The quaint town of Sampaloc is known for its impressive array of “buri” products, the source of livelihood of the amiable people of this 5th class municipality in the province of Quezon.
“Buri,” a large palm tree noted for its strong leaves that can be made into various products like bags and other native accessories. The houses are adorned with different buri products during the Bulihan Festival.
Assorted products made of buri and some native delicacies.
This writer has witnessed this festival in years past – during the 4th Bulihan Festival. The highlights of the festival were the costume parade and the showcase of native dishes, as only “Sampalukins” (how residents are called in Sampaloc) can uniquely prepare and do.
“Palos” Cooking Contest
One of the awaited activities of the festival was the native “Palos Cooking Contest.” “Palos,” is Sampaloc’s term for native eel, which is caught in the Maapon River. It’s often brought by Sampalukins as a present to somebody being asked for a favor. The “madulas” is associated with a saying that if it is given as a gift to the person being asked for a favor, the request will be easily granted.
This exciting and one-of-a-kind cooking contest was participated by representatives from the 14 Barangays through the town’s Rural Improvement Club.
The cooking skills and creativity of the “Sampalukins” were once again demonstrated — with everything and anything that can be done and concocted with “palos.” Spicy, sweet, saucy, “ginataan”, “ginisa”, baked, steamed, fried, what have you!
The winning recipe came from Barangay Ibabang Owain. The dish is called “Steamed Palos.”
Put onion leek into the water and set for boiling.
Steam Palos for about 30-40 minutes.
When cooked, arrange the steamed Palos on a platter with the toppings.
Serve hot.
Uniquely Sampaloc
The “Parada ng Bayan”- a buri-inspired costume parade was participated by the different sectors of the community like NGOs, the private sector, puroks, barangay, and municipal government officials and employees.
Parada ng Bayan
The strong camaraderie was felt as the whole town took time to participate and support the costume parade. It was amazing to see how young women and men were dressed in different creative and distinctively classy costumes made from colorful buri. It was as if these costumes were tailored and styled by professional designers — knowing these were handcrafted by the “Sampalukins”!
The Bulihan Festival provides jobs to residents and promotes tourism in the municipality.
Beautiful sceneries
Some of Sampaloc’s beautiful sceneries are the Malaoag Cave and Underground River, the Hangga Falls, and the Kakati River. During our stay, we were fortunate to explore Hangga Falls, a hidden gem located in the boundary of the towns of Sampaloc and Lucban. An approximate one to two hours of trekking was needed to reach the destination, and was worth the exhaustion upon seeing the invigorating waterfalls!
Feeling invigorated at Hangga Falls after a two-hour trek.With friends from Sampaloc
Discover Sampaloc and know more about its culture, people, and captivating attractions!
A Holy Week story of hope, surrender, faith, love, overcoming sickness, and the gift of life. “My life now is full of constant reflection and prayer. Everything in this world is temporary,” the singer and OPM icon said.
Acclaimed balladeer Chad Borja and one of the members of the popular male group, The OPM Hitmen looked back on his past life. For someone who had been through a difficult battle with the Big C a couple of years ago, he hopes that his story will inspire other cancer patients not to lose hope.
“God moves mysteriously. He has given me a second chance in life,” he shared in a previous interview. “He answered all my prayers.”
The OPM Hitmen: Renz Verano, Richard Reynoso, Rannie Raymundo, and Chad Borja. Image: bworldonline
Chad related that he found out he had thyroid cancer after his show with pop diva Kuh Ledesma in Los Angeles in August 1998.
“I was jogging one morning when I felt a block in my throat. I was so feverish at that time so I decided to consult a doctor. I had consulted four doctors from New York and LA, and they told me that I had an irritated sore throat,” he recalled.
When he returned to the Philippines, he went to Cebu, his native hometown to seek the advice of other doctors. He was told to take antibiotics.
“But I was bothered. I was fully convinced that there was something wrong with my system. I underwent an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), where I was put inside a machine as if it were a coffin for 45 minutes. I preferred not to take sleeping pills because I wanted to know what was happening. After a few hours, the doctors interpreted that I had a mass in my throat, so I needed to undergo a biopsy.
He continued: “Four days after the biopsy I was told that I had a cold nodule. My doctor friends from Cebu and Laoag told me that I needed to undergo surgery before it spread. My fears, doubts, confusion, and depression started to manifest. I decided to do some research and to get a good endocrinologist (in the name of Augusto Litongua) from Makati Medical Center,” he said.
Just to be sure, he underwent another test at the Philippine General Hospital. Still, the finding was malignant.
“The doctor told me that if I undergo surgery there’s a chance for me to get well,” he said.
But Chad had mixed feelings about undergoing the surgery because he was advised by a fortune-teller not to do it.
“In one of my guest appearances at GMA-7, I was predicted not to undergo an operation because something bad would happen to me,” he recalled. “Then I started praying. I went to Coney Reyes to seek advice and enlightenment. After that, I became stronger deep inside. I decided to go on with the operation. Imagine, I was crying for one hour and 30 minutes.”
Bad dream
On October 8, 1998, Chad underwent surgery at the Makati Medical Center.
“I didn’t feel anything. At that moment, I didn’t care if I lost my voice as long as I stayed alive to give me time to repent for my sins. But the torture was after the operation,” he shared. (Chad has now an artificial thyroid. The operation had left him a horizontal scar on his throat.)
During the first three months, Chad had to take radioactive iodine (a liquid medicine) as part of his treatment. He gained weight because of this medicine. Then he had to regularly monitor his blood to find out if the cancer had spread or not.
“Through this experience, I have learned to surrender my life to God,” he said. “The good news is that my cancer didn’t spread. However, there’s no assurance about it.”
Chad felt fortunate despite everything. “This is my second life,” he intimated. “Now when I wake up every morning, I pray and thank God for giving me an extension in life.”
Slowly, he went back to his singing. But this time around, he has a new outlook. “My life now is full of constant reflections and prayers. Everything in this world is temporary,” said Chad, who’s now a renewed Christian.
Chad said, what happened to him was like a bad dream. “Because of this difficult situation, I’ve become more humble. If I have grudges with people, I just humbled myself. I don’t let anger consume me.”
One thing he has learned from this experience is to be satisfied with what you have and never allow material things to rule your life.
“If you have the chance to say ‘I love you,’ to your parents, and loved ones, say it now, because you will never know what will happen,” concluded Chad, who has become a better person inside and out.
(Based on the article published in the now-defunct Mirror Weekly Magazine by the same author)
Like all great musicals, The Sound of Music has exuded a certain magic that makes it special — you can credit the amazing direction, the beautiful milieu, the incredible music, and the story itself. It became so successful due to the amount of love present in it: the love of music, of freedom, of family, and the love between a man and a woman (which – as Reverend Mother wisely reminds us – is holy, too).
Having watched the film repeatedly on the small screen, it was an experience to witness it inside a sophisticated theater in Circuit Makati, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater. The venue was a good choice for Broadway Asia and GMG Productions to stage this worth-watching Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s masterpiece, which had its last staging in 2020 at The Theatre at Solaire.
The Sound of Music, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp set in Austria, follows an ebullient postulant who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. However, the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, and Maria and the von Trapp family must make a moral decision.
The recent international tour was worth the visit. The stellar cast included Jill-Christine Wiley as Maria and Trevor Martin as Captain Georg von Trapp, who are both talented and shared their emotions with the audience often. They make the perfect team and possess the very best diction I have heard on a professional stage in a long time.
Trevor Martin was an emotional powerhouse as he did an excellent job portraying the stern, complex, but loving Captain von Trapp. Jill-Christine Wiley’s rendition of Maria felt young and lovely. She sang with clarity the title song “The Sound of Music” and other popular tunes, such as “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” and “The Lonely Goatherd.”
I found the moment touching when the Captain turned over his whistle to Maria when he realized he no longer treats his children and household like a naval battleship. Wiley played her role with justice in her opening scenes and became a loving governess during the story.
This production was star-studded, including the talented Filipino singer-actress Karylle Tatlonghari as Baroness Elsa Schraeder. She portrayed her character with natural elegance, convincing sophistication, and maturity.
Cassi Mikat, who played Mother Abbess, astoundingly delivered “Climb Every Mountain” with passion and made it one of the best hair-raising moments of the show.
Markki Stroem, on the other hand, who portrayed the telegram delivery boy, Rolf Gruber, did captivate the audience with his charms and well-built connection to Lauren O’Brien as Liesl. His rendition of the show tune “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” was enjoyable to watch and listen to. A little bit cheeky to describe, Joshua La Force made Max Detweiler a compelling character with that hilarious personality, obviously distinguished in his performance of “How Love Can Survive” with Tatlonghari. The Von Trapp kids, however, were undeniably witty and quirky and became the center of attention for the scenes they were in.
It was a compelling moment when the large Nazi flags dropped from the ceiling and were used as the backdrop of the Festival concert. There’s nothing more symbolic than seeing a proud Austrian, Captain Von Trapp, sings “Edelweiss” (Austria’s national flower – used as an image of symbolism and loyalty to his country) before he bids farewell to his homeland and runs away with his family to the mountains, instead of reporting to Bremerhaven to assume command in the Army of the Third Reich. This scene is a chilling moment. It was also fascinating at the end of the production, with the Von Trapp children, as they escaped the Nazis after the Anschluss. They were taking a long and arduous journey to reach safety. As the family ascended into the hills of the mountains, my breath was taken away (Finale Ultimo).
The mise-en-scene of the show was extravagant with its minimalist set design and lovely lighting. My favorite set design was the last part of the show when the nuns opened the gate where the Von Trapp family escaped — it was realistic and aesthetic!
The musical appeared different from the film in which Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer starred. “My Favorite Things” was sung in the abbey by Maria and Mother Abbess. In place of that song in the thunderstorm scene, Maria and the kids sang “The Lonely Goatherd” instead. “Edelweiss” was only sung once by the Captain at the concert. Uncle Max and Baroness Schraeder also performed two songs. Not like in the film, they were singing characters, too.
This musical was a perfect show from start to finish and imparted a good lesson to kids and adults alike — a feeling of an incredible sense of joy and love.
Everyone is excited to welcome the newest addition to the SOL community. Make some noise, and raise the banners for the 90s “IT girl” Ina Raymundo.
She’s 47 and she’s proud of it. And why not, Ina Raymundo will surely pass for a 20-year-old- something-woman. Her face and her figure has not aged a bit from the one we saw in the 90s. It is like she stopped aging.
Not only that, she has reinvented and transformed herself to be a model of an empowered woman. She continues to inspire women to pursue their careers, be fit and still be an involved parents. With five children under her care, she is still able to give ample time to upgrade herself and engage others with her passions. That’s strength – in both body and mind.
She is a certified plantita. Starting from one “Sensation” plant, she now takes care of various indoor plants with Anthurium and Monstera as two of the highlights of her mini-indoor jungle.
She is a social media influencer. With almost 2 million followers, more and more people are seeing her as someone who can be trusted and looked up to when it comes to balancing life and aging healthily, beautifully, and happily.
She is a health and fitness enthusiast, and she has the body to show for it.
Entrasol family during the press conference at Grand Hyatt Manila.
In all her pursuits, she is aptly supported by her family and Entrasol Platinum with PROCARE. She is the first to say that a woman on the go must never be without healthy food, most especially at an age where age-related issues are cropping up.
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Entrasol Platinum is available in two flavors, Chocolate and Vanilla at 200g and 600g. It is available online in Lazada and Shopee and all leading drugstores, groceries, and supermarkets nationwide at Php441.00 and Php1,134.00 respectively.
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Everything that reminds us of the life that was becomes a beacon of hope. As the world emerges from a difficult few years, it’s nice to discover a place for people to rise above the mundane and connect with like-minded individuals.
Manifesto, a modern café, and restaurant located on Valero Street in the heart of Makati’s Central Business District, understood the assignment and nailed it right on the head. They did not only know what people wanted, they knew what they needed – a respite from the monotony of daily life and the chance to enjoy great food in the company of friends and strangers.
Serving what is probably one of the busiest and chicest areas of Makati, Manifesto has an enviable menu that features the best comfort foods from l’Orient et l’Occident. All-time Filipino favorites like beef tapa, spiced bangus, and longganisa are available to those who crave a hearty Pinoy breakfast, while an assortment of mouthwatering kebabs like chicken, beef, and lamb are available to those who crave the flavors of the Middle East.
At the heart of Manifesto is their carefully crafted coffee menu, featuring 17 unique and expertly brewed drinks, including traditional Italian classics. One sip of their doppio could instantly transport you to a Roman café, as you sit amidst elderly peanut-eating gentlemen wearing berets and plaid trousers held up by suspenders. For the faint of heart, they also serve mochaccinos, macchiatos, and cappuccinos.
Fresh fruit juices and shakes are also available for patrons who want to beat the tropical heat. And for days and nights when one needs to wind down or “can’t even,” try their strawberry daiquiri or mojito, or order a bottle or two of Stella Artois or Peroni.
Manifesto is a haven for every soul, lost or found. It is a place where they can let their hair down and just be. Visit today and experience a true renaissance in dining.
For inquiries and reservations, call 0915 821 6852.
As scriptwriter-director Bibeth Orteza said, “Ricky Lee is a remembrance of all that makes the idea of writing romantic: a lonely childhood, collegiate years without money to spend, a term in jail even. And then an enviable body of work.”
Ricky Lee has spent a good chunk of his career writing scripts for films. Like his screen films, he assumes multiple forms and shadows, complexity, and simplicity in one sleek package.
Filipino film buffs have bought this package, making Ricky, one of the best and most multi-awarded scriptwriters in the Philippines today. Some of his finest Filipino films include Himala, Moral, Brutal, Salome, Madrasta, Curacha, and Miguel/Michelle, among many others.
Aside from his many years of teaching at UP and the Ateneo, he has been conducting scriptwriting workshops, proof of his generosity in imparting career secrets to aspiring and upcoming writers.
Ricky is also a well-known fictionist, having won several literary awards. He has published an anthology of some of his works in 20 years in fiction, journalism, and film (Si Tatang at Mga Himala ng Ating Panahon.)
Revise, revise
Ricky recalls that his scripts of Brutal and Moral had five to seven drafts before he finally perfected them.
“Talagang madugo, hindi bawat revision may nabago lang, talagang overhaul ng skeleton,” he shared during a past interview. “Kasi ‘yong first sequence ng Brutal walang makaintindi kundi si Marilou (Diaz-Abaya). So you have to be patient and concentrate para mag ugat ang mga paa mo. Kailangan mayroong matatag na foundation.”
In writing a script, Ricky follows not just his own judgment. “Natanggap ko na na magkakaroon ng sariling buhay yong script. Whatever will be good for the script doon ako susunod,” he said. “I’m willing to adjust to the popular taste of the audience. Dahil gusto kong ma-reach ang audience ko kaya ako nagsusulat.”
He culled most of his ideas from real-life experiences; some from his imagination. “The ideas in terms of the situation, characters, and images are mostly from outside influences and the environment. Then the inside which is the emotion.”
Length of time
In his early years as a scriptwriter, Ricky could finish a script in a month (the longer script took three months at the most). Now he can finish a script in one or two days.
For instance, the script of the movie Mapusok (starred by Rosanna Roces) was written for two days. As well as Malikot na Mundo (1997) and Sinner or Saint (1984). “I wrote Sinner or Saint on the airplane while going home from Brazil. Pagbaba ko ng airport, may script na ako,” shared Ricky.
The film Andrea by Superstar Nora Aunor was written in less than seven days. The longest material he wrote was Moral. “Hanggang nag shooting na nag-revise pa ako. Nagdidikta ako ng lines kay Marilou over the phone,” said Ricky, “because we wanted to find the best way of telling the story.”
Yet, it was the most fulfilling movie for Ricky.
Working with the best directors
His first year in the industry was a big advantage for Ricky because it was during this period that he got the chance to work with the local cinema’s best directors.
“Nakatrabaho ko agad sina Ishmael Bernal, Mike De Leon, Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Mel Chionglo, Lino Brocka, para akong nag workshop ng todo,” he said.
When he was working with Marilou he learned a different technique. “Expand. Push. When you develop the characters huwag kang nakakahon. Let’s go unstructured. Most of my works with her are mostly on women, like the trilogy of Brutal, Moral, and Karnal. We clicked because she’s a woman. Hindi ko kailanman ma-approximate ‘yong mga alam niyang nuances, malinaw sa kanya ang pagkababae.”
With Ismael Bernal, he learned how to go “classical and structured.”
Meanwhile, Mike De Leon was very conscious of details.
Whereas, Lino Brocka was grounded in one kind of social and political philosophy. “Laging malinaw iyon kay Lino. That’s very reassuring kasi alam mo ang direction,” he said.
Working with dexterous directors (with different approaches) has stretched Ricky’s creative side to the most. From 1979 up to now, Ricky is full-time in the movies. There may be ups and downs in his career, but there will always be people around who will pull him back from leaving the industry.
Nowadays, half of his time is spent writing scripts; the other half he devotes to writing literature, journalism, and theatre. And of course, teaching.
“I will never stop teaching even if it’s difficult to teach because I’m always grounded with reality,” he explained. “Kung puro showbiz ako, lulutang ako, maaaburido ka, o mababaliw ka kasi ang daming humihila sa iyo sa iba’t ibang sides. Mawawalan ka ng perspective.”
Working with the stars
Among the stars he has worked with, he particularly cherished the times when he became close with Nora Aunor. He first worked with Nora in Himala. But they became good friends while they were doing Andrea.
“Kasi trabahong kaibigan talaga ‘yon. We’re still friends up to now, but not as close as before,” he disclosed. Ricky related that he’s not close with celebrities. He keeps a distance from them as much as possible.
Turbulent childhood
Ricky’s turbulent childhood has taught him to face life’s challenges and to excel in one’s talent. He endured many hardships in his struggle to become the country’s multi-awarded scriptwriter.
Courtesy: Mell T. Navarro FB
He typifies the rags-to-riches story. He was born into immigrant families originally from Fujian, China, and was raised in Daet, Bicol. He had a desolate childhood after his parents died when he was still young. He grew up under the care of a relative.
He excelled in school both in Daet and UP. His college days were something for the books. He experienced hunger and loneliness and was jailed for one year during Martial Law for his student activism.
He didn’t resent his past. Rather, he became selfless. He uses his life experiences, struggles, idealism, and intelligence to create over 70 screenplays that have stimulated many Filipino moviegoers. For those pieces of work, he earned more than 30 (and counting) trophies from all the award-giving bodies in the local movie industry.
Because of his upbringing, Ricky related that he became a very shy person. However, he got over his shyness when he entered show business. “I was extremely shy because my father was also extremely shy. We hardly talked. But he loved me. I was very sure of that,” he intimated.
Behind his reserved manner are his witty punchlines. “Defense ko ‘yon para hindi nila ako tingnan sa likod,” he said. “I’m very trusting, but deep inside I’m afraid to trust people. Kasi ilang beses na akong nauntog.”
As a child, he was wont to read almost everything. “Ang feeling ko noon parang inaarmasan ko ang sarili ko. So I accumulated a lot of knowledge. Basa ako nang basa ng libro since I was seven years old.” But he always wanted to become a writer.
When he was in his fourth year of high school at Daet Chung Hua High School, he wanted to run away from home but there was no chance. He had no money.
“Then I read an ad from Free Press (Filipino) that they would accept the short story. Pinadala ko ‘yong story ko (entitled ‘Mayon’) and it was accepted. Every week, binabantayan kong lumabas ang story ko. Finally, when I saw my byline, na reaffirm ‘yong pag-alis ko sa Bicol. I was paid Php50 for my story. That was the happiest time for me as a writer. Then I came to Manila.”
Ricky said that he experienced the most personal growth during his Bicol and UP years. “Those were the happiest years of my life. And also the starvation years for me,” he said.
As scriptwriter-director Bibeth Orteza said, “Ricky Lee is a remembrance of all that makes the idea of writing romantic: a lonely childhood, collegiate years without money to spend, a term in jail even. And then an enviable body of work.”
By Ruby Asoy-Lebajo
(Based on the feature article published in the old Mirror Weekly magazine by the same author)
Christmas is fast approaching and the festive season is making us crave for the cold, the perfect combination with the warmth the holidays bring. Baguio is the place to be – with its cool climate and family-friendly attractions. Your trip to this magical place will certainly be memorable with these beautiful hotel accommodations, just in time for your Christmas getaway!
The Kamiseta Hotel
This gorgeous place just screams Bridgerton vibes with its French contemporary design and its equally enchanting glass house! Located beside the famous Mansion house, it is also near the stable Baguio tourist spots: Wright Park, Baguio Country Club Golf Course, and Camp John Hay. Each suite has a distinct motif that makes you feel like royalty, and their staff and concierge will surely treat you like one! Moreover, it is surrounded by pine trees, which gives you the serenity you need. This majestic 3360-degree view can best be seen in their glass house, an area adorned with glass ceilings and a spacious patio. Their comfy ambiance will surely help you settle into the Christmas feels– book your reservation now!
The Orchard Hotel Baguio
Do you want a hotel that’s Instagram-worthy? Look no more as the Orchard Hotel Baguio combines comfort and style with its millennial-themed rooms and amenities. Promoting the #TheORCHARDlifestyle, the hotel ensures that its guests receive 24-hour service that’s worthy of praise. Conveniently located 168 km away from The Clark International Airport, the Orchard Hotel Baguio is also near SM City Baguio, Mines View Park, and the Lourdes grotto.
Photo credits to Plane of Hotels
Whether it’s a family vacation or a couple’s getaway, the hotel makes sure to give you the best room possible!
The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay
Photo credits to Agoda
Christmas is incomplete without outdoor activities that bind your family even stronger than before–and The Forest Lodge provides you with an equal dose of thrill and relaxation. Surrounded by the lush pine forest of Camp John Hay, the hotel is also famous for its Twist Cafe, with sumptuous dishes from different regions cooked by the Chef Billy King of Le Soufflé Manila. It is also near Mile Hi, a shopping center that’s perfect for buying your pasalubong and souvenirs. This place is perfect for a quick getaway from the busy streets of the city, and for you to embrace your adventurous side this holiday season!
Le Monet Hotel
Showcasing scenic mountain views, the Le Monet Hotel is also within the heart of Camp John Hay. This hotel has several amenities best enjoyed with family and friends, such as the Viva Verde Spa, which includes a variety of massages. Furthermore, their heated indoor swimming pool is a wonderful treat after a long day. Don’t you worry about your appetite–The Lobby restaurant offers a variety of delectable dishes presented by famous Chef Robby Goco! Le Monet Hotel surely lives up to people’s expectations.
Photo credits to Tripadvisor
Grand Sierra Pines Hotel
Looking for a hotel that is both culturally inclined and has an outdoorsy vibe? The Grand Sierra Pines Hotel has got you covered! Located at North Outlook drive, the hotel is known for its rich forests, adorned galleries,and environmentally-friendly amenities. Tourists have raved about the Adkos Gallery, an in-house gallery that showcases true Filipino talent; the true marvel and pride of the hotel. It exhibits various painters, from those in the indie scene to award-winning ones. Grand Sierra Pines Hotel will certainly never bore you this Christmas season!
Photo credits to Agoda
These hotels will surely be your home away from home these upcoming holidays. Be sure to spend it with your family and loved ones in the lush greenery and beautiful spots of Baguio!
Currently running an influencer marketing company called Blogapalooza, this millennial CEO, entrepreneur, and marketing and public relations specialist has seen it all. From blogs to vlogs, this social media mogul has gone through all the latest trends in the interwebs, witnessed the rise of the influencer, and figured out all the tips and tricks to marketing yourself.
Yet beyond the face value of her job, her goal to build a community and see the genuine person behind the screen shines through tenfold. “I hope there will be more creators. I hope that more voices could be heard. I hope that we will have more acknowledgment [towards creators].”
Started with a Blog
Growing up, Ace Gapuz has always been the ‘madaldal’ one in the classroom. As told by her class advisors, she was always going off talking to her peers and saying whatever was on her mind, whichever seating arrangement she was placed in.
Moving from the IRL to the URL, her talking audience switched to behind the screen where she discovered blogging around the ages 11-12 years old back in the early 2000s. “It’s just innate in me to just talk. I have always been a storyteller. I guess that’s what brought me very naturally into blogging.”
“It was a novel concept back then. You write about your thoughts. Let people read them. It’s like a diary that you can have other people read. And the fact that people were hearing you, paying attention to what you have to say, and making you part of their lives, that was groundbreaking during that time,” Ace fondly reminisces.
Ace treated her blog like a personal diary, writing about her day-to-day life, interests, and opinions to a faceless audience. But, come 2009, she stopped because, in her words, “college happened.” “Blogging, for me back then, it was an honored pastime. It was something I did because I genuinely enjoyed. It wasn’t something I thought about as a career,” she muses.
So, at this time, she found herself taking up a bachelor’s degree in Management Engineering with a Minor in HR Management in the Ateneo at Manila University and, later on, an MBA. She felt that business was the more practical and pragmatic choice for the future. It was a versatile path that led to many outcomes.
That was until Ace took on a corporate job in a fashion and retail company and worked at it for two years. And very naturally, she found herself back into more creative and media pursuits as she was placed in PR and events. “I like the dynamic nature of PR and events. You get to meet people. And I got to meet the bloggers I used to just know over the internet.”
Maintaining contact and connecting her way through the industry, she didn’t see any other path than to start Blogapalooza.
Ended with a Blogapalooza
Being a young CEO, Ace Gapuz didn’t let her age get in the way of pursuing her goals. She was determined to see things through.
From being a storyteller herself to letting other people share their stories, it all ties back to Ace’s roots with personal blogging to now, Blogapalooza. Through the years, the premier influencer marketing company has built a community of thousands of bloggers, social media influencers, and content creators all over the Philippine archipelago and nearby Southeast Asian countries.
“When I started building the Blogapalooza community of creators, I went to different parts of the Philippines and the world, for that matter. I wanted to hear them, to feel them. I think when you talk about building a community, it’s important to get to know what drives these people, what’s at their core, and what would make them happy. And that’s where you come in to provide the value.”
The greatest lesson she’s learned in the process? Be genuine, always. “If you’re genuine about service if you’re genuine about providing value, and if you genuinely care for them, they’re also going to feel that, and they’re going to give you that same energy.”
Lloyd and Judith Barran seemed to have it all– a blossoming business, a great marriage, but one must simply know how they came to achieve all of this. There is one word for it: love.
A couple’s shared love and passion
Before they married and had three wonderful children, Lloyd and Judith were in different worlds– almost literally. Lloyd was born in Guyana, South America while Judith first saw the light of the world in Davao, Philippines. Even as a young man, Lloyd did everything with passion and grit. He was a stellar student– up till he entered college at the University of Saskatchewan, he continued his love for science by taking up Pharmacy.
However, science took a break for a while when he went back to Guyana to become a corporate secretary to six companies in the Booker, McConnell Group of Companies. It was a great undertaking, but his love for science still prevailed as he went back to Canada, eventually opening up a retail pharmacy that lasted for 25 years. That was the time when Lloyd met Judith– an encounter like no other.
Judith and Lloyd Barran: The couple’s love for aromatherapy and their strong bond has been crucial for the Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy, Presenting Cleopatra Luxury Skincare to rise to greater heights.
Judith was a Commerce graduate, but she was also keen on discovering and making new paths for herself. She studied interior decorating, and affluent people from Davao would acquire her to decorate their mansions. She followed her heart and married Lloyd in 1992, and moved to Canada a year later. In 2000, She attended Aromatherapy school, and Lloyd followed her the next year. Their love for each other and their interest in aromatherapy brought forth the existence of Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy, Presenting Cleopatra Luxury Skincare– a testament of dedication and passion to their craft.
Judith is currently focused on marketing its products in Western Canada, preparing for the launch of its product in the fall of 2022.
A product of their love and dedication
The Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy, Presenting Cleopatra Luxury Skincare features a wide range of products that seek to enlighten one’s well-being and promote a healthy and invigorated lifestyle as well. Like the name Cleopatra, which originated from Ancient Egypt, they also want their customers to experience beauty in its most refreshing form. They have several products that seek to help people feel naturally better. They have several aromatherapy blends for Muscle & Joint Pain, Cold Sores, Headaches, and Cold & Flu, among others. All of their products are made from 100% essential oils and are used and recommended by doctors and dermatologists alike.
During the pandemic, they have also created their skincare line, Cleopatra Luxury Skincare. It features a variety of luxury serums–the Scar and Stretch Mark serum, the Youth Serum Elixir, and the Acne Blend. Customers from all over the world have been raving about it, as it enhances their youthful beauty and nourishes the skin!
On to greater heights
Despite all the odds, the couple’s love for aromatherapy and their strong bond has been crucial for the Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy, Presenting Cleopatra Luxury Skincare to rise to greater heights. Their partnership, sense of duty, and love for each other have helped them grow together and as individuals. In turn, the Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy is now growing and thriving, never backing down.
Lloyd and Judith are now hand in hand in managing their business, which has also helped people from all around the world discover what it takes to take their health and beauty to a higher level. Judith is currently focused on marketing its products in Western Canada, preparing for the launch of its product in the fall of 2022. One thing is for sure– their love for aromatherapy and each other will never waver, much like the Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy’s success.
As the world mourns Queen Elizabeth II’s death, it cannot be ignored that people felt like they’ve lost a mother, a leader whom they can all look up to. Her reign was eventful as it was legendary– and one could only hope that the next leader would be as astounding and dedicated as she was.
One of the longest reigns in the history of the British Monarch has come to an end. Queen Elizabeth II, an icon and a ruler, died on September 8, 2022, at the Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Her leadership style and dedication to her role have become a constant reminder of the monarch’s stability and power, and in her death, her legacy still resonates.
Queen Elizabeth II had an eventful and record-breaking reign in a contemporary monarchy. She assumed the throne when she was 25, after her father’s death in 1952. Her reign, spanning 70 years, has witnessed quite a several historical and groundbreaking events, most of which changed the course of humanity. She has seen the downfall of the British Empire, the birth of the internet and the smartphone, and took part in welcoming new norms and trends throughout her life. With all these experiences combined, Queen Elizabeth II played the long game.
Her impeccable influence
Through the years, Queen Elizabeth II has become a beacon of stability– not only for her subjects but for the whole world. Despite the chaotic slew of events that coincided with her reign, she was one of the vital reasons as to why the monarchy survived and continues to hold power and influence to this day.
In leading the British empire, and later on the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II has consistently been an enigma– in a way that her decisions are calculated and precise, yet almost nobody truly knows what is going on inside her mind. Her reign has also been full of scandals and exposes, most of which tarnished the image of the Royal Family. However, despite everything that happened, her influence as the Queen remained and the monarchy regained its reputation every time.
Her staunch beliefs, though reminiscent of the old colonial past of Britain, also evolved as the world’s perspective changed. Radical shifts and new norms were welcomed as the Royal Family embraced the modern era. Queen Elizabeth II has a favorability rating of 75 percent, which played a huge role in how the monarchy continues to be relevant in the current times.
Her unique leadership style
Queen Elizabeth II wasn’t born into immense pressure– she was far in the line of succession back when her uncle, Edward, was the heir to the throne. When he abdicated in favor of her father, King George VI, she immediately became the heir to the throne. Her discipline and utmost dedication to her work were highlighted, and they helped in accomplishing her steadfast vision for the monarchy.
Elizabeth II portrait. Photo credits to Getty Images
She worked incredibly hard at her job. Queen Elizabeth II wasn’t the type to stay stagnant as a leader, she would always have engagements, both local and foreign, to expand relations and oversee operations throughout the entire Commonwealth. In turn, all the countries under the Commonwealth look up to her as an unchanging leader, whom they follow and admire.
One may view Queen Elizabeth II’s leadership style as apolitical and neutral, which she is constantly known for (and sometimes praised for) at times. The people of the Commonwealth valued her neutrality and deemed it vital for their countries’ stability. Despite the current political climate, the Commonwealth remained powerful and significant.
As the world mourns Queen Elizabeth II’s death, it cannot be ignored that people felt like they’ve lost a mother, a leader whom they can all look up to. Her reign was eventful as it was legendary– and one could only hope that the next leader would be as astounding and dedicated as she was. As people look forward to the new reign, it cannot be denied that Queen Elizabeth II did an adequate job in shaping the present– and who knows, with her long-standing legacy, maybe even the future.
