On their Skin-on Fries:
On their La delice
On their Cafe Mocha
On their Tawilis:
Tin: Maasim| Wet and Wild Workout By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA Published MOD March 2011 Summer is the perfect time to hit the beach, and water sports are perfect tricks to shed off those unwanted bulges! | ||||||||
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| Parasailing “In 2012, there will be 10 sailing events at the Olympics. Six men’s events, and four women’s events. Not many other sports can match that,” says Peter Capotosto of the Taal Lake Yacht Club. “It is more of a mind sport than a body sport, so it is perfect for Filipinos because we are not anatomically-disadvantaged from the start. Agility and tactics are much more important than height or weight.” What to bring. Sailboats and kayaks that are for rent and relatively inexpensive, sailing lifevests that are different from most other lifevests, and sailing harnesses Where to go. Taal Lake Yacht Club, a parasailing hotbed. Sailing classes are by appointment, year-round. It has Hobie catamaran Regattas every second Sunday of the month, and it’s less than an hour and a half from Makati. The club organizes regattas in other areas from November to April. Other common destinations are Punta Fuego, Tali Beach, Corregidor, Puerto Galera, Anilao, and Boracay. For details. Taal Lake Yacht Club (website: tlyc.com) or Puerta Galera Yacht Club (website: pgyc.org). Windsurfing “The latest craze is kitesurfing, where the sail is a parachute-like giant kite, high in the air, that you control while zooming along the top of the water on a wakeboard. Windsurfers and kiteboarders like lots of wind,” says Peter. What to bring. Peter says the only gear you need that is “sailing-specific” is sailing gloves, and these are usually available at the club where you will learn to sail. He adds, “Your feet will get wet, so if you have diving booties, bring them. But any shoes that you don’t mind getting wet will do.” Sun protection is important, so cap, sunscreen, and sunglasses are highly recommended. Peter also advises to bring a couple of shoe laces. “The instructor will show you how to tie your cap and glasses so you won’t lose them,” he says. Where to go. Boracay, and Pagudpud in Ilocos. For details. Taal Lake Yacht Club (website: tlyc.com) or Puerta Galera Yacht Club (website: pgyc.org). Surfing Says Paolo Soler of Philippine Surfing Academy, “Surfing is uniquely different from other sports since it is essentially non-competitive and better described as a lifestyle rather than a sport. It’s the most natural human recreational activity that requires no audience or point system.” He adds that although there are surfing competitions that involve scores and rules, free-surfing only needs the natural and invisible energy of waves that push water molecules to propel the surfer on a constantly moving environment. Being immersed in nature and invisible energy rewards the surfer with a blissful feeling usually referred to in surfer lingo as the feeling of being ‘stoked.’ What to bring. Sunblock, a lycra rash guard, board shorts, and a soft surfboard when taking your first lessons. To avoid unnecessary injury, Paolo advises to make sure to take your first surfing experience under the guidance of a qualified professional surfing instructor and use the safer versions of surfing equipment such as a soft surfboard. Where to go. According to Paolo, the top beginner spots are Club Manila East, Taytay wavepools, Real, Quezon, San Juan, La Union, Zambales, and Baler, Aurora, while top intermediate to advanced level spots are Cloud 9, Siargao Island, ABCD Beach, Calicoan Island, and Cobra Reef, Baler. “All the rest are secrets,” he adds. For details. Philippine Surfing Academy (Cell phone number: 09175827878; website: www.philippinesurfingacademy.com; e-mail: info@philippinesurfingacademy.com). Scuba Diving Scuba (or self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving is one of the most, if not the most, relaxing water sports. “Nothing beats the freedom it offers, the feeling of flying in mid-water while scanning the contours of walls and canyons underwater,” says Scuba World’s Dale Uy. “If you have traveled around the world and you think you’ve seen everything, you’re wrong. It is a new world down there!” What to bring. Tank, BCD or a bouyancy control compensator device, regulator, mask snorkel fins, wetsuit, and led weights. Where to go. For Dale, the best dive spot here in the Philippines is still the Tubbataha Reef west of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. He also recommends the dive sites in Anilao, Batangas. His favorite is Twin Rocks, highlighted with the school of jacks which goes into a ball formation because of the massive volume—good for underwater photographers. “Anilao is also a haven for macro photographers,” Dale adds. For details. Dale or Dexter of Scuba World Inc., which offers free introductory dives at any branch in Manila (phone numbers: (02) 8953551, 09175493650, or 09082123734). White Water Rafting River sports, specifically white water rafting, is not the usual water sport. “In this, you don’t need to be good in particular skills like swimming as long as you listen to the river guide and you cooperate with the crowd,” says Jessie Jhon Magkilat, operations manager of 1st Rafting Adventure. Water rafting is also a sport where the family or barkada can have bonding moments. Says Jessie, “During the water rafting, you have only two tasks: first, to paddle, and second, to relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the area.” What to bring. Helmet, life vest, and paddle. These gears are usually provided by the company. Where to go. Cagayan Valley, particularly in Tuguegarao, and Davao City. “But the best and pioneer companies for these water sports are located in Cagayan de Oro City,” says Jessie. For details. 1st Rafting Adventure (phone numbers: (088) 8563514, (088) 8571270, 09173255544, or 09088849575; e-mail: riverguide95@yahoo.com; website: www.raftingadventurephilippines.com). | ||||||||
And then splash!
no review, as our friend who ate this did not say anything, so you decide
I Am Pretending That My Baby Is Adopted’ As told to ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA Published MOD May 2010 THE first time that Mirdianne* learned that she was pregnant, she cried-but they were not tears of joy. At 28, Mirdianne was at that stage which many would consider the right age to have a baby. Also, she had a stable job working for the finance department of a retail company, so she could provide for her child. But she and Lito, an officemate who worked for the logistics department, were not ready for parenthood. They were just having fun, they succumbed to their passions, but they were careful... or so they thought. At first, Mirdianne noticed her menstruation skipping. But she didn’t bother about it because after all, she had an irregular pattern. But five months after, she still didn’t have that monthly visit. So she decided to have a home pregnancy test. The test turned out positive. She didn’t know how to tell Lito. Things were complicated. They weren’t formally a couple. People in the office didn’t even know that they were going out. Nevertheless, abortion did not cross her mind. Yet, she did not know what to do. So, she searched the Internet for answers. She found emotional support. The first person she told about her pregnancy was a pro-life minister, whom she met online. Later on, she found the courage to tell her mother and sister, who were both in the province. She went home and told them, but they decided to keep it first from the rest of the family, including her father. Their plan: she would live in a home for women in crisis until she gives birth. Then she will legally adopt her own baby. She will tell people that the baby belongs to a less fortunate woman and that she’s adopting the baby out of charity. Today, Mirdianne is one of the women housed at Grace To Be Born. She found a refuge in this non-government organization which helps women in crisis, especially giving shelter to pregnant women who do not want to resort to abortion. At Grace To Be Born, she is learning how to take care of babies by looking after babies of other women in the home. Now she has accepted her baby-a boy-wholeheartedly and plans to name him Samuel, a character from the Bible who was adopted by a priest. Things are still complicated with Lito, though. He still sends her text messages, but he doesn’t give any financial or emotional support, which Mirdianne is not hoping for anymore. Mirdianne is on maternity leave, even as her officemates still do not know who the father of her child is. She has to work to be able to provide for her baby, but she plans to look for a job in another company. “I will raise him up as my adopted child,” Mirdianne says of the baby she will deliver anytime soon. “But when the time comes that he can already understand, I will tell him the truth.” Note: *Although events in the story are true, names of places, persons, and some circumstances have been altered to protect the identity of those involved. Any similarity to actual names of places and persons, whether living or deceased, is purely coincidental. |
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Published MOD November 2010
SHE may seem like your typical demure girl, always smiling, answering questions—even controversial ones--in a gentle tone, but Sarah Geronimo has no qualms singing for an audience or acting out a scene in front of the camera.
“I’m not shy when I’m on stage–singing and dancing. That’s the time when I’m the most confident. That’s when I lose my inhibitions. I can do anything up on stage,” Sarah says.
Maybe that is why even at the start of her career, Sarah had already earned praises from big-named stars, seeing the potential in her at an early age.
Maricel Soriano her costar in her first film project, Filipinas, commented during the film’s promo tour, “That girl will go far. She’s only 14, right? For someone like Sarah na first time mag-pelikula, mahusay siya. Bibilib ka sa kanya. Maaaring ang ibang tao may iba pang expectations sa kanya, but for me, okay na okay siya.”
During Sarah’s 2005 solo concert, The Other Side, at the Araneta Colisuem, Regine Velasquez, Sarah’s idol, already crowned her not just as the pop princess but as the country’s pop queen, as she was able to match the Asia’s songbird’s belting power during their rendition of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston songs. “Madaming tao ang nagmamahal sa 'yo at isa na ako duon na laging maasahan mo sa suporta," said Regine.
Indeed, Sarah has proven herself well to her peers as much as to her fans. To all this success, she credits her family.
Like with learning To Love You More, her winning piece in the Star for a Night singing search and which eventually became her signature hit. After an unfortunate incident, Sarah never wanted to belt out this piece. It was her father, Delfin, who pushed her to persevere on learning the tune. With enough determination, she sang the Celine Dion original and won the top prize in the contest.
Now, she continues to grow more as an artist, as she molds her acting prowess, working with actors who she knows she can learn from. She tells ABS-CBN.com, “As an individual na artist mas nakakapag-experiment ako to explore sa career and hindi ka nasa-stuck at hindi ka nakukulong sa isang kahon. Maganda na ganito. ”
In her latest prime time starrer, Idol, she is paired with Sam Milby and Coco Martin. The team-up seems to be growing on Sarah as she comments to ABS-CBN.com, “Pareho nga akong kinikilig sa kanila. Kapag ka-eksena ko si Sam may kilig, kay Coco iba din ‘yung kilig.”
She talks more fondly about her leading men to ABS-CBN.com. “Nakakusap ko na rin si Sam magkaibigan na rin kami. Alam ko kung gaano siya kabuting tao. Thankful ako na nagkaroon kami ng ganitong chance na magkatrabaho dito sa isang napakagandang proyekto. Masaya rin po katrabaho si Coco at minsan nga ang tawag ko sa kanya Direk Co kasi napaka-professional. Para siyang direktor."
With her versatility, noteworthy performances, platinum albums, sold-out concerts, and box-office movies to her name, Sarah reminds us that she is indeed a certified Idol.
Secrets, Secrets
Hair Care. “Siyempre bilang performer, napaka-importante how my hair looks. But with my hectic schedule hindi ako makapunta ng salon or makapagpa-treatment kaya I really need the best hair products available. With Sunsilk, my hair is softer and you can really see the difference from before Sabi ni Yuko (Yamashita, hair expert) i-avoid ko daw ang too much friction, like sobrang towel drying or even aggressive brushing, para laging smooth and straight ang hair ko.”
Money Management. “Ang laking tulong po ng Cebuana Lhuillier sa buhay ng pamilya ko noon. Nagsasangla si mommy before to tend to our expenses. Ngayon naman nandito ako para magbigay inspirasyon din sa ibang tao.”
Sexual Harassment: The Horror, the Horror
By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA
Published MOD October 2010 Halloween Issue
IT might happen in school, in the office, or even at your home.
“Sexual harassment is any behaviour or verbal expression that one find offensive,” according to Dr. Genuina Ranoy of St. Luke’s Medical Center. “It depends on the perception of the person. For some people, it is not sexual harassment because okay lang na ginagawa yun.”
A simple act of putting one’s arm over the shoulder when it is inappropriate and makes one of the parties involved uncomfortable can be an act of harassment. 
MOD Collection
Check the Signs
Behavioural. There are times that it might seem obvious, like one’s stare might make you feel uncomfortable or has the interpretation of sexual advances. Or one creates a situation wherein you would be uncomfortable. Sometimes the victim cannot say anything because the harasser’s position is higher.
Verbal. “One example is being called in some terms of endearment, or maybe in a way that has a sexual connotation and inappropriate for you. It would only be sexual harassment if you do not like it,” says Dr. Ranoy.
Actions. “If a guy touches your private parts and he says it’s accidental but for you its not, that’s sexual harassment,” says Dr. Ranoy.
How To Cope with Harassment:
Say it. Dr. Ranoy says that you really have to say what you feel, like “’You’re going beyond boundaries,” so that the person would know. Tell him, because some people are not even aware that they are harassing other people. “
File a complaint. “Tell the authorities,” advises Dr. Ranoy. “That way, they would look into what you are saying and have the proper venues to discuss it.”
Don’t feel guilty. “People often say that it is the victim’s fault, especially if she dresses in a sexy way. ‘It is their fault as they are inviting,’ harassers would often say,” says Dr. Ranoy. “No, it’s not your fault. Don’t feel guilty about it. You did not like what was done to you.”
Check yourself. “Check the way you behave. Certain verbal expressions may be seducing. Maybe unconsciously you are being seductive,” says Dr. Ranoy. “Especially if there is a pattern that wherever you go you are being sexually harassed, ask yourself why. It is not necessarily the way you dress up, but the behaviour also. People might think that to you it is okay because you are inviting.”
Rhian Ramos
‘Anything Is possible’
By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA
MOD OCtober 2010
WITH three regular shows on GMA-7—Illumina, Kaya ng Powers, and Party Pilipinas— it is amazing that Rhian Ramos manages to make time for herself and her friends.
She says she gets organized and manages her time with the help of her HTC Smart phone which acts as a social calendar and mini computer all in one device. “It really is different when they make the phone easy to use. Who cares about a phone if you can’t do anything with it? I’m not the most technologically savvy person, but I can do much with it,” Rhian says of her phone.
Carry-all. I’m a music lover, I like a phone that can carry music so hindi ako ‘yung type ng tao na maraming gadgets all at once. I don’t carry a bag, so I want everything in my phone. It is a camera, a music player, and a handy computer that I bring about just anywhere. My whole life is practically stored in here--my entire social life, work life, my schedule. I just pocket it with me and bring it anywhere. I cannot live home without my phone. One time umabot na ako ng Quezon City, and I live in Alabang, pinabalik ko talaga ‘yung kotse kasi buhay ko nga ito.
Accidents happen. I was on my way to a taping in Subic. I got lost. Then a car bumped the rear of my car. Thankfully, I was not hurt. That was it. The insurance will take care of it.
Aljur to the rescue. Aljur Abrenica always comes to my rescue when I am hungry. I need not say anything -- somehow he knows I am craving for something and he sends his driver with the food I am craving for. One time I bought four pieces of yema candies for myself. Aljur found out I like such candies so one time, when we were taping in Pampanga, he bought me a bag of yemas.
Anything is possible. Is there a possibility of anything romantic happening between Aljur and me? Anything is possible. But as much as possible, I focus more on my work. Hindi naman kami pumupunta ng taping para magligawan. But anything is possible. We do not know what might happen in the future. I don’t know if there will be anything with us. I’m not saying that there is, but I’m not saying that it is impossible.
It can happen to anybody. I just heard about what happened to Sarah Geronimo's dad -- you know, when a guy attempted to con him. It can happen to anybody. It's scary. I don't have bodyguards. when I need to get something from my car, I go get it myself. My mom often worries about me. Like I thought nothing of my recent car accident. But my mom, she was worried sick.
No gap. There were rumors that Marian Rivera and I have some gap. I don't think so. I haven't seen her since I guested on her show (Show Me Da Manny). Even when Dong (Dingdong Dantes) and I worked together (for Stairway to Heaven), Marian and I didn't see each other. She once said she was not jealous about Dong and I working together. So there--we didn’t have any gap.
