Look & Feel Good: The search for Mr. & Ms. Fitness 2010

What a lovely way it is to end the year with the celebration of looking and feeling good inside and out. Fitness, good health, and personality enhancement has been the most remarkable essence of the University of Mindanao Fitness & Wellness Centre (UMFWC). With its Managing Director, Professor Espie Chinel Aparis, the Dean of Physique Culture in Southern Mindanao and a Personality Enhancement Guru herself, the UMFWC stands firm in its continuous quest for the promotion of fitness and wellness among the many thousands students of the University of Mindanao.
On the traditional UMFWC Christmas Festival 2010, the search for the MR. & MS. FITNESS 2010 highlights the awesome benefits of looking and feeling good by way of staying fit and healthy all the time. Last December 19, 2010 at the UM Main Gymnasium in Bonifacio Street, Davao City, the search for Mr. & Ms. Fitness 2010 proved once again that future produce of UMFWC and the University of Mindanao in general are well-equipped with not just excellent talents and skills but world-class personality and incomparable value for fitness and wellbeing.
First set of special awards was given by Ms. Yurie Moore and Ms. Apple Grace Bernadas, Proprietress and Manager of Yurie Salon & Spa respectively. The following special awards were given by the Yurie Salon & Spa: Mr. & Ms. HNY Anti-Aging Soap, Mr. & Ms. Nuskin Galvanic Facial Spa, and Mr. & Ms. Yurie Salon & Spa, of whom winners will receive free makeover packages and galvanic facial spa treatments from Yurie Salon & Spa.
Second set of special awards were as follows: Fitness Emperor and Fitness Goddess, which went to Bon Jovi Cabreros and Ruby Jane Seroy respectively; Best in Creative Jeans, which went to Jerson Cal and Maruel Trixie Ledesma; Best in Semi-Formal Wear & Cocktail Dress, which went to Ralph Vincent Descartin and Honey Rose Desierto respectively; Mr. & Ms. Congeniality, which went to Jerson Cal and Ruby Jane Seroy respectively; and, Mr. & Ms. Photogenic, which were awarded to Jerom Joseph Maquindang and Kristine Grace Suazo respectively.
Major awards comprise of winners such as: Second Runners-Up, Bon Jovi Cabreros and Ruby Jane Seroy; First Runners-Up, Jerson Cal and Kristine Marie Boque; and ofcourse, the MR. & MS. FITNESS 2010 winners, RALPH VINCENT DESCARTIN and HONEY ROSE DESIERTO.
The search for Mr. & Ms. Fitness 2010 was made successful by the generous support and assistance of the following Major Sponsors: Congressman Karlo B. Nograles, Holiday Gym & Spa, Yurie Salon & Spa, Ms. Arce F. Kaluna and Family, Ms. Yvonnie Jonelas & Family, Rotary Club of South Davao, Brgy. Captain Ramon E. Reyes, Condo 4000, Mr. Abel James I. Monteagudo, Mr. Alex Gocotano, Atty. Roger Largo, Ms. When Dagondon, Ms. Jackie Pantig, and Ms. Maritess De Guzman.
UMFWC Christmas Festival 2010 Minor Sponsors include: Dr. Ferdinand Pascua, Ms. Leoncia Gaylan, Villa de Mercedes, Ms. Anne Zapanta, and Ms. Edelcris Bustarde. BENEFACTORS of the event are: Elsa R. Barrera, Joshua Ganzon, Joselito Miranda Kasim, Venus A. Magtrayo, Photopro Trading & Gen. Merchandise, Annamay Dionsay & Analiza Blando, Cecilia G. Quimsing, Analou G. Barot, Jenielyn T. Necesario, Dr. Glen Q. Llamera, Lovella S. Baynosa, Ma. Cecilia A. Gravino, and Mr. & Mrs. Efren Gabio.
Executive Committee members are: Prof. Espie Chinel Aparis – UMFWC Managing Director, Dr. Casilda C. Aparis – UMFWC Assistant Director, Mr. Niño A. Calamba – Senior Fitness Supervisor, Mr. Boie K. Jamisola – UMFWC Administrative Officer, and Mr. J.C. Benito C. Aparis, Jr. – UMFWC OIC.
STEERING COMMITTEE was comprised of: Chairman – Niño A. Calamba, Pageant Director – Roy Vencent Miano, Technical Coordinator – Joffer Aparis, Program Coordinator – Jayzel Joy Ilao, Physical Set-Up – Jigger Balles and Harvey Rabe, Logistics – Melvin and Dondon, Secretariat – Boie K. Jamisola, Production Assistants – April Laroga and Josylmar Gilla.
WORKING COMMITTEE belongs to: Program – ARMANI TEAM, Prizes – LOUIS VUITTON TEAM, Documentation – HERMES TEAM, Stage Décor – VERSACE TEAM, Technical – DOLCE & GABBANA TEAM, Parlor Games – PRADA TEAM.

YELLOW FEVER STRIKES BACK

On a humid afternoon, lovers of democracy and loyalists of the famous Yellow Friday gathered up enthusiastically at the Davao International Airport to await the arrival of the son of the late former President Corazon Aquino and Philippine national hero Ninoy Aquino. Liberal Party standard bearers Senator Benigno “Noynoy” S. Aquino III and Senator Mar Roxas together with their topnotch senatoriables arrived in Davao City last April 9, 2010 to speak before thousands of Davaoenos convening at Roxas Avenue for the grand rally. The rally was perfectly in time with the national commemoration of the “Araw Ng Kagitingan”, which remembers how our great forefathers fought against the cruel regime of the calloused leaders a hundred or more years back.
I was barely five years old then when Yellow as the significant color of Tita Cory’s fight for democracy in the Philippines took a magnanimous mark in our history. As a toddler, I was unaware of what do the yellow ribbons tied on trees and posts signify at that time. But one thing’s for sure at that very moment is the unforgettable fascination I felt everytime I glanced upon yellow ribbons tied on island’s post along the highway when me and my family were travelling neither to General Santos City nor to Tagum, now Tagum City. As time went by, I came to realize that the Yellow Ribbon, the Yellow Friday and all the people behind it have led me to enjoy this precious freedom I and all the Filipinos have right now.
A very long motorcade commenced the memorable Yellow Friday 2010 gathering last April 9 as 300 vehicles or even more lined up to join Senator Noynoy Aquino and Senator Mar Roxas waving hellos, throwing baller bands, and flashing the famous “Laban!” sign while smiling sincerely to many people gathered on the streets of Davao City who want to eagerly welcome the splendid tandem . It was more or less a 17-kilometer motorcade which covered Panacan, Sasa, R. Castillo Street in Agdao, Carpenter, Boulevard, Sandawa, Magallanes, and C.M. Recto Street. The motorcade ended at Roxas Avenue where thousands of people await Senator Noynoy and Senator Mar.
Before Senator Noynoy Aquino and Senator Mar Roxas spoke at the grand rally, the good senators graciously accepted an invitation at The Deck of the Marco Polo Hotel Davao, where the Davao Friends, Noy-Mar Supporters, and the Media met with them. Political, business, academic, and social personalities of Davao City were present to spend An Afternoon with Senator Noynoy Aquino and Senator Mar Roxas and at the same listen attentively to what the admirable tandem has to offer the Filipino people when elected as President and Vice-President of the Republic of the Philippines respectively.

(Published on Mindanao Times lifestyle page last April 15, 2010)

Hauz of Beauty

The HAUZ OF BEAUTY is a stylish haven combining beauty salon and spa in one with tranquil treatment rooms and highly trained staff. The people at the Hauz of Beauty are always ready to discuss exactly a clientele needs and wants.
The Hauz of Beauty is a result-driven salon and renowned for its uniqueness in listening to clients for best results in terms of beauty and relaxation. A person will definitely have great experience of beauty treatment and spa regimens provided in outstanding services.

The Hauz of Beauty offers you peace and tranquility while being treated. Visit the Hauz of Beauty and relax with the soothing music while therapists provide you with the perfect treatment of your specific needs. Pamper yourself today with the best hair treatments, facial care, nail services, massage services and more.
The Hauz of Beauty opened last December 10, 2009 at Door 4 Zapanta Bldg. Km. 5, Buhangin, Davao City (beside China Bank and M.Lhullier) with Tel. No. 2255756 and Mobile No. 09157719183.

Photo captions:
A.Ribbon Cutting by Mutya ng Davao 2009 1st Runner up Ms. Vanessa Quinones Chan.
B.The staff of Hauz of Beauty.
C.Beauty treatment at the Hauz of Beauty.

CHARMING DENTAL COUPLE SPREADS PREMIER TOOTH-FRIENDLY CARE

A charming couple, Dr. Arnold P. Falcon and Dr. Ma.Veronica Kimpo-Falcon, has become sought-after young dentists in the metropolis nowadays. Dr. Arnold and Dr Vicky were classmates in their Bachelor of Doctor of Dental Medicines from the reputed Manila Central University. Since they’ve graduated together in the year 1997, they have been practicing ever since then and are undoubtedly skilled in all the latest advance dental techniques.
Dr. Arnold has a special interest in Prosthodontics and Dental Implant while Dr. Ma. Veronica is on Cosmetic, Restorative, Orthodontic and Preventive Dentistry. They are both officers of their respective Dental Society and active participants in many continuing education programs.
They also have an In-house dental laboratory in which Dr. Arnold Falcon himself is supervising. The couple believe that the advantages of being hands-on is the assurance of a close quality control by the dentist himself who does the dental treatment, as well as instant correction and adjustment (if necessary) during dental treatment and application.
Drs. Arnold and Vicky Falcon are committed to improving the smiles of their well-taken cared of clientele, young and seasoned alike. They combine the latest dental procedures and state-of-the-art technology with their expertise to provide quality dental services to all their patients.
This lovely couple, who are both active in the Rotary Club of South Davao, give importance in making their patients feel completely at ease during their dental visits by providing a comfortable dental experience and a friendly personalized care.
Drs. Arnold and Vicky Falcon have 3 clinics here in Davao City: (Main) Tooth Friendly Dental Clinic, Door 100 PPI Bldg. Ponciano (Crooked Road) P. Reyes Street, Davao City with Tel. No. (82) 2255466; (Branches) Door 5 DC Bldg. P. Reyes Street corner Rizal Street, Davao City (Ground floor Whaw Ihaw-Ihaw Restaurant) with Tel. No. (82) 3016480; and, FALCON Dental Clinic at Unit 1, 2nd Floor, Milan Bldg. Buhangin, Davao City with Tel No. (82) 3001304 and Mobile Numbers 09165533148 / 09157719183. They can also be viewed at/ www.davaodentist.com.
P.S. Falcon Dental Clinic Branch 4 opened at Acculab Medical System Bldg. Villarica Babak, Igacos Island Garden City of Samal with Tel. No. (82) 3065593 / 09165533148. By Appointment: Wednesdays and Sundays only.



Photo captions:
1. Dr. Ma. Veronica Kimpo-Falcon and Dr. Arnold P. Falcon.
2. The charming couple in one of their light and loving moments together.
3. Dr. Arnold with a friend, Mr. Peter Nerwinski, a Dental Technician from California and owner of Pegasus Dental Laboratory.
4. Ribbon cutting by Hon. Mayor Aniano P. Antalan and Dr. Arnold P. Falcon

Bountiful Sinulog in Talomo Cemento

The extraordinary expression of faith to the infancy of Jesus Christ is reverberating every year especially during the month of January. The original Sinulog celebration in Cebu City is one of the best examples of such an awe-inspiring tradition of Catholic faith. People all the over the Philippines really took time to be in Cebu for the magnanimous celebration of praise and thanksgiving to Señor Santo Niño de Cebu.
With the personal experience of Sinulog in Cebu, which I have kept in my heart ever since, I can only say that no better faith can ever compare to kind of faith Filipinos have for Señor Santo Niño. Faithful people flock together in the Metropolitan Cathedral just immediately outside the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño to sing, dance and wave praises to the Child Jesus. Even if I wasn’t a child then, but still I can say it was definitely a certified heart-warming experience.
This year may not have been a luxurious time for me to join my Aunt Espie, Joffer and Kuya Jappy in going to Cebu to offer dance of praises to Señor Santo Niño, but God was amazingly good because He still gave me and the rest of the people who cant be in Cebu our very own Sinulog celebration in Talomo Cemento, Davao City. It was indeed a clear cut Sinulog celebration with lots of colors, dancing, and offerings of praises and thanksgiving inside the Sto. Niño Chapel. Local folks gathered oozing with enthusiasm and sincere faith to Señor Santo Niño, which a dayful of rainfall could never stop them from converging inside the humble covered court immediately outside the chapel to witness a fantastic display of extraordinary faith seen in vivid colors and well-choreographed dance steps, reinforced with resounding praise chants and songs.
The Sto. Niño Chapel GKK (Gagmayng Kristohanong Katilingban) in Talomo Cemento was established in 1956 under San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish. It has been a tradition of faith in the community to prepare abundantly for Señor Santo Niño every January. From procession, fluvial parade, and streetdancing, all these and more are evident in the Sinulog Celebration in Talomo Cemento. During this year’s joy-filled and bountiful Sinulog celebration, local folks have experienced immeasurable blessings and graces of God for them and their families. With the simple ways of life in the community, local folks have been continuously grateful to Señor Santo Niño. They have been thanking God for the continuous good weather, good health and safety of the community, which is a faithful gesture worth emulating.
So if you can hardly be in Cebu for the Sinulog next year, why not be in Talomo Cemento and witness the same expression of faith that can move mountains!
P.S. Sincere thanks to Ms. Jenelyn Cañada for the photos and facts, and Congratulations to St. Uriel Group , champion of the Sinulog streetdance competition in straight three years!

(Simultaneously Published in Mindanao Times, the number 1 daily newspaper in Davao!)

MAKE SURE YOU'RE FIT!

Ending the year with style, energy and fun-filled play moments is such a memorable task. With activities that will enhance not only the special skills and talents but also give one the chance to reap optimum fitness and personality enhancement, it is but a hundred percent sure that one can make sure that he is fit, inside and out.
On the traditional Christmas Festival celebration of the University of Mindanao Fitness & Wellness Centre (UMFWC), special physical education students were ushered to a prolong moment of jaw-dropping experience as performance from their fellow students unfold surprisingly in front of them. The day-filled activity was jampacked with great events such as Cheerdance Competition, Music Video (MTV) Bloppers, Dance Showdown, and the search for Mr. & Ms. Fitness 2009.
Vieing for top awards are six different teams representing different colors, namely: Orange, Blue, Yellow, Green, Pink, and Red. All special physical education students of the UM Fitness & Wellness Centre were assigned to different team colors as they all happily prepared for their respective events to join in.
The Christmas Festival 2009 was also the fitting day to officially launch the latest shoutout of the UM Fitness & Wellness Centre for the new year 2010 in campaigning for healthy lifestyle to all the students in the University of Mindanao: “MAKE SURE YOU’RE FIT!”. “Make Sure You’re Fit!” became a loud shoutout during the festival as students kept shouting them literally in the entire event. This shoutout is in conformity with the vision, missions and goasl of the UMFWC as the prolific fitness and wellness arm of the University of Mindanao.
The cherished bonding moments of the UM Fitness & Wellness Centre during its Christmas Festival 2009 was another record-breaking success as it proved once more that the UM Fitness & Wellness Centre is the home of the physically fit and mentally alert. UMFWC Managing Director, Prof. Espie Chinel Aparis and Assistant Director, Dr. Casilda Aparis, were very happy to have witnessed the awesome display of magnanimous talents of the students.
UMFWC Christmas Festival 2009 expresses heartfelt gratitude to the following Sponsors: Atty. Karlo Nograles and Family, Past Rotary District Governor Billy Parilla, Engr. Bendor Calamba, The Holiday Gym & Spa, Ms. Anne Zapanta, Metrolifestyle Fitness Center & Spa, Ms, Yvonnie Jonelas and Family, Banoks, Villa de Mercedes, Rotary Club of South Davao and WILD 92.3 FM. Likewise, the UMFWC thanks the following gracious individuals who served as judges to the different events: Sir Boie Jamisola, Sir Jappy Fernandez, Prof. Greg Calamba Jr., Machelle Fernandez, Anne Michelle Sevillano, Jabar Umpar, and Alahdin Repollo.
UMFWC Christmas Festival 2009 Working Committee: Overall Chairman-Nino Calamba, Production/Pageant In-Charge – Roy Vencent Miano, Video Presentations – Joffer Aparis, Tabulator – Darling Romero, Technical Coordinator – John Rey Paradanas, Stage Decoration & Physical Set-up – Jigger Balles and company, Documentation – Claire and the Green Team, Program Coordination – Jayzel and the Yellow Team, Logistics – Ronnie and the Red Team, Games – Darwin and the Orange Team, Secretariat – Razel and Rona.

(THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED ON MINDANAO TIMES, THE BEST DAILY NEWSPAPER IN DAVAO CITY)

RCSD Dancing Christmas Party !!!

During Christmas time, young and seasoned alike gather together for merry-making, renewal of acquaintances, reunion of family ties and spiritual reflection but most importantly and most especially, Christmas is a season to give thanks for the gift of love magnificently seen and felt at Jesus Christ’s birth.
Christmas time is also a grandiose moment for giving and sharing what we have to the less in life, to reach out to the lonely and the brokenhearted, the orphans, the sick and the aged.
There are a lot of ways to make Christmas celebration grace-filled and a worthwhile experience, one is by becoming God’s missionary of peace, love and joy to the family and the entire community. The Rotary Club of South Davao, being one of the leading civic organizations in this part of the archipelago and the most outstanding Rotary club in Rotary International District 3860 celebrates Christmas with numerous community projects to boot. After fulfilling service above self for the entire year, RCSD kick off their shoes as they party all night long at the Marco Polo Grand Ballroom with thanksgiving and happiness for the success of all their community projects for this Rotary Year.
President Casilda “Sising” Aparis, the visionary leader of the Rotary Club of South Davao for RY 2009-2010, encourages her fellow Rotarians that Christmas is a season for all of them to renew, intensify, and continue their significant projects and community outreach programs. She reminded her fellow leaders to bear in mind that they are doing all those communitarian mission to ensure brighter future for their less fortunate brothers and sisters and just because they wanted to take part in shaping the beautiful future for them and for them to enjoy a better world devoid of sufferings and disadvantages.
The Christmas Fellowship of the Rotary Club of South Davao continued with so much fun and laughter as each group present in the grand ballroom were called on the dancefloor to perform. From RCSD Female Rotarians and Spouses up to Male Rotarians and Guests, all were given equal chance to perform and show what they’ve got on the dancefloor. Dancing become the theme of the night as everyone went home with memorable dance performances to cherish, aside from the raffle gifts given to them. Up until the wee hour, RCSD family and guests kept on dancing for the 2009 RCSD Christmas Party and Fellowship!

(This article was featured by MOTLEY on Mindanao Times, the number one daily newspaper in Davao)

REVERBERATING CHEERDANCE COMPETITION

Galingg-galing talaga ng cheerdancers ng UM Fitness & Wellness Centre! yay!

FULLY CHARGED DANCE SHOWDOWN

DANCE SHOWDOWN of the UM Fitness & Wellness Centre's Christmas Festival 2009 celeb!

The YOUNG, The BEAUTIFUL, and the FIT!

The search for MR. & MS. FITNESS 2009 of the UM Fitness & Wellness Centre!

The search for Mr. & Ms. Fitness 2009 of the University of Mindanao Fitness & Wellness Centre (UMFWC) has once again proven that with young minds, pretty faces and beautiful bodies come great responsibility. Special physical education students of the UMFWC have gathered for this momentous event as selected gorgeous ladies and dashing gentlemen from different P.E. levels will vie for the most coveted title of being Mr. & Ms Fitness 2009 in the campus. The new Mr. & Ms. Fitness will not only be images of beauty and fitness but will become ambassadors of goodwill as they will be in partnership with the UMFWC in promoting healthy lifestyle to all the students in the university which in conformity with its latest shoutout for 2010: “MAKE SURE YOU’RE FIT!”
Officially launched last December 13, 2009 during UMFWC’s Christmas Festival ’09 at the UM Main Gymnasium in Bonifacio Street, the UMFWC’s latest shoutout “Make Sure You’re Fit!” will become the guiding motto of the new winners. Candidates representing their respective team have shown everyone present their glamour and elegance as they paraded onstage oozing with confidence. During the parade of candidates in their P.E. uniforms, each candidate performs different kinds of aerobics and group exercises. They were also very charming in their respective Christmas-inspired creative jeans. Audience was even more awe-struck as candidates came out on stage in their fashionable sports wear. They were able to characteristically project the kind of sport they are trying to portray with their costumes.
The new Mr. & Ms. Fitness 2009 of the UMFWC are Giovannie Siglos and Darlene Arcaya. Giovanni is a Hotel and Restaurant Management student who hails from Magsaysay, Davao del Sur. He is humble, friendly, handsome and fun to be with, say his closed friends. He performed Hip-Hop Aerobics during the parade of P.E. Uniform. Darlene, on the other hand, is a B.S. in Accountancy student who hails from Bayawan, Negros Oriental. She loves writing poems, dancing, and playing the guitar. She performed Jazzercise during the parade of P.E. Uniform. Both Giovanni and Darlene represented the Yellow Team of the UMFWC Christmas Festival ’09.
The search for Mr. & Ms. Fitness 2009 of the UMFWC became successfully blessed because of the generous support of the following persons and groups: Atty Karlo Nograles and Family, Engr. Bendor Aparis Calamba and Family, the Holiday Gym & Spa, Ms. Anne Zapanta, Metrolifestyle Fitness Center & Spa, Ms. Yvonnie Jonelas and Family, Banoks, Villa de Mercedes, and 92.3 WILD FM. The UMFWC family headed by its Managing Director, Professor Espie Chinel Aparis, expresses its sincerest thanks to all its sponsors and warm congratulations to all the winners!
P.S. Thank you Joffer Aparis, Cinday Dumapias and the Green Team for the photos!
(This article was previously published on Mindanao Times, the # 1 daily newspaper in Davao City)