And the usual "Hello September, Please be Nice!"

Trying to blog about something and ended up videotaping myself... The hashtag GGSS (gwapong gwapo sa sarili) fitly describes what I am feeling right now... Just allow me to enjoy this awesome feeling I have for now.. even just for now. haha

And isn't this what starting the month right should be...? Letting go of the thoughts that don't make you strong... Just be positive and think your AWESOME!

My Congressman is saying NO to PORK!

Yes, you read it right!

My congressman is saying No to PORK. Simply because he is a vegetarian. He's been a Vegan for 10 years now as part of his healthy lifestsyle.

On a more serious tone, I am blogging to announce that as of this writing I am working part-time also as one of his 3 consultants ( alongside with 2 other lawyers, his son Atty Harlin Abayon Jr and Atty. Neil Pelito) for the special project and development in the 1st District if Northern Samar.

More than being one of his consultants, I am proud to say that he helped me get through my college education being a recipient of Congressional Scholarship that he sponsored.

With my great pride to present the father of Northern Samar;

ATTY.  HARLIN CASTILLO ABAYON

          Harlin Castillo Abayon is a representative of the First District of Northern Samar to the House of Representatives, He also served this same post from 1998-2007 and Governor of Northern Samar, 1988-1998.  His 30 years in government service is a record of a colorful political career, given substance through sheer perseverance and hard work.

His political acumen is something which can only be described as admirable and exemplary. His success was never handed to him on a golden platter.  In 1980, he was elected mayor of San Antonio, Northern Samar, an island-town.  However, it was only on April 22, 1982 that he was able to assume office after a two-year court battle which he himself fought and was finally decided by the Supreme Court.

          His distinct brand of political strategies did not go unnoticed when during the 1986 election campaign, he was designated Provincial Coordinator for the Province of Northern Samar of the Cory Aquino for President Movement and Deputy Desk Officer for Region 8.  On March 1, 1986 he was appointed as Special Assistant to the Administrator of the National Food Authority, and shortly after on March 16, 1986, he climbed up to the Deputy Administrator level, a position he held until his appointment as OIC Vice Governor on November 1, 1986.

          In 1988, he proved the pundits wrong when he ran for governor.  Armed with the fire and energy of youth, he fought his way inch by inch until on March 1, 1988, he assumed as governor of the Province of Northern Samar, winning the election by a mere 37–vote margin.  He was but 37 years old then.

          From then on, victory was no longer elusive.  Re-elected in the May 1992 synchronized elections, he won a landslide convincing victory, breaking the political record as the first governor to win by such margin.  The people of Northern Samar again gave him an overwhelming margin during the May 1995 elections, breaking his own record.  After successfully completing three consecutive terms as governor, he ran for a seat in the House of Representatives during the May 11, 1998 elections.  The people of the first district of Northern Samar showed their confidence and respect for their former governor by giving him another landslide victory.  Again, he was reelected by another landslide victory on the May 14, 2001 and May 10, 2004 elections.

What are the legacies which the people of Northern Samar are thankful of Congressman Abayon? When he was governor, his vision mirrored his deep concern for the less fortunate constituents and his strong belief that the Nortehanons themselves are the most precious resource of the province.  His programs centered on improving people’s access to social services, particularly health, nutrition and education.  He launched the Social Amelioration Program as the centerpiece agenda of his administration, providing medical and burial assistance to people living below the poverty threshold.

He is the father of TAMBULIG, an inter-agency medical, dental and social action program that reaches out and serves Nortehanons in far-flung barangays.  Since August 1994, TAMBULIG has served more than 200,000 Nortehanons.

          In 1995, the Provincial Government, with the support of the Diocese of Catarman, the Philippine Independent Church and civic organizations, successfully implemented a mass wedding program in order to further strengthen the family as the basic and the most important social unit.

          He is very proud of the Home for Children and Adolescents, a drop-in center for abandoned and abused women and children, which he considers as the place where dreams are dreamt and realized.  He is equally proud of the Skills Training Center for Women, which is being assisted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency or JICA.  Through this, he hopes that the full potential of women will be realized as they become active partners in the development of the province.

          In 1988 when he assumed office as governor, peace and security in Northern Samar was, to some, a vague goal.  He worked tirelessly in restoring the people’s confidence in the government, people’s trust in the democratic processes, and people’s faith in democracy. His remarkable commitment and unwavering perseverance in his quest for peace earned him an Award during the 99^th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Army in Fort Bonifacio, Manila, coming from no less than President Fidel V. Ramos.  But according to him, this award is not his alone.  Rather, the award belongs to the people of Northern Samar for their individual and collective efforts in securing peace in the province. He conceptualized the help for Catubig Agricultural Advocate Project ( HCAAP ) which is funded in the amount of  Two Billion Five Hundred Million Pesos (P2.5 B).

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During his first term in the House of Representatives, he has earned the trust and confidence of his colleagues as manifested by his election as the Vice Chairman of the Committees on Civil Service and Professional Regulation, Health, and Government Enterprises and Privatization. On the other hand, he was Member of the Committees on Appropriations, Accounts, Ways and Means, Games and Amusement, Foreign Affairs, National Defense, Justice, and Public Order and Security.

          He has been a principal author and co–author of several bills of national and local significance.

He was awarded by the League of Press Associations of the Philippines as one of the twenty (20) Most Outstanding Congressmen of 1999 based on the quality of bills authored and co–authored, active participation in committee hearings and debates, responsiveness on projects, and immediate assistance towards constituents. 

          It was also a remarkable year for the realization of his biggest and most cherished dream – the improvement of roads, bridges and other structures such that of Catarman–Calbayog via Lope de Vega road amounting to PhP482, 000, 000.00 Yen Loan Package by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation Agency.

          On his second term in the House of Representatives, he was the Chairman of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education; Vice Chairman of the Committees on Civil Service and Professional Regulation, Transportation and Communications, and Health; and Member of the Committees on Appropriations, Accounts, Legislative Franchises, Local Government, Ways and Means, Games and Amusements, Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Public Order and Security, Revision of Laws National Defense, Energy, and Justice.

Representative Abayon, as Chairman on the Committee on Higher and Technical Education, believes that education helps reduce crime, binds society, and instills progressive attitudes and values in people bettering their responsiveness to change. In recognition to his commitment to Education, he received three Honoris Causa from well known colleges and universities – Doctor of Education by Western Mindanao State University, Doctor of Humanities by Cebu Normal University and Doctor of Humanities by Laguna State Polytechnic University.

His concern for the underprivileged and those who cannot afford the costly fees in pursuing higher education is manifested in all the projects and educational assistance he rendered to his constituents. Being the principal author and co-author of various house bills that converted many state colleges into state universities from different parts of the country, he eased the burden of the less fortunate students who are willing to continue their education. He authored the PRC Modernization Act of 2000 which is now Republic Act 8981. It recognizes the important role of professionals in nation building. He also authored the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001 which is now Republic Act 9163 which gave tertiary students the privilege to render personal, military or civil service, thus, promoting civic consciousness among the youth whom he considers the most valuable resource of our nation. He effectively pursued the implementation of many Infrastructure Development Projects like farm-to-market roads vital to the development of the province of Northern Samar.

On his third term in the House of Representatives, he was a member of Commission on Appointments, Deputy Majority Leader; Senior Vice Chairman for Committees on Higher and Technical Education, Civil Service and Professional Regulation; Vice Chairman of the Committees on Appropriations, and Information and Communications Technology; and Member of the Committees on Accounts, Agriculture, Banks and Financial Intermediaries, Energy, Export Promotions, Games and Amusements, Health, Justice, Legislative Franchises, Local Government, National Defense, Oversight, Public Works and Highways, Revision of Laws, and Transportation.

He co-authored R.A. 9335 that provides for the optimum performance in Revenue Collection through special incentives, rewards and lateral attrition; R.A. 9340 that resets the Barangay election, and extends the term of office of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Officials; and R.A. 9339 that further amends the franchise of Visayan Electric Company and renews its term of franchise to another twenty-five years. Furthermore, he co-authored R.A. 9262 that defines violence against women and their children, providing protective measures for the victims.

As a member of the House of Representatives and from the time he assumed office as Governor of the province, his aspiration to render genuine public service to the Nortehanons is a pledge of his endless commitment.

He was a Legal Consultant of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources from 2007-2009 and a Senior Partner in the Abayon Silva Salanatin and Associates Law Firm. He is the incumbent President of Philippine Forest Corporation, having assumed as such on March 20, 2009.

         

He is a lawyer by profession.  He is married to Daryl Grace Jagdon-Abayon and their family was blessed with three sons and a daughter.

(my very first narrative article about my congressman)

                       

Bibo's Corner

Last May 2013 I opened a small shop in Shopwise Araneta Center Cubao, such a tiny shop for garments, accessories and some PX goods pitted against Shopwise itself and big and bigger shops within Araneta Center. I've been asked  "Are you out of your mind? How Can you even compete?" Yet as stubborn as I am, I pushed through with my plans. You see; selling is really part of my being. And as always I am up for the challenge--- even if it seemed daunting.

We had struggles at first, but hey we're on our 4th month now, we managed to survive through the help of my sales staff Kathy and Gladys.

We don't sell items that you can find inside the Shopwise department store.

More than the money, it's really the passion for selling and trading for that matter--- as you get these items from your suppliers and pass it on to your customers. And being inspired by the mind of the youngsters who made it big from starting small to do what they do.

If you happen to be in Cubao do check out our shop--- I have a pretty assistant that will help you with your needs. Ciao!

Picture during our 1st month of operation with Kathy, our sales staff

Some of the items on display

with my sister Em, who helps me choose the merchandise

test. blog. test

My Sabbatical Trip

Ready to go where the wind blows.

I began this New Year as a single man, something I have never experienced in the last 5 years. My entire future I have created for us disappeared all at once. As the separation sank in, this dark cloud formed over my heart as i realized I was back at square one.

I know I was raised as a survivor. So as per usual it only took 3 weeks  to move back to our Kamias Apartment and maybe the idea of meeting someone new would really be helpful.

I met this person who lives in the idea that the best life is a simple life and that a simple wisdom is a cure for a complex life.

We've been constantly exchanging ideas and everytime I get the chance to see this person--- there's always a way to simplify things.

I was advised to go on a Sabbatical trip. It was supposed to be on Sagada but then settled for Baguio instead.

So my adventure began last Sunday Morning March 3, 2013 at 2am via Victory Liner. A 6 hour trip to Baguio was spent in Dreamland ( as i was really tired day before that, from doing inventory at the spa to checking some emails for our event).

1st Stop: Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral, Baguio City.

This is more like a "check-in" thing for me whenever I visit a place for a safe and smooth stay.

This whole journey (the post-breakup stage) has been very 'educational' for me.

1. I realized that as you age the level of pain decreases. I remember the experience of my very 1st break up when my relationship only lasted for 6 months. I was so devastated I didn't even know if I would ever move on but I have moved on...

2. I also came to realize that when my friends are experiencing the hurt of heartbreak I would often advice to let go and move on-- BUT it is easier said than done. When this happened to me I have learned to break down the concept of letting go; I looked at the things that I was hanging into and more importantly why? Those comfortable yet unhealthy things that had kept me in a relationship.

3. And travel is a great post break up remedy!

So welcome to the Summer Capital of the Philippines; now the city for wandering soul.

1st Meal in Baguio: Breakfast at Starcafe along Session Road ( Coffee, Pandesal and Pancit)

And like a backpacker, after that meal I was set for an adventure. Next was to find a good place to stay and rest for my 3 day hiatus.

I wanted to stay near the center (Session Road) so was finally checked in at Burnham Hotel. For a single room worth PhP1,200.00 I was able to use my bargaining skill and reduced it to PhP1,000 per night.

Complimentary coffee. Was so grateful for the Staff of Burnham Hotel for being so nice and accommodating . Special Mention to their Receptionist Ms. Jobelle who reminds me so much of KZ Tandingan of the Pinoy X-Factor. hehe

After that needed 2 hour rest, I knew I was ready to conquer this city again.

The adventure was a feast in my mouth and in my eyes as I was treated with great street food, fruits while enjoying the best scenery.

moi at Mines View

This is also such a budget-friendly travel with a little less than PhP 5,000.00--- my 3 day stay in Baguio got all covered!

Wine tasted better at Bohemian Bar

Camote Meringue

Dynamite at Tam-Awan Village Resto

Tam-Awan Village, Strawberry Farm, Bell Church, Mines View, The Mansion, Lourdes Grotto, Good Shepherd Convent, Burnham Park, Acoustic Nights At Session Road. 

Let me finish this blog by the words of my great "mentor" Mark Twain:  “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” 

I say, LIFE IS TOO SHORT; just pack your bags and GO

until then....