Saturday, December 18, 2010

Fun run for Mother Candida

















“Fun run for Mother Candida”
Sun.Star Davao, Dec. 18, 2010

She may not be a real mother to biological kids. But, for the countless children whom she has inspired through her selfless missionary zeal and courage, Candida Maria de Jesus, is lovingly and more popularly known as Mother Candida.

Mother Candida is the foundress of the Congregation of Hijas de Jesus (Daughters of Jesus) which she established on December 8, 1871 in Salamanca, Spain. Her mission was to set up schools in almost all towns and cities in the country for the rich and poor alike; for the youth; and the women at a time when access to education was for the selected few or the elite.

In her passion to proclaim Christ to all men, she sent her beloved Hijas de Jesus missionaries to Brazil, the first outside Europe; and the rest is history.

Today, the congregation has apostolic works in Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Columbia, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Uruguay, Mozambique, Japan, Thailand, Bangladesh, Philippines, among others.

In our country, the Hijas de Jesus is spread out in various cities including Manila, Parañaque, Iloilo City, Maasin, Pototan, Estancia, Guimaras Island, Cebu, Camiguin Island, Cagayan de Oro City and Davao City through our local school, Stella Maris Academy of Davao.

In a very significant milestone for the congreration and for all Marisians (including my husband and I), Mother Candida was recently proclaimed a saint by Pope Benedict XVI in solemn rites held in Rome, Italy. This is a very special moment since the sainthood is a culmination of years of study, research and prayers by the Vatican and all believers.

To celebrate her canonization and to honor her, thanksgiving masses were held at San Pedro Cathedral and other local churches here; and also, in the different parts of the world where Hijas de Jesus has apostolic works.

“As a simple way of expressing our gratitude to our Mother Foundress, the Stella Maris Academy of Davao led by Sr. Lourdes Marzoña, F.I., Directress together with its PTA President, Jason Huang appointed me to organize its first-ever St. Candida Maria de Jesus Fun Run 3K and 5K to coincide with the canonization rites”, says Tyrone Go, the over-all event organizer.

Over 1,480 students, parents, guardians, faculty, non-faculty members, alumni and guests registered for the activity. Runners flocked to the staging area as early as 5:00 a.m. in the morning to take part in the marathon.

“Our commitment is to promote a healthy lifestyle for all Marisians”, Tyrone declares.

The top three finishers in the four divisions in both male and female 3K and 5K categories received a premium gift pack and a RunClub shirt. Raffle prizes such as washing machine, mountain bikes and other premium items were also given away.

In addition, SM-Davao SMAC discount checks and membership coupons were awarded to the first one thousand registrants. RunClub likewise offered a one-time 10% discount to all registrants.

The Candida Maria de Jesus Fun Run was made possible through the full and generous support of POWERADE Sports Drink, VIVA Mineral Water, SM Davao Department Store, Red Ribbon Bakeshop, RunClub, Bali-Bali Resort, Sunrise Purified Drinking Water, Vantage Promotions, Sun.Star Davao, Mindanao Daily Mirror, Edge News and 93.10 FM Crossover.

Special thanks to Chiaw Yap for the event’s fotos.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Journey around the world with Chimes


























“Journey around the world with Chimes”
Sun.Star Davao, Dec. 11, 2010

Fastening their imaginary seatbelts, fashion-loving Dabawenyos were in for a treat as they journeyed to various continents during Chimes Specialty Stores’ Travel Around the World Fashion Show held recently.

Showcasing styles from South and North America, Asia, Europe and Africa, Chimes’ most anticipated fashion extravaganza highlighted the latest designs of 26 well-known brands including Puma, Levi’s, Sanuk, Royal Elastics, Rudy Project, Columbia, Freeway, Dockers, R.A.F., Plains and Prints, Jack Nicklaus, Fitflop, Schu and Myth.

The premier House of Laurel displayed its stylish ready-to-wear collection for kids, men and women while innovative make-up company, Luminess Air introduced its Airbrush makeup, which uses superior airbrush technology for that flawless and natural look.

“In this event, the fashion runway is designed to take you all over the world, and style will be our aircraft,” says the accommodating Renren Villena, store manager of Chimes Specialty Store.

Chimes prides itself as being a “one-stop, one-of a-kind speciality hub” for some of the biggest international and local brands/fashion lines.

Dubbed as the fashionista’s specialty haven, the three-level boutique is in the forefront of providing Dabawenyos and Mindanawans a personalized selection of the very best in beauty and fashion.

During its first Fashion Week last November, Chimes, in cooperation with BDO Platinum, Escapes Travel and Apo View Hotel, launched Plains and Prints’ 100 new designs superbly perfect for the holidays.

The exciting week-long event also featured beauty events such as The Look of Holiday 2010 by Shiseido The Makeup, Anti-Aging Workshop by Skin Doctors, Airbrush Makeup Seminar by Luminess Air, Rebalancing Skin by Jurlique, Longer Lashes in 28 days by Talika and Spa at Home by Mt. Sapola.

Events such as the fashion week and the Travel Around the World Fashion Show are Chimes’ way of showing its appreciation for the warm support of their loyal clientele.

“We want our customers to be updated with the fast-paced fashion trend”, enthuses Cindy Yap, the charming Chimes Specialty Store’s vice president. “Consider it as our attempt at delivering to them the world”, she smiles.

In just six years, Chimes has indeed re-invented and redefined the Dabawenyos’ shopping experience, offering a fusion of the familiar with the new and upcoming, all within the comforts of the city.

No passports required.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavaoblogspot.com.