Singing Out... Reaching Out!!! (The Charity Concert of SMFCC)

WHAT: "Singing Out... Reaching Out!!!" The Charity Concert of SFMCC for the Children of Saint Francis of Asisi School in Negros Occidental, Philippines.

WHEN: On Thursday, 23rd of October 2008 @ 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Sheik Rashid Auditorium (opposite side of St. Mary's Church)

Ticket Price is at AED 35.00

You can buy your ticket from Leo "Bai/McTot" Achas - +971 50 724 8138

Baby Shower for Baby Girl Orog

A baby shower is a party in which parents or expectant parents receive gifts for their newborn or expected child.

Last September 19, 2008 we had a baby shower for the OROG Family. Photos below were taken during the celebration. Congratulations to Joseph and Archela Orog. You friends here in Dubai are very happy for you and we are all excited to see another baby in our group.

people who attended the baby shower

games, games, games.... fun, fun, fun.....

a pose before the "Ready, Get Set, Go!"; which group do you think won this game?

Archela Galindo-Orog with friends here in Dubai

Archela Galindo-Orog with Lourdesians friends.

Carch's Birthday here in Dubai.

Last 4th of September, Carch celebrated her 28th birthday. The party was held a day after her birthday. Many people celebrated with her.

You can find below some photos during the event. I grabbed these photos from Carch's friendster account. Better late than never... hehehe :)

News from Ronald Leong...

To you our dear family, friends, classmates, colleagues and acquaintances who have become a significant part of our lives, I wish to share our engagement story.

The Planning

I wanted to propose to Charlotte in a place memorable to us and where we could be alone just the two of us, so that we could really cherish the moment together and I would be able express what my heart truly feels without being conscious or distracted. I had always have in mind Madinat Jumeirah because we had one of our first dates in Dubai there and we had always been captivated by the clear, clean waters surrounding Madinat where abras (or small motor-powered boats made of hardwood) silently glide through. The only thing is it is a quite touristy place, so the "alone just the two of us" will never be. Another option I had in mind was Burj Al Arab obviously because of its splendor and stature, but it would have been an obvious give-away to Cha. A beach proposal over the weekend would have been romantic but Dubai temperature outdoors in August is still very hot to permit it.

So to further my options, I had invited her to our first-time dinners in two "prospect" restaurants during the last week, my hopes high that one might provide the romantic ambience. But they are also always packed with customers, which is again another setback. It turned out that these somehow helped in surprising her because on the night I proposed, she thought it was just going to be another one of those dinners.

The Engagement Ring

My search for Charlotte ’s engagement ring has been a challenge and fun at the same time. I have been researching, inquiring and canvassing for over a month together with my colleague who was also searching for an e-ring. We have gone from the high-end stores that have ridiculously high prices to local stores that offer very affordable prices and even to one of the local jewelry factory in the Gold & Diamond Park where they demonstrated how an e-ring is made. There are simply so many choices available, but ultimately I decided on one that is elegant but not too flashy, one that I earnestly believe she would always be proud wearing and most importantly, one that truly symbolizes my love and commitment to her. Because Cha has been, is and will always be very special to me, I chose for her a platinum De Beers solitaire ring.

The Proposal

August 27th was our 129th monthsary and by then I was so ready to ask Cha the magic question. Yet somehow, part of me is saying to let this day be special on its own.

The following day (28.08.2008), Thursday, the last working day before weekend, St. Augustine ’s Feast Day, our special day because she said yes to be my girlfriend on a Thursday, were all very good reasons to propose on this day. By this time I have decided to propose in Madinat Jumeirah, and I have made reservations in Al Qasr so we could have the opportunity to ride the abra. I was picturing the scene from the movie “My Best Friends Wedding” where the boat they were riding passed under the bridge and “the moment passed by”. I knew the abra ride going to Al Qasr would also pass under a bridge and my plan was when we see the bridge ahead, I would remind her of the movie scene and before the abra could pass under the bridge, I would have already gotten down to one knee and asked her to marry me. But as in life, there were some unexpected twists and turns – the abra driver was also Pinoy and he did not waste time asking us questions and telling his life story throughout the trip; the abra was moving faster than I expected and it might not be absolutely safe when I get on one knee (and I really intended to do so when I propose); and the scene of the lighted villas and hotels we were passing through were in itself a majestic beauty to behold.

Before we went to dinner, we strolled around the area and happen upon a wooden footbridge where the view to the picturesque Burj Al Arab by night is splendid. Normally, only hotel guests are allowed to go through this footbridge and there is always a security man manning the entrance, but this time there was none. So we took some pictures with the Burj as the background and I almost did propose during this time. But I realized we were already running a little late for our dinner reservations.

Our dinner was quite wonderful; our conversation was light and casual, a sign that she was not expecting anything grand to happen that night. I was a little worried though about the e-ring being left in her chair whenever we get food from the buffet table. You might be wondering how I was carrying around the e-ring. Well, I had put it inside a sunglasses box and I put the sunglasses box in a “Beyond Optics” paper bag, so when she asked what’s in the bag, I just nonchalantly told her I bought a new pair of sunglasses.

After dinner, we decided to stroll outside and once again enjoy the breath-taking view. We had reached again the wooden footbridge and were pleasantly surprised that there was still no security man. At that moment, I took it as a sign that in the absence of the security man, we are meant cross the other side of the bridge. On the other side we were amazed by the water of the swimming pool which was so still and peaceful. We strolled further to the beach where we could hear the gentle waves and breeze, then retraced our steps to check a gazebo-like place full of beautiful, colorful lights. When we got there, on the floor was a giant chessboard and the chess pieces were waist-level. There were several comfortable benches on the sides but surprisingly we were alone at this time. I felt like that place was reserved for us that night and everything was starting to fall into place.

Charlotte was sitting on the bench busy taking pictures when I approached her, knelt down on one knee, gave her the ring, sincerely told her I love her very much and asked her to marry me. The moment she said “Yes!” I was the happiest person on earth.

I got this message from Ronald Rey B. Leong last September 1, 2008. Watch out for their Vatican Wedding this coming 2009. If you can afford, then automatically you are invited... hehehe :) joke! Start saving about AED 1,000.00 per month now!

SIARGAO SUMMER BARKADAHAN (Offers valid only from March to May 2009)

Let us help you organize your Siargao adventure! This is for barkadas and groups who wish to enjoy the waters and sands of Siargao Island. This could be your hottest summer ever! Email us so we can give you an exciting itinerary.

Warning: May cause excessive excitement.:)

Tour Packages:

BASIC TOUR BARKADA OF 4 BARKADA OF 6-8
RATE @ Php 2,500.00 each @ Php 2,000.00 each
Time-Frame 2 days and 2 nights 2 days and 2 nights
Destinations Naked Island Naked Island
Daku Island Daku Island
Guyam Island Guyam Island
Magpupungko Natural Pools Magpupungko Natural Pools
Cloud Nine Cloud Nine

All packages are Inclusive of Resort Accommodation, Banca and Motorcycle Rides and Meals.

Basic Barkada Tours gives you a taste of rustic, unspoiled Siargao. Rates are very minimal and the tour is guaranteed make you experience the magic of the island.

Meals will not be taken in the resorts since their rates are not barkada-friendly. Rest assured that you will still get the best the island has to offer. That means fresh first-class fish, saang, alimango, lato, and other seafood! At the same time, you will get to mingle with the very friendly Siargaonons and explore the town instead of being cooped up in the resort.

If you wish to make other arrangements, we can design your itinerary together!

Incentives:

Get great discounts by referring barkadas to us!

1 group equals 10% discount
2 groups equal 15% discount
3 groups equal 20% discount
4 groups equal 25% discount
5 groups or more, you tour with us for free next time you visit siargao!

groups you refer to us shall also get cool siargao freebies.:)

TRAVEL OPTIONS:

If you're from Luzon or Visayas, you may:

1) Take the Manila-Butuan flights via PHILIPPINE AIRLINES (PAL) or CEBU PACIFIC. Daily Flights available. From Butuan, you may take the bus to get to Surigao City (2-hour bus ride) or hire a van. From Surigao City, take the slow boat (RORO 4 hours) or fast ferry (1 1/2 to 2 hours) going to Siargao.

2) Take the CEBU PACIFIC AIRLINE'S Cebu-Surigao flight. It is scheduled four-times weekly starting November 13, 2008. From Surigao, take the ferry to get to Siargao.

3) Take the SEA AIR also flies Manila-Siargao once a week.


AIRLINE websites:

PAL - www.philippineairlines.com

CEBU PACIFIC - www.cebupacificair.com

SEA AIR - www.flyseair.com

If you're from any point in Mindanao:

Take the bus that will bring you to Surigao City. (If necessary, you may pass by Butuan to get to Surigao). Then take the ferry from Surigao going to Siargao.

THE ORGANIZER/S WILL MEET YOU IN SIARGAO. IF YOU WISH, MEETING PLACE IN BUTUAN OR SURIGAO MAY BE ARRANGED WITH THE ORGANIZER/S.

Contact Us!

email: siargaoadventure@gmail.com
celphone: 0916-481-5214 look for SHAL

Another 29er from Dubai... Happy Birthday Badae!!!

Last August 31st, Badae turned 29. It's her First Birthday celebration as a mother.

A day before her birthday, I got to chat with her... she asked me of a better place wherein she can celebrate her birthday. We considered many options and we ended our with conversation without arriving in a final decision.

On her birthday, I got an invites.

Guess what? We celebrated it at Chinese Palace Restaurant located in Al Ghurair City. It was attended by her supported flatmates and some friends. Check our photos posted above,

Dhow Cruise Dubai

Cruising down Dubai creek is a novel experience. The creek, in fact is the heart of Dubai. It has shaped the destiny of Dubai, and in turn Dubai has reshaped the creek.

Above are some photos taken during last night's Dhow Cruised.

For more information about Dhow Cruise, please visit http://www.dhowcruisedubai.com/

Cheers to Ronald and Charlotte!!!

At around 1:46 a.m. yesterday, while i am passionately reading my new book (THE SECRET by Rhonda Byrne ), I got a call from my Nanay (Charlotte)... She asked me if Yan-Yan is still awake? I don't think so, i answered her.

To make my story short, she called me up to tell me that she'll be preparing a lunch for us at 12:00 noon. She also said that we should be there for a very special announcement.

It was indeed, a very special announcement. I am personally happy upon hearing it.

Last night, she sent an e-mail to all about their engagement.

You can find it below...

******************************************




To our families in Dubai:

Naa ko story.... Leong reserved dinner at Al Qasr, Madinat last night. When he called me in the office to tell me, I didnt think twice about it kay we've been eating out lately since last week. So I thought last night was just one of those regular fancy dinners. I didnt expect that it would be one of my most unforgettable night ever.

Madinat, as usual, was at its romantic best last night. We got to board in on one of the abras to get to our restaurant. The driver was Pinoy so he toured us around the villas. It was so nice, as in. ..After dinner, we strolled to the beach side, then up to the wooden bridge for a picturesque view of the hotel and gondolas gliding past the venice-like canals.

Then we sat on one of the benches, chikka gamay. I was busy taking pictures of the pool and hotel when he stood up and walked to the bag. He turned, smiled and came to me and sugod na dayon ko kulba. It hit me that this might be it. Is he..?, I thought wildy. And he went on one knee, opened the box. .. Kulba na kaayo ko. The diamond glistened in the night. Then he asked, " will you marry me?" And of course, I said yes.

And now things are clearer. I used to wonder how can you commit forever to one person. I used to ask people how they know he's the one and they always tell me na you just know.

So right then and there, I finally understood. Na I'll just know gyud diay. Leong is my forever. ...:-)

To all our very good friends who have been with us through the years, thank you. You have been part of our lives and part of who we have become. :-)


*****************************************

Congratulations Ronald and Charlotte!

We are all looking forward to your Vatical Wedding on April 2009.

I love you Nanay and Tatay!!! Maniwala kayo, I am very happy for both of you...

Tila na uuso yata ang mga "engagement" sa month of August.... hehehe :)

Thanks to Jorog Photography for the photos...

To Dave & Shane: CONGRATULATIONS!

the proof

Shane and Dave


August 22, 2008 was a very special day for me... obviously, because I turned a year older... hehehe :) Enough about me... let us find out more what's so special about 22nd of August 2008.

Well, I would like to publicly announce in this worldwideweb... the Engagement of Two Hearts that Beat as One...

Congratulations to Dave and Shane!!!

They are finally engaged. Where? In one of the romantic places here in Dubai... One and Only Mirage in Jumeirah.

We are all happy for the both of you... Surely, we are waiting for some wedding details... hehehe :)

Dave's Birthday Bashed at Pinoy Grill - Rigga, Dubai

the casts

wish, wish, wish!

singing after eating

Ecaranum Family

Thank you so much to Dave for celebrating your first birthday here in Dubai with us... It was indeed a very nice Pinoy Grill experienced!

Thank You

the celebration

the people


the celebrants

Thank you so much for celebrating with us. We are so blessed with your presence. We are hoping that you enjoyed the party as much as we enjoyed it. Who would have thought na ang Ratsky naa na sa Flat 609, Al Shami Bldg.?

Hanggang sa muli... :)

Fr. John (Jack ) Caroll, S.J. On "Ninoy and Hope"

I got another e-mail from my JVP Yahoo Groups, and I think it is worth reading.

HOMILY FOR LHS (Loyola House of Studies) COMMUNITY MASS

20 August 2008

By: Fr. John (Jack) Caroll, S.J.

I. Newspaper photos yesterday of dead bodies in the streets of Kausawagan, and a series of text messages from a religious sister asking prayers for her blood relatives and religious sisters caught in the middle of the fighting, brought back memories of 25 years ago tomorrow: news of Ninoy's assassination; three days of darkness as we reflected on the evil in heart of man, and of our society: a dark room, evil presence.
II. But then, hope reviving: calm uncompromising stance of Cardinal Sin, of Radio Veritas and Fr. Guido Arguelles; long lines at Times Street; magnificent funeral sermon of Card. Sin (Arevalo?) concluding with Ninoy's prayer for peace; the funeral procession, prayer rallies, ANV, and three years later the peaceful revolution at Edsa. A STAND AGAINST EVIL, A JOURNEY OF HOPE.
III. Now, 25 years later, the nation again faces a crisis, and we come to realize that the evil was deeper than President Marcos. Edsa was a political revolution, not a social revolution. Fault lines of injustice and inequality lie beneath the surface of our society, pressures are building up and threatening to break it apart. We saw this in the violence and hatred which burst to the surface in the contorted faces of the poor at Edsa III, we see it in continuing revolt in the countryside, and we see it in Mindanao . Even the good intentions of a president like Cory Aquino could not break through established structures of injustice in the landowning system for example, the same structures that continue to block effective agrarian reform. Development in Mindanao has been put on the back burner in favor of development elsewhere and military operations. My generation, the older generations have failed to build a viable society founded on justice
IV. We look then at this moment to a new turning point, one which will change not only leaders but long-entrenched structures of injustice and inequality. It will not be easy, and will be costly, for we are all part of the problem. There will be fewer flyovers in Manila so that Mindanao can have roads; more expensive newspapers so that the scavengers can have a decent living.; our building will cost more so that the construction workers need not squat; there will be fewer parents who can afford an Ateneo education for their children. And perhaps your generation will not be able to afford the extremely expensive medical costs incurred by the province for me in the past two years.
V. And this will require not just political leadership but moral leadership, leadership such as Cardinal Sin and others showed 25 years ago. THIS IS THE CHALLENGE THAT LIES BEFORE YOU, THE COMING GENERATION. IT IS A MASSIVE, CONTENTIOUS TASK AND CANNOT BE DONE BY JESUITS ALONE; BUT OUR VOCATION REQUIRES THAT WE BE PART OF IT. MAY YOU BE INSTRUMENTS OF HIS PEACE, A PEACE BASED ON SOLIDARITY, JUSTICE AND EQUALITY AMONG ALL FILIPINOS. MAY THE LORD BE WITH YOU ON THIS JOURNEY OF FAITH AND HOPE.

***********
At ito ang message ni Mark about Fr. Jack...

Fr. John (Jack) Caroll, SJ one of the most well respected Jesuits alive today (who at 83, continues to work for social reform in the Philippines as he has for almost 3 decades now) gave us an exceptionally moving homily in our community mass yesterday. I've pasted it below in its original, 'shorthand' form. (He made extemporaneous additions that are difficult to capture on paper but I nonetheless think this is worth sharing.) May this carry you forward in hope as we remember Ninoy today amidst crises anew. Mark Lopez, S.J. Loyola House of Studies - Ateneo de Manila University

Dave's First Birthday here in Dubai

Hello Guys!

It's Dave's Birthday on the 23rd of August. It's actually his first time to celebrate it here in Dubai.

I got an e-mail from Shane (his girlfriend) that the celebration will be held in Pinoy Grill (Rigga) this Saturday. The party will start at 6:30 p.m.

Let's all celebrate Dave's birthday with a sumptuous pinoy foods.

Please do check your e-mail for the invites.

A Call for Help

Today, I received an e-mail from Jesuit Volunteer of the Philippines (JVP) Yahoo Groups with regards to a call for help for Mindanao. The letter was actually written by the Executive Director of Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan which based in Ateneo de Manila Univeristy.

Here's the letter...

**********

RE: CALL FOR DONATIONS IN AID OF THE AFFECTED CIVILIANS IN THE MINDANAO STRIFE

Dear Friends in Christ,

Peace.

By now we are certain that you have heard of the ongoing conflict in Mindanao . Weeks earlier, what we thought to have been a solid path to peace has now become a spark that will surely re-open past wounds and hatred. A series of disturbing and tragic events unfold in Mindanao as a result of the amalgamated issues surrounding the stalled GRP-MILF MOA on Ancestral Domain.

The past week has seen the worst armed conflict in years as civilians have become the primary target of lawless groups. Sporadic fighting has been reported in Mindanao and sadly, the worst hit are the provinces of central and north-western Mindanao . As per reports that we have received today, August 20 (Wednesday), there are about 6,000 families in 18 evacuation centers from the province of Lanao del norte and Iligan City . The number continues to increase as civilians flee their homes to avoid being caught in the crossfire of the government forces and MILF troops.

As blame is being tossed around following the attacks by alleged members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters on villages in Lanao del Norte and Sarrangani, one sad fact remains – violence and hatred continue to take their toll on the lives of innocent civilians, Muslims, Lumads and Christians alike.

The Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, together with the Dioceses of Iligan and Marawi, has called for aid especially for the towns in Lanao that have been attacked and burned.

In this light, we are appealing for any financial aid that you can extend to our brothers and sisters in Mindanao who are caught in this strife. They are in dire need of medicines, water and food supplies.

The funds received will be sent to the affected areas through the partnership of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, under the leadership of Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, SJ, and the Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan).

Let us all be one with our brothers and sisters in Mindanao in their quest for genuine peace and development.

Thank you.


Sincerely,


SCHOLASTIC ISMAEL JOSE III V. CHAN-GONZAGA, SJ
Executive Director
Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan



*DONATION MECHANISM*
============ ========= ====

CASH/CHECK

Direct deposits may be made to:

SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN (Account Name/Payee)
Bank of the Philippine Islands (Loyola-Katipunan Branch)
Peso Checking Account Number : 3081-1111-61
Dollar Savings Account Number : 3084-0420-12

Or channel to:

Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan
Loyola House of Studies
Ateneo de Manila University
Loyola Heights 1108, Quezon City

Contact Information:

Landline : 426-6101 loc. 3440/3441
Telefax : 426-5968
Mobile : 0922-8600-752 (SUN-8600-SLB)
Email : slb@admu.edu. ph
Look for : Ms. Marj Tejada


For proper acknowledgement:
· Please fax a copy of the validated deposit slip to SLB through telefax 426-5986
· Kindly indicate contact information: Name, address, email, landline/mobile
· Those who wish to be anonymous may skip this procedure


FOR GCASH TRANSACTION:
1. Any Globe or TM subscribers should be registered first in Gcash before doing any Gcash transaction.
2. To register, just text the syntax:


REG_4 digit M-PIN/mother' s maiden name/first name/last name/address and send to 2882

Example: REG 1234/ Getino/Liwanag/ Ferdinand/ 766 Metrica St. Sampaloc Manila
and send to 2882

3. When the subs already done with cash in, he may now able to do donate or any Gcash transaction he wanted

To Donate: Just text the syntax

DONATE_AMOUNT_ 4 digit M-PIN_INSTITUTION CODE and send to 2882
Ex. DONATE 100 1234 SLB and send to 2882

The 29ers

The 29ers.

There are 29 reasons WHY WE SHOULD celebrate! (and why you shouldn't miss the party of the year! nyahaha)

1 Yong's 29th Birthday Aug17
2 Yan&Yong's First Wedding Anniversary Aug17
3 Yan's 29th Birthday Aug19

4 Tintin's 29th Birthday Aug20
5 Try-ah's 29th Birthday Aug22
6 Uncle Ninoy's DA Aug21
7 Chada Cagayan Fiesta! Aug28
8 LECHON KAWALI at iba pa
9 Akong lami na fruit salad! (if dili kapoyan ug himo...)
10 Lami pud daw ang spaghetti ni Toto ug Tintin
11 REDHORSE unlimited supply (really?)
12 Kay molarga si Mikyo (hehehe,ato hubogon para mabyaan sa flight)
13 Kay nagniwang na si Traya (duh?)
14 Our dance version of low...low...low…
15 Dad-on ni Tintin ang iyang….cousins kay, kamo jud…
16 Meet Yong's playmates - and see how big their guns are. ;-)
17 Countdown - the last 12 months of our twenties

18 coz we love you guys! (char lang…)
19 Kay ang dili moadto, pangiiiitttt! Hehehe
20 Kay ang dili moadto, pangiiiitttt! Hehehe
21 Kay ang dili moadto, pangiiiitttt! Hehehe
22 Kay ang dili moadto, pangiiiitttt! Hehehe
23 Kay ang dili moadto, pangiiiitttt! Hehehe
24 Kay ang dili moadto, pangiiiitttt! Hehehe
25 Kay ang dili moadto, pangiiiitttt! Hehehe
26 Kay ang dili moadto, pangiiiitttt! Hehehe
27 Kay ang dili moadto, pangiiiitttt! Hehehe
28 Kay ang dili moadto, pangiiiitttt! Hehehe
29 Kay ang dili moadto, pangiiiitttt! Hehehe