NorthStar Flags

Three friends, bosom buddies since college, decided to take a vacation with a difference. Since they were all nature lovers they agreed to take the Sheraton International package, bringing them to the Iguazu National Park in Argentina.

The modern resort was enshrined facing the Devil’s Gorge, the most spectacular of the Iguazu waterfalls and lay amidst a backdrop of the world heritage site.

Their first day at the resort was uneventful, since just like any other tourists, they had tour guides to acquaint them of the sites and beautiful places. Then on the second day, they ventured on their own to the deep rainforest of the National Park.

Waking up early the next day and with a few provisions they were on their trek to the natural environment. True to their observation, they encountered several types of rare exotic birds, plants and butterflies. They were so engrossed with their adventure that they missed seeing that they were already deep into the dense rainforest. By about three in the afternoon, they stopped and had lunch, and maybe due to exhaustion they dozed off.

When they awoke, it was already three quarters after four and immediately they started to trek back. Since light could not penetrate the thick foliage, they missed the signs and continued to walk in circles. To their dismay they were lost and since it was almost dark, continuing to trek would be futile.

To know their bearings, one climbed a tree and with the use of binoculars, they were able to see clearly the series of hotel flags on top of the resort. So, with the custom hotel flags as their guide, they finally reached the clearing, just on the edge of the rainforest. From then on, the rest of the way was easy.

Three friends, bosom buddies since college, decided to take a vacation with a difference. Since they were all nature lovers they agreed to take the Sheraton International package, bringing them to the Iguazu National Park in Argentina.

The modern resort was enshrined facing the Devil’s Gorge, the most spectacular of the Iguazu waterfalls and lay amidst a backdrop of the world heritage site.

Their first day at the resort was uneventful, since just like any other tourists, they had tour guides to acquaint them of the sites and beautiful places. Then on the second day, they ventured on their own to the deep rainforest of the National Park.

Waking up early the next day and with a few provisions they were on their trek to the natural environment. True to their observation, they encountered several types of rare exotic birds, plants and butterflies. They were so engrossed with their adventure that they missed seeing that they were already deep into the dense rainforest. By about three in the afternoon, they stopped and had lunch, and maybe due to exhaustion they dozed off.

When they awoke, it was already three quarters after four and immediately they started to trek back. Since light could not penetrate the thick foliage, they missed the signs and continued to walk in circles. To their dismay they were lost and since it was almost dark, continuing to trek would be futile.

To know their bearings, one climbed a tree and with the use of binoculars, they were able to see clearly the series of hotel flags on top of the resort. So, with the custom hotel flags as their guide, they finally reached the clearing, just on the edge of the rainforest. From then on, the rest of the way was easy.

The typhoon forecast was due North West, so not on the path of the storm 29 fishermen from the Northeastern provinces of the Philippines put out to sea. But then, the recent typhoon veered and took the North East direction instead, hitting the fishermen directly. What was then a fishing expedition turned into a nightmarish ordeal for survival.

The fishing boat was heavily battered by the onslaught of the storm as strong waves and howling wind capsized and split to pieces the small vessel. Naturally the fishermen were thrown into the sea, but 12 miraculously survived and clung to what was left of the boat. By early morning they found that the boat flag was still intact, and to catch attention they had it flying erect.

Then as they drifted listlessly, cold, heavy rain and hunger took its toll. As they lay inutile and hopeless for a while, the majority could not endure the hunger and seeing that not a thing to eat is available, took hold of the boat flag and started munching on it. They actually survived with only the boat flag as food.

So, for four horrible days and nights they braved the weather and finally were washed ashore 300 miles away from their point of origin. People from the locality brought them to the nearest hospital for treatment.

When TV crews of the local station saw them at the hospital, despite being weak from exhaustion, hunger and starvation, all the twelve were cheerful and one in the conclusion that what saved them from possible demise was the boat flag that served as their sustenance.

Lately though, with the aid of the air force helicopter they were brought back to their respective provinces.

The typhoon forecast was due North West, so not on the path of the storm 29 fishermen from the Northeastern provinces of the Philippines put out to sea. But then, the recent typhoon veered and took the North East direction instead, hitting the fishermen directly. What was then a fishing expedition turned into a nightmarish ordeal for survival.

The fishing boat was heavily battered by the onslaught of the storm as strong waves and howling wind capsized and split to pieces the small vessel. Naturally the fishermen were thrown into the sea, but 12 miraculously survived and clung to what was left of the boat. By early morning they found that the boat flag was still intact, and to catch attention they had it flying erect.

Then as they drifted listlessly, cold, heavy rain and hunger took its toll. As they lay inutile and hopeless for a while, the majority could not endure the hunger and seeing that not a thing to eat is available, took hold of the boat flag and started munching on it. They actually survived with only the boat flag as food.

So, for four horrible days and nights they braved the weather and finally were washed ashore 300 miles away from their point of origin. People from the locality brought them to the nearest hospital for treatment.

When TV crews of the local station saw them at the hospital, despite being weak from exhaustion, hunger and starvation, all the twelve were cheerful and one in the conclusion that what saved them from possible demise was the boat flag that served as their sustenance.

Lately though, with the aid of the air force helicopter they were brought back to their respective provinces.

In a recent masquerade party to raise funds for the lung cancer treatment and awareness drive, many came in costumes, reminiscent of the times of royalty, of pirates in the Caribbean, in exotic pacific get-ups and even space odyssey overalls. It was a gathering of the personalities that defined our history.

Although some came dressed as cohorts of Henry IV, two came as Napoleon and his Lady, one was dressed as George Bush, the other resembles Hillary Clinton, and one even came disguised as Barack Obama. But the stars of the party belong to the squad each of Confederate soldiers and Union Officers, dressed to the hilt with the legendary boots, cap, complete with muskets and their authentic custom flags.

Everybody enjoyed the arrival scene, because they came in as if true adversaries with their menacing looks, bullying their way around while also waving their flag. But, before the party ends, they can be seen huddled and drinking together, exchanging jokes and obviously enjoying every minute of it.

Due to the success of the party and participants living up to the person they mimicked, as it was also splashed across the front page of the local daily, it generated so much attention that the proponents of the benefit party were able to raise a considerable amount of money to add to their coffers for the fight against lung cancer.

It was a party where guests enjoyed to the hilt, and patients likewise taking the benefit from the funds generated.

All benefit parties must be done with a lot of flair, so patrons will be too willing to part with their dollars.

In a recent masquerade party to raise funds for the lung cancer treatment and awareness drive, many came in costumes, reminiscent of the times of royalty, of pirates in the Caribbean, in exotic pacific get-ups and even space odyssey overalls. It was a gathering of the personalities that defined our history.

Although some came dressed as cohorts of Henry IV, two came as Napoleon and his Lady, one was dressed as George Bush, the other resembles Hillary Clinton, and one even came disguised as Barack Obama. But the stars of the party belong to the squad each of Confederate soldiers and Union Officers, dressed to the hilt with the legendary boots, cap, complete with muskets and their authentic custom flags.

Everybody enjoyed the arrival scene, because they came in as if true adversaries with their menacing looks, bullying their way around while also waving their flag. But, before the party ends, they can be seen huddled and drinking together, exchanging jokes and obviously enjoying every minute of it.

Due to the success of the party and participants living up to the person they mimicked, as it was also splashed across the front page of the local daily, it generated so much attention that the proponents of the benefit party were able to raise a considerable amount of money to add to their coffers for the fight against lung cancer.

It was a party where guests enjoyed to the hilt, and patients likewise taking the benefit from the funds generated.

All benefit parties must be done with a lot of flair, so patrons will be too willing to part with their dollars.

I was once invited to a terrific party where the venue had a casino like atmosphere. If you had been to the gambling capital of the United States, you will most certainly know what I’m talking about.

Firstly we were asked to come to the party in our formal attire, an appropriate request since even at the entrance a high stakes casino sign greets guests. Inside, while no actual gaming was being played, the hired helps were all attired to duplicate casino employees, in black pants, white shirts complete with dealers visors and vests.

On one end of the hall was a pair of really authentic slot machines, while the bar faces three sets of original gaming table with still a serviceable custom poker felt . While all the tables are also draped with tablecloths that look like customs made poker felts straight from the game room. Likewise, the cups, the plates, the napkins and cutlery are all devised to mimic a casino arrangement.

To complete the atmosphere, the center of the hall had a three-tired chandelier Vegas style and the walls had giant playing cards plastered on it. The over-all effect is glitzy and as if you are in a gaming room and not in one of the suburbs of San Diego.

The party was really superb, there were even times when I almost tipped the waiters thinking that I am in Vegas. Whoever thought of a party that resembles a casino should be congratulated, because for once guests had enjoyed and had a swell time.

Next time that you throw a party, make it a casino themed revelry, for I’m sure, guests will really appreciate a unique celebration.

I was once invited to a terrific party where the venue had a casino like atmosphere. If you had been to the gambling capital of the United States, you will most certainly know what I’m talking about.

Firstly we were asked to come to the party in our formal attire, an appropriate request since even at the entrance a high stakes casino sign greets guests. Inside, while no actual gaming was being played, the hired helps were all attired to duplicate casino employees, in black pants, white shirts complete with dealers visors and vests.

On one end of the hall was a pair of really authentic slot machines, while the bar faces three sets of original gaming table with still a serviceable custom poker felt . While all the tables are also draped with tablecloths that look like customs made poker felts straight from the game room. Likewise, the cups, the plates, the napkins and cutlery are all devised to mimic a casino arrangement.

To complete the atmosphere, the center of the hall had a three-tired chandelier Vegas style and the walls had giant playing cards plastered on it. The over-all effect is glitzy and as if you are in a gaming room and not in one of the suburbs of San Diego.

The party was really superb, there were even times when I almost tipped the waiters thinking that I am in Vegas. Whoever thought of a party that resembles a casino should be congratulated, because for once guests had enjoyed and had a swell time.

Next time that you throw a party, make it a casino themed revelry, for I’m sure, guests will really appreciate a unique celebration.

When I joined this company four years ago, I felt that the employees were amiable, friendly and supportive to new faces like me. This is a far cry from my previous employment since each bullies each other to get the attention of the management and thus reap the benefits at stake. Also because of the atmosphere, employees perform better, the production output is much higher and labor problems are almost non-existent.

Deep into the third month of my employment, I found out that the source of this nice working environment was our HR boss. He is respected because of his work ethics and the temerity for proper decorum, as he always listen to employee complaint, do remedial measures and elevate matters to management if solutions could not be reached at his own level. Even the annual employee performance evaluation is met and accepted by the employees without any reservations, although this is a source of conflict in other companies.

Just when I thought that I’m in for the long haul, management suddenly announced that our HR boss is retiring having reached the mandatory age limit. To mark this sad occasion, a farewell party is to be held.

We on our part prepared miniature banners with a company logo and our HR boss name printed on it, and had it posted inside the party venue. Our intention is to have it signed by our boss at the end of the party as a parting memento. In return we are to hand the company flag, together with a streamer with all our names written on it.

The office never looked the same without our HR boss, but we are happy with the thought that he is probably holed up in some cove in Florida.

When I joined this company four years ago, I felt that the employees were amiable, friendly and supportive to new faces like me. This is a far cry from my previous employment since each bullies each other to get the attention of the management and thus reap the benefits at stake. Also because of the atmosphere, employees perform better, the production output is much higher and labor problems are almost non-existent.

Deep into the third month of my employment, I found out that the source of this nice working environment was our HR boss. He is respected because of his work ethics and the temerity for proper decorum, as he always listen to employee complaint, do remedial measures and elevate matters to management if solutions could not be reached at his own level. Even the annual employee performance evaluation is met and accepted by the employees without any reservations, although this is a source of conflict in other companies.

Just when I thought that I’m in for the long haul, management suddenly announced that our HR boss is retiring having reached the mandatory age limit. To mark this sad occasion, a farewell party is to be held.

We on our part prepared miniature banners with a company logo and our HR boss name printed on it, and had it posted inside the party venue. Our intention is to have it signed by our boss at the end of the party as a parting memento. In return we are to hand the company flag, together with a streamer with all our names written on it.

The office never looked the same without our HR boss, but we are happy with the thought that he is probably holed up in some cove in Florida.