How Ces Drilon's Mom Survived Her Abduction

“I was always against her going to Mindanao because I knew it was very dangerous,” Lulu Orena tells me with a smile a few hours before Ces was to check out of The Medical City. “But Ces has always had a mind of her own. Minsan she will tell me that she’s going there for an assignment, when she does, I always remind her – ‘Ces, paano na ang mga anak mo pag may nangyari sa iyo?’”

Dressed in a white cotton tunic over slacks, Lulu was still visibly tired but terribly relieved that the worst was now over for her eldest daughter, Ces. She recalls how on she became hysterical upon finding out on the morning of June 9 that Ces had been kidnapped. “Chary Villa called me to confirm that she was missing and that she had been kidnapped. When I heard the news I knew that my worst nightmare had just begun.” On the ride from her home in Fort Bonifacio, all the way to the ABS_CBN studios in Quezon City, she says she was a wreck. “I was shaking all over and having palpitations like crazy. Nanginig talaga ako,” she recalls.

On day one of her abduction, she had the chance to speak briefly to Ces, whose first words to her were, “Mommy, mommy, please don’t cry,” Lulu shares. The nine days that followed were the most difficult days of her life. “One more day was just a day too long,” she says looking back. “I was so hungry for news the whole time that I kept the television on at our house 24/7. One television was tuned in to ABS-CBN and another one to GMA-7. The radio was constantly tuned in to DZMM. “I really wanted to go to Sulu. I didn’t care. I just wanted to be near my daughter. To be in the same place with her. When I saw on television, the things she had left behind in her room, it really broke my heart and I wanted to board the next plane to Sulu but my children would not let me.”

Lulu is grateful for the blessing of her children. Daughter Grace kept her company all throughout, while only son Frank and youngest daughter Joyce were busy with the negotiations. The rest of the Orena brood had been tucked away in a safehouse with Ces’ three sons, while Lulu and Joyce, opted to remain at home. “I would just be crying at makakagulo lang ako sa negotiations.” Each day that came and went was sheer torture she says. When nightfall would come, she would break down in tears, thinking of how Ces was faring in the jungle. “Pag uulan, lalo na akong nalulungkot and I would really storm heaven with my prayers. I would ask God, all the saints, Mama Mary, Ces father (who passed away in a helicopter crash in 1993) to please keep her safe from harm.”

Sleep would come fitfully and only when her body could no longer take the tiredness. “They gave me sedative but it did not work,” she smiles. A mother’s anguish and worry, far surpasses the effects of any drug. Lulu clarifies that there is no truth to the news that she had a stroke or a nervous breakdown. “I was close to it, I guess. I became very depressed and lost all desire to eat and exercise – things that were part of my daily routine. All my thoughts were focused on Ces.” Respite would only come briefly when her grandchildren would return home from school and wrap her in their hugs, saying that it was going to be okay and that their aunt would be home soon. “I don’t know what I would have done if my children and grandchildren were not around. Siguro patay na ako ngayon,” She shivers at the recollection.

At the time of our interview on Friday afternoon, Lulu was still feeling the effects of the stress from the last nine days. “Medyo nanlalambot pa rin ako but I cannot stop thanking God for carrying us through,” she shares, her tired eyes, beaming with joy. She is also very grateful to everyone who prayed for her daughter’s safety. She made special mention of her late husband’s classmates, members of PMA Class ’61 and their wives who threw their full support behind her. “I am just so grateful and having gone through an ordeal such as this, I realize that the most important thing in life is really just family. Money will come and go. You can always earn it. Material things will lose their value. To have a strong faith in God and having your family intact, safe and sound, that is what’s most important.”

When the chopper carrying Ces finally landed on the helipad of The Medical City that rainy Wenesday afternoon, Lulu says that it was a miracle made real. She shares that the very first thing a tearful Ces whispered in her ears when they hugged was, “Mommy, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.” Forgetting all the anguish she had just been through, just like any mother faced with a repentant child, she told her eldest daughter, “Don’t say sorry. It’s all right. You’re home now and that’s all that matters.”

PUBLISHED IN MY "ROOTS&WINGS" Column in the PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER, June 22, 2008

Thousands Attend La Salle Greenhills Mass for Jun Lozada

"Even if I'm not the light, I can be the spark -- in faith, service, and communion. Let us start the change we want to see, the change that begins with me," -Jun Lozada at LSGH this morning

While at church service today, a part of me wondered what was going on over at La Salle Greenhills (LSGH). Today, Holy Mass was celebrated for Jun Lozada and his family. Bumping into some friends at Robinson's Galleria, they said that there was really a huge crowd that gathered at LSGH this morning.

Upon reaching home, I was happy to find these photos in my mailbox. The photographs were shot by my friend Nina Lim Yuson who was at LSGH this morning. Tomorrow, Monday, there will be another mass, this time at the Church of the Gesu at the Ateneo de Manila University, to be presided by the acting Provincial of the Jesuit Order, Fr. Mario Francisco. A candlighting ceremony will follow on Katipunan.

Photographs speak a thousand words. See for yourself...

Lozada enters from the side and the crowds cheer

La Salle Brothers In Full Support Of Lozada

Part of the La Salle Crowd

Lozada Reads the prayer that has given him strength

Part of the crowd after the mass

My friend (cousin in-law), and PDI columnist John Nery, wrote in his blog, "Newsstand" -- "Witnessing to one's deepest convictions, notwithstanding the consequences, is the measure of our humanity. Proclaiming the truth to others, whatever the cost, is the mark of authentic humanity.

Jun, we know you have feared for your life and continue to do so. But in
transcending your fears for yourself and your family, you have reclaimed
your humanity. And your courage and humility, despite harassment and
calumniation by government forces, embolden us to retrieve and reclaim our
humanity tarnished by our cowardice and complicity with sin in the world.
You have inspired us to be true to ourselves and to submit to and serve the
truth that transcends all of us."

Read the Inquirer's coverage of the mass at LSGH here.

Lovely KC Concepcion At Puey Quinones Gala

Found this on my friend Juan Sarte's site and got his permission to post it here. Isn't she just lovely? And even slimmer from the last time I saw her!

This was taken at a shoot for the Puey Quinones Gala.
Photography was by the highly artistic Mark Nicdao and fashion styling by Michael Salientes who is a childhood friend of mine, and makeup by the super talented Juan Sarte III. Put together these four geniuses and this is the kind of look that you get. Of course you need to have the Gabby Concepcion-Sharon Cuneta genes to carry it off just as KC does.

Juan did KC's makeup for this shoot and it was not by Chanel as wrongly credited in this fashion event's press release. Juan writes, "I did not use any Chanel product on her face. KC endorses Colour Collection Cosmetics by Fuller Life."

Protect Yourself Against Dengue All-Year Round

Prevention is still the best protection against dengue.

Doctors and the Department of Health say that dengue now knows no season so it is always best to be prepared and protect ourselves against it. Here are a few emails I received with very helpful tips that everyone can benefit from.

Where dengue breeds [published in CONSUMERLINE By Ching M. Alano.Philippine Star, 15 Jan. 2008]

Many a grim tale has been told about the dreaded dengue. Here's another one, as shared in an e-mail:

Dear Consumerline,
This evening, we attended the wake of Natalie Corrales Feist, only 17 years old. Her mother Rosa is the sister of Pilita Corrales and her father Ed Feist is the head of a big pharmaceutical company in Manila.

Natalie was studying in Australia and had come home to Manila to spend the Christmas holidays with her family. What started only as a stomachache progressed to
malaise and fever that turned out to be the deadly dengue fever which snuffed out Natalie's life in such a short time. Natalie was an only daughter and the youngest of three children. It was indeed so sad to witness the grief, the sadness, and the pain of losing such a wonderful daughter and so pretty at that. The priest saying Mass also mentioned about another young girl of 15 who also died recently.
A couple of years ago, my nephew who was only 28 years old and was to be married, also died within a short time after he contracted dengue. He was an only son.

Dengue kills. Let us not wait for it to get out of hand and claim more young lives. As my own small contribution to help increase people's consciousness of this disease, allow me to share the warnings below. Many people are not aware that in their own homes, there are dangerous places where mosquitoes breed. Please take note:

• The bromeliad plant has beautiful flowers, but they are deadly, because in between are pockets that collect clean water, which is where the dengue mosquitoes breed. If you have them, get rid of them or place them in pots so that after watering them, the pots can be turned over to remove the excess water.
I have noticed that along Ayala Avenue in Makati and other roadsides, the bromeliads, which are very colorful, are often used by landscapers to brighten areas, etc.
The landscapers must be discouraged from using these plants, especially when they are planted in the ground, because they can cause an epidemic, as what happened in Cebu many years back. It was discovered that these plants were the culprits.

• Those that have bamboo fences placed over their concrete fences (as in many subdivisions) must see to it that the top is covered, because the bamboo crevices hold water and again become breeding places for dengue mosquitoes.

• I have just read on the Internet about a tip that was given at a recent gardening forum. Here it is: Put some water in a white dinner plate (I suppose a small white platito will do) and add a couple of drops of Lemon Fresh Dish Washing Liquid. Set the dish on your porch, patio, picnic table, park bench, or other outdoor areas. I'm not sure what attracts them — the lemon's smell, the white plate color, or what. But mosquitoes flock to it, and drop dead shortly after drinking the Lemon Fresh Dish Washing Liquid and water mixture and usually, within about 10 feet of the plate.
Try it, it works just super! It may seem trivial, but it may also help control mosquitoes around your home (especially in areas where the dengue- and malaria-carrying mosquitoes have reached epidemic proportions) . It's safer than mosquito coils ... no offensive odor and harmful fumes, no risk of fire.
This is all I can say, which may be helpful in controlling the rise of the deadly dengue mosquitoes. Let us all try to do our part in our own homes and surroundings, so that by doing so, we can lessen dengue's breeding places and save more lives.
Isabel F. Guevara
Magallanes Village, Makati City

Speak out: Cure for dengue? By Bernardo Rocha Calibo Director, National Police Commission 7

THERE is hope that the dengue scourge will be obliterated. I was in a meeting in Manila recently with other Napolcom officials. While waiting for my flight back to Cebu, I happened to talk with friends. The conversation eventually turned to dengue. Some of their statements shocked me. I called up the persons concerned and they confirmed these revelations. Computer technician Wenceslao Salesale Jr., 27, was downed by dengue. His platelet count plunged from 180 to 80. He was rushed by ambulance from Novaliches to Manila . Inside the ambulance, a relative, acting upon the advice of a missionary priest, made him drink soup made from camote tops. The following day, his platelet count was normal.

Dengue attacked the 7-year-old daughter of engineers Mar and Lita Budlongan of Kaloocan City . Her platelet count read 80. The same treatment was used. The following day she was back to normal.

The 15-year-old daughter of businessman Nepomuceno Salaga of Sampaloc, Manila had a dangerous platelet count of 80 due to dengue. The same treatment was followed. The following day she was back in school.


I asked a doctor of medicine about herbal cures and he said that many, if not most, medicines come from plants. He also said that under the Hippocratic Oath, doctors are bound encourage anything that can cure a patient. We need not do research deep in the rainforests of the Amazon or venture into the ocean depths in search of the elusive cure for dengue. It is right there in the backyard.

The following information is from Wikipedia: "In 1992, the Center for Science in the Public Interest compared the nutritional value of sweet potatoes to other vegetables. Considering fiber content, complex carbohydrates, protein, vitamins A and C, iron and calcium, the sweet potato ranked highest in nutritional value. According to these criteria, sweet potatoes earned 184 points, 100 points over the next on the list, the common potato (NCSPC)." "…Sweet potato tops are excellent sources of antioxidative compounds, mainly polyphenolics, which may protect the human body from oxidative stress that is associated with many diseases including cancer ad cardiovascular diseases. Sweet potato greens have the highest content of total polyphenolics among other commercial vegetables studied. "Sweet potatoes contain protein, dietary fiber, lipid, and essential minerals and nutrients such as calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium, potassium, sulfur, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, aluminum and boron. Sweet potatoes are also important sources of vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and ascorbic acid." Camote In the case of Salaga, he bought five sheaves (bugkos/ bigkis) of camote cuttings. Each sheaf consists of about 12 cuttings. Each cutting measures about one foot. A sheaf costs about P5. Camote tops are boiled in water to extract the juice. The boiling lasts for about five minutes. A little salt is used to give flavor to it. The patient is made to drink slowly and gradually. The body's immunity system is thus revived, making dengue helpless against the body's natural defenses. Camote enables the body to heal itself.

Now you know why I earlier said that my friends' revelations shocked me. They were shocking because people are needlessly dying all around us from dengue, while their very cure is also all around us. In the past, many were fond of using the derogatory statement, "Go home and plant camote." Now, camote is big news. It can save lives. What could be bigger than that? So, to fortify your family against dengue, "Go home and plant camote!"
(Engr. Lita Budiongan and Mr. Nepomuceno Salaga personally related to me their experiences with their respective daughters. I asked their permission to use their names.)

Pinoy Pride - Arnel Pineda Chosen As Lead Vocalist for "Journey"

If you thought Charisse Pempengco's appearance on "Ellen" was fabulous, wait 'til you read this story.

If you've ever tried to apply for a U.S. Visa you know how thick the tension is in that waiting area - it is so thick and palpable, you can almost slice through it! Consuls are trained to sniff out the fakers from the real ones. Most of the time they get it right though they have their share of hits and misses as well.

This is the "fairytale" of Arnel Pineda who is now a singer for the band "Journey". For me personally, it is a case of major Divine intervention! Can't explain it any other way. Found the story on my friend Dennis's blog. Read about this amaaaazing story --
"The Greatest Manila Visa Story Of All Time" here.

Thanks for sharing this story Dennis! God bless that consular officer and what cam I say - ang galing ni Lord at ang galing talaga ng Pinoy!

Danger At The Ark Of Avilon Zoo At Tiendesitas

It's hard to find good alternatives to the mall for parents to amuse and entertain their children. The Ark of Avilon (AoA) over at Tiendeseitas looked really very promising. I was all set to take L and some of his classmates over there next week on a mini-field trip of sorts. The AoA is some sort of petting zoo, the structure built like a Noah's Ark of sorts.

Unfortunately, but very timely, thank God. I received an email from a high school classmate of mine, Dr. Amie Beloy, a pediatrcian practicing in Virginia. I was alarmed by what I read about what happenned at AoA very recently. To my surprise, the forwarded email was written by a church-mate, Jerry Liao. H and I confirmed if it was indeed the same Jerry. And it was. Please see below the full text of Jerry's email...

My Family and I visited the new Arc of Avilon (AoA) Zoo located at Frontera Verde near Tiendesitas in Pasig last January 5, 2008. The highlight of the said zoo is they allow people especially kids to touch their animals like orangutan, parrots, eagles, rabbits, tortoise and snakes.

And when you allow your kids to touch these animals, you trust that the animals are harmless and are trained not to hurt its visitors.


Unfortunately, my 2nd daughter was bitten by an Albino King Snake. Her finger was bloodied so I quickly ask where the clinic was located. I saw a sign that read Hospital/Quarantine, I quicky open the door but found nothing inside but some cages and two people talking. I ask if there's a doctor there and they said none. Then the king snake handler came over and directed us to follow him. I thought we would be brought to a clinic. To my dismay, we were brought to a dirty pantry full of flies. And the handler administered Betadine to my daughter's finger, which was stored in a soy sauce gallon container. A park with no clinic, no doctor and no medicine.

I took my daughter to the hospital, and upon reaching the hospital the first question was what kind of snake bit my daughter. I told them its an Albino King Snake. They were not sure whether the king snake is a venomous or a non-venomous snake. They said they had to consult an expert about this. After awhile, Thank God that the king snake was a non-venomous one. But the doctors wanted to be sure so they gave my daughter an anti-tetanus drug and ask her to take anti-biotics for seven days.

After reaching home, I texted both Jake and Tina Gaw (owners of AoA) that the doctor asked us to observe my daughters condition. I also told them that I am going to write about this horrible experience. Tina texted back and said: "Jerry, if thats how bad you felt, I respect your personal feelings concerning the incident. I wish she (my daughter) could have been more careful in handling the snake or other pets as well especially this one is exotic. Even tame ones, rabbit, tortoise, mouse, pig bite when they felt hurt or frighten when not properly handled. And its really sad when you felt it became a horrible issue."

Now it's my daughter's fault to be bitten by the snake? AoA never bothered to offer their help and now they blame my daughter for the incident. That was a very insensitive remark by Tina. I don't think the snake was hurt or frighten, they were tired and irritated because they were being used to entertain people.

Exotic you say? Why allow them to be touched by people? Yes, I agree that animals bite when they felt hurt or frighten, but let me remind the management of AoA that most of your audience are children, I even saw some as young as two years old. They will just touch and play with the animals without knowing whether they're hurting them or not. It is AoA's responsibility to make sure that none of their animals be hurt or frigthen so that biting won't happen.

And since accidents happen, how come Arc of Avilon don't even have a clinic to at least administer some first-aid soluton. What if the eagles decided to peck the visitors, or use their big claws to attack the visitors. Donkey or horse suddenly kicking. And snakes biting. There shoud be a doctor, a clinic and first-aid kit to address this kind of unfortunate incidents.

Arc of Avilon should not allow people to touch a snake that bites plus they should have expert handlers to assist its visitors. All the Arc of Avilon management can say is that the snake is a non-venomous one. No other help was offered, and then they will blame the visitors for mishandling the animals.

Am I overacting? I don't think so. What are the chances that you will get bitten by a snake in the metropolis? Worst in a theme park like Arc of Avilon. As a parent, will you take it sitting down? Will you just take their word for it that it's non-venomous? Remember, its a snake-bite. Let this be a warning to all my readers who are planning to visit Arc of Avilon at Tiendesitas or any other zoo for that matter.

Let my story be a lesson to all. You can ask your kids to look but as much as possible DO NOT TOUCH. Better yet, DO NOT VISIT the Arc of Avilon totally, until they improve their facilities. Never again will we go to the Arc of Avilon.

Thank you and more power. God Bless us all!

As a parent, this strory is certainly quite alarming. I have ditched my plans of taking the boys there. God knows what might happen. The establishment certainly does not give justice to it's name. Noah would most certainly not be pleased.

Restaurante "Pia y Damaso" At The New Greenbelt Five

Noli Me Tangere was a huge part of my high school life.

When I first read about this new restaurant at the spanking new Greenbelt 5, I knew I just had to go. Last Saturday I spent a lovely afternoon with a very good friend and dined on dishes that brought to life Rizal's immortal characters. Think Maria Clara, Crisostomo Ibarra, Dona Victorina, the notorious Padre Damaso (after whom the restaurant is named after) and a host of others. Take a look at the interesting array of entrees on the menu that brought to a long-forgotten era. I secretly wondered to myself if these were the dishes that the friars and Filipinos once dined on. Probably. There is an interesting entry on the drinks page - "Tubig Ni Maria Clara" made from cucumber juice, ginger syrup, and citrus water - sounds very refreshing and something you would love to have on a summer's day.

Trivia - for those of you wondering why the name Pia y Damaso, they are the names of Maria Clara's parents, Pia Alba and the evil Prayle Damaso. Interesting huh? Do the meals here cause one to sin as well? Hmmmm. Not quite.

We started lunch with Croquetas de Jamon, which was delicious.


My friend decided on the Chicken Parian (with sticky rice, sausage and which was quite tasty and had an interesting presentation and texture to it.


I opted to go for the Fileto Empanado with dayap and caper butter (crisp, marinated and pounded and breaded beefsteaks)and was not entirely happy with it.

Aside from the fact that they were a bit greasy, they were quite gamey too. Not a good choice, really. My friend remembered how they used to cook something similar at home and together, all the siblings would pound on the beef in the kitchen. "Carne ng mahirap..." he described it so aptly. Something that the poor people from Noli Me Tangere probably ate. The version I had was quite malitid as well. Di ata nakuha sa pukpok.

Dessert demons that friend and I both are, it was a good thing that dessert was the saving grace to my meal. I had Padre Salvi's Canonigo (the infamous friar who lusted after Maria Clara) and true to it's inspiration, the dessert was, yes, quite sinful.


Friend had some version of the ever-popular Banoffee pie and the chocolate that was used on this treat was really so scrumptious and velvety. Truly exquisite.



The restaurant is small but its interiors are oh-so-charming, lovely and very-well done. Owned by Chef Bambi Sy Gobio (she of Kooky and Luscious fame), it's no wonder that the dessert menu is a fabulous and interesting one. I love the pretty details, the ribbons on the chandeliers, the paper that they line your table with, etched with swirly pen and ink designs, the menu itself, and the logo of Padre Damaso holding what appears to me like a giant chicken drumstick.

"Pia y Damaso" is located on the second floor of the beautiful Greenbelt Five. Not too many stores and restaurants are open yet, but those that are, deserve a second look. I didn't have time to browse through my friend Ruby Gan's "Mythology" a beautiful store that puts together the talents of five highly talented Filipino designers. The new mall is beautifully lit and so well-laid out. I will definitely go back to explore some more. Meanwhile, enjoy more pictures of the mall, here.

Piolo's Araneta Coliseum Show

Darn. I missed this one and I regret it.

For weeks I had been planning on catching his big show at the Araneta Coliseum but kept putting it off. I hope they do a repeat because judging from these photos which I borrowed from my friend Girlie Rodis, the show was a blast! And of course Piolo was looking so FAB :)


The man is so disciplined so it's no wonder he looks that way. Thanks to his trainer Ace Duque whom papa P acknowledged in a Star Studio interview earlier this year, as the one who helps discipline and shape his bod. I see him at the gym, remember? And I can attest to this. Can't wait to watch "Lobo" his latest Star Cinema movie with Angel Locsin. But just like Girlie, I wonder what their chemistry will be like. I loved him with Claudine in "Milan". And Claudine is a way much better actress than Angel. Then again, if you use the San Mig coffee commercial where both of them look so, ok, hot - there might be the possibility of great chemistry there. Abangan na lang natin.


Hay. Sayang talaga. Gotta get back to the gym soon to get my Piolo fix. Hahaha. Congratulations on the success of your concert PJ! The heck with what Lolit saw or didn't see. According to Girlie, the shrieks all around Araneta that night proved that the women really didn't care whether P is or isn't. Eh ano ba? Guapo pa rin.

More Piolo pictures here in Girlie's site

Things To Remember When Stopped By The MMDA In MANILA

Got this informative email from one of my TOWNS sisters. She suggests that we print and keep a copy handy in our cars...

I just reached my limit last weekend, and decided to take action against the abusive MMDA enforcers. I basically called up the MMDA head office and inquired from the Personnel Officer, Antonio Pagulayan, to clarify theirpolicies. Here is what I got.

If any of these abuses seem familiar to you, Mr. Pagulayan has asked thatb you call either the MMDA hotline (136) or call the METRO BASE at 09209389861 or 0920 9389875 and ask for an Inspectorate. They will send inspectors to the place where these MMDA officers are extorting, evenwhile you are arguing out of your apprehension.

1. MMDA officers are not allowed to group together in order to apprehend.

They are not even allowed to stand together in groups of 2 or more. The only time they are allowed to work together is for special operations (probably when they apprehend groups of buses for smoke belching)

2. Swerving IS NOT a traffic violation. Moving one lane to the left or right is not swerving, no matter where on the road you do it. And it is even less of a violation when you do it with a signal. Swerving is defined as shifting 2 or more lanes very quickly. So you can argue your way outof this, and call the Metro Base for help.

3. Sadly, using the yellow lane is a traffic violation and will get you a ticket. However, buses are really not allowed to go out of the yellowlane, so if you see selective apprehension of private cars only, you may complain.

4. MMDA has confirmed that your license MAY NOT BE CONFISCATED at a traffic apprehension. The only time they can do so is if you are part of an accident, or it is your third violation and you have not settled your fines yet. They are only allowed to give you a ticket, which you can contest. He recommends actually receiving the ticket in some instances, so that you can report the officer who did it.

Also, you are free to ask any of these officers for their "mission order", which is written by their supervisor. If they apprehend you for a violation that is not in their mission order for the day, you can reportthem and they will receive disciplinary action.

So go out and enjoy! And drive safely!!!

2007 Outstanding Women In The Nation's Service - TOWNS 2007 Winners

An awesome harvest of women were chosen as this year's awardees for The Outstanding Women In The Nation's Service (TOWNS). Ten winners were chosen after a rigorous screening process done in mid-September, whittled the group down to 16 from a group of 72 nominees from all over the country. From the sixteen finalists, ten outstanding, amazing women were chosen for their strength of character and the excellence shown in their chosen field of profession or advocacy.


The press conference, held at the Museo Pambata this morning was well-attended by representatives from the Metrobank Foundation, who partnered and threw in their support to TOWNS this year, other TOWNS winners from the different batches and members of the media who came in full force :) It seemed like only yesterday when I, together with my sisses - forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun, then PSE Chair Alicia Morales, now Assistant Dean of the U.P. College of Engineering Aura Matias, broadcast journalist Ces Drilon, educators Deanie Lynn Ocampo and Blessie Raposa, environmental advocate and filmand stage actress Chinchin Gutierrez, U.P. professor and stage actress and poet Joi Barrios, agriculture specialist Madonna Casimero and lawyer __________ (my midlife brain forgets the name of this particular sister!) made up the TOWNS 2004 batch. As Tati Fortun joked when we were asked to address the crowd earlier today, "Today we relinquish our crown..." It was, a Miss Universe moment :)

Earlier in the week, my other TOWNS sister, an icon of mine, Paulynn Paredes and I were hard at work writing the bios of the winners and the citations to be written on their plaques. As I was going through each candidate's history and achievements I could not help but be humbled and awe at the body of work that these ten outstanding women had done so far. Get to know the bright and fascinating women who make up TOWNS 2007 --


For EDUCATION, Dina S. Ocampo, 42 is Associate Professor at the College of Education at the U.P. Diliman. She is also President of the Board of Trustees of Wordlab School, Inc. a non-stock, non-profit corporation which provides elementary education for children with dyslexia and related learning disabilities which she co-founded in 1995. Dina has advocated the use of child's language as the beginning language of education for over two decades. She has articulated the roadmap for achieving language and literacy competence for all Filipino children in schools.

Maria Corazon De Ungria, 40, for SCIENCE, is the Head of the DNA Analysis Laboratory at the U.P. Diliman. Her continuing and untiring efforts in spearheading the research and development activities of the UP NSRI DNA Analysis Laboratory have contributed to the recognition and acceptance of DNA evidences in court cases and other forensic applications. She developed a sexual assault investigation kit that is expected to assist investigations of sexual assault (particularly in children). The Child Protection Unit Network has distributed over 200 of these kits to its Metro Manila and regional units. She has met with members of the House Committee on Science and Technology to discuss the need for DNA legislation. Because of these discussions, House Resolution no. 659 was filed on March 14, 2005 calling on Congress to institutionalize and maximize the value of forensic DNA technology by establishing the DNA Technology Center that will maintain and manage the National DNA Database through appropriate legislation and appropriation.


For the field of MEDICINE, Dr. Eva Maria Cutiongco De la Paz, 45 stands out as one of only five medical geneticists in the Philippines today. Dra. De la Paz was awarded the TOWNS for outstanding work and pioneering scientific research in the field of genetics that has aided in the proper diagnosis, management, prevention and identification of birth defects in the country and continuing efforts to help ease the burden of families with children born with significant disabilities.

Alexandra Prieto Romualdez, 40 for the field of PRINT MEDIA was awarded the TOWN for her exemplary leadership in successfully steering one of the country’s largest media organizations, by being simultaneously responsive to the needs of her employees and the community which she serves through the creation of programs and reforms that seek to improve the quality of newspaper publishing in the country. Sandy is my boss and of course we are all so proud and happy that she won the TOWNS. In her speech today she gave thanks to all her teachers and mentors and to the men and women of Inquirer. Sandy joins our esteemed editor in chief Letty Jimenez Magsanoc, columnist Rina David and myself in the TOWNS sisterhood. Congratulations Sandy!

Alyssa M. Peleo Alampay, 43 is an Associate Professor at the National Institute of Geological Sciences at the U.P. Diliman. Driven by a commitment to make a difference in the Philippines, she gave up her US permanent residence status and decided to return to the Philippines under the Balik Scientist program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Alyssa was awarded the TOWNS for her dedication in making earth science education in the country more accessible to a greater number of students and her outstanding scientific accomplishments into climate research that aid in the fight against global warming both here and overseas. As a female geologist in the Philippines she says that she has had many experiences wherein she has been singled out primarily because of her gender. It is also a field, she says that does not get a lot of funding and that there is a constant struggle to attract bright, young minds to engage in the field of geology. More than ever, she is inspired to do even more to push further and make a difference in promoting earth science education among teachers and the youth.

Hilly Ann Maria Roa Quiaoit, 38 is the Director of the McKeough Marine Center at the Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro. Hilly is known locally and globally as an avid conservationist particularly of the endangered giant clams, she has been dubbed as the "mother of giant clams" in the Philippines. For her tireless efforts in helping conserve the endangered giant clams both here and around the world through community involvement and the creation of programs and institutions that highlight her dedication to the preservation and rehabilitation of marine life in various parts of the country she recieves the TOWNS Award for ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION.

Maria A. Ressa, 44 graduated with a BA English Literature degree from Princeton University. She is the Senior Vice President for the ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs Division. In 2001, Maria filed a report that followed up on the discovery of the terrorist cells of the Jemaah Islamiyah, Al Qaeda's arm in Southeast Asia. This report helped highlight the existence of terrorist cells in the region. She also reported on East Timor's struggle for independence and risked her life to continue the report even after diplomats and journalists were driver out of East Timor - making CNN the first international news organization to begin reporting again days after the arrival of the multi-national forces. In her speech today, Maria thanked her icon and mentor Cheche Lazaro whom she said was the reason for her coming back to the Philippines. Cheche and The Probe Team, she said, "Made me believe how one person, one small organization can make a huge difference in the lives of others."


Cathy Vistro Yu, 43is a Mathematics Professor at the Ateneo de Manila University. Cathy helped in the formation of the professional organization, MATHED which has 600 members from all over the country, and getting it recognized as the national organization of mathematics teacher educators. Over a span of five years, it is now acknowledged as the professional organization of mathematics educators and teachers. Together with other recognized mathematics educators, and in cooperation with the DOST-SEI, she has been a prime mover, initiator, advocate and implementer for the adoption of Mathematics Framework for Basic School Mathematics Curriculum as well as a Framework for Mathematics Teacher Education.

Elizabeth H. Lee, 39 is the Executive Vice President of Universal Motors Corporation. In 1998, she joined Universal Motors Corporation as Senior Vice President for Marketing and was promoted to Executive Vice President, Marketing & Sales Group in 2007, in charge of developing primary goals, short and long-term objectives, implementing operational plans and overseeing all marketing activities for Nissan Light Commercial Vehicle products and services. She was elected the first woman president of the Truck Manufacturers Association for three years (2002-2004) and became the youngest and first woman president of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) where she has been president since 2005.Beth is the 2007 TOWNS Awardee for BUSINESS For her unwavering dedication to clean-up and save the Philippine automotive industry of illegal imports and for her creative foresight into developing programs that aim to help OFW’s and their families invest their money wisely by helping them become entrepreneurs and for raising the bar on Philippine-made vehicles not only in the country but world-wide as well.

Glecy Cruz Atienza, 45 is a Full Professor at the College of Arts and Letters at the U.P. Diliman, a Sr. Artist-Teacher at the Philippine Education Theater Association and is Chair of ALYANSA, Inc (Alyansa ng mga Manggagawang Pangkultura sa Kamaynilaan at Karatig Pook). is an artist, educator, civil servant and public intellectual. Her life and career are an example of artistic and academic excellence and selfless commitment and dedication in the use of the arts in the service of the country.Glecy is the TOWNS awardee for ARTS & CULTURE for turning theater into a pedagogical force in shaping lives by helping people realize their potentials and encouraging government and non-government agencies to use the arts as a means to involve the community in realizing their vision of a better life.
Glecy considers it a continuing challenge to engage communities in various venues of education and community action through art and cultural work, “given the slack in the support for cultural activities”. She intends to write and publish educational manuals and teaching materials while she supports her only son through medical school and takes care of her 81-year old mother.

Congratulations to all the awesome women of TOWNS 2007! May we be of even greater service to the nation in the years to come. Welcome to our sisterhood!

Desperate Discrimination - Why Didn't Terri Hatcher Speak Up?

In the midst of all the hoopla about that highly insensitive remark made on the Desperate Housewives show, one question continues to nag me... Why didn't Teri Hatcher refuse to mouth those objective lines?

I don't know how it works in the U.S. but over here, if an actor or actress finds the dialogue questionable, he or she can always argue with the scriptwriter or director. I've seen it happen personally several times. My mom who is a film and television actress has told me of many instances when she revised the dialogue because it did not seem right.

Teri Hatcher obviously has some sort of clout on the show. Hindi kaya niya nasisip na nakakasakit siya ng kapwa? Didn't she stop and think for one moment what the repercussions of that insensitive line would be? Doesn't she have at least one single Filipino-American friend? Or, wala lang? That to her, and the rest of the cast and crew is was really, no big deal at all?

In the U.S.State department, and the United States, over-all, discrimination is such a huge issue. In U.S. government offices, memos are regularly issued reminding employees about the issues regarding racial discrimination and always pointing out that these will not be tolerated under any circumstances and that if and when it takes place, the necessary sanctions will be issued. Hindi ba sila nga ang nagpa uso ng "WE are an equal-opportunity employer with no bias towards age, sex, race or religion." Obviously, on U.S. primetime television that doesn't hold any water and it becomes a free for all. Okay, which race do we pick on this week?

Lat year, Terri Hatcher had the courage to stand up for and against child abuse and she won my admiration for it. Parang hindi ata siya nag-isip this time around. Because of this incident, unofrtunately, the actress now lives up to her onscreen persona - apparently, she is as dizty off-screen as she is on-screen.

Pinay Pride - First Filipina Nurse Heads California Nurses Association

The Filipino nurse is truly world-class and Zenei Triunfo Cortez, a registered nurse originally from Makati has just taken her place in history. Last September 1, 2007, as part of the council of presidents, she became the first Filipino President of CNA/NNOC (California Nurses Association/Natonal Nurses Organizing Committee), the nation's premier organization of Filipino nurses. This marks a watershed moment for nursing, which has increasingly become a global profession marked by steady migration from the Philippines, as well as for the larger Filipino-American community, which now numbers more than 2 million people but is only beginning to acquire the social and political representation it deserves. Reflecting on the election, Cortez remarked, "I am deeply touched by the honor bestowed upon me by my fellow nurses. To have come so far in my life and now to share the responsibility of advocating for patients and RNs alike is nothing that I could have imagined."

Founded in 1903, the California Nurses Association, and its national arm, the National Nurses Organizing Committee, is one of the nation’s premiere nurses’ organizations and health care unions. One of the fastest growing health care organizations in the U.S., CNA/NNOC presently has 75,000 members in 40 states, representing nurses at scores of hospitals, clinics, and home health agencies. Since 2000, over 19,000 RNs at 50 hospitals have elected to affiliate with CNA.It is the largest and fastest-growing organization of direct care Registered Nurses in the country dedicated to providing a voice for nurses and a vision for healthcare.


It’s been a long and hard road for Tiunfo-Cortez who migrated to the United States in the early 70s. A brother who was with the U.S. Navy sponsored all nine Triunfo siblings together with their parents, Aniano Villote Triunfo and Jovita Celi Triunfo. Becoming a nurse was farthest from the young Zenei’s mind. “I did not know that I would become a nurse. However, I’ve been surrounded by a family of Registered Nurses. It started with my dad's youngest sister Linda, who was part of the RN Exchange program in the 60's and so was a first cousin Annie. One of my sisters, Cindy, is also a Registered Nurse,plus sisters in law.I have inspired my neice Melissa to become an RN also,” she relates.

Triunfo-Cortez went to school in Chicago and began her career as a Medical/Surgical RN after her graduation in 1980. In 1982 she decided to move to California. Over the last 27 years, her range of experience has included Oncology, Orthopedics, Telemetry and Critical Care. She is currently a Staff IV Nurse in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit at a hospital in San Bruno. Triunfo Cortez will never forget her earliest challenge as being only one of two Filipinos in her nursing school. “I had to work extra hard to prove that Filipinos could excel in their chosen careers.”

She says that she has always believed in the power of the CNA especially when in 1990, she was denied her current position.” CNA helped me through the grievance process and eventually I prevailed. From then on, I became a Nurse Representative to help fellow RNs resolve issues. I do not want them to go through what I went through.” Tiunfo Cortez says that having seen her struggle, fellow RNs encouraged her to "officially" speak on their behalf by running for office. “I took on the challenge because I want RNs especially Filipino RNs to speak up for their rights, advocate for their patients and themselves.I was elected to the State Board of Directors for 3 terms (2 years for each term) and then was elected to the Vice President position for 2 terms (also 2 years for each term). Each time election comes around, I together with other colleagues running for office do launch a campaign. Since most of our constituents know us, they continue to support us.”

The CNA has grown to a point where there is now a National arm -- called the National Nurses Organizing Committee (NNOC) . Members are spread out all over the United States. Triunfo Cortez, who is one of four presidents, explains that the scenario has prompted the organization to change the structure. “Given the fact that we now have members coast to coast, it will be too hectic for just one president to handle all the duties and responsibilities. We are also bedside RNs who see to it that our patients get the quality care they deserve. Having a council of presidents allows us to remain at the bedside and lead the organization. The council shares the job equally and it is a two-year term.” AS one of the presidents, Triunfo Cortes says that she will personally push for universal healthcare for all with a single standard of care and single payer. “I will also continue to pursue patient advocacy and advocacy for the nursing profession.”


The new CNA president remains a Pinoy at heart as she continues to speak Tagalog at home and subscribes to theFilipino Channel. Like many other Filipino migrants, their families live very close to one another. “There is a lot of family support. My mom who is 85 tends to cook a lot everyday, just in case us kids or grandkids will drop by to eat. My dad who is 89 spends a lot of time in his garden. He gives me healthy plants and I simply return it to him when it is dying.I still call my older siblings "kuya" and "ate". Support became especially important when she battled cancer almost five years ago. The love and support of her husband, Robert, who works for a major hotel chain, and her other family members helped her pull through one of the trying times of her life. It also helps, she says that she had excellent healthcare coverage.

“ I did not have to worry about running out of insurance coverage. I was off for 6 months and again because of our contract language, I was able to save up all the sick time I earned through the 25 years of my employment. I was cared for by my husband who never left my bedside and of course my family too. I went through 2 1/2 months of daily radiation therapy. All the love and support and my strong faith in God helped me get well. Being a patient allowed me to see first hand the incredible work RNs do everyday. I received good care. It was not difficult for me to navigate the healthcare system because I know the system. It will perhaps be different for those who do not know. But again as RNs, we are there for them.”

Earlier this year, Triunfo Cortez was home and spoke a local nursing college. We asked her for some pieces of advice to impart to young nurses desiring a better life overseas. She had a mouthful to say --

“For those RNs who desire to go abroad, please read the fine prints of your contract. Ask questions, get the answers in writing. Exploitation is on the rise. A very important question to ask is,"Just in case you do not pass the state boards, what will happen to your status?" Your employers need to provide orientation and training, especially with the new technology. Look for a mentor who could assist you in your new work place. There is usually a mother figure willing to take on that role. Do not be afraid to ask questions when you are unclear on things. Above all, do not just go into nursing because it will “pay off.” You need to have the passion for the profession and the patience to face different challenges everyday. You need to be aware of the diverse cultural backgrounds your patients will have. Learn to be assertive. Work on your communication skills. Love your career.”

This article was published in the GLOBAL PINOY section of the Philippine Daily Inquirer on September 16, 2007

Bohol Journey, Captivating Amarela Resort

AT midlife you often find yourself traveling to find answers to the many questions that lie within. Often, the best part about this journey are the unexpected finds – both from within yourself, as a 40something embarking on the second half of life, and the treasures you find as you traipse the country.

Bohol, the province dubbed as “God’s little paradise” caught me off-guard as I spent a couple of days there last week, wrapped in its mystery and charm as I discovered many gems throughout the province. Foremost among those treasured finds, is a hidden enclave by the sea - the Amarela Resort on Panglao Island in Bohol.

The yellow, Mediterranean styled, 24-room boutique resort is a sight to behold. From the moment you step in, you become wrapped in serenity, enfolded in Amarela’s warmth and charm. The staff is very friendly and accommodating, you feel like you are an esteemed guest at someone’s elegant, seaside residence where you feel very much relaxed and at home right away. A rich sense of Bohol’s culture and history fill the halls and rooms of this resort. As you walk through the resort, you cannot help but be filled with admiration for the province’s wealth of culture and history. The view from the dining area is simply breathtaking, guests are awed with unrivalled vistas of the Visayan sea. On a clear day, one can see all the way to Camiguin and the neighboring fabled, Pamilacan Island.


The resort has so many intricate details, each one with a story to tell which makes Amarela all the more charming and special. The master of the house, so to speak, is Atty. Doy Nunag, who in his “former” life was a corporate lawyer with one of the largest and most esteemed international law firms. Nunag hails from Antiquera and is very much proud of his province’s culture and history. Throughout our stay there he regaled us with stories about the many pieces that adorn the walls and halls of Amarela. Nunag is both gentle and genteel and Amarela manifests the qualities of its owner. The paintings that hang on its walls are from various people close to the Nunag family. The massive doors that welcome you to Amarela came from a centuries old house in Bohol, as are the intricate wooden lattices that surround the resort. Practically all of the wooden furniture – chairs, tables, beds - at Amarela are either antiques or fashioned by Nunag’s townmates from Antiquera, a town known for its excellent weavers and woodsmen.


Personally, the best part about being in Amarela was the respite and serenity it provided from what can sometimes be a frazzled and hurried life. The whole area is filled with such peace and tranquility that your mind and spirit are really forced to take a respite from the concerns of the world. Very conducive to writing and reading, Amarela fulfilled all my requirements for a perfect get-away – the sun, the sea, lots of green, tranquil surroundings and the creature comforts of modern life.

The resort has a library of the Nunag family’s personal collection of books and DVD’s. Consider that in the family there are two lawyers, one sportsman, one creative soul and a health practicioner, you can begin to imagine the array of books and the impressive DVD collection housed in the resort. Because I was feeling momentarily blue, I chose to view “It’s A Wonderful Life” in the privacy of my room, and like it always does, the movie did not fail to cheer my heart.


Amarela’s 26 guestrooms are tranquil, beachside retreats that are superbly furnished, well-equipped, and comfortable. After a day of taking in Bohol’s wonderful sights, you will look forward to coming home to Amarela. On my first day there, all I did was sleep, eat and take in the beautiful sea view. One morning, I was up at the crack of dawn to catch the glorious sunrise on the resort’s balcony, watching the gentle morning light bathe the resort in splendor.

The beach with its white sands is captivating and soothing this time of the year. I enjoyed just soaking in the sun, savoring the gentle breeze and listening to the waves caress the shore. Amarela also has a good-sized pool where you can swim to your heart’s content or simply lie under the sun and lose yourself in a good book. My book of choice for this particular Bohol adventure was the hilarious and insightful “The Late Bloomer’s Revolution”.


I came to Bohol on a whim, having heard a great deal about the beauty that the province had to offer and yet, not expecting anything. I chose to keep myself open to all the possibilities that lay ahead and just allowed myself to be surpised and awed by its gifts. The time at Amarela, just letting myself be “in the flow” so to speak, brought many joys and discoveries untold. As I prepared to leave the island that had captivated my heart, I was reminded of what Anne Morrow Lindbergh once wrote – “The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach - waiting for a gift from the sea.” I would go back in a heartbeat and I look forward to returning to Amarela once more.

For more information on Amarela – please visit the Amarela resort website

Bolinao - Gateway to the Sun

Before the frenzy of election week broke out, our family decided to embark on a little adventure in search of quality, family time. We found ourselves driving (more like H driving all the waaaaaay) for six hours to a quiet part of Pangasinan - rich in heritage, pastoral scenes and the simple, unadulterated joys of being with loved ones (intermittent celphone signals, no computers, newspapers, only four TV channels...) and chatting the night away.

We holed ourselves up at a quaint and charming resort by the sea called Puerto Del Sol and for four days did nothing but swim, sleep, eat, go around the countryside and trade stories. We consistently watched the AXN hit tv series "Worlds Apart" and could not help note the parallelisms. Over-all, we had a really had a fantastic time and the children were introduced to a pastoral kind of life. If the drive weren't so long, I would return, in the blink of an eye. Oh the joys of being with family by the sea. Here are some pictures from that family adventure...

Philippine Elections 2007 Senate Topnotchers in QC

So the counting has begun.

My husband H and I did the rounds of the various precincts close to where we live just to see how the counting was going on and ok, to validate how many of our own bets were assured of slots. As of midnite we each have 9 bets sure to win :) That's a pretty good batting average if I may say so. I went for 8 from GO, 2 Independents and 2 from Team Unity. I got five out of six bets in the running tally of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Let me share with you how the voting at the four precincts went. We went to visit the White Plains barangay hall at around 8:30PM and the topnotchers there as of 8:30 P.M. May 14 were -- Arroyo, Aquino, Escudero, Pangilinan and Villar. It wasn't surprising to see Noynoy place number two in the tally because his uncle Paul lives there and I'm sure he really campaigned for his nephew. It was saddening though to see Tito Sotto perform in such a lackluster way in his own bailiwick. The Sotto's have called White Plains home for the last 30 years or so. It's a good thing his daughter Lala was faring well in her bid as Councilor.

At around 9:00 P.M. we were at the Blue Ridge B barangay hall where the counting was almost completed - there are only 6 precincts in this small village.


Teachers begin the count at Blue Ridge

Over here, quite similar to the WP voters, sentiments were almost identical and the top winners were Escudero, Aquino, Pangilinan, Arroyo and Villar

How many votes for my senator? Let me count the ways...

From Blue Ridge, we hopped over to Libis Elementary school to get a feel of how the D and E market voted. H and I thought we would see a totally different set of names but apparently, irregardless of social class, some candidates remained steady and consistent with the addition of a few names - Escudero was still number one, followed by Lacson and Legarda, Cayetano, Aquino and Honasan.

Libis Elem Teachers Counting Votes

It is also interesting to note that in all the three precincts we had visited thus far, the mayoralty race in Quezon City was an absolute no-brainer - even at this point in the game, it is very much safe to say that Sonny Belmonte and Herbert Bautista are still the run-away winners. To no surpise. Belmonte's presence was evident in all the precincts we went - the ubiquitous yellow shuttle bearing his name, and take a look at this school building he put up for Libis Elementary which was the third polling area we went to this evening...


The school that SB built

Our public teachers are also such a dedicated lot, weary from all the counting, they still managed to smile and plod on with such determination and dedication.


Masusing nagbibilang ang guro ng balota


Guarding the ballot box over dinner

And thank God that it was peaceful at least in this part of Quezon City. Although over at Miriam College Grade School which was the last polling center we visited there were some complaints aired to us by Jake Tolosa of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) regarding disenfranchised votes.


Counting votes at Miriam College

The Miriam voting center has 47 precincts and a population of 6400 voters coming from the Loyola Heights area. Tolosa said that earlier in the day there were so many missing names, family members were separated into various prencincts instead of one, the COMELEC according to him, was not able to come up with a comprehensive and proper list of voters. Even the president of Ateneo De Manila University could not find his name on the voters list!


Sister casts her vote

The presence of the PPCRV was very visible over this voting center - volunteers, posters, watchers were all over the place - guarding the sanctity of the ballot.

Guard that vote!

And even if it was 11PM the whole community seemed to be out in full force - young and old alike - painstakingly counting each vote and making sure that no cheating would take place.


Counting the votes under a flashlight


Residents and volunteers tally the results

The topnotchers at this large polling center, as of 11PM were - Escudero, Aquino, Villar, Pangilinan and Arroyo. So far, and based on the Inquirer's latest tally, these five candidates seem to be taking the clear lead, at least in Metro Manila. Of course those numbers can easily chabge once we get the rest of Luzon, change even further when the votes from the Visayas region are in, and heaven forbid, come up with a totally different set of names when the Mindanao votes are counted! Wala naman na sanang dayaan!

Over-all, at least in our small part of the Philippines, people seem to have voted wisely and really given though to picking their candidates this time around. My fearless forecast (basta walang daya!) is that the top five slots will all go to Team Unity and in the final count it will be seven for GO, three for Team Unity and two independents. Of course I could be wrong, kaya nga fearless forecast, it's still anybody's game but barring any "Hello Garci's" this time around, the voting trend should show the current government that the people have wisened up and are tired of empty promises. This election poster prepared by a Christian Businessmen's group and the PPCRV says it all --



Here's praying for truth and honesty to prevail in the coming days!