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AKO ay Pilipino - Stranieri in Italia

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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>


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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 />

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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 />

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Log on to www.philstar.com<br />

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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 />

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