D' Anothers

The Resurreccion’s ancestral mansion is believed to have a portal to the other world.

And every quarter of a century, it must be “opened” by a chosen member of a clan (“The One”) to enable “stranded” ghosts to cross over the afterlife.
With no surviving clan member in the past 100 years, ghosts have overcrowded the now-abandoned mansion.

Hesus Resurreccion (Vhong Navarro) is about to find out that he is The One but he is afraid of ghosts.
When he inherits tha mansion, he wants to sell it immediately but it isn’t that easy since people believe the mansion is haunted.
He totally freaks out when he learns that the people he “sees” in the mansion are all ghosts.

Hesus has no choice but to fulfill his mission as The One.
As he spends more time with the ghosts, he realizes that they are not scary at all and even enjoys their company.

Directed by Joyce E. Bernal

Vhong Navarro, Toni Gonzaga, Joross Gamboa, Roxanne Guinoo, John Prats, Pokwang

Journey of a young Filipino in the US

Source: inquirer.net



NEW JERSEY, United States—Peter John P. Jose clasped his BS in Economics diploma from the University of Santo Tomas and was determined to use it as the master key to the doors of the yuppie world. Typical of a new graduate, he ogled the Makati scene with ardent hope.

He must now sit down pronto, write his resumé, and send out copies of this to the MNCs, the much-sought-after multinational companies. However, faster than he could say “Ayala Avenue, here I come!” his green card arrived.

That forced Peter to execute a psycho-cultural turnabout. He had to re-condition his mind about his job expectations, mulling over new questions: What will it be like for me in America? How will I penetrate the job market there? Are my preparations sufficient? Suddenly, his pristine hopefulness was changing into some shade of grey. But he had to take his flight.

Greenhorn

Six years later today, Peter looks back with amazement at his transformation as a Filipino “working guy” in America. No doubt the process had been doubly challenging.

His greenhorn status then was a hurdle as local experience has always been a requisite in most jobs. Add to that the fact that he was a new immigrant and the odds seemed no good. But his persistence finally paid off.

An opening for bank teller in South Orange, New Jersey beckoned to him and he dashed for it. He underwent training for “tellering” and for something else besides. His trainer had a huge attitude problem and Peter had to learn not to take it seriously or personally. He survived!

He went on to sit behind his window, along with three or four other tellers behind theirs. As he did so, another puzzling reality hit him: The bank clients passed him over. “Why?” he asked himself. “Was it because I was ‘different?’” (read: He was neither white nor black).

Gradually, though, his natural affability won out. Word got around that the “brown guy at Window 3,” despite an obvious accent barrier, engaged people in some small talk during transactions. Pretty soon, the bank customers were making their way to his window. And Peter relished that small but significant victory.

Not-so-ordinary times

When wintertime came, going to work posed second thoughts and hesitations to this young Filipino who was driving in the snow for the first time. South Orange from Jersey City where he lived was a good 45 minutes away. Roughly, that would be the distance between Cubao and San Pedro, Laguna sans traffic. “Will I get to work on time? Will I be able to see my way? Are my car tires reliable?” were just a few of those thoughts. But his appreciation for his job enabled Peter to dismiss his fears and brave the strange weather. How relieved he was to find numerous other motorists on the long slippery road.

One bumper sticker caught his eye and made him smile: “I owe, I owe, so off to work I go!” Well into his stay in America, however, he realized that that re-invented refrain from the children’s book, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” in fact has a powerful implication about American economics. “Relentless consumerism plus unregulated borrowing equals a robust economy” was the long-standing Wall Street dogma until the recent Big Collapse blew it up in everybody’s face.

The economist in Peter could not help gaping in disbelief as the theories in his head disintegrated before his very eyes. Still, he remains cool and collected in the knowledge that this low point has “no other way to go but up.”

Always a step ahead

Relative to the other employees who have lived in America longer than he, Peter feels that he has a lot more to do to prove his capabilities at the workplace. It is not enough to merely keep in step professionally; he also has to be at least a step ahead.

Any promotion for him depends on such a strategy. Since advanced schooling is an option at his disposal, he enrolled for credits towards a Master’s in Business Administration at the New Jersey City University. Combining job demands and schoolwork calls for a finely-honed time management skill. Happily, Peter is a schedule buff who ticks out a “To Do” list on a daily basis. Now he stands free to climb both the academic and the corporate ladders at his bidding. And climbs them he does! He has been promoted to the position of Management Trainee at Valley National Bank in South Orange, a career upgrade that definitely holds brighter prospects for Peter in the near future.

Almost simultaneously, he has been conferred the prestigious Leadership Award by the NJCU Graduate School of Business in recognition of his very dynamic and dedicated involvement with the Student Investment Management Group, a school organization that encourages students majoring in Business to dabble in hands-on investing.

Staying focused

Alumni donors provide actual seed money for these “non-pro investors” to learn the ropes of the money world. “We are rehearsing for the real investment world out there,” Peter says clearly animated, “and we have already made some gains and a few losses in the stocks we acquired.” His decision to be a step ahead through the academic route may yet prove to be Peter’s best move at this point. That it brings him to more exciting career directions is his every well-wisher’s hope.

Perhaps, nowhere is the “siren’s song” more distracting than in America, where individual freedom is genuinely upheld and the resources to exercise it are readily available. In this environment, Peter realizes that staying focused on one’s goals entails far greater effort and discipline. Fortunately for him, family helps keep him stay grounded. His typically Filipino household makes sure to mind every member’s business and provide group support where needed.

Peter’s diverse hobbies and interests are also focusing tools for him. “It is fatal to be bored in America,” he quips, and that is no light statement. Given this impersonal, “careful-not-to-be-too-friendly” ambience, one must know how to occupy his time with meaningful activities.

Peter relaxes and socializes by working out in the gym, running marathons for a cause, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, bar- and club-hopping with friends, sampling and cooking gourmet dishes, and traveling around on longer breaks.

Yes, Peter is definitely American-busy but with the busy-ness that, at the end of the day, gives him a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. If there is such a thing as a purpose-driven rat race, then this must be what it looks like!

Young and Powerful

By Anthony Divinagracia and Ivan de Lara
23 February 2010 05:43 AM


When Charo Soriano, Patty Taganas and Karla Bello finished their UAAP eligibility just after they lifted the Ateneo Lady Eagles to their first Final Four appearance in Season 70, people thought that the Katipunan-based squad would fall back to its dark ages anew.

Doubters were proven wrong when Ateneo played its first game in Season 71 last December 7, 2008.

Parading a lineup of talented rookies, Ateneo dragged the Adamson Lady Falcons, runners-up to the crown in the previous year, to a five-set thriller. The Lady Eagles eventually lost the game, but they sent a warning to the league that they meant business.

Angeline Gervacio, one of the rookies in the team that year, was that warning personified.

An athlete all her life, Gervacio was into swimming, golf, and gymnastics when she was a lot younger. She was about to become a competitive gymnast until her father taught her how to play volleyball. She immediately fell in love with the sport. Angeline then tried out for St. Scholastica College’s grade school volleyball team and made the roster. Even then, everybody was already impressed by her power.

“I guess it (power) comes naturally,” Gervacio said. “Some players leap higher, some move faster, while I spike the ball harder.”

Her powerful attacks helped her and high school (and now college) teammate Fille Cainglet carry the St. Scholastica’s College to several championships in the Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association. Her skills also got the attention of collegiate recruiters.

“I have been recruited by schools like La Salle and UP,” Gervacio said, “but I chose to go to Ateneo because it is the best school that can give me the academic support that I need.”

Scoring leader

In her first year in Ateneo, she immediately stepped up to become the team’s leading scorer. Awed by her strong attacks, volleyball pundits then predicted that Gervacio would be Season 71’s Rookie of the Year. The award, however, went to La Salle’s Melissa Gohing.

“I was ok with not being the rookie of the year,” Gervacio admitted. “I just thought that volleyball is a team sport, and that everyone contributed to our fifth place finish last year.”

It was a mature perspective from a young player such as Angeline. Even Bea Pascual, one of Gervacio’s closest teammates, is impressed by her skills and attitude.

“She is so humble, she does not know how strong she is as a player,” said Bea.

In Season 72, Gervacio picked up from where she left off in the previous year. Once again, she emerged as her team’s best scorer as she tallied 224 points at the end of the eliminations. She is also the league’s fifth best attacker with a 36.25% success rate.

“I am happy that I am able to deliver for the team,” Gervacio said, “but at the same time, I also feel the pressure.”

Sweet tooth

To relieve herself of the pressure, Gervacio said she hangs out with her friends or takes time off with her family.

“I love to travel whenever I have the chance to,” Gervacio, a second year Political Science student, said. “Last year, my family and I went to Bohol.”

Just like any 18-year-old, Gervacio said she is into movies and music. She learned how to play the classic guitar when she was still in high school. When it comes to fashion, she said her style is “laid back”. People, however, will be surprised to find out that she is a big eater.

“There was one time when we did not have training, and I got the chance to be with my friends. We went to UP to have a food trip,” Gervacio narrated.

Gervacio’s athletic figure hides that she lets herself go at the sight of desserts, particularly chocolates.

“I have a sweet tooth,” Gervacio revealed half-bashfully. “Whenever my family goes to a buffet, I cannot wait to eat the desserts.”

Smarter player

Perhaps not even Gervacio’s favorite desserts can topple her and the Lady Eagles’ achievement this season. For the second time since Ateneo entered the UAAP, the Katipunan-based squad managed to make it to the Final Four. Gervacio and her team’s aspirations, however, did not just stop at that.

While everyone is already aware of Gervacio’s power, she realized that she had to vary her shots to make things more difficult for their opponents.

“I want to learn how to become a leader and a smarter player,” Gervacio said.

Even the Lady Eagles’ mentor Roger Gorayeb, said he wanted his prized find to learn new tricks amid the tremendous growth she has already displayed.

“She is developing fast, but there is still room for improvement,” Gorayeb said. “She still needs to work on her decision making and tap on her inner strength.”

Gervacio did just when the Lady Eagles stunned the Lady Falcons last February 13, to get the third seeding entering the semifinals. Scoring 21 points in that game, Gervacio not only relied on her powerful spikes but also on soft tips.

“Even I was surprised that I was able to do it (hit the ball softly),” Gervacio recounted. “And the result was fulfilling.”

One week later, the Lady Eagles failed to sustain their momentum in the Final Four as they absorbed a three-set mangling from the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses, who advanced to the finals.

Her teammates, especially the graduating ones, may have been emotional after the loss, but Gervacio said everyone was still happy to cap the season at third place, the school’s best finish in the UAAP thus far.

With their core still intact, the Lady Eagles seem to be in a steady rise to challenge the usual volleyball powerhouses for supremacy. And Gervacio summarized just what people can expect from her and Ateneo in Season 73.

“The team and I are going to play smarter, tougher, and with more heart,” Gervacio said.

From Zero to Hero

source: www.uaapsports.com
By Anthony Divinagracia and Ivan de Lara
19 February 2010 01:12 PM
In March 2008, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tigers, composed mostly of rookies, sophomores, and a few veterans, had the arduous task of facing the highly favored Far Eastern University (UST) Tamaraws in the Season 70 men’s volleyball finals.

It was a David-and-Goliath affair, and pressure was creeping in the system of the young Tigers, but not in John Paul “JP” Torres’.

Coming into the playing court as a substitute for team captain Reno Roque, JP immediately made his presence felt with his strong spikes that ripped through the Tamaraws’ defenses.

“I was not nervous,” JP said. “I was excited. I just did whatever I had been doing during the trainings.”

The Tigers eventually won that series, beating the Tamaraws in Game Three and quashing the Morayta-based squad’s drive for a fourth consecutive title.

Flabby kid

The 20-year-old JP, however, was not always imposing on the court. He used to be a flabby kid coming from a family of athletes. His father used to participate in track and field competitions, while his uncle played basketball. JP, on the other hand, was into tennis.

“I did not start out as a volleyball player,” JP said. “I just played the sport in the streets.”

His street brand of playing though was enough to get the attention of former UST Tiger Spiker Angelo Faustino, who immediately brought him to España. He was just a walk-in applicant, and no other university tried to recruit him. It was understandable as he was not exactly the athletic type.

“He had zero skills and zero attributes when he came in to UST,” said Odjie Mamon, the Tigers’ assistant coach and trainer about his initial impression of JP. “The team got him because he is tall.”

Despite not being a natural volleyball player, the 6’4”-tall JP worked hard to make it to the team.

“He persevered to make the roster,” Mamon said. “He would run for two hours to lose weight. Since getting in the team, he has lost 15 kilos.”

National team-caliber

JP’s hard work has definitely paid off. In Season 71, he was no longer just a substitute. He has become a starter, already a feat in itself especially with the talent that UST fielded in last year.

Playing with team captain Ray Karl Dimaculangan, Reny John Balse, Henry Pecaña, Jayson Ramos, Harby Ilano, Robertly Boto, Charles Reyes, and Roque, JP and the Tigers reasserted their might in Season 71.

UST won all its games in the elimination round, dropping only three sets. The Tigers went on to demolish the University of the Philippines in the finals to complete a rare 17-game sweep en route to their second straight title.

“Of course, every one was happy,” recalled JP, who was named as best player of the finals’ first game. “We worked hard for that title.”

JP’s talent was recognized not only in UAAP but also by the people running the national team. JP was no longer just the flabby kid that tried out for UST’s volleyball team. Mamon said that “his skill is already national team-caliber.”

“Coach Sammy Acaylar (men’s national team coach) invited me to play for the Philippine Team,” JP said, “But my parents were afraid that I might neglect my studies so they did not allow me.”

MVP Numbers

Despite not being able to don the national colors, JP continued to make ripples in the league. This season, the third-year Commerce student amassed 202 points to lead all Tigers in scoring. He is the UAAP’s fourth best scorer, second most efficient spiker, and ninth best blocker—numbers that make him one of the leading candidates for this year’s Most Valuable Player plum.

As the season progresses, the Tigers will definitely pin their hopes on him as they try to gain another finals appearance at the expense of UP, last year’s runner-up, and their semifinals nemesis this year.

“We are all excited, but we still need to work harder,” JP said. “Personally, I still have to improve on my reception and floor defense.”

JP has several days and one more year to do just that as he promises to use his last playing year next season despite the apprehension of his family. This can only mean good news for the Tigers and a cause of worry for their opponents.

Fille Cainglet

Family Name: Cainglet

First Name: Fille St. Merced

Nickname: Fille

Personal Data

* Birth Date: 30 Jan 1990
* Height: 166cm
* Weight: 54kg

Highest Reach

* Spike:
* 2-Hands Block:

Playing Position

* Open Hitter

Bea Chermaine C. Pascual

She’s been ateneos Team Captain. She is also awarded as the best blocker in the past.
Pascual, Bea Chermaine C.

IF YOU COULD TRADE PLACES WITH ANY PERSON IN THE WORLD, IT WOULD BE
Tyra Banks! She promotes woman empowerment and independence, Maria Sharpova because she is so HOT!
YOUR TEAMMATES WOULD DESCRIBE YOU AS
Bading!
THE PERSON/S YOU ADMIRE THE MOST IS/ARE
Terry Bollea a.k.a. Hulk Hogan the Immortal!!, Paul Levesque A.k.a. triple h! the king of kings, the verebral assassin, the game!
LIST FIVE THINGS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH IN YOUR LIFETIME
a) to have Maria Sherapova’s tennis legs! sexy!
b) to graduate, to have a happy family
c) to have kids of my own, so on, and so forth…
FAVORITE MOVIE
My Sassy Girl
FAVORITE FOOD
anything, cakes
LOST OR 24
lost
FAVORITE PLACE IN ATENEO
caf
FAVORITE MAGAZINE
-
PRE-GAME RITUAL
I tie my shoelaces (tighter) depending on how strong the opponent is.
SHOE SIZE AND STYLE
7
FAVORITE ATHLETE
Danica Patrick (Indianapolis 500), Micmic Laborte #3!
FAVORITE SAYING
“good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better, and your better is best!” – Tim Duncan
UNUSUAL HOBBIES
Nagkakamot ako ng kilay kapag confused!
PERSONAL MOTTO
there is more to life than just here and now

Family Name: Pascual

First Name: Bea

Nickname: Bea

Personal Data

* Birth Date: 20 Nov 1988
* Height: 170cm
* Weight: 61kg

Highest Reach

* Spike:
* 2-Hands Block:

Playing Positions

* Middle Hitter

Beautiful Yet Athletic (Rachel Anne Daquis of FEU)

When she enters the volleyball court, the fans scream in unison.

FEU cheering squad’s drums beat a rhythmic and hypnotic beat seeming there to welcome the volleyball goddess. As she graces her followers with her presence, they are at awe. Many are amazed that a woman of her caliber is equaled only by her volleyball talent. With the frenzy, one thing was for sure, Rachel Anne Daquis, the business management and “volleyball goddess” of FEU, was in the building.

As the buzzer sounded on the FEU – Lasalle game 3 of the Season 71 UAAP Finals, The La Salle fans were celebrating, but one player was without a doubt hurt the most. Rachel Anne Daquis, also playing her last game with the Morayta-based squad, finished with 11 points in a losing cause.

Watching the game as the sea of green was jumping in joy, so much disappointment could be felt to the FEU fans. I heard a fan say in disgust, “No more back-to-back, we can try again next year.

A lot of questions loom. Why wasn’t Rachel Ann Daquis on the court in the final minutes of the fourth set? Why was she on the bench sitting where all she could do is to keep her fingers crossed?

Where did FEU go wrong? In Game 2, everything looked all roses early as Rachel Anne Daquis scored 22 points there while Mecaila Morada added 19 for the Lady Tamaraws but unfortunately sputtered after winning the first set. Even though FEU lost, Rachel was there fighting. What I couldn’t comprehend is that why, off all games, was she on the bench on the last few minutes where the FEU volleyball goddess could have done something.

No FEU fan could forget FEU Lady Tam’s Game 1 victory over La Salle. Rachel Ann Daquis came up with 20 points, while Shaira Gonzales had 17 for the Lady Tamaraws. Game 1 was a huge game as the Lady Tamaraws then moved within one victory of clinching a record 30th overall title. FEU could literally smell the title as it was nearly within their grasp.

It seemed very simple to me, let Rachel Ann Daquis score 20 points and FEU could win. Of course, other players have to step up as well but you know what I mean, she must lead the way to victory. But how could FEU win with her on the bench? What was FEU sophomore coach Nestor Pamilar and asst. coach Jeremy Flo Pedregosa thinking? Its really something to think about as the next season looms.

Aside from being stunning, Rachel Ann Daquis is also street smart and cerebral when she needs to be on and off the court. Daquis, however, breaks the stereotype of the college athlete as a bonehead

“Ang akala nila sa athletes, walang utak,” she said. “Hindi nila alam pinaghihirapan din naming ang nakukuha naming incentives sa school. Minsan kasi as athletes nahihirapan din kami, napapagod. Paminsan pagkatapos ng training ang gusto ko eh ang matulog na lang. Pag higa ko, hindi ko na kaya tumayo. Sobrang hirap ng training namin. Minsan pag hindi ko na kaya pumasok, kakausapin ko professors ko just to let them know (about my situation).”

Even until now, Rachel Ann Daquis is still perceived as masungit o mataray. The volleyball goddess of FEU denied being unapproachable, mataray, because of the way she looks.

“Wala naman nagbago sa akin,” she said. “May mga tao kasi na insecure na minsan titignan lang ang hitsura ng tao pero hindi ka naman kilala at magbibigay na sila ng judgment sayo. Ibang-iba ang personalty ko sa hitsura ko. Akala nila mahilig ako sa gimik, sosyalan, pero ang gusto ko lang nagpapatawa at pasayahin mga tao. May pagka-kenkoy din kasi ako.”
She is, however, wary of getting too friendly with just anyone, because they might turn out to be stalkers.

“Madaming stalkers,” she said. “Nakakatakot sila. During the game, may nagpapaabot ng flowers or may kakausap sakin. Okey lang naman at fans pero sometimes, iba na ang boses nila. But despite that, pinapakita ko pa rin na friendly ako kasi madaming hindi nakakakilala sa ‘kin at akala na mataray ako.”

I’m sure many of you have seen Rachel Anne Daquis of FEU Women’s Volleyball Team in her attention-grabbing Active White commercial with basketball superstars Chris Tiu and Jai Reyes of Ateneo de Manila. That commercial solidified her as one of UAAP’s prettiest faces.

Rachel Ann Daquis may not have the fairytale ending like Michelle Datuin and Manilla Santos of La Salle experienced in their college UAAP career, but many still look up to her and admire her for what she was able to accomplish during her stay in FEU. Her fans were still electrified by her gameplay, she was without a doubt one of the greatest volleyball players in the country ever to play the game.

What is next for this volleyball goddess? Daquis herself may get international exposure of a slightly different sort.
Her mother is already a citizen of Germany, where she lives in Hanover. And Daquis, along with the rest of family, my soon migrate.

“Actually, hinihintay na kami ng mom ko sa Germany. Ako lang talaga ang gusto mag stay pa dito sa bansa.”

She leaves the UAAP on a not so high note but nothing to be ashamed about. She is a fighter and a winner and no one can tell her otherwise.