Gift-Wrapping Tips

Mr. & Ms. Vol. 28 No. 31, November 30, 2004

On the cover: Regine Velasquez

 

The Yuletide Season is at hand, and this article, “Gift-Wrapping Tips,” is quite useful for the traditional gift-giving.

Here’s a crossword puzzle with six 13-letter entries.

“A secret gift will calm an angry person; a present given in secrecy will quiet great anger.” – Proverbs 21:14, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Poem: Purpose

PURPOSE

Fire from a distant star;

Light from amber’s spark,

Amidst these radiances I shall wake

To alter the world for progress’ sake.

Stone shoulders I may not have;

Let the power of my spirit alone

Answer the weight I carry,

Beyond the decades shall stand unweary.

(Written on November 29, 1982. Originally untitled, the poem was the opening verses for my BSCE college thesis titled “Flat Slab: Building Without Beams.” Notice the first letter of each line spells F L A T S L A B.)

The “flat slab” is a reinforced concrete slab floor supported directly by the columns without intermediate beams or girders.

 

“To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see.” – The Letter to the Hebrew 11:1, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

Dateline Mindoro: Earthquakes & Tidalwaves

Celebrity World Vol. 3 No. 173, November 28, 1994

On the cover: Joy Ortega

The article “Dateline: Mindoro, Earthquakes and Tidal Waves” (pp. 6-8) was an aftermath report of the Magnitude 7.1 earthquake that hit Mindoro on November 15, 1994.

“Let those who fear the LORD now say, His mercy endures forever.” – The Book of Psalms 118:4, Holy Bible, The New King James Version.

Celebrity Profile: Eva Green

MOD Vol. 38 No. 1825, November 27, 2006
On the cover: Kristine Hermosa

A profile of the multi-talented Swedish-French actress Eva Green, just after she became the first one born in the 1980s to portray a Bond girl. “So beautiful it’s indecent!”

“You, my love, excite men as a mare excites the stallions of pharaoh’s chariots. Your hair is beautiful upon your cheeks and falls along your neck like jewels..... Like a lily among thorns is my darling among women.” – Song of Songs 1:9, 10 and 2:2, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

APEC Humor & Rage

Mr. & Ms. Vol. 20 No. 30, November 26, 1996

On the cover: Kris Aquino

A humorous but genuinely implied satire on the life of the common tao. Read also “APEC: Of Trade Liberalization and Parity Returning” (November 18, 2017).

“The wicked person uses evil like a tool. He plans ways to take everything from the poor. He destroys the poor with lies, even when the poor person is in the right..... This will continue until GOD pours His Spirit from above upon us. Then the desert will be like a fertile field and the fertile field like a forest. Justice will be found even in the desert, and fairness will be found in the fertile fields.” – Isaiah 32:7, 15 and 16, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Celebrity Profile: Andre Malraux

Celebrity World Vol. 5 No. 272, November 25, 1996

On the cover: Renette Antonette Cruz,

Canada’s candidate to the 1996 Miss Universe Beauty Pageant

(a Filipina and the first ethnic to win the Miss Canadian Universe title)

On Celebrity Profile, “Andre Malraux: The Last Renaissance Figure.”

Also in this Celebrity World November 25, 1996 issue is a short article, “Character Building Starts at 3 Years Old.”

“Train children how to live right, and when they are old, they will not change.” – Proverbs 22:6, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Math-O'Logics: Algebra Problems

MOD Filipina Vol. 24 No. 951, November 24, 1989

On the cover: Zendle Anne Carbonnel

In Math-O’Logics, more Algebra problems were discussed as requested by a reader.

“LORD, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are GOD..... For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it past, and like a watch in the night..... So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – The Book of Psalms 90:1, 2, 4 and 12, Holy Bible, The New King James Version.

Christmas Trees Tips

Mr. & Ms. Vol. 28 No. 30, November 23, 2004
On the cover: Jericho Rosales and Angelica Panganiban

Allow me to quote myself, “Destiny is the product of how we cope with life changes.” I needed that. My Mom died last October 12, 2017, and since then my life seems to have experience a standstill. Up to now, I still have difficulty trying to move on. Reading my own writing provided me a jolt of strength. I pray GOD will provide me guidance and direction.

Also in this Mr. & Ms. November 23, 2004 issue are tips in putting up a Christmas tree now that the traditional Yuletide celebration is just around the corner.

“There is a time for everything...., There is a time to be born and a time to die..... There is a time to cry and a time to laugh. There is a time to be sad and a time to dance..... I know that everything GOD does will continue forever. People cannot add anything to what GOD has done, and they cannot take anything away from it. GOD does it this way to make people respect Him.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2, 4 and 14, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version

Sexopedia (Pinoy Edition): Victorian Era & Victorian Erotica

Dalawang magkasunod na isyu ng People’s Balita

Taon 17 Blg. 198 at 199, November 22-23, 2010

Dalawang magkasunod na isyu ng Sexopedia, Pinoy Edition na tumalakay tungkol sa “Victorian Era” at sa “Victorian Erotica.”

“Ang lahat ng nasa sanlibutan, ang masasamang nasa ng laman, ang nasa ng mga mata, at ang pagmamalaki sa mundong ito ay hindi nagmumula sa AMA kundi sa sanlibutan. Mawawala ang sanlibutan at ang lahat ng kinahuhumalingan nito, ngunit ang mga sumusunod sa kalooban ng DIYOS ay mabubuhay magpakailanman.” – Ang Unang Sulat ni Juan 2:16-17, Magandang Balita Biblia, Tagalog Popular Version.

Bountiful Oceans No More

Celebrity World Vol. 3 No. 172, November 21, 1994
On the cover: Gina de Venecia

Written 23 years ago, the article “Bountiful Oceans No More” was about the reality regarding humanity’s largest source of food. Because of overfishing and pollution of our oceans and seas, annual decline in the total fish catch has become very alarming. Today, the reality remains and is of primary global concern.

“We brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out; if we have food and clothing, let us rest content. Those who want to be rich fall into temptations and snares and into many foolish and harmful desires which plunge people into ruin and destruction.” – The First Letter of Paul to Timothy 6:7-9, The Revised English Bible.

Poem: Specter in Our Midst

MOD Vol. 38 No. 1824, November 20, 2006

On the cover: Kim Chiu

The title speaks for itself – “Inside Women’s Fantasies” – no need to elaborate.

MOD Vol. 25 No. 1107, Novemner 20, 1992

On the cover: Sarah Katalina Gonzales

A poem titled “Specter in Our Midst” is my attempt to give both reminder and warning to humanity’s deeds and its consequences, the “specter” that will haunt his future.

 

 

 

“..... Blindness will fall on the wicked; to them the ways of escape are closed, and their only hope is death.” – The Book of Job 11:20, The Revised English Bible.

 

Reviews for the TV Series Jurassic Fight Club & the Movie Ploning

TV Star Guide Vol. 8 No. 107, November 2008

On the cover: Conan O’Brien and Jay Leno

Do you like watching prehistoric dinosaur encounters? Well, you should have seen the 12-episode Jurassic Fight Club series in the History Channel. Here’s a brief review.

Also in this TV Star Guide November 2008 issue is a review on the indie film “Ploning, the Philippines’ Entry to the 2009 Oscars.”

“For I took all this to my heart even to search out all this, that the righteous ones and the wise ones and their works are in the hand of the (true) GOD. Mankind are not aware of either the love or the hate that were all prior to them. – Ecclesiastes 9:1, New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

Earthquake (October 8, 2005): Kashmir in Ruins

MOD Vol. 37 No. 1778, November 18, 2005

On the cover: K(ristina) C(assandra) Concepcion

I don’t know why they put this article, “Kashmir in Ruins,” on the Earth Friends section. It was about the devastating aftermath of the Magnitude 7.6 earthquake that hit the disputed territory of Kashmir.

“The mountains shake in front of Him, and the hills melt. The earth trembles when He comes; the world and all who live in it shake with fear.” – Nahum 1:5, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

APEC: Of Trade Liberalization and Parity Returning



Celebrity World Vol. 5 No. 271, November 18, 1996
On the cover: Anjanette Abayari

 

A short article on how former Miss Universe Irene Saez did good as a mayor of the Venezuelan town of Chacao.

More significant is the article “APEC: Of Trade Liberalization and Parity Returning” (pp. 12-13), which is an essay on the bad effects brought about by economic globalization on a country ill-equipped and unprepared like the Philippines.
Today, in the Cyberage, Internet access in the Philippines is one of the most expensive in the world, but the second slowest in terms of speed. Imagine, it took me half-an-hour to upload this post. So, how can a “snail” compete in the global market of “cheetahs” and “quarter horses?” This is just one casing point.

 

“The LORD has told you, human, what is good; He has told you what He wants from you: to do what is right to other people, love, being kind to others, and live humbly, obeying your GOD..... Can I forgive people who cheat others with wrong weights and scales..... The earth will be ruined for the people who live in it because of their deeds.” – Micah 6:8, 11 and 7:13, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

That Bad Boy El Niño

Savvy Vol. 3 No. 18, November 17, 1997
On the cover: Regine Veasquez

Powerful and cataclysmic weather disturbances brought about by “That Bad Boy El Niño,” have been recurring more often, and this article, written 20 years ago, is still relevant today.

“Behold, the LORD has a mighty and strong one, like a tempest of hail and a destroying storm, like a flood of mighty waters overflowing, Who will bring them down to the earth with His hand.” – The Book of Isaiah 28:2, Holy Bible, The New King James Version.

Alam Mo Ba Ito: Iba't-Ibang Tunog

People’s Balita Taon 17 Blg.193, November 16, 2010
Tampok ang headline na “Shalani Tatakbo sa Mas Mataas na Puwesto”
na isinulat ni Rose C. Dionson

Ano ang pagkakaiba ng echo sa reverberation? Ang sagot at ang mga tawag sa iba’t-ibang tunog ang tampok sa Alam Mo Ba Ito?

“Kahit ang mga bagay na walang buhay, na nagsisitunog, maging plauta, o alpa, kundi bigyan ng pagkakaiba ang mga tunog, paanong malalaman kung ano ang tinutugtog sa plauta o sa alpa?”- Ang Unang Sulat ni Pablo sa mga Taga-Corinto 14:7, Ang Biblia, Ang Banal na Kasulatan sa Wikang Tagalog.

Earthquake-Proof Structures: Are There Such Things?

MOD Filipina Vol. 24 No. 1054, November 15, 1991

On the cover: Anna Francesca “Frannie” Bianco Abad

This article – “Earthquake-Proof Structures: Are There Such Things?” – was written and published 26 years ago. Among the items I mentioned here are proposals for the upgrading of the National Building Code and the Structural Code of the Philippines. It was even endorsed by former PHIVOLCS Director Raymundo Punongbayan. Up to now, however, no upgrading has been done.

“.... There were flashes of lightning, noises, thunder, and a big earthquake – the worst earthquake that has ever happened since people have been on earth..... Then every island ran away, and mountains disappeared.” – Revelation 16:18 and 20, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Crossword Puzzles About Movies,Television & Celebrities.

TV Star Guide Vol. 3 No. 35 (November 2002) and Vol. 5 No. 59 (November 2004)
On the left cover: Pierce Brosnan and Halle Berry (for the film Die Another Day)
with insets of Daniel Radcliffe (as Harry Potter), and Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez
On the right cover: Paris Hilton and Nichol Richie

Here are more crossword puzzles about films, television, and celebrities.

“So I perceived that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his own works, for that is his heritage. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?” – The Book of Ecclesiastes 3:22, Holy Bible, The New King James Version.

MY FIRST JOURNALISM AWARD

MOD Vol. 25 No. 1106, November 13, 1992
On the cover: Margaret Elaine Ortiz Lanuza

This time around, it was me and the exclusive three-part special report, “The Philippines: Land of Earthquake and Volcanoes,” I have written a year before that was featured in MOD. Aside from the Science and Technology Journalism Award from the Philippine Press Institute, I was also conferred a “Lifetime Achievement Award” by Atlas Publishing.

“Love wisdom, and she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will bring you honor. She will be your crowning glory.” – Proverbs 4:8-9, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

Of Abaca and Piña, and the Mode of Transportation in the Philippines

MOD Vol. 42 No. 1888, November 2011

On the cover: Anne Curtis

Another article I had fun writing, “Abaca and Piña: Proudly Filipino” (pp.18-21). Read and you’ll find out why.

Also in this MOD November 2011 is my article “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” (pp. 66-70), which is about the different mode of transportation in the Philippines.

“Your instruction is my everlasting heritage; it is the joy of my heart. I am resolved to fulfill Your statutes; they are a reward that never fails.” – Psalms 119:111-112, The Revised English Bible.

Yuletide Cybershopping? Things You Need to Know

MOD Vol. 32 No. 1468, November 12, 1999

On the cover: Kate Barrett Underhill

The article, “Yuletide Cybershopping? Things You Need to Know,” is a pre-Christmas information and guide to would be online shoppers. Though the article is 18 years old, some of the items are still quite relevant.

“The wise see danger ahead and avoid it, but fools keep going and get into trouble.” – Proverbs 27:12, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Math-O'Logics: The Factoring Path

MOD Filipina Vol. 21 No. 897, November 11, 1988
On the cover: Revital Mor (Miss Israel and

1988 Miss Asia-Pacific Quest Second Runner-up)

On Math-O’Logics, solving Algebra problems by factoring, hence the subtitle “The Factoring Path.”

“Teach me Your ways, O LORD; make them known to me. Teach me to live according to Your truth, for you are my GOD, who saves me. I always trust in You.” – Psalms 25:4-5, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.