Start and Finish: Regreening Negros the right way

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Start and Finish

If there was a time in recent memory that Negros Occidental was visited by floods with uncanny timing, it would have to be 2021. On New Year’s Day and then just around Christmas, from North to South, the province was besieged. On January 1 st residents in the northern part of the province were shocked by floods resulting from torrential rains. Shocked, because normally there would have been a typhoon warning, but since there was none, people suspected deforestation. A week later, more flooding, spurred by moderate-to-heavy rainfall, confirmed the fear.

December 16, however, was a different story. This time, there was a storm.

Typhoon Odette hit southern Negros with unforgiving might. Super Typhoon Rai, as Odette was internationally called, was a Category 5 hurricane. Aon PLC, a global risk manager and reinsurer, called Odette the deadliest cyclone of 2021. It would have helped if the mountain range that looms over the communities directly hit by Odette are forested to endemic trees, the kind that are native to the local landscape, possessing inherent strength to weather punishing wind and water known to the area.

This month, on “Seeing the forest for the trees in Negros Occidental, ”writer Vince Groyon gives readers valuable input on why a distinction must be made between endemic trees and exotic varieties. By doing so he puts emphasis on the value of every seedling planted to reforest space, rather than simply planting for show. Artist Erika Velasco then brightens the page with her botanical illustrations of endemic trees of Negros, among them the Garuga (Garuga floribunda). This is a truly insightful piece made even more awesome with a list of endemic tree seedlings available for sale to the public, so everyone can take active part in re-greening Negros the right way. Put on your gardening hat and visit www.negrosseasonofculture.com.

SSS advises members and pensioners to get protected from COVID-19

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The Social Security System (SSS) reminds its members and pensioners to abide by the enhanced workplace safety systems following the nationwide surge of COVID-19 cases.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora C. Ignacio stated that despite the pandemic, members still continue to visit SSS offices to file and follow up on their claims.   “Our desire is to continuously provide the benefits and services for our members. However, in order to do so, we must observe basic health precautionary measures as mandated by the government to ensure the safety of both members and SSS employees.” Ignacio said.   In this line, SSS enjoins it stakeholders to get protected from COVID-19 by adopting these following steps:   • Getting vaccinated, • Wearing masks in public, especially in closed, crowded areas • Practicing social distancing, • Frequently washing our hands, • Limiting travel, • Avoid crowded areas, • Transacting online, • Isolate if with COVID-like symptoms, and • Monitor daily health status.   Further, SSS enjoins its members, pensioners, employers, and the general public to continue using its online services when transacting with its offices and branches for faster, simpler, more efficient, and more convenient ways to avoid face-to-face interaction. Further information on the mandatory online transactions and other online services can be viewed through this link: http://bit.ly/expreSSS.   Transacting members and employers are also mandatorily required to create an account in order to transact and enjoy the online services at the My.SSS Portal through the SSS website www.sss.gov.ph or use the SSS Mobile App which is downloadable for free in Google Play Store, Apple App Store and Huawei App Gallery, or send inquiries through Text-SSS at 2600.   For more information, visit the uSSSapTayo Portal at https://crms.sss.gov.ph, follow the SSS on Facebook at “Philippine Social Security System - SSS,” Instagram and YouTube at “mysssph,” Twitter at “PHLSSS,” or join its Viber Community at “MYSSSPH Updates.”

The Many Splendored Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Sheraton Manila Bay

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This love month, Sheraton Manila Bay offers many-splendored ways to celebrate a memorable Valentine’s Day for singles, couples, and families alike.
Sheraton Manila Bay’s Pacific Lounge offers a scenic view of Manila skyline as couples enjoy a dinner-for-two for only Php 2,600 nett per person with our Taste of Love: Valentine’s Day Dinner. Indulge in a sumptuous 7-course set menu features foie gras croquette with smoke pimento aioli for the starter and shellfish veloute, potato espuma, dehydrated olives, arugula pesto for the soup. Followed by a salad of beet root carpaccio, goat cheese emulsion, candied pecans, mesclun, caper berry and a hearty serving of glazed cod, pumpkin risotto, edamame, pumpkin seed, watercress & parmesan crisp. Cleanse the palette with calamansi sorbet with tanqueray gin and then indulge in slow braised beef cheeks & herb crusted lamb rack, roasted cauliflower puree, blistered tomato, king oyster mushroom, radish & port wine reduction with beurre noisette for the main course. Cap off the meal with raspberry financier, irish mellow chocolate, mille-feuille, french macaron, fruit compote for dessert. Complimentary themed beverages of Cupid Cappuccino or Blueberry Acai White Tea and Mignardises are served après-dinner. Promo is available from February 12 to 14, 2022.




Relax in the comfort of a safe and open space with an elevated dining experience that you can avail of “Exclusively Yours” for a night. Sheraton Manila Bay’s Garden and Gazebo located on the 21st floor offers a spacious and open-air garden with the view of the starry night sky, ideal for private celebrations, proposals, or an intimate Valentine. For only Php 14,880 nett for 2 persons, guests can have the exclusive use of the Garden and Gazebo, a romantic rose-petal setup at the dome, a 7-course set dinner with a glass of wine, and long-stemmed rose for your beau. Promo is available on February 14 and all weekends of February.






Meanwhile, guests who wish to celebrate at home or someplace sentimental may bring the romance of fine-dining wherever, whenever they fancy with the "Love Picnic-To-Go" inclusive of a classic picnic-hamper filled with 3-course takeaway dinner for 2 persons, valentines grazing box, and homemade super country baguette for only Php 2,188 nett. Upgrade your love picnic basket with a bottle of red or white wine for only Php 2,488 nett. Promo is available from February 10 to 28, 2022.

For the total Sheraton romantic experience, avail of the Romantic Escape room package and treat your loved one to a dreamy hotel stay at Sheraton Manila Bay to celebrate Valentine's Day. Package is inclusive of overnight accommodation at our luxurious guest rooms, breakfast for two, pre-dinner cocktails for two, 25% discount on Valentine's Dinner at the Pacific Lounge, and a romantic room setup. Booking period is from February 11 to 19, 2022. Book at bit.ly/RomanticEscapeMNLSB

24 hours advance reservation is required. Social distancing and health and safety precautions are strictly implemented. For table reservations, please call +632 5318 0788, 09175837294, 09175837326 or email sh.mnlsb.fnb@sheraton.com. For room reservations, please call +632 5318 0788 or email reservations.manilabay@sheraton.com.

Sheraton Manila Bay is located at M. Adriatico cor. Gen. Malvar Streets, Malate, Manila. Like us on Facebook and Instagram @sheratonmanilabay and Twitter at @sheratonmnlbay.