Sunstar Weekend Magazine

She’s come home to try her luck at life, show business, and maybe love? Join Jigs Arquiza as he finds out more about the beauty from Bremen who’s come home to Cebu.

[email protected], February 12, 2011

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3A KorNie love story

movies

4The Other Woman

The Beauty from Bremen

Sun.Star Weekend | Saturday , February 12, 20112C

cover story

RALPH RHODDEN C. CAVERO Graphic Designer

CHERRY ANN LIM Managing Editor, Special Pages and FeaturesJIGS ARQUIZA Editor CLINT HOLTON P. POTESTAS Writer

Beautythefrom

Bremen

Sun.Star Weekend | Saturday , February 12, 2011 3C

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Someone who accepts us for what and who ‘we are’ and ‘we are NOT’ could be our perfect match. He doesn’t always have to be our ideal partner. She doesn’t always have to be someone we share the same likes and hobbies with. He could be someone we could always agree to disagree with. He or she doesn’t need to be perfect.

Khristianie Lauta Cornelio (Nanie) and Rholand Chris Cornelio (Korn), who are seated just across each other more than eight hours in five days at their homey office in Caresharing, musing Ruby on Rails, coding, debugging, and chatting, among others, are one inspiring couple who seem to be a perfect match in more ways than one.

The Shooting Star: Nanie’s StoryShe wished for a man – someone she can call her

‘The One’. “I don’t care if he’s not tall for as long as he’s responsible…” The shooting star may have heard and echoed Nanie’s wish into the heavens because someone indeed came...sooner.

It typically started with a friendship – spiced with constant teasing from officemates. She didn’t really take the match-making and teasing seriously at first but an out-of-town trip down South made her feel awkward and skeptical at some point.

“We were in a waterfall in Alegria when he started doing a lot of sweet stuff, like he was sort of protective of me…” Nanie said with her sheepish chuckles in-between phrases.

It was weird and totally unusual of him, she added. The awkward mood filled the atmosphere, which also made her act strangely. “Nagpalayo ko sige. (I didn’t stay close to him)”

On that trip, one of their officemates, who was like a little brother to Nanie and was the ultimate match-maker, shared his “vibes” about Nanie and Korn.

“Joseph kept telling us that Korn and I could be a perfect couple.” Nanie said while nudging Korn.

The Waterfall: Korn’s StoryFor a person who fears rejection, courting is not

the easiest thing to do. But when a person realizes that his fear of losing someone very special is greater than being rejected, courting is not the hardest thing to do at all.

“I realized that I really liked her when I learned that she was going to resign from our company…” the misty-eyed Korn shared.

“So my first attempt at getting closer to her happened in Alegria. I knew I made her feel uncomfortable but I still tried…” Korn added in the vernacular.

After those well-tried and well-meant romantic gestures witnessed by a cascading waterfall, he made several more attempts which later turned out to be very fruitful.

The couple was separated for some time after Korn went abroad on a business trip, but constant communication helped their growing relationship a lot.

“Dakog tabang ang YM! (Yahoo Messenger helped a lot!)”

Korn later came home to where a blooming love and relationship were cheerfully waiting.

Just MarriedAfter more than three years of being happily

together, balancing each other’s individuality, settling pithy fights, traveling and planning for the future, Korn asked Nanie to marry him.

Nanie said it wasn’t the typical proposal because she knew it all along. She helped Korn in the ring-hunt, and when Korn asked her out for the planned proposal, a paper bag made it totally obvious.

Out of nervousness perhaps, he didn’t even know how to go about the proposal. He even had to ask: “Ako na ihatag nimu? (Shall I give it to you?” He was referring to the ring.

Several months later, December 8, 2010, the couple exchanged “I do’s”.

“I cannot imagine my life without her. With her, I’m sure we’ll have a happy and fulfilling life together…” Nanie’s husband said.

He may not be Nanie’s ideal man, but having him, she couldn’t ask for more.

KorNie’s ‘Love Ingredients’

Patience – The patience to adjust to your partner’s impatience will avoid further senseless argument. Remember this Greek proverb – “One minute of patience, ten years of peace”.

Compromise – Do not allow the day to end without resolving misunderstandings. An anonymous writer once said: “Compromise, if not the spice of life, is its solidity. It is what makes nations great and marriages happy.”

Constant communication – It is the real work in any kind of relationship. Find time to talk or chat about anything constantly. You may also reassess your relationship regularly.

TEXT: MARIA ARMIE SHEILA GARDE WITH JOSEPH REY ALQUISOLA PHOTOS: LLOYED VALENZUELA

A really

love storyKorNieHeads turned as Jacqueline Durano

Schubert entered Bistro Ecila at The Terraces to join me for dinner and an interview. It’s no wonder that she has that rubberneck effect on both men and women, as the 5-foot, 7-inch, 20-year old Pinay-Teutonic (Her dad is German, her mom, Cebuana) stunner happens to be a beauty queen. Jackie, as she is called by family and friends, has already joined several beauty contests; among them the Ms. Intercontinental pageant in Russia, but her crowning glory, at least for now, is her triumph in 2009, when she won the Mutya ng Pilipinas – Tourism title. Ironic, because according to Jackie, before she joined Mutya, “I didn’t even know what a beauty pageant was. I just did it for fun.”

Who knows what she’s going to win next?Well, it’s not exactly another beauty contest,

but she’s got her sights set on the “Pilipinas Got Talent” competition. She’s already passed the audition stage here in Cebu, held at the SM City, and in a couple of weeks, she’ll be jetting off to Manila for tapings for the television show. Jackie remarks, “The producers want me to learn to speak Tagalog.” Having learned to speak English only here in the Philippines, and in just one year, Jackie will no doubt be able to speak the language in no time. She then wonders aloud, “I hope the Cebuanos will support me in the contest.”

For the meantime, she’s concentrating on opening her dance studio called “Jacq’z Dance Studio” in Piazza Elisea in Talamban. Set to open in a few weeks’ time, Jackie plans to offer classes in ballet, hiphop and street dancing. Aside from her interests in dance, she’s also honing her skills in singing and performance, training under a popular voice coach. Occasionally, she indulges in her new-found hobby, playing Frisbee, which she got into “because of Derek Ramsey.” Jackie adds, reminiscing about her more “boyish” days in her hometown of Bremen, Germany, “I also played soccer for several years.”

With Valentine’s Day arriving shortly, the male of the species might be wondering if Jackie is on the lookout for Mr. Right. Jackie explains that “Love is a very big word; it has a lot of meanings for me. Love is also my weakness. I’ve had boyfriends back in Germany, but I’ve experienced heartbreak so many times.” Hard to believe that guys would actually want to break this lady’s heart. Maybe there are guys out there who would want to be Jackie’s knight-in-shining-armor?

Jackie then explains that she’s not looking for a boyfriend right now, as “I have no time because I am quite busy spending time with my family, taking care of my business and my career.” Still, Jackie is not closing her doors totally. It would just take the right kind of guy to make her heart beat faster.

Heartbreak and romance notwithstanding, Jackie’s approach to life, obstacles and relationships is very simple: “Enjoy life, make the best of what you have, and just be yourself when you meet someone new!”


movies

IMAGES FROM THE INTERNET

Playing the other woman in “The Other Woman” is an uncomfortable fit for Natalie Portman.

Sure, she did crazy beautifully in “Black Swan,” earning an Oscar nomination for her performance as a ballerina pirouetting into madness. But playing a home wrecker and the stepmother to a young boy seems incongruent with her innately girlish likability.

Writer-director Don Roos doesn’t do her any favors by jumping all over the place in tone; he goes from deadpan humor to melodrama to awkward attempts at reconciliation, with all the subtlety of a made-for-TV movie. And in adapting his script from the Ayelet Waldman novel “Love and Other Impossible Pursuits,” Roos leaves holes in logic and emotional resonance.

For example, does Portman’s character, Emilia, feel the slightest bit guilty about breaking up the marriage of an older, wealthy Manhattan lawyer named Jack (Scott Cohen)? Does Jack have any remorse about the way his affair has damaged the lives

of his ex-wife, Carolyn (Lisa Kudrow), and his sensitive son, William (Charlie Tahan)? These are just some of the many questions begging to be answered.

But even more fundamentally: What does Emilia see in Jack? If he were sexy, funny and warm – or possessed even one of those traits – it might make some sense. Cohen plays him as standoffish and scolding. And suggesting that Emilia is drawn to him because she has daddy issues plays like facile pop psychology.

Emilia’s motivations are so nebulous that it’s awfully hard to root for her, but, ostensibly, that’s what we’re supposed to be doing in watching “The Other Woman.”

When we first meet Emilia and Jack, they’re getting over the loss of their baby after only three days of life. At the same time, Emilia is trying to forge her own bond with William, but it’s tough. He’s one of those precocious, neurotic kids you only see in the movies – the kind who are obsessive-compulsive about germs, insist on wearing a helmet while ice skating and only eat pudding made from soy.

Emilia’s interactions with William represent the only moments that vaguely resemble real human relations. She teases him and tries to get him to have fun, he remains uptight, and their banter can be lively and charming. Still, despite her efforts, Jack strangely accuses Emilia of being cold to his son.

Flashbacks reveal how their affair began. Emilia was a new associate at Jack’s law firm; the daughter of a judge, she was fresh out of Harvard Law School. Jack was more established at the firm and had a comfortable life with his status-hungry wife, one of the city’s superstar pediatricians. (Later, Carolyn comes off as maniacally driven to get William into an elite private school; she freaks out when he’s not accepted at her top choice.)

Arbitrarily, Emilia finds herself smitten by Jack. But when the two go off on a business trip together, and Jack follows Emilia down the hall to her hotel room after a night of flirting, the moment should be fraught with sexual tension. Instead, jaunty music jarringly depletes the scene of its drama. In no time, she’s pregnant with their child and the two are married.

At other moments, though, the exchanges feel realistic because they’re awkward, such as the conversation Emilia has with a good friend who has suffered a miscarriage. Roos does find elements of truth here and there; frustratingly, there are too few of them. (AP)


audiosyncracyshort reviews

IMAGES FROM THE INTERNET

SanctumThose Friday the 13th campers

have it easy. They’re just in the woods. Sanctum’s spelunkers-in-peril are in the woods...in Papua New Guinea...in a watery cave so fathomless they haven’t seen sunlight in 17 days. “There’s no god here,” barks head explorer Frank (Richard Roxburgh) in a performance tough enough to chew stalactites. But there’s plenty of atmosphere and awe, even if it’s in the service of a story that starts rote and finds its sea legs only when half the divers have sunk their bones to Davy Jones. James Cameron’s name on the credits should guarantee that the $30 million dollar thriller will make a decent splash even if it has to dogpaddle for foreign sales to make back more than its budget. (AP)

Cold WeatherThis may sound like a contradiction

in terms, but “Cold Weather” is a mumblecore movie with a purpose. Sure, its twentysomething characters sit around and talk about nothing in particular. They’re unmotivated to work at jobs that don’t exactly matter to them. And writer-director Aaron Katz, a founder of this film genre, isn’t shy about lingering on a shot, such as when his characters are doing nothing more exciting than eating lunch at a park bench along the Oregon coast. But shots like that set the tone and subtly lure us in. And so when the tension does build – and really, surprisingly, it does – it sneaks up on us. “Cold Weather” steadily shifts while we’re watching it and becomes almost an entirely different film, one that’s compelling in a whole new way. (AP)

What made Waylon Jennings special can’t be duplicated. Like his friends Johnny Cash or Willie Nelson, he became a legendary figure by making his music and his personality indistinguishable. His fame wasn’t about hit songs, but about a sound and an image merging into something wholly individual.

“The Music Inside” works best when the contributors don’t try mimicking Jennings’ distinctive sound. Instead, performers from Shooter Jennings (Waylon’s son) to Jamey Johnson to Sunny Sweeney (in a duet with Jennings’ widow, Jessi Colter) rise above by remaking classic Jennings songs to fit their style, not his.

The first of three planned tribute albums, “The Music Inside” wavers from hard-nosed country rock to dryly sentimental songs, just as Jennings often did. Some go too far in translation, as when Alabama change a lyric in “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way,” switching “we need to change” to “we made the change.” Rather than criticizing contemporary country music, these new lyrics sanction it_the opposite of what Jennings intended.

Still, there’s plenty here that honors one of country music’s most complicated icons, enough so to make the next volumes worth anticipating.

CHECK OUT THIS TRACK: Randy Houser’s version of “I’m a Ramblin’ Man” sounds nothing like the original. But the dramatic reworking not only shows off Houser’s powerful voice, it conveys a personal mes-sage as potent as the original.

“A Collaboration Dedicated to Waylon Jennings: The Music Inside, Volume 1” (Scatter/Big Machine)

What’s happening this Valentine season?February 12Traffic Light Party at Luxx at VUDU at the Crossroads Arcade, Banilad

The 5th Annual Traffic Light Party featuring DJ JEDI from L.A.and resident DJ Marlon Orellano at Luxx at the Main Room with mash ups and video mixing; mean house mixes at the 2nd Level Lounge with Lx’s Maxie Perez. Plus the launch of REBEL : The Street Wear Project by Patrick Rizarri. Hosted by Banjbillions, Bodyrock Nightlife, Secret Service and VUDU and powered by Coors and Tanduay Ice. Visit www.vudu.com.ph for complete details

DRESSCODE: Honor the tradition and wear your heart on your sleeve. Red = I know I’m hot but I’m already taken Yellow = Its complicated, but go ahead and try your luck Green = All systems are a go! I’m single.

February 14Red Box Valentine Primetime

This Valentine’s, February 14, 2011, all the lovely ladies put your hands up and get some girl power going. Head over

to Red Box Karaoke as Red Box shows all the ladies some love by giving free entrance during the Primetime Hours of 7 p.m. – 12 midnight.

Japanese Lovers’ Meal at JapengoCreating a different kind of romantic dining experience

this Valentines, Japengo makes available the traditional Japanese Lovers’ Meal – a symphony of tempuras, salad, maki’s, sushi’s, side dishes and dessert that is meant to be shared by lovers using just a single pair of chopsticks.

With the premier branch at the Robinsons Cybergate (505.9410) and a newly opened outlet at the South Gate in Mactan( 238.3877), Japengo is known for its generous portions and striking designs, serving creative Japanese cuisine with a range of sushi (hand-rolled rice) varieties and specialty roll at prices very affordable to everyone. Japengo is also present at The Parkmall (505.4580) in Mandaue City.

Available starting Saturday, February 12 until Valentines Day for lunch, and dinner, couples are out for a remarkable and exciting dining encounter of flavor, fusion, texture, contrast, freshness and balance that is very Japengo.

On February 13 and 14, fall in love all over again with a special menu lovingly prepared by Shangri-La’s international team of expert chefs in between sips of Moet et Chandon. With every need taken cared of by our dedicated staff, your evening will certainly be more lovely with the enchanting melodies of a private serenade at your table. The romantic dinner options include flowers for the ladies, a souvenir photograph of the couple and a fireworks display to cap the evening’s celebration.

For this special occasion, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa offers various dreamy locales for your dinner date. Some of the most coveted romantic spots in the resorts include Table 54, with its spectacular view of the Mactan Channel and utmost privacy, Paradise Island, a private deck in the middle of the resort’s 350-meter stretch of white sand and two private cabanas with magnificent views of the ocean and gardens.

Lovers of the sea will certainly be inspired by the romance of the moonlight and the sound of the rolling waves when they book a beach table at Breeze, the resort’s latest dining facility. At Acqua, the resort’s Italian restaurant,

Chef Marco Ghezzi serves a love story on a plate with scenic views of the Ocean Wing Pool and Mactan Channel as the perfect backdrop to enjoy a gastronomy of love.

Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa’s Valentines dinner offerings start at Php 5,000++ per couple. Limited slots are available, prior reservations required.

Other Valentine season offerings are also available for singles or couples who desire a down-to-earth celebration. Tides offers a Chocolate Valentine dinner buffet that will definitely hit your sweet spot for only Php 1,400++ from February 12-14.

To satiate your party fix before the big Valentine’s day celebration, trek to Cowrie Cove on February 12 for Love Struck, a pre-Valentine party and enjoy a tantalizing mix of exciting games and dance beats in between sips of pink cockails and Moet et Chandon. Love Struck is co-presented by Moet et Chandon.

For inquiries and reservations about Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa’s Valentines season offerings, please call the restaurant reservations and information center at 231.8224 or email [email protected].

Fall in love all over again this Valentine’s season!

Gear up for an evening of romance and passion when you celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Champagne and Prime Rib Buffet at the Garden Café of Cebu City Marriott Hotel (CCMH).

Spice up the romance with an aphrodisiac menu of Baked Oysters Rockefeller, Sushi Station, and Assorted Sausages with Black Beans. The buffet also features Carved Australian Prime Rib of Beef, Cebu Lechon, Honey

and Almond Pork Loin, a live Pasta Station, homemade desserts and more! Plus, a champagne station, chocolate station and roses for that special date.

The Champagne and Prime Rib Buffet at the Garden Café is served on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2011 from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM. For reservations, please call Cebu City Marriott Hotel at (032) 411 5800 or email: [email protected].

Valentine is made sweeter at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel


TEXT AND IMAGES FROM WWW.FULLYBOOKEDONLINE.COM AND THE WEB

books

bottomsupAileen Quijano

In the spirit of Valentine season, a random quiz landed in my inbox recently asking me to go through and check, if experienced, the top common crazy things we do while in love, falling in love or running away from love. Geez, the list was so hilarious, it was almost painful – from eating a gallon of ice cream to cyber-stalking , cosplay, spending your life savings on a couple of lousy cross-continental tickets, or even belting out the brokenhearted’s national anthem “I Will Survive” onstage while the band takes a break.

For me though, among the many crazy things I did for love, my most unforgettable –and absolute favorite – was succumbing to the pain-numbing glory of extreme adventure sports.

Some time ago, when I was hurting from young love, my friends dragged me to explore another side of Cagayan de Oro I never knew existed. Turning a deaf ear to all my pre-departure drama, they dared me to get out of the pit by trying something I haven’t even remotely done before – adventure sports. So there, for the first time in my life, I learned to let go and let live.

First there was the 15-minute walk (okay, 30 minutes including the picture taking galore) down the sky bridge, 150 feet above the ground, at Macahambus Adventure Park. Below it was a dense habitat of what must be century-old trees and what-have-you forest creatures you can only imagine. And if only I wasn’t too busy gripping the side ropes for dear life (this despite the harness securing me to another rope above to prevent mishaps), I would have scared myself silly with my overactive imagination. The guide told us “down there” used to be a cave with bats, snakes and all until Mother Nature decided to uncover its head and shower it with some light. Bring it on, Ma!

Next, there was the zip line going back – now THAT was amazing. At first, while waiting for my turn to be released, looking at the distance and the high drop, I couldn’t help but ask – no, torture – myself for the nth time, “Wait, why are you doing this again? Why, in fact, are you paying 500 pesos just to take that dive to

nowhere (possibly) when you didn’t have to?”

Then I heard myself argue back for the nth time, “Because it’s something different, it’s something beyond you. If you don’t let go of your fear now… When else? The opportunity is here, right now. Conquer it now and you can conquer anything after – even pain.”

And you know what I found out? It was only the letting go part that was hard. Because once released, the feeling is so-so cool. You actually hear the wind rushing by your ears and that full-blown scream you let loose is so liberating. Then mid-way, you learn to let go of the ropes, throw your arms wide open and just hang in the air with only the harness securing you through the thin line. You look up to the sky and somehow wish you could just go on like that forever—so light and so cool, maybe not so safe yet still so brave. It was then I realized why, in life, many times, we just need to ‘let go and let God’. While we could easily tangle ourselves in knots, He sets us free.

Somehow, after the skywalk and the zip line, the thought of whitewater rafting, the main event, did not scare us that much anymore.

Three hours of rafting on Cagayan river, which splits Cagayan and Bukidnon translates to P1,500 per person (less if you’re a group of 10). Before launching, we suited up – helmet, vest, and paddle – and were given a briefing on the safety measures while on river, which comforted me a bit.

We were assigned two guides. Our main guide, Mael, who we absolutely loved for his comic deadpan anecdotes, directed us to “forward!” paddle, back paddle, and lock our “peets” (feet) when necessary. Because the water was high (lucky for us), we experienced about 14 to 16 ORGASMIC RAPIDS (normally 12) and each time we conquered one, the group celebrated the team effort with paddles in the air and a loud “high-five!”

It was amazing really… it’s like being in a big

whirlpool bath with bubbles. Some rapids were mellow, some surprising, some amazingly fast, some wild, some long and deep – oh, I said orgasmic already, didn’t I? My favorite was what they named as the “Rodeo”. As we approached this particular rapids, Mael told us to stand, lock our “peets” and paddle rodeo style. We could barely keep our balance but still nobody fell off and it was exhilarating.

When it became too hot, our guides allowed us a couple of icy dips on still waters. It was murky, perhaps deep, and most probably filled with unknown creatures or snakes from the nearby “Snake Mountain”. But what the heck—at that point, we were just glad to be alive on water.

Getting us back on the raft took all of our guides’ efforts. Mael bemoaned that we must have gained some pounds after we wiped out lunch. Who could blame us with that very sumptuous meal of mouthwatering prawns, fresh crabs, spicy chicken, puso, very juicy and sweet Bukidnon pineapples that our guides prepared for us? Yum. For me, that was the best lunch ever.

After the river rafting, we went back to the park for some rappelling. After everything, it was a bit tame. You just release and control the rope by your butt to set the pace you want going down. Yes, going down that “dense habitat of what must be century-old trees and what-have-you forest creatures you can only imagine.” It was okay. What was not okay was going up the very steep and almost rusty steel staircase on our way back. I almost lost my breath completely in my bid to reach the top so fast in fear of crawling creatures that might spring up any time. But hey, I survived. I never felt so happy reaching the top in my life.

I admit I went to Cagayan that time intending to run and perhaps to let go. So, I did. But not for long, for true friends will manage to catch you along the way. They say love is the greatest adventure. Call me crazy, but if it’s anything like that Cagayan adventure, I, for one, am inspired enough to give it another try. ([email protected])

Look Ma, No Hands!

Philippa Gregory, “the queen of royal fiction” (USA Today) Presents the first of a new series set amid the deadly feuds of England known as the Wars of the Roses.

Brother turns on brother to win the ultimate prize, the throne of England, in this dazzling account of the wars of the Plantagenets. They are the claimants and kings who ruled England before the Tudors, and now Philippa Gregory brings them to life through the dramatic and intimate stories of the secret players: the indomitable women, starting with

Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen.

The White Queen tells the story of a woman of extraordinary beauty and ambition who, catching the eye of the newly crowned boy king, marries him in secret and ascends to royalty. While Elizabeth rises to the demands of her exalted position and fights for the success of her family, her two sons become central figures in a mystery that has confounded historians for centuries: the missing princes in the Tower of London whose fate is still unknown. From her uniquely

qualified perspective, Philippa Gregory explores this most famous unsolved mystery of English history, informed by impeccable research and framed by her inimitable storytelling skills.

With The White Queen, Philippa Gregory brings the artistry and intellect of a master writer and storyteller to a new era in history and begins what is sure to be another bestselling classic series from this beloved author.

The White Queenby Philippa Gregory

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grinlight

Got something to share with us? Sun.Star Weekend invites readers to contribute original, unpublished poems and essays or commentaries about funny or memorable moments in your life.

Please email your contributions to: [email protected]

49 Gen. Sepulveda Street, CebuTel. No (032) 255-0105 & 412-5551

Fax No. (032) 412-5552Email: [email protected]

website: www.palazzopensionne.net

BED & BREAKFAST

crossline scribblings

IMAGE FROM THE INTERNET

When not lawfully wedded to a partner, technically, you are single. But this isn’t what the general public embraces. Singleness also comes when you do not have a special someone, which happens to be the accepted notion of the modern mob.

Though being single is not a problem for some, it is in a way, a big deal for most. It is indeed a pain in the neck for the widowed, a crisis for the aloof, a struggle for the broken-hearted, and a curse for a spinster. Whatever its impact on people and whatever plight it takes one to, it is indisputably a fact for those who fall into such a category that other people make an issue of one’s being single. And definitely this isn’t only among single ladies, but bachelors, too.

Hypothetically, bachelors outnumber single women, which is again possibly the reason behind the agony.

Is singleness really something to be afraid of?For the hopeless, maybe. However, to assert that it

is for most people is unholy.There are a number of women in their early and

late 30s who remain single despite subtle criticisms that they should start looking for a partner. They are single not just in terms of being unmarried, they haven’t had any boyfriends at all. And what really makes it astounding is that they’ve never planned on having a significant other unless “he” makes a good partner.

There are also teenagers who feel hesitant to go steady because of the strong “No, no!” reactions from their parents. And there are those who also do not bother to find one because they do not feel inclined, and are unready to move their life to the next level.

As we take a closer look at these people, it’s unlikely that we can say that they are afraid to be single.

Whether or not it is a frightening status is not actually what we should focus on.

There’s always the bright side.What are the advantages of being single?For those with little resources, it is cheaper. For

busy people, it is time-saving. For the career-oriented, it is a geat time.

True, a lot of people find singleness as a better course for the moment while one is still making the best out of one’s life. Some have also realized that when they are single, they are able to live their life to the fullest. Others even confess that they are happier single.

If you classify yourself as one and you’ve really never felt better, never assume you are going to be single for life.

Acceptance is also a decision. When you feel deprived, finding out you are alone when everybody is holding everybody else’s hands, do not feel bad. Be positive instead, knowing that at least one of your senses still functions well, and that you are normal after all.

Never be cynical nor give in to becoming weary. Just as others are making the best out of what they have, it’s also wise to be thankful for what you are and what you have (or don’t have). When you find out that many do regret to accepting a serious commitment they are not ready for yet, and when you realize that many your age would have lived a better life had they not given up their freedom too early, perhaps, you would learn to count your blessings.

Anyway, the last say is always yours. If you don’t think you are in the right track, if you want to be single or not, sleep on it, and ponder on.

By: Jicel Reve S. GabrielStatus: Single

I was in moments of ordealThought that love was beyond my reach I cried like countless rainy days I walked on without seeing the end I thought that love would never be mine for when I grasp it It slips through my hands It was hopeless, all I did was in vain Then love came unexpectedly I was afraid to fall again Yet, she gave me a reason A reason not to fear, but, to live all over again She changed my life Not for the worst, but for the better I clashed with my greatest enemy I conquered my fears because of her She taught me one thing True love is seeing beyond pain That love comes at the right time, with the right reason. Now, can we grow old together, my love? For I want to live my life with you Even if it is in the midst of tribulation I will fight for the same cause, for the same love For your name is already written in my heart My Mary, my love

Love Beyond Painby. Arnel G. Estillore

A Food Valentine

Cabbage always has a heart;Green beans string along.You’re such a Tomato,Will you Peas to me belong?You’ve been the Apple of my eye,You know how much I care;So Lettuce get together,We’d make a perfect Pear.

Now, something’s sure to Turnip,To prove you can’t be Beet;So, if you Carrot all for meLet’s let our tulips meet.

Don’t Squash my hopes and dreams now,Bee my Honey, dear;Or tears will fill Potato’s eyes,While Sweet Corn lends an ear.

I’ll Cauliflower shop and sayYour dreams are Parsley mine.I’ll work and share my Celery,So be my valentine.




ABOVE: 1st row from left: Mayen Tan, CFCCCI president Filomeno Lim, Mayor Mike Rama, Governor Gwen Garcia, APTM chairman & Federal Land, Inc. president Alfred Ty; 2nd row from left: Honorary Consul of Slovakia Antonio Chiu, DOT Region VII Director Rowena Montecillo, MSY Holdings’ Carlos & Mariquita Yeung and Dr. Vivina Chiu-Yrastorza; 3rd row: Honorary consul of South Korea Augusto Go, Quin yuan-He, Honorary Consul of Portugal Samuel Chioson, PRC Consul General He Shijing, Qatar sales manager Raymond Chan & (top) MPPC general manager Hans Hauri.BELOW: A Chinese Lion Dance.

peeps (people, events and places)

Cebuanos and visitors to the city greeted the Chinese New year with a bang last February 3, as the Marco Polo Plaza ushered in the year of the Metal Rabbit.

The festivities began with two traditional prosperity dances: the Lang Sai or Lion Dance, and Lang Ling or Dragon dance, at the hotel’s main driveway. These were followed by the thunderous roar of firecrackers and the customary Dotting of the Eye ceremony.

Moving into the ornately decorated hotel lobby, guests witnessed the Yee Sang Tossing Ceremony with Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China Mr. He Shijing, along with other VIPs. They gathered around Yee sang (fish salad) with large chopsticks to toss and mix the salad -- the higher the better -- to gather prosperity.

After the traditional ceremonies, guests and dignitaries were treated to a sumptuous buffet dinner, while children and families snapped photos and traded pleasantries, along with the hotel staff dressed in colorful Chinese costumes.

The Marco Polo Plaza’s Chinese New Year celebrations were held all last week, from February 1 to 6. (Manny Amador)

Marco Polo Welcomes the Year of the Rabbit with a Bang

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Twenty-four hours more to go and it will be Valentine’s Day – one of the most romantic days of the year. It will smell like blooming flowers and will taste like chocolates for sure. Lovers will have exchanges of scented greeting cards, hugs and kisses, and of course presents.

If you haven’t thought of any gift to give to your loved ones yet, I have a suggestion for you.

Giving your special someone a stuffed animal may sound traditional and childish but I tell you, stuffed animals, the popular teddy bears for instance, will always be among the sweetest presents you could ever give to someone, especially to the women.

Why?Huggable. Yes,

giving huggable stuffed toys could mean a lot – warmth, care, love, among others. There are times when a person feels the need to cuddle something in behalf of someone, especially when in nostalgic and glum moments, thus huggable stuffed animals to the rescue.

Companionship. Some women find stuffed toys, especially

huge ones, good companions and confidants. If your present is the last thing she will embrace before she sleeps and the first she will greet when she wakes up, you will be more remembered.

Cute. Stuffed toys are and will remain adorable throughout generations. Who doesn’t love something cute?

By the way, I’m Peter Paddington, a cutesy-happy stuffed bear from Cebu City. I’m already 20-years-old – will be turning 21 this year – and I’m still in one piece and in good condition, because

my sweet owner, call her Nanie, takes very good care of me.

She actually doesn’t know I’ll be in this page today. Shhh. Surprise!

Happy Valentine! Let love and peace reign!

Love,Peter Paddington

Stuffed animals with love

Sunstar Weekend Magazine

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