JACQUE BERMEJO: A VICTIM OF IDENTITY THEFT IN FACEBOOK

DID JACQUE BERMEJO REALLY WRITE THIS?

Well, the answer there is NO. I pity her for what she had to undergo.  Recently, the Philippines encountered the cyclone “Ondoy”, which killed almost 300 people.  And, according to her Facebook account, Jaque says “It’s a good thing I’m here in Dubai!  Maybe there are so many sinners back there, so yeah, they deserved what happened.”   This statement allegedly came from the UP Alumni and OFW in Dubai.  For a few days, her name has been the topic of Facebook, Multiply and Friendster.  Many people wrote raging comments about her, flooding her so called Multiply site, starfishbuang.multiply.com.  People assumed she wrote that statement, and just said that her account was hacked as an excuse.  During that time, I thought her account was not hacked, but there were web trolls that created a fake account and maintained it. Maybe someone hated her, and grabbed the opportunity to create a fake Facebook and Multiply account, which has been exisetent for almost a year. And what perfect way to look evil than posting nasty comments on a Filipino Group in Facebook?

Naturally, if a person is in his/her right mind, he/she wouldn’t post such a comment like that in a group called “Definitely Filipino”, knowing that you would make everyone angry. Of course, you would always be careful when you post things especially in a public group like that. And, why would she write something like “I am like a starfish because I have no brain” instead of posting good things about herself in her Multiply site?   During that time, I hoped that Jacque’s case would be justified.  I was a victim of a web troll myself, and someone used my name just as well.  It hurt me a lot and made me hope that no one believed  that person. But I found out in the latter part that indeed, THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE.  It did for me! And I know, even though it came a week late, the truth has set Jacque Bermejo free.

Right after the widespread of her so-called “statement” in different social networking sites, Jacque spoke out for people to hear her part. 

“I am issuing this statement to clear my name in the current controversy in which I allegedly posted a highly insensitive and offensive message on the social networking website, Facebook, in relation to the victims of typhoon Ondoy that recently struck parts of the Philippines.

About two years ago, an anonymous source created these accounts using my identity, posting my personal details, my real pictures captioned roughly and attacking other people. Because of these incidents, I reported such abuses and sent my credentials to the administrators of such sites, particularly Facebook. I have been abused and am still being abused online in social networking websites such as Facebook, Friendster, Multiply etc.

In the early stages, I was advised by close friends to ignore the situation, saying this would simply go away. Unfortunately, it has not stopped. Hence, I filed a complaint with the Dubai Police about eight months ago hoping they could help me with my problem. Should anyone wish to check my statement, my case is still under investigation with said authorities.

Time passed and these sites continued to generate malicious, obscene and cruel messages that are widely exposed and relayed to the public under my name.

Yesterday, September 27th 2009, I received phone calls from my close friends regarding very alarming posts in the above mentioned websites that directly offended flood victims as a result of typhoon Ondoy..

These malicious statement(s) which are posted under account names Jacque or Jackie are not of my doing. It is unfortunate that such statements were maliciously attributed to me andI do sympathize and understand the adverse and somehow verbally violent reaction that has been elicited by such insensitive statements or posts. Rest assured, I have taken every legal step that can be done in this regard.

I too, have become a victim as much as those who may have lost their lives and properties to such a devastating natural calamity. This recent controversy has greatly affected my reputation, my family, and my friends. I am devastated and shocked at the extent my character, my personal information and private space have been violated.

I have a deep respect and regard for my country. I am proud to be a Filipino and would never say or do anything to harm the interest of my country or countrymen. I have also had the privilege of participating in civic-oriented activities in Dubai, particularly in trying to help my fellow countrymen seek employment during the height of mass layoffs brought about by the ongoing global financial crisis, as well as those seeking employment for the first time. Making a mockery of any unfortunate incidents befalling any of my fellow Filipinos is simply contrary to my character. I condemn the person or persons behind these malicious acts to impute damage on my integrity and I hope that you can dig deep into your hearts and minds to truly find the truth in all these.”

~~Jacqueline Bermejo

 

It saddens me that people still refused to believe her.  Then the news came out:  Jacque was a victim of Identity Theft.  But the funny thing is the article wasn’t as widespread as her alleged statement was, and not all people came to believe that she was indeed, just a victim.  Her reputation was ruined, and it even destroyed friends and family relationships.

Below is the article from Gulfnews.com, which confirmed Jacque’s identity theft case.

Fake web posting on floods triggers tsunami of vitriol
By Siham Al Najami, Staff Reporter
Published: September 30, 2009, 22:30
 

Dubai: The victim of an identity theft known to many as Jackie or Jacque talks of her devastating experience after a comment was posted in her name on the social networking site, facebook, saying that the severe typhoon that battered Manila is “deserved”.

The 31-year-old marketing executive in Dubai was battered with thousands upon thousands of messages, e-mails, and phone calls about the comments that said: “It’s a good thing I’m here in Dubai. There might be a lot of sinners back there Philippines. So, yeah, they deserved what happened.”

This has devastated the life of Jacqueline Bermejo, a Filipina, who has had several days of sleepless nights and is constantly scared of being in public due to frequent threats and calls she is receiving.

SOURCE: http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/09/10/01/10353684.html 

 

I hope and pray that the moral damage that Jacque experienced could be undone.  And the lesson of this incident is, let us not judge people harshly and let us know where we stand.  Comments on the internet, especially hateful ones, may cause severe damage to one’s personality and family.

TROPICAL STORM KETSANA / “ONDOY” HITS THE PHILIPPINES

More than 250 people perished in the aftermath of tropical storm “Ondoy,” which hit the country last Saturday, figures from the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), local and regional police offices revealed on Monday.

Based on reports gathered by the Manila Bulletin news team, Rizal province posted the highest number of casualties at 98 with its neighboring province Bulacan following with a death toll of 30. In the province of Laguna, five civilians and one soldier – Pfc. Venancio Ancheta – died. Ancheta was able to rescue 20 people before he was accidentally hit by a log, a heroic deed highly appreciated by his superiors and colleagues. Six more military men were lost to the rescue operations being undertaken by the government in the hardest hit areas. Two persons died in Cavite, while Batangas and Quezon province both recorded one death each, owing to the strong flood currents in these areas.

Pampanga in Central Luzon was not spared from the wrath of “Ondoy” as 12 residents were killed following a landslide near the foot of Mt. Arayat last Saturday. A total of 2,000 residents of the small community were affected by the disaster. It was the first time such an event happened, according to residents.

In Benguet, a three-year old child perished after a portion of their house was buried in a landslide as the hill located close to their house suddenly eroded while they were eating dinner. Her body was recovered several hours after the incident. Another death was posted in Kabugay, Apayao in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

In Metro Manila, Marikina was the hardest hit by disaster after the death toll reached 75. Of the bodies recovered by the police, 59 were taken from Provident Village, where flooding forced residents to climb their roofs to await rescue. Malabon posted four confirmed deaths, including a drowned 74-year-old woman and an elderly man who suffered from a heart attack inside an evacuation center. Two others remain missing as of press time Monday night.

Meanwhile, 20 people were killed in Pasig City, who were also carried away by strong currents at the height of the storm. Flooding has partially subsided since Saturday.

The Quezon City Police District also reported 28 deaths, after they recovered bodies of civilians dragged by strong flashfloods in Barangay Bagong Silangan. All of the bodies have been identified, but 52 persons remain missing.

SOURCE: MANILA BULLETIN NEWS TEAM

September 29, 2009, 1:17pm

 

This is so sad. Words are not enough for me to describe how down I feel because of this tragedy.  I feel grief — when I see the photos and video footages on TV of the homes wrecked and the people who have died.   I never imagined that kind of rain causing so much disaster in Metro Manila.  I heard from the news that Ketsana killed over 360 people in South East Asia. And you know what scares me? Another typhoon Parma is coming. We are very lucky that we weren’t very much affected by typhoon, but my sympathy goes to all the victims of this calamity.  All we can do now is prepare, be aware, be ready and pray.

HOW IMPORTANT IS BONDING TIME WITH YOUR KIDS?

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER BONDING TIME

We all know that bonding time with our kids is very important.  As they say, ” Our children need our presence more than our presents.”  This Christmas season,  I would like to stress out that as working parents, it is still very important to take some time off to spend with your lil’ ones.  I saw what a big impact it had on my kids!  My goodness, one time, we took the day off and we brought our daughter to an amusement park, and after that, she requests to go back there almost every weekend!  That is because we had so much fun!  We rode roller coasters several times, rode bump cars, ate hotdogs, cotton candies  and bought souvenirs (I posted most of the pics in my Facebook account) … Now,  Christmas Day will be on a Thursday, and we have work on the 24th and the 25th.. but, hey… we decided to take the day off as well :)

Looking at my five year old, I noticed how fast time flies.  It was not long ago since I have carried her and changed her diapers.  Now, she’s the one helping me change her baby sister’s diapers.  She rummages through the wrapped Christmas presents and reads out the names aloud.  She corrects misspelled names,  and guesses what’s inside the colorful boxes.  I know a few years from now, my second born, Isabelle, would grow up without me feeling how quick it has been.   I am just trying my best to spend as much time as I can with my children.

Before I end this entry, I would like to wish all of you “Happy Holidays”!! Enjoy the season with your families!! Each season I spend with my family makes me more excited since we are growing into a bigger, happier family

P.S.  I’m glad we’re done with the Christmas rush.. 
OMG! And, thanks Hon, for your advanced Christmas gift! I was really enthralled! I didn’t expect it.. I know you worked soooo hard for it   Thanks Hon!!!  I looooove it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  This is my first, and I know it won’t be my last!  *hugs*

ALL SOUL’S DAY

Here in the Philippines, All Saints Day and All Soul’s Day are public holidays.  They’re considered holidays to give time for the people to visit their departed loved ones.  Well, as for me, I just offered prayers and lit a candle for my departed relatives.  I will just visit them maybe another time, when it’s less crowded.

Since I am writing about All Soul’s Day, another thing that came to my mind is the word “death”.  Whenever I think of it, I can’t help but feel sad and scared.  I fear not of my death, but  the death of my loved ones.  Losing a special person can be devastating… so, what I have learned from it is we should value each and every moment we spend with them.

 I lost my father at the age of 25.  It was more difficult for me, since he died in another country, and his body had to be brought back home.  It’s traumatic to see a loved one in a “box”, which for them, they ship as ‘cargo’…   Seeing him for the first time after 14 years was more difficult.  He died a month after his 61st birthday.  Before he passed away, we didn’t talk much.  The last conversation we had was not really a conversation, but just a text message that I sent on his birthday, a month before he died.  I send a plain “Happy Birthday from all of us” text… and he replied, “Thanks, I love you.”  So, of course, I replied again, “I love you too…”  And that was the last time I heard from him.  When I saw him, he was in a wooden box which hardly made him fit (he was six feet tall) and I touched him.. he was cold as ice.  I wanted to tell him so many things, but at that moment, I felt, it was too late.  I just whispered some things to him, that I know, one way or another, he would hear.  At that point, I realized numerous things.  In life, we encounter many loose ends, and yes, there would be severances between yourself and your loved ones.  But, it all boils down to this, “Life is short.”  Ler’s make the most out of it.  I sometimes ask myself, “If I would die tomorrow, what would I do today?”  Well, I came up with a long list of answers.  And, it includes expressing to my family how much I love them.

I love both my parents.  Though I grew up with my mother and apart from my father, I never had any bitterness against him.  But, the moment I saw him lifeless, I felt like blurting out ”I’m sorry” many times.  It was like, I had wasted all this time.  I should have told him everything I wanted to say when he was alive.  (*sigh*)

After his death, I have become more vocal to my loved ones, especially to my mom.  She’s the only parent I’ve got left.  I don’t keep anything from her, and I try my very best, to remind her that I love her everyday.  We don’t live together, but she visits my house almost every week.  Those are our special “bonding” time days. 

I love to count my blessings.  And when I do so, I start with my family.  Then, I never seem to stop counting

MY DAUGHTER’S FIRST…

Our children encounter many ‘firsts’.  Their first time is always exciting, fun and memorable.  Of course, we want to document their first day of school, their first visit to the dentist, their first school dance and many other milestones in their lives.  We are happy for their achievements and take endless photos and videos of what they have accomplished.

KRISTELLE ON CAM

My daughter has always been a little shy.  But, since she has experienced mingling with other  children and performing in front of a lot of people in school, she started to have less inhibitions.   She is now interacting with others, and is learning a lot of new things in school about reading, writing, mathematics, culture, planting and even preparing food!  I am so happy for her.  In line with her ‘firsts’,  I would like to share with you some photos of my daughter’s first TV appearance at GMA-7.  It’s for a children’s show that will be airing every Saturday starting next month.  We are so happy for her.  She had so much fun that day! And, even though my husband and I were both working that day and we couldn’t accompany her, the support of her two grandmas (our moms) were overwhelming.  They volunteered to stay with her the whole day.  Thanks to my mothers, it was a very unforgettable experience for my child.

 

I’M SO PROUD OF MY DAUGHTER!

SMILING WITH A LARGE CROWD!

 

LIKE MOTHER LIKE DAUGHTER

As parents, we want the best for our children.  We want to be there every step of the way, and we want to be present in all the special events in their lives.  As a working mom, it’s hard to balance time with my kids and of course, with my husband.  But, I’m so happy because our jobs permit us to do just that.  We can still spend time with our kids. 

A few days ago, my daughter danced in front of 200 people in their school auditorium.  She gave everything she could!  She danced to the groove and swayed her hips to the music.  The crowd applauded.. We’re so proud of her! At 5, she can follow steps and choreography very well!  t was an incomparable feeling of happiness and elation!  

PROUD MOMMY

It was worth the time and effort.  I’m so happy to say she is growing up to be a talented, intelligent girl.  She gets honors in school and she always gets a perfect score in all her exams. (since she was nursery.. yes, even in nursery, they have exams..)  It is true that your children are your treasure. I make sure that no matter how busy I am, I take the time out to tell my child a bedtime story daily!  It’s not too much to share to a five year old some made up fairy tales (most are my originals!) and some Grimm’s Fairy tales as well.  It’s something she looks forward to every night.  My mom-in-law told me to enjoy our kids while we can, since time flies by unnoticed, and they grow up sooo fast! Indeed, they do!

 

“While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about.
~Angela Schwindt

“There comes a time when a woman needs to stop thinking about her looks and focus her energies on raising her children.  This time comes at the moment of conception.  A child needs a role model, not a supermodel.”
~Astrid Alauda

“Your children need your presence more than your presents.” 
~Jesse Jackson

“If I had my child to raise all over again,
I’d build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I’d finger-paint more, and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I’d take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I’d take more hikes and fly more kites.
I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I’d do more hugging and less tugging.”
~Diane Loomans

 

 

CHUCK LIDDELL VISITS MANILA!

MEETING THE ICEMAN CHUCK LIDDELL!

OMG!! I am soooo happy (actually my husband is too!)  Today, we were able to meet and greet “The Iceman” Chuck Liddell himself. We were privileged to be in the VIP area, with front row seats, plus a lot of freebies!  I’m talking about UFC caps, wristbands and keychains. 

 

We woke up so early today, considering the fact that we slept at 5am already. We came from my mom’s house, and after that, we had to fix  alot of things when we got home.  Nevertheless, I was up early and giddy to see our idol  

 

We arrived at the Mall of Asia around 12pm, registered, got our VIP passes and photo stubs, and waited patiently for The Iceman.  There were over 4,000 people in the area, most of them standing ringside and on the second floor.  We were so lucky to get front row seats, and I told my husband repeatedly, “This is all so worth it.”  I mean, most of the people didn’t even have the chance to get near him.

 

 

 

THE ICEMAN POSES FOR THE FANS

I can’t explain how I felt when I saw him.  I felt elated and excited! When he made his way into the ring, the crowd gave a loud applause.  The crowd shouted, and even grown men, most of whom trained in MMA, acted childlike upon seeing The Iceman.

 

He climbed the ring and was interviewed by ABS-CBN’s Dyan Castillejo. He gave a demo of some MMA moves.  He sparred with his trainer, Ian Parkinson.  He did some take downs, take down defenses, leg kicks, right hooks and uppercuts.  He also showed the crowd his signature move, the overhand punch, also known as the hay maker.  The crowd cheered with his every move.  He seemed a little tired though, maybe because of  jet lag, since he arrived just this morning.  But, we appreciate his enthusiasm to sign some autographs and even say “Mabuhay Philippines!” After the demo, we had the very rare opportunity to have our pictures taken with him. 

ROCKIN WITH THE ICEMAN CHUCK LIDDELL

 My husband was second in line, after his photo was taken with Chuck, it was my turn.  When I climbed up the ring, I told him, “I’m your number one fan,” he looked me in the eyes and said, “Really?”.  Then  I hugged him, kissed him on the cheek (yup! I had the guts to do it… hey, it’s a once in a lifetime event!) and told him “I love you, Chuck!” He smiled and said, “Thank you.” Then he wrapped his arm around me and we had our photo taken.  Of course, I had to wrap my arm around him too!   For an MMA fan like me,  it’s such an honor to be able to even go near him.  It’s something that truly made me and my husband happy.  It’s such  pity that he will just be staying for 2 days.  We are sooo looking forward to the UFC event to be held next year! Wow, we can’t wait!!   I’ll be posting more pics from Chuck’s visit in Manila.  I’ll keep you guys posted!!

Wanna read more about the event? Do so at UFC.com.  I’m so flattered and excited about what they’ve written! 

 Watch the Official UFC Video HERE.

 

I JUST LOVE RAINY DAYS

A NEW 'DO!

 

 

Some people say rainy days make them feel gloomy and sad… well, in my case, I feel just the opposite!  I love it when the days are just packed with things to do, and when you look outside the window, you see the raindrops, the trees swaying and after the rain, you smell the dew of the crisp green grass.  Makes me feel soooo relaxed!  Too bad my hubby and I can’t jog tonight because of the rain.  But hey, they are more things to be happy about, like a busy day ahead and a relaxing night after work!

DOUBLE DUTY BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Since one of the top views from my blog come from my “TOP FAVES”, I wanted to share some products I use that give me value for my money.

:: DOVE BEAUTY BAR WHITE::   It moisturizes my body from head to toe! Yes, I sometimes use it for my hair.  When my hair is piled with styling products, I use it to remove all the grime.  After rinsing it off, I follow it up with a dollop of conditioner.  It leaves my hair and skin squeaky clean, great smelling and fresh.  You can also use this beauty bar when you suddenly run out of your usual facial wash.  It does just the same thing 

 

:: DOVE BODY WASH WITH CREAM OIL :: This is one of my favorites!  I love the scent, and it leaves my skin soft and supple! No need to follow up with lotion.  Just a small amount on your loofah or shower puff lasts a long way!  Also, it doubles as a bubble bath if you run out of suds!

 

:: OLAY TOTAL EFFECTS ANTI-AGEING CREAM  ::  This is less pricey compared to the other brands, but I can say, it works as well! I have tried many expensive brands, but this one won’t cost an arm and a leg, and it gives you promising results!  When I was pregnant with my 2nd baby, I was confined in a hospital twice, because of premature labor.  During those times,  I  had puffy eyes and of course, no make up.  But, most of the nurses and doctors complimented my skin.  They said it was rosy and smooth.  Well,  I have Olay to thank for that    This serves as my night cream and day cream, so no need to apply several kinds of cream on my face.  Aside from that, I pair it with Olay Total Effects Eye Cream for moisturizing and lightening my dark under eye circles.

 

:: PANTENE HAIR FALL CONTROL CONDITIONER :: After giving birth to my second child, I feel as if more strands fall off from my hair compared before.  My doctor said it’s normal after delivery, and so, to lessen it, I cut my hair into a bob, tried my best to eliminate unnecessary stress and I used this conditioner (paired with Pantene Hair Fall Control Shampoo) It’s not really expensive, it’s effective and it doubles as my shaving cream when I suddenly run out of shaving cream in the shower. 

 

:: NEUTROGENA DEEP CLEAN CLEANSING LOTION :: This is my alternative to Shu Uemura Cleansing Beauty Oil A/O.  Neutrogena Cleansing Lotion removes even the most stubborn waterproof mascara quickly.  You don’t need to apply any cold cream or any baby oil to remove the foundation on your skin or to take off the long lasting lipstick you’ve got, this’ll get the job done.  It doesn’t require vigorous rubbing, so it saves time as well as money.

JUST BLOGGING :)

TAKEN LAST JULY 2008

Oh, this day is soooo tiring But fun! Anyway, I just feel like blogging about my weekend.  We went to my mom’s house to visit her, and oooh, I missed her a lot! We went to a bazaar and bought some new clothes, and my mom cooked yummy spare ribs with hickory sauce… aah, just thinking about it is making me hungry again!  We also had a very successful garage sale in my mom’s house.  Do you know, having garage sales really benefit people who have a lot of clutter in the house, just like us!  Instead of throwing the things you don’t need, there is a saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”, so, things that are useless to you may be useful to others   And, the best part, you turn your junk and clutter into cash.  Old toys, clothes, furniture, DVD’s, magazines, comics and  even old accessories are very saleable!  So, what are you waiting for?  Make your home clutter-free, and start earning some extra moolah! 

Cheers!