2016 - Titas de Bacolod

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Sunday, September 11, 2016

I'm Excited About Saravia Blue Crab at the 31st Negros Trade Fair

I'm Excited About Saravia Blue Crab at the 31st Negros Trade Fair
The one time when crab mentality is good and is advocated.  Saravia blue crab sells crab meat in different variants- claw meat, cocktail claw fingers, special, super lump, and jumbo! All will be available at the Silay Export booth on Sept.14-18 at the Negros Trade Fair!






 

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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod


Related Post:
Word has been out in the circle the EastWest bank is now taking over the retail banking business of Standard Chartered. This means saying goodbye to Priority Banking of Standard Chartered. Over at HSBC, they said that they would be closing down trust services and that clients ......Read More


Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

The Photo Which Launched Ten Thousand Feeding Programs

The Photo Which Launched Ten Thousand Feeding Programs
There are three events which led to my writing of this piece.  Two are in the future, and one just happened over the weekend.

Just a few days ago, we celebrated National Heroes' Day.  Often, we think of heroes as someone who valiantly fought a war or stood up against tyranny.  For us Titas, Joan of Arc is the default icon that comes to mind as we grew up in schools who took pride in their order stemming from Europe.  Inasmuch as there are the Filipina heroines such as Gabriela Silang, nothing comes quite close to the romanticism of being burnt at the stake.

With Joan of Arc as a mental peg, I am drawn to think of our modern day Joans.  These were the many women of Negros Island during the Marcos years who took their valiant stand not just against tyranny but against the onslaught of widespread hunger in the political volcano that was Negros.

Flashback to 1985.  Negros Island was a boiling cauldron of political unrest.  The sugar planters were stuck in the doldrums and reeling from the systematic pillage of the sugar industry by Ferdinand Marcos and his college buddy, Roberto S. Benedicto - RSB as he was unfondly known.  Insurgency as brought forth by the communist rebels was alive and well in the countryside and in the hinterlands of Negros.  A massacre had just been perpetrated in the northern town of Escalante.

All over, the collateral damage were the children who hardly had anything to eat.  Malnutrition was widespread.  Many children, numbering over a hundred thousand Negros-wide were in critical or third-degree malnourished state. A third degree state is when a child weighs only 40% of the weight for their normal age.

It was an emergency situation which summoned the attention of various relief and aid organizations the world over.  And meanwhile, the party went on in Malacanang.  The first family must have been gleefully counting their gold bars.  Yes, the same gold bars they brought to Hawaii, borne of the sweat of the sugar workers and more.

If social media were alive back then, people would be putting forth hashtags such as #prayfornegros and #savethenegroschildren.  But there was no social media to bring this to the public.  The government-controlled media back then could only publish what was beautiful and acceptable in praise of the Marcos regime.

Amidst that grim landscape, a photo leaked out.  It was one photo among many by 1987 Pulitzer Prize Winner Kim Komenich.  It was the iconic photo of Joel Abong, the son of a fisherman.  His malnourished state and dire facial expression triggered the mobilization of a thousand feeding programs and sacrificial lunches.  No, not a thousand, make that ten thousand.  Leading the charge were the international agencies such as UNICEF and Oxfam.  They were our heroes. They were the ones who literally stood on the top of the Ford Fieras and rented jeepneys with megaphone in hand putting order into the feeding sessions conducted.












Parallel to the international agencies' efforts were the numerous feeding programs put together by the housewives of the planters.  They did not need any media to alert them of what was happening.  They knew there was hunger.  It was not just reported, it was felt first hand.  Thirty one years on from those days which led up to the snap elections and EDSA revolution of 1986, I wish to take this moment to honor all the women of Negros who silently went out of their way and organized themselves to feed the poorest of the poor.  


Beyond the feeding, these women of Negros took it one step further.  Cottage industries were set up to somehow provide a means of livelihood for the women in the farms who no longer had any work in the canefields.  Out of the hunger in the countryside, a chain reaction was set in motion.  Feeding programs, cottage industries, and eventually, the showcase of the industries born out of adversity - what we know today as the Negros Trade Fair - the longest running provincial trade fair in the Philippines.

This happens in a few days time.  The second of the three events I mentioned above will take place in the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati.  It is a time of jubilation for the triumph over adversity - adversity which was epitomized by the photo of Joel Abong.

The last event I need to mention is that of the imminent burial of dictator Ferdinand Marcos' remains at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.  Unlike the upcoming Negros Trade Fair, this is no time for jubilation.  Words cannot describe how in one quick moment, the burial of FM at the Libingan ng mga Bayani immediately implies that we are all traitors for having ousted him.

There are those who say let us move on and allow him that burial for he is a president after all.  I will not waste time and words to argue.  Just look at the face of Joel Abong above.  And then perhaps you could close your eyes and simultaneously imagine Imelda rocking the night away in her rooftop disco in Malacañang.


(Note : Joel Abong died six days after this photo was taken)


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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod


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To see Imelda at the food court without the pomp and splendor normally attached to her wherever she goes brought up a myriad of emotions. I felt a bit sad seeing this. It reminded me of my Mama's last days. But I quickly snapped out of that sadness because I was reminded of the incident two years ago ......Read More




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Sunday, August 14, 2016

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Security Bank Reaches Out Regarding Faux Pas

Security Bank Reaches Out Regarding Faux Pas
A post last week entitled "How An Endorsement By Vicki Belo Is Spoiled" made the rounds of social media.  In a nutshell, it had to do with Security Bank not matching up to what it promises in its advertising.  The post talks about Tata, who entered Security Bank's main office to open an account but left in dismay because no able person was positioned strategically in the bank's  Head Office Branch to entertain the query.

You can read the story by clicking,
"How An Endorsement By Vicki Belo Is Spoiled".

In response to the blogpost, a comment came in by a certain Mark Bantigue, who is the E-Commerce head at SB.  His reply to the post was:


Hi Titas of Bacolod,

My name is Mark Bantigue and I am the E-Commerce Head at Security Bank.
We just saw your post and are very sorry to hear your friend Tata had a mixed experience at our head office branch. We completely agree that her servicing officer should have immediately contacted our Wealth Management department and very surprised to hear that wasn’t the case.
At Security Bank, we are serious about customer service and believe it is everyone’s responsibility. Given the opportunity, I would like to learn more about her experience and hopefully make things right. Please pass on my contact details to Tata.

Best regards,

Mark Bantigue
E-Commerce Head
(02) 867 6788 x7093
mbantigue@securitybank.com.ph





Thank you, Mark Bantigue, for reaching out.  Hijo, allow me to point out a few things.  Tata did not have a mixed experience.  She had a bad experience, period.  I honestly think your group has to study the flow on how you receive walk-ins.  The clients that you seek for which you spent millions on advertising to reach have a totally different mindset.  One has only to walk out of your office and go to Standard Chartered to your left and HSBC to your right.  Walk down Paseo to BDO and Citi.  Do some research.  See how it's done.  Until then, maybe SB does not have any right to chase after HNWIs.

After her experience, none of us will follow for now.  Unless of course you come out and say, "Yes, we have fixed the kinks and are ready to treat you better than the other banks".  Go back to the drawing table.  I'm sure your ad agencies will help you modify what you are touting as better service that we deserve.  The heads of your ad agencies are clients of your competitor banks and they know what it really is like to be pampered by a real Relationship Manager.




Hold off your Vicki Belo ads please.  We love Vicki Belo and it pains us to see her endorsing something that doesn't deliver.  The ad agencies did a great job in delivering the message to us.  The addition of Dra. Belo is superb.  Only the product/service falls way short of what is promised in the advertising.

Lastly, thank you for providing your contact details.  I don't think Tata will be contacting you though.  To use your tagline and the words of Megan Young, She Deserves Better.  Thus, she went down the road and took her business elsewhere.










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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod


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Word has been out in the circle the EastWest bank is now taking over the retail banking business of Standard Chartered. This means saying goodbye to Priority Banking of Standard Chartered. Over at HSBC, they said that they would be closing down trust services and that clients ......Read More


Thursday, August 11, 2016

Thursday, August 11, 2016

How An Endorsement By Vicki Belo Is Spoiled

How An Endorsement By Vicki Belo Is Spoiled
Word has been out in the circle the EastWest bank is now taking over the retail banking business of Standard Chartered.  This means saying goodbye to Priority Banking of Standard Chartered.  Over at HSBC, they said that they would be closing down trust services and that clients would have to look for other banks to receive their instruments and investments.  At Citi, they've also closed down their Alabang branch.

Tata said she was shopping around to look for a bank to take on what she's pulling out from Standard Chartered and HSBC.  Her knee jerk reaction was try out Security Bank.  She had two good reasons to try Security Bank.  One of her friend's sons is a top executive there.  Second, she was always an avid follower of Vicki Belo.  So when all these ads started coming out two weeks ago with Vicki Belo and Megan Young endorsing Security Bank, it was just a matter of time before she would succumb to the advertising.

A few days ago, she visited the main office along Ayala Avenue.  Who would not be familiar with Security Bank building when the Philippine Sugar Millers Association is perched on the upper floors of the same building.

Tata talked to one of the ladies among the desks which would be the equivalent of the new accounts counter.  Lady was utterly clueless about referring a Relationship Manager.   What?!!!  This is what Megan Young was bragging about and she's utterly clueless.  All she does is say, "Ma'am, can I get your number and I'll let the Wealth Management services call you?".  Security Bank's Wealth Management is just a few floors upstairs.  Least the girl could do was call for someone to come down, or escorted her upstairs.

The long and short of it, Tata left.  She still believes and admires Vicki Belo.  She just thinks Security Bank's offering doesn't match up to their advertising. 




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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod


Related Post:
To see Imelda at the food court without the pomp and splendor normally attached to her wherever she goes brought up a myriad of emotions. I felt a bit sad seeing this. It reminded me of my Mama's last days. But I quickly snapped out of that sadness because I was reminded of the incident two years ago ......Read More


Sunday, August 7, 2016

Sunday, August 07, 2016

Negros : An Island of People With Super Short Memories

Negros : An Island of People With Super Short Memories
I couldn't believe my eyes the other day as I walked into Rustan's Makati through the back entrance where the steel carpark is.  There, on the mini-food court tables between the Vargas Kitchen and Via Mare Express sat the Imeldific one.  She was on her wheelchair having merienda with her attendants, two nurses in white, while her bodyguards were seated in the next table watching the Madam.

Imelda in the mini food court?!  Now that was a sight to behold!  When I told this the next day to Tata and Inday, their reaction was, "Wow, wala man lang sya nagpa-Benny's na lang? (Wow, shouldn't she have just gone to Benny's?)".  Benny's is of course the restaurant named after the husband of one of her Blue Ladies.

To see Imelda at the food court without the pomp and splendor normally attached to her wherever she goes brought up a myriad of emotions.  I felt a bit sad seeing this.  It reminded me of my Mama's last days. But I quickly snapped out of that sadness because I was reminded of the incident two years ago when at the Ayala Museum, I came early for the Rush Hour series of concerts where Dr. Ingrid Sala Santamaria was to play not just one, but two concertos with the Manila Symphony Orchestra.  Being the early bird, I sat at the front row in the best possible seat to allow me a view of the pianist's fingers.  There was no sign whatsoever that the seats were reserved.  Nada! 

The room started filling up over the next 45 minutes until it filled five rows from the front.  Then, someone from the Ayala Museum walks up and says, "Ma'am, these seats are reserved".  It puzzled me because there was no sign that the seats were reserved at all.  So I moved two seats to the left which would then make me miss my view of Ingrid's fingers but instead give me a perfect view of her back.  Lady from Ayala Museum says, "Umm, Ma'am, it's the entire row that's reserved."

In my mind I said, "What?!!!  You didn't even have a sign here that these were reserved!!!".  If there was a sign, I would have taken the second row and still have a nice view of Ingrid's fingers dancing on the keyboard.  I wasn't in the mood to argue and make a scene anymore.  You know how we are once we get started.  Noblesse oblige took over and I just went my way to get a seat at row 6 as rows 2 to 5 were already filled by those who likewise came early enough to earn their space.

Then after 5 minutes, she arrived.  SHE arrived!  The one for whom the seats were "Reserved" for.  Imelda came in a green dress with the signature butterfly sleeves.  Gwapa gyapon (still pretty) - though bloated through age.  Assisted by the lady who booted me out of my seat, she took the front row.

So here I am at row 6, my view of Ingrid's back, obstructed by the people in the forward rows and most of all, obstructed by the one who took my seat - the Imeldific one.  She was in the very same line of sight to viewing Ingrid's back.  So I said to myself, "Ahhh, I will just close my eyes when the concert starts so I can just concentrate on the music."

I tried closing my eyes even though the concert hadn't started. Honestly, it made things worse than actually seeing Imelda up ahead in my former seat.  With my eyes open, I could see Imelda, I could see the musicians, and I was in the 'moment'.  With my I eyes closed, I was quickly teleported out of the Ayala Museum and brought back to Negros of the 1980s where turmoil and uncertainty pervaded the island.  I can remember.  I can feel it.  It's just like it happened yesterday. 

Sadly, many Negrenses do not remember.  They no longer remember the systematic pillage of the sugar industry that was carried out during the Marcos years through Roberto S. (Bobby) Benedicto a.k.a. RSB. People say, Filipinos have short memories and they do not learn from the lessons of the past.  Well, welcome to Negros, the island where people have even shorter memories than the rest of the country.

A large number of Negrenses now based in America forget that the main reason why they are now in the US was because they fled Bacolod in despair and hopelessness.  Oh, they will not admit it openly, but that's the truth.  They will not admit to despair and hopelessness, only to "seeking greener pastures".  Yes, any pasture elsewhere was greener when overlaid against the background of the countryside insurgency and widespread hunger where NGOs and charities had to come in and do a splendid job of helping alleviate the hunger.

People in Negros hardly remember anything.  Recently, the Philippine National Bank celebrated 100 years of existence.   Despite the centenary, people forget their odd bond between themselves and PNB. Back then, it was said that Negrenses had to "go to mass" three times a week.  Once in the Catholic church for spiritual upliftment, and twice at the PNB main building along Lacson street to nurse misery because of their crop loans.

They forget that there was such a thing as the California Overseas Bank which the Marcos crony, the late Bobby Benedicto, created in order to launder funds for former dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos.  In 1990, RSB agreed to turn over to the Philippines, the California Overseas Bank as a way to avoid racketeering and conspiracy charges.

RSB as we recall was indicted in 1988 along with Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos on charges of fraud, racketeering and conspiracy in the US. Back then, Benedicto, a fugitive at 73, avoided arrest by using fictitious names and multiple passports to shuttle clandestinely among such places as Hong Kong, Spain and Venezuela, where he had extensive investments - with thanks largely to the Negrense people.

Negrenses even forget that the main reason why there is the successful Negros Trade Fair today, is because the hacienderos wives, stepped up to the challenge to find ways to augment incomes among the farm workers by giving them work through cottage industries.  It goes back again to the plunder of Imelda and Ferdie, and of course our very own, RSB.

I write this because I did see the Imeldific one in a momentarily lonely state at Rustan's.  But that is not for long.  In about a month's time, she will be happy and overjoyed when the apparent remains of Ferdie from that cold box in Ilocos are finally interred at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani.

When that day comes, it will not be an interment of sadness to the immediate family.  It will be an interment of triumph.  Definitely, it will be a sad day for those who remember the atrocities and plunder which Marcos has committed. 

Tragically, most Negrenses could not care.  They could hardly care not primarily because they are detached physically in another island 700 miles away from the Libingan.  They could not care anymore because they could not remember.

Welcome to  Negros : An Island of People With Super Short Memories.


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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod


Related Post:





Negros Island was in a woeful state at the eve of the snap elections in 1986.  Negros as a word was synonymous to "Crisis" in those days.  For the longest time, the sugar industry, romanticized by the well-heeled landowners of Negros and Iloilo, was the prima donna of Philippine ......Read More

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Word has been out in the circle the EastWest bank is now taking over the retail banking business of Standard Chartered. This means saying goodbye to Priority Banking of Standard Chartered. Over at HSBC, they said that they would be closing down trust services and that clients ......Read More


Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Dear Tita : My brother is gay

Dear Tita : My brother is gay


Dear Tita,

I am a college student in one of the universities here. We are a very close family with my parents and four siblings – two girls and two boys. My problem concerns my brother Gino, our youngest, who is in high school. He is the cutest, so good-looking, clean-cut and lovable. Growing up, he was very close to my sister Emma and me, and we were over-protective with him. He wasn’t as close to our brother, Roy, who is very much into sports. Gino didn’t go for the rough and tumble of basketball and taekwondo which Roy loved.

I never suspected anything amiss until recently, when Gino came home with his shirt torn and his nose bleeding. We were so concerned that I immediately decided to investigate. It was then I found out that the boys in his school were picking on Gino because they called him “Agi! (gay).” I was shocked. I tried to observe Gino closely and I started seeing things that almost confirmed my suspicions. I told Emma about it and she, too, said she noticed the same things.

I don’t know how to tell our parents as I know our Papa would be shocked if he found out. Is there a cure for homosexuality?

CONCERNED SISTER


Dear Concerned Sister,

I am not aware of any cure for homosexuality. But I do know that a lot of gays are very successful in their careers. They are usually artistic and talented. And they are the most enjoyable companions you could have. I have a lot of gay friends whose company I do enjoy very much. The minute they are around, we inevitably start laughing and having the time of our lives.

This is a different world we are living in. People nowadays are more understanding and compassionate toward gays. I suggest you sit down with your parents and tell them what you know. It won’t be easy but that’s what families are for – to stick together in good times and bad. Gino might still make you proud of him one day.


TITA


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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod


Related Post:




Negros Island was in a woeful state at the eve of the snap elections in 1986.  Negros as a word was synonymous to "Crisis" in those days.  For the longest time, the sugar industry, romanticized by the well-heeled landowners of Negros and Iloilo, was the prima donna of Philippine ......Read More






Monday, July 18, 2016

Monday, July 18, 2016

After Going Viral with 90 Thousand Views, Titas de Bacolod Opens Up "Hey Tita!"

After Going Viral with 90 Thousand Views, Titas de Bacolod Opens Up "Hey Tita!"
Tita did not expect the virality of yesterday's open letter of Gabie Gasataya to go crazy.  It was insane really!

Now we have people messaging us with their problems via the Send Message button on the Titas de Bacolod Facebook Page ( https://www.facebook.com/lastitasdebacolod/ ) .

So now, as the "Tita Mayor", I am opening up "Hey Tita!".

"Hey Tita!" is a venue for all who love Bacolod to send in their questions on life, love, and anything that you might want to share or seek advice on.  We will try our best to respond in a timely manner but please remember, we are Titas.  Daw mahinay, hinay na ang amon kamot mag type.

 
So Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Lovers of Bacolod, Send in your messages via our Facebook Page. 
( Please do not message Titas de Bacolod Facebook Account )





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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod


Related Post:




Negros Island was in a woeful state at the eve of the snap elections in 1986.  Negros as a word was synonymous to "Crisis" in those days.  For the longest time, the sugar industry, romanticized by the well-heeled landowners of Negros and Iloilo, was the prima donna of Philippine ......Read More





Sunday, July 17, 2016

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Bacolod Congressman's Daughter Sends Open Letter To Dad

Bacolod Congressman's Daughter Sends Open Letter To Dad
Hinablos Gabie Gasataya used social media yesterday to call the attention of her biological dad, Congressman Greg Gasataya in relation to child support.   In her post, the Canada-based Gabie said, :

(the reason i asked for child support is that i'm going to university this Fall. My program will cost me $50,000 by the end of 4-5 years which has to be paid starting 6 months after graduation. i was hoping to be spared of the huge debt -- even to minimize it with help from the congressman - my "dad" who has been champion of education in bacolod).

An open letter to Congressman Greg Gelvosa Gasataya
Bacolod City, Philippines

Dear Congressman Gasataya,

Hello! This is Gabie, your biological daughter whom you have neglected in the last 15 years or so. I thought I would let you know that I have successfully finished high school here in Canada, through hard work and perseverance and by the grace of God and my family’s support, my mom, step dad or uncle and half-brother. My highest mark was in my Writer’s Craft class where I got 91% and so I hope that mark is reflected in this letter.

Though I bear your name and your blood runs in my veins, you have never been a father to me. I am now 18, and about to start a new chapter in my life in university. It’s a whole new world to explore and I’m excited and nervous at the same time. But before I start this new chapter, I feel the need for closure on what you did and didn’t do when I reached out to you earlier this year.

Congressman Gasastaya (I’m sorry but I cannot even call you “father”) when I left the Philippines in 2009, you broke my heart when you didn’t show up to say goodbye. My mom has arranged for us to meet for the last time because she knew it will be years again before I will be able to see you. But you stood me up at the last minute for some flimsy reason of having a meeting out of town. My 11-year-old mind didn’t understand why you couldn’t make it. I remember holding back the tears as I asked my mom why… but she didn’t have any answers for me.

In my last seven years here in Canada, I haven’t received a single phone call from you… not one Christmas card nor a birthday card. I am Gabie Gasataya, daughter of my mother, step-daughter of my uncle, sibling to my half-brother, granddaughter to my nana, grandpa and lolo… I am Gabie Gasataya, daughter of the universe, but not yours. I stopped asking why a long time ago. I know that dwelling on it will only screw me up. I am smart enough to keep that thought sealed in the deep recesses of my brain.




But, where our father-daughter relationship stops, your legal responsibility does not. As a member of the newly installed Philippine Congress, I know you have full understanding of family law. But even with that understanding, you have clearly and deliberately abandoned your obligation to me by not providing child support. You did so only in 2012 and 2013 when you sent $100-$150 from time to time which you abruptly cut off. Back then, my mom asked you for child support knowing it was only a matter of time before I go to university. Your financial situation has significantly improved that time after being elected into public office a number of times already.

Before my 18th birthday earlier this year, I told my mom I will ask you again for child support because it is my right as your biological child. I was also burdened with the thought of finishing university with a $50,000 student loan. My mom found a lawyer in Bacolod to represent me and an undertaking was drafted for you to sign. The undertaking stated that you swear to pay a monthly child support until I finish university. But you never signed the undertaking. On April, 2016, the child support that you started sending on January, 2016 stopped. Similar to what you’ve done in 2013, you cut me off without any explanation.

After this, I know that the next logical thing is to push through with my child support case to compel you to fulfill your responsibility. Believing in the justice system, I know that the court can compel you to act responsibly. What an irony when your campaign slogan in the recent elections said that you champion education for the poor. And here I am, your own flesh and blood, and you intentionally cut me off. You became every poor student’s champion, except mine, your own daughter. You are sending your step-daughter to one of the most expensive universities in the Philippines -- and yet you have abandoned me.

When it was brought to your attention that I am pursuing the child support case, you and 3 of your political friends and donors contacted my mom so I won’t pursue the case. On an internet phone conference with my mom, your political friends offered to pay for my child support in the amount of 2 million pesos on your behalf. They told my mom that they are doing it because it is the right thing to do. They said your second wife is preventing you from sending the child support so they will do it as a favor to you. While you barely said a word in the phone conference you thanked your friends and told them you owe them one. You and your friends then told my mom to delete all the negative posts she wrote on Facebook against you, Mr Congressman Gasataya. Afterwards, you asked my mom how much I needed for the first year and you told her that your friends will take care of everything. Your friends asked us to drop the child support case because they will take care of me. And then you Congressman Gasataya told us your group will send $4000 by the end of May, 2016 to cover for the university deposit.

The month of June, 2016 came and went and you and your friends have forgotten about our conversation/ agreement. Once again I became a victim of your schemes. Your political friends were worried that your name will be tainted and your transition from the city government to congress will be a rough one with a child support case on your head so you stopped me from pursuing the case with another false promise… another lie. Should I have expected anything less from you?

I have applied for a student loan which has to be paid when I finish my university. I know my mom has my back and she will do everything to help me in my new journey. But it would have been a huge help, if you had championed my education too – in the same way that you had championed the education of the poor students of Bacolod.



It was wrong for me to think you had the decency to help me since you are now doing better than 10 years ago when you were just starting in your political career. Congratulations Mr. Gasataya! You are now a true-blue politician who can deceive and play on the hopes and future of an 18-year-old girl like me. I am dismayed that you have lost your humanity when it comes to me.

Somehow, I thank you for opening my eyes... that people like you become less human and more greedy with more power in your hands. How you treated me with false promises, lies and deception is a real reflection of who you are. I cannot imagine how you credit your victories to the Glory of God and profess to be a good Christian when you can do this to me.

This letter is my closure. I want you to know how I feel. I am dismayed. When before I felt robbed of a relationship with you, now I feel disgust of what a politician you have become. I want the people you serve to know who you really are. You do not serve them, but you serve the interests of your political friends. I want your President to know who he is working with -- an irresponsible father, someone who owes favor to political friends, someone who has strings attached. Thank you for the bitter life lessons. I have learned to be brave and strong, to believe in myself and my capabilities. I asserted my rights. I took a stand. But I am just a girl. I do not have your elaborate schemes of deception. I do not have your resources. But this here, is my payment and my closure – to expose you for who you really are.

Just a girl,
Gabie Gasataya

Cc: President Rodrigo Duterte
Philippine President

National media – GMA, ABS, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Bacolod Media, People of Bacolod




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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod


Related Post:




Negros Island was in a woeful state at the eve of the snap elections in 1986.  Negros as a word was synonymous to "Crisis" in those days.  For the longest time, the sugar industry, romanticized by the well-heeled landowners of Negros and Iloilo, was the prima donna of Philippine ......Read More





Saturday, April 30, 2016

Saturday, April 30, 2016

From Twinkling April 29, 2016 : A Woman Nobly Planned

From Twinkling April 29, 2016 : A Woman Nobly Planned

This came from Tita Ninfa Leonardia's column in the Visayan Daily Star, April 20, 2016 .

How many times have I started to write this column since Monday? After starting a sentence, I would stop, start another one, and then another, and finally write something else, something that would not cause tears to fall on the machine, and have me bawling again. I admitted that I was in a terrible stage of denial, because I did not want to write about something that had caused such shock and grief as what I felt Monday night.

***

My sister Perla and I had just been having our regular medical check-ups, and having to see two doctors in one afternoon had us cooling our heels for a total of almost four hours, including the stop at the pharmacy to get the prescriptions filled. It was while we were on our way to the STAR office that I got a text message from Dr. Ver Lacson, who was in Manila, informing that our dear friend Ivy Visitacion was in a bad state, at the hospital Intensive Care Unit, at that! I immediately wanted to rush to the hospital, but my sister reminded me that we were already late for work, and I had still a lot of articles to edit, as well as my column to write.

***

That was almost 8 o'clock already, so I realized she was right. But I still planned to go to the hospital, no matter how late we left the office. It was only after a few minutes, I think, when Carla came rushing down looking grim, saying it was John Orola on the phone, and he was afraid to talk to me. What else could I think? It took a long time before either John or I could be coherent enough to talk about what happened. Without words, I understood what his call meant, as we communicated with our sobs and hiccups.

***

How could either of us believe that Ivy, our glamorous, ever available, intelligent, talented and constant companion at socials, religious activities, club affairs, outings, and all kinds of activities, always glowing, impeccably made up, with not a blonde hair out of place, be gone? How can we stand not being able to call, or get a call from her in the wee hours of the morning when she caught a piece of news on TV she thought we would be interested in? Or some harmless gossip about people we both know?

***

Although she grew up in Dumaguete and came to Bacolod only later, it seems we have known each other forever. Our careers had parallels, too. While I was involved in the print media, she was in radio. We were two girls trying to get a foot into the field formerly monopolized by men. At about the same time, she became president of the local Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters sa Pilipinas, while I headed the Negros Press Club. That was why I always got invited to KBP affairs and she to the NPC gatherings.

***

I left Bacolod to work in Makati and was gone for some six years, but when I returned to Bacolod, I got involved in press affairs again. We were able to renew ties once more, until the time when she gave up her radio work, which was near the time the DAILY STAR was born. For years, I cajoled her into writing for the STAR, but she always said writing was not her forte. I didn't believe her, and persisted, until she gave in. Later she told me how much she enjoyed writing “Behind the Scenes”, and how grateful she was that I “forced” her to write. Soon I noted that she had been giving good advice to radio fans, an asked her if she could do a “Tell Your Tita” column in the paper. It became a hit immediately. Even men would comment on it, and it tickled her.

***

For the DAILY STAR's 34 th anniversary, she said she could not get up because of severe arthritic pains. I worried about her because she had also told me that her doctor had already called her a “walking time bomb” because of her erratic blood pressure. But, as her son, Pastor Gary, admitted yesterday, his Mom loved to eat. Although we kidded her about her increasing weight, she didn't mind. She was one who could take any teasing with aplomb, but warned us that once she had chased someone down Lacson Street, in front of their studio then, with a kitchen knife! Guess who?

***

How could one talk or write calmly about such a friend? Her son told me that she had asked him recently to do something she wanted for my brother Bing, of whom she was very protective. Ah, we will miss our regular Saturday dinners at L'Fisher where the waiters already memorize our favorite dishes. Although I know she is now happy with her Saviour, how can we, her friends, not continue to miss this multi-talented woman, and wonderful mother to her children? Dearest Ivy, we will all miss you so!*

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Behind the Scenes - April 14, 2016 : Christian's Birthday Bash

Behind the Scenes - April 14, 2016 : Christian's Birthday Bash
Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion


 There was an air of joyful anticipation at the birthday bash thrown by Dr. Ver Lacson for Christian Gustilo, 26, at his sprawling residence.

When I arrived, the aroma of irresistible scrumptious dishes wafted from the kitchen. A huge lechon dominated an entire wall of the dining area. I peeped at the chafing dishes on the buffet and was delighted to find my favorite party fare all spread out, ready for the evening's “attack”.

It was so nice to see old friends and new acquaintances gathered at the dining table, filling the air with laughter, jokes and the latest burning issues of the day.

My balikbayan friend, Malu, came with beautiful young members of her family. Everyone was impressed with the tall and golden-skinned Ena Velasco, Miss Mandaue 2015. They said she should have entered the Bb Pilipinas beauty contest as her exotic looks would surely captivate the audience and the judges. She even exuded the “X” factor needed to be a winner.

Birthday celebrator Christian was all over the place, seeing to it that the guests, especially his barkada, were having a great time. Dr. Ver was rhapsodizing about how much they enjoyed watching “Les Misérables” at plush Solaire in Manila. The cost of the tickets was (hold your breath) eight thousand pesos per person!

Everyone enjoyed the gastronomic treat and previous diet resolutions were quickly forgotten as we feasted on succulent huge prawns delicately bathed in lemon butter sauce. The chicken curry special dish ala Ver was simply superb.

Fresh fruits of all colors dazzled the eyes and delighted the palate. The dessert table was groaning with mouth-watering fruit salad and various cakes and pastries. Wotta feast! *

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Thursday, April 07, 2016

Behind the Scenes - April 7, 2016 : A Wild Live Love Party

Behind the Scenes - April 7, 2016 : A Wild Live Love Party
Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion


 Over a thousand fitness enthusiasts from the Negros Island Region, Cebu and Iloilo filled the St. John's Institute activity center during the staging of what is considered as one of the biggest Zumba parties staged in Negros Occidental in recent memory.

The “Live Love Party” event started with a motorcade in the morning. Fabulous floats represented by various Zumba groups added attraction to the activity. G2D won as best float, while the muse of Panaad NGC Body Jammers, Vergie Amago, was chosen as Ms. Zumba Shaolin Oil.

The float competition was participated in by Danzfit, Ayala Angels, Menlo Zumba, G2D, Hataw sa Lagoon, and Gaisano Zumba group.

The “Live Love Party”, led by lone Filipino Zumba education specialist Prince Paltu-ob and his better half, Madelle Paltu-ob, gave Zumba enthusiasts a two-hour energy-packed and fun-filled fitness party that was jam-packed from start to finish.

Madelle said this is one of the LLP provincial gigs they had where she has felt so much warmth and passion from participants. She added she was so inspired to give her all, seeing how happy the enthusiasts were and how much they love Zumba. It was a live experience indeed with terrific modern production - from huge Led wall, confetti blast and smoke blast that made every enthusiast feel like they are in a live Asap show!

The energy was electrifying. Major raffle prizes, like trips to Manila, added excitement to the party. The Paltu-ob couple was joined by the LLP crew, composed of Zumba jammer Marlex Pagunalan, who is based in New Zealand, Mark, Che and Gail. With them also were Manila Zin RJ Areja and Cebu's Alex Estrada.

Local licensed Zumba instructors under ZiNegros and those from Dumaguete and Iloilo added spice to the fitness party.*

Thursday, April 07, 2016

Why Is MIAA GM Honrado So Unexpendable?

Why Is MIAA GM Honrado So Unexpendable?
After the black out in NAIA Terminal 3 last week, it puzzles us why MIAA General Manager Honrado can still hoodwink all of us into an assertion that he is still the best person for the job at the world's worst international airport.

The DOTC Secretary is of no help as well pinning the blame on bad luck.  Bad luck?!!!...Secretary Abaya of all people should be the perfect person to understand what went wrong being a mechanical engineer.  As a person adept with numbers and statistics the probability of this happening and an ensuing generator breakdown could have surely been avoided and not left to luck.  Duhhh.

Back to Honrado.  We are starting off with the label that NAIA is one of the worst international airports in the world.  With that setback, I ask, "Why didn't we field the best there is to handle this?".  In the Senate hearings on the Laglag Bala issue, it was very clear on TV that Honrado does not comprehend the impact of his role as MIAA GM and the responsibility which comes along with it.  It is also evident that the job is way above Honrado's league.  As a housewife, I even wonder if he can manage the frenzy I handle each day here at home.  Seriously.  PNoy should have gotten a woman for the job if there was fixing to be done.

So why is he still there and so unexpendable?  My simple mind can only think of one thing.  That he could be protecting the web of unaudited income which goes around the entire NAIA terminals.  Think of concessions, all the unnecessary rituals concessionaires even have to deal with before they finally get their concessions.  And where does the money trail lead back to?

I pity sobrino Mar.  All of this negative flak is hurting his campaign for President.  For all the travel-loving Filipinos who find joy in taking advantage of the cheap flights, they cannot take another six more years of this ineptitude which results into obvious inconvenience.

I said that because yesterday, in convincing relatives to go for Mar, I received piercing words which went into me like a hot knife into a stick of butter.  "Tita, I am sorry but I cannot accept another six years of this kind of incompetent leadership".

The truth really hurts.






---------------------

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Thursday, March 31, 2016

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Behind the Scenes - March 31, 2016 : A Montilla Family Gathering

Behind the Scenes - March 31, 2016 : A Montilla Family Gathering
Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion


 It was truly a night to remember when the Montilla clan held a family gathering at Lina's Alfresco Dining in Bacolod, that is owned by a relative, where family members from all over gathered for an evening of good food, excellent wine, and renewed bonding.

The turnout was fantastic. Relatives, who had not seen each other for so many years, happily greeted each other with beso beso y abrazo, speaking in Spanish, English and Ilonggo, all at once.

This is one of the old families of Negros Occidental who, through the years, have made a name for themselves in various fields; politicians, sugar barons, academe, medicine, businessmen (and women), beauty queen, etc. They are known as the “crème de la crème, the “de buena familia” of the province.

I happened to be at the party with my “ladies who lunch” group, composed of Ditas and Cristy Montilla and Leda Peña. These Montilla ladies insisted that I come with them to see for myself how the family gets together. And true enough, one could see the genuine affection and respect they have for each other despite any minor differences in the past. This goes to show that “blood is thicker than water”.

I was told that this gathering is in preparation for the grand Montilla family reunion to be held sometime in the near future. It was, indeed, a most pleasant experience to be in the midst of Negrense “blue-bloods”.*

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Behind the Scenes - March 17, 2016 : A Riotous Hawaiian Luau

Behind the Scenes - March 17, 2016 : A Riotous Hawaiian Luau
Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion


What a fun-filled evening!
 

The WoW (Women of Wonders) Ladies Club held its first quarter birthday celebration cum induction of new members recently at Bacolod’s Ambience Ballroom, Pavillon Hotel, on the theme, “A Hawaiian Luau”.
 

The place was blooming with flowers of all colors and sizes as the ladies came wearing their most colorful Hawaiian costumes with flowers adorning their hair, wrists and beautiful leis framing their lovely faces. Everyone was in a party mood, all set to have fun. The program started with especially-prepared games, and shrieks of excitement, laughter and good-natured ribbing filled the air as the elegant ladies scrambled on the floor to find the needed items to win the fabulous prizes meticulously prepared by Baby Bonnin. What a sight they made.
 

Mercifully, dinner was announced and the group crowded the buffet table where scrumptious party dishes were laid out for all to enjoy. A spirited Hawaii 50 dance was performed by some members, led by Julie Carbon, which was greeted with cheers and applause. Lina Lim and her dance partner Edgard performed a passionate Argentine tango number, that was so perfectly executed that the audience insisted on an encore number which they graciously granted.
 

Judge Lorna Demonteverde inducted the new members, clad in her formal judge’s black toga. The new members spoke of how glad they were to be part of this exciting ladies’ group which they found to be the most fun and enjoyable. Club president Inday Pefianco thanked all those who made the evening successful.
 

Highlight of the evening was the ballroom dancing as members and DIs filled the dance floor, swinging, sashaying, shaking, and grooving till they dropped. Whew! Wotta night!*

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Behind the Scenes - March 10, 2016 : VMA's Vin d'Honneur

Behind the Scenes - March 10, 2016 : VMA's Vin d'Honneur
Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion


 “Vin d' Honneur” is the traditional way of celebrating a bountiful harvest from newly-produced and processed wine in France. It is done in the Philippines to celebrate the New Year by diplomats and foreigners during social gatherings.

For the first time, the VMA Global College celebrated its bountiful harvest for year 2016 by producing 658 students to become future professionals and businessmen in their chosen fields of endeavor.

It was an evening of glitz, glamour and beauty. The VMA Global College Graduation Ball 2016 was a glittering affair held at SMX Bacolod recently. The colors and lights of the venue set the mood of a glamorous soiree oozing with pomp and pageantry, as ladies came dressed in their formal evening gowns adorned with blings that glittered with the chandeliers. The gentlemen looked dashing and debonair in their formal suits and gala white uniforms.

Everyone looked with awe as tall and beautiful Leren Mae Bautista, Miss Tourism Queen International, walked in wearing a midnight blue formfitting gown. Another stunning lady was the very fair and delicate Sandra Prasasvinitchai, wife of the Thai ambassador to Kuwait. Other special guests were visitors from Japan, Switzerland, and local government officials.

Bautista, who stands 5 feet 9 inches tall in her stockinged feet, towered over Congressman Bing Leonardia and John Orola in her 6-inch stilettos.

Orola welcomed the guests to the reception as he reminisced about how VMA has grown from its humble beginnings to what it is now – a global college with a huge number of students. Wine was offered to the guests as they enjoyed dinner. Soprano champion Hannah Louise Gonzales thrilled the audience with her exquisite voice. A special cotillon dance number was presented by the students of VMA to delight the appreciative audience.*

- © Titas de Bacolod 2021