JINKEE’S CHRISTMAS GIFT

JINKEE’S CHRISTMAS GIFT
By Robbie Pangilinan


After all
the year’s victories and scandals, Jinkee Pacquiao truly deserves a diamond
ring and even more.

She never
left her husband’s side, through good times and bad, so to speak. Her presence
during every fight of the pound-for-pound king adds not only inspiration to
Manny but sweetness to every victory won. Amidst the nasty and ugly rumors that
hounded their marriage when Manny Pacquiao was linked to a sexy actress, Jinkee
remained strong.

“Para
din akong boksingero, 'pag kailangan, fight,” Jinkee said in an interview. “I
need to be strong for my children,” the lovely Pacquiao queen said.

The rumors
of the alleged affair were brought about by Manny Pacquiao and Krista Ranillo’s
becoming close friends while they were shooting the upcoming film “Wapakman”
where they ironically play adversaries. The issue became hotter when the two
were reportedly seen in several places together, fueled by a veteran actress’
Facebook advice to Jinkee that seemed to confirm the boxer’s and young actress’
rumored romance.

Pacman’s better half is grateful to the
people who stood beside her in this “storm” in their marriage. “Tapos na
'yong bagyo. There is sunshine after the rain,” she reportedly said.

“…nagpapasalamat [ako] sa concern niya sa'kin kahit di naman kami magkakilala
talaga. Thank you sa message mo, sa concern mo sa'kin,” was Jinkee’s message to
actress Gina Alajar in an interview on a showbiz TV program. Jinkee likewise
thanked Kris Aquino for serving as her confidante in this issue.

And although Jinkee herself says that
the rumors between the People’s Champ and Krista Ranillo are not true, she
admits that she was affected by it. But, she remains strong.

The confident beauty says, “Ipaglaban
mo kung anong meron ka. Kailangan walang aagaw. Kailangan nag-iisa ka lang sa
asawa mo.”


Indeed, she is the only one for
Manny. Despite the many scandals linking Manny to several women in the past,
their marriage remains intact, primarily because Jinkee knows how to handle
negative reports for the sake of their family. She says, “Kailangan for my family, for my
children… I will survive! Kailangan maging strong lang
talaga. Test lang ito ng Panginoon sa akin.
I know that the Lord wants us to be together.” She says her love for Manny is
200%.


Even as she is undecided if she will watch the movie “Wapakman”,
Jinkee’s support for her husband is solid. “Hindi naman ako showbiz na tao. Papag-isipan ko pa kung ano
[manonood ako]. (I'm not a showbiz type person. I'm still thinking if I am
going to watch),” the charming wife, who would rather spend time on the
family’s many businesses, said.

Besides her boutique in General
Santos City, the Pacquiaos recently opened a souvenir shop called Team
Pacquiao at Robinson’s Place. She also owns several coffee shops. She is the mother of
four little kids—Jimuel, Michael, Princess and Queen Elizabeth. And she is a
sight to behold with her glowing white skin and sexy figure. No wonder she
is the latest endorser of Belo Medical Group’s Smart Lipo and Belo Diet Injections.
Jinkee can be a star if she chooses to, but she wants to remain a private
person despite being married to the most famous boxer in the world today.

Manny was
said to have been upset when Jinkee went to Belo for treatments because he sees
his wife as already perfect. After Jinkee’s explanations, and seeing that the
treatments turned Jinkee into a sexier and lovelier woman, Manny has even agreed
to pose with her for the Belo billboards.

For all these, Jinkee deserves more than the diamond-studded ring which
Manny reportedly gave to Jinkee as a “peace offering”. Jinkee says, “Nagulat lang ako
na naisip niya magbigay at happy ako na may gift ako this
Christmas.”

Jinkee Pacquiao is indeed like a diamond—beautiful, timeless, a rare
find. And Manny Pacquiao is definitely lucky to have her. #

FORTIFIED AT 40

By Robbie Pangilinan

The Diliman Preparatory School (DPS) has come a long way in 40 years—40 years of educating young minds; 40 years of dedication to the Filipino youth; 40 years of excellence. Under the leadership of DPS President Anna Dominique “Nikki” Coseteng, DPS’ 40th year marks the school’s rebirth in terms of academic programs, facilities and overall philosophy as it aims to lead the way in changing the world of learning.

DPS is constantly making itself known to the academe as a center for innovations, changing the world of learning for its students. DPS maintains partnerships with pioneers in various fields of learning such as Edulynx Corporation, the Glenn Doman Foundation, Samahan ng mga Papetir ng Pilipinas, and FELTA corp

In partnership with Edulynx, DPS implemented the “English With A Smile” Program for preschool and primary levels and the “English Proficiency Intervention Program” for intermediate and high school students, as well as faculty and adults in the school. Together with Glenn Doman, founder of the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential, DPS advocates teaching children early because DPS believes that children are as intelligent as we give them the opportunity to be. With the help of the Samahan ng mga Papetir ng Pilipinas, DPS uses puppetry as an effective tool to discover, enhance and develop the creativity and self-esteem of students.

Other innovations of DPS are simply one of a kind. DPS’ Learning Through Walls program displays in its corridors images that arouse children’s curiosity like dinosaurs, the solar system and the galaxies, musical instruments, historical timelines, famous scientists and artists, literary greats, costumes, animals, and Filipino art masterpieces.

DPS started as a 10-room schoolhouse in 1969 for 45 students. Today, it has over 3,000 pre-school, primary, secondary and tertiary students in a one-hectare multi-storey building complex with 103 classrooms, four libraries, five computer laboratories, a speech laboratory, two Home Economics rooms, two Practical Arts rooms, a business center, a 500-person capacity canteen, and two covered gymnasiums at its main campus along Commonwealth Avenue.

DPS now has another campus in Novaliches, with 16 classrooms and facilities for Nursery to Grade Six students.

Its 3-person founding team composed of the late Filipino ambassador to Mexico Alicia M.L. Coseteng, retired Principal of the UP Elementary School Mrs. Felisa C. Generoso and Dr. Irma R. Apelo, is now more than 200 administration personnel.

DPS President Nikki Coseteng believes that education is the strongest influence in the development of happy, disciplined, creative and productive individuals. “DPS has always had a distinguished tradition of academic excellence. Our graduates have made it to prestigious colleges and universities, and have become successful entrepreneurs and professionals in their chosen fields,” she shares.

In order to truly lead in the world of learning, DPS has undergone and is consistently upgrading and improving its facilities. Classrooms are renovated regularly, state-of-the-art libraries and laboratories are constructed, and technology is utilized wisely such as in providing Wi-Fi zones in the campus, online report cards, online registration, online enrolment and online library.

But the true strength of DPS lies in its professional and highly experienced workers—the people behind DPS’ success. Its faculty and staff work hard to continue producing well-rounded, academically competitive, socially responsible, God-fearing students who will be committed and dynamic Filipino leaders of communities and the nation.

On its 40th year of serving the Filipino youth, DPS is equipped, prepared, and ready to become a leader among the country’s educational institutions. It is geared up and primed as a dynamic learning center dedicated towards preparing a new generation of Filipino achievers.

Truly fortified at 40 and beyond.

Pin’s New Baby

Pin’s New Baby
by Robbie Pangilinan

Salon de Manila’s creative director and renowned hair stylist Pin Antonio is back from studying at Vidal Sassoon Sta. Monica and is now ready for her new baby.
The new ANTONIO HAIRDRESSING Ortigas Center Branch is the latest addition to Pin’s salon family. The fourth branch of Antonio Hairdressing opened last December 12, exactly four years from the date when the first branch was established.
Personalities who graced the grand opening were acoustic singer Aiza Seguerra and long-time partner Chen Sarte, Pinoy Big Brother season 1 star Say Alonzo, actor Diego Castro, ABSCBN’s Jet Valle, Michelle Van Ruyven (daughter of Tale of Juliet’s author Jhet van Ruyven), PR expert Robbie Pangilinan, company officer Ric Chua and Pin Antonio’s business partners Mir Ochengco and Vic Wenceslao.
This salon in strategic Ortigas Center is expected to cater to hundreds of clients as an immense volume of people converge in this area.
Pin Antonio, the popular hair trendsetter known for her very modern and chic hairdos, promises that her new salon will equal the famous salon of the stars, Salon de Manila, in its trademark excellent and personal service. Pin recently finished a course at Vidal Sassoon in Sta. Monica and is excited to share the knowledge she gained to her key staff.
“I always choose Vidal Sassoon as I believe they’re the pillar when it comes to hairdressing. They’ve been in the business for many years and it is a dedicated education centre. The environment allows for a higher degree of detailed instructions of demonstrations and hands-on learning,” Ms. Pin shares.
“I want to learn new things for 2010. I always search for new ideas and trends for Salon de Manila. I don’t want to get stuck to usual styles. I’m committed to deliver passion and technical excellence,” she further says.
With the new Antonio Hairdressing on board and Ms. Pin’s new learnings, Salon de Manila’s creative team is once again equipped to innovate, create and lead! RMP

Her Side of the Ring - Ana " The Hurricane" Julaton

By Robbie Pangilinan, Los Angeles, California


Ana Julaton and her father talk about their relationship in and out of the ring


Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton is the fastest rising star in the world of women’s boxing today. She may very well become, in the future, the female version of Manny Pacquiao as she dreams to unify the 122-pound title belts and be the undisputed Super Bantamweight Female Fighter. Ana will do what it takes to get there. And on her side of the ring, she has all the support and inspiration she needs, especially from her family.

Ana’s father and number one fan, Cesar, recalls how his daughter started with the sport. “I took her four-year-old brother to a martial arts school to see if he wanted to take self-defense lessons. Ana was with us and I saw her excitement and desire to learn. The three of us enrolled and Ana excelled in it,” the proud daddy relates. Ana was 11 years old at the time. It was also during this time when she was first exposed to boxing because one of her instructors was a professional boxer.

Soon, Ana started to compete in tournaments. Her first victory was winning the National Junior Olympics Tae Kwan Do Championships.

Ironically, Ana never wanted to be a boxer. She openly admits that she disliked the sport. “Honestly, it was hard for me to understand why two athletes would want to hurt each other,” the Fil-Am reveals. She had a fascination for martial arts and sports, though. She even studied sports nutrition in college and taught self-defense at West Wind Karate Schools. She soon fell in love with teaching. And so when her martial arts school began incorporating boxing in the system five years ago, Ana had to learn boxing, too.

“That was when boxing became her passion,” Daddy Cesar says.

Naturally, a parent would never want to see their children get hurt, hence, Ana and her father had many discussions about her pursuing boxing. “I admit I tried to point out the cons to her, just so she would think about them. Ana stuck with her decision, so as a parent I respected and supported her decision. I always told her to do what she enjoys and I am proud that she is doing what she loves,” the ever supportive daddy says.

Ana, then 18 years old, started joining competitions. She won the San Francisco Golden Gloves Silver Medal twice, in 2004 and 2005. She also bagged the Nor Cal Championship Silver Medal two times, in 2005 and 2006. Other boxing awards that Ana is most proud of are her National Golden Gloves Bronze Medal, her San Francisco Diamond Belt, being a National PAL Quarter Finalist where her match was also voted Best Fight of the Tournament, and being a quarter finalist at the United States Championship (2005). These wins made her the number 6 boxer in the United States in 2005. The next year, Ana ranked number 5 in the United States Championship Quarter Finals, also topping the National Diamond Belt Championship, the San Francisco Golden Gloves Championship, and the California State Championship. In 2007, Ana ranked second in the United States, getting the silver medal at the United States Championship and the gold at the San Francisco Championship.

But Ana’s greatest triumph is being the first Filipina-American to win the World Championship when she was proclaimed the 2009 IBA Super Bantam Weight World Champion.

“Through all these competitions, I learned a lot about myself—as a woman, an athlete and as a Filipina,” Ana says. “As I received attention as a Filipina boxer, the role grew from being an athlete to a role model for others. Professional boxing became a way of life for me. Although I don't plan on staying in the sport for long, I'd like to make the most out of it.”

The female fighting pride of the Philippines is indeed making the most in her boxing career. Just the intense training she undergoes makes her a better person. Ana works out from Monday to Saturday with a solid strength and conditioning workout at Sessions Training Center in San Francisco, California in the morning. After eating and resting, and amidst her other activities, she goes through another workout focusing on boxing techniques and sparring.

As the darling of the ring faces a tough opponent in the person of Donna Biggers on December 4, Daddy Cesar is a bit anxious and nervous as he knows his daughter now fights world class opponents. But for his not-so-little-girl, he remains confident and excited, just as he was from Ana’s first fight. “I felt very confident in her first boxing match. I had been with her through countless tournaments so I knew she had the skills to be in the ring. I just kept wondering if she would throw a kick, and of course I was very proud of her. I always want to tell everyone, that’s my daughter!,“ Daddy Cesar says.

The confident father knows his daughter too well. He says Ana’s strengths in the ring is her hand speed and confidence, but he hopes Ana will throw her combinations more frequently. Daddy Cesar also says that the timing of Ana’s foot work and punching is getting better.

Daddy’s wish for his loving and caring daughter is for the World Champion to realize her dreams and reach her goals, knowing that she has worked very hard to get where she is today.

The supportive fan has a message to the daughter he dearly loves: “I love you Ana. I am in awe of your unwavering dedication, not only to your profession but to your commitment to us, your family. Know that we are always in your corner. Go Hurricane!”

And when family is on your side of the ring, it does not matter if you win or lose. You are still the champion. And Ana is a champion—for her father, her family, for the Filipinos and for the whole world. RMP

THANK YOU PACMAN!

Ana Julaton and her heroes

Ana "The Hurricane" Julaton and her heroes
By Robbie Pangilinan, Manila Times Philippines


IBA Super Bantam Weight World Champion Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton believes that her success in the world of boxing is not of her own doing, but a collaboration between herself, her team, and her heroes.

The people she considers her heroes are Gerry Peñalosa, Manny Pacquiao, Freddie Roach, former WBC Champ Carina Moreno, trainer Rick Noble, and Nonito Donaire, Sr. These heroes are her inspiration, idols and trainers.

The female boxing icon recalls talking with her “Kuya” Gerry Peñalosa at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, California. The former holder of the WBC super flyweight and the WBO bantamweight titles told Ana that boxing is a hard sport, training must be tough and the fighter must be tough. But, the defensive boxer who has never been knocked down in his entire boxing career, also told Ana to always remember that boxing is still just a sport.

Hearing this put many things in perspective for Ana and urged her to do the most that she can in boxing.

The Fil-Am boxer from Daly City considers herself fortunate to have worked with world class boxers and trainers. When she was in the amateur level, Carina Moreno and Rick Noble gave her help and provided advice for her blooming career. Wild Card Boxing Club/Gym owner and one of the most popular boxing trainers in the world Freddie Roach not only trained Ana but cornered her first six fights. She is likewise fortunate to have had Nonito Donaire, Sr. and his team work and train with Ana on her world title fight. “I dedicate my work ethic and experience with having the chance to work with these top class boxers and trainers,” Ana says.

The female World Champion’s training at the Wild Card Boxing Club also gave her the chance to watch and study Manny Pacquiao when he would train for world title fights. The pound-for-pound king is Ana’s idol. “He is the best fighter in the world and it's inspiring to see a Filipino be so successful. He opened the doors for Filipinos not only in boxing but in many areas. The general public are recognizing us and are more open to give Filipinos opportunities,” the Filipina boxer says.

The People’s Champ also played an important role in Ana’s rise to boxing stardom. Ana reveals, “As a female boxer, I still face those who don't respect female fighters as much as male fighters and for my first attempt on my professional debut, Pacquiao helped me by calling the promoters during his second fight with Barrera and putting me in his undercard.”

After over 40 amateur matchups and professional bouts, the 5’6” tall Filipina boxer still feels excited every time she goes into the ring. She says, “In boxing, there's always that risk of losing what you have and the time you spent to get there. When I'm in the ring, it feels like it could be my last fight so I enjoy it and make the most out of it.”
Ana says the toughest opponent she has faced and is facing every day, is herself. The female champ with the charming smile has this to say about boxing: “Boxing is a tough sport and a lot of a fighter's success, whatever that may be, is found through what was done in hard scenarios. A fighter has the power to control their destiny and after my first loss, I learned how to deal with myself.”

On December 4, Ana faces experienced fighter Donna “Nature Girl” Biggers for the WBO Super Bantamweight Title at the HP Pavillion in San Jose. For this fight, she is confident that she has worked hard and is optimistic to bag the title. “I have a great team, I've been working hard for the fight and to make this fight happen. I'm excited to bring the Bay Area a Main Event Women Title Fight again and continue to bring more opportunities for women fighters,” Ana says.

Behind her, to give encouragement and support, are the heroes she looks up to. She dedicates her fight and hopefully her success, to these people. When she goes into that ring on that fateful night, the fight will be beyond her. It will be for these people.

“When I fight, I fight for more than just me, I fight for those who've supported me and what my fights stand for,” says the Filipina boxer that the whole world is proud of. RMP

CONGRATULATIONS PACMAN!

Congratulations!!!

Manny Pacquiao on your victory. You are the pride of
the Filipino People! on behalf of the Board of Directors, Officers,
Faculty, Staff, Students, Parents and Partners of Diliman Preparatory School
Commonwealth Ave. and Novaliches Campus Quezon City.

Your Victory
inspires all of us to strive for excellence and be the best in whatever
endeavor we choose to take. We welcome you with loving hearts as the Ultimate
Icon and Role Model in the quest for Glory and Honor for our country.
More power and more victory ahead. In solidarity.. Nikki M.L. Coseteng.)

Jinkee Pacquiao: Not Just Pacman’s Wife

Jinkee Pacquiao: Not Just Pacman’s Wife
by Robbie Pangilinan
Los Angeles, California


She is well-known as the beauteous wife of People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao, even the daughter-in-law of the rising star Nanay Dionisia Pacquiao. Jinkee’s presence in the life of the superstar boxer has always been noticed but never got that much attention. Save for the period when Manny was involved in controversies that threatened their marriage, Jinkee has always maintained a low profile, remaining humble and behind the limelight.

Emerging today as a famous fashionista, jetsetter, cover girl, and product endorser, she is proving to be more than just the spouse of the pound-for-pound king, more than the mother of Manny’s four children. Jinkee Jamora Pacquiao is carving her own niche, rising as a woman of her own.
Jinkee has started several businesses, opening a franchise of Davao’s BluGre Coffee in the family’s JMP Building in General Santos City. She is putting up another branch soon. One more exciting venture she has entered into is the establishment of her very own fashion store, Jinkee’s Fashion World. The store carries imported items like clothes, bags and perfumes that Jinkee personally handpicked in her shopping sprees in the US. Of course, the store will also sell Manny Pacquiao shirts and souvenirs. Jinkee also stands as the manager of 10 amateur boxers aspiring to be like Pacman.
Even as she is making a name for herself, Jinkee never forgets that she is able to do all these because of the country's boxing icon. Manny allegedly earns more than 8 million dollars per fight (almost 350 million pesos), whether he wins or loses. This figure does not include pay-per-view cuts. Plus his local TV rights, businesses, endorsements, etcetera, etcetera. Jinkee has been helping Manny manage his money wisely. The pound-for-pound king is notorious for venturing into businesses and areas that he is ignorant of, and Jinkee serves as his adviser. It was Jinkee who told Manny to stop producing movies after the disappointing turnout of the Pacman-produced movie “Anak ng Kumander” in the 2007 Metro Manila Film Festival. She also told Manny not to star in a film and just accept TV guestings.
Jinkee also puts a premium on education—for Manny and their children. She is encouraging him to finish his Business Management degree and discouraging her kids to go into boxing because the mother of four cannot bear to see her children hurt.
Despite the fame and money brought about by having a superstar husband, Jinkee still longs for a simple and quiet life. She does not believe that money can buy happiness. She is quoted as saying, “Mas madaming pera, mas maraming problema. Mas gusto ko pa 'yong simpleng buhay.”

Jinkee and Manny’s marriage has been rocked time and again by rumors of Manny’s womanizing. She revealed that Manny, when drunk, often forgets that he is married, even when Jinkee is with him. Pacquiao: The Movie made this public as one scene showed a woman leaving Manny in a hotel room through the fire exit when Jinkee suddenly arrived. In real life, Jinkee never saw that woman. Jinkee, though always hurt by these issues, always forgives the the Pambansang Kamao. She fights as hard as Manny, not in the ring, but in her family life. She says, “I will fight for my family. Mahirap bumuo ng pamilya, ayaw ko 'yung basta-basta nawawasak sa walang kuwentang bagay.”

Named as one of People Asia magazine’s “women of style and substance”, along with ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. managing director Gina Lopez and Sen. Loren Legarda, Jinkee Pacquiao has indeed come a long way from being the champ’s housewife to the woman she is. People Asia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez said, “Kapag hinirang mo ang champ, dapat hirangin mo din ang babaeng nagbibigay ng lakas sa kanya. Iyon ang substance ni Jinkee. Siya ang babae sa likod ng kampeon."

For nine years, Jinkee Pacquiao has always been at Manny’s side. As Manny faces his toughest opponent ever, Miguel Cotto, on November 14, Jinkee will once again be there, in the front row, feeling every punch, praying every second, for the victory of the husband she has stayed with, supported, and loved.RMP

Pac-mom and Pac-dad reunited?

Pac-mom and Pac-dad reunited?
By Robbie Pangilinan
Los Angeles, California


Pac-mom and Pac-dad reunited? Yes and no.

Dionisia and Rosalio, Manny’s parents, separated when Manny was just in sixth grade. The former couple were married for almost 20 years when Rosalio started to work in another town. After a while, Dionisia discovered that her husband was living with another woman. Despite the betrayal, Dionisia kept the pain to herself and taught her children to continue respecting their father. The children, especially Manny, grew up wishing that their father would return. Nanay Dionisia and the children never stopped loving Tatay Rosalio.

Manny also clarified earlier news that his pet dog was killed and eaten by his father. The dog died in the hands of Tatay Rosalio’s friend, and although it was true that Pacquiao’s father ate the dog, it was not done deliberately, but rather a misfortune.

Years after, and a superstar son between them, Rosalio and Dionisia were back in each other’s arms. But only for a while and only for Manny.

Dionisia and Rosalio will fly together to the US on November 11 to watch the pound-for-pound king’s fight with Miguel Cotto, the toughest contender Manny Pacquiao might face in his boxing career. This is Pac-dad’s first time to watch Pac-man fight live in the world arena. It is Nanay Dionisia’s second time. The equally famous Pac-mom never watched Manny fight. She would lock herself up in a room, get on her knees in fervent prayer, until word about the fight’s outcome is whispered to her. The first time she watched was when his super boxer son faced Ricky Hatton in May of this year. Manny busted the Englishman’s boxing career, grabbing his junior-welterweight title by a knockout only on the second round.


On November 14 (November 15 in the Philippines), as Manny tries to steal Cotto’s World Boxing Organization’s welterweight crown, Tatay Rosalio will be there, most likely beside Nanay Dionisia. The former couple might even hold hands in prayer that their son become the first in history to win a seventh world championship in various divisions.

The Filipino boxing icon could not wait in excitement. He proudly announced his father’s coming as reporters watched him train in the Wild Card gym.

This is not first time that Manny will see his father after his parents separated. Nanay Dionisia has likewise seen him again during Manny’s preparations before his fight with Mexican Erik “El Terible” Morales, also in Las Vegas.

The boxing hero’s parents met by chance at the dxBB RGMA Super Radyo station after more than 15 long years. Nanay Dionisia asked her former husband to continue loving and praying for their children. Manny, however, was not around to witness the scene, the fulfilment of his long-held wish. That evening, at Manny’s home, the former couple once again hugged each other on national television over GMA’s news program 24 Oras.

Right after his victory against the Mexican icon, Manny was reunited with his estranged father after 15 years. They met at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Nanay Dionisia and Manny’s two sons were also there to see the father and son reunion.

Manny was reported to have been very happy to see his parents together. He said, “Talagang masayang-masaya ako ngayon kasi first time ko silang nakita at sabik na sabik talaga akong makita ko sila.”

Before Manny’s bout with Morales, he called his father. That was the night when Tatay Rosalio and Nanay Dionisia were together in Manny’s residence for the GMA news coverage. Tatay Rosalio told Manny on the phone that they (he and Dionisia) have already reconciled and that they may have long separated but there is no love lost. Nanay Dionisia has always been open to reunite with her separated husband but was reported to have said that if he (Rosalio) wants to come back, he will have to leave his new wife and children behind. Manny’s father already has a new family. Nanay Dionisia, who is now also a celebrity, said she’s resigned to the fact that she has no luck in love.

And even as the national icon of unity has been the only one who can bring together all Filipinos, rich and poor, young and old, male and female, administration and opposition, Christian and Muslim, there is a very little chance that the Pac-parents can be a couple again. For now, they are just happy to support their son as he faces his strongest opponent ever. RMP

DEC gives computer training to 300 scholars

DEC gives computer training to 300 scholars
by Robbie Pangilinan

The Diliman Educational Corporation (DEC), through the Diliman Computer Technology Institute (DCTI), gives a 14-week computer training to 300 scholars of the Unitech Educational Program Corporation.

The students come from several public high schools and are sponsored by Unitech. DCTI will conduct training on Microsoft Windows Operating System, MS Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs, web page design, Adobe Photoshop, and Macromedia Flash with its qualified professors and instructors.

Unitech, a family corporation that serves quality IT education to poor but deserving Filipino students through its accredited IT institutions, has helped hundreds of course participants enhance their skills through intensive hands-on exercises under the guidance of expert instructors.

DCTI, on the other hand, is the country’s only Open Source training and certification institute that is authorized by the Open Source Technology Association of the Philippines to conduct programs, offer courses, issue certifications to qualified practitioners, promote free Open Source software in the Philippines and market the training programs to students and corporate clients.

DCTI offers two- and four-year courses in computer science and computer technology and office management for high school graduates and adults.

DEC President Anna Dominique “Nikki” Coseteng, former senator of the Philippines, says, We are privilege to this partnership". RMP

COSETENG OFFERS 100% SCHOLARSHIPS TO ATHLETES

The Diliman Preparatory School,
known for its world-class facilities and high educational standards, is slowly
becoming an attractive institution for student athletes.

With this, former Sen. Anna Dominique “Nikki” Coseteng, president of Diliman
Preparatory School, has offered student athletes a 100 percent tuition fee discount in recognition of their
outstanding achievements and contribution to the school.

“It’s about time that we give due recognition
to the invaluable efforts our student athletes. I hope this will encourage them
to study and train harder,” said Coseteng, who became president of Diliman Preparatory School in 2006.

Sports covered by the discount are basketball, volleyball, table tennis,
wall climbing, chess and taekwondo, where majority of the members of the school
varsity team are included in the national squad.


Among the beneficiaries are twins Keith Stephanie and Patricia Stephanie Go
in chess, and taekwondo’s Jaira Lizardo and Charizza Camille Alombro, who have
all flourished and realized their potential under the school's sports
development program actively supported by Coseteng.
The Go siblings, sophomore students in DPS, finished first and second in the
recently concluded Athletic
Association of Private Schools (AAPS) Inter-School District III – Quezon City Chess Meet where Keith ran away with the gold.


Alombro, a bemedalled senior, also made waves in the local and international
taekwondo arena with a breakthrough victory in the 4thKorea Open
International Taekwondo Championship last November 2008.


The 14-year-old senior, also the surprise winner in the sports talent search Pinoy Idoland a perennial title contender at the Palarong Pambansa, made the country proud with a
silver-medal finish in the All Women’s National Taekwondo Championships last May. Last
March, she bagged a silver in the 7th World Junior Taekwondo Championship in
Turkey.

‘The Art of Letting Go’

by : Robbie Pangilinan

Her name has been in every Filipino’s mouth, her face in every Filipino’s heart. After all, she has been a senator for nine years. Anna Dominique Coseteng, or Senator Nikki Coseteng, started her public service as a congresswoman of the Third District of Quezon City from 1987 to 1992. She then ran and won a Senate seat in 1992 and was reelected in 1995. She has mastered the art of being a public servant and is now mastering the art of being an entrepreneur and a school administrator. She is president of the Diliman education corporation that manages the Diliman preparatory school and the Diliman computer tech institute , a fast-growing educational system with one branch at novealiches, 222 employees, and 2700 students.

What many do not know is that Senator Nikki has also mastered the art of letting go—particularly when it comes to her family. More than 30 years ago, she left a marriage when she felt it was not worth working on anymore. “I have no regrets because I was able to pursue a career and have found happiness with the person I eventually became,” Nikki admits.

As a single parent, she has also learned to let her children go. “As a mother, I was always there for them and was not afraid to let them do things by themselves. I gave them a lot of space to be what they want to be, to learn on their own, and to be on their own,” Nikki shares. “My children are financially and emotionally independent. I don’t even have to make time for them, they tell me when they are free to be with me. I don’t get in their way. I have created my own world and I suppose they now realize how difficult and challenging it was for me to raise them single-handedly. And yet they turned out to be what they are today and I have managed to keep unwanted wrinkles away. So far so good!,” Nikki proudly relates.

Her two children are both successful in their chosen fields. Julian, 37, is a three-term councilor of Quezon City, while Kimberly, 33, is an executive of Johnson & Johnson based in Singapore. “My children are very passionate about the lives they have made for themselves, but I must say they are not passionate to a fault as I am! But they excel in their respective fields and are just as, or even more, committed than I am. Both are leaders and teachers in their own rights. They also love to learn and grow and develop themselves as a life long process. And they are extremely creative, reliable, trustworthy and have built very strong relationships and networks,” Nikki lovingly describes her children.

Asked whether her children will continue managing the school system, Nikki has this to say: “My son is more passionate about politics than business. He is not that interested in running a school for now. Maybe running a school is not for the young. You need a lot of patience and maturity. You must also be willing to give up a lot of personal time. My daughter is of the corporate world. That’s a different world altogether. It is different from being an entrepreneur. There is less stress, less responsibility, more time for family. Being an entrepreneur, especially a school administrator, I am directly responsible for the lives and futures of thousands of people,” she says.

Nikki confesses that she gauges her success and failure by how her children turned out to be. “While I was raising them on my own, the topmost values I taught them were sincerity, honesty, hard work, independence, self-sufficiency, gratitude, respect, being appreciative of people and things that influence or touch their lives, being able to recognize what is good and beautiful, and taking care of themselves and feeling good about themselves. Because I brought them up alone, it was very important for me to see that my children are able to contribute to the society. I cannot evaluate myself, but my children have felt and the people they have encountered have seen what kind of mother I am.”

The beautiful 56-year-old mother has also wished that her children will turn out to be good parents as well. She now has two grandchildren, 3-year-old Renzo and 1-year-old Ryan. “My daughter sees to it that her children are also brought up well. Renzo is a wonderful child. Very proper, disciplined, intelligent and demonstrative. That’s because my daughter saw to it that he’s that way and I thank God for that. I see other parents just leave their kids be. And it is a disservice to the kids. It is unfair to the kids to be brought up as brats. They have no choice and they’ll have to pay the price in the future. Ryan is only a year-old. He is extremely friendly, picks up words and songs quickly and has a great disposition. I just hope that all turn out for the best for these two kids,” the proud grandma shares.

And just like how she has learned to let go of her children before, she is doing the same for her grandkids. “My grandsons live in Singapore where my daughter is based. I see them just five or six times a year when I visit them or when they visit Manila. I wish we could spend more time together. But I am not their mother anymore. I am their grandmother and I abide by the schedules and rules my daughter sets,” Nikki says.

When together, “Grandma Nikki” makes sure her grandsons have a great time—in the zoo, the mall, at home, or wherever. “We have a good time playing with clay, reading books, watching TV or just being silly. There is a child in everyone of us and my grandsons brought out the child in me,” Nikki beams.

Looking back, Nikki wants to do the following for her children and herself: spend more time with them to get to know how they feel about things, teach them other languages, find a partner who could have shared her responsibilities and helped her in bringing her children up, take more vacations and travel to more places, and spend more time with her grandchildren.

But, without regret, the former senator goes on with her life—full of passion, intelligence, sincerity—and her hard-earned mastery of the art of letting go. #

Coseteng introduced Educational Technology Programs in Iloilo City

Coseteng introduced Educational Technology Programs in Iloilo City
by : Robbie Pangilinan

Iloilo City ; Diliman Preparatory School President Nikki Marquez – Lim Coseteng presented an assortment of learning programs to parents, students, school heads, and local government officials at her ancestral house in Iloilo City and U.P. Iloilo last Aug 13, 2009.

She introduced and demonstrated the different programs in the province of Iloilo and the city to develop children’s interest and love for learning and enhance creativity and mental alertness at an early age.

“One of my visions is to establish Centers of Excellence throughout the country starting with Iloilo City which is my mother’s hometown , and which I consider home, said the former senator

“We are so glad that Nikki brought these programs to Iloilo, said Dept of Tourism Under Secretary Dong Sarabia who attended the presentation with Efren Aurelio, President of Philippine Association of Landscape Architects .

Coseteng was joined by EDULYNX President Raymond Ang, Felta Multi Media President Ms. Mylene Abiva and Diliman Preparatory School Executive Director Lycette Ventura.

EDULYNX Inc presented ( EPIP ) English Proficiency Intervention program , a Web based program with voice recognition for all levels of users starting from Grade 1 to high school and adults . This is currently at Diliman Preparatory School Quezon city the official Licensed distributor of EPIP.
She also introduced the Dr. Glenn Doman Method from the Institutes for the Advancement of Human Potential based in Philadelphia U.S.A. The program is ideal for multiplying a child’s intelligence both for well children and developing brain injured children to become as close to well children as possible
The Doman Program trains mothers to teach their babies how to read, do math and other skills with very little effort.
DPS also teaches children how to express themselves through different forms of puppetry .Some children have difficulty overcoming shyness and are unable to express themselves. Learning to manipulate puppets allows children to gain confidence and develop artistic expression.

Senator Coseteng introduced ROBOTICS to Diliman Prep Children as early as 2 years old in partnership with FELTA MULTI- MEDIA through the use of Lego educational products . This program is designed to attract children and adult alike. Eventually they graduate from building simple structures to assembling Robots and programming their movements.

The Former Senator is very determined to propagate extensively the Advance Education Technology programs throughout the country. The series of roadshows starts in Iloilo City . Recently, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) granted a certificate of Program Registration to DILIMAN PREPARATORY SCHOOL and DCTI for the following programs: Computed Hardware Servicing NCII, Finishing Course for Call Center Agents and English proficiency Program. RMP

Love Your Hair

Love Your Hair

You love your body. You do everything to be in top shape—eating balanced meals, exercising regularly, keeping a health regimen. Yet, with all the pollution in the environment and the stress of daily living, maintaining a healthy lifestyle seems complicated and tedious.
The same goes true with your hair. Having healthy hair starts with loving it. Salon de Manila proprietor and renowned hair stylist Pin Antonio says, “First of all, love your hair. This may sound obvious but is often taken for granted by many. Maintain your hair with love and consistency.”
Pin, who is known for her very modern and chic hairdos, reveals her personal hair care regimen, “I have my hair cut and trimmed appropriately, once a month. I invest in the best products for my hair like treatments and build-up remover which I pamper my hair with every week. Then, every three months I have my hair color done with salon quality products.”
Pin even treats her hair like her own baby—nurturing it with love and care. She even says, “I really pay close attention to my hair and listen to its needs.”
The famous hair trendsetter describes healthy hair as thick and dense, fine and silky, not too oily or rough. Healthy hair should also be lustrous, shiny and glossy, “This means that the hair is pliable or easy to work with because it is not limp or lank,” Pin shares.
But healthy hair goes beyond the surface. As Pin says, getting your hair healthy is easy, keeping and maintaining it is the hard part. Not everyone may have been born with great locks, but everyone can maintain healthy hair, following a few basic steps and doing the steps consistently.
Pin reveals the secret, “Make sure you wash your hair when needed. This is a different routine for everyone, some wash their hair every day, others do it every other day. Find the routine that suits you and keeps your hair looking good all the time and stick to it. You should shampoo and condition thoroughly using a medium circle of shampoo with a lesser amount of conditioner. Brush your hair often. This will not only keep it tangle-free but will stimulate new growth at the roots. Eat nutritious food. An over-all balanced diet of lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fatty fish like salmon and low-fat dairy will help keep hair healthy.”
She also recommends taking the proper amount of vitamins and minerals daily such as vitamin B-complex, vitamin B6, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, vitamin E and beta-carotene. Flaxseed oil and daily dosage of magnesium, sulfur and zinc are also recommended.
The human hair is very sensitive. Pin says that no matter how much you keep your hair clean, the rigorous routine of daily life exposes the hair to extreme conditions that may cause hair damage. The sun and humidity can damage the hair cuticles which results to dry, drab, split, brittle or frizzy hair and ends. Hair loss is often caused by pollution like dust, smoke emitted by vehicles that contain high levels of carbon, cigarette smoke, and other carbonic gases. Excessive bleaching and perming can also cause damage to hair. Even too much alcohol consumption and lack of sleep can contribute to damaging hair severely. In this day and time, stress virtually affects hair. It naturally weakens body systems and that includes the hair. Hair becomes dull, lifeless and slow-growing.
Pin recommends the following in order to prevent or lessen hair damage:
• Use a scarf or cap over the hair when traveling during the day to protect the hair from direct sunlight, dirt and smoke.
• For people who travel a lot, wash hair as often as often as possible and ensure the use of a good conditioner.
• Avoid leaving oil on your hair as the tendency to absorb dust is higher.
• Give your hair the privilege of a massage regularly.
• Choose hairstyles that are not very long and are easily manageable.
• Never leave the house with wet hair because the hair cuticles are opened. Hair is fragile at this point.
• If you are going to sunbathe, make sure to protect your hair by wearing a hat especially if your hair is colored. If you can, comb in a cream leave-on conditioner while you are out in the sun.

Ordinary kitchen products can also do wonders for your hair, says Pin. Sometimes, these natural products are even better than commercial ones. “For example,” Pin shares, “mix honey and eggs and leave on hair for 10 minutes, then rinse off. Then, mix whipped egg whites with the yolk added with water in a blender. Wash hair with hot water and apply the mixture. Massage on hair for 10 minutes then rinse off with cold water.”
Milk and coconut oil are also superb for the hair, as is mayonnaise. It may sound (and smell) gross but liberally applying mayonnaise to your hair, covering and leaving it overnight, and washing it in the morning can treat damaged hair.
A lot of commercial products are also good for the hair. Choosing between natural and commercial care all depends on the preference of the person. “Believing in a product and seeing the results of that product is what’s important,” Pin says.
Salon de Manila, which Pin and sister Ruby Tubig started years ago, offers personalized hair care depending on the needs of each client. “In Salon de Manila, we usually recommend mild rebonding for frizzy and not-so-curly hair. Split ends may be treated with regular treatments of our salon quality product line as well. There are cleansing agents we recommend for people who have scalp problems like dandruff. These cleansing agents resolve the dandruff problem in a short time, purify the scalp and combat the bacterial attack that caused the flaking, resulting in a healthy, restored and clean scalp. For coarse hair, we recommend thermal relax and for limp and oily hair we use volumizing products.”

Your crowning glory needs tender loving care. Pin has this to say, “Healthy and wonderfully styled and cut hair gives you an image overhaul. A good hairstyle can change your look completely. It can chop off years from your face and make you look younger. Hair is part of the wardrobe. So, find a stylist you trust who’ll treat you and your hair with respect, and who will give you stunningly gorgeous hairstyles!” And when it comes to hair care and hairstyle, no matter what color, length or style your hair is, Pin Antonio and Salon de Manila can help make it shiny and healthy. #

SALON DE MANILA - WORLD CLASS

By Robbie Pangilinan

Pin Antonio shares her brilliance through her genes. Pin is not the only Antonio who’s working towards the ascent of the hairstyling industry as Salon De Manila and Antonio Hairdressing very own Adlai Peter Antonio crashes into the limelight.

Adlai recently has been chosen to represent the Philippines as one of the best hairstylists in Asia for “BEST OF ASIA BY WORLD TOUR” conducted by a world famous brand in hairstyling held in Macau last May 18-21, 2009. He was given another chance to showcase his talent for the second time.

Being one of the nation’s most sought after precision haircutters and creative colorists, Adlai is surely making his own reputation resound as a way of solidifying the Antonios place in the hair industry. He also has been launched as one of the interpreters of the Davines Matinee Collection at the Davines World Style Contest last year where he represented Salon de Manila and he unveiled his talent. It was his first break being given the chance to display his own expertise, creative ideas and his acquired knowledge from his mentors, her mother and Salon de Manila’s head colorist, Lilia Lacbayen.

Adlai has the clientele not all 23 year-old budding stylists have. Among the long list of clients are celebrities and famous artists.

As Adlai puts it, people expected a lot from him being the son of Pin Antonio, the “Hairdresser to the Stars.” The proud mother said she is thrilled for her son and she is proud of him because he is passionate with his craft.

But the young International School of Culinary Arts graduate hopes to someday be known as more than Adlai the son of the “Queen of Stars”. He wishes that one day, he would be one of the world’s best hairstylists.

Passing the Baton

Pin Antonio shares her brilliance through her genes by being not the sole Antonio who’s working towards the ascent of the hairstyling industry as Salon De Manila and Antonio Hairdressing’s very own Adlai Peter Antonio crashes into the limelight.

Adlai was given another chance to showcase his talent for the second time as he was recently chosen to represent the Philippines as one of the best hairstylists in Asia for “BEST OF ASIA BY WORLD TOUR” conducted by a world famous brand in hairstyling held in Macau last May 18-21, 2009. MATRIX is the no. 1 in American Salons collaborating with various professional hair products such as Biolage, Matrix Essentials, Matrix Men and Vavoom for haircare and styling. Being one of the nation’s most sought after precision haircutters and creative colorists, Adlai is surely making his own reputation resound as a way of solidifying the Antonios place in the hair industry. He also has been launched as one of the interpreters of the Davines Matinee Collection at the Davines World Style Contest last year where he represented Salon de Manila. It was his chance to unveil his talent and his first break to display his own expertise, creative ideas and his acquired knowledge from his mentors, her mother and Salon de Manila’s head colorist, Lilia Lacbayen.

Adlai has the clientele not all 23 year-old budding stylists have. Among the long list of clients are Claudine Baretto-Santiago, Kyla and Carmina Villaroel.

The young International School of Culinary Arts graduate hopes to someday be known more than Adlai the son of the “Queen of Styles”. He wishes that one day, he would be recognized as one of the world’s best hairstylists. As Adlai puts it, people expect a lot from him being the son of Pin Antonio, the “Hairdresser to the Stars.” But the proud mother said she is thrilled for her son and she is proud of him because he is passionate with his craft so at the outset of the chic lad’s hairstyling career, she sent him to Malaysia and Singapore for training on hair coloring. “I learned from my mom and I improved through the trainings,” Adlai enthuses. Naturally the stylish Adlai has his own compartment of ideas that is uniquely his own and that makes him wow his customers more by making them feel happy about themselves after he does his magic.

His background in culinary arts helped stir his passion for satisfying the taste of the client. “I realized that precision haircutting and creative coloring is similar to cooking... the clients choose their dish; make it superb with the right mix and match the ingredients to suit their taste and sooner than you know, they'll just keep on coming back to you for more,” equips Adlai. This young and fine-looking stylist shares he likes chilling out with friends and travelling aside from his interest in cooking and hairstyling.

Adlai’s interest in hairstyling though came with a little delay as he really didn’t expect to be in the hair industry albeit his lineage being famous in their craft. “Since my mom is in it, I tried to give it a shot. I tried it and I felt it in my veins that I would excel on this field,” he shares. That certain loving feeling got his mind set to making his mama proud and he is certainly is making the mother of hairstyling creativity so thrilled and pleased by his evolution as an artist.

After more than 20 years of pegging the name Antonio to the hair industry, come another generation of Antonio hairdressers. Two more younger Antonios are also into some serious beauty business. Malkha Marist Antonio is expert on doing hair extensions. Malkha who studies Liberal Arts in the UP Open University doesn’t want to let fear and young age hinder her from materializing God’s plan for her. “Sharing my skills with my clients and being able to feel fulfilled hearts both ways is what I love most about my profession,” Malkha says. Angel Locsin entrusts her extensions to Malkha. While Malkha and Adlai work wonders on people’s hair, Scion Raphaella Antonio-Mangundayao is a genuine artist on people’s faces as she is the head make-up artist of Salon de Manila. “It doesn't feel very different from painting. The only difference is I'm "painting" on a person's face, not on canvas. I like the idea of bringing out a person's (particularly a woman's) best features and enhancing one's beauty through make up and skin care... Plus, I have a fetish with colors and brushes,” shares Scion, who’s a UST Fine Arts and Design graduate. Her clients include famous artists. Scion steadfastly articulates she’s not aiming for popularity or being "the best" or "the greatest". Anyone can be "THE best" or "THE greatest" and she would rather be recognized as a different kind of artist with her own sense of art and style. “I just want to enjoy and excel in my work,” says Scion.

Taking after the senior Antonios (Pin and Ruby Tubig) who pioneered Salon de Manila in 1983, the business is believed to be shared and passed on to equally talented and passionate younger generation that is a wise way to keep the corporation’s mission and vision true to the last strand of hair. The Antonios were set to beautify Manila back then. Expanded and took on a larger territory they revamped faces and confidence outside the city. Salon de Manila stretched out and took on an even larger field by putting up more branches and increasing clientele. They improve inside out. They get better externally and internally. They pass on their legacy.

Adlai, Scion and Malkha are living up to Antonio sisters’ legacy. They live on the zeal and fascination to beauty by supplementing their seniors’ brilliance with their own genius as they continue to wow not only the country but the whole Asia by their style and elegance.