Pinay Wins Emirates Business Women's Award 2008

One of the eight winners of the Emirates Business Women's Awards 2008 is a Filipina chemist who is the Chief Executive Officer/General Manager of Geoscience Testing Laboratory in Dubai. She is the first ever Filipino awardee to received the Emirates Business Women Award.

Engr. Mary Jane Alvero-Al Mahdi bagged two of the upper prestigious awards, the professional category (1st runner up) and criterion award for Leadership. Awarding was held last May 20, 2008 at Grand Hyatt Dubai.

An Alumni of Adamson University with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. She was an active committee member of AdUChESS during her college days. She is also a member of ChE Blues and consistently supports and generously assists the financing of the group activities like the annual Outreach Program here in the Philippines.

She is the Chief Chemist of Al Futtaim Tarmac Laboratory in Dubai from 1993-1998 before becoming the General Manager/CEO of Geoscience Testing Laboratory. Jane is a holder of Master in Quality Management Degree from the University of Wollongong in Dubai and Master in Engineering Systems Management from the American University of Sharjah. A certified ISO Lead Auditor certified Project Manager and a six Sigma Master Blackbelt Level. She is a certified trainer/educator and one of the founders of Filipino Degerati Association that assists Philippine emissaries in Dubai to train Filipinos in computer application for free. She is a member of American Management Association, Project Management Institute, UAE Society of Engineers and Filipino Degerati Association.


She mentioned in our phone conversation and in some of her interviews that the main reason for her success is her leadership, vision and the trainings in many fields. She plans to further study for a doctorate and professionally aims to give the company a regional presence.


She makes us proud and uplifts the status of Filipinos. Filipinos have once again proven their world class leaderships and professionalism in work and in community service. You made our country proud once again...

Sources of info and photos: My classmates in Dubai
Engr. Allan Eugene Canoy & Engr. Louie De Castro
The Awardee - Engr. Mary Jane Alvero-Al Mahdi

Geoscience Testing and Lab. staff reporter: Lily B. Libo-on

Click here for related articles
http://archive.gulfnews.com/business/General/10215120.html http://www.pinoydigerati.org/

ASIN HOT SPRING

Just got another break from work, so I decided to visit my friend Paul at Baguio. I've been here for so may times so I ask him where else can we go? He suggested Asin Hot Springs in Benguet so the plan trip was scheduled.

We arrived at Baguio at around 8:00am with Third, Ian and Al. Paul meet us in the terminal and we had lunch at Diner Star. We proceed to the place arranged by Paul so we can relax for a while and later in the afternoon we went to Mines View Park , stroll at Central Mall and played bowling. My brother (a friend) Dodie and Frank also arrived, they will also be joining at Asin the following day. After the games, we buy some foods for our dinner and breakfast. Chef Ian made the preparation and cook some foods for us.

The next day we go to market to complete the things we needed for the overnight at Asin. It was raining that time in Baguio, luckily not in Asin , Benguet where we will go on swimming on natural hot springs. Asin Hot Spring Resort is a popular destination not just for the locals who warm themselves from the cool weather of Baguio but as well as foreigners. Our destination is in Asin Riverview Water Park. It has Hotel and Restaurant, 3 built swimming pools with relaxing warm water, one of which has a slide for the kids. Shower rooms with heated water. All of us take a dip, have fun and stayed all day long.

Going here in Asin is quite an experience as we enjoyed passing on a narrow road and through the two small tunnels that were curved through the mountains. On the Hot Springs, when you're on the pool the water is truly soothing and realxing and you will be amazed and fall in love as you look from the top and find yourself surrounded by trees and mountains as if your in paradise.

Outreach Program

The ChE Blues group held its annual Outreach Program @ Betahny House Sto. Nino Orphanage at Guiguinto, Bulacan last April 27, 2008. The Orphanage was established in 1986 as a diocesan charitable institutions for Bulacan and nearby provinces, in service of orphaned, abandoned and neglected children. Today, around 77 children including 3 infants were inside the orphanage under the supervision of Sis Irene Panganiban O.P.

Click here for more info bethanyorphanage. org

Our Project Coordinator Hui Chuen Fong and his betterhalf Lyn consistently coordinates with the sisters to check and ask what they needed the most. The list was then posted in the group loop. A positive response were received from the members who donated goods, cash and their presence during the activity. The cash donations collected were used to purchase canned goods, noodles , rice, sugar, medicines, milk, biscuits, clothes, toiletries, utensils etc. All items and some donations in kind were brought in the orphanage were final inventory was conducted together with sister Ella.

The program was started with a prayer together with the children . Followed by an opening remarks by our Project Coordinator. Games followed after that and each children received a loot bags of goodies. The boys quartet render a song accompanied by a guitar. After the fun games we had a picture taking with the children before they take their simple lunch courtesy of Mrs Lopez. The kids pray before their meals and greeted two of our April birthday celebrants who were present in the activity. While the children were having lunch we look for the sisters to say goodbye. It was their prayer time so only one sister attended to us and we request for a group picture.

We left the orphanage fullfilled and happy. Despite of the busy schedule of everyone, it's good to know that we still find time to do this fruitful activities and share a little of ourselves especially to the children who didn't have a choice. Again to all who supported this annual activity , to our friends , classmates Thank you very much for your time (prayers & inspiration) and treasure (cash & goods).... this will surely makes a lot of difference to the lives of the children. May God continously Bless us so that we can be a blessing to others too!!!

Exploring the Beauty of Bohol

My friend third (Dodong) has invited me to have a vacation in his hometown at Calape, Bohol. Without hesitation, we set our flight booking bound to Bohol. The time of our scheduled flight is 8:00am and we arrived at the airport 7am. The travel time is approximately 1hr and 15mins from Manila to Tagbilaran. We were fetched by his aunt (tita Lydia and his family) and stayed at their house and alternately with his other aunt (tita Alma) at Liboron.

I joined in their traditional station of the cross at Sohoton ( a mountainous baranggay at Calape) were thousands of devotees crossed a "sapa' (brook) and seriously trekking withstanding the heat of the sun to reach the top. I also experienced riding a habal habal, one of their means of transportation (riding in a motorcycle with 2-4 passengers). I also got to taste the mouth watering shrimp-like or more of a small lobster called "Takla" (crayfish) so yummy and delicious and the original famous pasalubong of Bohol "Peanut Kisses" (peanut and egg white cookies).

We start our tour proper at Sabayan Peak, to view the most popular, signature attraction of Bohol which is the Chocolate Hills ( a numerous mound of limestone formation). This can be viewed better at Municipality of Carmen where you can have a panoramic view. It is colored green starting to get brown in some, but during full dry season it will turn out brown. Our next destination is Loboc and we got to see and passed by the man-made forest. In Loboc there's a mini sanctuary for monkeys, bat and tarsiers. Tarsiers are so cute, it has large eyes and clings on branches. They are indigenous to this island. But if you want to see lot of tarsier you can visit the Municipality of Corella. We havent tried the floating restaurant at Loboc River because the station is too far so we decided to rent a boat instead, to experience viewing the river and see the Busay Falls. After this we proceeded to Albur Sanctuary were Marimar and Prony is the main attraction. Prony is a female python, the anaconda of Bohol which is one of the largest python captivity and has been featured in television by Jessica Soho and Korina Sanchez. Aside from the python, there are a couple of small snakes, crows, myna birds and flying lemurs hanging upside down in a cage.The following day is a schedule for our swimming bound to Panglao Beach. Got to see and collect so many starfish and we form our names out of it. Play in the water throwing the fine and white sand of the beach. Enjoy riding in a Kayak late in the afternoon and check out the nearby private beaches. Truly Panglao is a home of finest beaches.

The next day, we went to Cebu about 2hours from Tubigon pier. Our first stop is at Magellan's Cross then check out the famous Sutokil to have lunch but since it is quite far from downtown (Lapu-Lapu) and there's a heavy traffic we just take a lunch in a nearby place who offer Sutokil. After lunch, we visit the Taoist temple. We proceeded at the Market place to buy dried fish (danggit) and dried pusit. Dropped by at shamrock to buy Otap, mamon tostado etc.

Though it was just a semi-round visit at Bohol, I really enjoy my stay here and I have a great time. People here are soft spoken, kind and friendly. Thanks to Tita Lydia, Tita Alma, Kuya Emong, Ate Grace, Rudy, Mel and Rommel for the hospitality, free food, accomodations and for the transport from the tour and all the way to airport. Thanks to my friend for bringing me here. Hopefully, I can go back again to explore other areas here in Bohol like the caves (eco-adventure), river treking and rappelling at Danao's , dolphin and whale watching, Panglao's finest beaches such as Bohol Beach Club, Alona, Balicasag Island Dive resort , structure of old churches etc. There'll be no second thought to revisit this place and recommend Bohol, a treasure island of natural wonders. So what are you waiting for? Come and see for yourself and be amazed and captivated with the beauty of Bohol, a pleasure at its best.....

What does my name Louie means

***What Louie Means***

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.
You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life.You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you. At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.
You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way. And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life.You're sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it.
You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.
You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.


Do you believe its my real character , how many percent is true in this analysis. Want to hear from you guys, feel free to comments.

Guess the gender of my new little birdie and the parents

Congratulations!!!!

Thank you to all who spend time in joining the guessing game,

to those who texted and and send their entry in my yahoo mail,

but only those posted in my blogs are qualified entries.

Sorry for the late announcement coz

I'm so busy the past two weeks and probably till march.

Anyway here's the answer.

inside the nest Katrina - Female

down is Michael - Male

little birdie - Male

Congratulations to:

1st Gucci Gift set (perfumes etc.)

Meloudy Elinon

2nd Fragrance Mini filled bowls

Jessie Balisacan

3rd Gift set (Cigarette holder & pen)

Raul Capili

They will also receive Cadburry funsize chocolates

(not from SM yan..fromUK ...hehehe)Again , thanks

One of my pets , Cokateil birds Michael and Katrina has at least hatched one of the three eggs layed this year. Last year 5 eggs were layed but was not successfully hatched. It was the time when my brother and I are on our recovery period so we havent check and manage our pets thoroughly. We are planning to move them to a larger cage and probably mix with other birds. I will join them with the two pairs of my African lovebirds , Maya Peach and my ordinary Lovebird. Maybe if the new little birdie has completed his/her wings and can fly a bit already.



This is the new addition on our pets, who would guess if it is a male or female. Can someone tell us what the gender of this healthy birdie. How about the parents can you tell who is Katrina and Michael? Send your answer here up to February 1o and a token will be given as prize.Feel free to send comments on how to take care Cokateil birds. Any info will be appreciated guys.

No one is excuse... this could also happen to you

Just want to share the recent experience in the hospital that I never thought would happen to me.

My admission at Emergency Room was triggered by the increase in my serum creatinine of 1.2 to 1.6 and a repeat crea a week later of 2.3. My regular physician was on leave at that time, so someone relieved for his post. Initially, he calls it as a sign of rejection but not quite sure what's the cause, no complications and other symptoms physically present except for creatinine results. So he admitted me first at Emergency Room and call up another doctor who will attend to me. Tests have been done, except for renal graft biopsy of my new kidney, because there's no available biopsy room yet. After seeing the results okay (except creatinine that decreased a bit from 2.3 to 2.0) the doctor said, must be on toxicity of medicines. So I was discharged the following day and just instructed me to have a repeat serum creatinine test, make a follow-up after 2 days and reduced the dosage of one of my medicines.

I went back after 2 days for check up with my regular nephro, but still creatinine level is at 2.1. He reviewed previous instruction and scheduled me for the biopsy and arranged a room for me. The following day the biopsy was done and results was available in the afternoon. Another nephro who is monitoring my condition (I think a fellow of my regular nephro) discussed the results with us. It was actually a bad news because according to him that the kidney that I've got from my donor is defective, so it's a chronic rejection already. In months time I'll have to go on dialysis again and probably have new kidney transplantation. Mom and I just looking at each other and while the doctor kept on explaining, I am just quiet and was tongue tied at that moment. I keep myself compose and at the back of my mind questions arises. Like, how did it happen when the donor undergo rigid tests and work up? If chronic already, why did they accept it? I told to myself that I will never undergo dialysis again, I can fight it 7-10 years more (full of spirit) and if it is faith then let it be. What I worry much is my brother, who lost his kidney for me because his just starting to have his own family. When the doctor left out, mom and I discussed what should be done in the future, no plans for dialysis and another implant. I also texted and called my regular nephrologists, explaining the result and requested him to visit me after or before his clinic. He responded and paid visit and ask me what's your problem, smile and said its nothing, the diagnosis is just a slight rejection which can be done to pulsing to normalize the creatinine level. He gives his assurance and explain that he already communicated with the doctor and the laboratory department. In short, there was a mistake that arises from the laboratory, the results that was forwarded and read was not my biopsy. My mom who almost felt like dying due to stress and depression has regained herself and felt relieved. We'll get back with the other doctor mom said.

The following day, the doctor who read the wrong results immediately admitted thier fault and very apologetic with what happen, mom explains its okay we understand, however this will not be the case always, as to some families and patients you'll get different reaction. Hopefully this will be a lesson and we should be very careful next time and coordinated properly. Because it's important that we are considerate on the feelings of the patient and families as they are also undergoing depression and anxiety ( very well said mom).

I know that there a lot of worse cases that has been featured in news and depicted in some TV soap operas and movies compared to my experience. Who would think that I will personally experience such thing in the hospital? Medical practitioners are human too, but what if it takes life.. How will you react? Luckily mine was just an accidental switching of laboratory results and was coordinated at once with my regular nephrologists.

No one is excuse... this could also happen to you.