New Year's Resolution and Wishes
6:12 AM at 6:12 AM Filed under: Author:
Proud TUPAS Family Member
Iloilo Province Governor Niel Tupas (Tatay) and Iloilo City Councilor LEX Tupas
The TUPAS Men and Boys
With one of my sisters in law, Architect Binky
The new TUPAS Family picture taken during the eve of the New Year 2009January 1, 2009
It has been five months since I started this blog and today is a special day for this medium of communication since it's the new year 2009.
Every year, some or most of us make our resolutions. What we intend to improve, to do, to become or to remove. Apparently, this practice seems to be a symbol of renewal or a fresh start.
In my case, my new year's resolution is to be more patient. I have the habit of wanting things done now or immediately but for certain reasons or factors, there is a limitation in being able to do such. I have a good intention though of wanting things to be done today if it can ... So why wait for tomorrow?
For my wishes, dreams and hopes for this new year:
1. A more prosperous and blessed year for everyone especially for the women, elderly, people with disabilities, children and the youth
2. Iloilo City to be more economically vibrant
3. More quality time with my family and closest friends
4. More energy and continued passion for public service
5. Continued warm support from the people of Iloilo City
6. A pretty, intelligent and understanding woman who will God willing be my partner in life
7. For me to be more financially competent to be able to bring more programs and projects that I personally finance to the people who need it the most in the City
8. Unity (UGYON) of people and sectors from various political affiliations for the good of the city (more reaching out)
Every year, some or most of us make our resolutions. What we intend to improve, to do, to become or to remove. Apparently, this practice seems to be a symbol of renewal or a fresh start.
In my case, my new year's resolution is to be more patient. I have the habit of wanting things done now or immediately but for certain reasons or factors, there is a limitation in being able to do such. I have a good intention though of wanting things to be done today if it can ... So why wait for tomorrow?
For my wishes, dreams and hopes for this new year:
1. A more prosperous and blessed year for everyone especially for the women, elderly, people with disabilities, children and the youth
2. Iloilo City to be more economically vibrant
3. More quality time with my family and closest friends
4. More energy and continued passion for public service
5. Continued warm support from the people of Iloilo City
6. A pretty, intelligent and understanding woman who will God willing be my partner in life
7. For me to be more financially competent to be able to bring more programs and projects that I personally finance to the people who need it the most in the City
8. Unity (UGYON) of people and sectors from various political affiliations for the good of the city (more reaching out)
For Public Servants, There are no Holidays...or so it seems
6:47 AM at 6:47 AM Filed under: Author:
Inspirational Speaker and Crowning Officer in a Brgy. Fiesta
Senior Citizen Event
Continuous discussions with jeep drivers
Awarding winners of a barangay Christmas party dance derby
Oath taking Officer of a School Alumni Association
Guest Speaker during a Senior Citizen Oath taking and Christmas Party
Guest of Honor and Inspirational Speaker during a barangay's fiesta and their awarding of basketball team champions
Speaking in front of the people in a barangay during their fiesta
Oathtaking officer of a barangay based youth organizationDecember 29, 2008
Even during the holiday season, I have been going around the city attending to various events of organizations, schools, barangays, etc. There are even times that I have to fit my schedule to be able to go to the 12 - 20 invites I have for the whole day. It can be stressful at times but I do enjoy meeting people and being able to talk to them and most importantly listen to them. It's all good.
Apparently, as I started my career as an elected public servant, I have become public property and to a certain degree lost my privacy. I'm not complaining though because it is part of the territory of the career that I have chosen.
As they say, when one wants to be a good leader, he has to sacrifice even the things that matters to him most. In my case, my privacy, relax and recreation time and my control of my schedule and time.
I am very happy though of the continued support, trust and the warm hospitality wherever I go. I am deeply humbled by the love and support. I hope this continues until next year and years beyond.
Thank You ... for Taking a Chance on Me
8:12 AM at 8:12 AM Filed under: Author:
It is an honor and a privilege to be listened to by people
I just asked to be # 11 out of the 12 elected city wide City Councilors but the City gave me a higher rank than I asked ... I am even now being seriously considered to run for a higher post and people have been pushing me to do so
Inspirational Speaker and Coronation Officer during a day care eventDecember 24, 2008
As the year is about to end, I'd like to look back on the days, months and years that have passed...
To focus on the good times and the blessings as well as the challenges that came my way...
To show my gratitude for making me the man I am right now...
Thank You ...
Goes to the Lord for the blessings I have been continuously receiving and for the guidance
Goes to my parents, siblings, relatives and closest friends for supporting me with my decisions and for always being there for me
Goes to Montessori White plains Nursery, La Salle Greenhills, Ateneo De Manila University, University of the Philippines Diliman, Asian Institute of Management and Central Philippine University teachers, students, professors, principals, staff, members of the administration for giving me knowledge and the educational training
Goes to the private companies I worked for and the people I met during those times for teaching me the value of hard work, discipline, the value of money and good performance
Goes to the women who I loved and lost for making me more mature, more humble, more open minded and for teaching me how to value other people more than myself
Goes to people who have caused me pain, disappointment and hardship for making me stronger and more astute
Goes to the organizations I have been part of for the skills training needed for proper management and leadership
Goes to the media for being fair and good to me
Goes to the people of Iloilo City for giving their trust and support in me by giving me a mandate to become the youngest elected City Official, the one with the biggest vote of 73,000 for a first time candidate without a previous political experience and who was a new resident of the city and the first one with provincial roots who has incumbent family members in provincial political posts ... for making my boyhood dream a reality ... for making me experience that sometimes giving up things that you would want the most for the good of more people is a priceless feeling ... for making me the man for others that school, church and family have brought me up to become
To everything I have experienced and to everyone who has been part of my life, the gratitude will always be present
Ending the year well
7:54 AM at 7:54 AM Filed under: Author:
Recognizing the finalist of the Learners for Educators eXcellence (LEX) Award for the Most Senior and Best Achiever Public High School Teacher
Awarding the 1st Grand Winner and Recognizing the finalists of the Learners for Educators eXcellence (LEX) Award for the Most Senior and Best Achiever Public Elementary School Teacher 
Awarding the 1st Grand Winner of the Learners for Educators eXcellence (LEX) Award for the Youngest and Best Achiever Public High School Teacher
Recognizing the finalists of the Learners for Educators eXcellence (LEX) Award for the Youngest and Best Achiever Public High School Teacher 
Recognizing the Grand Winner of the Learners for Educators eXcellence (LEX) Award for the Youngest and Best Achiever Public Elementary School Teacher
Recognizing the finalists of the Learners for Educators eXcellence (LEX) Award for the Youngest and Best Achiever Public Elementary School Teacher
Special guest during a university Christmas Party
Speaker during a school Christmas party
The Youth should have form and substance
Iloilo City Hall 2008 Christmas street party 
For the 2nd time I am one of the sponsors of the Iloilo City Hall Press Corps xmas project for women inmatesDec 18, 2008
Yesterday was our last session day for the year. The next time the Iloilo City Council will meet for plenary session will be on January 14, 2009.
I am very happy that another ordinance that I authored/sponsored was passed on 2nd and final reading before the year ended. This was the ordinance amending the amusement tax for pop, rock and other similar concerts as stipulated in the Iloilo City Local Tax Code. From a high of 30%, it has now been reduced to 5% for Filipino artists and 10% for foreign artists. The purpose of such ordinance isto make Iloilo City more attractive to concert organizers and more competitive than other choice city destinations. Concerts do not only make the young and the young at heart enjoy but it also helps in attracting tourists, in adding jobs and in increasing locally generated economic activities. Thus, it makes the local economy more vibrant. This ordinance also is in support of Iloilo City becoming the festival capital of the country. As the youngest elected citywide official, I am thankful that my ordinace was supported by all my colleagues especially by the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Tourism. I hope that by next year we will see and feel a more lively local entertainment and tourism industry here in Iloilo City.
For all the organizers and artists, Iloilo City has become a more tourist and entertainment friendly City.
On another note, today will be the day the Most Outstanding Public Elementary and High School Teachers will be recognized. I together with Dep Ed Iloilo City Division will be awarding the 1st Learners for Educators eXcellence (LEX) Awards for the young achievers (1-3 years in service) and the senior achievers (30 years and more). This is one of my special projects. Teachers mold young minds and they help in developing the youth to become productive residents of our community. They are seen as the new heroes. It is but right to acknowledge those teachers who strive for excellence. An educator who works for quality education will produce quality graduates which will then become quality human resource of our city.
I was once a public school teacher of Iloilo National High School from year 2005-2007. I understand the concerns and issues that these so called second parents face and manage that is why I have a huge respect for excellent educators.
I am thankful of the teachers I had when I was a student and I also felt good to have been recognized well by the institution I worked for and the students I had. It inspired me to work harder. As such, the LEX awards aims not only to recognize excellent educators' achievements but would also serve as inspiration to all teachers that regardless of age and length of service, it is incumbent upon educators to give their students excellent education.
I am very happy that another ordinance that I authored/sponsored was passed on 2nd and final reading before the year ended. This was the ordinance amending the amusement tax for pop, rock and other similar concerts as stipulated in the Iloilo City Local Tax Code. From a high of 30%, it has now been reduced to 5% for Filipino artists and 10% for foreign artists. The purpose of such ordinance isto make Iloilo City more attractive to concert organizers and more competitive than other choice city destinations. Concerts do not only make the young and the young at heart enjoy but it also helps in attracting tourists, in adding jobs and in increasing locally generated economic activities. Thus, it makes the local economy more vibrant. This ordinance also is in support of Iloilo City becoming the festival capital of the country. As the youngest elected citywide official, I am thankful that my ordinace was supported by all my colleagues especially by the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Tourism. I hope that by next year we will see and feel a more lively local entertainment and tourism industry here in Iloilo City.
For all the organizers and artists, Iloilo City has become a more tourist and entertainment friendly City.
On another note, today will be the day the Most Outstanding Public Elementary and High School Teachers will be recognized. I together with Dep Ed Iloilo City Division will be awarding the 1st Learners for Educators eXcellence (LEX) Awards for the young achievers (1-3 years in service) and the senior achievers (30 years and more). This is one of my special projects. Teachers mold young minds and they help in developing the youth to become productive residents of our community. They are seen as the new heroes. It is but right to acknowledge those teachers who strive for excellence. An educator who works for quality education will produce quality graduates which will then become quality human resource of our city.
I was once a public school teacher of Iloilo National High School from year 2005-2007. I understand the concerns and issues that these so called second parents face and manage that is why I have a huge respect for excellent educators.
I am thankful of the teachers I had when I was a student and I also felt good to have been recognized well by the institution I worked for and the students I had. It inspired me to work harder. As such, the LEX awards aims not only to recognize excellent educators' achievements but would also serve as inspiration to all teachers that regardless of age and length of service, it is incumbent upon educators to give their students excellent education.
So Many Things To Do, So Little Time and So Little Resources
5:55 AM at 5:55 AM Filed under: Author:
Attending the debut of my relative, Pauline, an SK Barangay Chairperson in Iloilo City
Administering the oath of the I-FIT Officers
Speaking in front of the Regional Youth Leaders
Honoring the mothers in a barangay event
Life Experience Exchange (LEX) Day
Listening to the concerns of the barangay folks
Visited persons with disabilities being taken care of by DSWD
DSWD Computer Training project
Announcing the 4 finalists that move on to the Dinagyang Kapamilya Dance Showdown Year 2 Grand Finals during the Dec 11 second elimination round
Guest and Speaker from the Government Sector during the Philippine-Norwegian Friendship Day and Maritime Career Job Fair Caravan
Before the start of the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University eventDecember 15, 2008
It has always been said that it's better to be busy than to be idle.
I've been going from place to place and even rushing from one event to another. I am thankful of the numerous invites and the continued trust and support of the people of Iloilo City.
Sometimes, I do not even have time for Rest and Relaxation but it's all good...I enjoy the company of different people from different walks of life.
I couldn't imagine myself being this sociable since I was a loner way back during my elementary years but things do change.
I hope and pray that I be blessed to have good health, energy and continued passion for excellence in public service.
Going Beyond Political Affiliations
6:03 AM at 6:03 AM Filed under: Author:
Coronation Speaker in a barangay fiesta
During one of my special projects, Dinagyang Kapamilya Dance Showdown 2 1st elimination round
Honoring honesty and integrity of a service crew for giving back money found
Guest Speaker during a barangay fiesta event
City Councilor LEX with Iloilo Province Sanggunian Kabataan SK Federation Officials
Mr. and Ms. SK 2008 during the Semana sang Kabataan Celebration
Tingog Sang Kabataang Ilonggo LEX speaks to the young SK officials
Iloilo Jaycess proud member LEX with fellow Jaycees helping out the tanods of my home barangay
Guest of Honor and Speaker, Joint Rally Boy and Girl Scouts of the Philippines Lapaz, Iloilo City Chapter
Joining the solidarity day of the Urban Poor of Iloilo City
Victory is sweet...awarding the HRM training and skills contest
Guest Speaker during a students' eventWe as public servants should serve beyond political affiliations.
We as public servants should serve even those who didn't vote for us and even the barangays we lost in.
We should go beyond the here and now and think of tomorrow and what's next.
We should be servants rather than bosses of the people.
Our bosses are the people who gave us a mandate to serve them well and faithfully.
We should reach out to the administration, opposition and independents in finding ways to improve the lives of our constituents.
We should give a voice to the voiceless and recognition as well as importance to those who seem to be neglected.
We should think of the best interest of the place we serve and not our personal interests.
We should stop talking and listen more to others.
Unity is key for progress and prosperity.
