I Love Quirino

Quirino. I honestly had no idea where it was and what to expect since it was my first time to go. As my mother would tell me- better not to expect anything at all, to lessen disappointment that you would encounter. To ease my wondering about my new provincial adventure, I started to research. Here are some of the basics: Quirino is located in the Northen Luzon area of the Philippines which is also 2 hours away from the famous Rice Terraces and its 7 hours away from Manila. Not bad I thought, the feeling of excitement was building up and the more I craved to explore and revel in what I’ll be seeing, tasting and experiencing in Quirino.

It was a pleasant 7-hour ride from Manila to Quirino. Well, I was asleep most of the time. For this trip, I wasn’t alone. I was with 2 friends, Karen and Dax. It was also a first for Karen so we were both excited, and being the probinsiyanas that we are- our craving for the provincial life was about to be satisfied. Dax is the Governor of Quirino, and he’s also one of the youngest Governors in the Philippines. Dax didn’t really say much about Quirino, he just mentioned little things like its major industry at the moment is agriculture (roughly 85%), they speak Ilocano and then I probably fell asleep already while he was still talking (sorry buddie!). He didn’t say much because he wanted for me to see and feel what Quirino is all about. This is where my Quirino story begins.

The original plan to stay just for one night was thrown out the window. It’s all good, I thought. I found that to be a blessing in disguise since it was one whole week of self-productivity and some-what soul searching (yet again and again), and young minds working on great ideas for Quirino. If you ask me what my first impression of Quirino was: Virginly exquisite. It was my first time to admire and relish God’s beauty in my very own country. Lush green mountains and farm lands that can go beyond what my eyes can see. This scene sent chills to my spine, because I really felt the presence of God everywhere. I was telling another friend Elmer who met up with us there, that I hope and pray the next generations after us would still have all of this natural beauty to admire and discover. It may be a far cry as of the moment, but I hope you take it as a challenge (since you’re reading this). Since I’m a self-confessed travel addict, part of the whole travel experience is consuming the area’s food. Personally, I love food. Quirino’s food is simple yet replenishes not only your tummy but your soul. The whole provincial way of life revolves around food I noticed. It’s a source that binds and bonds communities together. What I love most is how they tell the story behind preparing the food- it makes me feel special because they worked and toiled with their utmost best for those that will consume the meal. Their food has an Ilocano flavour, being in the same mountainous region. Although, this is actually the place where I have tasted the best cold Carbonara, thanks to one of the priests who’s a foodie at heart.

Quirino is a developing Province that has a lot of potential. What I love most about it is the entire population is at work to achieve and move towards one direction in unison. The “I Love Quirino” Program is a brain child of current Quirino Governor Dax Cua. The program was designed to specifically save cost, create a clear definition of efficiency for all the sectors that are under Dax’s leadership, including the barangay levels. The goal of this project is to properly roll out and eventually sustain itself with precise planning which is first made and started by each barangay, together with specific sector heads of each government agency. Another sound reason this program was thought of is to curb the usual and long- running perception of provincial folk, that the government’s sole responsibility is to give or donate money when they solicit for it. This may seem like a far cry, but the idea of “I Love Quirino” is the holistic approach of government services that is attainable by all demographics of the province, which would also teach Quirinians what the government is all about and how it should be. “I Love Quirino” is stretched out from medical missions for every townsfolk on the spot of every “I Love Quirino” caravan, to farmers having the right crop productivity, also small and medium Quirinian business enterprises that have the chance of growing to their fullest potential. This includes the Quirinian youth to be pro-active not only in schools but in their community to make them feel that even as young people their contribution to the province is valid which is considered to be a piece in a puzzle that when finished, the picture is completed with their help. The value of proper communication and working cohesively together as one team across all barangays with one vision, one goal in mind: bringing “I Love Quirino” to the grassroots and for them to feel and clearly see that the government hears them, and the government will act on their necessities.

Programs like this with a leader that sincerely has vision and passion for his countrymen make me believe that the Philippines is not a lost cause. I’m not saying this just because Dax is a friend of mine, I’ve seen it with my own two eyes and I’ve felt the energy from the Quirinians myself. The Quirinians are very happy with what their beloved governor does for them. Dax isn’t stuck to his desk all day, he moves around and is very hands on with the different aspects of the province. From tourism, to agriculture and reforestation, even community development, and most especially education and the list goes on- he’s well informed and he doesn’t dictate, he listens to his people create the plan that they want and he works with them to achieve it. This is why I love Quirino, and I don’t mind going back to see it and the Quirinians prosper.

The Provincial Seal

"I Love Quirino" Caravan Tarp

Farmer at work

Fertile Land

Team Effort

Governor Dax in action

Medical Mission on the spot

Quirinians listening to Gov. Dax

It Just Had to Be A Woman

I Didn't get to watch the SONA from the beginning, I got to turn on the TV in the middle part already.
She looked great! She didn't look harassed or tired, she looked genuinely happy to announce what her accomplishments are so far. In fairness to her, she has done a wonderful job raising the economic state of our country. Of course there's the usual side and snide comments by other officials at the end of her SONA. What can you do? you can't please everybody right? But no matter how hard you explain and you debate and reason with other people...some just don't want to think outside of their comfort zones. It sounds better in tagalog: Ang kitid ng mga utak nila eh (translation: their minds are too narrow.)

Who's to blame now? Of course it's so easy to point towards PGMA's direction because she is in full-authority and command. BUT, that does not mean SHE IS DOING ALL THE WORK. OR, SHE HAS TO DO ALL THE WORK. Have we ever stopped to ask ourselves what can WE do as citizens of our country? Especially we the majority of the economic pie...the middle class or the working class. Yes it is true that we make 80-85% of the economic pie with our medium and small business ventures. We hold the majority percentage of creating jobs for our fellowmen and we also hold the key to uplift the PESO. I'm just irritated with the fact that, after PGMA said her SONA I was watching the news. Of course the lower class of our society had the chance to vent out how and what they thought of her SONA when news people asked them. Most were annoyed because they couldn't understand her since majority of her speech was in English. Others were saying that she should get out of her post because they are still poor and they still have to work to eat. After hearing the last comment I couldn't help but blurt out: DON'T WE ALL HAVE TO WORK TO EAT?!

That's where I realize, it is better for you to teach a man how to fish for himself than give him fish for always. There's nothing wrong with being charitable. But look, these people have been depending on us all the time. When we teach them how to make a living for themselves they complain, when they don't have jobs, they complain. What brats! Sorry, I don't mean to be so harsh. But this is my point of view.

I voted for PGMA. I believe in her and look at where she has brought us. I'm not saying she's perfect and she's a saint. She has her short comings but hell, we're o.k. at the moment compared to the last presidency. Gosh, so much for politics! But to PGMA, I salute you. Keep up the good work! :)

No Punn Intended Pacman

The elections are almost over. Although in some provinces, the term "failure of elections" has been welcomed which means the respective provinces have another chance of voting. Here in the city, more counting and tabulations have been on-going. I'm surprised that Manny Pacquiao didn't win in his province. It's obvious that the Pacman has a following since he has brought glory to the Philippines by winning the fights that he currently battled to victory.

Based on how our government officials have been elected, I was expecting for him to win. Not that I'm in favor of it but I was just expecting for it to happen based on our history and our present state. I guess we really are more conscious of who we would like to lead us. Cheers to the Voter's Education Programs! Well Pacman, you really are best in the boxing rink than in the Congress. Good luck to Darlene Antonino! She may be small but is one smart lady that sticks to her guns. Cheers to women who rule! :)

The State of the Nation

The elections are almost over. The counting and tallying of votes have been in the process. The difference from the last elections to this year's elections is this: WE STILL CARE. I actually feel the hope surge in me. The type of hope that I have in me at the moment is not the type where I myself just ponder and wonder my lonesome- self. It's a collective type of hope and not the lonesome-self type.It's better said in tagalog: Hindi ka nag iisa type of hope. I'm really proud that people have been aware and vigilant. I know vigilance has been around, but it was suppressed and the violence was oh so quiet. Maybe because our nation was under a dictator (a very brilliant dictator at that) that knew how to cover and conceal the truth from us. The truth will always seer through no matter what. Hence, the very first EDSA revolution that not only woke the whole nation but the whole world and the Philippines was re-born.

I'm happy to see that we have been vigilant. It may not be as picture perfect as I imagined it to be but hey-this is one hell of a start! We started to decide and think as to who we think is best to govern and lead all of us out of poverty (crossing my fingers and praying for this), hunger, fight against corruption (or at least be discreet about it), instill human rights, and my list goes on. It's like we've all woken-up to reality that we all FINALLY want to get out of this rut. We don't want to wake-up in the same reality, but a reality that we have hope to see the silver lining and this starts with us. Who else can forward this change but we the people. We can't depend on the old government system, as a Filipino we have to do our share. It doesn't have to be something GRAND. It could start off with voting. So, did you vote? I hope you did. If you didn't then register and make YOUR vote count the next elections.

Confessons of a Yo-Yo Dieter

Trying out different diet regiments was one past time I had 4 years ago (or so). Looking back, I was motivated to do the diets for the wrong reason: to fit into a bikini or to fit into fashionable clothes. The pressure of looking “presentable” to be noticed by others was also a motivation. Now that I look back on how my lifestyle was, I’m sure my body was screaming for help. Now in my mid-20’s, the realization has kicked in that I have to be truly conscious about my health. Coming from a family of diabetics and a couple of family members dying from the fight against cancer, I don’t know what else would sound the alarm for me to get moving on my fitness regiment and start living my life with a healthy lifestyle.

From the Atkins diet, to a bit of the South beach diet and to the fat flush diet and so much more, I did lose all the extra weight I had. I diligently followed the diets with even the help of diet pills, I definately lost all the extra pounds I wanted to loose and even more, I was also lean in all the right places. So my bikini body was achieved and my wardrobe finally got updated with trendier looks that were revealing and flattering. My then exercise regimen worked wonders with the diets and diet pills. I looked good and I felt good but I wasn’t happy. All because of achieving instant gratification, loosing weight at once but in the unhealthiest way.

I forget what month or week that was when I saw Oprah on her show, she was talking about Yo-yo dieting. She is one of the many victims like myself (minus the superstar status of course). While watching her show I realized, loosing weight is not only a physical battle but an emotional one too. Too dramatic you might think, but it is the reality we are facing. Just in our own culture and the many other cultures around the world, food is always present in any celebration. May it be a person’s birth, to a person’s death- food is present. Just like Oprah, I was an emotional eater. When I was happy, I’d eat. When I was sad, I’d eat. Comfort food was always the way to go for a quick fix to make me feel happy. Lard and sugar were at the top of my list. To be more specific: burgers and fries, cakes, ice cream, chips, candies. You name it, I ate it. Then I weighed myself and the numbers on the weighing scale stared right back at me: 185 LBS. Wow that was the heaviest weight I have ever achieved.

Articles have been written and reported that the battle of weight gain and weight loss is unending. Many new diets and diet pills are still in the mass market, with the illusion of the figure in the packaging that you can achieve after purchasing or at least even trying them. So much studies have been authored on how genetics play a big part of why and how we look the way we are. I’m no health expert, I’m just a normal human being like everybody else. But struggling with my weight has taught me one thing: Are you happy with YOU? Inside and out that is. For me, if you are then stay that way, be that way. Hey, to each his own right? We don’t have to be the same figure as any of the Hollywood stars that we see. It might be in at the moment, but what does your heart say? Or the better question to ask is: Who are you REALLY? My conclusion, I’m a work-in progress. I still have my moments, but I’m less than 180 plus pounds. Because I occasionally exercise and discipline is currently found in my vocabulary, which should’ve been from the very start. The old saying, “Health is Wealth” is definitely true. We only live once, so we all should live happily and healthy.

Cebu :)

It was such a rush for me to finally see CEBU! Now I know why Cebu has a certain “Cebu-ness” just like the other provinces that we have in the 7,107 Islands of the Philippines. What made me fall for Cebu is that the progressive province has the ability to marry the cosmopolitan life yet, maintain the distinct character that it is also laid back. The nice thought of having the best of both worlds enticed me to think: what if I was based here? It has always been a question that I would ask myself every time I had the chance to travel in any part of the world or the Philippines. But there is NOTHING like home. Home for me is the Philippines J Don’t get me wrong, the best way that I personally would like to live my own life is to immerse myself in different cultures of the different parts of the world. BUT, before I start that I MUST start with my own country. And I am J See, now I understand the true meaning of living through experiencing and relishing each moment I have while in transit. Just like my Cebu trip.

I went with my AIM classmates and our beloved Guru. It was a whole 3-days of fun, sun, laughter and of course learning (how can I forget the non-stop eating! That is part of the whole travel experience!) What I learned about Cebu and the Cebuanos is the reason why Cebu exists is because they are proud to be Cebuanos and they will never stop loving their own. Like, their own products and their way of life, their traditions and many more. This is what the entire Philippines needs. A sense of pride and recognition as to what is truly ours and ours alone that we can so proudly show the world. I know in other provinces these traits come hand in hand. It’s just that in Cebu, it is so visible. You could really see and feel that sense of pride: “ I am Cebuano and proud.” I hope we can radiate this to the entire Philippines and finally say with all truth and honestly: I AM PROUD TO BE A FILIPINO

I love you Mitzie

The sweetest most gentle Golden Retriever that we have ever had. Rest in peace sweetie. You were my favorite walking companion. You were my super favorite live pillow when we let you in the house and I'd be watching TV with you as my companion and "teddy bear". I know I can get another dog like you...but there will only be one Mitzie in my life :( I love you Mitz!