The season for leisure

Aside from the summer holidays, it is during the Christmas season when Filipinos really enjoy days of leisure. These are the days of almost endless Christmas parties and other yearend events.

One of such recent affairs, which I happily attended was The Philippine Star’s Christmas Party held last Dec. 18 at the Holiday Inn Hotel.

I came to the party with my brother Rey, who like me, also writes two weekly columns in this esteemed broadsheet. During our entire stay in that fun-filled night we were in the company of the young, very friendly and very dynamic "hands-on" president of The Star, Mr. Miguel Belmonte. We were also fortunate to have some pleasurable moments with our publisher, "the" Mr. Max Soliven, who was really looking very sprightly and healthy.

Miguel was in the company of his equally friendly and very charming wife Millet and the two make quite a romantic couple in the dance floor. Millet also made sure to encourage everyone in the dancing distance to join in the dance floor’s merriment.

Of course Rey was tailor-made for the "retro boogies" while I was more comfortable with the modern beat (I feel a family feud in the offing).

All one has to do is look at the happy faces of all of The Star’s employees and the indisputable conclusion is that this prestigious newspaper is really currently at it peak.

Judging by the number of months of bonus over the 13th month pay that the employees received, word that the friendly competitor is only a breath away in circulation but The Star is way ahead in advertising revenues may prove to be Bible truth.

How can I doubt when Miguel’s parting words to us brothers were, "Who knows, one of these days you may be writing for the country’s number one newspaper".

Amen, Miguel, Amen.

Pinoys’ ‘shoe biz’ Guinness Record

It’s official – the Philippines has beaten the existing record in the Guinness Book of World Records for the biggest shoe.

We have the City Government of Marikina under the stewardship of Lady Mayor Marides Fernando, wife of current MMDA chairman and former Marikina mayor Bayani Fernando, to thank for the efforts and initiative to establish this milestone that has placed our country basking under world spotlights this time not within the realm of banditry and terrorism.

For the nation’s recognition and accolades are the members of the Marikina Colossal Footwear Team whose collective hard work and dedication spelled the venture’s success.

If we will be more lucky, the country may just have another record set in the Guinness Book, that of having put up the biggest lantern, and you can still get a privilege close up look at it in Pampanga.

An Encore for Oskee

For the second straight year, hairstylist Oskee Cabeltis, manager of the Ness Astilla Salon, Libertad branch, came out as the champion in this year’s National Hairdressers’ Day Competition organized by the Filipino Hairdressers’ Cooperative (FilHair Coop).

A "Mama Ness" protégé, Oskee won in the Modern Teenagers Cut & Below category besting more than a hundred hairdressers in the country to win for the second straight time.

A native of Barugo, Leyte, the young upstart hairstylist spent some years in Clark, Angeles City since the early 80s to gain experience before coming to Manila and working for the famed Ricky Reyes as a junior hairstylist at the SM Megamall.

When Ness Astilla, who was the top branch manager of the Ricky Reyes chain of beauty salons decided to build his own chain, Oskee saw the opportunity to manage a branch and joined Mama Ness in the venture.

This new challenge inspired Oskee to learn more and gave him the confidence to compete in order to show his wares – and with such success.

In the future, Oskee hopes to share his knowledge and ideas about hair cutting and make up to other aspirants who also dream of becoming champions–no less than the dream and aspiration of his mentors–Ricky Reyes and Ness Astilla.

More info on ATM fraud

Here’s another stateside mail through cyberspace offering more inputs about ATM and credit card frauds.

Mr. George W. Lee through newstartoys.com writes, "Your article was certainly interesting and informative. May I add to it that here in the US, ATM machines have cameras attached to them so in case an ATM card is cloned and somebody uses a cloned card, there is a strong chance that whoever withdraws from that card will have his/her picture on record on the surveillance camera. Banks also protect their customers from fraudulent transactions both on ATM and credit card usage although you have a maximum of 60 days to contest fraudulent usage of your card. Just for added info."

Well, I hate to say this but this could probably be one of the many major reasons why many of our countrymen are contemplating on joining the exodus to other countries – the way we do things in this country.

In the US and other countries, bank clients have a chance to contest fraudulent ATM and credit card usage and have the benefit of the doubt in such cases – that’s customer service to them.

Take the case of this victim who lost more than P80,000 in an ATM fraud in a BPI ATM machine and you’d really have two thoughts of staying in this country.

The victim upon reporting the incident to Bank of the Philippine Islands, not even contesting the illegal withdrawals yet, got a reply saying that what was reported could not be, short of saying that the victim was not telling the truth.

From a victim to a suspect?

"Is this BPI’s customer service?" This is the question the victim asks over and over again as the year ends.

"As the BPI continues to register profits year after year, I wonder how many victims of ATM frauds involving their ATM system suffer in silence, some probably having already lost a great part of their motley savings entrusted into this supposed trustworthy banking institution". This thought, the victim reports to carry as this year comes to an end, but still bears hope that the new year may change all these. Hope springs eternal.

Happy New YEAR to all.

Mabuhay!!! Be proud to be a Filipino!

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