Holidays are Coming
3:12 AM at 3:12 AM Filed under: Author:
The Tupas family when we were all just kids
Happy little Lexyboy
Santa Claus is coming to town
Little LEX couldn't wait to open the gifts
During my toddler years ... posing underneath the Christmas treeNovember 28, 2008
Amidst the global financial crisis, we Filipinos especially Ilonggos always find ways to celebrate the Holiday Season.
Our family always prepares for Christmas' Eve celebration and New Year's Eve celebration. It is not only for our immediate family but for our extended family, including cousins, relatives, friends and even those who are working for us. Nanay prepares the food and even raffle prizes for those who are present while Tatay takes care of the safe fireworks display. As for me and my siblings, we help out in the preparations which include giving our share in the food and the prizes. We also help entertain the guests.
Some people say, Christmas is for kids. Actually, when I was much younger, I can't wait until it's christmas day so that I could get alot of gifts from my family members and God parents. I also enjoyed the X'mas lights and the fireworks display. Moreover, I couldn't forget the variety of food that is prepared during the holidays. As I have already grown up, my perspective of Christmas has changed. I'm not anymore waiting for Santa Claus. I have actually taken the role of Santa Claus to a number of indigent people and kids as I share my blessings every Holiday season. It is also great to see families enjoying each others company.
It might be true that due to certain financial concerns of alot of people, the holiday season isn't as felt and seen as before but we Filipinos will always feel the spirit of Christmas maybe not in a grand way but in our own simple ways. Christmas isn't only for kids, it's about families, sharing one's blessings and finding ways to make others smile and feel special.
As the holiday season is surely coming, let us enjoy it by making other people happy.
Amidst the global financial crisis, we Filipinos especially Ilonggos always find ways to celebrate the Holiday Season.
Our family always prepares for Christmas' Eve celebration and New Year's Eve celebration. It is not only for our immediate family but for our extended family, including cousins, relatives, friends and even those who are working for us. Nanay prepares the food and even raffle prizes for those who are present while Tatay takes care of the safe fireworks display. As for me and my siblings, we help out in the preparations which include giving our share in the food and the prizes. We also help entertain the guests.
Some people say, Christmas is for kids. Actually, when I was much younger, I can't wait until it's christmas day so that I could get alot of gifts from my family members and God parents. I also enjoyed the X'mas lights and the fireworks display. Moreover, I couldn't forget the variety of food that is prepared during the holidays. As I have already grown up, my perspective of Christmas has changed. I'm not anymore waiting for Santa Claus. I have actually taken the role of Santa Claus to a number of indigent people and kids as I share my blessings every Holiday season. It is also great to see families enjoying each others company.
It might be true that due to certain financial concerns of alot of people, the holiday season isn't as felt and seen as before but we Filipinos will always feel the spirit of Christmas maybe not in a grand way but in our own simple ways. Christmas isn't only for kids, it's about families, sharing one's blessings and finding ways to make others smile and feel special.
As the holiday season is surely coming, let us enjoy it by making other people happy.
Enjoying the company of the regular folks
3:57 AM at 3:57 AM Filed under: Author:
Guest Speaker during the Little Mr. and Ms. Day Care of a barangay
Honoring the women and the elderly
Administering the oath of office to a barangay based organization officers
High five with Ilonggo kids during a Super Nanay eventNovember 25, 2008
I have always enjoyed the company of regular folks especially from the barangays. There is a special sense of frankness and sincerity from regular people. In my experience, they say what they feel and they are not afraid of expressing themselves.
I enjoy spending time with people in the various barangays and communities while exchanging thoughts and getting to know their lives including their concerns, issues, day to day lifestyle, among others.
Real people and real friends are hard to find and I'm glad to have found a lot of these in the company of the masses.
From Humble Beginnings
12:51 AM at 12:51 AM Filed under: Author:
Guest of Honor and Inspitational Speaker during the AMA Foundation Day
During the 2nd year celebration special taping of Tingog sang Kabataang IlonggoNovember 21, 2008
I had a full schedule this week but there were two back to memory lane major events that were celebrated. The first one was the celebration of the Cable TV show I host, "Tingog sang Kabataang Ilonggo" (The Voice of the Young Ilonggo). It is said to be the first Youth oriented TV talk show in our area. The second event was organized by my partner institution for youth projects and programs, AMA Computer College, for its 28th Foundation Day Celebration.
Like in any start up endeavor, we had our fair share of baby step challenges. We are glad that with our avid supporters, we made it through all of the tests of time and hopefully you would continue to join us in continuing the journey.
The TV show I anchor started in December of 2006 in Skycable then under Y'dscreen productions. During that time, it had a different format and I was with with my co-host, Mala. Thank you so much to Princess and Lester who helped us with the show until June of 2007. After such, "Tingog sang Kabataang Ilonggo" TV Show was reborn under a new production, LEX Express Artistic Productions and it became a one man anchored show. The show then changed also in terms of its segments and thankfully the sponsors were and are still on board even until the LEX Talk segment was born. We tried and are continuously trying our very best to improve the show with more interesting and helpful topics as well as improving the editing and production of the show. We believed that we wanted to reach more people and that was the time Tingog sang Kabataang Ilonggo expanded in CableStar, then on Radio (Aksyon Radyo and Bombo Radyo) and eventually a newspaper column in NewsExpress. We will try to improve on our work and we hope to hear any suggestions and constructive comments from our viewers and listeners. After all, we are doing this for you.
The purpose and dream of our productions is to give voice to the voiceless and importance to those who are seemingly ignored.
Again, thank you to all of the people who are helping us with the TV show, Radio show and the newspaper column. The gratitude will always be present.
Like in any start up endeavor, we had our fair share of baby step challenges. We are glad that with our avid supporters, we made it through all of the tests of time and hopefully you would continue to join us in continuing the journey.
The TV show I anchor started in December of 2006 in Skycable then under Y'dscreen productions. During that time, it had a different format and I was with with my co-host, Mala. Thank you so much to Princess and Lester who helped us with the show until June of 2007. After such, "Tingog sang Kabataang Ilonggo" TV Show was reborn under a new production, LEX Express Artistic Productions and it became a one man anchored show. The show then changed also in terms of its segments and thankfully the sponsors were and are still on board even until the LEX Talk segment was born. We tried and are continuously trying our very best to improve the show with more interesting and helpful topics as well as improving the editing and production of the show. We believed that we wanted to reach more people and that was the time Tingog sang Kabataang Ilonggo expanded in CableStar, then on Radio (Aksyon Radyo and Bombo Radyo) and eventually a newspaper column in NewsExpress. We will try to improve on our work and we hope to hear any suggestions and constructive comments from our viewers and listeners. After all, we are doing this for you.
The purpose and dream of our productions is to give voice to the voiceless and importance to those who are seemingly ignored.
Again, thank you to all of the people who are helping us with the TV show, Radio show and the newspaper column. The gratitude will always be present.
7:09 PM at 7:09 PM Filed under: Author:
A symbol of UNITY amidst diversity
Inspirational and Guest Speaker during a barangay event
My vital signs are being checked before my blood donation. The blood letting event is a project of VFD Advance Training School with the support of my office
During the ABS CBN Bantay Bata 163 "Pista ng mga Bata". I have always been supportive of programs for children.
Served as witness to the MOA signing of the YGC and the City Government of Iloilo for the improvement and renovation of the Rizal Monument
Nabitasan Elementary School United Nations CelebrationNovember 17, 2008
I am thankful of the warm reception and hospitality of the various organizations, communities, barangays and schools. I am also glad that just after 1 year and a half after being elected, a number of my legislative measures have been passed and special projects have been implemented successfully. I would like to thank the support of my colleagues and the people of the City for turning a number of my plans into realities. As I have always mentioned, we should go beyond political affiliation and personal interests and put priority on the progress and development of the City of Iloilo. Let us work together.
If we unite, nothing is impossible.
If we empower the youth, women and elderly, we will give voice and recognition to them as they are our strong partners for the progress of our beloved City.
If we think of the future and not only of the here and now, we will be able to make the right decisions for the benefit of the future generation.
For the progress of the City of Iloilo, let us unite Ilonggos.
If we unite, nothing is impossible.
If we empower the youth, women and elderly, we will give voice and recognition to them as they are our strong partners for the progress of our beloved City.
If we think of the future and not only of the here and now, we will be able to make the right decisions for the benefit of the future generation.
For the progress of the City of Iloilo, let us unite Ilonggos.
Balay sang Syudad sang Iloilo (The House of the City of Iloilo)
7:37 PM at 7:37 PM Filed under: Author:
the old City Hall building before it was demolished (picture from website of News Today Newspaper)
The former Iloilo City Hall is now the home of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas November 14, 2008
Apparently, it has almost been a decade since plans of having a new Iloilo City Hall started. The talks commenced, plans were discussed, money of the people were spent but until this day, there is no City Hall structure yet.
I was only a teenager during the time plans of the City Hall started and now I am already the youngest City Official and elected public servant of Iloilo City. Until this day, we are still hoping and dreaming to finally have the new city hall. As of the moment, the executive branch of the local government unit is holding office in Robinson's Place, a mall here, and the legislative branch is located at the second floor of the Iloilo Terminal Market, a public market here. The old Iloilo City Hall building was already demolished to pave the way for the construction of the new Iloilo City Hall. It seemed that many issues and concerns have brought about the long delay of the construction of the new City Hall from location, failure of bidding, escalation of prices, etc.
I have constantly pushed for the immediate start of the construction of the new Iloilo City Hall. I have even publicly mentioned that as long as it won't start, something could happen that will further delay its construction.
Iloilo City is a 1st class highly urbanized city and the regional hub of Western Visayas but might be the only one of its kind to have no City Hall of its own. The money loaned for the city hall is ready. Its location has been finally agreed upon. The bidding process is said to have again started. The estimated cost ranges from P350 Million to P468 Million pesos.
I am doing my part in pushing for the start of the construction as soon as possible. I believe that the new City Hall will not only serve as the house of the city but also as a showcase of the progress of Iloilo City. By having our own city hall, there will be a one stop service center for all the more than 400,000 residents of the city and the millions of city visitors.
I believe that it is incumbent upon the present city administration to finally make the dream of a new Iloilo City Hall into a reality. If so, it will be one of the best legacies of the outgoing local government administration.
I was only a teenager during the time plans of the City Hall started and now I am already the youngest City Official and elected public servant of Iloilo City. Until this day, we are still hoping and dreaming to finally have the new city hall. As of the moment, the executive branch of the local government unit is holding office in Robinson's Place, a mall here, and the legislative branch is located at the second floor of the Iloilo Terminal Market, a public market here. The old Iloilo City Hall building was already demolished to pave the way for the construction of the new Iloilo City Hall. It seemed that many issues and concerns have brought about the long delay of the construction of the new City Hall from location, failure of bidding, escalation of prices, etc.
I have constantly pushed for the immediate start of the construction of the new Iloilo City Hall. I have even publicly mentioned that as long as it won't start, something could happen that will further delay its construction.
Iloilo City is a 1st class highly urbanized city and the regional hub of Western Visayas but might be the only one of its kind to have no City Hall of its own. The money loaned for the city hall is ready. Its location has been finally agreed upon. The bidding process is said to have again started. The estimated cost ranges from P350 Million to P468 Million pesos.
I am doing my part in pushing for the start of the construction as soon as possible. I believe that the new City Hall will not only serve as the house of the city but also as a showcase of the progress of Iloilo City. By having our own city hall, there will be a one stop service center for all the more than 400,000 residents of the city and the millions of city visitors.
I believe that it is incumbent upon the present city administration to finally make the dream of a new Iloilo City Hall into a reality. If so, it will be one of the best legacies of the outgoing local government administration.
Age Doesn't Matter
12:11 AM at 12:11 AM Filed under: Author:
Tupas Family
With my nephew, NicoNovember 11, 2008
Dynamism, idealism, passion, energy, new ideas and liberal thoughts are said to be some of the things the youth bring to the table wherever they are. These are said to be some of the pros of being young but some say there are also cons that come with a tender age. The need for seasoning, inexperience, uncontrolled aggressiveness and being impulsive are some of the negatives. Well, I think regardless of age, gender, race and other factors, there will always be the pluses and the minuses.
Even in matters of the heart, I always believe that it's not the biological age that matters but the maturity of the individual. There are some who are only in their teens but are mature for their age while there are some who are already in their 30's but who might not act their age. My ex girlfriends were all younger than me. The closest to my age was 2 years younger than me and the farthest was 9 years younger than me.
On continuous education, I was the youngest in our batch who started with a Master's Degree in Public Management major in Local Government Administration at age 23 and earned it at age 26. At present, I am the youngest Doctoral Student at age 27 when I started and hopefully earn my Doctor of Management with concentration in Public Management at age 29. Even in my teaching stint, I was one of the youngest Post Graduate professors at age 25.
In my political career, I am currently the youngest City Councilor of Iloilo City who was elected at age 27. Speaking of politics, when I was reading about the US presidential elections, something trivial about the biological age and the real age of US President-Elect Obama came up. He is 47 years old right now but his real age is said to be at 49. Real age is computed based on diet, stress, excercise, and ailments, among other factors. I was curious about such that i tried it out and my real age is said to be 23 years old according to www.realage.com.
Times have changed. Age may be a factor in alot of things we do in life but it's just one of the many things to be considered.
I believe in merit and performance based evaluation rather than just purely and mainly on seniority. I don't think it's about who came first or who served the longest but rather it's about who served well and excellently.
Sincere Public Service
6:42 PM at 6:42 PM Filed under: Author:
November 8, 2008
I have always espoused a City First Policy. "Unahun ang Syudad. Syudad ang Prayoridad. Maayu nga pagserbisyo ang atun ihatag".
I have always believed in thinking of the welfare of the people we serve rather than my personal or political interests. My record in the City Council and even in the City Government shows that I go beyond political affiliations and I can work well with independents, the administration and the opposition. The numerous legislative measures that I have authored and even co-authored/co-sponsored are evidences of such reaching out. I thank my colleagues in the City Council for supporting my resolutions and ordinances. Furthermore, my special projects and barangay consultations/visits/coordination are also proof of my commitment of service to the Ilonggos. What matters most is we focus on the progress of the City.
How big or small a barangay is in terms of voter population and if it is near the next election cycle or not shouldn't be prerequisites for extending service of an elected official . What matters is if there are people who need my assistance or service, LEX will be there for the people. I believe in being consistent and being of service to the people always as much as possible. I always put in mind that without the support of the residents of Iloilo City, I wouldn't have won. It is my duty and an honor to be their public servant especially to the youth, women and elderly.
I am a City Councilor not only of the 73,000 people who voted for me. I am a City Official and Public Servant of the City of Iloilo and I will continue to serve my beloved City to the best of my ability. I ask for the continued support of the people. If we work together and focus on unity (UGYON), we can make dreams realities.
Sincerity can not be faked. It is seen and felt.
Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.
I have always believed in thinking of the welfare of the people we serve rather than my personal or political interests. My record in the City Council and even in the City Government shows that I go beyond political affiliations and I can work well with independents, the administration and the opposition. The numerous legislative measures that I have authored and even co-authored/co-sponsored are evidences of such reaching out. I thank my colleagues in the City Council for supporting my resolutions and ordinances. Furthermore, my special projects and barangay consultations/visits/coordination are also proof of my commitment of service to the Ilonggos. What matters most is we focus on the progress of the City.
How big or small a barangay is in terms of voter population and if it is near the next election cycle or not shouldn't be prerequisites for extending service of an elected official . What matters is if there are people who need my assistance or service, LEX will be there for the people. I believe in being consistent and being of service to the people always as much as possible. I always put in mind that without the support of the residents of Iloilo City, I wouldn't have won. It is my duty and an honor to be their public servant especially to the youth, women and elderly.
I am a City Councilor not only of the 73,000 people who voted for me. I am a City Official and Public Servant of the City of Iloilo and I will continue to serve my beloved City to the best of my ability. I ask for the continued support of the people. If we work together and focus on unity (UGYON), we can make dreams realities.
Sincerity can not be faked. It is seen and felt.
Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.
Appreciating one's beginnings
3:53 AM at 3:53 AM Filed under: Author:
Let us hone young people's skills to make them part of the quality manpower coming from the City of Iloilo. LEX is the inspirational speaker during the IT Academy official opening and office ribbon cutting
A blessing before the ribbon cutting in John B. Lacson University Molo
LEX Spoke in front of thousands of Iloilo National High School students immediately after the 2007 electionsNovember 4, 2008
In our beloved country, the Philippines, there is a saying that one can not reach his goal if he does not know how to appreciate and look back on where he came from and the people who have helped him along the way.
Yesterday, I had another chance to look back and be grateful of the chance given to me as a teacher/lecturer/professor in a number of universities in Iloilo City when I decided to become a City resident in late 2005, particularly, John B. Lacson University. It was a privilege and honor to be invited as the guest of honor in the formal opening of the former IT Training Center of the school that has now become an independent IT Training Academy.
I was a lecturer/trainer of the former IT Training Center from years 2005 and 2006. I was glad to have been given the opportunity as I was able to hone my skills in teaching, deal with different kinds of people and appreciate the hardships and joys of teaching. During my teaching stint in John B. Lacson University, I was glad to have met awesome students who had great potential. I couldn't forget also the letters and good words sent and given to me by my past students who thanked me alot for having had a good impact in their lives. This was also true with the other schools I was given the opportunity to teach from years 2005 until mid 2008, Iloilo National High School and the Philippine Christian University. I had students from different backgrounds and different ages. I am very much elated that even up to this day, I hear kind words from them of my impact in their life.
I always believe that one cannot reach a certain level of success without the help and support of others. Even in my alma maters, namely, La Salle Green Hills, Ateneo De Manila University and the University of the Philippines - Diliman Campus, I try to visit at least once or twice a year just to keep in touch with the teachers and staff who have been part of my life. Just like with my old friends and family members who live in Manila and abroad, I try to keep in touch through text, Friendster, MySpace, Multiply, Facebook, email or yahoo messenger. Also in my political career, I keep in touch with those who supported me in 2007 by going around barangays during barangay events or even finding time to just visit them. I value most the people who were there for me and placed their early bets on me even if it wasn't the safest thing to do when I was still a nobody and a seemingly unknown city personality.
Let us appreciate people, things, events and places that have helped in molding who we are right now and that have led us to a certain level of success we are in at this point in our lives. Let us show these people and institutions our gratitude and let us show them due recognition and importance.
I will always find time to look back at where I came from and be thankful of where I am now. The gratitude will always be present.
Yesterday, I had another chance to look back and be grateful of the chance given to me as a teacher/lecturer/professor in a number of universities in Iloilo City when I decided to become a City resident in late 2005, particularly, John B. Lacson University. It was a privilege and honor to be invited as the guest of honor in the formal opening of the former IT Training Center of the school that has now become an independent IT Training Academy.
I was a lecturer/trainer of the former IT Training Center from years 2005 and 2006. I was glad to have been given the opportunity as I was able to hone my skills in teaching, deal with different kinds of people and appreciate the hardships and joys of teaching. During my teaching stint in John B. Lacson University, I was glad to have met awesome students who had great potential. I couldn't forget also the letters and good words sent and given to me by my past students who thanked me alot for having had a good impact in their lives. This was also true with the other schools I was given the opportunity to teach from years 2005 until mid 2008, Iloilo National High School and the Philippine Christian University. I had students from different backgrounds and different ages. I am very much elated that even up to this day, I hear kind words from them of my impact in their life.
I always believe that one cannot reach a certain level of success without the help and support of others. Even in my alma maters, namely, La Salle Green Hills, Ateneo De Manila University and the University of the Philippines - Diliman Campus, I try to visit at least once or twice a year just to keep in touch with the teachers and staff who have been part of my life. Just like with my old friends and family members who live in Manila and abroad, I try to keep in touch through text, Friendster, MySpace, Multiply, Facebook, email or yahoo messenger. Also in my political career, I keep in touch with those who supported me in 2007 by going around barangays during barangay events or even finding time to just visit them. I value most the people who were there for me and placed their early bets on me even if it wasn't the safest thing to do when I was still a nobody and a seemingly unknown city personality.
Let us appreciate people, things, events and places that have helped in molding who we are right now and that have led us to a certain level of success we are in at this point in our lives. Let us show these people and institutions our gratitude and let us show them due recognition and importance.
I will always find time to look back at where I came from and be thankful of where I am now. The gratitude will always be present.
