ALFRED VARGAS Grateful for Double Win in QC's 5th District

While we're all at the tail end of the elections, the good ones so far have made it. 5th District Councilor ALFRED VARGAS has made it to his second term in office and had his brother PM VARGAS win too as congressman of the same district. After a very challenging and grueling campaign (due to fake news spread on traditional and social media), the two guys welcome this double victory, and deem it a chance to continue to serve their constituents again. 

Alfred says "We'd like to send double thank yous to every one who made this possible. It's a double victory for us and of course, we would like to get ourselves on the ground running especially in the matters of education which we wanted to start this July. This is part of the program we call "Alagang Vargas Scholarship Program Version 2.0", a leveled up educational help we provide in hopes of getting scholarships for one member of the family. This is for elementary, high school and tertiary educational levels that doesn't require specific grades to qualify. If they pass their subjects, they can get in the program. It will continue til they graduate from college and it has benefited over 20,000 students already. Some of which have become accountants, managers, engineers, educators, nurses and public servants."

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Alfred sends his thanks to those who continued to support and believed in him all these years. Despite the lies heard online and offline, they believed in track record, service and his principles. He knows they fought for them, and for him, that felt like family. They will be men for others, and continue to help sincerely. They promise to help in their districts by continuing programs that could provide more jobs for their constituents, to change lives through education. He also attributes his win to his wife Yasmine, his kids Alexandra, Aryana, Alfredo and Aurora. They all were with him during his sorties around Novaliches too. This is his 15th year in public service, and wants to continue pushing for more reforms in this side of Quezon City.

Congressman Arjo Atayde Gets Nod at RPMD "Boses Ng Bayan" Survey

Quezon City First District Representative Congressman Arjo Atayde has been working hard in the past few months and this has been cemented by him topping the recent survey done by RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. which is a leading provider of opinion data in the country.

After winning in a landslide victory during the elections, he has already filed over 50 bills and acted on several projects for his district that includes flood control, medical assistance, livelihood projects, feeding programs, disaster preparedness, and work for women and LGBTQIA+ sector in his district and other communities in Quezon City.

With an 80 percent approval rating, his work involving representation, legislation, and service has been the main driver for his rank. This was told by RPDM's Executive Director Dr. Paul Martinez.

Arjo is extremely thankful about the support he's getting from his constituents in Quezon City's District 1 and says he's just giving back to all the love and support he is getting from the community. This was done with over 10K respondents during November 27 to December 2.

QC District 1 Congressman Arjo Atayde Moves for More Safeguards on Maharlika Investment Fund

Things have been very busy in Congress this week as the Maharlika Investment fund takes centerstage on the plenary. They passed it hours ago with 279 saying YES and only 6 against it. It officially holds House Bill No. 6608 and Quezon City District 1 Congressman Arjo Atayde is moving to have additional safeguards in the bill particularly to make sure protection from corruption is in place.

Arjo says "I would support the movement to include safeguards in the Maharlika Investment Fund to make sure the fund really benefits the country. There are amendments already adopted by the lower house. This involves the non inclusion of GSIS and SSS which was announced earlier. We need to scrutinize the source of funds to protect it from irregularities and questionable investments for the fund. I assure that we will continue to safeguard the fund and put the Filipino citizen's interest first. There will be penal provisions meant to punish directors, trustees, officers of those managing the fund. On section 44, fines can be from 50,000 to 2 Million pesos and jail time of 1 to 5 years."

Hopefully this would augment the national budget, create more savings for government offices and increase economic development not just in cities, but the countryside. There are over 50 countries doing Sovereign Wealth funds like Singapore, HK, our neighbors Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and new nation East Timor. Hopefully this would generate funds in the future to benefit more Filipinos and not fall in the hands of corrupt politicians.

Congressman ARJO ATAYDE to Hold "KYUSIKLABAN Distrito Uno 2022"

Looks like Quezon City 1st District Congressman Arjo Atayde is putting his Vice Chairmanship for the Creative Industry and Performing Arts Committee for the 19th Congress into good use as he sets to hold the first ever KYUSIKLABAN Distrito Uno 2022 this coming November 19. It's a music festival aimed at promoting OPM (Original Filipino Music) and will be held at FPJ Avenue (formerly known as Roosevelt Avenue) that stretches from Pitimini Street to Del Monte Avenue in the same district.

This will be participated by youth from the city and several bands, musicians, rap artists, singers and perfomers to promote home grown music. Congressman Arjo recently filed House Bill 457 which is an act declaring Quezon City as the Film and TV Capital of the Philippines. The event will also provide entertainment to thousands of his constituents, and nearby Barangays who have all been through the hardships of the pandemic. Hosting the event is comedienne Viveika Ravanes, funny man Smokey Manaloto and recently engaged Robi Domingo. Several well known bands such as Rivermaya, Pricetagg, Nik Makino, Issa Loki, OC Records and Callalily frontman Kean Cipriano, artist Juan Karlos, the Hydro Project, DJ Carla Cray, JP Bacallan and Bugoy Drilon will also be part of the lineup, all performing for the crowd.

The event will start at 2PM and will include free vaccination and registrations for Ollie Belmonte's QCID. The music performances will start around 4PM and it's all for FREE. You can get tickets from SK Chairmans, officials of their respective Barangays so if you're up to it, go get them there!

Neophyte Congressman Juan Carlos "Arjo" Atayde Files 6 Bills at Terms Start

Our good looking boy Arjo Atayde is now officially Quezon City's 1st District Congressman as he took his oath at the EVM Convention Center at Central in Quezon City. During this momentous event, he was with fellow congressmen, respective city councilors, Vice Mayor Gian Sotto and lovely Mayor Joy Belmonte. The inauguration was officiated by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo and was witnessed by Arjo's proud father Art Atayde and gorgeous actress Ria Atayde (Arjo's sister). Ria also took Bible Bearer responsibilities for the occasion.

Arjo has garnered over 112,457 votes in Quezon City's 1st District, an overwhelming win that composed almost 67% of total votes from his constituents. Congressman Arjo also has hit the ground running (and working) as he also filed several bills he always talked about even before the campaign trail.

For starters is HB 457 that aims to declare Quezon City asn the Film and TV Arts capital of the country, HB 458 which aims to upgrade existing QC Gen Hospital into a Medical Center, HB 459 which is a bill about occupational safety for artists and workers in the movie and TV sector, HB 460 that is a bill that prohibits discrimination against genders, expressions, and its penalties (SOGIE), HB 461 which is the magna carta for Barangay Health workers, and lastly the HB 462 with the aim of putting up the Philippine Virology Science and Technology Institute and appropriate funding for it.

Hopefully, these would all be met, amended, voted on and passed in the congress. He's most probably planing on delivering this fast, and put those which he plans to prioritize this term done not just for his constituents, but the Filipino people. He also met recently with Mayor Joy Belmonte to align with her programs, I bet that's a pretty good start.

Congratulations Congressman Juan Carlos "Arjo" Atayde! I wonder how this will affect his acting projects and international career, but more excited about how his public service pan out in the next few years.

ARJO ATAYDE Wins Congressional Bid in Quezon City's 1st District

After the dust settled, our main man ARJO ATAYDE was declared as Congressman of the 1st District of Quezon City. I couldn't be more happy for my friends and family in that location as I'm assured he's going to give his constituents the service they deserve.

Arjo has already taken his oath in Barangay PhilAm Homes which was officiated by Barangay Captain Simplicio "EJ" Hermogenes. It was witnessed by his family, his friends, Barangay Captains from his district, his constituents and Team Aksyon Agad. He has also received his Congressional pin from Secretary General Mark Llandro Mendoza and wishes to work on July where his term starts at the lower house.

Arjo will prioritize laws to be passed concerning the rights of the LGBTQIA+, Women’s Rights, jobs generation, education, to help also the senior citizens, have proper policies for disaster response and healthcare for everyone. This will be something he's planning to pursue in the first few months of his term, to hopefully make sure that enactment of laws be done as he promised during the campaign trail. 

Congratulations Arjo and to the whole Atayde fam! I'm so happy for you and your whole district, you're getting a person who genuinely cares for the community.

Maine Mendoza Joins Arjo Atayde in Campaign Trail

It's almost May 9th and Congressional hopeful Arjo Atayde is busy introducing himself as a neophyte in Quezon City's 1st District. Just a few days ago, he went to communities together with Team Aksyon Agad's Dr. Doray Delarmente, Joseph Juico, TJ Calalay, Charm Ferrer, Bernard Herrera who are running as councilors in the same area. People have gone out in throngs to welcome him and the team, and it was extra special because he had his lucky charm by his side... the beautiful Maine Mendoza.

Arjo recently topped the Istratehiya Inc. survey at 74.9 percent, something he and his family has been very thankful for these past few weeks which is why he's very eager to visit different barangays and talk to people. Arjo says "I enjoy going to different homes in District 1 because I could personally interact with people. I love that connection, while following protocols, we talk to them to get to know them even more."

Arjo and Maine made sure each time they talk to people, it was going to be memorable and light hearted. People have always adored the lovely couple and seeing Maine in the campaign trail this time surely spelled her support for the real life boyfriend. Make sure you visit Arjo Atayde's social channels to know more about his next activities.

So happy for you Arjo! :)

ARJO ATAYDE Does International Film "Cattleya Killer" and Pursues QC D1 Projects

Our good looking Asian Academy Creative Awards Best Actor Arjo Atayde is breaking new ground as he continues upcoming drama thriller project "Cattleya Killer". This is an international film that will be done with ABS-CBN International and as of recent, they've announced the ensemble cast that will make this an even greater picture. Among them are legendary Christopher de Leon, Jake Cuenca, Jane Oineza, Ricky Davao, Nonie Buencamino, my love Ria Atayde, Ketchup Eusebio, Frances Makil, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, Jojit Lorenzo and Divine Diva Ms. Zsa Zsa Padilla. Production will start this February 2022, and Arjo says "Who wouldn't be excited working with such a formidable cast, and I'm sure we'll deliver a quality film that Filipinos here and around the globe would be proud of. Included in the cast are some of the most respected and accomplished actors who have worked in international films, this will surely be an amazing project for all of us!"

Not forgetting people he serves in Quezon City's First District, Arjo recently graced the town fiesta dedicated to San Pedro Bautista in Basilica Minore de San Pedro Bautista in Barangay Damayan. Arjo and Mayor Joy Belmonte were designated Hermana Mayor and Mayora this year and they obliged. Arjo is also busy in Barangay Santa Teresita as he donated 49 laptop units for daycare centers and an AI Smart Scan X-ray machine for the Barangay Hall. The machine is state of the art, capable of detecting 25 chest pathologies because of its AI tech. It sees Pneumonia, Tuberculosis, Cancer and see other illnesses in different parts of the body in just 2 minutes. This was developed by scientists in India, Japan and the Philippines which is phenomenal. Arjo says "This machine works fast and can produce results in 2 minutes, a team of medical experts to assist with this and doctors will interpret results for accuracy."

Arjo was with TJ Calalay, Joseph Juico, Bernard Herrera, Charm Ferrer and the Barangay offciials of Area 6 in Quezon City's 1st District. Our boy is doing good work and I've heard my friends in the area are feeling his presence! He is also being supported by a lot of private businesses and celebrity friends, we can't wait for him to do even more things for his constituents soon.

Internet Speed a Priority for Augusto "Boboy" Syjuco

I have to admit, I've been a bit skeptical about this man and his reasons for running for the Presidency a couple of months ago. I didn't read about him that much so I didn't really know. I was far from being an uninformed voter and I do read a lot of news. He was also mentioned to me by a fellow UEnian in one of our chats so I was shocked once I saw his credentials. He was the former TESDA Secretary, a BSBA Graduate (with Latin honors) from UE and Masters in Business Administration from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in the US. He chaired tons of very successful corporations and even owned the franchise of 7UP, RC Cola, Jazz Cola which gave international softdrink manufacturers a run for their money in Visayas and Mindanao. He's done so much since and even amassed leadership and managerial experience in those years. He also has received numerous awards, of which he's so proud of as he feels he's really worked for it.

During our small interview in the lawmaker's home, he said "The administration has not answered question, things are on standstill and perhaps they've given no attention on matters like traffic, mrt, human hours lost so we're incurring economic losses because of that. No place to ride or go down, no systems, I don't know where to start telling you where the problems are. Tonight I want to share with you what can we do about it, how it can be done. I have 15 platforms that I woukd want to let the public know and I hope I could do this all at the same time.

I want to build the fastest internet backbone in 2017. In TESDA, we've done a lot of training for BPO services, we give aptitude tests and if they don't pass that we have skills training in 150 different courses all free so they can have a background in how to do things. We are losing 80% of our BPO services because we're slow and can't handle the services here. That's 45 Billion a year, meaning 1.3 Billion employees should have been hired for those internet based jobs if we had the infrastructure. We must equal the fastest in the world or even surpass it so we can maintain that lead over other countries. We are victims of stupidity and non caring of this government and they stand there and think we need 6 more years of this? There's an attempt to fool us, the same people, same banana. On day 7, I'd like to start that program, state of the art, have it be done by "build operate transfer" systems, include to have foreign ownership, remove taxes on oil, petroleum, equipment to do this just like Hong Kong.

Education is the great leveler, we have never given that chance to poor people and I'd like to level the playing field. We should all 15 million to have education, technical education, high school and elementary. We will have the best labor force and have the lowest cost of production in the world because we're charging no taxes. We're only going to do a flat rate of 8-12% in personal and business income taxes. This is what I would want to do.

When I was a congressman, I went to court and I've always heard the reason that they are raising the prices because they lack funds for investment and capital infusion. We need more players, so they don't monopolize the market. We need radical but rational decisions. I've never heard solutions from them. We should include nearby provinces and make a Super Metro Manila. We need a good transportation and communication secretary, a separate one. It's not enough to just have them in one department because these are pressing matters. I hope to do this and make it on day 1 running. We're looking for young and capable people for that.

I am by nature a giver, not a taker. There is no situation in my life that I have taken anything from the government. My left hand will be an iron fist whilst my right hand will be for pabebe wave. Public interest must be prioritized, but we must always be fair but just."

I changed my mind talking to the jolly Congressman. He's got a track record, has helped countless people to get scholarships of which some are also from his own pocket. He's definitely a man you can consider when voting for a president. He's got real education, corporate and public office experience to back it up. Aside from that, he's got the passion to see that technology could help us all in achieving economic success. He's done much of it in his own district and vows he could do it in his own programs if elected in office. Make sure you read up on your candidates and not just listen to advertisements which costs an arm and a leg on TV. You just wonder where they're getting the money for that no? Be educated and be mindful that you have choices, he is one of them.

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Augusto "Boboy" Syjuco

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Mesclun at The Linden Suites

March 28th marks the celebration of Earth Hour in Manila, the Philippines. I know there a ton of people who participated and helped them achieve their goals in the past few years. This year however, they're gunning for something actionable, on how they could give the gift of life and power up the future. It's a tall goal, of which all of us could properly contribute in big - or small way. 

We visited The Linden Suites on this day. Consequently, they were also participating in the same cause. Turning off lights to almost all the rooms in this hotel would probably serve electricity for a community even for a few days. They know how this small gesture could affect the lives of our children, and our children's children. 

  

The Linden Suites Geenral Manager Dominic Dorol says "We always join Earth Hour, but this time around, we have re-branded and renovated the hotel. We have a new logo. It's more contemporary, as Linden is a type of tree that most people go under so they can take shade in the North America or Europe. The owners took that idea and put up this hotel so people could do the same. It's owned and operated by Linden Suites Inc. (LSI) that's got a President and its own board. It's fully Filipino owned and has got no foreign investors. This was formerly managed by Swiss Belle International and the owners decided to move forward to become Filipino owned and operated. They got people from international chains and got them all here to maintain the high standards that Linden Suites is known for. All the rooms, public areas have been completed and we're at 98%. We're only doing small finishes and minor adjustments. This is a full hotel, but we do have office spaces from the 4th to 8th floor that have dermatology clinics, solar companies, IT, HMO, and that made us a bit involved in medical tourism also. We have 30% of our hotel dedicated for long staying guests and we have really good kitchens in every room. We've spent a lot to make this place to be more and up against new hotels - we knew we had to refresh our look. 

This hotel has made its mark with the former guests, we're slowly gaining them back. The rooms, the hallways, are not dark anymore. We've very fortunate that the owners understood the need to do this now with brand new rooms, facilities, a new logo, on our 15th year. Our tagline now, is "The Linden Suites: Time to Refresh!" which we hope will change the way people would now perceive us, to move forward; and bring back the memories from the Linden Suites before - and add on more. Our lobby, our front office, back office has been freed up because we know our guests deserve all the space. It's now more efficient, people can sit and lounge. We're climbing up, people are noticing the difference and we have to be patient about the occupancy. It'll be 80% occupancy soon, perhaps within the year. 

Being a business hotel, we're very attractive because we have big rooms. Even families love this on weekends. We have 2-3 room spaces, plus kitchens so it's the best place to be on staycations. We want this place to be known not just for the service, but the look, the colors, the small details, of which hopefully, it would all be appreciated by the public. We're also looking forward to the evaluation of DOT which will happen soon, we want to follow their very strict standards. We're doing the checks right now and perhaps third quarter of this year, we'll have the same 4 star rating we had before.

We have an events place in the 4th floor that can hold 150 guests, but the roof top will be an additional location we can offer to companies and hopefully everything will be done soon.

Mesclun is our concessionaire and it is run solely by them. We've had them for 2 years now. They also have a branch in Serendra and Eastwood. Whenever we invite people, we have them here in Mesclun at Linden Suites. We've been very good partners with them but very few people know they're here in Linden Suites, hopefully that will change."

Mesclun at The Linden Suites

Mesclun Restaurant and Cafe at The Linden Suites

Mesclun is a salad mix of green leaves, mostly of which originated in Provence, France. This restaurant and cafe named after it sits at the 2nd Floor of The Linden Suites at 37 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center in Pasig City. We had their best dishes and tried to see what more they had to offer. It's also my first time here, so I wasn't really expecting something upscale and refined from this place. I had a lot in mind, like what cuisine they served to what different dishes would come out of the kitchen. Though judging from what I saw on the lot, it looks quite promising.

The Interiors

The place can sit around 60-80 people.They've got green all over the place like the salad combo it was named after. It felt cool and cozy.

I was there during dinner, but I guess this serves as their buffet during breakfast. The restaurant space is just alright, not cramped and they've used it quite well. Service was very personal, I think they go the mile talking to patrons so you'll feel right at home. Acoustics are a little off because I can hear the next table quite clearly (even in Fookien), a little something that you get because seats are close.

Unfortunately, I think this falls on classy and sophisticated rather than just casual. That's a good thing though, so it can be something to impress your friends and family - if you plan to take them here. Which comes to our next subject, what to eat?

The Food

Mesclun serves good food. No, let me correct that, it's good comfort food. Although some might say it's a bit pricey, some items on their menu are really worth trying. Especially the adobo, totally worth every cent!

This is their signature Mesclun Salad, one of their best sellers. It's got Mesclun greens, a few peaches, speck (which is a fancy English term for fat LOL), cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, walnuts with raspberry vinaigrette. All in all, this is something really good. It's not that sacrificing. Ladies need to indulge a bit and if they want to order a simple salad, that's not that simple at all, this should be it. You've got it well seasoned, different textures, crunchy and fresh.

For appetizers, this is Mesclun's Yakuza Chicken. It's Japanese style breaded Chicken Fillet pieces served with a side of Katsu sauce. It's quite close to chicken poppers but the sauce makes the difference. It's nutty, more on the sesame oil side of things, although I would have loved that part to be a tad more intense. They had it light most probably so everybody else can have it. It was worth ordering though, I liked the crunchy chicken the most!

Two drinks were served. I had the Strawberry Banana Smoothie whilst the other one is their Power Shake. The first one is actually straightforward, made me pretty full actually and we haven't had the first course yet. The Power Shake was refreshing. It's got veggies in it hence the green look. Order the Power Shake to start your day and it'll make you a bit more energetic. The calamansi takes it on a tangy profile, we liked it a lot.

This is Mesclun's Linguini with Truffled Cream Sauce. I like pasta, but I love truffle the most. It's almost next to foie gras for me. This dish though only had small hints of it. The cheese would definitely help bring in a little saltiness on the cream sauce as it needs some of that. It's a good thing they had salt and pepper nearby that could fix that. This is one of those comfort foods I told you about, simple, and it tastes amazing. You could be alone and still enjoy it.

Fusion that's a little off the hook, this is Mesclun's Sisig Spaghetti. You might think they're out of their mind but honestly, it works. I love the flavor profile and what they want to do with this. The thing is, they served not so crunchy pork rind with it. I can imagine though if they did serve it with more freshly popped chicharon, it would definitely be insane not to love something like this! It's spicy, creamy and it's comforting. What's not to like with pork?

Slap yourself silly. This is my favorite on their menu. This is Mesclun's Guava Pork Adobo. It's not the usual pork adobo, but it's super duper good. I think adding the Guava fruit was something really good and might have something to do about tenderizing the meat in that way. They also carefully removed the pork skin on the premium pork slices and had us play with something sweet, tangy and salty in the mouth. They serve this with a rice pilaf and some pickled strips of veggies on the side. The flavor and aroma filled the room when they came out of the kitchen. For me, it was unbelievable. This should entirely be their flagship dish, and have it's own page, no zip code on the menu! 

Japanese Cheesecake

Almond Roca Slice

We can't leave the place without trying their desserts. Two things, the first one is their Japanese Cheesecake. It was a bit on the fluffy floury side, not too sweet and I might suggest this to your folks or the elderly who don't want it too sweet. The tangy jam, the whipped cream made it whole, making the cake not bland at all. If you're up to something sweet, get the Almond Roca Cake. It's super chocolatey and if you're looking for something that you could close your eyes with every time you put that fork on your mouth, don't leave the restaurant without tasting it or their Strawberry Shortcake which wasn't there anymore because a lot of people probably ordered it. Make your own tastebuds decide.

The new things in The Linden Suites made me even more excited to experience how it would feel to spend the night there. A little background music, a few days more and they're going to be an even better hotel than they were before. You'll be back in a place where everyone else wants to hang out. To fabulous feasting, fun, not a dull moment should ever come from The Linden Suites or Mesclun. Things are about to change and they're getting even better. You can visit The Linden Suites today by calling +63 638 78 78 or visit their hotel right at the heart of Ortigas Center. Again, it's at 37 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center in Pasig City. Call the same number if you would want reservations for Mesclun too. Make that sensational stay today at The Linden Suites because it's always better with family. Make that delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner at Mesclun too. Trust me on the Almond Roca Cake. 

For more information about their restaurant and hotel:

The Linden Suites

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