Ilo-ilo Youth Solves Diarrhea Cases | Unilab Ideas Positive First National Grand Winner

A group of nursing students from West Visayas State University in Iloilo called Team WAYA was named the first national grand prize winner of Unilab Ideas Positive, a nationwide social marketing competition for college students that enables them to address health and wellness concerns in communities.

Team WAYA was named the winner after successfully bringing down the incidence of diarrheal diseases in Sitio Pang-pang in Dumangas, Iloilo from 75 cases when they started in May 2012 to zero incidence in the first quarter of 2013, after completing the implementation of their social marketing project called “Tahong for Life.”

“Tahong for Life” focused on proper hygiene and sanitation practices for families engaged in “pagtatala” or mussel deshelling, which is the main livelihood of families in the sitio. Mishandling of the mussels was identified as one of the causes of diarrheal diseases in the area.  

Not only did the team teach residents proper food handling practices, but they also built four deshelling centers made of nipa hut and provided residents with sanitary equipment like hair nets and aprons to reinforce the proper sanitary behavior.

They also successfully mobilized the community to practice Bayanihan spirit through  a series of clean-up drives that transformed the community from a smelly and filthy repository of mussel shells into a clean community complete with concrete pathways made from crushed mussel shells mixed with sand and cement.

Team WAYA used the P100,000 seed money from Unilab to implement their social marketing project. They are one of 12 teams chosen nationwide by Unilab to receive training on social marketing, as well as seed money to help them turn their idea into actual solutions for communities. 

The winning team is composed of Charibel de Pedro, Michael dela Peña, Alfred Dicto, Hanna Dolduco, and Rexell Ela. They took home P60, 000 in cash, individual medals, and a team trophy. They will also be attending a social marketing training courtesy of Unilab.

The runner up winner is a team from University of the Philippines Visayas called Kabataang Katipuneros who successfully treated the malnourished children in Bgy. La Paz in Guimaras through their multi-factorial health and nutrition project. As a result, Bgy. La Paz lowered its rank from the number one barangay with most number of malnourished children to number 20 in the whole of Guimaras.

The other runner up winner is a youth team from University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao called Team Green Label who also successfully treated malnourished children in a public elementary school by turning an idle lot into an organic vegetable garden that became the source of food for the school’s feeding program. They also taught proper sanitation practices to children and integrated a health and sanitation teaching module in the school’s curriculum.

“Unilab Ideas Positive is about positive ideas and positive outcomes.  The winning teams are living examples of how small youth teams with big ideas can make a long-lasting, sustainable difference in local communities.  Their creativity, resourcefulness, passion and energy inspire all of us.  We are grateful to have the opportunity to work with them, enabling them to turn their ideas into reality, working towards a healthier Philippines, one community at a time,” said Unilab Foundation Executive Director Rhodora Palomar-Fresnedi. 

Palomar-Fresnedi sat in the Board of Judges together with Human Heart Nature founder Anna Meloto-Wilk, Hapinoy founder Mark Ruiz, former dean of UP College of Social Work and Development Dr. Angelito Manalili, UP Manila public health professor Gayline Manalang Jr., and Undersecretary for Presidential Communications Office and Head of Philippine Information Agency Mari Oquinena.

More updates on the completed projects of the 12 youth groups can be seen in Facebook.com/UnilabIdeasPositive. To date, Unilab has reached out to 20 communities in three years to make a positive, healthy change happen through the youth of Unilab Ideas Positive.

Visit our website at www.unilabideaspositive.com. For live and frequent updates about the teams and the program, subscribe to our Facebook page at Facebook.com/UnilabIdeasPositive or follow us on Twitter at @ideaspositive.

The three winning teams of the first nationwide run of Unilab Ideas Positive: Team Kabataang Katipuneros from Iloilo, Team Green Label from Davao and Team W.A.Y.A. from Iloilo. These teams presented the results of their social marketing projects in Brgy. Lapaz Valencia in Guimaras Island, Brgy. Tigatto in Davao and Sitio Pang-pang in Iloilo, respectively, and were deemed by the panel of judges as the top projects that had impressive health outcomes in their chosen communities.


With P100,000, how can you make a healthy positive change in your chosen communities? These 12 youth teams nationwide accepted the challenge from Unilab Ideas Positive to make the Philippines a healthier country to live in one community at a time. After undergoing a social marketing bootcamp, the teams implemented their projects that would address a health problem in their chosen communities. In just a span of 6 months, these teams touched the lives of 12 communities in Baguio, Batangas, Cavite, Camarines Norte, Cebu, Iloilo, Davao and Metro Manila. 

---

LIKE JayseeBlabs on Facebook for more articles that will change your life!

VISIT JayseeBlabs at www.jaysee.me 

For more awesome stuff, keep reading through Jaysee Blabs

Xian Lim takes summer to a different level with the #mcfloathappiness

It’s the start of another epic summer. Everyone looks forward to days of fine sunny weather at the beach and afternoon hang-outs with friends or family. Whether a summer trip is in order or not, this vacation can be made more fun with any of the McFloat Rainbow Medley. 

McDonald’s welcomes this season with a set of yummy flavors from the McFloat Rainbow Medley. Load up on four fruity flavors – Green Apple, Melon, Strawberry and Lychee. Each flavor is filled with the right amount of softdrink fizz and soft serve creaminess that is sure to cool you down. Aside from these McFloat flavors, the menu-favorite Coke McFloat is set to make huge waves again this summer. The McFloat Rainbow Medley is the perfect bubbly partner best enjoyed when you are bonding with family or friends.

Yours truly, Jaysee Blabs, with the Philippine's Upcoming Showbiz Prince McFloat Brand Ambassador Xian Lim!

Looking for the ultimate summer merienda? Make sure to pair that fruity sweetness with Pinoys’ favorite golden crunchy savory treat. If you’re craving for this, look no further than ordering the McFloat and Fries Combo. The McFloat and Fries Combo is any McFloat variant with a medium sized McDonald’s World Famous French Fries for a satisfying and filling snack. And because McDonald’s would like more customers to feel happier this season, the McFloat and Fries Combo is now available at a new price – P60 (flavored McFloat and Fries) and P55 (Coke McFloat and Fries).

For those who want to savor their favorite McDonald’s meal with a McFloat, customers have the option to UpFloat their Value Meal to upgrade their drinks to any McFloat flavor.

All flavors of the McFloat Rainbow Medley are available in all McDonald's stores nationwide including Dessert Centers. Get them now via dine-in, take-out, drive-thru, or McDelivery by dialing 86-2-36 or visiting www.mcdelivery.com.ph to enjoy the coolest drink this summer.

Share your McFloat happy moments at McDonald’s Facebook fan page, facebook.com/McDo.ph or on twitter, @McDo_ph and use the official hashtag, #mcfloathappiness.

This is a press release.

---

LIKE JayseeBlabs on Facebook for more articles that will change your life!

VISIT JayseeBlabs at www.jaysee.me 

For more awesome stuff, keep reading through Jaysee Blabs

Lazada Philippines' Biggest Online Shopping Mall

Lazada Philippines (www.lazada.com.ph) is the trendy fastest-growing online shopping site in the nation. 

Lazada deals with a vast choice of merchandises and offers a useful, awesome online shopping encounter with  free delivery available. They also give a 7-day return policy, and an innovative payment scheme: cash on delivery. 

With Lazada, consumers can shop at any time, wherever, and discover the best deals in electronics, cellphones & accessories, computers, home & living, home appliances, toys, kids & babies, travel accessories and luggage, beauty, jewelry & watches, fashion and so much more.

Lazada team introducing the great ecommerce site to Cebu
bloggers at the Marco Polo Blu Bar and Grill

Lazada is also present in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Lazada is owned by Rocket Internet, the largest, fastest and most successful international online venture builder. Rocket Internet has been building online companies since 1999 and has created over 100 market- leading companies in over 40 countries. Their headquarters is in Berlin with 25 international offices in all 5 continents. Rocket Internet has more than 50 active independent portfolio companies including Wimdu, Zalando, Zalora, Mizado, Linio are more, many of them in multiple markets. Globally, Rocket Internet has over 15,000 employees under their portfolio.

Me (Jaysee Blabs) on the far left, with members of the
Cebu Bloggers Society Inc. and Ms. Ria Jose of Lazada.com.ph

For more the latest promos, like them on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/LazadaPH

---

LIKE JayseeBlabs on Facebook for more articles that will change your life!

VISIT JayseeBlabs at www.jaysee.me 

For more awesome stuff, keep reading through Jaysee Blabs

Best Cebu Blogs 2012 Honors Great Online Websites

There is that time of the year where the best Cebu bloggers are being awarded for quality locally-generated content. Winning one a few years ago, it boosts your confidence as you try to make a blogging a great career for promoting anything awesome about Cebu and beyond. Now, I am honored to be part of the organizing committee for the second time in a row now. 

It's too bad I missed the event because I had to attend my company's Ops Department Party. But anyway, I salute my friends who brought home the prestigious Best Cebu Blog 2012 award.

Best Cebu Bloggers by Niche Winners ( They received Best Cebu Blogs Awards Trophy, Smartphone by Globe Telecommunication, Gift bag from Starbucks Philippines, Best Cebu Blogs Awards Token by PRWorks Vismin )

• Maria Patricia Rosario Zosa of onethirdpoundpatty.com (Best Cebu Fashion Blogger), 
• Robert Manceilta Jr. of techbuzz.ph (Best Cebu Tech Blogger),
• Mary Angeli Bas of foodiecraft.com   (Best Cebu Food Blogger), 
• Gino Go of mynomadichabits.com (Best Cebu Personal and Travel Blogger), 
• John Ross Castano of kernelscorner.blogspot.com (Best Cebu Events/Entertainment Blogger) and 
• Verge Gamotan of vergegamotan.com/blog/ (Best Cebu Photography Blogger)

Here is the online poster I designed for the event this year with the futuristic, dynamic, vibrant theme; a value that bloggers from Cebu possess.

The Top 10 Famous Cebu Bloggers: ( They received Heart Tea Milk Tea Gift Certificate worth 500.00,Gift Certificate worth 1000 by Multiply.com, Gift bag from Starbucks Philippines, Certificate of Recognition, Best Cebu Blogs Awards Token by PRWorks Vismin and Wristwatch by Timex Philippines (For top 3 Famous Bloggers) 

• Cindy Solon of from-seatosummit.blogspot.com (233 Likes) , 
• Marco Paulo Diala of lamikaayo.com (245 Likes), 
• Joyceren Miyah Genobaña of bigfoodforlife.blogspot.com ( 248 Likes) , 
• Carla Alferez of damselindopeness.blogspot.com ( 253 Likes) , 
• Marco Paulo Diala of philippinestreetfashion.com ( 272 Likes ), 
• Rabsin Dela Cruz of finlust.blogspot.com ( 432 Likes ) , 
• Robert Mancelita Jr. of techbuzz.ph ( 826 likes), 
• Herbert Kikoy of herbertkikoy.info ( 1,279 Likes) , 
• Jeanne Miraflor of food-diary.net ( 1,301), and 
• Engr. Moon Ray Lo of travelerscouch.blogspot.com ( 7,082 Likes)

Best Cebu Blogs Awards 2012 is also brought and supported by the following:

Timex Philippines Inc. | Buddies | GT Cosmetics | Diamond Suites & Residences Cebu | Orange Brutus | Heart tea Milk Tea | PR Works Vismin | Choi City Restaurant | Starbucks Philippines | Geiser Maclang

Alvin Asayas Photography | Event Photographers Cebu | Cebu Bloggers Society Inc. |

The Best Cebu Blogs Committee:

• Jaysee Pingkian  of www.jaysee.me
• Mark Monta, Founder   of  www.facecebu.net
• Agnes Jimenez  of www.empressofdrac.com
• Bjorn Bernales  of  www.bjorncebuano.com
• Gezelle Tapangan of  www.geemiz.com 
• Eden Villarba  of www.chicinthetropics.com
• Chanel Imperial  of shankybaby.blogspot.com

For more awesome stuff, keep reading through Jaysee Blabs

Get the Best Pinoy Art for Christmas!

Give a unique and incredible gift this Christmas!  An array of affordable art will be presented for your choosing in Art at the Park, a display of paintings and art pieces every Sundays starting December 16, 2012 at the Cebu Business Park open space along Biliran Road fronting The Terraces entrance.

See beautiful paintings of watercolor, acrylic or oil on canvas of various sizes and subjects; intricate wood art and mixed media artworks; artsy printed t-shirts and many more.  You can also have your portraits done in an instant, or commission artists to do portraits of your family and friends!

Art at the Park is a joint effort between Qube Gallery, Cebu Holdings Inc., Cebu Business Park and Ayala Center Cebu.  It will soon be a hub of art lovers and artists alike for a vibrant exchange of creativity.

Qube Gallery Chief Executive Officer Jon Gotiong said, “You see amazing art displayed in the streets or in the parks of Paris or along the open spaces in Manila.   It’s about time we also had this sort of gathering done regularly in Cebu.”  

Art at the Park is seen to boost interest in local art among local residents and tourists.  Price ranges are incredibly affordable for high quality art from amateur and professional artists.  It likewise assists the artists in their struggle to maintain a difficult career path with a venue where they can source additional income.

For artists who are interested to join visit www.qubegallery.com and download Art at the Park registration forms and rules.  Email filled out forms at info@qubegallery.com.  Also call Qube Gallery at Tel. No. +6332-512-1921 for inquiries.

For more awesome stuff, keep reading through Jaysee Blabs

The RAFI YMA 6 Immersion Story: Youth as active partners in community development

Real life challenges and problems take place outside the four corners of the classroom.

Eighty one high school and college students who are scholars of the sixth season of the Young Minds Academy (YMA) face some of them when they embarked on a three-day immersion last month in participating local government units (LGUs) in Metro Cebu to assess the liveability and sustainability of the areas last month.

For Gail Villacorta, 17, a college student of Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U), her immersion in Cordova exposed her to the challenges of unpredictable weather and to an environment entirely different to what she is regularly used to.

“There were times that we were hours under the heat of the sun. We were also afraid to walk along the unfamiliar streets of the area. There were many things running on our minds that time. There were instances that we were hesitant to approach residents. It was really a challenge for us to deal with the weather and to adapt to a new environment,” she recalled.

The team had to stay with their host family for two nights. Villacorta said that at night it was a period of adjustment for her because she is not used to sleeping in other people’s house.

Luckily, the host family was hospitable and supported them until the last day of their immersion. 

“It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. It made me realize how far the youth could do if there is proper guidance by the elders.  We are just one of the new generations that aim to improve the state of the community,” Villacorta said.

Villacorta and the rest of the YMA 6 scholars were immersed separately by groups in the different cities and municipalities classified as highly urbanized, including Cebu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City, Lapulapu City, Minglanilla, Naga City, San Fernando, Carcar City, Consolacion, Liloan, Compostela, Danao City, and Cordova.

Their mission was to acquire data through focus group discussions, surveys, and transect mapping based on the principles—importance of research and planning, establishment of development framework, and city-region collaboration—of the Mega Cebu Project namely; 

The researchers used the indicators crafted by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), including municipal services, environment, governance, areas for strategic and regional planning, communication and information technology, economic development and employment, basic social services, and use and ownership of lands.

The Mega Cebu Project envisions a city-region for Cebu wherein cities and municipalities collaborate with each other towards urban development, sustainability, and livability, while maintaining geopolitical integrity. 

RAFI serves as the research, program, and organizational development unit of the Metro Cebu Development Coordinating Board (MCDCB), which is composed of leaders from the government, the private sector, and civil society that takes the lead in the implementation of the Mega Cebu Project.

 “We are just young adults but we are part of the community. It is just right to be involved from identifying problems to planning to carrying out solutions,” Jive Monterozo, 15, a third year high school student of the University of the Philippines Cebu College. 

His immersion experience prompted him to reflect on how much could be done to address community issues, such as improper waste disposal and drainage system, if people will just cooperate and work together. 

“Experience is indeed the best teacher. I gained a wider perspective of what’s going on outside the classroom through the immersion. Before addressing social problems, we need to have a change on a how view community development and how each one of us plays a role in it,” he disclosed.

After the immersion, Villacorta, Monterozo, and the rest of the YMA 6 scholars returned to their homes and schools and prepared their reports, which they presented at the RAFI Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (EADSC) during the Young Citizen’s Forum last July 28.

Dressed in professional attires, they showed that they are no longer “spectators” but “stakeholders” of the community by presenting the needs, opportunities, and threats of the barangays in the LGUs they were assigned during the immersion. From these, they drew out their recommendations. 

Majority of the reports presented to the MCDCB members, local government officials, line agency representatives, and private sector leaders showed that solid waste management, traffic congestion, and poor drainage systems were the top concerns of the LGUs.

The scholars are now coming up with a community-based project model for their assigned barangays within the framework of urban development.

“The immersion let them experience reality at the ground level. Instead of being beneficiaries, they should also be involved in the process of crafting plans for the community and make these plans happen,” EADSC Executive Director Evelyn Nacario-Castro said, stressing that the youth are not just the hope of tomorrow but partners of today. 

With proper guidance, they can play a role in community building in the forefront of urban development, she added.

“At an early age, they have immersed themselves in real situations. They have the energy and the fresh minds; no doubt they could do more for the community. It is a good start that these young leaders have the passion to be involved in community planning,” Efren B. Carreon, assistant regional director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 7, observed.

He said that the reports presented could serve as baseline data for Mega Cebu Project planning and for NEDA in the future. 

(Guest Post Written By Chrisley Ann Hinayas/Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.) 

For more awesome stuff, keep reading through Jaysee Blabs

New Art Exhibit to Inspire Cebuanos with New Beginnings

Qube Gallery launched through exhibit “Sinugdanan”

Artists and art advocates who have banded together for a common cause are set to launch the Qube Gallery through an art exhibit entitled “Sinugdanan” (Cebuano term meaning “New Beginnings”) 

It will be on October 18, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at the Rizal Museum along Osmeña Boulevard the exhibit will run up to October 30, 2012.  

The exhibit will be open to the public 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday during the exhibit period.

Featured in “Sinugdanan” is a vibrant mix of realist and modernist paintings by Qube Gallery artists Jose “Kimsoy” Yap, Celso Duazo Pepito, Vidal Alcoseba, Darby Alcoseba, Josua Cabrera, Felix Catarata, Ariel Caratao, Derek Cabatingan, Gigi Ocampo, John Dinglasa, Joseph Ong, Marvin Chito Natural, Melver Mercado, Nomar Miano, Jess Najarro, Ian Quiros and Bobby Guardiario.  Assisting them will be Chief Executive Officer Mr. Jon Kenneth Gotiong, Gallery Partner Jo Ann M. Lim and Gallery Manager April May Tudtud-Ramos.

The Qube Gallery supports and promotes fine artists in Southern Philippines in various stages of their careers.  It strives to professionalize the fine art industry south of Manila and raise the standards of contemporary art, thus contributing largely to the Southern Philippine cultural and economic landscape.
The gallery assists both striving and successful artists by providing avenues for exposure.  Physical gallery space will be set up in the national capital region to help Southern Philippine talents to penetrate the mainstream art industry.  Likewise, a gallery space in central Cebu will serve as convergence point for both artists and buyers in the regions.

Its services include accessible studio space, storage space, gallery management, inventory and tracking services, marketing and PR strategies, open and roving studio events and tours, online marketing, commissioned art and portraits, accounting and bookkeeping, credit access for buyers, art insurance, art investment strategies curatorship, workshops, seminars and consultancy.

For inquiries and access to an exclusive buyers only cocktails contact April May Tudtud-Ramos at Tel. No. +6332-512-1921 or email qubeartgallery@gmail.com.

Art featured in graphics by Jose “Kimsoy” Yap


For more awesome stuff, keep reading through Jaysee Blabs

Awesomeness Behind The Port Cebu's Reopening!

Being first one to go in and last one to go out at night, the Chief Operations Officer of Port Restaurant learned the tricks of the trade the harsh way and she even battled with high expectations and mean attitudes from foreign colleagues along the way. 

Ms. Evangeline Hayco, was the restaurant manager of Henrietta’s Table in Boston, USA and is a graduate of BA in International Hotel Restaurant Management with Entrepreneurship at Les ROCHES International School of Hotel Management in Switzerland before she went back here in Cebu to rebuild the buffet empire that is The Port.

Evangeline graduated from Les Roches in May 2011.  Two months later, she flew to Boston to begin working as a manager of Henrietta’s Table Restaurant located at The Charles Hotel, a AAA 4 – diamond awardee and part of Preferred Hotels Group, led by the renowned celebrity Chef Peter Davis.

Chef Peter Davis has been named “Sustainer of the Year” by Chefs Collaborative, a leading non-profit network of chefs that fosters a sustainable food system through advocacy, education and collaboration with the broader food community.

From left Ms. Clarisse Bernal, me, Ms. Evangeline and Ms. April
Ramos at the Port Reopening Party

Evangeline shared, "Les Roches prepared me for the international atmosphere at my workplace, and graduating with honors really helped me gain an edge when I applied for the competitive managerial position at Henrietta’s.  In particular, my coursework in Hotel Design and my varied experiences at Les Roches enabled me to understand more operational techniques and concepts."

Evangeline is now back in her hometown Cebu to help run family-owned Port Restaurant as its chief operations officer.  Under her lead, Port is undergoing a renovation of interiors and enhancement of services.

She supervised an additional fare to the already overflowing buffet is Roasted Chicken for Lunch and Roasted Calf for Dinner and enhanced  the Lunch and Dinner buffet with the Port of Call – a themed section that celebrates cuisine from a selected country of the month.

Starting September 28 and for the whole month of October 2012 the Port of Call will be Germany with German food such as Beef Goulash, Pork Schnitzel, Hungarian Sausage with Sauerkraut, Pretzel, and German Potato Salad.

She also introduced the Port Beer Buffet at Port Late Nights in tandem with Oktoberfest - only P199+ drink-all-you-can beer of six beer products such as San Miguel Pale Pilsen, San Miguel Super Dry, Cerveza Negra, San Mig Strong Ice, Red Horse Beer and San Mig Light with live acoustics.

Archt. Tessie Javier partnered with Evangeline for Port’s new look with minimalist, all-white theme with blue accents.  All around the restaurant are frosted glass with blue lighting that casts an indirect light for a cozier and trendier ambiance.  The all-white furniture adds to the calming feel with the low-back chairs in line with the tables for an unimpeded line of sight throughout the room.


For more awesome stuff, keep reading through Jaysee Blabs

20 Awesome Things You Can Learn From The Most Successful Businessmen | The Aboitiz Future Business Leaders Summit

Around ninety of the best students from top colleges and universities all over the archipelago has gathered in Cebu City for what could be the biggest summit that could change the way they look at careers forever.

Getting inspired to be the very best version of themselves and being a catalyst for positive change in the way the Philippines does business are just a few of the objectives for this years 7th Aboitiz Future Leaders Business Summit.

This is one day in the year where the top executives manning administrative spots for all the businesses under the Aboitiz Group clears their schedule to gather and coach these young hopefuls for a two-day summit that pretty much covers all areas of business management.

 This year’s theme “Significantly Changing my Philippines” definitely encapsulates the core values that was being taught by the speakers all throughout the event. The participants engaged in various activities that will help make them beacons in nation-building, fortified them to grow a renewed faith in the nation, and stimulate them to counteract daily call for leadership.

Here are the top 20 things you can learn from successful businessmen:

After a casual interview with Mr. Txabi Aboitiz, Chief Human Resource of the Aboitiz Group, he has shared insights as how they conceptualized the summit, what it tries to be and he even gave us points about managing your career:
1. “There are four needs to staying in the job you want: The need to provide, the need to learn, the need to belong and the need to be back.”
2. “Learn different ways to do things. The more inquisitive [and] risk-takers have the potential to succeed.”

We also got the opportunity to talk with Gang Badoy, about her humble beginnings from being a radio DJ using her FM station for awesome relief and rescue operations during the Ondoy calamity to managing a country-wide NGO, RockEd Philippines, that aims to mobilize the youth through engaging activities like all-star marquee concerts.
3. ”If [something] gets in the way in your daily duties as a daughter, a friend and a believer then it doesn’t make any sense to continue what you are doing.”
4. “Every tool is a weapon, if you hold it right.”
5. “You cannot summon patriotism from somebody else.” Yes, the fire has to be kindled from within. 
6. “Dreams have no sizes. You determine what is significant.”




Mr. Roberto Aboitiz is very much passionate about the biggest project of his life, the Mega Cebu where he gathers mayors and co-chairs with the governor in development and infrastructure which the nation truly needs. Now that he has retired from major corporate activities, he has more time to engage himself in being an architect of change; but as we look back he has these to impart: 
7. “Avoiding wrong major decisions and keeping energy levels high” is just how you inspire a culture of excellence in the workplace.
8. Mr. Roberto Aboitiz considers “the art of managing family-led enterprise” as one of his biggest legacies because business and family may not perfectly match at all times unless you make it work and with four generations that had withstood the test of time, they have never been more focused and more driven to succeed than now. Their secret, he humbly shares, is how they had taken negativity and the greed factor out.


Mr. Edwin Bautista of Unionbank shared about the innovations of Unionbank in the banking industry and shared stories of his employees of going beyond hospitality to aid special customers from seemingly getting lost in this high-end fast-paced living:
9. If you want to brand a company, you need to brand the people. Unionbank does this by instilling their brand attributes being relevant, expert and challenging to their workforce.
10. Expand your mutually beneficial relations with your host communities.




Mr. Rene Ronquillo, who talked about Nation-Building and Sustainability left us with words to ponder:
11. “Don’t be a victim of conventions. Make the best out of life.”
12. “Capitalize in your imagination and ambition.”
13. “Attitude makes life 100%” Ms Carol Ballesteros even affirms that by saying “a good leader is about the people, a good shepherd, the one with a good attitude.”

Mr. Jon Ramon Aboitiz chatted with us and I have soon found out what makes him tick and what more could we learn from “the” man himself.
14. “Be curious. Never stop learning.”
15. “Always add to your reputation. It is earned.”
16. “We established our focus strategies.” They stuck with businesses that have future growth potential and had let go of a number of businesses which should’ve been hard if you were too attached to them. “Don’t fall in love with your business,” he exclaims.
17. “People are the superstar because they can make you look good.” He looks back close to three decades with the transport group and has remembered how his people worked for him. He even narrates a funny story about his first job when his grandfather asked him to inspect the toilets of the ships. That proves that even the most powerful men have to start somewhere.
18. When I asked if they were in any way trying to go into another business anytime soon or plans of expanding in the Asia Pacific perhaps, he flatly denies so as they “should know what [they're] getting into. Market. Competition. Quality Angle. Entrepreneurship.”
19. “Seeing other people makes me happy.” Mr. Jon Ramon smiles when I asked him what ordinary things make him blissful. He started sharing this story about seeing the little kids who were beneficiaries of the AGAPP schools who were so thankful and cheerful and he recalls the joy he felt then and there was priceless.
20. “Never forget the poor. We were once poor.” I was just taken away when he uttered those words. I’ve never expected something like that to come from a guy who had never felt hungry in his life and now I understand why they allocate so much for their corporate social responsibility arm, the Aboitiz Foundation. On top of that, they also steer their family’s foundation, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc., to become a positive catalyst in alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable communities. 

Their lasting influences in the societies that they serve are way bigger than the corporate awards they bag home year after year because it is their values and their heart for the people that make me more proud to be Cebuano.

About the 7th AFLBS

The AFLBS was held on Aug. 17 & 18 at the Sta. Maria 1 & 2 of Radisson Blu Hotel Ballroom. On Aug. 16, the student delegates will go on a heritage tour of the city.

Aboitiz Equity Ventures President & CEO Erramon Aboitiz and Aboitiz Foundation President Jon Ramon Aboitiz lead a line-up of Aboitiz Group executives who shared their knowledge and experience on business strategy, leadership, customer service, brand building, sustainability, personal financial management, and social responsibility, among other topics.

These learning sessions gave the students’ opportunities to interact with Group executives and team leaders. A highlight of the summit is the delegates’ dinner with the executives for a more up-close and personal interaction.

The AFLBS, first held in 2006 and organized by Aboitiz Corporate HR, is an annual gathering of the country’s top 90 student leaders aimed at providing them with a renewed and refreshed outlook for the Philippines. The summit poses a challenge to them to step out of their collegiate mindset and aspire to be one of the country’s future leaders in whatever field they plan to pursue, business or otherwise.

RockEd founder Gang Badoy to speak at Aboitiz youth leaders’ summit

Gang Badoy, founder of Rock Education Philippines (RockEd), will be the event’s keynote
speaker. Named one of 2010’s Outstanding Women in the Nation's Service and Ten
Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines, Badoy formed RockEd in 2005 as an advocacy
and alternative education group that promotes nation building. It showcases social issues through musical events that features artists and rock bands who believe in the group’s cause. To date, RockEd has over 50,000 volunteers.

Inspiration & Confidence still reigns among the youth in 7th Aboitiz Future Leaders Business Summit

Top 3rd & 4th year college students from various leading Philippine universities and colleges once again gathered for the 7thAboitiz Future Leaders Business Summit (AFLBS), this time with the theme “Significantly Changing My Philippines”.

“It is encouraging to know that today’s young generation shows a great sense of awareness and positive enthusiasm towards nation-building.

"The youth takes active role in shaping the future of our country. They will be instrumental in elevating ourselves to be at par with other leading countries and in bringing pride to all of us in being a Filipino.

"But for them to shape our nation toward a better future, we need to shape their mindsets first. This is what we wish to accomplish during the summit.” says Xavier “Txabi” Aboitiz, Chief Human Resource and Quality Officer of the Aboitiz Group.

Each year the Aboitiz Group gathers about one hundred students from among thousands of applicants all over the country to a two-day conference to learn straight from its team of executives and resource speakers.

The summit conveys to them valuable knowledge on leadership and management, values and principles for success and how these are concretized in a corporate environment and ultimately, in building the nation’s economy. The summit provides opportunities for the student delegates to interact, network, and establish ties with fellow delegates as well as the team members and leaders of the Aboitiz Group.

This year’s participants are a mix of students from various disciplines from the humanities, social sciences, engineering, communications, and business management.

The event began with a pre-summit tour of Cebu’s famous landmarks like the Magellan’s Cross, Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino, the house of Don Ramon Aboitiz, patriarch of the Aboitiz Group, and the office of Visayan Electric Company (VECO), one of AboitizPower’s subsidiaries. This was followed by the two-day intensive training with focused discussions, and various team building activities &challenges.

Among this year’s speakers are:

• Jim Aboitiz (Creating a Service Culture)
• Mikel Aboitiz (Focused Strategy)
• Andoni Aboitiz (Product Branding)
• Rene Ronquillo (Nation Building and Sustainability)
• Edwin Bautista (High Tech, High Touch)
• Xavier “Txabi” Aboitiz (People Development)
• Steve Paradies (Personal Finance Management)
• Sonny Carpio (Corporate Social Responsibility)
• Susan Valdez (Reputation Management)

Social activist, alternative educator and founder of RockEd Philippines Gang Badoy was the guest speaker.

The Aboitiz Future Leaders Business Summit began as a local gathering of Cebu’s brightest minds, which grew into national scope which now includes Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao delegates. Over the summit’s history, participants included working scholars, athletes, honor students, and organizational leaders, each with his own story to tell.

For more information about AFLBS, you may visit:

http://careers.aboitiz.com/careersnew/4342:future-leaders-businesssummit.html 

Follow the summit highlights by subscribing to the hash tag #7aflbs or liking Aboitiz Future Leaders Business Summit (The Official) on Facebook, which now includes Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao delegates.



For more awesome stuff, keep reading through Jaysee Blabs

2012 Grand Nutrition Awards Showcase Nation’s Champions of Health and Livelihood

It is really hard to appreciate the government amid reports of corruption by the media and the fact that we see the unending cycle of poverty right at our own backyard every single day. But with my exposure with government programs and NGOs, I have come to gain a newfound love for anything awesome that our people do to make something good. That is why it has been my mission to report positive initiatives, enterprises and projects that make a difference.

And another testament to that was when I attended the 8th Regional Nutrition Action Officer’s Congress where officials and government staff from all over Region VII gather to convene on how to implement projects better and the Grand Nutrition Awards 2012 where recognition is given to the developments and local government units that had done exemplary performance by exceeding the metrics set by the National Nutrition Council.

The Grand Nutrition Awards, as explained by Ms. Melinda Canares, are based through “program efficiency” that deals with implementation, livelihood, health and sanitation, utilizing budget provided, assessing policies such as LGU resolutions and good practices. It is also gauged through “program effectiveness” which is based on the changes in nutritional status, validation through weighing the beneficiaries and supporting documentations.

During the media presentation of the awardees, I was able to come face to face with the congress stakeholders and the mayors once again who I encountered last year. It is notable that Bohol mayors have been recognized for their labours as they have championed the elevation of health for their constituents all these years.

I took the chance to commend Dr. Parolita Mission for their work as evaluating and monitoring programs all over the region is never a pushover.  I asked her if she has any plans of uniting with international bodies in governance or health for possible accreditation, knowledge sharing and technology transfers and she gladly pointed out that in pilot projects mainly those that involve nutrition deficiencies and projects in peace- challenged areas they have forged alliance with Unicef and World Food Programme. For those along nutrition intervention, she says, they have Rotary Club sustaining their Vitamin A supplementation. But for the awards, she leaves on a positive note that they have yet to pull strings together for that.

I also directed a question to Ms Christie Renoblas of Brgy. Buenas Aires, Tubigon Bohol to give us awareness about her barangay garden that made it a determining factor that she be awarded as this year’s Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar and to explain her “Pig Dispersal” project. She quips that it her garden had a complete line of crops and vegetables which sustains her feeding projects and she took initiative to ask the owner of an unused fish pond if she could acquire it to provide fish for the people. As for the pig dispersal, she actually has piglets that she raffled off and the winners in turn have to give up some of their piglets in the future for another round of raffle which gave the people a sustainable means of livelihood.

Media Presentation of 2012 Grand Nutrition Awardees

The National Nutrition Council thru the Regional Nutrition Committee organizes a Media Presentation of the 2012 Grand Nutrition Awardees in recognition of outstanding performers in nutrition for the year 2011. This is part of the 8th Regional Nutrition Action Officers’ Congress and Grand Nutrition Awards 2012 held at the Sinulog Ballroom, City Sports Club Cebu, Cardinal Rosales Ave., Cebu Business Park, Cebu City.

  

The RNC organized the interagency Regional Evaluation Team (RET) to conduct the annual monitoring and evaluation of local level implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition starting 7 May and ending 28 June 2012. The team evaluated/monitored the 4 provinces, 16 cities, 21 municipalities and 161 barangays.

Green Banner Award

The Green Banner Award is awarded to the number one ranking municipality/city/province in the region in recognition of areas which have efficiently implemented the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition. The following are this year’s Green Banner Awardees:

Toledo City is awarded this year’s Outstanding City in the Region garnering a score of 93% outranking other cities in the region and receives the Green Banner for 3 consecutive years. Its flagship project “Empowering Communities Toward Food Security and a Sustainable Environment”. The project is basically the LGUs scheme in not only minimizing hunger and malnutrition it is also designed for the revival of dwindling natural resources.

The Municipality of Jagna, Bohol garnered 96.61% and the Outstanding Municipality in the Region with their banner campaign entitled “Promoting Food Security and Intensifying Food Assistance” on top of having efficiently implemented the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition. This campaign includes NutriMix production for undernourished children, a Gulayan sa Baranggay and the MNC gardening to increase vegetable planting awareness and the Philos Health with the Manna Pack Daily Feeding Program all contributing to the alleviation of malnutrition in the locality.

The Municipality of Zamboanguita having a score of 90% became eligible of the Outstanding Municipality in the Province and will receive a Green Banner as Outstanding City in the Province of Negros Oriental. Their strategy was a  “Functional MNC and BNCs – Drive Force in Malnutrition Reduction” which included not only the usual health campaigns but dispersal of livestock and provision of seedlings as well as boosting rice production. As a smoke free municipality and the presence of Nutri-Skwela Community Radio Station, the residents’ awareness of healthier lifestyle has increased dramatically.

CROWN Award

A Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) award is given to a municipality, city or province that has been adjudged by RET as outstanding in the region in the implementation of its nutrition plan for 3 consecutive years.  Toledo City won this award after getting the Green Banner as Outstanding City in the region for CY2011, 2010 and 2009.

A Nutrition Honor Award (NHA) Maintenance Award. NHA is a national award given to CROWN awardees that have consistently shown its exemplary performance for 6 consecutive years that resulted to reduction of the prevalence of malnutrition status in their respective areas. NNC 7 & the RNC gave this NHA Maintenance to ensure that LGUs do not regress after receiving the highest award and sustain their NHA status. The following LGUs are the awardees:

Talibon, Bohol scores 98.01% in the recent MELLPI with their campaign of launching “Sustainable Programs for a Progressive Municipality” anchored on Talibon’s health and nutrition program has taken a holistic approach not only providing all of its 25 barangays birthing clinics and conducting yearly Pabasa sa Nutrisyon activities, gardening is highly encouraged for food security, the community has also come together to raise funds for their Nutrition program from a Nutri-Raffle to the donations made by the local parish. 

Inabanga, Bohol also retain its NHA status with 95.92%, running a campaign in “Intensifying sustained programs towards maintain the NHA”  with the goal of improving the Inabanga’s quality of life through good nutrition, improved food security, reduced illness incidence, improved productivity and increased income.  Program Inabanganga Nagka-isa, Kilos laban sa Malnutrisyon (INA-KASAMA) flagships the program towards a healthier more nourished community. 

Another municipality from Bohol that was able to maintain the NHA is Calape with a score of 95.41%.  Their “Good Program Management with Efficient Workers Ensures Optimum Results” focusing on the efficiency of their nutrition front liners through trainings and capability building sessions helped this happen. Key projects towards the enhancement of the local health and nutrition status include: breastfeeding stations, Malunggay sa Bawat Bahay project, Seaweed productions, fruit bearing trees planting, and Ube Production. 

Danao City maintains its NHA status though “Intensive Nutrition Awareness Programs and Enthusiastic Implementers” identifying the enthusiasm of its 102 BNSs and supportive CNC and BNCs as the main key for their success. Aside from that, they have a line-up of projects like the Bundok ng Nutrisyon, Nutrition Park, Sipag ng Manggagawa, sa Wastong Nutrisyon Makukuha and the Nutri-Highway all of which contributed to the improvement of the city’s nutrition status.

Regional Outstanding BNS

The RET also selects the 2011 Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar using the following criteria:

• a) performance on identifying/locating targets and follow-up weighing, delivery of basic services, impact program, and timeliness of submission of reports; 
• b) validation on program management including availability of weighing tools, records availability and accuracy, determining/calculation of nutritional status of preschool children, weighing of sampled preschool children and site validation; 
• c) interview; and 
• d) written examination.

Ms. Lanilyn R. Orlina of Brgy Motong is Dumaguete’s prized BNS for 2011 scoring 89.2% earning her the city outstanding BNS Award. With her passion in community service and paired with a good office organizing skills, it is no wonder that she is one of this year’s awardees with programs including eggplant seeds distribution to the parents of undernourished children and raising of native chicken.

Ms. Susan D. Cortes the BNS of Brgy Sto. Niño, Tanjay City also receives this year’s City Outstanding BNS award employs dedication, hard work and perseverance in her work and the support of her BNC in order to be the city’s best BNS garnering a score of 88.3%.

Ms. Windaylina S. Entero of Barangay Tuburan Sur, Danao City earning 88.2% and the City Outstanding barangays Nutrition Scholar Award because of her hard work focused mainly on the project “ Kalusugan mo, Alagaan ko” which includes a Nutri-Clinic that serves as a venue to a  combination of  medical, dental and supplemental feeding and nutrition education activities.

Toledo City’s Ms. Joscelyn T. Brazon hailing from Baramgay Calong-calong who has earned 88.0% in this year’s MELLPI earning her a City Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Award with her unwavering dedication to do house to house class, Pabasa sa Nutrisyon sessions and Anti-Dengue campaign.

Most Innovative Projects

RET also recognizes innovative projects implemented by LGUs that contributed to the improvement on the nutritional status of children in their respective localities. Among which are:

Bayawan City’s LAKASS (Lakas ang Katawang Sapat sa Sustansya): X-Factor for Nutrition Improvement provide a clear, sustainable and workable framework for malnutrition management implementing activities such as talaba culture, swine dispersal, fish salting, hollow block making and bio intensive gardening as well as goat dispersal in some barangays. This program also includes Nutri-Centers, and barangays sari-sari stores whose earnings are used for the city’s nutrition funds.

Canlaon City’s Nutrition Awareness and Advocacy thru the Nutri-Village transform an old barren playground into a vibrantly colored city nutrition melting pot. The village not only serves as a tangible structure for nutrition advocacy, it has also served as the venue of the local Nutrition Month activities since it opened in 2008.

Cebu City also garners the Best Innovative Program/Project for their Pabasa sa Nutrisyon: Sustainable NutriEd Program, being able to continue regular Pabasa activities in 57 out of 80 barangays in the city because of the steadfast support by the staff, barangay officials, CNC, partner NGO and government officers of Cebu City and the dedication and hardwork of lecturers, leaders, BHWs, and CNSs.

Dumaguete City’s World Class Low-Cost Septage Management System in addresses the need for a sanitary sewer system by partnering up with the USAID Local Initiatives for Affordable Wastewater Treatment (LINAW) program. Its construction not only has better health implications, it also does well for the environment.

Mandaue City’s Kaabag sa Nutrition: A Public and Private partnership for Maternal and Child Nutrition employs the combined efforts of the public and privates sectors and community participation towards the improved nutrition situation via school and community meals/feeding, nutrition education, nutrition advocacy and info-dissemination for behavioral change, food production activities, organization of mothers and parents and host cooking and nutrition classes.

Lapu-Lapu City’s Kababayen an sa Gun-ob Producers’ Cooperative is a project aimed to help women acquire livelihood opportunities, thereby supporting family income. It is a cooperative working towards the improvement of the quality of life of its members, generating funds, encouraging thrift and savings mobilization and the promotion of self-help or self-employment for economic growth & poverty alleviation. In doing so, women are not only empowered, they are also given the opportunity to bring foods to their tables and in the long run being agents in the alleviation of malnutrition.

Cebu Province also earns a Best Innovative Program/Project Award for eGWEN Our Cebu Our Pride expanded Green and Wholesome Environment that Nurtures Program which aims to rebuild each town in the province through sustainable development focusing on the transformation of the town’s ecological environment. Through this effort, the environment may be able to improve its provision of healthier food and the in the long run decreases health problems in the province. 

For more awesome stuff, keep reading through Jaysee Blabs

Representative Teddy Casiño to grace the 8th Regional NAO Congress and 2012 Grand Nutrition Awards

Representative Teodoro “Teddy” Casiño, Jr. of Bayan Muna Partylist would serve as Guest of  Honor during the 8th Regional Nutrition Action Officers’ (NAO) Congress and 2012 Grand Nutrition Awards (GNA) on 03 August 2012 at the City Sports Club Cebu, Cardinal Rosales Avenue, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City. 

Congressman Casiño, a progressive legislator and advocate for new politics will deliver his inspirational message to about 400 NAOs from Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor who are expected to attend this annual event in the region.

Casiño is the proponent of House Bill 6311 which seeks to institutionalize “meatless Monday” and promote healthy eating and healthy lifestyle among Filipinos. Meatless Monday is an international campaign that encourages people to not eat meat on Mondays to improve their health and the health of the planet. Going meatless once a week may reduce your risk of chronic non-communicable and preventable diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity and mitigate the effects of global warming.

Dr. Parolita A. Mission, Nutrition Program Coordinator of National Nutrition Council 7 (NNC 7) said that this Regional NAO Congress which is now on its 8th year is held back to back with the regional nutrition awarding ceremony.

This year’s event is organized by NNC 7 and the Regional Nutrition Committee in partnership with the Nutrition Action Officers of the Philippines Association – Central Visayas (NAOPA – CV).  The activity aims to convene all the nutrition action officers from the provincial, city, municipal down to the barangay level. It also seeks to impart useable information to the attending Nutrition Action Officers with regards to better management and understanding of themselves and the nutrition program.

Newly-elected NAOPA-CV President and Tanjay CNAO, Dr. Ma. Elizabeth Sedillo will give the opening remarks. RNC Chair and DOH-CHD7 Regional Director Asuncion M. Anden will deliver the Keynote Address. Topics that would be discussed would include “How Tall are We? Appreciating height measurement”, to be given by Ms. Melinda D. Cañares, Nutritionist – Dietitian III of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 and Chair of the Regional Nutrition Committee – Technical Working Group, would tackle the importance of height taking under the new World Health Organization – Child Growth Standards (WHO-CGS).

The second topic, “Environmental Green Living towards a Sustainable and Healthy Lifestyle”, to be given by Engineer Nestor D. Archival, Owner of the Eco-House would tackle on the issue of organic gardening and lessening carbon footprint and its correlation to our present and to our children future.

Another topic would be “Anger Management: Leading a Happy and Peaceful Life” would focus on better coping up with anger and mastering it so that we could lessen its effects on ourselves and unto others. This would be given by Mr. Juanito “June” B. Luna, President of Prosel Pharmaceuticals. Mr. William O. Chavez, OIC, OAVP for South Luzon and Visayas, PhilHealth Insurance Corporation, would talk about “PhilHealth, Are We Protected?”. This talk aims to inform the attendees of the extent of the PhilHealth coverage and the inclusions and exclusions especially among sponsored clients.

The 2012 Grand Nutrition Awards would cap the whole day event. This awarding activity aims to recognize exemplary performing local government units with regards to nutrition program implementation, distinguish good nutrition projects/practices by LGUs in the region and bestows the Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholars trophy and honor the unsung heroes of nutrition.

This 8th Regional NAO Congress and 2012 Grand Nutrition Awards would also serve as the culminating events of the month-long observance of the 38th Nutrition Month this July 2012.



For more awesome stuff, keep reading through Jaysee Blabs

How to Be A Champion | The LH Leadership Conference 2012

Coming to the LH Leadership Conference this year has never been so timely in my entire life. I could definitely say that before the event, I was in the state of my life where I thought I have done everything I could and have wanted, or as others put it, I may have lost my passion for life because I had been discouraged with a lot of unfortunate things ravaging me one after the other.

But hearing from the people, who the world hails as champions in their own right, made me realize that there is so much more than the challenges we face. Our finances, relationships, stress and some other things that punch us down to rock bottom is, in fact, healthy because when you are down there is no way to look but up. 

I have been to countless summits, leadership training and conferences but I have never been this inspired. Learning determination from a well-rounded sports journalist, instilling active family values from a celebrity couple and championing resourcefulness and world-class cadence from a popular sports team, the LH Leadership Conference's theme of becoming a winner in life could never be more perfect and I will be forever grateful to its organizers, the LH Foundation Inc. and Oakridge Business Park.

Tagging along my brother and cousin who have been great role models to their colleagues, we indeed had a great Saturday time reminding ourselves that we are young and have the rest of our lives ahead of us and to always aim to be the very best version of ourselves. Yep, to win, you don't always have to step ahead of others, you can be a winner if you become the best version of yourself.

Dyan Castillejo

"Practice, practice, practice," Dyan Castillejo encourages people. She had played in Wimbledon, French Open and US Open in her early athletic years before settling with sports broadcast journalism. But her path was not an easy flight as she faced downers at one point recalling those days where she has to travel alone because Philippines could not afford to hire a coach and her family almost loses all of their assets just so they could play abroad. 

"The harder the trial, the sweeter the victory," she quips. But it was her strong faith that kept her going saying she always read the Bible to gain inspiration because He “always have plans to give you hope and future.”

She then resorted to training with other her competitors, studying what they do, using her time wisely and just be champion wherever you are. She even shared her role models which included Manny Pacquiao, the Phil. Dragonboat team, and Venus Raj where she says that in her experience covering Ms. Universe events, she has concluded that these women are as “tenacious and fierce as athletes.”

But I the word that almost threw me out of my seat was when she said:
“We all make mistakes but we can always start today. Life is too hard to live without God.”

Suzie and Paolo Abrera

We all juggle the responsibilities we have at home, at work and within ourselves like crazed circus out of hand. To learn from the best in family life, LH had brought in the power showbiz couple who is known for their advocacy for the environment and healthy lifestyle, Paulo and Suzie Abrera.

We could not stop laughing at their anecdotes as they journey through instilling values to their children to eventually learning from them as well. Especially with training their kids for children’s party games, her being a Palayok champion in her place and all.

“Strike a balance within our home,” Suzie says that why they put a premium when it comes to bonding with their little kids. They travel, swim and jog together which all families should find time to do because “champion qualities are something you have to show them and how we present ourselves [when] daunted by challenges” is a must. It goes without further explanation that there a lot of things that doesn’t need professional training because these are just family days at its best.

“Perseverance, generosity,” Paolo states the two things we should try to influence our family to be. He even recalls teaching her daughters to do carpentry to steer them away from the disadvantages brought about by today’s high tech gaming tools. But it was a lost cause though, he giggles. 

They showed us a lot of videos for inspiration but one thing that stuck through was the 1992 Barcelona Olympics where the runner tore his hamstring in the 400 metres semi-final but fought through the pain and, with assistance from his father, managed to complete a full lap of the track as the crowd gave him a standing ovation.

“Play with [the kid’s] strengths and take on the challenges. Some things happen and we don’t know the reason [why] but his father came all the way from the stands.”

Philippine Azkals

Then came the Azkals who had challenges within them and externally before the world had acknowledged them as a group of handsome ball-flipping athletes. To impart the great story of the Philippine football team was the team captain, Chieffy Caligdong, Cebuano Paolo Pascual, Striker Filipino-Iranian Misagh Bahadoran, twins Marwin and Marvin Reyes, Team Manager Patrick, and the well-celebrated Dan Palami.

Azkals. They called themselves as such because they felt unwanted as the government and sport institutions have never waived their support for the team. When they started they couldn’t get along together because they had a language barrier since some members are of foreign descent which played a great hindrance in fostering the team’s camaraderie.

“Never rest on your laurels.” They said as they declared that they always try to surpass the achievements that they already have, which is in line with what the host said in the beginning about always striving to become the very best version of ourselves. 

Caligdong. But of everything they said, it was Caligdong’s story that opened the eyes of the audience and brought some to tears as he recalls the very reason why he lost he brother, an injury from the very sport he is very much acquainted with now. Pardon me for saying this, but it’s just sad that his talent in playing the game gets overshadowed by the popularity of his more good-looking teammates. Shallow fans. But anyway, yes, his brother died playing football and he had to go through hell to keep on even with family and friends trying to stop him. It reached to the point that he was playing not for the victory but for the family he so dearly lost. They weren’t even wealthy which also makes it more difficult for him to sustain his needs for the sport so he had to do odd jobs to buy sports gear. In fact his moment wearing three layers of socks just so he could fit in his brother’s football shoes was a glorious one at best.

Conclusion

We need a reminder every now and then from the stories of other people to just break through the walls that keeps from finishing our race, scoring our goals and ultimately bringing home that medal. But everything goes way beyond our dreams as what we do today will always be the greatest achievement our existence will for ever entail. So when you are down, all you have to do is lift your head up a little and just… live.





What Babykit has to say...

What makes LH Leadership Conference super awesome?

The venue itself surprised me when I entered the room. I was amazed with all those white board on each side of the room, showcasing different sport personalities embracing their lives as a champion. I really admire the organizers who made LH Conference a huge success. Guest were organized, the stage was nicely set up.  

Plus! Plus! Plus! Notable and respectable speakers present in the Oakridge Pavilion complete the LH Conference; satisfied the audience with their incredible stories and principles behind being a champion. Dyan Castillejo, Suzi and Paolo Abrera, and Azkals team manager, Coach Dan, really made it powerhouse speakers.  

Guests were also served snacks, a large-sized crabby patty with chips on the side and a soda. Mind you, guests are free to ask as many as they want. It’s unlimited.
At the end of the conference, guests were allowed to approach the speakers. This, made my day!

What are the lessons I’ve learned from the speakers?

Speaker 1: Dyan Castillejo 

Dyan talked about being the Heart of a Champion. The line she said that marked on my mind was, “Your dreams and prayers are useless if you’re not a hardworker. Practice, practice, and more practice.”  

Speaker 2: Suzi and Paolo Abrera 

The power couple in sports and broadcast talked about raising a champion. What I learned from them was in order to build a champion, training should start at home. Your primary coach will always be you parents. Train your kids as early as possible. Engage them to sports they like, and not what you prefer them to like.  

Speaker 3: Coach Dan “Azkals” 

The line that Coach Dan said at the end of his speech really marked on me. He said, “We play not for fame nor for money, but we play to raise the flag of Our Country…” He also said that every champion, started from scratch and from being a nobody, which he relates to his team on why they were called “Azkals”, because none of the government and sports institutions have supported them before.

What Kevin has to say...

At first, Leadership conference for me is only all about improving one’s skill in terms of being a groundbreaker. But then, I heard about the leadership conference which was sponsored by LH Foundation Inc. 

I was amazed since this is one of the most influential foundations in our society today. The venue of the leadership conference was perfect because in my own opinion, it fits perfectly based on the genre of the said event.  

The leadership conference was extraordinary since their guest speakers were: Azkals the Philippine Football Team, Dyan Castillejo, Suzi & Paulo Abbrera. It adds a very impressive impact from the audience when those extraordinary speakers share their own experience of being a “champion” in life.  

Based on what the speakers had shared, I learned a lot from them. I even liked this line when Dyan Castillejo shares to the audience that, “Have a dream, to be champion!” 

All of the insights that the guest speakers had share is very applicable to me as an HRM Student. I conclude that everyone can be a champion not just in our field but also as an ordinary human being.

About my Guest Post Writers

Babykit Marie R. Nunez

A girl who loves anything Twilight and is too humble of her achievements latest of which is her Cum Laude citation last March. She is my pretty cousin and RAFI Young Minds Academy Teammate.

Kevin Clint R. Pingkian

In his third year of BS-HRM, my brother is not just a basketball and drift car driving fan but also dedicates his life being a leader in his collegiate environment.

For more awesome stuff, keep reading through Jaysee Blabs

Matteo Guidicelli inspires World Vision kids in Cebu

In their dream to let every child live life in all its fullness, World Vision has launched a weeklong campaign to promote child sponsorship and its advocacies here in Cebu. 

Banking on their stellar supports, they have invited youth ambassador and proud Cebuano Matteo Guidicelli to meet his sponsored children and visit one of their World Vision communities in Lilo-an where children showed how they manage their money last June 11-17, 2012.

Yep, children setting aside playtime for a few minutes every Saturday to practice funding and discipline, after following the success of their parent’s community-owned and -managed savings and credit association (COMSCA). All thanks to World Vision’s efforts, they are now sustainable in providing themselves what they need with what little income they have.

With passbooks and a vault that is being secured by three members, these kids have become responsible enough to understand financial processes, and I could not reiterate its importance all the more.

After the heart-warming experience with Liloan COMSCA kids, we headed on to see Matteo’s children whom he has sponsored for couple of years now. They have created tokens of their appreciation through drawings which they gave personally.

When they were asked what they could say to Matteo, the mother and her daughter choked up in tears and everyone in the room fell silent for a while because we were so moved as to the extent of how World Vision has changed the lives of people they are serving. Matteo, trying so hard to keep the mood alight, quipped in vernacular that we all have to smile now or else all of us would have to cry. He narrates how happy he becomes when he receives letters from these kids which contains drawings and pictures especially on Christmas.

Visiting the community with their celebrity sponsor and setting up exhibits is just part of their caravan in celebration of World Vision’s 55 years of “Sharing the Joy of Hope.” Today, World Vision assists more than 112,000 children and their families in 29 provinces all over the Philippines.

Congratulations to the people behind World Vision and hats off to all their sponsors and partners! Faith in humanity restored!


With only six hundred pesos monthly contribution, you can already send a child to school and help them cope with the hardships of today’s life. Encourage your friends to spare a few bucks and be the change this world needs.



Call Cebu Hotline at 505-4444


Visit worldvision.org.ph


Like WorldVision on Facebook


Follow them @worldvisionph


Call or text 0917-5540683

Sponsor online through http://bit.ly/sponsor-today

For more awesome stuff, keep reading through Jaysee Blabs

Tracing Roots Through A Heritage Tour Down South | The Sibonga - Argao Media Tour Photo Walkthrough

It was an extremely hot day last May when the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) took Cebu's leading media practitioners down south of Cebu for a trip of culture, heritage and natural wonders that is Sibonga and Argao.

The event was made possible in celebration of the Gabii sa Kabilin of the said municipalities and the National Heritage Month.

Here is a photo walk through of the awesome trip that was:

The magnificent fresco by a Cebuano artist which depicts the 7 Catholic Sacraments still amazes me
since you can only imagine the great lengths the painters had to go through
to finish the masterpiece while being suspended in the air for years!
Nuestra Señora Del Pilar de Zaragosa and like all other well-maintained Catholic churches in the provinces boasts these man-made miracles that has withstood time and historical moments.

This is actually an original baptismal registration book being displayed in the Sibonga Museum along with other
books and church objects that have been preserved and  I'm a sucker for great handwriting and typography! 

And thank you Ms. Nance for tolerating my vanity as I pose in the museum's balcony which has a great view of the Sibonga park with the perfectly manicured landscaping which more or less maintains
its age-old layout.

Media and bloggers pose with Argao Municipal Mayor Edsel A. Galeos in a courtesy call.

Their cabecera or municipal center which is a beauty itself is not only historic but as well as
technologically-advanced since it is a Wi-Fi hotspot! The park is cornered by the municipal hall,
Hall of Justice and the St. Michael the Archangel Church.

The mini-park facade of the cabacera also houses the Heritage Commission office.

Argao Nature Park which has a mini-zoo  It even has Wi-Fi powered cottages, and amenities like wall climbing, zip lining and a boat ride in their beautiful pond.

One of the few attractions in Argao Nature Park are the birds in the mini-zoo that also enchants you with
rabbits, snakes, and fishes.

Now uber hungry from the long day, we succumbed to lively chats and sea foods at the
Bienmar SU-TU-KIL which is built at the top of the Taloot Warf, Argao.

On the way to the restaurant, we had to walk through this bamboo walkway which gives you the best view of the warf.

What is Argao if you can't drop by their Tableya centers where this cocoa treats are being made.

Argao is almost synonymous to Torta so our tour team drove us to Jessie's Torta where we met the owner who is a client of RAFI Microfinance and now owns one of the best delicacy shops in the municipality. She also prepared some snacks to munch which was more or less good as a full meal. It was even my first time to enjoy the steamed banana with a bagoong and humba!

After walking through the beautiful cool springs of Brgy. Liki, it was time to retire.
As the rest of the Cebu media went back to the city, I remained at the beautiful town of Argao
in one of their resorts prepping myself for their Gabii sa Kabilin event that night.
Of course, I wouldn't want to miss the chance to bathe in their shores
which is romantic in all sort of ways. 

For the complete photo album check out my Facebook page at Facebook.com/JayseeBlabs!


For corporate or family tours, you may contact the Argao Youth for Heritage Society!


For the awesome Gabii sa Kabilin sa Argao event, read on!


For the Gabii sa Kabilin 2012 all over Cebu City know about the superb experience!

Thank you to the people of Argao and RAFI for the great job!

For more awesome stuff, keep reading through Jaysee Blabs