement Award at the 10th Osian's- Cinefan Festival of Arab and Asian Cinema in New Delhi, India. His screenplay credits include Jaguar, which competed at the Cannes International Film Festival in 1980, while Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim competed in 1984. Orapronobis was screened out of competition in 1989. Ricky Lee co-wrote Jaguar with Mr. Lacaba.


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Pizza Hut offers new flavors

When it comes to pizzas, no one does it more often than Pizza Hut. it recently launched the New Viva Italian Pizza.

"New Viva Italian Pizza is a robust Italian-inspired flavors on a new soft crust that is not too thin and not too thick", says Dennis Legaspi, Pizza Hut Sales Manager. You can choose: Roma is when you want it all. Pepperoni, ham, Italian sausage, bacon, mushroom, green bell peppers, onions, black olives, fresh garlic topped with mozzarella and parmesan, drizzled with olive oil.

Milano has a perfect combination of salami, Italian sausage, capicollo ham, oregano with olive oil and parmesan cheese. Florence is featuring creativity, quality and flavor in a pizza with fresh tomatoes, mushroom, black olives, anchovies and garlic topped with mozzarella and parmesan and drizzled with olive oil.

Sicily has creamy sauce with roasted garlic, anchovies, mushroom and shrimp, topped with mozzarella and parmesan and drizzled with olive oil.

"The Pizza Hut menu is varied and is for everyone," adds Rondel Ruiz, Marketing manager of Pizza Hut BQ Branch. It has been expanded to accommodate special need of guests. Vegetarians and vegans have options, too.

The New Viva Italian Pizza has a unique , sharp and constrasting taste. It is best eaten with the hands, with or without tissue. When craving great food, great value and great service, it's gotta be Pizza Hut. Visit the Pizza Hut at BQ Mall. Feliz compleanos to Sir Palapos.

Dr. Mutya Kismet Tirol-Macuno at 50 : 50 carats

Today, Oct. 5, Dr. Mutya Kismet Tirol-Macuno turns 50. She looks 50 carats but not 50-years old. The widely-smiling Mutya had just finished her cycling 'round Bohol (supposed not to be done by someone who now 50 but who cares?) on Sept. 25 (accompanied by her sister, Bohol's internet princess Leah Tirol-Magno, Bohol, Art Magno and son Miguel Carlos) for the kids who are dear to the heart of this golden girl.

It was not just an ordinary bike, it was a "bike for a cause" to help raise funds to buy portable x-ray machine (amounting to 1.2 million pesos) to the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (where Mutya is a medical specialist 2 and training officer department of pediatrics).

The following tête à tête revolves around Mutya's checkered career, every aspect of which the public already knows and her private life (a glimpse of it anyway), the peaks and valleys of a life-well lived.


God will grant her wish because she has a golden heart. Here's Dr. Mutya Kismet Tirol-Macuno straight from the heart:

Your motto is : There is always something better.

How were you brought up as a child, being the eldest in the brood? I was brought up to set as a good example to my siblings. in a God fearing and God centered way.

Weren't you spoiled with money? I'm not. We were never given any money as baon to school when we were small. We were only given food, as my mother says the money will teach us to spend instead.

Really? You're born with a proverbial spoon to say! Yes.. I can even recall that everytime we have school functions, and we have to have new shoes or new clothes, i would be last person to get a new one in our class, since my mother will not buy me anything new right away. i guess it made me strong that way.

You're parents are into politics (including her uncle former Tagbilaran City Mayor Jes B. Tirol and aunt former city vice mayor Nuevas Tirol-Montes) did your parents try to convince you to enter politics? At the moment, they are talking me into it.. but I'm praying for more guidance.

In your 24 years as a doctor, what do you consider your most memorable experience? That time when I was a first year pediatric resident, I was on duty, and I was called to help this small premature who had difficulty breathing.. my heart was wrenched with so much despair, because I knew I wanted to help her, but i could not do it, because nobody taught me how to do it since at that time, neonatology was still in its infancy and in the Philippines, it was not widely practiced yet. So, then and there, I knew that I wanted to learn more how to take care and help these small premature babies, learn as much as i can locally and abroad, and apply what I learn here in my people in Bohol.

Is it hard being a wife? No. its exciting!

Do you have regrets of not having a biological child? At one point in time. But now, I understand its God's will that all my children are the ones I'm taking care of, because I suppose if I had a lot of biological kids, (She wanted to have 5!-LPU) it would have been difficult for me to focus on being a neonatologist as it is.. so, I guess afterall, I was just fitting into God's mold for my life.

At 50, what is the most important lesson that life has taught you? That it is more important to share, to extend yourself to others no matter what, and that it is more important to focus on what you can do, rather than on what cannot be done, and to continue to live in full faith and trust in the Lord and to serve Him fully.

Do you believe in that? Yes!

Why touring around Bohol , you know, in bike? Because first and foremost, i am a true and native Boholana and proud to be one, and i wanted to experience and see my province close at hand, and it was more meaningful for me to tour bike around Bohol for this project since the people I want to serve are the Boholanos.

If you could have changed anything in your life what would it be? My height (laughs) aside from that, I praise God for what I am.

When was the last time you cried? While I was biking on the way to Ubay. I saw this old man riding his balsa, pulled by his carabao, and I thought he looked like my maternal grandfather, lolo Ariston.. and at that time, the sun was just shining so beautifully in a very soft way, not too hot, yet very clear... i felt that even from my lolo Ariston whom I haven't even been thinking in time was "present " for my project. i was so overwhelmed by it.. and I took it as a message from God that I was indeed doing what He wanted me to do.. that was in Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008 at around 1145 am.

Who first told you that you're beautiful? My lolo (the late Atty. Victoriano D. Tirol, Sr.).. he always pinches my cheeks and calls me " akong linangkingan.. ka- guapa..!! bec. I was so dark when I was small.

What is your advice for maintaining your beauty? Have inner joy from having the Lord in your heart. as your personal Lord and saviour.. Eat right. Exercise.. Really exercise. Stay clean inside and outside.. Sleep. Rest when you're tired.. Stop when you're angry. Don't stay angry. Smile when you can and everytime you can.. Spread love. Hug people. Just be yourself. Focus on the positive side of everything and always believe that God is there no matter what.

Is there anything that you can't resist? Yes, butong.. young coconut.I gorge on them.

On what occasion do you lie? If I want to protect that person.

Which living person do you admire most? My parents (erstwhile Bohol governor David B. Tirol and provincial board member Amalia Reyes-Tirol)

Who or what is the greatest love of your life? My husband (Capt. Marlon Macuno of course. My son (Miguel Carlos) and then my family and then my friends and my patients.

Where would you like to go for romantic evening? Under the moon and the stars, lying on the sand, listening to the sound of the waves, just savoring the silence of the night.. no blaring music.. just the sound of nature around me.

What film influenced your life? I forgot the title, but it was this hearing impaired woman who learned how to dance despite her hearing disorder.. against all odds..

What is your greatest fear? None. I'm not afraid of anything because the Lord is with me and in me.

Are you into accessories? I'm a minor techy. I was tempted to get an iphone, no jewelries though.

Are you vain? Probably, define vain.

What do you think is your best asset? My eyes.

Anyway, have I told you that you look like younger than your age? Do you have secrets? Just my smile.. and my heart.. for those who know me and are not "afraid" of me (laughs)…

Does age, you know being a golden girl, affect your sex life? It shouldn't.. and no.

I'm curious, can you sing? Very well.

Type of music? All types.. soft rock, classical, jazz..

Favorite scent? At the moment, Dolce and Gabana light blue, Lacoste, and lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker.. I guess this is the vain in me because I feel incomplete if I leave the house without wearing one.

Fave book? The Bible.

Fave hang out? My house aside from roaming abroad when I can- abroad- Rome.

Sports? Biking, running, swimming, hiking.

Five things you can't live without? A book, my bible, my stethoscope, blanket, deodorant, ha ha ha

How do you start your day? Praying the moment I wake up.

What words or phrases do you overused? Tipasi!!

Name a moment that brings back happy memories? Silent peaceful moments..

Who is Mutya Kismet Tirol-Macuno that the public doesn't know or doesn't see but you wish they know? A deeply caring person who is not afraid to say what she feels she should say to help a situation improve for the betterment of everybody. But who should not be feared but just be understood and given effort to know more.

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What's up?

Is it real? The image of Padre Pio, an Italian saint is getting visible everyday in one of the pillars of the Baclayon Church (at the right wing of the Church fronting Immaculata High School). Call it a miracle or coincidence but no one can explain the sudden appearance of an image that looks like Padre Pio. You can view it at www.youtube.com.

The 1st ever reunion of the University of Bohol High School Evening Session Batch 1998 was held on Sept. 27 at the Metro Centre Hotel. It was "to bring high school memories back and preserve the history of UBHSES '98." The event was attended by teachers (all were present led by Myrna Garsuta) and was organized by John Torralba. The next grand alumni homecoming is on May 9-10, 2009.

Goodluck to Jane Censoria Cajes who will attend the Plan International in Woking, Surrey, UK on October 8-9, 2008. Jane is the only representative from the Philippines to the said gab.