TWITTER & INSTAGRAM WAR: Mo Twister vs. Bubbles Paraiso and Karel Marquez Santos

MO TWISTER STRIKES AGAIN!

Mo Twister posted the photo above on his Instagram account with the following caption:

 "Taking bets whether they know what team he plays for...oops, a bit of underwear showing there. Nice move."

via Instagram

• bubblesparaiso: Why are u deleting comments. Mo, youve always had a problem with me. Come back to manila, lets talk and settle this once and for all. Ibang klase ka manira ng tao eh. Hello youre so far away naman. Hiding?
• djmotwister: @iamkarelmarquez I didn't even read your comment because it was so long. You can post it again though and I promise to read it this time. To be honest though, I didn't know that girl on the right was you. It looks nothing like you. And i didn't say there groupie or anything, I just thought it was a pretty girl and a bad angle that the photographer shot. Anyway, post your comment again. Sorry I erased it, it was just taking up too much space. Well, so is this comment.
• djmotwister: @bubblesparaiso I'm sorry, who are you? The one on the left?
• bubblesparaiso: U answer like a wuss. Oh wait. YOU ARE.
• djmotwister: @bubblesparaiso what is it? Are you gonna block me or not? You do the whole public blocking on twitter then go here on Instagram to converse with me? You are a dizzying intellect.
• bubblesparaiso: In just abt to block u on instagram, einstein.
• djmotwister: @bubblesparaiso oh okay. I'm ready to be blocked. It's terrifying but hold my hand during the process and tell me when it's over.

via Twitter
Karel Marquez Santos

• NEVER in my whole life did I mind immature captions until today. Sometimes we just have to, at least once ever.. I'm kind, but not so today.
• Why delete MY only comment? Face me.
• He deleted MY comment but I saved it on my phone. You know I know you in person and we have had brief talks 

 

Bubbles Paraiso

• @rolfsburg @djmotwister @iamkarelmarquez nagpa-picture lang , groupie na agad? #narrowmind
• someones deleting all the negative comments about him on his instagram. too much to take i guess? truth hurts? tsk tsk tsk.
• i have had enough of you and your lies @djmotwister. malicious insinuations much? ENOUGH ALREADY! come back here & face me!
• mag usap tayo ng masinsinan, harapan. tama si @glocdash9, minsan mas lalake pa sa lalake ang bakla. para sayo ata yun
• @djmotwister eh di mo pala ako kilala, lagi mo ko tinitira. are you STUPID?!
• @djmotwister blocking u now. all u want is attention. there i gave it to u. now bye.
• ok thats it. enough bad vibes. saya saya ng buhay eh. i hope the ksp is happy now that he was given attention. haha loving the twitterlove from my followers. the best talaga kayo :) ok, wag na naten patulan yung nagtatagong littleboy :)
• parang iba dapat ang maglaban sa #onefc...
• @akosimymy nagpapicture lang po ako. groupie ba agad yun? his table was behind ours. aint a sin to ask a famous athlete for a photo ryt?

Mo Twister

• @rolfsburg Huh, what war? There's a war? Oh, shit, you're telling me those girls in the pic was them? I didnt know that was them!
• @bubblesparaiso I'm sorry, but who are you and why are you mad? I'm uninformed.
• I just got blocked by a person I don't even follow. Talk about overall appraisal of ones own worth.
• @betsydaroza I dont think so. I got a tweet saying "im blocking u now." I thought to myself, "But I dont follow u." Sounds self-centered.
• Mags Magno: @djmotwister blocking someone who's not even following you... #feelingera. Her name somehow describe what's in her brain. #JustSaying
• Hahaha exactly. And to be honest, I don't hate her. I just hate people like her. There's a difference! #ThatWasAJokeOK?
• Block me here only to go on my Instagram to talk to me there. I'm dizzy.
• @iloveruffag Haha I heard she sent you a message to send me a message! That's hilarious! Why did she block me then? #Comedy #BigStarScandal!

Kris Aquino's letter for Jillian Robredo

Queen of All Media Kris Aquino's letter for Jillian Robredo (daughter of DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo)

WANTED: Derek’s Next Anna

Just a background, we’re pretty sure you’ve heard about the Anna Banana song that turned into a viral LSS a couple of months back. Finally the girl replies! 

Watch Anna’s rejection video to Derek

Derek’s family came to the rescue and supported him! Watch the complete story here.

And in case you’d like to see Derek’s video one more time, here’s the link

Unfortunately Anna don't like Derek one bit! So sad:-(  Derek is heartbroken. Haist!! Puppy love how cruel can you get?


Being pretty does not give Anna the right to hurt other people's feelings. Anna could have been more subtle so she and Derek could remain friends. Saying to the world that Derek dances like a monkey is a bit over. After all, no one is perfect. Derek made an effort by dancing singing and rapping just to let Anna know about his feelings. I bet a guy needs a lot of courage just to do that. On the other hand, I think Anna is just being true to herself besides, they're so young. But then again, being pretty and kind will not hurt, right? My heart bleeds for Derek :-(

But wait we can do something about it, right dear readers?

As for me, I would like to see Derek with Jill Robredo in the next PLDT Commercial!

I saw on a TV clip that Jill, wanted to be the next Kris Aquino, and starting as Derek's New Anna will be a nice start, right peeps?

Jillian Therese "Jill" Robredo is the youngest daughter of the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo and Attorney Leni Gerona-Robredo.

Jill is pretty and bright. She is very talented especially in Math. She got her love for numbers from her dad. She is also a very good swimmer. 

"I am already 12 and in my first year in high school at the Naga City Science High School. I will continue discovering myself and my talents and work hard at them. I am excited at what the future will bring" quips Jill.

You my readers can also help Derek find a new ‘Anna’!

Be Derek’s Next Anna by going to www.dereksnewanna.com.

All YOU have to do is submit a video entry on why YOU should be Derek’s new Anna! If you win, you’ll be part of the next PLDT myDSL commercial and also take home a Samsung Ultrabook. How cool could that be?

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 Buying and Selling online is about to get even more interesting as AyosDito.ph, the classified ads website, gives you SURF. CLICK. WIN! Over P2,000,000 worth of cash prizes to be given away. 

 
To participate, all you have to do is visit the site’s ad pages from August 6, 2012 until September 16, 2012 to find the AyosDito.ph “Great Deal” icon that will randomly appear with corresponding amount of prizes. 

HOW TO JOIN AyosDito.ph SURF,CLICK,WIN Promo!

Join now and get the chance to be one of the weekly winners. 

Be our next lucky surfer, so join now! 

For full mechanics, visit: www.ayosdito.ph/great_deals_mechanics.html

Per DTI-NCR Permit No.: 6478 Series of 2012

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA: All I Ask Of You Video

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA: All I Ask Of You

I can't stop listening to this song.  I still hear this song even when I am sleeping. It happened since I watched The Phantom of the Opera in CCP Main Theater last Tuesday. I am bitten by the Phantom craze! I am sorry to bugged you with my favorite music.  You ought to watch the opera too, and find out for yourself why I am singing praises to this play.

Let me share you my latest favorite song:

Violin and Piano version Instrumental



another

Phantom of the Opera Manila Cast

Phantom of the Opera Manila Cast

Meet the cast members of the Phantom of the Opera

Playing the Phantom is Jonathan Roxmouth. Said to be the youngest English man to do the role of Phantom.

 

Claire Lyon plays Christine. She first did Love Never Dies (sequel to the Phantom of the Opera) in Australia as an alternate and one of the most beautiful theater actress for the role.

  

 Playing Raoul is Anthony Downing he is said to be the world’s most handsome for the role.

 

 They sing so well. I can still hear all the songs in my mind!

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s -The Phantom Of The Opera

It was my first time to watch an opera at CCP Main Theater with my brother last August 28, 2012.  Parking was a pain in the ass, it took us nearly an hour before we were able to park at a nearby parking area.  So, I suggest you come early.

We hurriedly ate dinner inside the car while waiting for an empty parking slot at Harbour Square.

It is a good thing that The Phantom of the Opera did not disappoint us. I highly recommend Andrew Lloyd Webber’s -The Phantom Of The Opera. Everyone, I tell you, don't you dare miss this play!

I wanted to capture some scenes for you my readers, unfortunately, the security at the entrance asked me to leave my DSLR at the counter. They give me a number tag and asked me to claim my camera after the show. Too bad :-(  The pictures below is courtesy of Jory Rivera.Thank you Jory!

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s critically acclaimed masterpiece celebrated its 25th anniversary on the West End stage last year, and continues to play to full houses nightly in London, New York and around the world. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has been seen by over 130 million people worldwide, in more than 27 countries, has won over 50 major theater awards, and has grossed more than US$5.6 billion. 

The setting of the tragic romance is in the Paris Opera House,  said to be haunted by a Phantom. Young talent Christine Daaé catches the Phantom’s fancy and he eventually falls in love with the young beautiful performer. Unfortunately, Christine even has already pledged her love to her childhood friend, Raoul.

The love triangle ignited a feud that affects the activities of the opera house and leads to an emotional roller-coaster ride filled with jealousy, passion, deceit, devotion and thrill. At the end Christine is forced to make a decision, which can only end in  two ways

1. Her marriage to the Phantom
2. or Raoul’s untimely demise.

The cast and crew are world-class. They have nearly a hundred tons sets, more than 700 stage lighting equipment and accessories. Oh, and yeah over 230 intricately designed and restored costumes by the late design titan Maria Björnson. I so love the dresses! They were so lovely. I wish I could wear one. The plot’s unexpected twist will leave you breathless. “The Phantom of the Opera” is truly one of the most exquisite multi-sensory experiences in musical theater.

“Inside a musical like this, which is ‘God’s gift to musical theater’ as it has been quoted, it’s true on every level,” Roxmouth said.

You are getting the best of the best be it in design, stage, orchestra, musical score. It's been around for 26 years and there’s a reason for that. It is simply the best among the best.

 

I wonder how much money did the producers spent for the Philippine run of this play? They have a magnificent stage. I super love the stage, casts, dresses, music and the whole play in general.

 

Special commendation to Andrea Creighton's performance. She played the character of Carlotta Guidicelle also known as the Opera Diva. As the Prima Donna Carlotta, Andrea Creighton relishes every opportunity not only to showcase her legitimate operatic prowess, technique and stylish Italian accent. Andrea played Carlotta with great comic touch and compelling vocal control. Tunay na kahanga hanga ang galing ng boses niya. Grabe!

Ticket prices ranges from:

Note: I was not paid to write about this show. This is my own experience. This is the best show ever for me. It is worth every penny! I want to see this play again, if I'll be given a chance. Super Like ko talaga!

Attire? I saw a lot of ladies fully made up and some in gowns and stiletto heels but that was not necessary. Smart Casual will do, just don't go there in shorts and slippers.

Don't miss your chance dear readers. Watch Andrew Lloyd Webber’s -The Phantom Of The Opera. Buy your tickets now and be enthralled! Super like ko yun song na All I ask of you! Kakilig! Happy Watching!

Ladies Night at Buddha-Bar Manila

An Invitation to all the jovial, lovely ladies of the cosmopolitan Metro, brace yourself to celebrate this August 31, 2012, as Buddha-Bar Manila stirs up an enthralling revelry that will surely enliven Manila’s party scene. Buddha-Bar Manila is opening its doors for Ladies First!—a night for all women who know how to party in style. Manila’s hottest DJ trio of Ornusa Cadness, Mia Ayesa, and Sanya Smith—collectively known as The Zombettes, will provide the unique world-famous Buddha-Bar music, soothing yet sensual that will transport you to a place away from the clatter and clutter of everyday life. The affair will be hosted by iconic radio DJ Sam YG, plus prizes like an e-gadget and a French designer bag will be raffled to all the lady attendees. Ladies First! is truly set to fuel the fabulous crowd all night.

But what makes it even more exciting is that the place is not just a typical setting with an open dance floor and couches on the sides. As a franchise of the world renowned bar-lounge-restaurant chain conceived by the late Raymond Visan in Paris, France in 1996, Buddha-Bar Manila carries the Buddha-Bar signature sophistication that has awed even the crowds of Monte Carlo, Kiev, Prague, Budapest, Mexico, Dubai, Beirut, Cairo and Tblisi. Buddha-Bar Manila has the same grandeur and opulence, with mystical interiors coupled with a glorious expanse filled with ornate fixtures, subdued amber lightning, and eclectic Asian décor.

And of course, what’s a party without delicacies and thirst-quenchers? Palates are guaranteed to feast with Buddha-Bar’s wide array of drinks and dishes that are all conjured with first-class ingredients and gustative concepts. With cuisine that perfectly fuse the strong Asian flavors with delicate French influences, dishes like Seared Sesame Tuna with Shiitake Vinaigrette, Fillet Mignon cooked “Teppan Yaki” Style, and a full selection of sushi palates will truly lift any party up a few notches.

A Classy Destination in the Metro

With or without themed events, Buddha-Bar Manila is always poised to satisfy its guests. In addition to its luscious treats and drinks, the mix of original Buddha-Bar music— ambient tracks and chill-out grooves— complement its overall ambiance. And since Buddha-Bar is known for its world-class DJs, it also offers compilations of musical collections that are exclusively selected by these DJs and stamped uniquely Buddha-Bar.

The newest lifestyle destination that is nestled in Makati at Picar Place has now become the haven for people who want to escape the frenzy of urban life and bask in Buddha-Bar Manila’s fantastic backdrop. Formally launched in January, Buddha-Bar Manila’s opening was graced by the presence of top fashion models Tweety de Leon-Gonzales, Mariana Benipayo, Bianca Valerio, fashion designers JC Buendia and Randy Ortiz, TV personality Rovilson Fernandez, and other prominent and discerning individuals who all have a penchant for classy party spots.

So ladies, mark your calendars and experience the exceptional delight first-hand this August 31. Feel free to bring your gentlemen friends along and be dazzled as you revel in the spotlight on a stylish night of music and culinary delight—only at Buddha-Bar Manila.

Ladies First! is Buddha-Bar Manila’s special ladies night out on August 31. For only P1,000( One thousand pesos), every guest is entitled to two (2) complimentary drinks. Plus all the ladies will get the chance to go home with an

•  e-gadget 
•  or an iconic French designer bag. 

For ticket reservations, call (02) 856-6719/6859/5738.

Buddha-Bar Manila is located at Picar Place, Kalayaan Avenue 
Open six days a week from 12nn until 2am (3am on weekends). 

For more information, visit <www.buddhabarmanila.com>

Villar Foundation Partnered with DZRH for Manila Bay Cleanup

Villar Foundation Partnered with DZRH for Manila Bay Cleanup 

The recent cleanup drive of the Villar Foundation with Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC), attracted hundreds of volunteers.

Keeping with its environment-related advocacies, The Villar Foundation had recently inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) as represented by radio station DZRH in its Manila Bay Cleanup drive.
 
The Villar Foundation, led by its vibrant Managing Director Cynthia Villar, together with at least 1,000 volunteers from schools, barangays, NGOs, socio-civic organizations, and other private individuals and groups had joined the cleanup drive. Their assigned garbage cleanup area is in the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat & Eco-Tourism Area or LPPCHEA, off Manila Bay.
“We have always been concerned about the condition of the Manila Bay. The recent typhoons have shown all of us the bay’s decaying state due to people’s indiscriminate throwing and dumping of garbage there. Regular cleanup drives such as this are always a good idea,” quips Cynthia Villar.

During the recent typhoon Gener, according to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), at least 200 truckloads or over 500 tons of garbage, washed away to shore by the storm surge, was collected around the Manila Bay area. It took weeks to completely collect the big piles of garbage.
Villar added that the foundation conducts regular weekly cleanups at LPPCHEA but Saturday’s cleanup with DZRH is just bigger in terms of number of volunteers.

As per the MoA, MBC or DZRH lead the Manila Bay Cleanup project last August 25, 2012 (Saturday) along the coastline of Manila Bay from Navotas to Bacoor, Cavite in line with their agenda to help promote any and all efforts in relation to the promotion of sustainable ecosystem of Manila Bay.

The clean-up activities took place from 7am to 11am onwards and the garbage collected was turned over to the appropriate government solid waste collector in the area.

“The Villar Foundation and DZRH agree that this is a joint cooperative undertaking, but more importantly, it is a major public service activity that shall help contribute to the promotion of a livable, healthier and ecological sustainable Manila Bay,” cited the MoA.

Villar has been vocal about her strong support for the protection of Manila Bay. It can be recalled on March 16 this year that Mrs. Cynthia Villar filed a petition for Writ of Kalikasan against a Manila Bay reclamation project that is seen to cause catastrophic flooding in the area. The Supreme Court granted her petition and issued a writ of kalikasan in April, 2012.

“We will continue to support campaigns or drives to protect Manila Bay and neighboring areas including LPPCHEA. At the same, time, we will continue to oppose projects that will cause damage and destruction to the bay and nearby cities,” cited Villar.

For more details about the projects and programs of the Villar Foundation, please visit its website www.villarfoundation.org or follow its Twitter account www.twitter.com/VFoundationInc

Viva & Goodah Are Now Partners

Viva & Goodah Are Now Partners 
 
VIVA Entertainment, Inc. owner Vic del Rosario, Jr. sealed partnership with iconic food brand GoodAh!!!, the quick service restaurant (QSR) chain that pioneered the all-day, all-night, “25-hour” food service concept in the country.

Del Rosario, Jr., popularly known as “Boss Vic,” decided to buy into GoodAh!!! and contribute in growing the brand further. He sees GoodAh!!! opening more branches to give the new generation of Pinoy fast food diners the opportunity to enjoy great-tasting, Filipino comfort food.

Shown in photo are (L-R), Timothy James Yang, President of GoodAh!!!; Vicente Del Rosario Jr., VIVA Entertainment, Inc. owner; and GoodAh!!!directors Richard Yang, Jose Antonio Soler and Andrew Mendiola, during the contract signing. For more information about GoodAh!!!, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/goodahopen25hours

PENGUIN UPDATE: I was unfairly hit

PENGUIN UPDATE: I was unfairly hit

From page one most of my posts are now on page three! I was unfairly hit by the latest Penguin Update :-(

Why are those Press Releases and photos from the PR's CD on page one and two? Is that the quality of post Google wanted? 

Google are you really serious? You want us to copy paste the PR's CD that was distributed to us? Because you give greater weight to the quality of those posts than our own wordings and actual experience. Shall I add our own photographs?

This is so unfair! I don't even use SEO, black hat, white hat or green hat whatever, yes, I can't process them on my mind but I saw and heard those terms from other bloggers.

I'd like to ask Google why am I being punished for using my actual experience than copy pasting articles sent by the PR agencies.

I don't even participate anymore in blog comment exchange like the ones they practice on blogger groups.

If you feel your site was also unfairly targeted,  you can submit this form to Google on the newest Penguin update:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/vie … aTBQbkE6MQ

Tell tale signs of a Penguin hit:

• A big drop in ranking by as much as 20 to 30 places
• A traffic drop  by as much as 50 to 70%
• A note from Google in Webmaster Tools concerning the quality of your website 

Geez, I don't know if I even have a webmaster tools. Well, well, I decided to just copy paste from now on to please Google. 

FREE SEMINAR: Chinoypreneur Day

FREE SEMINAR: Chinoypreneur Day

 

Free Registration!

For centuries, the Chinese are regarded as pioneers in business. Ask a non-Chinese about a characteristic that best define them and you will likely receive this answer: good in business (the other is rich but that is the by-product of the first answer). Sometime in June, Forbes released its much-awaited 2012 Philippines’ richest. Not surprisingly, more than half of the 40 entries in the list were of Chinese descent, and not even critics can discount the economic value they contribute to the Philippines.

To date, this phenomenon remains shrouded in mystery. What made the Chinese so adept in business? What made the Chinese become movers and shakers in business at all?

The irony was that the Chinese never intended to become businessmen nor entrepreneurs when they stepped onto the Philippines let alone prosper from it. They were prepared to do anything. Historians and anthropologists agree that the Chinese venturing into business was about survival. 

But those days are long gone now. Today, the Chinese fosters an environment that allows the youth to grow up to become entrepreneurs just like previous generations. Fortunately, the community supports such environment and continues to cultivate and harness the entrepreneurial spirits of the youth. 

And count “CHInoypreneur” to support such cause. 

“CHInoypreneur” is an advocacy project of CHInoy TV, the country’s only trilingual magazine show.  This project is co-presented by Multiply.com in cooperation with Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), Go Negosyo, Mansmith and Fielders and the Alliance of Filipino-Chinese Students (AFICS). 

Launched in 2011, CHInoypreneur aims to promote entrepreneurship among the youth and to help improve the current state of Chinoy-owned businesses by educating them with different tools, technologies, and strategies in the fields of leadership, marketing, finance, information technology and human resources that would enable them to compete with the bigger and more established companies.  CHInoypreneur also aims to foster unity among the Chinoy community across different industries.

CHInoypreneur will revolve around two main projects: the CHInoypreneur day and the CHInoypreneur Challenge 2012.

The CHInoypreneur day is a one-day seminar that will be conducted by different business experts and will invite aspiring businessmen and even college students. Sharing their insights and expertise will be business gurus such as Samie Lim for franchising; Josiah Go for marketing; Randell Tiongson for finance; Paulo Tibig for basics of entrepreneurship and Michaelangelo Lobrin for business values.

Meanwhile, the CHInoypreneur Challenge 2012 is a business reality segment on CHInoy TV that will have college students apply what they have learned from the CHInoypreneur seminar. 

Now on its second run, this year’s CHInoypreneur Challenge 2012 promises to be bigger and bolder, with collegiate students showcasing their entrepreneurial skills in a competitive challenge. Some of the participating schools are the De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, University of Sto. Tomas, Philippine Cultural College, Chang Kai Shek College, University of the Philippines, and University of Asia and the Pacific.

The CHInoypreneur Day will be held at the 7th Floor Federation Center in Binondo, on September 1, 2012. Don’t pass this opportunity to learn from the brightest minds of Philippines business, and get a sneak peek at how the CHInoypreneur 2012 business competition will unfold this year. 

Registration for CHInoypreneur Day is free. 
Just visit the CHInoy TV fanpage to register (www.facebook.com/chinoytvofficial).

VIDEO OF PNOY'S EULOGY TO JESSE ROBREDO

“Mission accomplished na siya sa mundong ito.” (He has accomplished his mission in this world.)

The wife of the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo said her husband often wondered if his works in the national government were appreciated. On the day he is laid to rest, Robredo got a resounding answer from his boss, President Benigno Aquino III.

Aquino paid a final tribute to Robredo, hailing him as a trailblazer in his administration’s campaign for a straight and narrow path.

Aquino delivered the eulogy for Robredo before a packed crowd of Robredo’s family, friends, Cabinet members, colleagues, supporters and well-wishers at the Basilica Minore de Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia in Naga City on Tuesday, August 28.

The President summed up the various roles Robredo played in his 54 years.

“Nawalan po ng asawa at ama ang kanyang pamilya; nawalan po ang bayan ng isang tapat at mahusay na pinuno. Nawalan po ako ng isang kapatid sa opisyal na pamilya sa Gabinete, ng kasangga sa mga ipinaglalaban, at ng kapartido,” Aquino said. (His family lost a husband and father; the nation lost a faithful and competent leader. I lost a brother in my official family in the Cabinet, a comrade in advocacies, a partymate.)

Ultimately, though, Aquino said his loss was personal.

“Nawalan po ako ng isang mabuting kaibigan.” (I lost a good friend.)

Aquino said during the hours Robredo’s body had not yet been recovered, he was hoping the Secretary would suddenly show up and apologize for getting everyone worried.

Robredo’s plane crashed off Masbate on August 18. Aquino led the search operations in Masbate. On August 21, divers recovered Robredo’s body.

HIGHEST HONOR. Leni Robredo receives the Legion of Honor award on behalf of her late husband from President Aquino.

‘What you see is what you get’

After days of tributes and testimonials from those close to Robredo, it was Aquino’s turn to answer the question: who was Robredo?

“Talaga pong huwarang lingkod-bayan si Jesse: nakatuon palagi sa kapwa at handang magsakripisyo. Sa lahat ng mga nakakausap ko, siya ang taong walang kapasepasensya sa bola. Kay Jesse, what you see is what you get.” (Jesse was truly a model public servant: focused on others and ready to sacrifice. Among the many I have talked to, he is the person who hates flattery. In Jesse, what you see is what you get.)

Aquino recalled fond times with Robredo, particularly when the Cabinet would unwind through songs. He said Robredo would look for someone to sing with and was happy to share the chorus with a colleague.

“Pinakabuo ang kanyang ngiti kapag pasampa na siya sa entablado; tawa po siya nang tawa.” (His smile was biggest when he is onstage. He kept laughing.)

Aquino said this memory represents Robredo’s brand of leadership.

“Hindi siya naging kuntento sa status quo; pinatunayan niya sa Naga na posible ang pagbabago. Posibleng madaig ang sistemang matagal nang nangingibabaw; posibleng madaig ang mga pulitikong napakatagal namayagpag at kinasangkapan ang pusisyon para sa pansariling interes.” (He was not content with the status quo; he showed in Naga that change is possible. He showed that the prevailing system can be overcome, that we can defeat politicians who have long ruled and used their position for their personal interest.)

Aquino added, “Trailblazer po si Jesse sa tuwid na daan. Pinatunayan niyang puwede palang magtagumpay sa pulitika nang hindi nagiging trapo.” (Jesse was a trailblazer in the straight and narrow path. He showed you can succeed in politics without being a traditional politician.)

Aquino’s frontman

As an alter ego, Aquino said Robredo was one of a kind. While there are those who wait for the President to take the lead in addressing problems, Robredo himself would take the initiative.

“Si Jesse po, kabilang sa mga bibihirang tao na ang sasabihin, ‘Sir, ako na lang ang haharap, ako na lang ang pu-pronta.’” (Jesse is among those who will say, ‘Sir, I will be the one to face this.’)

At the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the President said Robredo was a fast worker, whose policy was to do everything ASAP.

The President recalled the time that informal settlers asked for help via text message because it was flooding and they were in the danger zone.

“Nag-text po sa atin na nanghihingi ng tulong at saklolo; kinakabahan sila sa paglilipat, at nagtatanong kung may kabuhayan ba silang daratnan. Kinausap po sila ni Jesse. Matapos ang dalawang oras na meeting, ang mga SOS text, naging thank you text na po. Salamat Jesse!” (They texted us asking for help. They were nervous about being relocated and were asking if they will have livelihood. Jesse was talking to them. After two hours of meeting, the SOS text messages became ‘thank you’ text messages. Thank you, Jesse!)

IMPRESSIVE FAMILY. Aquino thanks the Robredo family for their strength and for carrying the nation despite their grief.

Loss like Ninoy

Aquino said he witnessed how devoted Robredo was to his family. In the times he treated his Cabinet to meals, Aquino said Robredo would beg off if the event fell on a weekend.

“Sagrado sa kanya ang oras kasama ang pamilya. Palagi siyang nagmamadaling makauwi sa Naga.” (Family time to him was sacred. He was always rushing to go home to Naga.)

The President also paid tribute to Robredo’s widow, Leni, and daughters Aika, Patricia and Jillian for their strength throughout the ordeal.

“Talagang pinapahanga n’yo kami, dahil kayo pa ang nagbibigay ng lakas sa amin, kayo pa ang nagbibitbit sa amin.” (You really impressed us because you are the ones giving us strength. You are the ones carrying us through.)

Aquino said Robredo’s loss reminded him of the death of his father, the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. Yet like the generation of heroes inspired by his father, Aquino said he was certain Robredo’s death would spark the rise of new Filipino heroes.

The President ended his eulogy on a joyful note.

“Kaya’t huwag na po tayong lumuha. Sa halip, magpasalamat tayo. Sa maikling panahong narito siya sa mundo, tayo pa ang nabiyayaan ng pagkakataong makapiling si Jesse Manalastas Robredo.” (So let’s not cry. Instead, let us be grateful. In the short time he was here in this world, we were blessed with the opportunity to be with Jesse Manalastas Robredo.)

JESSE ROBREDO'S TEN LESSONS ON GOOD GOVERNANCE

JESSE ROBREDO'S TEN LESSONS ON GOOD GOVERNANCE

Mayor Jesse Robredo's commencement address to the graduates of Ateneo de Manila University Class of 2003 while he was still the mayor of Naga City.

Toward the end of his address, Robredo gave this advice to the young people listening to him.

“This address will not be complete without venturing to answer the question as to where will you go from here,” he began.

“Should you choose to be a big fish in a small pond, or a small fish in a big pond? Whatever your doubts are, follow your heart… I must say that desire and commitment far outweigh knowledge and skill. The latter can be learned. Without the former, your life’s work will be a profession and not a vocation. 

“You must always remember that you cannot give what you do not have. Measure success in terms of how pleased you are with what you have done and not as to how people define it, with its attendant perks."

“Later on in life, you will realize that it is neither your successes nor your conquests that will give you satisfaction. It is your contribution that really matters—paying back what you owe the community that nurtured you.” 

Under the leadership of Robredo, Naga City achieved a remarkable record, being the “most awarded” local government unit in the country by Galing Pook, which in 1994 started recognizing the best practices in local governance. The city garnered its first Galing Pook award on its first year and to date has received a total of 14 Galing Pook awards. 

The folks behind Galing Pook (which means “Good Place”) distill 10 lessons and “guideposts” on the practice of good local governance as shown by the record of Robredo and Naga City. These are (edited only for space constraints):

1. Improve productivity. Naga embarked on a program that aimed to bring out the full potential of various departments and offices of the entire city government. The program focused on four main thrusts of providing sufficient services; getting optimum outputs with minimum expenditure; producing quality results as desired and planned; and making services accessible and acceptable.
2. Computerize. The city created an effective and efficient management system that streamlined business transaction processes, provided a dependable database for more effective decision-making, and made the city administration more responsive to its citizens’ needs.
3. Empower the people. The city government laid down a clear and comprehensive framework that allows its constituents to take active part in governance. Nagueños are able to voice their concerns and suggestions to City Hall and act on various issues—from procurement to budgeting, to scuttling an initial plan of the local government to set up a golf course. As a result, 193 nongovernment and people’s organizations now work with the local government through the Naga City People’s Council.
4. i-Govern. The city tapped the “power of information” and its value as a truly empowering tool when made accessible to the people. Nagueños need only to go online for their business license, birth certificate, or even when they want to bid for government procurements.
5. Reinvent institutions. In the reinvented school board of Naga, the structure is able to ensure transparency, accountability, participation, and predictability. The membership has been expanded and has made education officials accountable to the public.
6. Train the youth. The City Youth Month Program of Naga engaged the city’s top youth leaders to compete for any one of the 45 slots that would put them in executive and legislative positions, as well as in the nongovernment sector. The project enhanced greater involvement of the youth in government affairs.
7. Be prepared always. Started in May 1991, Emergency Rescue Naga addresses the urgent need for fast and reliable service in times of emergency. ERN provides 24-hour quick response medical and protective services to all Naga residents in crisis situations.
8. Prioritize the marginalized. Naga faced the challenges posed by informal settlers by launching the Kaantabay sa Kauswagan or Partners in Development Program in 1989 guided by two key principles. First, the government will not help the urban poor unless they actively participate in solving their own problems. Second is the tripartite effort among the urban poor organizations, national and local government agencies, and landowners in which the interests and abilities of each party are taken into account.
9. Invest in children. The comprehensive and innovative pre-school program addresses the need for improved access and equity in quality education for the young. The program has also facilitated the integration of differently abled children in the mainstream of society.
10. Together, we can do better. The Metro Naga Development Council pools together the efforts and resources of 13 local government units, the private sector and the national government agencies in Camarines Sur focusing on projects addressing the immediate needs of the community and lay the groundwork for long-term growth in the area.

Thanks to GMA News and to friends who passed this along.

VIDEO OF LENI GERONA ROBREDO'S ACCEPTANCE OF THE LEGION OF HONOR AWARD ON BEHALF OF MAYOR POGI JESSE ROBREDO.

VIDEO OF LENI GERONA ROBREDO'S ACCEPTANCE OF THE LEGION OF HONOR AWARD ON BEHALF OF MAYOR POGI JESSE ROBREDO.

To Jess,

Rest well, we will love you forever- Leni

EULOGY OF PINOY IN HONOR OF JESSE ROBREDO

Eulogy of His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III President of the Philippines In honor of the late 
Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Jesse M. Robredo

[Delivered at the Basilica Minore de Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia, Naga City, on August 28, 2012]

Bilang kawani ng gobyerno, tanggap na po dapat natin: Darating ang araw na bababa rin tayo sa puwesto—sa madaling salita, magreretiro. Ngayon pa lang po, nai-imagine ko nang magkikita-kita tayo sa isang restaurant nang may kani-kaniyang senior citizen card na nakasilid sa pitaka. Magkakainan tayo, magtatawanan, at pagkukuwentuhan kung ano ang mga pinagdaanan namin. Kung ano ang mga nagawa natin.

Hindi na po makakasama si Jesse sa mga kuwentuhang iyon. Hindi na po natin makakabiruan si Jesse tungkol sa pagkilatis sa mga manliligaw ng anak niya, at sa mga susunod pong taon, wala na rin siya para makipaglaro sa mga magiging apo niya.

Hindi madaling tanggapin ang biglaang pagkawala ni Jesse. Hindi po natin inasahan ang pangyayaring ito, ngunit sa kabila ng ating kaba at pagkabigla nang unang marinig ang balita, ginawa natin ang lahat ng ating magagawa upang mailigtas siya kung papalarin, at kung hindi man, upang mabigyan ng angkop at marangal na pagwawakas ang trahedyang sinapit natin. Habang humahaba po ang panahon, umasa tayo na isang minuto ay darating siya at sasabihing, “Pasensya na kayo, naabala ko kayong lahat sa tagal ng pagdating ko.”

Ngayon po, kaisa ako sa pagluluksa ng sambayanang napagkaitan ng isang tunay na lingkod-bayan. Kung mayroon pong Diyos na nagmamahal sa atin at bukal ng katarungan, sigurado akong kapiling na niya ngayon si Kalihim Jesse Robredo. Nawalan po ng asawa at ama ang kanyang pamilya; nawalan po ang bayan ng isang tapat at mahusay na pinuno. Nawalan po ako ng isang kapatid sa opisyal na pamilya sa Gabinete, ng kasangga sa mga ipinaglalaban, at ng kapartido. Nawalan po ako ng isang mabuting kaibigan.

Sino po ba si Jesse Robredo? Talaga pong huwarang lingkod-bayan si Jesse: nakatuon palagi sa kapwa at handang magsakripisyo. Sa lahat ng mga nakakausap ko, siya ang taong walang kapasepasensya sa bola. Kay Jesse, what you see is what you get. Tahimik at masipag siyang nagtatrabaho. Hindi siya nagpadala sa kapangyarihan. Sa kabila ng naabot niya, nanatiling simple ang kanyang pamumuhay, hindi nalalayo sa karaniwang taong napakalapit sa kanyang puso.

Si Jesse po ang tipo ng tao na batid ang kanyang mga kakayahan at limitasyon. Halimbawa po: sa kantahan. Kadalasan, kung may kasiyahan, kami-kami lang din ang nag-e-entertain sa sarili namin para makatipid. Si Jesse po, hahanap ng mga kasangga para may kasabay siyang kakanta ng chorus, at hindi na siya mag-i-individual performance. Pinakabuo ang kanyang ngiti kapag pasampa na siya sa entablado; tawa po siya nang tawa. Sa dami po ng mga talentadong nagkukumpol-kumpol, nakakapagtaka na halos wala kaming marinig sa mga boses nila bagama’t may mikroponong tangan o hawak.

Dalawa raw po sa paborito niyang kanta ay “My Way” at “Impossible Dream.” Tatak nga po siguro ito ng mga paniniwala niya. Hindi siya naging kuntento sa status quo; pinatunayan niya sa Naga na posible ang pagbabago. Posibleng madaig ang sistemang matagal nang nangingibabaw; posibleng madaig ang mga pulitikong napakatagal namayagpag at kinasangkapan ang pusisyon para sa pansariling interes. Trailblazer po si Jesse sa tuwid na daan. Pinatunayan niyang puwede palang magtagumpay sa pulitika nang hindi nagiging trapo.

Hindi po madali ang pagtahak sa landas na ito, lalo na noong nagsisimula pa lamang siya sa serbisyong pampubliko. Malawak at malalim ang mga pagbabagong inasam niya, at sinimulan niya ito ng hindi nakakatiyak kung may patutunguhan nga bang tagumpay. Katambal ng kanyang mga pangarap ang napakaraming mga praktikal na konsiderasyon, ngunit pinili niyang lumihis sa mga nakasanayang mga pormula sa pulitika. Alam po ito ng mga taong malapit sa kanya: mas pipiliin pa niyang makulong kaysa bumitaw sa mga causa na aming pinaniniwalaan. Nang nasa oposisyon po kami, hindi naman puwedeng suspendihin ganon lang ang mga nasa lehislatura, pero sa katulad niyang Mayor, laging nakabinbin ang banta ng pang-aapi o dineretso ngang inapi na. Mas marami at mas mabigat ang pagtatayang ginawa niya sa kanyang buhay pulitika. Ito pong isyu ukol sa kanyang citizenship, alam naman natin ang motibasyon. Pero hindi siya nagtanim ng galit sa mga nagsampa ng mga paulit-ulit na walang katuturang kasong ito.

Alam po natin ang katotohanan sa pulitika: may ibang nakangiti kapag kaharap mo, pero kung tumalikod ka, pakiramdam mo sasaksakin ka. Napahanga talaga ako ni Jesse, dahil miski ang nagpakita sa kanya ng di-kagandahang ugali, kaya niyang harapin nang walang bahid ng galit at pagkayamot.

Bukod sa mabait, matino, at mahusay si Jesse, mabilis din siyang umaksyon. Lahat, ASAP sa kanya; hindi niya ugaling patagalin sa mesa ang mga magagawa naman ngayon. Kung kayang simulan, sinisimulan agad niya. Naalala ko nga po, minsan may mga informal settler na kailangang ilipat, dahil nakatira sa danger zone sila kapag bumabaha. Nag-text po sa atin na nanghihingi ng tulong at saklolo; kinakabahan sila sa paglilipat, at nagtatanong kung may kabuhayan ba silang daratnan. Kinausap po sila ni Jesse. Matapos ang dalawang oras na meeting, ang mga SOS text, naging thank you text na po. Salamat Jesse!

Iba po talaga si Jesse. Kapag mayroon tayong matinding problemang kinakaharap, palagi naman pong nandiyan ang mga taong sumosuporta at magsasabing, “Nasa likod mo kami.” Pero si Jesse po, kabilang sa mga bibihirang tao na ang sasabihin, “Sir, ako na lang ang haharap, ako na lang ang pu-pronta.” Hindi po nasa likod. Talagang kasama sa pilosopiya niya sa buhay ang hindi maging pabigat sa kapwa; ang palaging mag-ambag ng pinakamalaki niyang maiaambag, o lagpas pa, para makahanap ng solusyon.

Kay Leni, at kina Aika, Tricia, at Jillian: Sa totoo lang, medyo nahihiya ako sa inyo. Kayo ang pamilya; sigurado akong pinakamabigat ang kalungkutang nararamdaman ninyo ngayon. Pero talagang pinapahanga n’yo kami, dahil kayo pa ang nagbibigay ng lakas sa amin, kayo pa ang nagbibitbit sa amin.

Leni, alam mo naman, hindi tayo masyadong nagkakakilala, dahil na rin pinilit ni Jesse na magkaroon siya palagi ng private time kasama ang kanyang pamilya. Alam ng Gabinete ito: Sa hirap ng aming mga pinagdadaanan, ang pinakagantimpala ko po sa kanila ay paminsan-minsan ang pagpapakain ng isang kaaya-ayang hapunan. Pero pag weekend ako nagyaya ng kainan, siguradong magpapaumanhin na si Jesse. Sagrado sa kanya ang oras kasama ang pamilya. Palagi siyang nagmamadaling makauwi sa Naga.

Hindi lang ang mag-anak na Robredo ang nawalan ng Padre de Familia. Pati ang buong DILG, ang mga nagtatrabaho sa field, ang lahat ng natulungan niya, ang buong Naga, parang nawalan ng ama. Kaya nga po bukod sa kalungkutan, matinding panghihinayang din ang nararamdaman ko ngayon. Ang dami niyang mga plano, at talagang kitang-kita na po ang direksyon ng mga reporma. Namuno siya sa pagpapa-totoo ng mga teorya sa pamamahala na pinag-uusapan lang sa mga libro. Ginawa po niya iyan sa Naga, at iyan din po ang nasimulan na niyang gawin sa pambansang antas. Kayo na po ang mamili– sa Bureau of Fire Protection, kung saan nakakuha siya ng mga fire trucks na mas mura pero mas maganda ang kaledad at mas marami ang kakayahan; sa BJMP; sa PNP; pati na ang mga informal settlers. Maraming mga lumang problema na, sa tulong ni Jesse, sa wakas, ay nakikitaan na natin ng solusyon. Sayang po talaga.

Ngunit wala naman sigurong magsasabing may kulang pa sa mga inambag ni Jesse. Dapat po yata, tayong mga nakinabang sa kanyang buhay at pagsusumikap, ang tumumbas sa kanyang mga nagawa, at mag-ambag naman ng parte natin.

Naalala ko pa po ang mga agam-agam namin nang biglaan ding pumanaw ang aking ama noong taong 1983. Marami po sa amin ang nagtanong: Paano na tayo? Sino ang magtutuloy? Parang ligaw na ligaw po kami; nawala ang aming pinuno.

Pero sabi nga po ng aking ina, “If cowardice is infectious, then bravery is all the more infectious.” Ang nag-iisa, dumami nang dumami hanggang nakamit na nga ng buong bayan ang pagbabago. Hindi mauubusan ng mga bayani ang lahing Pilipino. At kung si Jesse ay isa sa mga naging bunga ng sakripisyo ng aking ama, sigurado po akong may ibubunga ring mga bagong bayani ang pagpanaw ni Jesse.

Sa ipinapakitang pagpupugay at pagmamahal ng taumbayan ngayon, sigurado ako, may isang henerasyon na naman ng mga Pilipinong mabibigyang-inspirasyon, at mahihimok na maglingkod sa ngalan ni Jesse. Sila po ang magdadala ng katiyakan: Katiyakang makikita natin ang plano ng Diyos sa likod ng pagkawala ni Jesse. Katiyakang makukuha natin ang gantimpala ng katarungang nagbubukal sa pagmamahal ng Diyos: Na lahat ng kagandahan at kabutihang naidulot at naipunla ni Jesse, ay tunay at buong-buong mapipitas dahil sa dulot niyang inspirasyon.

Ang sabi po sa pangalawang liham ni Paul to Timothy, Chapter 4, Verses 6 to 7: “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith…” Angkop na angkop po ito kay Jesse; mission accomplished na siya sa mundong ito. Marapat lang na matamasa na niya ang mga gantimpala ng isang buo at mabuting buhay, sa piling ng Diyos Ama. Nasa hanay na po si Jesse ng mga bayaning sumusubaybay sa atin mula sa kalangitan, at nagbibigay-lakas sa atin upang ipagpatuloy ang kanilang mga mabuting gawain. Kaya’t huwag na po tayong lumuha. Sa halip, magpasalamat tayo. Sa maikling panahong narito siya sa mundo, tayo pa ang nabiyayaan ng pagkakataong makapiling si Jesse Manalastas Robredo. [Applause]

Paalam, Jesse. Sa ngalan ng sambayanan maraming, maraming salamat.