Saturday, June 26, 2010

Desert Aquaforce Moves to A New Home



Moving into a new home is an experience that many people enjoy and describe as "fun." But the move can totally consume you for a long time -  planning, packing, cleaning, painting, moving... When you arrive in your new home, you'll be faced with even greater challenges.

After two years with blogspot.com, Desert Aquaforce has arrived at the crossroad of change. It is taking its first steps of moving out from its old home and moving into the new home at http://www.desertaquaforce.com/.
 
As soon as Desert Aquaforce is fully settled in its new home,  http://www.desertaquaforce.blogspot.com/ shall be redirected to Desert Aquaforce.
 
You are all welcome to visit us at our new home

We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time
- T.S. Elliot

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Job Opportunity at the Coastal Desert by the Red Sea

After almost two months of hibernating in the sand dunes that were formed by the previous season's sandstorms, I'm back again (for the nth time), courtesy of the onset of the summer sandstorms... The myriads of sand grains bouncing and rolling up the windward surface of the dune that I was in, finally exhumed me out of oblivion.

It is indeed nice to be back again especially with a blogpost that will give an opportunity to our 'kababayans' who are qualified for the position being advertised here. No, I'm not connected with our HR but a friend asked me to post in my blog and to other OFW sites  like KaBlogs, KaBlogs Station (Paging Lord CM and the The Pope in the Job Alert for KaBlogs) and PEBA with the hope and great expectation of getting high-caliber candidates for the position.

Here's the job opportunity being offered at the National Prawn Company.

The Company
Covering an area of approximately 250sq km on the Red Sea Coast in Saudi Arabia, NPC is among the largest, fully integrated prawn farms in the world. The ten farms are fed directly from the pristine, crystal clear waters of the Red Sea. Sustainability is an integral part of NPC’s commitment to its customers, employees and shareholders. Every aspect of production from hatchery to pond to plate is monitored and traceable.
Located 150kms south of the Kingdom’s commercial centre, Jeddah, and close to the ancient port town of Al Lith, NPC’s 2,400 employees help to produce over 15,000 tonnes a year of white prawn (Fenneropenaeus indicus) for sale in the Kingdom and around the world.

The first phase of development is complete with ten farms. Phase II of development is under construction with a further 13 farms. Phase II include aeration of all ponds, on land production of Greater Amberjack and Sea Cucumber (or Sand Fish)

Every aspect of NPC’s production is based on sustainability from pond to plate. No antibiotics are used at any stage of production. An extensive bio-security programme is maintained at all times. NPC is certified for ISO 14001 and is actively seeking other accreditations.

NPC produces shrimp to a variety of sizes as required by our customers around the world and is renowned for its superior quality, texture, color and succulent taste by internationally acclaimed chefs and satisfied consumers alike including those in Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Japan, Korea, USA, China and Australia.

NPC began with a small research project in 1982 and with commitment, dedication and a blend of science and art, is proud to have developed such a significant business, which it hopes will contribute to the wider diversification of the Saudi economy through the growth of the aquaculture industry in the Kingdom. More than that, NPC is committed to maintaining and developing its operations to the general benefit of Saudi society economically, socially and environmentally.

The Job Opportunity

Position: Manager – Civil & Construction
Reports to: Head of Department

Contact: Mazlan Bin Ali, GM for Construction & Engineering

SUMMARY
The Civil &Construction Manager’s main task is to plan, develop and manage any project that is construction-based for the company. He has the duty of facilitating the construction design, schedule and resources planning including labor and materials. He is to ensures that these designs are implemented with utmost safety and that the whole process flows efficiently. To ensure that the materials in use are safe and that the methods being used are the appropriate ones and are constructed on budget and on time.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Responsible for the execution of all construction works including planning for material and human resources and managing through tools such as Microsoft Project ensuring timely completion and on budget
2. Interpreting design drawings for construction and applying construction technique that will help speed up construction and save cost
3. Ensures safe construction methods and procedures
4. Reports to Head of Department on construction’s performances and project issues. Generate reports as required.
5. Prepares technical construction specifications.
6. Performs Civil engineering duties surrounding the following; buildings, infrastructure works, road, bridge, water supply, sewage, hydraulic system such as water intake/outlet works and environmental systems.
7. Coordinates the site and construction activities with the design team, construction team, the user, suppliers and other support services.
8. Acts as the quality control and assurance to ensure that the project objectives are met
9. Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS
1. Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management with at least eight years of engineering experience of which a major part is working with a construction company
2. Working knowledge of Microsoft Project, Words, Excel, PowerPoint, AutoCad
3. Good interpersonal skill, analytical thinking, problem solver
4. Work requires willingness to work a flexible schedule.
5. Knowledge and skills in using construction method and materials that will save time and be on budget
6. Ability to provide on the job training to own staff

Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience.

Only candidates who meet the above scope of responsibilities and qualifications will be considered.
 
NPC at its discretion intends to verify claims about education, skills, experience, and employments.
 
You can see my previous post about the Company here.

Friday, April 2, 2010

Good Friday - A Message of Love That's So Amazing!

I am posting this as a remembrance of what He did for us 2000 years ago at the cross. His act is a message of a love that's so amazing!

The Scientific Death of Jesus

At the age of 33, Jesus was condemned to the death penalty.

At the time crucifixion was the "worst" death. Only the worst criminals condemned to be crucified. Yet it was even more dreadful for Jesus, unlike other criminals condemned to death by crucifixion Jesus was to be nailed to the cross by His hands and feet.

Each nail was 6 to 8 inches long.

The nails were driven into His wrist. Not into His palms as is commonly portrayed. There's a tendon in the wrist that extends to the shoulder. The Roman guards knew that when the nails were being hammered into the wrist that tendon would tear and break, forcing Jesus to use His back muscles to support himself so that He could breath.

Both of His feet were nailed together. Thus He was forced to support Himself on the single nail that impaled His feet to the cross.. Jesus could not support himself with His legs because of the pain so He was forced to alternate between arching His back then using his legs just to continue to breath. Imagine the struggle, the pain, the suffering, the courage.

Jesus endured this reality for over 3 hours. Yes, over 3 hours! Can you imagine this kind of suffering? A few minutes before He died, Jesus stopped bleeding.

He was simply pouring water from his wounds.

From common images we see wounds to His hands and feet and even the spear wound to His side.. But do we realize His wounds were actually made in his body. A hammer driving large nails through the wrist, the feet overlapped and an even large nail hammered through the arches, then a Roman guard piercing His side with a spear. But before the nails and the spear Jesus was whipped and beaten. The whipping was so severe that it tore the flesh from His body.. The beating so horrific that His face was torn and his beard ripped from His face. The crown of thorns cut deeply into His scalp. Most men would not have survived this torture.

He had no more blood to bleed out, only water poured from His wounds.
The human adult body contains about 3.5 litres (just less than a gallon) of blood.

Jesus poured all 3.5 litres of his blood; He had three nails hammered into his members; a crown of thorns on his head and, beyond that, a Roman soldier who stabbed a spear into his chest.

All these without mentioning the humiliation He passed after carrying his own cross for almost 2 kilometers, while the crowd spat in his face and threw stones (the cross was almost 30 kg of weight, only for its higher part, where his hands were nailed).

Jesus had to endure this experience, so that we can have free access to God. So that our sins could be "washed" away.  JESUS CHRIST DIED FOR US... He did this because He loves us so much!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++
It is Finished
Petra Music

John 19:1-30
Words & Music by Bob Hartman

In the heat of early morning on a hill they call the Skull
The roaring of the angry mob had settled to a lull
All eyes were cast upon the man whose hands and feet were bound
They saw him cry in anguish when they heard the hammer pound

They saw the bloody woven thorns with which his head was crowned
They watched the bloody cross of wood be dropped into the ground
The soldiers gambled for his clothes, they watched them win and lose
They saw the sign above his head that said "King of the Jews"

(It is finished) And the sky grew black as the night
(It is finished) And the people scattered in fright
The work had been done, redemption had been won
The war was over without a fight
It is finished

They searched his face for anger for vengeance in his stare
Instead of eyes that burned with hate a look of love was there
He prayed for their forgiveness and bowed his battered head
And no one knew the meaning of the final words he said

It is finished, the provision has been made
It is finished, the foundation has been laid
He paid the ransom due and tore the temple veil in two

++++++++++++++++++++++++++
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross


Words: Isaac Watts, Hymns and Spir­it­u­al Songs, 1707. Charles Wes­ley re­port­ed­ly said he would give up all his other hymns to have writ­ten this one. It is significant for being an innovative departure from the early English hymn style of only using paraphrased biblical texts, although the first two lines of the second verse do paraphrase St Paul at Galatians 6:14. The poetry of "When I survey..." may be seen as English literary baroque.
 
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

To Christ, who won for sinners grace
By bitter grief and anguish sore,
Be praise from all the ransomed race
Forever and forevermore.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Maundy Thursday at the Desert

Today, the whole Christendom is celebrating Maundy or Holy Thursday. It is just another ordinary day here at the desert. In fact, being the first day of the month and a weekend, it is going to be busy day - beating deadlines for reports, projects, etc... a far cry from the holidays I've always enjoyed back home.

Friday, March 26, 2010

The Agony of Waiting is Over as the Supreme Court Releases the 2009 Bar Exam Results Tonight



To be a lawyer was my childhood dream and I could have given that dream a shot in 2007 had I pursued my law studies. However, by fate and by choice I am here in the desert. I don't regret my choice (maybe just sourgraping) cause if I had luckily become a lawyer, I would unendingly call my wife "Your Honor" instead of the "My Darling" endearment to her.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

OFWs Vote to Make a Big Difference!



I am reposting this article because I believe that the over 12M OFWs around the globe is a big voting bloc to reckon with which will definitely reshape the landscape of Philippine Politics. Whether or not the OFW is registered as an Overseas Absentee Voter (OAV), he can still participate by convincing members of his immediate families and relatives to actively participate in the election processes and to vote for the right candidates, especially those who look after the welfare and protection of the OFWs.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Another Year Added...Makes It 23 Today!


A Contemporary or Modern 23rd wedding anniversary has a theme of Silver plate.

Another year to create precious memories together...
Another year to travel and explore places of wonder...
Another year to discover new things to enjoy about each other...
Another year to build a life rich in love and laughter...
Another year to strengthen a marriage that defines "forever"...

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Cebu Dancing Inmates - YouTube Sensation Once Again!


The dancing inmates from the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) are once again YouTube’s sensation after their performance of Michael Jackson’s ‘This Is It’ dance routines. They danced the routines from the ‘Drill’ and ‘They Don’t Care About Us’ at the maximum prison’s quadrangle. They were trained for more than a week by no other than Michael Jackson’s choreographer Travis Payne and dancers Daniel Celebre and Dres Reid who also joined them in the dance performance. It was reported by Travis Payne to the media that MJ saw the different MJ’s songs performances of the dancing inmates and immensely enjoyed them.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Serenata in High Spirits… A Must-See, Week-ender Treat!


It was at the same time last year when my friends, Dads and Lisa Torrico invited me for the second time to watch Serenata’s 4th Season Concert, where their kids, Lisa and Deo were participating. He knew that I had a penchant for shows of this genre and caliber. I declined the Season 3 invite as it was in conflict with my new work assignment. So when I attended last year’s Season 4 Concert, I regretted for not being able to attend the previous year’s concert.

Friday, January 15, 2010

The 2nd International Pinoy Expats/OFW Awards Night



(Until now, the euphoria over the success of the 2nd International Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards night has not yet receded from my system. Although it's quite late to blog about it, I am reposting [with permission] an account of the affair as posted by my wife, Judge Christine Muga-Abad in her December 30, 2009 FaceBook Notes)

The 2nd International Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards Night held last Dec 27, 2009 at the PhilAm Life Theater in Manila was a very important and much-awaited affair for my family. We had our plane tickets booked as early as September 2009, to make sure that we will not miss out on this rare occassion. Jethro is the 2009 President of the Pinoy Expat/OFW Bloggers Association, Inc. (PEBA, Inc.) composed of Pinoy bloggers based all over the world, and we were throwing our all out-support for this event and for PEBA, Inc. as well.

So after many months of preparation, we flew off to Manila on the early morning of Dec. 26, a day earlier than the scheduled event as Jethro had to meet the rest of the officers of PEBA and the organizers. It was the first time for them to see each other in the physical world as previous conferences and plannings were done in the virtual world.

On the day of the event, we decided to rest the whole morning in our hotel and tried looking for a beauty salon to have our hair done before dressing up for the occasion. But no salon was opened at that time and thus, we were forced to fix our hair by ourselves. Gabrielle braided her younger sister's hair and placed a little hair gel/spray to tame the thick and wavy curls. The outcome was perfect and Chloe came out from the dressing room happy with her hair and very pretty in her little black dress, gold gladiator shoes with a matching gold sling bag. Gabrielle was ready with her ballerina skirt , black flat shoes and white top. Kevin was sporting a rugged look with a blazer. Jethro who was toying between a barong and a business suit, finally settled for the latter. As for me, my clothes were off-the- rack from Rustan's after a very hurried shopping.

Two hours before the scheduled start of the program, we were already at the venue. Jethro was adamant that we should be at the PhilAm Life Theater early. When we arrived at the theater: the place was abuzz with activities, the theater was ready, the ushers and usherettes were in their assigned areas, the red carpet already rolled out in the presscon area and the singers were busy vocalizing. I was introduced to a lot of Jethro's blogger-friends whom he has only meet face to face during that night. There was one from Afghanistan, from Riyadh, from Shanghai, from France, from the US... Faces of the bloggers were flushed with excitement as they came and met their fellow bloggers in the flesh for the very first time. Although I am not yet into blogging (only FB for now), I am quite familiar with the other bloggers as I also visit and read their blogs too. I enjoyed looking at the group and silently guessed each of their names based on the photos found in their blogs. There was also this tall, lovely and fashionably-dressed lady who passed by my seat and I was trying to put a name to the face. Later, I learned that she was Sundrenched, one of the four ladies of the "Pink Tarha" blog based in Riyadh. She went up the stage to get their award as they bagged the second place for the Top Ten Best Expats/OFW Blogs for 2009.

The program started past six in the evening and everybody was welcomed by PEBA, Inc. founder and Chairman Kenji Solis of Al Khobar. He came with his wife and their little girl. A keynote speech was made by former Secretary of DSWD Dinky Soliman, who extolled the OFWs for being the modern day heroes of the Philippine economy. She also shared her experience as an OFW in Cambodia after her stint in Malacanang. The daughter of the late Senator Blas Ople and senatorial candidate Susan 'Toots' Ople, was also there and challenged each one to join the bloggers and learn how to make use of the internet and send emails to foster ties between OFWs and their families left behind. She said that she will ask OWWA to include in the PDOS, the reading of the winning blogs and other OFW blogs to prepare the OFWs in their adjustment and integration in the foreign lands they will be working. Party-list Representative and Senatorial-bet Lisa Hontiveros also graced the event to show her support to the Pinoy bloggers and to PEBA. There were a lot of entertaining numbers during the program: the awesome rendition of an excerpt from 'Ako Si Ninoy' Musicale by the Aliw Awardee Philippine Stagers Foundation was a blast that opened the ceremony, a hilarious spoof by "Juana Change" about a domestic helper based in Italy who came home to help her son in his coming candidacy as "kagawad" in their town's elections brought the house giggling, Filipiniana dance numbers by Hiyas ng Rizal dance troupe, songs from some alternative/progressive band groups, etc.

The main highlight of the program was the giving out of the blog awards. As expected under the circumstances, most of the winners were represented by their family members, as the awardees/OFWs themselves are still out of the country and were unable to come home for the awards night. It was a touching moment... seeing the bloggers happy for being recognized for their blogs. They feel proud, knowing that their true-to-life stories have been appreciated by other Pinoys. It was equally touching to see the proud faces of the family members of the OFWs/bloggers. Parents of one awardee came all the way from Bohol, there was one blogger who came with apparently the whole clan...another came with her/his group of friends.

As I gazed at the Pinoy/OFW bloggers, I knew that they have a personal drama, a funny anecdote, a happy milestone, a painful experience to share to all of us. As imparted by Jethro in his closing remarks, being able to blog and being able to express yourself in a medium where it can easily be accessed by a lot, is a therapy that helps one to overcome loneliness and struggles that an OFW experiences in a foreign land.

To the OFWs/Pinoy Expat Bloggers including my hubby Jethro...I salute you all for your success in working and carving a niche in foreign lands . I also highly admire you all for sharing your talent in writing thru your blogs. God bless you all.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Photo Credits: Kevin Jethro Muga Abad
The Venue
Philamlife Theatre
UN Avenue, Malate, Metro Manila
Main Entrance to the Theatre

The well-lighted Theatre's Lobby

The Stage

The Theatre's Seating Arrangement
Another view of the stage

Pictorials before the Awarding Ceremony

Pictorial at the Red Carpet of the Presscon Area

Chloe Eunice, Gabrielle Khryss and Kevin Jethro



The two girls posing in front of the elegant Christmas tree.

Waiting for the Program to start...

PEBA Founder and Chairman Kenji Solis with Shiela and Heavyn posing with the Former DSWD Secretary Dinky Juliano Soliman & Party List Representative & Senatorial Candidate Riza Hontiveros-Baraquel

The Awarding Ceremony
The Philippine National Anthem
The Philippine Stagers Foundation (Aliw Awardee) in their awesome presentation
of an excerpt from"Ako Si Ninoy" Musicale

Kenji Solis giving the Opening and Welcome Address

A pop-alternative band giving a special number
PEBA logo flashed on the screen
Former DSWD Secretary Dinky J. Soliman giving her keynote speech
Former DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman receiving her Plaque of Appreciation
Another band rocking the house...
Susan 'Toots' Ople awarding the Blas Ople Policy Center
Best Video Award to Utak ni Drake, Riyadh, KSA

The MCs for the Night - Vince Colangco of When In Manila
& Rhon B of
Ako Si Pinkoy
The beautiful ladies assisting in the awarding of trophies and plaques
Juana Change in her hilarious spoof of an OFW domestic helper based in Italy
Isla de Nebz's friend receiving the Special Award for Best Blog Entry and
Best Blog for the Middle East
Party-List Representative Riza Hontiveros giving her support to PEBA 2009
Davies Venerable (in behalf of Jee Cas) Wits Expression, Dubai, UAE
receiving the Senator Manny Villar Special Award for the Most Popular Blog

Mariz of Style Shanghai receiving her Special Award for Best Blog Element
Plaque of Appreciation given to a Media Partner of PEBA 2009
The House kept rocking with this alternative rock band
George Babiano's sister receiving the award for Palipasan as the No. 6 Best Blog for 2009
Phil Saraspe receiving his award for Wits and Spirits as the No. 3 Best Blog for 2009
Sundrenched represented the 3 other Pink Tarha ladies to
receive their trophy as the No. 2 Best Blog for 2009

Isla de Nebz 's friend receiving the trophy for the No. 1 Best Blog for 2009

Blas Ople Center President and Senatorial candidate Susan 'Toots' Ople
challenging the OFWs to continue to become a potent influence and
a catalyst of change in this fast emerging alternative media. Plaque of Appreciation awarded to Vince for his support to PEBA 2009
Plaque of Appreciation given to Ex-Link
The 2009 PEBA Team

The Hiyas ng Rizal Dance Troupe
NJ giving the Closing Remarks


After the awarding ceremonies and the giving out of
door prizes and packed dinner...
With Rio Fabe, a blogger-nominee from Alfghanistan
Preparing for the Press Con


Press Con with GMA 7 TV Crew




Pete's family and friends supported PEBA all the way!