AKO ay Pilipino - Stranieri in Italia
AKO ay Pilipino - Stranieri in Italia
AKO ay Pilipino - Stranieri in Italia
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
With<br />
compliments<br />
of<br />
EUR R € 1,00, GBP $ 0,7, CHF Fr. 1,50,<br />
NOK OK Kr. 8,0, 8,0 8, 0, SEK K KKr.<br />
9,0, DKK Kr 7,5<br />
copy<br />
complimentary ary<br />
c y<br />
Angel Locs<strong>in</strong><br />
Pasisikat<strong>in</strong> ng<br />
DOS!<br />
EU Pasis<strong>in</strong><strong>ay</strong>aan ang<br />
‘Blue Card’ upang<br />
Mahimok ang mga<br />
Highly-Qualifi ed<br />
Foreign Workers<br />
Bilang tugon sa mga pangangailangan<br />
ng Europa sa mga highly-qualifi<br />
ed workers, pasis<strong>in</strong><strong>ay</strong>aan ng Brussels<br />
ang isang EU-wide work permit<br />
para sa employment ng mga non Europeans,<br />
saanmang bansa sa loob ng<br />
27-nation bloc, ito ang s<strong>in</strong>abi ng EU<br />
home affairs Commissioner Franco<br />
Fratt<strong>in</strong>i sa EUobserver. Ang idea<br />
ng EU work permit – <strong>ay</strong> gagaw<strong>in</strong>g<br />
‘Blue Card’ na mula sa kul<strong>ay</strong> ng<br />
European Union fl ag –at pormal na<br />
gagaw<strong>in</strong> ng<strong>ay</strong>ong buwan. Ang Blue<br />
Card, <strong>ay</strong> <strong>in</strong>aasahang, makakahimok<br />
sa mga manggagawa na pumunta sa<br />
Europe k<strong>ay</strong>sa sa US, Canada o Australia<br />
at mabawasan ang kakulangan<br />
ng mga manggagawa na humaharap<br />
sa bloc dahilan sa maunt<strong>in</strong>g populasyon<br />
at pagbababa ng mga bilang<br />
Mga Batang Migrante<br />
Inaabuso sa Kulungan<br />
ng Spa<strong>in</strong><br />
PAHINA 20 PAHINA 12<br />
<strong>AKO</strong> <strong>ay</strong> <strong>Pilip<strong>in</strong>o</strong><br />
Nag-uugn<strong>ay</strong> sa mga <strong>Pilip<strong>in</strong>o</strong> sa Europa<br />
Editorial Offi ce: via Virgilio Maroso 50,<br />
00142 Rome - Italy<br />
ip<strong>in</strong>anganganak <strong>ay</strong>on k<strong>ay</strong> Mr. Fratt<strong>in</strong>i.<br />
“Ito <strong>ay</strong> <strong>ay</strong>on sa ak<strong>in</strong>- <strong>ay</strong>on sa<br />
Europa-na maipromote at mahimok<br />
ang mga highly-skilled migrants<br />
na pumunta dito kung sila <strong>ay</strong> kailangan<br />
“, aniya. Si Mr. Fratt<strong>in</strong>i na<br />
siya d<strong>in</strong>g VP of the EU <strong>ay</strong> nagsabi<br />
na nais niyang i-suggest ang “possibilidad<br />
ng <strong>in</strong>tra-EU movement”<br />
na m<strong>ay</strong> mga kondisyon. “Ang Blue<br />
Card ang siyang pap<strong>ay</strong>ag sa mga<br />
holder na makarat<strong>in</strong>g mula sa isang<br />
from one EU member state patungo<br />
sa iba pagkatapos ng <strong>in</strong>itial period<br />
ng dalwang taon, at kung mapapatun<strong>ay</strong>an<br />
na legal ang pananatili nito<br />
sa kanyang trabaho. Ang holder <strong>ay</strong><br />
kailangan na makapunta sa ibang<br />
member state pagkatapos ng ilang<br />
taon.<br />
Sport<br />
P<strong>in</strong>oy ang<br />
napil<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Sports Idol<br />
pah<strong>in</strong>a 23<br />
Filip<strong>in</strong>o Viol<strong>in</strong>ist<br />
achieves Music<br />
Degree<br />
More P<strong>in</strong>oys<br />
Suffer<br />
Depression<br />
due to Poverty,<br />
OFW Parents,<br />
Disasters<br />
pah<strong>in</strong>a 3 pah<strong>in</strong>a 6<br />
pah<strong>in</strong>a 4<br />
Romulo Leads ASEAN<br />
M<strong>in</strong>isters <strong>in</strong> adoption of two<br />
key documents boost<strong>in</strong>g<br />
migrant workers welfare<br />
pah<strong>in</strong>a 12<br />
The St. Joseph Social<br />
Center Accomodates and<br />
responds to the needs of the<br />
Filip<strong>in</strong>o Migrants<br />
pah<strong>in</strong>a 16<br />
Isa pang gymnast ang nakapasok<br />
sa elite list ng top young athletes,<br />
matapos mahirang bilang ultimate<br />
P<strong>in</strong>oy Sports Idol sa pagsasara ng<br />
third season ng contest kamakailan,<br />
na napapanood tuw<strong>in</strong>g Sabado sa<br />
Studio 23.<br />
British<br />
Embassy<br />
Warns Filip<strong>in</strong>o<br />
Job seekers<br />
Phone: +39 06 8741 0508<br />
Fax +39 06 8741 0528<br />
email: akoeurope@etnomedia.org<br />
pah<strong>in</strong>a 15<br />
ISYU 8<br />
SETYEMBRE, 2007<br />
More Filip<strong>in</strong>os are suffer<strong>in</strong>g from<br />
depression due to <strong>in</strong>tense long<strong>in</strong>g<br />
for loved ones work<strong>in</strong>g overseas<br />
or to feel<strong>in</strong>gs of helplessness <strong>in</strong> the<br />
face of natural and man-made disasters,<br />
experts said. Dr. Felicitas<br />
Soriano, president of the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Psychiatric Association (PPA), said<br />
the widespread phenomenon of Filip<strong>in</strong>o<br />
parents work<strong>in</strong>g abroad is tak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a heavy toll on the mental health<br />
of their children. “If you are left beh<strong>in</strong>d<br />
by your mother or your father<br />
who is an OFW, you sometimes get<br />
lonely. You long for the affection<br />
and presence of your parents. Sometimes,<br />
that can lead to depression,”<br />
Soriano said <strong>in</strong> an <strong>in</strong>terview after a<br />
health forum organized by the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e<br />
College of Physicians and<br />
Zuellig Foundation.<br />
Pimentel Renews Call for<br />
Federalism to end Rebellion<br />
<strong>in</strong> M<strong>in</strong>danao<br />
Asians S<strong>in</strong>g, Dance<br />
and Sh<strong>in</strong>e!<br />
pah<strong>in</strong>a 10<br />
pah<strong>in</strong>a 14
2 SETYEMBRE, 2007<br />
BALITANG EUROPA <strong>AKO</strong> <strong>ay</strong> <strong>Pilip<strong>in</strong>o</strong><br />
Balak ng EU na Bumuo ng<br />
European Migration Network<br />
B<strong>in</strong>abalak ng European Commission<br />
ang lumikha ng isang European<br />
Migration Network (EMN) para sa<br />
epektibong probisyon ng up-to-date<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation at ang data ng lahat ng<br />
mga migratory developments’. Nais<br />
ng ENM na makagawa ng higit na<br />
<strong>in</strong>formed policy- at ng decision-mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
para sa ongo<strong>in</strong>g development ng<br />
European immigration at ng asylum<br />
policy.<br />
“The European Migration Network,”<br />
pah<strong>ay</strong>ag ni the Vice-President<br />
of the Commission, Franco<br />
Fratt<strong>in</strong>i, “ito <strong>ay</strong> mahalagang <strong>in</strong>strumento<br />
upang mapalago ang kaalaman<br />
tungkol sa migratory phenomena<br />
sa EU, salamat sa mga abilidad<br />
na napalawak at naipublish sa policy<br />
reports, ang mga nasuri na statistical<br />
data, ang mga nai-produce na specifi<br />
c studies at ang pagbibig<strong>ay</strong> ng<br />
relevant ad-hoc <strong>in</strong>formation na m<strong>ay</strong><br />
k<strong>in</strong>alaman sa migration at asylum<br />
h<strong>in</strong>di lamang sa policy-makers kundi<br />
sa general public”.<br />
Hangar<strong>in</strong> ng ENM’s <strong>ay</strong>on sa proposal<br />
na “’na maibig<strong>ay</strong> ang mga<br />
impormasyon na kailangan ng mga<br />
Community <strong>in</strong>stitutions, Member<br />
States’ authorities at <strong>in</strong>stitutions, at<br />
ng general public sa migration at<br />
asylum ang magbig<strong>ay</strong> ng provid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
up-to-date na m<strong>ay</strong> l<strong>ay</strong>un<strong>in</strong> at kompletong<br />
impomasyon sa migration at<br />
asylum kasama ang suporta sa mga<br />
patakaran at decision-mak<strong>in</strong>g ng European<br />
Union sa kanilang lugar. Para<br />
mapanatili ang l<strong>ay</strong>un<strong>in</strong> na ito ang<br />
Network <strong>ay</strong> kailangnan magcollect<br />
at magpalitan ng exist<strong>in</strong>g data at impormasyon<br />
mula sa mgasources; na<br />
nagsagawa ng analysis na m<strong>ay</strong> data<br />
at impormasyon na publish reports;<br />
makagawa at mapanatili at kailangan<br />
<strong>ay</strong> mga <strong>in</strong>ternet-based <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
na exchange system accessible sa<br />
publiko (EMN website); at k<strong>ay</strong>ang<br />
Applications ng Asylum sa UK<br />
Kumokonti na<br />
Patuloy ang pagbagsak ng bilang<br />
ng asylum seekers sa UK<br />
dahil halos 2,000 nitong 2006<br />
ang p<strong>in</strong>akamababang level na<br />
nagsimula pa noong 1993, ito <strong>ay</strong><br />
<strong>ay</strong>on sa statistics na ip<strong>in</strong>ublish ng<br />
Home Offi ce noong Agosto. Ang<br />
bilang <strong>ay</strong> ip<strong>in</strong>akita na 23,610 ang<br />
aplikasyon h<strong>in</strong>di pa kasama ang<br />
mga dependants na nakatira na<br />
noong nagdaang taon na nagbig<strong>ay</strong><br />
ng 8% kada pagbagsak ng<br />
aplikasyon kompara noong 2005.<br />
Ip<strong>in</strong>akita r<strong>in</strong> sa report na “ang<br />
pagtatanggal ng walang karapatan<br />
sa UK <strong>ay</strong> nakaabot na sa record<br />
levels. Umabot na sa 2006, 63,865<br />
tao ang napaalis sa UK na tumaas<br />
ng 10% sa level noong 2005. Ang<br />
bilang ng asylum seekers <strong>ay</strong> bumagsak<br />
bukod pa sa mga dependants<br />
na <strong>in</strong>ialis noong nagdaang<br />
taon na m<strong>ay</strong> it<strong>in</strong>aas na 19%”.<br />
Ayon k<strong>ay</strong> Home Offi ce M<strong>in</strong>ister<br />
Tony McNulty : “Malakas<br />
ng<strong>ay</strong>on ang kontrol sa na siyang<br />
nagbibig<strong>ay</strong> ng malak<strong>in</strong>g aplikasyon<br />
sa mga asylum na aplikasyon.<br />
Ng<strong>ay</strong>on <strong>ay</strong> mas madami pa ang<br />
dumarat<strong>in</strong>g sa Britanya at humih<strong>in</strong>gi<br />
na makatanggap ng asylum.<br />
S<strong>in</strong>asabi nam<strong>in</strong> na g<strong>in</strong>awa na ma<strong>in</strong>g<br />
doble ang mga resources para<br />
sa patakan sa migrasyon at noong<br />
isang taon <strong>ay</strong> nakadala na kami<br />
ng mga pagpapaalis sa mga illegal<br />
sa Britanya na halos ang isa <strong>ay</strong><br />
napapatalsik sa loob lamang ng 8<br />
m<strong>in</strong>uto.<br />
“Ng<strong>ay</strong>on <strong>ay</strong> gumagawa pa kami<br />
ng mabilis na hakbang upang hig-<br />
pitan ang seguridad. Sa susunod<br />
na 12 buwan ipapakilala na nam<strong>in</strong><br />
ang s<strong>in</strong>gle border force, pagcheheck<br />
ng mga fi ngerpr<strong>in</strong>ts sa lahat<br />
ng mga aplikante ng bisa, ang<br />
ID cards para sa ibang lahi, ang<br />
electronic passenger screen<strong>in</strong>g at<br />
ang Australian-style po<strong>in</strong>ts system.<br />
Ganun d<strong>in</strong> magtatangal kami<br />
ng 2000 ibang lahgi na nasa mga<br />
kulungan sa loob ng isa hanggang<br />
6 na buwan sa taong iuto at ang<br />
Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister <strong>ay</strong> nangako na<br />
magpapatalsik ng 4,000 katao sa<br />
katapusan ng taon.”<br />
Ang hul<strong>in</strong>g ulat <strong>ay</strong> nagpakita<br />
na ang bilang ng mga tao na nabigyan<br />
ng settlement ng 2006 o<br />
ng <strong>in</strong>defi nite leave na manatili sa<br />
UK <strong>ay</strong> bumaba d<strong>in</strong> ng by quarter.<br />
Ang bilang ng mga pasahero<br />
na pumasok sa mga porto at napaalis<br />
sa Britanya <strong>ay</strong> nasa 34,825<br />
noong 2006 at tumaas ito ng 6%<br />
kumpara sa nakaraang taon.”<br />
S<strong>in</strong>abi pa ni Mr. McNulty na:<br />
“Napakahirap na ipagpatuloy ng<br />
ganitong trabaho upang paalis<strong>in</strong><br />
ang mga pumapasok sa UK na<br />
walang karapatan na manigil dito<br />
dahil delikado sa publiko.<br />
“Kami ng<strong>ay</strong>on <strong>ay</strong> patuloy na<br />
naghahanda ng mga e-borders<br />
programme na kung saan sa<br />
kauna-unahang pagkakataon <strong>ay</strong><br />
p<strong>in</strong><strong>ay</strong>agan kami na pabalik<strong>in</strong> ang<br />
mga tao sa kanilang bansa at suri<strong>in</strong><br />
ang kanilang mga paglalakb<strong>ay</strong><br />
laban sa watch-lists.<br />
“Ang pilot scheme, Project<br />
Semaphore, <strong>ay</strong> nakakuha na ng<br />
29 milyong pasahero na halos nagissue<br />
ng lampos sa 13,000 alerts<br />
at natapos sa pag aresto ng 1000<br />
katao.<br />
“IRIS, ang at<strong>in</strong>g p<strong>in</strong>agkakatiwalaan<br />
na traveller programme<br />
na nakabase sa iris recognition, na<br />
nagbig<strong>ay</strong> ng malak<strong>in</strong>g tagump<strong>ay</strong><br />
sa airport sa Britanya ng mahigit<br />
sa 100,000 pasahero na nakapasok<br />
na halos.”<br />
Ang mga quarterly asylum na<br />
bilang mula pa ng Abril hanggang<br />
June 2007 <strong>ay</strong> nagpakita ng<br />
pagbagsak ng aplikasyon ng mga<br />
asylum na ip<strong>in</strong>agpapatuloy. Sa<br />
hul<strong>in</strong>g 3 buwan <strong>ay</strong> nagkaroon ng<br />
4,950 na applications, bukod ang<br />
dependants, na m<strong>ay</strong> 13% ng nakaraang<br />
quarter. Ang pagpapaalis<br />
<strong>ay</strong> bumagsak sa mga asylum<br />
seekers bukod pa ang dependants<br />
na halos 7% ang ib<strong>in</strong>aba kumpara<br />
sa fi rst quarter of 2007.<br />
makapag operate ng European at <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
bodies. Ang Network <strong>ay</strong><br />
k<strong>in</strong>abibilangan ng National Contact<br />
Po<strong>in</strong>ts, isang sang<strong>ay</strong> ng Member<br />
State, at ng European Commission.<br />
Ang National Contact Po<strong>in</strong>ts <strong>ay</strong> bahagi<br />
ng the Member States. Ito ang<br />
magbibig<strong>ay</strong> daan sa aktibong partisipasyon<br />
mula sa Member States at<br />
ang gagarantiya sa EMN’s na makapagtrabaho<br />
ng ma<strong>ay</strong>os kasama ang<br />
EU’s political agenda, ang Steer<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Board na nagt<strong>ay</strong>o sa bawat miyembro<br />
ng Member State, ang Commission at<br />
ang European Parliament na siyang<br />
magrerepresent dito. Ang Network<br />
ang magpapanatili na magkaagap<strong>ay</strong><br />
ito sa Commission, na magbibig<strong>ay</strong><br />
ng malak<strong>in</strong>g daan upang makagawa<br />
ng mga taun taon na programa at ng<br />
mga pondo base sa National Contact<br />
Po<strong>in</strong>ts at ang pagpili ng service provider<br />
na siyang tutulong na makipag<br />
ugn<strong>ay</strong> sa Network”.<br />
Vatican Offi cial: Ang Mga Migranteng<br />
walang dokumento <strong>ay</strong> H<strong>in</strong>di Mga Krim<strong>in</strong>al!<br />
Ang pagig<strong>in</strong>g “walang dokumento<br />
<strong>ay</strong> h<strong>in</strong>di katulad ng pagig<strong>in</strong>g<br />
krim<strong>in</strong>al”, pah<strong>ay</strong>ag ng isang<br />
Vatican offi cial sa Global Forum<br />
on Migration and Development.<br />
S<strong>in</strong>abi ni Archbishop Agost<strong>in</strong>o<br />
Marchetto, Secretary of the Pontifi<br />
cal Council for Migrants and<br />
Travellers “Sa kanilang pagig<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Independently sa kanilang legal na<br />
estado, ang mga migrante <strong>ay</strong> mga<br />
tao at m<strong>ay</strong> mga karapatan d<strong>in</strong> na<br />
dapat igalang at irespeto.,” b<strong>in</strong>anggit<br />
d<strong>in</strong> ito ng Vatican Radio.<br />
Ang archbishop <strong>ay</strong> gumawa ng<br />
mga hakbang na tumutukoy sa<br />
global forum, na nag-usap usap<br />
ang mga nongovernmental at ang<br />
mga faith-<strong>in</strong>spired organizations<br />
kasama ang labour unions na <strong>in</strong>-<br />
isyatibo ng Belgian government<br />
upang magkaroon ng konkretong<br />
proposals para sa paglago ng mga<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational policies on migration<br />
and development. “Ang mga tao<br />
<strong>ay</strong> m<strong>ay</strong> karapatan na mamuh<strong>ay</strong> ng<br />
map<strong>ay</strong>apa at m<strong>ay</strong> dignidad sa kanilang<br />
saril<strong>in</strong>g mga bansa, at sila<br />
<strong>ay</strong> m<strong>ay</strong> karapatan na mangibang<br />
b<strong>ay</strong>an kung k<strong>in</strong>akailangan na<br />
makamit ang kanilang pangangailangan”,<br />
saad ni Archbishop Marchetto<br />
sa forum. S<strong>in</strong>abi pa niya<br />
na ang “<strong>in</strong>ternational community<br />
ang mas kailangan na magbig<strong>ay</strong><br />
ng epektibong promosyon ng kap<strong>ay</strong>apaan<br />
at pag unlad sa buong<br />
mundo upang h<strong>in</strong>di mapilitan na<br />
mangibang b<strong>ay</strong>an ang mga tao at<br />
ng mapigilan d<strong>in</strong> ang bilang ng le-<br />
gal na migrasyon. Ang migrasyon<br />
<strong>ay</strong> h<strong>in</strong>di para sa digmaan o kahirapan<br />
ng isang umuunlad na bansa<br />
ngunit ito <strong>ay</strong> para sa pangangailangan<br />
ng ibang bansa na matulungan<br />
ng mga m<strong>ay</strong><strong>ay</strong>aman na<br />
bansa para sa mga manggagawa”.<br />
“K<strong>ay</strong>a, ang mga migrante <strong>ay</strong> m<strong>ay</strong><br />
kontribusyon sa bansa ng kanilang<br />
pagkatao,” dagdag pa niya. “Ang<br />
mga migrante <strong>ay</strong> m<strong>ay</strong> obligasyon<br />
na respetuh<strong>in</strong> ang mga batas ng<br />
kanilang bansa na p<strong>in</strong>untahan at<br />
magkaroon ng l<strong>ay</strong>un<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>tegrasyon<br />
mula sa bansa at matuto ng<br />
kanilang salita. Ang mas magbibig<strong>ay</strong><br />
sa kanila ng respeto sa bansa<br />
at ang pagmamahal at patatanggol<br />
sa kanilang sarili. “ pagtatapos ni<br />
Archbishop Marchetto.
<strong>AKO</strong> <strong>ay</strong> <strong>Pilip<strong>in</strong>o</strong><br />
Bilang tugon sa mga pangangailangan ng<br />
Europa sa mga highly-qualifi ed workers, pasis<strong>in</strong><strong>ay</strong>aan<br />
ng Brussels ang isang EU-wide<br />
work permit para sa employment ng mga non<br />
Europeans, saanmang bansa sa loob ng 27-nation<br />
bloc, ito ang s<strong>in</strong>abi ng EU home affairs<br />
Commissioner Franco Fratt<strong>in</strong>i sa EUobserver.<br />
Ang idea ng EU work permit – <strong>ay</strong> gagaw<strong>in</strong>g<br />
‘Blue Card’ na mula sa kul<strong>ay</strong> ng European Union<br />
fl ag –at pormal na gagaw<strong>in</strong> ng<strong>ay</strong>ong buwan.<br />
Ang Blue Card, <strong>ay</strong> <strong>in</strong>aasahang, makakahimok<br />
sa mga manggagawa na pumunta sa<br />
Europe k<strong>ay</strong>sa sa US, Canada o Australia at<br />
mabawasan ang kakulangan ng mga manggagawa<br />
na humaharap sa bloc dahilan sa maunt<strong>in</strong>g<br />
populasyon at pagbababa ng mga bilang<br />
ip<strong>in</strong>anganganak <strong>ay</strong>on k<strong>ay</strong> Mr. Fratt<strong>in</strong>i.<br />
“Ito <strong>ay</strong> <strong>ay</strong>on sa ak<strong>in</strong>- <strong>ay</strong>on sa Europa-na<br />
maipromote at mahimok ang mga highlyskilled<br />
migrants na pumunta dito kung sila <strong>ay</strong><br />
kailangan “, aniya.<br />
Si Mr. Fratt<strong>in</strong>i na siya d<strong>in</strong>g VP of the EU<br />
<strong>ay</strong> nagsabi na nais niyang i-suggest ang “possibilidad<br />
ng <strong>in</strong>tra-EU movement” na m<strong>ay</strong> mga<br />
kondisyon.<br />
“Ang Blue Card ang siyang pap<strong>ay</strong>ag sa mga<br />
holder na makarat<strong>in</strong>g mula sa isang from one<br />
EU member state patungo sa iba pagkatapos<br />
ng <strong>in</strong>itial period ng dalwang taon, at kung<br />
mapapatun<strong>ay</strong>an na legal ang pananatili nito sa<br />
kanyang trabaho. Ang holder <strong>ay</strong> kailangan na<br />
makapunta sa ibang member state pagkatapos<br />
ng ilang taon. Ang card holder <strong>ay</strong> maaari d<strong>in</strong><br />
na makabalik sa kanyang bansang p<strong>in</strong>anggal-<br />
BALITANG EUROPA<br />
<strong>in</strong>gan at makabalik muli upang makapasok<br />
sa EU territory pagkatapos ng apat o limang<br />
taon, na walang pagsisimula sa mga adm<strong>in</strong>istrative<br />
procedures na kailangan na gaw<strong>in</strong>”<br />
saad ng EUobserver.<br />
Ayon sa Brussels, ang mga pagkilos na ito<br />
<strong>ay</strong> makakasugpo sa mga migrante na magtagal<br />
ng pananatili sa Europa at ang makasugpo<br />
sa mga devastat<strong>in</strong>g effect of “bra<strong>in</strong> dra<strong>in</strong>”<br />
mula sa bansang lumalago.<br />
“Ang blue card <strong>ay</strong> h<strong>in</strong>di permanenteng card<br />
na tulad ng sa American green card”, pah<strong>ay</strong>ag<br />
ng EU commissioner. Ang card “<strong>ay</strong> nagbibig<strong>ay</strong><br />
lamang ng posibilidad na mag any<strong>ay</strong><strong>ay</strong>a<br />
sa mga highly-skilled workers na makarat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
at maiwasan ang bra<strong>in</strong> dra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g dagdag pa<br />
niya.<br />
S<strong>in</strong>abi pa ng EU VP na “ang pagkakataon<br />
na ito <strong>ay</strong> simpleng patakaran lamang para<br />
magkaroon ng mga access sa mga tao na kailangan...<br />
ngunit ito <strong>ay</strong> tataas sa bawat member<br />
state kung makikita kung gaano karami ang<br />
kailangan nila”.<br />
“Kung sakali na member states na sila lalo<br />
sa reluctant concern<strong>in</strong>g low-skilled or seasonal<br />
workers, sila <strong>ay</strong> posible d<strong>in</strong> na maka<strong>in</strong>gg<strong>ay</strong>o<br />
ng mga highly-skilled migrants – tulad<br />
ng mga eng<strong>in</strong>eers, doctors, researchers”, pagtatapos<br />
niya.<br />
S<strong>in</strong>abi ng Commission na sa 2050, ang labour<br />
shortages <strong>ay</strong> tataas kapag nagretire na<br />
ang 25 million Europeans na nagtatatrabaho<br />
mula sa one-third ng population <strong>ay</strong> magig<strong>in</strong>g<br />
lampas ng 65 taong gulang.<br />
SETYEMBRE, 2007<br />
EU Pasis<strong>in</strong><strong>ay</strong>aan ang ‘Blue Card’ upang<br />
Mahimok ang mga Highly-Qualifi ed Foreign Workers<br />
Padadamih<strong>in</strong> ang Theory<br />
Test Questions para sa mga Nag-aaral na<br />
Driver at Motorista sa UK<br />
Simula sa buwang ito ang mga<br />
nag-aaral na driver at mga motorista<br />
sa UK <strong>ay</strong> makakaranas ng<br />
dagdag na theory test questions<br />
upang mapalaganap ang kaligtasan<br />
sa pagmamaneho sa mga kalsada.<br />
Ayon sa the Driv<strong>in</strong>g Standards<br />
Agency (DSA), ang Executive<br />
Agency ng Department for Transport,<br />
“ang pagtaas ng bilang ng<br />
multiple choice questions sa mga<br />
tests <strong>ay</strong> makakatulong sa mga nagaaral<br />
na magkaroon ng malawak na<br />
pag-aaral at magkaroon ng mataas<br />
na antas na kaalaman”.<br />
S<strong>in</strong>abi ni Jill Lewis, DSA’s Head<br />
of Lifelong Learn<strong>in</strong>g na: “Mahalaga<br />
na mapabilang ang mga<br />
nag-aaral na maghanda ng ma<strong>ay</strong>os<br />
para sa mga theory tests katulad ng<br />
g<strong>in</strong>agawa nila sa ibang mga exam.<br />
Ito <strong>ay</strong> magdadagdag ng mga bilang<br />
ng mga tanong sa kanilang mga<br />
test upang mabigyan sila ng mas<br />
mal<strong>in</strong>aw na coverage ng buong<br />
syllabus.”<br />
Matatandaan na ang parehong<br />
sasakyan na kotse at motor na test<br />
<strong>ay</strong> m<strong>ay</strong>roong 35 katanungan at ang<br />
mga nakuha ng exam na ito <strong>ay</strong> kailangan<br />
magkaroon ng 30 tamang<br />
sagot. Pero simula sa ika-3 ng Setyembre<br />
ang bilang ng mga tanong<br />
<strong>ay</strong> magig<strong>in</strong>g 50 at ang pass<strong>in</strong>g<br />
score <strong>ay</strong> 43. Ang exam na ito <strong>ay</strong><br />
magbibig<strong>ay</strong> ng oras para sa multiple<br />
choice na bahagi ng theory<br />
tests na tataas sa 57 m<strong>in</strong>uto at ang<br />
b<strong>ay</strong>ad <strong>ay</strong> tataas d<strong>in</strong>.<br />
Ang updated version ng Offi -<br />
cial theory test book and CD Rom<br />
<strong>ay</strong> makikita sa mga t<strong>in</strong>dahan, o<br />
di k<strong>ay</strong>a <strong>ay</strong> magpunta sa offi cial<br />
bookstore button sa DSA website<br />
(http://www.dsa.gov.uk).<br />
Ang fee <strong>ay</strong> tataasan d<strong>in</strong>mula sa<br />
£21.50 to £28.50 para sa theory<br />
tests na kukuhan<strong>in</strong> para sa kotse at<br />
motorsiklo na gustong matuto bago<br />
o pagkatapos ng ika-3 ng Setyembre.<br />
Para sa libro ng theory test,<br />
kailangan bisitah<strong>in</strong> ng mga nagaaral<br />
ang http://www.direct.gov.<br />
uk/driv<strong>in</strong>gtest o di k<strong>ay</strong>a <strong>ay</strong> tumawag<br />
sa 0870 0101 372; (M<strong>in</strong>icom:<br />
0870 01 06 372; Welsh Speakers:<br />
0870 01 00 372).<br />
Pamilya ng mga Highly Skilled<br />
Immigrants sa Netherlands<br />
makakakuha ng Permit sa loob<br />
ng dalawang l<strong>in</strong>ggo<br />
3<br />
Plano ng Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) sa Netherlands<br />
na pabilis<strong>in</strong> ang proseso ng residence permits para sa pamilya ng<br />
members of highly skilled immigrants. Isang sulat ang ip<strong>in</strong>adala ng<br />
Dutch Lower House of Parliament by Justice State Secretary Nebahat<br />
Alb<strong>ay</strong>rak ang nagsasabi na ang “ang miyembro ng kapamilya ng mga<br />
highly skilled immigrants na nakisama sa kanilang bansa at makakuha<br />
na ng residence permit sa loob lamang ng dalawang l<strong>in</strong>ggo.”<br />
Hangar<strong>in</strong> ng Immigration at ng Naturalisation Service (IND) na pabilis<strong>in</strong><br />
ang proseso ng mga applications para kapamilyang miyembro<br />
sa loob lamang ng dalawang l<strong>in</strong>ggo na kasama ng mga highly skilled<br />
immigrants. Kung lahat ng klase ng migrante at kanilang miyembro<br />
ng kapamilya <strong>ay</strong> kumpleto at tama, mamadali<strong>in</strong> itong asikasuh<strong>in</strong> ng<br />
IND’s special knowledge at labour migration desk.<br />
Noong nakaraang buwan <strong>ay</strong> s<strong>in</strong>imulan na ng IND ang pagpaprocess<br />
ng mga applications ng mga migrante na nais na magbago ng kanilang<br />
estado patungo sa highly skilled immigrant status sa loob lamang dawalang<br />
l<strong>in</strong>ggo. Ito <strong>ay</strong> makakapagpadali sa mga batang m<strong>ay</strong> talento na<br />
makahanap agad sila ng trabaho.<br />
T<strong>in</strong>at<strong>ay</strong>ang 8,800 highly educated ng migrante ang nabiy<strong>ay</strong>aan na ng<br />
mabilis na prosesong ito simula ng ito <strong>ay</strong> pas<strong>in</strong><strong>ay</strong>aan noong October<br />
2004. Nakipagkasundo r<strong>in</strong> sa halos 2,600 companies at <strong>in</strong>stitutes ang<br />
IND na magamit ang ganitong klase ng patakaran. Ang tatlong p<strong>in</strong>akapopular<br />
na sektor ng employment sa tipo ng mga migrante na m<strong>ay</strong><br />
mataas na p<strong>in</strong>ag-aralan <strong>ay</strong> ang ICT, <strong>in</strong>dustry at ang scientifi c education/research.<br />
Ang tatlong nangunguna na bansa <strong>ay</strong> an gmga bansang:<br />
India, the United States of America at Japan.<br />
Ang mga Employers na nag-enrolled sa IND’s Highly Skilled Immigrant<br />
Programme <strong>ay</strong> makakapag-employ ng migrante ng mas mabilis.<br />
Ang mga Highly skilled immigrants <strong>ay</strong> mga “migrante na pupunta sa<br />
Netherlands para magtrabaho at makakuha ng gross salary na h<strong>in</strong>di<br />
bababa sa 46,541 euro, o 34,130 euro kung sila <strong>ay</strong> bata 30 taong gulang.<br />
Sila <strong>ay</strong> h<strong>in</strong>di kailangan pang mag apply ng work permits at ang<br />
kanilang aplikasyon para sa residence permits dahil ito <strong>ay</strong> ipaprocess<br />
na ng special IND desk sa Rijswijk loob ng dalwang l<strong>in</strong>ggo. Ang desk<br />
na ito <strong>ay</strong> mabilis at ma<strong>in</strong>gat sa pagpopoproseso ng mga aplikasyon<br />
mula sa mga employers at ng mga employees”. Ang mga employers<br />
na nais maghire ng highly skilled immigrants <strong>ay</strong> makakakuha ng deklarasyon<br />
at application forms sa special page ng IND’s website: www.<br />
<strong>in</strong>d.nl.
4 SETYEMBRE, 2007<br />
BALITANG EUROPA <strong>AKO</strong> <strong>ay</strong> <strong>Pilip<strong>in</strong>o</strong><br />
Mga Batang Migrante<br />
Inaabuso sa Kulungan<br />
ng Spa<strong>in</strong><br />
S<strong>in</strong>abi ng Human Rights Watch report na<br />
“Daan-daan ang mga h<strong>in</strong>di nasusub<strong>ay</strong>an<br />
na mga migranteng kabataan mula<br />
sa Africa ang nakakaranas ng pang-aabuso at<br />
sexual abuse sa Spanish government migrant<br />
detention centres ng Canary Islands”. Mahigit<br />
900 ang mga h<strong>in</strong>di nasamahan na migranteng<br />
bata ang dumat<strong>in</strong>g noong nakaraang taon sa<br />
“Canary Islands matapos ang mga mapanganib<br />
at traumatic na paglalakb<strong>ay</strong> na g<strong>in</strong>awa<br />
ng mga ito sa barko. Bilang pagtungon sa<br />
mga bilang mga bata na dumarat<strong>in</strong>g sa tabi<br />
ng mga dagat noong nakaraang taon sa Canary<br />
Islands regional authorities <strong>ay</strong> nagbukas<br />
ng apat na emergency centres para sa pabah<strong>ay</strong><br />
ng 400-500 migranteng bata na karamihan <strong>ay</strong><br />
mula sa Senegal at Morocco.”<br />
Ang pamagat ng report “Unwelcome Responsibilities:<br />
Spa<strong>in</strong>’s Failure to Protect the<br />
Rights of Unaccompanied Migrant Children<br />
<strong>in</strong> the Canary Islands,” <strong>ay</strong> nagpapakita kung<br />
ano ang kalag<strong>ay</strong>an ngmga bata sa centres na<br />
ito kung saan sila <strong>ay</strong> namamalagi sa h<strong>in</strong>di<br />
alam kung gaano katagal sila doon na halos<br />
siksikan at mahirap na kondisyon. S<strong>in</strong>abi ng<br />
mga bata sa Human Rights Watch na “na g<strong>in</strong>agawa<br />
nila na h<strong>in</strong>di saktan ito ng mga staff,<br />
at mail<strong>ay</strong>o saanman klase ng pang-aabuso<br />
sa mga kasama. H<strong>in</strong>di naman sila natutuwa<br />
Humigit sa kalahat<strong>in</strong>g milyong sets ng fi ngerpr<strong>in</strong>ts<br />
ang nakuha mula sa visa applicants mula sa mga rollout<br />
programme mula noong nakaraang taon, ito ang<br />
resulta ng UKvisas annual report.<br />
Ang fi ngerpr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g <strong>ay</strong> compulsary na bahagi na<br />
ng<strong>ay</strong>on ng UK visa application process na mula sa<br />
ibat ibang bansa d<strong>in</strong> ng mundo. Sa pagpapatupad nito<br />
<strong>ay</strong> lalong hihigpitan at palalakas<strong>in</strong> ang border control,<br />
ang higit sa 6,000 sets ng pr<strong>in</strong>ts na tutugma sa<br />
katauhan ng isang migrante<br />
Ang F<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>ts <strong>ay</strong> k<strong>in</strong>ukuha bilang requirement<br />
sa “visa application process at ang pagsusuri laban sa<br />
UK Government records na makilala ang mga tao sa<br />
UK immigration authorities. Kapag nagamit ng UK<br />
the authorities ang data ng isang tao ito <strong>ay</strong> makakatulong<br />
sa kanila kung sila <strong>ay</strong> totoong nagtatatrabaho sa<br />
UK o kung ang mga ito <strong>ay</strong> namat<strong>ay</strong> na o nawawala.<br />
S<strong>in</strong>abi ni Home Offi ce M<strong>in</strong>ister Liam Byrne: “Ang<br />
mga bagong fi ngerpr<strong>in</strong>t visas <strong>ay</strong> mabilis na paraan<br />
laban sa illegal na migrasyon. Sa pangongolektya<br />
ng mga fi ngerpr<strong>in</strong>t <strong>in</strong>formation sa migrante na dumarat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
sa UK <strong>in</strong> advance ng kanilang paglalakb<strong>ay</strong><br />
<strong>ay</strong> makakatulong na agad sa overseas border control<br />
kung totoo o perke ang visa applicants.”<br />
Ayon naman k<strong>ay</strong> Foreign & Commonwealth Offi ce<br />
M<strong>in</strong>ister Dr Kim Howells: “Ang pagrerecord ng mga<br />
biometric <strong>in</strong>formation <strong>ay</strong> makakapagpakilala sa mga<br />
tao ng mas mabilis at ng dahilan ng kanilang pagpunta<br />
sa bansa. Sa mga nagdaang taon <strong>ay</strong> naipakilala<br />
na ang biometric data collection technology sa mga<br />
visa application process. Ito ang susi ng l<strong>ay</strong>un<strong>in</strong> ng<br />
mga p<strong>in</strong>alakas na borders.”<br />
Ito <strong>ay</strong> napaka<strong>in</strong>teresado d<strong>in</strong> sa ibang gumagamit ng<br />
biometrics tulad ng fi ngepr<strong>in</strong>tspara sa iba pang l<strong>ay</strong>un<strong>in</strong><br />
h<strong>in</strong>di lamang sa border control. Ang UK visas<br />
<strong>ay</strong> kolaborasyon na ng bilang ng mga European countries<br />
ng mga pilots on jo<strong>in</strong>t biometric capture.<br />
makapag-aral sa mga publikong paaralan dahil<br />
sila <strong>ay</strong> m<strong>ay</strong> limitado lamang na oportunidad.”<br />
“Ang mga kabataan <strong>ay</strong> kailangan na Spanish<br />
authorities, h<strong>in</strong>di sila makaranas pananakit<br />
at pang-aabuso,” saad ni Simone Troller, Europe<br />
children’s rights researcher for Human<br />
Rights Watch. “Ang Canary Islands government<br />
<strong>ay</strong> magsasarado na ng kanilang centres<br />
at mai<strong>ay</strong>os ang mga bata.”<br />
Ang Canary Islands regional authorities at<br />
ang Spanish government hanggang ng<strong>ay</strong>on<br />
<strong>ay</strong> wala pa r<strong>in</strong>g solusyon para sa mga batang<br />
nasa mga sentrong ito.<br />
Ang paglilipat sa 500 kabataan <strong>ay</strong> kailangan<br />
ng ma<strong>ay</strong>os na pangangalaga sa Spanish<br />
ma<strong>in</strong>land mula sa negosasyon ng M<strong>in</strong>istry<br />
of Labour and Social Affairs, na m<strong>ay</strong>roong<br />
limitado na proteksyon na dapat makamit sa<br />
serbisyong dapat na ibig<strong>ay</strong> ng Canary Islands.<br />
Higit sa lahat, ang implementasyon ng agreement<br />
<strong>ay</strong> discrim<strong>in</strong>atory laban sa mga Moroccankabataan<br />
na napil<strong>in</strong>g ilipat.<br />
Ip<strong>in</strong>ah<strong>ay</strong>ag pa ngHuman Rights Watch na<br />
“m<strong>ay</strong> mga karapatan ang mga bata na ito na<br />
manatili sa bansa kahit na sila <strong>ay</strong> nasa Spanish<br />
territory dahil nakasulat sa probisyon ng<br />
Convention on the Rights of the Child ng Espanya<br />
na p<strong>in</strong>as<strong>in</strong><strong>ay</strong>aan noong 1990”.<br />
F<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>t Technology palalakas<strong>in</strong><br />
ang seguridad sa UK Border<br />
S<strong>in</strong>abi pa ng Home Offi ce na “na <strong>ay</strong>os ang ito sa<br />
pagkilala ng mga tao r<strong>in</strong> na lalabag sa mga batas ng<br />
UK, ang pagbabawas ng pang-aabuso sa UK’s immigration<br />
at asylum systems, combat visa fraud, reduce<br />
unfounded asylum claims, improve the smooth runn<strong>in</strong>g<br />
of the visa service; at ang proteksyon sa <strong>in</strong>dibdual.<br />
Ang UK visas <strong>ay</strong> umaasa na makukumpleto<br />
na ito sa Abril 2008 na global roll-out ng biometric<br />
data collection technology sa lahat ng UK overseas<br />
missions sa loob ng 135 bansa at 111 visa application<br />
centres sa 53 bansa. Ang roll-out programme, <strong>ay</strong><br />
magsisimula ng<strong>ay</strong>on September 2006 na sasakop sa<br />
three quarters ng world’s population kapag natapos.<br />
Ito <strong>ay</strong> ang paraan na pangungulekta ng biometric data<br />
(ten fi ngerscans and a digital photograph) mula sa lahat<br />
ng mga visa applicants, irrespective of nationality<br />
saanman bansa ito iaapply.”<br />
“Ang karapatan na kilalan<strong>in</strong> ang solusyon<br />
na <strong>in</strong>apila Spanish government para sa mga<br />
bata na nakarat<strong>in</strong>g sa bansa. Kailangan na<br />
makapag-aapply ang mga ito ng asylum”,<br />
saad nito.<br />
“Ang gobyerno <strong>ay</strong> kailangan maglaan ng<br />
family reunifi cation matapos ang careful assessment<br />
depende sa desisyon ng bata. Kung<br />
anuman ang gusto ng bata <strong>ay</strong> kailangan na<br />
ibig<strong>ay</strong> ng Spanish government para sa oportunidad<br />
na <strong>in</strong>tegrasyon nito at seguridad ng<br />
kaligtasan”.<br />
“H<strong>in</strong>di ako mas<strong>ay</strong>a dito, kung makakaalis<br />
lang ako dito gagaw<strong>in</strong> ko. H<strong>in</strong>di kami<br />
b<strong>in</strong>ibigyan ng pagka<strong>in</strong>,” pah<strong>ay</strong>ag ng isang 17<br />
taong gulang na Senegalese boy at La Esperanza<br />
emergency centre <strong>in</strong> Tenerife.<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ab i ng mga bata sa Human Rights Watch<br />
na marami silang naranasan na hirap mula sa<br />
pang-aabuso. Isa pang 17 taong gulang sa La<br />
Esperanza ang nagpah<strong>ay</strong>ag na “m<strong>ay</strong> nanakit<br />
dito habang naliligo ito at hanggang sa makita<br />
na dumudgo na lamang ang bibig nito matapos<br />
na saktan.” S<strong>in</strong>abi naman ng 13 gulang sa<br />
Ar<strong>in</strong>aga emergency centre na “ang mga staff<br />
members <strong>ay</strong> s<strong>in</strong>asaktan d<strong>in</strong> sila.”<br />
Tumawag ang Human Rights Watch sa Canary<br />
Islands government at sa Spanish government<br />
“upang maaksyunan ang pangy<strong>ay</strong>ari<br />
na ito at isarado na ang center na ito. Dapat<br />
mailipat ang mga bata upang mag<strong>in</strong>g ma<strong>ay</strong>os<br />
ang mga ito at mail<strong>ay</strong>o sa mga ganitong klase<br />
ng pang aabuso na magbibig<strong>ay</strong> ng garantiya<br />
sa kaligtasan ng mga kabataan.”<br />
Umapela d<strong>in</strong> ang Human Rights Watch sa<br />
mga authoridad na imbestigahan ang mga<br />
kasong ulat at mal<strong>in</strong>g pagtrato sa mga bata.<br />
“Kailangan d<strong>in</strong> na maipaalam sa mga kabataan<br />
ang kanilang karapatan lalo na sa kanilang<br />
mismong salita ng maunawaan ng mga ito at<br />
kailangan na maiparat<strong>in</strong>g d<strong>in</strong> sa mga ito ang<br />
kanilang karapatan sa mga dokumentasyon<br />
lalo na sa legal residence, work permits, education<br />
and health”, saad nito.“<br />
Netherlands : IND Magbubukas<br />
ng mga Regional Offi ces<br />
Ang Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) sa Netherlands <strong>ay</strong><br />
magbubukas simula sa buwang ito ng mga regional offi ces upang maasikaso<br />
ang lahat ng mga immigration issues. Nangangahulugan ito na lahat ng<br />
mga responsibilidad mula sa Aliens Act <strong>ay</strong> ililipat hanggang sa municipalities<br />
ng IND. Bawat IND’s regional offi ces <strong>ay</strong> magbibig<strong>ay</strong> ng “ imposm<strong>ay</strong>on<br />
na regular temporary residence sa Netherlands, makakatanggap ng application<br />
para sa residence permits at na-issue na ang residence documents”.<br />
Kapag nabukas ang IND offi ce sa isang rehiyon <strong>ay</strong> h<strong>in</strong>di na kailangan pang<br />
magpunta ang mga migrante upang magsubmit ng application ng temporary<br />
residence permit sa Aliens Offi ce sa town-hall ng municipality kung saan<br />
sila nakatira.<br />
Saan at kung kailan maaar<strong>in</strong>g pumunta sa IND offi ce ng iyong Rehiyon<br />
IND offi ce Address for visitors Open<strong>in</strong>g on<br />
1. Zwolle Zuiderzeelaan 43-51<br />
8017 JV Zwolle<br />
24-09-2007<br />
2. Utrecht Gebouw Dienst<br />
Burgerzaken en Gemeentebelast<strong>in</strong>gen<br />
Arthur van Schendelstraat<br />
500<br />
3511 MH Utrecht<br />
24-09-2007<br />
3. Rijswijk Sir W<strong>in</strong>ston Churchilllaan<br />
293<br />
2288 DC Rijswijk<br />
4. Den Haag Immigratiekantoor<br />
Stadhoudersplantsoen<br />
24<br />
2517 JL Den Haag<br />
5. Rotterdam Stadsw<strong>in</strong>kel Centrum<br />
Cools<strong>in</strong>gel 40<br />
3011 AD Rotterdam<br />
6. E<strong>in</strong>dhoven Wordt nog bekend<br />
gemaakt<br />
7. Den Bosch Magistratenlaan 222<br />
5223 MA ‘s-Hertogenbosch<br />
7. Den Bosch Magistratenlaan 222<br />
5223 MA ‘s-Hertogenbosch<br />
8. Amsterdam Orlyple<strong>in</strong> 141 – 147<br />
1043 DV Amsterdam<br />
9. Hoofddorp Mercuriusple<strong>in</strong> 1<br />
2132 HA Hoofddorp<br />
15-10-2007<br />
15-10-2007<br />
15-10-2007<br />
05-11-2007<br />
05-11-2007<br />
05-11-2007<br />
26-11-2007<br />
26-11-2007
<strong>AKO</strong> <strong>ay</strong> <strong>Pilip<strong>in</strong>o</strong><br />
BALITANG EUROPA<br />
SETYEMBRE, 2007<br />
Tulong para sa mga Women and Carers sa UK<br />
kapag nag<strong>in</strong>g Batas ang Pensions Act 2007<br />
Ang mga kababaihan at carers sa<br />
UK <strong>ay</strong> makatatanggap ng malak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
tulong sa reforms to the state pension<br />
system ng Pensions Act 2007,<br />
na natatanggap ng Royal Assent.<br />
Para sa mga napakaram<strong>in</strong>g low <strong>in</strong>come<br />
na kababaihan ito <strong>ay</strong> magig<strong>in</strong>g<br />
dagdag na £50 kada l<strong>in</strong>ggo sa<br />
2050s mula sa state pension. S<strong>in</strong>abi<br />
ni Secretary of State for Work and<br />
Pensions Peter Ha<strong>in</strong>: “Ang Act na<br />
ito <strong>ay</strong> magdadala ng mahahalagang<br />
reporma sa state pension system sa<br />
henerasyon. Maram<strong>in</strong>g kababaihan<br />
at carers ang nadedeny ang kanilang<br />
pension na dapat nakukuha dahil sa<br />
ang kanilang pamilya at responsibilidad<br />
<strong>ay</strong> h<strong>in</strong>di nakapagtrabaho ng<br />
tama at sapat sa tagal ng dapat na<br />
kanilang paghahanapabuh<strong>ay</strong>.<br />
“Ang Act na ito ang magbibig<strong>ay</strong> sa<br />
mga kababaihan at carers ng tamang<br />
deal upang makagawa ng mas madali<br />
at balanse na responsibilidad<br />
at pagkilala sa kontribusyon na g<strong>in</strong>agawa<br />
nila sa komunidad. “Halos<br />
three quarters sa mga kababaihan<br />
na retir<strong>in</strong>g sa 2010 <strong>ay</strong> dapat tumanggap<br />
ng full Basic State Pensions-<br />
kumpara sa 35% ng<strong>ay</strong>on at 50% na<br />
walang riporma. Mahigit sa 90% na<br />
mga kababaihan at kalalakihan ang<br />
retir<strong>in</strong>g sa 2025 na dapat tumanggap<br />
ng full Basic State Pension.”<br />
B<strong>in</strong>awasan d<strong>in</strong> ng reporma at nag<strong>in</strong>g<br />
“30 bilang ng taon ng kontribusyon<br />
na kailangan na matanggap ng<br />
ang full Basic State Pension”. Ito <strong>ay</strong><br />
aplikable lamang sa mga babae at<br />
lalake mula noong ika- 6 ng Abril<br />
2010. Ang kasalukuyan na 39 taong<br />
gulang para sa mga kababaihan at<br />
44 para sa kalalakiha. Ang Act <strong>ay</strong><br />
itataas ng State Pension Age sa 68s<br />
a 2046 para sa kalalakihan at kababaihan.<br />
Ayon sa reformed system, “ang<br />
mga tao na nag-aalaga ng mga bata<br />
at matanda na m<strong>ay</strong>roong disability<br />
<strong>ay</strong> maar<strong>in</strong>g magkaroon ng state pension<br />
entitlement sa pamamagitan<br />
weekly carer’s credits. Ang credits<br />
<strong>ay</strong> higit na fl exible k<strong>ay</strong>sa sa Home<br />
Responsibilities Protection (HRP),<br />
na kailangan pa ang tao <strong>ay</strong> m<strong>ay</strong><br />
‘qualify<strong>in</strong>g year’ para makakuha<br />
ng state pension entitlement”. Nakasaad<br />
pa sa reporma na, “ang tao<br />
na makakaabot ng state pension age<br />
sa 2050, <strong>ay</strong> kailangan na maghanapbuh<strong>ay</strong><br />
ng lampas sa 40taon at kailangan<br />
na makabuo ng total entitlement<br />
ng £145 per week (2007-08<br />
earn<strong>in</strong>gs terms) mula sa Basic State<br />
Pension at State Second Pension.<br />
Ito <strong>ay</strong> kumpara sa mababa na £100<br />
a week na walang riporma.”.<br />
P<strong>in</strong>uri ni Mr. Ha<strong>in</strong> ang bagong<br />
pensions settlement sat s<strong>in</strong>ab<strong>in</strong>g<br />
“Ang Act <strong>ay</strong> bumuo ng bagong pundasyon<br />
sa pensions settlement. Ito<br />
kasama na ng Basic State Pension<br />
sa mga kita na m<strong>ay</strong> tamang edad<br />
ng pamumuh<strong>ay</strong> sa syudad. Ito ang<br />
magbibig<strong>ay</strong> ng tamang deal sa state<br />
pensions,at kami <strong>ay</strong> magbibig<strong>ay</strong><br />
ng platform fpara sa mas malak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
pag-iimpok para sa <strong>in</strong>dibidual at<br />
mga employers ng bagong sav<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
scheme na ipapakilala sa susunod<br />
na Pensions Bill.Sa kauna-unahang<br />
pagkakataon ang lahat ng mga employees<br />
<strong>ay</strong> makakaaccess na ng<br />
workplace pension na m<strong>ay</strong> m<strong>in</strong>imum<br />
employer contribution, at ang<br />
contribution para sa gobyerno. “ Id<strong>in</strong>agdag<br />
pa niya na “Ito <strong>ay</strong> sa tulong<br />
ng consensus na kanilang it<strong>in</strong><strong>ay</strong>o na<br />
ng<strong>ay</strong>on <strong>ay</strong> gagaw<strong>in</strong> ng agreement<br />
sa mga tao na kailangan ng trabaho<br />
para sa kanilang k<strong>in</strong>abukasan at pamumuh<strong>ay</strong>.<br />
“Pananatilih<strong>in</strong> ng consensus<br />
ang mga importante na public<br />
confi dence ng bagong pensions<br />
settlement at ang mapatatag ito sa<br />
susunod na henerasyon.<br />
Race Equality Priyoridad ng UK’s Cohesion M<strong>in</strong>ister<br />
S<strong>in</strong>abi ni Cohesion M<strong>in</strong>ister Parmjit Dhanda na<br />
“Kailangan na mapataas ang pakikipaglaban sa pant<strong>ay</strong><br />
na karapatan at matanggal ang mal<strong>in</strong>g pagt<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong><br />
mula sa mga ethnic m<strong>in</strong>ority backgrounds na mapalago<br />
ng edukasyon at bus<strong>in</strong>ess”. Ayon sa isang bagong<br />
report “ang cross-government <strong>ay</strong> nakafocus ang break<br />
down ng barriers na maiwasan ang ibang miyembro<br />
ng Black at M<strong>in</strong>ority Ethnic communities mula sa<br />
equal oportunidad, karapatan at responsibilidad <strong>ay</strong><br />
nagmumula sa tun<strong>ay</strong> paglago.”.<br />
B<strong>in</strong>aggit d<strong>in</strong> ni Cohesion M<strong>in</strong>ister, Parmjit Dhanda<br />
ang repleksyon na “sa ak<strong>in</strong>g karanasan habang sa<br />
pangalawang henerasyon sa Asian <strong>in</strong> Brita<strong>in</strong> at s<strong>in</strong>abi<br />
na ang bagong focus na ito na matulungan ang maram<strong>in</strong>g<br />
tao- kabilang ang lahi, pananampalat<strong>ay</strong>a, o ang<br />
ethnic orig<strong>in</strong>- na nakakagawa ng kanilang malak<strong>in</strong>gparte<br />
sa komunidad.”.<br />
Ip<strong>in</strong>ah<strong>ay</strong>ag pa niya na ang kanyang priority “<strong>ay</strong> ang<br />
mapag usapan ang <strong>in</strong>equalities na h<strong>in</strong>aharap ng mara-<br />
m<strong>in</strong>g kababaihan na muslim Muslim at mga kabataan.<br />
Ang ulat <strong>ay</strong> ip<strong>in</strong>akita sa employment rate gap sa pagitan<br />
ng Pakistani at Bangladeshi na kaba baihan sa<br />
mga puti na nagbago mula1970. Nan<strong>in</strong>iwala siya na<br />
ang gobyerno <strong>ay</strong> kailangan na mak<strong>in</strong>ig sa mga boses<br />
ng mga komunidad na dapat mapak<strong>in</strong>ggan- na magbibig<strong>ay</strong><br />
ng economic and social benefi ts sa syudad”.<br />
Nagsalita siya sa isang community project sa South<br />
London, Parmjit Dhanda s<strong>in</strong>abi niya na: “Maram<strong>in</strong>g<br />
miyembro ng Black at M<strong>in</strong>ority Ethnic Communities<br />
ang nais na magpunta sa Brita<strong>in</strong> ng<strong>ay</strong>on. Ngunit dahil<br />
h<strong>in</strong>di sila angkop sa hitsura <strong>ay</strong> nakakaisip na lang sila<br />
na wag ng magtuloy. “<br />
“Lumaki ako na Sikh at sa ikalawang henerasyon<br />
ng Asian sa predom<strong>in</strong>antly white community. Napakapalad<br />
ko at nabigyan ako ng benepisyo ng ak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
mga magulang na gaw<strong>in</strong> ang makak<strong>ay</strong>a ko sa school<br />
at makapunta sa university. Ng<strong>ay</strong>on kailangan ko ng<br />
tulong ng M<strong>in</strong>ister na matulungan ang mga m<strong>in</strong>ority<br />
communities na maibig<strong>ay</strong> ang nararapat sa kanilang<br />
mga anak”<br />
S<strong>in</strong>abi niya na gusto niya na masigurado na ang<br />
gobyerno <strong>ay</strong> gumagawa ng paraan na buksan ang p<strong>in</strong>tuan<br />
para sa mga kababaihan at kabataan na h<strong>in</strong>di t<strong>in</strong>it<strong>in</strong>gnan<br />
kung anu ito bagkus kung anu ang makak<strong>ay</strong>a<br />
nitong potensyal. Ang kailangan <strong>ay</strong> ang mag<strong>in</strong>g patas<br />
ang pagt<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong> sa mga tao lalo na ang m<strong>ay</strong> mga ethnic<br />
backgrounds at suportahan d<strong>in</strong> ang mga ito na makapamuno<br />
saanman lugar kung sila <strong>ay</strong> m<strong>ay</strong> kak<strong>ay</strong>ahan.”<br />
S<strong>in</strong>abi d<strong>in</strong> ni Mr. Dhanda na ang UK ng<strong>ay</strong>on <strong>ay</strong><br />
mas comprehensive anti-discrim<strong>in</strong>ation legislation<br />
sa Europe. “Targeted <strong>in</strong>terventions <strong>in</strong> school are rais<strong>in</strong>g<br />
educational achievement and ethnic employment<br />
rates are ris<strong>in</strong>g. I welcome these positive changes but<br />
we still have a long w<strong>ay</strong> to go. Across public services<br />
and across Government we need to cont<strong>in</strong>ue to take<br />
the steps that are needed to deliver greater equality<br />
and build strong communities,” sabi niya.<br />
Ang Improv<strong>in</strong>g Opportunity, Strengthen<strong>in</strong>g Society<br />
(IOSS) strategy sa Government’s commitment <strong>ay</strong> ang<br />
makakuha ng matatag na cohesive communities na<br />
ang bawat <strong>in</strong>dibidual kahit anung lahi <strong>ay</strong> mabigyan<br />
ng pant<strong>ay</strong> na karapatan at responsibilidad.<br />
Id<strong>in</strong>agdag pa ng M<strong>in</strong>ister na: “Local people know<br />
their communities better than anyone. I want to make<br />
sure Government is support<strong>in</strong>g small and locally<br />
based projects, who are often best placed to reach out<br />
to members of the community and fi nd creative solutions<br />
to help people access services, challenge racism<br />
and br<strong>in</strong>g people together.<br />
“I know there is <strong>in</strong>credible work go<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>in</strong> communities<br />
to promote equality and celebrate the diversity<br />
of this country. I believe diversity has brought<br />
huge economic, social and cultural benefi ts and I<br />
want to support community groups to fi nd the best,<br />
hands-on w<strong>ay</strong>s to respond to local needs, <strong>in</strong>crease opportunity<br />
and build strong cohesive communities.”<br />
5<br />
UK Bagong Batas para maiwasan<br />
ang Forced Marriage<br />
Inaprubahan ng UK Parliament ang isang legislation na nais protektahan<br />
ang “victims of forced marriages and prevent<strong>in</strong>g them from tak<strong>in</strong>g place”,<br />
pah<strong>ay</strong>ag ng M<strong>in</strong>istry of Justice. Sa ilalim ng Forced Marriage (Civil Protection)<br />
Act, “where a forced marriage has or is about to take place, courts will<br />
be able to make orders to protect the victim or the potential victim and help<br />
remove them from that situation. The courts will have a wide discretion <strong>in</strong><br />
the type of <strong>in</strong>junctions they will be able to make to enable them to respond<br />
effectively to the <strong>in</strong>dividual circumstances of the case and prevent or preempt<br />
forced marriages from occurr<strong>in</strong>g”.<br />
Ang batas <strong>ay</strong> <strong>in</strong>iha<strong>in</strong> sa Parliament noong nakaraang November sa pangunguna<br />
ni Lord Lester of Herne Hill bilang Private Member’s Bill. The<br />
Government then worked to strengthen the draft legislation and laid amendments<br />
to the Bill to provide greater powers for the courts to identify and<br />
protect victims of forced marriages.<br />
S<strong>in</strong>abi ni Bridget Prentice, m<strong>in</strong>ister at the M<strong>in</strong>istry of Justice na: “This<br />
legislation sends out a clear message that forced marriage, a breach of an <strong>in</strong>dividual’s<br />
basic right to choose who and when they marry, is not acceptable<br />
<strong>in</strong> our society. It will enable us to make better use of civil court remedies to<br />
provide protection to those placed <strong>in</strong> this <strong>in</strong>tolerable position.<br />
“The Act is just one part of a much wider programme of work already<br />
underw<strong>ay</strong> to raise awareness of the problem of forced marriages and protect<br />
women’s rights <strong>in</strong> this area.”<br />
P<strong>in</strong>ah<strong>ay</strong>ag namanni Lord Lester of Herne Hill QC na: “The Bill tackles a<br />
serious social problem <strong>in</strong> a practical and sensitive w<strong>ay</strong>. It has become law<br />
<strong>in</strong> record time because it has won the support of all three ma<strong>in</strong> political<br />
parties and of grassroots bodies like the Southall Black Sisters, IMKAAN,<br />
Ashiana and Karma Nirvana, who work to protect women and children<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st be<strong>in</strong>g forced <strong>in</strong>to marriage. What matters now is to translate the<br />
new law <strong>in</strong>to practical reality. That will require strong leadership with<strong>in</strong> the<br />
m<strong>in</strong>ority communities work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> partnership with public authorities and<br />
voluntary bodies.”<br />
Ayon naman k<strong>ay</strong> Meg Munn, m<strong>in</strong>ister at the Foreign & Commonwealth<br />
Offi ce,: “I am pleased that Parliament has passed a new law to tackle forced<br />
marriage. The Government’s Forced Marriage Unit has helped many people<br />
s<strong>in</strong>ce it was launched <strong>in</strong> 2005. This new legislation will give greater<br />
protection to potential victims and victims and I look forward to its speedy<br />
implementation.”<br />
The Act will give the courts the power to make Forced Marriage Protection<br />
Orders to stop someone from forc<strong>in</strong>g another person <strong>in</strong>to marriage.<br />
The courts will have a wide discretion <strong>in</strong> the type of <strong>in</strong>junctions they will<br />
be able to make to enable them to respond effectively to the <strong>in</strong>dividual<br />
circumstances of the case and prevent or pre-empt forced marriages from<br />
occurr<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Furthermore, courts will be able to attach powers of arrest to orders so<br />
that if someone breaches an order they can be arrested and brought back to<br />
the orig<strong>in</strong>al court to consider the alleged breach. The Act will also enable<br />
people to apply for an <strong>in</strong>junction at the county courts, rather than just the<br />
high courts. It will also enable third parties to apply for an <strong>in</strong>junction on<br />
behalf of somebody else.
6 SETYEMBRE, 2007<br />
BALITANG PINAS <strong>AKO</strong> <strong>ay</strong> <strong>Pilip<strong>in</strong>o</strong><br />
Frid<strong>ay</strong>, August 24, 2007<br />
By Sheila Crisostomo<br />
More Filip<strong>in</strong>os are suffer<strong>in</strong>g from depression due to<br />
<strong>in</strong>tense long<strong>in</strong>g for loved ones work<strong>in</strong>g overseas or to<br />
feel<strong>in</strong>gs of helplessness <strong>in</strong> the face of natural and manmade<br />
disasters, experts said.<br />
Dr. Felicitas Soriano, president of the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Psychiatric<br />
Association (PPA), said the widespread phenomenon<br />
of Filip<strong>in</strong>o parents work<strong>in</strong>g abroad is tak<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
heavy toll on the mental health of their children.<br />
“If you are left beh<strong>in</strong>d by your mother or your father<br />
who is an OFW, you sometimes get lonely. You long for<br />
the affection and presence of your parents. Sometimes,<br />
that can lead to depression,” Soriano said <strong>in</strong> an <strong>in</strong>terview<br />
after a health forum organized by the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e<br />
College of Physicians and Zuellig Foundation. She said<br />
substance abuse is also a major cause of depression.<br />
She estimated that three out of every 100 Filip<strong>in</strong>os<br />
suffer from depression. The fi gure does not <strong>in</strong>clude<br />
those who are not aware of their condition or those who<br />
are aware but don’t seek professional help.<br />
Soriano also attributed to depression the ris<strong>in</strong>g<br />
number of obese and overweight Filip<strong>in</strong>os. PPA treasurer<br />
Dr. Antonio Sison expla<strong>in</strong>ed that there is a correlation<br />
between depression and obesity.<br />
“Sometimes, when you are depressed, your appetite<br />
<strong>in</strong>creases so you eat a lot. You don’t notice that you’re<br />
already ga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g weight, that you are becom<strong>in</strong>g obese.<br />
But <strong>in</strong> some cases, depression can cause you to lose<br />
your appetite. It really depends on the person,” Sison<br />
said. He advises obese <strong>in</strong>dividuals to modify their lifestyles<br />
to ward off complications like diabetes and hypertension.<br />
Scientists Warn vs Sell<strong>in</strong>g State Power Assets<br />
By Artemio Dumlao<br />
Frid<strong>ay</strong>, August 24, 2007<br />
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Filip<strong>in</strong>o scientists<br />
warned that the “accelerated sale” of the state’s power<br />
assets will only pull upwards the cost of electricity for<br />
consumers.<br />
“Instead of look<strong>in</strong>g at nuclear power to provide cheap<br />
energy, President Arroyo only has to realize that most of<br />
the energy resources she has auctioned off could have<br />
provided the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es with cheap and renewable energy,”<br />
said Dr. Giovanni Tapang, national chairperson<br />
of Filip<strong>in</strong>o scientists group AGHAM or the Samahan ng<br />
Nagtataguyod ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Samb<strong>ay</strong>anan<br />
(Advocates of Science and Technology for the<br />
People).<br />
AGHAM noted that Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes<br />
is mull<strong>in</strong>g the use of nuclear energy as one of the options<br />
to provide cheap power. But Tapang po<strong>in</strong>ted out<br />
the country has many available energy resources: hydro,<br />
geothermal, natural gas, w<strong>in</strong>d and solar sources. He<br />
said, however, these have been all put up for sale by the<br />
By Sheila Crisostomo<br />
More P<strong>in</strong>oys Suffer Depression due<br />
to Poverty, OFW Parents, Disasters<br />
Frid<strong>ay</strong>, August 24, 2007<br />
The Philipp<strong>in</strong>e General Hospital<br />
(PGH) lifted yesterd<strong>ay</strong> the restriction<br />
it imposed on admission of<br />
women about to give birth, a hospital<br />
offi cial said.<br />
“It’s back to normal,” said PGH<br />
spokesman Dr. Michael Tee <strong>in</strong> a<br />
telephone <strong>in</strong>terview.<br />
Last Aug. 3, PGH offi cials<br />
called on mothers who were about<br />
to give birth to go somewhere else<br />
because the hospital’s nursery was<br />
overcrowded with <strong>in</strong>fants born<br />
with complications. PGH normally<br />
admits up to 60 babies born<br />
prematurely or with complications<br />
<strong>in</strong> its nursery everyd<strong>ay</strong>. But prior<br />
to Aug. 3, admission reached 90<br />
babies daily.<br />
The PGH, however, cont<strong>in</strong>ued<br />
government to <strong>in</strong>dependent power producers (IPPs).<br />
“Is the President now mull<strong>in</strong>g build<strong>in</strong>g nuclear power<br />
plants to sell it aga<strong>in</strong> to foreign bidders?” Tapang<br />
asked.<br />
PGH Lifts Restriction on Maternity Cases<br />
to admit patients who were experienc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
“complicated” delivery.<br />
The management had observed the<br />
situation for 20 d<strong>ay</strong>s before restor<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the hospital to its normal operation.<br />
Tee said the hospital would<br />
further strengthen its network<strong>in</strong>g<br />
system with other government<br />
hospitals under its “Tatak PGH”<br />
program to prevent overcrowd<strong>in</strong>g<br />
at the PGH.<br />
Under the program, the PGH<br />
provides tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g to the doctors<br />
and staff of other hospitals <strong>in</strong> Metro<br />
Manila and nearby prov<strong>in</strong>ces to<br />
enable them to attend to delicate<br />
cases like complicated pregnancies.<br />
The overcrowd<strong>in</strong>g of the<br />
PGH’s nursery section had been<br />
attributed to the frequent transfer<br />
of pregnant patients from other<br />
government hospitals to the charity<br />
ward of PGH.<br />
Career Exams to Proceed<br />
as Scheduled<br />
By Ra<strong>in</strong>ier Allan Ronda<br />
Frid<strong>ay</strong>, August 24, 2007<br />
The Department of Education<br />
(DepEd) announced yesterd<strong>ay</strong><br />
that the second National Career<br />
Assessment Exam<strong>in</strong>ations<br />
(NCAE) for all 4th year high<br />
school students <strong>in</strong> public and<br />
private high schools will push<br />
through as scheduled on Aug. 28.<br />
DepEd said the National Education<br />
Test<strong>in</strong>g and Research Center<br />
(NETRC), which will conduct the<br />
test, is all set to adm<strong>in</strong>ister the exam<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
next Tuesd<strong>ay</strong>.<br />
“Public and private 4th year<br />
high school students will take the<br />
exams to determ<strong>in</strong>e which career<br />
path is best to take after graduation,<br />
based on the <strong>in</strong>dividual test<br />
results,” DepEd said.<br />
The department said that the<br />
schedule of the test has already<br />
been decreed <strong>in</strong> DepEd Memorandum<br />
270 series of 2007 published<br />
earlier, where<strong>in</strong> it was<br />
provided that the NETRC shall<br />
adm<strong>in</strong>ister the NCAE to 4th year<br />
high school students every last<br />
week of August. This year the test<br />
is set on Aug. 28. DepEd offi cials<br />
earlier revealed that there were<br />
plans to postpone the NCAE due<br />
to the str<strong>in</strong>g of class suspensions<br />
last week due to fl oods caused<br />
by heavy ra<strong>in</strong>s brought by ty-<br />
phoons “Chedeng,” “Dodong”<br />
and “Eg<strong>ay</strong>.”<br />
The NCAE is be<strong>in</strong>g adm<strong>in</strong>istered<br />
by DepEd to provide<br />
graduat<strong>in</strong>g high school students<br />
with <strong>in</strong>formation on where their<br />
competencies lie to help them<br />
choose what course to take after<br />
high school. DepEd offi cials are<br />
promot<strong>in</strong>g technical-vocational<br />
(tech-voc) education and tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
as a viable career path for high<br />
school graduates before go<strong>in</strong>g on<br />
to college. The department is pursu<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the campaign for tech-voc<br />
education with the Commission<br />
on Higher Education (CHED)<br />
urg<strong>in</strong>g schools to “ladderize” their<br />
college programs, which <strong>in</strong>volves<br />
the <strong>in</strong>fusion of tech-voc education<br />
and skills tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the fi rst two<br />
years of the curriculum to ensure<br />
that college students learn technical<br />
skills even if he or she does<br />
not fi nish the four- or fi ve-year<br />
college course. The NCAE will<br />
enable students and parents to<br />
better assess the career options of<br />
high school graduates based on<br />
the student’s skills and propensity<br />
towards various fi elds of <strong>in</strong>terest.<br />
NCAE will evaluate not only<br />
academic aptitude, but also technical<br />
and vocational capabilities,<br />
as well as entrepreneurial skills.<br />
This aims to enable students, as<br />
well as their parents, to rationalize<br />
career prospects, as well as focus<br />
on careers with jobs available <strong>in</strong><br />
the future. The NCAE was developed<br />
by the NETRC <strong>in</strong> consultation<br />
with test<strong>in</strong>g experts from the<br />
Center for Educational Measurement<br />
(CEM). The NETRC will<br />
oversee the adm<strong>in</strong>ister<strong>in</strong>g of the<br />
test to some 1.5 million private<br />
and public high school students. It<br />
will be recalled that the results of<br />
the NCAE for school year 2006-<br />
07 showed that more than half of<br />
the 1.3 million students who took<br />
the test showed poor aptitude for<br />
college courses.
<strong>AKO</strong> <strong>ay</strong> <strong>Pilip<strong>in</strong>o</strong><br />
By Artemio Dumlao<br />
Wednesd<strong>ay</strong>, August 22, 2007<br />
ITOGON, Benguet – The P600 million released by<br />
President Arroyo for cloud-seed<strong>in</strong>g operations to counter<br />
the effects of the dry spell should be used <strong>in</strong>stead to<br />
BALITANG PINAS<br />
re<strong>in</strong>vigorate denuded watersheds, an irrigation offi cial<br />
said.<br />
Abraham Akilit, regional director for the National Irrigation<br />
Authority (NIA), po<strong>in</strong>ted out that cloud seed<strong>in</strong>g<br />
is very expensive yet not an effective w<strong>ay</strong> of address<strong>in</strong>g<br />
environmental concerns. NIA-CAR has spearheaded a<br />
comprehensive watershed management and rehabilitation<br />
program <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g the denuded Mount Data National<br />
Park that covers a huge portion of Benguet and<br />
Mounta<strong>in</strong> Prov<strong>in</strong>ce.<br />
Akilit said they were successful <strong>in</strong> mobiliz<strong>in</strong>g the 16<br />
barang<strong>ay</strong>s along the B<strong>ay</strong>udan River – one of the critical<br />
areas <strong>in</strong> the watershed – to plant at least 200,000 waterbased<br />
and fruit-bear<strong>in</strong>g trees to jumpstart the program.<br />
But lack of funds and support from higher authorities,<br />
Akilit said, is a stumbl<strong>in</strong>g block to reforest denuded<br />
mounta<strong>in</strong>s so that there would be abundant water supply<br />
for domestic and irrigation purposes, especially for<br />
lowland areas.<br />
He added that with the disaster brought by the previous<br />
three typhoons on agricultural crops <strong>in</strong> the lowlands,<br />
the government should refocus on the comprehensive<br />
rehabilitation of watersheds <strong>in</strong> Cordillera and<br />
other parts of the country.<br />
However, Akilit lamented, “ironically, some NIA<br />
offi cials <strong>in</strong> Manila have been oppos<strong>in</strong>g the watershed<br />
management and rehabilitation program prepared by its<br />
Cordillera offi ce because of the belief that it is not their<br />
mandate to pursue the program.”<br />
Former NIA adm<strong>in</strong>istrator Arturo Lomibao promised<br />
to provide P10 million as seed money for the watershed<br />
program but the release of the funds was “overtaken by<br />
certa<strong>in</strong> events,” Akilit said, but did not elaborate. Stiff<br />
opposition from some executives at the NIA national<br />
offi ce who refuse to understand the importance of comb<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
environmental protection and irrigation projects<br />
was another reason, he said.<br />
Tuesd<strong>ay</strong>, August 21, 2007<br />
Despite recent exposes on <strong>in</strong>vestment<br />
scams, an offi cial of the<br />
National Bureau of Investigation<br />
(NBI) said yesterd<strong>ay</strong> they have<br />
received reports that new syndicates<br />
offer<strong>in</strong>g money-mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
schemes through the Internet have<br />
reportedly began sprout<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the<br />
country. NBI-National Capital<br />
Region director Ruel Lasala said<br />
the new onl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong>vestment scams<br />
are reportedly operated by members<br />
of earlier <strong>in</strong>vestment scams<br />
whose operations have been shut<br />
down.<br />
“But unlike other alleged onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment scams, the new syndicates<br />
impose a lower m<strong>in</strong>imum<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment amount of $100,” Lasala<br />
said.<br />
The NBI said these new pl<strong>ay</strong>ers<br />
now give products such as cell<br />
cards to people who <strong>in</strong>vest a m<strong>in</strong>imum<br />
of $100 (P45,000). These<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment websites also promise<br />
a daily profi t of two or three percent,<br />
which Lasala said was “too<br />
high” and had an “unreasonable<br />
<strong>in</strong>terest rate.” He also appealed<br />
to the National Telecommunications<br />
Company (NTC) to block<br />
the websites of these syndicates<br />
to prevent them from dup<strong>in</strong>g un-<br />
SETYEMBRE, 2007<br />
GMA urged to use P600-M Fund for<br />
Cloud-Seed<strong>in</strong>g to Rehab Watersheds<br />
POEA allows Onl<strong>in</strong>e Recruitment<br />
By M<strong>ay</strong>en J<strong>ay</strong>mal<strong>in</strong><br />
Wednesd<strong>ay</strong>, August 22, 2007<br />
The Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Overseas Employment Adm<strong>in</strong>istration<br />
(POEA) has given the go signal for the on-l<strong>in</strong>e<br />
recruitment of overseas Filip<strong>in</strong>o workers (OFWs) for<br />
various employment open<strong>in</strong>gs abroad. POEA chief<br />
Rosal<strong>in</strong>da Baldoz said the agency’s govern<strong>in</strong>g body<br />
already issued the rules and regulations for recruitment<br />
agencies engaged <strong>in</strong> electronic-hir<strong>in</strong>g of OFWs.<br />
Under the new regulation, Baldoz said only POEAlicensed<br />
recruitment agencies or partner entities are<br />
authorized to recruit Filip<strong>in</strong>o workers through the<br />
Internet.<br />
“Non-licensed agencies engag<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> on-l<strong>in</strong>e recruitment<br />
is considered illegal recruitment and subject to<br />
penalties provided under the law,” Baldoz said <strong>in</strong> an<br />
<strong>in</strong>terview.<br />
Baldoz said the POEA decided to come out with<br />
rules govern<strong>in</strong>g on-l<strong>in</strong>e recruitment so as to prevent<br />
the proliferation of illegal recruitment be<strong>in</strong>g done<br />
through the Internet. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to her, POEA has<br />
been receiv<strong>in</strong>g numerous compla<strong>in</strong>ts regard<strong>in</strong>g agencies<br />
post<strong>in</strong>g non-existent overseas jobs <strong>in</strong> the Internet.<br />
Baldoz added that POEA is now <strong>in</strong>vestigat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the on-l<strong>in</strong>e hir<strong>in</strong>g of Filip<strong>in</strong>o workers to Iraq, where<br />
the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e government has an exist<strong>in</strong>g deployment<br />
ban on OFWs.<br />
By Paolo Romero<br />
Tuesd<strong>ay</strong>, August 21, 2007<br />
The Presidential Anti-Smuggl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Group (PASG) is now <strong>in</strong>vestigat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
two oil fi rms <strong>in</strong> Subic<br />
suspected of smuggl<strong>in</strong>g billions<br />
of pesos worth of fuel <strong>in</strong>to the<br />
country. Scores of corrupt Bureau<br />
of Customs offi cials are also fac<strong>in</strong>g<br />
crim<strong>in</strong>al and adm<strong>in</strong>istrative<br />
charges for conniv<strong>in</strong>g with suspected<br />
smugglers. PASG chief<br />
Undersecretary Antonio Villar<br />
identifi ed the two oil fi rms as Oil<br />
L<strong>in</strong>k and PTT.<br />
However, he said the PASG is<br />
still double-check<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
it has on the two oil fi rms<br />
before fi l<strong>in</strong>g cases aga<strong>in</strong>st them <strong>in</strong><br />
the next few weeks. The government<br />
earlier fi led crim<strong>in</strong>al cases<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st another Subic oil fi rm,<br />
Tri-Solid, for alleged oil smuggl<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g to Villar, Tri-<br />
Solid has 138 million liters of unaccounted<br />
fuel. “We’re build<strong>in</strong>g<br />
airtight cases so they (charges)<br />
will hold <strong>in</strong> court,” Villar said <strong>in</strong> a<br />
New Investment Scams on the<br />
rise – NBI<br />
7<br />
2 Subic Firms face Probe on Fuel<br />
Smuggl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
press conference <strong>in</strong> Malacañang,<br />
add<strong>in</strong>g that the country losses<br />
around P20 billion a year due to<br />
oil smuggl<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
He said PASG received reports<br />
that Oil L<strong>in</strong>k, which is reportedly<br />
a sister company of Uni-Oil, has<br />
about 12 undeclared tanker shipments<br />
of diesel or gasol<strong>in</strong>e. The<br />
government could receive some<br />
P3 billion <strong>in</strong> p<strong>ay</strong>ment from Oil<br />
L<strong>in</strong>k alone if it w<strong>in</strong>s <strong>in</strong> the legal<br />
battle. Meanwhile, Villar disclosed<br />
that President Arroyo is<br />
likely to grant the appeal of Gawad<br />
Kal<strong>in</strong>ga to donate proceeds<br />
from the auction of seized smuggled<br />
vehicles to the foundation.<br />
In his letter to Mrs. Arroyo dated<br />
Aug. 15, Gawad Kal<strong>in</strong>ga founder<br />
Antonio Meloto suggested that to<br />
ensure transparency, the auction<br />
of smuggled goods must be witnessed<br />
by representatives from<br />
the SGV audit<strong>in</strong>g fi rm and the media.<br />
Villar said the PASG will also<br />
be donat<strong>in</strong>g to the Department of<br />
Social Welfare and Development<br />
smuggled used cloth<strong>in</strong>g the group<br />
recently seized <strong>in</strong> Davao.<br />
suspect<strong>in</strong>g prospective traders.<br />
The NBI recently fi led syndicated<br />
estafa charges before the Department<br />
of Justice aga<strong>in</strong>st owners,<br />
<strong>in</strong>corporators and employees<br />
of two alleged <strong>in</strong>vestment fi rms:<br />
the Performance Investment<br />
Products Corporation (PIPC) that<br />
is reportedly us<strong>in</strong>g another company<br />
name called PIPC Corp.,<br />
and the Internet-based Franc-<br />
Swiss Investment. PIPC offered<br />
one to two percent monthly earn<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
while FrancSwiss promised<br />
a daily <strong>in</strong>terest rate of 4.5 percent<br />
and an additional 10 percent commission<br />
called “e-po<strong>in</strong>ts” for every<br />
person an <strong>in</strong>vestor recruits.<br />
Evelyn Macairan
8 SETYEMBRE, 2007<br />
BAHAGI NG LUZON <strong>AKO</strong> <strong>ay</strong> <strong>Pilip<strong>in</strong>o</strong><br />
By Charlie Lagasca<br />
Mond<strong>ay</strong>, August 20, 2007<br />
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizc<strong>ay</strong>a<br />
– Violence is feared to break out <strong>in</strong><br />
mounta<strong>in</strong>ous Kasibu town as antim<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
villagers vowed to stand<br />
their ground aga<strong>in</strong>st the entry of<br />
equipment of a foreign m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g fi rm<br />
<strong>in</strong> their area despite an earlier court<br />
order for them to clear the road lead<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to the exploration site.<br />
Last week, prov<strong>in</strong>cial sheriffs<br />
tasked to implement a court <strong>in</strong>junction<br />
gave the anti-m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g residents of<br />
Kasibu fi ve d<strong>ay</strong>s or until tomorrow<br />
to vacate the road lead<strong>in</strong>g to the exploration<br />
site of Oxiana Philipp<strong>in</strong>es,<br />
backed by an Australian m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
fi rm, or else be forcibly dispersed.<br />
However, the anti-m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g villagers,<br />
led by tribal elders and supported by<br />
Mond<strong>ay</strong>, August 20, 2007<br />
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – Lubog pa r<strong>in</strong> sa tubig<br />
baha ang animnapu’t pitong barang<strong>ay</strong> sa Pampanga<br />
dahil sa patuloy na ulan dulot ng bagyong “Eg<strong>ay</strong>,”<br />
<strong>ay</strong>on sa ulat kahapon. Sa tala ng Prov<strong>in</strong>cial Disaster<br />
Coord<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g Council (PDCC), kabilang sa nanatil<strong>in</strong>g<br />
lubog sa tubig baha <strong>ay</strong> ang M<strong>in</strong>al<strong>in</strong> na m<strong>ay</strong> walong<br />
barang<strong>ay</strong>, lima sa San Fernando City, 7 naman sa<br />
Macabebe, 9 sa Masantol, 3 sa b<strong>ay</strong>an ng Sto. Tomas,<br />
6 sa Lubao, 7 sa Candaba, 3 sa Guagua, 6 sa Mexico,<br />
Violence feared to erupt <strong>in</strong><br />
N. Vizc<strong>ay</strong>a M<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Site<br />
environmental groups and the local<br />
Catholic Church, vowed to st<strong>ay</strong> on<br />
until further consultations between<br />
them and Oxiana and government<br />
representatives.<br />
“It is our roads they will be pass<strong>in</strong>g<br />
through. And besides, we will<br />
never be <strong>in</strong> favor of m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g,” said<br />
Denny Dug<strong>ay</strong>, an offi cial of Barang<strong>ay</strong><br />
Paquet, who alleged that Oxiana<br />
did not consult local leaders on<br />
the project, an allegation which the<br />
m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g fi rm denied. The M<strong>in</strong>es and<br />
Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and<br />
the National Commission on Indigenous<br />
Peoples both said residents <strong>in</strong><br />
the primary impact zone, majority of<br />
whom are Bugkalots, have endorsed<br />
Oxiana’s exploration project.<br />
Eng<strong>in</strong>eer Jerrysal Mangaoang,<br />
MGB’s Cag<strong>ay</strong>an Valley regional<br />
director, said their national offi ce<br />
granted Oxiana a two-year explora-<br />
tion permit cover<strong>in</strong>g 3,000 hectares<br />
<strong>in</strong> the Bugkalot-dom<strong>in</strong>ated area to<br />
explore gold, copper and other m<strong>in</strong>erals<br />
of possible commercial value.<br />
Oxiana has fi led a case aga<strong>in</strong>st at<br />
least 21 residents, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
chairmen of four Kasibu barang<strong>ay</strong>s,<br />
who have prevented the entry of its<br />
exploration equipment.<br />
The Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Rural Reconstruction<br />
Movement and various local<br />
environmental groups said the government<br />
should not have issued an<br />
exploration permit to Oxiana s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
its site is part of the Palali-Mamparang<br />
watershed area.<br />
Besides Oxiana’s, Kasibu also<br />
hosts the multibillion-peso goldcopper<br />
project of Oceana Gold<br />
Philipp<strong>in</strong>es, a local subsidiary of<br />
the Australian-New Zealand m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
consortium Oceana Gold Ltd., <strong>in</strong><br />
Didipio village.<br />
67 barang<strong>ay</strong> sa Pampanga lubog pa r<strong>in</strong><br />
sa tubig baha<br />
7 sa Sasmuan at 5 sa b<strong>ay</strong>an ng San Simon. S<strong>in</strong>abi si<br />
Luchie Gutierrez, executive offi cer ng PDCC, patuloy<br />
naman ang relief operations sa apektadong mga<br />
barang<strong>ay</strong> partikular sa mga b<strong>ay</strong>an ng Candaba at Masantol<br />
na ang tubig baha <strong>ay</strong> umabot sa taas na tatlo<br />
hanggang apat na talampakan.<br />
Kahapon <strong>ay</strong> b<strong>in</strong>isita ni Gov. Ed Panlilio ang ilang<br />
barang<strong>ay</strong> na apektado ng tubig baha partikular sa<br />
b<strong>ay</strong>an ng Candaba kung saan aabot sa 25 pamilya ang<br />
<strong>in</strong>ilikas dahil sa patuloy na pagtaas ng baha.<br />
Ric Sapnu<br />
Thousands stranded as Cag<strong>ay</strong>an<br />
bridge collapses<br />
By Charlie Lagasca<br />
Tuesd<strong>ay</strong>, August 21, 2007<br />
TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cag<strong>ay</strong>an – Thousands of motorists and<br />
passengers were stranded when part of a more than three decades old<br />
Lucban bridge <strong>in</strong> Abulug town <strong>in</strong> the northwestern part of this prov<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
collapsed Saturd<strong>ay</strong> night, follow<strong>in</strong>g an attempt by an overloaded<br />
40-ton truck to cross the bridge.<br />
Traffi c is now back to normal <strong>in</strong> the area after nearly two d<strong>ay</strong>s of<br />
round-the-clock work by the Department of Public Works and Highw<strong>ay</strong>s’<br />
Cag<strong>ay</strong>an eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g district and the prov<strong>in</strong>cial eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g offi<br />
ce to construct a temporary bridge.<br />
Chief Super<strong>in</strong>tendent Ameto Tolent<strong>in</strong>o, Cag<strong>ay</strong>an Valley police director,<br />
said no one was hurt <strong>in</strong> the accident, which happened when<br />
the overloaded truck carry<strong>in</strong>g a bulldozer, tried to cross the bridge despite<br />
exceed<strong>in</strong>g the load limit.<br />
This caused the 50-meter span of the 300-meter-long bridge to collapse<br />
at around 6:30 p.m. Saturd<strong>ay</strong>, mak<strong>in</strong>g passage for all types of<br />
vehicles impossible.<br />
The prov<strong>in</strong>ce’s northern towns west of Abulug lead<strong>in</strong>g to Ilocos<br />
were temporarily cut off from the rest of the prov<strong>in</strong>ce and isolated<br />
from this capital town.<br />
Built dur<strong>in</strong>g the Marcos adm<strong>in</strong>istration, the Lucban bridge served<br />
as a vital l<strong>in</strong>k between this country’s northernmost ma<strong>in</strong>land prov<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
and the Ilocos prov<strong>in</strong>ces.<br />
Gov. Alvaro Antonio and Rep. Florencio Vargas, whose 2nd congressional<br />
district covers Abulug town, had already gone to the area to<br />
fasttrack the rehabilitation of the bridge so as not to affect economic<br />
activities <strong>in</strong> the prov<strong>in</strong>ce.<br />
Fake Money circulat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Ilocos<br />
By Myds Supnad<br />
Tuesd<strong>ay</strong>, August 21, 2007<br />
CAMP PRESIDENT QUIRINO, Ilocos Sur – Authorities here<br />
warned the public yesterd<strong>ay</strong> to be cautious <strong>in</strong> receiv<strong>in</strong>g money, follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the confi scation of P68,000 counterfeit money <strong>in</strong> Bant<strong>ay</strong> town<br />
recently.<br />
Senior Super<strong>in</strong>tendent Jessie Cardona, PNP director, said his men<br />
are hot on trail of a syndicate beh<strong>in</strong>d the circulation of fake money <strong>in</strong><br />
the prov<strong>in</strong>ce.<br />
Senior Inspector Arsenio Ramos, chief of Bant<strong>ay</strong> PNP station, reported<br />
to Cardona that they were able to confi scate various denom<strong>in</strong>ations<br />
of fake money from Roch<strong>in</strong>a’s store owned by Leonardo Roch<strong>in</strong>a,<br />
of Barang<strong>ay</strong> Cabalengegan, Bant<strong>ay</strong> town.<br />
The fake bills, totall<strong>in</strong>g P68,000, are <strong>in</strong> P1,000, P500 and P100 denom<strong>in</strong>ations.<br />
Based on <strong>in</strong>vestigation, Ramos<br />
said syndicate members<br />
left the fake money beh<strong>in</strong>d<br />
upon sens<strong>in</strong>g that policemen<br />
will be arriv<strong>in</strong>g soon. The<br />
group reportedly came from<br />
either Manila or Bulacan.<br />
“We are now look<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to a<br />
group, which is possibly the<br />
same syndicate circulat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
fake money <strong>in</strong> nearby prov<strong>in</strong>ces<br />
and <strong>in</strong> Manila,” added<br />
Cardona.
<strong>AKO</strong> <strong>ay</strong> <strong>Pilip<strong>in</strong>o</strong><br />
By Des Ferriols<br />
Saturd<strong>ay</strong>, August 25, 2007<br />
Bus<strong>in</strong>ess became less optimistic<br />
of their prospects for the third and<br />
fourth quarters of the year, <strong>in</strong>dicat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
more caution even before the<br />
disruption caused by the crisis <strong>in</strong> the<br />
US credit market. The Bangko Sentral<br />
ng Pilip<strong>in</strong>as (BSP) said yesterd<strong>ay</strong><br />
that its recent Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Expectation<br />
Survey (BES) showed possible<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess expansion and rise <strong>in</strong> employment<br />
<strong>in</strong> the next months before<br />
the onset of the holid<strong>ay</strong> season.<br />
However, the BSP said that even<br />
before the blow-out that triggered<br />
a global sell-off of stocks, Philipp<strong>in</strong>e<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>essmen were already<br />
edgy over the emerg<strong>in</strong>g problems <strong>in</strong><br />
the US hous<strong>in</strong>g market. The survey<br />
cover<strong>in</strong>g the third and fourth quarters<br />
was conducted <strong>in</strong> late July and<br />
early August, long before the US<br />
hous<strong>in</strong>g problems exploded <strong>in</strong>to a<br />
full-blown crisis <strong>in</strong> the US credit<br />
market. The quarterly BES <strong>in</strong>dicated<br />
that the confi dence <strong>in</strong>dex of bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
enterprises rema<strong>in</strong>ed strong at<br />
40.9, up by 19.2 <strong>in</strong>dex po<strong>in</strong>ts compared<br />
to last year, but fell by 5.5<br />
po<strong>in</strong>ts from the previous quarter’s<br />
survey results.<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g to Central Bank Deputy<br />
Governor and offi cer-<strong>in</strong>-charge<br />
Diwa Gu<strong>in</strong>igundo, more fi rms <strong>in</strong>dicated<br />
expansion <strong>in</strong> their activities<br />
<strong>in</strong> the com<strong>in</strong>g two quarters. Gu<strong>in</strong>igundo,<br />
however, said there was<br />
a slightly more cautious bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
outlook <strong>in</strong> the third quarter compared<br />
with the second quarter. He<br />
said respondent fi rms attributed this<br />
to the slacken<strong>in</strong>g of production for<br />
the third quarter due to seasonality.<br />
Gu<strong>in</strong>igundo said even before the<br />
break-out of the US credit problem,<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>essmen were already anticipat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a slowdown <strong>in</strong> the US economy<br />
because at the time, it was apparent<br />
that the US was hav<strong>in</strong>g problems <strong>in</strong><br />
the hous<strong>in</strong>g market.<br />
“The rest of the concern is related<br />
to the usual anticipation of competition,<br />
with cheap imports from Ch<strong>in</strong>a,<br />
the <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> crude prices as well<br />
as power and water shortage,” he<br />
said. On the other hand, Gu<strong>in</strong>igundo<br />
said there was some optimism over<br />
prospects <strong>in</strong> the fourth quarter that<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>esses attributed to better macro-economic<br />
conditions refl ected <strong>in</strong><br />
low <strong>in</strong>fl ation, stable <strong>in</strong>terest rates,<br />
strong peso and improved <strong>in</strong>vestment<br />
conditions.<br />
Gu<strong>in</strong>igundo said bus<strong>in</strong>esses were<br />
also count<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>in</strong>creased remittances<br />
from overseas Filip<strong>in</strong>os, as<br />
well as the solid performance of<br />
Asian economies and the onset of<br />
the holid<strong>ay</strong> season, which is alw<strong>ay</strong>s<br />
S<strong>AKO</strong>P NG VISAYAS<br />
Community Consultant<br />
for the Filip<strong>in</strong>o Community <strong>in</strong> Spa<strong>in</strong><br />
Western Union, a lead<strong>in</strong>g global f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
services company, has an open position <strong>in</strong><br />
her market<strong>in</strong>g team for Spa<strong>in</strong>.<br />
The specific emphasis of this role will be to<br />
provide greater <strong>in</strong>sights and understand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
of Filip<strong>in</strong>o communities and consumers <strong>in</strong><br />
Spa<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> order to leverage this <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
The ideal candidate is a native of Philipp<strong>in</strong>es:<br />
■ 25 - 35 years old<br />
■ M<strong>in</strong>. 3 years experience <strong>in</strong> Market<strong>in</strong>g and PR or Promotions<br />
■ Extensive experience with fieldwork<br />
■ High levels of creativity & motivation<br />
■ Excellent communication, presentation & <strong>in</strong>terpersonal skills<br />
■ Will<strong>in</strong>gness to extensively travel <strong>in</strong> Spa<strong>in</strong><br />
■ Good connections with the Filip<strong>in</strong>o Community <strong>in</strong> Spa<strong>in</strong><br />
■ Excellent English, Spanish & Tagalog<br />
■ Eligibility to work <strong>in</strong> Spa<strong>in</strong> is required<br />
This position is for a determ<strong>in</strong>ed period of m<strong>in</strong>. 3 months<br />
SETYEMBRE, 2007<br />
Bus<strong>in</strong>ess optimism down for second half<br />
accompanied by an <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> domestic<br />
consumption. The BSP said a<br />
breakdown of respondents <strong>in</strong>dicated<br />
that importers, along with importerexporters,<br />
were the most optimistic,<br />
while exporters were generally<br />
more grim.<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g to Gu<strong>in</strong>igundo, bus<strong>in</strong>esses<br />
<strong>in</strong> Metro Manila were generally<br />
more optimistic than their<br />
counterparts outside the capital. But<br />
both sections of the bus<strong>in</strong>ess sector<br />
noted that their access to fi nanc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
had improved and this was refl ected<br />
by the <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> bank lend<strong>in</strong>g dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the period.<br />
Gu<strong>in</strong>igundo said optimism was<br />
strongest <strong>in</strong> the construction sector,<br />
which refl ected the growth <strong>in</strong> the<br />
property sector. He said this was the<br />
sector that also exhibited the highest<br />
expectations <strong>in</strong> terms of employment,<br />
<strong>in</strong>dicat<strong>in</strong>g that constructionrelated<br />
job creation would be on the<br />
rise.<br />
4,000 Take Nurs<strong>in</strong>g Exams<br />
Thursd<strong>ay</strong>, August 23, 2007<br />
effectively through market<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>itiatives.<br />
This position requires certa<strong>in</strong> level of<br />
<strong>in</strong>dependence, work<strong>in</strong>g under pressure <strong>in</strong> a<br />
competitive and fast chang<strong>in</strong>g environment<br />
The <strong>in</strong>dividual will work very closely with<br />
the Spa<strong>in</strong> team, based <strong>in</strong> Madrid and will<br />
report to the Spa<strong>in</strong> Market<strong>in</strong>g Manager.<br />
To apply for the ‘Community Consultant for the Filip<strong>in</strong>o Community <strong>in</strong> Spa<strong>in</strong>’ please send your resume to the follow<strong>in</strong>g address:<br />
rachel.abaqueta@<strong>in</strong>tl.westernunion.com<br />
9<br />
Close to 4,000 Filip<strong>in</strong>o nurses are tak<strong>in</strong>g the National Council Licensure<br />
Exam<strong>in</strong>ation (NCLEX) to be held <strong>in</strong> Manila start<strong>in</strong>g tod<strong>ay</strong>.<br />
Presidential task force on NCLEX chief Dante Ang reported that a total<br />
of 3,500 Filip<strong>in</strong>o nurses have registered to take the US licensure<br />
exam<strong>in</strong>ation.<br />
“NCLEX exam<strong>in</strong>ation will be held daily from Mond<strong>ay</strong> to Frid<strong>ay</strong> and<br />
we already booked a total of 3,500 exam<strong>in</strong>ees until December,” Ang<br />
disclosed. Ang said 90 Filip<strong>in</strong>o nurses will be among the fi rst batch of<br />
NCLEX exam<strong>in</strong>ees, a majority of them from Metro Manila. Nurses<br />
from neighbor<strong>in</strong>g countries have yet to express their <strong>in</strong>tention to take<br />
the exam<strong>in</strong>ation here, said Ang. He added that extend<strong>in</strong>g the NCLEX<br />
to other areas <strong>in</strong> the country would depend on the number of exam<strong>in</strong>ees.<br />
“If there is a surge <strong>in</strong> the number of exam<strong>in</strong>ees, US m<strong>ay</strong> probably<br />
allow exam<strong>in</strong>ations <strong>in</strong> Cebu and Davao,” he said.<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g to Ang, each Filip<strong>in</strong>o nurse who will take the exam<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
<strong>in</strong> Manila will be able to save at least P100,000 that would be needed<br />
if they take the test abroad. “But with this great opportunity comes a<br />
great responsibility for us to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>tegrity of the exam<strong>in</strong>ation.<br />
We should not endanger the credibility of the NCLEX here,” Ang<br />
said.<br />
Ang urged Filip<strong>in</strong>o nurses to refra<strong>in</strong> from tak<strong>in</strong>g any action that m<strong>ay</strong><br />
compromise the hold<strong>in</strong>g of the US board exam<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>in</strong> the country.<br />
The US National Council of State Boards of Nurs<strong>in</strong>g Inc. (NCSBN)<br />
earlier announced that NCLEX test<strong>in</strong>g will be conducted <strong>in</strong> Manila to<br />
allow “greater customer service” to nurses who are apply<strong>in</strong>g for work<br />
<strong>in</strong> the US.<br />
All security policies and procedures currently used to adm<strong>in</strong>ister the<br />
NCLEX exam<strong>in</strong>ation domestically<br />
will be fully implemented <strong>in</strong> the<br />
Philipp<strong>in</strong>es. Foreign nurses aspir<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to work <strong>in</strong> the United States<br />
are required to apply to the board<br />
of nurs<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the state or territory<br />
where they wish to be licensed<br />
before register<strong>in</strong>g for the NCLEX<br />
exam<strong>in</strong>ation.<br />
M<strong>ay</strong>en J<strong>ay</strong>mal<strong>in</strong>
10 SETYEMBRE, 2007 PARTE NG MINDANAO <strong>AKO</strong> <strong>ay</strong> <strong>Pilip<strong>in</strong>o</strong><br />
Tuesd<strong>ay</strong>, August 21, 2007<br />
By Christ<strong>in</strong>a Mendez<br />
Senate M<strong>in</strong>ority Leader Aquil<strong>in</strong>o<br />
Pimentel Jr. reiterated his call for a<br />
shift <strong>in</strong> government from presidential<br />
form to a federal system, s<strong>ay</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
this would end the decades-old Muslim<br />
rebellion <strong>in</strong> the south. Pimentel<br />
Mond<strong>ay</strong>, August 20, 2007<br />
Pimentel Renews Call for Federalism<br />
to end Rebellion <strong>in</strong> M<strong>in</strong>danao<br />
reasoned that Muslim dissidents <strong>in</strong><br />
M<strong>in</strong>danao would stop clamor<strong>in</strong>g for<br />
a separate, <strong>in</strong>dependent republic if<br />
their aspiration for genu<strong>in</strong>e autonomy<br />
<strong>in</strong> the form of a Bangsamoro<br />
Federal State is fulfi lled. He argued<br />
that the federalization scheme, far<br />
from dismember<strong>in</strong>g the republic,<br />
P<strong>in</strong>ugutang 10 Mar<strong>in</strong>es naiganti<br />
na – AFP<br />
Nan<strong>in</strong>iwala ang Armed Forces of the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es (AFP) na kahit papaano’y<br />
naiganti na nila ang 10 Mar<strong>in</strong>es na p<strong>in</strong>ugutan ng mga bandidong Abu S<strong>ay</strong> yaf<br />
noong Hulyo 10, sa pagkakapat<strong>ay</strong> ng mga pangunah<strong>in</strong>g lider ng grupo sa engkuwentro<br />
nitong nakaraang Sabado sa Basilan. S<strong>in</strong>abi ng AFP na kasama sa 42<br />
napat<strong>ay</strong> na S<strong>ay</strong>yaf s<strong>in</strong>a Kumander Furugi Indama at kapatid nitong si Umair,<br />
alyas Abu Jihad. Si Umair ang p<strong>in</strong>an<strong>in</strong>iwalaang p<strong>in</strong>uno ng grupo ng ASG na<br />
pumugot sa ulo ng 10 Mar<strong>in</strong>es. It<strong>in</strong>utur<strong>in</strong>g umano nilang tagump<strong>ay</strong> sa panig ng<br />
pamahalaan ang engkuwentro nitong nakaraang Sabado dahil ilang lider ng ASG<br />
ang p<strong>in</strong>an<strong>in</strong>iwalaang napat<strong>ay</strong> nila. Kahapon <strong>ay</strong> mul<strong>in</strong>g p<strong>in</strong>aulanan ng bomba ng<br />
AFP ang tatlong posisyon ng Abu S<strong>ay</strong>yaf sa Basilan.<br />
Sa ulat ng National Disaster Coord<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g Council (NDCC), <strong>in</strong>umpisahang<br />
paulanan ng 105-mm howitzers dakong alas-6:30 ng umaga ang mga hangganan<br />
ng b<strong>ay</strong>an ng Tipo-Tipo, Sumisip at Ungak<strong>ay</strong>a Pukan sa Basilan. Bahagya<br />
namang humupa ang harapang sagupaan ng mga sundalo at mga bandido ngunit<br />
patuloy pa r<strong>in</strong> na nagsasagawa ng “reconnaissance operations” ang AFP sa<br />
mga kuta ng bandido. S<strong>in</strong>abi ni AFP Spokesman Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro na<br />
patuloy pa r<strong>in</strong>g h<strong>in</strong>ahabol ng kanilang puwersa ang mga bandido. Sapat naman<br />
anya ang kanilang puwersa para lipul<strong>in</strong> ang ASG at h<strong>in</strong>di na kailangan pang<br />
magdagdag.<br />
Sa kabila ng pagkasawi ng 15 pa nilang tauhan, nanatili pa r<strong>in</strong> umanong<br />
mataas ang morale ng kanilang mga sundalo at desidido na lipul<strong>in</strong> na ang mga<br />
terorista. Ip<strong>in</strong>agbawal naman ng AFP ang mul<strong>in</strong>g paglipad ng mga MG 520 attack<br />
helicopter habang <strong>in</strong>iimbestigahan nila ang dahilan ng pagbagsak ng isa nito<br />
sa Basilan, kamakalawa kung saan nasawi ang piloto nito. S<strong>in</strong>abi ni Bacarro na<br />
nagsasagawa muna sila ng imbestigasyon sa dahilan ng pagbagsak nito matapos<br />
na kumpirmah<strong>in</strong> na h<strong>in</strong>di t<strong>in</strong>amaan ng bala ng mga bandido ang helicopter k<strong>ay</strong>a<br />
bumagsak.<br />
Danilo Garcia<br />
would make it more united and cohesive.<br />
“I th<strong>in</strong>k it is necessary for us to<br />
restructure our th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g, that by<br />
adopt<strong>in</strong>g the federal system, we<br />
are not divid<strong>in</strong>g the nation; rather,<br />
we are creat<strong>in</strong>g federal states out of<br />
the Republic of the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es,” Pi-<br />
mentel expla<strong>in</strong>ed.<br />
Pimentel noted that the peace negotiations<br />
have been stuck on the issue<br />
of ancestral doma<strong>in</strong>, or the recognition<br />
of the right of Muslims to<br />
their traditional homeland <strong>in</strong> M<strong>in</strong>danao.<br />
He po<strong>in</strong>ted out that ancestral<br />
doma<strong>in</strong> is just one of the many issues<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g raised by the Moro Islamic<br />
Liberation Front (MILF) <strong>in</strong><br />
uphold<strong>in</strong>g the rights of Muslims.<br />
“The problem is the government<br />
seems to have no <strong>in</strong>terest at all <strong>in</strong><br />
offer<strong>in</strong>g the federalism proposal <strong>in</strong><br />
the peace talks,” he said.<br />
Pimentel said the failure to discuss<br />
the federalism proposal, which<br />
has the support of leaders of the<br />
MILF and Moro National Liberation<br />
Front and various sectors of the<br />
Muslim community, is a major reason<br />
why the peace negotiations have<br />
dragged on for over 10 years, with<br />
the prospects of a fi nal peace agreement<br />
still hazy. Peace talks between<br />
the government and the MILF have<br />
been suspended because of ongo<strong>in</strong>g<br />
military offensives <strong>in</strong> the south<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st the rebels over the kill<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
14 Mar<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong> Basilan last July 10.<br />
As proposed by Pimentel, there will<br />
be 10 federal states under the proposed<br />
system of government: four<br />
<strong>in</strong> Luzon (National Capital Region,<br />
Northern Luzon, Central Luzon,<br />
Bicol), three <strong>in</strong> the Vis<strong>ay</strong>as (Eastern,<br />
Western and Central Vis<strong>ay</strong>as)<br />
and three <strong>in</strong> M<strong>in</strong>danao (Northern<br />
M<strong>in</strong>danao, Southern M<strong>in</strong>danao and<br />
Bangsamoro). Pimentel stressed<br />
that the proposed Federal Republic<br />
of the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es will reta<strong>in</strong> sover-<br />
Mond<strong>ay</strong>, August 20, 2007<br />
From terrorism to tourism – M<strong>in</strong>danao<br />
will soon get a makeover, start<strong>in</strong>g with South<br />
Cotabato, which the government is eye<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
develop as a major tourist dest<strong>in</strong>ation. Tourism<br />
Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said the prov<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
<strong>in</strong> Central M<strong>in</strong>danao could help susta<strong>in</strong> the<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>terest of foreign travelers and <strong>in</strong>vestors<br />
<strong>in</strong> M<strong>in</strong>danao.<br />
“M<strong>in</strong>danao is very rich <strong>in</strong> terms of culture<br />
and natural attractions. The region is also<br />
steeped <strong>in</strong> history and tradition. It is only fi tt<strong>in</strong>g<br />
that we share this with the rest of the world, and<br />
offer a unique and unforgettable experience,”<br />
Durano expla<strong>in</strong>ed. A few weeks ago the US government<br />
issued a travel advisory for its citizens<br />
to exercise caution when travel<strong>in</strong>g to the country,<br />
particularly Central M<strong>in</strong>danao and South<br />
Cotobato allegedly due to terrorist threats. But<br />
Durano said the US warn<strong>in</strong>g had not prevented<br />
foreign tourists from visit<strong>in</strong>g the country, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
different dest<strong>in</strong>ations <strong>in</strong> M<strong>in</strong>danao. As<br />
of M<strong>ay</strong> 2007, the DOT’s research and statistics<br />
division recorded a total of 74,562 foreign and<br />
local travelers have visited South Cotabato. This<br />
fi gure is 14.45 percent higher than the 65,147<br />
arrivals atta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 2005. Durano said DOT is<br />
currently explor<strong>in</strong>g other areas <strong>in</strong> M<strong>in</strong>danao that<br />
can generate <strong>in</strong>terest and spread the economic<br />
benefi ts of tourism. He said he visited South<br />
Cotabato recently for an ocular <strong>in</strong>spection of<br />
major attractions, and also to discuss with local<br />
offi cials the opportunities <strong>in</strong> the area.<br />
Durano po<strong>in</strong>ted out that South Cotabato<br />
is accessible to foreign visitors via the <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
airport <strong>in</strong> General Santos City. And<br />
it is known primarily for the tranquil Lake Sebu,<br />
one of the country’s major watersheds and a rest<br />
stop for migratory birds. The area is also home<br />
to the <strong>in</strong>digenous highland T’boli tribe, whose<br />
culture and traditions are ardently protected<br />
with the help of an <strong>in</strong>ternational nongovernment<br />
organization, Durano said. Historical, archaeological<br />
and ethno-cultural artifacts of the T’bolis<br />
are showcased <strong>in</strong> the Lake Sebu Museum, a native<br />
bamboo thatched house located with<strong>in</strong> the<br />
tribal village. Outside this homely <strong>in</strong>stitution,<br />
visitors can witness craft mak<strong>in</strong>g, cultural cel-<br />
eignty over the nation and the federal<br />
states will have to contend with<br />
the powers and functions that will<br />
be delegated to them and defi ned <strong>in</strong><br />
the Constitution.<br />
Economic package for M<strong>in</strong>danao<br />
Senators Richard Gordon and<br />
Gregorio Honasan urged the government<br />
to start a comprehensive<br />
peace process and real economic<br />
package for M<strong>in</strong>danao as a means to<br />
end “the longest runn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>surgency<br />
<strong>in</strong> Asia, if not the world.”<br />
Sen. Francis Escudero earlier<br />
criticized the adm<strong>in</strong>istration for not<br />
hav<strong>in</strong>g a long-term solution to the<br />
problems of M<strong>in</strong>danao.<br />
Honasan agreed that there should<br />
be a comprehensive peace process.<br />
“Let us agree on a long-term objective<br />
on issues such as land, development,<br />
two cultures <strong>in</strong> one political<br />
system,” Honasan said. “It’s<br />
been 34 years and we are fac<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the same problem. So there must<br />
be someth<strong>in</strong>g wrong with our approach.<br />
There should be improved<br />
<strong>in</strong>telligence, followed by development<br />
peace process.”<br />
For his part, Gordon suggested to<br />
President Arroyo that the government<br />
fi nish construct<strong>in</strong>g the circumferential<br />
road <strong>in</strong> Isabela, Basilan,<br />
which will pave the w<strong>ay</strong> for local<br />
prosperity because goods can move<br />
faster <strong>in</strong> the prov<strong>in</strong>ce. “This will be<br />
very signifi cant because of the <strong>in</strong>crease<br />
<strong>in</strong> the number of rubber trees<br />
and the abundant production of lanzones,”<br />
he said.<br />
DOT eyes South Cotabato as Major Tourist hub<br />
ebrations, tilapia fi sh<strong>in</strong>g and the T’boli w<strong>ay</strong> of<br />
life <strong>in</strong> general.<br />
Durano said the DOT would assist the<br />
South Cotobato prov<strong>in</strong>cial government <strong>in</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the areas surround<strong>in</strong>g Lake Sebu through<br />
the Grassroots Entrepreneurship and Employment<br />
<strong>in</strong> Tourism (GREET) program, which provides<br />
fi nancial grants to small and medium bus<strong>in</strong>esses<br />
engaged <strong>in</strong> tourism-oriented livelihood<br />
projects. “The T’bolis are very skilled people<br />
who produce a wide and unique range of native<br />
arts and crafts. We plan to set up artisan villages<br />
with homest<strong>ay</strong>s around Lake Sebu to feature the<br />
tranquil environment, the colors of the T’boli<br />
culture and the creativity and hospitality of the<br />
people,” Durano revealed. The prov<strong>in</strong>ce further<br />
holds a variety of magnifi cent land and water<br />
forms that can easily attract adventurers such<br />
as the Seven Falls, good swimm<strong>in</strong>g spots and<br />
nature trails. There is also the Lonon Falls, the<br />
largest of the group, which pours thousands of<br />
cubic meters of water to a natural pool and Mt.<br />
Matutum, which offers mounta<strong>in</strong>eers breathtak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
views. South Cotabato also boasts of practically<br />
typhoon-free weather, good roads, as well<br />
as warm and hospitable accommodations.<br />
M<strong>ay</strong>en J<strong>ay</strong>mal<strong>in</strong>
<strong>AKO</strong> <strong>ay</strong> <strong>Pilip<strong>in</strong>o</strong><br />
The newly formed ASEAN<br />
Committee-Vienna (ACV),<br />
composed of the diplomatic<br />
missions of the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es, Indonesia,<br />
Mal<strong>ay</strong>sia, Thailand and Vietnam<br />
<strong>in</strong> the Austrian capital, successfully<br />
hosted a one-d<strong>ay</strong> conference on the<br />
topic “One ASEAN: A Partner for<br />
Europe” at the Diplomatic Academy<br />
of Vienna last 19 July. The<br />
conference was formally opened<br />
by ASEAN Secretary General Ong<br />
Yeng Kong and Dr. Johannes Kyrle,<br />
Secretary General of the Austrian<br />
Foreign M<strong>in</strong>istry, with diplomats,<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>essmen, th<strong>in</strong>k-tank representatives<br />
and members of the academe<br />
<strong>in</strong> attendance. The programme<br />
featured two sub-sessions, dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
which ASEAN-European Union political<br />
relations and ASEAN-EU relations<br />
<strong>in</strong> the economic arena were<br />
discussed through presentations by<br />
a panel of experts from the ASEAN<br />
and EU sides, who then fi elded<br />
questions from the audience.<br />
Ambassador Rosario G. Manalo<br />
of the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es, Chair of the<br />
High-Level Task Force Chair of<br />
the High-Level Task Force on the<br />
Draft<strong>in</strong>g of the ASEAN Charter, delivered<br />
a well received presentation<br />
on the topic “ASEAN-EU Political<br />
and Security Relations: An Assessment<br />
and the W<strong>ay</strong> Forward”.<br />
Ambassador Manalo provided<br />
a historical overview of ASEAN,<br />
trac<strong>in</strong>g its evolution <strong>in</strong>to one of<br />
the world’s most cohesive and successful<br />
regional organizations, as<br />
well as the development of its 30-<br />
year-old relationship with its fi rst<br />
–ever dialogue partner, the EU.<br />
Ambassador Manalo also provided<br />
the audience with an update on<br />
ASEAN’s moves towards becom<strong>in</strong>g<br />
an ASEAN Community by 2015<br />
and on the status and highlights of<br />
the draft ASEAN Charter. Ambassador<br />
Manalo stressed the Charter’s<br />
anticipated central role <strong>in</strong> ASEAN’s<br />
efforts towards becom<strong>in</strong>g a rules-<br />
KALAWAKAN SA EUROPA<br />
based organization characterized by<br />
effi ciency, improved work<strong>in</strong>g methods,<br />
and a membership that adheres<br />
to the group’s collective <strong>in</strong>struments<br />
and decisions.<br />
Aside from Ambassador Manalo,<br />
the ASEAN side was represented at<br />
the Conference by ASEANIndonesia<br />
Director General Ambassador<br />
Dian Triansyah Djani, ASEAN-<br />
Thailand Director General Nopadol<br />
Gunavibool. The two sub-sessions<br />
were moderated by Former Indonesian<br />
Ambassador to the US Soemadi<br />
D.M. Brotod<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>grat and Ambassador<br />
Wolfgang Schallenberg, President<br />
of the Austrian Association for<br />
Foreign Policy and International<br />
Affairs.<br />
The One ASEAN conference<br />
kicked off a series of commemorative<br />
activities be<strong>in</strong>g organized by<br />
the ASEAN diplomatic missions <strong>in</strong><br />
Vienna dur<strong>in</strong>g the year, <strong>in</strong> celebration<br />
of the 40th anniversary of the<br />
organization.<br />
SETYEMBRE, 2007<br />
Asean Embassies <strong>in</strong> Vienna Host Successful “One<br />
Asean” Conference at Vienna’s Diplomatic Academy<br />
Asean Charter Task Force Chair Amb.Rosario Manalo Discusses ASEAN-EU ties<br />
Philipp<strong>in</strong>es Takes Centersatge<br />
on French TV<br />
El Nido, Palawan , is at primetime<br />
French TV1’s’s top-rat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
summer hit show, Koh-Lanta. The<br />
French version of the American<br />
television show “Survivor”, Koh<br />
Lanta has 5 to 7 million viewers<br />
every Frid<strong>ay</strong> watch 16 contestants<br />
vie for a prize of 100,000 Euros.<br />
The contestants whose ages range<br />
from 16 to 55 years old, were selected<br />
from more than 25,000 applicants<br />
and <strong>in</strong>clude among others,<br />
a fi nancial adviser, a retiree,<br />
a CEO, an agriculturist and a tra<strong>in</strong><br />
conductor. They must survive 40<br />
d<strong>ay</strong>s on the island and go through<br />
adventure games, mental challenges<br />
and physically demand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
tasks. Now runn<strong>in</strong>g on its third<br />
week, the show has generated<br />
mass <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es<br />
as a tourist dest<strong>in</strong>ation and has received<br />
glow<strong>in</strong>g reviews about the<br />
beauty of Palawan .<br />
A magaz<strong>in</strong>e has referred to it<br />
as “un petit paradis sur Terre”<br />
(a m<strong>in</strong>i-paradise on earth) what<br />
with its luxurious vegetation,<br />
crystall<strong>in</strong>e waters and tropical<br />
climate. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to Philipp<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Ambassador José Abeto Zaide,<br />
the Embassy already received an<br />
exponential <strong>in</strong>crease of queries on<br />
Palawan and the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es as a<br />
whole from holid<strong>ay</strong>makers. “Television<br />
is a medium that is crucial<br />
to the promotion of Philipp<strong>in</strong>es<br />
<strong>in</strong> French consciousness, and we<br />
are delighted that Palawan was<br />
chosen by the producers for this<br />
year’s edition of Koh Lanta as it<br />
showcases what the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es<br />
can offer”, added the Ambassador.<br />
Shot between February and<br />
March of this year, Koh Lanta<br />
was realized with the support<br />
of the Department of Tourism,<br />
through its representative for<br />
France Ms. Venus Tan, who coord<strong>in</strong>ated<br />
with local companies<br />
and the local government, among<br />
them El Nido Resort, Seair and<br />
Sofi tel Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Plaza <strong>in</strong> Manila<br />
. As an added <strong>in</strong>centive the show<br />
will raffl e off a roundtrip ticket to<br />
the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es for two (2) at the<br />
end of its run.<br />
Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Ambassador to The Hague, Netherlands,<br />
Romeo Arguelles reported to the Department of Foreign<br />
Affairs that the Embassy team attended the 2nd<br />
Annual Filip<strong>in</strong>o Explorer at the prov<strong>in</strong>ce of Zeeland,<br />
South of the Netherlands. The organizers, Merly<br />
Samont<strong>in</strong>a and her Dutch husband Ron Kooiman,<br />
<strong>in</strong>itiated the event <strong>in</strong> 2006 with the hope of provid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a venue for Filip<strong>in</strong>o entrepreneurs <strong>in</strong> the Netherlands<br />
to promote Philipp<strong>in</strong>e food and non-food products to<br />
the Dutch public.<br />
In his open<strong>in</strong>g speech, Ambassador Arguelles congratulated<br />
the participat<strong>in</strong>g Filip<strong>in</strong>o entrepreneurs<br />
and encouraged them to <strong>in</strong>crease their efforts to further<br />
penetrate the Dutch market. The Ambassador<br />
also stressed the importance for Filip<strong>in</strong>os and their<br />
families <strong>in</strong> the Netherlands to cont<strong>in</strong>ue patroniz<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Filip<strong>in</strong>o food and non-food products so that Dutch<br />
shops/supermarkets will feel the demand and acquire,<br />
<strong>in</strong> their <strong>in</strong>ventory, Philipp<strong>in</strong>e products.<br />
At the event were exhibits and sale of an extensive<br />
arr<strong>ay</strong> of Filip<strong>in</strong>o food products, Filip<strong>in</strong>o-made jewelry,<br />
bags and other accessories as well as ratan and<br />
bamboo furniture. Mama Sita representatives held<br />
a cook<strong>in</strong>g demonstration to showcase the various<br />
Mama Sita products available <strong>in</strong> the Netherlands.<br />
The organizers expressed optimism of <strong>in</strong>creased<br />
11<br />
Ambassador Rosario G. Manalo delivers her presentation on ASEAN-EU<br />
political relations and the ASEAN Charter at the “One ASEAN” Conference cohosted<br />
by the ASEAN Embassies <strong>in</strong> Austria and the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna<br />
In Support of Filip<strong>in</strong>o Entreprenuers <strong>in</strong> the Netherlands,<br />
Ambassador Romeo A. Arguelles attends the<br />
2nd Annual Filip<strong>in</strong>o Explorer<br />
participation <strong>in</strong> the event <strong>in</strong> the com<strong>in</strong>g years. The<br />
organizers also received the assurance of the Embassy’s<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ued support as the event promotes the<br />
spirit of entrepreneurship, promotes Filip<strong>in</strong>o products<br />
and gives recognition to Filip<strong>in</strong>o entrepreneurs <strong>in</strong> the<br />
Netherlands.<br />
Ambassador Arguelles is fl anked with Mrs. Merly Samont<strong>in</strong>a and husband Mr. Ron Kooiman, the organizers of the<br />
event. Also <strong>in</strong> the picture, from extreme right, are the Embassy’s Cultural Offi cer Edw<strong>in</strong> Edral<strong>in</strong> and Consul Leila Lora-<br />
Santos; from extreme left, Economic Offi cer Hermenegilda Bustos and visit<strong>in</strong>g Cultural Offi cer from the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Embassy <strong>in</strong> Vienna, Ms. Cora Cruz.
12 SETYEMBRE, 2007 KALAWAKAN SA EUROPA <strong>AKO</strong> <strong>ay</strong> <strong>Pilip<strong>in</strong>o</strong><br />
Romulo leads ASEAN M<strong>in</strong>isters <strong>in</strong> adoption of two<br />
key documents boost<strong>in</strong>g migrant workers welfare<br />
In a move that bolsters the region’s efforts<br />
to protect and promote migrant workers rights,<br />
Secretary Alberto G. Romulo led the ASEAN<br />
Foreign M<strong>in</strong>isters <strong>in</strong> the adoption of two key<br />
documents boost<strong>in</strong>g migrant workers welfare.<br />
Describ<strong>in</strong>g the adoption as a “signifi cant<br />
stride forward” for migrant workers rights<br />
protection and promotion, Secretary Romulo<br />
said the two key documents “strengthened<br />
on-go<strong>in</strong>g efforts at build<strong>in</strong>g a car<strong>in</strong>g and shar<strong>in</strong>g<br />
ASEAN community and expanded the<br />
ASEAN network of concern and support beyond<br />
our region.”<br />
“We are mov<strong>in</strong>g ahead and build<strong>in</strong>g on our<br />
commitment <strong>in</strong> the 12th ASEAN Summit <strong>in</strong><br />
Cebu to build a truly car<strong>in</strong>g and shar<strong>in</strong>g region.<br />
Here <strong>in</strong> Manila, ASEAN has shown fi rm<br />
resolve <strong>in</strong> advanc<strong>in</strong>g the promotion and protection<br />
of migrant workers’ rights,” Romulo<br />
said after the 40th ASEAN M<strong>in</strong>isterial Meet<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Retreat. “We are tak<strong>in</strong>g pro-active steps<br />
to protect our nationals with<strong>in</strong> and outside of<br />
the region. For this demonstration of the deep<br />
and endur<strong>in</strong>g human ties that b<strong>in</strong>d us, and for<br />
the vision and follow through actions, our region’s<br />
peoples can only be thankful,” added<br />
Romulo.<br />
Adopted dur<strong>in</strong>g the 40th ASEAN M<strong>in</strong>isterial<br />
Meet<strong>in</strong>g were the Statement on the Establishment<br />
of the ASEAN Committee on<br />
the Implementation of the ASEAN Declaration<br />
on the Protection and Promotion of the<br />
Rights of Migrant Workers and the Guidel<strong>in</strong>es<br />
for the Provision of Emergency Assistance by<br />
ASEAN Missions <strong>in</strong> Third Countries to Nationals<br />
of ASEAN Member Countries <strong>in</strong> Crisis<br />
Situations.<br />
The ASEAN committee is tasked to ensure<br />
the implementation of the ASEAN Cebu<br />
Declaration on the Protection and Promotion<br />
of the Rights and Migrant Workers. The<br />
ASEAN Committee is also tasked to facilitate<br />
the development of an ASEAN <strong>in</strong>strument<br />
on the protection and promotion of the<br />
rights of migrant workers. The Committee’s<br />
functions <strong>in</strong>clude, among others, the promotion<br />
of bilateral and regional cooperation and<br />
assistance on matters <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g the rights of<br />
migrant workers, the shar<strong>in</strong>g with<strong>in</strong> ASEAN<br />
of best practices relat<strong>in</strong>g to the promotion and<br />
protection of migrant workers’ rights and the<br />
harmonization of mechanisms between both<br />
send<strong>in</strong>g and receiv<strong>in</strong>g states that promote and<br />
protect migrant workers’ rights.<br />
The harmonization of mechanisms is among<br />
the ASEAN commitments identifi ed <strong>in</strong> the<br />
Declaration on the Protection and Promotion<br />
of the Rights and Migrant Workers. Signed<br />
<strong>in</strong> Cebu dur<strong>in</strong>g the 12th ASEAN Summit <strong>in</strong><br />
January, the Declaration on the Protection and<br />
Promotion of the Rights and Migrant Workers<br />
advances one of the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es’ key <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
advocacies under President Gloria<br />
Macapagal Arroyo.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g the AMM’s Open<strong>in</strong>g Ceremonies<br />
tod<strong>ay</strong>, President Arroyo underscored the im-<br />
Madrigals perform anew at cathédrale<br />
des <strong>in</strong>valides, Paris<br />
Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Ambassador to France José Abeto Zaide<br />
reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the<br />
Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Madrigal S<strong>in</strong>gers – popularly known as the<br />
“Madz” – returned to the Cathédrale St. Louis des Invalides<br />
for a triumphal encore performance on 26 June<br />
2007 as part of the Embassy’s commemorations of the<br />
60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations<br />
between the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es and France.<br />
The cathedral was festooned with French and Philipp<strong>in</strong>e<br />
banners when the Madz took the guests through a<br />
journey of secular and spiritual songs before seduc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
them <strong>in</strong> the second half of the program with Philipp<strong>in</strong>e<br />
kundimans. The talents of the famed s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g group were<br />
much appreciated by the audience made up of French<br />
society and government fi gures, members of the diplomatic<br />
corps, and prom<strong>in</strong>ent Filip<strong>in</strong>os <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Paris-<br />
based celebrity KC Concepcion.<br />
On 27 June 2007, the Madz shared the stage with Lig<strong>ay</strong>a<br />
Fernando Amilbangsa’s Alun-Alun Dance Circle at<br />
the 1,300-seat UNESCO auditorium. The tw<strong>in</strong>-bill engagement<br />
by the fi nest comb<strong>in</strong>ation of song-and-dance<br />
artists is the highlight <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e bid to return to<br />
the UNESCO Executive Board.<br />
Besides engagements by the Madz and the Alun- Alun,<br />
the year-long commemoration of the 60th anniversary<br />
of Franco-Philipp<strong>in</strong>e relations <strong>in</strong> Paris <strong>in</strong>cludes c<strong>in</strong>ema<br />
(revival of Manuel Conde’s Cannes-awardee “Genghis<br />
Khan”), pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g exhibits (José Oviejero, Manny Baldemor,<br />
Gus Albor, Phyllis Zaballero, Claude T<strong>ay</strong>ag and<br />
Juvenal Sanso), barrio fi esta, convocation of the Order<br />
of the Knights of Rizal, and Christmas Bazaar and Parol<br />
Contest.<br />
portance of migrant workers’ rights protection<br />
and promotion. Secretary Romulo also hailed<br />
the adoption of the Guidel<strong>in</strong>es on provid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
emergency assistance.<br />
“The Guidel<strong>in</strong>es underscore ASEAN’s recognition<br />
of our shared responsibility to uphold<br />
our people’s rights and welfare given the rapidly<br />
chang<strong>in</strong>g conditions <strong>in</strong> our region brought<br />
about by globalization,” Secretary Romulo<br />
said. “For the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es and ASEAN, the<br />
protection and promotion of migrant workers’<br />
rights have taken on a very real signifi cance<br />
and represents an endur<strong>in</strong>g commitment,”<br />
Secretary Romulo said.<br />
“The Guidel<strong>in</strong>es expand the scope of our<br />
car<strong>in</strong>g and shar<strong>in</strong>g community and clearly<br />
shows how the ASEAN values our peoples,”<br />
Romulo expla<strong>in</strong>ed. Under the Guidel<strong>in</strong>es, the<br />
Missions of ASEAN members are to extend<br />
assistance to nationals of ASEAN members<br />
who are caught <strong>in</strong> confl ict or crisis situations<br />
<strong>in</strong> third countries.<br />
“We welcome the support of our ASEAN<br />
partners on this endeavor and we look forward<br />
to work<strong>in</strong>g closely with our neighbors<br />
and other friends <strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>ternational community<br />
to move this agenda further forward,”<br />
Secretary Romulo said.<br />
Filip<strong>in</strong>o Viol<strong>in</strong>ist achieves Music Degree<br />
There is no better w<strong>ay</strong> to learn the art and craftmanship of music than <strong>in</strong><br />
the land of great musicians and composers. Several Filip<strong>in</strong>o students have<br />
discovered the rich musical heritage <strong>in</strong> Germany and <strong>in</strong> Berl<strong>in</strong>. Like Jose<br />
Rizal, they have benefi ted from the academic opportunities offered here and<br />
have proven that Filip<strong>in</strong>os could also excel abroad. Just<strong>in</strong> Texon is one of<br />
them. He has just graduated his bachelor’s degree <strong>in</strong> Music from the prestigious<br />
Hanns Eisler Music School <strong>in</strong> Berl<strong>in</strong>.<br />
Just<strong>in</strong> Caesar Texon was born on September 26, 1977 <strong>in</strong> Manila, Philipp<strong>in</strong>es.<br />
He started his formal studies of Music at St. Scholastica College of<br />
Music <strong>in</strong> Manila where he fi nished his degree “Bachelor of Music” major<br />
<strong>in</strong> Viol<strong>in</strong>. From 1995 to 1996, he was a member of the Asian Youth Orchestra.<br />
In 1998 he jo<strong>in</strong>ed the world-renown orchestra, “Jeunesses Musical<br />
Weltorchester.” Leav<strong>in</strong>g the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong> 2001, he ventured <strong>in</strong>to further<br />
studies <strong>in</strong> Berl<strong>in</strong>. He achieved his bachelor’s degree as Orchestra musician<br />
at the Hanns Eisler Musikhochschule <strong>in</strong> 2005.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g the course of his studies, he has deepened his musical experiences<br />
by participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> various orchesters and by stag<strong>in</strong>g different concerts. In<br />
2001, he jo<strong>in</strong>ed Germany’s youth orchestra, “Bundesjugendorchster Deutschland”<br />
and s<strong>in</strong>ce then a member of the “Hanns Eisler S<strong>in</strong>fonieorchester.”<br />
The follow<strong>in</strong>g year, he became a member of the “Festivalorchester<br />
der Bachakademie” <strong>in</strong> Stuttgart, Germany. He has participated <strong>in</strong> several<br />
concerts <strong>in</strong> Asia, Europe and <strong>in</strong> the US. In the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es, he has pl<strong>ay</strong>ed<br />
with the Manila Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Bamboo Organ Festival<br />
Orchestra, Peace Philharmonie Philipp<strong>in</strong>es and with the San Miguel Philharmonic<br />
Orchester.<br />
On July 4 and 10, Just<strong>in</strong> Texon had his F<strong>in</strong>al Exam<strong>in</strong>ations for his Degree<br />
as Music Teacher. He has certa<strong>in</strong>ly achieved much after that eventful year<br />
1996, when he won as Best Viol<strong>in</strong>ist <strong>in</strong> a National Contest for young people<br />
<strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es. More than ever, he was able to prove that Filip<strong>in</strong>os can<br />
also pl<strong>ay</strong> the works of great masters like Mozart, Beethoven, Piazolla or<br />
Vivaldi; and that we, Filip<strong>in</strong>os could also sh<strong>in</strong>e abroad!<br />
Just<strong>in</strong> Texon showed that Filip<strong>in</strong>os can also pl<strong>ay</strong> works of<br />
great musicians dur<strong>in</strong>g his fi nal exam<strong>in</strong>ations <strong>in</strong> Berl<strong>in</strong>
HUMAHARUROT SA BILIS<br />
KAYA MABILIS MAKUKUHA<br />
ANG PADALA MO<br />
MABILIS, MAAASAHAN, MONEY TRANSFER SA BUONG MUNDO.<br />
*Subject to hours of operation and time zone differences.<br />
Sa Western Union Money Transfer ® , ilang<br />
m<strong>in</strong>uto lang <strong>ay</strong> makukuha na ng mahal mo<br />
ang iyong perang padala* -k<strong>ay</strong>a there’s no<br />
time to worry. Pwede na agad nila gamit<strong>in</strong><br />
pang-hanapbuh<strong>ay</strong> o tulong sa bab<strong>ay</strong>ar<strong>in</strong>.<br />
Sa bilis ng Western Union ® tranfer, mabilis<br />
makukuha ng mahal mo ang ng katas ng<br />
iyong p<strong>in</strong>aghirapan.<br />
© 2007 WESTERN UNION HOLDINGS, INC. All rights reserved.
14 SETYEMBRE, 2007 ANGAT SA ALEMANYA <strong>AKO</strong> <strong>ay</strong> <strong>Pilip<strong>in</strong>o</strong><br />
Asians S<strong>in</strong>g, Dance and Sh<strong>in</strong>e!<br />
Filip<strong>in</strong>os sang Tagalog songs. Vietnamese<br />
built the stage. Indonesians cooked<br />
“Sat<strong>ay</strong>.” Children from Laos and Thailand<br />
presented a traditional dance. Asian Reynas<br />
jo<strong>in</strong>ed the Santacruzan. Asians planned together,<br />
helped each other and celebrated their<br />
multiculturality, ra<strong>in</strong> or sh<strong>in</strong>e. Asian Feast is<br />
the event of the year, the cultural fi esta, the<br />
experience of Asian’s varied culture <strong>in</strong> songs,<br />
dances, food and arts. Guests from Asia,<br />
Germany and around the world “journeyed”<br />
together on June 23, 2007- a d<strong>ay</strong> which “we<br />
will cherish <strong>in</strong> our heart and memory <strong>in</strong> the<br />
com<strong>in</strong>g years,” commented one guest.<br />
The compound of the rather quiet St. Aloysius<br />
Church and the nearby Schillerpark was<br />
transformed by the Asian Festival <strong>in</strong>to a cultural<br />
magnet whose sounds and sights have<br />
enriched both the Asian and European guests<br />
alike. Seven Booths were already open at 12<br />
noon where Asian specialties were cooked and<br />
served. The air was fi lled with the smell of<br />
meat mar<strong>in</strong>ated with exotic Asian spices. The<br />
variety of cuis<strong>in</strong>e offered turned the event <strong>in</strong>to<br />
a humble “Asian Food Fest.” Other booths<br />
sold Asian goods, fresh vegetables, cloth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and accessories.<br />
The Cultural Program started at 2 PM with<br />
the “Jubilee Song” which fi tt<strong>in</strong>gly expressed<br />
the vision of the Asian Feast: “No more walls,<br />
no more cha<strong>in</strong>s, no more selfi shness… for we<br />
are all together as one family.” This was followed<br />
by the rare showcase of traditional and<br />
<strong>in</strong>digenous dances from various Asian countries.<br />
Guests from Oceania also enriched the<br />
grandious repertoire. More than 20 dances<br />
and fi ve song performances where witnessed<br />
by around 300 guests.<br />
Lady of Fatima attracts P<strong>in</strong>oy Pilgrims<br />
The Filip<strong>in</strong>o Community <strong>in</strong> Berl<strong>in</strong> organized this<br />
year’s Community Pilgrimage to Fatima, Portugal<br />
from July 23 to 27. It was a very memorable and<br />
blessed spiritual journey for the more than 30 participants<br />
who spent time <strong>in</strong> pr<strong>ay</strong>er and refl ection <strong>in</strong> this<br />
holy place where the Blessed Virg<strong>in</strong> Mary appreared<br />
to three children, Jac<strong>in</strong>ta, Lucia and Francisco, exactly<br />
70 years ago.<br />
The group had the chance to celebrate the daily<br />
Holy Mass at various chapels, namely: Holy Family<br />
Chapel, Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel, Basilica and<br />
at St. Joseph’s Chapel. The nightly Rosary and procession<br />
touched the pilgrims from around the world.<br />
The Filip<strong>in</strong>o delegation was able to lead the pr<strong>ay</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
of the “Hail Mary” <strong>in</strong> Tagalog on two even<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
Two of the highlights of the Pilgrimage were<br />
the Stations of the Cross and the visit to the differ-<br />
ent places where the Angel and our Lady appeared.<br />
The Houses of the three children, especially meet<strong>in</strong>g<br />
liv<strong>in</strong>g members of their extended families also impressed<br />
the group. The multi-medial Exhibit, “Fatima:<br />
Light and Peace” was well-appreciated especially<br />
the guidance of the Filip<strong>in</strong>a Sister Leopolda. The<br />
pilgrims were proud to see a piece of the Berl<strong>in</strong> Wall<br />
as a testimony of the fall of eastern Europe through<br />
Mary <strong>in</strong>tercession.<br />
Aside from Fatima, the group was able to visit Lissabon,<br />
Bathalia and Nazare. All <strong>in</strong> all, it was a reward<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and priceless spiritual journey which has <strong>in</strong>spired<br />
the pilgrims to cont<strong>in</strong>ue discover<strong>in</strong>g God’s w<strong>ay</strong>s not<br />
only <strong>in</strong> holy places like Fatima or Lourdes but also <strong>in</strong><br />
the normal events of daily life. Everybody is look<strong>in</strong>g<br />
forward for the Community Pilgrimage next year…<br />
FADN<br />
“Ihaw-Ihaw” D<strong>in</strong>umog ng mga Bisita<br />
Isang hapon ang <strong>in</strong>ilaan ng Filip<strong>in</strong>o Community sa Berl<strong>in</strong><br />
para sa “Ihaw-Ihaw sa B<strong>ay</strong>ernallee” na d<strong>in</strong>aluhan ng mga<br />
bisitang Aleman, P<strong>in</strong>oy at iba pang gal<strong>in</strong>g sa ibang bansa<br />
noong ika-24 ng Hunyo. Dahil sa ganda ng panahon <strong>ay</strong> marami<br />
ang dumalo sa nasab<strong>in</strong>g picnic na ang pakiramdam <strong>ay</strong><br />
parang nasa Pilip<strong>in</strong>as. Ang hang<strong>in</strong> <strong>ay</strong> nangamoy ng <strong>in</strong>ihaw<br />
na manok, isda at bar-b-q. Pagkatapos ng ka<strong>in</strong>an <strong>ay</strong> is<strong>in</strong>agawa<br />
naman ang Raffl e Draw na ang unang gantimpala <strong>ay</strong><br />
biyaheng papuntang Pilip<strong>in</strong>as na ip<strong>in</strong>agkaloob ni Alyss Gronau<br />
Filip<strong>in</strong>as Reisen. Marami pang ibang pa-premyo ang<br />
<strong>in</strong>uwi ng mga nagsipagwagi gawa ng bigas, kawali, appliances,<br />
at marami pang iba. Isa na namang mas<strong>ay</strong>ang hapon<br />
ang naranasan ng mga P<strong>in</strong>oy sa Berl<strong>in</strong> kasama ng kanilang<br />
mga bisita – isang hapon na puno ng s<strong>ay</strong>a at masas<strong>ay</strong>ang<br />
ala-ala.<br />
Aside from the dancers from Vietnam,<br />
Thailand, Laos and the Pacifi c Islands, the<br />
performers from the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es - the Manisan<br />
Dance Group, Mov<strong>in</strong>g Friends, Philipp<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Folk Dance Youth, Berl<strong>in</strong> and the Loved<br />
Flock Community Choir, enriched the colorful<br />
cultural repertoire.<br />
The highlight of the Feast was the “Asian<br />
Santacruzan”. Vietnamese ladies <strong>in</strong> their traditional<br />
costume supported their representative<br />
as “Div<strong>in</strong>a Pastora”. Likewise, the Indonesians<br />
where represented by the “Reyna<br />
Mora.”<br />
The angels carry<strong>in</strong>g “Ave Maria” came also<br />
from different Asian countries. The 24 other<br />
“Reynas” and Personalities were represented<br />
by Filip<strong>in</strong>os and Germans. The Reyna Elena<br />
this year is Ms. Denile Magallanes while<br />
the “Hermana M<strong>ay</strong>or” group is the Mov<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Friends. After the Santacruzan, there was a<br />
short program with dances from Thailand and<br />
the Oceanian cont<strong>in</strong>ent.<br />
The Asian Feast culm<strong>in</strong>ated with the “Asian<br />
Night.” Guests enjoyed the rest of the even<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> the short program and the disco held at the<br />
Hall of the same church. It was a fi tt<strong>in</strong>g conclusion<br />
of a d<strong>ay</strong> full of fun, culture, memories<br />
and meet<strong>in</strong>g of friends. The Asian Feast<br />
which takes place for the second time this<br />
year achieves its goals of shar<strong>in</strong>g the richness<br />
of Asian culture, of b<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g the Asians closer<br />
together and of creat<strong>in</strong>g bridges of communication<br />
and dialogue. Indeed, it was a d<strong>ay</strong><br />
when Asians proved that they can s<strong>in</strong>g, dance<br />
and sh<strong>in</strong>e!<br />
Fr. Adonis Narcelles Jr., SVD<br />
German Feast with P<strong>in</strong>oy Touch<br />
The Filip<strong>in</strong>os showed once aga<strong>in</strong> their be<strong>in</strong>g “good ambassadors” of<br />
Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Culture dur<strong>in</strong>g the German Feast of the Holy Spirit Community<br />
<strong>in</strong> Berl<strong>in</strong>-Charlottenburg. One can easily notice the presence<br />
of the Filip<strong>in</strong>os through their colorful booths decorated with pictures,<br />
clothes and posters from the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es. Like dur<strong>in</strong>g the previous<br />
years, the members of the Pastoral Team of the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Community<br />
<strong>in</strong> Berl<strong>in</strong> served Filip<strong>in</strong>o Food to the delight of the Germans and other<br />
guests. About 20 kilos of Pansit and more than a hundred Lumpia’s<br />
were enjoyed by the guests who even enjoyed look<strong>in</strong>g at how Pansit<br />
is be<strong>in</strong>g cooked.<br />
The Filip<strong>in</strong>os also rendered a fi tt<strong>in</strong>g tribute to the Parish Priest Fr.<br />
Manfred Krause who is leav<strong>in</strong>g the parish for another assignment. The<br />
Loved Flock Choir sang dur<strong>in</strong>g the short program while the Mov<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Friends danced several dances which culm<strong>in</strong>ated with the “T<strong>in</strong>ikl<strong>in</strong>g.”<br />
Guests also tried to dance to the delight of the appreciative audience.<br />
This Feast was aga<strong>in</strong> an opportunity for the Filip<strong>in</strong>os to show the richness<br />
of their culture be it <strong>in</strong> song, dances or food. It was a signifi cant<br />
contribution towards cultural understand<strong>in</strong>g, respect, <strong>in</strong>tegration and<br />
prophetic dialogue.<br />
Fr. Adonis Narcelles Jr., SVD
<strong>AKO</strong> <strong>ay</strong> <strong>Pilip<strong>in</strong>o</strong><br />
KAGANAPAN SA UK<br />
SETYEMBRE, 2007<br />
London Hosts Biggest Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Barrio<br />
Fiesta <strong>in</strong> Europe<br />
Once aga<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> Lampton Park <strong>in</strong><br />
Hounslow, Middlesex became the<br />
stage for the biggest Philipp<strong>in</strong>e barrio<br />
fi esta <strong>in</strong> the UK and throughout<br />
Europe. It is headed by the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Ambassador to the United<br />
K<strong>in</strong>gdom Edgardo B. Espiritu and<br />
all satff of the Embassy.<br />
“On its 23rd year now, the Hounslow<br />
Barrio Fiesta is the longest runn<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and the most attended Philipp<strong>in</strong>e<br />
barrio fi esta <strong>in</strong> the UK , which<br />
Filip<strong>in</strong>os from all over the UK and<br />
other cities <strong>in</strong> Europe take time off<br />
just to attend,” Ambassador Espiritu<br />
said.<br />
This year, more than 70,000 people<br />
jo<strong>in</strong>ed the fi esta celebration as<br />
Filip<strong>in</strong>os and British alike trooped<br />
to Lampton Park as early as 9:00<br />
a.m. to jo<strong>in</strong> the fun. Around 80 stalls<br />
were put up, showcas<strong>in</strong>g various<br />
Philipp<strong>in</strong>e products from canned<br />
goods to native delicacies, Philipp<strong>in</strong>e<br />
remittance companies and<br />
banks, travel agencies, cargoes, real<br />
property developers, restaurants and<br />
cater<strong>in</strong>g services, retailers and other<br />
service providers.<br />
The Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Embassy also had<br />
a booth to provide <strong>in</strong>formation on<br />
consular services, tourism, labor,<br />
PAG-IBIG, and SSS. The fi rst d<strong>ay</strong><br />
kicked off with a cultural program<br />
featur<strong>in</strong>g various Filip<strong>in</strong>o talents<br />
based <strong>in</strong> the UK , The program<br />
lasted through the afternoon. Ambassador<br />
Espiritu also addressed the<br />
crowd at the fi esta. In his remarks<br />
to the crowd, Ambassador Espiritu<br />
said, “As you celebrate and enjoy<br />
the festive atmosphere of this event,<br />
I hope that you will not forget to use<br />
the occasion as a venue for promot<strong>in</strong>g<br />
our rich cultural heritage so that<br />
our young generation of Filip<strong>in</strong>os<br />
and our British friends present tod<strong>ay</strong><br />
will have a greater understand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and genu<strong>in</strong>e appreciation of our<br />
cultural tradition.”<br />
He also took the opportunity to appeal<br />
to Filip<strong>in</strong>os present to actively<br />
participate <strong>in</strong> the country’s development<br />
endeavors, s<strong>ay</strong><strong>in</strong>g, “I encourage<br />
you to rema<strong>in</strong> active pl<strong>ay</strong>ers <strong>in</strong><br />
our economy, not only as remitters<br />
but also as <strong>in</strong>vestors <strong>in</strong> your respective<br />
prov<strong>in</strong>ces.”<br />
In the afternoon, the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Tourism-London Offi ce hosted a<br />
reception for Friends Philipp<strong>in</strong>es<br />
& the Embassy booth. The reception<br />
was attended by more than 100<br />
friends of the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es , mostly<br />
British nationals <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> promot<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Philipp<strong>in</strong>e tourism to the<br />
British market. Former British Ambassador<br />
to the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es Paul Dimond<br />
and his wife were also guests<br />
at the reception. Hounslow M<strong>ay</strong>or,<br />
Councillor Andy Morgan-Watts and<br />
his wife were also present.<br />
The second d<strong>ay</strong> started off with<br />
a parade around Hounslow High<br />
Street through to Lampton Park .<br />
Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Deputy Chief of Mission<br />
Reynaldo Catapang and offi cials of<br />
the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Centre led the parade.<br />
More than 300 people represent<strong>in</strong>g<br />
various professional and geographical<br />
Filip<strong>in</strong>o organizations <strong>in</strong> the UK<br />
as well as Embassy personnel and<br />
youth groups jo<strong>in</strong>ed the parade. The<br />
WOW Philipp<strong>in</strong>es taxi promotion<br />
and the Igorot Association UK with<br />
their native costumes were two of<br />
the ma<strong>in</strong> attractions at the parade.<br />
The parade was followed by a<br />
cultural show, which featured local<br />
Filip<strong>in</strong>o talents and the Miss Little<br />
Philipp<strong>in</strong>es contest. Mr. and Mrs.<br />
Catapang crowned the w<strong>in</strong>ner of the<br />
pageant and Mr. Catapang also addressed<br />
the crowd on the d<strong>ay</strong>. He<br />
echoed the importance of barrio fi -<br />
estas <strong>in</strong> promot<strong>in</strong>g Philipp<strong>in</strong>e cultural<br />
traditions <strong>in</strong> the UK .<br />
The crowd braved the afternoon<br />
ra<strong>in</strong> to have a glimpse of<br />
Filip<strong>in</strong>o artists Reg<strong>in</strong>e Velasquez,<br />
Epi Quizon and Nyoy Volante, who<br />
all came from the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es to perform<br />
at the fi esta.<br />
The Hounslow Barrio Fiesta is a<br />
project of the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Centre, an<br />
umbrella organization of more than<br />
twenty Filip<strong>in</strong>o organizations <strong>in</strong> the<br />
UK dedicated to promot<strong>in</strong>g Filip<strong>in</strong>o<br />
culture through barrio fi estas and<br />
other cultural activities.<br />
British Embassy Warns Filip<strong>in</strong>o Job seekers<br />
The British Embassy <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es warned Filip<strong>in</strong>o<br />
job seekers of fake job offers through the <strong>in</strong>ternet<br />
that offers a high salary, good benefi ts, free travel<br />
and hous<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Brita<strong>in</strong>. In a statement, the British embassy<br />
said, “Some scams offer<strong>in</strong>g U.K. employment<br />
have proliferated on the Internet recently. These can<br />
exploit unwitt<strong>in</strong>g and often desperate applicants.”<br />
“Often, the start<strong>in</strong>g po<strong>in</strong>t of this type of operation<br />
is the receipt of an unsolicited electronic mail (email)<br />
offer<strong>in</strong>g work <strong>in</strong> the UK while other offers are sent<br />
directly to job seekers who post their resumés on job<br />
sites,” it added.<br />
The advisory said fake job offer<strong>in</strong>gs could be dist<strong>in</strong>guished<br />
by the use of free e-mail address, such as<br />
Yahoo, Hotmail, and MSN. It warns the job offers<br />
m<strong>ay</strong> look genu<strong>in</strong>e but search<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>ternet for the<br />
recruit<strong>in</strong>g company would fail to br<strong>in</strong>g any results.<br />
15<br />
P<strong>in</strong>ap<strong>ay</strong>agan ng Manatili ang mga<br />
Caregivers sa United K<strong>in</strong>gdom<br />
P<strong>in</strong>ap<strong>ay</strong>agan na ng British Home Offi ce na manatili o magpatuloy ang mga<br />
p<strong>in</strong>oy na nagtatrabaho bilang mga caregivers sa United K<strong>in</strong>gdom. Mul<strong>in</strong>g<br />
b<strong>in</strong>uksan ang p<strong>in</strong>tuan ng UK sa mga p<strong>in</strong>oy at sa kanilang pamilya na manatili<br />
lalo sa kanilang marangal na trabaho. Ito d<strong>in</strong> <strong>ay</strong> sa ulat na ip<strong>in</strong>alabas<br />
ng ABS-CBN Balitang Europe sa ulat ni Gene Alcantara. B<strong>in</strong>igyan l<strong>in</strong>aw<br />
d<strong>in</strong> ito ni Charles Kelly na isang immigration adviser na siyang nagsabi na<br />
ang mga caregivers na nagtatrabaho na doon <strong>ay</strong> pwede ng manatili subalit<br />
kailangan nilang sumunod sa mga patakaran na <strong>in</strong>iimplementasyon para<br />
sa trabaho na kanilang g<strong>in</strong>agawa o h<strong>in</strong>ahanap. Ang Home Offi ce ang nagaproba<br />
ng directive na ito noong ika-13 ng Agosto, 2007. Dagdag pa niya<br />
hanggang sa 20,000 libong mga matatanda ang dapat maalagaan at nangangailangan<br />
ng tulong ng mga care giver na m<strong>ay</strong> mga work<strong>in</strong>g permit.
16 SETYEMBRE, 2007<br />
PINOY SA EUROPA <strong>AKO</strong> <strong>ay</strong> <strong>Pilip<strong>in</strong>o</strong><br />
The St. Joseph Social Center Accomodates and<br />
Responds to the needs of the Filip<strong>in</strong>o Migrants<br />
The St. Joseph Social Center is<br />
the center that accommodates<br />
and responds to the needs of<br />
migrants from different countries<br />
who came to seek help. It is located<br />
at no. 13 Ayiou Maronas 1010 Nicosia<br />
with telephone numbers 00357-<br />
22668338, 00357-22665055 and fax<br />
no. 00357-22666411. It is managed<br />
and run by the Sisters of St. Joseph<br />
namely Sis. Adel<strong>in</strong>e Condon, and<br />
Sis. John Cullen from Ireland, Sis.<br />
Antonia John from India, and Sis.<br />
Magdel<strong>in</strong>e Nan Za Hly from Myanmar.<br />
They are also responsible<br />
for the Association For Support of<br />
Foreign Workers. The association<br />
is be<strong>in</strong>g helped by a committee, all<br />
migrants are represented on the committee<br />
and meet once <strong>in</strong> a month<br />
to discuss the problems and the organization<br />
of the different activities<br />
which take place <strong>in</strong> the center. Below<br />
is the background of the Congregation<br />
and the rout<strong>in</strong>e activities be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
held <strong>in</strong> the center.<br />
The Congregation of the Sisters<br />
of St. Joseph of the Apparition is a<br />
missionary religious Congregation,<br />
founded on Christmas night 1832 at<br />
Gaillac <strong>in</strong> France by St. Emilie de<br />
Vialar who was canonized by Pope<br />
Pius XII <strong>in</strong> 1951. The name of the<br />
Institute calls to m<strong>in</strong>d the mystery<br />
of the Incarnation as revealed to St.<br />
Joseph <strong>in</strong> the Gospel of St. Matthew.<br />
The name rem<strong>in</strong>ds the Congregation<br />
of that which the foundress wanted it<br />
to become, by vocation a liv<strong>in</strong>g sign<br />
tod<strong>ay</strong> of the love of God, which has<br />
become <strong>in</strong>carnate and reaches persons<br />
through human actions. Tod<strong>ay</strong><br />
the Congregation has spread to 32<br />
countries <strong>in</strong> all the fi ve cont<strong>in</strong>ents <strong>in</strong><br />
the world. In the year 1844 the Sisters<br />
of St. Joseph of the Apparition<br />
came to the island of Cyprus to respond<br />
to the needs of the people of<br />
that time.<br />
They were the fi rst religious to<br />
come to the Island and had French<br />
and English schools for the people.<br />
They had also dispensaries to treat<br />
the patients; the name of Sis. Sophie<br />
is still remembered not only<br />
by the people of Larnaca <strong>in</strong> Cyprus<br />
but also registered <strong>in</strong> the Government<br />
records. In the years to come<br />
the schools were closed and were<br />
handed over <strong>in</strong> the hands of the l<strong>ay</strong><br />
people. The two missions of Larnaca<br />
and Nicosia rema<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> the hands of<br />
the sisters. The mission became entirely<br />
a new one and this time it is to<br />
respond to the needs of the Migrants<br />
from Sri Lanka, India, Philipp<strong>in</strong>es,<br />
Myanmar, Africa, Kurds, Iraq, and<br />
many other countries. The house of<br />
the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition<br />
became a house of refugee for<br />
the people who had no shelter.<br />
Tod<strong>ay</strong> the center has a lot of activities<br />
accommodat<strong>in</strong>g the refugees<br />
who come regularly.<br />
The rout<strong>in</strong>e activities are the follow<strong>in</strong>g;<br />
regular sund<strong>ay</strong> gather<strong>in</strong>gs of<br />
all domestic workers of different nationalities,<br />
legal cell that help everyone<br />
<strong>in</strong> need with a lawyer employed<br />
for the purpose, counsel<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
support to the one <strong>in</strong> need, teach<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Greek and English languages, computer<br />
classes with a tutor employed<br />
for the purpose music classes for<br />
those <strong>in</strong>terested to learn music, sew-<br />
<strong>in</strong>g, draw<strong>in</strong>g, pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g and many others.<br />
Sund<strong>ay</strong> is a d<strong>ay</strong> when the Government<br />
of Cyprus has asked all the<br />
employers to give a d<strong>ay</strong>’s holid<strong>ay</strong> to<br />
all the domestic workers. It is a d<strong>ay</strong><br />
when the center has a hundreds of<br />
young women and men who come to<br />
participate <strong>in</strong> different activities and<br />
come for counsel<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
The Sisters are alw<strong>ay</strong>s available to<br />
them. D<strong>ay</strong> and night the door of the<br />
center is open to the homeless, and<br />
they have a big number of girls who<br />
come for shelter everyd<strong>ay</strong>.<br />
The problems of the migrants are<br />
very complicated and the Sisters are<br />
sh<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Come<br />
with us!<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce its debut on the World Wide Web <strong>in</strong><br />
March 1997, it’s been a colorful journey for<br />
philstar.com!<br />
From a simple onl<strong>in</strong>e edition of The<br />
Philipp<strong>in</strong>e STAR, we have embraced a<br />
bigger vision of becom<strong>in</strong>g a portal for the<br />
Filip<strong>in</strong>o global community.<br />
In keep<strong>in</strong>g with our service-oriented direction,<br />
we are evolv<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong> to give you a new look,<br />
brand new services and more <strong>in</strong>teractive<br />
features.<br />
We are family!<br />
As your virtual home on the Web, the new philstar.com<br />
recognizes readers’ need for a complete view of the news from<br />
home. We give you news from The Philipp<strong>in</strong>e STAR, updates<br />
from Cebu and the Vis<strong>ay</strong>as from The Freeman, Cebu’s oldest<br />
English daily. We also give you the joy of read<strong>in</strong>g the news<br />
<strong>in</strong> Tagalog and Vis<strong>ay</strong>an through <strong>Pilip<strong>in</strong>o</strong> STAR Ng<strong>ay</strong>on and<br />
Banat, respectively. And through People Asia magaz<strong>in</strong>e, we<br />
profile the most <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g personalities <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es<br />
and <strong>in</strong> Asia.<br />
Our family is grow<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Log on to www.philstar.com<br />
You are home!<br />
available to the girls and the woman<br />
whenever they are needed. The center<br />
started with the goodwill of all the<br />
people <strong>in</strong> the area. In the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g<br />
they were generous. The Sisters of<br />
the St. Joseph could manage to a certa<strong>in</strong><br />
extent the expenses of the center<br />
but now, they do not get much help<br />
except from the government and<br />
from their own Congregation.<br />
They are obliged to keep the center<br />
runn<strong>in</strong>g because of the number of<br />
people who come for help, for shelter,<br />
and for some formation classes.<br />
Carmen Brazan<br />
- Vda. de Llauderes with reports<br />
from Sis. Adel<strong>in</strong>e Condon<br />
Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Consulate General <strong>in</strong> Milan Launches Computer-<br />
Literacy Course For Migrant Filip<strong>in</strong>o Workers<br />
The Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Consulate General <strong>in</strong> Milan , Italy<br />
recently launched its Basic Computer Course at the<br />
Consulate’s Community Technology Learn<strong>in</strong>g Center<br />
for Filip<strong>in</strong>os <strong>in</strong> Milan and northern Italy . The Microsoft-sponsored<br />
program is be<strong>in</strong>g conducted by the<br />
Consulate <strong>in</strong> coord<strong>in</strong>ation with the DOLE-OWWA-<br />
Microsoft’s Tul<strong>ay</strong> Project aimed at help<strong>in</strong>g Filip<strong>in</strong>os<br />
overseas upgrade their skills. The <strong>Italia</strong>n governmentaccredited<br />
Filip<strong>in</strong>o NGO Balikatan is the Consulate’s<br />
Filip<strong>in</strong>o community partner for this project.<br />
The <strong>in</strong>itial batch of thirty Filip<strong>in</strong>o tra<strong>in</strong>ees started<br />
last week <strong>in</strong> two shifts. Three-hour tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g sessions<br />
are conducted every Thursd<strong>ay</strong>, Saturd<strong>ay</strong>, and Sund<strong>ay</strong>.<br />
Many Filip<strong>in</strong>os have signed up for the computer course<br />
where they will undergo basic computer tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g with<br />
additional batches scheduled for September, October<br />
and November. The Consulate plans to conduct advanced<br />
computer courses and tapp<strong>in</strong>g graduates from<br />
the program to tra<strong>in</strong> future enrollees.<br />
The Consulate’s thrust is to tra<strong>in</strong> and upgrade the<br />
skills of Filip<strong>in</strong>o workers <strong>in</strong> Milan and northern Italy<br />
given the country’s labor-friendly environment.<br />
Beyond news, philstar.com is for the Filip<strong>in</strong>os wherever they<br />
are <strong>in</strong> the world. Let’s talk, share, rave, rage, rant, bond. We<br />
open our site for the free flow of <strong>in</strong>formation, for a vigorous<br />
exchange of ideas, for reach<strong>in</strong>g out to fellow Filip<strong>in</strong>os, for<br />
gett<strong>in</strong>g to know each other and our country better.<br />
We are not perfect but we are together!<br />
The program is also <strong>in</strong>tended to bridge – through<br />
the use of the modern <strong>in</strong>formation highw<strong>ay</strong> – the communication<br />
gap between the Filip<strong>in</strong>o migrant workers<br />
and their families back home. Through the wonders<br />
of computer technology, the costly expense of keep<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> touch with families <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es will be drastically<br />
reduced.<br />
This computer learn<strong>in</strong>g project is be<strong>in</strong>g replicated <strong>in</strong><br />
other Philipp<strong>in</strong>e embassies and consulates <strong>in</strong> countries<br />
where there are large concentrations of Filip<strong>in</strong>o workers<br />
– Hong Kong , Saudi Arabia , Taiwan , and Rome<br />
, as well as <strong>in</strong> various OWWA regional centers <strong>in</strong> the<br />
Philipp<strong>in</strong>es .<br />
Another developmental project of the Consulate is<br />
the Caregivers’ Course, which is currently on its second<br />
batch of tra<strong>in</strong>ees, and the Manipulative Massage<br />
Therapy Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, which will have its fourth batch of<br />
tra<strong>in</strong>ees on 13 September 2007. Over 30 Filip<strong>in</strong>os have<br />
graduated from the fi rst tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g batch <strong>in</strong> the Caregivers’<br />
Course while about 80 have fi nished the Massage<br />
Therapy Course. Many graduates of the courses are<br />
now practic<strong>in</strong>g and earn<strong>in</strong>g from their new skills.
<strong>AKO</strong> <strong>ay</strong> <strong>Pilip<strong>in</strong>o</strong> AKSYON SA CYPRUS<br />
Athletics - Cyprus<br />
Anglo-Fil Debuts <strong>in</strong> Athens<br />
Summer months are the busiest<br />
time for athletic competitions<br />
everywhere and Cyprus is no exemptions.<br />
Athletes have been very busy<br />
prepar<strong>in</strong>g themselves for the various<br />
summer competitions held with<strong>in</strong> the<br />
island and <strong>in</strong>ternationally.<br />
An under-17 athletics competition<br />
was held at G.S.O Tsirio stadium <strong>in</strong><br />
Limassol on 16th - 17th of June this<br />
year, the same stadium where Brian<br />
Adams performed his fi rst ever concert<br />
<strong>in</strong> Cyprus! Different clubs from<br />
all over Cyprus sent their best athletes<br />
to compete for a place to go to Athens<br />
(Greece), with the best top two athletes<br />
for each category hav<strong>in</strong>g the chance to<br />
go as part of the National Team to compete<br />
<strong>in</strong> the same age group aga<strong>in</strong>st the<br />
top two athletes from Greece.<br />
Turn<strong>in</strong>g fourteen last month meant<br />
that Cathr<strong>in</strong>e Beatty, a member of the<br />
G.S.P. Athletics Club of Nicosia s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
March this year, is now considered to<br />
be at the senior level and was one of the<br />
lucky athletes tak<strong>in</strong>g part <strong>in</strong> this event<br />
represent<strong>in</strong>g Nicosia for the hammer<br />
event. Cathr<strong>in</strong>e managed to obta<strong>in</strong> second<br />
place with a throw of 38.65 metres<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g this competition, which quali-<br />
fi ed her to go to Athens as part of the<br />
Under-17 National Team to compete<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st Greece.<br />
Preparation for this competition <strong>in</strong>volved<br />
a month and a half of hard tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g,<br />
every d<strong>ay</strong> except Sund<strong>ay</strong>s, as well<br />
as frequent competitions to get used to<br />
the idea of throw<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> front of a big<br />
audience. Thankfully, the school exams<br />
and school term had fi nally fi nished by<br />
then, which gave Cathr<strong>in</strong>e less pressure<br />
<strong>in</strong> prepar<strong>in</strong>g herself.<br />
The trip to Athens fi nally arrived on<br />
third of August. Realis<strong>in</strong>g that neither<br />
her coach nor her mother would be with<br />
her dur<strong>in</strong>g this trip, it made her feel excited<br />
but at the same time apprehensive,<br />
to be travell<strong>in</strong>g on her own. Be<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
only foreigner <strong>in</strong> the team and be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
very shy of speak<strong>in</strong>g the Greek language,<br />
she had to learn quickly to get<br />
along with her teammates so as not to<br />
be left on her own. Luckily, she is the<br />
sort of person who can easily get along<br />
with everyone.<br />
About 21 athletes from the Nicosia<br />
team plus their coaches and organisers<br />
met at the new Olympic Committee<br />
build<strong>in</strong>g and headed off to Larnaca<br />
airport to meet up with the rest of the<br />
Till Death Do Us Part<br />
For better or for worse till death do us part. This is the wedd<strong>in</strong>g vow<br />
of the newly wed couple Pastora Shiela Dumaoang of Agappi Christian<br />
Fellowship and Ranier Celest<strong>in</strong>o as they expressed their conjugal<br />
love and sealed it with eternal bond through the Holy Matrimony last<br />
June 3, 2007 held at # 22 Pente Pigadia St. Agio Omoligites 1076<br />
Nicosia.The wedd<strong>in</strong>g ceremony was conducted by Dr. Samuel Lee of<br />
the Samuel Lee Worl Evangelism <strong>in</strong> a garden sett<strong>in</strong>g. It was attended<br />
by the couples employers respectively with their closest friends, relatives,<br />
and with several <strong>in</strong>vited guests.<br />
Pastora Shiela and Ranier fi rst met last December 25, 2005 at Jesus<br />
The Savior Fellowship Church <strong>in</strong> Nicosia. Their meet<strong>in</strong>gs were followed<br />
successively as they get attracted with each other. Ranier loves<br />
to pl<strong>ay</strong> guitar and Pastora Shiela loves to s<strong>in</strong>g. Until he fi nally courted<br />
her and became friends. Their friendship blossomed <strong>in</strong>to an <strong>in</strong>tense<br />
committed relationship. F<strong>in</strong>ally they committed themselves as husband<br />
and wife <strong>in</strong> Jesus Name.<br />
Carmen Dolorez B. Brazan-Llauderes<br />
Cyprus team to catch the early morn<strong>in</strong>g<br />
fl ight to Athens. The Cyprus national<br />
team st<strong>ay</strong>ed at the luxurious 5* Metropolitan<br />
Hotel <strong>in</strong> Athens. The venue<br />
for the competition was Agios Kosmas,<br />
which is a 30-m<strong>in</strong>ute drive from the<br />
airport and around 10 m<strong>in</strong>utes from the<br />
hotel.<br />
Their fi rst d<strong>ay</strong> <strong>in</strong> Athens was spent<br />
rest<strong>in</strong>g and explor<strong>in</strong>g the hotel, as well<br />
as go<strong>in</strong>g to the stadium to get the feel<br />
of the ground and a bit of tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
preparation for the competitions.<br />
Her coach specifi cally <strong>in</strong>structed<br />
Cathr<strong>in</strong>e before she left that s<strong>in</strong>ce her<br />
competition would not be until Sund<strong>ay</strong>,<br />
5th August; Saturd<strong>ay</strong> would be a<br />
rest d<strong>ay</strong> for her. Luckily, Athens did not<br />
have the extreme heat that Cyprus has<br />
experienced dur<strong>in</strong>g the last few weeks<br />
and the temperature was much more<br />
pleasant than here. All competitions<br />
were held from 6:00 PM until 9:30 PM.<br />
In the morn<strong>in</strong>g of the second d<strong>ay</strong> of the<br />
competition, a small group of athletes<br />
went to the centre of Athens for a bit<br />
of ‘stress reliev<strong>in</strong>g’ shopp<strong>in</strong>g. At 6pm,<br />
the games opened, and the competition<br />
started with the 100m hurdles.<br />
Cathr<strong>in</strong>e’s event was at 6.15 pm, and<br />
compet<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>st much older (17+)<br />
and experienced athletes, she fi nally<br />
took 4th place with a throw of 33m. Although<br />
nowhere near her best, she felt<br />
that she ga<strong>in</strong>ed a lot of experience from<br />
compet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> such a high profi le event<br />
and is now even more determ<strong>in</strong>ed to<br />
br<strong>in</strong>g back a medal next time!<br />
When the games had ended, the Cyprus<br />
team decided to go out and celebrate<br />
their best athletic year yet at a<br />
local café. The next d<strong>ay</strong> was the last<br />
d<strong>ay</strong> to be spent <strong>in</strong> Greece, and because<br />
the competitions were over, the Cyprus<br />
team took the opportunity to go for a<br />
little sightsee<strong>in</strong>g. First the team visited<br />
the Parthenon <strong>in</strong> Acropolis, which<br />
amazed everyone with it’s’ beauty and<br />
enormity. Then they took two coaches<br />
to ‘The Mall Athens’ for a last-m<strong>in</strong>ute<br />
spot of shopp<strong>in</strong>g! After spend<strong>in</strong>g 3<br />
hours <strong>in</strong> the Mall it was time to go to<br />
the airport. Three hours later, s<strong>ay</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
goodbye to newly made friends, they<br />
were on their w<strong>ay</strong> back to Nicosia by<br />
bus at two-thirty <strong>in</strong> the morn<strong>in</strong>g with<br />
triumph <strong>in</strong> their hearts!<br />
Cathr<strong>in</strong>e Beatty<br />
A meet<strong>in</strong>g was held between the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Honorary<br />
Consul to Cyprus Mrs. Shema<strong>in</strong>e Alonso Bushnell<br />
- Kyriakides and the counsular volunteers held <strong>in</strong><br />
her residence <strong>in</strong> Nicosia.<br />
She said, ‘’ there are 9049 legally st<strong>ay</strong><strong>in</strong>g fi lip<strong>in</strong>os<br />
<strong>in</strong> Cyprus based from the Immigaration report. A<br />
regular passport application requires 10 - 15 work<strong>in</strong>g<br />
d<strong>ay</strong>s and costs 60 cyprus pounds while an expidite<br />
passport application only takes 5 - 7 work<strong>in</strong>g d<strong>ay</strong>s<br />
and costs 84 pounds,’’ she added.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g the meet<strong>in</strong>g, the vounteers suggested to<br />
the Honorable Consul wheather they could possibly<br />
conduct a consular outreach mission on her behalf to<br />
reach out more OFW’s who couldn’t come to her offi<br />
ce. Mrs. Kyriakides gave them her approval. Follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
her approval the consular volunteers conduct-<br />
SETYEMBRE, 2007<br />
Dr. Samuel Lee Dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Pentecost<br />
17<br />
Dr. Samuel Lee was the keynote speaker dur<strong>in</strong>g the Pentecost<br />
celebration held <strong>in</strong> Rex C<strong>in</strong>ema Larnaca. He proclaimed<br />
the Word of God <strong>in</strong> Luke 19:1-10 Zacchaeus The<br />
Tax Collector. He said, “ When we desire to see Jesus like<br />
Zacchaeus we must overcome h<strong>in</strong>drances to draw near to<br />
God.” We need to surrender our life to him to be saved.<br />
We must repent and avoid s<strong>in</strong>s. God knows us <strong>in</strong>timately. “<br />
Abide with His Word to recieve eternal life. Because we are<br />
like a dead meat without the spirit of God,” he concluded.<br />
Dr. Lee is an Apostle Pastor of Samuel Lee World Evangelism.<br />
He said he is highly priveleged to m<strong>in</strong>ister the Word<br />
of God to Cyprus for over ten years now and to the rest<br />
of the world. He came with a Wonderful Man of God Bro.<br />
Thomas Asante.<br />
The celebration was a gather<strong>in</strong>g of different churches and<br />
fellowships from different places <strong>in</strong> the island mostly foreigners.<br />
It was hosted by Jesus Christ Foundation pastored<br />
by Pastora Mhel Villanueva and Pastor Carlos Villanueva<br />
Jr. The theme is “ Unit<strong>in</strong>g God’s People <strong>in</strong> the Island and<br />
Releas<strong>in</strong>g Then to Advance the K<strong>in</strong>gdom of God.<br />
The praise and worship was led by Sis. Shirley R<strong>in</strong>ell<br />
with Filip<strong>in</strong>o Worship Team. All pr<strong>ay</strong>ed for the unity of pastors,<br />
leaders, and churches and asked God for a new anno<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g<br />
for this time and season.<br />
The Pentecost celebration is a symbolic and a signifi cant<br />
festival <strong>in</strong> the church. It was on this d<strong>ay</strong> that the holy spirit<br />
was poured by Jesus Christ <strong>in</strong> the group of about 120 disciples,<br />
[ Acts 1:13-15] The celebration was a victory for the<br />
glory of God.<br />
Carmen Dolorez B. Brazan-Llauderes<br />
Hon. Consul Kyriakides Meets Consular Volunteers<br />
ed immidiately a two-separated consular outreach<br />
mission <strong>in</strong> Paralimni and <strong>in</strong> Larnaca respectively.<br />
There were about 90 OFW’s from Paralimni met<br />
by consular volunteers Emong Pedroso, Marites Caligtan,<br />
and Elizabeth Fernandez. Meanwhile consular<br />
volunteers Primrose Lomas and Carmen B. Llauderes<br />
met more or less 60 OFW’s <strong>in</strong> Larnaca.<br />
Consular Volunteers also conducted <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
disim<strong>in</strong>ation and distribution of passport, OWWA,<br />
and PAG-IBIG application forms. They encouraged<br />
fellow fi lip<strong>in</strong>os to jo<strong>in</strong> programs and projects of the<br />
government for their benefi ts and welfare.<br />
CDBBL
18 SETYEMBRE, 2007<br />
SPIRITUAL READINGS <strong>AKO</strong> <strong>ay</strong> <strong>Pilip<strong>in</strong>o</strong><br />
As we come to the end of summer we<br />
have refl ected about the sea (July<br />
issue) let me now write about what<br />
we alw<strong>ay</strong>s see as we travel along the roads<br />
of Europe <strong>in</strong> her vast roll<strong>in</strong>g hills. It is sunfl<br />
ower.<br />
This is a legend. A nymph Clytie fell <strong>in</strong><br />
love with the sun god, Apollo. Throughout<br />
the d<strong>ay</strong>s she would sit and st<strong>ay</strong> motionless,<br />
watch<strong>in</strong>g the sun god Apollo <strong>in</strong> his radiant<br />
glory sh<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and journey<strong>in</strong>g across the<br />
sky. But Apollo did not notice her. The love<br />
of Clytie was not even reciprocated. Yet<br />
Clytie rema<strong>in</strong>ed faithful and hopeful with<br />
her love of Apollo. Everyd<strong>ay</strong> she watched<br />
Apollo passed by, star<strong>in</strong>g at him until her<br />
last d<strong>ay</strong>.<br />
Apollo took pity on her and admired her<br />
faithful love. And so Apollo changed her<br />
<strong>in</strong>to a fl ower. This fl ower is bigger compared<br />
to other fl owers, has bright and stunn<strong>in</strong>g<br />
colors of yellow and black. And much<br />
more this fl ower cont<strong>in</strong>ues to what the<br />
nymph Clytie did, alw<strong>ay</strong>s fac<strong>in</strong>g and worshipp<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Apollo, fac<strong>in</strong>g alw<strong>ay</strong>s towards to<br />
sun. Thus it is known as sunfl ower a symbol<br />
of submission to love, turn<strong>in</strong>g alw<strong>ay</strong>s<br />
to her beloved, ever faithful never doubtful,<br />
unwaver<strong>in</strong>g to her choice.<br />
Isn’t beautiful? Isn’t very touch<strong>in</strong>g? We<br />
alw<strong>ay</strong>s set our sight on the one whom we<br />
loved. We alw<strong>ay</strong>s look after whom we care.<br />
We alw<strong>ay</strong>s want to see, to hear or to be with<br />
our beloved. Like sunfl ower we want to<br />
turn, to face, to be <strong>in</strong> sight of our beloved.<br />
This is an <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g episode <strong>in</strong> the life<br />
of Sa<strong>in</strong>t Anthony Abbot (250-356). He<br />
lived his whole life as a hermit <strong>in</strong> an Egyptian<br />
desert. He was noted for his hol<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
and people came for his spiritual advises.<br />
There were alw<strong>ay</strong>s three monks who never<br />
failed to visit him. Two of them alw<strong>ay</strong>s<br />
asked questions about themselves, about<br />
GIRASOLE<br />
their salvation. But the third monk was alw<strong>ay</strong>s<br />
quiet, totally silent, without s<strong>ay</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
anyth<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
After some time the hermit Anthony said<br />
to him, “you have been <strong>in</strong> the habit of com<strong>in</strong>g<br />
here and to visit me all this time. And<br />
yet you do not ask me any questions.” The<br />
monk answered, “good father, it is enough<br />
for me just to look at you.”<br />
Have you noticed that the sunfl ower<br />
moves with the sun and alw<strong>ay</strong>s fac<strong>in</strong>g proud<br />
and tall to the sun? Have you observed that<br />
at the sunset the sunfl ower bowed down?<br />
Like sunfl ower let us alw<strong>ay</strong>s turn to the one<br />
we must love. Like the sunfl ower let us alw<strong>ay</strong>s<br />
set our sight and life to the One who<br />
loves us most. And He is no other than our<br />
Lord Jesus who is the true light as He said,<br />
“I am the light of the world, the one who<br />
follows me will not walk <strong>in</strong> darkness, but<br />
will have light and life” (John 12,8). The<br />
book of Psalm proclaims, “for the Lord<br />
God is a sun and a shield; he bestows favor<br />
and glory. The Lord withholds no good<br />
th<strong>in</strong>gs from those who walk <strong>in</strong> uprightness”<br />
(84,12).<br />
Have you heard the <strong>Italia</strong>n song about<br />
sunfl ower? The <strong>Italia</strong>n word for sunfl ower<br />
is girasole. It means alw<strong>ay</strong>s turn<strong>in</strong>g towards<br />
the sun. And a portion of that song goes like<br />
this:<br />
Come un girasole giro <strong>in</strong>torno a te<br />
Che sei il mio sole anche di notte<br />
E’ come un girasole, io te seguiro.<br />
E’ mille volte ancora cui <strong>in</strong>namorero!<br />
Like a sunfl ower, I turn alw<strong>ay</strong>s toward<br />
you<br />
for you are my sun even <strong>in</strong> the night<br />
And like a sunfl ower, I will follow you.<br />
and for a thousand times more<br />
I will fall <strong>in</strong> love with you still!<br />
Inspirational Messages<br />
Tulong!<br />
There were three brothers who were all compulsive <strong>in</strong> their desire to hit the pot<br />
of gold <strong>in</strong> the world of bus<strong>in</strong>ess. Even as young high school students on to college,<br />
their parents were constantly breath<strong>in</strong>g over their shoulders for them to make it to the<br />
top no less. The competitive spirit they learned to sharpen <strong>in</strong> the classroom aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />
their classmates soon became a lethal weapon aga<strong>in</strong>st each other later <strong>in</strong> life. In the<br />
absence of an outside ‘enemy’, the battle soon turned brother aga<strong>in</strong>st brother.<br />
With more than enough money now as yuppies, they never were <strong>in</strong> contact with<br />
each other as they were liv<strong>in</strong>g separately by themselves, avoid<strong>in</strong>g even the traditional<br />
reunions they were taught to hold on a regular basis by their late parents. No<br />
pans<strong>in</strong>an talaga! At lalo na’t walang pakialaman.<br />
Suddenly, the eldest brother died. The rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g two brothers were shocked no<br />
end, and <strong>in</strong> few m<strong>in</strong>utes notice, the two met to take stock of their situation, as they<br />
made preparations for the cremation of their eldest brother. They were assisted by<br />
their former family driver who was liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the slum area.<br />
Helplessness divorced from self-pity breeds an <strong>in</strong>ch <strong>in</strong>to our humanity. In helplessness,<br />
one either despairs or connects.<br />
Magal<strong>in</strong>g sa salita ang P<strong>in</strong>oy. Mautak ang P<strong>in</strong>oy. Magal<strong>in</strong>g sa diskarte ang P<strong>in</strong>oy.<br />
There is absolutely nobody with so much money who will not need the shoulders<br />
and the hands of the poor, and there is no one who is so poor who will not have<br />
someth<strong>in</strong>g to offer the rich.<br />
Acute<br />
I cannot forget the words of a mother tell<strong>in</strong>g her children who kissed her hand<br />
when they arrived from school “Mabuti lang k<strong>ay</strong>o habang maliliit pa, pero pag laki<br />
niyo, ang sung<strong>ay</strong> niyo <strong>ay</strong> h<strong>in</strong>agpis ko na.” The face and trust of a child is mysteriously<br />
arrest<strong>in</strong>g to adults. Nagigitla’ ang pagkatao nat<strong>in</strong>, Tenderness is <strong>in</strong>nocence and<br />
compassion. Powerlessness magnets k<strong>in</strong>dness.<br />
Bawat baby <strong>ay</strong> cute, di ba? Mahirap h<strong>in</strong>di-an ang bata. Pag tanda’ nagig<strong>in</strong>g<br />
‘acute’ na. Buti na lang m<strong>ay</strong> second childhood t<strong>ay</strong>ong <strong>in</strong>aasahan sa pagtanda nat<strong>in</strong>,<br />
pero pangalawang h<strong>in</strong>agpis sa magaalaga sa at<strong>in</strong>! Balik pampers.<br />
The problem really starts when we have all forgotten where we have started to<br />
learn how to walk, and the fi rst time we earned our fi rst p<strong>ay</strong>check. Nakakalimutan<br />
d<strong>in</strong> nat<strong>in</strong> ang mga tumulong sa at<strong>in</strong>, na h<strong>in</strong>di pa nga nat<strong>in</strong> lubos na napapasalamatan.<br />
Lov<strong>in</strong>g and car<strong>in</strong>g lose their value when we start count<strong>in</strong>g the times and the w<strong>ay</strong>s.<br />
Kung kelan pa umunlad ang buh<strong>ay</strong> nat<strong>in</strong> as OFW, e, doon pa t<strong>ay</strong>o natuto magal<strong>in</strong>g<br />
magbilang ng utang na loob sa natulungan d<strong>in</strong> nat<strong>in</strong>. Th<strong>in</strong>k aga<strong>in</strong>. Indeed, we have<br />
changed a lot. Money leads to <strong>in</strong>dependence, and <strong>in</strong>dependence cut from all sorts of<br />
gratitude, fl irts with greed and egoism. Maski ang nan<strong>ay</strong> nat<strong>in</strong> h<strong>in</strong>di na t<strong>ay</strong>o kilala.<br />
Nanunung<strong>ay</strong> na ang dat<strong>in</strong>g musmos.<br />
And s<strong>in</strong>ce we do not really know our true selves, the relationships we establish<br />
are often short-lived and sk<strong>in</strong>-deep. We only listen to what we would like to hear.<br />
Tragedy, or comedy, or acute?<br />
Comments/feedbacks to addis_son@yahoo.com<br />
Th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g deeper about sunfl ower I<br />
came out with this <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g messages<br />
for you.<br />
First, alw<strong>ay</strong>s turn to God. Whatever happens,<br />
wherever we are let us alw<strong>ay</strong>s turn to<br />
God. In our needs let us seek God fi rst. In<br />
our wander<strong>in</strong>g let us go back to God. With<br />
our success and with our triumphs let us alw<strong>ay</strong>s<br />
remember God. In our happ<strong>in</strong>ess let<br />
us return to God, to praise Him and to be<br />
thankful to Him. As the sunfl ower moves<br />
<strong>in</strong> the direction of the sun, let us then direct<br />
our heart and m<strong>in</strong>d to God. Let us focus our<br />
vision to God’s plan for us.<br />
Let us keep our will attune to God’s<br />
w<strong>ay</strong>s, our goals align to God’s mission.<br />
Prophet Joel rem<strong>in</strong>ds us, “rend your heart,<br />
not your garment. Return to Yahweh, your<br />
God-gracious and compassionate” (2,13).<br />
Santa Teresa de Avila tells us “withhold<br />
your heart from all th<strong>in</strong>gs: seek God and<br />
you will fi nd Him.”<br />
Second, as we turn to God, let us therefore<br />
try Him and trust Him. God has alw<strong>ay</strong>s<br />
the right answers to our quests and<br />
questions <strong>in</strong> life. God has alw<strong>ay</strong>s the best<br />
remedy for our pa<strong>in</strong>s and problems. God<br />
consoles. He heals. He helps. So why not<br />
try Him fi rst? God is alw<strong>ay</strong>s available and<br />
very approachable. He alw<strong>ay</strong>s listens and<br />
attends to our needs.<br />
So why not go fi rst to God? He is our<br />
safety. He is our protector and great provider.<br />
God alw<strong>ay</strong>s wills what is best for us.<br />
He does what is most benefi cial for us. So,<br />
let us try Him fi rst and alw<strong>ay</strong>s trust Him.<br />
We must l<strong>ay</strong> our burdens to Him. Entrust<br />
all your cares to God. Jesus is tell<strong>in</strong>g us,<br />
“come to me, all you who work hard and<br />
who carry heavy burden and I will refresh<br />
you. Take my yoke upon you and learn<br />
from me for I am gentle and humble of<br />
heart; and you will fi nd rest. For my yoke<br />
is good and my burden is light” (Matthew<br />
11, 28-30). Sa<strong>in</strong>t August<strong>in</strong>e s<strong>ay</strong>s, “trust the<br />
past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s<br />
love and the future to God’s providence.”<br />
Third, take God alw<strong>ay</strong>s <strong>in</strong> your life.<br />
As we do our earthly pilgrimage towards<br />
heaven surely we will encounter many challenges<br />
and responsibilities. There could be<br />
hardships. There would be trials and even<br />
temptations. But whatever and wherever let<br />
us take God with us.<br />
Let us remember Him and take refuge <strong>in</strong><br />
Him. Our works could be demand<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
diffi cult. Our people could be uncooperative,<br />
our superiors unforgiv<strong>in</strong>g. Our labors<br />
could be unproductive or the results frustrat<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
So, let us take God with us and<br />
th<strong>in</strong>k of Him. God will make a w<strong>ay</strong>.<br />
He will do everyth<strong>in</strong>g possible. He will<br />
surely grant us a bountiful harvest. There<br />
is alw<strong>ay</strong>s <strong>in</strong>vitation from God to return to<br />
Him, to try Him and take Him. Jesus is tell<strong>in</strong>g<br />
us alw<strong>ay</strong>s, “if you wish be a follower of<br />
m<strong>in</strong>e, deny yourself and take up your cross<br />
each d<strong>ay</strong>, and follow me” (Luke 9,23).<br />
Let us accept the <strong>in</strong>vitation of Jesus. Let<br />
us take Him <strong>in</strong>. And so before tak<strong>in</strong>g any<br />
serious decision let us th<strong>in</strong>k of Him. Let<br />
us take recourse to Him. Before assum<strong>in</strong>g<br />
great tasks or before go<strong>in</strong>g to places let us<br />
take God with us, <strong>in</strong> our works, and <strong>in</strong> our<br />
workplaces.<br />
God alw<strong>ay</strong>s sets His sight on us. He is<br />
alw<strong>ay</strong>s after our safety, our security and<br />
much more for our salvation. He wants to<br />
take us with Him <strong>in</strong> heaven. So let us take<br />
Him <strong>in</strong> our hearts, <strong>in</strong> our homes. Blessed<br />
Mother Teresa used to s<strong>ay</strong>, “I am a little<br />
pencil <strong>in</strong> the hand of a writ<strong>in</strong>g God who is<br />
send<strong>in</strong>g a love letter to the world.”<br />
As I admired the beauty of sunfl ower I<br />
was struck by its strik<strong>in</strong>g reaction to the<br />
sun. After look<strong>in</strong>g up at the sun, and when<br />
the sun sets the sunfl ower looks down on<br />
the soil. After fac<strong>in</strong>g and enjoy<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
brightness of the sun and at the end of the<br />
d<strong>ay</strong> the sunfl ower bows down. As sun gives<br />
w<strong>ay</strong> to night the sunfl ower too faced down<br />
to the earth.<br />
And this could be our cue. After we look<br />
up to God we have to look for our brothers<br />
and sisters. After we receive r<strong>ay</strong>s of graces<br />
from God we have to sh<strong>in</strong>e for others. After<br />
we face God we have to the refl ection of<br />
God’s goodness to others.<br />
Like <strong>in</strong> the <strong>Italia</strong>n song “come un girasole<br />
<strong>in</strong>torno ate” let us alw<strong>ay</strong>s move towards<br />
God, turn<strong>in</strong>g alw<strong>ay</strong>s to Him. Let us<br />
fi x our vision to Him. Let our desire is alw<strong>ay</strong>s<br />
God. The sunfl ower portr<strong>ay</strong>s our deep<br />
long<strong>in</strong>g to be with God, to see Him face to<br />
face. It describes our utmost need to rema<strong>in</strong><br />
and to st<strong>ay</strong> with God.<br />
Mons. RUPERTO CRUZ SANTOS<br />
Rector of Pontifi cio Collegio Filipp<strong>in</strong>o<br />
National Coord<strong>in</strong>ator for the Pastoral<br />
Care of Filip<strong>in</strong>o Migrants<br />
Thoughts of the Month<br />
There are three types of people <strong>in</strong> this world: those who make th<strong>in</strong>gs happen, those<br />
who watch th<strong>in</strong>gs happen and those who wonder what happened. We all have a choice.<br />
You can decide which type of person you want to be. I have alw<strong>ay</strong>s chosen to be <strong>in</strong><br />
the fi rst group.<br />
Mary K<strong>ay</strong> Ash<br />
Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they th<strong>in</strong>k they can do.<br />
You can go as far as you m<strong>in</strong>d lets you. What you believe, you can achieve.<br />
Mary K<strong>ay</strong> Ash<br />
The stories of past courage... can offer hope, they can provide <strong>in</strong>spiration. But they<br />
cannot supply courage itself. For this each man must look <strong>in</strong>to his own soul.<br />
John F. Kennedy<br />
Giv<strong>in</strong>g of yourself, learn<strong>in</strong>g to be tolerant, giv<strong>in</strong>g recognition and approval to others,<br />
rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g fl exible enough to mature and learn - yields happ<strong>in</strong>ess, harmony, contentment<br />
and productivity. These are the qualities of a rich life, the bounteous harvest of<br />
gett<strong>in</strong>g along with people.<br />
Jack C Yewell<br />
M<strong>ay</strong> we never let the th<strong>in</strong>gs we can’t have, or don’t have, or shouldn’t have, spoil our<br />
enjoyment of the th<strong>in</strong>gs we do have and can have. As we value our happ<strong>in</strong>ess let us<br />
not forget it, for one of the greatest lessons <strong>in</strong> life is learn<strong>in</strong>g to be happy without the<br />
th<strong>in</strong>gs we cannot or should not have.<br />
Richard L. Evans<br />
Don’t s<strong>ay</strong> you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours<br />
per d<strong>ay</strong> that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo<br />
da V<strong>in</strong>ci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert E<strong>in</strong>ste<strong>in</strong>.<br />
H. Jackson Brown<br />
If you have it [Love], you don’t need to have anyth<strong>in</strong>g else, and if you don’t have it,<br />
it doesn’t matter much what else you have.<br />
Sir James M. Barrie<br />
What you get by achiev<strong>in</strong>g your goals is not as important as what you become by<br />
achiev<strong>in</strong>g your goals.<br />
Zig Ziglar<br />
The battles that count aren’t the ones for gold medals. The struggles with<strong>in</strong> yourselfthe<br />
<strong>in</strong>visible, <strong>in</strong>evitable battles <strong>in</strong>side all of us-that’s where it’s at.” Jesse Owens
<strong>AKO</strong> <strong>ay</strong> <strong>Pilip<strong>in</strong>o</strong><br />
Dear Ms. Heart<br />
How are you? Hope everyth<strong>in</strong>g is fi ne.<br />
Naaasar ako sa bf ko kasi parang feel<strong>in</strong>g ko<br />
h<strong>in</strong>di niya ako mahal. H<strong>in</strong>di ko siya maunawaan,<br />
h<strong>in</strong>di ko malaman kung paano ko<br />
huhulih<strong>in</strong> ang loob niya.<br />
Isa sa character ko ang pagig<strong>in</strong>g makulit,<br />
sabi niya sweet naman daw ako.<br />
Mahal na mahal ko siya and everyth<strong>in</strong>g that<br />
i can g<strong>in</strong>agawa ko para sa kanya pero h<strong>in</strong>di<br />
siya ganun sa ak<strong>in</strong>. Nasasaktan ako kasi natatakot<br />
ako na baka h<strong>in</strong>di niya ako mahal or<br />
g<strong>in</strong>agawa lang niyang basehan ang relationship<br />
nam<strong>in</strong> para sabih<strong>in</strong> na m<strong>ay</strong> gf siya or<br />
m<strong>ay</strong> makasama.<br />
Ms. Heart paano ko ba malalaman kung<br />
mahal niya ako talaga? Tulungan mo ako<br />
hirap na hirap na ako.<br />
Gumagalang,<br />
Joseph<strong>in</strong>e<br />
P<strong>in</strong>oy Jokes<br />
Exam<br />
Anak: T<strong>ay</strong>, bagsak ako sa exam.<br />
It<strong>ay</strong>: Bakit?<br />
Anak: Kasi h<strong>in</strong>di ko po alam kung ano<br />
iyong EFFORT...<br />
It<strong>ay</strong>: Dun naglaland<strong>in</strong>g ang mga EF-<br />
FLANE...<br />
NO ID NO ENTRY<br />
bakit ang sign na: NO ID ENTRY NO<br />
P<strong>in</strong>oy Recipe<br />
Pancit Palabok<br />
Estimated preparation for topp<strong>in</strong>gs: 1 1/2 hours<br />
Estimated cook<strong>in</strong>g time for<br />
sauce & noodles: 40 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Pansit Palabok Ingredients:<br />
Palabok Noodles / Sauce<br />
� 1/2 kilo miki noodles<br />
� 1/2 kilo small crabs<br />
� 5 cloves of garlic,<br />
m<strong>in</strong>ced<br />
� 1 onion, chopped<br />
� 2 tablespoons of atchuete<br />
seeds or oil<br />
� 2 tablespoons of patis (fi sh sauce)<br />
� 4 tablespoons of cornstarch, dissolved <strong>in</strong> water<br />
� 1 teaspoon of monosodium glutamate (MSG)<br />
� 1 1/2 cups of water<br />
Palabok Topp<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
� T<strong>in</strong>apa fl akes (smoked fi sh)<br />
� Cooked shrimps, shelled<br />
� Squid adobo, sliced <strong>in</strong>to r<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
� Pork chicharon, grounded<br />
� Spr<strong>in</strong>g onions, chopped<br />
� Hard boiled eggs, shelled, sliced<br />
� Fried garlic, m<strong>in</strong>ced<br />
� Fresh calamansi (lemon), sliced<br />
Pansit Palabok Cook<strong>in</strong>g Instructions:<br />
� Extract fat and meat from clean crabs, set aside.<br />
� Pound crab and extract juice on 1 1/2 cups of<br />
water<br />
� On a pan, sauté garlic and onions until golden<br />
brown then add crab fat, crab meat, 1 1/2 cups of crab<br />
wash, patis and MSG. Br<strong>in</strong>g to a boil and simmer for<br />
10 m<strong>in</strong>utes.<br />
� Add corn starch and cont<strong>in</strong>ue to simmer while<br />
constantly stirr<strong>in</strong>g until thick.<br />
� Put miki noodles <strong>in</strong> a stra<strong>in</strong>er and dip <strong>in</strong> boil<strong>in</strong>g<br />
water for 5 m<strong>in</strong>utes or until cooked.<br />
� L<strong>ay</strong> dra<strong>in</strong>ed noodles on a platter and pour the<br />
palabok sauce. Garnish with topp<strong>in</strong>gs and serve.<br />
PUSO SA PUSO<br />
Ms. Heart's Corner<br />
ENTRY na malimiy nat<strong>in</strong> nakikita sa mga<br />
school <strong>ay</strong> h<strong>in</strong>di t<strong>in</strong>itagalog? Answer: Kasi<br />
pag t<strong>in</strong>agalog yan: WALA ID WALA PA-<br />
SOK...........<br />
NGEEeeeekkkk<br />
Arthritis<br />
Juan: Pare palag<strong>ay</strong> ko tumatanda na ata<br />
ako, masakita na paa ko!<br />
Pedro: Arthritis yan pare o r<strong>ay</strong>uma, madali<br />
lang gamot jan..”epitren”<br />
Juan: Ay talaga pare?baka naman mahal<br />
yan?<br />
Pedro: di pare!! ganito gaw<strong>in</strong> mo punta ka<br />
sa riles paipit kasa tren epitren..<br />
“He who has health has hope, and he<br />
who has hope has everyth<strong>in</strong>g.” -Arabian<br />
Proverb<br />
1. Move More<br />
Make it a daily challenge to fi nd w<strong>ay</strong>s<br />
to move your body. Climb stairs if given<br />
a choice between that and escalators<br />
or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your<br />
kids; toss balls with friends, mow the<br />
lawn. Anyth<strong>in</strong>g that moves your limbs<br />
is not only a fi tness tool, it’s a stress<br />
buster.<br />
Th<strong>in</strong>k ‘move’ <strong>in</strong> small <strong>in</strong>crements of<br />
time. It doesn’t have to be an hour <strong>in</strong><br />
the gym or a 45-m<strong>in</strong>ute aerobic dance<br />
class or tai chi or kickbox<strong>in</strong>g. But that’s<br />
great when you’re up to it. Meanwhile,<br />
move more. Thought for the d<strong>ay</strong>: Cha,<br />
Cha, Cha…. Then do it!<br />
2. Cut Fat<br />
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods,<br />
burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork,<br />
bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage).<br />
Dairy products such as cheese, cottage<br />
cheese, milk and cream should be eaten<br />
<strong>in</strong> low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich<br />
meats, m<strong>ay</strong>onnaise, margar<strong>in</strong>e, butter<br />
and sauces should be eaten <strong>in</strong> limited<br />
amounts.<br />
Most are available <strong>in</strong> lower fat versions<br />
such as substitute butter, fat free<br />
cheeses and m<strong>ay</strong>onnaise. Thought for<br />
the d<strong>ay</strong>: Lean, mean, fat-burn<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e….<br />
Then be one!<br />
3. Quit Smok<strong>in</strong>g<br />
The jury is defi nitely <strong>in</strong> on this verdict.<br />
Ever s<strong>in</strong>ce 1960 when the Surgeon<br />
General announced that smok<strong>in</strong>g was<br />
harmful to your health, Americans have<br />
Dear Joseph<strong>in</strong>e,<br />
SETYEMBRE, 2007<br />
19<br />
Napakaopen mong tao. H<strong>in</strong>di naman talaga madali na malaman sa isang tao kung<br />
bakit mo siya m<strong>in</strong>ahal sa kabila ng pagkakadama nat<strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>san kung mahal ba nila<br />
t<strong>ay</strong>o. M<strong>in</strong>san h<strong>in</strong>di nat<strong>in</strong> makita ang pagmamahal na dapat sana <strong>ay</strong> ib<strong>in</strong>ibig<strong>ay</strong> sa<br />
at<strong>in</strong>g mga babae. M<strong>ay</strong> limang klase ng language of love na posibbleng makatulong<br />
s<strong>ay</strong>o para malaman mo kung mahal ka nga ng bf mo. Ito ang t<strong>in</strong>awag na language<br />
of love. Una <strong>ay</strong> ang words of affi rmation. Ito <strong>ay</strong> kung lagi niyang s<strong>in</strong>asabi s<strong>ay</strong>o na<br />
mahal ka niya, lagi ka niya itenetext na mahal ka niya. Ikalawa ang quality of time.<br />
Nagseset siya ng time at panahon para s<strong>ay</strong>o para magdate k<strong>ay</strong>o, mag usap k<strong>ay</strong>o<br />
at magkwentuhan k<strong>ay</strong>o. Parng time to each other. Pangatlo, ang gifts, ito iyong<br />
b<strong>in</strong>ibigyan ka niya ng regalo, naalala ka niya through simple or big th<strong>in</strong>gs. Pang<br />
apat <strong>ay</strong> ang physical touch, h<strong>in</strong>di man siya nagsasalita <strong>ay</strong> ip<strong>in</strong>apaalam niya ito s<strong>ay</strong>o<br />
by hold<strong>in</strong>g your hands, <strong>in</strong>ihahug ka niya, iyong through sense of touch na g<strong>in</strong>agawa<br />
niya s<strong>ay</strong>o especially kapag kailangan mo siya at ang panglima <strong>ay</strong> acts of service,<br />
ito <strong>ay</strong> kung p<strong>in</strong>aglil<strong>in</strong>gkuran ka niya, p<strong>in</strong>agsisilbihan ka niya ika nga eh para kang<br />
pr<strong>in</strong>sesa na p<strong>in</strong>agsisilbihan ng iyong pr<strong>in</strong>sipe. Ng<strong>ay</strong>on hanap<strong>in</strong> mo sa limang iyan<br />
kung g<strong>in</strong>agawa ba iyan ng bf mo s<strong>ay</strong>o at malalaman mo na by means of by 5steps<br />
kung talaga nga bang mahal ka niya. Pakiramdaman mo r<strong>in</strong>g mabuti. Sana <strong>ay</strong> natulungan<br />
ka nam<strong>in</strong> at k<strong>ay</strong>ong lahat na am<strong>in</strong>g mga readers.<br />
Sumasaiyo,<br />
Ms. Heart<br />
Sulat dear pipe,<br />
pakisabi k<strong>ay</strong> b<strong>in</strong>ge na nanalo si pil<strong>ay</strong> sa<br />
takbuhan...<br />
nagmamahal,<br />
putol kam<strong>ay</strong>!!!<br />
bulag at dul<strong>in</strong>g magsusuntukan<br />
bulag: hoy duleng wag ka magtago sa<br />
dilim...<br />
duleng:panu ako hndi magtatago!!! eh<br />
dalwa k<strong>ay</strong>o!!!<br />
nyeeeh!!!<br />
one w<strong>ay</strong><br />
sa palengke m<strong>ay</strong> isang amerikano na nagtanong<br />
sa t<strong>in</strong>dero kung magkano ang isang<br />
kilong manok.......<br />
Essential Health Tips<br />
(The Basics to Practice Every D<strong>ay</strong>)<br />
been reduc<strong>in</strong>g their use of tobacco products<br />
that kill. Just recently, we’ve seen<br />
a surge <strong>in</strong> smok<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> adolescents and<br />
teens. Could it be the Hollywood <strong>in</strong>fl uence?<br />
It seems the stars <strong>in</strong> every movie<br />
of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn<br />
your children of the false romance or<br />
‘tough guy’ stance of Hollywood smokers.<br />
Thought for the d<strong>ay</strong>: Give up just<br />
one cigarette…. the next one.<br />
4. Reduce Stress<br />
Easier said than done, stress busters<br />
come <strong>in</strong> many forms. Some techniques<br />
recommended by experts are to th<strong>in</strong>k<br />
positive thoughts. Spend 30 m<strong>in</strong>utes a<br />
d<strong>ay</strong> do<strong>in</strong>g someth<strong>in</strong>g you like. (i.e.,Soak<br />
<strong>in</strong> a hot tub; walk on the beach or <strong>in</strong> a<br />
park; read a good book; visit a friend;<br />
pl<strong>ay</strong> with your dog; listen to sooth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
music; watch a funny movie.<br />
Get a massage, a facial or a haircut.<br />
Meditate. Count to ten before los<strong>in</strong>g<br />
your temper or gett<strong>in</strong>g aggravated.<br />
Avoid diffi cult people when possible.<br />
Thought for the d<strong>ay</strong>: When see<strong>in</strong>g red,<br />
th<strong>in</strong>k p<strong>in</strong>k clouds….then fl oat on them.<br />
5. Protect Yourself from Pollution<br />
If you can’t live <strong>in</strong> a smog-free environment,<br />
at least avoid smoke-fi lled<br />
rooms, high traffi c areas, breath<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
highw<strong>ay</strong> fumes and exercis<strong>in</strong>g near<br />
busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside<br />
when the smog rat<strong>in</strong>g is low. Exercise<br />
<strong>in</strong>doors <strong>in</strong> air condition<strong>in</strong>g when air<br />
quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery<br />
<strong>in</strong> your yard. It’s a good pollution and<br />
dirt from the street deterrent. Thought<br />
for the d<strong>ay</strong>: ‘Smoke gets <strong>in</strong> your<br />
eyes’…and your mouth, and your nose<br />
and your lungs as do pollutants….hum<br />
amerikano:magkeyno ang eysang keylong<br />
meynok?.....<br />
t<strong>in</strong>dero: one w<strong>ay</strong>......<br />
amerikano:ha?<br />
t<strong>in</strong>dero: one w<strong>ay</strong> sir.....<br />
amerikano:anow?<br />
t<strong>in</strong>dero: isang daan bow-bow<br />
the tune daily.<br />
6. Wear Your Seat Belt<br />
Statistics show that seat belts add to<br />
longevity and help alleviate potential<br />
<strong>in</strong>juries <strong>in</strong> car crashes. Thought for the<br />
d<strong>ay</strong>: Buckle down and buckle up.<br />
7. Floss Your Teeth<br />
Recent studies make a direct connection<br />
between longevity and teeth<br />
fl oss<strong>in</strong>g. Nobody knows exactly why.<br />
Perhaps it’s because people who fl oss<br />
tend to be more health conscious than<br />
people who don’t? Thought for the d<strong>ay</strong>:<br />
Floss and be your body’s boss.<br />
8. Avoid Excessive Dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g<br />
While recent studies show a glass of<br />
w<strong>in</strong>e or one dr<strong>in</strong>k a d<strong>ay</strong> (two for men)<br />
can help protect aga<strong>in</strong>st heart disease,<br />
more than that can cause other health<br />
problems such as liver and kidney disease<br />
and cancer. Thought for the d<strong>ay</strong>: A<br />
jug of w<strong>in</strong>e should last a long time.<br />
9. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook<br />
There’s a defi nitive connection between<br />
liv<strong>in</strong>g well and healthfully and<br />
hav<strong>in</strong>g a cheerful outlook on life.<br />
Thought for the d<strong>ay</strong>: You can’t be unhappy<br />
when you’re smil<strong>in</strong>g or s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
10. Choose Your Parents Well<br />
The l<strong>in</strong>k between genetics and health<br />
is a powerful one. But just because one<br />
or both of your parents died young <strong>in</strong> ill<br />
health doesn’t mean you cannot counteract<br />
the genetic pool handed you.<br />
Thought for the d<strong>ay</strong>: Follow these basic<br />
tips for healthy liv<strong>in</strong>g and you can better<br />
control your own dest<strong>in</strong>y.
20 SETYEMBRE, 2007<br />
SHOWBIZZ GIGS<br />
<strong>AKO</strong> <strong>ay</strong> <strong>Pilip<strong>in</strong>o</strong><br />
Angel Locs<strong>in</strong> Pasisikat<strong>in</strong><br />
ng DOS!<br />
B<strong>in</strong>igyan na ng grand welcome ng ABS-CBN<br />
si Angel Locs<strong>in</strong> sa ASAP ’07. Nakailang song<br />
numbers d<strong>in</strong> si Angel at parang feel na feel niya<br />
ang g<strong>in</strong>awa niyang pagkanta sa show. Nakasama niya sa<br />
production number ang mga pr<strong>in</strong>sesa at pr<strong>in</strong>sipe ng mga<br />
teleserye ng Kapamilya network, na <strong>ay</strong>on k<strong>ay</strong> Angel <strong>ay</strong><br />
gusto raw niyang makatrabaho. Sa dulo ng mga pasasalamat<br />
niya <strong>ay</strong> nagd<strong>ay</strong>alog siya ng, “Sa TFC (The Filip<strong>in</strong>o<br />
Channel), ako po si Angel Locs<strong>in</strong>!” bilang opisyal<br />
na pagpapakilala ng sarili niya sa Kapamilya viewers sa<br />
ibang bansa. Nag-guest na d<strong>in</strong> si Angel sa Kapamilya<br />
Deal or No Deal ni Kris Aqu<strong>in</strong>o.<br />
Isang reporter ng ABS-CBN ang nar<strong>in</strong>ggan na isang<br />
source ang nagtanong ng “Bakit parang h<strong>in</strong>di warm ang<br />
audience k<strong>ay</strong> Angel?” dahil tila wala raw reaksyon ang<br />
mga nasa studio pagpasok ng dat<strong>in</strong>g GMA star. After<br />
Angel <strong>ay</strong> guest d<strong>in</strong> sa game show ni Kris si Governor<br />
Vilma Santos. Nagpunta raw si Angel sa dress<strong>in</strong>g room<br />
ni Ate Vi para magbig<strong>ay</strong>-pug<strong>ay</strong>. Na-excite daw ang<br />
dalaga na makitang muli ang kanyang idolong aktres.<br />
Natuwa si Gov. Vilma na s<strong>in</strong>adya siya ni Angel para<br />
bumati. Ang ganda raw pagmasdan ng dalawang aktres<br />
na parehong gumanap bilang Darna.<br />
Bukod sa mga staff ng Dos at Star C<strong>in</strong>ema <strong>ay</strong> ang<br />
lady boss mismo ng Star C<strong>in</strong>ema na si Ms. Malou Santos<br />
ang aligaga sa pag-aasikaso k<strong>ay</strong> Angel. Halatang<br />
ip<strong>in</strong>adarama raw nang husto ng Kapamilya network<br />
ang mat<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g pag-aalaga sa bagong lipat na young actress.<br />
Kailangang magpabongga ng celebrity guests ang<br />
show ni Kris dahil k<strong>in</strong>akabog ito sa rat<strong>in</strong>g ng katapat na<br />
programa sa Siyete na Marimar. Ng<strong>ay</strong>ong gabi ipalalabas<br />
ang guest<strong>in</strong>g ni Angel sa KDND. Kaabang-abang<br />
kung magagawa nitong pataub<strong>in</strong> sa rat<strong>in</strong>g ang t<strong>in</strong>anggihan<br />
niyang telenobela ng GMA na napunta k<strong>ay</strong> Marian<br />
Rivera. Bukod pa dito sadyang magig<strong>in</strong>g mahigpit<br />
lalo ang laban ng rat<strong>in</strong>g ng siyete at dos samantalang<br />
malak<strong>in</strong>g hamon k<strong>ay</strong> Angel ang pagig<strong>in</strong>g kapamilya na<br />
dat<strong>in</strong>g kapuso.<br />
D<strong>ay</strong>a sa Game Show Nabuk<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Nahaharap sa bagong kontrobersiya ang<br />
bantog na noontime game show na “Wowowee”<br />
ng ABS-CBN matapos dagsa<strong>in</strong> ng<br />
reklamo ang Movie and Television Review<br />
and Classifi cation Board (MTRCB) at Department<br />
of Trade and Industry (DTI) tungkol<br />
sa “anomalya” o “d<strong>ay</strong>aan” sa p<strong>in</strong>akabagong<br />
palaro nilang Wilyonaryo Jackpot. Sabado<br />
ng <strong>in</strong>ilunsad ang palaro ngunit ito <strong>ay</strong> celebrity<br />
edition lamang at nito lang nakalipas na<br />
lunes, Agosto 20 pormal na b<strong>in</strong>uksan para sa<br />
mga contestants.<br />
Nag<strong>in</strong>g contestant ang isang nagngan-<br />
. ARIES: (Mar. 21 - Abr. 19) - Magdiwang ka ng<strong>ay</strong>on<br />
dahil m<strong>ay</strong> magandang kapalaran ang darat<strong>in</strong>g sa iyo.<br />
Malamang manalo ka sa lotto o ibang uri ng laro na<br />
m<strong>ay</strong> premyo. Ngunit kung wala kang mapanalunan,<br />
ang iyong pagig<strong>in</strong>g mas<strong>ay</strong>ah<strong>in</strong> ang isang katangian na<br />
nagustuhan ng iyong mga mahal sa buh<strong>ay</strong> k<strong>ay</strong>a daig<br />
mo pa ang nanalo ng malak<strong>in</strong>g halaga. Lucky numbers<br />
at color for the d<strong>ay</strong> ang 2, 8, 26, 37 at magenta.<br />
TAURUS: (Abr. 20 - M<strong>ay</strong>. 20) - Tiyak<strong>in</strong> mong magig<strong>in</strong>g<br />
maganda ang iyong relasyon sa m<strong>in</strong>amahal,<br />
kasamahan, kamag-anak, kaibigan o kasambah<strong>ay</strong><br />
dahil m<strong>ay</strong> bag<strong>ay</strong> kang magagawa na mawawala ang<br />
kanilang respeto at tiwala sa iyo ng<strong>ay</strong>on. Upang<br />
maiwasan, huwag kang magpabigla-bigla. Sa bawat<br />
kilos, pag-isipang mabuti para walang masaktan<br />
o makasakit ng damdam<strong>in</strong>. Lucky numbers at color<br />
for the d<strong>ay</strong> ang 1, 15, 29, 36 at lavender.<br />
GEMINI: (M<strong>ay</strong>. 21 - Hun. 21) - Mag-isip ka ng oportunidad<br />
na bag<strong>ay</strong> sa magandang kikita<strong>in</strong> at dapat<br />
mong tutukan ito ng<strong>ay</strong>on dahil magig<strong>in</strong>g magaan ang<br />
mga magagandang ideya na iyong mahahagilap. Mapapasaiyo<br />
ang matagal mo nang h<strong>in</strong>ih<strong>in</strong>t<strong>ay</strong> mula sa<br />
trabaho o m<strong>in</strong>amahal. Lucky numbers at color for the<br />
d<strong>ay</strong> ang 8, 13, 30, 38 at midnight blue.<br />
CANCER: (Hun. 22 - Hul. 22) - Mag-<strong>in</strong>gat ka sa<br />
pakikitungo sa isang Scorpio, Taurus o Capricorn<br />
dahil magdudulot ito ng pagkairita sa iyong damdam<strong>in</strong><br />
o magig<strong>in</strong>g kaaw<strong>ay</strong> mo ng<strong>ay</strong>on. Magigipit ka sa<br />
pera sa araw na ito, bag<strong>ay</strong> na palag<strong>in</strong>g nangy<strong>ay</strong>ari.<br />
Simulang magtipid upang di na maulit. Mai<strong>in</strong>ggit<br />
ka sa bagong labas na cellphone pero sorry na lang,<br />
mag-ipon ka muna upang makabili. Lucky numbers at<br />
color for the d<strong>ay</strong> ang 5, 15, 16, 28 at turquoise.<br />
galang Weng at mismong si Willie Revillame<br />
ang umistima rito para sa mala-pera o<br />
b<strong>ay</strong>ong na larong t<strong>in</strong>awag nilang “Wilyonaryo<br />
Jackpot.”Ang palaro <strong>ay</strong> parang p<strong>in</strong>ball<br />
at papipili<strong>in</strong> ang contestant ng isang wheel na<br />
m<strong>ay</strong> kul<strong>ay</strong> at doo’y papahulaan kung nais ba<br />
nito ang “Wilyonaryo” o “W<strong>in</strong>ame.” Kung<br />
ang Wilyonaryo ang p<strong>in</strong>ili, m<strong>ay</strong> tsansa ang<br />
contestant na manalo ng P2 milyon; P1 milyon<br />
o P500,000 at bah<strong>ay</strong> at lupa. Kapag W<strong>in</strong>ame<br />
(Uwi na ko) naman ang p<strong>in</strong>ili, ibig sabih<strong>in</strong> <strong>ay</strong><br />
tatanggap<strong>in</strong> na lamang nito ang alok na pera<br />
ni Willie at uuwi na lamang ang contestant.<br />
P<strong>in</strong>ili umano ni Weng ang ‘W<strong>in</strong>ame’ kasama<br />
ang P100,000 na alok ni Revillame, bukod pa<br />
sa napanalunan nitong P37,000 sa ‘elim<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
round’ bago ang jackpot round.<br />
H<strong>in</strong>di naman nabigo si Weng na mag<strong>in</strong>g<br />
tama ang pasya dahil ang p<strong>in</strong>ili nitong kul<strong>ay</strong><br />
put<strong>in</strong>g wheel <strong>ay</strong> naglalaman ng 0 na ibig sabih<strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>ay</strong> kung ito ang p<strong>in</strong>ili, tiyak na bokya o<br />
LEO: (Hul. 23 - Ago. 22) - Sab<strong>ay</strong> k<strong>ay</strong>ong mangarap<br />
ng iyong m<strong>in</strong>amahal tungkol sa maganda<br />
n<strong>in</strong>yong k<strong>in</strong>abukasan. Huwag idaan sa pangarap<br />
lamang ang lahat. Pagsikapan n<strong>in</strong>yong makamit<br />
ang <strong>in</strong>yong mga pangarap. H<strong>in</strong>di mo mapapans<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong><br />
ang mga maliliit na bag<strong>ay</strong> na dat<strong>in</strong>g nagpapairita<br />
sa iyo dahil napakal<strong>ay</strong>o ng iyong isipan sa<br />
bag<strong>ay</strong> na gustong-gusto mong makamit. Lucky<br />
numbers at color for the d<strong>ay</strong> ang 1, 12, 36, 41 at<br />
dollar green.<br />
VIRGO: (Ago. 23 - Set. 23) - Magkatulad ang<br />
<strong>in</strong>yong damdam<strong>in</strong> sa isa’t isa k<strong>ay</strong>a walang problema<br />
kung magkarelasyon k<strong>ay</strong>o. Huwag matakot na<br />
mawala siya sa iyo o maangk<strong>in</strong> ng iba. Mawawalan<br />
ka ng gana sa iyong katrabaho. Pasensiya ang<br />
kailangan habang naghahanap ng ibang mapapasukan.<br />
Lucky numbers at color for the d<strong>ay</strong> ang 9,<br />
16, 25, 36 at blue.<br />
LIBRA: (Set. 24 - Okt. 23) - Magigipit ka sa isang<br />
transaksyong papasukan kung h<strong>in</strong>di pag-aaralang<br />
mabuti lalo na sa presyo ng mga materyales na<br />
gagamit<strong>in</strong>. Mapapasok ka sa bitag ng magandang<br />
makipag-usap na katransaksyon kung tatangatanga<br />
ka k<strong>ay</strong>a mag<strong>in</strong>g alerto. Mag<strong>in</strong>g matal<strong>in</strong>o sa<br />
negosasyon upang m<strong>ay</strong> kita<strong>in</strong>. Lucky numbers at<br />
color for the d<strong>ay</strong> ang 3, 19, 29, 33 at jade green.<br />
SCORPIO: (Okt. 24 - Nob. 22) - Madamdam<strong>in</strong> ang<br />
magig<strong>in</strong>g araw mo ng<strong>ay</strong>on dahil m<strong>ay</strong> problema.<br />
M<strong>ay</strong> aalis na malapit sa iyong puso o makokonsensiya<br />
ka sa mga nar<strong>in</strong>ig na usap-usapan na h<strong>in</strong>di<br />
maganda laban sa iyo. Kung sa akala mo <strong>ay</strong> wala<br />
kang nagawang pagkakamali, harap<strong>in</strong> at ipaglaban<br />
ang karapatan at tiyak na titiklop sila at tatahimik.<br />
Lucky numbers at color for the d<strong>ay</strong> ang 6, 14, 34,<br />
35 at purple.<br />
V<strong>in</strong>a Morales, P<strong>in</strong>oy band w<strong>in</strong><br />
IKON Asean<br />
Popular s<strong>in</strong>ger-actress V<strong>in</strong>a Morales came home from Mal<strong>ay</strong>sia<br />
where she won <strong>in</strong> the solo artist category of the IKON ASEAN regional<br />
s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g competition held August 12. Morales won a cash prize<br />
of $25,000. She arrived at the N<strong>in</strong>oy Aqu<strong>in</strong>o International Airport<br />
(NAIA) with the members of the group Kjwan, who were declared<br />
champions <strong>in</strong> the band category. Morales and the Kjwan band members<br />
were ecstatic over their victory, and know<strong>in</strong>g that they made their<br />
countrymen proud by giv<strong>in</strong>g the world a taste of world-class Filip<strong>in</strong>o<br />
talent.<br />
Morales, Sharon Garcia-Magd<strong>ay</strong>ao <strong>in</strong> real life, said those who<br />
jo<strong>in</strong>ed the contest did not only compete but <strong>in</strong>stead, shared music with<br />
other artists. She said she feels very blessed to have won but she also<br />
dedicates her success to her fellow contestants. Morales sang the ABS-<br />
CBN telenovela theme song “Pangako<br />
Sa ’Yo” and “Feels So Nice” while<br />
Kjwan sang “Invitation” and “One<br />
Look.” They received their awards<br />
from Astro Enterta<strong>in</strong>ment executive<br />
director Za<strong>in</strong>ir Am<strong>in</strong>ullah and<br />
ASEAN Music Industry Association<br />
chairman Arnell Affendi. The s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g<br />
contest was held at the Putraj<strong>ay</strong>a International<br />
Convention Center where<br />
representatives of other ASEAN<br />
countries also competed. IKON<br />
ASEAN, a contest which seeks to<br />
br<strong>in</strong>g together ASEAN talents under<br />
one roof to showcase and celebrate<br />
Asian enterta<strong>in</strong>ment, starts <strong>in</strong> a contestant’s<br />
home country.<br />
Michael Punongb<strong>ay</strong>an<br />
uuwi siyang luhaan. Kag<strong>ay</strong>a ng patakaran sa<br />
iba’t ibang game show, sisilip<strong>in</strong> kung nasaan<br />
ang ‘jackpot price’ at s<strong>in</strong>abi ni Revillame na<br />
ito <strong>ay</strong> nasa kul<strong>ay</strong> lilac o violet na wheel. Nang<br />
aktong bubuksan ng kontrobersiyal na host<br />
ang nasab<strong>in</strong>g ‘wheel,’ lumabas umano rito <strong>ay</strong><br />
0 (zero). Nakasaad sa bahagi ng transcript ang<br />
ganito:<br />
Mariel Rodriguez: Ayon walang laman<br />
Willie: Mali, Mali, Mali. Sandali. Ang P2<br />
milyon <strong>ay</strong> (habang b<strong>in</strong>ubunot sa likod ng<br />
wheel) eto pala.<br />
Mariel Rodriguez: Hawak mo pala Pappy<br />
Willie: Ayon hawak ko pala, Alright <strong>ay</strong>an<br />
po ang P2 milyon, 2,000,000.<br />
Dahil sa <strong>in</strong>sidente, nabuko na dalawang<br />
uri ng papel o ‘fi lm’ m<strong>ay</strong>roon ang ‘jackpot’<br />
wheel ng nasab<strong>in</strong>g palaro kung saan <strong>ay</strong><br />
maaari nilang gaw<strong>in</strong>g milyon ang zero na numero<br />
o gaw<strong>in</strong>g zero ang milyon na numero.<br />
Ayon naman sa mga nakasaksi sa panonood,<br />
Horoscope of the Month<br />
nagtataka r<strong>in</strong> sila kung bakit nasa likod lagi<br />
ng ‘wheel’ ang kam<strong>ay</strong> ni Revilla. Ang naturang<br />
pagkakabuko <strong>ay</strong> nai-record ng ilang ‘televiewers’<br />
at anumang araw mula ng<strong>ay</strong>on <strong>ay</strong><br />
ipadadala nila ang kopya ng CD nito sa tanggapan<br />
ni MTRCB chairperson Ma. Consoliza<br />
P. Laguardia at DTI na <strong>in</strong>aasahang magpapatawag<br />
ng imbestigasyon h<strong>in</strong>ggil dito. Nabigo<br />
namang makuhanan ng pah<strong>ay</strong>ag si Villame sa<br />
naturang alegasyon.<br />
Angie dela Cruz<br />
SAGITTARIUS: (Nob. 23 - Dis. 21) - Ng<strong>ay</strong>on<br />
mo malalaman ang katotohanan tungkol sa<br />
iyong pag-ibig. Magdedesisyon na ang <strong>in</strong>iibig<br />
o m<strong>ay</strong> matutuklasan ka tungkol sa kanya. Mag<strong>in</strong>gat<br />
sa isisiwalat na maseselang bag<strong>ay</strong> tungkol<br />
sa trabaho o ibang tao dahil mababansagan kang<br />
tsismosa o tsismoso pag nagkataon. Lucky numbers<br />
at color for the d<strong>ay</strong> ang 2, 19, 27, 35 at <strong>in</strong>digo<br />
.<br />
CAPRICORN: (Dis. 22 - Ene. 19) - Magig<strong>in</strong>g<br />
maalalahan<strong>in</strong> ang iyong kasuyo o m<strong>in</strong>amahal<br />
ng<strong>ay</strong>on. Isang regalo o pasalubong ang marahil<br />
maiaabot sa iyo. Isang sorpresa ang naghih<strong>in</strong>t<strong>ay</strong><br />
sa pagdat<strong>in</strong>g ng isang matagal na kakilala o<br />
komunikasyon mula sa isang h<strong>in</strong>di <strong>in</strong>aakalang<br />
makakaalala. Lucky numbers at color for the d<strong>ay</strong><br />
ang 1, 9, 17, 40 at lilac.<br />
AQUARIUS: (Ene. 20 - Peb. 18) - Malalag<strong>ay</strong><br />
sa alangan<strong>in</strong> ang <strong>in</strong>yong samahan kung h<strong>in</strong>di ka<br />
mag-i<strong>in</strong>gat. M<strong>ay</strong> pagkakamali kang magagawa<br />
o sila ang makagagawa ng pagkakamali. Magkakaroon<br />
ng munt<strong>in</strong>g alitan ngunit ito <strong>ay</strong> mabibigyan<br />
ng solusyon kung haharap<strong>in</strong> kaagad.<br />
Samantala, iwasan munang makipag-ugn<strong>ay</strong>an<br />
sa kaibigang Taurus o Sagittarius dahil bibigyan<br />
ka ng sakit ng ulo nito. Lucky numbers at color<br />
for the d<strong>ay</strong> ang 5, 11, 25, 31 at avocado green.<br />
PISCES: (Peb. 19 - Mar. 20) - Ng<strong>ay</strong>on mo<br />
maaalala at mabibigyan ng atensiyon ang mga<br />
bag<strong>ay</strong> sa g<strong>in</strong>awa niyang pabor o tulong na h<strong>in</strong>di<br />
ka nakapagpasalamat. Magig<strong>in</strong>g maluwag<br />
ang iyong panahong makipag-ugn<strong>ay</strong>an sa taong<br />
nakatulong sa iyo o mga matalik na kaibigan.<br />
Lucky numbers at color for the d<strong>ay</strong> ang 12, 22,<br />
38, 40 at pearl white.
<strong>AKO</strong> <strong>ay</strong> <strong>Pilip<strong>in</strong>o</strong><br />
SHOWBIZZ GIGS<br />
SETYEMBRE, 2007<br />
Ruffa at Yilmaz Nagharap sa P<strong>in</strong>as!<br />
Natagalan sa Pilip<strong>in</strong>as ang turkish-bus<strong>in</strong>essman<br />
na si Yilmaz Bektas matapos<br />
itong bumisita at dalaw<strong>in</strong> ang kanyang<br />
pamilya na s<strong>in</strong>a Ruffa Gutierrez at ang dalawa<br />
nitong anak. Dapat sana <strong>ay</strong> Biyernes <strong>ay</strong> aalis<br />
na ito pero nag<strong>in</strong>g pabago bago ang kanyang<br />
isip. Halos tatlong araw pa itong nagextend<br />
bago makaalis ng bansa dahil sa kanyang<br />
pagig<strong>in</strong>g urong-sulong. Mami-miss daw kasi<br />
niya ang kanyang pamilya. Mami-miss d<strong>in</strong><br />
daw kasi siya ng mga anak na s<strong>in</strong>a Lor<strong>in</strong> at<br />
Kubrador Patuloy na<br />
Namam<strong>ay</strong>agpag sa Ibang Bansa<br />
Umaani pa r<strong>in</strong> ng tagump<strong>ay</strong> at<br />
papuri sa mga <strong>in</strong>ternational fi lm<br />
festivals ang pelikulang ‘Kubrador’<br />
na prodyus ng MLR Films ni<br />
Atty. Joji Alonso at p<strong>in</strong>agbidahan<br />
ni G<strong>in</strong>a Pareno, at d<strong>in</strong>irek ni Jeffrey<br />
Jeturian. Nakuha ng Kubrador ang<br />
ikasampung award sa Brisbane International<br />
Film Festival kung saan<br />
g<strong>in</strong>awaran ang movie ng NETPAC<br />
Jury Award para sa promotion ng<br />
Asian C<strong>in</strong>ema. K<strong>ay</strong>a naman si Atty.<br />
Joji, sobrang happy dahil sa recognition<br />
ng pelikulang Kubrador<br />
at umaasa siya na makagagawa uli<br />
siya ng ganitong klase ng movie na<br />
mabibigyan pa r<strong>in</strong> ng recognition sa<br />
ibang bansa.<br />
Richard Ayaw tapatan ang dat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
kaloveteam na si Angel Locs<strong>in</strong>!<br />
H<strong>in</strong>di pa man nagsisimula<br />
ang teleserye na gagaw<strong>in</strong> ni<br />
Angel Locs<strong>in</strong> sa ABS-CBN<br />
<strong>ay</strong> m<strong>ay</strong> nar<strong>in</strong>ig nang tsika<br />
na ipantatapat daw ito sa bagong<br />
primetime show ni Richard<br />
Gutierrez sa GMA na<br />
Kamandag.Walang kaso k<strong>ay</strong><br />
Richard ang paglipat ng dati<br />
niyang kaloveteam sa Dos<br />
dahil saril<strong>in</strong>g desisyon ‘yon<br />
ni Angel pero ang hil<strong>in</strong>g daw<br />
sana ng pambatong mat<strong>in</strong>ee<br />
idol ng Siyete <strong>ay</strong> huwag pagtapat<strong>in</strong><br />
ang mga programa<br />
nila.Tila h<strong>in</strong>di mangy<strong>ay</strong>ari<br />
ang gusto ni Richard dahil<br />
nar<strong>in</strong>ig nam<strong>in</strong>g ipantatapat sa<br />
Kamandag ang Taong Lobo<br />
n<strong>in</strong>a Piolo Pascual at Angel<br />
Locs<strong>in</strong>.<br />
Venice. Ito ang itnuyrong dahilan ni Yilmaz<br />
ng hirap na pagbalik ng Istanbul, Turkey.<br />
Urong-sulong man si Yilmaz sa kanyang<br />
pag-alis sa bansa, h<strong>in</strong>di nagbabago ang<br />
pan<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>digan ni Annabelle Rama na huwag<br />
siyang harap<strong>in</strong>. H<strong>in</strong>di ganoon kadali para k<strong>ay</strong><br />
Annabelle (pati na r<strong>in</strong> k<strong>ay</strong> Eddie Gutierrez)<br />
na harap<strong>in</strong> at kaagad na patawar<strong>in</strong> si Yilmaz.<br />
Sabi niya, alam niyang mahal pa r<strong>in</strong> ni Ruffa<br />
si Yilmaz k<strong>ay</strong>a ganoon kadali para sa actress/<br />
TV host na mapatawad ang Turkish-bus<strong>in</strong>ess-<br />
man, pero iba ang istorya nila ni Tito Eddie.<br />
Mahal man ni Ruffa si Yilmaz <strong>ay</strong> alam ng<br />
actress/TV host na kailangan niyang tapus<strong>in</strong><br />
ang ilang commitments dito sa at<strong>in</strong> k<strong>ay</strong>a h<strong>in</strong>di<br />
pa d<strong>in</strong> masasagot kung magkakabalikan pa si<br />
Yilmaz at si Ruffa. Iyung pagpapatawad <strong>ay</strong><br />
madali para k<strong>ay</strong> Ruffa dahil mahal pa r<strong>in</strong> niya<br />
si Yilmaz, pero ang tanong dapat <strong>ay</strong> kung nakalimutan<br />
na ba ni Ruffa ang mga pananakit<br />
sa kanya noon ng estranged husband? Mada<strong>in</strong>g<br />
magpatawad, pero ang kalimutan ang mga<br />
Ok Naman Daw ang Relasyon Krist<strong>in</strong>e<br />
at Diether Ocampo<br />
P<strong>in</strong>aghandaan ni Diether Ocampo ang presscon ng<br />
Star Magic para sa kanya k<strong>ay</strong>a nasagot niya ang lahat ng<br />
mga tanong ng enterta<strong>in</strong>ment press. Inasahan ni Diether<br />
na magtatanong ang mga reporter tungkol sa status ng<br />
relasyon niya k<strong>ay</strong> Krist<strong>in</strong>e Hermosa. Ayon k<strong>ay</strong> Diether,<br />
mas ma<strong>ay</strong>os ng<strong>ay</strong>on ang relasyon nila ni Krist<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
“Okey kami. We’re much better now. So far, we’re<br />
able to rectify some th<strong>in</strong>gs. Technically, nililigawan<br />
ko pa r<strong>in</strong> siya, hanggang ng<strong>ay</strong>on.” It<strong>in</strong>anggi ni Diether<br />
ang balita na nakatira sila ni Krist<strong>in</strong>e sa iisang bah<strong>ay</strong><br />
pero ip<strong>in</strong>apaalam sa kanya ng asawa ang lahat ng g<strong>in</strong>agawa<br />
nito. “That I don’t know, at was it a friendly<br />
kiss.” ang sagot ni Diether sa balita na m<strong>ay</strong> nakakita<br />
nang halikan ng isang lalake si Krist<strong>in</strong>e at nangyari ito<br />
sa Hong Kong.<br />
“Yeah, I know the guy. He’s her friend. He’s a very<br />
nice guy. As far as I know, she’s there (<strong>in</strong> Hong Kong)<br />
for a vacation with her family.”<br />
From somebody <strong>in</strong> the know, mahal na mahal pa r<strong>in</strong><br />
ni Diether si Krist<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
Nagtataka nga raw siya dahil h<strong>in</strong>di ma<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>dihan ng<br />
mga tao ang present set-up ng “mag-asawa” na sila pa<br />
r<strong>in</strong> pero mal<strong>ay</strong>a nilang magagawa ang gusto nila. Ito<br />
ang unconditional love niya para k<strong>ay</strong> Krist<strong>in</strong>e na s<strong>in</strong>asabi<br />
ni Diether.<br />
It<strong>in</strong>anggi r<strong>in</strong> ni Diether ang balita na busy sa mga charitable<br />
nakikipag-date na siya sa ibang babae. Masyado<br />
raw siyang project niya tulad ng K.I.D.S. Foundation at<br />
R.E.D. (for reduce, elim<strong>in</strong>ateand decrease under nutrition).<br />
Ang Department of Education at Department of Health<br />
ang katulong ni Diether sa pagpapaabot ng tulong para<br />
Sha<strong>in</strong>a Magd<strong>ay</strong>ao<br />
Pwede ng<br />
Makipagboyfriend!<br />
21<br />
Debut na ni Sha<strong>in</strong>a Magd<strong>ay</strong>ao sa Nov.6 at<br />
p<strong>in</strong><strong>ay</strong>agan na siya ng parents na maligawan<br />
pero personal choice niya na huwag munang<br />
seryosong makipag-boyfriend. Pero open siya<br />
sa pagsasab<strong>in</strong>g p<strong>in</strong>akamasugid niyang manliligaw<br />
ang ka-loveteam na si R<strong>ay</strong>ver Cruz.<br />
H<strong>in</strong>di raw naman dahil sa nangyari sa kanyang<br />
Ate V<strong>in</strong>a (Morales) k<strong>ay</strong>a ganoon ang desisyon<br />
niya. In fact, natuwa pa raw sila nang tuluyan<br />
nakipag-break ang Ate V<strong>in</strong>a niya sa boyfriend<br />
nito. Wala raw naman siyang tampo sa nag<strong>in</strong>g<br />
boyfriend nito pero <strong>ay</strong>aw niyang magsalita <strong>in</strong><br />
behalf of her family.<br />
Basta sila raw, s<strong>in</strong>usuportahan nila ang Ate<br />
niya anuman ang mag<strong>in</strong>g desisyon nito. Kung<br />
anuman daw ang nangyari sa kanyang Ate V<strong>in</strong>a,<br />
p<strong>in</strong>alitan naman ito ni Lord ng bless<strong>in</strong>g, nang<br />
manalo ito sa fi rst Ikon Asean Grand F<strong>in</strong>als last<br />
Sund<strong>ay</strong>, August 12, sa Putraj<strong>ay</strong>a International<br />
Convention Center sa Mal<strong>ay</strong>sia. Tumanggap<br />
d<strong>in</strong> ito ng cash prize na $25,000.<br />
Dalawa ang entry n<strong>in</strong>a Sha<strong>in</strong>a at R<strong>ay</strong>ver sa MMFF 2007, ang Katas ng Saudi ng Maverick Films na kasama<br />
nila s<strong>in</strong>a Sen. J<strong>in</strong>ggoy Estrada at Lorna Tolent<strong>in</strong>o, at ang Bah<strong>ay</strong> Kubo na happy sila na muli nilang makakasama<br />
sa Bah<strong>ay</strong> Kubo ng Regal Enterta<strong>in</strong>ment si Maricel Soriano.<br />
Hum<strong>in</strong>gi muna ng dispensa k<strong>in</strong>a Mother Lily at<br />
Roselle Monteverde-Teo si Ryan Agoncillo bago<br />
sabih<strong>in</strong>g more concern siya sa quality ng My Kuya’s<br />
Wedd<strong>in</strong>g kesa box-offi ce result. Pero, gusto r<strong>in</strong> niyang<br />
kumita ito dahil fi rst movie niya sa Regal at para<br />
k<strong>ay</strong> Maja Salvador.<br />
Samantala, h<strong>in</strong>di alam ni Ryan kung saan gal<strong>in</strong>g<br />
ang balitang magpo-propose siya ng kasal k<strong>ay</strong> Judy<br />
Ann Santos sa year 2008. Nagulat siya sa nabasa dahil<br />
wala pa silang balak pakasal at mas p<strong>in</strong>ag-uusapan<br />
nagawa ni Yilmaz, malabo ‘yon sa ng<strong>ay</strong>on!<br />
Anyw<strong>ay</strong>, natutuwa at mas<strong>ay</strong>a s<strong>in</strong>a Lor<strong>in</strong> at<br />
Venice sa pagdat<strong>in</strong>g sa bansa ng kanilang ama.<br />
Natutuwa r<strong>in</strong> si Annabelle sa bag<strong>ay</strong> na ‘yon.<br />
Para sa kalig<strong>ay</strong>ahan ng mga apo <strong>ay</strong> h<strong>in</strong>di na<br />
nagkontrabida pa si Annabelle sa pagdat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
dito sa ‘P<strong>in</strong>as ni Yilmaz. Kahit h<strong>in</strong>di h<strong>in</strong>arap<br />
ni Annabelle ang estranged husband ni Ruffa<br />
<strong>ay</strong> p<strong>in</strong>adadalhan niya ito ng pagka<strong>in</strong> sa hotel.<br />
Pati sasakyan ni Yilmaz <strong>ay</strong> si Annabelle r<strong>in</strong><br />
ang nag-aasikaso.<br />
sa mga nangangailangan. So far, umabot na sa 400,000<br />
ang bilang ng mga libro na donation ng K.I.D.S. sa mga<br />
public school. Contribut<strong>in</strong>g photographer d<strong>in</strong> si Diether<br />
sa mga fashion magaz<strong>in</strong>e tulad ng Metro. Ip<strong>in</strong>agmalaki<br />
ni Diether na siya ang photographer ng 4-page sexy pictorial<br />
ng isang Brazilian model sa September 2007 issue<br />
ng UNO magaz<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Huim<strong>in</strong>gi ng Dispensa k<strong>ay</strong> Ryan<br />
nila kung saan sila titira after their wedd<strong>in</strong>g. Gusto<br />
nito sa m<strong>ay</strong> Alabang area at tiyak siyang pap<strong>ay</strong>ag d<strong>in</strong><br />
ang girlfriend. H<strong>in</strong>di pa r<strong>in</strong> napag-uusapan ng dalawa<br />
kung saang simbahan sila pakakasal, pero h<strong>in</strong>di<br />
sa Manila Cathedral.<br />
M<strong>ay</strong> mga kuwentong narir<strong>in</strong>ig si Ryan na naghihiwal<strong>ay</strong><br />
ang celebrity couples na dito ik<strong>in</strong>akasal at<br />
<strong>ay</strong>aw niyang mapasama sila ni Judy Ann sa listahan.<br />
Ibig sabih<strong>in</strong>, married life forever ang gusto nito with<br />
the actress.
22 SETYEMBRE, 2007<br />
SPORTS<br />
<strong>AKO</strong> <strong>ay</strong> <strong>Pilip<strong>in</strong>o</strong><br />
International Navigation (Limassol) w<strong>in</strong>s<br />
Philipp<strong>in</strong>es Basketball League (Cyprus) 2007<br />
Dell of Nicmustaosia and Interorient Navigation of<br />
Limassol were not bothered with the soar<strong>in</strong>g temperature<br />
reach<strong>in</strong>g 40C tod<strong>ay</strong> to pl<strong>ay</strong> the fi nal games of the<br />
championship. After two months of pl<strong>ay</strong><strong>in</strong>g basketball every<br />
Sund<strong>ay</strong> and with the heat gradually creep<strong>in</strong>g up all the time,<br />
the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Basketball League (Cyprus) 2007 is fi nally<br />
over!<br />
Donald Luzon scored 21 po<strong>in</strong>ts and Ace Generoso chipped<br />
<strong>in</strong> with 15 as Interorient Navigation topped DELL 52-49 to<br />
claim the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Basketball League 2007 title on Sund<strong>ay</strong><br />
morn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Nicosia. Both teams went basket for basket from<br />
the tip-off, but the Limassol side kept their cool <strong>in</strong> the last<br />
m<strong>in</strong>utes of the game and deservedly captured the championship<br />
title.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g the post-game show, spectators were able to enjoy<br />
the performances of Wilma D<strong>ay</strong>rit, Karen Julongb<strong>ay</strong>an as<br />
well as Homeboys and G-girls from Limassol who recently<br />
won the danc<strong>in</strong>g competition for the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Independence<br />
D<strong>ay</strong> celebration. The organiz<strong>in</strong>g committee then presented a<br />
total of 13 awards, which was followed by serv<strong>in</strong>g Filip<strong>in</strong>o<br />
foods provided by team members and the organiz<strong>in</strong>g committee.<br />
The best team uniform award was given to the team from<br />
Larnaca, while Jhoval<strong>in</strong>e was awarded the Fair-pl<strong>ay</strong> award.<br />
Miss Jennyln Honrado, represent<strong>in</strong>g MoneyGram, received<br />
the PBL 2007 Muse award. The youngest pl<strong>ay</strong>er award was<br />
given to Karl Julongb<strong>ay</strong>an of Interorient Navigation who is<br />
13 years old, with the Best Coach award also head<strong>in</strong>g to the<br />
First game of the fi nal series between Dell & Interorient Navigation<br />
with the new Honorary Consul of the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es, Mrs. Sherma<strong>in</strong>e Bushnel-Kyriakides,<br />
Mrs. Popi Votsi, General Manger of Western Union<br />
<strong>in</strong> Cyprus and the Sports League Committee members (3rd June 07).<br />
Tipp-off of the F<strong>in</strong>al game of PBL (Cyprus) 2007<br />
St. Cather<strong>in</strong>e (Limassol) Summer Sports League 2007<br />
After more than three months of<br />
non-stop pl<strong>ay</strong><strong>in</strong>g of volleyball and<br />
basketball, the award<strong>in</strong>g ceremony<br />
of the Inter-community’s St. Cather<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Summer Sports League 2007<br />
<strong>in</strong> Limassol, Cyprus got underw<strong>ay</strong><br />
on the 5th August 2007.<br />
Although feel<strong>in</strong>g under the weather,<br />
Mr. Arnel Ambon, Committee<br />
Vice Chairman & Statistician of<br />
the sports league opened the muchawaited<br />
ceremony. Mr. Ambon emphasized<br />
to all the pl<strong>ay</strong>ers and participants<br />
alike that with such sport<br />
events, he hopes that this will br<strong>in</strong>g<br />
us closer <strong>in</strong> the spirit of friendship,<br />
goodwill and unity regardless of our<br />
race, religion and nationality.<br />
Fr. Andrew Arh<strong>in</strong>, organizer on<br />
behalf of St. Cather<strong>in</strong>e Catholic<br />
Church, delivered an <strong>in</strong>spirational<br />
talk encourag<strong>in</strong>g everyone that<br />
through the love of God m<strong>ay</strong> this<br />
event keep our community stronger<br />
and to use what they have learned<br />
and experienced from this event<br />
positively. Ms. Emilyn Sorilla,<br />
Committee Chairwoman, assisted<br />
by Ms. Carmel Carton presented the<br />
trophies and medals to w<strong>in</strong>ners as<br />
Limassol side with Marv<strong>in</strong> Santos claim<strong>in</strong>g it.<br />
The Mythical Five Award was given to Jeffrey Sarmiento<br />
of DELL, Donald Luzon of Interorient Navigation, Allan Paul<br />
de Leon of Jhoval<strong>in</strong>e, Allan of Larnaca and Ronald Ramos of<br />
MoneyGram. Interorient Navigation’s Donald Luzon also received<br />
awards for the MVP of the league and the Best Scorer.<br />
Jeffrey Sarmiento of DELL was awarded as the pl<strong>ay</strong>er who<br />
scored the most three-po<strong>in</strong>ters throughout the competition.<br />
On the fi rst series of the fi nal, which was pl<strong>ay</strong>ed on 3rd June<br />
2007, DELL used a punish<strong>in</strong>g fi nal quarter to claim an important<br />
69-56 victory over Interorient Navigation and take a 1-0<br />
lead <strong>in</strong> the best of three series of the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Basketball<br />
League 2007 fi nals. Mrs. Shema<strong>in</strong>e Bushnel-Kyriakides, the<br />
new Honorary Consul of the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es, made an honorary<br />
tip-off, which was greeted with a long applause by Filip<strong>in</strong>o<br />
spectators. Among the guests of the organiz<strong>in</strong>g committee was<br />
also Mrs. Popi Votsi, the General Manager of Western Union<br />
<strong>in</strong> Cyprus who sponsored the league. After the fi nal buzzer, the<br />
spectators had an opportunity to enjoy basketball even more<br />
when the selected team of the league faced the CyBasketball.<br />
com team <strong>in</strong> a game with many attractive moves. The CyBasketball.com<br />
team had the upper hand throughout the game<br />
eventually w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g it 73-46.<br />
In the second game of the league fi nals which was held on<br />
17th June 2007, Interorient Navigation defeated DELL conv<strong>in</strong>c<strong>in</strong>gly<br />
with the score of 55-37 and tie the fi nal series at<br />
1-1, while <strong>in</strong> the game for the third place MoneyGram demol-<br />
The PBL (Cyprus) 2007 Champion – Interorient Navigation<br />
(Limassol)<br />
PBL (Cyprus) 2007 Runner-up – Dell Team with the organiz<strong>in</strong>g<br />
committee and Nemanja Bjedov (Referee)<br />
well as m<strong>in</strong>or awards to pl<strong>ay</strong>ers.<br />
In the volleyball category, Kartoudes<br />
Team proved to too strong<br />
for Mantovani Team <strong>in</strong> the twiceto-beat<br />
fi nal games rule, and were<br />
crowned 2007 Champions. Third<br />
and fourth place were Propan and<br />
El-Shaddai respectively.<br />
As well as the Championship<br />
trophy, Kartoudes team pl<strong>ay</strong>ers<br />
also received the follow<strong>in</strong>g m<strong>in</strong>or<br />
awards: Mai de los Santos for best<br />
team capta<strong>in</strong>, Loida Asug for best<br />
stopper award and Amethylen Amoguez.received<br />
the MVP award. The<br />
ished Larnaca 61-36. After lead<strong>in</strong>g throughout the fi rst half,<br />
the Limassol side almost let their lead slip aw<strong>ay</strong> when allowed<br />
DELL to take the lead for the fi rst time <strong>in</strong> the game towards<br />
the end of the third quarter at 27-28. When everyone expected<br />
DELL to take a complete control of the game <strong>in</strong> the fi nal period<br />
Interorient Navigation came back strong scor<strong>in</strong>g 26 po<strong>in</strong>ts<br />
and hold<strong>in</strong>g their opponent on seven to w<strong>in</strong> the game and force<br />
the decid<strong>in</strong>g third game tod<strong>ay</strong>.<br />
The organiz<strong>in</strong>g committee would like to thank the follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
for their k<strong>in</strong>dness and generosity for the success of the<br />
league: Western Union and G.A.P. Vassilopoulos Worldwide<br />
Removals for their sponsorship, Keravnos Club for lett<strong>in</strong>g us<br />
use their court, Mr & Mrs Tony Kyriakides, Mrs Morena Pavlou,<br />
Mr Costakis Panagides, Messrs Photos Photiades, Lenia<br />
from Limassol, Aida of Borac<strong>ay</strong> Club (Limassol) and to all the<br />
teams and committee members who provided foods and dr<strong>in</strong>ks<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g the celebration after the game.<br />
A game is not alw<strong>ay</strong>s possible without a referee, so we would<br />
like to s<strong>ay</strong> a big thank you to Mr Nemanja Bjedov, who has alw<strong>ay</strong>s<br />
shown his professionalism to all the pl<strong>ay</strong>ers and was assisted<br />
by Mr Am<strong>in</strong> Houm<strong>ay</strong>oun, for their help and assistance.<br />
Congratulations to all the pl<strong>ay</strong>ers of each team for show<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
true spirit of sportsmanship dur<strong>in</strong>g the games.<br />
TAYO’Y MGA PILIPINO – MAGKAISA TAYO!!!<br />
Interorient Navigation and Dell Teams with the Referees and<br />
Committee members dur<strong>in</strong>g the F<strong>in</strong>al game of the PBL 2007<br />
Championship.<br />
MVP & Highest Po<strong>in</strong>ters award w<strong>in</strong>ner - Donald Luzon of Interorient<br />
Navigation received his trophy from Nemanja Bjedov, PBL<br />
2007 referee<br />
best service award was received<br />
by Lakshika Muthumali of Ceylon<br />
Team while the Best Sportsmanship/Fair-pl<strong>ay</strong><br />
award was presented<br />
to Western Union Team headed by<br />
their coach/pl<strong>ay</strong>er “Mummy” Ruth<br />
Tagalicud, who kept on encourag<strong>in</strong>g<br />
her team to keep smil<strong>in</strong>g even if<br />
they were los<strong>in</strong>g badly!<br />
Best Manager Award was given<br />
to Mrs. Ester Beatty who has shown<br />
her total support to her team, Western<br />
Union, travell<strong>in</strong>g all the w<strong>ay</strong><br />
from Nicosia whenever possible,<br />
giv<strong>in</strong>g them encouragement even<br />
Ester C. Beatty<br />
when they were not alw<strong>ay</strong>s w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
La Maison Team received the<br />
best <strong>in</strong> team uniform as well as the<br />
Miss Muse 2007, which was awarded<br />
to Ms. Nhorie Joy Elio dur<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
open<strong>in</strong>g ceremony of the league on<br />
the 15th April 2007.<br />
The best 12 Filip<strong>in</strong>o pl<strong>ay</strong>ers<br />
were also selected amongst the top<br />
four teams who participated <strong>in</strong> the<br />
league for the much anticipated all<br />
Filip<strong>in</strong>o (women) Inter-Island Volleyball<br />
tournaments, which comprises<br />
of the best Filip<strong>in</strong>o volleyball<br />
pl<strong>ay</strong>ers from the towns of Larnaca,<br />
Limassol, Nicosia and Paphos respectively,<br />
to be held sometime <strong>in</strong><br />
September or October this year.<br />
In the basketball event, Antipolo<br />
Team claimed the Championship<br />
beat<strong>in</strong>g La Maison 2-1 games <strong>in</strong> the<br />
best of three series, while Archirodon<br />
Team fi nished third overall.<br />
Rodel Ereneo of Antipolo Team was<br />
awarded the Most Valuable Pl<strong>ay</strong>er<br />
of the league. Miss Crisanta Endozo<br />
mesmerized the crowds with<br />
her beautiful voice and was jo<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
by Ms. Gemma Cabral to provide<br />
the enterta<strong>in</strong>ment at the award<strong>in</strong>g<br />
ceremony, which was thoroughly<br />
enjoyed by everyone.
<strong>AKO</strong> <strong>ay</strong> <strong>Pilip<strong>in</strong>o</strong><br />
SPORTS<br />
Pangako ni Pacquiao<br />
T<strong>in</strong>upad at G<strong>in</strong>awa na<br />
P<strong>in</strong>aghahanda na ng Filip<strong>in</strong>o R<strong>in</strong>g Idol ang kanyang susunod na laban at umaasang<br />
h<strong>in</strong>di bibigu<strong>in</strong> ang mga p<strong>in</strong>oy na umiidolo sa kanya<br />
Matapos ang pangangakong b<strong>in</strong>itiwan ni Manny<br />
Pacquiao <strong>ay</strong> nagsimula na nga itong magpapahirap<br />
sa kanyang sarili sa ens<strong>ay</strong>o, nang magumpisa<br />
na siyang umispar. Sumabak na si Pacquiao sa<br />
ispar<strong>in</strong>g, pero tatlong rounds lamang, dahil batid niyang<br />
m<strong>ay</strong> jetlag pa ang isa sa tatlong k<strong>in</strong>ontratang kaispar ni<br />
American tra<strong>in</strong>er Freddie Roach na si David Ravelo, na<br />
dumat<strong>in</strong>g sa Pilip<strong>in</strong>as noong L<strong>in</strong>ggo at agad nagtungo<br />
sa Cebu City.<br />
“Medyo pagod pa sa biyahe ‘yung kaispar ko, k<strong>ay</strong>a 3<br />
rounds muna kami,” sambit ni Pacquiao, na d<strong>in</strong>aan lang<br />
sa bilis ang kaispar<strong>in</strong>g. Inaasahang sa mga susunod na<br />
ispar<strong>in</strong>g <strong>ay</strong> hahataw na ng husto ang Filip<strong>in</strong>o r<strong>in</strong>g idol,<br />
tulad ng g<strong>in</strong>agawa nitong halos pagpapakamat<strong>ay</strong> sa ens<strong>ay</strong>o<br />
lalo na’t sa isang mahalagang laban.<br />
Ang 28-anyos na WBC International super-featherweight<br />
champion <strong>ay</strong> naghahanda para sa rematch<br />
k<strong>ay</strong> Marco Antonio Barrera, na nakatakda sa Oktubre<br />
6 sa Mandal<strong>ay</strong> B<strong>ay</strong> Resort and Cas<strong>in</strong>o sa Las Vegas.<br />
Sa unang laban ng dalawa noong Nobyembre 15,<br />
2003 sa San Antonio, Texas - - umiskor si Pacquiao ng<br />
11th round TKO k<strong>ay</strong> Barrera. Nakatakda r<strong>in</strong>g dumat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
ang dalawa pang makakaispar ni Pacquiao na s<strong>in</strong>a<br />
Urbano Antillon at Jose Armando Sta. Cruz. Higit d<strong>in</strong><br />
ang <strong>in</strong>spirasyong id<strong>in</strong>ulot k<strong>ay</strong> Pacquiao ng pagbisita ng<br />
asawang si J<strong>in</strong>kee at bunsong anak na si Mary Div<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Grace o Pr<strong>in</strong>cess sa Cebu City.<br />
“Miss na miss ko ang pamilya ko, k<strong>ay</strong>a sila na lang<br />
ang p<strong>in</strong>apunta ko dito (sa Cebu), para h<strong>in</strong>di na ako<br />
maka-absent sa tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g kung ako pa ang pupunta sa<br />
M<strong>ay</strong>nila,” komento ni Pacquiao.<br />
Ang dalawa pang anak ng mag-asawa na s<strong>in</strong>a Emmanuel<br />
at Michael Stephen <strong>ay</strong> h<strong>in</strong>di nakasama dahil<br />
m<strong>ay</strong> pasok na sa eskuwela ng<strong>ay</strong>ong araw.<br />
Walang Budget ang Isports<br />
Dahil sa hirap talaga ng buh<strong>ay</strong><br />
sa ng<strong>ay</strong>on, pati isports <strong>ay</strong> talagang<br />
apektado. Nabatid k<strong>ay</strong> chef de mission<br />
Romeo Ribano na natapyasan ang RP<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>gent para sa Asian Indoor Games<br />
sa Macau, Ch<strong>in</strong>a dahil sa problema sa<br />
budget.<br />
“The sepak takraw hoop men’s and<br />
women’s teams will not participate anymore<br />
<strong>in</strong> the event because they have<br />
no budget,” ani Ribano, na id<strong>in</strong>agdag<br />
na baka madagdagan pa ang mga national<br />
sports association na matulad<br />
sa sepak takraw association (PASTA)<br />
na ‘di makahagilap ng pondo para sa<br />
palaro.<br />
Apektado sa desisyon ng PASTA ang<br />
11 pl<strong>ay</strong>ers (5-men at 6-women) kasama<br />
ang dalawang coach at isang opisyal, na<br />
kag<strong>ay</strong>a ng ibang NSAs <strong>ay</strong> nais gaw<strong>in</strong>g<br />
tuneup ang Macau Games para sa 24th<br />
Southeast Asian Games na nakatakda<br />
naman sa Thailand sa Disyembre 6-16<br />
kung saan overall defend<strong>in</strong>g champion<br />
ang ‘P<strong>in</strong>as.<br />
Barrios M<strong>ay</strong> Ibubuga<br />
Depende sa magig<strong>in</strong>g performance sa<br />
Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Cup na tatalbog umpisa sa<br />
Oktubre 14, ‘di mal<strong>ay</strong>ong ma-extend<br />
ang pagig<strong>in</strong>g offi cer-<strong>in</strong>-charge sa PBA at tuloy<br />
mag<strong>in</strong>g ganap na commissioner si Sonny Barrios.<br />
T<strong>in</strong>uran kahapon ito ni PBA chairman Tony<br />
Chua sa kanilang pagdalo ni Barrios sa weekly<br />
PSA Forum.<br />
“The PBA board of governors m<strong>ay</strong> extend Mr.<br />
Barrios service as PBA OIC or even tap him as<br />
full commissioner of the league if he performs<br />
well <strong>in</strong> the forthcom<strong>in</strong>g Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Cup,” ani<br />
Chua.<br />
Id<strong>in</strong>agdag niyang bagama’t m<strong>ay</strong> agreement<br />
ang nakaraang board na p<strong>in</strong>amumunuan ni<br />
Ricky Vargas ng Talk ‘N Text, na ‘di na ia-appo<strong>in</strong>t<br />
sa commissionership ang magig<strong>in</strong>g OIC,<br />
‘di naman mal<strong>ay</strong>ong masusugan ito kung para<br />
sa kabutihan ng pro league.<br />
Wala akong nakikitang maganda ba ang<br />
magagawa ni Mr. Barrios, siguro puwede r<strong>in</strong>g<br />
i-amend ang previous agreement nam<strong>in</strong> basta sa<br />
ikabubuti ng PBA,” ani Chua.<br />
Sa parte ni Barrios, <strong>in</strong>ih<strong>ay</strong>ag niya sa kanyang<br />
panunungkulan bilang OIC hanggang Marso<br />
2008 na gagaw<strong>in</strong> niya ang kanyang makak<strong>ay</strong>a<br />
kasab<strong>ay</strong> sa patuloy sa pagbalangkas ng mga<br />
programa nang nagbitiw na dat<strong>in</strong>g commissioner.<br />
“All I can s<strong>ay</strong> is I’m do<strong>in</strong>g all my best to<br />
please the board and ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> the PBA as the<br />
no. 1 sports enterta<strong>in</strong>ment <strong>in</strong> the land. We will<br />
adapt most of the programs implemented by the<br />
previous commissioner,” sambit niya.<br />
Pansamantalang tumutuwang k<strong>ay</strong> Barrios bilang<br />
consultant si dat<strong>in</strong>g commissioner Rudy<br />
Salud. Ilan sa mga nakahilera na ang 5-game<br />
simula sa Gen. Santos City, Manila at Cebu<br />
City sa open<strong>in</strong>g. Ang unang anim na kumisyuner<br />
ng liga <strong>ay</strong> s<strong>in</strong>a Leopoldo Prieto (1975-1983)<br />
, Col. Mariano Yenko (1983-1987), Atty. Rodrigo<br />
Salud (1988-1992), Reynaldo Marquez<br />
(1992-1993), Emilio Bernard<strong>in</strong>o, Jr. (1993-<br />
2002) at dat<strong>in</strong>g abogadong si Jose Emmanuel<br />
Eala (2003-2007).<br />
SETYEMBRE, 2007<br />
Villanueva, Cruz bida<br />
sa SMB 9-Ball Bacolod leg<br />
23<br />
K<strong>in</strong>aldag n<strong>in</strong>a Eduardo “Pikoy” Villanueva at Rene “Bata” Cruz ang<br />
kani-kanilang kalaban para tumapos na undefeated sa 38 man-fi eld ng<br />
4th annual San Miguel Beer Philipp<strong>in</strong>e 9-ball Open noong L<strong>in</strong>ggo sa<br />
Celebrity Billiards and Bar sa Bacolod City.<br />
Ang Bacolod City native Villanueva, runner-up k<strong>ay</strong> eventual champion<br />
Jose “Amang” Parica sa 1993 RP 9-ball Open sa N<strong>in</strong>oy, Aqu<strong>in</strong>o<br />
Stadium, <strong>ay</strong> nag-bye sa fi rst round at pagkatapos <strong>ay</strong> g<strong>in</strong>iba s<strong>in</strong>a Warren<br />
Kiamco (7-6), Manolo Tanasas (7-5), Ronnie Ay<strong>in</strong>g (7-6) at Jarry<br />
Pel<strong>ay</strong>o (7-5), <strong>ay</strong>on sa pagkakasunud-sunod.<br />
Habang si Cruz mula Nueva Ecija <strong>ay</strong> nag-bye d<strong>in</strong> sa opener at nagwagi<br />
k<strong>in</strong>a Edgardo Sibuco (7-6), Ranel B<strong>ay</strong>ona (7-2), Jimmy Cheng<br />
(7-5) at Jose Drilon (7-2), para maisubi ang fi rst two slots sa two-d<strong>ay</strong><br />
event (August 18-19), kung saan tum<strong>ay</strong>ong punong-abala si Negros<br />
Billiard Stable (NBS) president at Billiards and Snooker Congress of<br />
the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es (BSCP) director Jonathan Sy.<br />
Samantala, nanaig naman s<strong>in</strong>a tournament favorites Roberto Gomez<br />
ng Divisoria, Zamboanga at Jharome Pena ng Mar<strong>in</strong>duque, para makopo<br />
ang nalalab<strong>in</strong>g<br />
two rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g slots sa<br />
loser’s brackets, sa raceto-7,<br />
double elim<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
format at samahan<br />
s<strong>in</strong>a Villanueva at Cruz<br />
sa Grand F<strong>in</strong>als sa September<br />
14-16. T<strong>in</strong>alo ni<br />
Gomez si Drilon (7-5),<br />
habang umibabaw naman<br />
si Pena k<strong>ay</strong> Pel<strong>ay</strong>o<br />
(7-5) sa one-loss side.<br />
P<strong>in</strong>oy ang<br />
napil<strong>in</strong>g Sports<br />
Idol<br />
Isa pang gymnast ang nakapasok<br />
sa elite list ng top young<br />
athletes, matapos mahirang bilang<br />
ultimate P<strong>in</strong>oy Sports Idol<br />
sa pagsasara ng third season ng<br />
contest kamakailan, na napapanood<br />
tuw<strong>in</strong>g Sabado sa Studio<br />
23. Si Renat<strong>in</strong>a Lipasana,<br />
tubong Kalunasan, Cebu City,<br />
<strong>ay</strong> nag<strong>in</strong>g ikalawang gymnast<br />
na t<strong>in</strong>anghal na top sports idol<br />
kasunod ni second season w<strong>in</strong>ner<br />
Rizza Desiree Garcia ng<br />
Tondo.<br />
Ang 16-anyos na si Lipasana<br />
<strong>ay</strong> nakakuha ng 95.86 po<strong>in</strong>ts<br />
mula sa televiewers’ text votes<br />
at sa judges’ score sheets, para<br />
talun<strong>in</strong> si dancesport bet Shaira<br />
Hope Bocane at taekwondo j<strong>in</strong><br />
Krystel Joy Kuan. Siya r<strong>in</strong> ang<br />
nakakuha ng ‘Texters’ Choice’<br />
award, habang ang “Darl<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
the Press’ <strong>ay</strong> napunta k<strong>ay</strong> Bocane.<br />
Ang tatlo <strong>ay</strong> b<strong>in</strong>igyan ng<br />
college scholarship grants sa<br />
al<strong>in</strong>mang unibersidad na nais<br />
nilang pasukan sa kolehiyo.<br />
<strong>AKO</strong> AY PILIPINO<br />
REGISTRAZIONE<br />
TRIBUNALE DI ROMA<br />
N. 3682003 del 13-08-2003<br />
Via Virgilio Maroso, 50<br />
-00412 Roma, Italy<br />
E-mail: ako@etnomedia.org<br />
tel. 0687410503 fax 06<br />
8741 0528<br />
GENERAL DIRECTOR:<br />
Sergio Talamo<br />
MANAGING EDITOR<br />
Federica F. Gaida<br />
STAFF WRITERS:<br />
Jocelyn I. Ruiz<br />
Randy Sebastian<br />
COLLABORATORS:<br />
Fr. Adonis Narcelles Jr. (Germany)<br />
N<strong>in</strong>a Koume (France)<br />
Hector Pascua (Austria)<br />
Carmen Dolorez Brazan (Cyprus)<br />
Andreu Matibag (Spa<strong>in</strong>)<br />
Abet Paras (Belgium)<br />
RR of F<strong>in</strong>land<br />
Roderico Atienza (Russia)<br />
Ramon Reyes (Monaco)<br />
Msgr. Ruperto Santos (Spiritual<br />
Page)<br />
PAGE LAYOUT<br />
Carmen Florea<br />
PUBLISHER<br />
<strong>Stranieri</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italia</strong> srl<br />
via Virgilio Maroso, 50<br />
-00412 Roma<br />
Tel. +39 06 8741 0333 fax<br />
+39 06 8741 0528<br />
E-mail: editore@stranieri<strong>in</strong>italia.it<br />
ADVERTISEMENT<br />
Etnocommunication srl<br />
Via Virgilio Maroso, 50<br />
-00412 Roma<br />
Tel. +39 06 8741 0999 fax<br />
+36 06 8741 0528<br />
E-mail:<strong>in</strong>fo@etnocommunication.<br />
com<br />
DISTRIBUTION<br />
Anca Gliz- stranieri <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italia</strong> srl<br />
Tel. +39 06 8741 0507 fax<br />
+39 06 8741 0527<br />
E-mail:distribuzione@etnomedia.<br />
org<br />
PRINTING PRESS<br />
POLIGRAFICA GAETA of A:<br />
Gaeta<br />
Via Z<strong>in</strong>nie, 13--Nettuno, Rome,<br />
ITALY
IPINAPADALA KO<br />
ANG AKING<br />
PAGMAMAHAL<br />
Mabilis, maaasahan, money transfer sa buong mundo.<br />
© 2007 WESTERN UNION HOLDINGS, INC. All rights reserved.