tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471290570943178442024-03-13T20:50:06.157+08:00Manay Gina de VeneciaManay Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907863856017903823noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-28809201676672209452009-05-11T12:37:00.008+08:002009-05-22T10:00:12.292+08:00A mother for mothers , Manay Gina de Venecia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/ShYHHneAJQI/AAAAAAAAAJg/xUiFMDIXbis/s1600-h/manay.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 331px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/ShYHHneAJQI/AAAAAAAAAJg/xUiFMDIXbis/s400/manay.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338462235729601794" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >By: Angelo Cantera</span><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Sunday, May 10, 2009</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >The Manila Times</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">THESE days, it is considered as old-fashion moniker—unforgotten, still, but now greatly unused with most Filipinos calling their friends kapatid. But even until now, as it bore the misconception that only “the masses” or “the proletarian” would utter such a term, its essence remains in tact. Colloquially, when you call a person manay, you are calling her a comrade; you are calling to arms a sister who understands and a woman willing to share your suffering.</span><br /><br /><p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">It is a fitting title for someone who has made a career out of sharing the burden of others. And even more so for a person who has garnered a lot of citations for such a lifestyle. Ultimately, it is that very reason why you can call a friend kapatid, and you can call a privileged lady madam, but woman’s advocate Gina de Venecia will always be known as Manay Gina.<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">“It’s a tribute to my Bikolano heritage,” de Venecia told The Manila Times. “There, manay is a sign of respect. It’s something you would call a woman who is older than you so I relish that.”<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">Throughout her illustrious career, de Venecia has been at the forefront, fighting for women’s rights. Highlighted by the establishment of several rehabilitative institutions, she has vigorously lobbied for the empowerment of women no matter their standing in life. Her efforts have garnered her several recognitions like the Gintong Ina Award back in 1994 and 1997, the Dakilang Ina Award back in 1997, and the Advancing the Status of Women Award back in 1999. She was also hailed as the “Ideal Women of the Year” back in 1996.<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">And while a lot of events in her vibrant life could be credited for her numerous advocacies, she still believes that one of her greatest experiential treasures came with her blessed childhood.<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">Born Maria Georgina Perez, de Venecia came to the world rooted in both politics and show business. Her father, the late Doc Perez, was a star builder of Sampaguita Pictures and her mother Azucena Vera-Perez, is currently the president of Sampaguita and Vera-Perez Pictures. Her maternal grandfather Jose Vera was once the Governor of Albay, Senator of the Philippines, and Judge of the Lower Court of Manila. She finished high school at the Assumption Convent, and acquired a degree in Business Administration in Pace College, New York. Immediately after graduation, she served as Vice President and Comptroller of Sampaguita Pictures, VP Enterprises and Jose Vera Corp.<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">Raised in her ancestral home in Valencia, Quezon City, de Venecia recalls that her childhood was filled with wonderful memories. According to her, she lived in an “enchanted kingdom;” she was constantly surrounded by celebrities, she got to travel a lot, and more importantly, her parents showed her that she was really loved. But, as she told The Times, the greatest wealth she inherited from her mother and father did not come with “the silver spoon.” It came with a house that was open to all and an upbringing that allowed her to remain humble amidst such a fanciful life.<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">“My parents taught me how to walk with kings and eat with paupers,” she said. “I was taught how to mingle with the less fortunate. We played with the squatters of Valencia. My father would invite them over and we would take turns on the swing. Some of them, my friends, sold baskets of lumpia. We would buy the whole basket and we would give it to the movie stars. The greatest lesson I learned from my parents is that, the higher the position you have in life, the more humble you should be because the people you see on your way up would be the same people you see on your way down.”<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">According to de Venecia, it is this rearing that allowed her to be good at the things she does. It has also given her the armor she needed to weather the storms she never thought would come her way.<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">“I survived a lot of heartaches because of my childhood,” de Venecia told The Times. “During my lowest moments, all I have to do is think about it and I’ll be back on my feet. I got so much love from my parents.”<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">Known for being shy as a child, de Venecia never perceived that her would turn out the way it did. Formerly married to construction manager, Felipe Cruz with whom she had two children, Carissa and Philip, she never thought that she would be thrown into the limelight. However, her marriage with then congressman and former House of Representatives Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., eventually drew her into the eventful world of Philippine politics. But according to de Venecia, she has now fully embraced her arduous standing. Through their union, she also gave birth to two more kids, Christopher and Kristina Casimira who was more fondly known as KC.<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">“Since I’m married to JDV, a five time speaker of the house, I’ve always served his constituents,” de Venecia told The Times. “It’s not that stressful anymore. I learned to adapt. I learned to embrace everything he’s committed to do, all his causes, and his loved ones.”<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">In 1992, de Venecia made her presence clear when she became the President and Chairperson of the Congressional Spouses Foundation Inc. (CSFI.) During her first two terms in that position, she solidified her stand as a champion of women’s rights. Through her dedication came the establishment of the nine-building Haven for Women in Alabang; an institution whose main goal is to rehabilitate abused women and help them to reclaim their God-given right to live with dignity.<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">“When I became the chairman of the Congressional Spouses, I decided to do something for the women and to empower them,” de Venecia told The Times. “That’s why, in 1992, we started building the Haven for Women together with the DSWD [Department of Social Welfare and Development.] They owned the property and I raised the funds to put up the buildings.”<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">Inaugurated on September 30, 1995, it was immediately followed by the construction of the 15 Regional Centers for Women, nationwide. According to de Venecia, since its establishment up to the present, that haven has helped over 20,000 women in the Philippines.<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">“It has paved the way for a lot of success stories,” she said. “Some of the women are now teachers or employees of big companies. We even have those who became nuns. It’s very effective. It’s really a big help to a lot of Filipinas.”<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">The plight of battered women whose lives were transformed by the haven also served as inspiration for her radio program Pira-pirasong Pangarap, launched in June 1996. The following year, its TV version debuted on GMA 7. After seven years, the program was re-launched as Nagmamahal, Manay Gina in the tri-media: DzBB, Balita and GMA 7. Today, it continues to account true-to-life stories of everyday heroes on DzBB. She also maintains advice columns in publications such as Balita and Tempo.<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">In 2001, de Venecia returned as President and Chairperson of CSFI. Maintaining the same spirit she had before, her leadership rallied the congressional spouses to develop the Phase 2 of The Haven for Women. In her third term with the said position, she also led the establishment of The Haven for Children in Muntinlupa City for the rehabilitation of street children. In line with this new advocacy, she also launched “Bituing Pangarap ng mga Batang Sampaguita” on November 25, 2004, in partnership with the DSWD, which is aimed at saving sampaguita vendors from the dangers of the streets.<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">Besides this, de Venecia also continued to be at her husband’s side, taking his place if he is indisposed for certain gatherings. She also supported the causes that he chose to fight for with the same eagerness that paved the success of her advocacies. She also believes that being a public figure has made her a better person.<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">“I became more patient,” she said. “I became more tolerant. In dealing with the constituents, you encounter a lot of problems. There was even a time when I even had to deliver a baby. When we were on our way home from Baguio, there was this woman who was lying on the street because of labor pains. She was waiting for a jeep to take her to the hospital. The delivery of her baby couldn’t wait so I had to do it myself. I had to embrace a lot of things like that.”<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">But despite all of her success, she still believes that nothing could compare to being a mother. Her children, as she told The Times, are the greatest of all her accomplishments. <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">“I would say that being a mother is probably my greatest achievement,” said de Venecia. “Being a mother, I was also a public servant because I gave birth to such wonderful children. My kids, they have the same genes but they are so different. KC was very brave. Carissa used to be the undersecretary of the DTI. Now she is getting ready to have another child. She is very sensitive and very intelligent. Philip is very thoughtful. He calls me up to 5 times a day. He will be leaving in September to go to New York and take up his masters at NYU. Christopher is also very loving, we chat a lot, I’m his senior advisor, we argue a lot but we’re the best of friends. He’s the junior officer in SM. He’s also a columnist for the Philippine Star.”<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">For a woman who calls her self a “cool mom,” de Venecia states that she is a friend to her kids. From learning how to use an Ipod to respecting their privacy, she believes that not only has her relationship with them enriched her, it has also kept her young. Her only regret however was the amount of time that she wasn’t able to spend with them.<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">“I attended more to the political needs of my husband,” de Venecia confessed. “Politics consumes a lot of my time and my children were growing up. It was mostly during the height of my husband’s political career so far. I wasn’t able to attend school events because I had to be in the province or I had to take the place of my husbands for several events. I wish I spent more time with them—especially with KC.” <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">On December 16, 2004, a tragic fire took her youngest child—the then 16-year-old KC. But even as she was stricken by grief, de Venecia once again drew strength from her childhood and the support of the people around her to get back on her feet. From the ashes of that unfortunate event, de Venecia acquired a valuable lesson that allowed her to not just be a better mother but also a better person.<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">“I believe that my daughter is like a butterfly,” she stated. “She lived a short but beautiful life. She also taught me that all my loved ones, all my children, are merely loaned from God. I learned to live for the moment. I learned how to appreciate my loved ones because I don’t really know if they will be around later because the only thing we have is now. ‘Now’ is so important. The ‘moment,’ is so important. Whatever good you can do, you should do it now. Don’t wait for tomorrow or later or five days or five years because that time might never come.”<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">Soon after, her loss gave her the resiliency she needed to establish yet another advocacy. Banding together with grief-stricken mothers like TV personality Ali Sotto, who also lost her son Miko to an accident, she established the INA Foundation Inc. With the mission to provide psycho–social support to grieving mothers who lost their children, the foundation was conceptualized in March 15, two months after KC’s untimely death. Focusing their collective experiences, they provided a venue for emotional healing. In December 16, 2004, the INA Healing Center was inaugurated at the DSWD Compound, Batasan Hills, Quezon City. Through this, “orphaned” mothers were able to transform their experiences into a driving force that did not only make them stronger but also gave them the power to aid others in dealing with their grief. <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">“Nowadays, the INA foundation is getting big,” said de Venecia. “My dream for it is to put up healing centers nationwide and work closely with the local government officials. I hope we could train the barangay health workers to be grief mentors because there are very few psychologists or psychiatrist who can help. If we can do that, that’s a big thing for all the communities in the country. It’s hard because there’s nothing like it. It’s a pioneer institution. We have no prototype to copy from. It was made with sweat and blood.”<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">Nowadays, de Venecia continues to champion women’s causes through her work. She also resumes to face the growing challenges as an advocate. Adding to the trials caused by domestic abuse, she also remains adamant in fighting another threat that is brought about by the increasing number of mothers who are going abroad for better opportunities.<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">“My dream for the Filipino women is for them to no longer find the need to go abroad,” she said. “Right now, a lot of them are OFWs and that I think is breaking the family unit. Children need their mothers. It’s really a problem. She is the light of the home. The mother gives the direction to the children. The mother, as they would say, is the ilaw ng tahanan. She can also be the foundation of the home. Even our family is very matriarchal. Right now, my mother is 92 but up to now we still consult her.”<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">But amidst this growing crisis, de Venecia believes that the trials she has faced have made her a lot stronger. She has also learned from her on-going work as a public servant and she still believes in the virtues of being a quintessential Filipina; a sister and a friend that others may still refer to as manay, a wife supportive of her husband’s causes, and of course, a mother.<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">“I don’t think there is a perfect mom,” she told The Times. “But a good mother can raise kids who are assets to the world. And you can only do that if you’re child knows that he or she is loved. There’s no formula but the most important component in raising a good child is love.”<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">Now, de Venecia is taking on a new role. With the birth of her grand daughter, Isabella, she has yet another inspiration that does not only keep her young, but allows her to hold on to residuals of a treasure that she once lost.<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="bodytext">“Being a grandmother is the best feeling because the responsibility of being a mother is now in my child’s hands. Now, I’m just here to spoil her.” de Venecia told The Times. “She reminds me a lot of my daughter, KC. They are so a like. She is also strong-willed like her. She is also brave like her.”<o:p> </o:p> </p> <span style="font-family:arial;">This Mother’s Day, de Venecia will be given the Dakilang Ina Award by the Sons and Daughters of Charity Inc. This will add another notch to her already wealthy list of citations. As for her future plans, de Venecia is still sketchy on whether she will run for Congress or try her luck in being a senator. But one thing remains certain for her. Like her old-fashion moniker, whether she finds a more demanding place in Philippine politics or continues her fight for women’s rights, she will always be the same woman, mother, sister and Filipina that people have come to know. She will always be Manay Gina.</span>Manay Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907863856017903823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-45805989698940956302009-05-04T15:00:00.004+08:002009-05-04T15:07:58.283+08:00Multiply Site<span style="font-family:arial;">Please also visit Manay Gina's multiply site at manaygina.multiply.com or follow this link </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://manayginadevenecia.multiply.com/">http://manayginadevenecia.multiply.com/</a><span style="font-family:arial;">. Feel free to post your comments and suggestions on her guest book. Thank you.</span>Manay Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907863856017903823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-45930391029429120362008-10-15T14:56:00.001+08:002008-10-15T14:57:32.797+08:00A Mother's Hugby: Agnes M, , Source Unknown<br /><br />For years I had watched mothers hug and kiss their children and I was envious. I hadn't received a mothers hug or known a mother's love.<br /><br />When I was little, my parents went through a painful divorce. It was a rough journey for them I imagine. All I remember about it was my father coming home drunk and shouting at everyone. He had a habit of beating us whenever he had a drink. I don't remember much about my life with both parents. All that is implanted in my mind is waking up one night all alone in the house and to noises coming from my grandma's little hut. I had no idea of what was going on so I walked there to find out. I walked so stealthily because it was too dark and I was afraid I would meet with a wild animal. There were too many of them in those days. When I got to my grandma's hut, my other sisters and brothers were there with my father. I think he was drunk because he was shouting. He asked me, "Do you also want to follow your mother?" Without thinking I just said, "Yes." I didn't think to say no. Next thing I knew, he had hit me so hard on the head with some hard thing and I started crying. My elder sister took me back to sleep. The next morning, I had no mother.<br /><br />We all grew up alone. No mother around and practically no father. My father kind of deserted the home. He went to leave with another woman (as I came to learn later). He would make appearances about once every three months or so. We were too young that we never really understood what was going on. It didn't occur to us that something was wrong. May be it did to my elder brother and sisters but not me. Most of the time we had no food. We didn't know tea with sugar or food with salt or cooking fat. These were great luxuries and only tasted them when my grandma decided to invite us to eat in her hut.<br /><br />Many nights we just drank water and slept. These were the nights when my elder sister, Consolata had not been to the neighbors to borrow some maize or beans in the pretext that it was for planting. They never understood but they gave anyway. They wouldn't understand because, our farm produced a lot of food. We had acres and acres of wheat, potatoes, maize, etc. My father would make sure we didn't attend school for long periods of time to work in the farm. We all worked so hard. When I was too young to dig, I would be the one to cook. I had to fetch firewood and make lunch for others (that is, if there was anything to cook. Mostly it was boiled maize. My grandma was kind enough to give us some salt to put in the maize.) When the harvest time came, my father was home full time. We were not allowed into the farm. He would hire casual labor to harvest, put the produce in bags and load into lorries to go and sell in other towns. Our luxurious days were after the harvest when we could go back to the empty fields to collect the rejects -- those little potatoes that couldn't fetch anything in the market, or the good ones which had dropped off while they were being packed up.<br /><br />Then one day we met my mother. I didn't even recognize her well. She was looking so nice I couldn't believe she was my mother. I was afraid of her. The atmosphere around her was of a very successful woman and I made sure I kept out of her way as much as possible. She commanded a lot of respect and fear. She never showed any love. If she had it, she kept it hidden inside. She made sure we got the basic needs and we thought this was heaven. e hadn't seen anything better. Inwardly, I was very proud to be associated to that important woman. I hoped one day the school children will see me walking with my mother so that they can know I was important too. I needed them to know I was associated with a beautiful mother even though I had no shoes and went to school with patched uniform.<br /><br />We had grown and when I was in college the family went through a very terrible ordeal and I lost my mother again. This time, I knew all that was going on. I knew who started fights, who shouted louder, who banged the door...<br /><br />When I grew up, I didn't know about Jesus. No one talked about Him at home. We attended mass but that was just a Sunday routine which to me had no meaning at all. When I was in high school, I gave my life to Christ. My step father was very angry with me as a result. I had no support at home and as a result I dropped my Christian commitment. I finished college and go a job. By this time, I didn't even know where my mother was or what she was doing. I had heard though that she had given her life to Christ and was looking for a way to come back into our lives. But all of us children wanted nothing to do with her. Our argument was that if she didn't care when we were young what did she want now.<br /><br />Then, in March 1999, I rededicated my life to Jesus. This time, "with my two eyes open" and I knew it is what I needed in my life. The Lord has been very faithful to me since then as I have completely given myself to Him. There are days of struggle but I am not alone now. I am with Jesus. At this time, I knew I had no choice but to go to my mother and ask for forgiveness for not wanting her to be a part of my life. I didn't know how but I kept praying for God to open the way. My mother had completely committed her life to Christ and was working in a local church as an evangelist (she is even today). I started hearing news about her evangelistic meetings and how God using her to change people's lives. In December of 1999, my youngest brother and I decided to go and see my mother in our rural home. I remember the whole of that week my heart kept beating so fast when I thought I would see my mother again. I didn't know what to expected but I imagined, with Jesus, all was going to be well.<br /><br />The minute I got out of the car my mother came running to me and gave me the most beautiful hug I have ever had. We just stood there holding each other with tears in our eyes. I wanted to live in this moment forever, to stay in those warm arms that felt so secure. For the first time in my life, my mother hugged me!<br /><br />Now I know many people may not see this as unusual but I waited thirty years for my mom to say those magic words, "I love you." Now they flow from her heart like a fountain.<br /><br />I praise the Lord for what He is doing in my family. I have a daughter, and trust me, I never stop hugging her and telling her how much I love her. She needs to know. I hope every parent who reads this will learn and always let their children know that they are loved. Never assume that the child knows. Always tell them clearly that they mean a lot to you. They will grow to know how important it is to be loved so they in turn will love others.<br /><br />And one last thing...<br /><br />Hug them often.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">originally posted in http://www.inspirationalstories.com/10/1013.html</span></span>meggihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257101750797540816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-75071697661243654332008-10-13T11:12:00.003+08:002008-10-13T11:14:01.113+08:00Mother's Quote 19I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life. ~Abraham Lincolnmeggihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257101750797540816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-89472949118387319102008-10-08T14:05:00.001+08:002008-10-08T14:08:21.685+08:00AN INSPIRATIONAL SHORT STORY FOR MOTHER'S DAY<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">A man stopped at a flower shop to order some flowers to be wired to his mother who lived two hundred miles away.<br /><br /> As he got out of his car he noticed a young girl sitting on the curb sobbing.<br /><br /> He asked her what was wrong and she replied, "I wanted to buy a red rose for my mother.<br /><br /> But I only have seventy-five cents, and a rose costs two dollars."<br /><br /> The man smiled and said, "Come on in with me. I'll buy you a rose."<br /><br /> He bought the little girl her rose and ordered his own mother's flowers.<br /><br /> As they were leaving he offered the girl a ride home.<br /><br /> She said, "Yes, please! You can take me to my mother."<br /><br /> She directed him to a cemetery, where she placed the rose on a freshly dug grave.<br /><br />The man returned to the flower shop, canceled the wire order, picked up a bouquet and drove the two hundred miles to his mother's house.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">originally posted in http://www.theholidayspot.com/mothersday/stories/a_short_story.htm</span></span><br /></span>meggihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257101750797540816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-77214980046214732422008-10-06T12:17:00.001+08:002008-10-06T12:17:55.430+08:00Mother's Quote 18The sweetest sounds to mortals given<br />Are heard in Mother, Home, and Heaven.<br />~<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">William Goldsmith Brown</span></span>meggihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257101750797540816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-11845608525661192522008-10-03T19:22:00.000+08:002008-10-03T19:23:28.654+08:00Mother's Quote 17<span style="font-family:georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;"> Any mother could perform the jobs of several air traffic controllers with ease. ~Lisa Alther</span>meggihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257101750797540816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-18415118754893814512008-10-02T18:17:00.000+08:002008-10-02T18:18:49.213+08:00The Making Of A Mother - inspiring mother storiesBy the time the Lord made mothers, He was into the sixth day working overtime. An Angel appeared and said "Why are you spending so much time on this one?"<br /><br />And the Lord answered and said, "Have you read the spec sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but not elastic; have 200 movable parts, all replaceable; run on black coffee and leftovers; have a lap that can hold three children at one time and that disappears when she stands up; have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart; and have six pairs of hands." <br /><br />The Angel was astounded at the requirements for this one. "Six pairs of hands! No way!" said the Angel.<br /><br />The Lord replied, "Oh, it's not the hands that are the problem. It's the three pairs of eyes that mothers must have!"<br /><br />"And that's on the standard model?" the Angel asked.<br /><br />The Lord nodded in agreement, "Yep, one pair of eyes are to see through the closed door as she asks her children what they are doing even though she already knows. Another pair in the back of her head are to see what she needs to know even though no one thinks she can. And the third pair are here in the front of her head. They are for looking at an errant child and saying that she understands and loves him or her without even saying a single word."<br /><br />The Angel tried to stop the Lord "This is too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish."<br /><br />"But I can't!" The Lord protested, "I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can feed a family of six on a pound of hamburger and can get a nine year old to stand in the shower."<br /><br />The Angel moved closer and touched the woman, "But you have made her so soft, Lord."<br /><br />"She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."<br /><br />"Will she be able to think?" asked the Angel.<br /><br />The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason, and negotiate."<br /><br />The Angel then noticed something and reached out and touched the woman's cheek. "Oops, it looks like You have a leak with this model. I told You that You were trying to put too much into this one."<br /><br />"That's not a leak." the Lord objected. "That's a tear!"<br /><br />"What's the tear for?" the Angel asked.<br /><br />The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her disappointment, her pain, her loneliness, her grief, and her pride." <br /><br />The Angel was impressed. "You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything for this one. You even created the tear!"<br /><br />The Lord looked at the Angel and smiled and said, "I'm afraid you are wrong again. I created the woman, but she created the tear!"<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">originally posted:http://www.indianchild.com/making_of_a_mother.htm</span></span>Manay Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907863856017903823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-29783883049776393342008-09-29T10:30:00.001+08:002008-09-29T10:30:42.425+08:00Mother's Quote 16"Children are the anchors that hold a mother to life." ~ <b>Sophocles</b>meggihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257101750797540816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-44697481959211624242008-09-26T11:17:00.001+08:002008-09-26T11:17:51.974+08:00Mother's Quote 15<span style="font-family:georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">[A] mother is one to whom you hurry when you are troubled. ~Emily Dickinson</span>meggihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257101750797540816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-22982033368681119412008-09-25T17:36:00.003+08:002008-09-25T17:44:12.243+08:00The Prayer for Peace<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SNtdTEb50_I/AAAAAAAAAHA/aCaFTLFrlv8/s1600-h/school1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SNtdTEb50_I/AAAAAAAAAHA/aCaFTLFrlv8/s400/school1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249892372820120562" border="0" /></a>The Prayer for Peace<br /><br />The world prayer for peace comes from the Vancouver Assembly of the World Council of Churches :<br />For peace in your country<br />For the victims of violence everywhere<br />For those struggling for peace and justice<br />For churches in conflict situations<br />For a world without war and violence<br /><br />Lead me from death to life,<br />from falsehood to truth,<br />Lead me from despair to hope,<br />from fear to trust.<br />Lead me from hate to love,<br />from war to peace,<br />Let peace fill our beings,<br />our world and our universe. Amen. <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >This decade has been named as the decade to overcome violence. In the logo, the hands represent a heart, above a broken yellow earth.</span><br /><br />originally posted in http://www.prayerguide.org.uk/school.htm<br /></span>Manay Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907863856017903823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-34044351888307351182008-09-22T09:48:00.000+08:002008-09-22T09:49:29.055+08:00Mother's Quote 14Every mother is like Moses. She does not enter the promised land. She prepares a world she will not see. ~ <b>Pope Paul VI</b>meggihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257101750797540816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-53943152839330420802008-09-17T16:34:00.000+08:002008-09-17T16:35:32.562+08:00The Grace & Mercy of a Mother's Love....<p><b> <span style="font-family:Bangle;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">Only a thought, but the work it wrought,<br /> Can never by tongue or pen be taught,<br />For it ran through life like a thread of gold<br /> And the life bore fruit a hundred fold.</span></b></p><p> <b><span style="font-family:Bangle;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">Only a word! but t'was spoken in love,<br /> With a whispered prayer to the Lord above-<br />And the angels in heaven rejoiced once more,<br /> For a new-born soul entered through the door.</span></b></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p><a href="http://www.angelfire.com/journal/adoptionhelp/MothersLove.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">read more...</span></a><br /></p>meggihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257101750797540816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-34250893272582426262008-09-03T10:21:00.000+08:002008-09-03T10:22:25.001+08:00Mother's Quote 13<span class="body">Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.</span><br /><span class="bodybold"> <a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/mothertere105701.html">by Mother Teresa</a> </span>meggihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257101750797540816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-18094537681079826972008-08-28T16:09:00.005+08:002008-08-28T16:15:43.526+08:00INA reaches out to the victims of the ill-fated Princess of the Stars<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_96YadE4OXN8/SLZdf1dnmtI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/fZINN3o4dYo/s1600-h/sulpicio2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_96YadE4OXN8/SLZdf1dnmtI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/fZINN3o4dYo/s320/sulpicio2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239478018000788178" border="0" /></a><br /><br />When the shipping vessel, Princess of the Stars sank at sea, claiming hundreds of lives, the members of INA (Inang Naulila sa Anak Foundation) led by Manay Gina, were among the firsts who offered moral support to the bereaved family members of the victims.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_96YadE4OXN8/SLZdqaRduSI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/xY0r57Jr2u4/s1600-h/sulpicio3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_96YadE4OXN8/SLZdqaRduSI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/xY0r57Jr2u4/s320/sulpicio3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239478199680612642" border="0" /></a><br /><br /> "Since I lost my dearest daughter KC in a fire, it has become my personal mission to offer solace to the other mothers whose loved ones also perished in a tragedy, for in giving comfort, I am also fortified in return," she said.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_96YadE4OXN8/SLZd0O1b2dI/AAAAAAAAAKE/N0vGNPQH7vM/s1600-h/sulpicio1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_96YadE4OXN8/SLZd0O1b2dI/AAAAAAAAAKE/N0vGNPQH7vM/s320/sulpicio1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239478368408951250" border="0" /></a>meggihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257101750797540816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-43011629636345102212008-08-27T12:49:00.005+08:002008-08-27T13:03:19.565+08:00Gina de V shares thoughts in her own blogspot<span style="font-size:78%;">Posted on August 18, 2008 - Filed Under <a href="http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/news/" title="View all posts in News">News</a>, <a href="http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/people-events/" title="View all posts in People & Events">People & Events</a> |</span><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:14;" ><o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Meet </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Manay Gina, the blogger.</span><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="">Georgina de Venecia, popularly known as Manay Gina, wife of former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., has launched her own blog (<a href="http://manayginadevenecia.blogspot.com/">www.manayginadevenecia.blogspot.com</a>) primarily to tell inspirational stories. <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--> <!--[endif]--></span><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="">In an interview with The PUNCH, she said people need “fairytale stories”, especially nowadays when there is so much negative news on media.</span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLTeQZGvzeI/AAAAAAAAAGw/ySDB8sEaozw/s1600-h/Gina+de+V.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLTeQZGvzeI/AAAAAAAAAGw/ySDB8sEaozw/s400/Gina+de+V.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239056639737187810" border="0" /></a></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="">In her blogspot, she shares how she has coped with emotional crisis, including the loss of a teenage daughter in a fire that gutted their house.</span><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="">“It was not easy. The pain will never go away,” she said adding that her sharings on her blogspot is also still part of her healing process.</span><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="">Manay Gina stressed that her blog will not cover politics, particularly the ouster of her husband from the congressional speakership post earlier this year.</span><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="">She said with the inspirational stories she shares in her blog, she hopes to help people realize that there is always life after a storm.</span><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The blogspot, entitled "The Quintessential Filipina" also includes people Manay Gina admires, her friends, her life as an entertainment personality, and her projects such as the Ina Foundation Inc.#</span><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />originally posted in:</span></span> <span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2008/08/18/gina-de-v-shares-thoughts-in-her-own-blogspot/"><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2008/08/18/gina-de-v-shares-thoughts-in-her-own-blogspot/</span></a></span>Manay Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907863856017903823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-14303072509676433022008-08-27T12:38:00.004+08:002008-08-27T12:48:10.796+08:00Aid to typhoon Frank victims in Pangasinan’s 4th District<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLTapxIQNJI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/30GbCN6v30U/s1600-h/_DSC0049dagupan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLTapxIQNJI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/30GbCN6v30U/s400/_DSC0049dagupan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239052677636174994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">In Dagupan</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Manay Gina and husband, Rep. Joe de Venecia were in Pangasinan's 4th District recently to distribute roof sheets and good lumber to the residents whose houses were damaged by typhoon Frank.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLTa6XVTLFI/AAAAAAAAAGg/J6EgSX48Xc8/s1600-h/_DSC0239sanfabian.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLTa6XVTLFI/AAAAAAAAAGg/J6EgSX48Xc8/s400/_DSC0239sanfabian.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239052962769349714" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">In San Fabian</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> For initial release, the couple distributed 21,000 pieces of galvanized iron, 18 thousand good lumber and 2 boxes of nails in Dagupan City; 16,350 G.I. and 9,800 pieces of lumber in San Fabian; 16,000 G.I. and 7,500 pcs of lumber in Mangaldan; 7,300 G.I. and 3,750 pcs. of lumber in San Jacinto; and 2,773 G.I. and 1,662 pcs. of good lumber in Manaoag.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLTa0eKBhuI/AAAAAAAAAGY/Y--uPHtMa0U/s1600-h/_DSC0162mangaldan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLTa0eKBhuI/AAAAAAAAAGY/Y--uPHtMa0U/s400/_DSC0162mangaldan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239052861521888994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">In Mangaldan</span><br /><br /></div><br />In her speech, Manay Gina, thanked the miraculous Lady of Manaoag for sparing the district of human casualty, when the devastating typhoon hit the area.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLTbG8qe-bI/AAAAAAAAAGo/vy3Sf6NoDRQ/s1600-h/_DSC0322manaoag.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLTbG8qe-bI/AAAAAAAAAGo/vy3Sf6NoDRQ/s400/_DSC0322manaoag.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239053178948745650" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">In Manaoag</span></div><br /></div>Manay Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907863856017903823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-53128148121746841892008-08-27T11:42:00.002+08:002008-08-27T11:49:42.468+08:00Speech: Gabriela<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">GPV SPEECH</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">GABRIELA – U.P. - Diliman</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">July 25, 2008</span></span><br /></div> <br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Una sa lahat, buong-puso kong binabati ang GABRIELA, sa patuloy na pakikibaka para sa kabutihan ng mga Filipina at ng ating inang bayan.<br />Ang sabi ni Rizal, ‘nasa kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan.’ Ito ay nakikita kong totoo, sa katauhan ng mga kabataang narito ngayon. Kayat lubos ang aking pagbati sa mga responsableng ‘iskolar ng bayan’, na laging mulat at handang manindigan para sa katarungan.<br />Isang malaking karangalan po para sa akin ang makapiling kayo ngayong hapon.<br />Bilang ina, ang mga sektor ng kabataan at kababaihan ang pinakamalapit sa aking puso. Kaya nang magkaroon ako ng pagkakataong maglingkod, agad kong inasikaso ang kaawa-awang sektor ng ating lipunan—ang mga abused women at mga streetchildren.<br /> Hindi n’yo naitatanong, noon pa mang Pangulo ako ng Congressional Spouses Foundation (mula 1992-1998, 2001-2007 at July, 2007to Feb, 2008), na binubuo ng mga maybahay ng mga kongresman, hinikayat ko ang lahat ng partidong politikal na magsama-sama--- kanan man ito, gitna o kaliwa, upang maisulong ang mga programa para sa pinakamahinang sektor ng ating lipunan --- ang mga abused women at mga streetchildren.<br />Dahil dito, naitayo po namin ang 16-building complex sa Ayala-Alabang na The Haven for Children, at ang 15 Regional Centers for Women sa lahat ng rehiyon ng ating bansa para sa rehabilitation ng mga kababaihang biktima ng pang-aapi, rape, prostitusyon, illegal recruitment at pambubugbog.<br />Ang pagtalikod sa ‘divisive politics’ ang siya ring formula kaya namin naitayo ang The Haven for Children sa Alabang, isang institusyon na binubuo ng siyam na gusali ---- may dormitoryo, klinika at paaralan, para sagipin ang mga batang-lansangan sa Metro Manila.<br />Nakapagtayo din po kami ng tatlong Regional Centers for Children sa Tarlac City, Dagupan City at Solana, Cagayan.<br />Salamat na lang at akin ding nasimulan at napondohan na ng aking asawa na si JDV bago siya inalis na Speaker, ang ikatlong proyekto ng CSFI -------- ang 20-building complex na The Haven for the Elderly para naman sa mga inabandonang senior citizens. Ang pasilidad na ito ay may kakayahang mag-alaga ng 600 senior citizens at a given time, sa maaliwalas na kapaligiran ng Tanay, Rizal.<br />Bago ako nagpaalam bilang chairman ng congressional spouses, nagawa kong matapos ang dalawang gusali nito, at ang pagtatapos ng proyekto ay ibinilin ko na lamang sa DSWD.<br />Upang makagawa ng tunay na kabutihan, mahalaga na ang isang lider ay may mababang loob, at uunahin ang kapakanan ng bayan.<br />Nakakalungkot na ang mga katangiang ito ay hindi makikita kay GMA.<br />Kaya hindi nakapagtataka kung bakit, makalipas ang walong taon sa posisyon, ang tanging legacy ni GMA ay ang paglalagay sa Pilipinas sa mapa bilang isa sa pinaka-corrupt na gobyerno ayon sa report ng World Bank at ADB, na siyang sanhi ng pagiging pinaka-unpopular niyang presidente ng ating bansa, mula nang maibalik ang demokrasya.<br />Marahil, hindi kaila sa inyo, ang dinanas na kabiguan ng aming pamilya mula nang magdesisyon kami at ang anak naming si Joey, na manindigan para sa katotohanan, upang hindi mabaon sa utang ang masang Pilipino dahil sa ZTE deal.<br />Nagsimula po ito nang ipagtapat ni Joey sa amin ang tungkol sa labinglimang bilyong piso na magiging utang ng ating bansa, kung natuloy ang ZTE deal ni GMA.<br />Si Joey po ay isa sa mga nagnais na gumawa ng Broadband project sa pamamagitan ng Build- Operate- Transfer, kung saan walang gastos ang pamahalaan kahit singko.<br />Noong una, pabor si GMA sa B-O-T, pero sa isang iglap, nagbago po ang kanyang desisyon at pinaboran ang ZTE na gagawin ang proyekto sa halagang labinglimang bilyong piso.<br />Ang akin lamang pong tanong. Ano ang biglang nagpabago sa isip ni GMA para ilubog ang bansa sa labing-limang bilyong pisong utang? At bakit, tila napakahalaga ng deal na ito dahil nagawa niyang saksihan ang pirmahan ng loan agreement doon sa bansang Tsina noong April 21, 2007, habang ang kanyang mister ay halos agaw-buhay sa ospital?<br />Ang katotohanan, ang tunay na halaga ng proyekto ay 130 million dollars, pero ito ay naging 330 million dollars dahil sa napakalaking tong-pats ng mag-asawang Arroyo at mga kasabwat.<br />Ito po ang pilit na itinatago ni GMA kaya nilito niya ang taong-bayan sa pamamagitan ng kung ano-anong panunuhol at pagtatakip. At hanggang ngayon, ang orihinal na kontrata ay ayaw ilantad at sinabing nawawala.<br />Ako ay saksi, sa pagiging sunod-sunuran ni GMA sa kanyang ‘midnight cabinet’ na binubuo ng kanyang asawa at ng mga kapitalistang oligarchs na nagpopondo upang masigurong mananatili siya sa kapangyarihan.<br />Sino ang nasa likod ng smuggling sa langis, mga auto at pangarerang kabayo?<br />Ano ang dahilan at umasa si GMA sa importasyon ng bigas kahit na ang ating bansa ang siyang balon ng kayamanan pagdating sa bigas at rice research production?<br />Bakit ginagawa niyang pulubi ang ating mga kababayan at pinapipila para manglimos ng 500 pesos para tumanaw ng utang na loob sa kanya, gayong ang perang ito ay nagmula din sa pawis ng taong-bayan?<br />Bakit nananatili siyang manhid at ayaw tanggalin ang VAT sa langis kahit dumaraing sa gutom ang mga drivers at mahihirap?<br />Yan ay mga tanong na naghahanap ng kasagutan mula sa Pangulo, na ang istilo ng pamamahala ay nagpalawig sa kultura ng suhulan, pagtatago sa katotohanan at short-term solutions sa ating mga problema.<br />Ang buong katotohanan, ang ZTE deal ay isa lamang sa maraming transaksiyon na pinagkakuwartahan ng mag-asawang Arroyo. Ang kanilang kasakiman ang dahilan kaya maging ang mga alagad ng simbahan ay nanindigan laban sa kanila.<br />Ito rin ang dahilan kaya nagkaisa ang aming pamilya na pumanig sa katotohanan, kahit ang kapalit nito ay ang pagsira sa aming dangal sa pamamagitan ng paggamit sa buong puwersa ng Malakanyang. <br />Kung tutuusin, mas tahimik at napaka-ginhawa po marahil ng aming buhay kung nanatili kaming bulag sa panloloko ni GMA.<br />Pero nang mawala ang pinakamamahal naming bunsong anak na si KC, naunawaan kong sadyang maikli lamang ang buhay kaya mahalagang gawin natin kung ano lamang ang tama, para sa kaligtasan ng ating kaluluwa.<br />Sa gitna ng mga sakripisyo, nagpapasalamat po kami dahil naging instrumento ang aming pamilya upang mailigtas ang sambayanang Pilipino sa isang napakalaking utang.<br />Hindi po namin alam kung ano ang hahantungan ng pagsubok na ito sa kasaysayan ng aming pamilya at ng ating bansa. Pero sa bawat umaga, we draw inspiration from our faith and look to God to guide us through the most difficult times.<br />Ngayong hapon, nais ko po na muling magpasalamat sa bawat isa sa inyo dahil sa patuloy n’yong pakikibaka para sa katarungan.<br />Ang pakiusap ko lamang po, huwag po nating hayaang maisantabi sa dahon ng kasaysayan ang mga kasalanan ni GMA sa taong-bayan----mula sa Hello Garci, sa fertilizer scam, sa ZTE, ang iba pang mga anomalous transactions na involved ang Arroyo family, at sa ginawa niyang pagpapahirap sa ating bayan. Lahat ng ito ay dapat niyang pagbayaran. Higit sa lahat, dapat nating siguruhin, na matapos na ang kanyang kasamaan.<br />Marami pong salamat sa inyong lahat. Mabuhay ang masang Pilipino!</div>Manay Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907863856017903823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-35036121678331472622008-08-26T12:07:00.010+08:002008-08-27T13:05:12.492+08:00More photos of me and my first apoMy firts apo, 10-month-old, Isabella “Belle” Cruz Evangelista.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLOHltA90OI/AAAAAAAAAGI/Yer_cfXRvPE/s1600-h/mamita8.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLOHltA90OI/AAAAAAAAAGI/Yer_cfXRvPE/s400/mamita8.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238679873370575074" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLOHR2-3ETI/AAAAAAAAAGA/a1V0YsDb31M/s1600-h/mamita7.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLOHR2-3ETI/AAAAAAAAAGA/a1V0YsDb31M/s400/mamita7.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238679532448715058" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLODDXMMXdI/AAAAAAAAAF4/bGnGhGunIRg/s1600-h/mamita6.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLODDXMMXdI/AAAAAAAAAF4/bGnGhGunIRg/s400/mamita6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238674885350022610" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLOCoqN37KI/AAAAAAAAAFw/m18nFG7gNpg/s1600-h/mamita5.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLOCoqN37KI/AAAAAAAAAFw/m18nFG7gNpg/s400/mamita5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238674426600877218" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLOCZ62n0hI/AAAAAAAAAFo/9pWIh2Vx2aE/s1600-h/mamita4.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLOCZ62n0hI/AAAAAAAAAFo/9pWIh2Vx2aE/s400/mamita4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238674173368717842" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLOCHFYH_KI/AAAAAAAAAFg/hiCY26FWV4k/s1600-h/mamita3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLOCHFYH_KI/AAAAAAAAAFg/hiCY26FWV4k/s400/mamita3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238673849776077986" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLOBwlhFcvI/AAAAAAAAAFY/PM3hlKe3-QM/s1600-h/mamita2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLOBwlhFcvI/AAAAAAAAAFY/PM3hlKe3-QM/s400/mamita2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238673463266603762" border="0" /></a>Manay Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907863856017903823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-83830996233204740462008-08-25T18:19:00.007+08:002008-08-27T12:58:00.217+08:00Manay Gina moves on<span class="aauthor"><b style="">PEOPLE By Joanne Rae M. Ramirez</b></span><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span class="adate">Tuesday, July 22, 2008</span></b> <b style=""><i style=""><span style="font-size:20;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="noparagraphstyle">The De Venecia home in <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Forbes</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place> is no longer filled with politicians, politicians’ wives, lobbyists and hangers-on these days, the way it used to be bursting at the seams when the Man of the House (pun intended) was still Speaker.</p> <p class="noparagraphstyle">But the house is still filled with friends of the De Venecia couple, cheerful butterfly-themed paintings and figurines (including Hermes plates with a butterfly motif) and the laughter of its most frequent visitor -— 10-month-old Isabella “Belle” Cruz Evangelista, Manay Gina’s first <i style="">apo.</i></p><p class="noparagraphstyle"><i style=""><br /></i></p><p class="noparagraphstyle"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLKtv8tOdMI/AAAAAAAAAFI/ml4kGlHOd10/s1600-h/mamita1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLKtv8tOdMI/AAAAAAAAAFI/ml4kGlHOd10/s400/mamita1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238440355846583490" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="noparagraphstyle">“Belle” means the world to her <i style="">Mamita </i>Gina, and the baby reminds Gina of what truly matters in life.</p><p class="noparagraphstyle"><br /></p><p class="noparagraphstyle"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLKwEY6_uII/AAAAAAAAAFQ/-xACn7JwBUg/s1600-h/mamita9.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SLKwEY6_uII/AAAAAAAAAFQ/-xACn7JwBUg/s400/mamita9.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238442906041170050" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="noparagraphstyle"><br /></p><p class="noparagraphstyle">“I have suffered the unbearable loss of a child,” Gina tells me one rainy July morning when I paid her a visit. She lost her youngest child KC when a fire gutted down their <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Dasmariñas</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Village</st1:placetype></st1:place> home in 2004. “After that, nothing could be worse.”</p> <p class="noparagraphstyle">Not her husband’s loss of the Speakership, not the seeming betrayal of those she once thought were her best friends. <span style=""> </span>Certainly not perks that flew out of the window when her husband lost his Speakership.</p> <p class="noparagraphstyle">Does she miss being on the presidential plane and being in the presidential entourage during state visits?</p> <p class="noparagraphstyle">“No. <i style="">Nagsawa na ako diyan.</i> <span style=""> </span>I could fly to the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region> on my own. I have stayed in the Blair House many times. <i style="">Eh, nung maliit ako, palagi na ako nakakasama sa mga</i> trips abroad. I had a very happy childhood. Every summer, my father would bring us on a cruise, on the SS Cleveland, SS Wilson. <i style="">Hindi ako sabik sa ganoon. Marami na rin akong</i> privilege <i style="">na na</i>-experience even without her (President Arroyo<i style="">), na hindi ko na rin yun hinahanap.”<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="noparagraphstyle">They say proximity to power is power itself, and having one’s high heels sink on Malacañang’s carpeted halls brings with it a certain high. </p> <p class="noparagraphstyle">Does Gina miss her access to the Palace?</p> <p class="noparagraphstyle">“<i style="">Hindi. Kasi nga</i> my father taught me how to eat with paupers and walk with kings. So it doesn’t matter if I don’t walk with kings now. Passing <i style="">nga ang lahat, eh</i>. That’s what KC’s death made me realize. For all you know, tomorrow I’ll be gone. So what I’m working at now is to save my soul. <i style="">Di ba</i>, what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but suffers the loss of his soul?” she adds.</p> <p class="noparagraphstyle" style="text-align: center;" align="center">* * *</p> <p class="noparagraphstyle">Gina believes it was her gift of discernment and her sixth sense (“I’m a witch!” she quips) that made her support her stepson Joey de Venecia’s allegations on the ZTE corruption scandal. Joey’s testimony rocked the Arroyo presidency.</p> <p class="noparagraphstyle">“<i style="">Nakita ko</i> Joey was telling the truth. He said, ‘<i style="">Tita,</i> what am I going to do?<i style="">’ Sabi ko,</i> ‘Joey, this will cost us the speakership of your dad and maybe even our lives.’ But my decision is, you go ahead. <i style="">Sabi ko,</i> we have to try and save this money for the taxpayers. And you’re doing what’s right for 90 million Filipinos.”</p> <p class="noparagraphstyle">“Si Joey, <i style="">hindi kami</i> close. I didn’t talk to him since KC died. <i style="">Hindi kami nag-uusap </i>because<i style=""> may tampo ako sa mga anak ni</i> Joe from his first marriage. <span style=""> </span>I felt they never loved KC. <span style=""> </span>But my decision to support him helped heal my relationship with him. <span style=""> </span>After I listened to Joey, I believed he was telling the truth.”</p> <p class="noparagraphstyle">It crossed the minds of some that Gina supported her stepson’s expose because she was sourgraping.</p> <p class="noparagraphstyle">“Sourgraping over what? <span style=""> </span>It’s not as if I was part of the deal. I supported Joey because it was the right thing to do. I felt <i style="">na sobra na ang</i> corruption. <i style="">Ang dami na kasing nagsusumbong.</i> Again, I am not close to Joey. <i style="">Lahat ng negosyo niya, siya lang ‘yan. Hindi ako nakikialam d’yan.” <o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="noparagraphstyle">But once she made her decision, Gina was at peace. “I know when people are lying,” she points out.</p> <p class="noparagraphstyle" style="text-align: center;" align="center">* * *</p> <p class="noparagraphstyle">These days, Gina may be out of Malacañang’s inner circle, but she’s certainly not down. “Power is fleeting,” she stresses, having experienced painful political losses twice (the first was Joe’s defeat during the presidential polls in 1998).</p> <p class="noparagraphstyle">What isn’t fleeting, she says, is the effect of the good you do for others.</p> <p class="noparagraphstyle">“<i style="">Yung pagka</i>-genuine <i style="">ng tao hindi ‘yan lilipas kasi</i> love is never wasted. <i style="">Yung pagmamahal mo sa kapwa tao,</i> it’ll always come back to you. I remember <i style="">yung</i> father <i style="">ko,</i> he would always tell me, ‘<i style="">Hija, lagi n’yong isipin na gumawa kayo ng tama</i> because <i style="">kung hindi sa iyo babalik, sa mga anak mo</i>.’ Many of those who are kind to me, who gave me their grace, my father was good to them.”</p> <p class="noparagraphstyle">She tells me the story of her grandfather Jose Leonardo Perez, who was once the provincial treasurer of Tarlac. The provincial assessor was the father of P.O. Domingo, who became PNB president. Gina’s grandfather would give Domingo a ride whenever he could. When Gina’s father was starting out in the movie industry, P.O. Domingo would give him easy access to loans (“<i style="">Kahit ayaw niyang mangutang</i>”) till Sampaguita Pictures became the big movie production studio that it was. </p> <p class="noparagraphstyle">Gina says that in their clan, loyal housemaids are buried in the family mausoleum. That’s how they were raised — to value the kindness and devotion of others.</p> <p class="noparagraphstyle">Gina was one of the first to comfort the women who lost their children during the sinking of the Princess of the Stars. Sans fanfare, she and her fellow members of the INA (<i style="">Inang Naulila sa Anak</i>) Foundation were among the first to set up counseling desks at the Sulpicio Lines terminal in Port Area. <span style=""> </span>Her work with bereaved mothers and disadvantaged women and children (Her Haven for Women has helped some 15,000 or 20,000 clients) goes beyond politics. </p> <p class="noparagraphstyle">Gina herself says she may not be able to show her appreciation to all those who have showed her genuine kindness. “But kindness is never wasted. Later on, it will continue, <i style="">yung mga mababait sa akin,</i> my children will never forget.”</p> <p class="noparagraphstyle">Our conversation draws to a close. It has stopped raining and the sun is shining again — outdoors and in Gina de Venecia’s life.</p> <p class="noparagraphstyle" style="text-align: center;" align="center">* * *</p> <p class="noparagraphstyle"> (You may e-mail me at <a href="mailto:joanneraeramirez@yahoo.com">joanneraeramirez@yahoo.com</a>)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Manay Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907863856017903823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-68013713590864893882008-08-19T12:26:00.001+08:002008-08-19T12:31:08.198+08:00Mother's Quote 12<span class="body">Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.</span> <span class="bodybold"><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/mothertere158109.html">-Mother Teresa</a> </span>meggihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257101750797540816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-11218871717048420172008-08-14T11:11:00.004+08:002008-08-14T11:26:15.560+08:00<strong>MANAY GINA DE VENECIA LAUNCHES ADVISORY BLOG, INSPIRES NETIZENS TO COPE WITH LIFE'S CHALLENGES</strong><br /><p>Manay Gina De Venecia, life counselor, radio drama producer, and wife of former speaker Jose Devencia Jr., walks on the mild side by launching her blog, <a href="http://www.manayginadevenecia@blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.manayginadevenecia.blogspot.com</a>.</p> <br /><br /><p>The blog focuses on issues pertaining to women, family, love and life. She describes herself as a "Quintessential Filipina", and gives advice on a range of issues considered essential in the course of a woman's life.</p><br /><br /><p>She also showcases her advocacies and activities, especially the Haven for Women, Haven for Children, and the Ina Foundation.</p><br /><br /><p>In her daily blog work, she posts quotable quotes she finds on the internet which appeals to her sensitivities. These include quotes for mothers, children, prayers on peace and understanding, and faith.</p><br /><br /><p><blockquote>Comments and quotes have been pouring in, mostly about musings of everyday struggle of people</blockquote>, says Eero Brillantes, who developed the creative and technical content for the blog of Manay Gina.</p> <br /><blockquote>If you would read the comments on the blog, you can see the potential for a powerful outlet to propagate hope. <em>Tagos sa puso ang mga naka post</em>. So much emotion is involved. All of us try so hard to find our patch of good earth.</blockquote> <br /><br /><p>Of particular interest to a lot of her blog visitors is the post on the <a href="http://manayginadevenecia.blogspot.com/2008/04/miracle-of-shoes.html">"Miracle of the Shoes"</a> which talks about the loss of a loved one. The De Venecias lost a daughter to a fire accident at their home.</p><br /><br /><p>A blog post from a certain Maria Isabelle had this to say: <br /><blockquote>Losing a loved one is never easy. My Mom once told me that there is nothing more heartbreaking than losing a child. She said it with tears in her eyes. My Mom, like you, is a strong woman. She lost twins about two decades ago..And like you, she turned to the Lord and prayed for her two prayed for her two boys…I cried with you and your family. KC and I are of the same age and I felt you pain when I saw the footage on TV. Looking back, I see that you have come a long way from the shocked parent I saw. What I see now is a strong woman who believes that her beloved daughter is at peace with the Lord. Pairs of shoes are amazing. In your case, it is more than amazing. It is miraculous. Keep praying.</blockquote></p><br /><br /><p>Another post comes for a certain Ann Margaret and tells of her own life and death experiences as her comment:<br /><blockquote>As I read Manay Gina's blog on "Miracle of Shoes," I felt the void inside my heart like her because I also lost my grandmother. It was so hard to accept that she's gone because I don't have enough courage and strength to endure the pain of losing her. Her death was so sudden. But it would still take a life time for me to say "I'm ok". Her blog really touched my heart; it is very sentimental. I burst into tears while reading it. Losing someone we love is never simple; it would crash our hearts into million pieces, feeling as if the world is on your back. Though we cry so hard, it would never bring them back to life. Yes, I also believe that prayers are the best way to ease the hurt, because through prayers we can talk to them solemnly and in peace. Prayers are the best channel to communicate with God and to the soul of our departed ones. It would also help their soul to find their way to heaven. Let's face the fact that they left us because they are now in the arms of God. Just be strong and have faith. Because everything happens for a reason.</blockquote><br /><br /><p>Manay Gina also writes on life learnings from her interaction with Former President Corazon Aquino, who she fondly calls "Tita Cory". She says that <blockquote>To the world, she (Cory) will always be the symbol of a bloodless revolution. To me, she will always be my Tita Cory -- a role model in integrity, the glow of reason in times of darkness, and someone who finds strength and perseverance in prayer. I believe the Lord has blessed Tita Cory with the gift of His peace — an inner tranquility that calms the heart and soothes the soul.</blockquote></p><br /><br /><p>The blog also features her own showbiz activities and in the process incites comments on the importance of her work in the field. "Nagmamahal, Manay Gina" has so far garnered two Catholic Mass Media Awards. Says Enzo Emmanuel, <br /><blockquote>Showbusiness has become a tool of influence and change in society. because information is given at the same time as entertainment, the messages can easily get across. Manay Gina has used this to promote her advocacy which made a difference and lots of troubled women were given help</blockquote>.xxx</p>asdfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12915542601950502229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-71622362597400089992008-08-12T16:04:00.005+08:002008-08-13T01:31:53.114+08:00Pinoy Nobel Peace Prize winners<a href="http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233539162857773650" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SKFEI-A7mlI/AAAAAAAAAFA/qI5maM_7JAY/s400/peace_list_collage.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> Photo taken from: </span><a href="http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/"><span style="font-size:78%;">http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/</span></a><br /><br />Only a few pinoys know that we have Nobel Peace Prize winners.<br /><br />In 2007, '"for their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change", the Nobel Peace Prize went to Al Gore and the<a href="http://www.ipcc.ch/"> Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). </a><br /><br />Six Filipinos were part of the IPCC, a collaborative body composed of governments, scientists and peoples whose main objective is to provide the best scientific information to policy-makers on the events and issues of climate change. Rex Victor Cruz, Rodel Lasco (University of the Philippines Los Banos), Juan Pulhin (UP) and Rosa Perez (PAGASA) are contributors to the IPCC's 4th Assessment Report on "Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability". Felino Lansigan (UPLB) and Lourdes Tibig (PAGASA) served as reviewers in this winning document. You may access the Nobel Peace Prize winner document at this <a href="http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/wg2/ar4-wg2-ts.pdf">site</a>. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/wg2/ar4-wg2-ts.pdf"></a>Manay Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907863856017903823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-33424807276105317942008-08-11T15:52:00.004+08:002008-08-11T16:16:05.512+08:00Play and feed a hungry person<a href="http://www.freerice.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233165211853796034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NQT-AuBFW-c/SJ_wCJ96MsI/AAAAAAAAAAg/wdEKYsggFYs/s320/freerice.jpg" border="0" /></a> Rice is the staple food of Filipinos and probably the most important crop in the country. 90% 0f rice is produced in Asia, and nourishes nearly half of the world's population. Rice fields cover 11% of the Earth's entire arable land <sup>1</sup>. Unfortunately, we are in the midst of rice crisis. The poor, especially the children and women suffer most.<br /><br />This site, <a href="http://www.freerice.com/">http://www.freerice.com/</a> site encourages people to learn english vocabulary while providing rice for they hungry. It is basically a game where internet-users can learn english and donate rice for every correct answer. <br /><br />Every now and then, this blog will give references that can help us understand the nature of rice and the crisis we are facing now.<br /><br /><sup>1</sup><span style="font-size:78%;">Mclean JL, Dawe DC, Hardy B, Hettel GP, eds. 2002. Rice almanac. Los Baños (Philippines): International Rice Research Institute, Bouake (Cote d'Ivoire): West Africa Rice Development Association, Cali (Colombia): International Center for Tropical Agriculture, Rome (Italy): Food and Agricultural Organization. 253 p.</span>asdfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12915542601950502229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747129057094317844.post-23975723312900411632008-08-10T16:28:00.003+08:002008-08-10T16:34:04.854+08:00Prayer for peace<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SJ6nqk8AN8I/AAAAAAAAAE4/S2OINnve0Rc/s1600-h/english.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v9z472-oOf4/SJ6nqk8AN8I/AAAAAAAAAE4/S2OINnve0Rc/s400/english.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232804166962788290" /></a><br />I found this prayer online - it is a prayer for peace written in more than 40 languages, and invites everyone to pray this everyday. Every mother, every woman and every Filipino hopes to achieve peace in our hearts, homes, communities and country.<br /><br />You may visit the site <a href="http://peaceprayer.gn.apc.org/">Prayer for peace</a>.Manay Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907863856017903823noreply@blogger.com0