Community welcomes arrival of clean toilets in "Fiesta" video

It’s a scene typically played out during fiestas: People rushing to the streets, drawn to the sound of a marching band. Everyone is smiling, eager to see the “star” of the celebration. But instead of showing the face of a movie celebrity, a beauty queen or a politician, the video reveals an unlikely, yet welcome sight—a new, clean toilet facility.

 

Aptly titled “Fiesta”, the Domex video, produced by Unilever Philippines, is available on Youtube and shows how underprivileged Filipinos welcome the “arrival” of clean toilet facilities in their communities. “The video aims to make people realize the value of a toilet which most of us, unfortunately, take for granted,” said Dennis Chua, Domex Brand Manager.

 

The “Fiesta” video contributes to the efforts of Domex’s One Million Clean Toilets Movement. Each unique view translates into a pledge for the advocacy campaign which collects pledges from households to conscientiously maintain their own hygienic bathrooms. For every pledge received, Domex will donate P5 to UNICEF’s sanitation program, towards improving access to basic sanitation in deprived areas around the world, including the Philippines.

 

“By watching the ‘Fiesta’ video and asking our friends to watch it, we are not only raising awareness for toilet appreciation and sanitation, more importantly, we are helping less privileged communities gain access to clean toilet facilities,” said Benjie Yap, Unilever Foods and Home Care Vice President.

Clean toilets, germ-free communities

All over the country, people are welcoming the construction of new toilet facilities and the repair of dilapidated ones, since becoming aware of its role in disease prevention, especially among children.

 

According to the Department of Health, of the estimated 3,420 diarrhea-related deaths among Filipino children under 5 every year, around 2,000 could have been prevented by access to safe water, improved toilet sanitation and personal hygiene.

 

“This video should serve as a wake-up call for most of us. The little things we take for granted, like having a clean toilet, could mean the world to others and could definitely help save lives,” Chua said.

-PR

Love happens when you least expect it

It has been so long since I added a new entry unto my blog. A lot has happened since the last entry was written. Yes, I am very much married now.

My husband and I decided to get married just a few months after we decided to become a couple. His question was "How much would it cost to get married there in the Philippines?". I answered him coyly and said " it depends on the budget". We had a short engagement.After just 5 months of preparation, we had a beautiful church wedding. The preparation was not that easy. I have to juggle work, looking out for suppliers, and getting the best options that will work around the budget that we set. (yes, you need to set a budget so you won't go over it yet still inevitable).

Talking about the wedding, there are a lot of details that needs to be addressed. But as far as I know, there are only these things that are important and omitting any of these is critical and I mean CRITICAL to the success of your wedding.

First, getting all the documents needed in order to obtain the marriage license. And that includes, NSO authenticated birth certificate (which you can get readily at the NSO office 50% cheaper than getting it online-patience is a must!),CENOMAR (or certificate of No Marriage). 

If your fiance' is a foreigner, in which in my case my hubby denounced his filipino citizenship and is a naturalized citizen to the country where he now resides, your fiance' need to get his "Legal Capacity to Marry" from the embassy before filing the marriage license. And thus the reason why we have to fly to Manila Embassy to get that sworn statement. 

While aboard the plane, my hubby asked me to look at the window and check if we are still in Cebu airspace. I did look out of the window while saying we are still in Cebu airspace. He took out a box and tried to kneel in the very little space between the plane seats. So he managed to place one knee on his chair, the other, hanging by the seat path.It was so funny that all I could blurt out was to ask him to just sit snuggly next to me. He did not fret but continued and finally, popped the question. And yes, as dramatic as I am, I cried.. a little... (ok, a lot actually... I just couldn't help but say yes and I gave him the most sincere and loving kiss that I could give). 

Click the link to view:

The engagement ring

After getting the necessary papers, request for a marriage license is necessary. It will take a one whole day seminar and a 15 days postage for the license to be available. Just go to the nearest city registrar's office to do that. 

Afterwhich, whatever you may choose, may it be church or a civil ceremony, It is all up to you. 

                     After our Pre-Cana Seminar

                          Archbishop Palace

                           

Other things to be considered for church wedding that you need to book ahead of time:

1.Church reservations : so you can choose for your wedding date in advance. 

2. Florist : for the adornment of the church and of the reception

3. reception area and food: location is vital. Our wedding falls on a wet season, It's better be safe than put all your savings on a wedding reception you can't use as most are non-refundable. 

4. Cake: customizing makes your cake beautiful and personal

                       Cake by LMG Pastry Chef
                         Lani M. Garcia

5. Invitations : Remember that filipino culture, some may not understand what RSVP is, so make room for extra people who might just pop up at your wedding.

6. The entourage clothes and shoes (optional): choose the motif (color) of your wedding

7. The groom's tux or barong and bride's wedding dress

8. Make- Up artist

                  By:  Junisan Catarungan

10. Photographer and Videographer : to capture those memories both in print and video. 

       Pre-nup photo at my parents' hometown : TUBIGON,BOHOL

Sweetknottings Invitations all the way from Manila

These are just some of the things you need to consider. Just don't forget to relax and have fun. Planning and timing is essential. Don't stress yourself out. It will ruin the mood. 

I, for one, was in the brink of being stressed out. Its a good thing I have a strong support system from friends, family and of course from my Husband. 

Over-all, It was a very memorable day for us and a happy day for all of us. 

Finally, a love that is mine forever. <3 <3 <3 

Photo credits : James Jayson Ty Photography
Make up : Junisan Catarungan
Gown : Joan Montaire 
Reception: Crowne Regency Hotel and Suites
Church: Redemptorist Church

Boracay trip with Aviatours

It was just a few days before my birthday (May 2011) and my mom and brother decided to go to Boracay for our vacation. We opted to have a 4 days 3 nights stay at La Carmela Resort. I was super excited considering it was actually my third time to visit the beautiful island of Boracay.

We were super late for our caticlan commercial flight, that my aunt decided to just take the risk of riding a chartered plane to Caticlan and so we did... 1 hour and 35 mins later, voila! Caticlan airport... thanks to Aviatours!!



Arrived at Caticlan Airport

our pilot and co-pilot

view from the top

My brother and my mom were already waiting for us in Boracay since they took the boat ride together with my mom's friends. I just couldn't wait for another day to pass because I know, we will be missing the fun and all out parties! Just my luck, when some random girl came up to my brother and handed us leis of invites (2 invites) to the ETC party that night. Later that night, I saw the same girl HOSTING the event! wow! They had an open bar and yes, It was FREE! Free flowing booze from BOracay rhum flavored drinks and a shooters bar by PARTYFUEL!

ETC fashion show

                                               

                                                               the invite!

                                                  having fun at the party!

                                     


After the ETC party, we opted to go check out more parties that night. Myx party was held at Club Paraw.

It was the best Birthday so far!!!!
i was in a hurry to get back in time for work, so we took the afternoon flight from iloilo back to cebu.. good thing, we didn't have to squeeze ourselves in a commercial van all the way from caticlan to iloilo because again, we rented a chartered van together with my aunt's family friend! yipee!!

Launch of the Waves Bar

Before the Love month ends, me and a couple of friends went to the launching of the Waves Bar at the Cowrie Cove which is located inside Shangri-La Mactan Resort. Aside from the sumptuous dinner menu that the Cowrie Cove has to offer, the newly opened Waves Bar boast of more than 40 cocktails and over a few random collection of wine and beer.

The Cowrie Cove


Highlight for the event was the shooters bar. Among others, they served Jägermeister and vodka shots, and an Amaretto Sour. With Loft and Penthouse Djs hosting the music for the night, the party couldn't get any hotter!

Cowrie Cove is open for dinner everyday while the Waves Bar is open 5:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. during weekdays, 5:00p.m. till 2:00 a.m. on the weekends. Get a hold of their Happy Hours which starts at 5:00p.m till 7:00p.m. and get a Buy 1 take 1 offer of their drinks.

photo courtesy of  www.iluvcebu.com

Cassie Cuevas, the assistant communications manager,together with her partner Janna Lim were very accommodating and friendly. Present in the event where the BBs (Buenaviaje Brothers : Doyzkie and Edd) of ILuvcebu.com, Ems and Patty of Sunstar,Cebu and Regina Aguilar of Cebu Daily News.

A1 in Cebu

Just close to 11:30am, my friend-blogger/correspondent Regina Aguilar called me up to meet up with her to come and see the A1 band. Before getting there, I immediately checked their songs "Like a Rose" and "Everytime".

As i head to Magellan's Landing restobar, I saw a big bus with the A1 band photo. Not much people where around and security was not that tight. The gig was sponsored by the Young Life Foundation.

One of the ambassador of Young Life Foundation is Ms. Norway,Sarah, who is the girlfriend of Ben Adams of A1. The Young Life Foundation chose one of the Island in Cebu to be the house of their Foundation.

 The Young Life Foundation is a non-profit , non-commercial , non-government humanitarian organization that was founded in Cebu City, Philippines in August 2008.The mission of Young Life Foundation is to help the lives of underprivileged Filipino children by providing quality healthcare and education regardless of race and religion.

The president of Young Life Foundation, Finn Wattenberg, hopes to continue the task of helping these children . Donations whether big or small, would be a big help to actualize their mission.

                         

A1 band members : Ben Adams, Mark Read and Christian Ingebrigtsen 

There will be an open house acoustic gig tonight at Magellan's landing restobar,February 18,2012. Party will start at 10pm onwards.No door-fee! A1 band are expected in Manila for their Asian tour on February 25,2012 at the Araneta Coliseum.

BORACAY ESCAPADE

The faculty staff and I decided to take our much needed break last October 18-21,2011.
DESTINATION : BORACAY ISLAND..
Although it's already my fourth time to visit the island, seem to me that boracay's spell has never left me. LOL!
I was told to not go back to places I've been to. But I just couldn't say NO. This is anyway, the first time that I will be joining my colleagues (co-faculty members) in a non-school related outing.

A FEW DAYS BEFORE OUR TRIP
Ms. Helga said that she would need to cancel her trip with us since she will be leaving out of town going to SINGAPORE with her Husband and so, we just gave in. Anyhow, If you would be given a chance to choose between Singapore with your hubby or Boracay with your co-workers, I'm sure you would choose the first choice. LOL. So, we were one seat free! and One bed free too... Arrangements have been made to Boracay Peninsula (place where we stayed)  for the 3 days 2 nights. The group agreed we will be spending a night in Iloilo so we can check the night life..

A DAY BEFORE THE TRIP
We agreed to come early. Flight was moved from 5am to 6am via Cebu Pacific's advise. We made an agreement that whoever comes in late will be fined by paying the tricycle fare from the airport to the jetty port.  I could still remember I did say that I would be coming as early as 3AM!

at the office a day before the trip

EARLY MORNING
Woke up and found myself super late! KC was already calling my phone, as well as Kenny. Gosh! My alarm went off. I was busy chatting, facebooking, tweeting the night before that I slept really late. I was hoping to get a quick Nap and a quick nap it was!hahahaha! I was late!!! not that I was late for the flight but I was so concerned about the FINE!!!

So Kenny and I was on our way to the airport. Just in time for check.in when I was actually held at the door because they saw something inside my bag through the airport x-ray machine! I was wondering why they were holding me. When In fact, I didn't bring any sharp items or something of that sort.
The lady opened my bag and took a can of century tuna! It was so hilarious that I just opted to leave it there. The lady guard said I could take them out and eat it while waiting for our flight. And I just couldn't, I was already flustered. It was so embarrassing!

After that dreadful experience (not really), we head down to wait for our bus to board us to our small plane.

A few minutes later, We arrived at CATICLAN AIRPORT!! lol... The fun started and the rest, I'll leave that to us.. hehehe... ^_^

Visit Myboracayguide.com for more affordable hotel and transfer packages. Mind you, booking in advance has never been convenient to Us. Thanks to Myboracayguide.com!!!!!

AROMA MOUNTAIN RESORT (CATMON,CEBU)

October 16, 2011.

Just 2 days before my departure to Boracay island, Me and a group of friends went to a place called AROMA mountain resort. It is located in Catmon, a few hours drive from Cebu City.

The group assembled at the back of Cebu Doctor’s University Hospital. Call time was at 5pm but the group packed at around 7-8 pm. After which, we decided to head to Catmon.

The 2 hours drive was long that some were already sleeping. It was surprising enough that our designated driver don’t know where we are heading. Since he himself don’t know where it is located, we ended up asking people on the street for directions. 

 We finally arrived at our destination at 11pm. Nobody was around. It was silent. The place was almost deserted. A few attempts. Ralph, our designated driver went out to call out if anybody was there. After a few more attempts, someone went out. The caretaker then opened the gate and we went inside. Peter Hao, Ralph Dy, Cherrie Mae Flores, Clint Sanchez, Donna Panigsoro, Nessa Nepangue, Loida Gallentes, Kelvin, Aze Maata, Mae Biloy, Paul John Hubahib and myself finally arrived at what they call the paradise hideaway.

The mountain resort was beautiful. It is known for its beautiful and grandeur slide. Our cottage was at the hilltop. It is surrounded by a river-like pool.  There was a bridge linking the cottage and the other side of the pool. Surrounding the pool were wooden cottages with each table in it. There was even a non-working fountain beside our cottage. Over-all, The place was just perfect!

We then settled inside the room. As for me, I was already hungry so I binged on my “baon” which I bought from EAT-EAT-EAT (It is a store located near Cebu Doctor’s University Hospital). I was really hungry. Good for the rest, since they already ate before heading there. While the others were busy taking their pictures, I was left inside the cottage to eat.lol!

The boys  then set-up their speakers and Ralph’s Itouch. We were the only ones there, so no worries about neighbours. But it was a little creepy though, yet they didn’t mind. And so the fun began. 

We laid out the food that Ate Cherrie bought for us. Puso, pork barbeque, isaw, lechon manok and drinks! After the gastronomical feast, the girls and boys decided to change into their swimwear. YES, they were night swimming! As for me and Aze, we just took some pictures with the group and decided to take a nap.

Aze and I awoke at around quarter to 3am. And found Ralph, Clint and Paul John dancing! It was super hilarious to the point that I was already crying my eyes out. They actually lifted several others before PJ decided to pull my feet off the bed! Waaaaaaahhh!!  Before I knew it, I was already dragged out of the bed. And so was Aze. I was still able to managed to get back.  All were already done swimming. They were all ready to sleep. The boys were still enjoying the night that everybody was able to sleep at 4AM.

Morning came and everyone was already up. It was already 7am. Some were playing poker. For the rest, It was time for us to take a quick dip. And so we changed into our swimsuits and jumped to the pool. Mae and Loida were all ready to brave the long slide. Once they did, They didn’t move! Water was not enough to slide them down. Mae was even complaining that her arms were already sore from pulling her body down.

Below was a very grand pool with 2 slides. Of course, me and my girlies went to take a dip. Took photos and then went to the kiddie pool to take more photos. After which, we decided to head back to our cottage to wash and change. More photos were taken and then we left the place at around 11am.  The experience was all worth it. And best of all, we only get to spent a minimal amount for our overnight stay. Thanks to Ms. Cherrie for sponsoring our food for the event and to our ever kind driver/owner RALPH DY for the joyride back and forth The AROMA MOUNTAIN RESORT. Carpe Diem! ^_^