P200 MILLION STATE OF THE ART SPORTS COMPLEX IN ZAMBOANGA CITY NOW OPENS

Residents of Zamboanga City can once again enjoy sports and other recreational activities as Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark A. Villar announced the completion of the 57,500-square meter sports complex rehabilitation project at Barangay Baliwasan, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte.

DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar, DPWH Assistant Secretary for Mindanao Operations Maximo L. Carvajal together with DPWH Region 9 Director Cayamombao D. Dia, Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar and other DPWH and Local Government Officials led the ceremonial opening of Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex which underwent rehabilitation after it was severely affected when it served as an evacuation center for more than 23,000 displaced families during the 2013 Zamboanga Siege.

Secretary Villar expressed his appreciation to the implementing office of DPWH-Region 9 for the completed project that will promote healthy living and active lifestyle, encourage Zamboanga City to host more local and national sports competitions with its world-class facilities and serve as a training ground and venue for Filipino athletes to enhance and showcase their skills in sports that will contribute to the country’s recognition on the world stage.

The P199.22-million worth project which started in 2016 involves the construction of the oval track, ball game courts, playing field, bleachers, toilet and shower and other facilities. It also includes general painting works for the entire building and roofs, replacement of lighting fixtures, installation of roll-up doors, upgrading of plumbing systems, construction of new septic vault and new gates along the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) and R.T. Lim Boulevard.

The state-of-the-art sports complex has been home to the 1992 Palarong Pambansa and served as the main venue of the National Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Games in 2005 and Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) National Sports Olympics in 2007.

          The multi-purpose sports complex will once again be fully accessible to the general public starting February 26, 2019. (VerGarciaBlogs)

SAMIRA GUTOC A NAME THAT YOU CAN TRUST..

A BRIEF OF BACKGROUND OF SAMIRA GUTOC

By Ver M. Garcia (Blogger /News Editor) and Teddy Cho (Photo Journalist) 

 Samira Gutoc spearheading women's advocacy and

 fighting for women's right.

Education is the key to improve the socio-economic life

 of the people and Samira proves that she had what it

 takes. 

Election time on May 2019 is fast approaching and we need to complete our list of Senatorial candidate that we will vote this coming May election. Don't forget to include Madam Samira Gutoc Tomawis in your list of Senatorial aspirant.

Samira Gutoc Tomawis obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communication at the University of the Philippines, Diliman where she also earned her Master's Degree in International Studies before acquiring her law degree at the Arellano University School of Law. Another laurel in her hat was when she received her fellowship from the Oxford Center for Islamic Studies. An awardee of N-Peace Award for her unflinching effort in her advocacies in the Asia -Pacific region, granted by the United Nations Development Programme in 2018.She exhibited her outstanding leadership qualities during her stints as the first lady president of the UP Muslim Students Association and the Metro Manila based Muslim Youth and Students Alliance.

Samira Gutoc exposure to the Senatorial slate is her first but she has a very distinctive experience in Government service being a member of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao's legislative assembly in 2012 and was a member of the expanded Bangsamoro Transition Commission that crafted the Bangsamoro Organic Law(BOL). She was tasked to be a mediator and drafted the terms of the Bangsamoro Autonomy immediately after the 2014 Peace agreement between the Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). She's also a non-supporter of re-imposing the Death penalty in drug related crimes.

In a recent caucus, Senator Ralph Recto estimated that the implementation of the BOL will cost P109 billion in the first year, P369 billion in the first three years, and will reach P1.981 trillion for a period of 10 years.“Failure” to peg the costs of the BOL may risk the law of “becoming an unfunded mandate” the Senator warned. But, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Benjamin Diokno  some P100-billion allocation for BOL was not included in the proposed P3.757-trillion 2019 national budget.

An advocate of Peace and  Education which according to her starts with the primary level, where young children can learn  to accept other children, where they are taught that they can make a difference and learns to appreciate the Cultural/ ethnic biodiversity of our country.  "Cultural diversity" in our country, workplaces and schools increasingly consist of various cultural, racial, and ethnic groups. One can learn from each other,  first we must have the same level of understanding about each other in order to facilitate collaboration and cooperation. She's also a supporter of teachers for the barrios and quality education for the rural areas by making the teachers accessible in the rural areas and far flung regions. 

In conclusion, we need a representative from Mindanao that advocates peace, Mindanao Development, Youth protection and poverty alleviation.(VerGarciaBlogs)

A Taste of Real Japanese Ramen Noodles.. It's Now in the Philippines

TOMOCHAN RAMEN EXPRESS LEADING THE WAY TO THE BEST RAMEN IN TOWN.. NOW AVAILABLE FOR FRANCHISE..

By: Ver M. Garcia (Food & Lifestyle Blogger) &Teddy Cho

TOMOCHAN RAMEN EXPRESS EXECUTIVES.. In photo from Left is 

Ms. Akiko Okamoto, President & CEO of Tomachan Ramen Express and 

Ms. KanakoTakizawa, Gen. Manager of Tomachan Ramen Express. Have 

a taste of Real and Authentic Ramen without going to Japan.. you can 

find the real taste of Tomachan Ramen Express at the 11th floor LKG 

Tower, Ayala Avenue in Makati.  

(Photos & Videos Credited to Teddy Cho)

It was known as the Japanese  home made Traditional Ramen.. and has it's own 
Chinese origins. The main two theories are: that it came from the Chinese term 
'la mian', meaning 'handmade noodles' or from the term lao mian, literally meant 
ancient noodles'. Other names for Ramen are 'shina soba' and the more common 
'chuko suba'.

In 1945,  returnees from China began 
opening Ramen stalls throughout the 
whole country. Ramen was cheap, 
delicious and nutritious, so it became 
a household name for fulfilling the 
needs of a poor and the needy era.

Japanese Restaurants specialising  in 
Ramen are very common in Japan. 
Some of them have tables that faced
or surrounded the kitchen space, so
that you can see the Chefs working
while enjoying your Ramen noodles. 
The main ingredients of Ramen are
wheat noodles and broth. The noodles
are usually made of wheat flour, eggs,
 water, salt and 'kansui' (a kind of mineral water).

The soup is usually made with chicken or pork stock. Common Ramen
ingredients are shiitake mushrooms, katsuobushi (skipjack tuna flakes),
kombu (kelp), niboshi (dried baby sardines), beef bones and onions.
Soy sauce and miso are used to flavor the soup. 

A lot of toppings can be added to the soup, like sliced pork meat, leek, 
boiled eggs, nori, corn, butter and others.

Nowadays Ramen is incredibly popular and many regions have created 
up with their own unique variety. Here are some of them:

1. Sapporo Ramen  2. Kitakata Ramen  3.Yokohama Ramen  4.Tokyo
 Ramen  and 5. Hakata Ramen.

Please remember to make loud slurping sounds while eating Ramen 
because in Japan, it’s considered to be an art of appreciation for the 
meal! Here comes the beginning of the era of Ramen Empire Journey.

A BIT OF HISTORY OF RAMEN

The first time a Japanese person tasted Chinese noodles it was in the 
Year 1665 in the domain of Hitachi Mito Domain in Tokugawa Shogunate 
in Northern Japan. It was the second Daimyo of the area, Tokugawa 
Mitsukuni. There are records of Confucian scholar Zhu Zhiyu who 
was a friend with Mitsukuni, brought back the soup and noodles in his 
own turf. The dish was also created and recorded as Mitohan Ramen 
and it can be eaten in Ramen Restaurants throughout Mito-Shi in Ibaraki 
and soon it became popular.

Travelscope Newspaper Magazine Reportorial Group in a video interview 
speaking in Nihongo language. Shown in photo is  the Owner & CEO of 
Tomochan Ramen Express Ms. Akiko Okamoto.

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF TOMOCHAN?

TOMOCHAN RAMEN 
EXPRESS was founded 
and organized by Ms. AKIKO
OKAMOTO (President 
and CEO). She wants to
share the authentic Japanese
delight and taste to the
Filipino community and to the 
rest of the world at a very
reasonable price without
sacrificing its quality and taste.
Ms. Okamoto took the bold
step of the journey by opening
its first store in Angeles City, Pampanga on July 2017.
She believes that Tomochan Ramen Express will be the New 'Daily Ramen' that
every individual would consider as their ultimate comfort food.

The company thought of something new that will be endeared to the public as
 'Solid Friendship' and a bond of endearment.

'TOMO' was derived from the word Tomodachi, which is a Japanese term for 
a 'friend'.

'CHAN' is being used for Miss/ 
little children/ close friends and 
sometimes even used for 
couples and  loved ones. Thus,
TOMOCHAN is a solid
friendshipthat promotes love,
loyalty and dedication.

Seichoyo Group Inc. envisioned  
Tomochan Ramen Express to 
become the next symbol of
Japanese culture  in the
Philippines as the company
believes  that establishing Tomochan will further cultivate and strengthen the
JaPinoy friendship by making authentic Japanese cuisine
more affordable and reachable for every Filipino.

An authentic Japanese Ramen right at the heart of the busiest district of Makati..
To all Japanese Ramen food lovers, if you're craving for a taste of Japanese
Ramen we advise you to find time to taste and experience the Tomochan
Ramen Express. Creaminess, spicy taste, plump yet soft and tasty noodles
garnished with onion leeks, runny soft boiled eggs that heightened the
gastronomic experience. Thinly sliced pork loin, so tender and yummy,  juicy
and at times spicy stimulates the inner cravings for more.

Ramen combined with Pork or chicken Tonkatsu with salad dressings a perfect, 
delightful treat for children and adult with delicate taste buds. Appetizer wets the 
taste buds whereby cravings and the hearts desire become as one just to satisfy 
what the mind expresses.. I WANT TO TASTE MORE!

Nowadays, instant Ramen Noodles abound especially in a fast-pace world it 
may solve hunger but nothing is more complete and healthy than the
Tomochan  Ramen Express, it's cooked and prepared the natural way to suit
you're lifestyle and impeccable taste at a very affordable price. Cooking staff
are well-trained to cook and prepare the food in a traditional Japanese way.

Now ready for Franchising, for details please contact and text the
following nos. (045) 304-4353, 0977-0635706, 0915-4826019 or E-mail us 
at: franchisetomochan@gmail,com or like us on Facebook and Instagram: facebook.com/tomochanph : tomochanph. (VerGarciaBlogs)

Photo Galleries:

Tomachan Ramen Express Executives Ms. Akiko-San Okamoto and 
Ms. Kanako-San Takizawa. 

 Food Blogger Ver Garcia got a taste of Tomochan Ramen Express. 
So delicious.. it's yummy.

 Ms. Romela Nullas a well trained kitchen staff.. courteous and smiling.

 Tomochan Ramen Express Logo.

 Tomochan Ramen Express sets of meals for you to choose from at a very 
affordable price.

 Add-Ons meals of Tomachan Ramen Express.

 Spicy Miso Tantan Ramen Special Soup..

Miso Ramen Special with thinly sliced pork and egg with vegetables.

Chicken Karoage with Shredded Cabbage and Mayonnaise.

Miso Special with one whole egg, 4 slices of pork, onion leeks with 
veggies and sea weeds.

 Combination of two meals.. Tonkatsu and Spicy Miso Tantan.

 Special meals for those in a hurry a signature comfort food of Tomochan 
Ramen Express.

A journey has began.. and make it a Tomochan Ramen Express 
experience.. It's now ready for Franchising. What are you waiting for.. 
Call now.. (VerGarciaBlogs)

KIDDIEYUPH KIDS PRESENTS..

A RISING STAR IS BORN
By: Ver M. Garcia (Entertainment Blogger) and Teddy Cho (Photo Journalist)

Beautiful proud parents of KiddieYuph kids from left to right: Madam Vilma Quezon Moulic, Madam Hermie Lawan and Madam Marites Refat.(VerGarciaBlogs) 

Here's the good news.. The stage is set for this Young talents on their way to Stardom. To the Moms of these Bright and Talented Kids, if you think your kids have what it takes, the Self-Confidence, Competence, Poise and Grace as an entertainer, comedienne, local child star or even a world class young star. Then your kids have a great future to become a star.. to be born.

These Kids showed a Flair and Passion for Music needs vocal training to polish their talent. Attend some acting workshops to hone-up on their natural God given talents. Life in the Showbiz has it's own ups and down. Its rewarding after so many challenges that he or she encounters. Your family, friends and colleagues can be your source of inspiration and strength but most of all God is always at your side. He is just a prayer away.

They have decided to make and nurture KiddieYuPh,  their launching pad to Stardom with amazing Director Jun Ibasco's  noblest ambition and a legacy in life is to help Young Talents among them, the Bloggers Association of the Philippines so proud to introduce the following rising stars:

1.) Sara P. Refat, a 7yr. old second grader a talented, graceful, gentle, outgoing, expressive face. The love of their lives of parents Mr. Amin Saad Refat and Mrs. Marites  Prino Refat. She is a good and natural singer, can dance gracefully and can act naturally. A young bright and talented kid is managed under the wings of Beyond Metaphor.

2.) Camella Wright Chee, 6 yrs. of age. According to her Mom Marilyn Chee she can sing and dance at an early age of 2, it's so extraordinary, fantastic and so amazing. They have recorded and uploaded her performance in the YouTube. She can dance spontaneously on call. She is oozing with talent and quite an adventurer which she apparently got from her Dad Mr. Stephen  Anthony Nichols, a sports personality in soccer who works as a reserve coach for the ASKALS. Young Camella was able to attend several Fashion shows and has the poise and grace to be a young fashion model. She is also under the wings of Beyond Metaphor.

3.) Christine Joy Moulic, 11 yrs. of age. She's talented, fast learner, it was her mother Vilma Moulic who discovered her talent at the age of 3. The girl has the  capacity to learn fast, she got interested in singing and dancing at an early age, no one taught her to sing and dance and yet she was able to teach herself when participating in the School gatherings. Her favorite stars and idols are Ms. Sarah Geronimo and Casey Tandingan.

4.)  Nokie Lawan, 5 yrs. of age and her mother's name is Hermie Lawan and the youngest kid of the KiddieYuPh talents. Nokie can sing and dance at the age of 3, apparently inspired by the TV series "Ang Probinsyano" and wants to be a Law Enforcer someday.

Helping the poor but Bright and Extraordinary young talents find their way to stardom at a very young age is a lifetime commitment especially if the competition is tough. But for the young and brilliant talents who have the beauty and brains most of all the passion and focus to achieve stardom, the task becomes challenging and an obstacle that can be overcome with good training, team work, cooperation, coordination and of course obedience and discipline the passport to success in any career you have chosen.

 

What a surprise.. our interview with the Kiddieyuph kids coincided with the announcement that the Miss Universe 2019 is the most talented of them all and very alluring Miss Catriona Gray of the Philippines and was announced as the winner.. We also viewed the hilarious show of Kiddie Yuph's Exotic Story with their excellent performances and you will surely enjoy their antics. Please watch and you will surely be entertained. Starring: Sara, Ichiro, CJ, Charles, Jewel and equally supportive are: Ali, Nokie, Queency, Sheila and Ceilo. The Kiddie Yuph Show is under the supervision of Director Jhun Basco and credited to Beyond Metaphor Studio. (VerGarciaBlogs)


Photo Gallery:

Kiddie Star Sara Refat all smiles for the Holiday cheers.

At the lobby of Acacia Estates with Bloggers Association of the Philippines Reportorial Team.

 Nice Lobby of Acacia Estates were the KiddieYuph stayed.

 Great posing of KiddieYuph Camille Wright Chee.

KiddieYuph Sara Refat in a beautiful colored blue gown.

The Acacia Estates in Taguig City were the shooting and launching of KiddieYuph push through.

(VerGarciaBlogs)

THE ROLE OF TESDA IN THE PHILIPPINES FOR ITS EDUCATIONAL, VOCATIONAL TRAINING, SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND JOB CREATION SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

THE STRATEGIC NATIONAL TECHNICAL EDUCATIONAL AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR 2018-2022 OF TESDA

By: Ver M. Garcia (News Writer) and Teddy Cho (Photo Journalist)

In photo at the Technical Educational & Skills Development Plan event held at the Hotel Jen, Roxas Blvd. in Pasay City. From Left to Right, Former DOLE Usec. Nicon Fameronag as Emcee, Gaspar S. Gayona, OIC, TESDA Director General for Communities and Local Government Unit Services and Honored guest Sec. Isidro S. Lapena, TESDA Director General. All were smiling and in a light moment with the media, as they responded to their queries.                  (Original photo by: Teddy Cho)

As mandated by the law in Section 21 of Republic Act 7796 or the Technical Educational and Skills Development (TESDA) of 1994 states that the TESDA.. shall formulate a comprehensive development plan for middle-level manpower based on a national employment plan or policies for the optimum allocation development and utilization of skilled workers for employment entrepreneurship and technology development for economic and social growth. This plan shall after adoption by the Authority, be updated periodically and submitted to the President of the Philippines for approval. Thereafter, it shall be the plan for the Technical Educational Skills Development for the entire country within the framework of the National Development Plan. The Authority shall direct the TESDA Secretariat to call on its member agencies the private sector and the academe to assist in this effort. The Priority Sectors are the following: Tourism, Hotels & Restaurants, Construction Industries, the Information Technology and the Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO), Transport, Communication, Languages training courses & Storage & Warehousing, Manufacturing, Health & Wellness and other Social Services and Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry are among those should be given priority.

The New TESDA Chief in FOCUS:

As an introduction, please allow the Bloggers Association of the Philippines reportorial team to give a brief background of the new TESDA chief Director General Secretary Isidro S. Lapena,the well respected man hails from Urdaneta City, Pangasinan and with roots in Davao. A Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduate of the 'MAAGAP class of 1973'. A Masters Degree holder of Public Administration of Manuel L. Quezon University (MLQU) and a PhD. of Criminology conferred by Philippine College of Criminology (PCCR. He has a credible 40 years of government experience in different capacities in the Philippine Constabulary(PC) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). He rosed through the ranks from a mere Police City Director of Davao City to a Deputy chief of PNP for Operations before passing the torch of retirement from service in 2007.

As the 5th Director General of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency(PDEA) Chief on July 2016 and was the first Chairman of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs, he was given another Mission at the Bureau of Customs(BOC) as the BOC Commissioner in August 30, 2017 by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to address the perennial problems of Drugs, Corruption and Smuggling. His iron will, genuine leadership and remarkable performance in the BOC finally paid-off this resulted in the improved revenue collection, an intensified anti-smuggling and corruption campaign and enhancing trade facilitation. The most recent is the filing of cases against 49 persons involved in the Magnetic lifter importation.

On October 30, 2018 General Isidro S. Lapena assumed the post of the New TESDA Chief. He vowed to win the hearts and mind of the Filipino people through dedication and firm leadership. General Lapena is known for his real and staunch advocate of equality, which by the way is the real meaning of authentic peace and stability. The TESDA Chief believes that hunger and poverty is the root-caused of rebellion. 

In a speech delivered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary and Director General Isidro S. Lapena, PhD., CSEE, unveiled and launched the 158-page National Technical Education and Skills Development Plan (NTESDP) 2018-2022, the national blueprint for the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector at the Hotel Jen Pasay City, in the presence of TESDA officials, representatives of TESDA partner agencies, member of the academe, TVET industry partners, the Media and other stakeholders in the TVET community.

THE ROAD MAP OF TESDA FOR THE YEAR 2018-2022

The NTESDP 2018 -2022 plan aims to lift-up the disadvantaged, the marginalized and those in the lower strata of society from poverty to the mainstream comfort of progress. The TESDA chief also expressed his belief that TVET and TESDA in particular can contribute immensely to the attainment of peace and development especially in the countryside.

The problems and  challenges confronting TVET sector has been identified and anticipated by NTESDP 2018-2022:

1.) The 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) and the rapid technological advancement with Artificial Intelligence and the acquisition of Machine learning capacity of hybrid computers are slowly but surely rendering many jobs obsolete. TVET's requires coping up mechanism due to rapid technological development and innovations, the inclusion of the technically skilled workforce.

2.) Low turned out of TVET graduates on the capability on holding a job of it's graduates and 65% of this would in turn affect the labor economy resulting in the prevalence of low -value work compared to Mid-to high-value jobs of 70:30 ratio.

3.) With the advent of the K to 12 program, the full implementation of Tech-Voc  courses has already been aggravated by the lack of Hi-tech equipment and facilities, qualified trainers, including Assessors which would in turn produce job and skills mismatch.

4.)  Brain-drain due to Filipino workers out-migration, a reduction of the pool of qualified and skilled workers since 2013.As of now there are 10.2 Million Filipino skilled workers overseas.

5.)  Access to TVET by the Marginalized and the disadvantaged sectors according to government Data in 2015 is at 21.6%.

6.)  In addition to these because of low turn out of enrollment  on the enterprise-based modality training participating in the TVET programs. Although enterprise-based training has been successful modality in terms of capability of holding a job at 68.9%.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF TESDA

NTESDP 2018-2022 has set 5 broad Goals and Objectives to overcome, conquer and prevail over the problems and challenges confronting the TVET sectors:

1.) Create a conducive and enabling environment for the development of quality service delivery of the TVET sectors.

2.) Prepare the Philippine  workforce for the Challenges posed by the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR).

3.) Assure industries with high economic and employment growth potentials and provide them the required quantity of quality workforce.

4.) Directly and more vigorously address workforce needs of the basic sectors and the disadvantaged and the marginalized.

5.) Instill values and integrity in the conduct and delivery of TVET in the Whole sector.

In conclusion, Gen. Isidro Lapena appeals to the Media Sector to help him disseminate the information all over the country to raise the awareness and understanding of our TESDA Plan of Action for the Year 2019-2022, and its significance to the socio-economic development plan for the technical-vocational, training and skills development. (VerGarciaBlogs)

Photo Gallery:

At the registration on the occasion of  TESDA Event held at the Ballroom of  Hotel Jen.

Former DOLE Usec. Nicon Fameronag and the current TESDA Chief  Sec. Isidro Lapena.

DDG Rebecca Calzado. TESDA Deputy Director General for Communities and Local Units Services.

DDG Rosanna A. Urdaneta, TESDA Deputy Director General for Policies and Planning as interviewed by the Media.

Sec. Isidro Lapena, TESDA Director General replied to a question by PTV4 news crew.

Sec. Isidro Lapena with DDG Rosanna Urdaneta.

DDG Rosanna Urdaneta (Left) with DDG Rebecca J. Calzado, Deputy Director General for Partnerships and Linkages.

Sec. Isidro Lapena, TESDA Director General with DDG Rosanna Urdaneta.

In photo from left to right OIC-DDG Gaspar S. Gayona.

Former DOLE Usec. Nicon Fameronag and Lorenzo Macapili, RD TESDA Region XI.

The Master of the Ceremonies at the NTESDP MEDIA LAUNCH event held at the Hotel Jen in Roxas Blvd., Pasay City. (VerGarciaBlogs)