Weekend at Alcoy, Cebu with my grandkids

It was a hot sunny day when we proceeded to Alcoy, Cebu in our small car. It was so small that I decided to sit at the back together with our baggage and provisions for two days stay at a place we still don't know where to. We just decided to proceed knowing that our tourist guide daughter know the place. So without much ado......on we go.

As we go along, we have to pick up some important things needed in our trip, since the purpose of which is to celebrate the birthday of my youngest "apo" who is six years old this day, April 24, 2010. We picked-up a birthday cake from "Goldilocks" at EMall P. del Rosario/Leon Kilat Sts., a grilled chicken from a roadside vendor and a bag of ice cubes.

It was still early so conversation was lively from one topic to another. Since we are passing the South Road Properties our trip was smooth and without any hitch. So we arrived at our destination (around ten o'clock in the morning) at Alcoy after buying a kilo of "lechon" (grilled pig) in Carcar City. Finally, we arrived at our destination aptly named Sola (coming from the word solar - energy from the sun) Homes Beach Resort in the above named town.

After making the usual registration and payment to the resort caretakers, we immediately proceeded to eating some of our food provisions since we are scheduled for a long day in the beach.

By the way, included in our trip is my wife Connie, sons Michael and Mark, daughters Michelle and Marion and my two grand kids John Michael Anthony Anico and Matthew Alexander Siao. Not included in the trip is my other daughter Charis, a clinical instructor, who is still with her students at a Carcar City hospital wherein she promised to join us the next day, Sunday, if there's still time.

 It was really a beautiful day for everyone since the weather is not so hot and cooperating for a nice and wonderful day for a swimming lesson or two.

Well, sometimes a day that is so beautiful has to end,  especially if the time is of no concern to everyone. You won't be able to notice that the day has an ending also.

But whether you like it or not, an ending has to come so at night time we tried to make the most of our time by staying awake until midnight, since we decided to get back at the beach the next day because we are already leaving at twelve noon the next day.

The next day was a little bit sad for we are already on our way back home. But to make up for the short time that we spent in our little birthday celebration, we decided to go to the beach early so that we can check out from our room/house on time.

We have to wait also for our daughter who is coming in from Carcar City to join us. She did arrived on time at around 7:00 AM and was able to join us in the beach for another session with the calm and beautiful blue sea. It was one of natures best gift to mankind, that's why we have to take good care of this gift and not abuse it.

On our way home we decided to pass by the Natures Park in Argao, Cebu and see for ourselves some of man's best effort to recreate God's creation of nature. But it seems, no amount of man's best effort could duplicate the Almighty's little effort of giving man a natural habitat for humans and other God's creations.

But it seems God did not intend it this way. While God has given all his creation the freedom to live in this whole wide world, man is doing the reverse by enclosing and limiting the movement of some of man's best friends and companions.

Look at this guinea pig, who is suppose to be roaming free and wild in their natural habitat, but man is killing them by enclosing them in cages and destroying whatever is left of their natural forest living quarters.

Really man is enemy of the other creations, man who was created special by giving them additional quality of being able to understand and the so called higher form of specie that was trusted by God to take care and subdue other created beings, is making it hard for other living species.

After several hours of wall climbing, zip lining, boating, a visit to some zoo animals like rabbits, guinea pig, monkey, and more, we proceeded home tired but satisfied for the two days that we have spent together. It is really worthwhile sharing your time together with members of your family from to time even if it will cost you money.....money that is well spent for a little bit of bonding and home we go..........

When in Cebu City, please visit gregmelep.com for real estate and retirement needs.

Marilao Clan First Reunion

April 17, 2010. Today, third Saturday of April the first Marilao Clan Reunion was conceptualized and approved by the representative/s of different branches of the Marilao family in Palompon, Leyte. Present at the afternoon meeting were Antonio E. Reposar, representing the descendants of Isidra Bactol Marilao/Zacarias Esmero, who also acted as the facilitator during the meeting. 

Also present during the meeting are representatives of the following branch of the Marilao families: Greg M. Elep proxy for Connie Marilao-Elep who is in Cebu, as representative for Damaso Rosal Marilao/Eufemia Saba; Susan and Norma Marilao for the family of Hilario Rosal Marilao/Petra Sunico; No representative for Jorgeo Rosal Marilao/Julia Viacrusis Arevalo; No representative also for Digna Bctol Marilao/Roberto Tumamak;

Prescilla Bactol Marilao/Macario Andanar families was represented by Jonathan Andanar Olorvida; Felomino Marilao/Eustaquia Pastor families was represented by Betty Marilao Campos; While Felomino Marilao

/Catarina Juanir families was represented by Leonor Mazo; No one represented the families of Delfin BActol Marilao/Custodia Pabil-on, Efifanio Marilao/Alang Martin, Cristina Marilao/Wenceslao Pernes Brigida Marilao/Sergio Martinez and Brigida Marilao/Abdon Encarnacion;

The families of Maxima Marilao/Felipe Ramirez was represented by sisters Leonila and Celsa Duazo, while Emma Rojas Marilao represented the families of Roque Marilao/Fausta Leonerio; and Nita Francisco Marilao represented the Basilisa Marilao/Julian Escototo families.

It was agreed that the venue of the reunion is Juan Titang Beach Resort at Sito Buaya, Sabang, Palompon, Leyte on May 22, 2010 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Different committee's was created such as Program committee headed by Antonio E. Reposar; Registration and Venue will be handled by Betty M. Campos; Music, Sound system and Finance committee by Greg M. Elep; Parlor games was also given importance.

Since this will be the first ever reunion of the Marilao clan, it was agreed that "bring your own provision" will be the first option. What is important is the bonding and "knowing you" phase of the reunion with a promise that the next time will be a much better, better prepared, well funded and best attended affair of the clan.

To inform other Marilao families about the incoming reunion, it was suggested that a banner/flyer be made and put up in front or near SM shopping mall at Rizal Street, Palompon, Leyte for easy viewing of those coming out of the said shopping mall.Greg Elep was entrusted with the printing and putting up of the said banner.

Likewise, Ms. Nita F. Marilao offered to pay for the rental of the venue. Others agreed about the gesture but she was told that this is subject to reimbursement when money or funding is available from the Finance committee created for the purpose. It was also agreed that a Holy Mass be offered for the souls of departed Marilao relatives, under the care and responsibility of  Ms. Betty Marilao Tacan.

WANTED

Professional Real Estate Salesperson 

With the following credentials:

1. Computer literate

                                           2. Ability to write and converse in simple English.

      3. College graduate/level

               4. Ability to work with a group

                             5. Passion for work and financial growth

Apply at Realty-Options, Inc./Palompon Realty and Brokerage at 43 Rizal St., Central I, Palompon, Leyte. Learn "How to Do Internet Marketing Through Social Networking Websites" in a Free One Hour

One-on-One Orientation Seminar. For more info....Pls. Call Tel. # (053)555-84-64

09164422611/ 09336317922/09173373687

Pls. visit also my website: @ http://gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs.

Now also available n Palompon, Leyte. Lifestyles products such as INTRA, NUTRIA and FIBRELife. For your healthy lifestyle and needs just call the telephones indicated above. 

.  

Once again Richard is in town to campaign...........even if barred to run

Richard Gomez is really determined to run for Congress in the 4th District of Leyte even if initially banned by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to run in the forthcoming elections on May 10, 2010 due to lack of residence in Ormoc City.

He is telling supporters that he has already filed a motion for reconsideration with the agency and he is willing to fight unto the end or up to the Supreme Court if denied by the Comelec en banc. We'll that's the spirit. If he thinks he has all the right to be heard then so be it. It is better than doing nothing at all.

Through name recall, Richard now has a big advantage against his opponent if the election is held now. He has visited Palompon and other towns of the 4th District of Leyte for several times already. And has been meeting with people that will help him through the rigorous campaign period and maybe giving away campaign funds needed to make sure that targeted constituents will be loyal to him during election day.

In the much publicized automation of the 2010 elections, I do believe many voters are still unaware of the coming elections new method of voting. The trust of the Comelec's information drive should be the countryside, where voters are unaware about the forthcoming automated elections.

Fortunately, those who have televisions in their homes are fortunate enough to know the mechanics or what to do in the forthcoming elections due to bombardment by the Sex Bombdancers of Eat Bulaga, Channel 7 the "May Bilog na Hugis Itlog" voters education program where viewers are being treated by the hour on the hour on the new method or mode on how people should vote in this first ever automated elections in the Philippines.

What I learned from the daily information drive being initiated by TV Station Channel 7's morning program is that after the signing of the Chairman, Board of Election Inspector (BEI) on the space provided in the official ballot, the voter with his ballot and the pen provided, has to go to his designated place and there blacken the space provided for the candidate he do like.

The vote should be according to the number of votes required i.e. one (1) vote for president, one (1) vote for vice president, twelve senators, one (1) congressman, and so on..........


Note: 1) Any over voting will not be read or voided, but under voting will be read and not voided by the machine.

2) Incomplete blackening of the area to be shaded will render the whole ballot invalid because the machine will not read it. Better not to write anything on the oval to be shaded if you are not sure about the candidate.

3) If there is an incomplete shading and the machine spit out the ballot, you will be given another chance to correct the mistake or shade the oval correctly, after which no more chance will be given to any voter to repeat the process.

4) There are no extra ballots printed, so please take care that you will not commit any mistake while voting. "One voter, one ballot policy".

Kris Aquino Visit's Palompon

April 10, 2010 was an ordinary day to most Palomponganon, but for those who know the ever extrovert Kris Aquino, who is married to PBA basketball superstar James Yap and an equally famous cute son named after his father. Baby James Jr., who blurted out on TV the name of Villar who is considered the No. 1 opponent of his uncle Noynoy Aquino as per various surveys made by prominent survey companies in the past few months haven't changed.

Part of the crowd waiting for Kris to pass by. From the background can be heard the rooting and shouting admirers of Kris, who is always seen during Sundays at the ABS-CBN TV afternoon program "The Buzz" hosted by Boy Abunda, Kris Aquino and Ruffa Gutierrez. Kris by the way is not the candidate, but only subbing for his brother Noynoy when he is not around during campaign sorties in the province.

It can be noticed that the crowd that waited and joined the rally of the former mayor Ramon Onate is very small, even with the presence of actor Richard Gomez, his wife Lucy Torres Gomez  and of course Kris Aquino-Yap. If the presence of people will determine the number of voters and votes during the election, then
it is already an assurance of a win for the team of Mayor Eulogio Tupa where the number of rooters and admirers far outnumber those of Team Onate.

Picture above shows the employees of SM shopping mall who stopped tending their duties at the said mall just to get a glimpse of Kris Aquino's first visit to Palompon, Leyte. Even the owner himself Manuel E. Yap is shown trying to have a vantage view of what's going on.

When in Cebu City, please visit gregmelep.com for real estate and retirement needs.\

WANTED

Professional Real Estate Salesperson 

With the following credentials:

1. Computer literate

                                           2. Ability to write and converse in simple English.

      3. College graduate/level

               4. Ability to work with a group

                             5. Passion for work and financial growth

Apply at Realty-Options, Inc./Palompon Realty and Brokerage at 43 Rizal St., Central I, Palompon, Leyte. Learn "How to Do Internet Marketing Through Social Networking Websites" in a Free One Hour

One-on-One Orientation Seminar. For more info....Pls. Call Tel. # (053)555-84-64

09164422611/ 09336317922/09173373687

Pls. visit also my website: @ http://gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs.

Now also available n Palompon, Leyte. Lifestyles products such as INTRA, NUTRIA and FIBRELife. For your healthy lifestyle and needs just call the telephones indicated above. 

.  

Tinong's Bakery..........the newest in town

The name say's it all. Tinong's Bakery"Once Tasted, Always Wanted". The signboard says that Tinong's Bakery started way back in 1923, so it can be gleaned that the 3rd generation members of their family are the one now operating and managing said bakeshop. Today April 10, 2010 the said establishment opened its doors to the people of Palompon, Leyte.

As their way of gratitude and to give everybody a chance to taste their baked products, they give away some free baked goods "buy one take one" as an incentive to their early and loyal customers. WANTED

Professional Real Estate Salesperson 

With the following credentials:

1. Computer literate

                                           2. Ability to write and converse in simple English.

      3. College graduate/level

               4. Ability to work with a group

                             5. Passion for work and financial growth

Apply at Realty-Options, Inc./Palompon Realty and Brokerage at 43 Rizal St., Central I, Palompon, Leyte. Learn "How to Do Internet Marketing Through Social Networking Websites" in a Free One Hour

One-on-One Orientation Seminar. For more info....Pls. Call Tel. # (053)555-84-64

09164422611/ 09336317922/09173373687

Pls. visit also my website: @ http://gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs.

Now also available n Palompon, Leyte. Lifestyles products such as INTRA, NUTRIA and FIBRELife. For your healthy lifestyle and needs just call the telephones indicated above. 

.  

Palompon Moving Fast.....................with New Buildings

My daily exercise of biking made me aware of the new constructions going on in and out of the poblacion or town proper. With my trusted Nokia N95 I was able to capture some of the big or bigger houses that most likely cost a million or more.

Near or in front the Land Transportation Office (LTO) office at Guiuan I, can be seen a building which is again bigger than the ordinary, which as of my writing is the norm nowadays when people build or renovate a new house.

Upon looking at the sign of the approved permit, it is indicated that the owner of the house is Mr. & Mrs. Gilbert Gorumba, an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) where most likely they are on the right track of spending their hard earned money on something that will not get lost and be an investment for their future and their children's future.

While other OFW's goes in and out of the Philippines without thinking much of saving their hard earned money, by spending it with their drinking buddies, relatives who are always asking for dole outs, and buying things they want but don't need.

Many are still thinking that when it rains, it pours. They are not aware that there

will come a time that an "El Nino" phenomenon can strike them out any time.

Photo at right is another building which is almost finished. It is owned by the family of Mrs. Olive Tumamak Festejo. It is also a concrete two story building which is now common in Palompon, Leyte. Someday all houses will be built along this trend, two story but with different styles depending on how an architect would execute the desires of the owners inclination.

Anybody who is a full blooded Palomponganon would not hesitate to take a look at this concrete gate located at San Francisco St., Palompon, Leyte.It is aptly named as Golden Gate San Francisco because of its golden color. The property is owned by Mr. Ely Pastor, a former customs policeman, assigned at the Bureau of Customs, Sub-port of Isabel, Leyte. Though he is always in Manila where his family lives, he don't forget to visit the said property, where a caretaker always see to it that the place is clean and livable when he visits from time to time.

Another point of interest is the recently renovated house of Mr. &; Mrs. Roger Regis, owners of Regis Pawnshop. But of course his family is more well known about his other business of butchering hogs for so many years already

We are certainly, already a part of their lives since one way or another we or some had become
a suki by buying or even utang a kilo or two of their pork business. Until they decided to give the pawnshop business a try at the old address of the pawnshop in Arellano St., after which they transferred to the current address at Rizal St., Palompon, Leyte.

Jesus Christ...........Resurrection

In the Christian Gospels, the Resurrection of Jesus was the return to bodily life of Jesus after his death by crucifixion. The Resurrection of Jesus is not to be confused with the Ascension of Jesusinto heaven. Christian doctrine, ritual and theology are based on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus being actual events in history.^[1] 

Most Christians accept the New Testament chronicle in all four Gospels as a historical account of Jesus' resurrection which is central to their faith. The New Testament states that after Jesus was executed by Roman crucifixion and entombed, he then was raised from the dead on the third day.^{[Jn 19:30–31] [Mk 16:1] [16:6]} His empty tomb was found by his followers.^{[Mt 28:1-7] [Mk 16:1-8] [6:3] [Lk 24:1-12] [Jn 20:1-12]} He appeared to many people over a span of forty days^[Acts 1:3] before his return to heaven (Ascension).^{[Acts 1:9-10]} Christians commemorate these events annually from Easter Sunday to Ascension Day.

According to the Gospels, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion.^[25] The Gospel of Matthew states that after an earthquake an angel appeared near the tomb of Jesus and announced his resurrection to Mary Magdalene and "another Mary" who had arrived to anoint the body.^{[Matthew 28:1-10]} 

According to Luke there were two angels.^[Luke 24:4] According to Mark there was a youth dressed in white.^[Mark 16:5] The last section of Mark, which is considered a later addition by most biblical scholars (see Mark 16), states that on the morning of his resurrection, Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene.^[Mark 16:9] John states that when Mary looked into the tomb, two angels asked her why she was crying; and as she turned round she initially failed to recognize Jesus until he spoke her name.^{[John 20:11-18]}

The Acts of the Apostles state that Jesus appeared to various people in various places over the next forty days. Hours after his resurrection, he appeared to two travelers on the road to Emmaus.^[26] To his assembled disciples he showed himself on the evening after his resurrection.^{[John 20:19]} Although his own ministry had been specifically to Jews, according to the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is said to have sent his apostles to the Gentiles with the Great Commission and ascended to heaven while a cloud concealed him from their sight. According to Acts, Paul of Tarsus was blinded by a light and heard the voice of Jesus during his Road to Damascus conversion. Jesus promised to come again to fulfill the remainder of Messianic prophecy.^[27]

In Palompon, Leyte the traditional "sugat" which is part of the resurrection was held at the Saint Francis Xavier Parish grounds around 4:00 AM after the procession. It was a beautiful Sunday morning when an

 angel lifted the veil covering the face and upper body of the virgin mother when she met Jesus after his resurrection. It was a sight to behold, especially when the participants are in the flesh and in living color.

Immediately after the live tableau, a Holy Mass was con-celebrated by the four priest assigned in the parish namely Fr. Albert "Nene" Opiniano, Fr. Elmo Borgueta, Fr. Antonio Adre and Fr. Teodoro Durana. It was a beautiful and well attended celebration of Christ's resurrection where everybody renewed their baptismal vows to remain faithful to the church and guard against the wiles and schemes of Satan and company.  

Station of the Holy Cross in Tableau...............

Stations of the Cross (or Way of the Cross; in Latin,Via Crucis; also called the Via Dolorosa or Way of Sorrows, or simply, The Way) refers to the depiction of the final hours (or Passion) of Jesus, and the devotion commemorating the Passion. The tradition as chapel devotion began with St. Francis of Assisi and extended throughout the Roman Catholic Church in the medieval period. It is less often observed in theAnglican and Lutheran churches. It may be done at any time, but is most commonly done during the Season of Lent, especially on Good Friday and on Friday evenings during Lent.

In Palompon, Leyte the Station of the Cross or Way of the Cross was celebrated through a tableau or picture with living participants. One will notice the cross section of the population which participated in the once a year spectacle. But of course majority of those who joined in the procession are the younger member of society. Even the participants themselves are young people who are still young adults, who are eager beaver in their assigned task in the tableau.

Photo above shows Simon of Cirene being forced to help Jesus carry the Cross on the way to Mt. Golgotha. It shows that the cross is to heavy to bear which represents the sins of mankind, but still being carried by Jesus to save man from the everlasting fire that will be the consequence of man's folly and indifference.

Photo at left shows the women of Jerusalem whom Jesus met on the way to Calvary. He admonished them by saying that they should not cry for him but for themselves and the sinful ways of man.

This Lenten season is a big reminder for man to change for the better. Every day, especially during Holy Masses  
Jesus is waiting everyday for man to ask for forgiveness and change his life for the better.


Yet man, instead of following what Jesus have said of loving one another, have done the opposite of trying to outdo each other in grabbing all things the can without regard of people who can't take care of themselves.

Photo above shows Jesus giving the care of her Mother to John, his favorite disciple, after which John brought Mary to her home. Here we are also asked to let Mary enter our own homes and be with us as her loving Mother. Jesus as a loving Son is asking us also to take care widows like Mary, and especially those who are not capable and unable to provide for themselves their day to day needs.

  Just like Jesus who raised from the dead after the third day, He is likewise giving us the privileged of rising with him to heaven, if we only believe and do whatever he wants us to do.