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I want to take a break from the impeachment circus, the bashing and defending of Jimmy Sieczka (I’d like to write more about this next week), and other supposed matters of consequence and focus on something close to home (the joys of which I have been mostly deprived of the past few months because of work), and since I have three personal VIPs celebrating milestones this month, I wish to pay tribute to them here:

To our ever dearest Manang Pelang, she who is a second mother to us throughout all these years, she who loves and cares for us without condition, happy, happy birthday. Born Teofila Lopez, there is no doubt the heavens meant for you to be a part of our Lopez family—having looked after all of us, from us four, Bianca, Minnie, Anton and myself, even Mama and Papa, and now baby Arabella. For me, you’re the biggest blessing our family has ever and will ever receive from God! I pray for your continued good health, in body, mind, and spirit. We love you, Nang, our angel, so, so, so much!

And to my only brother, Jose Antonio, a very happy birthday! You are young, with more challenges and many adventures that lie ahead. Fear not and keep the faith. I know you feel anxious looking for your life’s purpose, for the talent you can offer the world, but trust me, despite all our teasing, it’ll unravel itself and you will be surprised to find it was just there all along. Be excited, the world is your oyster and like I always say, the best is yet to come!

Congratulations to my sister, Bianca Maria Theresa, for bravely finishing your degree in the same school year you became a mother, for courageously pursuing your internship in Manila—all alone—for most of your pregnancy. It’s an incredible feat very few people can accomplish, and you did it, and all this in spite the seemingly insurmountable odds, and despite unwarranted opposition and hostility from some senseless educators. Baby Arya is lucky to have you as her mother, and I think she knows it—it shows in the jovial baby she obviously is. Congrats again, dear sister—Dr. Bianca!

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Summer + More at Mövenpick

Soak up the moment and make the most out of summer at Mövenpick Resort and Spa Cebu. For a limited time only, have more summer fun with discounted rates on room accommodation and more complimentary amenities with our Summer + More Room Sale.

Experience more of summer with great complimentary add-ons, such as a 30-minute treatment at Spa Del Mar with a choice of head and shoulders or foot massage, a sunset island cruise, nightly Movies by the Beach with drinks and chips, use of non-motorized aqua sports facilities, and use of the Fitness Center with state-of-the art equipment. With Summer + More, guests can also get one free for every buffet purchased for Vanilla Beach Café, and receive a room voucher for 50% off your first night on your next stay.

Enjoy all of these exciting offers when you stay in a Deluxe Room for only Php 6,000 nett, a One-Bedroom Suite for Php 7,000 nett or a Two-Bedroom Suite for Php12,000 nett. Rates include accommodation in our well-appointed guest rooms and buffet breakfast at the Vanilla Beach Café.

Purchase room vouchers and enjoy Summer + More at the Mövenpick booth on Level 1, Paseo Marina in Ayala Center Cebu on March 31 and April 1. For inquiries, please call 492-7777.

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Tonight on the Asian Television Awards 2011 ‘Best Talk Show’—The Bottomline with Boy Abunda: Be in the know and protect yourselves and your loved ones as Bureau of Fire Protection (NCR) Chief Superintendent Santiago E. Laguna threshes out the challenges, facts and myths of fire-fighting and prevention in our Fire Prevention Month episode.

Watch it tonight after Banana Split on ABS-CBN Channel 2. Encore cable telecast on the ABS-CBN News Channel, Sunday, 1:30 pm.

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Email: [email protected]