Love , Baihana!

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I love jazz... It's good for the soul and so relaxing. its also great seeing it live. 

Baihana.....a trio of lovely, enchanting and intelligent young ladies with strong, lovely vocals who can interpret a wide range of genres in their own way - Baihananiz-ed; and a brand of entertainment that will make you laugh, that will certainly warm your hearts. They will  poison  you with endless smiles as you cap your night with lots of wit and charm.

They recently won the Best Jazz Band award in the Boy Katindig Jazz Songwriting and Band  Competition and will represent the country in the World Youth Jazz Festival in Malaysia.

Baihana is composed of  Anna Achacoso, Krina Cayabyab and Mel Torre. I have watched them as they perform "Bigtime" by Trina Belamide -- one of the finalists in the first Philippine Pop Music Festival last July.

Let them perform and entertain you with their own brand of wit and charm in Love, Baihana on 24 August, 7:30 pm at The Music Museum.

It's gonna be a night full of love, laughter and music you'll surely enjoy!

For tickets, please call 637-9840, 914-5055, 0917-9096484; or come to The Music School of Ryan Cayabyab at the Lower Level, Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas, Quezon City."

Here are some video preview of Baihana.

BuCor's cross roads of scandal, chain of events, reality

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The Bureau of Corrections is one such agency one finds at the cross roads of a scandal,  is  one of the most controversial and complicated agencies in the country. The BuCor knows that the public would suspect that chain of events is unbelievable. it could not be anything else.

Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Gaudencio Pangilinan has gone on indefinite leave beginning Thursday noon following the disappearance of convict Rolito Go from the National Bilibid Prison (NBP), Malacañang announced last Thursday.

“In order to emphasize the principle of command responsibility and to enhance the investigation, Bureau of Corrections Director Gaudencio Pangilinan has offered to go on leave and the President has accepted,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a news briefing.

Kidnapping Event

Rolito Go was convicted of killing engineering student Eldon Maguan in 1991. Go, a “living-out prisoner” is one who is sick or is over 70 years old, and those serving a minimum penalty of less than six years. He has been in prison for 18 years and is suffering from colon cancer.

“He usually stays at the Ina ng Awa Church where he is accompanied by a private nurse,” Lacierda said.

Go was kidnapped or if he is a missing prisoner? It was reported that on Wednesday night, the Philippine National Police got custody of Go after he and his nurse-nephew Clemence Yu surfaced in Alabang, claiming they were abducted.

President Benigno Aquino ordered the Justice department to investigate how Go could have escaped or could have been abducted from the NBP. “President Aquino has ordered an in-depth, multi-agency investigation into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and eventual reappearance,” Lacierda also said.

It was reported that on Wednesday night, the Philippine National Police got custody of Go after he and his nurse-nephew Clemence Yu surfaced in Alabang, claiming they were abducted. Go, meanwhile, insisted that he had been kidnapped by four men  inside the NBP’s minimum security compound, a claim that the National Police initially believed based on its ongoing investigation into the case.

However, BuCor Director Pangilinan maintained the earlier position of the NBP that Go, who had been committed at the penitentiary since 1996, escaped along with his personal nurse-nephew Clemence Yu. He said that he will let the police finish its investigation into the case, as he spoke to the National Police chief, Director General Nicanor Bartolome.

The kidnapping story ends with Go heading back to prison.  Nothing was believable in the shifting scenarios.

BuCor Director Gaudencio Pangilinan has been exercises administrative supervision over the prisons and penal farms and staff services.  One of his functions in the department is developing policies and programs aimed at effective safekeeping and rehabilitation of national prisoners towards the societal goal of peace and order.

The Bureau of Corrections’ vision is  to “protect the public and prevent crimes in partnership with stakeholders by providing persons under custody opportunities for reformation, decent environment and secure settings.”

Last June 2012, I have read Director Pangilinan’s sharing of his thoughts about managing the corrections services.

"Managing The Bureau of Corrections Is Not Easy - Director Gaudencio Pangilinan"

The phrase is not an expression of exasperation; it is rather a discovery of a fact. It is not a wailing cry of desperation; but rather a confirmation of something never before accepted as a reality.

And why is it not easy to manage an agency despite all the rules, powers and authorities in its command arsenal? It is in the overall picture of its environment. Unlike plants, unlike animals, unlike any other governmental concern, managing the most dangerous sector of society – the so called insular prisoners projects so much stress to the point that nothing is correct in the scale of administering fairly their community. It is neither hot nor cold; neither here nor there; neither good nor bad; neither proper nor improper. Either an officer is exceptionally a genius person or abnormally intelligent to justify the right way in managing the affairs of prison administration.

The Bureau of Corrections is one such agency one finds at the cross roads of a scandal.

If there is no news that could grab public attention, one can find something in prison worth jolting the hell out of stability. For sure there are numerous instances in the prison community that is worth a moment’s notice. If the mood is something that would require empathy for the down trodden, there are alleged cases to be slapped on prison officials. If the prevailing sentiment is against the offenders, there are incidents that could be divulged against prison denizens. In both instances, the prison administrator’s neck is usually on the line. This is where sensationalism comes, that is where the news item becomes a regular highlighted feature, something that sells the newsprint, something that is projected on television, something one follows up on radio. And the Bureau of Corrections, whether it is in its star to be exposed or not, is always there are as an exciting filling material.

Any administrator worth his salt would find this stark reality as soon as he gets into ground work. NO amount of work ethics can drive the prison community--- officers included, into the tailspin of real committed work. Resistance is etched in every corner of the prison camp. Tradition is almost embossed in the granite walls of the community. To reform is like calling to arms as in war. Yet changes must be done. Several prison administrations have dedicated itself in the past only to be waylaid by indifference later. Result: the prison service remained static, recluse and worst, a benchmark for incompetence. And there lies the challenge. Change must occur, innovation must start somewhere. Corrections must regain its real meaning.

The process is not a walk in the park. It is, to borrow today’s lingo, complicated. Change demands sacrifice. While not all improvements result in change, all changes result in improvement. And the prison service is still undecided to fulfill change notwithstanding the enforcement of leadership. Attitude remains the biggest challenge and it must turn into a crusading spirit. It must be guided tour for real change, a clear direction to be reached.

And the first step is having a good grasp of where to go. That explains the significance of the BuCor roadmap. It has to be adopted, embraced, and totally appreciated from the heart.

BuCor is a prison where thousands of convicted offenders from all corners of the archipelago serve sentences. I have been visiting and witnessing what's happening inside the BuCor.  Even, the Maximum Security Compound is everything that I didn’t expect. This isn’t simply a place where convicted offenders are stored away until they have served their sentences. 

The Bureau of Corrections isn’t the bureau of punishment. Its mandate is to rehabilitate the offenders. Knowing the harsh conditions that society offers many of its citizens, the New Bilibid Prison might actually be the first real chance many of its inmates ever get to become genuine citizens and live meaningful, productive lives.

I believe that a BuCor Director Pangilinan is with the local and national laws connected with inmate rights and detention standards, due process and sentencing. He is always doing the basics of prison administration including routines and techniques regarding work, education and rehabilitation of inmates. The BuCor Director has always developing and implementing training procedures, delegate tasks, assess inmate needs, assign placement and transfers of inmates within the institution, examine security measures and suggest necessary changes, review inmate communications and react accordingly and coordinate inmate activities. 

Global anti-corruption leaders to visit Manila in 5th GOPAC conference

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Prominent parliamentarians from around the world are expected to attend the 5^th International Conference of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC), which will be held for the first time here in Manila. The conference, organized in cooperation with the Senate of the Philippines and the Southeast Asian Parliamentarians Against Corruption (SEAPAC), and with the full support of President Benigno S. Aquino III, will run from January 30 to February 2, 2013 at the Philippine International Convention Center.

Good Leaders, Good Laws, Good Citizens is the theme of this year’s conference. The conference proper will be conducted for two days, with capacity-building workshops centered around it. John Williams, GOPAC founder and CEO, and Dr. Naser Al Sane, GOPAC Chair, will be joining the Manila Steering Committee along with an expected 500 international delegates from over 46 countries in debates and discussions on the following topics: 

- Parliamentary Oversight and The Role of Good Audit in the Fight Against Corruption

- Anti Money Laundering Laws v. Bank Secrecy

- Transparency in Public Procurement and Business and Civil Society Oversight

PHILIPPINE THRUST

The Philippines, through the initiative of Senator Edgardo Angara, has been actively participating in GOPAC’s activities for many years now. One of the most significant results that came out of this participation was the creation of the SEAPAC – GOPAC’s regional chapter that aims to lead anti-corruption efforts in Southeast Asia on a coordinated and institutional basis. This chapter was established in Manila in 2005 with the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam as members.

According to Angara, the conference is a rare opportunity for all participants, local and foreign, to share and learn from fellow parliamentarians who are steadfast in its fight against corruption in governance. He said that GOPAC’s agreement to hold its 5^th conference in Manila is the international community’s way of recognizing the Aquino administration’s commitment to stamping out corruption that has stymied the nation’s growth for decades. He cited such government efforts as the strengthening of the Anti Money Laundering Act and the ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).He likewise emphasized on the need to restore public trust and confidence in governance not only within the Philippines, but in the global setting as well.

“By hosting the 2013 GOPAC conference, we hope to demonstrate our untiring and sincere efforts to cleanse our government of corrupt practices, abuse and misconduct, notwithstanding unfavorable past record of successive governments,” Angara said. “The world faces widespread unrest and growing distrust of government. It is our responsibility to restore trust and confidence in our public institutions to preserve stability, stimulate economic development and protect democracy.”

In Transparency International’s 2011 Corruption Perceptions Index, the Philippines ranked #129 out of 183 countries—an encouraging improvement from being previously ranked as #134. Angara, the organization’s only Philippine representative, was elected Vice Chair of the GOPAC Board of Directors in 2011.

Part of the Manila conference’s thrust is to increase the number of members from the local legislature. Current members include Senator Loren Legarda (Member) and Senator Franklin Drilon (Member), as well as former senator Juan Miguel Zubiri (Secretary). Members from the Philippine Congress include Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy (Treasurer), Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara (founding member of SEAPAC), Rep. Acmad Tomawis, of Marawi City; Rep. Chona Cruz-Gonzales, sectoral representative of Citenzen's Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) party-list; Rep. Ronald M. Cosalan, of the province of Benguet; and Rep. Nelson P. Collantes of Batangas.

Apart from Senator Angara, the Manila Steering Committee for the conference include Senator Franklin M. Drilon for Ways and Means;Ret. Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban for Program; Dr. Georgina Encanto for Public Information; Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy, Atty. Roan Libarios and Atty. Raoul Angangco for Membership and Participation; Tourism Asst. Secretary Domingo Enerio for Reception, Transportation and Hospitality; Gen. Raul Bacalzo for Security and Medical Support; Atty. Avelino Cruz for Social Programs and Tours; Atty. Celia Villanueva and Mina Pangandaman for Registration; and Antonio de Duzman for Conference Venue and Logistics.

REGIONAL ANTI-CORRUPTION EFFORTS

The SEAPAC has adopted a Regional Action Plan, covering four main components: institutionalization, knowledge building, reform dialogue, and the ratification of the UNCAC within its member-countries.

The group aims to further strengthen and extend its network of parliamentarians from the Southeast Asian region by building more chapters, ultimately pushing SEAPAC to become the authority in fighting corruption in the region. Member countries have the privilege to take advantage of the vast resources necessary to plan and implement legislative actions in accordance with SEAPAC objectives.

Ratification of the UNCAC in SEAPAC member-countries will make them become full-pledged parties to this landmark UN convention.  To date, the Philippines is only the second Southeast Asian country that has ratified the UNCAC, having been manifested by the Philippine Senatein November 2006.

ABOUT GOPAC

GOPAC, the only international network dedicated to promoting good governance and combating corruption around the world, was established in 2002 in Ottawa, Canada. The organization is uniquely composed of legislators from over 46 countries who have the influence to enact policy and support oversight changes in their countries. Since its inception, GOPAC has harnessed global pressure and local action to improve public awareness and to establish international benchmarks in the fight against corruption.

Prior to Manila, previous GOPAC conferences were held in Mexico, Kuwait and Tanzania. Previous GOPAC conferences have served as catalysts for the creation of local policies that have supported anti-corruption campaigns. The organization established Global Task Forces (GTF)to keep track of specific corruption issues. Last year, four GTFs were mobilized to concentrate on the following anti-corruption issues: anti-money laundering, the UNCAC, parliamentary oversight, and parliamentary ethics and conduct.

Just One Summer

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Just One Summer is romance-drama film directed by Mac Alejandre, starring one of the hottest Kapuso love teams in the generation Julie Anne San Jose and Elmo Magalona.

It features Joel Torre, Alice Dixson, Cherry Pie Picache, Buboy Garrovillo and Ms. Gloria Romero in a special role.

Just One Summer movie is with a simple story that shows good moral values. This is really a recommended for the whole family.  It is fun, entertaining without sex and violence. This gives lessons and happiness to all, and especially for the young people.

Just One Summer movie plot:

A rebellious, rich boy spends the summer with his father and his mistress while waiting for the annulment of his father and his mother's marriage. He despises his father and  has considered him long dead in his life.  During his stay for summer vacation, he gets to reunite with his childhood friend, a poor girl who lives near the father’s farm. She secretly offers to work for his father so she can save up for her enrollment, meanwhile deceiving her own father that she is a scholar. The two meet and comfort each other amidst their problems and they fall for each other as time goes on and as they get to know each other.

 “Just One Summer”is showing in theaters nationwide.  

SM Megamall Ultimate Yummy Mega Sale!

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SM Megamall brings you the amazing food trip,  August 17 to 19, 2012!

Last night I was in SM Megamall to experience the super ultimate food trip and of course, enjoy the worthy food shop.

The first thing, I walk around the Megamall because the mega food sale is with more than a hundred dining establishments on sale, nonstop dining discounts and promos, huge price offs & delicious offers – Buy 1 Take 1 s, Eat all you cans, free appetizers, free desserts, free drinks, and many more!

I cannot deny that I want to dine before going shop, so I go to one of my family’s favorite pizza restaurant – Pizza Hut!

My family love pizza, and honestly I love Pizza Hut as ever. Even when I was working in an office,   I can relieve my stressful day when I stay and eat at a Pizza Hut restaurant. There are lots of people who have their pastime eating pizza. It is really up to you or in the group in which you prefer to eat the pizza. Pizza Hut have their yummy offer this weekend food trip - now are having their buy one take one promo as one of the SM Mega Food Sale offer.

I had the super supreme pizza – a feast of pepperoni, ham, beef, pork sausage, Italian sausage, red onions, mushrooms, green peppers and black olives.

One thing that surprised me  about this pizza is it was a chicken and cheese pizza  and found I liked the chicken pizza because the spices gave it a bit more bite. Normally, pizzas like this don't fill me up. But, this is definitely an exception. I had more than 2 pizza slice of pizza.

This was a amazing yummy dinner last night at Pizza Hut Bistro. And also my enjoyable food shop I bring home for my kids. Thanks so much to SM Marketing Head Ms Sean Luarca,  SM Megamall and Azrael Coladilla of Azrael's Merryland  for inviting me to witness and experience the  SM Megamall Food Sale.  And thanks to Pizza Hut Bistro’s Sir Mark and Jhin who really give me time and chat with me when I was there. Thanks guys!

This is what more can I say? I CAME, I SAW , I EAT ! I HAD ONE AND TAKE ONE ! 

Pizza Hut Bistro (3F Mega Atrium) – Buy 1 Take 1 pizza at P499.

Check out the other stores with great food promos.

 

Papa John's Pizza (3/F, SM Megamall A)

Enjoy 50% off on the following pizzas: 9" Pepperoni, Hawaiian, Simply Cheese, Margherita

Pepper Lunch (Upper G/F, SM Megamall A)

Get their special Garlic Beef Pepper Rice for only Php 168.00

Chewy Junior (Lower G/F, SM Megamall A)

For every purchase of one (1) box of six (6) pieces, get FREE one (1) box of eight (8) minis.

Sumo Sam (Lower G/F, SM Megamall A)

Sushi All You Can with bottomless soft drinks for only Php 355.00

And Check Out more in SM Megamall's Mega Sale!

And here are some food items to shop at the Event Center.

Catch a Foodie Fest by SM Supermarket at the Event Center! Get a chance to win 1 of 4 food trips to Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand & Hongkong!

IT'S ONE EPIC FOOD TRIP THAT YOU CAN'T MISS!

Visit SM Megamall Mega Sale. Check SM Megamall’s Facebook page and Twitter account for updates and to win delicious free treats! Enjoy a wonderful world everyone!