Mall Trade Exhibit for USWAG Sarangani

I am only happier that I see my former work live in action as they hold their Business Month celebration in Gaisano Mall. This is far from their usual practices of having their trade exhibits only within the confines of Alabel Capitol.

So, I get to see my colleague, my officemates from DTI - Sarangani, and former boss and I can only be proud to show off my new store just one level higher from their exhibit area.

The USWAG Sarangani with meaning of “move forward Sarangani” has several business activities that are displaced in different towns across the province.

Sarangani is rich with beautiful sceneries, generous and welcoming people and vibrant culture. We can only be hopeful that deep-seated progress can be seen and felt by everyone.

Running Shoes for a Cause, A Milo Marathon's Project

Milo's Marathon Cause's Flagship Pic

photo source: Milo Philippines 

I have been doing my jogs since 2007 and although I haven't joined yet any running race or marathons for that event, it is still my dream to join a local and national marathon race even just for beginners. 

But, what makes it more exciting is the fact that Milo, a big supporter of sports, holds a project,  called “The Gift,”  to HELP GIVE SHOES among kids and everyone else who need running shoes.  I wish that I can do that although I have my old shoes given to my cousins and nieces.  But, the public can greatly provide shoes for kids who need one by  joining the Milo's Marathon Race.  A portion of the runner's registration fee shall be alloted to producing running shoes for public schools determined by Department of Education. 

So, if you are just around the area where this country's most popular marathon race will be held, help raise funds to  underprivileged  school children.

To see the details of this race, click here. 

The Golden Beauties of Philipinne Cinema

I grew up when TV tubes were all white and black with their typical slide cabinets and since cartoons series were limited to the old Astroboy, Superman series, Donald Duck and Bugs Bunny among the many faves, I supremely loved the old movies of Philippine actors like Dolphy, Gloria Remero and the late Nida Blanca. 

So, after decades of strings of movies and big - tube lives, I rarely see my golden icons. In spite of their soggy skin or awkward movements, I still find Dolphy and Gloria Romero stunning. 

So, I give due tributes to these two great legendary icons along with the ones who passed away already.

Photo sources: from fellow Filipino sites

Artistic and Fancy Handcrafts

July is a celebrated month of entrepreneurship and last year when I was still the executive director/project officer of Sarangani Chamber of Commerce, I worked closely with Provincial Department of Industry on various business – focused activities which include livelihood programs among mothers and out-of-school youth. The programs were in great number, however, I felt sorry that most constituents of the province are passive of these services that they don’t really pay much use of it. I guess being rural and with less opportunities seem to be the obvious hindrances to economic development.

Now, that I am separated with the provincial chamber and with the new year again, July is quite celebrated as Yaman Gensan in our city. And, just last weekend, we saw a trade exhibit of various enterprises including handcrafts. I saw works made out of corn husks which will be quite appealing as gifts. In other rural areas, they weave threads of pineapple to form clothing, abaca for bags, shells for fashion accessories and others. Filipinos are indeed very innovative and with the right government support and financial assistance, these entrepreneurs shall surely succeed in a short time.

My Jollibee Man

I guess it is never unusual for Filipino kids to be with mascots like Jollibee or McDonalds. My kid like them a lot not because of their food but because of the toys he can get from the kid's or happy meals. LOL!

And, with busy time, we rarely bring him to his fave store and simply dine where we can hang conveniently hang around. 

I guess when he is not sick again, we can check the new toys on the racks again.

Bad Economy for Fashion Industry

The impact of economic recession continues to prevail making a good number of companies worldwide to retrench employees or to declare bankruptcy. The fashion industry remains plagued as people would rather prioritize their food, shelter, and education. In my country, the greater public would rather prefer semi-used clothing ("ukay-ukay") for their cheaper values. 

This quite makes me alarmed  as we place our boutique to a mall's space and with higher operational costs like rent and personnel salary, I can only get anxious but remain hopeful and innovative. 

This bad economy is really hitting almost everyone that supplemental revenues like affiliate program  can be an appealing option.  Some of my fellowmen would rather work abroad to compensate more for their working hours while the rest of Filipinos endure hard and difficult living. We can only hope that the economy fully recovers and that living can be comfortable again.

Underwear Fashion of Filipino Celebreties

I saw this from national news of a quite elegant showcase of underwear and I could only be glad when I saw Pokwang, a comedianne, kissing her male partners as she did her ramp. LOL!

Here's the news clip from ABS - CBN news page.

Urban Fashion for Us

my family with a cousin from the big city

My pop is hailed from Luzon, however, because of his old works as a naval soldier, he had to travel a lot leading him to meet my mom. We basically grow up in Mindanao and until now, we still are.

We somehow managed to visit his relatives whenever we can. But, early this year, his niece was given the chance to visit Gensan on a business purpose. She was the only relative who had the chance to step foot Mindanao.

Thus, we tagged everyone else including the kids. I got this picture and assessed if we are far dressed different in a rural city from a highly urbanized one. I guess, we are not. hahahhaha!

Glad to see her again. My pop and the rest of the family would want to have our other relatives visit us. But, I guess in due time when we all have resources to invite everyone else. hahahha!

Expensive School Uniforms and Stuffs

On national news, the commercial establishments are taking advantage of the school fever since June is coming. I tried to scout for uniform sleeveless shirts for my kid and nephews from street carts, however, each piece costs more than the prices required in malls. Yikes!!!

Parents and students are sure having hard time coping with schooling expenditures including tuition, uniform, books and other requirements. And, once school classes start, daily allowances can be a major burden for most of them.

I have only one (1) kid and shall be in next level in elementary, but, tuition is quite much for a teacher’s salary. Living in the Philippines is quite hard; sending the kids to school make it even harder.

Rockin Suit, Rockin Talent

I am an avid fan of Pilipinas Got Talent Jovit. And, I am only most excited that I had this Youtube clip of his performance on the semi - finals night. He simply has great talent  singing Carrie on his rockin suit. Everything was simply perfect for this young man. I hope he wins.

Filipino Fashion Designer Monique Lhuillier

Nothing makes  fellow Filipinos prouder than seeing another Filipino make a mark in global arena. So, I am only honored that I found this runway of Monique Lhuillier who is hailed from Cebu City, Philippines but has made tremendous statements in the fashion world through her glorious designs. 

Her works were noticeably praised on red carpets, including Jamie-Lynn DiScala of The Sopranos and Will & Grace star Megan Mullally and  on the wedding of Britney Spears.

Truly, she makes the impression that Philippines is hometown for world class talents. We have Manny Pacquaio(boxer), Oliver Tolentino(fashion designer), Charice Pempengco(singer), and more.

Wear Comfy Summer Clothes

The thing with summer and rotating brownouts is that they can get into your nerves pretty badly. Gosh! I have to endure all the heat and no sale all at the same time. Sigh!

Somehow, our daily fit includes shorts, flip flops and cotton shirts. They help a little to ease the heat but if the temperature gets all so high, we can only hit malls and stay there until the lights get back. 

With bleak sales and no work, my pocket is quite drained. Sigh! Paying the bills gets more and more cumbersome. To top it all, I may have to skip my expensive insurance. Too bad, I could have checked  online life insurance  and compare prices and benefits. 

These economic crisis and El Nino make life harder and less convenient. No wonder, a number of families go for multiple jobs and head to beaches just to cool down and make through. Gosh! I might as well start considering another work. 

Witty and Competent Adel Tamano for Senator

SOX Bloggers with Atty Adel Tamano

We had the chance to sit with Atty Adel Tamano last night and at first, I was all hesitant to join the SOX Bloggers since I shall be only forced to listen to old politics and wishes of any political candidate.

But, I had witnessed how this man from Mindanao able to capture everyone else in the group by his sincere compassion for Filipinos and need for change. He is way farther in the national survey but I hope he can be heard by most sensible people and choose him instead for  his competence, platform and integrity. 

He is one of the few candidates who I believe can really make a difference in driving this nation forward and with sustaining change. 

Filipino Holy Week Fashion and Fun

Philippines is home to a number of Christians and we basically, honor this week the same way we give honor to Christmas. Thus, these holy days are normally of no work or school. As we consume the day  offs in our store, others use the rest days in beaches and on vacations with loved ones to somewhere else.

But, since holy week is sacred, we can only keep our ways simple and decent.  Establishments are usually closed on holy days but malls just close up on Good Fridays. Normally, there are mall sales but we always enjoy  Cyber Monday where we get to buy good stuffs for summer vacations. 

I wish to have IPOD Nano 3G to replace my MP3  so I can enjoy jogging and idle  time all together. My kid will soon have his WII  and I can use this too for more fun. LOL!

Fashion Business for Filipino Artists

As part of my morning regimen, I wake up quite early for morning jogs and blades. But, since it is weekend already, we get to watch Swak na Swak, a Filipino program on small scale businesses.  

Of course, since my siblings and I are just new with business in spite of my mom's decade of furniture making, I am only interested how Filipinos thrive with  different industries. And, I can only be amazed that artists are into entrepreneurship too.

Just this morning, a beauty titlist, Daisy Reyes was featured with her soap and personally crafted sandals.  Now,  she  is only three  months old in business but she  is already exporting to Neatherlands. Quite inspiring, huh.

I guess this only proves that showbiz is never a long time career, these artists are just too sensible to fend for their future. I guess, we can only be inspired to do the same. 

The Philippines' Countryside Costumes

My rock-n- roll kid and nephew on the most basic costume for Native Filipinos


The other preschooler kids on their barong at saya costume with the teachers as mentors

I had the chance to have these pictures when my younger sibling uploaded the pictures from my pop's camera. 

The kids had their celebration of Buwan ng Wika as a mandated national month for the Filipino language.  Their presentations were wild but kids are kids, so, we were even delighted to see them all on stage. 

We were quite proud to see my kid and nephew doing their dance number. LOL!

Best Dressed Filipino Actors

I love foreign films but sometimes, I watch Filipino channels and  just get amazed by their skills and talents and choice for wardrobes. 

Beautiful actors and actresses simply are lovelier to look at  especially if they sport nicely styled stuffs. 

I find Marriane Rivera a beauty and  anything she wears is simply elegant and nice! Among the men, I like John Lloyd Cruz better. LOL!!!

But, during night time, we watch teleseries Agua Bendita, I love how the old vain woman there when she dress up. 

We can all really be vain but one sad truth among Filipinos is that only 5% or less are into investing for their futures. This can be attributed to the fact that every day can be more pressing than the future. This is even severed when there were pre - need insurance scams that plagued a number of parents and individuals. Thus, we can only be careful. Good thing, any type of insurance from  here  can be checked and evaluated. 

When everyday seems filled with a number of accidents and ill incidents, we can only be worried of what will happen to us or to our family once the unexpected comes and we don't have to resources to address the issue. 

Saving for our future can be a burden but using it on the most appropriate time  shall make all the burden worth it.  

I wish to save from buying unwanted stuffs and just invest for my future and my kid's. I just have to continue saving!  I can only wish it can be done by all Filipinos. 

Beatiful Color and Culture Tapestry of the B'Laan

Image: JF Vibert

source: Philippines.hvu.nl

We had the chance to visit a pure B'laan tribe today with some bloggers and the trip was pretty worth it in spite of the scary trip uphill.

Some of them were in their pretty tribal suits and were generous to showcase their dance. They have their combs, belts and woven clothes. The rest of us however, went to see their unique burial site where they place their box - enclosed dead on top of rocks until they decompose.

They quite believe that everything around them has a spirit owner that they have to pacify before they can claim or use. 

The community is big but with six families only. They sure are one big family to me.  The very old leader had eight wives! Pretty cool!

But, some B'laans in other parts of Mindanao do have their unique culture too.  It is only a sad thought that because of education and other  interventions, B'laan culture is gradually fading. We can only help them preserve their tribal spirit and traditions.  

Finding Fashion Apparel

We normally find party and formal gowns and accessories for parties and occasions normally held in February and March where students are enjoined to have their proms and graduation balls.

 

So, my sister did purchase new gowns to replenish the drained supplies.   To show off the stocks, I normally change our display window to color variants of gowns, dresses, and stuffs.

 

At least, the bypassers do check the stock and if we get lucky, we make sales too.

 

But, I hope that when I shall visit my sibling in her place, I can locate more good stuffs.  I can in her old place since  her new condo is still on process. City living is quite nice but the houses simply are pricey.  At least, one can check on their average costs and home insurance that can go with them. 

 

I can only hope for finding the best picks at lowest rates since buyers still consider price tags among other things. This economic recession really makes life in the Philippines harder. 

Witnessing Lakambini and Lakan 2010

In celebration of  Kalilangan 2010, the city government of General Santos held a beauty pageant. The pageant was conducted in one of the city’s grand mall and we were only prouder to witness lovely tribal costumes of T’boli, Bilaan and the Muslim tribes.

 

We were quite awed with  how a very ethnic fabric and accessories could look so grand on the contestants.

 

The  city shall have the pageant's coronation night soon as the festival commences on Saturday.