Senator Francis Escudero Promoting Noy-Bi or Noy Noy - Binay

The Liberal Party is not taking Senator Francis Escudero's reported impending endorsement of Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay against him, the party's top two candidates said Wednesday.

At a press conference in Cagayan de Oro City, LP standard bearer Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III said there is no problem with Escudero backing up his candidacy and Binay's instead of the candidacy of Aquino's running-mate Senator Manuel "Mar" Roxas II.

"He is endorsing in a personal capacity. He has endorsed me. I cleared this with my partner [Roxas] and there is no issue between my partner and me with regards the endorsement of Senator Escudero," Aquino said.

The LP standard bearer also welcomed the reported endorsement by Ang Ladlad, a partylist representing the gay-lesbian-bisexual-transgender sector, of him and Binay.

Roxas said in a separate statement that he was happy with Escudero's endorsement of Aquino.

"Magkaibigan kami ni Senator Chiz. Magkaiba ang pananaw namin sa pulitika. Natutuwa ako na sinusuportahan nya ang kandidato ko sa pagkapangulo, at para sa akin, ok na yun (I am friends with Senator Chiz. We have different views on politics. I am happy he is supporting my candidate for president and for me, that is okay)," Roxas said.

Escudero is reported to be coming out with an ad endorsing Binay. Although this has yet to come out, a GMA News report aired on Wednesday night showed a glimpse of the ad showing Escudero tell the public, "Ang bise-presidente ko, di pinanganak na mayaman. Di rin ilustrado (My vice-president was not born rich. He's not an ilustrado too)," in a seeming jab at Roxas who is a member of a wealthy landed family.

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Early this month, brief tension gripped the LP campaign after staff members of Escudero working for the LP during the election period were relieved of their duties as media coordinators allegedly due to Escudero's support for Binay. Escudero's staff were brought back as media coordinators one day later, after journalists covering the campaign complained of the pull-out. (See: Brief tension in LP after change in media staffers)—JV, GMANews.TV

MAX’S Restaurant Cagayan de Oro

I usually refrain from posting reviews about chain restaurants with international branches, but it seems that every establishment has its weaknesses. While Max’s Restaurant Cagayan de Oro is renowned for its delicious food, attracting many customers, particularly during holidays and special occasions, my recent experience at their Cagayan de Oro branch was disappointing enough to warrant this feedback.

This is my first time writing a negative review about a restaurant, but I feel compelled to share what happened.

Last Sunday, April 18, 2010, we held an SEO Mini Forum event in the function room of Max’s Restaurant Cagayan de Oro. The room rental was 2,500 pesos, which was supposed to be consumable. However, the function room lacked essential equipment, providing only a speaker box and microphone, which we didn’t use. Since this was a Mini Forum, we needed a projector for presentations, which we brought ourselves. To our surprise, a staff member informed us that we would be charged 500 pesos for using the projector, even though it was our equipment. Reluctantly, we agreed to avoid disrupting the event, but we felt this charge was unfair.

As the event progressed, participants ordered food. When it concluded, we asked for the bill for the function room, excluding the projector charge. The bill amounted to 2,258 pesos, so we ordered additional food to meet the 2,500 pesos requirement for the room rental.

After settling the 2,500 pesos, the officers argued that we should not be charged for using our own projector, especially since this was not mentioned during the reservation. The staff insisted it was our fault for not informing them in advance about the projector. During the argument, the supervisor or area manager did not intervene, instead handing us a calling card. This lack of resolution and communication was frustrating.

To expedite our departure, we paid the total bill of 2,800 pesos, which included the projector charge. However, it took nearly an hour to receive an official receipt, which is unacceptable for a computerized system. This delay and the overall experience suggest significant management issues at Max’s Restaurant Cagayan de Oro.

In summary, the restaurant's handling of this situation reflects poor customer service and management. Who is at fault here? Is it the group for not informing the restaurant about using a projector, or the restaurant for not clarifying their rules during the reservation?

I believe Max’s Restaurant Cagayan de Oro needs to improve its customer service and management practices. This experience has left a negative impression, and I hope they address these issues promptly. Despite its good food, the service at Max’s Restaurant Cagayan de Oro needs serious improvement.