METRO UZIs

The recent robbery-holdup at METROPOINT MALL in Pasay last Thursday, August 16 affected passenger mobility in the area.

Gunshots from the mall inevitably caused panic as Tambunting Pawnshop was being robbed allegedly by the "Martilyo Gang."

I could just imagine the chaos when I learned about it from one of our employees who happened to pass by the area on her way to our office.

I immediately texted my mom to make sure she is safe on her way home.  

Of course, I took the same route.

The incident happened at around 3:00 p.m.  Passed by around 6:30 p.m. and there were still cameras and crews from different TV and Radio Stations that covered the incident.

And yes, the UZI's were around.  The uzizeros are on the ledge of Taft Avenue to catch a glimpse of the action.

It is human nature to be curious.  Not a sole Filipino trait.  However, more often than not, this hinders rescue attempts.  Authorities usually end up worrying over crowd control instead of just focusing on the crisis at hand.

When you think you are not helping...walk away.  By not being there, you may save not only your life, but others.

"TYPHOONLESS TYPHOON"

The horrors of typhoon Ondoy seemed to haunt Metro Manila.

Super heavy rains caused flood in various areas.  And heavy rains are still pouring as of this writing.  

The waters in different dams are at a high level almost reaching its peak.  Evacuations are on the go.  Classes have been suspended as well as government offices and some private sectors.  And yes, traffic jams.

In our place, the creek along Doña Soledad Avenue in Better Living Subdivision overflowed last night causing unusual heavy traffic at around 12:00 midnight. 

All these happened during Ondoy.  The difference is that during that time, everyone was caught off-guard.  Now, people are more aware and cautious…and yes, maybe more prepared.

This “typhoonless typhoon” has affected so many areas, so many people, so many lives.

I am just praying for the rain to stop  and begging for the sun to shine.

Be safe everyone.  

A HYACINTH named CYNTHIA

The recently concluded 7th Water Lily Festival was a success!  

The celebration featured products weaved from water lilies.  There were street dancing and musical performances.  Highlighting the event was the Search for Miss Las Piñas Water Lily 2012 wherein the candidates paraded with their gowns made of water hyacinths.

A festive mood, indeed.

It is truly amazing how the woman behind this water hyacinth-based livelihood enterprise bears the same name syllabicated backwards --- CYNTHIA.

"We are proud of the barangay-based livelihood projects that we have created, the raw materials 

of which all come from wastes.  We have employed more than 500 families in our livelihood centers."

Just as hyacinths rise above the surface of the water, Mrs. Cynthia Villar, the Managing Director of Villar Foundation oversees programs and projects with clarity and direction.

This free-floating plants grow fast and wide, and just like her counterpart, Cynthia Villar work tirelessly to reach out to various sectors of society.

As water hyacinths spread their leaves, 

Cynthia Villar 

readily extends a helping hand.

CAV with OFW burn victim Alfredo Salmos

CYNTHIA Villar's genuine concern for the environment...her passion for work...her willingness to help others is beyond compare...not even to the hyacinth utilized in her livelihood programs. 

And most of all, she is a wife who deeply cares for her family.

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

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 

MRS. CYNTHIA VILLAR

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 http://www.villarfoundation.org

Follow @VFoundationInc on Twitter

WATER LILY FESTIVAL: Filipino Ingenuity at its Best

Believe it or not, but these products  you see are all made from WATER HYACINTH, a free-floating perennial aquatic plant that is native to tropical and sub-tropical South America.   This wondrous plant bears lily-like flower which has moved locals to call it water lily.

The Water Hyacinth Weaving Enterprise pioneered by the VILLAR FOUNDATION led by its Managing Director CYNTHIA VILLAR has been providing livelihood to over 200 families. 

Mrs. Villar has been working tirelessly to promote this Livelihood Skills Program, giving vast opportunities not only to entrepreneurs all over the country but more importantly extending to people the knowledge and skills provided by the foundation's Water Lily Weaving Project.

The response is over-whelming as many groups and individuals alike have undergone training with the Villar Foundation. 

(Former Las Piñas Representative Cynthia Villar and Congressman Mark Villar at the Water Lily Weaving Center)

http://www.villarfoundation.org

Follow @VFoundationInc on Twitter

Now on its 7^th year, the Water Lily Festival held last Thursday, July 19 at Carnival Court, BF Resort Village, Las Piñas City highlighted Filipino ingenuity providing an avenue for Las Piñeras and Las Piñeros to showcase skills, resourcefulness, creativity, and yes…beauty.

The event was featured at GMA-7's UNANG HIRIT.   Musical performances from Manunugtog Kawayan and other local artists set the festive mood.  On display were water lily products, but more interestedly, actual weaving was demonstrated.

Street Dancing Competition participated by the different Barangays showcased bright colorful costumes and great dancing moves.

The festival has gained attention from different sectors and is fast becoming popular in the likes of Sinulog, Ati-Atihan, etc.

The Fluvial Parade proved how successful the industry has become.  As Mrs. Cynthia Villar has put it, “Zapote River is now free of water lilies and fish have begun breeding here again. We are now getting our water lilies from the Laguna de Bay, and I hope the lake will also be cleared of water lilies because of this business.”

The highlight of the annual festival is the search for the year’s Miss Las Piñas Water Lily.  The Barangays of Las Piñas fielded its own candidate, 19 in all joined the Pre-Pageant held last July 17.

The gowns were created by known designers such Noli Hans as well as the barangay residents themselves. 

The winners of Miss Las Piñas Water Lily become Ambassadresses of the City and will represent the beauty of the city as well as its environmental and livelihood programs such as the United Nations (UN) award-winning river rehabilitation or Sagip Ilog Program—a brainchild of Mrs. Villar.

Las Piñas Miss Waterlily 2012 Search: Grand winner Lyra Velchez of Barangay Manuyo; 

First Runner-up Angelica Prieto of Barangay Talon 2; 

and Second Runner-up Lady Ann Erlano of Brgy. BF International/CAA. 

On Front Page 

*****

Today, the water lily handicraft business is at its peak.  There are no limits in terms of marketing these products.  It is a profitable business.  On top of which, it provides an avenue for Filipino ingenuity to shine.

The Water Lily Festival was truly a success!  

The DAVID COOK Experience

DAVID COOK is back!

I had the privilege to watch him for the second time.  The concert was at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, held last July 14.  With Trisha Ilarde and Raine Rafael ...We had a blast! 

I was there!

We were in  front of the stage.  The best seat in the house.  It may not have been personal but it definitely was up-close.  

He sang all our favorite songs and had fun & funny moments. 

So near yet so far...

I had the chance to watch his concert with my good friend Trisha Ilarde back in 2009 at SM Mall of Asia Grounds...lined for hours by the way...but it was worth it.


























It was with David Archuleta.  They have just come out from their AMERICAN IDOL stint.

We were in the right mid-section of the venue.  It wasn't near enough to get clear photos or videos.  Thank goodness for giant screens.

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Watching him perform is delight to the heart...

listening to his songs is feast to the soul.

At the end of the day,
all that matters
is
DAVID COOK 
and his music.

PROJECT RUNWAY PHILIPPINES Season 3

The Final Runway Show held at the Harbor Garden Tent, Sofitel, Manila was a blast!

The red carpet event was attended by respective designers and fashion icons. 

With my good friends Mat Obias and Trisha Ilarde, we watched in awe as each finalist showcased their designs on the runway.

The designers who competed this third season include:  Normannie Santos, Fatima Guerrero, Karla Galang, Yves Camingue, Enzo Libo-on, Joseph Montelibano, Lhenvil Paneda, Ionica Abrahan, Jenno Gacasan, MJ Alminanza, Glenn Gonzales.

The finalists transcended their inspiration through their designs.  

Third Runner-Up Amor Albano presented a collection that can be worn on parties and social events inspired by the rock formation in the province where she came from.

Second Runner-Up Nel Claveria Jr. was fascinated by bubble suspension and was inspired by plastic materials which he used in presenting his collection.

First Runner-Up Cheetah Rivera has the most fashion-forward vision that translated into an avant-garde collection inspired by her experiences as a designer.

And the grand winner of PRP 3...Milka Redoble.

Inspired by the banana plant, she presented a cohesive collection, not to mention very well-made.

Judging this season are Rajo Laurel, Apples Aberin, together with Tweetie de Leon - Gonzalez who also hosted the show.  Jojie Lloren were the designers' mentor.

Congratulations ETC for putting together such 

a great show!

Looking forward to 

PROJECT 
RUNWAY 
PHILIPPINES 
Season 4
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