Mango Trees are blooming

Blooming mango trees in my garden ...

Let's wait and pray for another good harvest ...

Comval holds HIV Summit 2018

By Rey Antibo

Compostela Valley Province--- The provincial government through the Provincial Health Office (PHO) in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) holds HIV Summit 2018 with the theme: “Right to Health, Getting to Zero, Ends Aids,” on September 7, 2018 at the Social Hall, Capitol Building, Cabidianan, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province.

Attending the summit were the officials from the PHO headed by Dr. Antonio P. Ybiernas Jr.,- PG Department Head, Placido Alcomendras Jr.- Assistant Provincial Administrator representing Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy, and Atty. Niel John A. Villarico – OIC Provincial Legal Officer.

Dr. Ybiernas explained about the difference between Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

According to Ybiernas that “HIV is a person that has the virus in the body with no symptoms, it depends on the immune system to combat the virus while AIDS is a person already with the disease, having problems with lungs, with the immune system, the person is very sick because of the huge amount of the virus.”

Also present during the event were the different youth associations of the province as well as the LGBT group, high school and college students with the Municipal Health officers and employees of the Rural Health Units (RHU).

Meanwhile, Raffy Ardemil from Cagayan De Oro City a person living with HIV (PLHIV) shares his experience of fighting HIV for almost 3 years of survival.

He also inspired others to undergo HIV counseling and testing to prevent future damage for those who have risky behavior and with multiple partners.

He encouraged others by helping his advocacy and the society and willing to commit for the HIV and AIDS Advocacy program.

Ardemil challenged the participants to hug him in person because a PLHIV needs a hug.

“Let’s fight HIV not a person living with HIV,” Ardemil said.

During the program, the RHUs HIV counselors and representatives shares their best practices on how to prevent and control the HIV as well as a Lecture on Republic Act 8504 also known as the Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998 by Atty. Villarico.

The presentation of Strategies Formulated during the Breakout Sessions of the 11 municipalities was also held with the Signing of the Pledge of Commitment, Message of Commitment and Support by the partners and the awarding of Certificate of Appreciation was also done. (Rey Antibo, ID Comval)

Blogger apologizes to deaf community ...

... over latest controversial video with Mocha

By: (philstar.com) 

MANILA, Philippines — Blogger Andrew Olivar apologized on Monday for making fun of deaf people on his latest video with Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson.

"Binababa ko po sarili ko, nagpapakumbaba. Alam ko mahirap, alam ko mali ako e. Hindi ako magri-reason out. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry po. Patawarin nyo po ako sa pagiging insensitive ko, sa pagiging childish ko," Olivar said in a Facebook post, which generated more than 58,000 views on its first two hours.

Related Stories
Mocha stirs fresh outrage over vulgar 'federalism' dance
Duterte defends Mocha despite admitting she went overboard
Why imitating sign language as a joke is wrong and unfunny
"Humihingi po ako ng tawad po sa mga (sic) deaf community," he added.

The video was also shared by Uson on her Facebook account, with a caption, "Sorry po."

Uson and Olivar drew flak for their latest video uploaded last Thursday and which was viewed as highly offensive of the deaf community.


The video starred Olivar and Uson promoting their new radio show. At the start of the video, Uson, who was taking the video, can be heard laughing on the background after Olivar obliged to mimic the sign language at her directions.

"Para kang unggoy diyan," Uson told Olivar in the video after the latter's attempt to do the sign language.

Several quarters, including Sen. Nancy Binay, have criticized Uson and Olivar for the video.

"Hindi nakakatuwa ang huling video ni Asec. Mocha Uson at Drew Olivar. It is disrespectful to the sizable deaf/mute community who already struggle in airing their concerns and aspirations," Binay said in a statement.

In his apology, Olivar claimed to be an advocate of persons with disabilities and said he "was also hurt" by the video he helped made since he also has friends who are suffering from disabilities.

"Yung sorry siguro nakakapagpagaan ng loob, pero 'di nakakatama ng mali. Nasa sa inyo na po kung ano pong desisyon niyo. Kung tatanggapin niyo po ito," Olivar said.

This was not the first time that Uson and Olivar drew flak for their videos. In August, the duo was slammed for making fun of the federalism campaign, a key initiative of President Rodrigo Duterte to spread economic wealth concentrated in Metro Manila towards the provinces.

The now infamous video has been dubbed as "Pepederalismo," a play of the words involving women's private parts and federalism. It was coined from Olivar's lewd dance in the video, with the lyrics: "Ipepe-dede-ralismo!"

Uson, a former sexy star, was slapped with a "written reminder" regarding ethical standards applicable to public officials. Two weeks ago, Duterte himself said that Uson, who has been his supporter since his presidential campaign, went overboard.

Pop icons Tiffany and Debbie Gibson bring the party to Manila

By: (philstar.com) 

(As released) Oscar Wilde once said that the secret to remaining young is to have an inordinate amount of passion for pleasure. Others claim that music—older songs, in particular—are memories that can take you back instantly to a place where you'll forever be youthful.

Luckily enough, two of the biggest female pop music icons and worldwide musical chart-toppers from the 80s are heading to Philippine shores this third quarter of 2018 to kick-start both the memories and the good times. Tiffany and Debbie Gibson are bringing the party to us! And we know you and the entire young-at-heart gang are going to get a kick out of this "electrified" and "so beautiful" stroll down memory lane.

Happening on September 15 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, this is a show for the entire family and for people of all ages who take having fun very seriously.

The sing-alongs from the Filipino audience are expected to be massive, since there are literally so many hits to choose from: Debbie Gibson's smash power ballads ("Lost In Your Eyes," "Sure," "No More Rhyme," "Foolish Beat" "Only In My Dreams") and dance-infused anthems (like "Electric Youth," "Shake Your Love," "Anything Is Possible" and "We Could Be Together…") and Tiffany's characteristically pensive and heartbreaking love songs like "All This Time," "If Love Is Blind," "Hearts Never Lie," "It's The Lover" and retro-tastic pop radio singles like "I Think We're Alone Now" and "Radio Romance."

It's the perfect match, as both Gibson and Tiffany – despite coming from the same era of radio-friendly anthems and despite the rumored rivalry from years ago – are finally teaming-up for their legion of loyal Pinoy music fans, and are respectively bringing their A-game of musical style and swagger. After all, it is THE musical spectacle that took over three decades in the making!

Produced and presented by Random Minds (one of the country's premier concert and events companies), "Debbie Gibson and Tiffany: Live in Manila" is definitely the hottest ticket in town for music fans who will forever be young-at-heart and still know how to have a good time.

It's the chance to show the kids how it was done back in the day. After all whoever says adults can no longer "party like it's 1989" is about to be proven wrong in a major way! If you're that cool parent, or tito/tita, who always buys tickets for your kids to shows, this time, it's your time!

We guarantee that this is one show you do NOT want to miss! Tickets are now on sale at all SM Tickets Outlets, and for inquiries, their hotline is (02) 470-2222. And for details and information on the latest and best shows in the country, don't forget to follow @RandomMindsInc on Facebook and @RandomMindsPH on Twitter and Instagram.

"Tiffany and Debbie Gibson Live in Manila" is presented by Random Minds with Solaire Resort and Casino, and CTK Inc with official media partners.