Pangan: Lights out

March 28, 2011

FOR poor people living in shacks and creaky structures, having no lights and electric power 24/7 is no big deal. They subsist on improvised gas and kerosene lamps, lanterns and moonlit nights.
The announcement of lights out last Saturday night for one hour, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., did not bother these
I am not siding with these destitute souls. What I am arguing about is that if they can go on living with the barest things, the more that the affluent ones can sacrifice an hour, maybe more, of not having lights to guide them.
The idea of switching off power last Saturday was a laudable one and, I suppose, was not concocted in favor of Pelco which slogan should be lights out any time. This incredibly inept power retailer or supplier puts out power even on primetime and Sundays when families gather to spend quality time, watching their favorite programs on TV or DVD, internet surfing or listening to favorite tunes. But, lo, Pelco switches off power on a whim no matter what inconvenience this inconsiderate move does to its consumers. And to think it functions or disguises itself as a cooperative. Cooperative, my foot!
Lights out, yes, for a good cause, not to deprive consumers their delight. Lights out, of course, to save something for this aging world, but not to load every imaginable charge on exasperated customers.
There should have been caution, vigilance and watchful eyes during the one-hour voluntary power off as the notorious crime gangs like the Akyat Bahay thugs may have taken advantage of the momentary power shut off. There should have been police or even barangay police visibility and area tour so as to deter any crime incidents.
Ok, now we are scrambling to save the earth, our earth, but have we been kind and tender these past years? We are faced with more serious problems brought about by searing climate change. The shifting of weather poles should alarm us because anything not hitherto possible may come as nature wields its fierce power on us.
Kagilagilalas, as our elders say, kapag ang kapaligiran ang nagpumiglas. Di ba, Konsehal Rox? Those sci-fi movies may have given us a preview of things to come. That being the scenario, it is up to us to decide our collective fate.
Would it be lights out for all of us then, or would the power last?
*****
On to Mabalacat cityhood. I was informed by Mayor Boking Morales and Municipal Administrator Rosan Paquia that the work and prospect on the cityhood drive has been ongoing and running smoothly.
If the info they gave were to be used as benchmark or barometer, then the dream of Mabalaqueños is not that far and distant. I learned that the mandatory committee hearings have been completed and it is just pro forma for Congress to proceed with the enactment of the bill to convert Mabalacat into a city.
Dream team 2013. With the exit of some members of the Mabalacat Sangguniang Bayan in 2013, there would be a wide selection area for aspirants for ten (10) slots, assuming Mabalacat is then a city. I was given a list of hopefuls who would be fielded by Mayor Boking: Froy Galang, Rox Pena, Bok Tiglao, Dindo Dayrit, Jeng Yumul, Joey Santos, comebacking Eddie Sotto, possibly Tom Manalo, Dwight “DWT” Morales and Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin.
Liza R. Pineda may slug it out with Christian Halili for the vice mayorship, while Cherry Manalo is reportedly eyeing a board member post, to fill in for exiting Tars DC Halili and Cris Garbo. Benny Jocson opts for another term while current Vice Mayor Noel Castro (MKM 2013) is reportedly mulling the mayoral post against incumbent Mayor Boking and perhaps the LP standard bearer Dr. Toy Tiglao.
*****
Good news for job seekers. Y & L Global Manpower Corporation, a POEA-licensed recruitment agency based in Manila, will conduct a Special Recruitment Activity (SRA) on April 4, 5 and 6 to be held at the old municipal hall grounds in Barangay Poblacion, Mabalacat. It needs domestic helpers, nurses and gypsum board installers for Qatar and applicants must be 23-40 years old and passport ready. Former overseas workers who are not above 45 years old, in the case of domestic helpers may also apply. PESO Mabalacat will assist in the said activity.
*****
Trainings galore. PESO Mabalacat, still headed by this writer, and with the full support and encouragement of Mayor Boking Morales and Tesda Provincial Office, will spearhead the conduct of trainings for Slaughtering, Welding, Basic Computer Literacy and Call Center agents.
This is a good way to provide skills to Mabalaqueños and prepare them for local and/or overseas placements.
I therefore need the support and cooperation of Budget Officer Roger C. Tanglao and Treasurer Myrna S. Ocampo and Assistant Treasurer Marlene Molina-Mendiola. After all, the budgets for these trainings have already been approved by the Sangguniang Bayan, so I do not see any reason for delays in releasing funds for these useful trainings.
Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/opinion/2011/03/27/pangan-lights-out-147159

Although the Philippines is not known for being the wine capital of Asia, Clark Pampanga is the most frequently visited destination for wine lovers in Cebu, Angeles City and Manila to shop for some good vintage wine. The famous wine shop outside Manila called Clark Wine Center is the largest wine shop in Philippines which offers over 2000 selections of fine vintage wine from all wine regions, vintages spanning over 50 years covering all price ranges.

This wine shop in Clark is highly recommended as one of the best places to buy wine in Pampanga. Clark Freeport is just outside Manila near Subic and Angeles City Philippines is Clark Wine Center. Visitors buy wine in Manila and Pampanga should not miss stopping at this wine shop for a few bottles of fine vintage wines to bring home.

Established in 2002, YATS WINE CELLARS is a wholly-owned business unit of Hong Kong-based Yats International which owns and operates resort, wine shops, wine bars and fine-dining restaurant properties in Clark Freeport in The Philippines. YATS WINE CELLARS caters to a clientele of discerning wine lovers from all over the world. Besides a good selection of wine for everyday enjoyment, YATS offers a unique selection of aged vintage wines made available to wine enthusiasts at remarkably affordable prices. Vintages span over a century and the selection of old- and new-world wines covers all major wine regions.

http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com

Getting to this wine shop in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone Philippines from Manila
Getting to the Clark Wine Center wine shop from Manila is quite simple: after entering Clark Freeport from Dau and Angeles City, proceed straight along the main highway M A Roxas. Clark Wine Center is the stand-along white building on the right, at the corner A Bonifacio Ave. From the Clark International Airport DMIA, ask the taxi to drive towards the entrance of Clark going to Angeles City. From Mimosa, just proceed towards the exit of Clark and this wine shop is on the opposite side of the main road M A Roxas.

Clark Wine Center
Bldg 6460 Clark Observatory Building
Manuel A. Roxas Highway corner A Bonifacio Ave,
Angeles Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga 2023
0922-870-5173 0917-826-8790 (ask for Ana Fe)

Wine@Yats-International.com

YATS Wine Cellars
Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 ask for Rea or Chay

Best place to buy wine in Clark Pampanga outside Manila near Subic and Angeles City Philippines is Clark Wine Center.
Wedding couples looking for wedding reception venues and beach wedding venues can log on to this Philippines Wedding Venue web site for free information and assistance:

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While in Clark, it might be a good idea to enjoy an evening of wine-and-dine in the fine dining Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar that features an award winning 2700-line wine list. It is located in Mimosa Leisure Estate of Clark Freeport Zone. For more information, visit http://www.YatsRestaurant.com

YATS Leisure Philippines is a developer and operator of clubs, resorts and high-class restaurants and wine shops in Clark Angeles Philippines http://www.YatsLeisure.com

Looking for famous tourists spots, places to visit and see, relax and unwind in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines? You may want to check out these sites also:

http://www.LondonPubClark.com

http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com

http://www.ClarkPhilippines.com

http://www.YatsWineCellars.com