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Message

Our core values of Integrity, Innovation and Commitment kept us on trackof our goals and priorities this year.

In 2009, we unfold our 30th year. The challenges are extreme but we areconfident. The unstinting commitment of the TIPIer for outstanding performanceand world-class standards will see us through even beyond our three decades.

This Yuletide Season, let us celebrate the Lord's unending providence andgoodness. Our accomplishments for the past year are just a few reasons for a YuletideSeason full of gratitude and thanksgiving.

From my family to yours, a Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

Bing A. VieraPresident and Managing Director

TI (Philippines), Inc.

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Message

As the year comes to a close and we celebrate another Yuletide Season, we look forwardto TIPI's 30th year of achievements and growth.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate each member of the TIPI family forthe admirable tenacity we showed as an organization. Guided by our values of integrity,commitment and dedication, TIPI Management leads everyone in welcoming the comingyear with more vigor and pride amidst the bigger challenges ahead.

Let's all join hands to continue making our valuable contribution to business growth andmarket leadership especially during this trying times...

On this glorious Christmas season, let our Yuletide Celebration center on the gifts of life andlove and God's wonderful blessings.

Des T. SanilHuman Resources Director

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EDITORIAL

Editorial StaffEditor-In-Chief- Emily Gacad

News Editor- Borricks RamirezFeatures Editor- Jonathan Mondero, Rady Angeles, Kristine Mangaliag

Literary Editor- Chanda NacuaSports Writer- Larry Serafin

Columnist- Eve DayotContributing Writers:

wCathy Olivete wLanie Pare wAya Aurellado wJanet Casaña wGary EstaciowJean Garcia wLove Lagadan wKaye Calixterio wYvette Cayabyab

wRey Orille wAllan Olipane wJong Ignacio wArt Bayot wDolly OlimpowAnne Valmonte wLorie PascuaManaging Editor- George De Leon

TAMBULI is the official in-house publication of TI (Philippines), Inc. It is published quarterly by the Human Resources Department.Contributions in the form of essays, letters, written opinions, book reviews, poems and other articles are welcome. Interested parties maysubmit their contributions to the Editor at e-gacad@ti.com.

Beneath the PagesEDITORIALCompetitively Frugal 4

HEADLINESTIPI recognized for2008 GOLD QUALITY AWARD 5

TIPI Wins in ASEMEP 5thBENCHMARKING CONVENTION 5

NEWS3Q and 4Q Service RecognitionAwards Night 6

Employee Volunteerism 6

RECOGNITIONSBQT Legacy: It can be done! 7

Green Team 8-9

FEATURESMy Texins 10-11

New Hires 12

T D UPDATES 13

TECHNICAL REPORT2 TIPI'ers Showcased their Innovation at Japan Technical Conference 14

COLUMNHEALTH REMEDY 15

PHOTO RELEASES 15

SPORTS24 Hours of Endurance in Subic 16

BodyBuilding Club on the runat 32nd Milo Marathon 16

TIPI Bags the Mens Double Goldon the 1st PMA BadmintonTournament 16

TMS Revisits Wonders of Ifugaoand Mountain Province 17

LITERARYThe Christmas I Will Never Forget 18

"Choose to protect during a timeof difficult choices…fools makefeasts and wise men eat them"…

Thrift and wise spending are buzz words we hear thesedays. People are becoming conscious of spending habitsand are simplifying in the workplace and at home.Indulgence is an unacceptable act, unwritten but self-imposed.

If this trend is due to the economic forecasts, analystssay otherwise…today, people are shifting out of theconsumerist mindset in recognition that it is moreimportant to show not how much you earn, but yourability to show what you don't spend.

It isn't enough just to gain revenue. Companies haveto be smart on what to do with its gains. With the economyon a downhill slide, workplace austerity is hip, to be frugalis cool.

Success in business and in our personal livesrequires disciplined spending. Frivolous purchasesshould be avoided. We need to stay away from affluenceand instead spend time to develop habits that willmake us a better organization during this leaner times...a wise man once said : "a fat kitchen makes a lean will".…

From the Tambuli Staff and the 1ATCOMMUNICATIONS GROUP: Cheers to a MerryChristmas and a Glorious TIPI 30th Year!

Competitively Frugal

In September 2008, the annualQuality Awards were presented to thefactories that consistently achieved the TMGquality priority of ZERO Customer Disruption.

Gold Quality Award is given to TI siteswith zero customer disruptions for three (3)consecutive years, while Silver Quality Awardis granted to factories with no customerdisruptions for two (2) consecutive years.

This year's Gold quality award recipientsfor wafer fabs are Dallas Metal OxideSemiconductors (DMOS6), HIJI-FAB, FreisingWafer Fab (FFAB), MIHO and D-LAB.Awardees for assembly-test sites are TIPI (4years), TUA, Dallas Flip Chip Assembly(DFCA) and HTF.

Commendable highlights were also citedfor wafer fabs and ATs that achieved 5 yearswithout Customer Disruptions - DMOS6, HIJI-FAB, FFAB, HTF and DFCA.

Silver Award Recipients for wafer fabsare Sherman Wafer Fab (SFAB), TucsonWafer Fab (TFAB), Houston Wafer Fab

HEADLINEsTIPI recognized for 2008 GOLD QUALITY AWARD

- Cathy Olivete -

Bing Viera proudly poses with colleagues as he receives the GOLD QUALITY AWARDfor TIPI. (Left to Right - Kevin Ritchie, Sr. VP, TMG; Takahiro Yoshimura, Miho PlantMgr; Sima Salamati-Saradh, DM6 Mgr; David Lassiter, TFAB Mgr; Bing Viera, BaguioPlant Mgr; Tom Weichel, SC Quality Audits Mgr; Paul Fego, VP, WW Make; Marc Mydill,Mfg Infrastructure Test Technology Mgr; Mark Drosche, DFCA DMAT Mgr; UweLeithaeuser, FFAB Mgr.)

TIPI team wins the SEIPI Choice Award(TOP Award) and VOX POPULI Award for theirpaper “Die Attach Cure Oven ManagementSystem (OMS): Bringing Intelligence to theOvens” at the ASEMEP Quality andProductivity Council 5th BENCHMARKING

Lanie Pare, Ami Monis, Gilda Damayo,James Baello, Chester Palongdias and EdDela Rosa pose with pride with the AQ&PCOfficers as they receive the VOX POPULIAward

The OMS team...

(HFAB) and Dallas Wafer Fab (DFAB).Awardees for assembly-test sites are TIMexico, TI Taiwan, HIJI-AT, DTF and EastBuilding Test (EBT).

Bing Viera personally received the award

during the AT Managers' meeting in DenverColorado.

TIPI has gone far by reaching Goldstatus for Quality due to four consecutiveyears of zero customer disruptions.

TIPI Wins in ASEMEP 5th BENCHMARKING CONVENTION - Lanie A. Pare -

CONVENTION held at The Bellevue Hotel,Alabang, Muntinlupa City on Oct 23 - 24,2008.

The team is composed of: Lanie Pare(Team Leader), Ami Monis (QRA), GildaDamayo (Manufacturing), James Baello (PE),Chester Palongdias (IT) and Ed Dela Rosa(EE). Their paper qualif ied under the“Breakthrough and Innovations” category.The other category is “Problem Solving andContinuous Improvement”.

This year's benchmarking conventiontheme is "Acquiring Quality and ProductivityCompetitiveness through Global TechnicalExcellence" where 19 successful continuousimprovement and breakthrough projectsusing various tools and techniques like TPM,Six Sigma, 8D, QC Story, Root Cause Analysis,Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve andControl (DMAIC) and Statistical MethodologyAnalysis Reporting Technique (SMART), wereshowcased.

The special awards given to the teamswith outstanding performance were the 3Major Awards: SEIPI Choice Award (TopAward), ASEMEP Choice Award and ASEMEPQuality and Productivity Council (AQ&PC)Choice Award, which were given at the endof second day and VOX POPULI (Voice ofthe People) Award, given each day percategory where the participating companies

and delegates cast votes for their choice.This year's major sponsors are SAS

Philippines and Cytek Solutions Inc. togetherwith the Semiconductor and ElectronicsIndustries in the Philippines Inc (SEIPI)through the Association of Semiconductorand Electronics Manufacturing Engineers ofthe Philippines (ASEMEP) and ASEMEPQuality and Productivity Council (AQ&PC).

The event featured plenary speechesfrom the industry by Mr. Arthur Young, SEIPIChairman and PSi Technologies Inc.President, who provided highlights on globaleconomic outlook in 2008 and world widemarket forecast until 2012 for electronicsproducts and Dr. Antonio Villaflor, ST-NXPCalamba QRA Director, who provided insightson how the industry can cope with the currentsemicon industry business trend throughcultural transformation and manufacturingexcellence.

The convention was participated by 16companies and more than 200 delegates andSEIPI, ASEMEP and AQ&PC officers, and alsofeatured Jingle contest which contained"AQ&PC" or Quality & Productivity in its lyricswith any musical instrument asaccompaniment.

It is important to note that proceeds ofthe national technical symposiumwill support the Children's JoyFoundation. 5

NEWS3Q and 4Q Service Recognition Awards Night"Paying Tribute to People of Commitment and Dedication"

The TIPIers are at it again!In a time of global economic

crisis, TIPI just had 196 reasonsto celebrate.

Last November 5, 2008, 196TIPIers old and not so new havecome together to celebrate amomentous occasion, the 3Q and4Q Service Recognition AwardsNight.

The event, which boastedthe theme "Paying Tribute toPeople of Commitment andDedication", was well attendedby TIPIers from all areas.

In a video presentation,employees attested theircommitment and gratitude to thecompany by sharing just howmuch TI had helped enrich theirlives as well as that of their

family's. They also celebratedTIPI's stability in times of globalturmoil as well as the good workethics and valuable trainingsimparted to them by thecompany.

Owning up to its missionstatement that "People are it'smost important asset", TIPI paidtribute to it's workforce bytreating the 5, 10, 15 and 25 yearservice awardees to a night ofgood food, great entertainment,warm camaraderie and generousgift certificates at the BaguioCountry Club Ballroom, makingit truly, a night to remember.

Amidst the awardees lettingtheir hair down, TIPI's ManagingDirector, Bing Viera still managedto impart, on a more serious

note, the value of hard work thateach and every TIer brings to thecompany. He also stressed theneed for TIPI to grab everybusiness opportunity that comesour way and to put more focusinto 2009 as we wait out theeconomic downturn.

The 3rdQ and 4thQ ServiceAwards Night was hosted byTPE's Colleen Bernardez andBurn In's Jeffrey Rafales and wasgraced by the presence of ourever supportive Quality SteeringTeam as well as select membersof Management. Kudos also goesout to the program's director, Ms.Emily Gacad for the flawlessexecution of the event and theHR group for putting togetherone splendid affair.

Employee VolunteerismAt this modern time, in the midst of busy

days when most women relatively workedoutside the home, they end up planning forvariety of activities that emphasize fun,friendship, and not to forget the benefits ofhelping others.

Last March 1, 2008, a small group ofbusy women of TIPI (namely, Gilda Damayo,Grace Rimorin, Jnet Ladio, Lenie Respicio,Marie Fe Borromeo, Nelly Villanueva andYvette Cayabyab) visited the children ofDepartment of Social Welfare andDevelopment (DSWD), Reception and StudyCenter for Children (RSCC) at Wangal, LaTrinidad. From their own pockets, theyvoluntarily contributed to give the kids someheavy good snacks, fruits, toys, goodies andold clothes. Most of these women were tearyeyed while in fellowship with the kids and

the RSCC wards. They sawhappiness in every child they servedand fed. More than that, they weretouched with the infants & toddlers

who extended their arms to the group to askfor a lift and did not want to get out of theirshoulders.

The group did not stop after this visit.They agreed to set aside a hundred pesoevery payday to buy a washing machine forthe kids. And through word of mouth, thegroup inspired other TIPiers to join and makethis a reality. With them were Marivic Torres,Rena Runes, Steph Allas, Tintin Pattaui andRodel Arquisal. The group had their secondvisit last October 18, 2008 delivering the

washing machine, some diapers, light snacks,old clothes and some small items for theloving wards.

On her personal way, Ofee Nucaza andher family also extended help to the kids ofRSCC.

Extending more of little blessings, thegroup's next mission is to replace the worn-out cushions of the kids' beds, provide digitalthermometers, give a little gift for the lovingwards, and to have more play time with thekids.

If you want to be with the kids or sharea little your blessings, just send your letterof intention to; PORFIRIA M. BERNARDEZCESO, III, Regional Director - Departmentof Social Welfare and Development FieldOffice CAR, 40 North Drive, Baguio City Emailaddress; pmbernardez@dswd.gov.ph;focar@dswd.gov.ph, View DSWD RSCC(Reception and Study Center for Children)website at http://www.car.dswd.gov.ph/.6

- Aya Aurellado -

TIPI President,Bing Viera, expressesheartfelt gratitude toall the awardees.

Awardee and Test Manager,Gary Dinige delivers a“response” in behalf of theawardees...

Managers Dang Ballena, Ronald Agulto and Jerry Enriquezbrought the house down with a medley...

Studio One Dancers honorsawardees.

Awardees entertain fellowcelebrants...

Dashing hosts; Jeffrey Ratales andColleen Bernardez.

Cres Mata, Wally Lumbas, AyaAurellado and Tante Toledo duringthe cake cutting ceremony.

- Janet Casaña -

It is always a great privilege to receive an award, especially so, if it is as prestigious as the BestQuality Team (BQT). It is even more rewarding if the awards come in a row. However, the enthusiasmand pride as we acknowledge the commendation is not without trepidation. The overwhelming sense ofchallenge to maintain and live up to the expectations is always relatively felt by the whole teameverytime we hear the word, CONGRATULATIONS!

BQT Legacy: It can be done!- Gary Estacio -

POST TEST TeamThis challenge is probably the main driving factor why, Post Test garnered the best Quality Team award this 3rd

quarter, the 5th for Post Test Operations. The team’s passion for excellence is fueled by their desire to satisfy customers.Everyone has committed to pull towards the same direction, conquer every barrier along the way and deliver quality results.

Success is not easy to achieve. As you go higher to the ladder, the chance gets slimmer. When you are at the top, thechallenge to maintain and not to slide back is even greater. The extensive collaboration and teamwork of different stakeholdersat Post Test enabled the team to live up to the challenge and maintain its course. Post Test has proven that the breaking ofcross functional barriers can help a lot in a Team's sustainable success.

recognitions

7POST TEST QIT Team

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GREEN TEAMThe Green Team Recognition Program profoundly acknowledges Production Specialists with exemplary

attendance records and outstanding manufacturing performance. This quarterly award considers employees’

output in the areas of Quality, Audits, Etags and Statistical Process Controls (SPC).

Congratulations!

Abenoja, MarieAbibuag, NovieAcosta, Leni GraceAfingwan, AntoinetteAlarcio, EvelynAlcantara, JanetAndir, AvelinaAndrada, JoanAnieta, PerlitaAquino ElnoraArciaga, Mannette L.Aromin, Amy RoseAromin, KristineAspuria, JonalynAviles, MyraAwingan, BangBagsiao, JuneleenBalagot, WilfredaBalangue, JudyBalanza, Flora MaeBalbin, SherylBalderas, AngieBallangan, JoanBambilla, Jo-annBaruela, MarivicBasa, CecilleBasallo, MyleneBatoon, ErlindaBatoyog, Eva Joy I.Bautista, JenniferBautista, NerissaBayninan, Joyce L.Benensig, LynBernas, Ana FeBestoton, KarenBitangcol, Nancy D.S.Bogbog, JaniceBorja, SherylBragas,BellaBuenavista, Wilma

Bugayong, FrecelynBuligen, LorenaBusto, JhenCabanban, DivinaCabanban, EmilyCabanilla, JenniferCabantac, ChristinaCabrera, CleofeCacdac,AnalynCanimo, HeidiCaras, RaquelCario, Jackie LouCarrera,LuzCarudo, MharlCatubig, EmmaCerbira, AnalynCerteza, KristineChan, NidaCiriaco, Rachel GraceCoquia, DianeCorpuz, GayCortes, Alice B.Cristobal, AnnaDacalcap,DoreytyDacasin, EllenDe Guzman, RessieDela Cruz, AndreaDela Cruz, ArlynDe La Rosa, WengDe Leon, JeanDelmendo, ElvieDomanas , SheeDoyaoen, Mary RoseDucusin, Lezlie AnnDulay, MarifeDumpit, EmsDuran, DelEspartero, DaylinEsquejo, Maria SocorroEstoesta, DianaEusebio, LeahFernandez, RubyFloresca, Mely

Francisco, JosieGabriel,PamelaGalanza, Tina JaneGalera, CatsGalunza, VickiGamboa, FelominaGanaden, JulieGanuelas, JennyGapasen, LarenaGarcia, Hyde MaeGarcia, MeriamGatarin, EleanorGatchalian, RoselineGayomali, BernaGuimbongan, ErmaHabon, Cherry MayHadap, AlmaJulian , BrendaLacaden, MarilynLagto, LynLara , JoyLaron, JaniceLaxamana, MaribelLibunao, BernadethLiwanag, WilmaLozano, NorissaLumague, CassopeiaLumiwan, Doribel A.Madriaga, CeciliaMadronio, LourdelynMagangat, AnalynMallari, EmilyManuel,ClariceManuel, LoretaMappang, Glenda LynMendoza, HenroseMendoza, MayetteMendoza, MelynisaMiranda, SusanMolina, EdenNatocyad,JulietNiduaza, VangieObena, Juliet

Olpindo, LynnOng, JaynePalabay, JonalynPanit, MarissaParaan, CarolParrocha, MabellePaulo, WeniePeletina, VilmaPeralta, BrendaPino, SusanPlucena, AlmaPolicarpio, MarinaPudlao, CrisPunsalang, AngieQuezada, RowenaQuiben, MargaretQuinsayas, LeahRamos, JanetRigor, Alma RhodaRimando, AleliRimorin, GemmaRomero, CynthiaRovillos, RoseRuben, MaritesSabado, SalieSabiniano, LalaSalinas, Jo Anne LeslieSamonte, FlorenceSembrana, MigsSmith, UrsolaSolano, MelSoriano, RosemarieTabios, MarlynTamondong, MildredTeppang, Novelita D.Tobias, ElveTolentino, NormaVilla, MichelleVillena, AnaVinas, NidaVinoya, DizzyVitug, Myra

ASSEMBLY TEAM- Jean Garcia -

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TEST TEAM

EX/Polaris/Vseries/BISegundo, Rechelle

Langub, Lily

Riego, Rizza A.

Gracia, Esther C

Estrada, Gloria M

Oliveria, Eloisa Y

Alombro, Marieta R

Banina, Nemesia R

Gamihe, Elia M

Mangaoang, Ester

Manlapaz, Teresa R

Galido, Elizabeth E

Oclarit, Janeth C

Manaois, Flora E

Bermudez, Betty

Tugade, Joy

Almirol, Jeanne A

Malamion, Luzviminda M

Bandiola, Cynthia C

FusionSimon, Jeolita

Bolide, Jovy

Bubuli, Shariaya Lourdes

Certeza, Julie

Gaoat, Belen

Hagada, Myrell

Quitos, Elvie

Crisostomo, Beth

Salvador, Janice

Opulento, shiela

Padilla, Annabelle

Pandoyos, Tina

Lopez, Jessica

Camacho, Sharon

VLCTSauyen, Remy

de Guzman, Gladys

Erese, Sunshine Lynne

Bonso, Ana Marie

Claveria, Lorie

Frigillana, Jennifer

Malabanan, Zandy

Roxas, Jane

Almerol, Jonafe

Andaya, Jenalyn

Natura, Menchie

Amboni, Vanessa

Sagandoy, Catherine

Balcac, Elvie

Batara, Aileen

Buyan, Dioni Jean

Calsie, Arlyn

Difuntorum, Gemma

Dulay, Jo-ann

Gutierrez, Maria Lourdes

Hufalar, Mirriam

Jimenez, Maureen

Joves, Gina

Laguiday, Irene

Laquian, Karen Reah

Morano, Marivic

Ramo,Maribel

Responso, Elvie

Villanueva, Maritess

Camba, Maria Elena

Hernandez, Rosalie

Olesio, Sherry Lyn

Salazar, Regie

Ventura, Maharlika

Baldino, Joana

Reyes, Ivy

Caoagdan, Liezl

Post TestCampos, Maricel

Castillo, Mary Grace

Daguioan, Florence

Dela Cruz, Emily

Estrellado, Leonilda

Gapuz, Josee Ann

Losnong, Lemony

Manalac, Sharlene

Nacional, Felipa

Navalta, Teresita

Omaoeng, Flora

Pataras, Gloria

Suni-En, Marcelita

Suyat, Evangeline

Tolentino, Felina

Trinidad, Regina

Yu, Imelda

Ayugat, Mercedes

Dofredo, Jenifer

Gascon, Shirley

Guimalan, Mary Jane

Jularbal, Melanie

Lopez, Marina

Rara, Melanie A.

Soriano, Leonora

Tolentino, Ana Marie

Abubo, Leonida

Binag, Cathrine

Calixto, Phoebe

Campos, Marivic

Cerezo, Perlita

Garcia, Leonida

Lumiqued, Shirley

Padre, Editha

- Love Lagadan -

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- Kaye Calixterio -

features

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TECHNICAL REPORT2 TIPI'ers Showcased their Innovation at Japan Technical Conference

- Jonathan D. Mondero -

Jo Mondero and Jeff Coloma both from Test/Product Engineeringdepartment traveled to Hilton, Tokyo last November 5-7 for the 25thTI Japan Technical Conference as their paper, "CMAP Tool andMethodology for Advance Continuity Fails Isolation", was selectedfor presentation. The goal of this 2008 TIJ Technical Conference isto create an opportunity for Talking About and Beyond 2010 withthe talent of TI, including Sales, Application, Design, Software, SiMake, and Package Make, all in one place at one time. Technicalpapers/presentations are solicited in the area of Design Concept,Implementation, System Validation, Digital Application, Mixed SignalApplication, Wafer Process, Package, Testing and Customerrequirement.

Figure 1: Jo Mondero presenting the CMAP at HiltonTokyo

Figure2: The CMAP Graphical User Interface (GUI) tool

The CMAP was 100% implemented on all VLCT test programsat TIPI and currently being piloted on the FUSION/EX test platform.

The innovators:Jo Mondero: a Test/Product Engineering Section Manager, waselected MMTS last 2006 and holds a Bachelor of Science inElectronics and Communications Engineering (BSECE) and Mastersin Business Administration (MBA) from University of Baguio.

Jeff Coloma: a Senior Test/Product Engineer, was elected MMTSlast 2007 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS)from University of Cordilleras (formerly Baguio CollegeFoundation).

Their innovation, CMAP (as shown in Figure2), is a new

method and tool that provides a real-time and an easy way to

diagnose tester (socket) interface issues and is designed to

help engineers and line supports isolate and fix setup problems

real time providing about 87% isolation time reduction

compared to the conventional process. Their innovation had

gathered a lot of interest and attention from different TI

Assembly and Test (A/T) sites including application and

implementation at Multi-Probe facilities like TI Dallas and TI

Sherman Probe floors.

Photo Releases:

Gary Estacio and Abet Flores with Department of Energy Secretary,Angelo Reyes during the National Energy Efficiency and ConservationProgram (NEECP)

World WideEnvironmental,Safety andH e a l t h( W W E S H )GOLD AWARDfrom TIC o r p o r a t eOffice.

2008 GawadKalusugan atK a l i g t a s a n(GKK) Awardconferred to TI(Philippines), Inc.by theO c cu p a t i o n a lSafety and HealthCenter (OSHC).

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To all my fellow Tiers,

I always thought that this was the most difficult time of the year to advise people about eating well and keepinghealthy. Why? Because this is the season of festivities. As we approach the holiday celebrating Christ’s birth, it’s a reason tobe joyful and what a better way to celebrate than to lay the best food on our table and share this with our family and friends.

So, for this special edition of our tambuli, I am not answering any query or letter about how to avoid over indulgencein food and drinks, rather, I am simply going to tell you that, Christmas is a time of sharing! Having to share bread or a mealwith family and/ or friends together this holiday season is as healthy as keeping off the calories. I believe that when youshare, the portion you would have consumed by yourself will be halved and that’s plenty !! So enjoy your meals withsomeone.

This Christmas I encourage you to share the bounty of blessings that you have received this beautiful year of 2008 andtruly we can look forward to a blissful, no guilt celebration.

May this season be the reason for your good health in body and soul. God bless us all.

Merry Christmas to you and your families.

Doc Eve

COLUMN

Masters in BusinessAdministration degree conferredto Jonathan D. Mondero by theUniversity of Baguio President,Engr. Herminio C. Bautista duringthe UB Commencement Exercisesheld at the University of BaguioGym last October 18, 2008

SPORTS

Another "24 Hours of Endurance"Mountain Bike Race was conquered onceagain by the TIPI Cycling club and otherBaguio Mt. bikers last November 8 and 9 inSubic just across the Ocean Adventure Park.

The categories for the event are the AllMen and Mixed. Each team has a maximumof three racers, for amateur and novice racersonly. The solo category are open for amateurand novice racers alike. Bikers fromMindanao, Bicol, National Capital Region(NCR), Central Luzon, Baguio and Northernpart of Luzon traveled to the former Americanmilitary base to participate in this annualmountain bike racing event.

The race begun at noon of November 8and ended at around the same time the nextday. All of about 200 bikers coursed aroundthe 6 km asphalt circuit of mixed forest ofthe former military base. Enduring the heatof the sun, exhaustion, darkness of the nightand coolness of the forest, all TIPI/Baguiobikers were able to finish the race more thanthe minimum of 12 rounds (72 km).

Results were more respectable for theteam as 2 “all men” team landed from 5thto 10th places. The mixed team landed 4thwhile the age 20-29 category for solo was3rd place. The placing is determined by thenumber of rounds a biker/group garners after24 hours and in case of tie, the earliest

24 Hours of Endurance in Subic

finisher.TIPI cyclists are composed of Rey De

Jesus, George Killo and Jake Aromin (TeamPine), Rodel Carino (solo), Allan Olipane(solo), Agustin Lan-aon (solo) and Vher DeDios (solo). Other Baguio Mt. bikers were:Edison Morales, Sonny Lamsis, Paul Bato(Team Uwaynasdi - All men), Danny Sumeg-ang, Ken Daweg, Lisa Maraan (Baguio Tee -Mixed) and Arnold Lozano (solo). Of coursethe race will not be complete without team

supports composed of Butch Buenaventura(TIPI fitness instructor), Ariel Ambalong(Test), Rommel Noderama (Facilities) andJeffrey Gonzalez (Delta) plus drivers Bebotand Paeng. They all helped to prepare foodand drinks, bikes, tally scores and cheer tomention a few.

Next plan for the club is to join the JerryLarrazabal Bike Festival sometime April 2009at Subic. Interested TIERs and contractualswho wish to join and participate in the club'sactivities may contact George, Jake or Ray.

The members of the Texins Body Building Club proved that theywere not only good in lifting weights and building muscles but alsoare good runners. With the good leadership and encouragement ofButch Buenaventura and the guidance of the club president, theyhad unanimously convinced members of the club and theirdependents to participate in the 32nd Milo Marathon that wassuccessfully held last October 5, 2008 on the grounds of MelvinJones, Burnham Park.

The marathon run was opened by Honorary Mayor ReynaldoBautista and composed of 3 kms Kiddie Fun Run, 5 kms for 12 yearsold and above and the half marathon -21 kms. The competition wasparticipated by students, different folks/companies in Baguio and allbodybuilding club members who participated were able to cross thefinish line. The half marathon -21 km run was indeed a challenge tosome of our club members but they finished with pride.

This was the first marathon joined by the club and are lookinginto joining future runs not only to join and support communitysports activities but also to promote physical fitness and wellness.

TIPI Bags the Mens Double Gold onthe 1st PMA Badminton Tournament

The tandem of Art Bayot & Amiel Lagadan on the age bracketcategory in badminton is a force to recon with. In the concluded 1stPMA Badminton Tournament held last October 26 at PMA gymnasium,they bagged the championship and are looking forward to defendthe title next year. The tournament invited various players fromdifferent clubs in Baguio City and part of Northern Luzon.

The TIPI Badminton Club is inviting new members to join.Practice sessions are being conducted every Wednesdays, 6-9 pm atthe Texins Multipurpose Gym.

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BodyBuilding Club on the run at 32nd Milo Marathon

Not justl i f t i n g . . .they alsorun...

- Jong Ignacio -

Badminton Champions: Amiel (2nd from left) and Art (3rd fromleft) ...way to go!!!

- Art Bayot -

-Allan Olipane-

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The Texins Mountaineering Society expanded onceagain its activities by visiting Mountain Province andIfugao, two great provinces of the Cordilleras. The clubmembers realized that they had so much to see and somany things they wanted to do in these two places withso little time. Also known as the Banaue-SagadaFriendship Adventure, the 32 members of mountainclimbers and nature trippers went into a 3 day marathonof activities to fit into their tight 3 day adventure fromOctober 24 to October 26.

On the first day, the team took the Vizcaya route toBanaue and after several misadventures with police folksin some check points, the team arrived safely in Banaue.The team was able to visit a typical ifugao village,complete with its original Ifugao Huts. They were alsotreated to view the remains (bones in fact) of one ofthe family's ancestors. After that, it was a quick stop atthe view decks, taking countless souvenir photos andwhirlwind shopping for tokens and other souvenir items.

The Banaue Rice Terraces is still an awe inspiringsite. The TMS family had a great time taking pictures,making sure that the rice terraces provided a scenicbackground.

BanaueThe Rice Terraces is 2000 years old and was carved

into the mountains of Ifugao by ancestors of the Batadindigenous people.

The rice terraces are commonly referred to by theFilipinos as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" and is aUNESCO World Heritage Site.. It is commonly thoughtthat the terraces were built with minimal equipment,largely by hand. The terraces are located approximately1500 meters (5000 ft) above sea level and cover 10,360square kilometers (about 4000 square miles) ofmountainside. They are fed by an ancient irrigationsystem from the rainforests above the terraces. It issaid that if the steps are put end to end, it would encirclehalf the globe.

TMS Revisits Wonders of Ifugao and Mountain Province- Dolly Olimpo, Anne Valmonte & Lorie Pascua -

SagadaThe team then proceeded to Sagada. By the time

the group reached Bontoc, it was already dark and thegroup decided to have dinner at the town plaza beforeheading to their final destination.

When the TMS family reached Sagada, they werealready tired of the day's activities and were ready tohave a good night's rest. Known for their organization,and as recognized by other mountaineering clubs, themembers settled for the night with their own teamshuddled in their selected rooms in two lodging houses.The second day of adventure started with breakfastshared among the teams. As usual, breakfast was ahappy experience for new comers as they shared storiesof previous TMS adventures, jokes and funny memories.

The team had their hands full with the second day'sactivities. It included mostly treks and spelunking tothe Echo Valley where hanging coffins can be viewedand to the burial and limestone caves. The caving wasa great experience for both the new and the seasonedmembers alike. The members were not only challengedto go in between crevices, crawl between limestoneformations, climb and slide, get soaked in cold waterbut also to do some rappelling. The three children ofone of the members did enjoy the adventure. The dayended with a picnic at the big falls and for someswimming and dipping to the icy cold water of the falls.

On the third and final day, the members visited abeautiful lake, went to check pottery and appreciated“weaving” in one of the famous weaving houses beforereturning for home.

Overall, the adventure was great. As all other TMSadventure and activity, new friendships were formedand old bonds were renewed. These among othersalways make the TMS family seek newadventures and are always ready for newexplorations.The adventures continue...

Snapshot of memories to keep...

The Christmas I Will Never Forget - Chanda Nacua -

It has always been the same, same old Christmas décor,Same old songs and cheers, and same red and green carpet on the floor,

Lively colored advent wreath will welcome guests at the door.But what was so different was when it was so near to not have a family of four.

As family of three, a daughter, mommy and daddy,Bringing life to this world again, it has always been a journey,

From start of life and until the day he is kicking inside my tummy.September was the month when I gave birth to my second baby.

Little did I know that I will only count six days,That I will close my eyes and had one last look at the light rays,

I saw a white light as I float in the air, and it feels so alone,I saw my family in the horizon, crying, thinking I would be gone.

Indeed that was a journey; I thought will end shortly,I was so happy when God told me it was just the beginning, don't you see.

Of my second life, and I shall always be happy.Last Christmas is the one I will never forget, for it was my first one again with my whole family.