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ThrowbackSeries: Call him Doc Dekong

He’s been known as a brilliant man – doing well in philosophical writings and teaching. Not resting on his laurels, he further studied The Research Process at the University of Manchester.

This is one subject that is very “personal” to me. He is not only a friend but someone whom I respect and look up to. Our solid connection perhaps is becoming both a product of a college campus paper called The Catalyst, the official student publications of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP).

Up to this day, I treasure a copy of The Catalyst Journal of Ideas, wherein he analyzed the subject of “The Writer and His Conscience.” Says he: “Every thinker or writer must take a distinctively principled and firm position whenever he writes and/or theorizes his craft or his literature.”

I’ve known him to be a brilliant man – doing well in philosophical writings and teaching. Not resting on his laurels, he further studied The Research Process at the University of Manchester. When he decided to run for the presidency of PUP, I was delighted and prayed for his victory.

After the late Doc Prudente, this is my second time to be featuring another (former) president of PUP, Dr. Emmanuel C. De Guzman, or Doc Dekong to his friends and associates.  It is my honor to be sharing this piece with all the readers of Ruby’s Precious Moments:

What was your profession before becoming the president of PUP?

I was taken in by the Department of Sociology right after graduation. So I started teaching right away in 1991 but I had other jobs like writing scripts for television for Business and Leisure in Sunshine TV. I also worked as an NGO writer. That’s basically my thing – writing and teaching.

How did you cope up with the changes since 1991?

It’s not entirely different because I’ve been working in the same environment in PUP but the lifestyle has already changed since I wouldn’t go out of the house without bodyguards. You know being the president, I have to go out with security.

Do you have a militant student population?

Yes, the school is known for that. In fact, when I was a student, I took part in activism in PUP but not the more radical type.

What are the obstacles or challenges that you encounter now that you are the new president of PUP?

Working with my bosses as president. Formerly, I was the Director of Research in the university and now I have to adjust to the way I address them and the way that they address me. The challenge actually is to coordinate the university to follow my league towards my vision for the university.

What kind of lifestyle does the university president live?

Actually, I’m a sports fan. I’m not good at sports but I love watching and collecting data and following some teams in basketball. But I do play table tennis and basketball as well.

Among the PBA teams, which one is your favorite?

The team of James Yap, BMEG, I only watch PBA nowadays when it is already the championship.

What is your daily schedule?

Basically, I’m preparing myself for work, traveling to school with my bodyguards, the convoy of vehicles. They have to be with me 24/7 even when I go out in the mall with my family.

Do the students asking for lower tuition fee rates have something to do with the need for security?

We cannot anymore lower the tuition fee rates because they are already too low. It is already Php12.00 per unit. No, there had been incidents in PUP that already took the lives of some officials like the ambush of the Vice President for Administration, and even before that, there were other incidents that every time the leadership changes, some of these things happened and I think that it is not only in PUP where these forms of violence happened but in other state universities as well.

How do you balance time for family, friends, and social activities outside your job?

It is very difficult to balance my time because I lost a lot of reading time since I became president. I cannot read as much as I want and my time with my family is mixed with work. My wife for instance would wait for me in the mall when I go out of the office to buy something so definitely my time with my family has been diminished drastically.

How many kids do you have?

I have three kids, one is done with college. I got kids early.

Do you have any favorite books or authors?

I’m a sociologist so I used to read academic books, sociology, theories for instance, but I also read novels. My favorite book is The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoyevsky. He is a novelist and a social commentator.

Who has been your greatest inspiration behind all of your achievements to date?

There is no single person but if you are really asking me, well I think it is Doc  Prudente, the former president of PUP. I was a student when he was the president and he was the one who took me to PUP to work as a member of the academe.

Are there other school presidents who serve as inspiration?

No one in particular.

What advice can you give to the students? To those who will be given scholarships, what important factors do they need to go through?

As a sociologist, I always tell my students to not just be limited within the school or I mean classroom. There are other things to learn from outside the school and they could participate in other activities like discussing issues out there, even joining rallies. But they should not forget when they should not abandon or neglect their studies.

What changes have you implemented or want to implement?

The first major change that I want to institute is the organization or classification of the colleges. We have 16 colleges in the university and I want to merge some to lessen the number of colleges and to rationalize the discipline within the colleges.

What is PUP most known for academically?

Accountancy is the academic niche that we have and Engineering is coming in as another area of excellence so I think we could do well in these professions.

How many campuses do you have?

We have 22 campuses including the main campus in Sta. Mesa all over Luzon. We don’t have one in Visayas and Mindanao.

Are there any plans of opening new PUP campuses?

I was planning to when I was running for the position but I just found out now that there was a memorandum on building new campuses from CHED. The Commission on Higher Education doesn’t want to create any more local satellites.

Why should one choose PUP?

Because we are in the Top 3 state universities in the country and we are the cheapest, Php12.00 per unit, you can get a quality education for such a small fee. The regular load of a student per semester only costs around Php800 to Php1,000 pesos. Three units per subject so that is around Php36.00 pesos per subject and we have two semesters per year. Summer classes are not mandatory. They are for those with deficiencies and regular summer enrollment.

For admissions or applications, are they available online or should they go to campus?

We have computerized enrollment, even computerized in giving out of grades, so they can enroll online, pay in the bank. We are all computerized now in PUP.

For transferees or new students who want to enroll in PUP, what procedures do they have to go through?

They should go to the Admission Office personally because you are a transferee but once you get into the system, you can avail the computerized system that we have. But we have a very strict standard in accepting transferees. The transferee must have a 2.0 average and no failing grade.

On sports, do you have plans for PUP to join university games? 

We are a member of SCUAA and this is composed of state colleges and universities in Metro Manila but I wish that we can join UAAP.

What is there to look forward to in PUP?

I have been meeting the faculty of the different colleges and doing consultations with the students and leaders of the studentry.  I think the change is that we are veering more towards improving research in the university not just the “instructional”  but more on producing the materials that we teach – research and production of ideas.

By Ruby Asoy-Lebajo

Photos by Jowi Morales

(Based on the exclusive published article in the Style RPA, and excerpts of the interview from one of the episodes of Style RPA TV)

#EmmanuelDeGuzman #Dekong #FormerPUPPresident #PUP #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

                                 

 

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ThrowbackSeries: Ramon Magsaysay Jr.

The late President Magsaysay’s commitment to the Filipinos didn’t die with him. With Jun Magsaysay, he left behind a son to carry on the legacy.

Former Senator Ramon Banzon Magsaysay, Jr., is a self-made businessman, hardworking, God-fearing, compassionate, and, in every way, the son of the late Philippine President Ramon del Fiero Magsaysay and Luz Banzon-Magsaysay. He is the man of the masses and for the masses.

He was born in Manila in 1938. His father’s rise to the presidency taught Jun and his two sisters, Milagros and Teresita, the virtues of integrity and honesty and to have a strong passion for the welfare of the common man. Inside Malacanang, the Magsaysay’s lived humbly, untouched by selfish ambitions and unmarred by the lust for power.

With President Magsaysay’s sudden death in 1957, the 19-year-old Jun inherited greater responsibilities that enabled him to recognize the value of perseverance and hard work. He had to step out of his father’s protective shadow and assume the role of man of the house.

He spent most of his academic years at the De La Salle College, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. He pursued his academic studies at the Harvard School of Business Administration in Boston, Massachusetts, and in New York’s University Graduate School of Business Administration. He returned to the country armed with skills and knowledge that would later become a powerful tool in shaping and developing a major industry in the country.

Magsaysay Jr. pioneered the country’s cable television business.  Today, with over 550 cable operators nationwide, cable television has turned into a billion-a-year industry.

During his years in the Senate, he worked for laws to improve the living conditions of the majority of the Filipino people. His programs and policies for the development of cooperatives and small enterprises are geared toward encouraging ordinary Filipinos to make use of their individual capabilities as they strive to attain their socio-economic goals.

Indeed, the late President Magsaysay’s commitment to the Filipinos didn’t die with him. With Jun Magsaysay, he left behind a son to carry on the legacy.

I asked him during a past interview: Is the state of Philippine politics maturing?

“I think so. The birth of people power in our country, which we shared with other nations everywhere, saw the emancipation of our country from politics of patronage to a system of governance where the voice of the people is no longer ignored. My mission is to further accelerate the country’s economic development and ensure that the masses of the people shall be the principal beneficiaries of growth,” shared the former senator, now 83 years old.

(Excerpts from a feature article published on Ahead magazine by the same author)

Featured photo courtesy of Ramon Magsaysay Jr. FB community page

#SenatorRamonMagsaysay #profile #throwbackseries #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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Sentro Botanikos: An eco-haven to nourish your soul and appetite

A place where you can go to relax, recharge, and enjoy organic farm-made meals, and more.

Nourish your appetite with heart-warming, healthy food and your soul with the captivating environment — a sure way to get over the work-week stress.

The invigorating and lush surroundings of Sentro Botanikos.

It was one weekend when my family was introduced to this fledgling eco-farm and café in Alfonso, Cavite. It’s near to my in-law’s ArtFarm property also located in Alfonso.

The urged to eat good food for dinner had led us to Sentro Botanikos. It was getting dark and we didn’t find it right away the location. The signage was unnoticeable and we almost missed the gate leading to the homey restaurant. We even thought that the restaurant was closed. Just the same, we proceeded. As we alighted from the car, we were greeted with a tender breeze from the cold night air that filled the entire farm.

With my family and in-laws.

As my eyes wander, I found the facilities austere yet very relaxing, it makes you breathe with its wide-open spaces and surrounded by nature. The surprise is in the food they offer – only farm-based meals and farm-made products. Its principles are centered around community, sustainability, vegetarian and environmentally-friendly choices. They also started to produce farm-made food items for everyone to enjoy.

Appetizing Adobo ni Lola.
Delicious Palabok with seaweeds on top.

Our food choices for dinner included palabok, adobo ni lola, sisig, bulalo, and turon ala mode. All the dishes were delicious! But we were greatly surprised with bulalo, on how they made it so flavorful! Bulalo is normally made with beef shanks, and gives you a heavy feeling after a meal. I really did not know that a vegetarian bulalo can be so tasting and healthy! Most times, they said, they use a wheat/soy fillet as a replacement to “meat.”

And they also shared some farm-made products that make their dishes appetizing, like the vegan seasoning. I bought one bottle which will last for a month and plant-based M’chon sauce similar to an all-around sauce under the Solera Botanikos label.

Delectable Turon Ala Mode.

With its plant-based meals, Sentro Botanikos has been added to our list of go-to-restaurants when in Alfonso, Cavite. We are delighted to have discovered this new place, most especially beneficial to my hubby, who is a vegetarian for 10 years now. We are always on the lookout for similar establishments offering fresh, healthy, delicious, and vegan meals.

I am not a hardcore vegan, but because of my hubby’s influence, my daughter and I have learned to embrace a vegetarian lifestyle on a 50-50 ratio (meaning: we are semi-vegetarian and forgo pork, but still consuming chicken, beef, fish, and egg). When at home, we only cooked plant-based meals, and when we eat outside, that’s the only time that my daughter and I eat meat dishes.

It has been said that following a plant-based diet is healthy for our bodies and the environment. A vegan diet can be one of the healthiest ways to live. Plant-based diets should contain plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Because vegan diets often rely heavily on these healthy staples, they tend to be higher in vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and fiber. Healthy vegan diets are abundant with vitamins B1, C, and E, folic acid, magnesium, and iron while also being low in cholesterol and saturated fats.

Homey-feel inside the restaurant cafe.

No wonder, every year more and more people are making the decision to go vegan, and for good reason! A big lifestyle change is easier to sustain if you wholeheartedly believe in your decision.

Good thing, more and more vegan restaurants are opening and catering to the growing health-conscious Filipinos.

Sentro Botanikos is located at 217 Buck Estate Road, Brgy. Buck Estate Alfonso, Cavite 4123. It is open from 12:00 noon until 9:00 p.m.

Featured photo: Flavorful Vegan Bulalo

#sentrobotanikos #wideopenspaces #farmmade #organicPh #AlfonsoCavite

 

 

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The best travel buddies

Priscilla and Sammanta Anechka Estrada have become the best travel buddies.

Traveling has become celebrity mom Priscilla Meirelles de Almeida-Estrada’s favorite way of bonding with daughter Sammanta Anechka. The Brazilian beauty queen believes she is forming a strong friendship that will become milestones in their lives.

“I like bringing her around as much as possible,” Meirelles shares during a shoot at Lio Tourism Estate in El Nido, Palawan. “She’s got great energy, is fun to be with, and likes to explore things. I also love to take pictures of her. She’s like my baby best friend.”

Anechka, now 6 years old, her daughter with husband actor John Estrada, is bubbly, adorable and the life in any group. During the pictorial, she liked to crack jokes every now and then to the delight of the crew.

“Family is like the closest,” says the young girl. “I like playing with Mommy. Meirelles prefers seeing her daughter possess a vivacious persona, because, “I’m afraid if she’s quiet, there might be something wrong with her.” Nowadays, she counts her own mother and Anechka as her top travel companions.

The Estradas started going on trips when Anechka was just a year old. Back then, the little girl would often get airsick—but not anymore: “That never stopped us from going places,” she explains.

The family has gone to the United States, Australia, Japan, and China. Now, they are exploring the Philippines, having visited provinces such as Cebu, Bataan, and Palawan. They like going on road trips whenever time permits, and they stay frequently at their property in Anvaya Cove in Morong, Bataan. Their dream vacation is a European tour.

Priscilla’s bucket list

Now that she often travels with her daughter, she has become mindful of her child’s needs: “I always bring medicines. I make sure to have travel insurance as well. It covers everything; you’ll never know what will happen. I make her drink safe water always.”

When she used to travel alone, she was more spontaneous and had a totally different rhythm. “I didn’t observe proper meals, because I didn’t want to waste time,” says the articulate mother, who can speak four languages, namely English, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. She’s now even learning French.

Enjoying the scenery at El Nido Cove

“I love traveling. I believe it’s the best way to learn about, to adapt to people, their culture, and their situation. It allows you to grow as a person. It’s also the best way to spend your hard-earned money. It brings the learnings with you,” she explains.

Top destinations

For Priscilla, her top five destinations in terms of nature and beauty are Palawan, Boracay, Batanes, the Ilocos region, and La Union. In terms of cityscapes, her top choices are Brazil, Australia, Austria, Florida, and Japan.

Priscilla at Lio Beach

Her travel bucket list includes Greece, Rome, Egypt, the Caribbean, countries where you can experience the Northern Lights—such as Alaska, parts of Canada, the southern half of Greenland, Iceland, northern Norway, Sweden, and Finland— and the Holy Land.

Motherhood becomes her

Priscilla admits that motherhood was the best thing that ever happened to her: “As a woman, it made me kinder and more aware of people’s feelings. It also made me more patient, more tolerant, and more compassionate toward others. And the best part of all, it made me a mom.”

What could be the best part of being a mother? “The best part of being a mom is to be able to love with all my heart, unconditionally, without being scared of getting hurt, because for the first time, it’s not about me—it’s all about her and for her.”

After seven years of marriage, she believes that “putting God in the center of the marriage and respecting each other is the secret of a happy married life.” And their favorite way of bonding together is playing golf.

What is her dream for Anechka? “I dream that in spite of whatever path in life she chooses to take, she is certain of always putting God first, never forget to smile, and have fun along the way because the best part of a journey is not the destination, but the journey itself.”

Indeed, since her first embrace, Anechka has experienced love, joy, nurturing, and protection that are beyond explanation. In fact, she named her daughter Anechka because it means “God’s grace,” while the Sammanta is a Brazilian name.

Travel offers people a chance to shed off their normal, everyday selves. When this mother and daughter head out together, they deepen their relationship with an adventure they can share together. Definitely, Priscilla Meirelles de Almeida-Estrada and her beloved Sammanta Anechka always have a blast.

(The writer went on a trip to Lio Beach with the Experience Travel and Living magazine team. Photos By Phillip Caesar Salting And Winstone Arradaza)

#LioBeach #momanddaughter #PriscillaandAnechkaEstrada #ElNidoPalawan #Philippines #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Golden Feat: Hidilyn Diaz feels grateful for making her triumph “possible”

As the first Gold Medalist in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, Hidilyn Diaz still couldn’t believe that she did it, and conceded that she couldn’t do it on her own, but her faith in the divine providence made everything possible. She posted and shared this message on her Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/hidilyndiaz/

“Di ako makapaniwala na nandito ako ngayon sa Olympics .
Di ako makapaniwala na matutuloy ang Olympics .
Di ako makapaniwala na nandito ang TeamHD.
Di ako makapaniwala na 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 ako sa Olympics .

Kung ako lang ito, di ko ito magagawa parang impossible. Salamat God sa pagdala ng mga tao, government support, private support, pamilya, kaibigan at prayer warriors para magawa ko ito at maging possible.
⠀
Jesus looked at them and said, “with man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible,” Matthew 19:26.”

Team HD. Photo courtesy of hidilyndiaz on Instagram


Diaz continues to hog the headlines after she won the gold medal for the Weightlifting 55 kg category in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. With her mighty strength, focus, and determination, she bested two opponents from China (Q.Y. Liao) and Kazakhstan (Z. Chinshanlo). She cleared 127kg in her final lift in clean and jerk and finished with a total of 224kg lifted – both Olympic records.

Hidilyn Diaz was ecstatic after winning the gold medal for weightlifting at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Photo courtesy of Reuters / Edgard Garrido

Diaz is set to receive Php10 million from the government for bagging the historic first gold medal for the Philippines after nearly 100 years of Olympic gold dry spell. Meanwhile, a silver is worth Php5 million, while a bronze Php2 million, but additional pledges from various individuals have reached the total prize of Php35 million+ (to date, as per a recent report).

The Zamboanga City pride is now the most consummate Philippine Olympian. She’s not just a gold medalist, but a multi-medal winner from various competitions, such as the 2016 Rio Olympics, 2018 Asian Games, 2019 World Championships, and 2019 SEA Games.

Hidilyn Diaz has now 232k followers on her Instagram account.

Featured photo courtesy of @hidilyndiaz on Instagram

#OlympicWeightlifting #TokyoOlympics2020 #HidilynDiaz #goldmedalist #pinaypower #Philippines #pinaypride #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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A Story of Hope

She was never promiscuous. She never did drugs. Like many women with HIV, she was infected by a man whom she thought could make her dreams come true. The story of Noemi, who, abused and traumatized many times over, finds more reason to live than die, hope than despair. Here’s the confession of an HIV positive.

Suffering, the wise say, is inevitable, it is part of life’s realities. It affects us all, at different levels, and degrees. The Bible says we are never given more than we can carry, or endure. Anything can be uplifted by God’s love, mercy, and grace.

This is certainly their attitude – people infected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or the virus that causes AIDS. Take Noemi (not her real name) who is HIV-positive.

How she got the disease was the most surprising thing that ever happened to her. She got it from her American fiancé. She learned about it when she underwent a medical examination for her petition requirements.

Prior to this, she lived with her fiancé for one year. However, the twosome separated. Her fiancé went abroad. Several months later, she was petitioned by him.

She met Nathan (not his real name) through a Filipina friend for whom she was a bridesmaid on her wedding to a foreigner. Then Noemi’s own affair started.

Noemi was “shocked” upon learning her condition. The first thing she did was seek solace, or peace, or whatever she could find in a church.

Nathan, 38, was Noemi’s first boyfriend. The 25-year-old lass, says Nathan was in the Air Force, assigned to various continents. He didn’t know he was infected, but later told her that he might have gotten it when he was assigned in Korea.

Her fiancé, was quite nonchalant when he found out he had infected her. “’ You shouldn’t panic,’ he told me over the phone. He sent me money. He promised me that he would not desert me. He even asked me to go on with the trip but only as a tourist.” But Noemi was adamant.

Nevertheless, her fiancé hoped she would change her mind. “He was really waiting for me because he already prepared everything. He bought a house for us because we had plans of getting married,” Noemi says.

There was no way of rekindling their romance since Noemi ended their communication the year after.

 

Nathan was the first man Noemi ever trusted.

Traumatized by her father who repeatedly raped her since she was 13 years old, memories of her childhood continued to haunt her even as she fought to recover from the abuses she suffered.

Ashamed and afraid of rejection and ridicule, Noemi revealed her father’s abuses to her mother years after it started, when she was in third-year high school.

“My mother was furious,” Noemi says, “though she opted to keep it among the three of us.”

Realizing the consequences of her revelation, she was no longer afraid to show her disgust and aversion to her abuser. Soon her siblings discovered what their father did. They were mad, yes, but “good Christians” that they were, they readily forgave their sister’s rapist. “Pero siyempre ngayon na matanda na rin ang Papa ko, parang pinatawad na rin namin.”(But of course, now that my Dad is old, we seem to have forgiven him as well.)

 

Noemi comes from a big family in Novaliches, she has 10 siblings, all-female. Because her father could hardly shoulder their everyday needs, she took up a vocational course after finishing high school.

And so because of her experience with her father, Noemi couldn’t bring herself to trust men, she abhorred them, specifically Filipino men.

And yet, she did fall in love. With a man whom she describes as caring, “with an understanding heart.” She told him about her past which he accepted. And the love that was lacking in her family was found in the arms of her fiancé. At last, she felt how it was to be loved and to love in return.

 

The first person who understood her, especially in that solitary time, was her mother.

“Umiyak siya. Kasi parang nasaktan din siya para sa akin. Tapos pinapalakas niya ang loob ko. Sabi nya, ‘nandiyan na ‘yan tatagan mo na lang ang loob mo,” (She cried. Because she seemed to be hurt for me too. Then she encouraged me. She said,’ there it is,’ you just have to be brave), Noemi recalls.

Not believing at first that she was HIV-positive, she sought a second opinion. It was the same result. When she was diagnosed the first time, Noemi didn’t receive any counseling at all. Only when she underwent private treatment did she meet this generous lady doctor who helped her go through the arduous process of treatment. This doctor, who later became a friend, referred her to Research of Internal and Tropical Medicine (RITM).

She realized then that being a carrier of HIV was much more than a series of treatments and counseling, much more than having a family that understood. Being part of society, she had to learn tolerance – for those who didn’t understand and those who patronized.

“My relatives, my cousin. Tsinismis nila ako (They gossiped about me),” says Noemi.

That same cousin was also her rival in the affairs of the heart. After Noemi broke up with her American fiancé, she had another boyfriend, a neighbor in Novaliches. Their relationship lasted for six months. Both of them were 23. She fell for him, she says, “because he was kind.”

“Pero pag gising ko isang umaga sila na ng pinsan ko,” (But when I woke up one morning, my boyfriend and my cousin were already in a relationship) she says, her voice trailing off. That incident was immensely painful.

 

Noemi held odd jobs before she was diagnosed HIV-positive. She worked as a housemaid but quit because she was not being paid. Then she worked in a pharmacy in Tondo, only to be molested by her superior.

After that Noemi worked as a barmaid in Mabini. But this stint lasted only for a couple of months. Ironically, this is where she was able to “keep her dignity.” And, rightly so, she takes pride in that.

Were she not HIV-positive, she says, she would have left the country and moved to America with Nathan.

If she were given another chance to live and she would live in the same manner, she would still accept it.

 

Noemi says that her life now has become meaningful. If in the past she did a lot of “worldly things,” she says her condition now has changed her for the better. For one, she has the chance to educate and counsel other HIV-positives. And she pleads for other HIV-positives to come out in the open.

Noemi is asymptomatic, meaning she has the virus but looks normal outside.

She says she still wants to have a boyfriend, though she doesn’t have plans of becoming sexually involved, something she has resisted since she found out she was HIV-positive.

The fearless miss is not losing hope.

(Based on the exclusive feature article published in the old Mirror Weekly magazine by the same author)

Featured photo by Buse Doa on Pexels

#HIVpositive #confession #truestory #storyofhope #life #moments #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Are you craving for Hainanese chicken rice?

Here are our food discoveries on this popular dish here and abroad.

In terms of chicken dishes, one of the most widely known is Hainanese chicken rice. What makes this dish so special is its delectable taste – the poached chicken meat and seasoned rice. No wonder travelers from around the world have all the rage for this iconic dish.

  • Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice

If you’re planning a trip to Singapore, post-pandemic world, make it part of your itinerary to experience Singaporean cuisine. This small, but progressive and important island nation located just south of Malaysia not only offers modern tourist attractions, and impressive skyscrapers, but is also famous for Hainanese chicken rice, one of the national dishes of Singapore. It is being widely available in most food courts and hawker centers around the country.

“Variants of the dish are also seen throughout Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, where it remains a culinary staple,” according to an online source.

Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stall. Personal photo during our previous trip to Singapore.

Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice is probably Singapore’s most famous chicken rice stall located at Maxwell Food Centre. As seen from our last visit in past years, it had more tourists than locals queuing up for a plate of this popular dish. You just need to be patient, and in no time, it will be your turn to order.

It was worth the visit because the dish was really delicious – both the chicken meat and the rice were cooked to perfection. Per order of the dish was like Php250.00 – Ph350.00 in our local currency.

Even the late Anthony Bourdain said that the chicken rice was so fragrant and delicious that it could be eaten on its own.

  • Homeboy Hainanese

The pandemic may have restricted our movement, and planning a trip to Singapore may not be ideal at the moment. But this won’t stop us from tasting this dish in Manila, and at the comforts of our home.

An interesting discovery is Homeboy Hainanese, which offers and delivers Hainanese chicken rice. Though, still new in the food business, it’s getting a significant following for its quality and healthier take on the famous dish.

The sauces are made from scratch and are very flavorful – soy sauce, ginger, and chili. Courtesy: Homeboy Hainanese

It was a delight to have discovered it through a lady client. The delivery came just in time for lunch and was freshly packed. The food pack consisted of chicken fillet which was very tender; rice (an Oh Crop Adlai rice best for dieters as well); and the sauces are made from scratch and are very flavorful – soy sauce, ginger, and chili.

To fully enjoy the dish, I dabbed all three sauces in one bite of chicken meat and rice. I was very satisfied with how the dish was cooked. Indeed, it was a tummy-filling Hainanese experience! You need not go to Singapore to try it. If you want your order to be consumed later, you can store it in the refrigerator, then, reheat it in the microwave at 600w for 30 seconds.

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/homeboyhainanese

A mouth-watering dish and satisfying dining experience can definitely fulfill any food cravings.

Featured photo: Homeboy Hainanese

#foodtravel #hainanesechickenrice #homeboyhainanese #tiantianhainanesechickenrice #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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A sunshiny career for Sunshine Dizon

“Whatever I do, I always give my best,” she related from a previous interview, “because not everyone is given a chance to be in showbiz.”

With her recent transfer to Kapamilya Channel (after a 25-year stay with rival GMA-7), veteran actress Sunshine Dizon is determined to stay and excel further in show business. She is set to star in the upcoming teleserye Marry Me, Marry You alongside thespians Paulo Avelino and Janine Gutierrez.

True to her name, Sunshine, in-person exudes a sunshiny disposition. She likewise, sounds very positive about her future. Having spent her early years in show business, Sunshine has acquired the look and attitude of a veteran. “Whatever I do, I always give my best,” she related from a previous interview, “because not everyone is given a chance to be in showbiz.”

An early entry in showbiz

Sunshine had an easy entry into show business because her mom Dorothy was a movie producer. As early as when she was three years old, her mom’s showbiz colleagues had convinced her to include Sunshine in the picture God’s Little Children, her first movie project. Her mom agreed for Sunshine to try her luck in showbiz.

Her mom didn’t go wrong because at a very young age Sunshine has made a mark in the industry. At 12, she bagged the much-coveted Best Child Actress Award from FAMAS. At 13, she became a favorite endorser in commercials. She is hopeful one day she might be able to achieve the status of her idols, Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos, and her all-time favorite American actress, Jodie Foster.

Acting-wise, Sunshine shared that she has matured through time. “All the films and shows that I did were all learning experiences.” She is best remembered for her outstanding portrayals in past TV series Ika-6 na Utos, Magkaagaw, Encantadia, and many more to mention.

Fondest childhood memory

Her fondest childhood memory was her trip back to the country from the United States when she failed to bring home with her the giant stuffed toy bear she purchased. “The flight attendants didn’t permit me to carry it on the plane. I threw tantrums. I told them that I would call 911 for child abuse. When I remember that incident, I just realized how stubborn I had been,” recalled the 37-year-old actress.

In private, Sunshine is a homebody and a bookworm. “Magala ang mga mata ko,” she said. “I’m the kind of person who will think a hundred times before I do something. Kaya siguro madalas sumakit ang ulo ko.”

Supportive family

What she values most in life is her family. “Because not everyone can have a family like the one I have, they’re always there for me and they are very supportive of my showbiz career. In the intriguing world of show business, they keep me sane.”

Sunshine is the youngest in a brood of three. She is very close to her other siblings, Richard and Chowtie; and to her mom Dorothy and dad Isagani.

Now that she’s a parent herself, she makes sure to always spend quality time with her two children. It has been an open book about how her past marriage turned out, but despite the chaos and drama, she maintains a good relationship with her estranged husband Timothy Tan for the sake of their children.

Both in reel and real life, Sunshine continues to shine and sounds very optimistic about what the future holds her.

(Based on the published exclusive interview in the old Mirror Weekly magazine by the same author)

#SunshineDizon #actress #TVpersonality #kapamilyactress #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Featured photo courtesy of Kapuso Online Squad FB page

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Jodi Sta. Maria knows what she wants and is serious about her job

“It’s rare that one is given a chance to be in show business. Work hard and make the most of it because you are not going to be in the limelight forever,” Jodi said.

Launched via a soft drink commercial, Jodi Santamaria, popularly known by her screen name Jodi Sta. Maria is steadily trekking a viable career in show business.

It might be fate which brought Jodi her chance to act on TV and the movies. She was discovered by a talent scout while eating in a fast-food restaurant in Buendia. And the rest is history.

In spite of her busy showbiz career, Jodi still leads a normal life by finishing her studies. She’s aware that showbiz is not a permanent job, and would be nice to have a fallback when she decides to retire from show business. Recently, she graduated from college at Southville International School with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the age of 39. “Remember, it’s never too late, and you are never too old to reach your stars,” she posted on Instagram.

Courtesy @ jodistamaria on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/p/CQdDvjIh0fu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

In person, Jodi exudes confidence and cheerfulness, a window to her positive outlook in life. Jodie Chrissie Sta. Maria, in real life, is the youngest of two siblings. She grew up in Cabrera, Pasay.

She keeps her svelte figure by working out “whenever she feels like it.” If she couldn’t go to the gym she just does sit-ups at home to maintain a flat tummy. She looks blooming these days, reflective of her happy personal life. At present, Jodi’s boyfriend is actor Raymart Santiago.

Courtesy @ jodistamaria on Instagram

As a single parent, she’s a proud mom to son Thirdy from her past relationship with Pampi Lacson, son of Senator Panfilo Lacson.

Jodi intimates that she has come this far because she knows what she wants and she’s serious about her job. “It’s rare that one is given a chance to be in show business. Work hard and make the most of it because you are not going to be in the limelight forever,” she said from a previous interview.

Photo courtesy: @ jodistamaria on Instagram

#jodisantamaria #actress #TVpersonality #mom #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph #throwbackseries

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Harvest Hotel: Your hotel of choice in Cabanatuan City

For travel to be delightful, one must have a good place to stay time and again. Whenever I feel like going out of town, my favorite staycation would always be at the Harvest Hotel, the only modern 4-star hotel located in the center of Cabanatuan City.

Whether you’re going away on a family vacation, a short getaway, or a business trip, you can definitely have a pleasant stay here for many good reasons. Recent reviews from guests and visitors support this encouraging feedback. Harvest has now become the hotel of choice in Cabanatuan City for business and leisure travelers, as well as, for the local residents who prefer to hold their social events and business functions here.

Photo from Gorospe FB page
Harvest GM Lou Bermejo Gorospe (Photo from the FB Page of Ms. Gorospe)

Harvest Hotel General Manager, Lou Bermejo Gorospe feels thankful and inspired to hear positive reviews from hotel guests. “The reviews range from being satisfied on how the hotel staff attended to them, having comfortable rooms, beds, pillows, room interior; bathroom fixtures, and personal care sets; to good food and value for money. Guests remarked that Harvest is stunning for the price,” Gorospe happily shares. “Guests are immediately impressed with just about everything!”

GM Gorospe (center) with her entire team.

Part of the entire delightful experience is the people who make up the Harvest Hotel team.  “We make sure we carry out our Corporate Core Values in our daily work,” says the lady General Manager.

They uphold such values on Innovation, Integrity, Service, Passion, and Teamwork that make them a cut above the rest of the hotels in Cabanatuan City.  “Our hotel standard is no less than to provide our valued guests with exceptional care and top-notch products and facilities.”

Superb accommodation

One thing that you will definitely appreciate while on a staycation at Harvest Hotel is its cozy, clean and comfortable air-conditioned rooms – totaling 81 well-appointed rooms. Each room feature beds that are composed of good quality mattresses and beddings for a restful sleep, an LCD cable television, a bathroom with a hot and cold shower, a medium-sized working desk with a telephone, a minibar, an electronic safe, a coffee and tea making facility, iron and ironing board and fast broadband internet connection – everything that will make your stay truly delightful.

Guests can choose from room categories such as Standard Twins, Standard Queens, Executive Suites, Loft 1 and 2. The Standard Twin Room is the basic room category and it comprises the majority of the total room inventory of the Hotel. This 29-square meter room comes with two (2) single beds, a bathroom with shower, a working table, LCD cable TV, a coffee/tea making facility, an in-room safe, and a mini-bar.

The Standard Queen room is also a 29-sqm room with one queen bed, a bathroom with a shower, a working table, an LCD cable TV, a coffee/tea making facility, an in-room safe, and a mini-bar.

Next to the Standard Room is the Suite Room which boasts of a 38-square meter space that comes with one queen bed, a bathroom with a shower, a working table, an LCD cable TV, a coffee/tea making facility, an in-room safe, and a mini-bar.

The best room of Harvest Hotel is the Loft located on the topmost floor. This 67-square meter consists of two floors with a separate living area, dining space, and a king-sized bed, and a bathroom. These are best for honeymooners, couples, and family guests.

For an uninterrupted workout, you can still sweat it out at the fitness gym located on the third floor. It offers the latest and complete gym equipment.

For guests looking for a venue for their events and meetings can consider the hotel Ballroom that is convertible into two function rooms. Ballroom A can occupy 130 persons, while Ballroom B, 70 persons. The whole Ballroom can accommodate 200 person sit-down, 300 cocktail, and 350 theatre types.

Satisfying Dining Experience

Aside from the comfortable rooms, one can always look forward to the delicious food being served at Café Ecija Restaurant and Bar, located in the lobby. It is ready to serve a sumptuous buffet for breakfast and an all-day a la carte menu every day featuring Filipino and international dishes. It has a 76-seating capacity and is open to in-house guests and walk-in diners daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. An outdoor swimming pool is just right outside Café Ecija.

Chef Lester Bergado

During our visit, Chef  Lester Bergado, the affable in-house chef of Harvest Hotel happily served to us the dishes he prepared for our photoshoot. He shared that they have added more Pinoy comfort food to the menu. Aside from the regular Salmon Head Sa Miso and Hipon sa Kamatis, additional dishes are the all-time favorites, such as Kare-Kare, Caldereta, Pininyahang Manok, Pork Lechon and Harvest Sinigang Beef Buko.

The Experience team was also lucky to have tasted the Friday Feast of the World Buffet with choices ranging from salad, cold and hot appetizer, soup, grilled, hot dishes, and dessert. For the salad, they served Mixed Green Salad with Croutons, Parmesan, corn kernels, tomato, Onion, Cucumber, Capsicum, and Bacon. For the dressing, choices were Caesar, Thousand Island, and Italian Dressing.

Cold and hot appetizers were Assorted Maki Rolls and Mixed Cold Cuts; Crispy Pork Belly infused in Chili jam and Eggplant Parmigiana with Cheese Sauce. For the soup, it felt calming to have tried Seafood Shabu-Shabu and Tuscan Tomato Soup. From the carving station, we surely tried the Slow Roasted Beef Short Plate with Wild Mushroom Sauce; and the grilled Beef, Pork, Chicken, Fish, and Sausage. Happy tummy, indeed!

For hot dishes, they served Asian Beef Kofta in Sour Cream Sauce, Hainanese Chicken, my favorite Phad Thai, and Shanghai Fried Rice. For the Western offering, they prepared Pork Escalope with Peppercorn Sauce, Seafood Gnocchi, Vegetable Polonaise, and Mushroom Risotto Rice.

Choices for dessert vary from Crème Brule Shots, Panacotta Shots, Chocolate Bar. There were also Marshmallows, Breadsticks and Wafer stick at the Chocolate Fountain Station.

Our gastronomic experience didn’t end at the buffet station. There were also additional plated dishes served for our feature and consumption. We tried BBQ Baby Back Ribs, a Texas-style smoked BBQ baby back ribs served with buttered corn, coleslaw, and French fries. Followed by Beef Kare-Kare, slow-cooked ox tripe, beef chunks, and tropical vegetables simmered in Filipino-style peanut sauce served with famous bagoong. For the beverage, they offered us to try the Harvest Potion and Winty Citrus Dew.

Harvest Potion and Winty Citrus Dew

I had a fill of Adobong Pusit, a Classic Filipino Adobo dish where sliced squid is cooked in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, onion, and tomatoes. I must say this was my favorite from among the dishes served to us. I always crave Adobong Pusit since this is seldom prepared at home.

The writer in one of the cozy rooms at Harvest

The Seafood and Aubergine Salad in Turmeric and Cider Reduction, was by far, what Chef Lester has recommended. Seeing the assorted fresh lettuce, grilled seafood, and aubergine with reduction of turmeric and cider vinegar in an ensemble made it an irresistible dish to try. 

As a finale, one not to miss the appetizing desserts – a choice of Choco Cream Cake, a Black Forest cake filled with chocolate ganache; and Sans rival, a layered meringue cake with buttercream and chopped cashew nuts.

All in all, it was a satisfying hotel experience made truly special by meeting the hotel owners themselves while enjoying the night away with friends. The team even had a jamming session with Leo Pisces Duo’s band playing that night.

(For more information about Harvest Hotel, please contact: T:(044) 9508888 M: (+63) 917-539-6125  or E: info@theharvesthotel.com. Please visit its website at:  www.theharvesthotel.com  and Like them on Facebook)

Reposted from Experience Travel and Living magazine. Photos By Renjie Tolentino