February 2012 issue

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Business & Finance • Celebrity, 30kgShowbiz & Entertainment • Connection • Current Affairs • Economy • Environment • Festivals • Global News • HP News • Immigration • Law & Legal • OFW News • Philippine Embassy • Philippines Department of 00 Issues • Sports • Tourism • Politics • Social UK REGIONAL Technology • ATBPCONECTION – At Iba Pa

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Philippines sets February date for Arroyo arraignment

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“There is no more reason to MANILA (AFP) – A Philippine court has ordered ex-president unduly delay the proceedings and Gloria Arroyo to be arraigned over she is ordered to be arraigned on alleged vote rigging on February February 20,” she said.

Trial dates for Arroyo, who 20, with trial dates to be set soon afterwards, a spokeswoman said says she is suffering from a rare INTEREST TOTAL EXTRA GURANTEED UK spinal illness, would be set soon Wednesday, January 25, 2012.

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INSTALMENTS ALLOWANCE YEAR ROUND PRICES PROTECTION Arroyo, who was president Line Central application Gants Hill, rejected Arroyo’s to have arrest warrant revoked from 2001 to 2010, has also been from Stratford.

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Taxes to arescrap approximate and will deal be confirmed at the time of booking. All flights are ATOL protected and are subject to availability. rigPinoy the is2007 favour that domestic inflation this year her senatorial candidates. She is due to public pressure. ■ MANILA (AFP) – The Philippine global economic activity was heading would fall within the lower half of in detention. central bank on Thursday, January towards a slowdown and the country the government’s target range of Arroyo’s arrest came after her 19, 2012 cut interest rates in would face “external headwinds in between three and five percent. successor, President Benigno an effort to cushion the nation’s 2012”.

The government announced Aquino III, launched a drive to Tetangco said the US economy earlier this month that inflation in economy from an expected global stamp out endemic corruption remained vulnerable while the December dropped to 4.2 percent, slowdown this year. which he blames for worsening Key policy interest rates were eurozone was “notably weaker,” from 4.8 percent in November. poverty in the archipelago nation. lowered by 25 basis points, bringing hurting global confidence.

This brought inflation for last year Domingo told AFP that Pasay “Given these considerations, the to 4.8 percent. the overnight borrowing rate to 4.25 court judge Jesus Mupas had percent and the overnight lending monetary board has concluded that The Philippine central bank denied Arroyo’s “motion to rate to 6.25 percent, the bank the benign inflation outlook allowed had kept interest rates steady for recall the warrant of arrest”, ©AFP/POOL/File/Francis R. Malasig announced after a meeting of its some scope for reduction in policy the second half of last year, as it as evidence put forward on her rates to help boost economic activity kept a close eye on inflation, after monetary board.

Gloria Arroyo was arrested on charges she behalf would be better presented led a conspiracy to rig the 2007 elections to Central bank governor Amando and support market confidence,” he consecutive hikes in March and May. at a trial. favour her senatorial candidates.

Tetangco warned in a statement that said.

■ BSP Full Story in Page 8

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Politics

February 2012 – No. 2 / Fortnightly Issue • UK & Europe Edition

Philippines chief justice faces impeachment trial Mynardo Macaraig, AFP MANILA (AFP) January 16, 2012 – A historic impeachment trial of the Philippines’ top judge began Monday in one of President Benigno Aquino’s boldest yet most divisive moves to tackle pervasive corruption.

Members of the 23-person Senate gathered as judges to determine whether Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona should be removed from his post and become the highestprofile scalp yet in Aquino’s anti-graft crusade.

“Renato Corona by his misdeeds is unfit to remain chief justice,” lead prosecutor Niel Tupas said in his opening address to the hearing, which could last months and has seen Aquino accused of overstepping constitutional boundaries.

Corona is accused of violating the constitution in his efforts to protect graft-tainted former president Gloria Arroyo from prosecution, while also for allegedly amassing a personal fortune above the limits of his salary.

“The prosecution will show how chief justice Corona became the crowning glory of the cast of

accomplices of the former president, and how he protected (her) interest in exchange for the position of prestige and power,” Tupas said.

Aquino won a landslide election victory in 2010 on a platform to end corruption which has plagued the Philippines for decades and which he said worsened dramatically during the decade that Arroyo led the country before him.

Arroyo, 64, was arrested in November on charges of rigging the 2007 senatorial vote and is now awaiting trial in a military hospital where she is being treated for what she says is a rare spinal illness.

Aquino then marshalled his allies in Congress to impeach Corona, 63, last month, labelling him a “rogue magistrate” loyal to Arroyo.

Arroyo appointed Corona, her former chief of staff, to the Supreme Court bench in 2002, then to the top judicial post shortly before she stepped down as president.

Public opinion polls show Aquino enjoys overwhelming backing for his anti-graft efforts and the bachelor president is widely regarded as not being corrupt.

©AFP/Jay Directo

©AFP/File/Jay Directo

Corona is accused of trying to protect graft-tainted ex-president Gloria Arroyo from prosecution.

However his critics and even some supporters say Aquino has been employing questionable tactics in going after Corona and Arroyo. Some also say that he has dangerously weakened the independence of the judiciary.

Corona, who has repeatedly accused Aquino of trying to move the Philippines towards a dictatorship, made a defiant speech on Monday morning to hundreds of court employees who remain loyal to him.

“I have not wronged the president.

I have not wronged the public. I have not stolen anything from anyone,” he told the rally at the Supreme Court compound.

©AFP/Ted Aljibe

Public opinion polls show Benigno Aquino III enjoys overwhelming backing for his anti-graft efforts.

Critics say Aquino has dangerously weakened the independence of the judiciary.

In an earlier television interview, Corona said “only death” could remove him from his post.

The Philippines has a turbulent recent history of dictatorship, revolutions and military coup attempts, and Corona’s strong words reinforced concerns that the impeachment trial may raise political tensions to a dangerous level.

However, the military has so far stood behind Aquino, the son of democracy heroes who were pivotal in overthrowing 1980s dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

The constitution requires a twothirds endorsement of the senators, or 16, for Corona to become the first

Philippine chief justice ever to be sacked.

So far, only about eight have showed signs they will vote against Corona, and in a political culture where expediency often trumps values, no one in the Philippines can predict with certainty the final outcome.

The varied backgrounds of some of the senator-judges also reflect the colourful side of Philippine politics.

Among them are Marcos’ son, the dictator’s former defence minister now aged 87, two former failed coup plotters, an ex-police chief once accused of murder, three former action movie stars and a comedian. ■

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Events Diary

February 2012 – No. 2 / Fortnightly Issue • UK & Europe Edition

Original Creation and Copyright Reserved By: Hello Philippines 2011

6

2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS DATE / TIME 3 February 2012 – Friday 7:00pm

EVENT Philippine Generations – PG Social

VENUE The Lamb Tavern, 10 – 12 Leadenhall Market, London EC3V 1LR Durrington High School, The Boulevard, Worthing, West Sussex BN13 1JX

ORGANISER Philippine Generations

4 February 2012 – Saturday 11:00am to 5:00pm

FISSA-Sports – 6th Conference Basketball Tournament – 4 Games

5 February 2012 – Saturday 10:30am to 3:30pm

CONTACTS / REMARKS

Filipino in Sussex Sports Association (FISSA)

For more details contact: 01903 411 769

Love Boat (The Next Wave) – pre-Valentine’s Party in aid of Typhoon Sendong Relief Appeal

P&O Pride of Rotterdam Show Lounge, King George Dock, Terminal 1, Hull

Yorkshire Maharlika Filipino Club in association with the Philippine Embassy UK

Lolita Boddy 01765 535 015 / 07973 469 450 / Entrance by pre-booked tickets only – Adults £10.00 / Children 4-12 £5.00 / under 4 £2.00

10 February 2012 – Friday 6:00pm

One For Iligan – Fund Raising Event

11 February 2012 – Saturday 6:00pm

Narvacaneans Valentine’s Dinner and Dance Party

The Woodstock Public House, 1 Stonecot Hill, Sutton, Surrey SM3 9HB Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1 4RL

11 February 2012 – Saturday 5:00pm

Valentine’s Disco Night

11 to 12 February 2012 – Saturday & Sunday

West End Mamas Valentine’s Show

11 February 2012 – Saturday 10:00am

Philippine Basketball All Stars 2012 vs London Dragons

12 February 2012 – Sunday 12:00pm

For more details contact: 07510 961 194 / pwatson78@hotmail.co.uk / Ticket £5.00 Narvacaneans UK

Henry Natividad 07985 790 523

St Mary on the Quay Hall, 20 Colston Street, Bristol BS1 5AE Club Woodham, Baron Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex CM3 5XQ Echo Arena Liverpool, Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront L3 4FP

Filipino Community in Bristol

Ellen 07411 294 966 / Gerome 07717 884 293 / www.filcombristol.co.uk

Genesis Professionals Basketball Organisation UK Limited

Genesis Professionals 020 7903 5094 / Tickets: £30.00 / £60.00 / £100.00 / www.echoarena.com

Philippine Basketball All Stars 2012 vs London Dragons

Wembley Arena, Arena Square, Wembley HA9 0AA

Genesis Professionals Basketball Organisation UK Limited

Genesis Professionals 020 7903 5094 / Tickets: £30.00 / £40.00 / £60.00 / £150.00 / www.wembleyarena.co.uk

18 February 2012 – Saturday

Post Valentine Disco for a Cause (for Typhoon Sendong victims in Cagayan de Oro)

Filipino Association of Birmingham (FAB)

Ticket £5.00

18 February 2012 – Saturday 6:00pm

Winter Warmer Cultural Night – Fund raising event in support of Lahing Kayumanggi projects 2nd Post-Valentine’s Concert & Dance

St David’s Hall (beside St David’s Church), Shenley Green off Shenley Lane, Birmingham B29 4HH St Andrew’s United Reformed Church, Frognal Lane, London NW3 2DY

Lahing Kayumanggi Dance Company

For more details contact: tickets@lkdance.org.uk / Ticket £5.00

Kursaal Function Suites, 1st Floor, Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 2WW

St. Helen’s Catholic Church Filipino Community Choir in WEstcliff / Southendon-Sea

Fritz Erwin Panaligan panaligf@lsbu.ac.uk / Ticket £5.00

Philippine Embassy, London, United Kingdom

If you are availing e-passport application service, you need to book with the Philippine Embassy in advance from 27 February to 2 March 2012.

Booking is on a first book / first serve basis. For booking form and other requirements visit www.philembassy-uk.org or call 020 7451 1780

Philippine Embassy, London, United Kingdom

Jerome Albano, President of Pinoy in Norwich Aksyong Samahan 07799 747 514

London Cooking Club

Luiz Hara luizhara@hotmail.com / www.londonfoodie.co.uk

Eastville Park, Fishpond Road, Eastville, Bristol BS5 6AX Rowntree Park, Terry Avenue, York YO23 1JQ

Filipino Community in Bristol

Willy 07900 485 194 / Gerome 07717 884 293 / Carlo 07528 770 491 / www.filcombristol.co.uk

Yorkshire Maharlika Filipino Club in association with City of York Council

Lolita Boddy 01765 535 015 / 07973 469 450 / www.maharlika.org.uk

Royal Overseas League, Overseas House, Park Place, St James’s Street, London SW1A 1LR Campbell Park, Milton Keynes

Inter-Cultural Society of London

For more details contact: 07961 445 249 / gia@westendmamas.com

Filipino British Society (FBS)

Maria 07737 676 850 / Merald 07909 957 313 / Fe 07588 636 573

Lady Hill Park, Allerton Road, Bradford

British-Filipino Association of Bradford

Nina Ricci Santos, Chairman bfabmail@yahoo.com

19 February 2012 – Sunday 7:00pm

27 February to 2 March 2012 – Monday to Friday

Philippine Embassy booking deadline for e-Passport applications at the Consular Outreach Mission in Norwich

10 March 2012 – Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm

Philippine Embassy Consular Outreach Mission in Norwich

15 April 2012 – Sunday

Discovering the Cuisine of The Philippines

2 to 3 June 2012 – Saturday & Sunday

Bristol Barrio Fiesta 2012

17 June 2012 – Sunday 10:00am to 5:00pm

5th Yorkshire Barrio Fiesta 2012

22 to 23 June 2012 – Friday & Saturday 7:30pm

East Meets West 2…

Kantahan Naman!

23 to 24 June 2012 Saturday & Sunday

Filipino British Society (FBS) Barrio Fiesta in Milton Keynes Bradford Pinoy Barrio Fiesta and Santacruzan 2012

–

8 July 2012 – Sunday 8:00am to 6:00pm

Costessey Centre, Longwater Lane, Costessey, Norwich, Norfolk NR8 5AH

For more details contact: 07961 445 249 / tickets@westendmamas.com

FREE LISTING of your events on the Hello Philippines newspaper and if you know of any Events do not hesitate to contact us. Please kindly contact us and submit your event via email or text to the following at info@hello-philippines.com / 07989 403 904.

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2011 Average inflation is within government target YEAR-on-year headline inflation for the whole year of 2011 averaged 4.4 percent and 4.8 percent using the 2000-based Consumer Price Index (CPI) series and 2006-based CPI series, respectively, well within the Government’s target range of 3-5 percent for the year. Inflation in December dropped to 4.0 percent (2000-base year) and 4.2 percent (2006-base year) from 4.7 percent and 4.8 percent, respectively, in November.

The lower December inflation reading, which was within the BSP’s forecast for the month of 4.0-4.9 percent, was due mainly to the reductions in the prices of selected food items such as rice, vegetables and sugar, as domestic supply remained sufficient. The general downward adjustments in the prices of gasoline and diesel nationwide also contributed to the slowdown in December inflation. Core inflation, which excludes certain food and

energy items to measure generalized price pressures, also declined to 3.4 percent in December from 3.7 percent in the previous month based on the 2000 CPI basket, bringing the 2011 average core inflation to 3.6 percent.

Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. noted that the BSP’s latest baseline inflation forecasts continue to show within-target average inflation for 2012 and 2013. The downside risks associated with the continued weakness in global economic growth and the subsequent moderation in global demand and commodity price pressures are expected to contribute to a manageable inflation environment going forward. He stressed that the BSP continues to monitor emerging price and economic developments on both the domestic and international fronts to ensure that monetary policy settings remain in line with the price stability objective while being supportive of domestic economic activity. ■ BSP – January 5, 2012

Monetary Board cuts policy rates

AT its meeting today, the Monetary Board decided to reduce the BSP’s key policy interest rates by 25 basis points to 4.25 percent for the overnight borrowing or reverse repurchase (RRP) facility and 6.25 percent for the overnight lending or repurchase (RP) facility, effective immediately. The interest rates on term RRPs, RPs, and special deposit accounts (SDAs) were also reduced accordingly.

The Monetary Board’s decision is based on its assessment that the inflation outlook remains comfortably within the target range, with expectations well-anchored.

Latest baseline forecasts indicate that average annual inflation rates are likely to fall within the lower half of the 3-5 percent target range up to 2013. Pressures on global commodity prices are seen to continue to abate amid weaker global growth prospects. However, the impact of strong capital inflows on domestic liquidity and the effect of geopolitical tensions in the MENA region on global oil supplies will continue to pose upside risks to inflation.

At the same time, the Monetary

Board considers the overall balance of global economic activity to be tipping towards a further slowdown.

Although the US economy has been showing signs of improvement, it remains vulnerable to financial market volatility amid continued concerns about long-term fiscal sustainability.

Meanwhile, the Euro area economy is notably weaker with interlocking sovereign debt and banking problems weighing down on global sentiment.

Amidst these developments, the Philippine economy is likely to face external headwinds in 2012. While the Philippine economy continues to expand, sustained domestic spending is expected to compensate for weaker external demand.

Given these considerations, the Monetary Board has concluded that the benign inflation outlook allowed some scope for a reduction in policy rates to help boost economic activity and support market confidence.

The BSP shall continue to monitor emerging demand and price developments to ensure that monetary policy settings remain supportive of non-inflationary economic growth. ■

BSP – January 19, 2012

HELLO PHILIPPINES PUBLISHER

Universal Infinity Limited Mike McCarthy SALES DIRECTOR Tel. No.: +44 (0) 1708 550 398 E-mail: mmccarthy@mshareltd.com Roselle Collado OPERATIONS & MARKETING DIRECTOR Tel. No.: +44 (0) 1708 369 048 Mobile No.: +44 (0) 7989 403 904 E-mail: rcollado@hello-philippines.com HP Classified E-mail: classifieds@hello-philippines.com Website: www.hello-philippines.com HELLO PHILIPPINES IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY UNIVERSAL INFINITY LIMITED. THIS PUBLICATION IS COPYRIGHTED AND ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. UK & EUROPE EDITION - IRELAND, ITALY, SPAIN AND FRANCE. GOT A STORY, ARTICLE, PICTURE, FOR YOUR FEEDBACK OR JUST WANT TO GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR HELLO PHILIPPINES EDITORIAL TEAM, PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO: editorial@hello-philippines.com IF YOU HAVE ANY FEEDBACK, GENERAL OR ANY ENQUIRIES, PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO: enquiries@hello-philippines.com TO ADD YOUR EVENT IN OUR EVENTS DIARY, PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO: info@hello-philippines.com TO GET COPIES OF HELLO PHILIPPINES NEWSPAPER ON A MONTHLY BASIS, PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO:

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Economy

February 2012 – No. 2 / Fortnightly Issue • UK & Europe Edition

Baldoz says DOLE is vigilant, will consult with partners and stakeholders in the BPO sector LABOR and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday said that the pending US legislative measure banning American companies from setting up call centers abroad, including the Philippines, has yet to be passed into law and pointed out that like other bills of similar subjects in the past, it has been referred to four different US House committees for review.

HR 3696, otherwise known as “The United States Call Center Worker and Protection Act” introduced by Rep. Tim Bishop (D-NY) on December 7, 2011, has been referred to the US House Committees on Energy and Commerce, Oversight and Government Reform, Armed Services,

and Education and the Workforce.

“While it is too soon to predict the outcome of the measure at this time, predecessor bills failed to pass into law, and then again, while it is backed up by US labor, it is possible that business will lobby against it just like in the past as it will put them out of competition and global trade,” she observed.

In the face of this challenge, Baldoz said the Department of Labor and Employment is vigilant and ready to implement several measures to mitigate the impact of the legislative proposal, if passed into law, to the country’s flourishing business process outsourcing sector.

“We are vigilant and we will

immediately consult our partners and stakeholders in the business process outsourcing sector on their business plans so we can prepare in advance alternative employment opportunities for our workers, just in case,” she said.

“We see retraining of BPO workers for other sectors as one of those measures. We can quickly train them for work in the service industry, like in hotels, restaurants, and tourism-related establishments, or in merchandising and trading services,” the labor and employment chief said.

“They could also be encouraged to start their own business in small and medium-scale enterprises so they will become young entrepreneurs themselves,” she added. ■DOLE–January10,2012

January-November OFW Remittances reach US$18.3 Billion REMITTANCES from Overseas Filipinos (OFs) coursed through banks for the first eleven months of 2011 amounted to US$18.3 billion, 7.3 percent higher than the level posted in the same period last year. For November alone, remittances rose year-on-year by 10.6 percent to reach US$1.8 billion, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. announced today. This monthly level of remittances is the highest on record thus far.

The double-digit growth in remittance flows during the month could be attributed to additional funds sent by OFs abroad to their families for holiday spending. Strong remittance flows from both sea-based and landbased workers, which recorded increments of 15.8 percent and 9.3 percent, reached US$377.7 million and US$1.4 billion, respectively. For

the period January-November 2011, the major sources of remittances were the U.S., Canada, Saudi Arabia, the U.K., Japan, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Italy, Germany, and Norway.

Sustained overseas demand for Filipino manpower helped support the flows of remittances during the period, even as the U.S. and many economies in the Eurozone continued to face difficult economic conditions. Data obtained from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) indicated that the number of OFWs with processed contracts and awaiting deployment increased by 4.5 percent to 1,370,584 for the period JanuarySeptember 2011 from 1,311,437 in the same period a year ago. The POEA also reported that approved job orders for January-December 2011 reached 711,238, of which about 40

percent consisted of processed job orders for service, production, as well as professional, technical and related workers. The bulk of the approved job orders were mainly for job placements in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Moreover, as more OFs and their beneficiaries are encouraged to utilize the formal money transfer channels, banks have expanded their reach worldwide by establishing more tie-ups with remittance offices, partners and remittance agents across the globe where a large number of overseas Filipinos are concentrated. The extensive remittance network coverage and availability of secure and reliable money transfer services as well as other innovative financial products resulted in better capture of global remittance flows. ■ BSP – January 16, 2012

‘Eurogeddon’ looming, Australian report warns SYDNEY (AFP) January 23, 2012 – A leading Australian economics report warned Monday of a looming “Eurogeddon” with banks going bust and the world economy plunged into turmoil, possibly ending the miningdriven nation’s “charmed run.”

Though it was “marginally” more likely that the debt-laden eurozone would manage to fumble through its fiscal woes, the quarterly DeloitteAccess Economics Business Outlook said there was a real chance of a meltdown.

“The defining characteristic of this alternative scenario is that banks go bust,” the report said.

“It may not be as traumatic in 2012 as it was in 2008-09 (financial crisis), but then again chances are that the global policy response won’t be as good this time either – governments are now too worried about debts and deficits to dig deep in response to any renewed crisis, while many central banks have already cut interest rates to record lows.

“The ammo cupboard looks either locked or empty,” it added.

The euro’s fate was the “key unknown,” with the possibility that one or more countries could drop or be forced out of the common currency bloc, heaping extreme pressure on financial institutions, the report said.

For now, the European Central Bank looked able to keep the “market wolf from the sovereign debt door” but the region was bound for recession, with budget cuts also hitting US growth hopes and China and India both slowing, it added.

Deloitte-Access warned against relying on China to “save the day,” saying the Asian giant’s budgetary position was shakier than it appeared, while both inflation and property prices – though easing – remained relatively high.

“If the eurozone has a terrible 2012, China’s growth may suffer more than it did last time,” the report said.

“That combination means…

Australia’s charmed run could come to an end.”

Coal and iron ore demand would shrink, dampening prices and export earnings, with confidence likely to suffer and credit markets in danger of seizing up, sparking a blowout in unemployment and the budget deficit.

Australia was the only advanced economy to dodge recession during the last global financial downturn due to resilient Asian demand for its abundant resources, which only experienced a shallow contraction and recovered rapidly.

European Union finance ministers are set to meet in Brussels later Monday to forge ahead with plans to implement a fiscal pact and finalize a treaty setting up a permanent debt rescue fund.

The ministers will also decide on the terms of a second bailout for Greece – the epicenter of the eurozone’s debt crisis – after private creditors refused to write down more of the country’s debt over the weekend. ■

10

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HP News

February 2012 – No. 2 / Fortnightly Issue • UK & Europe Edition

Gunmen kill 15 Philippine fishermen: military Philippine anti-crime czar sacked for kidnap MANILA (AFP) January 24, 2012 – Gunmen have killed 15 Philippine fishermen and wounded three others in a sea attack by suspected local rivals, according to the military.

The fishermen were killed by men armed with assault rifles off the insurgency-torn southern island of Basilan on Monday, regional military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Randolph Cabangbang told AFP. “They (victims) were fishing on another group’s turf,” Cabangbang told AFP in a telephone interview.

He said the authorities had ruled out the potential involvement of Islamist militants or Muslim guerrillas,

who are also active in Basilan.

Police have identified several suspects and arrests are expected shortly, Cabangbang said, adding that a military unit was ordered to provide security for police investigators.

“The suspects are heavily armed,” he added.

The victims were all residents of the southern city of Pagadian, about 160 kilometres (100 miles) to the northeast, and were attacked as soon as their three boats approached the tiny island of Sibago, off Basilan’s east coast.

Other fishermen in the area later discovered the shooting and took the

©AFP/HO/File /Philippine Coast Guard

Local fishermen, seen here on their boats in central Philippines.

three wounded victims to hospital, Cabangbang said.

The bodies of the 15 dead fishermen were taken back to Pagadian, he added. ■

Philippine rebels step up extortion: military MANILA (AFP) January 23, 2012 – Communist insurgents in the Philippines have stepped up “extortion-based violence” and attacks on “soft targets” to raise funds amid waning public support, a military statement said.

Such attacks caused damage to property worth 1.2 billion pesos ($27.7 million) last year and raised at least 300 million pesos in extortion funds for the underground New People’s Army (NPA), the statement released on Sunday said.

The worst such attack was the simultaneous raid by the rebels on three mining companies in the southern island of Mindanao in October where valuable equipment was destroyed and employees briefly held hostage, said the statement.

The attacks caused much fear in the mining sector, which has been trying to attract foreign investment.

“A major cause as to why the NPA is resorting to this extortion-based violence is its continuously declining mass-base support,” the statement said.

“This has led them to resort to force and intimidation to coerce ‘soft targets’ including private firms and individuals.”

The rebels are also resorting to fewer direct attacks on the military and were instead going after village defence forces, who are not as wellarmed and trained.

About 100 soldiers, policemen and militiamen were killed in NPA attacks last year, down from 184 in the previous year, the statement said.

The NPA’s strength has fallen to just over 4,000 last year from about 4,300 in 2010, it added.

The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, which has been waging a Maoist rebellion since 1969.

The government has opened peace talks with the communists but negotiations reached an impasse in November after Manila rejected rebel demands to free 18 jailed guerrillas the NPA said were consultants to its negotiating team. ■

©AFP/AFP

New People›s Army guerrillas are losing support, the Philippine military said.

Baldoz to heads of DOLE agencies: “Make it easier, faster for DOLE clients to transact business” LABOR and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday issued her first marching order for 2012 to all DOLE regional directors and heads of DOLE attached agencies, bureaus, and services by asking them to implement systems improvement that would lead their respective offices to attain ISO certification during the year.

“This means improving and making efficient all services delivery mechanisms, reducing process cycle times, minimizing wide areas of discretion, and eliminating all forms of red tape and graft and corruption that would make it easier and faster for our clients to transact official business with the Department,” said Baldoz.

Baldoz said that she expects all officials and employees of the DOLE and its attached agencies, bureaus, and services, including

regional and field offices, to exercise greater accountability and transparency in all their dealings with the people, in consonance with the 22-point labor and employment agenda of President Benigno S. Aquino III, his Social Contract with the Filipino people, and the Labor and Employment Plan 2011-2016.

“We have set the DOLE reforms in place. What we need to do is to focus on these reforms and make good with our deliverables,” Baldoz said as she instructed monthly reports from the heads of each DOLE offices outlining their accomplishments vis a vis their set targets for the year.

Baldoz also instructed all heads of DOLE attached agencies, bureaus, and services to communicate more openly with all DOLE clients through the media.

“We have already utilized the Internet to communicate some of our transactions and processes to our publics,” she said, citing the online posting of the networth of DOLE officials, all DOLE cases, and names of beneficiaries of DOLE livelihood programs.

“I expect you to inform our people how many more of these transactions and processes will be online this year,” she added.

Baldoz said she will hold accountable all DOLE officials for their respective programs targets, and corresponding performance and will not hesitate to institute measures to ensure compliance.

“We owe this to our people who, in the very words of President Aquino, are our “boss”, she finally said. ■ DOLE – January 4, 2012

MANILA (AFP) January 19, 2012 – The head of the Philippines’ top crime investigation agency was sacked on Thursday for being involved in the kidnapping for ransom of a Japanese woman, the justice secretary said.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) chief Magtanggol Gatdula and 10 of his agents were linked to last year’s abduction of the Japanese woman, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima told reporters.

“The (investigating) panel made recommendations for the filing of administrative and criminal charges (against) the NBI director himself who based on testimony, had personal knowledge of the crime,” said de Lima.

The recommendations were made after Gatdula, other NBI officials, the victim and Japanese embassy officials testified to a justice department panel tasked with investigating the crime, she said.

NBI agents detained the Japanese woman, Noriyo Ohara, who was in the Philippines illegally, in October, according to de Lima, citing the findings of the panel’s report.

NBI personnel later extorted around six million pesos ($139,000) from her host Filipino family for her release, de Lima said.

The panel determined that Gatdula knew about the plot to abduct Ohara, who was on the run from Japanese gangsters, and covered up the crime afterwards, according to de Lima.

President Benigno Aquino appointed Gatdula, a graduate of the country’s military academy who was also trained in the US FBI academy in Quantico, in 2010.

Aquino has made fighting corruption, which infests all sectors of Philippine society, his top priority and de Lima said she was taking action against Gatdula with a “heavy heart”. ■

Philippine navy officer charged over 1995 murder MANILA (AFP) January 12, 2012 – The second-in-command of the Philippine navy’s flagship and nine other men are to be tried for the murder 16 years ago of a fellow naval officer aboard another vessel, the armed forces said Thursday.

Commodore Reynaldo Lopez has been sacked as executive officer and ordered off the navy flagship Gregorio del Pilar ahead of his trial for the shooting death of the officer, navy spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Omar Tonsay said.

“He and the others will be dismissed from the service and detained at a holding facility,” Tonsay told AFP, citing orders from the Ombudsman, a special prosecutor handling criminal cases involving government employees.

Lopez and nine other officers were indicted on Wednesday for the murder of a 24-year-old junior officer, Ensign Philip Pestano, who was found shot

dead aboard the Bacolod City on September 27, 1995.

Four of the defendants had since retired from the navy, but Tonsay said all 10 would stand trial for murder in a special court. No trial dates have been set by the court.

A navy investigation had earlier ruled the fatal shooting a suicide, but the Ombudsman said the evidence showed otherwise.

The dead officer’s relatives had always alleged that he was murdered by his fellow officers.

Military spokesman Colonel Arnulfo Burgos told reporters the armed forces would comply with the orders of the special prosecutor.

“Immediate administrative actions will be implemented by the armed forces as the implementer of the courts and higher civilian authorities.

We will cooperate with the investigating bodies and judicial bodies,” Burgos added. ■

Philippines arrests suspect in kidnap of US couple MANILA (AFP) January 17, 2012 – Philippine police said they arrested on Tuesday a member of an AlQaeda-linked extremist group who was involved in the kidnapping of an American couple a decade ago.

The suspect, known as “Abu Ismael”, a member of the Abu Sayyaf militant organisation, was seized on the remote southern island of Basilan, said island police chief Alexis Lineses.

“Abu Ismael was one of the armed guards during Grace (and) Martin Burham’s captivity in Basilan,” Lineses said, referring to the two Americans.

The Burnhams, an American missionary couple, were kidnapped along with Chilean-born American Guillermo Sobero by the Abu Sayyaf from a resort in the western Philippines in 2001.

Abu Sayyaf militants beheaded Sobero while Martin Burnham was killed in a rescue attempt in 2002 that recovered his wife alive.

The suspect was also trained in

bomb-making and helped scout out kidnapping targets for the Abu Sayyaf, according to Lineses.

The Abu Sayyaf is the most infamous of many Muslim militant groups known to carry out such kidnappings for ransom in the south.

The group was founded in 1990 with Al-Qaeda funding and has been blamed for the Philippines’ worst terrorist attacks, including a ferry bombing that killed more than 100 people in 2004, as well as the beheadings of foreigners.

Various Abu Sayyaf factions are also believed to be holding Australian Warren Rodwell, kidnapped in December, along with an Indian national, two Malaysians, a Japanese and three Filipinos all seized since 2010.

A rotating force of about 600 US soldiers has been stationed in the southern Philippines for a decade to train the Philippine military how to fight the Abu Sayyaf. ■

12

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Social Issues

DOLE to spend P37M in income augmentation for vulnerable workers THE Department of Labor and Employment seeks to spend fully its budget of P37 million this year to alleviate the plight of displaced workers and workers in distress, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said yesterday.

This part of the DOLE 2012 budget is under its Adjustment Measures Program, or AMP. “This year, I have already directed our regional offices to fast-track the full implementation of the AMP to provide interventions and initiatives that would assist vulnerable workers in finding additional income sources to augment their wages and subsequently raise their capability to meet their families’ needs,” Baldoz said.

“The AMP reflects the DOLE’s commitment to help workers cope with the changing times as the program aims not only to help but also to empower more workers though livelihood projects and entrepreneurial activities,” she added.

Baldoz reported that the DOLE in 2011 has granted over P33.3 million in financial assistance to 41 employment and livelihood projects under the AMP which benefitted 10,201 workers nationwide. The amount translated to a 98 percent

utilization rate of the AMP funds by the regional offices.

The remaining 2011 AMP funds amounting to P6.2 million was spent to provide financial assistance to the flashflood victims of Typhoon Sendong in Regions 10 and 7, specifically in Dumaguete.

Of the 41 projects, 25 offered livelihood formation and enhancement through the provision of the DOLE Kabuhayan Starter Kits, while four (4) projects under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged (TUPAD) workers and 12 other projects provided emergency employment and rehabilitation programs for workers affected by calamities and disasters.

“Through the AMP, the DOLE provides a mechanism to enhance the income-earning capacities of workers and implement necessary workforce re-structuring to prevent, if not minimize, job losses and work displacement at the grassroots. The program is borne out of our conscious and pro-active effort to help workers find additional income sources as they cope with economic and social disruptions that may arise,” Baldoz explained.

Apart from the financial assistance,

AMP enables vulnerable workers to gain and apply essential skills through livelihood orientations and seminars which capacitate them to collectively start and manage their livelihood enterprises.

Baldoz has instructed the regional offices to immediately facilitate assistance to workers in need of livelihood assistance even as she encouraged displaced workers in local communities to visit the nearest DOLE office to avail of the livelihood assistance.

“This year, the DOLE aims at 100 percent utilization rate as we maximize the use of allocated funds to help enhance the competitiveness and employability of more workers,” said Baldoz.

The AMP is one of the response strategies under the social protection pillar of the Labor and Employment Plan 2011-2016. Its objective is to enhance the quality of employment and is guided by the Aquino III administration’s social protection framework which indentifies provision of social safety nets as a major area of intervention to address effects of crises or shocks to vulnerable groups. ■ DOLE – January 20, 2012

February 2012 – No. 2 / Fortnightly Issue • UK & Europe Edition

UN aid appeal for Philippine floods falls short MANILA (AFP) January 17, 2012 – Hundreds of thousands of people in the southern Philippines are in dire need of help one month after devastating floods, but a global appeal for aid has fallen well short of its target, the UN said Tuesday.

The official death toll from tropical storm Washi, which destroyed entire villages built on sandbars and on riverbanks in two port cities on December 16, is 1,259, but many more are believed to have been buried or washed out to sea.

Meanwhile, another 222,000 survivors are struggling after losing their homes and need help, according to the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the Philippines, Jacqui Badcock.

She said a “flash appeal” issued immediately after the disaster to help survivors for $28 million had attracted only $7.4 million.

“It (the shortfall) doesn’t stop us from being active but there are many projects we could expand if we got more resources,” Badcock told AFP. “We could build more latrines, put up more temporary shelters.”

Badcock said 26,000 of the survivors were in overcrowded evacuation centres in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities, while another 200,000 were living in makeshift shelters or with relatives.

Many of the evacuation centres are gymnasiums and schoolhouses, but this has caused problems with students having returned to classes after the Christmas holidays, according to Badcock.

“Right now, they are trying to strike balances in the evacuation centres where children are given lessons while families wait outside,” she said.

Another growing concern is the psychological counselling that survivors of the floods need, she added.

Victoriano Kapayo, 30, buried two drowned children after the flood, and he said he was haunted by a third child, a six-year-old daughter, who remains missing.

“I feel she is still alive. I always see her in my dreams,” he said at the gymnasium where he and his wife were being sheltered. ■

DOLE, PNP, Labor sector sign manifesto on freedom of association and collective bargaining TOWARDS ensuring recognition of workers’ rights and the observance of international labor standards called for and embodied in ILO Convention Nos. 87 and 98, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Labor sector recently signed a Manifesto of Commitment which outlines future actions for the promotion of the fundamental freedoms of association and collective bargaining.

The signing of the manifesto capped the year for the DOLE, the PNP, and the Labor sector which in 2011 held a series of consultations and forums on how to improve the Philippines’s adherence to international labor standards and address the lingering issues on the freedom of association, as identified by the International Labor Organization (ILO) High Level Mission to the Philippines in 2009.

During the signing, held at the end of DOLE-PNP Labor Summit on the Protection and Promotion of Workers’ Rights at the Bayleaf Hotel in Intramuros, Manila, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz lauded the openness and sincerity of both the PNP and Labor in directly addressing the issues relevant to freedom of association.

“We have mapped out the way forward. The manifesto, which is in consonance with the 22-point labor and employment agenda of President Benigno Aquino III, his 16-point Social Contract with the Filipino people, and the Labor and Employment Agenda 2011-2016, solidifies the DOLE’s strengthened policy of inclusive social dialogue,” said Baldoz.

DOLE Undersecretary for Labor Relations Hans Leo J. Cacdac, who has since been appointed as new administrator of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), said the Manifesto is part of the government’s commitments to promote and protect workers’ rights in pursuit of peace based on social justice.

“Workplaces, in particular, should be productive grounds for workers and employers and, thus, mutual respect for each other’s rights is highly expected,” said Cacdac during the Summit.

Representatives from the PNP and Labor sector expressed their gratitude to DOLE in organizing the summit/dialogue which facilitated good relations and established the way for close coordination between and among the DOLE, the PNP, and the Labor sector in ensuring that trade union activities are freely

carried out within the framework of international labor standards.

Antonio Asper of the Freedom of Free Workers (FFW), Teodorico Nubea of the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), and Jesus Villamor of the Trade union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) said that the manifesto will further raise awareness on freedom of association and civil liberties.

“Napaka-importante ang pagkakaroon ng ganitong pag-uusap para magkaroon ng pagkakaisa sa pananaw at upang mabalangkas nang maayos kung paano pa mapo-proteksyunan ang mga manggagawa,” said Nubea.

The signatories to the manifesto have committed to conduct social dialogue; ensure the observance of the Joint-PNP-PEZA Guidelines in the conduct of PNP Personnel, Economic Zone Police and Security Guards, Company Security Guards, and Similar Personnel during labor disputes; establish a mechanism to allow joint implementation and monitoring of said guidelines including its periodic review and adjustments, as needed; support initiatives to reform the justice system to facilitate the resolution of alleged extra-judicial killings, specifically to strengthen forensic investigations; and conduct other

A boy carrying his shoes crosses the overflowing Kapay river in the Philippines during last month’s devastating floods that killed at least 1,259 people.

joint activities, as required, to further achieve the goals of the manifesto.

The signatories also committed to actively sustain and conduct joint orientation in the national, regional, and provincial level, together with other relevant partners as required, to raise awareness of all government and non-government sectors towards consciously adhering and abiding with the provisions of the Philippine Constitution, the Labor Code of the Philippines, the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, International Labor Standards, and other international treaties, accords, and instruments to which the Philippines is a signatory.

Signatories for the Labor sector included Jesus Villamor, Victorino Balais, and Ramon Ojeda of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, Atty. Allan Montano, Asper, Julius Cainglet, and Alvin Gonzales of the FFW, Gregorio del

Prado of the Alliance of Independent Hotel and Restaurant Workers Union, Norberto Alonsuela, Jr. of the Pambansang Diwa ng Manggagawang Pilipino, Benjamin Alon of the National Confederation of Labor, Butch Pena and Jose Olivar of the Association of Genuine Labor Organzation, Arnold Pardo of the National Federation of Labor Unions, David Diwa of the Lakas ng Manggagawa Center, and Nubea of the BMP. Police Director General Nicanor Bartolome and P/Sr. Supt. Gregorio Pua signed for the Philippine National Police (PNP), while Labor and Employment Secretary Baldoz and Usec. Hans Leo Cacdac were the signatories for the DOLE. The Bureau of Labor Relations, headed by Director Rebecca Chato, now acting DOLE Undersecretary for Labor Relations, organized the Summit. ■ DOLE – January 3, 2012

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February 2012 – No. 2 / Fortnightly Issue • UK & Europe Edition

Philippine fruit, vegetable in Singapore market test MANILA (AFP) January 19, 2012 – The Philippines will send a “trial shipment” of fruit and vegetables to Singapore next week in hopes of cracking the lucrative market and possibly expanding elsewhere, according to an official.

The move comes as the government tries to expand the nation’s agricultural exports, which currently sit at about $4 billion, compared with Vietnam’s $11 billion and Thailand’s $28 billion.

About 20 boxes of carrots, cabbage, bananas, papaya, squash and spices will be shipped next week through Singaporean company Green and Fresh Ltd, said agriculture assistant secretary Salvador Salacup.

“These are just initial trial shipments. They still have to test the market for receptivity by their consumers, to test quality-wise for pest and disease control, if we meet

©AFP/File/Jay Directo

The Philippines is to send a «trial shipment» of fruit and vegetables to Singapore, to test the market.

safety and health protocols,” he told AFP. Officials from Green and Fresh visited the Philippines last year to check farms before deciding on the trial shipments, Salacup added.

If successful the trial could lead to large-scale shipments to Singapore which can open the door to other agricultural exports such as chicken and pork, Salacup said. ■

©AFP/File/Jay Directo

The Philippines is seeking alternative uses for the tobacco crop in the face of the global anti-smoking campaign.

Philippines pushes tobacco – for fish farming MANILA (AFP) January 19, 2012 – The Philippines has launched a new campaign promoting tobacco – not for smoking but for fish farming, a government tobacco agency official said Thursday.

Over six months, about 400 fishfarmers in the northern coastal province of La Union will be using “tobacco dust” to kill mollusks and other predators that prey on fish, said Rex Teoxon of the National Tobacco Administration.

“We are going to train the fisher folk and the whole community on sustainable aqua culture using the tobacco dust,” said Teoxon, head of the agency’s corporate planning department.

The drive is part of an effort to find alternative uses for the crop in the face of the global anti-smoking campaign.

The dust, made of pulverised and processed waste tobacco leaves, is a safer alternative to the “long-banned, highly-toxic chemicals” that the fish farmers have been using, Teoxon said.

Tests have found the tobacco dust

kills the predators but does not affect the fish raised in the farms, with the active ingredient nicotine evaporating in two to three days, he said.

Additionally, it helps fertilise the waters, promoting the growth of algae that the farmed fish feed upon, he added.

The tobacco dust will be provided free to the fish-farmers but if proved to be effective, it will be marketed commercially, said the tobacco official.

In the past, the agency has experimented with using tobacco seeds for human and animal food and it still promotes the use of tobacco stalks for paper and particle boards.

Although the Philippine government has imposed strict controls on smoking and cigarette advertising, the tobacco industry still plays a huge part in the economy and the livelihood of thousands.

Teoxon said that a government survey found that in 2010, as many as 2.9 million people were dependent on the tobacco industry including 680,000 farmers and their family members. ■

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15

Philippines welcomes PAL sale plan MANILA (AFP) January 23, 2012 – Manila has welcomed plans by tycoon Lucio Tan to sell loss-making flag carrier Philippine Airlines, with a presidential spokesman saying on Monday it will improve its image.

The comments come after Tan was reported by ABS-CBN news.com at the weekend as saying he wanted to offload PAL, Asia’s oldest airline, “at the right price”.

It said he was in talks with San Miguel Corp. chief Ramon Ang and Manuel Pangilinan of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co about a possible buyout, although it added that he had not decided how much he wanted.

In December, Ang confirmed that PAL was seeking San Miguel investment to help pay for a refleeting programme.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said: “We welcome the additional investment of whoever

©AFP

would like to buy PAL because it would mean additional investments to the country.

“Considering the PAL is our national brand, the additional investments would improve the branding of our national carrier,” he added.

PAL’s image, and that of the country, was battered in September

after a wildcat strike over Tan’s proposal to outsource thousands of jobs, which led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights.

The airline has also been hit by soaring fuel prices, political turmoil in the Middle East, the Japan earthquaketsunami disaster and competition from low-cost local carriers. ■

San Miguel buys busiest Philippine toll road MANILA (AFP) January 11, 2012 – San Miguel Corporation, one of the Philippines’ top conglomerates, said Wednesday it had taken control of the country’s busiest toll road system after buying into Malaysian and Indonesian operators.

The company told the stock exchange that it had bought a majority interest in the firm that owns the concession to the South Luzon tollway as well as the firm that operates and maintains the road.

It said its wholly-owned unit San Miguel Holdings Corporation and its joint venture with Citra Group of Indonesia, Atlantic Aurum, had

acquired 80 percent of South Luzon Tollway Corporation and 60 percent of Manila Tollway Express Systems.

The 36-kilometre (22.4-mile) tollway connects Manila to the southern provinces of the main island of Luzon.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper said Wednesday that the transactions were worth 20 billion pesos ($454.5 million), but San Miguel did not disclose the cost of the deal.

San Miguel also holds a stake in an elevated 15-kilometre toll road called Skyway that is controlled by Citra Group and which runs above part of the South Luzon tollway.

San Miguel, which is diversifying into infrastructure and energy investments from its brewing roots, earlier said it was contemplating raising its stake in Atlantic Aurum to acquire majority control of the Skyway concession.

San Miguel has also told the exchange that it is in talks for a possible investment in one other Citra unit – Cypress Tree Ltd – that runs the Star Tollway, a 42-kilometre toll road that links to the South Luzon toll road.

The Inquirer, citing industry sources, estimates that South Luzon, Skyway and Star have a combined daily traffic of 330,000 vehicles. ■

Rich Asians threaten high-value fish: experts MANILA (AFP) – The growing ranks of wealthy Asians and their increasing appetite for more expensive fish are threatening stocks, potentially causing wider environmental damage, experts at a UN conference said on Tuesday, January 24, 2012.

As Asians became more prosperous, they prefer to eat more “high-value” species, forcing fishermen to catch more of them even if it means using environmentally harmful and illegal methods, they said.

“Increased wealth, especially in Asia,” had raised demand for more expensive fish like certain groupers and tunas, said Jackie Alder, head of the marine coastal office of the UN Environment Programme.

“They are no longer satisfied with anchovies,” she told reporters on the sidelines of a UN conference on oceans in the Philippine capital.

She warned that fish production had stabilised at 80 million tonnes in the 1980s and scientists believed that it would not go any higher.

©AFP/File/Francois Guillot

As Asians became more prosperous, they prefer to eat more «high-value» fish species, such as groupers.

“There is no doubt that changing lifestyles and eating habits are having an effect on resources,” said Jerker Tamelander, head of the UN Environment Programme’s coral reef unit.

He cited the case of live groupers which are in such demand in Asia that fishermen use cyanide to stun them and catch them alive, even if this kills

other fish and harms coral reefs.

Even then, many of these groupers die during transport across Asia, he warned.

“There is high mortality, high transport costs but also high returns.”

Depleting the stocks of high-value fish could also upset the balance of nature in coral reefs, possibly leading to their degradation, he added. ■

16

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Law & Legal News

Baldoz optimistic about passage of labor and employment-related laws in 2012 LABOR and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday expressed optimism that several labor laws and international instruments that will benefit Filipino workers at large and the vulnerable sectors, such as domestic workers, will pass the hurdle of Congress this year.

“We at the Department takes off from President Benigno S. Aquino III’s and the Legislative Development Advisory Council’s endorsement of the Kasambahay bill as a priority measure in the 15th Congress,” said Baldoz.

Towards this end, she said the DOLE has led a series of multi-sectoral consultations with labor, employers, civil society, consumers groups, and home owners associations in crafting a consensus bill on improving the minimum wages and providing decent working conditions of the country’s close to one million domestic workers or kasambahays.

The proposed measure primarily seeks to amend the present stipulated minimum wage rate in the Labor Code for domestic workers which is still pegged at P800.

The labor and employment chief also shares in the optimism that the Philippines, through the process of

ratification, will finally contribute to put into effect ILO Convention 189 on Domestic Workers, an ILO labor standard instrument that, if ratified, will accord migrant and domestic workers protection and decent work standards.

The Philippine ratification of ILO Convention 189 reinforces the Philippines’s role in shepherding the adoption of the Convention in the 100th ILO Conference in Geneva in June 2011 and the DOLE’s role as chair of the ILO Labor Standards SubCommittee on Domestic Work.

Baldoz, likewise, expressed confidence that the year 2012 will witness the development into legislation of the bill on strengthening the rights of workers to selforganization embodied in House Bill No. 4552 and Senate Bill No. 2838.

These proposed measures, entitled, “An Act Amending Articles 234, 235, 236, 237 and 270 of Presidential Decree No. 442, otherwise known as the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended”, seeks to simplify the requirements for the registration of federation and national unions to encourage the growth of unionism in the Philippines.

The House Committee on Labor

Quo vadis, RH Bill?

Vittorio Hernandez THE ongoing trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona has somewhat sidelined the heated debate over House Bill No. 4244 and Senate Bill No. 2378, or more known as the Reproductive Health Bill.

Like the trial of Corona, the RH bill has divided the nation into pro and anti forces. On one side that is in favour of the bill are groups made up progressives, health organisations, women and those that believe that the country’s almost 100 million population is runaway and needs to be controlled by providing universal access to different methods of birth control and maternal care.

The anti group is made up mostly of religious groups such as the Catholic Church which oppose the RH bill on moral grounds. They are also against many forms of contraception, which the anti-group considers as abortifacients.

However, opinion polls conducted by the Social Weather Station and Pulse Asia show that more than 60 per cent of Filipinos are in favour of the RH bill.

The bill underwent its first public hearing on November 24, 2011 in which the chair of the Committee on Population heeded the call of anti-RH legislators to refer the bill also to the

Committee on Health. The suggestion, however, was opposed by pro-RH bill groups.

In view of the continuous heated debate on the bill, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte said that Congress will not rush the approval of the legislation and moved its discussion to a plenary session in early 2012.

On December 3, 2011, the Senate reduced the proposed P880 million budget for contraceptives to just P8 million only for condoms. The Senate justified the cut to the Philippine Constitution’s ban on abortifacients.

The bill has also elicited reactions from outside the country.

Alistair MacDonald, the ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines, blamed the lack of effective access to reproductive health services in the country for going against the government’s fight against poverty reduction and for being antiwomen.

“We have all seen the figures on illegal abortion a year in the Philippines and I very much hope that both House of Congress will take these issued into account in producing a reproductive health legislation which will really help people make their own choices and to provide for their families,” MacDonald was quoted as saying.

On the anti side, international conservative Catholic scholars even placed a one-page advertisement

and Employment has approved House Bill 4552 on 6 October 2011, and it has decided to write President Aquino III to have the measure certified as a priority administration measure.

In the case of SB 2838, the counterpart Senate bill authored by Senators Jinggoy Ejercito-Estrada and Antonio Trillanes IV, it has been already referred to the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resource Development also chaired by Ejercito-Estrada where it is awaiting action.

“There is another good news.

The full implementation of Republic Act No. 10151, or An Act Allowing the Employment of Night Workers, Thereby Repealing Articles I30 And 131 of P.D. 442, As Amended, Otherwise Known as the Labor Code of The Philippines which was signed into law on 21 June 2011 begins this year,” Baldoz said.

Under this law, the BPO sector, which is comprised of an estimated 500,000 workers, will be allowed to work at night without the rigidity of seeking exemption from the DOLE. The law addresses the gender discrimination issue as contained in Arts 130-131 against women to render night work. ■ DOLE – January 12, 2012

in major Philippine newspapers to block the bill. The ad cited a 2003 RAND Corporation study that there is little statistical correlation between population and economic growth. The scholars instead blamed corruption, lack of education and lack of opportunity as the reasons behind widespread poverty.

“The poor are victims of poverty, not the cause of poverty. HB 96 seeks to establish a government-managed program of population management and demographic targets in the Philippines. This policy is based on incorrect economics assumptions,” the ad said.

The media attention on Corona’s impeachment trial has derailed legislator’s attention on the RH bill, admitted Majority leader Neptali Gonzales II who said many congressmen had to go to the Senate on January 18, 2012 to show support for the 11-man prosecution team and

February 2012 – No. 2 / Fortnightly Issue • UK & Europe Edition

Philippines has improved human rights record: military MANILA (AFP) January, 23 2012 – The Philippine military on Monday defended the Aquino administration’s human rights record, saying that abuses committed by security forces are now being investigated and punished.

Colonel Domingo Tutaan, head of the military’s human rights office, also denied accusations levelled by monitor group Human Rights Watch (HRW) that extra-judicial killings and other abuses were continuing unchecked under President Benigno Aquino III, who has pledged to crack down on rights violations.

“We have looked into them (abuses). We took action against our troops who were found to have violated laws,” Tutaan told AFP. The military was working with the official Commission on Human Rights to probe any reported abuse while also investigating cases on its own, he added.

But the latest HRW report on the Philippines, released Sunday, charged that the country’s rights record had changed little under its new leader.

“The administration has not fulfilled its promises of reform and made little progress in ending impunity for abuses by state security forces,” even after a year and a half in office, the New York-based monitor said.

However Tutaan said that one case

cited by the report, the torture of a suspected Muslim militant, had seen the offending soldiers dismissed and likely facing criminal charges.

Other cases of abuse were also under investigation, he said.

“If there are violations, they are not tolerated and they are investigated with full due process of law,” Tutaan said.

Human Rights Watch also repeated its call for the government to disband para-military forces organised by the military to fight communist insurgents in the Southeast Asian archipelago.

Tutaan defended the forces, saying that they were mandated by law and that 20,000-odd militiamen were under the control of the armed forces and subject to military justice.

Aquino, the son of two prodemocracy heroes, was elected president in 2010 with a promise to curb rights abuses, including the highprofile killing of 57 people allegedly by a powerful political clan in November 2009.

However human rights groups say rights abuses remain widespread.

The Philippines’ key ally, the United States, has called on Aquino for tougher action on human rights abuses, particularly extra-judicial killings, in exchange for more aid, the US ambassador said in November. ■

http://circajoylynn.wordpress.com

The Senate reduced the budget for contraception to just P8 million from P880 million which would affect most forms of artificial contraceptive devices considered by some groups as abortifacients. The P8 million allocation is only for condoms.

other lawmakers who are directly participating in the historic trial.

Gonzales said that House leader hope that Congress could vote on the RH bill before the second regular session of Congress ends in June.

CBCP News

“It is not also good for us to keep it in suspended animation so, one way or another, the people should know kung anong kahihinatnan nitong reproductive health (bill),” Sun Star quoted the congressman. ■

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HELLO PHILIPPINES

Global News

www.hello-philippines.com

February 2012 – No. 2 / Fortnightly Issue • UK & Europe Edition

Flights rerouted as massive solar storm slams Earth Captain left Italy ship amid panic: Filipino crew MANILA (AFP) January 20, 2012 – The captain of a doomed Italian cruise ship left the vessel while panicked passengers were still crowding the decks, Filipino crew members said in comments published on Friday.

Speaking after returning to the Philippines, some of the 300 Filipinos working on the Costa Concordia that ran aground off the Tuscan coast last week said they had been left to try and save passengers after the captain fled.

“Our captain may have done his best but clearly he also made a big mistake,” Benigno Ignacio, a chef on the ship, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper.

“His fault was he abandoned the ship while the ship’s crew including us Filipinos were busy saving the lives of the passengers.”

Ship steward Eugen Pusyo credited the captain, Francesco Schettino, with saving lives by steering the ship towards a nearby island after it ran into trouble.

“The mistake of the captain was that he left the ship immediately, even before all the passengers had been rescued,” Pusyo was quoted as saying in the Manila Bulletin newspaper.

“The passengers were starting to panic and most of them were not wearing life vests,” he added, describing scenes of chaos aboard the ship.

“It felt like the Titanic as we were rescuing the passengers. We just threw some of children into lifeboats just so they would be saved.”

Schettino is under house arrest in Italy and could face charges of multiple manslaughter. He has denied abandoning the vessel, saying he fell off the ship and into a lifeboat.

The disaster has claimed at least 11 lives, with 21 other people still missing.

Many of the Filipino crew flew back to Manila on Thursday. ■

WASHINGTON (AFP) January 25, 2012 – Solar radiation from a massive sun storm – the largest in nearly a decade – collided with the Earth’s atmosphere, prompting an airline to reroute flights and skywatchers to seek out spectacular light displays.

US carrier Delta Air Lines said it had adjusted flight routes for transpolar journeys between Asia and the United States to avoid problems caused by the radiation storm, a spokesman said.

NASA confirmed the coronal mass ejection (CME) began colliding with Earth’s magnetic field around 10:00am (15:00 GMT) Tuesday, adding that the storm was now being considered the largest since October 2003.

Radiation storms are not harmful to humans, on Earth at least, according to the US space agency. They can, however, affect satellite operations and short wave radio.

Year of the Dragon roars into Asia Marianne Barriaux, AFP BEIJING (AFP) January 23, 2012 – A billion-plus Asians welcomed the Year of the Dragon on Monday with a cacophony of fireworks, hoping the mightiest sign in the Chinese zodiac will usher in the wealth and power it represents.

From Malaysia to South Korea, millions of people travelled huge distances to reunite with their families for Lunar New Year – the most important holiday of the year for many in Asia – indulging in feasts or watching dragon dances.

As the clock struck midnight, Beijing’s skyline lit up with colour as families across the Chinese capital set off boxes and boxes of fireworks to ward off evil spirits in the new year – a scene repeated across the country.

Pollution levels in the city, which has come under fire for its bad air quality, spiked in the early hours of Monday morning as fireworks filled the skies with particulates, before falling back down again, official data showed.

North Koreans marked the Lunar New Year by laying flowers before portraits of late leader Kim Jong-Il and recollecting his “undying feats”, the official news agency reported.

Those living in the Philippines were able to sleep in on Monday after the ©AFP/Liu Gin

Asia welcomed the Year of the Dragon on Monday with a cacophony of fireworks.

Lunar New Year became an official holiday for the first time, despite objections from some in the business community.

The dragon is the most favourable and revered sign in the 12-year Chinese zodiac – a symbol of royalty, fortune and power that is also used in other cultures that mark the Lunar New Year.

Hospitals across China and in Chinese communities are bracing for a baby boom as couples try to have a child this year.

Nannies in Beijing and neighbouring Tianjin have hiked up their prices for 2012 and the beds in the capital’s Maternity Hospital are all booked up until August, according to the official Xinhua news agency.

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong even took advantage of the Dragon to urge the country’s residents to boost a stubbornly low birth rate, in an attempt to reduce the government’s reliance on foreign workers.

“I fervently hope that this year will be a big Dragon Year for babies. This is critical to preserve a Singapore core in our society,” he said in his new year message.

But in Hong Kong, where tens of thousands of pregnant mainlanders come to give birth every year to gain residency rights for their children, a Dragon baby boom could exacerbate ©AFP/Noel Celis

Breathing fire for the Year of the Dragon in Manila.

problems of limited beds and soaring delivery costs.

According to some astrologers and geomancers, the Dragon may bring natural disasters and financial volatility to an already unstable world.

Hong Kong feng shui master Anthony Cheng warned a “scandalous corruption case” would rock China in the second half of 2012 and said highranking Chinese officials would be forced to resign, jailed or even die.

But across Asia most ignored the doomsday predictions, instead praying, feasting and celebrating with their families.

In Malaysia, where 25 percent of the population is ethnic Chinese, highways were clogged at the weekend while the capital Kuala Lumpur became almost deserted as people travelled home. The new year began in tragedy for a family in central China’s Hunan province when a man set off explosives at a feast at his cousin’s house over a land dispute, killing himself and four others.

More than half of the population in South Korea, which also celebrates the Lunar New Year – some 31 million people – took to roads, railways and planes for the holiday.

But stores in Seoul – normally quiet at this time of year – bustled with activity as tens of thousands of tourists from China swamped major shopping areas to spend an expected 100 billion won ($88 million) in January.

“I feel like I’m walking on the street in China. There are so many of them,” Park Eun-Yong, a South Korean college student, told AFP. Chinese tourists also flocked to Tokyo, where interpreters in Mitsukoshi – one of Japan’s most prestigious department stores – were on hand to help with purchases and announcements were made in Mandarin. ■

©AFP/NASA/SDO

This January 23 image provided by NASA, captured by the Solar Dynamics Observatory, shows a solar flare erupting.

The storm’s radiation, likely to continue bombarding Earth’s atmosphere through Wednesday, and its possible disruption to satellite communications in the polar regions prompted the flight rerouting, airline officials said.

Atlanta-based Delta, the world’s second largest airline, said “a handful” of routes had their journey adjusted “based on potential impact” of the solar storm on communications equipment, spokesman Anthony Black told AFP. Routes from Hong Kong, Shanghai and Seoul took a more southerly route after the solar flare erupted on Sunday.

The airline said it would continue to monitor solar activity before return flights to their normal routes.

Due to the unusual intensity of the photons raining on Earth, the spectacular aurora borealis – the stunning “Northern Lights” display – which is often seen closer to the Arctic pole at this time of year, has been seen as far south as Scotland and northern England, and at lower latitudes in the United States.

The event started late Sunday with a moderate-sized solar flare that erupted right near the center of the Sun, said Doug Biesecker, a physicist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Space Weather Prediction Center.

“The flare itself was nothing spectacular, but it sent off a very fast coronal mass ejection traveling four million miles per hour (6.4 million kilometers per hour),” he told AFP. Space weather watchers said the best aurora sightings are normally around midnight local time.

Rob Stammes, who runs the Lofoten Polar Light Centre in Lofoten, Norway said the CME’s arrival Tuesday had produced a surge in ground currents outside his laboratory.

“This could be a happy day for many aurora watchers,” he told aurora tracker website spaceweather.com. ■ ©AFP/SCANPIX/Rune Stoltz Bertinussen

An Aurora borealis is pictured near the city of Tromsoe, northern Norway.

Philippines seeks lifting of Myanmar sanctions MANILA (AFP) January 18, 2012 – The Philippines has called on the global community to lift sanctions on Myanmar to reward “unprecedented” reforms that are taking place and help the country move towards democracy.

The Philippines, which for many years was one of the most outspoken Asian critics of military rule in Myanmar, particularly welcomed the government’s pledge last week to release 651 political and other prisoners in a mass amnesty.

“This action demonstrates the political resolve and commitment of the Thein Sein government to nurture an environment for an enduring national reconciliation and democracy,” the foreign affairs department said in a statement issued late Tuesday.

It said that the “unprecedented political and economic reforms now underway in Myanmar should find reciprocal gesture from the international community and that international sanctions against Myanmar should already be lifted.”

The United States and the European Union implemented sanctions against Myanmar in the 1990s as punishment for the military’s oppressive rule.

But Thein Sein, who was appointed president of Myanmar in March last year to head a nominally civilian government that replaced the military junta, has stunned the world with his reform drive.

Western nations have responded positively to the reforms, with the United States saying last week it would restore full diplomatic ties with Myanmar.

Philippine foreign affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez told AFP Wednesday that his government, along with other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, had already called for a lifting of sanctions on Myanmar last year.

He said the Philippines reiterated its call on Tuesday for sanctions to be lifted because of the recent positive developments in Myanmar. ■

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HELLO PHILIPPINES

OFW News

www.hello-philippines.com

February 2012 – No. 2 / Fortnightly Issue • UK & Europe Edition

Baldoz appeals anew for OFWs to shun Syria, as government continues repatriation efforts MANILA (DOLE) January 5, 2012 – Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday sounded anew her appeal calling on prospective Filipino workers to consider not going to Syria to work on account of the civil unrest engulfing that country.

She issued her appeal after she received a report from Labor Attache’ Angel Borja of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Damascus stating that illegally recruited and trafficked Filipinas continue to arrive in the strifetorn country despite the deployment ban, in effect replacing those being mandatorily repatriated by the Philippine government “I urge our OFWs who are intent of going to Syria not to, particularly if the part of the country they are supposed to work is engulfed in civil strife,” she said, adding: “If you remain in the country, the government could better protect you. It will also minimize the social cost of being away from your family and from your homeland and eliminate other possible expenses needed to safely bring you home if you are caught in distress situation.”

“For OFWs in Syria who will return

©OWWA Photo

Department of Labor and Employment Secretary, Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz.

to the Philippines, we encourage them to remain in the country because there are jobs and other non-wage employment opportunities waiting for them, where the pay or income could be much greater than their salaries as domestic service workers in Syria,” she said.

The National Reintegration Program, now in full swing, provides returning OFWs the appropriate assistance that would ease their return to the country. Under the program, they can avail of a low-interest, collateral-free loan offered under the P2-billion OFW Reintegration Loan

Fund from a low of ₱500,000 to a maximum of P2 million for new or existing businesses.

There is also the Balik-Pinay, Balik Hanap-buhay Program which is dedicated for distressed women OFWs. Under the Balik-Pinay, BalikHanapbuhay Program, the National Reintegration Center for OFWs of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, an attached agency of the DOLE, provides a ₱10,000 livelihood/business development assistance to returning women OFWs. The ₱10,000 is intended as a startup capital for livelihood undertakings that a recipient may choose to engage in, such as trading or general merchandise sales/dealership; neighborhood store; agri-business; food service; services; e-load station; and production or manufacturing.

At the same time, Baldoz announced the continued repatriation of OFWs in Syria, saying that the repatriation of 261 more OFWs in Syria are being finalized, while 447 more OFWs are being negotiated by the Philippine government with their respective employers for the next batch of repatriation.

Citing Labor Attache’ Borja’s report, Baldoz said that a total of 362 OFWs have already been repatriated since the Philippine government declared Alert Level 3 Crisis Status in Syria on August 17, 2011. Of this number, only 37 were documented or regular workers.

On 22 December, the Department of Foreign Affairs raised the alert level in Syria to Alert Level 4, requiring mandatory repatriation.

The labor chief also said that 1,323 OFWs seeking repatriation assistance have registered with the Philippine Embassy in Syria including 133 documented workers.

“The POLO and our Embassy in Syria have intensified their information dissemination efforts for the registration and mandatory repatriation of Filipino nationals.

Despite this, the Post observed that the OFWs reception to the call was ‘timid’,” Baldoz explained.

She said that the fund for the repatriation is being drawn from the Assistance to Nationals Standby Fund of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Deployment cost refund to employers ranges between US$2,500

to US$3,000 per person, while Iqama and other administrative penalties are placed at US$1,000 and airfare at US$600 per person.

The Philippine Embassy estimates that there are 14,927 OFWs in Syria, but only 1.422 are documented, according to the POLO report.

From March to December 27 last year, 434 OFWs have already been repatriated, while 148 more OFWs are now sheltered at the Filipino Workers Resource Center.

Further citing the same report, Baldoz said that except for Homs, Idlib, and Dei Ezzor where violent clashes still rage between Syrian forces and protesters, the rest of Syria are largely untouched as the Syrian regime remains intact and in control.

Most of the OFWs are located in Damascus and Aleppo.

Earlier, the labor chief enjoined distressed OFWs in Syria to avail of the government’s repatriation program for their welfare and safety. She likewise announced the availability of a package of reintegration programs that will assist returning OFWs in going back to the mainstream of Philippine society. ■

POEA reports big headway in campaign versus illegal recruiters POEA Citizens Watch Against Illegal core messages on AIR campaign were Recruitment and Human Trafficking also disseminated in various local Center that enhanced the legal governments units all over the country.

The POEA head further efforts in combating illegal recruitment assistance delivery system. Under and human trafficking as one of its the partnerships forged this year with underscored three (3) important illegal major accomplishments in its year- law schools in Metro Manila, non- recruitment cases that have obtained POEA SUPPORTS ONLINE RECRUITMENT SYSTEM FOR TAIWAN government organizations, religious convictions in two (2) different regional end report.

POEA Administrator Carlos Cao and media groups, legal interns and trial courts. All these three (3) cases The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA were ) announced first reportedtoday at theits POEA’s representatives from these entities Jr. referred mainly to the thousands Legalworkers Assistancefor Division, and with serve as support staff in providing of complainants assisted before the support to the proposed online recruitment system of Filipino Taiwan, to victims Board. of illegal a focused tenacity in assisting the year endedtoasthe wellfinal as theapproval continued of legal subject the assistance POEA Governing victims and relentless prosecution of wide-range conduct of information recruitment.

In its reintensified Pre-Employment their cases, convictions against illegal campaign on illegal recruitment Administrator Carlos Cao Jr. said the International Direct e-Recruitment System or and human trafficking. Of the 5,267 Orientation Seminars (PEOS), the recruiters were achieved.

IEeS to be launched TaiwanAnti-Illegal on January 2012 is(AIR) expected toIn simplify process 2011, thethe POEA also forged Recruitment and complainants who were by assisted of hiring workers for manufacturing, construction, oceanic fishing and institutional in 2011, 228 were complaints on Anti-Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Memorandum of Agreement to 400intervention government units and home caretakers and household workers the of in its campaign service also reached close without to almost disciplinary actions against workers 66,000 people through its seminars effort to combat illegal recruitment and 352 against employers. brokers.

The POEA chief stressed the and workshops. More than 147,000 and trafficking in persons. ■ December contribution of the newly created information materials depicting the 29, 2011 THE

Philippine

Overseas

NEWS RELEASE Employment Administration (POEA) highlighted the agency’s 29 December 2011 reintensified

©AFP/File/Sam Yeh

People aged 65 and over accounted for 10.6 percent of Taiwan›s 23 million population, according to the latest census.

Taiwan extends stay for foreign workers TAIPEI (AFP) January 20, 2012 – Taiwan has decided to extend the length of stay for foreign workers to meet growing demand from the island’s ageing population, officials said Friday.

Parliament passed a bill late Thursday to extend their stay to 12 years from nine years following appeals from local families employing foreign helpers, said the Labour Affairs Council.

The number of foreign labourers reached a record 425,660 by the end of 2011, partly due to surging demand for live-in carers in Taiwan’s rapidly ageing society.

Nearly 200,000 Southeast Asians

– most of them from Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam – were employed as caregivers or maids while the rest were in the manufacturing sector, according to the council.

People aged 65 and over accounted for 10.6 percent of Taiwan’s 23 million population, the latest census showed, above the 7.0 percent level at which a society is defined as “ageing” by the World Health Organisation.

Meanwhile, the island’s birth rate has plummeted to one of the world’s lowest in recent years, triggering concerns of serious social and economic problems from a severe manpower shortage. ■

“The system will be a great relief for the workers since they will no longer pay brokers fee and monthly services over a period of three (3) years, thus, will redound to significant reduction of recruitment costs to them, including the employers”, Cao added.

Philippine Overseas Employment household service workers without the by the Council of Labor Affairs of

POEA supports online recruitment system for Taiwan

Administration (POEA ) announced

intervention of brokers.

Taiwan, the database of applicants

will be uploaded in the portal “The system will be a great today its supportand to the proposed Cost of visa, other documentation expenses willrelief be for shouldered by the workers, that can be accessed by qualified workersof since they will no longerfees. onlinethis recruitment system of Filipino but time without the addedthe burden paying brokers’

workers for Taiwan, subject to the pay brokers fee and monthly services employers. A system-assisted job final approval of the POEA Governing over a period of three (3) years, thus, matching from the pool of foreign Under the IDeS system developed by the Council of Labor Affairs of Taiwan, will redound to significant reduction of workers with the job requirements Board. theAdministrator databaseCarlos of applicants be uploaded the including portal that can be accessed by done of Taiwan employers will be costs tointhem, Cao Jr. saidwillrecruitment qualified employers.

A system-assisted job matching from the pool of foreign under the IDeS. Other labor-sending the International Direct e-Recruitment the employers”, Cao added. countries like Thailand, Vietnam and Cost of visa, and other System orwith IEeSthe to job be requirements launched workers of Taiwan employers will be done under the IDeS. are set to implement expenses will be

by Taiwan on January 2012 is documentation Other labor-sending countries like Thailand, Vietnam andIndonesia Indonesia are set to the expected to simplify the process implement the IDeS soon. of shouldered by the workers, but this IDeS soon.

A total of 35,694 Filipino workers hiring workers for manufacturing, time without the added burden of were deployed to Taiwan as of October construction, oceanic fishing and paying brokers’ fees.

A total ofand 35,694 Filipino workers werethe deployed to developed Taiwan as2011. of October ### Under IDeS system institutional home caretakers and ■ December2011.

29, 2011

OFW News

February 2012 – No. 2 / Fortnightly Issue • UK & Europe Edition

DOLE imposes ban on total deployment of OFWs to South Sudan MANILA (DOLE) January 14, 2012 – Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday announced the imposition of a total ban on the deployment of overseas Filipino workers to the African country of South Sudan.

Baldoz’s announcement came after the Governing Board of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration which she chairs, yesterday approved a resolution imposing the ban.

Aside from Secretary Baldoz, POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac, Governing Board Vice-Chairperson, and Leonardo B. De Ocampo and Guillermina T. Gabor, Members, signed the resolution.

To implement the resolution, POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac, also yesterday, issued an advisory to all concerned on the deployment ban.

Baldoz said the imposition of the ban was based upon the request of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which has raised the crisis alert level in South Sudan to Alert Level 3 (voluntary repatriation) due to the deteriorating security situation caused by inter-ethnic violence in the country.

“We have to protect not only the welfare and interest of overseas Filipino workers in South Sudan, but also to prevent prospective OFWs from going there, hence the processing and deployment of all OFWs shall be deferred while the ban exists,” Baldoz said.

“The deployment ban of OFWs to South Sudan stays until such time that it has been determined that its political and security situation has normalized,” Baldoz added.

Under crisis Alert Level 3, OFWs who wish to voluntary go back to the Philippines are offered repatriation at government’s expense, and Filipinos are advised not to travel to a subject country.

In an advisory, POEA Administrator Cacdac has required all recruitment agencies who deployed workers to South Sudan – composing of the ten (10) states of Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Western Bahr el Ghazal, Lakes, Warrap, Western Equatoria, Central Equatoria (containing the national capital of Juba), Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile – to submit to the POEA’s Pre-

Employment Services Office a report containing the following information: (1) name and job category of worker; (2) name, location and contact number of employer; (3) deployment date; (4) status and current whereabouts of deployed workers; and (5) contingency plan / measures ready in case of emergency repatriation situation.

Cacdac, who assumed the position as POEA administrator on 2 January, has started in earnest extensive consultations with stakeholders to re-validate deployment data, not just to South Sudan, but also to all other OFW destinations, for the purpose of ensuring a firm, reliable, and accurate database that can be used for implementing OFW protection and welfare measures, particularly in times of crisis.

“This is in pursuit of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Social Contract with the Filipino people, particularly in giving priority to their welfare and protection; of the President’s 22-point labor and employment agenda; and of the Labor and Employment Program 2011 to 2016,” Cacdac said. ■

First batch of Pinoy crew of Costa Concordia arrives in Manila MANILA (OWWA) January 20, 2012 – Two hundred ninety six (296) Filipino crew members of the Costa Concordia that ran aground off the coast of Tuscany, Italy will arrive on consecutive days starting 19 January, Thursday.

The luxury cruise ship carried 3,200 passengers and 1,000 crew members of which 296 were Filipinos. The seafarers will arrive at the NAIA Terminal 1 on January 21 at 9:50am via Cathay Pacific on board flight CX 907 with 32 of the crew while 68 will arrive via Thai Airways TG 620 at 11:55am.

The scheduled repatriation of the Pinoy seafarers was reported by OWWA Administrator Carmelita S. Dimzon to DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz.

The OWWA repatriation team will be at NAIA to provide assistance in clearing immigration and customs procedures. It will also coordinate with the manning agency to provide stress debriefing and counseling to the seafarers, if necessary.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Costa Crociere S.P.A., the company that owns the cruise ship, assured the Embassy that it will give full compensation to the Filipino crew members, initially giving an advance of 500 euros to each of the crew.

The final schedule for the next batches will be made known by the OWWA in the coming days. ■

©DFA Photo

Ambassador Virgilio A. Reyes Jr., sends off the third batch of the Filipino crew members of MV Costa Concordia at Flumicino Airport in Rome.

www.hello-philippines.com

HELLO PHILIPPINES

23

President Aquino III ratifies ILO Convention 185 ensuring security and safety of Filipino seafarers LABOR and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday announced the ratification

by President Benigno S. Aquino III of the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 185 or the Seafarers’ Identity Convention (Revised) 2003 which provides a uniform Seafarers’ Identity Document (SID) that ILO member-countries are required to issue to their seafarers.

“With the ratification of ILO Convention 185, the security of our seafarers and their continued employment is assured,” Baldoz said.

Baldoz said ILO C185 also spells out the requirements for ILO member-countries on how to establish processes and procedures for the issuance of SIDs. All countries ratifying ILO Convention No. 185 will be required to issue new SIDs that conform to the requirements specified in ILO SID-0002, the standard which puts in place a comprehensive security system that enables the first global implementation of biometric identification technology on a mandatory basis, thus enabling positive identification of the seafarer that holds the document.

“The Philippines has done extensive work for the implementation of the ILO Convention 185 as preparation for its ratification. Because of this, Filipino seafarers will be able to move more easily around the world with this international document,” said Baldoz.

ILO Convention 185 revised the earlier Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention, 1958 (No. 108). The much needed changes in the new Convention relates to the identification of seafarers.

Under ILO C185, the new SID carries a fingerprint-based biometric template, aside from the normal physical features for a modern machine-readable identity document, which was adopted with the agreement of the world’s ship owners and seafarer organizations. This new SID must conform to an international standard enabling the biometric

templates on a SID issued by one country to be correctly read by devices used in other countries In addition, border authorities around the world will be able to check the authenticity of a SID produced by a seafarer, as the new Convention enables them to verify information in the SID either by reference to the national electronic database in which each issued SID must be stored, or through the national focal point of the country of issuance, which must be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In addition, the SID country-issuing must arrange for an independent evaluation of the administration of its issuance system to be carried out at least once every five years.

The evaluation report is reviewed within the framework of the ILO with a view to the maintenance of a list of the countries that fully meet the minimum requirements laid down by the Convention.

ILO Convention 185 also provides the same facilities as the 1958 Convention, which includes “shore leave”, enabling seafarers to go ashore in foreign ports after perhaps weeks or even months on board, as well as facilities for joining their ship or for transit across a country for professional reasons.

“By ratifying the Convention, the Philippines joins an international security system which facilitates the admission of Filipino seafarers into the territory of other ratifying countries for shore leave and other professional purposes,” explained Baldoz.

Earlier last year, the Maritime Industry Tripartite Council, newly organized by the DOLE’s Maritime Training Council (MTC), adopted a resolution recommending the ratification of this convention. The recommendation was carried out after review, assessment and support of DOLE’s social partners which facilitated the secure and continuous employment of Filipino seafarers, as well as their entry to countries for shore leave and when transiting to and from their vessels. ■ DOLE – January 4, 2012

©DFA Photo

©DFA Photo

Philippine embassy officials in Italy lead by Ambassador Virgilio A. Reyes Jr. pose with the Filipino crewmembers of MV Costa Concordia after a Thanksgiving Mass for the seafarers.

Vice Consul Jarie Osias (standing in the middle) meets with the Filipino crew members awaiting repatriation at Hilton Airport Hotel. He is joined by OWWA Officer Ruth Roselyn Vibar (2nd from left), Mr Alexander Querol of Magsaysay Maritime Corporation (seated, left) and Labor Attache to Milan Annabella M. Oliveros (seated, right).

24

HELLO PHILIPPINES

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©AFP File

Celebrity, Showbiz & Entertainment

©AFP File

The latest instalment of the Jason Bourne Hollywood spy franchise, now starring Jeremy Renner, began filming in the chaotic Philippine capital Tuesday amid heavy security with the city on alert over a feared terrorist attack.

British actress Rachel Weisz.

©AFP File

Jeremy Renner has taken over the lead role from Matt Damon (pictured) in the latest Bourne film.

February 2012 – No. 2 / Fortnightly Issue • UK & Europe Edition

Bourne begins Philippine filming amid terror alert MANILA (AFP) January 11, 2012 – The latest instalment of the Jason Bourne Hollywood spy franchise began filming in the chaotic Philippine capital Tuesday amid heavy security with the city on alert over a feared terrorist attack.

Police officers with bomb sniffing dogs scoured a warren of Manila alleyways where British actress Rachel Weisz and her co-star, Jeremy Renner, shot scenes for the much anticipated “Bourne Legacy” movie.

A 200-man crowd and traffic control team deployed by Manila authorities also blocked off a market road where the filming took place, while private security guards were in strategic places to thwart overzealous fans or strangers.

“We want to ensure that this film ends here without a hitch,” said Ed Untalan, head of the local Task Force Bourne set up to coordinate security.

Filming began just three days after President Benigno Aquino placed Manila security forces on alert over what he said was plot to bomb a Catholic procession on Monday not far from where the Bourne film is set.

The attack never occurred but the national police chief said on Tuesday his forces would remain on full alert because up to nine suspected Islamic militants who had been planning the attack were still on the loose.

But the mood among locals on Wednesday was one of excitement with fans jostling each other to catch a glimpse of Weisz and Renner as they shot scenes in dark, crowded alleyways near a sprawling slum.

“This is the first time I’ve seen a Hollywood actor at arms’ length and in person. My heart is still thumping hard,” said Elmer Rufino, 43, a sailor who had returned home for a vacation.

“I’ve followed the Bourne movies,

and now I can tell my shipmates this was shot in my neighbourhood.”

Weisz plays opposite Renner, who takes the lead role from Matt Damon in the movie about the workings of a shadowy Central Intelligence Agency unit that trains super spies.

The filming in Manila will also take the cast to an old colonial Spanish fortress, a bustling fish port and a major thoroughfare infamous for its bumper-to-bumper traffic.

The Philippine production unit’s head, Jun Juban, said the tourism industry would get a boost from publicity, with some of the final scenes in the 40-day shoot set to take place on the picturesque frontier island of Palawan.

“They chose us because they said they felt more welcome here,” Juban said, adding that producers had initially looked at Indonesia and Vietnam as alternative sites. ■

up everyone’s viewing pleasure with its extreme and engaging storyline and characterization. Top-billed by fresh tandems Luis Alandy - Bianca King and Gabby Eigenmann - Rochelle Pangilinan, this drama series, under the direction of Gil Tejada, Jr., is slated to premiere worldwide on February 9.

Another premium creation of the GMA Entertainment TV Group is THE GOOD DAUGHTER, set to captivate the hearts of GMA Pinoy TV subscribers beginning February 17.

At the forefront is the fresh loveteam of Kylie Padilla and Rocco Nacino.

Also introducing in this soap is pretty Kapuso newcomer Max Collins who will complete the story’s love triangle.

The Good Daughter will definitely fire up GMA Pinoy TV’s programming with its gripping tale of self-discovery, love, and a deep sense of belonging.

Also in the offering is HIRAM NA PUSO, a compelling family drama series featuring Kris Bernal, Polo Ravales, Bela Padilla, and Mark Herras. Gina Alajar and Ayen MunjiLaurel complete the stellar cast of this original soap filled to the brim with drama, mystery, and romance, soon to air on GMA Pinoy TV. Aside from the slate of groundbreaking programs, Kapuso viewers are also in for a treat as GMA Films ushers in two new and exciting movie offerings for the first quarter of 2012.

A romantic-comedy movie event

slated to premiere this February, MY KONTRABIDA GIRL stars two of the Network’s most prized talents, Rhian Ramos and Aljur Abrenica. Not only are these two undeniably hot onscreen, but they are also set to capture the brand of romantic charisma the moviegoers, most especially their fans, should look forward to in their much anticipated reunion project this year.

GMA Films is set to mark another historic feat as it partners with Indonesia’s Skylar Pictures to bring the most awaited horror flick starring no less than GMA Artist Center’s versatile talent Gwen Zamora via THE WITNESS. Gwen takes her craft to the next level after bagging the lead role in the upcoming film as she was given a rare chance to represent the country and the Network in the Asian project. With its world-class script and absorbing storyline, The Witness will undoubtedly terrify and amaze Filipinos and foreigners alike in theaters this year.

Driven with its goal of offering Filipinos superior entertainment, GMA Network has made an impressive effort in setting incomparable innovations in the array of drama programs and movies that will continue to delight and entertain the tele-viewers this 2012. Watch out for these exciting new shows as they air internationally via GMA Pinoy TV. ■

GMA Network announces 2012 first quarter line-up GMA Network – the Number 1 broadcasting company in the Philippines – rolls out a bigger and bolder program line-up this New Year as it launches an extensive run-down of innovative programs slated to premiere on the first quarter of 2012.

Produced by the GMA Drama Group, this roster of equally exciting and promising primetime and afternoon prime dramas – set to air worldwide via GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Network’s flagship international channel – is top-billed by only the brightest and hottest Kapuso actors and actresses in Philippine show business.

First on the list of GMA Telebabad – the Network’s Primetime Drama Block – is the original drama series LEGACY, which features a powerhouse ensemble of artists top-billed by Heart Evangelista, Alessandra de Rossi, and Lovi Poe, with male leads Geoff Eigenmann, Mike Tan, and Sid Lucero. Under the helm of director Jay Altarejos, this glossy drama masterpiece is all set to win the hearts of television audiences with its intriguing storyline and interesting mix of characters. It is scheduled to

premiere internationally on January 18. Also in the powerhouse cast are Kapuso stars Mark Bautista, Solenn Heusaff, and Sam Pinto and most respected movie and TV actors Eddie Garcia, Cherie Gil, Jackielou Blanco, Maritoni Fernandez, among others.

Soon to bring beautiful music into every Kapuso home is the all-original drama soap opera, BIRITERA. Awardwinning Kapuso actor Dennis Trillo returns to Philippine TV’s primetime block as he shares stellar billing with two of the Network’s talented drama stars Glaiza de Castro and Angelika Dela Cruz. Premiering February 8, this highly dramatic and heart-rending offering will introduce a new child singing superstar who will become the next TV sensation to watch out for this year.

For its Valentine offering, the Kapuso Network brings back the phenomenal loveteam of Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera on Philippine television via MY BELOVED. Airing worldwide on February, the reunion project of the celebrity couple is a riveting drama about an angel of death who becomes a mortal and falls in love with a human. Directed

by Dominic Zapata, My Beloved will surely spawn many viewers and boost GMA’s ratings supremacy in Philippine television this year.

Pinoy viewers in the country and abroad can only expect better and more exciting drama series this 2012 from GMA Entertainment as it unveils another interesting line-up of new shows via the Network’s unbeatable Afternoon Prime Block.

First from this block is ALICE BUNGISNGIS AND HER WONDER WALIS. Headlined by Tween stars Bea Binene, Jake Vargas, Derrick Monasterio, and Lexi Fernandez, along with Jean Garcia and Janno Gibbs, Alice Bungisngis and her Wonder Walis will definitely send thrills and delights to GMA Pinoy TV viewers beginning February 8. This is under the helm of director Mark Reyes. The Kapuso Network once again gives a valuable contribution to TV programming for bringing another child-friendly and wholesome entertainment to Filipinos in the country and abroad with this family-oriented series.

Making the viewers’ television experience more explosive is BROKEN VOW, an original offering which will stir

February 2012 – No. 2 / Fortnightly Issue • UK & Europe Edition

Celebrity, Showbiz & Entertainment

www.hello-philippines.com

HELLO PHILIPPINES

25

Julia Montes on her first love scene with Coco Martin: ‘Intense na intense!’

Photo courtesy of: Eric John Salut

“Walang Hanggan” will be top billed by Julia Montes and Coco Martin. Full cast members include Dawn Zulueta, Rita Avila, Helen Gamboa, Paulo Avelino, Melissa Ricks, Joem Bascon, returning Kapamilya veteran stars Susan Roces and Richard Gomez.

Sarah Geronimo to host a selftitled TV show, ‘Sarah G Live’ FOR the first time in her showbiz career, Sarah Geronimo is given her very own weekly concert-talk show, Sarah G Live. Aside from highlyanticipated production numbers, the Popstar Princess will also showcase her talent as a host by interviewing different guest stars in the show.

Asked how she feels about this project, Sarah admitted that she initially got worried about meeting people’s expectations. “Siyempre ho, nung una ayoko, natatakot ako.

Kasi sariling show ko na ‘yon, e, saka malaking responsibility ‘yon sa akin as an artist. Pero napakagandang blessing nito at another challenge para sa akin para mag-grow as an artista and as a person.

Knowing that she’s really shy by nature, Sarah hopes that she would be able to learn how to become a good host. “Hindi ko nga po alam kung paano. Sabi nila, maging natural lang ako kapag nag-i-interview. Parang gusto lang nilang makita pa kung ano si Sarah Geronimo. Hindi lang as a performer, gusto pa nilang makilala

ako. So, good luck sa akin, good luck sa mga mapapanood ninyo.”

Sarah’s expected to temporarily leave ASAP, however, since she’s getting her own musical show. As it is, she didn’t want to put too much strain on her singing voice. “Pero siyempre, pag may mga guestings, shows, projects na kailangang i-promote, babalik tayo sa ASAP. Actually ngayon, happy po ako na hindi ako nagkakaproblem sa throat ko. Hindi na ako masyadong nagkakasakit.

Siguro po, nakuha ko na rin proper technique. At saka siguro, nabawasan na rin ang pagkanta ko ng beyond my range na songs.” ■

JULIA MONTES, 16, takes on a mature role in Walang Hanggan, where she plays the childhood friend-turnedlover of multi-awarded actor Coco Martin, 29. Although some people initially disapproved of their teamup, Julia explains that her young age didn’t really deter her from accepting the project. “Dream ko talaga ito e.

Nung una po inaasahan na naming na maraming magre-react dahil sa age gap namin. Pero ‘pag pinanonood ninyo, hindi ninyo makikita yung age gap namin kasi love yung makikita ninyo between our characters.”

Far from her usual teenybopper roles, Julia describes how she handled her first love scene with Coco in the soap. Intense na intense! Nung

una? Talagang kinakabahan ako, nanginginig akong literal. Inisip din naming na ginagawa naming yun para sa show so naitawid naman namin ng maayos.” It helps that Coco makes sure that she doesn’t feel awkward around him. “Actually, nagbibiruan kami na ako daw ang mag-guide sa kanya, pero wala talaga kasing ilangan. So mas madali para sa amin ang umarte.”

Asked about her impression of Coco, Julia shares that he’s a gentleman and a bit protective of her on and off cam. “Best quality niya yung pagiging maalaga niya, maalalay sa role at sa kilos. Tsaka kapag naka-skirt ako sasabihan ako niyan, ‘O yung upo mo’. Kapag may scene na alam mong

alanganin tulad nung binuhat niya ako sa burol, sisiguraduhin niyang hindi ka dapat masaktan.” But she refuses to entertain any romantic notions about Coco since her showbiz career is her top priority at the moment.

With the help of the powerhouse cast of Walang Hanggan, Julia hopes that she would be able to establish herself as a certified dramatic actress just like her idols Bea Alonzo and Claudine Barretto. “Gusto ko talaga i-improve yung craft ko. Ginagawa ko yung best ko. Sa tulong ni Coco at ng lahat ng cast, sana makagawa rin ako ng sarili kong marka [bilang isang magaling na artista]. Nag-step up ako dito, ibang Julia ang makikita ni’yo.” ■

Xian Lim on Kim Chiu: ‘I wanna make her feel special’

ALTHOUGH Xian Lim remains tightlipped about the real score between him and Kim Chiu, word got out that he hired a choir to serenade her on the set of their recently-concluded teleserye My Binondo Girl. Kim was taking a break inside her standby tent when the choir rendered the song You (originally sung by The Carpenters) and a few Christmas songs. Then Xian entered with a bouquet of flowers, much to Kim’s surprise.

Asked if such a sweet gesture means that he’s officially courting her, he simply replied, “I’d like to take things step by step. Mangyayari naman ‘yon if it’s really meant to be. Nandito lang ako para kay Kim. Ipinapakita ko na special siya sa akin. Gusto kong iparamdam sa kanya that I care for her. She’s really special for me.”

Knowing what she went through because of a past heartache, Xian wants to be the guy who’d bring back the joy in her life. “Nung nag-guest kasi kami sa Kris TV, sabi ni Miss Kris (Aquino), para daw si Kim naputulan ng pakpak (after her break-up with

My Binondo Girl Cast

Gerald Anderson). Sabi ko naman kay Miss Kris kung naputulan siya (Kim) ng pakpak, ibig sabihin hindi siya makalipad, nasasaktan siya, nandito lang ako para sa kanya, para ‘di siya malungkot.”

On her part, Kim admitted that she’s flattered with Xian’s efforts to keep her happy. “First time na may nag-ganun na tao sa akin, siyempre iba rin ang feeling ng tao ‘pag ganun.

Natawa ako kasi habang kumakanta ‘yung choir lumabas siya, may dalang bulaklak, ‘Ay ano ba ‘to, performance level.”

But Kim wants to take things slow and just enjoy Xian’s company for now. “‘Di ko pa alam. Kinikilig-kilig nang konti, pero dun muna. Siyempre dahan-dahan lang para sigurado ka kung anong nararamdaman mo,” she added. ■

Carmina Villaroel returns to ABS-CBN; Iza Calzado now a certified Kapamilya

Carmina Villaroel is now a certified Kapamilya!

Photo courtesy of: Zoren Legaspi and Eric John Salut

IT’S official! Carmina Villaroel is ecstatic to be back on ABS-CBN as she signed a two-year contract with the network last January 16. “I’m really happy that I’m back here sa tahanan kung saan ako nagmula.

Baka napapanahon na para bumalik na ako sa aking pinanggalingan (after eight years). Ang sarap ng feeling, parang hindi ako nawala,” said Carmina who’s slated to do a talk show (Showbiz Inside Stories), a teleserye and a movie.

Of all the Kapamilya artists, Carmina said that she’d like to do a teleserye with Piolo Pascual, whom she previously worked with in Esperanza. “Na-miss ko siyang katrabaho, napakahusay niyang aktor. Masarap kasing nagkakaroon kayo ng eksena nagde-deliver kayo

ng ka-eksena mo, nagbibigayan. ‘Yun ang na-miss ko, ‘yung makatrabaho ‘yung magagaling na artista.”

Then on January 24, Iza Calzado also made the big switch and signed a three-year contract with ABS-CBN. “Unang-una po sa lahat I would like to say that hindi ako ingrata,” she the versatile actress who wanted to part ways with her former mother network as amicably as possible. “I am grateful for all the opportunities GMA-7 has given me. But I think it is time for me to grow and evolve and learn. I think it’s just a matter of timing and I’ve always wanted to work again with people from Channel 2.”

Transferring to a new network was admittedly a difficult decision for Iza, but she’s happy because

she’s slated to do the kind of projects that she really wants in ABS-CBN. “So far kasi ‘yung ibibigay sa akin at gagawin ko, ‘yun din ang gusto ko. I guess that’s one of the reasons why I moved because at this point in my life, we share the same vision for myself and for my career.” ■

Iza Calzado is now a certified Kapamilya!

26

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Celebrity, Showbiz & Entertainment

Pinay celebrities get star-struck with Hollywood actress Rachel Weisz

LOCAL showbiz had been abuzz with the arrival of Hollywood stars Rachel Weisz and Jeremy Renner in Manila for the filming of the hit movie franchise ‘Bourne Legacy’. Everyone’s psyched to catch a glimpse of them, from the moment they set foot at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to their various on-location shootings around the metro. But amongst the lucky few who got up close and personal with the Bourne stars included KC Concepcion and Iza Calzado at the birthday party of socialite/entrepreneur Tim Yap last January 17. A photo of KC and Rachel looking like good old friends had spread quickly on Twitter that same night; while Iza unabashedly

expressed her excitement over meeting both Rachel and Jeremy.

“Just met Rachel Weisz and Jeremy Renner!!! I love Rachel. Parang sasabog ang puso ko #fanmode,” Iza tweeted. In succeeding interviews, she still couldn’t help but gush about her fan experience. “I was so honoured to be in her presence. Madali talaga akong ma-starstruck, hindi n’yo lang alam. I was just in awe.”

Model/TV host Phoemela Barranda also got the chance to meet the Hollywood actress at a dinner hosted by Cristalle Belo, daughter of celebrity doctor, Vicki Belo. It was held at a classy Filipino restaurant, where they were served tilapia, adobo and gising gising, which Rachel and

Jeremy ate with gusto. “Hindi sila nagda-diet, rice talaga,” Phoemela noted. “Hanggang sa February pa sila dito so gusto nilang makita kung ano pa ang makikita dito sa Pilipinas. Si Jeremy, nagpunta na siya sa Boracay, si Rachel gusto ding mag-Boracay.” ■

The battle of the mega game shows Vittorio Hernandez Game shows had been a staple of television. Many Filipinos grew up watching foreign or local game shows such as The Price is Right, Name that Tune or Kuwarta o Kahon.

Noontime and lately primetime variety shows have included game segments in their programs, but still has other offerings such as standard song and dance numbers. The popularity of these kinds of shows was an accepted part of the TV landscape because they provided entertainment as well as opportunities for some lucky studio contestants to get prizes that ranged from cash to showcases.

The American shows, like The Price is Right, has high budget so even during the 1970s, the show had been offering brand new cars or travel packages as prizes. Local shows, like Kuwarta o Kahon, had lesser value prizes such as living room sets.

A few years ago, Filipinos began to question the logic and rationale behind these game shows when the Ultra Stampede occurred in February 2006.

ABS-CBN noontime variety program Wowowee, hosted by the controversial Willlie Revillame, was celebrating its first year anniversary and decided to mark its one year on air by holding the event at Ultra. Even when the show was held Mondays to Saturdays at the ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City, Wowowee had been attracting viewers because of the prizes it offered, such as tricycles and cash, which viewers of the program – mostly members of the C, D and E crowd – viewed as manna from heaven.

Since the anniversary show promised bigger prizes, many followers of the show such as old women and children who are the crowd that Revillame attracts, came in droves with the hope of winning one

Both Manny Many Prizes and Will Time Bigtime are hosted by celebrities who rose from rags to riches through hard work, not by joining game shows.

of the prizes. However, the number of people who wanted to enter Ultra was far greater than what the sports arena could accommodate; push turned to shove and led to a stampede.

The event ended in tragedy as hundreds of people died and scores were injured. It led to a criminal investigation, although eventually the host and producers of the show were cleared by the body tasked to look into the incident.

The stampede led people in and out of the industry to question the values spawned by the TV game shows.

From its original intent to provide entertainment, the game shows had been viewed by an increasing number of Filipinos as their way out of poverty.

Followers of these shows, who are either housewives, unemployed or underemployed, saw in the show an opportunity to win prizes or earn cash in an amount they could not a mass in a lifetime of underpaid labour.

Thus, it was not uncommon to see as early as dawn long queues outside the studios of ABS-CBN, GMA and Broadway Centrum where the game shows were held live or taped to ensure that the participants would get inside the studio by the time the show airs at noontime.

Despite the question of these programs inculcating in Pinoys wrong values of mendicancy and easy way out of poverty, a few years after the Ultra tragedy, the same game shows are back on air and are offering even

larger prizes to sustain viewership and commercial sponsorships.

Some programs never went off the air, such as the three-decade old Eat Bulaga, which just transferred stations but continued to offer mediocre entertainment. Rival Wowowee had problems with its host who had a penchant for making green jokes on air.

Beyond the below-the-belt jokes which caused Revillame to be suspended several times, the host also incurred public ire by questioning the airing of Cory Aquino’s funeral march simultaneous with Wowowee and charges of cheating to ensure favored participants win the top prizes.

Revillame eventually moved to TV 5 amid an ongoing legal battle with ABS-CBN over breach of contract violations and upped the prizes in his new show Willing Willie! By teaming up with Senator Manny Villar, the show offered larger prizes such as house and lot from Camella Homes given on a more regular basis.

Although many companysponsored raffles had offered P1

February 2012 – No. 2 / Fortnightly Issue • UK & Europe Edition

Maja Salvador and Matteo Guidicelli’s relationship, still going strong ALTHOUGH Maja Salvador is portraying a sexy role in Precious Hearts Romances Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin, she’s confident that it would no longer cause trouble between her and boyfriend Matteo Guidicelli. She even joked about leaving him should he start another jealous fit, reminiscent of their dispute involving Coco Martin.

“Kahit na misunderstanding lang talaga yung nangyari sa kanila, ang importante ay may natutunang lesson si Matteo. At the end of the day, alam naman namin na sa akin siya, sa kanya ako. Kailangan lang talaga may trust and respect.”

It also helps that Maja has become more vocal about her feelings for Matteo as she seems very elusive and carefree in the past. The young actress admitted, however, that she’s still getting to used to having a relationship that’s open to the public. “Actually, mas nahihiya ako lumabas. Kasi parang lahat iisipin, ‘Ay sila na talaga,’ kaya parang nahihiya ako. Hindi ko pa rin kayang makipag-holding hands, ewan ko, hindi lang siguro ako sanay.”

For someone who has always prioritized her showbiz career, Maja says she’s learning to make time for her love life as well. “Sa relationship kasi namin ngayon parang puppy love lang kasi text mate lang kami, call

mate… kasi never pa kami nag-date, as in grupo [kaming lumalabas]. Never pa kaming nag-out of the country, bihira lang din kami magkita. Kung magkikita man kami 10 minutes lang, hi lang, magda-drop by siya sa taping, ganon lang.”

Asked what Matteo feels about her working with Jason Abalos who was once romantically linked to her, Maja maintained that it’s really no big deal.

“Kasi kung talagang mahal ka niya at pinagkakatiwalaan ka niya, kahit anong gawin mong eksena, o kahit anong gawin mong proyekto, dapat nandiyan lang siya para suportahan ka niya at para iparamdam na, ‘Kahit anong gawin mo, mahal kita.’” ■

million cash, house-and-lot or cars, these were top prized won only by one person, while Willing Willie! game participants had more chances of winning these dream prizes.

However, true to his nature, Revillame again got into trouble, this time over a young boy who performed a macho dance while crying. TV-5 had no recourse except to cancel the show, but brought back Revillame to host a prime-time game show titled Willtime, Bigtime.

To get viewers away from newscasts which are aired on the same time slot as Willtime, Bigtime; the show offers as top prize P1 million cash, a house-and-lot and car to the winner of a contest that combined features of Name that Tune and Who Wants to be A Millionaire.

Not to be outdone, GMA matched the show with Manny Many Prize with boxing icon Manny Pacquiao as host. With billions of pesos on his own, Pacquiao offered also major prize such as cars and house-and-lots.

Some came from show sponsors and others from Manny’s personal funds.

To fill up the void left by Revillame, ABS-CBN tapped controversial actress, host and presidential sister Kris Aquino to host a local franchise of The Prize is Right with also major prizes as come-on to viewers.

However, due to low ratings and despite Kris’ success as game show host, the show folded up after six months on the air leaving the arena of the battle of the mega game shows between Pacquiao and Revillame.

This time, the playing field has been leveled between the two hosts since both are billionaires in their own right and share a common rags-to-riches story which should make participants in their game shows think twice.

After all, Manny got his many, many money by slugging it out in the boxing arena while Willie rose from being Randy Santiago’s hawi boy to being a drummer, bit player until he hit it bigtime as a TV host. Still, both examples show that the way to riches is not by joining game shows, but still through hard work and maybe some luck – which is what all the mega game shows offer. ■

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HELLO PHILIPPINES

www.hello-philippines.com

Philippine Embassy Around the World

“Tabang Sendong appeal”

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) provided the following update on relief efforts for the benefit of the victims of Typhoon Sendong (International Name: Washi) which we are providing for the information and guidance of the Filipino Community in the United Kingdom and their friends: 1. Operations are in the “early recovery stage.” The priority needs identified are the following: tents, blankets, folding beds, temporary shelters, cooking utensils, GI sheet for shelter roofing, generators, and school supplies for children.

2. Cash donations, however, are encouraged in order to provide

Filipino Film, one of Wall Street Journal’s Notable Asian Films of 2011

flexibility and facility to both governmental and non-governmental organizations directly involved in relief operations.

It would be appreciated if the Embassy of the Philippines in London (embassy@philemb.co.uk) is informed when donors, whether individuals or organizations, send their donations to the Philippines to facilitate collation of information.

We wish to further caution possible donors to deal only with legitimate and bona fide organizations or individuals who seek to collect donations for the benefit of the victims of Typhoon Sendong. ■ Embassy of the Philippines,

London, United Kingdom. January 6, 2012

February 2012 – No. 2 / Fortnightly Issue • UK & Europe Edition

Official Poster of “Busong” (2011)

THE Philippine Consulate General in New York reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that The Wall Street Journal’s (WSJ) film critic Dean Napolitano cited Filipino filmmaker Aureaus Solito’s “Busong” as one of the 10 Most Notable Asian Films for 2011.

The films which made the WSJ’s Best of List were cited for being big on impact despite small budgets.

Busong (Palawan Fate), described as a mythical imagining of a young man’s search for a cure for his ailing sister, examines the spiritual world of the indigenous people of Palawan.

The theme is tied to writer-director Solito’s own tribal origins through his mother, a descendant of shamans and indigenous people in Palawan.

Mr. Napolitano notes that Mr.

Solito “merges the mystical and the familiar in this culmination of a lifelong exploration of his family’s tribal origins.”

Starring Alessandra de Rossi, Filipino-American actor Clifford Bañagale, and Dax Alejandro, the film has been screened at the Director’s Fortnight of Cannes 2011 and at the Cinemalaya Film Festival in Manila.

In its review of Busong’s screening at Cannes, the Hollywood Reporter said it presents a visually and aurally delightful celebration of Philippine indigenous culture.

Mr. Solito’s other works included the locally and internationally-acclaimed Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (2005), Pisay (2007), and Boy (2009). ■ DFA – January 5, 2012

Five Filipino teachers selected for International Leaders in Education Program Philippine Embassy in Dublin Commemorates funded by the United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the International Research Exchange Board (IREX).

The Filipino teachers join 60 other teachers from 15 countries who will participate in a semester-long academic program at a U.S. university.

The program will include course work in teaching methodologies, lesson planning, teaching strategies for home classroom environment, teacher leadership and instructional technology.

They Five Filipino teachers were selected to participate in the will also complete an 2012 International Leaders in Education Program of the State Department. They are (from left) Leigh Anne Alvarado, Perly internship at a U.S.

THE Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that five high school teachers from different parts of the Philippines were selected to participate in the 2012 International Leaders in Education Program (ILEP).

ILEP is an exchange program

Lustan, Ethel Sindol, Zoilo Pinongcos Jr. And Ruby Baldas.

secondary school.

Upon completion of the program, the participants become eligible to apply for small grants to implement projects that share their U.S. experiences and contribute to the growth of their communities.

The participants were welcomed on January 5 at the Washington Plaza Hotel by Teacher Exchange Branch Chief Jennifer Gibson of the Department of State and IREX President Ambassador Robert Pearson.

ILEP began in 2006 and has trained 332 teachers from 19 countries.

The participating universities are the Clemson University (South Carolina), James Madison University (Virginia), Kent State University (Ohio) and University of Alabama (Alabama). ■

115th Anniversary of Rizal’s Martyrdom

THE Philippine Embassy in Dublin reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that in commemoration of the 115th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Embassy had a film showing of “Pluma”, a GMA7produced documentary, which was attended by Filipino students in Dublin last 30 December 2011.

The event aimed to educate the youth of the life and noble works of Dr. Rizal and to kindle their love for the country.

During the open forum that ensued, most of the audience shared a common thought that they all feel proud to be a Filipino after watching the film.

They also indicated their desire to participate in a similar future activity

that the Embassy would undertake to promote Philippine history and culture. ■ DFA – January 2, 2012

Philippine Embassy in Dublin Office-incharge Jocelyn C. Roxas delivers her welcome remarks prior to the film showing of “Pluma”, a documentary drama depicting the life and works of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

DFA – January 10, 2012

Philippine Embassy in Madrid Commemorates Rizal Day THE Philippine Embassy in Madrid reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that it commemorated the 115th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument in Avenida de Filipinas on 30 December 2011.

The solemn and brief event was done in collaboration with the Knights of Rizal (KOR)-La Solidaridad Chapter in Madrid.

The highlights of the commemoration were the offering of the wreath at the monument of

Ambassador Carlos C. Salinas (left) and Mr Frederico Sanchez (right) offers a wreath at the Rizal Monument in Avenida de Filipinas.

Dr. Rizal by Ambassador Carlos C. Salinas and newly-elected KOR Commander Federico Sanchez, and an interpretation reading of the Mi Último Adios by Director Elías Rodriguez of the Producciones Abaira.

In his closing remarks, Ambassador Salinas thanked the Spanish Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, and the Biblioteca Nacional de España for giving homage to Dr. Rizal in the milestone celebration of his 150th birth anniversary and for recognizing him as one of the great Filipino writers of his time.

Embassy officers and staff pose together with Mr Edsel Manucot, a Filipino community leader in Dublin, and the Filipino students who attended the film showing of the docudrama “Pluma”.

Mr Elias Rodriguez reads Dr. Rizal’s “Mi Ultimo Adios”.

He also thanked Dr. Ambeth Ocampo and the Philippine National Library in extending their support and assistance on the project by the Spanish government.

“Rizal did not set off to be famous but simply wanted to be proactive, productive and progressive,” Ambassador Salinas said.

The commemoration of the Rizal Day was covered by the local Spanish channel INTERECONOMIA. Present during the ceremony were Embassy personnel, KOR members, and leaders and members of the Filipino community. ■ DFA – January 6, 2012

Philippine Embassy in Rome Commemorates 115th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal THE Philippine Embassy in Rome reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that it joined the whole Filipino nation in commemorating the 115th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Embassy last 30 December 2011.

The commemorative program

commenced with a flag-raising ceremony followed by flower offering at Rizal’s bust and reading of excerpts from Rizal’s poem “Mi Ultimo Adios”.

In her inspirational message, Charge d’Affaires, a.i., Grace CruzFabella, encouraged all Embassy officers and staff to remember and emulate three things about Dr. Jose Rizal: his keen interest and love of learning, his service to the people, and his patriotism.

The program was concluded with the screening of “Pluma”, a GMA7produced documentary film on Dr. Rizal’s life and his works. ■ DFA – January 6, 2012

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HELLO PHILIPPINES

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Philippines Department of Tourism

February 2012 – No. 2 / Fortnightly Issue • UK & Europe Edition

Tourism Ministers support acceleration of the common visa for Non-ASEAN Nationals THE 15th Meeting of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers held in Manado, Indonesia ended on a high note as major accomplishments were reported and key measures committed in order to hasten integration, enhance connectivity and improve the quality of tourism services in the region.

A significant measure that the tourism ministers agreed to fast track is the development of a common visa for non-ASEAN nationals. This is also related to the

goal of the regional bloc of attracting 107 million tourists by 2015. The combined visits to the ten-member nations totalled 79 million in 2011.

Department of Tourism Secretary Ramon J. Jimenez, Jr. is optimistic that of this figure, 7.7% will be generated by the Philippines or around 8.2 million.

“We have just successfully rolled out our new branding campaign in the presence of international travel executives, national tourism organizations and media practitioners

during the ASEAN Tourism Forum.

We have caused excitement and we are expecting a surge of interest in our country and our people, the latter being the aspect that highlights our difference,” Jimenez said.

Talks were likewise advanced with dialogue partners China, India, Japan and Korea on various cooperation activities that deepen cross-cultural relations, improve exchange of information and technology and travel between and among these countries. ■ PDOT – January 15, 2012

All roads lead to 2012 Hot Air Balloon Fest!

New Tourism Campaign Wows International Travel Experts THIS year’s ASEAN Tourism Forum at Manado, Indonesia witnessed the new Philippine brand launch with the line – ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines.’

“ATF 2012 is a perfect platform to introduce to some 1,600 international delegates composed of buyers and sellers, the NTO community and media delegates,” Philippine Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said.

Focusing on the country’s core strength, the campaign singles out what no other destination can offer – and that is the Filipino people.

The Lonely Planet guidebook calls Filipinos ‘among the most easygoing and ebullient people anywhere.’

Meanwhile, a constant truth that comes out in the passenger exit surveys is the “warmth and hospitality of the people.”

“Our strategy is simple: while other countries invite you to observe, Filipinos can promise a more heartfelt and interesting experience. Wherever you go, whatever you do in the country, it’s the Filipinos that will complete your vacation and will make your holiday unforgettable,” says the new Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr., who accepted the post in September 2011.

The Filipinos are already known around the world to be one of the happiest and warmest people on earth. In a survey conducted among expatriates by international bank HSBC, it was revealed that the Philippines is the 8th friendliest country for them.

The campaign hopes to enjoin the whole country in creating positive buzz of the tagline. The campaign was trending on Twitter Friday noon when it was earlier introduced to local

media. Catching like wild fire, netizens flooded the web with creative ways to interpret the line through do-it-yourselfmemes which could likely land on shirts, billboards, stickers and other collaterals.

Meanwhile, the ‘#1FORFUN’ local slogan aims to rally the Filipino nation to strengthen and sustain this wellappreciated fun character and be a “constant reminder to make sure people’s experiences in our country are positive, enjoyable, and most of all, fun,” Jimenez said. He added “The national line is a goal, a constant reminder to ourselves why we can tell travellers it’s more fun here than anywhere else. It needs everyone’s support for it to stay true.”

The presentation was well-received during the Philippine-hosted dinner on 13 January 2012 at the Sultanraja Hotel. The occasion was graced by North Sulawesi Governor Sinyo Harry Sarundajang, Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Maria Rosario Claudio Aguinaldo and Consul General Jose Burgos.

Exciting travel prizes were raffled off from generous sponsors Philippine Airlines and various hotels and tour operators. The high spirits continued until curtain fall with participants dancing to band music and cheering the world-class performances by top Filipino artists.

The long-awaited idea was developed by advertising agency BBDO Guerrero, appointed in December 2011 after an exhaustive pitch overseen personally by Secretary Jimenez himself and approved by the President and members of the Cabinet. ■ PDOT – January 14, 2012

SOME 25 international balloon pilots are participating in the 17th Philippine International Hot-Air Balloon Festival on February 9 to 12, 2012 at Clark Freeport Zone (Air Force Hangar) and they’re going to wow some 100,000 local and foreign spectators from various parts of the region.

As the cliché goes – it’s a weekend of everything that flies. Aside from the most colorful giant dirigibles, spectators are bound to witness special events like aeromodelling, ultralights, paragliding, sky diving, light aircraft demonstration, kite flying, airsoft speedball, among others.

Be sure to be there in Clark as early as 5:00 in the morning to witness the balloons fly out but never to be seen again until about 5:00 in the afternoon when some of them try to fly in from outside Clark.

Not to worry, at least two balloons will be on display at the ground the entire morning each

day to let children ride for a fee. Special shaped balloons are coming in to thrill visitors beyond their expectations.

Be there when it happens!

Entrance fee is pegged at P200 per adult including children. Tickets are sold at CDC Tourism Promotions Office, Tel. No. (045) 599 – 6235 Mobile: 0916 312 3241 / 0926 686 6347 (Attn:Sol Cabigting or Ellen Lorenzo) or at the balloon site.

It’s nothing but four days of fun and excitement!

For further details, please visit the event website at www. philballoonfest.net for the schedule of activities and other information.

■ PDOT – January 2, 2012

Philippine resort and spa bag ASEAN Green Hotel Awards ALREADY four years operating as a lodging establishment in Palawan, Daluyong Resort is a 16-room affair owned and managed by brothers Ruben and Clifford Tan and their wives, Maria and Deborah. Little did they know that their advocacy for green tourism as practiced in the resort would pay off when the Department of Tourism (DOT) made its usual search for nominees to the ASEAN Green Hotel and found the resort compliant of the criteria.

“We were pleasantly surprised as we only got to know of the awards when we were sent forms to fill and more surprised after being evaluated as compliant. We are firm believers of the green agenda and are happy that we have contributed through our own small way,” the Tans said during

Daluyon Beach & Mountain Resort, Palawan

Mandala Spa & Villas, Boracay

the awards at Manado, Indonesia, held to coincide with the 2012 ASEAN Tourism Forum.

Meanwhile, Mandala Spa and Resort Villas in Boracay Island in Aklan, born in 2001 as a day spa, evolved into a destination spa, reaping awards after next as best spa destination as well as best holistic treatment.

DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. shared their pride as he handed the plaques of recognition to Daluyong Resort and Mandala Spa and Resort Villas, received by the Tans and DOT Director Ma. Rica Bueno, respectively.

“We at the DOT will try to provide the support environment that will attract more green investments. Through the TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority), we may be

able to extend ample incentives and assist in looking for financing windows to make easy the start-up investments into green technology. We want to contribute significantly to the global effort of greening tourism,” Jimenez said.

The ASEAN Green Hotel Awards are held every two years. Its criteria covers environmental policy and activities, use of green products, collaboration with the communities and local organizations, human resources development, solid waste management, energy efficiency, water efficiency, air quality management, noise pollution control, waste water treatment and management and toxic and chemical substance disposal management. ■ PDOT – January 14, 2012

32

HELLO PHILIPPINES

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Connection / ATBP - At Iba Pa

February 2012 – No. 2 / Fortnightly Issue • UK & Europe Edition

Valentine’s Day Celebration in the Philippines Lovella Bargas THE first day of February heralds the revelry for love, and the monthlong celebration of hearts commences in the Philippines. The tale of Filipino’s penchant for Valentine’s Day perpetuates since time immemorial.

Despite the evolution in the course by which we celebrate, nonetheless, Filipinos lend unique touch every time.

The Filipino’s romanticism culminates during Valentine’s Day, 14th of February.

Valentine’s Day Fever A string of events encompassing parades, costume parties, balls, and even dog shows spring from Valentine’s Day Celebration. Police and military men will venture to streets distributing flowers to the elderly, a gesture to win the hearts of masses. Public plazas transform into lovers lane, and sometimes a

venue for a revered mass weddings in the best month of the year to profess “I do’s”.

In retrospect, the “Lovapalooza” first transpired in the Philippines in 2004 to nail a monumental triumph of claiming the Guinness World Record for the most number of simultaneously kissing couples.

Since then, this has become the most romantic and record-breaking kissing festival in the country and beyond.

Campuses mark February 14th as implied holiday. Classes come to a halt and students are at the vortex of Valentine’s Day fairs, match-making games and programs that are nothing short of fun. An important passage in high school – that being Juniors and Seniors Prom, is usually slated on February when love is exploding in the air and students are in their element. Valentinos would brew the most precise moment to pop up the question: “will you be my Valentine’s date?”

Heart and Gold

In this euphoria of hearts, Filipinos – characteristically endearing, humorous, and creative, brave opportunities to channel these attributes and convert them into profit. Sporadic stalls are teeming with items enticing last minute gift shoppers. Valentine’s sale in stores and Cupid-inspired ambience in restaurants beckon customers.

Flower prices hit the summit, parallel to All Saints’ Day market spree. Romantic band concerts are steadily a lucrative production.

Romance movies premiere in theatres, reaping fruits and plaudits owing to the relevance. Philippine Postal Corporation regularly comes up and releases Valentine’s Day stamps.

Melody of Romance Music plays pivotal role in our Valentine’s Day celebration. There is a torrent of radio requests for FM

stations to air medleys of classic and contemporary love songs. The Jukebox belting out such music is a mainstay in merrymaking.

Philippines’ signature serenade called “Harana”, most typically done in rural areas, has become more valuable today as this authentically Filipino practice is fleeting.

Netizens Abuzz Over Hearts’ Day Philippines is vibrant home to the most active netizens in the world. The avalanche of Valentine’s Day greetings, blog articles, love quotes, emails, e-cards, and live chats render love in highly distinct Filipino ways. Philippines has etched its niche as the social networking capital of the world.

Being plugged into the rest of the world through internet, all the more kindles and validates our world renowned capacity for love and expression.

Filipinos are Quintessential Romantics

Our generosity in expression of love for family, friends, and fellows is intrinsic to us Filipinos. It is deeply ingrained in our culture to socialize, foster bonds and we earned the merits for our family ties that surpass time and distance. Valentine’s Day celebration simply transcends cultural boundaries, social status, and faith.

One of the most sterling qualities of Filipinos is our resilience reflected in the fashion we celebrate Valentine’s Day amidst dark times. Filipinos will come together with family, friends, and colleagues over dinner that is made even more special by warmth and fellowship. Foreigners share a common note that Valentine’s Day is a lauded celebration here in the Philippines. As our Department of Tourism slogan perfectly coins: “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”. That I cannot agree more! ■

How the Philippines welcomed the Year of the Water Dragon Lovella Bargas FOR the first time, the Philippine government declared the Chinese New Year as a non-working holiday.

The turn of the Chinese calendar from the Year of the Rabbit to the Year of the Water Dragon was celebrated all over the country through various events in different locations.

More people were able to share in the festivities since the day did not require employees or students to attend to their respective duties. The whole country’s population, ChineseFilipinos or otherwise, were able to experience a relaxed day filled with fireworks, parades, fun, and colours.

The entire country immersed itself in the usual staples of a typical Chinese

New Year. Lion and dragon dance performances were staged in various locations all over the archipelago.

Red envelopes were proliferated as the most fitting symbolism for prosperity and generosity. Fireworks lit up the midnight sky providing onlookers with a potent and arousing visual and auditory treat which was truly an abundant way to welcome the Year of the Water Dragon. Most households also tried to keep up with the customary Chinese New Year ornaments in order to complete the ambience. From red lanterns to red scrolls, residential areas were adorned to the nines in anticipation of a prosperous beginning. Last but not the least, sumptuous feasts consistent to the Chinese culinary

traditions were served in households to amplify the authentic Chinese New Year ambience.

Post-events were also staged in celebration of the Chinese New Year.

Various malls produced mini shows for the entire family to indulge in.

Government offices also enacted several activities geared toward the welcome of the promising Water

Dragon. Most importantly, families made it a point to set reunions and gatherings which ultimately are the essence of the entire festivities.

Concerts in anticipation and celebration of the next 365 days under the rule and guidance of the might Water Dragon were also staged in various areas in Manila.

Indeed, for the first time, the whole of the Philippine archipelago took part in the Chinese New Year celebration with unbridled enthusiasm and of course, optimism toward the promise of a new year.

The observance of the Chinese New Year in the Philippines is part of an enduring tradition built upon the intertwined history of the two countries.

History experts say that the Chinese

have been integrated into the Filipino society for as early as 1594. In fact, the Chinatown situated in the heart of Manila, is one of the most dated Chinese communities in the entire world. This specific location in Manila is where the Chinese culture and tradition is most vibrant as evident in the proliferation of all sorts of business outlets from Chinese style restaurants to drug stores patterned from China’s ancient healing practices. The present approximation of Chinese inhabitants in the Philippines is said to be at least 5% of the country’s entire population. Given that, it only follows that the entire Filipino populace share one of the Chinese people’s most famous and illustrious yearly affairs – the Chinese New Year based on the distinct Chinese calendar. ■

LOVE IS IN THE AIR: Valentine’s Day as an occasion for Everyone, Lovers and Singles Alike RA Perez Valentine’s day creates a divide amongst people, whether you believe it or not. The dichotomy is made up of those lovers who swoon and get all goey-eyed come this time of year, while on the other end of are single individuals who refer to this occasion as SAD or Single’s Awareness Day. This may be the case when it comes to how people approach “V-day,” but regardless of this, Filipinos are known for being enthusiastic about this holiday. Think of it the way Filipinos perceive Christmas. But instead of preparing a festive meal for Noche Buena, countless men and women would go through pains to make Valentine’s memorable for their significant others. There’s the romantic dinner reservation, the impossibly huge bouquets of flowers, and the expensive boxes of chocolates that are all meant to elicit “oohs,” “ahhs,” and of course, “I love you’s.”

Those who are single (and

presumably bitter) view Valentine’s Day as a consumerist ploy created by corporations. After all, the Japanese had created a similar occasion called “White Day,” when men give women marshmallows to show their love. This “holiday” was created by – you guessed it – a marshmallow manufacturing company.

But Valentine’s Day’s origins are actually not as commercial as we perceive. It is actually a celebration for St. Valentine, a Roman Catholic saint and martyr. Although there are no romantic undertones in his story, save for the fact that he was persecuted for being Christian, his time of burial was linked to a Greco-Roman tradition related to fertility and love. This context of Valentine’s Day is what the world knows and follows to this day.

In the Philippines, couples are known to celebrate this holiday with gusto. As soon as February sets in, malls are decorated with hearts, roses and pictures of Cupid, whilst restaurants offer special “set menus”

for couples. Lovebirds wear matching outfits on dates to show love and solidarity. They even go as far as wearing red on this time of year. Another Filipino twist on Valentine’s Day has got a lot to do with showmanship. Men would serenade or “harana” the object of their desires in front of an audience.

This, of course, is enough to make any woman feel special. Gift-giving, of course, is a staple on Valentine’s Day for most Filipinos. Men are known to give chocolates, stuffed animals, and flowers. The twist to this is that men make sure to give these gifts on a much larger scale – literally. Think giant bouquets, boxes of chocolate, and even life-sized stuffed animals. It’s just as though the size of the gifts they give reflect how much they are in love.

Families in the Philippines also have their way of getting into the Valentine’s Day spirit. Fathers and mothers commemorate their love by going on trips with their families.

They also retell stories about how they met and fell in love in order to instil

inspiring ideas of love in their children.

Children, too, of course, contribute to the family’s celebration of Valentine’s.

They prepare surprises for their parents such as organizing romantic dates for two in posh restaurants or relaxing spas. Valentine’s, in this sense, is a way children show their folks how much they appreciate and idolize their love for one another. It’s an opportunity for children to give their parents a break from work and family life.

Lastly, single people in the Philippines are also known to celebrate Valentine’s. Those who are remorseful about the single life would pin black heart brooches onto their clothes on this day. Single girls are also known to engage in bonding activities such as going to a spa or having fun at bars. Single boys, on the other hand, go drinking with their friends. This is very similar to the Korean tradition of eating black noodles on the 14th of April, which is done to mourn and commemorate singlehood. But since

Filipinos are a fun-loving people, the spirit of sadness is replaced with that of merrymaking. Those who aren’t sad about singlehood remain optimistic by giving each other gifts such as flowers and chocolate. Words of encouragement are also given freely to those who are single: “You’ll find Miss or Mister Right soon enough.”

Whether one is single, taken, or in between, Valentine’s Day has proven to be one of the most popular holidays in the Philippines. We see this in the amount of enthusiasm Filipinos give to this occasion. It is not a holiday people can easily ignore. V-Day is always acknowledged whether it’s on a negative or positive note. The element of fun when dealing with Valentine’s will always be present, just as perennial as how Pinoys celebrate any other holiday. The true meaning of Valentine’s Day is obviously far removed from the original, but what we Filipinos know of it is that it is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate love, if not poke fun at it. ■

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Tindahang Pinoy 1 Kenway Road London SW5 0RP 020 7373 9992

• • • • • • • •

MSc Safety, Health and Environmental Management MSc Construction Project Management Quote Code: HP22012 MSc Total Quality • MSc Real Estate MSc Environmental Management MSc Sustainable Business Risk Management MSc Professional Practice (Includes Nursing ONP option module) BSc (Hons) Professional Practice (Nursing), ONP option module BSc (Hons) Real Estate and Appraisal Renewable Energy, Business and Law • BSc (Hons) Project Management (Construction) Like Us: • BSc (Hons) Computing Follow Us On:

• Pre - Registration Nursing Programme: Course Benefits: MM Sari Sari Store 812 Garratt Lane Tooting Broadway London SW17 0LZ 020 8672 7220

Become a UK Rigistered nurse without undertaking ONP. Graduate with a UK Pin number and be eligible to work as a staff nurse.

Vacancies: ONP and Pin numbered NURSES WANTED! We have a number of vacancies for appropriate candidates who meet the criteria. We will provide University enrolment, work placement and employer who will provide T2 sponsorship provided you meet immigration criteria.

Vallo The Oriental Shop Unit 10 Tooting Market Tooting Broadway London SW17 0SN 020 8767 9250

LEGAL ADVICE

ASK THE EXPERT HELLO PHILIPPINES will be running a

“ASK THE SOLICITOR COLUMN”.

Sunrise Cafe & Restaurant 12 Kenway Road Earls Court London SW5 0RR 020 7373 4170 SHOP – EARLS COURT

Wow Pinoy 347 North End Road (Inside Shopping Palace) Fulham Broadway London SW6 1NN 07703 101 094 SHOP – NORTH LONDON

Readers can write-in and ask questions by sending an email to asktheexpert@hello-philippines.com. The questions and answers will be published in the next issue of Hello Philippines and monthly thereafter.

Advice is given by a Regulated Legal Expert.

HP CLASSIFIED:

classifieds@hello-philippines.com HELLO Divisoria Supermarket 159 Earls Court Road London SW5 9RQ 020 7341 7431

COMPUTER REPAIR PC Repair of any kind, friendly Filipino technician, Mike 07894 084 582 MOBILE DJ & DISCO SERVICES Mobile Disco – Leo Francis Calvo 07809 417 226 / leolencalvo@ yahoo.co.uk

Scholarships Available!

UK HEAD OFFICE Website: www.jobconnections.co.uk Tel: (+44) 01342 314 411 Email: info@jobconnections.co.uk Job Connections UK, Constitutional Building, High Street, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 3AW

Nina – 07528 304 737 (Fondant Cake, Birthday Cakes, Ube Macapuno, etc) MARTIAL ARTS CLASS Kixstar Dragon – Child and Adult Classes on Taekwondo, Saimoore Sarsoza 07879 637 824 / ssarsoza1@yahoo. co.uk

Education - Immigration - Recruitment

We are working in partnership with Colleges and Universities in the UK, who are highly trusted sponsors, to offer you the best quality and most reliable student programmes.

SHOP – SOUTH WEST LONDON

Bicolonggo Bedford Catering – 07876 492 905 / 01234 317 829 D&G Catering Services – 07854 706 266 / 020 8445 0852

Study in the UK September 2012

F200400015

CATERING SERVICES Asian Fusion – 07812 688 843 / 01249 822 495

Hapit-Anay Catering Services – 07894 244 777 / 01274 214 961

Putney – Share Room £65.00pw, Single Room £90.00pw, Double Room £130.00pw, 07510 333 560

EDUCATION - IMMIGRATION - RECRUITMENT

Pinoy Supermarket 10 Hogarth Road London SW5 0PT 020 7373 2331

PROPERTY – FOR SALE – PHILIPPINES Pangasinan – House & Lot in Pozzorubio, Mrs Sal Estaris 07586 450 097 / 07917 781 412

Fulham – Double Room , £150.00pw, 07757 639 951

Fulham – Large Double Room, Flat to Share / Professional Person Only, £130.00pw, 07507 159 822

HAIR & BEAUTY SALON

Taste of the Orient Market Hall Wood Green Shopping Centre High Road London N22 6YE 020 8889 1643 SHOP – NORTH WEST LONDON

Manila Supermarket 11 – 12 Hogarth Place London SW5 0QT 020 7373 8305

Babsie’s Filipino Oriental Store 147 High Road Willesden London NW10 2SJ 020 8830 4286

07989 403 904

HELLO PHILIPPINES

PHILIPPINES

HELLO PHILIPPINES

WxH 30mm x 30mm Classified £10.00 pm SHOP – WEST LONDON Asian Grocery Supplies 195 Fulham Palace Road Hammersmith London W6 8QX 020 7381 8732

WxH 30mm x 40mm Power Ad £15.00 pm

WxH 30mm x 50mm Super Power Ad £20.00 pm SHOP – WEST SUSSEX Pinoymart Sari Sari Store 8 Coronation Buildings Brougham Road Worthing West Sussex BN11 2NW 01903 209 000

FOR MORE INFORMATION IN ADVERTISING: classifieds@hello-philippines.com / 07989 403 904 PhilippineJuneAdvert:phillippine advert 24/06/2011 13:21 Page 1

HAIR & BEAUTY SALON

DOMESTIC RECRUITMENT AGENCY

THE GRAHAM AGENCY WE

EST. 1985

ARE CURRENTLY URGENTLY LOOKING FOR FIRST CLASS

Housekeepers, Couples, Nannies, Daily Helps, Mother’s Helps, Housemen, Carers/Companions, Cooks, Chauffeurs

Hairdresser to the Stars and World Beauties

Specialised in Hair Rebonding, Wedding Hair & Debut Services 137 Earls Court Road, London SW5 9RH Tel. No.: 020 7244 8562 or 020 7244 1100 Mobile No.: 07730 813 821 Email: philip.devera@btconnect.com

INDEPENDENT PROPERTY AGENT

G

Couples - to £1,000 pw net Housekeepers - to £525 pw net Nannies - to £550 pw net Carers - to £500 pw net Cooks - to £550 pw net

We have jobs in all areas of London, including Chelsea, Kensington, Notting Hill, Knightsbridge, Hampstead and St John's Wood. We also have jobs in the Home Counties, including Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

We have live in and live out positions, many of which are available immediately.

PLEASE TELEPHONE: OR EMAIL:

020 8348 1767

diana@sgraham.co.uk

HAVE A LOOK ONLINE AT THE VACANCIES ON OUR WEBSITE:

www.thegrahamagency.co.uk MEETING POINT

JOB VACANCY

LOOKING FOR A CAREER CHANGE OR MAYBE JUST ADDITIONAL INCOME? WE HAVE LOTS TO OFFER…

Meet Filipino Ladies and British Gentlemen in the UK and abroad

Uk ltd

We are currently recruiting for a Filipino speaking travel consultant.

Looking for friendship, romance, love and marriage Over 500 Members Established 1999

You must have previous knowledge of the travel industry and good experience of dealing with the public.

An advantage will be knowledge of reservation systems like Galileo.

You must be able to work under pressure and have a positive, committed work ethic.

info@sierraintroductions.co.uk www. sierraintroductions.co.uk

Salary negotiable. Based in Hounslow, London.

0203 010 2000 / 0779 595 5510

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITY WITH A FULL-TIME INCOME – WORKING FROM HOME

CALL OR VISIT OUR OFFICE AT : Please send your CV to info@brightsun.co.uk

BALIKBAYAN BOXES / CARGO

A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!

DSL BALIKBAYAN BOXES CORBY NORTHANTS

OFFICE: 01536 462 013 MOBILE NO: STEVE (ENGLISH) 07412 525 625 LYNN (TAGALOG) 07869 494 048 (LEBARA) 07879 903 749

DOOR TO DOOR BALIKBAYAN BOXES FROM UK TO PHILIPPINES WE REQUIRE A £5.00 DEPOSIT ON EVERY BOX DELIVERED. THE BALANCE WILL BE PAID ON COLLECTION.

MEDIUM

LARGE

METRO MANILA

£50

£65

LUZON A

£55

£70

LUZON B

£60

£75

£65

£80

VISAYAS/ MINDANAO/INTER ISLANDS

One Agency…World Class Proper4es

You will be responsible for assisting travel arrangements predominantly for Philippine travellers to the Philippines.

020 8980 6500 / 07989 909 044

AREA

GENERAL APPOINTMENTS

(24”x19”x16”) (30”x22”x20”)

JUMBO

(29”x23”x25”)

£85

SUPER JUMBO (34”x24”x27”)

£90

FREE BULILIT

FREE BULILIT

FREE BULILIT

FREE BULILIT

FREE BULILIT

FREE BULILIT

£100 £110 £125

FREE BULILIT

£105 £120 £135

FREE BULILIT

DISCOUNT OF £10.00 IF YOU DON’T TAKE THE BULILIT FOR JUMBO OR SUPER JUMBO! SPECIAL PROMOS!!! TAKE 3 LARGE / 3 MEDIUM £15.00 DISCOUNT (SHARE WITH A FRIEND... SEND TO ANY DESTINATIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES AND SAME PICK UP DATE)

LOWER GROUND FLOOR, 137 EARLS COURT ROAD, EARLS COURT, LONDON SW5 9RH

We have been working with a Filipino community whose background is in nursing or caring. We have shown them how they can generate an extra income on a parttime basis giving them a better lifestyle and also for their families back home.

We are now extending this opportunity to all working backgrounds.

Who are we?

Working under the umbrella of an ethical cash-rich, debt-free company with an annual turnover of $2.5 billion, operating in over 150 countries with a superb training and support programme. We offer bonuses and incentives along the way.

What are we looking for?

Enthusiastic people, able to work 10-15 hours a week and would like to be shown how to earn an extra income ranging from £200-£300 through to £2,000+ per month ...and have fun in the process!

You must be 18+ years and eligible to work in the UK.

For further information, please contact: Louise: 07976 988 592 or Carol: 07538 425 808

36

HELLO PHILIPPINES

Sports

www.hello-philippines.com

February 2012 – No. 2 / Fortnightly Issue • UK & Europe Edition

BOXING: ARUM QUASHES MEGA MAY FIGHT MANNY Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum said Wednesday the next time the Filipino superstar steps into the ring it won’t be against unbeaten American Floyd Mayweather.

Arum told Sports Illustrated’s website that it doesn’t make sense financially for Pacquiao and Mayweather to fight on May 5, the date that the US boxer has insisted on.

“Economically it is a problem that Floyd created,” Arum told SI.com.

“The amount that would be lost by moving it to May 5 is enormous.”

Arum said the 33-year-old Pacquiao would fight next on June 9 at a new outdoor boxing facility being constructed in Las Vegas against an unspecified opponent.

Arum said he spoke recently with the facilities construction officials who said there is no way the outdoor ring could be finished in time for a May 5 mega fight.

“They said they needed to the end of May to get it done,” Arum said.

Arum said he is now looking at a possible November showdown between Pacquiao and Mayweather.

©AFP File

©AFP File

Floyd Mayweather Jnr and Manny Pacquiao

BOXING: Rigondeaux stops Ramos for WBA title

CUBA’S Guillermo Rigondeaux, a former two-time Olympic champion, stopped Rico Ramos in the sixth round Friday to claim the American’s World Boxing Association super bantamweight title.

Rigondeaux dominated throughout, starting with a knockdown after a punishing left to the head in the opening round of their scheduled 12-round fight in Las Vegas, Nevada.

His left to the body sent Ramos down for the count at 1:29 of the sixth.

Rigondeaux, who had an extensive amateur career in Cuba before defecting in 2009, improved to 9-0 with seven wins inside the

distance as he handed Ramos his first professional defeat.

“They have to respect a two-time gold medal winner,” Rigondeaux said.

“It’s the hardest thing to win.”

Ramos fell to 20-1 with 11 knockouts.

He was making his first defence of the title he took from Japan’s Akifumi Shimoda in July with a seventh-round knockout in Atlantic City.

“Rico Ramos is a very, very good fighter, but when I train nobody can beat me,” said the 31-year-old Cuban southpaw, whose camp wasted no time in calling out Nonito Donaire, the World Boxing Council bantamweight champ from the Philippines. ■ Agence

France-Presse – Los Angeles – January 20, 2012

OLYMPICS: Philippines set for one of tiniest Games teams

THE Philippines said Friday they would field one of their smallest Olympic delegations ever at the London Games with just five athletes set to represent the world’s 12th most populous nation.

Boxer Mark Anthony Barriga has qualified on merit, while each country must field a male and female competitor each to athletics and swimming regardless of performances, Philippine Olympic Committee spokesman Joey Romasanta told AFP. The Philippines have failed to qualify athletes in other Olympic sports they have previously had representation in, notably taekwondo, Romasanta said.

The Philippines will attempt to get more boxers in at the last Asian qualifying tournament in Kazakhstan in April, but Romasanta was not optimistic.

“It’s going to be very slim,” he said,

assessing the Filipino boxers’ chances there.

The country of 94 million people fielded 15 athletes in Beijing in 2008 and 14 in Athens four years earlier to try to break their Olympic gold medal duck.

However none of them made an impression.

After making their Olympic debut in Paris in 1924, the Philippines have won just two silver medals, both in boxing, and seven bronze. The last Filipino Olympic medallist was Mansueto Velasco, the losing finalist in men’s light-flyweight boxing at the Atlanta Games in 1996.

Romasanta said he did not have the figures for the sizes of Filipino delegations to earlier Games.

But press reports said the smallest Philippine Olympic team ever comprised four athletes who went to the 1928 Amsterdam Games. ■

Agence France-Presse – Manila – January 13, 2012

“The fight is not going to happen,” he told Sports Illustrated. “We will do the fight in November. There is no real magic in doing it in May.” Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach told Agence France-Presse last week that that a later date in Dallas, Texas or Dubai would be a better option for the mega showdown.

“Dallas would be the best place to

put on that fight in the US because you could get 100,000 people in Cowboys Stadium but Dubai is the best moneywise,” Roach said.

Arum didn’t say when he would name Pacquiao’s next opponent but Timothy Bradley, Miguel Cotto, Juan Manuel Marquez and Lamont Peterson have all been mentioned as possibilities.

Mayweather and Pacquiao

previously saw a fight derailed by the US fighter’s demands about blood testing, with both boxers accusing the other of running scared.

The problem for Mayweather in fighting after May is that he is supposed to report to jail on June 1 to serve a 90-day sentence for a domestic violence conviction. ■ Agence France-Presse – Los Angeles, California – January 19, 2012

Philippine-born NFL star to set up hospital

TIM Tebow, one of America’s hottest new sports heroes, will help pay for a children’s hospital in the povertystricken Philippines where he was born, his charity partners said Friday.

The $3 million, 30-bed facility will open in the southern city of Davao in mid-2013, the US-based charity CURE said in a statement on its website where a video message from the Denver Broncos quarterback was also posted.

“I’ve always had a special place in my heart for the country in which I was born and I’m very excited about this project”, Tebow said in the message as he appealed for the public to join him in donating to the hospital’s fund.

“This hospital will change the lives of thousands of children in the Philippines.”

The Tebow CURE Hospital will specialise in bone disease and injuries for children, with about of a third of the

young patients expected to be charity cases.

The hospital will house a “Timmys Playroom” to be used by children who undergo surgery.

The Tim Tebow Foundation, established in 2010, plans to build playrooms in children’s hospitals around the world, and the Davao one will be the first.

CURE spokesman Matt Shandera

©AFP File

Tim Tebow

told AFP on Friday that preparatory work was under way to build the hospital this year.

“We have people working on this project there,” he said in a telephone interview from the United States.

Tebow, a devout Christian dubbed by some in the press as “God’s quarterback”, is known for lategame heroics leading to seemingly miraculous, come-from-behind victories for the Broncos in the National Football League.

Tebow was born in 1987 in Manila, the Philippine capital, where his Baptist parents were then serving as missionaries.

CURE, based in Philadelphia, is a faith-based charity that runs hospitals in health programmes in 20 countries for patients who are unable to afford medical care. ■ Agence France-Presse –

Manila – January 13, 2012

MARTIAL ARTS: New martial arts: Capoeiras attracts Pinoys Vittorio Hernandez MARTIAL arts have been know more as tools for self-defense or protection, more than to help keep people fit. This aspect of martial arts was highlighted with the heightened popularity of Kung Fu, Karate and Taekwondo through action movies made by Asian action stars Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li and even American actors David Carradine, Ralph Macchio, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Chuck Norris.

Although these forms of martial arts are more identified with Asian cultures such as Chinese, Japanese and Korean, new forms of martial arts identified more with fitness than self-defense, are now gaining wider acceptance in different parts of the world.

Among the many new forms of martial arts, one from Brazil has caught the attention of many Filipinos – the Capoeira.

The growing acceptance of

Capoeira among Pinoys is probably because it combines elements of dance and music with fitness. Since many Filipinos are musically inclined, it is not surprising that Capoeira would fit into the growing market for fitness combined with dance and music.

Capoeira was developed in Brazil among African slaves who were mostly sugar cane workers as a fighting style.

It was a tool for survival of an escaped slave against government-armed police forces who were in search of escapees.

The element of dance could be seen in the ginga, a basic movement of Capoeira that involves rocking back and forth in a swinging motion to keep the person in a state of constant motion. In this way, the person avoids being a still and easy target for opponents.

On the aggressive side, Capoeira practitioners would only attack when there is an opportunity. That attack, such as a kick in the face or important

Capoeira, founded in Brazil, is growing in popularity in the Philippines with at least two Capoeira schools running classes and workshops on the popular form of martial arts.

body part, must be decisive. Most of Capoeira attacks are done using the leg such as direct or swirling kicks, leg sweeps and knee strikes.

However, Capoeira is mainly meant for defense based on the principle of non-resistance. Attacks are avoided by using evasive move, hence the swinging movements, to avoid an attack instead of blocking it.

In the Philippines, there are two institutions that teach this form of martial arts. One of the schools is the Escola Brasileira Capoeira, which has six schools in Brazilian cities, two in Portugal and two in the Philippines.

The ones in the Philippines are in Manila and Bacolod.

For February, the school has scheduled Samba and Afro-Dance classes, a workshop, Basilupinas Party and Batizado and Troca de Corda classes at Rockwell Tent at the Power Plant Mall in Makati and Capoeira, surfing and beach soccer at Club Manila East.

The other one is the Sinha Bahia de Capoeira Manila, which used to be called Grupo de Action Capoeira. The group presented acrobatics, music, martial art, rhythm and Brazilian culture in November 2011 at the Ayala Centre in Cebu City.

It also opened in June 2010 a chapter at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

An indicator of the growing popularity of Capoeira in the country was that a 2005 advertisement for a popular sanitary napkin brand featured the sport. ■

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