SIMPLY JESSE BOOK: The Story of Jesse Robredo

SIMPLY JESSE BOOK: The Story of Jesse Robredo 

I have fond memories of the late Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo. Not only was he a fellow Bicolano and mayor of Naga City for 19 years, he is also the son of my Papa's former boss and was my Facebook (FB) Friend. Moreover, his wife, Atty. Leni Robredo, was my brother's classmate in law school. 

Standing, left to right: AIKA and TRICIA ROBREDO, 
Seated, left to right Atty. LENI, JILLIAN and JESSEE ROBREDO

Jesse Robredo's leadership qualities such as assertiveness, adaptability, intelligence, and conscientiousness are the ideals which all would-be leaders must aspire for. Jesse Robredo is an epitome of the matino at mahusay na lider (sensible and capable leader). Above all, he was a true blue family man.

Everyone agrees that the very essence of Jesse Robredo’s management style and political philosophy is his favorite catchphrases “walang malaki o maliit sa akin, lahat pare-pareho.” (No one is big or small, everyone is equal to me.) Also, Jess truly believed that each task, no matter how big or small, is worthy of his best efforts. And he expected the same from his subordinates. 

This is probably the reason why Jesse did not think it was beneath him to sweep the streets, shovel dirt and clear debris after a typhoon, or to come to a Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) meeting in shorts and slippers. Jesse Robredo never got tired of exhorting his own people in Naga City and the DILG to take pride in their work and give it all they’ve got, regardless of how menial the task or how low their rank.

Jesse Robredo’s “walang maliit o malaki” philosophy goes against the traditional split-level democracy. Imagine, I was not yet of voting age when I met the good mayor. Who am I to deserve his time? But he was so accessible to everyone. Jesse Robredo was a person who is “madaling lapitan at madaling hanapin" (approachable and accessible).


I still vividly recall the time when I was still a student, I often saw Jesse Robredo, then mayor of Naga City, “in action” --- wearing a T-shirt, shorts and slippers and going around Naga City to lead the clean up drive especially after a typhoon or to talk to his constituents to hear their concerns.

In Naga City, he was fondly called "Mayor" or "Pogi" He was really a simple guy. He was simply Jesse. To his youngest daughter Jillian, he was simply Papa.

So, as told by Jillian, the book "Simply Jesse" encapsulates the story of Jesse Robredo, a simple guy.

The book storyteller JILLIAN ROBREDO

What are you waiting for? Buy a copy Now! Net proceeds of Simply Jesse will be donated to the Jesse M. Robredo Foundation, established by his family and close friends to continue Jesse’s legacy of public service and good governance.

Simply Jesse is available in newsstands, bookstores, and supermarkets nationwide for only P 125. For more details, visit http://www.summitmedia.com.ph/book or visit the Summit Books Facebook page.

UNIQLO: U-Shop, U-Win Promo 2013

UNIQLO: U-Shop, U-Win Promo 2013 
I used to play a lot of games online from Farm Town to Farmville. You name it, I tried it. Playing those games takes up so much of my time and yet I don't earn a single centavo from playing all those online games. It is a good thing that Uniqlo, a Japanese firm making good casual clothes available for all, has come up with an exciting new game App that will bring you to the virtual world of UNIQLO Store and make you win the latest SMARTPHONE, DSLR Camera, Summer getaway package and tablet phone.

Yes, my dear you can win this latest smartphone, with UNIQLO's U-SHOP.U-WIN GAME APP. 

MECHANICS:

1. LIKE Uniqlo on Facebook 
2. Click the Game App at the upper right corner of their facebook page, and you're in! 20 major prizes to be given away! You can also win instant prizes like UNIQLO Gift Certificates, UT and AIRism!
3. Don't forget to register your real name and address for your game entries to be valid.

LIKE, SHARE and PLAY!
 
After you like, register and share you can now play for a chance to win prizes. 

•  Press Start Playing Now
•  A prompt will ask you to create your own avatar, you could chose your gender whether you are a male or female.

•  After you chose your gender you'll be asked to choose tops and  bottoms you fancy among the designs. 

•  Click create Avatar
•  You get bonus play money for your shopping spree when you click the links above the game.
•  You get a chance to play every four (4) hours.

So what are you waiting for? Go and play Uniqlo's U-Shop, U-Win app now na! Happy Shopping!

HOW TO COMMUTE TO SKY RANCH

HOW TO COMMUTE TO SKY RANCH

Tagaytay City is a good place for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila especially so since SM Land opened Sky Ranch and Sky Eye last March 2, 2013. 

The easiest way to go to Tagaytay City is via FX Van for Php 200.00 from Starmall, Shaw Blvd. Starmall is in front of Shangri-La Mall in Edsa. But you could also opt to ride the bus.

Here are the options:

Option #1: FX Van from Starmall, Shaw Boulevard
Option #2: FX Van from EDSA Pasay Rotonda to Nasugbu or Lemery route
Option #3: Buses from Harrison Plaza to Mendez-Tagaytay 
Option #4: Buses in EDSA Pasay, behind Sogo and Mcdonalds like Crow Transit and DLTB 
Option #5: Buses from TAFT BUENDIA - JAM Transit going to Batangas
Option #6: Buses from Lawton like Kirby Bus to Tagaytay

Tagaytay City is very accessible via public transport.

•  If you take the FX, you can ask the driver to drop you off at Olivarez Plaza or Tagaytay Rotonda.
• Then you can take a trike or jeepney (Php8.00) to go to Sky Ranch

TAGAYTAY SKY RANCH: My Sky Eye Experience

TAGAYTAY SKY RANCH: My Sky Eye Experience

We recently visited Tagaytay Sky Ranch. You wouldn't miss this amusement park because it is just beside Taal Vista Hotel along Aguinaldo Highway in Tagaytay City. 

The center of attention is the Sky Eye which commands a huge presence along the ridge. The Sky Eye is the tallest Ferris Wheel (also known as Observation Wheel) in the country at 63 meters (207 ft) with 32 gondolas or capsules beating the Mall of Asia (MOA) Eye at 55 meters (180 ft) with 36 gondolas and the Enchanted Kingdom's Wheel of Fate at 130 ft.   If we consider Tagaytay City's elevation of 2,000 ft. above sea level, this means we will be enjoying the highest point of the Sky Eye at 2,207 ft. wohooooooooot!

But we have to admit that the Philippines is still far from beating the tallest Ferris wheels in the world.  Way back in 2008, my brother and I tried the tallest Ferris wheel in the world - the Singapore Flyer at 165 meters (541 ft) and it was an awesome experience. Each gondola has a very wide space, comfortable seats and individual earphones where you can hear the voice of an English speaking tour-guide. There's also a video presentation before you board the gondola. We were able to see parts of Indonesia and Malaysia while aboard the gondola at or near the highest point of the Singapore Flyer.

Still on my must ride lists are:

• Star of Nanchang in China at 160 meters (525 ft.)
• London Eye at 120 meters (394 ft.). 

Aside from the entrance fee of Php50.00 (which is a promotion until May 30, 2013 based on their post at the teller's booth), you have to pay another Php150 to ride the Sky Eye. For details, see Sky Ranch.

The ride is one loop around lasting for only 10 minutes or less. Bitin! The gondolas are a bit small and can only fit 4 people. Mas matagal pa pumila kaysa yung kabuuang pagsakay. Nakaka disappoint :-( To the owners of Tagaytay Sky Ranch: Kindly make it at least three (3) loops please!

What saved the day is the view from the top. Yes, folks! As you approach the top, you'll have a 360 degree-view of Tagaytay City and you'll also see the wonderful Taal Lake and Taal Volcano.

Beside Sky Ranch, a Science Discovery Museum and a row of restaurants are being built to complete the Sky Ranch experience. Overall, we felt that the ride is not worth it for one loop, 10 minutes at Php150 per head. Yes, you have to pay separately for the rides inside the Sky Ranch Sky Fun Amusement Park.

 

Despite all that, I guess I am lucky 'coz at least I can say that I have experienced to ride in the tallest Ferris wheel in the country today. 

I just hope they make some improvements in the future.

TAGAYTAY: Sky Ranch, Sky Fun!

TAGAYTAY: Sky Ranch, Sky Fun!

The newly opened complex in Tagaytay is named "Sky Ranch," whereas the amusement park within Sky Ranch is named "Sky Fun" and the Ferris Wheel within is "Sky Eye."

Recently, we had weekend discoveries in Tagaytay.  Tagaytay City is a conglomerate of fun-filled destinations. Aside from the buko pies (young coconut cream pies), bulalo (a Filipino stew made from beef shanks and marrow bones) and the unobstructed view of Taal Volcano, the city has a lot more to offer like the Puzzle Mansion and Sky Ranch. What used to be a vacant lot beside Taal Vista Hotel was turned into an amusement park complex by SM Land.  Disclaimer: This is not a paid nor sponsored post.

The Sky Eye

Sky Ranch is a leisure park that is envisioned to be one of the definitive Tagaytay City's experiences for local and foreign tourists alike.

 

The Sky Ranch Entrance Fee is Php100. It is a good thing that there is an ongoing promotion until May 30, 2013 - a whooping 50% discount. Yehey! My friend said that if you are a Taal Vista Hotel Checked-In guest, you can get in for free at Sky Ranch. Senior Citizens and our physically challenged brothers and sisters get 20% discount from the regular rates on entrance and riding loop ride. The rent for a Gazebo is Php750 from Monday to Thursday and Php1,000 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mime artist near the entrance to Sky Eye

 When we got inside the complex, we found out that we had to line up at the Sky Fun ticket booth to buy tickets for each ride individually. There are no ride-all-you-can tickets or packaged rates at the moment. It can get chaotic, especially if there's a huge crowd on weekends.

Express Train ride costs Php50.00 per head.

Mini Pirate Ship ride costs Php50.00 per head.

Super Viking ride costs Php100.00 per head.

Wonder Flight ride costs Php50.00 per head.

The kids could play here too.

 

Carousel ride costs Php50.00 per head. For sure, this carousel looks more attractive during night time.

Nessi Coaster ride which costs P50 per head is safe even for children. It gives a powerful adrenaline rush when the mini-roller coaster goes all the way to the top and goes down into a spiral loop. The spiral and turns are amazing. Weeeeeeeee!

 

Horse Back Riding (P250/30 minutes per person). The horseback riding is very expensive, considering you just go around a looped trail. I hate to compare but at Puzzle Mansion the rate for horse back riding is only Php50.00. Geeezz! Sky Ranch, what can you say about this? That is already times five.

We were a bit disappointed with our overall experience at the Sky Fun Amusement Park. Aside from difficulty in parking because of the huge weekend crowd the ongoing construction can put you and your little ones, not to mention your cars, in jeopardy. For God's sake, it is still a hard hat area. I believe the construction should first be completed before the rides are opened to the general public. Riding the Sky Eye is also a bit disappointing experience. The windows are filthy and you really can't fully appreciate the view on board the Sky Eye because of the dirty and low quality plastic windows used. But for curiosity's sake you can try to head there during weekdays when there are lesser crowd than during weekends.

 

I hope to come back in the future to see a better Sky Ranch and Sky Eye  Please make it better and please don't forget to provide ample and safe parking space for all your guests.

CLUB BALAI ISABEL: Win Your Dream Wedding Promo

CLUB BALAI ISABEL: Win Your Dream Wedding Promo

On April 20 to 21, 2013, Club Balai Isabel will hold its first bridal fair entitled, “The Wedding Caravan” organized by R & A Events Specialist by Ricci Ang, hosted by Vet Lauzon.
 

This grand event will be held at Club Balai Isabel, located on the romantic shores of Lake Taal in Barangay Talisay, Batangas City from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. The Wedding Caravan is designed for couples who desire a memorable and tailor-fit wedding. The event will showcase different wedding specialists and designers dedicated to making dream weddings happen.

This two-day event is packed with exciting activities and prizes to be given out to lucky couples. A series of bridal talks, makeovers and more will take place in this gathering. There shall also be a sumptuous food tasting by Juan Carlo the Caterer, a renowned catering service group. A fashion show highlighting the wedding collection of couture designers of the Fashion & Wedding Designers of the Philippines shall also be included in the line-up of events.

Club Balai Isabel will launch their first ever “Win a Dream Wedding” promo during the event. To join the contest, the couple must produce a three-minute creative video telling their love story and their idea of a dream wedding. The winning couple shall be entitled to a first-class Dream Wedding at Club Balai Isabel. The prize package will include a wedding gown by designer Joel Bautista, a special wedding cake by Hearts and Bells, photo and video coverage by Nice Print Photography, wedding invitations by Printrade Society Printers, photo souvenir by Smack Shot Photo Booth, catering by Juan Carlo the Caterer and other services by event partners such as Creations, Dragon Fireworks, Blessed Sacrament Flower Shop, and Ground Zero.

The Wedding Caravan this April at Club Balai Isabel shall be the befitting destination for couples, wedding enthusiasts and specialists taking part in the celebration of love and marriage. 

For more information about Club Balai events and promos, you may call (02) 897-1740, (+63) 9258260323 or (+63) 9178402820 or e-mail weddings@balaiisabel.com. Like Club Balai on Facebook, www.facebook.com/clubbalaiisabel or log-on to their website at www.balaiisabel.com.

T.G.I. Fridays: Stars Behind the Bar

T.G.I. Fridays: Stars Behind the Bar

I was invited by the premier casual dining chain T.G.I. Fridays at its Bonifacio High Street branch for the launch of its “Stars Behind the Bar” tour last March 21, 2013.

Six (6) star bartenders amazed everyone with their flair bartending skills. Flair bartending is the art of preparing drinks while performing spectacular stunts like juggling, flips, bottle-balancing, and even the use of fire to entertain their audience. The stars made everyone stand back with their fire tricks.

During the launch, the six (6) star bartenders were introduced one by one amidst fanfare and applause.

The six (6) expert flair bartenders are: 

• Aldrin “The One” Javar 
• Genrev “The Revolution” Bacasno
• Gino “The Bomb” Simbillo
• Junjun “The Entertainer” Marcelo
• Michael “Unstoppable” Rabago
• Ronilo “The Showstopper” Bautista

The highlight of the night was the astonishing demonstration of the bartenders wherein they pour mixed drinks from Malt cups to the glasses.

Amazing! Bravo! Vodka in Cardice!

 

The six (6) expert flair bartenders who will be featured in the tour had gone through rigorous trainings and were previous participants of the “Shake, Rattle and Pour Bartending Championship” which is now on its 18th year.

Can you see yourself standing in front of a crowd that looks truly amazed by your performance? How would that feel for you when you are able to entertain that whole crowd? Are you interested to learn flair bartending? Then head over to any TGIF restaurant when the Stars behind the bar are scheduled to teach basic flairs and tricks. The six (6) expert flair bartenders will continue to share their bartending skills at different T.G.I.F. branches in Metro Manila.
 
Here are the “Stars Behind the Bar” tour schedule and locations: 

March 21, April 11 and 25, May 9 – T.G.I.F. Bonifacio High Street
March 22, April 12 and 26, May 10 – T.G.I.F. Glorietta
April 4, May 16 – T.G.I.F. Mall of Asia
April 5, May 17 – T.G.I.F. Eastwood
April 14, May 4 – T.G.I.F. TriNoma
April 18, May 23 – T.G.I.F. Malate
April 19, May 24 – T.G.I.F. Alabang Town Center
May 2, April 39 – T.G.I.F. Tomas Morato
May 3 and 31 – T.G.I.F. Robinsons Galleria

METRO MANILA EMERGENCY HOTLINES

METRO MANILA EMERGENCY HOTLINES

Malacañang on Wednesday issued a list of emergency hotlines for travelers heading to the provinces and for those staying at home during Holy Week.

The list included the numbers listed earlier by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, as well as those of other agencies and some local government units.

These include :National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) hotlines:
(02) 911-1406
(02) 912-2665
(02) 912-5668
(02) 911-1873

Philippine National Police (PNP) Hotline Patrol:
117
Send TXT PNP to 2920

Bureau of Fire Protection (NCR):
117
(02) 729-5166
(02) 410-6319 (Regional Director, Information Desk)

Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) hotline
7890
(02) 726-6255

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)
136
(02) 882-0925 (flood control)
(02) 882-4150-77 loc. 337 (rescue)
(02) 882-4150-77 loc. 255 (Metrobase)
(02) 882-0860 (Metrobase)

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
(02) 304-3713
(02) 304-3904

Red Cross hotline
143
(02) 527-0000
(02) 527-8385 to 95

North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) hotlines
(02) 3-5000
(02) 580-8910

Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) hotlines
(0920) 96-SCTEX (72839) (traffic hotline)
(045) 459-0522

Skyway System Hotline
(02) 776-7777
0917-539-8762 (Globe)
0999-888-0893 (Smart)
0932-854-6980 (Sun)

South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) hotline
0917-6877539 (Globe)
(049) 508-7509
(02) 584-4389

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) hotline
(02) 433-8526

Philippine Coast Guard
(02) 527-3877
(02) 527-8481
0917-724-3682 (Globe)

Manila Water Hotline
1627

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
(02) 426-1468 to 79 (trunk)
local 124/125 (emergency);
0905-313-4077 (Globe)

Department of Social Welfare and Development
(02) 931-81-01 to 07, local 426 (Disaster Response Unit)
(02) 951-7119

Local government units:

Manila Traffic Hotline – 527-3087
Cainta Traffic Hotline – 646-0044, (02) 248-1743 (hotline)
Las Piñas Traffic – 874-5756, 874-3927, 874-5754, 874-5753
Mandaluyong Hotline – 534-2993 (traffic); 533-2225 (Command Control Center)
Taguig Traffic – 838-4301 loc. 7112
Marikina STOC – 646-1651, (02) 646-1633 (traffic)
Pasig Traffic – 643-0000 (Command Control Center); 643-1111
Makati Public Safety Department – 844-3146, 819-3270 to 71