Farewell to a Good Man

He was just passing through I guess..

Last summer, I wrote a blog about Kim Smith, an Englishman in Manolo Fortich (see http://lamontanatours.multiply.com/journal/item/12/An_Authentic_Englishman). Since its writing Mr. Kim Smith has donated the wonderful website (see www.manolofortich.com.ph) and was publicly acknowledged by the local government unit on June 13, 2009, at the First RQ Awards Ceremony, during the 93rd Araw ng Manolo Fortich Celebration.

Unknownst to many, myself included, he was hiding a great pain, a sickness, a death. Much to the dismay of his friends and family, Kim, being a nicotine addict and a diabetic, stubbornly refused to give up his smoking and drinking vices, thus resulting in a failure of his respective organs. He passed away Wednesday evening, August 26, at the young age of 53.

For all his faults, Kim was a good Samaritan, coming into and settling down in Manolo Fortich, determined to put it (not himself, mind you) on the map of Asia by building a website and promoting it abroad. He even put in tips and advice to foreigners who were looking for greener pastures. And then, days, no... months before he died, he began transferring his knowledge little by little to the people he trusted. His dreams, his skills, his goodness have been passed on. Successfully? Only time will tell.

Today we mourn this painful loss, yet Manolo Fortich will rise with the legacy Kim Smith, the authentic Englishman, left behind.

We will miss you, Kim!

The Star of the Show

CHARISSE PIMENTEL... 17 years old... horsewoman... multi-awarded champion...

We first met Charisse last year during the filming of the LOVE ME AGAIN movie project by Star Cinema. She had been chosen to be one of the stunt doubles of no other than Ms. Angel Locsin, who played Arah Bautista, a champion carambola team player.

Charisse is a sweet teenager, easily makes friends and has a passion for horse-riding. I didn't know how well she actually was until I watched her perform at the Impasugong Rodeo last year (September 2008). She had been living with us in Malaybalay (our home away from home during the movie filming) and had had no chance to practice for her competition. But she won it anyway - hands down!

Today, she made the day for her family and friends when she carried the Philippine flag at the opening parade of the National Horse Show held in Cagayan de Oro City.

Congratulations, Charisse!

p.s. She calls me 'Mama' because early in the movie, I was picked for the minor-MINOR role of playing Arah's mother, actually just a picture on the wall because she had already died at the setting of the story.

Montegelo Agri-Tourism Center

While we're on the subject of "firsts", let me tell you about the First Resort in Manolo Fortich -- Montegelo Agri-Tourism Center or, if you know the family, The Obrero Place. This was put up sometime early 2000s but was only officially opened a few years ago (around 2005-2006).

Owned and operated by Dr. Tino Obrero, his wife, Lydia and their youngest son, Angelo, the resort features swimming pools (natural flowing spring water), hotel rooms (individual and dormitories), and two big function rooms. In the surrounding areas, one can find pleasure with the grotto, the water falls, the man-made creek (for boating) and the wide variety of flora and ornamental plants.

As Angelo put it, the resort was the fruit of the combination of his idea (turned into a dream), Dr. Tino's love for growing flowers and fruits, Ma'am Lydia's talent for decoration and a ready financial resource which made their endeavors all possible.

The resort is located along Sayre Highway, San Miguel, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.
For reservations and inquiries, you can call the Manager, Ruby at +639177213810.

New Spa in Damilag!

This must be a year of "firsts" in Bukidnon.

Last August 8, a new spa was opened in Damilag, Manolo Fortich -- the FIRST of its kind! Owned by 10 partners-- Gloria Chavez, Ruth Cubero, Sasha Marie Cubero, Alan Fernan, Edgar Fernan, Virgie Lim, Meriam Pizarras, Rosa Maria Raakin, Maria Theresa Santos and Esther Sumampong -- all known business people in their own right, it is called A TOUCH OF THAI and offers Thai Body Massage, Reflexology, Foot Massage and Spa, Facials and much more.

Ed and I tried it for the first time last Sunday and I must say I enjoyed it immensely. What's my measure of contentment? I fell asleep! Something I don't normally do during a massage.

Since A Touch of Thai has just opened, it is offering an introductory promo discount of 20% on the following services: Thai Body Oil Massage, Thai Standard Body Dry Massage, Thai Standard Body Massage with Reflexology and Shiatsu Body Massage Dry or Oil. So if you want to experience total relaxation and pay only P156.00, call this number: +63 88 223 (3163) for inquiries and reservations. For local Manolo Fortich residents, just call 3163.

Congratulations, A Touch of Thai!