Meet Doyzkie Buenaviaje and Fall in Love with Cebu

Cebu is not only known for its beautiful white beaches and delicious delicacies, it is also known for its beautiful and hospitable people.

One of the many gorgeous people who will welcome you to Cebu is Andrew "Doyzkie" Buenaviaje. Born and raised in Mactan Cebu, Doyzkie is a model, photographer, and writer. He currently writes for Zee Lifestyle and Cebu Daily News.

Doyzkie is a graduate of BS computer engineering at the University of San Carlos. He loves computer games, playing PSP, collecting Gashapon and Trading Figures, photography, reading other people's blogs, and eating.

He considers himself as friendly and a happy go lucky guy. He said he is the type of guy who laughs about most of his problems in life.

Still, I consider Doyzkie as guy who is more than just a pretty face. And he will really charm you with Cebu's finest restaurants and bars through his blog Piggin Out Sessions http://pigginoutsessions.blogspot.com/

He will also make you fall in love with Cebu's Events and Lifestyle through his blog http://lingawcebu.blogspot.com


So visit Cebu and meet Doyzkie Buenaviaje....and I'm sure you'll say "I LUV CEBU!"

The photo of this article is courtesy of Doyzkie Buenaviaje : )

Maasin: My off-roading, Hiking, Snorkeling, Swimming destination

Maasin is Southern Leyte's commercial and cultural showcase. Most of all it has beautiful beaches and falls that are waiting to be discovered by tourists. I was fortunate enough to explore the virginity of one island and one remote falls with a nearby cave. I explored the two destinations during Team Richard So's General Assembly in Maasin, which was also the Birthday celebration of our Level 2 Support Jerwin Bantug; and farewell party of Alex Banaag.














Our first destination is Canigao Island, which is somewhat uncommercialized and underdeveloped island. Although there are alot of people when we went there, I still enjoyed snorkeling with my Speedo snorkel, Nike swimming shoes, and Maui beach shorts. There were also part of the island that tourists cant go because it's a sanctuary. But my adventure wouldn't be complete if i wouldn't go there. So we sneak to the place and got caught hahaha...(The guard shouted at us using his mega phone "Oi dili pwede paliguan diha!" *Siren* Oi sanctuario na dili pwede ligo an *Siren*), hahaha that was really funny! And yeah! there are no cottages in the island so you need to bring your own tents! It was fun though.

And the second and final destination which really defined and made my Maasin trip was Cagnito-an falls. Going there was really a challenge. It was like Off-roading (on Jerwin's Truck) and Hiking just to get to the falls. I thought when we get there, there are cottages or store just like Kawasan. But the thing is we were the only people there. Still, I enjoyed swimming in the falls which i cant see the bottom. It's scary but really fun!

But there was more! there is a cave near the falls. So we went there... Going in the cave was the most scary but fun experience i ever had there. In order to get in to the cave you need to climb all the way to the top of the falls. And when you are in the front of the entrance, you need to swim your way in for 5 mins just to reach what they called "The Stage", a huge rock on the wall surrounded by deep-dark water. The cave was really dark the only source of light we had at that time were 2 flashlights. We stayed in the cave for a couple of mins then decided to go out and continue swimming in the falls.














The next day we went home tired but rejuvenated...It was really fun and im gonna do it again .. in Maasin! : )


All photos in the Post are courtesy of Alex Banaag

EJ supports Mariano Dandie Dimataga for Mr Mandaue 2010

Smart and Handsome, those are the words that can best describe Mariano Dandie Dimataga. Mariano is a 22-year old student at the University of San Carlos and also a Mr Cebu Title holder. He is also into public service and he is currently an SK official in Lapu Lapu City

Let's support him on his quest in winning the title Mr Mandaue 2010. There will be an online voting ( 1 email-add = 1 vote ). Just visit www.missmandaue.com (Mr Mandaue doesn't have an official website so they mixed it).

Also watch the Selection Night on May 3, 2010 and the Grand Coronation Night on May 6, 2010 at Mandaue City Plaza Square

For SMART users you can also vote through text and here's how

To vote TYPE: Mrmandaue(space)poll(space)letter of choice(letter M for Mariano) send
to 9977...

vote for Mariano Now!

website

http://www.missmandaue.com/

Every child has the right to play and enjoy one's innocence: Palarong Bantay Bata

Every child has the right to play and enjoy his/her innocence, this is the fact that bored through the veil of my consciousness when I witnessed the Palarong Bantay Bata last Feb 20 2010.

The event was facilitated by Bantay Bata 163 and iLearners Inc. It was a meaningful event to the facilitators and to the children who played the games. I really felt the energy and enjoyment through the cheers, applause, dances in the stadium; Definitely the event was a great success.

But i cant help myself from wondering because all of the children there are from the Bantay Bata Center, which provides temporary shelter to rescued at-risk children before their cases are resolved legally. In the center children are provided with therapy and educational opportunities before they are reunited with their families or referred to proper child caring agencies.

It really bothered me because there were many of them there. I know they have their own experiences and I'm sure those are traumatic. But I was still half-happy because I was able to share my spare time to laugh, play, and give encouragement to the children who could be victims of physical, mental ,or sexual abuse.

Still, it's sad and alarming because there were many of them there...I can imagine what they are going through, it's more painful than a deep cut on the wrist. And it's more sad because I can relate with them, It's just that the cut on my wrist already healed.


Thanks to iLeaners Inc for inviting me to the Palarong Bantay Bata.





If you want to report child exploitation or abuse; here are Bantay Bata Cebu contacts

Telephone Number:

+63 32 564 2707

email ads

bb163_cebu@abs-cbn.com
lutis_cimafranca@abs-cbn.com

All photos in this article are courtesy of Doyzkie Buenaviaje and iLearners

VJ and Mae's Glam Factor

Creating a good start this year, Vijay Lo and Cherry Mae Bartolata (callcenter agents) opened Glam Factor Boutique . The Boutique is the result of the Glam Factor Online's success last year.

Located in the center of Mabolo, the Boutique 's opening was attended by close friends and office mates (all working in a callcenter). Among the attendees are April Joy Onceno, Raymond Bondoc, Natz Halie, Mark Anthony Gestole, and Etel/Stream Celebrity Kyle Tragger.

Glam Factor is also a wholesaler of personal and beauty products, which include perfumes, lotions, shades, watches and other accessories. Cherry said that the products they sell can be categorized as affordable and fashionable. They choose the products they sell, to assure that they conform to those who have the eye for fashion.

Cherry also stressed that they really valued their costumers, especially those who are outside of Cebu. They deliver products on time; and even replace broken or damaged products during shipment for free.

Glam Factor Boutique is located at J & L Bldg Juan Luna Ave Mabolo Cebu City. It's open from 10am-7am from Mon to Sat

You can also check their website http://glamfactor.multiply.com or http://glamfactor.webs.com

Congratulations and more success to Vijay and Mae


Post script

I ran out of words so i wrote this using news format hehe :)

Richard So: Outreach with iLearners and Bantay Bata 163

January 30, 2010 the day after work, I was still inviting office mates to volunteer and come with me to Carcar for the iLearner feeding program during Bantay Bata 163's medical mission. But most of my office mates have plans already for the day except for my supervisor and friend Richard So or (Ochie).

I've known TL Ochie for almost three years already, I never expected that he is interested in volunteering and outreach activities. So, he came with me to Starbucks Ayala because that was the meeting place. And it was really a surprise because he knew the iLearner President Doyzkie Buenaviaje, Ochie said they were classmates before.

We left for Carcar at 8:30am, it really felt that it was a long and bumpy ride because I don't have sleep yet. We arrive in Carcar around at 10am, the venue was already full of people availing to the free medical services sponsored by Bantay Bata and Philippine Air Force.

TL Ochie and I gave moral support (hehe) to the Maayong Buntag Kapamilya host Catherine Gabronino, who helped cook the shamporado that we are going to serve to the children later. When it was cooked we help gave the shamporado with stick O and juice to the children who were there. I saw that the children were enjoying the treat, the smile in their faces also made me smile. I also saw that TL Ochie was enjoying the activity so as the Convergys agents who were also there helping.


Unfortunately, TL Ochie went ahead of us because he has important matters to attend to. But before he left I asked him if he enjoyed the activity, he smiled at me and said "Yes". When TL Ochie left, we facilitated games for children and gave prizes. We left at around 2pm, and since TL Ochie already left I ended up riding Doyzkie's Car back home. We were caught in the traffic for one hour because of the Fiesta, but it was okay I enjoyed all his boyband songs. (no wonder he looks like a boyband member hehe).


I can really say that day was a good day for me. I realized that TL Ochie is not only a good supervisor, he is also a good person, who is willing to give a bit of what he has to the children who needs it most.

Also a bonus of that day, I met alot of new friends who is also active in reaching out ...Maayong Buntag Kapamilya host Catherine Gabronino, Corporate executive Ryan, Convergys agents, Sykes manager Malot and many more.

Post Article Ending

So, i arrived home tired but happy. Took a shower laid down, fell in a deep sleep... But was awaken by a text msg from Ramz Jauculan, asking me what were my night out plans for that night. I tried to reply but I have no more load and was too tired to get up, fell asleep again....Was awaken again by a phone call from RJ Malcampo, still asking me about my plan for that night, I answered "I have no idea. I went to Carcar and helped in the feeding program, I'm really tired but happy and I think my day is complete." RJ sounded like smiling on the phone and answered "okay next time."

Yeah, really tired but really happy...my day was complete...


Thanks to my iLearner family

Thanks to TL Richard So for donating and coming with me to the charity event

Doyzkie Buenaviaje

EJ Jusa



All photos in this article are courtesy of Doyzkie Buenaviaje and iLearners

Cherry Mae Bartolata: Up Close and Personal

If someone ask me three words that will best describe Cherry Mae Bartolata, I'll answer beauty, brain, and talent. I met Cherry through common friends, at first i thought she was just a regular chick that has a diva-liked voice when she sings. I was wrong, Cherry is more than meets the eye.


Aside from a call center agent, she is also a business woman who personally takes care of their store and online shop Glam Factor. Cherry and partner Vijay Lo (also a call center agent) started Glam factor last year. Glam factor is a whole seller of cosmetic and other beauty products, which includes perfumes, lotions, and ready-to-wear clothing. I was surprised with the growth of the business in just one year. Now they already have clients outside Cebu and was able to set up a store in the IT bazaar.

I can also say that Cherry is the epitome of a modern woman, smart and independent. She knows what she want and has her own ways of doing things to get what she wants. I asked her if she considered herself as a strong personality, she answered with no doubt "Yes". Definitely Cherry knows where she stands right now, and knows where she is going to be in the future.


At age 23, she already knew that life is not as simple as "study + work = success", especially if you have big dreams. She believed that one must exert extra effort to earn money outside of work, because being a call center agent is just temporary.


And during bad times, she implied that one must find the strength within and believe that all the challenges will be overcome. Just like me she always anticipate the future and learn from the mistakes in the past.


Talking with her about her struggles, plans, and success in life really made me realized that she is indeed a strong person. I asked her if she cries during bad times and challenges. She answered "Yes". But she added that after the crying moment, she will move on and will be back to business. Then, I smiled at her, because at the back of my mind i can relate to the things that she said. Just like her, I don't have time for grief, anger or conflict. Those things are just hindrance to the things that I'm going to do which are prerequisite to my success in the future.


Knowing Cherry Mae Bartolata up close and personal, made me realize that i need to hurry up to start my own venture and focus more on the future where there will be no Stream. Cherry has Glam Factor already which is fast growing, she even revealed that they will be opening a boutique near SM. I would not be surprise if Cherry will open another Glam factor boutique near you.


To Cherry more power and more success...

check Cherry's online shop

http://glamfactor.multiply.com


Preview of what's next


The Fil-Australian hottie Dominic Montenegro


While doing this article, I ran out of words so I went out and met Dominic in JY. I asked him if I can feature him here. At first he said no, but I finally made him say yes. It was easy though because he is a good friend of mine and we've known each other for a long time already.