Bagong Bayani Magazine

MICA (P) 199/01/2011

Vol. 1, No. 2 Free Copy SpeCIAl ISSUe

speCIal RepORt: preSident BenignO S. aqUinO iii firSt State ViSit tO SingapOre. exclUSiVe: iSSUe Sa inVitatiOn letter SinagOt ni preSidente aqUinO!

Munting Pangarap ni Meg tiS iS lOVe

MOney MatterS: QuICk MatH fOR DOublINg tHe fuNDs (tHe Rule Of 72)

RICO HIZON PhiliPPine’s iconic Broadcast Journalist Off tO Switzerland Via SingapOre (really?)

USapang legal: trafficking: ScOUrge Of OfwS the fine art Of SaVing tOp 20 MOSt inflUential wOMen

We make opportunities.

We create positive results.

We build better futures.

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304 Orchard Road, #04-65 Lucky Plaza, Singapore 238863 Mobile Number: +65 9388 6515 | Telefax: +65 6235 8153 Email: info@salomonandassociates.com

www.salomonandassociates.com

Publisher’s Note

i

have always been an admirer of women leaders. I admire and adore my very own mother. Now, I remember one statement from the “Iron Lady” herself, then, British PM Margaret Thatcher uttered and delivered years ago and I quote: “You turn if you want to. The Lady is not for turning”. For many years and until today this has been one of my guiding principles...Inspiring and still relevant, indeed, as we celebrate the International Women’s Day earlier this month, a testimony on how women have evolved over the turn of centuries. To all the Filipino women out there, let us celebrate our roles and contributions, however humble, wherever we maybe around the world. Let us not be afraid of the challenges ahead and let us continue to make a difference...as women and as Filipinos.

Thank you so much for making the maiden issue of Bagong Bayani a huge success. We are grateful for the overwhelming and heartbreaking support that we have received not only from our brothers and sisters in Singapore, from our friends in the Philippines, but also from our fellow Overseas Filipino Workers from around the world. Maraming Salamat po! The smile, the laughter, the excitement and the anticipation, in addition to the encouragement and good wishes that we have witnessed and heard will always serve as a guiding light and inspiration for us to dream on and go on with this worthy cause.

To the governments of the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Singapore, thank you for your support, a living example of how collaboration can work best between two great countries. To our very first advertisers and sponsors who trusted and believed in our ideas and aspirations, our sincerest appreciation. Without you, the realization of a

noble idea would have remained an impossibility. To our writers and contributors and to everyone who played a part in the making of this magazine, maraming salamat po!

And as we present to you the February/March (Special Issue) of BAGONG BAYANI, we are once again humbled by the opportunity given to us by another outstanding, world class Filipino who agreed to be our cover for this special issue of Bagong Bayani. His life is an inspiration to all of us. Yes, this issue is special because it includes a special report for the very first state visit of President Benigno Aquino III to Singapore, among others.

Moving forward, rest assured that BAGONG BAYANI will continue to be at the forefront of providing informative insights and will endeavor to work harder to achieve substantial changes, for and in the service of the Filipino people working and living in Singapore and eventually in other parts of the world. In the months to come, we will continue to inspire you with more success stories and tales that depict how in recent years the Filipinos conquered the world, not by mere accident but with skillful execution and high intention. This magazine will still be given for free for everyone to own. Para po sa ating lahat ang BAGONG BAYANI magazine!

Substantial. Accessible. Inspiring. This is BAGONG BAYANI magazine.

God bless us all and God bless the Philippines.

Mabuhay po tayong lahat!

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2011 contents

17

Another Pinoy Pride in Boxing

20

Traits Of Life Victors

24

Cover Story Extreme Close-Up: Rico Hizon

34

The Fine Art of Saving

45

Snapshots: Bhong E. Odal 4 Bagong Bayani January 2011

EDITORIAL BOARD Publisher MARYJANE SALOMON (Singapore) Associate Editor DR. MARiLYN D. SuRiO (Philippines) Editorial Consultants DEtCh P. NONAN-MERCADO (Singapore) SANkiE SiMbuLAN (Philippines) tALA MARALit (Philippines) RiChARD ViLLARiN (Singapore) OMAR SiERVO (uk) Columnists AttY. hAzEL RiguERA (Philippines) CRiStY ViCENtiNA (Singapore) PAMSY tiOSECO (Philippines) DR. FLORO CALub, JR. (Singapore) Copy Writer CYPRuS JAkE MALiNAO (Singapore) Contributing Writers PAMELA WiLDhEARt PiLAPiL (Singapore) PROF CESAR tORRES (uSA) RhODORA bERNAbE-OSbORN (uSA) tOLSkY AbALON (uSA) Art Director LANCE SiSON of ARS NOVA DESigNS (Singapore) Circulation Managers ELViRA CiNCO (Singapore) ANDEE bARCO (Singapore) Creative Consultant CESA FRAMiL (Singapore) Photographers PiNOYgRAPhERS (Singapore) Circulation: 10,000 copies Advertising Enquiries: Email: info@iambagongbayani.com | info@salomonandassociates.com Mobile: +65 9388 6515 | Office: +65 6235 8153 Published monthly by Salomon Publishing Singapore Pte Ltd. 304 Orchard Road, #04-65 Lucky Plaza, Singapore 238863. the Publisher uses due care and diligence in the preparation of this magazine but is not liable for any mistake, misprint, omission or typographical error. the Publisher prints the advertisement provided by the advertisers but gives no warranty and makes no representations as to the truth, accuracy or sufficiency of any description, photograph or statement. the Publisher accepts no liability for any loss that may be suffered by any person who relies either whole or in part upon any description, photograph or statement contained therein. the Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. No part of this publication may be copied either in whole or in part without prior permission from the Publisher.

MiCA (P) 199/01/2011 Printing by: gL PRiNtiNg SDN bhD

feature

6 Bagong Bayani FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

feature

Thank You For Making Our Maiden Issue a Huge Success.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 Bagong Bayani 7

feature

8 Bagong Bayani FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

feature

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 Bagong Bayani 9

special report

PNOY WITH PM LEE

BAGONG BAYANI (Modern-Day Hero) magazine is honored to present to you our SPECIAL REPORT on the first State Visit of President Benigno S. Aquino III to the Republic of Singapore, from 9-11 March 2011.

By Mary Jane Salomon • Photos by gil Nartea

aquino III was officially welcomed to Istana by no less than Singapore’s President S. r. Nathan, he attended a luncheon meeting hosted by Prime Minister Lee hsien Loong. as reported by Ben Nadarajan at The Straits Times, pa4, 11 March 2011, and I quote with his permission, “a Foreign affairs Ministry statement said both leaders expressed satisfaction with the

“Mr. President, ako po ay naatasan lamang ng ating mga kababayan na nandidito nagtatrabaho at nakatira sa Singapore na ipaalam at

state of bilateral relations and agreed to strengthen cooperation. They also discussed regional and international developments.”

itanong po sa inyo ang tungkol sa INVITATION LETTER, na hinihinge daw po diumano na requirement sa Immigration sa Pilipinas at binabayaran

State BaNQuet with PreSiDeNt S. r. NathaN

naman po dito sa ating embahada ng 40-50 sgd....marami po ang

Later in the night, President aquino III graced the State Banquet hosted

nagrereklamo dito na sana po ay tanggalin at hindi naman po hinahanap

by President S. r.Nathan at the Istana. Both Presidents expressed mutual

ng Immigration office ng Singapore. Mahal po at nakakaabala sa ating

respect and interest towards achieving continued economic prosperity

mga kababayan, lalong lalo na po sa mga nagtatrabaho sa bahay”.

that will benefit both the Filipinos and the Singaporeans. In his speech,

The President was astonished to hear this, and this was his answer, “Ang

President aquino III stated that “My visit here has reaffirmed my belief that

alam ko hindi na kailangan iyan dahil ang Singapore ay visa-free country

any nation, governed by leaders focused on the other rather than the self,

naman. Anyway, please document everything and pass to my office and we

is limited only by the imagination”. On his part, Mr. Nathan responded by

will study and see what we can do.”

saying that, “The Filipino community has integrated very well. The Filipino community’s bayanihan (unity) spirit and infectious zest for life have

9 March

added vibrancy to Singapore” (With excerpts from the article written by

PNOY MeetiNg with FiliPiNO COMMuNitY iN SiNgaPOre

Mr. Ben Nadarajan at The Straits Times, p a4, 11 March 2011. Printed with

The recent state visit of President Benigno S. aquino in Singapore was

his permission.)

the first in his capacity as the President of the republic of the Philippines.

The meeting with the Filipino community in Singapore was held at the

ON SINGAPOREANS AND ITS GOOD EXAMPLE

rELc auditorium of rELc International hotel in Singapore. as soon as he

The President commended the citizens of Singapore and quipped, “Every

appeared, accompanied by Philippine ambassador to Singapore Minda

Singaporean has been empowered to fulfill his or her potential, and I

cruz and other Philippine government officials, and walked to his seat in

believe that the same potential holds true for my own people. You made

front of the stage, President aquino impressed the hundreds of Filipinos who waited for him for more than three (3) hours of his sincerity and his ability to speak off the cuff. Simple and straightforward, “Finally, we have a President who looks very ordinary but is a working President”, I overheard one of the guests murmuring after the President highlighted in his impromptu speech the focus of his government back home, not to think of “what is in it for me but what I can do.” Very well said! Its worth the wait, I must say.

10 March

PreSiDeNt aQuiNO aND PM lee: MeetiNg OF twO geNtleMeN after the Guard of honor ceremony at the Istana, where, President Benigno

10 Bagong Bayani FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

baNquET WITH PrEs. NaTHaN

special report me realized that we can someday achieve. I intend to lead my countrymen

advocacy is to help businessmen invest in the Philippines by providing

on a path to progress, and I am grateful for your example of what can be

them easier investment access.” Red tape has been cut down to ease

achieved.” He then proposed a toast for the people of Singapore and the

the business community’s burden of waiting too long. The President

Filipino people to work and create a more prosperous Southeast Asia.

meant business when he declared, “We will be friends with the business community.”

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION AT SHANGRI-LA HOTEL ON OFWs IN SINGAPORE

YELLOW ORCHID: “ASCOCENDA BENIGNO S. AQUINO III”

I have waited for the President to arrive from the Banquet. As the Director

Before leaving this small city state, President Aquino III attended the orchid-

of his Media Relations introduced me to the Malacanang Press Corp and

naming rites at the Singapore Botanical Gardens. The unique ceremony

the moment I shook everyone’s hand and exchanged pleasantries, I felt

is being accorded only to visiting heads of state upon their first visit to

a surge of excitement within me. I have been reminded of my previous

Singapore. Previously, the same honor was bestowed to the President’s

“assignments” before, back in the old days, back home. Again, it dawned

mother, Former President Corazon C. Aquino on the occasion of her first

on me that inasmuch as I am thousands of miles away from my beloved

state visit to Singapore in 2006.

country, I am still every inch a patriot, a proud Filipino, wearing my Philippine flag pin with so much pride during the President’s three-day

As reported by the Media Bureau of Malacanang Palace, and I quote,

visit. So, here comes the man. I was instructed to sit down directly in front of

“Ascocenda Benigno S. Aquino III is a vigorous and free-flowering hybrid

him, and I did. I only have one question, “Mr. President, ako po ay naatasan

that bears flowering sprays of 10 to 12 flowers each measuring 7 to 8 across.

lamang ng ating mga kababayan na nandidito nagtatrabaho at nakatira

Its petals and sepals are bright golden yellow with many distinct reddish

sa Singapore na ipaalam at itanong po sa inyo ang tungkol sa INVITATION

brown spots and tessellations.” So, next time that you are in a flower farm,

LETTER, na hinihinge daw po diumano na requirement sa Immigration sa

do not forget to look for ‘ASCOCENDA’.

Pilipinas at binabayaran naman po dito sa ating embahada ng 40-50 sgd.... marami po ang nagrereklamo dito na sana po ay tanggalin at hindi naman

Goodbye, Mr. President. May you continue to carry with you the lessons

po hinahanap ng Immigration office ng Singapore. Mahal po at nakakaabala

and realities that you have seen in Singapore. May it inspire you to achieve

sa ating mga kababayan, lalong lalo na po sa mga nagtatrabaho sa bahay”.

the bright “future” your parents had envisioned for the Filipino people. As

The President was astonished to hear this, and this was his answer, “Ang alam

you have seen it in your lifetime, Singapore has proven that such a future

ko hindi na kailangan iyan dahil ang Singapore ay visa-free country naman.

is not impossible. We trust that with you on the driver seat, in due time, the

Anyway, please document everything and pass to my office and we will study

Philippines will soar once more. God bless the Philippines!

and see what we can do.” I was quite satisfied with his answer. Hopefully, it would provide a solution to make our mga kababayan happy. In closing, I requested his office to have a special column to be entitled “Sulat Para

MJ WITH PNOY

Sa Pangulo” in BAGONG BAYANI magazine so that everyone can write to the President and he will try his best to address the issues that we, the Overseas Filipino Workers care about.

11 MARCH

KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT THE SINGAPORE BUSINESS FORUm/ INTERNATIONAL ENTERPRISE (SBF/IE) EmINENT LEADERS LECTURE AT THE SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, SINGAPORE ON SINGAPORE GOVERNMENT President Aquino III lauded Singapore and said, “Your nation has shown the world that good leadership translates into progress.” Your government has already signified its willingness to help a brother nation reach the same heights that you have reached; I invite, therefore, the Singaporean business community to take part in this wonderful opportunity as the Philippines rises to the sky,” he added.

FOCUS ON TOURISM Taking notice that Singaporeans are the biggest group of visitors among its ASEAN members, President Aquino III declared,”We will soon embark on an aggressive marketing campaign that will brand and sell the Philippines as key tourist destination in the world.”

EASE OF DOING BUSINESS IN THE PHILIPPINES To further strenghten the good relationship between the Philippines and Singapore and other foreign investors, he said,” This administration’s

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 Bagong Bayani 11

congress whispers The Conduct of Senators ‘in Aid of Legislation’

A

By Pamsy Tioseco

loud ballyhoo was raised following the suicide of

all the kinds of diseases of the different organs of the body, and

former Armed Forces Chief of Staff and Secretary

Senator Legarda’s probe on the plight of the indigenous peoples

of Defense Angelo Reyes that the Senators should

and climate change’s cause and effects.

assess the manner with which they conduct their Senate investigations in aid of legislation.

There are also exciting hearings such as those conducted by the Chair of the Senate Committee on Labor, Sen Jinggoy Estrada who

Senator Antonio Trillanes was highly criticized for barking back

invited all the Managers of the nightclubs in Quezon City to submit

at Sec. Reyes, “You have no reputation to defend!” as Sec Reyes

the birth certificates of all the girls working for them to check if

attempted to defend himself against allegations of corruption.

they are hiring under-age “Guest Relations Officers”.

The bad blood between Senator Trillanes and Sec. Angelo Reyes

“Mayroon bang nagtratrabaho sa inyo na ang pangalan ay Lavander?” asked Senator Jinggoy.

goes way back and is deep.

The Oakwood Mutiny led by Trillanes, which eventually put him

“Marami hong babae sa club, may kanya kanyang Mamasan,

behind bars, was the outpouring of disgust over the stewardship

hindi ko ho memoriado mga pangalan nila,” a manager of one of

of then AFP Chief of Staff Angelo Reyes because soldiers, who are

the Clubs testified.

defending the state and the constitution, use battered uniforms,

“Ano ba ang ibig sabihin ng Mamasan? “ Senator Juan Ponce Enrile inquired.

boots and faulty equipments.

In the previous Congresses, it was Manong Ernie Maceda who

As Chair of the Senate Committee on

was much feared by those invited to testify in the Senate. Senator

Games and Amusement, Senator Lito

Trillanes has assumed such a role. Not only did the maverick

Lapid was conducting an enquiry based

Senator drip in sarcasm when throwing questions but would

on the complaints of professional Filipino

surprise witnesses with his exposes.

basketball players that import players in the Philippine Professional

When queried by the media about the behavior of his peers in

Basketball League were earning much higher than them.

the Upper Chamber, the Senate President wisely retorted that the

Senate employees had a field day gaping at the many players of

investigations are open to the public and it is up to the public to

the many teams that filled up the Senate committee hearing room.

judge them as the truth is being ferreted.

Perhaps

what

hurt

Sec.

Yes, those who are invited to “shed light” to the Senate inquiries should be respected. And they always are.

Reyes most during the Senate

If the questions that are asked of them are making them squirm,

hearing, which was supposed

they can invoke their right to silence as what General Garcia

to investigate the plea bargain

did which prompted Senator Drilon to threaten to cite him for

agreement between the Office

contempt.

of the Ombudsman and former

Bottomline, if you are invited to testify in the Senate, it is always

military comptroller Carlos Garcia, was that, it went beyond the

assumed you come with clean hands, a clear conscience and will

subject of the hearing. Unfortunately, as they say in our dialect,

tell the truth just like former Comelec Commissioner Garcillano

“nanganak na nang nanganak ang pangyayari.” Purportedly

who opened another chapter in history with the Hello Garci tapes

because of the humiliation he suffered at the Senate, days later,

expose.

Sec. Reyes shot himself on the chest. He was buried at the Libingan

Otherwise, you will just have to bear the Senatorial grilling.

ng mga Bayani.

Each question they throw is presumed to emanate from the

Former AFP Chiefs of Staff had to publicly deny one by one in

electorate who put them in the Upper Chamber. They are merely

a House inquiry that they received neither “welcome” money nor

voicing out the questions the

“pabaon” when they retired.

people want to ask, they are

There are other more wholesome Senate hearings where no

trying to illicit the answers to

rocking of the boat can even be expected. These are those being

questions the people want

held by Senator Pia Cayetano who has already investigated possibly

answered.

12 Bagong Bayani FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

Importer, Exporter and Wholesaler of Filipino Food Stuffs, Cosmetics, and Other Asian Products

GO Regional Trading Import and Export Pte Ltd

196 Pandan Loop #01-25 Pantech Business Hub, Singapore 128384 Tel: (65) 6776 0953 | (65) 6776 0965 Fax: (65) 6776 9076 | Email: goregional@singnet.com.sg

usapang legal

PHOTO: STOCK.XCHNG/A_KARTHA

TRAFFICKING: Scourge of OFWs Atty. Hazel R. Riguera

G

rechel was recruited to work in Japan

The United States Trafficking In Persons Report 2010 states

when she was 16 years old. Coming from a

that, “a significant number of Filipino men and women who

poor family, she was lured into leaving the

migrate abroad for work are subjected to conditions of involuntary

Philippines with the promise of a high-paying

servitude worldwide.” The Report also states that “men, women,

job as a performing artist. However, instead of

and children were subjected to conditions of forced labor in

working as a dancer in Tokyo, she ended up in a Nagoya brothel

factories, construction sites, and as domestic workers in Asia

where she was forced to have sex with her customers.

and increasingly throughout the Middle East [and that] women were subjected to sex trafficking in countries such as Malaysia,

She was then transferred to a club where, aside from doing janitorial chores, she was made to go out on dohan, a way of

Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, and various Middle Eastern countries.”

enticing customers to become regular club customers. In the process, she had two abortions. She then went back to the

In order to protect, among others, Filipinos who go to work

Philippines after her third pregnancy, but this time, she was

abroad, Republic Act No. 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act

already psychologically ill. Grechel is just one of the several

of 2003 was enacted.

victims of human trafficking. Many others suffered the same misfortune, but they chose to remain silent because of fear and

R.A. No. 9208 declares unlawful any of the following acts:

shame.

(a) To recruit a person by any means, for the purpose of

14 Bagong Bayani FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

usapang legal prostitution, pornography, sexual exploitation, forced labor,

exploitation, or discrimination because of a physical or mental

slavery, involuntary servitude or debt bondage;

disability or condition.

(b) To introduce or match for money or other consideration, any

(b) When the adoption is effected through the "Inter-Country

person for any of the purposes mentioned in section (a) above.

Adoption Act of 1995" and said adoption is for the purpose

(Note that this provision strengthens Republic Act 6955, the

of prostitution, pornography, sexual exploitation, forced labor,

Anti Mail-Order Bride Law which prohibits the matching of

slavery, involuntary servitude or debt bondage;

Filipino women for marriage with foreigners using the postal service).

(c) When the crime is committed by a syndicate, or in large scale.

Trafficking is deemed committed by a syndicate if carried out by a group of three (3) or more persons conspiring with one

(c) To offer or contract marriage, real or simulated, for any of the purposes mentioned in section (a) above;

another. It is large scale if committed against three (3) or more persons individually or as a group. (d) When the offender is an ascendant, parent, sibling, guardian,

(d) To undertake or organize travel plans consisting of tourism packages or activities for the purpose of utilizing and offering persons for prostitution, pornography or sexual exploitation;

or a person exercising authority over the trafficked person, or when the offender is a public officer or employee. (e) When the trafficked person is recruited to engage in prostitution with any member of the military or law enforcement agencies;

(e) To maintain or hire a person to engage in prostitution or pornography;

(f) When the offender is a member of the military or law enforcement agencies; and (g) When by reason or on occasion of the act of trafficking in

(f) To adopt or facilitate the adoption of persons for any of the purposes mentioned in section (a) above;

persons, the offended party dies, becomes insane, suffers mutilation, or is afflicted with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

(g) To recruit, hire, adopt, transport or abduct a person, by means of threat or use of force, fraud, deceit, violence, coercion, or

R.A. No. 9208 recognizes trafficked persons as victims of the act/s

intimidation for the purpose of removal or sale of organs of

of trafficking, and mandates that trafficked persons, whether

said person; and

documented or undocumented, shall be repatriated. Any person who has personal knowledge of the commission of any of the

(h) To recruit, transport or adopt a child to engage in armed activities in the Philippines or abroad.

prohibited acts, the trafficked person himself/herself, the parents, spouse, siblings, children or legal guardian may file a complaint for trafficking.

Any person found guilty of having committed any of the acts enumerated above shall suffer the penalty of 20 years

Any person who buys or engages the services of a trafficked

imprisonment and a fine of not less than P1,000,000 but not more

person for prostitution shall be penalized with six (6) months of

than P2,000,000.

community service and a fine of P50,000.00 for the first offense.

For the second and subsequent offenses, the penalty is one-year

The penalty of fine is increased to not less than P2,000,000 but

imprisonment and a fine of P100,000.

not more than P5,000,000.00, and life imprisonment is imposed, when a person is found guilty of qualified trafficking. R.A. No. 9208

Towards the end of establishing and implementing preventive,

states that qualified trafficking consists of any of the following acts:

protective and rehabilitative programs for trafficked persons, the State has mandated the Philippine Overseas Employment

(a) When the trafficked person is a child. The law defines child

Administration(POEA) to implement effective pre-employment

as referring to a person below eighteen (18) years of age or

orientation seminars to applicants for overseas employment.

one who is over eighteen (18) but is unable to fully take care

R.A. 9208 likewise mandates the Department of Foreign Affairs,

of or protect himself/herself from abuse, neglect, cruelty,

National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women, Bureau FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 Bagong Bayani 15

usapang legal of Immigration, Philippine National Police, Department of the

4. Inform one’s relatives, friends, NGOs about the country of

Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare

destination and the recruiter’s contact details like address,

Development, Department of Justice, and Local Government Units

telephone numbers, so that one’s situation abroad can be

to work towards the same aim.

monitored.

According to the United States Trafficking in Person Report 2010, the POEA has filed 173 administrative cases against licensed

5. Know your rights and stand up for them. (R.A. No. 9208 briefer by the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women).

labor recruiters using fraudulent offers to entice workers or who imposed illegal fees on prospective employees.

Victims of trafficking may call or get in touch with the following agencies for assistance:

A court in Zamboanga City sentenced a member of a trafficking syndicate to life imprisonment in March 2007 for having recruited

PhiliPPine national Police

six victims and peddled them to a brothel in Sandakan, Malaysia. In

Women and Children’s Concern Division (WCCD)

2006, law enforcement agencies filed 60 new trafficking cases with

Tel. Nos. (02) 723-0401 loc. 3480

the Department of Justice. In 2005, police and the DOJ charged a

Call or Text 117 (PATROL 117)

police officer for allegedly trafficking minors for sexual exploitation at his Manila nightclub. In 2006, law enforcement agencies filed 60

national Bureau of investigation

new trafficking cases with the Department of Justice. According

Violence Against Women and Children’s Desk (VAWCD)

to Ferdinand Lavin, former chief of the National Bureau of

Tel. Nos. (02) 523-8231 loc. 3403, 525-6098

Investigation Anti-Human Trafficking Division, there were 168 alleged cases of trafficking in 2008, a 60-percent increase over the

DePartment of social Welfare anD DeveloPment

previous year, with four convictions. (Humantrafficking_wiki.doc)

(DsWD) NCR Ugnayang Pag-asa

According to Atty. Dante B. Bonoan, chief of the National Bureau

Legarda, Manila

of Investigation Anti-Human Trafficking Division (AHTRAD), 22

Crisis Investigation Unit (CIU)

complaints for violation of R.A. No. 9208, and 35 complaints for

Tel. Nos. (02) 734-8617 to 18

illegal recruitment were received by AHTRAD for the month of

Rehabilitation Unit

January 2011.

Tel. No. (02) 743-8635

OFWs who sweat it out in foreign lands so as to prepare for their

Bureau of immigration

future and that of their families and contribute to the country’s

Magallanes Drive

development, are now, with the passage R.A. No. 9208, no longer

Intramuros, Manila

bereft of rights to preserve their honor, dignity and self-respect.

Tel. Nos. (02) 527-3260, 527-3248

As a parting note, the following suggestions will help one avoid

DoJ action center

becoming a victim of trafficking:

Tel. No. (02) 536-0450

1. Make sure that the recruiter is legally registered with the POEA.

PhiliPPine overseas emPloyment aDministration (Poea)

2. Make sure that all documents necessary for working abroad

Anti-Illegal Recruitment Branch

are legal. These documents include the passport, visa, and

3rd Floor POEA Building

overseas contract stating the salary, duration of work, terms

EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue

and conditions of work, and the details of the employer.

Mandaluyong City Tel. Nos. (02) 722-1189 to 90, 721-0619 (Id.).

3. Secure relevant information about the country of destination.

16 Bagong Bayani FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

balitang sports PHOTO: STOCK.XCHNG/VIERDRIE

Another Pinoy Pride in Boxing

By Cyprus Jake Malinao

O

nce again, a fellow Filipino

Reminiscent of Manny Pacquiao’s fight

A native of Bohol, Philippines, Nonito

proved to the world that we’re

with Ricky Hatton a few years back, Donaire

Donaire is a three-division world champion,

the king of all kings inside the

took the WBC and WBO bantamweight

where he won four world titles in three

titles through a knockout on the second

different boxing weight classes.

boxing ring.

round of the fight.

Luisito Espinosa, Flash Elorde, Manny

Last 19 February 2011, the world In the said round, Donaire landed a left

Pacquiao and now, Nonito Donaire –

bantamweight

hook on Montiel as the latter comes over a

Filipinos continue to fly high in the world of

division. Nonito “Filipino Flash” Donaire,

lazy right hand. The former then landed a

boxing. May this serve as an inspiration for

knocked

Fernando

right uppercut, which brought Montiel flat

us to be mighty proud of our race.

“Cochulito” Montiel in their bout held

on the ground, legs twitching. That was

within the walls of The Mandalay Bay

when Referee Russell Mora waves an end

Resort and Casino, Las Vegas.

to the fight.

witnessed what was touted to be the biggest

fight out

in

the

Mexican

MANILA STYLIST HOUSE REBONDING (With Free Hair Cut)

$130

LOREAL X-TENSO MOISTURIST T&C applies

By Professionals

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Hair Cut Iron Rebonding Perm Hair Treatment Hair Spa Hot Oil Cellophane Colour Highlight Hair Styling & Make Up Manicure Pedicure Foot Spa FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 Bagong Bayani 17

munting pangarap

Munt ing Pangarap Layunin ng pahinang ito ang magbigay katuparan sa mga munting pangarap ng mga OFWs. Ang kanilang mga kahilingan ay sisikaping tuparin at bigyang katuparan ng Bagong Bayani sa pamamagitan ng pakikipag-ugnayan sa ibat-ibang tao, organisasyon o ahensiya ng gobyerno. Ang mga may “munting pangarap” ay ina-anyayahang sumulat sa info@iambagongbayani.com. – Editor

TO THE PUBLISHER, Magandang araw po sa lahat ng bumubuo ng Bagong Bayani

ospital eh ikinalong nalang ng pamangkin ko ang kanyang lolo

(Modern Day Hero) Magazine. Ako’y po nagmula sa lalawigan ng

dahil sa pagmamahal ng apo sa kanyang lolo ay nakaya po nyang

Bohol.

gawin ito. Hindi po biro ang maglakad ng paakyat na may kalong kalong at 1kilometer ang layo. Bago ka makarating sa kalsada

Walong taon na po akong nagtratrabaho dito sa Singapore.

Nakakahiya mang sabihin sa walong taon na yun, wala talaga

doon, may mga sasakyan na dumadaan papuntang lungsod kung saan andun ang maliit na ospital.

akong naipon. Walong taon din akong nangarap na magkabahay.

Huwag po kayongmagulat, di po bahay ang hihilingin ko.

Walong taon nasa ganito po ang aming sitwasyon dahil labas pasok nalang po ang mga magulang ko sa ospital palit palitan

Tuloy ko po ang kwento nang sa ganun maintindihan nyo

nalang po silang dalawa. Nakakahiya mang aminin diko po

kung bakit ako napilitang sumulat sa kolum na ito. Pakonti konti

mabigaybigay sa kanila ang bagay na ito dahil walang budget.

eh malapit na po itong matapos kaya’t sa ngayon kailangan ko

Tama lang sa gamot nilang dalawa buwan-buwan. Kaya heto po,

munang isantabi ang pangarap na ito dahil hindi na po kakayanin

naisipan kong sumubok na sumulat sa kulom na ito. Hindi po ako

ng sweldo ko.

umaasa, nag babakasakali lang po ako o pwede din pong tuluyan na lang din akong mangarap. Walong taon uli?

Pareho na pong may sakit ang nanay at tatay ko. Wala na pong budget sa bahay dahil napupunta nalang po sa gamot na minimaintain nilang inumin. Sa 11 na magkapatid, ako na lang po ang di nag-aasawa (Relax, hindi po asawa ang pinapangarap ko).

Kinalimutan ko na ang bagay na yan.

Motorcycle po sana kahit second hand Man lang

Meg

Nagbabakasakali,

dahil nasa bundok po kaMi nakatira. Nangyari po kasi

Meguila Infiesto

nung inatake ang tatay ko sa sakit nya at kailangan maitakbo sa

Bohol, Philippines / Toa Payoh, Singapore

18 Bagong Bayani FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

H

erbal medicine is defined as the use of natural herbs and plants for the treatment or prevention of diseases, disorders and for the promotion of good health.

Medicinal plants and herbs has been used by our Filipino forefathers for many centuries. This knowledge was passed on from generation to generation. In the past few years, a renewed interest on this natural method of treatment arose not only in the Philippines but worldwide.

This popularity will continue as medical science validates the affectivity of many medicinal herbs as alternative medicine.

From: Philippine Herbal Medicine 2005-2010 BENEFITS OF HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS AND WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE THEM Herbal supplements are becoming increasingly popular as each day more people experience the benefits they have to offer.

One of the reasons these kinds of supplements can be better than conventional supplements is that they are natural and thus our bodies tend to absorb and use them much more easily than synthetically produced chemical supplements. They have much lower toxicity levels than prescription drugs. They are equally effective but more affordable than their chemical counterparts.

The first use of herbal preparations for medicinal purposes can be traced back thousands of years, with ancient peoples using the extracts of different plants to treat everything from stomach aches to depression to insomnia. Modern science has shown that many of these herbal dietary supplements can not only treat various health conditions, but also prevent illness and promote general health and wellbeing. There are herbal supplements that can lower cholesterol, boost memory and concentration, strengthen

the cardiovascular system and increase energy and endurance.

The world has recognized the Philippines medicinal plants and established them as effective health support to medicine. Carica Herbal Health Products have 13 years experience in the production of herbal medicines in the Philippines and have an outstanding record of performance. The processing plant in Catanauan, Quezon; an environment free of chemical/ industrial pollution and is ISO-certified and in full compliance with BFAD requirements.

Some of the most common medicinal plant that we have out there includes Malunggay, Banaba, Lagundi, Sambong, Ampalaya, Coconut, Noni and Mangosteen. Basis of the article content: from Article Basis SC No. 431595.

Sole distributor of Carica Products in Singapore.

For inquiries on Distributorship in Malaysia, Indonesia, and other South East Asian Countries: Victorian International Trading Pte Ltd Website: www.caricaherbal.com Email: info@caricaherbal.com/ carica.sg@gmail.com Contact Number: +65 8447 0335

feature

Success cannot be prematurely induced.

The process towards achieving it requires time, maturity, hard work and faith. Š CUBESTOCK

20 Bagong Bayani FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

feature

Traits Of Life Victors

By Detch P. Nonan-Mercado

espite abundant availability

if they have to flex or adjust, according

of

to circumstantial necessities. They know

opportunities,

some

people never succeed in

when to take a detour if they must.

life. What happens is that

THEY HAVE INTEGRITY AND THEY STICK TO THE TRUTH NO MATTER HOW DIFFICULT Truly successful people are honorable men. Their word is their bond, and they

Then somewhere down the road, a few

SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE ENJOY THEIR WORK AND THEY WORK HARD AT IMPROVING THEIR CRAFT

of these dreamers find courage to retrace

Achievers or successful people are buoyed

crowd swimmers. They are able to face

their steps and start from down, up, and

by their work, not weighed down by it.

lonesomeness for the sake of what is right.

get some good results. But while a few

They love what they do and they give their

do get what they hope for, sadly, there

utmost to improve their production. They

are others who still end up nowhere near

are progressive, not backtrackers.

they would keep a dream for a while, work on it a little, and after some time give up on the whole concept.

the fulfillment of their vision. Success just

put premium on painful truth even if it would slash them and tear them up. Their integrity sets them apart. They are not

THEY ARE WILLING TO HELP OTHERS SUCCEED Many of those who made it in life are

THEY SEE LIFE AS A GLASS HALF-FULL, NOT HALF-EMPTY

usually those whose hands have been

those that are not? Successful people,

Most successful people are optimists. They

are not ashamed of asking help when they

whatever skin or soul color they have, do

see something beautiful in an otherwise

need it. Successful people have mentoring

not just daydream (having ambition but

ugly

negative

hearts. They are not selfish in sharing their

doing nothing). They “dream” (visualize)

experiences work to their advantage. They

wisdom. For them, success is not success if

what they want to achieve. Their actions

look for the “flowers” in each situation,

it only benefits one man or one family.

are motivated by their goals, and their

instead of just complaining about the

sights are ever fixed on the object they

thorns. They ooze with positivity and faith.

want (thing or position in life). They work

They call the things that are not yet as

SUCESSFUL PEOPLE ARE PATIENT

hard, and usually show the following traits:

though they already are.

Persistence is one of the greatest virtues of

seems very elusive.

So what separates the successful from

situation

and

open to the needs of others. They are also willing to help themselves, meaning they

make

those whose lives have made their mark in

THEY KNOW WHAT THEY WANT

human history. Where others have given up,

Successful people have specific targets.

THEY KNOW HOW TO USE FAILURES TO DISCOVER THEIR STRENGTHS

They do not aimlessly wander about in life.

When

experience

process of time. They believe that things

They know where they want to go.

upsetting

examine

delayed are better than things unachieved.

successful

people

moments,

they

the successful have remained -- climbing, moving, and working. They respect the due

themselves and easily accept that they

THEY KNOW HOW TO PLAN AND KNOW HOW TO STICK TO THEIR PLAN

may not be perfect but they have certain strengths and they focus on those

THEY ARE FAMILIAR WITH RISKS

strengths. When they fail, they go from

Successful people take risks but in the

Aside from knowing where to go, successful

the act of just looking at the ruins, to the

same breath also take the time to prepare

people have a road map, a plan that they

decisive next-step of actually recovering

for eventualities. They do not blindly

follow. However, they also know when and

and saving what can still be used.

walk into a corner without first knowing FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 Bagong Bayani 21

feature if there might be danger up ahead. Even

success are nullified when the body is

matter how popular, if the wagon is headed

after knowing there is danger, successful

weakened through dietary or lifestyle

in the wrong direction.

people would still walk in a dark alley. His

abuse. Successful people aim to succeed

difference from the next man is that he

THEY ARE NOT AFRAID OF CHANGE

with tools and weapons for self-defense. He

SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE KNOW HOW TO HAVE FUN

Successful people entertain anything that

counts his cost, and decides whether he is

Honest-to-goodness

people

leads to improvement and excellence.

able to foot his bill. If so, off he goes, fully

work hard and play hard. They know they

Change is difficult, but successful people

armed.

can only be called successful when all three

are willing to try for the sake of progress.

components of their lives are healthy (body,

Although they are aware that change is

THEY KNOW HOW TO COMMUNICATE AND NEVER ASSUME

soul and spirit). They feed their physical

painful, successful people would not mind

body with good food, they nourish their

the temporary discomfort because they are

soul with decent passions and knowledge,

looking forward to the wonderful outcome.

Successful people do not coat their words

and they take care of their spirits by having

with sugar. Their yes is yes and their no, no.

a relationship with the Divine Power Above

They ask and do not assume, and they say

All.

does not go unprepared. He girds himself

successful

what they mean and mean what they say.

SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE ARE HUNGRY FOR KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM

THEY HAVE A SENSE OF PURPOSE

Although they already enjoy a certain

Successful people know they exist for a

still want more and more education,

purpose. Woe is he who thinks his life is

information and knowledge. Knowledge is

worthless. There is nothing more pathetic.

power, and the more knowledge they have,

Passing the buck or looking for a scapegoat

Successful people know they can make a

the more successful they become. The

is the last thing a successful person would

difference, and they work at it.

more success they have, the more that they

SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE GO FOR THE “WILL DO” RATHER THAN FOCUS ON THE “SHOULD HAVE”

amount of fame, successful people would

display a thirst for knowledge, and vice-

do. He takes full responsibility of his actions

versa. In addition, they seek for time-tested

going back to peers and screaming the

THEY HAVE A DESIRE TO CONTRIBUTE

“should have’s” that could not be changed

Successful people believe they have to be

when they make decisions.

anyway.

part of a greater whole. They know they

and moves on to the “will do’s” instead of

“make” and not “break” others. Their actions

SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE BELIEVE IN HIGHER POWER

are designed so that the community at

“Power people” who have “arrived” are

large benefits from their success.

usually the ones that believe in a Higher

need others. Also, they know they are to

THEY SURROUND THEMSELVES WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE

wisdom with all their might, especially

Power and for Filipinos, our faith in God

Successful people are careful in their choice they put above and around them). They

SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE ASK QUESTIONS, DEFY TREND

know life is a race and they know they

They do not conform for the sake of

could not run well if they are carrying heavy

conformity. They ask who, what, where,

THE EQUATION FOR SUCCESS

baggage (wrong friends).

when, why and how. Successful people

Do you define success as owning your own

need to understand why things are as they

home back in the Philippines? Building

EXERCISE AND PROPER DIET ARE ITEMS ON THEIR TO-DO LIST.

are, and if they see any anomaly they decide

your own company? Having a huge savings

NOT to be part of it. They do not mind

for retirement? However you understand

being the different or odd one, as long as

success to be, it is best to remember that

Successful people take care of themselves

they know where their heart and mind lead

you need to have the right ingredients:

because they know their chances at

them. They do not join the bandwagon, no

ambition + motivation + correct traits.

of friends and influence sphere (authorities

22 Bagong Bayani FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

usually creates the stage on which we succeed.

Championing Filipino pride WorldWide www.GoodNewsPilipinas.com

positive action Triumphs inspirational Stories www.GoodNewsPilipinas.com

cover story

Extreme Close-Up:

Rico Hizon

By Pamela Wildheart Pilapil Interview for BAGONG BAYANI on 10 Feb 2011

S

uave, polished and accomplished – These words

John Gokongwei, Michelle Wie, Kobe Bryant, Diana Krall and yes

best describe the Philippine’s iconic broadcast

a long list of presidents and global leaders including US President

journalist Rico Hizon.

Bill Clinton, Malaysia's Prime minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. And yes

There is a sense of “Pinoy” patriotism everytime

I catch my daily dose of BBC News programmes; Asia Today and

indeed, whether he interviews or gets interviewed, Rico Hizon’s lengthy experience and skillful newsman acumen is telling.

Asia Business Report. Yes, the formally-attired and respectable presenter and producer on TV is Filipino. Mabuhay!

Upon scrutiny, this regular Asian news presenter at glance displays an unusual spark of passion. His eyes, they tell the story.

And yes, now at the interview seated very close and in person,

His smile, sincere and simply warm.

Rico impresses me with his smooth and natural flair for answers.

Well what would one expect? After all, Rico has interviewed

This dynamo has been in the broadcast industry for more than

movers and shakers in the business, financial and entertainment

two decades. He survived the early challenges and here he is,

world such as Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Richard Branson, Tony

beamed conveniently to our living rooms, live or recorded via BBC

Fernandes, Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Manny Pangilinan,

World News.

24 Bagong Bayani FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

cover story Passionate news Man

affairs department and after which, he finally became a reporter.

Rico embodies the true Pinoy hope and aspiration and transcends this to millions of Filipinos worldwide. For a person with countless

His work allowed him to learn and work with Atty Ricardo “Dong”

achievements and accolades, he remains a humble and willing

Puno on award-winning talk show Viewpoint, Tina Monzon-Palma,

subject for my interview. Affable and easy, charming and honest,

Risa Hontiveros, Mari Kaimo, Mike Enriquez and other big names in

this is Rico Hizon, the BBC’s (British Broadcasting Corporation) lone

the industry. He was also a co-anchor to Veronica Pedrosa of ANC's

Pinoy news anchor.

Stock Market Live and eventually took centrestage as main anchor.

Rico Hizon is seen globally by many Filipinos and global citizens

In 1995, Rico joined CNBC Asia and lived in Hong Kong for more

who feed on the latest headlines and in-depth news, stock market

than three years anchoring programmes like CNBC Today, Power

reports, and analysis programmes.

Lunch, Market Watch and Squawk Box.

After all, BBC attracts 74 million viewers weekly, available in

What catapulted Rico Hizon to world fame was his joining BBC

200 countries and territories worldwide, reaches 300.3 million

World News in 2002. It was in BBC where Filipinos globally became

households and 1.8 million hotel rooms. Even a fraction of these

united in sharing their Pinoy pride when seeing their compatriot

viewers is enough assurance of a daily global reach.

taking centerstage to update viewers of the latest new headlines.

sPiral to success

Multi-awarded

Rico’s success story is no mean feat! After graduating from De

Rico’s formidable talents and achievements did not go unnoticed

La Salle University with a degree in Communication Arts and

as years went by. Last January 2010, he received the People of

Business, Rico taught Radio, Television and Broadcasting courses

the Year Award from People Asia Magazine. In September 2009,

at the university.

But his strong urge to work in broadcast journalism took him to GMA Network in 1988.Instead of working as a reporter, Rico ended up as a production assistant owing to the lack of job opening then.

At GMA, Rico sampled behind-the-scene challenges. He proudly recalls his making coffee for the team during productions and jokingly asked me in between the interview whether I prefer my coffee black or espresso.

During his early days in the business, he bought food, run errands, drove reporters and team members, edited scripts, prepared interviews, and generally did everything required to assist the team to complete the news story of the day.

The experience is an eye-opener to the young and ambitious rookie. Rico recalls these efforts as unforgettable and how it taught him the basic foundation of news correspondence.

Owing to his talent and knack for news, dedication and willingness to learn, Rico became segment producer for the public FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 Bagong Bayani 25

cover story his achievements and commendable abilities and talent for International News and Broadcast journalism.

InspIratIonal roots Every man has an inspiration. Rico proudly traces his early influences and like every filial son shows great love and devotion to his parents.

A native Pampangeno, he attributes his success to his father’s resourcefulness, resilience and dedication to hard work combined with his mother’s “voraciousness” for news, perseverance, love for soap operas and the arts.

Born to a middle class family, Rico started early and recognized that no success is attainable without hard work, knowledge, talent, passion and a genuine desire to serve.

sharIng the glory For Rico, there are still more lessons in life to learn. One can do so much more to society.

“When we are blessed and receive so much, I feel that we should never forget to give back to society where we can,” he openly shares. he became the youngest recipient of the La Sallian Achievement Award for Global Journalism.

True to his words, Rico volunteers to participate in various events in Singapore, where he is currently residing with wife and

Earlier in December 2008, he received the prestigious Pamana

art eventologist, Melannie, and son, Migo. From the Philippine

ng Pilipino Presidential Award for excellence in International

Independence Day programmes to Search for a Filipino Talent, he

Journalism from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

tirelessly and willingly provides his talent and entertainment to the almost 150,000 kababayans in Singapore.

In October 2008, he received the 2008 BPinoy Award from Bank of the Philippine Islands for bringing honour to our country

He also shares his expertise and management acumen as a

worldwide. He was the first recipient of Yes The Filipino Can! Award

volunteer for the church-backed organization Parish Pastoral

for his Pinoy values and principles advocacy.

Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), Philippine Cultural Society Singapore, Philippine Bayanihan Society (Singapore) and

In December 2006, Rico received the prestigious TOYM (The

NAMFREL, Singapore Chapter.

Outstanding Young Men) Award for International Journalism and Community Service. He was also the recepient of the Outstanding

Working with him is sheer bliss. I’ve co-hosted so many shows

Filipino in Singapore award during the Indepedence Day

with him enough to say, he is by far the most endearing co-partner

Celebrations in June.

onstage I’ve worked with.

There is no doubt that there are more awards to come as

Not one to hog the limelight, he silently prepares for the

each and every year, Rico Hizon continues shaping history with

show programme backstage like preparing for his news with

26 Bagong Bayani FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

cover story meticulousness and attentiveness. Small wonder on-stage he

am hoping for the day where we can call all Filipinos who go and

gains respect and wows the audience with his up-to-date quips of

work overseas as simply Filipino Expatriates, whether they are

the latest BBC news information and practically everything under-

working as nannies or as CEO of a global financial industry. In this

the-sun.

way we begin to understand the hard work and efforts contributed by everyone overseas with respect,” he added.

Bagong Bayani The many occasions I’ve seen Rico, he usually sports the familiar shirt printed with the Philippine islands. I asked him why. His

During the interview the word Filipino and Pinoy seemed to evoke a spirited fire in Rico’s countenance.

answer is telling. “I’m proud to be Pinoy.”

“Never forget your Pinoy roots. We must continue to listen, watch Rico comes true to form as a living symbol of Pinoy pride. He

and support Pinoy arts, culture, talents in our own way. Eat Pinoy,

simply can’t stop sharing the Filipino pride and cultural roots to

watch Pinoy movies, listen to our OPM music, meet and network

new friends overseas and to other Filipinos as well.

with our Pinoy friends overseas,” he added in spirited tones.

“I feel so honoured and privileged when I wake up and get to

“I feel that it is an honour to be a Bagong Bayani so I can inspire

work, that once again I have the chance to raise the Philippine flag

and contribute in my own way. A Bagong Bayani is someone who

globally and daily.” Rico says. This perhaps is one of the reasons that

is proud of their Pinoy heritage, tells and shouts to everyone in

powers Rico Hizon to display the equal if not rising passion to his supposedly mundane or daily routine job. Yes, he delivers.

He too shares his talent and wealth of experience by giving inspirational talks to the Filipino youth. He and his wife Melannie also share a little bit of what they have to various cause-oriented groups in the Philippines such as the Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth Orphanage, Laura Vicuna Foundation, VIDES Philippines Volunteers Foundation and the BenCab Art Foundation.

Not at a loss for words, Rico shared some of his special wishes and inspirational message to the Philippine Government and his kababayans.

“I wish that our Philippine Government will be able to attract more investors for major investments to allow more new jobs in our native land. This will hopefully stop the exodus of worldclass talents all over and get them to come back and share their expertise to our countrymen at home.”

“After all, we Filipinos are closely-knitted and bonded by our love for the family, home-cooked food, our culture, and way of life.”

He expressed strongly his views on the word coined OFW representing Overseas Filipino Workers.

“I think calling our nationals OFW may sound a bit degrading. I FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 Bagong Bayani 27

cover story some set-backs, Rico highlights them.

“Yes, no doubt we can easily share information, but I am hoping that our Philippine news content can weave in more positive information about our country. We hope to hear of more success stories, great achievements, scientific findings, educational advancements, arts, music, and culture where we can uplift the Filipino soul to enhance our self-esteem as Filipinos.”

When asked if Filipino media practitioners have an edge over their counterparts worldwide, Rico responded eagerly.

“Yes, absolutely, we are exceptionally hard working and willing to work long hours to contribute and share knowledge without hesitation. Extra work seems to be a part of our Filipino working style. We also have this ability to communicate creatively to people all over.”

I couldn’t agree more. Filipino talents are undeniably respected and sought after owing to their natural flair for people - an important facet of news gathering and communication.

not to be mIssed! rICo hIzon’s one Word, one lIner My recent interview with Rico Hizon shared some truly soulful the world about their roots and always willing to learn and share

insights to what makes this dynamic personality stand thumbs up

their talents to attain a world-class stature. A Bagong Bayani can be

above the rest. Here are some fun, informative and endearing bits

anyone who understands that we can contribute to the upliftment

about Rico Hizon.

of the Filipino Global image whether in a big or small way.” He concluded.

PWH: Your Daily Routine…

RH: 5 days a week, daily wake –up time is 3.30am to get prepared

Challenges of the Industry

for the job and sleep at 11.00pm. I’m a morning man!

While the road ahead is not floored in gold, Rico’s undying optimism is infectious.

PWH: Your secret to success in BBC… RH: No secrets! Working well with colleagues and being a part of

“Technology has made so many changes to the way we practice

the BBC Family. Good management and great teamwork.

broadcast journalism today. In fact, I am looking forward to seeing more global and cable channels to anchor themselves in the

PWH: Why do you like BBC so much?

Philippines. We have a wide pool of resources, skills, and energy,

RH: BBC is the most prestigious news network worldwide with

what we need is awareness of such talents worldwide. The industry

footprints in 200 countries and territories. Management is flexible

is getting more positively competitive.” He added.

and allows me opportunities to grow.

While technology can advance the industry, it can also bring 28 Bagong Bayani FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

PWH: How many morning show co-anchors have you worked

cover story with in your broadcasting career?

“Erap” Estrada interim leader, President Fidel V. Ramos is a

RH: I'm very lucky to have had 36 co-anchors to date.

marketing man.

PWH: People who inspire you and why, aside from your

PWH: You sound so busy, how about the wife and kid?

parents…

RH: My wife Melannie is someone I share the passion for the arts

RH: Atty Ricardo “Dong” Puno – his interview techniques,

and love for many things. A joy and a gift to be with! I love her! My

knowledge, his “people” personality, no “prima-donna”complex.

son – a raw bundle of energy!

PWH: Other unforgettable Filipino Broadcasters…

PWH: How do you manage your son Migo? Style of discipline?

RH: Bong Lapira and the late Jose Mari Velez

RH: We love him dearly. I’m more firm and stern and Melannie is balanced and fair. We have a “good” cop and "bad" cop approach.

PWH: Peers you respect and know in the Philippines…

RH: Julius Babao, Mike Enriquez, Vicky Morales and Ces Drilon

PWH: Stress Busters?

RH: Shopping and more shopping. I’m an unusual man. I love

PWH: What are they like in person? One word only please!

shopping and don’t mind driving even long distances to get to a

RH: Bill Gates is a tech geek, Bill Clinton is charismatic, Richard

shopping mall with my wife!

Branson is a visionary maverick, Warren Buffet is father of investments, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is pragmatic

PWH: Stress Buster quote…

RH: Don’t worry, Be Happy

PWH: How about the past Philippine Presidents you have interviewed?

PWW: Sports

RH: President Corazon Aquino a loving mother to the country,

RH: Basketball

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is driven, President Joseph PWH: Music Genre favourites?

RH: Broadway Musicals, music from the 80’s and Martin Nievera PWH: Pinoy Food?

RH: Dinuguan and Sisig PWH: Singapore Food?

RH: Chicken Rice and Laksa PWH: Movies?

RH: Tinatangkilik ko ang pelikulang Pilipino! All movies, all genres interest me!

PWH: At home?

RH: I watch a lot Pinoy teleseryes through the years. Among my favorites were Flor de Luna, Gulong ng Palad, Maging Sino Ka Man, John en Marsha, Magkaribal and the list goes on.

PWH: Favourite Quotes RH: Casey Kasem’s "Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars."

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 Bagong Bayani 29

money matters

Quick Math for Doubling the Funds (The Rule of 72)

By Cristy M. Vicentina

D

o you remember Double Your

years to get the needed yield or interest rate

Money (DYM) in Five Years

for our money to double.

Why 72? Actually a more precise number for estimation is 69.3 (the value of natural

investment offered by practically

all commercial banks in the Philippines

In our previous example, actual interest

logarithmic number 2 for doubling) but 69

during the late 1990s to early 2000s? Or you

rate paid by banks was about 14.4% (72/5 =

did not make it to the blockbuster line and

are too young to know? Did you know that

14.4) for our money to double in 5 years. No

neither 70 because 72 was a fitting number

the actual rate paid to investors for the DYM

wonder, nowadays, we cannot find a single

for numerator because it has a lot of small

in 5 years then was about 14.4% not 20%?

bank that offers the same product because

divisors (1,2,3,4,6,8,9 and 12). It’s only for

the prevailing interest rate for Philippine

estimation anyway, so 72 is the number!

Mathematics of investment defined the

banks is within the area of 2%.

Maybe you’ll wonder, is there a quick

Rule of 72 (or Rule of 69 to be precise) as a technique of estimating the time it will

This rule will also give us a quick mental

mental math to triple the money? Yes! The

take for an investment to double given the

math that our past due accounts with credit

number is 114. It takes 11.4 (114/10 = 11.40)

interest rate on a compounding basis.

cards that are charged say 2% per month

years to triple your money in an investment

Rate %

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Rule of 72

72.000

36.000

24.000

18.000

14.400

12.000

10.286

9.000

8.000

7.200

6.545

6.000

Actual Years

69.660

35.003

23.450

17.670

14.200

11.896

10.245

9.006

8.043

7.273

6.642

6.116 Table 1

The technique is to divide the number

or 24% per annum will double in 3 (72/24

that pays 10% or 22.8 (114/5 =22.8) years for

72 by the interest rate per period (usually

= 3) years. Yes! In 3 years, our 10,000-peso

an investment to triple given an interest of 5%.

per year). That is to estimate the number of

balance will accumulate to twice as much

periods or years for your money to double

or 20,000. So be extra careful when leaving

in an investment that pays 6% per annum,

unpaid balances with your credit cards.

double after 12 years.

is 144! Again, If you want your investment to quadruple in 9 years, you will have to find

divide 72 by 6 which is equal to 12, or your money that earns 6% per annum will

And Quadruple? Yes! The magic number

So next time you visit your friendly

an investment that pays 144/9 (or 16 %!).

bank, you can now do the mental math, remember the magic number is 72.

Till next month!

If a deposit pays you 8% per annum, it will take 9 (72/8 = 9) years for your money to

Cristy “Xty” M. Vicentina

and international conferences ranging

double. See table (Table 1) below for quick

has more than twelve

from Financial Market Analysis to Global

reference.

years of committed service

Economics. She is a Certified Money Market

both with the University

and Foreign Exchange Trader and a Licensed

of the Philippines as a

Mathematics Teacher. (Editor’s Note: Xty’s

Equivalently, we can use the Rule of 72 to find out what investment yield or rate

Senior Lecturer and with Philippine National

name and picture was inadvertently omitted

is needed to double our money given the

Bank as a Treasury Trader in Manila and

in the “The Men and Women Behind Bagong

time or number of years to accumulate.

now the Treasury Chief Dealer of PNB-

Bayani” section in the magazine’s maiden

Singapore. She is a Business Consultant

issue last month. Our sincere apologies to

and Speaker/Lecturer for various local

her for such an oversight.)

The Rule is to divide 72 by the number of 30 Bagong Bayani FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

opinion

Unrest in the Middle East and Africa: Lessons of EDSA I

By Richard Villarin

T

he 25th celebration of the EDSA I revolution this

our government is doing to protect them. Are they prepared for

year comes at a time when the world is witnessing

the worst-case scenario? Do they have the ability and resources to

an unprecedented show of people power in the

execute a mass-evacuation if things escalate?

Middle East and the African continent. Sparked

This, I think, as an OFW myself, should be the lesson of EDSA I.

by the revolution in Tunisia, Egyptians took to the

Changing the regime is the easiest part of a revolution. The hardest

streets and toppled the 30-year old regime of Hosni Mubarak. As of

part is building strong institutions that can protect the citizenry.

the writing of this article, unrest is also brewing in Libya, Bahrain,

We can do away with pomp and extravagance in exchange for

Mauritania, Iran, Yemen and Jordan.

preparedness and efficiency.

As we celebrate the triumph of democracy over dictatorship in

As lovers of freedom and democracy, we stand by the people of

our beloved country in 1986, we are also reminded that a lot of our

these countries in their quest for their own EDSA. As countrymen

bagong bayani are caught in the middle of these ongoing strives.

benefiting from the hard work of our OFW’s, we owe to them a

Millions of OFW’s are working in these countries and one cannot

responsive government that is quick to act and ready to uphold

help but wonder how they are coping and more importantly what

the real lesson of EDSA I.

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 Bagong Bayani 31

food for the heart, mind & soul ETHICS & CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

The Heart and Soul of Corporations and Institutions Dr. Floro Calub Jr., PhD – Consultant

C

( Dr. Floro is a mìssionary, pastor, counselor, and ethics consultant in Singapore)

arter McNamara (http://www.managementhelp.

substantially improved society, 2) help maintain a moral course

org/ethics/ethxgde.htm)

simply

in turbulent times, 3) cultivate strong teamwork and productivity,

involves learning what is right or wrong, and then

4) support employee growth and meaning, 5) help ensure that

doing the right thing.” But what is right and wrong

policies are legal, 6) help avoid criminal acts “of omission” and

is a serious thing to consider because of so many

can lower fines, 7) help manage values associated with quality

standards and concepts of what is right and wrong. All the time, it

management, strategic planning and diversity management, 8)

is affected by factors like the group of people and their kind of

promote a strong public image, 9) legitimizes managerial actions,

culture, religion, customs, tradition and norms and the type of

strengthens the coherence and balance of the organization’s

government that they have. According to another expert on ethics,

culture, improves trust in relationships between individuals and

Malcolm

(http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Malcolm_

groups, supports greater consistency in standards and qualities

Evans), these factors are group into three main schools of general

of products, and cultivates greater sensitivity to the impact of the

ethics such as, Revelation (God’s Law), Decree (Human Law), and

enterprise’s values and messages, and 10) the right thing to do.

Evans

said,

“Ethics

Context ( other laws not covered by Decree). Thus, to be most ethical in ones practices and behavior, one must not fail to consider

Like problems and troubles in ones personal or professional

all of these factors as much as possible. The more of these factors

life which is basically either caused by or a consequence of poor

neglected or violated, the less ethical one will become.

standard and sense of ethics and social responsibility, it is the same thing in business corporations too. And these make one’s heart

Business corporations and institutions basically aim to provide

and soul and others to be unhappy. It means for corporations

goods and services for the genuine benefit and welfare of all

and institutions with their stakeholders to have a joyful heart and

stakeholders (owners, employees, customers, the government, and

soul to attain good success, proper business ethics and corporate

the affected society in general). It must be the essence why they are

social responsibility should be observed always. In simple words,

built and organized or continued to exist. Undermining the welfare

business owners and their staff should be models in learning what

of any group of the stakeholders renders them less effective and

is right and doing it.

makes them less ethical. They may be gaining financially, but they have also much pain, dissatisfaction, and unhappiness among its

But how can they be good models in doing right? Learning right

stakeholders which will eventually lead them to trouble and failure

and doing right has been a tough struggle of every man (includes

in the future.

both gender) shortly after his creation. Since that time, he was basically wired backward to depravity or to disconnect from his

Businesses and organizations always have problems and

Creator (Ro.3:10). Consequently, he acquired that natural or

conflicts within and among their stakeholders. Some of them

inherent inability to do righteous things. Now, to enable him to be

have less while others have more of these conflicts and problems.

righteous again according to Revelation (God’s Law), he needs to

However, most of their leaders often just look at them as technical,

reconnect himself back to his Creator: first by admitting his being

financial, and management issues only. They do not usually look at

unrighteous (1 John 1:9) and second, by receiving into his heart by

them on the ethical viewpoint.

faith the Creator’s son Jesus Christ as Savior, to get his authority and power to become a child of the Creator too (I John 1:12). Then

McNamara again emphasized the ten benefits of giving ethics utmost importance in business corporations such as: 1) 32 Bagong Bayani FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

and only then, he can have his Creator’s power and ability to learn right things and do it also (Ro.5:19).

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The

Fine Art of

Saving

By Sankie G. simbulan

PHOTO: STOCK.XCHNG/DSPRUITT

Most Filipinos still live on a hand-to-mouth existence.

the lowest national savings rate among East Asian economies, compared to high savings countries such as Thailand, Malaysia,

This is not just true for the poorest of the poor in our country,

and Singapore. In a study by Asia Market Research, it was revealed

but even with the country’s regular income earners and Overseas

that the Philippines ranks among the low savings rate countries

Filipino Workers (OFWs). It’s a pity that when you randomly talk to

such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Uzbekistan.

young Filipino professionals, in call centers for example, you’d find that when payday comes, they almost instantaneously splurge on

The irony of it all is that it is every Filipino’s dream to attain

the latest gadgets such as cell phones and computers, fashionable

economic independence and experience financial freedom. And

clothes, and other unnecessary wants. In fact, even before they get

yet, they do not practice the very basic foundations of personal

their paycheck, they are already planning on how to spend it.

finance.

This is true even for young OFWs, who, despite their

Personal Finance 101

comparatively larger salaries abroad, admit that they end up

To attain any goal, there must first and foremost be a concrete plan.

having no savings at all and even incur large credit card debts at

The first step on the road to financial independence is managing

the end of their overseas stint. Saving for retirement, or just simply

your own finances, and that means knowing what your financial

saving, continues to be an alien concept to them. These are the

needs are, how to plan to meet those needs and how to manage

same young people who form the backbone of our nation, making

your earnings and expenses. In essence, good personal finance

up a significant chunk of the country’s population.

management is spending within your income and planning for the future, not just the immediate future but even up until your

Translated on a national scale, the Philippines has one of 34 Bagong Bayani FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

retirement.

There are different financial life stages, says Francisco Colyaco,

the importance and benefits of savings and investments.

author of the book “Wealth within Your Reach”. At the Start-Up Stage (20-35 years old), your primary source of income is your salary or

Saving and investing are the basic tools in achieving financial

earnings from your talents and even sidelines. As a rule, a portion

freedom and, consequently, national economic independence,

of your active income (20% is a good start) should be allotted to

since a higher savings and investment rate ultimately creates

savings so as to generate investment income. It’s basically the pay-

a pool to power the country’s economy, as it provides the much

yourself-first principle since you are your first source for generating

needed resources to enable businesses to thrive and grow.

investment income.

Filipinos must understand that everywhere they put their Once you start earning from the savings you have invested,

money, there is risk, but it is a matter of spreading their risks by

only then can you move on to the Build-Up Stage (35-45 years old),

being savvy in choosing to put their money in different savings

during which your income from savings as well as investments

and investments instruments. The past years, however, there has

contribute at least 20% of your income.

been a growing popularity among Filipinos in investing in mutual funds, an investment instrument ideal for people who have the

At the next stage, which is the Asset Allocation or Fine-Tuning Stage (45-60 years old), 30%-60% of your income is now provided

money for investments but do not have the expertise to invest money on their own.

by your savings and investments. During this time, you may have enough savings to buy real properties from which you regularly

In a nutshell, mutual funds refer to a pool of money from

receive income from rentals, invest in savings instruments such as

various investors managed by a professional fund manager, who

“The irony of it all is that it is every Filipino’s dream to attain

economic independence and experience financial freedom. And yet, they do not practice the very basic foundations of personal finance.” treasury bills, bonds or mutual funds, as well as run a self-sufficient

is a specially trained professional who invests and administers

and stable income-generating business.

these pooled funds. It is a fund manager’s daily task to study and monitor developments in all possible investment arenas such as

At the end of your financial life journey is the Retirement

the stock market, government securities and commercial papers.

Stage (60 and above), when your income from your savings and

There are several mutual fund companies in existence that people

investments are now enough to fully support your living expenses.

can choose to invest with.

The age range specified for each stage is just the standard

For a fairly small investment amount, a person can take

estimate. In reality, however, one can be in any phase at any age

advantage of better returns, which he can’t normally do if he were

depending on your financial development, says Colayco. But as a

on his own. With mutual funds, even ordinary income earners

rule, the younger you start saving and investing, the sooner you

can invest in the stock market for as low as PHP5,000 and expect

reach financial independence. I’ve known some people who have

relatively higher yields.

saved and invested early enough to retire at the age of 35, while others in their 60s depend solely on their small social security pension.

You don’t really have to be a financial expert to know all about personal finance. All you need is enough interest and determination to plan, save, and invest for your future. The internet has a wealth of

Invest and dIvest

free information – from personal finance basics like saving tips to

There is a need to promote a culture of saving and investing in the

more advanced topics like investing in stocks.

Philippines. One of the reasons why the growth of the investment industry in the country remains comparatively slow is the public’s general attitude of risk aversion as well as their low awareness on

The journey to financial freedom begins with a single step, and that’s the decision to take the path not tomorrow but today.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 Bagong Bayani 35

PHOTO: STOCK.XCHNG/FCL1971

feature

Brain drain: Prospects and Implications

By Cyprus Jake Malinao

B

rain drain – I could vividly remember

the country’s employment condition. Fast

industry to Medicine to Engineering to

my social sciences teacher back in

forward to the present year, I now wonder

Nursing and to whatever industry there is.

high school discussing the causes

how has everything been.

Including even those who work as domestic

and effects of temporary and permanent emigration of Filipino professionals.

helpers in various countries.

One can never deny the fact that temporary and permanent emigration of

According to the December 2009

That was way back 2003 and during

Filipino professionals continue to rise in

statistics

that time, brain drain has been plaguing

number, from the Information Technology

Employment

36 Bagong Bayani FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

of

the

Philippine

Overseas

Administration

(POEA),

feature the 1.112 million deployed OFWs during

more and more Filipinos prefer Singapore

the same period in 2009.

to any other country in Asia.

The agency cited the reasons of the

With the influx of Filipinos in Singapore,

downtrend are the continuing effect of

remittances from Overseas Filipinos will

global financial crisis, the tight competition

then increase dramatically. According to

between

countries

a study conducted by the Department of

such as Indonesia, and the compulsory

Labor and Employment, Filipino workers

implementation of OFW insurance.

in Singapore brought in $176 million (US

workforce-sending

Dollars) from January to September 2010 However, John Leonard Monterona,

an increase compared to the $152 million

regional coordinator of Migrante-Middle

(US dollars) during the same period last

East (ME), the agency overlooked one of

year.

the important factors that protracted the hiring of OFWs – the labor market reforms being introduced in receiving countries

However, in every action, there is a corresponding reaction.

such as Middle East and Singapore.

The Philippines will then slowly lose a In his New Year address, Singapore

huge number of professionals working

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that

for the country despite President NoyNoy

despite the strong recovery of the country’s

Aquino’s campaign to provide quality

economy compared to that of last year, it

jobs for the Filipinos. While the present

would still manage the inflow of foreign

government strives to create jobs for

workers and immigrants giving the local

the people, the compensation won’t be

people more chances to be employed.

enough to provide their needs and thus forcing them to leave the country.

Despite such, we can still see a brighter prospect for OFWs in Singapore with

Add to that the continuous reports

a total of 8,579,378 Overseas Filipino

the recent opening of Marina Bay Sands

of graft and corruption in the Philippine

Workers are deployed all over the globe.

and Resorts World Sentosa. The need of

government. Filipino professionals get sick

In Singapore alone, according to the same

workforce for these huge hotels in the

and tired of this condition giving them

statistics, there are 163,090 OFWs working

island will entail the hiring of foreign

more reasons to work abroad instead of

permanently, temporarily, and irregularly

workers, especially Filipinos, due to their

their fatherland.

in the island. In fact, Singapore ranks 3rd

competency in the Hospitality industry and

among the Eastern and Southern Asian

proficiency in the English language.

Filipino professionals decide to fly out of

countries that has the highest number of Filipino workers.

This and a lot more reasons make

Moreover, with Singapore’s plan to

the country in search for greener pastures.

boost its economy and thus become Ironically, according to the 2010 statistics

Asia’s working hub, there will be a need

There is no definite time when will

of POEA as reported by Manila Bulletin on 05

for competitive and high-quality working

this ever end, but I, together with all the

January 2011, there has been a downtrend

force which will then cater to the Filipino’s

Overseas Filipino Workers around the

in the deployment of OFWs. In their report,

cutthroat expertise in various fields –

globe, hope that someday, we can go back

there are only 1.079 million OFWs deployed

engineers, educators, architects, doctors,

and work in the Philippines where our

from January to October 2010 compared to

and a whole lot more. Such explains why

families are and where we truly belong.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 Bagong Bayani 37

entertainment

Shalani Soledad leads the Top 20 Most Influential Women ith the advent of her career

W

For all you people who are interested to

as a primetime show host in

know who made it to the top 20, here’s the

the Kapatid Network, Shalani

complete list:

climb the stairs of success as she was

1.

Shalani Soledad (politician / TV host)

named by Google Philippines the number

2.

Kris Aquino (TV host / actress)

one out of the Top 10 Most Influential

3.

Ruffa Gutierrez (TV host / actress)

Women as reported by Pep.Ph.

4.

Maria Venus Raj (beauty queen / TV

Soledad’s showbiz career continues to

host) Utilizing one of their search tools,

5.

Charice (international singer)

Zeitgeist, Google Philippines came up with

6.

Angel Locsin (actress)

the list to commemorate the celebration

7.

Sarah Geronimo (singer / actress)

of International Women’s Day last 8 March

8.

Regine Velasquez (singer / actress)

2011. These women, according to Google

9.

Heart Evangelista (actress)

PH, have the “greatest online mindshare in

10. Miriam Defensor Santiago (senator)

2010.”

11. Lea Salonga (international singer) 12. Doris Dumlao (business writer)

By online mindshare, Google PH

13. Kristine Hermosa (actress)

measures the awareness and the influence

14. Toni Gonzaga (TV host / actress)

that each woman relays to the Filipino

15. Sharon Cuneta (actress / singer)

community, online and offline.

16. Mariel Rodriguez (TV host) 17. Monique

Second

to

her

is

Shalani’s

ex-

Lhuillier

(international

fashion designer)

boyfriend’s sister, Kris Aquino, after all the

18. Bea Alonzo (actress)

controversies plaguing the host-actress

19. Korina Sanchez (broadcaster)

involving her and ex-lover, James Yap.

20. Nora Aunor (actress)

After all the controversies surrounding

These women inspire and touch lives

her and alleged lover John Lloyd Cruz,

in ways that only them can do. As we

Ruffa Gutierrez made it on the third

celebrate International Women's Day or

spot while Maria Venus Raj, crowned 4th

International Women's Month this March,

Runner up in the 2010 Miss Universe,

let us celebrate and may their examples

made it on the fourth rank.

serve to touch more lives and spread the word of pride and love of being a woman.

And to round off the top 5, it’s Charice after her success as an international singing sensation with guest appearances in Hollywood movies and TV series.

38 Bagong Bayani FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

Women Power.

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alos Angeles:

Singapore, BAGONG BAYANI gapore, MODERN-DAY HERO)

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 Bagong Bayani 39

feature

Off to Switzerland, Via Singapore (Really?)

(First of two parts)

By Detch Nonan-Mercado “Detch believes she is nothing apart from God. She is the grateful mother of Sed, Dzan and Ekay.

Her passion is compassion.”

C

hristmas Day of year 2006 started out as an uneventful,

able to help them land a job at a hotel there. But they had to pass

cold day for most Filipinos in Singapore. At noontime,

through Singapore before they could be deployed to Switzerland,

though, things turned busy for a Christian church after

he had said.

it received a frantic call from one of its members. He had with him two Filipino tourists needing a place to stay. Cousins Boy and Rose (not their real names), who had arrived from the Philippines

“A certain lady will help you once you get to Singapore,” he added.

on December 23, had no money and they did not know anybody.

They could not locate a lady they were scheduled to meet here in

For Boy and Rose this was huge! This was the opportunity of

Singapore. They were relying on her to give them instructions and

their lifetime! So they acted instantly. Nothing was going to stop

details for their “trip” to Switzerland where a hotel job was waiting

them! They had to go!

for them.

Boy resigned from his job, so did Rose. They pooled their Workers of the church got to work with clockwork precision.

resources, and faster than you could utter the word “go”, they

Bed spaces were prepared for the two guests and a hat was passed

settled all documentations, bought their tickets and left the

around for some cash gift for Boy and Rose. Before nightfall,

Philippines. The instruction was for them to go to at least two Asian

everything was in place. After all, this was not the first time this

countries first before going to Singapore. They were not given any

church had encountered such a case. Other people with similar

explanation why. Their friend simply refused to give them specific

problems had sought their help in the past. Skills in responding to

information about the lady they were told to meet in Singapore.

such distress cases had been learned.

“Just call me upon your arrival there, so I could give you her number,” the friend had said.

A JOB IN SWITZERLAND Boy and Rose were both from Cavite. A male friend of theirs had

SIGNS OF DECEIT

told them his sister who was working in Switzerland might be

Boy and Rose were too excited they were not able to sense any

40 Bagong Bayani FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

feature

the point. The point was, and still is, that at any point in time, there will be ruthless people who would not hesitate to destroy lives by their cunning and their trickeries. They would victimize the gullible ones, or those whose desire to go abroad already blinded them, preventing them from listening to good advice. These shrewd swindlers are usually in search of ambitious workers or dreamers that are overly zealous to go abroad they don’t have time to be sensible.

PARTING WAYS Rose went back to the Philippines very much disappointed. Boy stayed on. His family had already pinned all their hopes on his “good fortune” (working in Switzerland) and he could not afford to fail them or shame them. In addition, he had some debts to pay.

Desperate to find a job even in Singapore (goodbye Swiss dream), he accepted the first offer he got even when it meant that his employment agent faked his documents so he could get PHOTO: STOCK.XCHNG/ROLVE

irregularity or foul play while they were still in Manila. Even after

an S-pass (an S-pass holder is entitled to earn not less than $1,800 Singapore money).

their friend refused to give them any information, the two aspiring hotel workers did not question nor hesitate. The friend did not tell

Boy got a string of jobs. He had to work long hours at various

them the name of the town or city in Switzerland, or the actual

establishments. He was also verbally abused. The Ministry of

name of the hotel they were supposed to work at. He could not

Manpower granted him a pass for the position of assistant

give them names of people they were to meet. All he mentioned

operations manager in a company here in Singapore, but in truth

was that they were to work as housekeeping attendants at a certain

he was working as a kitchen assistant, washing dishes at various

hotel in Switzerland.

food and beverage outlets. His agent raked in more than $1,500 for the hours Boy logged in but he himself brought home a total

The sad part about the story of Boy and Rose was that they

monthly income of only $450. His S-pass stated he was entitled

were too trusting and perhaps uninformed. They did not know

to a monthly salary of $1,800. Because Boy needed the money,

that a Filipino needed a visa to enter Switzerland, and that if you

he rearranged his heart and accepted his lot. Having $450 was

are Filipino citizen residing in the Philippines, holding a Philippine

better than having nothing. Life in the Philippines was harder, he

passport, you would have to get your visa from the Swiss Embassy

convinced himself.

in the Philippines. They were not aware of the basic fact that it is only if you are a Filipino citizen and permanent resident of any

END OF THE LINE

country that you could get your visa from the Swiss Embassy in

A poor man, no matter how desperate for money, could only take

your current country of residence.

so much. One early morning, Boy decided he had had enough and ran away from the company dormitory. Penniless, angry and

Boy and Rose left the Philippines with no Swiss visa. They were

hungry, he went back to the Christian church, the place where he

asked to go through two Asian countries, and then show up in

first found comfort when he was new in Singapore and in trouble.

Singapore. Apparently, they were deceived. A lot of hard-earned cash was involved, but the money taken from them was not even

(to be continued) FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 Bagong Bayani 41

opinion opinion

Reaching Out to the Filipino Homeland Through the Internet

By Prof Cesar Torres

[Editor’s Note: This is an updated and revised version of an article which was published in “The Filipino Insider”, a monthly supplement of the “San Francisco Chronicle”, one of the major newspapers in America with a circulation of 500,000. The original article appeared in the May 2005 issue of the magazine, where the author was a regular columnist. ]

T

Cesar Torres, before he emigrated to California, was a faculty member teaching Political Science at the University of the Philippines. In 1997, he was the only Filipino to be given the "Sustained Superior Performance Award" for exemplary performance as a staff member of the California State Service.

One of the original convenors of the Filam Forum, Acting President of the Filipino American Council, Acting Chair of the Pamana-United Way, all based in San Francisco, he was also a columnist of the "Filipino Insider", a monthly news magazine which was distributed with the "San Francisco Chronicle". He is considered as the "Primus Inter Pares" Moderator of the most popular Filipino Internet network, the "Worldwide Filipino Alliance" PHOTO: STOCK.XCHNG/SQBACK

mankind

"Communist-Capitalist" People's Republic of China with a

communicate with each other. It is defined as

mammoth population of 1.33 billion, the largest in the world, had

“a global system of interconnected computer

298 million Internet users or 22.4% of the population.

he

Internet

is

changing

how

networks that use the standard Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP) to serve billions of users worldwide.

Of the original ASEAN countries, excluding Singapore and

It is a network of networks that consists of millions of private,

Malaysia who are classified as High Internet Users, the Philippines

public, academic, business, and government networks, of local to

with an estimated population of 100 million last year had 20.6

global scope, that are linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless,

million Internet users, the equivalent of 21.5%. Thailand with a

and optical networking technologies. The Internet carries a vast

population of 66.4 million had 20.5%, and Indonesia with 242.97

range of information resources and services, such as the inter-

million population had 10.5% Internet users. The three countries—

linked hypertext documents of the World Wide Web (WWW) and

the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia—were classified as having

the infrastructure to support electronic mail.” (http://en.wikipedia.

"Low Internet Penetration". (http://www.internetworldstats.com/)

org/wiki/Internet) For those in the know, the uses of the Internet and the computer Last year among the countries with the highest number of

are mind-boggling.

Internet users as a proportion to their populations, some numbers might be interesting. Greenland ranked first at 90.3%, Iceland

For instance, people from all over the world can exchange

second with 90%, Norway where there are so many Filipinos

letters, documents, “instant messages”, pictures, etc., at one click.

mostly from Samar was at 86%. The Netherlands where Jose Maria

They flirt, they fall in love, they get married through the Internet,

Sison and Luis Jalandoni, the leaders of the NPAs are residing, had

they fight, kiss, and make up.

82.9%. South Korea had 76.1%, Japan had 73.8%, Singapore 67.4%, Malaysia 62.8%.

Crimes have been committed also through the Internet.

Religious and political forces can fight it out in the Internet. Perhaps,

Of the US population of 310 million in 2010, about 214 million or 73.2% were Internet users.

in the Philippines, the guerillas of the New People’s Army and their top decision makers can discuss strategy, tactics, and formation of united fronts and how to outwit their enemies using the Internet;

Arabia the most popular work destination of our brutalized domestic helpers and Overseas Filipino Workers had 22.7%.

42 Bagong Bayani FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

their enemies, can of course, do the same.

(To be continued)

letters from the readers

C

ongratulations on your maiden issue of the Bagong

firm and fortunate to be living here in Singapore with my wife and

Bayani magazine. I am one of the lucky persons who

two kids for almost three years now.

happens to have a copy of this issue which was given by

my colleague during our lunch break at work.

The articles are all interesting. Anyways, the Publisher's Note of giving away this type of publication for FREE every month is quite ambitious (considering the cost involved) yet very notable and

I

really love this magazine because it tells us a lot of things that OFWs can offer. We are known as modern day heroes not only because of our remittances but because we are

honorable thing given the objective -- To serve. As a Filipino, I felt

ambassadors of goodwill and inspiration for the Philippines. The

proud seeing an article showcasing the plights and triumphs of

feature of the pinay maid on the maiden issue is truly inspirational

our compatriots abroads.

and extraordinary. It tells us the story that no one is too small to make a difference for the world. Our voices can now be heard

I wrote to express my gratitude in knowing that despite the very

through this magazine.

busy and high standard cost of living here in Singapore, there are still individuals and groups like you that thinks and promotes the welfare of our OFWs and, in a way, touch base and preserves the

Congratulations to MJ and to the Bagong Bayani staff and contributors!

Filipino culture as well --- and for Free.

Fonz Tan Btw, I'm William Cortez, I'm a senior engineer in a semiconductor

IT Professional

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 Bagong Bayani 43

ofw confessions Celebrating V-Day in a Foreign Land

I

Maryland

was

the

first

architectural

must admit, I’m definitely no expert

Here in the US, it’s a bit less on an effort.

on this topic but one thing this day

Go online and Teleflora.com or 1800-flowers

monument planned to honor George

reminds me most back home is the

will do all the trick but beware, it comes

Washington. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

traffic along the Dimasalang street

with a hefty price. My husband and I are

Washington_Monument_(Baltimore).)

in Manila. Travelling on a bumpy

a bit non-traditional, we decided to avoid

The whole night of the 14th just like the

jeepney ride from Quiapo to Blumentritt

the rush of Valentine’s Day and delay the

previous years will surely be a terrible drive

after a tedious night classes in law school,

celebration and spend money rather on

anywhere you go.

you will surely not miss this busy path and

a weekend trip to sunny Florida followed

the colors which abound the area. I am

by a once in a lifetime Elton John concert

Walking to our favorite restaurant a

sure you all heard of Dangwa flower market

late on March. We still plan on going out

few blocks away from our place is a sure

where you could get great bargain prices

for dinner though on Valentine’s Day but

smart way to avoid the stress of city traffic.

for flowers. I still say a bargain despite an

decided to stay within walking distance

Restaurants will no doubt be packed and

increase in price of over 100% from a few

from our place.

table for two’s will be at a premium. But no matter how we all intend to celebrate the

days before Valentine’s Day. Law of supply

ILLUSTRATION: ARSNOVADESIGNS.COM

By Rhodora Osborn

and demand in action I should say. You

We decided to go to our all year round

day, flowers or no flowers, card or no card,

can definitely feel the festivity up in the

favorite Thai restaurant along the famous

chocolates or no chocolates, a fancy dinner

air and see people of all ages flooding the

Charles St. which is only a few blocks away

or not, it is the enduring spirit that counts…

street finding the best deals and flower

from the oldest Washington Monument

staying in love and letting each other know

arrangement possible for their special

in the country. (Yes, a bit of a trivia, the

how much you deeply trust, respect, love

loved ones.

Washington

and care for each other.

Tis is LOVE

T

Monument

in

Baltimore,

By Tolsky Abalon It is about how beautiful he makes me feel.

he love month is alive in the shapes

Valentine's night as waiting forever to be

of candies and hearts, in the shades

seated can take a toll on my volatile temper.

of pinks and reds. There's such an

He knows not to bring me chocolates as I

abundance in chocolates and red roses; in

prefer to buy the kind I like depending on

greeting cards filled with love messages.

my whim. There's no pressure to create

Some cute, some funny and some just plain

an atmosphere oozing with romance and

It is not about compromises and working

gooey.

waiting for him to sweep me off my feet.

at a marriage to make it successful. It is

What matters is he recognizes and considers

about making it easy for me.

It is not about how smart he is. It is about how he values what I have to say.

I have never been into anything overly

my idiosyncrasies, I am easy. A quiet night

romantic. That's trying too hard. It gives

at home will be just fine. Love is not a one-

So you see, there is no secret to a

me the creeps. Save those scenarios for the

night affair. Ours has been in the running

successful union. Just allow him to do what

movies where I can let my fantasies run wild.

since the day we took our vows.

he should be doing.

I am not a cynic. I do believe in the miracle and mystery of love but I am a realist.

It is not about the gifts he showers me with. It is about respecting the way I am.

well. He knows not to give me cut flowers

It is not about how much he makes. It is about how much of himself he shares.

44 Bagong Bayani FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

(Tolsky

Abalon

hails

from

Samar,

Philippines but has been working as a

on Valentine's Day as I deem it impractical.

He knows not to take me out to dinner on

about me. 'Tis love. I just love me so much.

Oh yes, and him, too.

I have been married for eleven years and counting. My husband knows me all too

It is, has always been and will always be

It is not about how handsome he looks.

Registered Nurse in the US)

Photos by Bhong E. Odal

| snapshots: singapore

DUSK - PUNGGOL

BOARDWALK - WATERFRONT WOODLANDS

SUNSET - ChANGi BOARWALK

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 Bagong Bayani 45

snapshots: singapore | Photos by Bhong E. Odal

IndustrIal HorIzon - PunGGol

tHe Boat - st JoHn Island

tHe rock - st. JoHn Island

46 Bagong Bayani FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

Photos Photos

by Bhong

by GilE.Nartea Odal

| snapshots: singapore

Yellow orchid: ascocenda Benigno s. aquino iii

pnoY aT The waTer planT

ToasT aT The singapore sTaTe BanqueT

MeeTing wiTh The FilcoM

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 Bagong Bayani 47

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