Maniolas

Lourdes “Odette” A. Ricasa is a globetrotting traveler, author, poet, painter and realtor who has traveled to 257 countries and has accumulated a total of 1.8 million flight time miles, having been awarded a certificate by the Travelers’ Century Club, honoring her for travelling to more than 250 countries worldwide for constant travelling. For the past 14 years, Odette has likewise established a travel group called National Travel Club whose monthly meetings have guest speakers presenting and sharing their travel experiences worldwide. World traveler, author, poet Odette Ricasa in front of Golestan Palace, Iran. Her passion for traveling began when she was in high school and dreamt to live in the US to enable her to travel the world. And that’s exactly what she did when she immigrated here, ‘got married and worked two jobs, setting aside all their extra income for travel expenses. For Odette, “travel gives a new concept in my spirituality. I love the sounds, the smell, the laughter and social temper of the world…When I board a plane, there is soulfulness that cheers my soul – embracing civilization and the beauty of our planet; it symbolizes people’s lives and culture.” Further, Odette writes: “travel is an indescribable joy, a dash of rainbow, a strong determination to see the smiling sky and feel the warm earth. A sudden feeling of strength, in a sort of confused reverie with colossal nerves, we continue to destinations to have a special meaning; we end up discovering mysterious things. It is important to have a Read More …

Giovanna Fontanilla (2nd left), director of the University of Santo Tomas Community Development Office, announces Pope Francis’ activities when he visits the pontifical university during his trip to the Philippines in January. The Pope will meet with leaders of various religions and youth representatives. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Pope Francis has been honing his English speaking skills for his upcoming visit to the Philippines on January 15 to 19, the Vatican said on Wednesday. Translating Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi’s speech at a press conference on Wednesday, Pontificio Collegio Filippino rector Fr. Gregory Ramon Gaston in an interview on state-run Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM), said the Italian and Spanish-speaking Pope will deliver all his speeches and homilies in English. “Pinaghahandaan niya talaga… Hindi lang inihahanda ang texts na gagamitin, kung hindi, pina-practice kung paano ito sasabihin, ang mga text na ito,” Gaston said. He added that should the Argentine Pope encounter any difficulties with the language, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle will translate for him. Gaston also pointed out that since some Filipinos know how to speak in Spanish, the Pope may use that to communicate. “Marami rin marunong mag-Spanish sa Philippines, so baka mag-konting Espanyol siya,” he noted. He also said the Pope is now more confident with his English-speaking skills after he successfully spoke the language in some of his speeches during his visit to South Korea last year. Pope Francis will also be speaking English during his trip to Sri Lanka, where he will spend Read More …

http://dpw.lacounty.gov/epd LA County Public Works will host a free used motor oil and oil filter recycling event on January 10, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, at the Maywood O’Reilly Auto Parts, located at 4401 Slauson Ave. When used oil is illegally dumped into storm drains, it pollutes local water bodies and contaminates sources of clean drinking water. In fact, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, it only takes one gallon of motor oil to contaminate as much as a million gallons of fresh water. That is equivalent to a year’s supply of drinking water for 50 people. In exchange for properly disposing of their used oil during the event, participants will be rewarded with free used oil containers, oil filters, shop towels, and funnels. Those recycling oil filters will receive one new oil filter. Promotional items are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Items for drop-off should be prepared by placing oil filters in sealed plastic bags and storing used motor oil in leak-proof containers. Used oil should not be mixed with any other liquid, including water. Used motor oil and oil filters can also be recycled for free at a local certified collection center or on weekends at a County-sponsored Household Hazardous Waste/Electronic Waste collection event. A full calendar of collection events and list of collection centers can be found at www.CleanLA.com. For additional information on the County’s oil and oil filter recycling program, call Edna Gandarilla, Program Manager, at (626) 458-6536.

Marian Rivera (MNS photo) Marian Rivera lamented the apparent mindset among Filipinos that those who speak English fluently are more intelligent, saying she is not one to claim proficiency in the language. “Hindi ko alam kung paano ko bubuksan ‘yung mga pag-iisip ng ibang tao,” the 30-year-old actress said. “Kapag hindi ka magaling mag-English, kahit nakatapos ka ng college mo, kahit mabait kang tao, kahit mapagmahal ka sa pamilya mo, kahit matulungin ka sa kapwa mo, feeling nila bobo ka.” “Pero ‘pag matalino ka, kahit ipokrita ka, kahit sinungaling ka o ano mang definition nila, bakit ang tingin ng tao, maayos pa rin, basta nakakapag-Ingles ang isang tao?” She added: “Hindi ko makuha ‘yung analyzation na gano’n. Iyon ba ang basehan ng mga tao sa pagiging isang matalino? Kapag hindi ka magaling mag-Ingles, pero maprinsipyo ka sa buhay, mapagmahal kang anak, mabait kang kaibigan, ibig sabihin ba noon, bobo ka?” Rivera talked about the topic during a visit to her alma mater, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, where she finished B.S. Pyschology, leading up to her December 30 wedding to actor Dingdong Dantes. During the presidential campaign in 2010, Rivera and Dantes were among the celebrity supporters of President Benigno Aquino III. The actress became the target of criticism and ridicule at the time when, in a televised interview, she defended the then-senator over allegations about his mental health. Referring to her degree, Rivera said, “Isa po akong psychology at nakikita ko na wala naman siyang (Aquino) diperensya.” The grammatically incorrect Read More …

Marco Yuchengco Santos, CEO of Boomerang Consultancy Pte. Ltd., with wife Carmen Romualdez Santos: They were also celebrating their 19th anniversary that evening.   Singapore’s Boomerang Consultancy Pte. Ltd., headed by chief executive officer Marco Yuchengco Santos,  in collaboration with Sphere (an events arm of Singapore Press Holdings, Inc.), brought to Manila a unique gastronomic experience. Borrowing the same idea that has brought delight to foodies and the culinary world in Singapore for the past four years, Epicurean Masters, presented by Banco de Oro (BDO), gathered world-class celebrity chefs last Nov. 19, 24 and Dec. 3.  I was able to attend the Dec. 3 event with chef Diego Chiarini at Finestra restaurant in Solaire. According to Santos, “I am part of a project with the Singapore government to promote culinary events here in Manila since Asia has been increasingly enjoying the limelight as a success story, seen as the major force leading the recovery of the global economy in the aftermath of the last financial crisis.  “One keenly watched aspect is the growing depth of rich and diverse offerings in exceptional dining cuisines across Asia. The records bear this out as the number of award-wining Michelin-star chefs in Asia has been steadily rising, from Tokyo, Osaka to Hong Kong and Macau. Indeed, Tokyo now has the largest number of Michelin-rated restaurants in the world.” Against this vibrant backdrop lies the creation of “Asian Masters” — a celebration of who we are to the world. It is a gourmet and lifestyle event Read More …