June 2014 A issue

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Connecting Global News & Views For The Community

HELLO PHILIPPINES UK & Europe Edition

NEWSPAPER MORE SURPRISES TO COME!

June 2014

Volume 5 - Number 11

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Get ready for a weekend to remember!

Why a £2.00 Admission?

•One of the requirements set by London Borough of Hounslow Council is that – as Organisers of Hounslow Summer Festival we have to comply with higher standards of crowd control and Health and Safety. To accomplish this, we will have the entire event gated and fenced in with one entrance and one exit (entrance and exit have a crowd control mechanism). The admission of £2.00 will cover all the additional costs of the fencing and crowd control access as well as improved Health and Safety. We would like to reiterate that the admission is in conformity with the Hounslow Council’s Health and Safety requirements.

Also, •The cost of hiring stalls has also been significantly reduced which will result in affordable food and drink being sold at the event.

•Dedicated Kidz Zone for children up to 12 years old. Kidz Zone includes FREE bouncy slides, carousel, face painting, crafts, games, kids only toilets and more……..

•And more …….. FREE Goody Bag, Two Stages, On-Site enclosed Cinema, ……….

Can I still buy ticket at the gate?

We strongly advise and highly recommended and advisable that you purchase a ticket in advance for the Hounslow Summer Festival so that your entry is guaranteed. Coming to the event without a ticket could either cause delay in entering the venue or even be refused entry. NO TICKET NO ENTRY. Our sole objective is to provide the community with a well organised and entertaining event. Please come with an open mind, in a festive mood to enjoy a truly exciting weekend of summer celebration. You asked for it – LAMPTON PARK, HOUNSLOW “IS BACK”!

See you all there…….. MABUHAY and GOD BLESS KABAYAN!

DO

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE (NO TICKET NO ENTRY) – It is highly recommended that everyone buys their tickets in advance. To guarantee entry buy your tickets online at WWW.HOUNSLOWSUMMERFESTIVAL.COM or at our Ticket Agent Partners. £2.00 admission per person / per day (Children up to 12 years old FREE, however, they would still need a ticket). Tickets will not be sold on site on the days of the event.

TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORT – plan your journey early by visiting www.tfl.gov.uk or call 020 7222 1234. Make your journey easy and give yourself, family and friends enough time to get to the event. The nearest Tube Underground Stations (Piccadilly Line – Zone 4) are Hounslow Central (5 minutes walk), Hounslow East (10 minutes walk), Hounslow West (15 minutes walk or 5 minutes by bus) or by Train Hounslow Rail Station (15 minutes walk) or by Bus are 120 and H20. THERE ARE VERY GOOD PUBLIC TRANSPORT LINKS TO THE “HOUNSLOW SUMMER FESTIVAL 2014” BEING HELD IN LAMPTON PARK, HOUNSLOW TW3 4DN. IT IS THE MOST POPULAR LOCATION IN LONDON WITH VERY EASY AND CONVENIENT TRAVEL AND ACCESS. PLEASE COME WITH AN OPEN MIND, IN THE FESTIVE MOOD AND ENJOY A WEEKEND OF SUMMER CELEBRATION– Hounslow Summer Festival 2014 promises to offer a variety fun filled and exciting two (2) days multi-cultural festival. You can enjoy AND CELEBRATE a rich mixture of artists (local, national and international performances), listen and dance along to live entertainment, taste delicious foods from around the world, and get involved in many arts and crafts, games, activities, workshops and demonstrations on offer. THERE ARE 2 PERFORMING STAGES, KIDZ ZONE, SPORTS ZONE, OUTDOOR CINEMA, FUNFAIR, FENCED AND GATED EVENT, TOILETS (SEPARATE MEN / WOMEN / CHILDREN (BABY CHANGING FACILITY) / DISABLED) AND WITH EASY AND CONVENIENT TRAVEL AND ACCESS. COMING BY COACH - Please email events@hello-philippines.com or call 020 3004 9268 or text 07577 813 104 informing us of your arrival so we can provide you the necessary information ie. drop off point, pick up point, where you can park and any other relevant and important information that will help your trip to the event easy and convenient.

BRING – Sun cream if it’s a hot day and sufficient supplies of medication, inhalers, etc.

KEEP THE EVENT GREEN AND TIDY! – Put litter in the recycling bins provided.

VOLUNTEER AT THE EVENT – Please email events@hello-philippines.com or call 020 3004 9268 or text 07577 813 104 to find out current volunteer opportunities.

PERFORMERS AT THE EVENT (CULTURAL DANCERS / SINGERS / DANCERS / BANDS / ETC) – Please email events@ hello-philippines.com or call 020 3004 9268 or text 07577 813 104.

DISABLED PARKING – If you have any accessible needs or need to arrange a vehicle parking space please email events@hello-philippines.com. Disabled parking is available for blue badge holders only.

UPDATES / GENERAL ENQUIRIES / CLARIFICATIONS / QUESTIONS / INFORMATION – Please email events@hello-philippines.com or call 020 3004 9268 or text 075 77 813 104 or visit our website WWW.HOUNSLOWSUMMERFESTIVAL.COM for updates leading up to the event days.

DON’T DON’T COME WITHOUT A TICKET (NO TICKET NO ENTRY) – Purchase your tickets in advance to guarantee entry at WWW.HOUNSLOWSUMMERFESTIVAL.COM. Tickets will not be sold on site on the days of the event.

NO PUBLIC PARKING – Please do not attempt to drive to the event as there is NO PUBLIC PARKING. TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORT as per above.

NO PERSONAL TENTS / GAZEBOS / MARQUEES / STRUCTURE / SHELTERS – Do not attempt to bring any kind of personal structure as specified as they are not allowed on site over the two (2) days. This is in keeping with Hounslow Summer Festival 2014 event protocols, the regulations set out by Hounslow Council and the Bye-Laws and park hire agreement held with the Land Owners.

NO PERSONAL COOKING / FOODS / DRINKS – No personal cooking and personal barbeques allowed on site. In keeping with Hounslow Council’s regulations on Health and Safety, apart from that of confirmed foods and drinks traders / stallholders.

DO NOT LEAVE CHILDREN – Please do not leave children unattended at all times and at any point.

NO UNAUTHORISED DISTRIBUTION OF LEAFLETS – Distribution of leaflets is strictly prohibited, only confirmed companies are allowed to distribute leaflets / flyers.

NO UNAUTHORISED TRADING (FOOD OR NON-FOOD) – Trading is strictly prohibited, only confirmed companies are allowed to trade.

PROHIBITED ITEMS – Please do not bring alcohol, alcoholic beverages, legal highs, glass containers / bottles and sharp objects as these will be confiscated.

GMA Network brings forth powerhouse ensemble with ANG DALAWANG MRS. REAL Story on page 28

Connecting Global News & Views For The Community

UK & Europe Edition

June 2014

Volume 5 - Number 11

Celeb Scoop

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8 WORKERS TRAPPED IN LOCKED ROOM DIE AS FIRE RAZES WAREHOUSE IN PASAY CITY

MANILA – Eight women workers died when they were trapped inside their room in an apparently illegal electronics warehouse razed by fire Friday morning in Pasay City.

Eight other workers, all also women, including a minor, survived the blaze that struck Asia Micro Tech, a multi-story house converted into a warehouse, on F. Samonte Street, Barangay 47, San Isidro owned by Juanito Go and Samson Co. All 16 workers came from the towns of Tanjay, Tayasan and Bindoy in Negros Oriental province.

Pasay fire marshal Chief Inspector Douglas Guiyab said the fatalities died of suffocation, unable to escape from rooms whose doors had been padlocked and windows grilled over.

They were identified as Heideliza Ib-Ib, 24, Lorena Ib-Ib, 21, Angeline Quillano, 21, Shelalyn Habagat, 19, Jelsa Saburiga, 19, Renelyn Debaguio, 21, Maricris Palmesa Calumba, 21, and Floralyn Balucos, 20.

Firefighters told media they found the bodies of the eight clinging to each other in the

second floor room they shared.

Minors. Three of the fatalities were apparently hired when they were still minors: Habagat had been working for three years, Saburiga, two years, and Balucos, three years.

The survivors were within the same age range except for the minor, a 16-year old who said she began working at Micro Tech when she was 14.

They said they were all hired by Go, who also comes from Tayasan.

Residents and officials the barangay said the blaze happened

in two stages, breaking out around midnight following what they said was a “huge explosion,” before it was brought under control by firefighters around 4 a.m.

However, soon after the firefighters left, the fire reignited.

It was already daylight when the blaze was finally put out.

Locked up. Barangay kagawad (councilman) Eddie Alas said they had received complaints from some of the workers that Go would not allow them outside the warehouse.

This was corroborated

by survivor Nikki Torres who confirmed that their rooms were padlocked.

She said the workers who died could have survived had they been able to jump out of their grilled windows.

Other works described Go, who apparently managed the warehouse, as strict. They said they were forbidden contact with people in the neighborhood and calling their relatives back home.

Those caught violating these orders were sent home, they added.

Journalists tried to get statements from Go and Co but were barred from entering the compound where the two were being questioned by police and arson investigators.

Unlicensed. However, the Bureau of Fire Protection initially said that the warehouse had been declared as “residential” even if it housed a facility where the workers said they reprogrammed the language of China-made DVD players and “Samsung” tablets to English.

Continue to page 4

The Making of the Philippine Flag

by Marcela Marino de Agoncillo and company’s manual sewing.

President Emilio Aguinaldo, 1st President of the Philippines and he conceptualized the Philippine Flag while on exile.

The Philippine Declaration of Independence was proclaimed on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite, Philippines.

ORIGINAL CREATION & COPYRIGHT RESERVED BY © HELLO PHILIPPINES 2014

1898 - 2014

Aguinaldo Shrine where Emilio Aguinaldo declared the country’s Independence from Spain.

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www.hello-philippines.com

June 2014 – No. 11 • UK & Europe Edition

8 workers trapped in locked room die as fire razes warehouse...

The gutter interior of Asia Micro Tech in Pasay City, where eight workers died after they were trapped in their room after a fire broke out.

Photo by Bernard Testa, ©InterAksyon.com.

Alas’ wife, Emma, who was among the first to respond to the fire and helped bring the survivors to safety, confirmed that Asia Micro Tech was not registered with the barangay. Neither had the owners declared that the house was being operated as a warehouse.

The area is a residential zone.

Emma also escorted the survivors to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to give their statements.

Harrowing escape. Survivor Irene Acuna said the fire spread quickly after it started, enveloping the interior of the warehouse in thick smoke.

Continuation from page 1 She said she and her co-workers managed to climb up a set of grills to the roof, although Cheriline Calum said some of them kept falling, losing their grip as the hot metal seared their fingers.

From the roof, most of them jumped to the wall of an adjacent house where responding neighbors helped them to safety.

Calum saved herself by heeding the advise of firefighters to make the long leap across the driveway, from the roof of the warehouse to the roof of the garage. ■ Jaime Sinapit and Bernard Testa / InterAksyon.com / May 30, 2014 / 9:55 AM

Baby falls to floor as untended mom gives birth; Lumad family blames state hospital MANILA – A lumad family in Upi, Maguindanao is in grief over the untimely death of the latest member – an infant who fell to the floor of the hospital after nurses allegedly failed to assist a 27-year-old Teduray woman as she delivered.

Marnilyn Galapin is pinning the blame on nurses at the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center whom she repeatedly sought help from as she went into labor early morning of May 21.

Marnilyn said she was having a difficult labor, and asked the nurses for help but was ignored, with one nurse even allegedly cursing her.

“Tumawag po ako ulit, ‘Mam nahulog na po ung baby,’ saka na sila lumapit saka kinuha yung baby sa sahig [It was only when I said, ‘Mam, the baby has fallen to the floor’ that they approached and lifted the baby].”

Her husband Edwin, mourning the death of a second child who was to have been named Edwin Jr., is seeking justice from the Department of Health and Commission on Human Rights.

A Teduray relative, Lotlot Jihare, decried the apparent discrimination suffered by lumad seeking treatment at the same hospital.

“Ang sabi nila, magkaso kami para magkapera. Kahit mahirap lamang kami, hindi kami magpapabayad; ang gusto lamang po namain lumabas ang katotohanan at hindi na po maulit sa iba ang ginawa nila. Tama na pong isang tao ang pinatay nila. [Some people advised us to sue to get money, but no matter how poor we are, we are not after being paid. We want only to surface the truth so that they won’t keep doing that. It’s enough that they killed one person],” said Jihare.

The Commission on Human Rights’ Mindanao office has sent a team to the family’s home and promised a full investigation and legal assistance.

Atty, Abdulanasse Badrudin, CHR Maguindanao director, said his office is just waiting for the go-ahead from the family on whether they will avail themselves of legal assistance.

CRMC management: baby premature, would have died. The CRMC hospital management, meanwhile, is refuting allegations of the Galapin family. CRMC Chief Dr. Helen Yambao said the baby, being premature, would not have survived.

The DOH Region 12 office formed an investigating panel to get to the bottom of the case. Anyone found liable should be sanctioned, said DOH 12 Director Teogenes Baluma. ■ Dennis Arcon / InterAksyon.com / May 31, 2014 / 9:40 AM

Edwin and Marnilyn Galapin are seen with their eldest child at home in Upi, Maguindanao.

The Teduray family is decrying alleged neglect by state hospital nurses for the death of her newborn son, who fell to the floor as she was in labor.

Close to 5,000 families in Tacloban hit by ‘Yolanda’ need decent shelters, says mayor

A teacher of the Calbayog City Pilot School is joined by her children on Friday as she paints her own classroom’s tables and chairs in preparation for the opening of classes in Calbayog City, Samar on June 2. Photo by Gerwin Babon, ©InterAksyon.com.

Calbayog ready for school opening CALBAYOG CITY, Samar – The Department of Education in this city said everything is set to welcome 47,000 public elementary and high school students when the new school year kicks off on June 2.

Raul Agban, assistant schools division superintendent, said they are “99 percent ready,” with information desks and hotlines in place.

Agban also said there are enough teachers to keep them on course to meet the 1:35 student-teacher ratio for the elementary grades and 1:45 for high school even if the DepEd has stopped hiring tutors recommended by the Local School Board on orders of the agency’s central office.

He advised LSB teachers to apply with the DepEd national office.

The city schools division recently hired 104 new teachers—16 for kindergarten, 30 for elementary, and 58 for high school.

Agban added that all teachers, from kindergarten to grades 9, have been trained to implement the K to 12 program this school year.

Aside from this, 38 elementary and 22 high school classrooms have been constructed in the city through the Basic Education Facility Fund 2014.

However, Agban said should there be a shortage of classrooms after the school opening, barangay officials are willing to help out with improvised classrooms and chairs.

Security arrangements have also been coordinated with the local police. ■ Gerwin Babon / InterAksyon.com / May 31, 2014 / 4:32 PM

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte – Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez on Saturday disclosed that close to 5,000 families still need decent shelters six months after super typhoon Yolanda devastated the city.

Talking to Manila-based reporters who were here assessing what is Tacloban now after almost seven months when it was devastated by powerful typhoon Yolanda, Romualdez said some 400 to 500 families are still living in evacuation centers while another 700 families are currently staying in the so-called “Tent City”.

The Mayor who was himself among the victims said that nearly 4,000 families living near the danger zone along the city’s coastline need to be relocated.

Romualdez explained that if the government just downloaded the money directly to the local government, they could have already started to build the much needed shelters for the survivors of the super typhoon last November.

“If they downloaded money, tapos na ‘tong problema matagal na eh. Matagal na namin dapat nabili yung mga lupa na dapat ayusin, kami na nag develop, kami na mismo kakausap sa mga tao at ililipat namin. Doon kami nagtataka, bakit hindi yan nagawa ng maaga pa?” Romualdez stressed.

The mayor also said that he is quite confused why the Department of Social Welfare and Development is the agency mandated to provide shelters, when it should be the function supposedly of Rehabilitation Czar Panfilo Lacson.

“You don’t need a rocket scientist to figure that out, you just see our people need the help, our people need the shelter, the people needs the safety that’s why you move them out of there in order to put them in arms and safety,” Romualdez pointed out.

He noted that the city still needs around 2,000 bunkhouses but added that the government should come up with their definition of a temporary shelter since those

Mayor Alfred Romualdez (right) Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez (middle) and Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos (left) during press briefing in Tacloban, May 24, 2014.

Photo by Bernard Testa, ©InterAksyon.com.

that were already built aren’t given electrical permits by the Bureau of Fire Protection since they classified these structures as substandard.

“There is no definite definition of a temporary shelter. When you put up a temporary shelter, actually nag uumpisa yan bunkhouse. Noong hindi pumasa ang standard ng bunkhouse, ang sabi nila hindi kami sumusunod sa international standard, susunod kami sa local standard. Apparently kahit sa local standard hindi pumasa kaya ine-exempt nila sa lahat ng standard dahil temporary naman ito. The problem with that is walang kuryente dahil hindi pumapasa sa Bureau of Fire Protection dahil substandard nga,” the mayor stressed.

He also added that those temporary shelters should also be near to the permanent houses so that the survivors can easily adjust and adapt with the location.

Romualdez noted that at present, around 80 to 85-percent of electricity has already been restored in Tacloban but only less than 10-percent of the houses were repaired.

The mayor also urged the Aquino Administration to fast track the release of funds and give it directly to the affected LGUs rather than channeling through the agencies under him.

“Sila nga pinagkatiwalaan, eh kami [LGU] nga may mandate sa konstitusyon pa eh, na kung i-download na yung pera sa amin at kami na mag-aayos nito, puwede naman naming gawin, nandyan naman ang CoA,” Romualdez said. ■ Sammy F. Martin / Philippine News Agency / May 24, 2014 / 5:14 PM

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

June 2014 – No. 11 • UK & Europe Edition

‘No show’ bidders question financial viability of LRT1 Cavite Extension Project

relocation of 2,000 plus informal settlers.

Most of our concerns were addressed by the LRTA though,” David said, referring to the Light Rail Transit Authority, which operates the LRT1.

Megawide Construction, Ecorail Transport Services Inc and Globalvia Inversiones S.A.U. did not show up during the auction.

DOTC spokesperson Michael Arthur Sagcal however insists that the project is commercially viable, citing the P5-billion subsidy, as well as the inclusion of the right to design the P1.4-billion LRT North Extension Project. These enhancements to the project terms led to the DOTC extending the deadline for bids from the earlier schedule of April 28.

Optimistic despite some risks. Jose Ma. K. Lim, president of Metro Pacific Investments Corp (MPIC), also expressed optimism about the project despite some risks.

The Light Rail Manila Consortium, a group led by MPIC and Ayala Corp, was the lone bidder during Wednesday’s auction for the LRT1 Cavite Extension Project.

“We have reputable partners. We have in fact brought in additional operators, Hong Kong MTR. We are even more comfortable

with our assumptions that we made in the construction and O&M components of the bids,” Lim said, referring to the operations and maintenance aspect of the project.

“In terms of risks, we have a good understanding of the risks mainly in the tariff and politics of it. But in technical risks, in terms of operation and management, we’re very comfortable with the bid that we submitted,” he said, adding that the subsidy would “compensate for any low tariff.”

“More importantly, they allowed a concession fee structure to be payable over the life of the concession period. These are the major changes in the commercial terms which makes [the project] feasible for us,” he added.

Barring any problem, the BAC is expected to award the project to the lone bidder by next month, Lotilla said, adding that the technical evaluation will take 10 to 15 days and the financial evaluation another 15 days.

DOTC earlier announced that it would pursue a single-stage bidding, which means interested groups will submit their qualification documents simultaneously with their technical and financial proposals, thus doing away with a separate prequalification phase. This will cut the bidding process by around two months.

This is the second time the government will auction off the project, one of the Aquino administration’s public-private

partnership (PPP) ventures. An auction in August last year failed after only one bidder, the Light Rail Manila, submitted an offer. The BAC however turned down the lone bidder’s offer after it contained conditions that the government deemed unacceptable.

The DOTC said more than 500,000 commuters everyday use LRT1, which runs from Baclaran in Pasay City to Roosevelt in Quezon City. The southern part of Metro Manila and neighboring Cavite province is home to nearly four million people.

InterAksyon.com is the online news portal of TV5, which like MPIC is chaired by Manuel V. Pangilinan. ■ Darwin G. Amojelar /

InterAksyon.com / May 29, 2014 / 11:57 PM

GUESS: Which 4 areas could the PH improve on to join the top 30 business-friendly destinations?

MANILA - The National Competitiveness Council (NCC) today said the Philippines could join the top 30 business-friendly locations in this year’s edition of the World Bank’s annual Ease of Doing Business survey should the country implement reforms in four key areas.

“The competition never sleeps. Speed to reform should be our mantra. We can’t say we are in progress. Government should understand that markets look for speed to

NCC co-chair Bill Luz

reform,” NCC co-chair Guillermo Luz said during the Ease of Doing Business Summit.

In last year’s survey, the Philippines climbed to 108th spot from the previous year’s 138th, and was one of 10 markets that registered the biggest improvement.

Luz said the Philippines could catapult to the 29th place this year should reforms be completed in the following areas: Starting a business • Reduce number of days and steps to securing permits from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), local government units (LGUs), Philippine HEalth Insurance Corp (PhilHealth), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Social Security System (SSS).

• Establish online business registration Registering property

• Reduce number of days and steps in registering property • Cut cost of requirements Getting credit • Greater transparency in credit data • Review collateral and bankruptcy laws Protecting investors • Review of Corporation Code of the Philippines.

International Finance Corp (IFC) Philippine representative Jesse Ang said the country should work on attracting more investments to create more jobs. IFC is the private-sector lending arm of the World Bank.

“We want more people to have jobs.

One of our biggest challenges is creation of jobs,” he said. ■ Chelsea Cruz / InterAksyon.com /

May 28, 2014 / 6:19 PM

ORIGINAL CREATION & COPYRIGHT RESERVED BY © HELLO PHILIPPINES 2014

MANILA - Companies that at the last minute opted out of the bidding for the P64.9-billion Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT1) Cavite Extension Project have questioned the financial viability of the project.

Ramon S. Ang, president of San Miguel Corp (SMC), today told reporters that SMC Infra Resources Inc was “all set” to submit its proposal, but decided to pull out because “walang makitang upside.”

“Lahat ng klaseng paraan ginawa pero hindi viable,” Ang said.

During last Wednesday’s auction, SMC Infra brought five boxes of bid documents but didn’t submit them to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Bids and Awards Committee.

“We are serious to join, until the last minute hindi nakapasa sa hurdle rate natin,” Ang said, referring to the company’s required return on investment.

He said the company estimated a payback of 20 years even with financial support from the government.

DMCI Holdings Inc chief financial officer Herbert Consunji separately said the project is not viable and “it does not meet our desired returns.”

“It has a very long payback period,” he said, adding that, “There has to be collateral businesses to augment returns.”

Alloy MTD Philippines president Isaac David earlier told InterAksyon.com that the project is feasible but has some risks to address.

“We are also concerned about the delivery of the right of way that involves

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

June 2014 – No. 11 • UK & Europe Edition

Worst places to work around the world? Yes, Philippines is among them MANILA - You think you had it bad, think again. Yes, the Philippines is among the worst places to work in the world but there are far worse places to be in right now, according to the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).

In the ITUC Global Rights Index, the countries that garnered a rating of 5+ are: Central African Republic, Libya, Palestine, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Ukraine.

The rating of 5+ meant that there is no guarantee of rights due to the breakdown of the rule of law. Workers in these countries equally have limited rights as workers in countries with rating of 5. Countries with 5+ ratings, have dysfunctional institutions as

a result of internal conflict and/or military occuptation.

But then, small comfort since the Philippines is not considered, so far, a country suffering from a complete breakdown of rule of law.

Aside from the Philippines, the countries that had a rating of 5, or the worst places to work in, are: • Algeria • Bangladesh • Belarus • Cambodia • China • Columbia • Cote d’ivoire • Egypt

Coca-cola workers protest. Photo by Mike Gubat, ©InterAksyon.com.

• Fiji • Greece • Guatemala • India • Laos • Malaysia • Nigeria • Philippines • Qatar • Republic of Korea • Saudia Arabia • Swazilanda • Turkey • United Arab Emirates • Zambia • Zimbabwe These countries, the ITUC said, are the worst places for workers. Why? “While the legislation may spell out certain rights, workers have effectively no access to these rights and are thefore exposed to autocratic regimes and unfair labor practices.”

On the other side of the spectrum are the countries that have garnered a rating of 1, where there is irregular violation of rights.

The collective labor rights are generally guaranteed. Workers can freely associate and defend their rights collectively with the government and/or companies and can improve their working conditions through collective bargaining. Violations against workers are not absent but do not occur on a regular basis.

What are these countries?

• Barbados • Belgium • Denmark • Estonioa • Finland • France • Germany • Iceland • Italy • Lithuania • Montenegro • Netherlands • Norway • Slovakia • South Africa • Sweden • Togo • Uruguay “Countries such as Denmark and Uruguay led the war through their strong labor laws, but perhaps surprisingly, the likes of Greece, the United States, and Hong Kong lagged behind,” said ITUC general secretary Sharan Burrow.

“A country’s level of development proved to be a poor indicator of whether it respected basic rights to bargain collectively, strike for decent conditions, or simply join a union at all,” Burrow added.

ITUC has been collecting data on the abuse of trade union rights worldwide for the past 30 years. This is the first time the ITUC Global Rights Index presented a “carefully verified information” from the last 12 months in an easy-to-use format that government and

businesses can see how their laws and supply chains stack up.

Qualitative information was coded against 97 indicators which were derived from International Labor Organization (ILO) Conventions and jurisprudence and were grouped into five categories: fundamental civil liberties; the right to establish or join unions; trade union activities; the right to collective bargaining; and the right to strike.

ITUC found that in the past year, governments of at least 35 countries have arrested or imprisoned workers as a tactic to resist demands for democratic rights, decent wages, safer working conditions and secure jobs.

In at least 9 countries, murder and disappearance of workers were usually used to intimidate workers.

Workers in at least 53 countries have been dismissed or suspended for attempting to negotiate better working conditions.

Laws and practices in at least 87 countries exclude certain types of workers from the right to strike.

“The World Bank’s recent Doing Business report naively subscribed to the view that reducing labor standards is something governments should aspire to. This new Rights Index puts governments and employers on notice that unions around the world will stand together in solidarity to ensure basic rights at work,” Burrow said. ■ Likha Cuevas-Miel / InterAksyon.com / May 28, 2014 / 9:24 AM

Manila creates ‘express lane’ for trucks, but MMDA warns scheme could create chaos MANILA - The local government of Manila further relaxed a truck ban that has slowed the country’s trade, but the move has created a quandary for neighboring cities.

Manila City Mayor Joseph E. Estrada announced today the creation of an “Express Trade Lane” for truckers along Roxas Boulevard.

The scheme, which takes effect starting tomorrow and would be dedicated 24/7 to cargo trucks, would involve dedicating the innermost lane on both the north- and southbound routes of Roxas Boulevard.

The new set-up, according to Estrada, was agreed upon Friday morning, “after exhaustive study by the city council and mayor’s office.”

“We don’t want to restrict business,” the mayor, a former Philippine president, said, adding that the the scheme is meant “for all commerce.”

“This is a big help,” Teddy Gervacio, president of the Integrated North Harbor Association, said in an interview over radio station DZBB. Gervacio said his group had long argued that instead of a daytime truck ban, “we must be given a dedicated truck lane—no overtaking.”

The dedicated lane allows trucks to go straight to Road 10 and Navotas, allowing them to haul off goods from North Harbor.

Abraham Ribao of the Aduana Business Club welcomed Manila City Hall’s flexibility,

but raised an issue: “It’s a good move, we can move on 24/7. Our problem is the MMDA truck ban, because once we leave Manila, we will be caught in Pasay.”

Sought for comment, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino said the agency has yet to receive formal notice about Manila City’s move.

Tolentino also agreed that Manila City’s solution creates a problem for truckers, whose drivers face arrest upon exiting the northern and southern boundaries of the city.

“This weekend, however, there will be no problem because we don’t have a [metrowide] truck ban on weekends. But

on Monday, that could be a problem,” Tolentino told DZBB. “The Metro Mayors’ Council must meet on this. The mayors of Pasay and Parañaque must give their consent.

Northward, Navotas, Valenzuela, Caloocan mayors must also give consent,” Tolentino added.

Manila City’s express lane is the latest concession the local government has given truckers since it expanded a truck ban early this year. After raising a howl in the business community, Manila City Hall provided a window of a few hours wherein trucks could traverse the city’s roads during daytime. ■ InterAksyon.com / May 30,

2014 / 6:14 PM

The Express Trade Lane would take up the innermost lane on either north- and southbound routes of Roxas Boulevard.

Pepsi PH shareholders approve venture into food business MANILA – The exclusive bottler of PepsiCo International in the Philippines has firmed up plans to venture into the food business amid tight competition in the beverage industry.

Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc (PCPPI) shareholders on Friday ratified a recent board resolution amending the company’s primary purpose to manufacture and distribute food products and snacks.

On the sidelines of the company’s stockholders meeting today, PCPPI president Furqan Ahmed Syed declined to comment on the exact timeline for the firm’s foray into the food business, but noted that the resolution is “an expression of interest” and the company has “started working” on it.

“It has a lot of synergy and complementary to our beverage business.

We see that as a benefit moving forward versus an impediment to growth. That does

not take away that we will continue to invest and grow our beverage business on its own, leveraging on the synergy of the food business whenever applicable,” Syed said.

PCPPI’s two biggest shareholders – Pepsico and Lotte Chilsung Beverage Co – are engaged in the food business overseas.

The venture into the food and snacks business comes at a time when the beverage industry is experiencing modest growth and tight competition. Earnings of PCPPI fell by half to P136 million in the first quarter from P270 million a year ago on intense price competition, higher spending and the impact of the damage caused by Typhoon Yolanda.

“We remained encouraged by the growth prospects even if the industry itself has not grown significantly. In the past few years, we’ve outgrown the industry. The overall opportunity remains pretty big. The per capita consumption growth opportunity

is there. If you look at the Philippines, overall consumption is 200 servings per person per year. In the developed markets like the US, consumption is 1,000 servings per person per year,” Syed said.

PCPPI has been expanding its product offerings and investing heavily to strengthen its distribution footprint in the country to support growth. The company has budgeted $80-90 million in capital expenditures this year, said Imran Moid, the firm’s chief finance officer.

To meet the rising demand, the company will start running a new plant in Sto. Tomas, Batangas in the second half of the year. It will manufacture carbonated beverages, but it can produce other product lines in the future, Syed said.

PCPPI is part of the Beverage Industry Association of the Philippines, which is consolidating its position on a pending bill in Congress seeking to impose higher taxes

on carbonated drinks to curtail obesity and diabetes.

Jika Dalupan, PCPPI vice president for corporate affairs and communications, said the correlation of these diseases with soda consumption has yet to be established.

“When you talk about obesity and diabetes, there’s actually a host of other

sources, mainly sugar we get from rice consumption…The stand of the soda industry is we are not the culprits and there are other sources of sugar. We’ve put forward active healthy living to balance whatever sugar intake we have,” Dalupan said. ■ Krista Angela M. Montealegre / InterAksyon. com / May 30, 2014 / 5:23 PM

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25 more Pinoys repatriated from strife-torn Syria

TWENTY-FIVE Filipino workers will arrive from strife-torn Syria on Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as part of the government’s mandatory repatriation program.

The batch, which will arrive via Emirates Airlines EK 332 at 3:55 p.m., will bring the total number of repatriated Filipinos from Syria to 5,361. Of these, 2,332 crossed through Lebanon with the help of the Philippine Embassy in Beirut.

Airline fare by the repatriates were provided by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Damascus, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Refugees from Syria are pouring into neighboring countries as the conflict within the country intensifies. Some 3 million refugees have fled abroad while 6.5 million remain displaced within the country, half of whom have minimal access to essential services.

Within three years of Syria’s civil war, a total of 140,000 out of the country’s 23 million people have died.

Kin of Filipino migrants in Syria are asked to contact the Philippine Embassy in Beirut to provide information on their loved one’s whereabouts. They may be contacted through 00963-116132626, 00963-949155557 and 00963934957926. ■ Rie Takumi / KBK, GMA News /

in Libya to be calm and take extra precautionary measures for their welfare and safety.

Citing POEA deployment records, the DOLE said the deployment of new hires to Libya increased from 281 in 2012 to 4,093 in 2013.

It added Libya has an almost equal number of professional workers, technical

and related workers, production and transport equipment workers, and laborers.

“Total re-hires (balik-manggagawa) and new-hires in Libya as of end of 2013 is placed at 9,754, assuming that the rehires who entered in 2013 have still live contracts,” it said. ■ Joel Locsin / KBK, GMA

May 29, 2014 / 2:24 PM

POEA imposes total deployment ban on OFWs to Libya CITING the “worsening security situation” in Libya, Philippine labor officials on Friday announced a total ban on the deployment of overseas Filipino workers to the conflict-ridden African nation.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration’s Governing Board issued Resolution No. 8 imposing the ban, following the recommendation of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“We have received a communication from the DFA Secretary on the new crisis alert level in Libya. Thus, the Governing Board decided to impose a total deployment ban on the processing and deployment of all OFWs bound for that country,” said Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, who chairs the POEA Governing Board.

Signing the resolution were Baldoz, POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac, the board vice chairman, and governing board members Felix Oca, Estrelita Hizon,

Alexander Asuncion, and Milagros Isabel Cristobal.

Crisis alert level 3. The DFA on Thursday raised the crisis alert level status for Libya from Level 2 (Restriction Phase) to Level 3 (Voluntary Repatriation Phase).

Under Alert Level 3, Filipinos staying in a country are encouraged to leave voluntarily soonest, with the Philippine government shouldering the repatriation cost.

Libya has been plunged into turmoil since its 2011 uprising ended Muammar Gaddafi’s one-man rule.

Many Libyans have grown frustrated with the government and parliament’s failure to contain Islamist fighters and other militias who took part in rebellion and who have since openly defied the authorities to demand more oil wealth and power.

Earlier this week, heavy fighting involving anti-aircraft machine guns

mounted on trucks broke out near an army camp in Tajoura, an eastern suburb.

At least two people from Mali died in the fighting, according to a Reuters report.

Last May 23, the POEA Governing Board issued Resolution No. 7 imposing a processing and deployment ban for newly-hired workers for Libya. At the time, the DFA raised the security alert level in Libya from Alert Level 1 to Level 2.

No need for augmentation team for now. At least for now, Baldoz said there is no need to send a DOLE augmentation team to Libya, though she said her department is ready to send one if needed.

“Our OFWs in Libya are high-skilled and this affords them protection. Based on our experience, OFWs in Libya are highly aware of their situation and this makes it easier for the government to deal with security and protection issues concerning them,” she said.

On the other hand, she urged OFWs

News / May 30, 2014 / 3:25 PM

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June 2014 – No. 11 • UK & Europe Edition

Fil-Am teen 5th placer in prestigious US spelling bee A Filipino-American teenager in the United States made it to the top five of a famous spelling bee on Thursday (Friday in Manila), besting seven other competitors in the nationwide finals.

Alia Abiad, 14, from McClure Junior High School, Illinois, made it through six rounds of written tests and on-stage oral spelling in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the Chicago Tribune reported. She managed to spell “quebrada,””collyrium,” “buñuelo,” and “brindisi” before failing on the word “irbis.”

She improved her standing to fifth place from her previous attempt in 2013, when she only placed 19th.

Mary Horton, a Floridian, tied with her as they were eliminated in the 11th round.

Sriram Hathwar of New York and Ansun Sujoe of Texas also tied for the championships, which NBC Chicago reported as a first in the competition since 1962.

Lorraine Abiad, Alia’s mother, told Chicago Tribune that the win was unbelievable, while McClure principal Dan Chick said Alia was “kind, considerate,

respectful and humble as she is intelligent.”

According to her profile on the Scripps website, Abiad plays violin in the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra and enjoys educational podcasts and radio shows.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee is an annual competition sponsored by the E.W. Scripps Company, a US media conglomerate. Scripps took over sponsorship of the National Spelling Bee in 1941, 16 years after it was originally conceived. ■ Rie Takumi / KBK, GMA News / May 30, 2014 / 5:19 PM

Envoys urge Pinoys in US to report traffickers, exploiters CONSULAR officers of the United States Embassy in Manila are urging Filipino victims in the US to report human traffickers and labor exploiters to authorities.

During a workshop conducted by several consular officers on Nonimmigrant Worker Visas at the Hyatt Hotel Manila on Friday, an American consul officer said the primary number that Filipinos in the US should remember is 911.

Greg Cowan, officer of the Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Unit of the US Embassy, said human trafficking victims who are in immediate physical danger and need urgent help should call 911 for assistance.

911 is for emergency circumstances only. Prank and non-emergency calls to this number is considered a crime.

Citing information from the so-called “Wilberforce pamphlet,” Cowan said the other numbers to call are: • National Human Trafficking Resource Center (run by a non-government organization) 1-888-373-7888, and

• Trafficking in Persons and Worker Exploitation (run by the US Department of Justice) 1-888-428-7581 The pamphlet, named after William Wilberforce, an English politician who advocated for an end to slavery in the 1700s, is given to applicants for nonimmigrant visas such as: • A-3, G-5, and B-1 domestic employee visa • H-1 B and H-1 B1 visas for those in specialty occupations such as fashion modelling • H-2A temporary agricultural worker visa • H-2B temporary non-agricultural worker visa • J-1 exchange visitor visa Cowan said no matter what type of visa a foreigner has in the US, he has several rights that should not be violated such as: • right to be paid; • right not to be discriminated against; • right to work in a safe and healthy

environment; • right to form a union, and • right to leave abusive employers.

Human trafficking. The Wilberforce pamphlet said “human trafficking occurs whenever a person is recruited, transported, or kept against his or her will for purposes of exploitation.

Human traffickers are people who beat or physically or sexually abuse a worker.

Traffickers may also lock in a worker or threaten to harm his family.

These abusive employers may also deny workers adequate food, sleep, or medical care.

Victims of human trafficking in the US are eligible for benefits and immigration remedies, such as the granting of the special T visa for those proven to be trafficking victims.

Victims will also be entitled to housing, medical and dental care, employment assistance, legal help, and other services.

■ KBK, GMA News

OFW from Saudi accused of raping 2 daughters in Pangasinan

WHAT could have been a happy reunion with their OFW father turned out to be a nightmare for two sisters in Pangasinan.

An exclusive report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday said the 50-year-old OFW repeatedly raped his 12-year-old daughter for one month during his three-month vacation in the Philippines.

The report said medical findings showed that the victim’s five-year-old sister was also sexually abused.

The victims’ grandmother said she only learned about the incident when the elder sister told her about it after their father returned to Saudi Arabia.

She said she also learned that the incident was first reported to the sisters’

aunt, who reportedly told the elder sister not to tell anyone about what her father did to her.

“Anong sabi ng tiyahin mo? [Ang sabi raw], ‘Maski sino wag mo sabihan kasi tutal

aalis na si papa mo. Pagdating na lang ng mama mo, dun mo na sabihin’,” the grandmother said.

The victims’ mother was also an OFW who works in Lebanon, the report said.

The report said the matter has already been brought to the attention of the National Bureau of Investigation. Once a warrant of arrest is issued against the suspect, his passport will be canceled.

“Binaboy niya mga apo ko kaya gusto kong makauwi na siya para pagbayaran ang mga ginawa niya,” the victims’ grandmother said.

The report said the victims’ mother supports the filing of complaints against her husband. ■ KBK, GMA News / May 28, 2014 / 8:17 PM

Pinoy soldier among fallen peacekeepers honored by UN A Filipino soldier will be among the over 100 fallen peacekeepers who will be honored posthumously in New York on May 29 during the celebration of International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

Sgt. Benson Angot, who died of malaria in October last year while serving in Liberia, was one of the 106 peacekeepers who died while on duty in 2013.

“We grieve with their friends and families and we recommit ourselves to ensure that their contributions to the cause of peace will never be forgotten,” said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in a statement Wednesday.

A total number 3,200 personnel have been lost since the first UN peacekeeping mission, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), at Palestine in 1948.

Angot and other peacekeepers, composed of police, UN, and international volunteers, will be commemorated at the UN’s headquarters in New York, with Ban

himself presenting the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal.

The Dag Hammarskjöld Medal was established in 2000 as a standard award to personnel who lost their life during active service with the UN. “Our courageous peacekeepers who made this ultimate sacrifice did so so that others could have a better life,” Ban said.

“I express my deepest and most sincere condolences to the families and friends of those we honor today,” he added. “We honor their memory and pay tribute to their dedication.”

A total of 676 military and police personnel from the Philippines are deployed to peacekeeping missions in Cote d’Ivoire, Haiti, India-Pakistan, Liberia, and the Middle East.

Currently, there are 85,000 military personnel, 12,500 police officers, 17,000 international civilian and national staff serving in 16 UN outfits on four continents. ■

Rie Takumi / KBK, GMA News / May 28, 2014 / 4:02 PM

Pinoy couple in UAE seeks help for premature baby’s treatment DFA apologizes to Saudi embassy over arrest of diplomat’s wife A Filipino couple in the United Arab Emirates is seeking help for the treatment of their daughter, who was prematurely born last April, a UAE news site reported Thursday.

Nijel Dela Cruz, 29, and wife Josie, 32, said their combined monthly earnings of Dh8,000 (P95,971) cannot cover daughter Mikaela Luciana’s medical expenses, Gulf News reported.

“Our backs are against the wall. She is our little angel, our first born,” said Cruz, a worker at a fashion outlet in Dubai.

He added the hospital has asked them to deposit at least Dh20,000, as well as blank checks and original passports to continue treatment.

Mikaela Luciana, originally due in August, was born last April 16 at Belhoul

Hospital. She was considered “extreme preterm” and was rushed to Zulekha Hospital.

Weighing just 650 grams at birth, the infant suffered from respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal sepsis, apnea and anemia of prematurity.

She is now on a ventilator and is suffering from conditions including deranged renal function, anemia, jaundice and even a “grade I” hemorrhage of the germinal matrix.

For her part, Josie said they had approached several charities, “but [we] are yet to get any help.”

The new parents also noted an insurance company refused to pay for costs over and above Dh250,000, the amount specified in the infant’s policy. ■ Joel Locsin / KBK, GMA News

/ May 29, 2014 / 3:38 PM

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has apologized to the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over the arrest of the wife of one of its attachés for alleged illegal recruiting.

According to an exclusive report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday, the DFA issued the apology after the diplomat’s status was verified with the embassy.

“We issued a diplomatic note addressed to the Embassy expressing regret for the

incident,” said DFA spokesperson Charles Jose at a press briefing.

Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, diplomats and their families cannot be arrested in the country where they are assigned.

However, Jose noted that the diplomatic immunity clause in the convention was put to help diplomats carry out their official work and “cannot be used as a cover to do illegal activities.”

The diplomat and his wife have already been released, but the Saudi Arabia embassy still protested the arrest.

“The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia... hopes that within this action necessary legal procedures would be undertaken against the perpetrators of this

incident and to prevent its occurrence in the future,” it said in a statement.

Jose said it is up to the law enforcement agency — in this case the National Bureau of Investigation — to determine if it has a strong case against the suspect.

A source told GMA News that the NBI could bring the issue to the DFA it has sufficient evidence against the diplomat’s wife. The DFA then may file a complaint with the Saudi Arabia embassy and request that the immunity on the diplomat be removed.

According to the “24 Oras” report, among those seized from the couple’s home were passports and biodata of applicants who wished to go to the Middle East to work as domestic helpers. ■ Rie Takumi / KBK, GMA News /

May 28, 2014 / 9:20 PM

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PhiliPPines haiyan RecoveRy PRojects

June 2014 – No. 11 • UK & Europe Edition

All Hands Volunteers Commitment to Philippines’ Recovery

A huge Thank You to all Hello Philippines readers that have already signed up to monthly giving to support our Philippines projects! 100% of your donations are going to support our Philippines projects on the islands of Bohol and Leyte. We couldn’t do it without your help! Here is an update on our current projects. You have made a huge difference!

Leyte. All Hands has been on the ground responding to Super Typhoon Haiyan since a few short days after the storm, and we officially opened Project Leyte on December 2, 2013. During the initial phase, the majority of our efforts were focused on deconstruction – a vitally important step in the recovery process as rebuilding is impossible without first clearing damaged structures.

We started our work in the City of Ormoc, where we concentrated on Food Relief as part of the initial emergency response, and short- and longer-term Shelter Relief. We distributed food supplies to several barangays close to Ormoc City and deconstructed homes, schools and hospitals. In the month of January, we expanded our relief operations to the municipality of Kananga, where we deconstructed schools and the municipal hospital.

In late March, we expanded our efforts to western Leyte and the city of Tacloban - the site of most of the news coverage during and immediately following Haiyan. The majority of the damage caused by the typhoon was centered on Tacloban, resulting in the largest numbers of internally displaced families.

Our deconstruction efforts here are ongoing as many homes remain damaged and unsafe to occupy. Concurrently, we have partnered with Operation Blessing and are building 60 temporary shelters for the displaced families, with more likely to follow.

Bohol. In Bohol we recently wrapped up our work with the International Organization For Migration (IOM) where, over the course of two weeks, we distributed shelter repair kits to 257 families. (See below for a list of beneficiaries by barangay and purok).

In March we established the partnership with IOM to validate and distribute shelter repair kits to families in the barangays of Antequera and Maribojoc.

Shelter repair kits consist of various construction materials that the families use to repair homes that were damaged in the October earthquake, making their homes safe and fully liveable again.

Beneficiary families were selected through an IOM screening process and All Hands Volunteers conducted interviews and validations with the local community to assess each family’s need.

Distribution of shelter repair kits by Barangay and Purok Maribojoc – Jandig, Poblacion, Aliguay: 59 beneficiaries Antequera – Danao, Danicop: 63 beneficiaries Antequera – Villa Aurora, Viga: 53 beneficiaries Antequera – Celing, Sto. Rosario: 41 beneficiaries Maribojoc – 2nd batch Aliguay: 12 beneficiaries Maribojoc – 2nd batch Poblacion, Antequera – 2nd batch Danao, Danicop, Villa Aurora, Celing, Bungahan: 29 beneficiaries Total Beneficiaries in Maribojoc: 86 Total Beneficiaries in Antequera: 171 We want to help many more families but we can’t do it alone. We need your help. Please donate to our Philippines appeal https://www.justgiving.com/ allhandsvolunteerstrust/ All Hands Volunteers (UK) Trust is a UK Registered Charity 1139938 ■

Volunteers in Tacloban building 60 temporary shelters for the displaced families with Operation Blessing.

Our volunteers preparing food packages.

Building 60 temporary shelters with locals.

Locals helping our volunteers in Tacloban.

Unloading supplies for Shelter Repair Kits with IOM team.

Sinah ensuring paperwork is clear before distributing Shelter Repair kits.

IOM Shelter Repair Kits beneficiaries waiting for their materials.

Jesus, I Trust in You

Fr Fernando Suarez - UK 2014 The St John Paul II Community, Slough, Berkshire invites you, your family and your friends to the Healing Mass and Retreats conducted by

Fr Fernando Suarez

(Founder of Missionaries of Mary, Mother of the Poor, Philippines) Monday, 9 June 2014 at 7:30pm English Martyrs, Chalkhill Road, Wembley, Middlesex HA9 9EW Tuesday, 10 June 2014 at 2:00pm Mother of God Church, Windsor Road, Ealing Broadway, London W5 5PD Tuesday, 10 June 2014 at 8:00pm St Andrews Shared Church, Washington Drive, Cippenham, Slough, Berkshire SL1 5RE Wednesday, 11 June 2014 at 11:00am Our Lady of Compassion Roman Catholic Church, Green Street, Upton Park, London bE13 9AX Wednesday, 11 June 2014 at 7:30pm Sacred Heart Church, Flower Lane, Mill Hill, London NW7 2JB Devotional Program / Praise / Holy Mass and Healing Service Reception in Parish Hall All Welcome – Call 07957 594 646

Thousands rally for Libya ex-general in Tripoli, Benghazi

THOUSANDS rallied Friday in Libya’s two main cities to a rogue general who has been pressing an offensive against jihadist militias in the east of the country for two weeks.

The crowds chanted slogans criticising new Prime Minister Ahmed Miitig, whose cabinet is already mired in a political standoff with its predecessor.

Khalifa Haftar, head of the so-called National Army, launched his assault on Islamist militias in the eastern city of Benghazi on May 16, and has won the support of units from the regular army and air force, as well as some militias who fought to oust dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.

The retired general has said he aims to wipe out “terrorism” in the eastern city, which has been a hotbed of Islamist militancy since uprising, and last week he said the country had become a “terrorist hub.”

Authorities have accused Haftar of launching a coup, but he has said the people had given him a “mandate” for the operation.

In Benghazi, hundreds of people gathered outside the Tibesti Hotel, where they chanted slogans in support of Haftar’s offensive and against terrorism.

Since 2011, dozens of members of the security forces have been gunned down or killed in bomb blasts around Benghazi.

No group has claimed the attacks, but the violence has been blamed on radical Islamists who control swathes of the Mediterranean city.

And in Martyrs’ Square in the capital Tripoli, hundreds more rallied amid tight security to show their backing for Haftar and to voice their disapproval for Miitig’s government.

Demonstrators carried a mock coffin that bore the slogan “Miitig’s government,”

“the GNC” and “Ansar al-Sharia.”

The General National Congress is the Islamist-dominated interim parliament that elected Miitig amid claims of improprieties after Abdullah al-Thani resigned last month.

Ansar al-Sharia is a jihadist militia based in Benghazi classified by Washington as a terrorist organisation.

Others chanted “Free Libya, Miitig out,” “Libya is not Kandahar,” while other banners read “The people and the army, we are fighting terrorism,” or “yes to a civil state.”

Political standoff. Several hundred metres (yards) away in the capital’s Algeria Square, dozens of Islamists held a rival demonstration, denouncing what they called Haftar’s “coup d’etat” and stressing their “support for the democratic process.”

A city that was ultra-safe during Kadhafi’s rule has become a nightmare for residents, who are constantly on tenterhooks for fear new fighting will erupt between rival former

militias, many of which are from cities outside Tripoli.

“Not for one moment did we imagine that those who liberated the country would become our oppressors and deprive people of any security,” said Meftah, a 50-year-old teacher who declined to give his surname.

“People are frightened to go out after dark and our children live in terror of the nighttime bombings and shootings,” he said.

Many of the militias in the city back either premier Miitig’s new government or Thani’s outgoing government, which is refusing to hand over power.

Miitig was elected prime minister in a chaotic GNC session, but his critics have labelled that illegal.

He is theoretically due to lead the country until Libyans hold new parliamentary elections on June 25.

The GNC was elected in July 2012, in

Libyans rally in support of a rogue former general whose forces have launched a “dignity” campaign to crush jihadist militias on May 30, 2014 in Benghazi, eastern Libya

Libya’s first ever-free polls. But its legitimacy was challenged after it unilaterally prolonged its mandate, due to expire this February, until December.

Under the pressure of street protests, it announced new elections. ■ AFP / May 30, 2014

Romanian patients sue government for access to new drugs

Romanian medecine students wave flags during a protest asking for allocation of bigger funds from the government in Bucharest on November 2, 2013

AN organisation representing patients suffering from cancer and other chronic diseases is suing the Romanian government demanding access to newer and more efficient therapies, the NGO and a court told AFP on Friday.

“Six years have passed since the list of drugs reimbursed by social security was last updated”, Cezar Irimia, president of the Alliance for Chronically Ill Patients, told AFP, calling the government’s failure to renew the list a violation of a patient’s “right to live”.

Following repeated unfulfilled promises by several administrations to update the list, the Alliance launched legal proceedings

on Wednesday against the government, the health ministry and the department for social security asking for an “emergency” update, a spokeswoman for the Bucharest Appeal Court confirmed.

Irimia said the NGO had also lodged a complaint with the European Commission claiming that the delay in approving new drugs violates an EU directive stipulating that authorities must either reject or introduce a new medicine on the list of reimbursed drugs within a maximum of 180 days.

“There are so many young patients for whom there is no alternative, the new

generation of drugs alone can save their lives,” Irimia said.

“No one is held responsible in Romania for the deaths that could have been avoided if drugs were available.”

Some 1,000 patients are currently in need of new drugs therapies that are currently unavailable to them, he added.

Failing to update the catalogue of reimbursed drugs is just one of the problems affecting Romania’s health system, alongside insufficient funds, corruption, and the exodus of doctors and nurses in search of better paid jobs, experts say. ■ AFP / May 30, 2014

EVENTS DIARY UK & EUROPE

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DATE / TIME

EVENT

7 June 2014 Saturday 4:00pm

Philippine Embassy – 116th Independence Day Thanksgiving Mass

7 and 8 June 2014 Saturday and Sunday 14 June 2014 Saturday 6:00pm – 1:00am

Philippine Independence Day sa Morden FWA UK 26th Philippine National Day (PND) Dinner & Dance 2014

14 June 2014 Saturday 9:00am to 6:00pm

116th Independence Day Celebration sa Newcastle

14 June 2014 Saturday 7:00pm to 11:00pm 15 June 2014 Sunday 9:30am – 5:30pm 15 June 2014 Sunday 2:00pm – 11:00pm

Celebrating 2014 – 116th Philippine Independence Party Barrio Fiesta in Leeds

VENUE

Philippine Embassy, London, UK and Various Filipino Associations Bayanihan UK

Tess Juco 020 3417 5038 / 07956 593 236

Palace Suite, Royal Garden Hotel, 2-24 Kensington High Street, London W8 4PT

Filipino Women’s Association UK (FWA-UK)

Blaydon Rugby Club (Carboot Area), Hexham Road, Swalwell, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE16 3BN The Chartroom Restaurant / Bar, Inverkip PA16 0AS

Filipino Community of Newcastle Upon Tyne (FILCAN)

Clarita Richardson (Chairman) 020 8767 0180 / 07505 91 468 Jane Gibbs (PND Coordinator) 01483 714 383 Kerima Harris (Deputy PND)) 07795 903 419 Sally Sellars 07886 742 417 / Program: Eva Bartolome 07542 026 296 / Santacruzan: Haidee Atienza 07814 425 547

Selby Road Leeds LS15 0AD West Wing Arts Centre Art Centre Stoke Road Slough SL2 5AX Philippine Embassy 10 Suffolk Street London SW1Y 4HG

21 and 22 June 2014 Saturday and Sunday 10:00am to 5:00pm

Barrio Fiesta in Bristol 2014

Eastville Park, Muller Road, Eastville, Bristol BS5 6XA

28 June 2014 Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm

1st Southampton Barrio Fiesta

Hoglands Park, Southampton SO14 1NH

28 June 2014 Saturday 8:00am to 6:00pm

Barrio Fiesta Hertfordshire

29 June 2014 Sunday 9:00am to 6:00pm 29 June 2014 Sunday

Bradford Barrio Fiesta

Fairlands Valley Park, Showground Arena, Broadhall Way (opposite Stevenage FC Stadium), Stevenage SG2 8RH Lady Hill Park, Allerton, Bradford BD15 7AA

Barrio Fiesta Northern Ireland 2014

5 and 6 July 2014 Saturday and Sunday 10:00am to 6:00pm

HELLO PHILIPPINES proudly presents Hounslow Summer Festival 2014

12 and 13 July 2014 Saturday and Sunday

Birmingham Barrio Fiesta 2014

June 2014 – No. 11 • UK & Europe Edition

CONTACTS / REMARKS

Church of Our Lady of Victories, 235A Kensington High Street, Kensington, London W8 6SA Morden Park, Morden, Surrey SM4 5DX

116th Philippine Independence Day Celebration 2014 – Piyesta Ng Kalayaan London Biennale 2014: Token of a Times Gone

By Reanimating History as Art in the Work of Noel De Leon

18 June to 2 July 2014 10:00am – 5:00pm

ORGANISER

Hydebank Parks and Playing Fields, 19 Newtownbreda Road, Belfast BT8 6BQ Lampton Park, Lampton Road, Hounslow TW3 4DN

Woodgate Valley County Park, Clapgate Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham B32 3DS

Phil-Scot Trust

Nally Carroll 01294 461 709 Marilyn Kaarits 07805 562 450

Filipino Leeds Association (FLA-UK Limited)

Marjorie Horner: 07787 510 277

An art exhibition of multi-media installations, sculpture, paintings, founds objects by Mr Noel De Leon. It will be organized as part of the London Biennale 2014 and will be curated by Mr. David Medalla, founder and director of The London Biennale Filipino Community in Bristol

Noel De Leon: 020 8581 3623 / 07504 999 374 Deleon.noeled@yahoo.com Website: http://www.1fmediaproject.net/201 4/05/01/london-biennale-2014/

Southampton Barrio Fiesta

Wil Manuel 07900 485 194 Honeylyn 07783 343 848 Clarence 07500 896 239 Hilda 07909 724 653 Stalls, sponsorships and other enquiries: Paul Maspinas 07894 227 754 Jimmy Cabotaje 07878 852 153 Nora Zuniga 023 8023 4412 Joseph 07534 711 757 / Ivy 07428 184 063 / Michael 07447 588 971 / Myla 07533 764 965

Independent Team

Nelson 07823 338 947 / Nina 07780 076 256

Northern Ireland Filipino Community

Roy 07412 625 738 / Malou 07850 151 678

HELLO PHILIPPINES

Roselle Collado – 07577 813 104 Mike McCarthy – 07538 201 870 Email: events@hello-philippines.com Tickets & General Enquiries: 020 3004 9268 Rozen Malonzo 07985 159 203 / Marlo Quilang 07531 022 269 / Noel Azuro 07861 805 260

Filipino Association of Birmingham

FREE LISTING of your events on the HELLO PHILIPPINES newspaper and if you know of any Events please contact us and submit your event via email to the following at INFO@HELLO-PHILIPPINES.COM DISCLAIMER: The Events Diary Listing does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Hello Philippines newspaper. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Hello Philippines news paper. This is merely an Events Diary Listing of what is happening within the Filipino Communities in Europe. This is for general information only.

1st Saturday

5:00pm

1st Sunday

2:00pm

1st Sunday

5:00pm

2nd Saturday

4:00pm

2nd Sunday

2:00pm

2nd Sunday

2:00pm

2nd Sunday

4:00pm

3rd Sunday

3:00pm

3rd Sunday

3:00pm

Last Saturday

6:00pm

Last Sunday

12:00pm

Last Sunday

2:00pm

Every Sunday

5:00pm

First Wednesdays

6:30pm

MONTHLY FILIPINO COMMUNITY MASSES IN GREATER LONDON

Devotion in Honour of Our Lady of Fatima (Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament / Rosary / Benediction / Mass) St Pius X Catholic Church, 108 Orme Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 3SB – Oliver Abasolo – 07782 661 922 Five Precious Wounds Parish, Brentfield Road, Stonebridge Park, London NW10 8ER Mervic Monocillo – 07894 636 140 Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Friary Road, Peckham, London SE15 1RH Allen Abeleda – 07713 625 888 St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 103 Woolwich New Road, London SE18 6EF Moises Espanola – 07894 648 639 English Martyrs Church, Chalkhill Road, Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 9EW Becky Sarinas – 07949 857 699 / 07425 761 519 / Lina B – 07579 418 510 St Dominic Catholic Church, 243 Violet Lane, Waddon, Croydon CR0 4HN Merlie Mirto – 07722 216 462 St. Anselm and St. Cecilia, 70 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3JA Feliciano Ramirez – 07733 680 748 Sacred Heart of Jesus, New Priory, Quex Road, Kilburn, London NW6 4PS Sheidrick de Leon – 07738 210 202 Blessed Sacrament Parish, 157 Copenhagen Street, Islington N1 0SR Christy Sangalang – 07709 119 969 Our Lady of Dolours, Servite Parish Church, 264 Fulham Road, London SW10 4EL Fr Allan Satur – 020 7352 6965 / fulhamroad@rcdow.org g.uk / Roland Adap dap – r_adap adap@hotmail.com St Pius X Catholic Church, 108 Orme Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 3SB Oliver Abasolo – 07782 661 922 St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 218 Roehampton Lane, London SW15 4LE Rafael Santiago – 07795 254 451 Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 20 Brixton Road, Oval, London SW9 6BU Ben Ortiz – 07723 318 486 Filipino Mass and Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Farm Street Church of the Immaculate Conception (Jesuit House Chapel), access on 114 Mount Street, London W1K 3AY – Josie Ramos – 07723 024 591

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HEALTH and Lifestyle food

June 2014 – No. 11 • UK & Europe Edition

Are sweets ‘good for kids’?

“SWEETS are ‘good for children and may stop them getting fat in later life’,” reported the Daily Mail.

This news story is based on a US study that assessed the diet of more than 11,000 children and adolescents over 24 hours. Researchers looked at how their confectionery consumption was related to their total energy consumption, body fat and other measures of heart health, such as blood pressure and blood fats.

Those who ate sweets or chocolate were found to have higher total energy and added sugar intake, but were also less likely to be overweight or obese.

The study has numerous limitations which seriously limit the conclusions that can be drawn. In particular, the study took only a one-off measurement of the children’s sweet and chocolate eating habits at a single point in time, which means it cannot show how eating them affects weight or other factors over time.

Also, as it only looked at the children’s diet for 24 hours, it tells us little about their longer-term eating habits. The children’s activity levels were not clearly reported, and may have been higher in the confectionery eaters.

Most importantly, no assumptions should be made about longer-term heart health or body weight, and it should not be concluded that children and adolescents who eat sweets or chocolate will be at lower risk of getting fat in later life or at lower risk of heart disease. The numerous health benefits of a balanced diet and regular exercise are well established.

Where did the story come from?

The study was carried out by researchers from Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Nutrition Impact, and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, USA. Funding was provided by the USDA Agricultural Research Service, with partial support from the US Department of Agriculture, and the National Confectioners Association. The funders were reported to have no role in the study’s design or analysis, or in writing the paper. The study was published in the peer-reviewed journal Food & Nutrition Research.

The Daily Mail did not mention the main limitations of this study, which mean that few conclusions can be made from it. Most importantly, there is no evidence from this study to support the statement that “sweets may stop children from getting fat in later life”.

What kind of research was this?

This study aimed to determine the effect of eating confectionery on children’s health. The researchers looked at the relationship between chocolate or sweet consumption in children and adolescents and their dietary intake of calories, fat and added sugar, their overall dietary quality, their body weight and fat measures, and their risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

This was a cross-sectional study, in which a “snapshot” of data is taken at one point in time. The results, therefore, cannot show whether sweet or chocolate consumption affects weight or other factors over time. Current confectionery

intake at one point in time can also tell us nothing about longer-term confectioneryeating patterns. Most importantly, no assumptions can be made about future body weight or cardiovascular disease from the current study.

What did the research involve?

This study included 11,182 children and adolescents (aged 2-18 years old) who took part in the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). Automated interviews were used to assess dietary intake over the past 24 hours (parents recalled food intake for children aged five and under, children and parents recalled intake for children aged 6-11, and adolescents aged 12 and over contributed data themselves). The different food types were allocated codes from The Survey Nutrient Databases.

Consumers of sweets and chocolate were defined as those who consume any amounts of confectionery (except gum) and were placed in one of three categories: those eating any type of confectionery, those eating chocolate bars, and those eating sweets. The data were also used to assess the children’s total energy intake, total fat and saturated fatty acid intake. The Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI-2005) was used to determine overall quality of the diet.

The researchers also collected measures of waist circumference, weight, height, blood pressure, and blood fat levels from the participants.

The researchers then looked at body weight measures, dietary quality and cardiovascular risk factors for each confectionery intake group compared to children who did not eat confectionery.

The analyses took into account various factors that could affect results, including sex, age, ethnicity and energy intake.

Some analyses also took into account children’s reported physical activity.

What were the basic results?

The researchers assessed 7,049 children aged 2-13 years old and 4,132 adolescents aged 14-18. About a third of children and adolescents ate sweets and chocolate on the day that they filled out the questionnaire and consumption was more common among girls than boys.

In the 24 hours before they filled out the questionnaire, children aged 2-13 years old consumed an average of 11.4g of confectionery, of which 4.8g were chocolate and 6.6g were sweets. In the same period, adolescents aged 14-18 years old consumed an average of 13g confectionery overall, including 7g of chocolate bars and 5.9g of sweets. Those who ate confectionery had higher total energy intake (2,249kcal) than those who did not eat any confectionery (1,993kcal), and also had higher total added sugar intake (28g and 23g respectively).

The researchers found that the average HEI-2005 score of dietary quality was no different between those who ate confectionery and those who did not, or in those who ate sweets and those who did not. However, dietary quality was significantly lower in those who ate chocolate bars compared to those who did not.

Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were lower in those who ate confectionery (BMI 19.5) compared to those who didn’t (BMI 20.1). This result remained significant after the researchers took into account age, gender, ethnic group and overall energy intake. The researchers reported that if they took into account the children’s self-reported moderate or moderate-tovigorous activity levels, the results did not change, but the fully adjusted results were not provided in the research paper.

After the researchers took into account the same factors, the odds of being overweight or obese were lower among those who ate confectionery than among non-consumers. Compared to non-consumers, the odds of being overweight were 22% lower in consumers of confectionery (odds ratio [OR] 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68 to 0.90), and the odds of being obese were 26% lower in consumers (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.82). The effects on these results of taking into account a child’s physical activity were not reported in the research paper.

This was a cross-sectional study, in which a “snapshot” of data is taken at one point in time. The results, therefore, cannot show whether sweet or chocolate consumption affects weight or other factors over time.

The study did not assess sweet-eating habits over time

There was no difference in cardiovascular risk factors (such as blood pressure and blood fat levels) between confectionery consumers and non-consumers.

How did the researchers interpret the results? According to the researchers, their results suggest that eating sweets and chocolate does not adversely affect health-risk markers in children and adolescents.

Conclusion. This study assessed a large sample of 11,182 children and adolescents in the US. They were asked to recall their diet in the past 24 hours, which the researches then looked at in relation to factors such as body weight and measures of cardiovascular health, including blood pressure and blood fat levels. However, despite the study’s large size, only limited conclusions can be drawn from the results.

Overall, the researchers found that, as expected, children who ate confectionery in the previous 24 hours had higher total energy and higher added sugar intake compared to those who ate no confectionery. Unexpectedly, they found that overall dietary quality was no different between those who ate confectionery and those who did not.

Also, confectionery eaters were less likely to be overweight or obese. However, the reasons for these unexpected results, particularly why children who ate sweets and chocolate had lower weight, cannot be determined. It should not be assumed that children will be healthier or weigh less if they eat confectionery.

There are some important limitations to be considered: • This cross-sectional analysis used a one-off assessment of dietary intake in a single 24-hour period, then related this to current measures of body health.

Such an analysis cannot prove cause and effect, as it cannot show how sweet and chocolate consumption over time affects weight or cardiovascular risk in the future.

• Intake of confectionery in the past

24 hours may not reflect longer-term dietary patterns. For example, while the study found that children who reported eating confectionery were less likely to be overweight, it is not known whether a child who ate no confectionery in the past 24 hours normally doesn’t eat any, or whether they eat it regularly but didn’t on the previous day.

• A child or parent who knows the child is overweight may underestimate or deny the child’s confectionery consumption because they don’t want people to think that the child has unhealthy eating habits. Also, children who are overweight or obese may be on diets that restrict their sweet and chocolate consumption.

• Although the study assessed the children’s self-reported physical activity levels and took these into account in the analyses of BMI, it was not clear exactly how the researchers did this. The balance between total energy intake and physical activity is a key factor that can affect a person’s weight.

• Finally, the researchers took into account children’s total energy intake in their analyses of the relationship between overweight and obesity and confectionery intake. Making these sorts of adjustments usually helps remove the effects of other factors that may influence results. However, if eating sweets affects the risk of being overweight or obese by increasing children’s total calorie intake, removing the effect of total calorie intake in this way is likely to lead to an underestimation of the effect of eating confectionery on overweight and obesity.

Most importantly, no assumptions should be made about the longer-term cardiovascular health or body weight of children who eat confectionery. It should not be concluded that children and adolescents who eat sweets or chocolate will be at lower risk of getting fat in later life or at lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The numerous health benefits of a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise are well established. ■ NHS Choices

24

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HEALTH and Lifestyle

June 2014 – No. 11 • UK & Europe Edition

Lack of exercise ‘highest risk’ for women over 30 “HEART disease warning: Lack of exercise is worse risk for over-30s women than smoking or obesity,” The Independent reports. It is important to stress that this headline is based on a result that is applicable to a population, not to an individual.

The Australian study the headline is reporting on looked at population attributable risk, or PARs. PARs can be used to estimate the proportion of cases of a disease, such as heart disease, that would not occur in a population if the risk factor, such as inactivity, was eliminated.

The researchers wanted to determine the proportion of heart disease that was attributable to four specific risk factors: smoking, physical inactivity, high body mass index, and high blood pressure.

They looked at groups of women of different ages.

Two key findings of the study were that: • smoking had the greatest PAR in women under 30 – if women aged under 30 gave up smoking, approximately 5560% of cases of heart disease would be eliminated • physical activity had the greatest PAR in women aged 31 and older – if women aged 31 to 36 increased their physical activity, about 51% of cases of heart disease could be eliminated It pays to emphasise that factors could have the greatest PAR simply because they are the most common, rather than because they are associated with the greatest increase in risk for the individual.

In fact, smoking was associated with the greatest increase in risk of heart disease at all ages.

It would be unwise to think you could offset one risk against another. Just because you take regular exercise does not mean that it is safe for you to smoke.

Where did the story come from?

The study was carried out by researchers from the University of Sydney and the University of Queensland in Australia.

Some of the data came from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, funded by the Australian Department of Health. One of the researchers was supported by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

The study was published in the peer-reviewed British Journal of Sports Medicine.

The results of the study were reported well by BBC News and The Daily Telegraph. However, the Daily Mail has misinterpreted the meaning of the figures reported in the study – specifically, how the population attributable risk tool “works”.

It reports that individual women in their thirties who are inactive are almost 50% more likely to develop heart disease.

However, the study refers to outcomes at the population level.

The 50% figure actually refers to the proportion of heart disease cases that could be eliminated from the population as a whole if this inactivity was not present.

It could be the case that eliminating a risk factor reduces the number of cases

the most because it is the most common risk factor in a population, rather than because it is associated with the greatest increase in risk for the individual.

What kind of research was this?

This was an analysis of data from cohort studies. It aimed to determine the proportion of heart disease attributable to four specific risk factors in Australian women of different ages.

The figure the researchers were calculating is called population attributable risk, or PAR. It indicates the proportion of cases of a disease that would not occur in a population if a risk factor was eliminated. PAR depends on how common a risk factor is (its prevalence) and the strength of its association with the disease.

Researchers and policy makers can use these figures to help them decide which risk factors they should be targeting to get the greatest reduction in disease in the population as a whole.

What did the research involve?

The researchers calculated population attributable risk for heart disease that was attributable to four risk factors: • high body mass index (BMI) • smoking • high blood pressure • physical inactivity To do this, they used relative risks of heart disease associated with high BMI, smoking, high blood pressure and physical activity from the Global Burden of Disease reports.

The relative risks give a measure of the strength of the association between each risk factor and heart disease. The Global Burden of Disease reported relative risks based on pooling of results (meta-analyses) of epidemiological studies.

As the risk associated with risk factors varies by age and with sex, the researchers used relative risks specifically for women and the age groups they were looking at.

Relative risks in the Global Burden of Disease reports compared the risk of heart disease for: • high BMI (>23kg/m2) versus low BMI (23kg/m2) • current smokers versus non-smokers • high blood pressure (>115mmHg average) versus low blood pressure (<115mmHg average) • no, low and moderate physical activity versus high physical activity The latter was assessed using what is

known as MET (metabolic equivalents), a calculation of how much energy is burned off over a minute during certain activities. For example, for most people, running at 10 mph is equal to 16 METs. The researchers used estimates of how common each risk factor was (prevalence) in Australian women from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health between 1999 and 2012. This study surveyed women born from 1973-78 (the younger cohort), 1946-51 (the mid-aged cohort), and 1921-26 (the older cohort) every three years.

The risk factors were defined as: • high BMI (>23kg/m2) • current smoking • high blood pressure (defined as being diagnosed or treated for hypertension) • no or low physical activity (defined by the Global Burden of Disease study) – MET minutes per week were calculated from reported time spent walking briskly and in moderate and vigorous leisure time activities The researchers used the relative risks and prevalence estimates to calculate population attributable risks using standard methods.

What were the basic results? The risk of heart disease associated with each risk factor varied across age groups, as did the prevalence of each risk factor.

Smoking was associated with the greatest increase in risk of heart disease at all ages. Of the four factors assessed, smoking had the highest population attributable risk in women aged 22 to 27 (59%) and 25 to 30 (56.6%).

The population attributable risk associated with smoking was lower in women aged 47 to 64 and in the older cohort, and was 5% in women aged 73 to 78 (the oldest group of women with smoking data available).

In women aged 31 to 90, physical inactivity (no or low physical activity) had the highest population attributable risk of the four factors assessed. The population attributable risk of physical inactivity in women aged 31 to 36 was 50.9%.

On average, the population attributable risk was: • 48% in the younger cohort (aged 22 to 39) • 33% in the mid-aged cohort (aged 47 to 64) • 24% in the older cohort (aged 73 to 90)

It reports that individual women in their thirties who are inactive are almost 50% more likely to develop heartdisease.However,the study refers to outcomes at the population level.

Exercise is important for women of all ages.

Overall, the findings of this study do not change the message for individuals about the importance of reducing unhealthy behaviours such as smoking, and making sure we stay active.

How did the researchers interpret the results? The researchers concluded that, “From about age 30, the population risk of heart disease attributable to inactivity outweighs that for other risk factors, including high BMI. “Programmes for the promotion and maintenance of physical activity deserve to be a much higher public health priority for women than they are now, across the adult lifespan.”

Conclusion. This study has found that the proportion of heart disease attributable to four risk factors (smoking, high BMI, high blood pressure and physical inactivity) in Australian women changes with age.

The figures calculated in this study – called population attributable risk – indicate the proportion of cases that would not occur in a population if risk factors were eliminated. Population attributable risk depends on the increase in risk of heart disease associated with the factor, and the number of women with the risk factor.

A risk factor could have the highest population attributable risk if it is the most common risk factor in a population.

But this is not necessarily because it is associated with the greatest increase in risk for the individual.

This study has found that smoking had the highest population attributable risk in women under 30. If women in this age group gave up smoking, approximately 55-60% of cases of heart disease would be estimated to be eliminated.

In women aged 30 or over, physical inactivity (low or no physical activity) had

the highest population attributable risk of the four factors assessed. If inactive women aged 31 to 36 increased their physical activity, about 51% of cases of heart disease could be eliminated.

The population attributable risk for inactivity was lower in older age groups, but if women aged 47 to 64 increased their physical activity, 33% of heart disease cases could be eliminated. If women aged 73 to 90 did the same, 24% of heart disease cases could be eliminated.

One important factor to note is that these population attributable risk figures are estimates designed to give an indication of the maximum effect that might be achieved by removing these risk factors. Achieving this change may be difficult.

The estimates also do not take into account interactions between these and other risk factors. They therefore may overestimate the impact of each factor individually.

As population attributable factors take into account the prevalence of risk factors, they will also change depending on how common a risk factor is, and will therefore differ across populations with different behaviours and characteristics.

Overall, the findings of this study do not change the message for individuals about the importance of reducing unhealthy behaviours such as smoking, and making sure we stay active.

If you are concerned about your fitness level, why not try the NHS fitness plan, which is designed to get fitness phobes up to speed in 12 weeks. ■ NHS Choices

26

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NEWS

June 2014 – No. 11 • UK & Europe Edition

ASEAN lawmakers to Thailand’s ruling military junta: Stop arbitrary detentions, rights violations

MANILA - Parliamentarians from across ASEAN are calling on Thailand’s military to immediately release all persons detained for political reasons and to respect basic human rights.

“Thailand’s military has set about purging all political opponents, and has been responsible for a swathe of human rights abuses since seizing power in a military coup. These abuses must be reversed immediately and permanently,” said Eva Kusuma Sundari, president of the ASEAN Parliaments for Human Rights (APHR).

Hundreds of people have been arbitrarily detained by the Thai military in less than a week, the media placed under heavy censorship and intimidation, and basic rights including freedom of assembly curtailed.

“We have witnessed one of the most shocking and rapid deteriorations in the human rights situation in any country in our region in a long time; one that demands an immediate and concerted response from all concerned parties,” said Sundari.

No stand on politics – APHR. Thailand’s political crisis cannot be remedied by the persecution of people on basis of political affiliation or ideology, APHR said. APHR takes no stand on the country’s deep political divisions but asserts that such a heavy-handed and draconian response is illegal, unwarranted, and deeply flawed: it will only worsen the situation, not remedy it.

APHR is extremely concerned by the arbitrary detentions and intimidation of hundreds of politicians, activists,

academics, and ordinary citizens that has seen hundreds of people summoned to report to the military under threat of imprisonment and fines. Many of those that have reported have been taken away to unknown locations and held incommunicado and without charge.

Others have fled the country.

“What we are witnessing here appears to be a wholesale purge of a political class and the beginning of a witch-hunt against anyone who opposes the military’s seizure of power or their vision for the future of the country,” warned Walden Bello, Philippines congressman and APHR vice president.

Bello urged an immediate return to civilian and democratic rule, saying that the coup in Thailand threatens the momentum toward democracy in ASEAN and poses a threat to the consolidation of democratic rule in those countries that have embraced democracy.

The military has also announced it will try all cases linked to crimes against the monarchy or deemed to be related to national security under military court, which does not permit civilian defendants to nominate their own legal representation.

‘Dark future for Thailand’. APHR is concerned that the military appears set on continuing with its ruthless purge of all dissent against its rule, and that Thailand could soon be home to hundreds of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience.

APHR called on the ruling military administration to immediately make available a list of all persons detained under martial law, their whereabouts, and reasons for their detention. Anyone being

detained must be given access to family members, lawyers and be charged under civilian courts with a recognizable crime, or immediately released.

“There is a dark future ahead for Thailand if it becomes one where words and ideas are enough to have you locked away by a military court. We implore all Thai parliamentarians, regardless of party affiliation, to recognize this threat and speak out against these most serious threats to basic freedoms,” he added.

“For Thailand to move forward it needs to embark on an inclusive and open national debate that takes into account a wide range of ideas and ideologies. This cannot happen under the current climate,” added Bello.

APHR is concerned that detainees are being held incommunicado in non-official detention centers, raising the risk of torture and other abuses. There is particular concern regarding at least 30 individuals that have been detained for alleged involvement in past or previous politically motivated attacks.

APHR recognizes that impunity for political violence has been a major driving factor in the deterioration of Thailand’s political crisis and urges the authorities to follow up on investigation and prosecution for all politically motivated crimes over recent months and years.

However, APHR is concerned that the military is not following due process and that the arbitrary detention of such suspects in non-official detention centers – with no access to lawyers or relatives – raises the risk of torture. APHR calls on the

military authorities to charge any suspects with recognizable crimes and permit them a fair trial in a civilian court.

Under martial law the military has powers to detain persons for up to seven days without charge or warrant, and is not liable to provide compensation to those affected by actions of personnel enforcing military law. This is not in line with international human rights standards.

Muzzling the media. APHR is concerned that the authorities are cracking down on peaceful dissent, including by instructing media not to air material critical of the military’s actions or to interview persons who may criticize the military or the current political situation.

“It is truly a worrying situation in Thailand. We are seeing academics and intellectuals fleeing the country in fear of persecution, ordinary citizens arrested, and armed soldiers raiding houses in the middle of the night,” said Charles Santiago,

Malaysian member of parliament and APHR member.

“We are compelled to speak out at this time. There is no justification, security or otherwise, for such abuses on such a wide scale. The military junta must desist from these acts immediately or face international and regional condemnation and repercussions.”

While many Thais may be in favor of the military putsch, and view it as a means to bringing temporary stability to a fractious country, the military leadership has a duty and responsibility to protect and preserve the rights of all citizens of Thailand, not just those that don’t disagree with them, APHR said.

ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. It is scheduled to set up an ASEAN Economic Community by 2015. ■ InterAksyon.com / May 28, 2014 / 10:40 AM

Cocktales: Binay brings own ‘baon’ in breakfast with Ayala brokers

HE may now be the second-highest official of the land, traveling far and wide to meet fellow VIPs and foreign potentates, but Jejomar Binay after all these years is apparently still a country boy in his taste buds.

During his visit to the Ayala stock exchange Tuesday, the vice president declined the spread of Western buffet prepared for him by the coat-and-tie brigade, preferring instead his BYOB of homemade paksiw na isda and Spam.

An amused eyewitness later saw a Binay aide microwave and then hand-carry the two steaming platefuls of the VP special, instantly overpowering the glass-walled boardroom with vinegary vapor and sizzling meatloaf aroma.

In any case, the special meal went untouched, as Binay typically got

sidetracked working the crowd, posing for selfies with brokers who forgot that trading was already underway.

The vice president had been invited to ring the trading bell to formally inaugurate the start of the online trading facility of Regina Capital, the brokerage controlled by husband-and-wife Victor and Marita Limlingan.

The Limlingans down to the sons are deeply embedded with the Binay camp, with Victor’s elder brother, Gerardo, acting as campaign manager and troubleshooter as far back as, so the camp banter goes, “noong maliit pa si Binay.”

Regina Capital is starting a mutual index fund geared to OFWs, a sector close to Binay’s heart, for overseas Filipinos who seek a safer investment vehicle but with a higher upside than a bank deposit.

And for overseas professionals with stouter heart and time on their hands, Regina Capital is opening its online facility to those who can maintain a minimum of P250,000 in combined buy-and-sell trades every month.

As to the humbler paksiw and spam, both dishes on order of the Veep were wrapped and taken back by his convoy to the Coconut Palace office, where they were presumably wolfed down for a belated breakfast.

Vitarich taps a CJ connection. The struggling Vitarich feeds company has imported a marketing balikbayan from Australia, Peter Gonzalo Sereno, who not only shares the same surname as the Chief Justice’s husband but also like the lesser half is originally from Davao.

Sereno, 58, will also join the Vitarich board, whose majority corporate shareholder

holds office at, hmmm, the 7th floor of the LTA Building in Makati’s Legaspi Village.

And as an additional fodder for the conspiracy theorists, Vitarich also has a current board director, lawyer Eduardo Rondain, who happens to be the father of Mike Arroyo counsel Ruy Rondain.

Money-go-round. * Local Governments Secretary Mar Roxas was seen going up to and spending the whole Wednesday afternoon holed up in the law firm of Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia in The Fort. * The assistant general manager of the Philippine Reclamation Authority for reclamation and regulation, lawyer Joselito Gonzales, was trying to be circumspect during Wednesday’s public consultation by the Paranaque City Hall, but in so many words gave the impression that the three separate unsolicited proposals of SM

Land, San Miguel Corp. and Solar Group to reclaim their own portions of Manila Bay are, given the recent NEDA policy shift, dead in the water under the P.Noy administration.

Heard through the grapevine. The two leading generics-based drug store chain in the country, Generika and The Generics Pharmacy, might both undergo ownership changes before the year is over, or before the influx of cheap imports with the onset of the 2015 Asean free trade zone puts more pressure on the retailers’ price margins.

The Generics Pharmacy of Benjamin Liuson has already hired an investment adviser, while Generika joint-venture founders and partners, retired Ayala executive Teodoro Ferrer and French national Julien Bello, are said to also be suffering a ten-year itch since hanging its first shingle a decade ago. ■ Victor C. Agustin /

InterAksyon.com / May 30, 2014 / 1:55 AM

DFA chief checks on Pinoys in Libya as Alert Level 3 raised

In this file photo from the OVP Facebook page, Vice President Binay is seen sharing a meal with his security detail.

MANILA – Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario visited Libya to meet with Philippine embassy officials there after the alert level for the strife-torn North African country was raised on Thursday from 2, or restriction phase, to 3, or voluntary repatriation.

The DFA said Del Rosario checked on government’s contingency plans for the 13, 122 Filipinos living and working in Libya, where rival militias continue to battle each other and the government is locked in a crisis.

Under Crisis Alert Level 3, the DAF said “Filipinos in Libya are encouraged to leave

the country voluntarily as soon as possible” with the Philippine government shouldering the cost of their repatriation.

They were advised to contact the Philippine embassy in Tripoli to coordinate their return home.

The embassy is located at KM 7 Gargaresh Road, Abu Nawas, Tripoli.

It can also be reached through the hotline number is (+218) 918244208, telephone number (+218-21) 483-3966, and e-mail addresses tripoli.pe@gmail. com; tripoli.pe@dfa.gov.ph. ■ InterAksyon.com

/ May 29, 2014 / 3:32 PM

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ENTERTAINMENT & CELEBRITY SCOOP

June 2014 – No. 11 • UK & Europe Edition

GMA Network brings forth powerhouse ensemble with Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real THIS June, GMA Network presents Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real, an intriguing story of a man who marries two women, loving them equally at the same time. More than just another drama on infidelity, the series aims to show the viewers the real consequences and changes in the life of the betrayer and the betrayed - that there are no victors.

The series premieres on June 3 on GMA Network’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV. The project brings together a powerhouse ensemble of three multiawarded artists – Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes as Anthony Real, Kapuso Premier Drama Actress Lovi Poe as Shiela Salazar-Real, and the Diamond Star Ms. Maricel Soriano as Millet Gonzales-Real.

Making the series grander are respected TV, theater, and movie actors and actresses who will be driven to take sides in the story: Robert Arevalo as

Maricel Soriano, Dingdong Dantes and Lovi Poe

Coney Reyes

Celeste Legaspi

Henry Gonzales, the rich and successful businessman and father of Millet; Celeste Legaspi as Aurora Gonzales, the beautiful and kind mother of Millet; Tommy Abuel as Justino Salazar, a retired police chief and strict father of Shiela; Jaime Fabregas as Jun Real, a simple, honest, upright man and father of Anthony;Susan Africa as Salome Salazar, the religious and devoted mother of Shiela; and making a grand comeback and celebrating her 40th year in the industry Ms. Coney Reyes as Sonia Real, the amiable and loving mother of Anthony.

In the series, Anthony Real (Dingdong) is a man [who is] caught in a bigamous relationship with Millet and Shiela. Both women are endearing to Anthony, making him feel complete as a man, husband and father. And in his goal to keep the two women happy, he realizes that the choices he makes will hurt everyone.

Jaime Fabregas

Millet Gonzales-Real (Maricel) is a successful, loving woman who gave up her career to be a full-time caring wife.

She is willing to do anything for her family, most especially for her husband Anthony.

However, her world will be turned upside down when she finds out that there is also another Mrs. Anthony Real.

Meanwhile, Shiela Salazar-Real (Lovi), despite her strong-willed and adventurous personality, will eventually reveal her vulnerability as she falls deeply for a man who will make her his everything. But everything will change when she finds out that she is not the only Mrs. Real.

Until when can Anthony live the life of being a husband to two wives? Will he let go of one to keep the other, or will he end up losing both? Will Millet and Shiela, the two ‘Mrs. Reals’ face and confront each other? Who will stay strong and fight for her right? Who will walk away and let go? ■

Robert Arevalo

Tommy Abuel

Julie Anne San Jose and Gladys Guevarra to perform for Kapuso fans in Kuwait THE Alliance of Filipino Organizations in Kuwait (ALLFIL-OK), together with GMA International and My-HD, presents Musika at Tawanan 4 featuring Asia’s Pop Sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose and singercomedienne Gladys Guevarra.

As part of the local Philippine Independence Day festivities, Musika at Tawanan is the biggest and most-

anticipated annual event in Kuwait, with over 5 000 Filipinos gathering each year in a celebration of music and laughter. The event will be held on June 13, 2014 at the Al Arabi Sports Gym, Mansouriya, Kuwait.

GMA International, the business unit that manages the operation and distribution of GMA Network’s international channels– GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA

News TV International– is looking forward to bringing the Kapuso experience to the Filipino community in Kuwait.

“GMA International recognizes that Kuwait has been an underserved region in the past years,” says Joseph T. Francia, GMA Vice-President and Head of International Operations. “This event is a great opportunity for us to reach out to our

fellow Filipinos in Kuwait and, together with My-HD, we look forward to providing quality programming and services to more of our kababayans in the years to come.”

The event is spearheaded by ALLFILOK, which is composed of the Filipino Badminton Committee, the Filipino Cultural Club, Makulay, The Sandigan in Kuwait, the Filipino Association of Secretaries Employment Agencies in Kuwait, the Philippine Society of Marketing Specialists in Kuwait (PHILSOCMSK), Filipinos in Kuwait, Pilipino sa Kuwait, and the Filipino Zumba Association in Kuwait.

“We are very pleased and honored to partner with GMA International and My-HD in bringing world-class Filipino talents to Kuwait. We promise to give our kababayans in Kuwait a fun-filled show,” stated ALLFILOK Over-all Coordinator Dr. Chie Umandap.

ALL-FIL OK Finance Director and President of PHILSOCMSK Ana Del Mundo adds, “With Musika at Tawanan, we want to bring Filipinos in Kuwait closer to home, fostering camaraderie as we all celebrate the Philippine Independence Day and pay tribute to all OFWs across the globe.”

Aside from performing at the event, Julie Anne and Gladys will also visit distressed OFWs at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Kuwait.

This will be Julie Anne’s second visit to the Middle East, the first being her concert in

Dubai presented by GMA International and My-HD where she was warmly welcomed by the Filipino community. Owing to the success of her concert in Dubai, Filipinos in Kuwait are also eager to see the Kapuso singer and actress perform in the country.

Julie Anne, whose self-titled album recently won a 9-time Platinum Record Award, is a regular cast member on GMA Network’s Sunday noontime variety show Sunday AllStars and is currently working on her second solo studio album to be released this June.

On the other hand, this event marks the first time that Gladys will perform on stage for Kapuso fans in the Middle East. She is a frequent guest on GMA’s highest-rating comedy game show Celebrity Bluff and has co-hosted many GMA programs in the past, such as Manny Many Prizes and the longest-running noontime show, Eat Bulaga.

The organizers will also be bringing in the dynamic comic duo Iya and Tekla, along with guest host Rey Pumaloy. The show is directed by GMA’s Kuwait correspondent Ricky Laxa.

Gates will open at 1:00 PM and the event proper will run from 4:00 – 9:30 PM. Tickets are available at Jollibee branches in Kuwait, Manyaman Restaurant in the Salmiya area, Mario’s Restaurant-Fahaheel, or contact Ms. Mildred Lacson at 66915361 or Dr. Chie Umandap at 97197268. ■

June 2014 – No. 11 • UK & Europe Edition

ENTERTAINMENT & CELEBRITY SCOOP

www.hello-philippines.com

29

4 Silver Awards for GMA International at the 20th Communicator Awards

GMA International, the business unit that manages the operations and distribution of GMA Network’s international channels, garnered four Silver Awards of Distinction at the 20th Communicator Awards.

The Communicator Awards is the leading international awards program that recognizes creative excellence in advertising, corporate communications, public relations and identity work in print, video, audio and interactive formats.

“We are honored to have been recognized by this prestigious awardgiving body,” says GMA Network Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia. “This distinction validates GMA International’s purpose of bringing quality programming and services to Filipinos all over the world.”

Home Away from Home, which was launched in 2013 on the Network’s flagship international channel GMA Pinoy TV, won in the Video (Programs/ News Documentary) category. The show invites viewers into the homes of Filipinos overseas who have become important parts of their communities and have shown success in their respective fields.

Likewise, GMA International’s television special titled, Proud to be Pinoy: Philippine Independence Day Celebration 2013 was recognized in the Video (Programs/News Documentary) category. In commemoration of the Philippines’ 115th Independence Day,

event highlights from the different Independence Day celebrations across the United States and Canada participated in by GMA International were shown on GMA Pinoy TV. The GMA News TV International Info Kit received the Silver Award for the Print category. Powered by the Philippines’ most trusted news and public affairs team, GMA News TV International is the top choice to meet the Filipinos’ demand for complete, accurate, and credible news from home. The info kit showcases the channel’s achievements and its multi-awarded news personalities and top-rated programs.

Furthermore, GMA International’s Middle East MyHD Campaign clinched another Silver Award of Distinction for the Integrated Campaign (Promotional/ Branding) category. Featuring Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera, the campaign highlights the best promo offers for GMA’s international channels through its new carrier in the Middle East, MyHD. Among the notable winners of the Communicator Awards are some of the biggest players in the international television industry such as Verizon, Comcast Spotlight, Warner Bros.

Digital Media, Hub Television Network, MacLaren McCann and Mercedes Benz USA. The Communicator Awards is judged and overseen by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA).

The AIVA is an organization of over 600 members who are “leading professionals from various disciplines of the visual arts dedicated to embracing progress and the evolving nature of traditional and interactive media.” Its members are comprised of distinguished individuals from top media, advertising and marketing firms, including Disney, MTV, Yahoo, rabble+rouser, and Time, Inc. ■

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ENTERTAINMENT & CELEBRITY SCOOP

June 2014 – No. 11 • UK & Europe Edition

GMA Network CEO says company is ready for the future MANILA – GMA Network is setting the pace as the industry marches towards the future, according to the Company’s Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon.

In his report during the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting on May 21 (Wednesday) in Quezon City, Gozon talked about the Network’s preparations for digitization in the country. “With the recent decision to adopt the Japanese standard in Digital TV transmission, the advent of digitization in our country may be just around the corner. The good news is that we have long been preparing for this eventuality,” Gozon said.

In preparation for the shift, Gozon said that the Network is in the “process of exploring business models to maximize both the technological and economic potentials of the digitization of our broadcasting services.”

Moreover, he assured stockholders that GMA is up to speed with the technological advancements, saying that they can be

confident that the Network “will not lag behind these technological developments as [GMA] continues to build [the] brand with strong values, principles and purpose.”

Meanwhile, Gozon said that, despite challenging times, the company was still able to achieve modest gains in its top and bottom line for the full year of 2013.

GMA’s consolidated gross revenues for 2013 settled at P12.95 billion pesos, 7 percent higher than 2012.

The company’s operating expenses grew 8 percent to P10.57 billion due to the increase in production cost from initiating programming changes and producing groundbreaking content throughout the year.

GMA closed 2013 with an EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) of P3.7 billion, while net income rose by 3 percent to P1.67 billion over the previous year.

Gozon also mentioned several noteworthy projects that the Network undertook during the year including

the opening of GMA’s Cagayan de Oro originating station (GMA Northern Mindanao) and a number of transmission upgrade projects in Puerto Princesa, Sorsogon, Mountain Province, Romblon, Ilocos Norte and Pagadian City, where GMA Network now “broadcasts loud and clear.”

Moving forward, the Kapuso Network remains focused on two things: developing quality programs, and continuing its expansion and transmission upgrades, as well as its delivery of programs abroad.

“While content remains as the king, the challenge is increasingly shifting to how we deliver quality content across a wide array of available platforms,” stated Gozon.

“The focus now is serving the needs of our audiences by providing products and services that are tailor-fit to their unique lifestyles and wants. Indeed, it is tough to synergize diversity with uniqueness but that is what the broadcast landscape requires us to do now, and, I believe more so in the future,” he said. ■

GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L Gozon at the company’s Annual Stockholders’ Meeting.

Chynna Ortaleza bounces back from break-up with revitalized film career BREAK-UPS are never easy to deal with.

Not for those who prefer to discuss it with close friends and family members. Neither for those who opt to remain silent about it.

It is particularly difficult for celebrities who are almost always prompted by media to publicly talk about it. In the

Chynna Ortaleza at the ‘Hustisya’ story conference. Photo by Erickson dela Cruz.

case of Chynna Ortaleza, she now feels more comfortable talking about what happened one year after her split from Railey Valeroso.

Just two years before the breakup, InterAksyon ran a story about Chynna and Railey as an example ofan ideal showbiz couple who had been able to defy the odds and stay in love with each other for a long time. That was one month after they were to celebrate their 9th year as a couple.

One year later, it was all over.

Looking back, the 31-year-old actress now feels good about her decision to part ways with the former actor.

“I look at life in simple terms. Yes, it didn’t happen for us but when I look at it now, it became such a blessing for the both of us because we were able to go on with our lives without thinking of a child or thinking of contracts and stuff like that,” she told InterAksyon during the recent story conference for “Hustisya”, Joel Lamangan’s entry for the

Kylie Padilla admits breakup with Aljur Abrenica KINUMPIRMA na ni Kylie Padilla na hiwalay na sila ng Kapuso hunk na si Aljur Abrenica. Pero totoo kaya ang hinala na may kinalaman sa breakup ng dalawa si Louise delos Reyes?

Sa “Chika Minute” report ni Aubrey Carampel sa GMA news “24 Oras” nitong Huwebes, sinabing nag-shoot na si Kylie ng kaniyang kauna-unahang music video para sa kanyang carrier single na “Gitara,” na mula sa debut album niya under GMA Records.

Si Kylie mismo ang sumulat nito at kung pakikinggan daw ang lyrics ng kanta, ito raw ang nararamdaman niya ngayon.

Nagbalik na sa trabaho si Kylie pagkatapos ng kaniyang dalawang buwang bakasyon sa Australia. Habang nasa bakasyon, naging maugong ang usapusapan na break na sila ni Aljur.

Ayon kay Kylie, malaking bagay raw ang suporta ng kanyang pamilya lalo na ang kanyang mommy Liezl para malampasan ang sakit na naramdaman.

Maraming usap-usapan ang lumutang kasunod ng hiwalayan nina Kylie at Aljur.

Kasama na rito ang pagkaka-link ni Aljur sa kanyang leading lady sa “Kambal Sirena” na si Louise.

Pero ayaw nang sabihin ni Kylie kung ano ang tunay na dahilan ng kanilang hiwalayan.

Bagaman nakakapag-usap pa rin daw sila ni Aljur, sinabi ni Kylie na malabo pa silang magkabalikan sa ngayon.

Trying to move on na raw ngayon si Kylie at marami raw siyang dapat pa ring ipagpasalamat. ■ FRJ / GMA News / May 29, 2014

/ 11:29 PM

Director’s Showcase section of this year’s Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.

Although Chynna admits that it was a painful decision on her part to let go, she does not consider the relationship a failure.

“It was a beautiful relationship and I told him, ‘Dude, we didn’t fail’. Of course, when you break up, you’ll think the relationship failed. But I’m like, we didn’t fail because our love was able to transcend what was more like the possessive girl-boy type of relationship that we had. Now, I think we have become more mature and he was really so nice and sweet when he said, ‘Whatever makes you happy right now and I see that you’re happy, I feel the same for you’,” she confessed.

Yes, she and Railey are talking again.

Although they have not yet reached the point when they can start hanging out again, Chynna can confidently say that they are now friends.

“For me, that is one of my greatest blessings for this year. It took a while for us to start talking again. We had to go through that really tremendous hardship and the process was not easy. Then we saw each other once, nagkakumustahan and doon na nagsimula. Sabi ko nga sa kanya, you’ll never know one of these days, we’ll get to see each other accidentally again and catch up over coffee,” she recalled.

Chynna is now even okay with Railey dating somebody again.

“At first, of course I was shocked. You

know I’m human but at the same time, I already told myself, ‘Keep on moving forward, woman. You got to keep going.’

After I recovered from that initial shock, I started to feel like it’s a good development not just for him but for me as well.”

As for her, Chynna admits that she has remained single after the breakup. While Railey continues to hold a special place in her life, the actress said she is not in a hurry to jump into a new relationship just yet.

“I’m not going to waste my time with futile, temporary passes at a relationship that is based on really nothing or anything physical or whatever. I’m looking for magic, and if this or that guy is not the magic for me, then I’m not going to take that chance,” she pointed out.

Until that magic comes along, Chynna is putting most of her energy into revitalizing a career that seems to be hitting a new high this year. While she remains a sought-after character actress on her home network, GMA, Chynna is also beginning to become a staple in independent films.

After a memorable turn in Jose Javier Reyes’ “Ano ang Kulay ng mga Nakalimutang Pangarap”, she co-stars with no less than superstar Nora Aunor in not just one but two widely anticipated indies: Lamangan’s “Hustisya” and Perci Intalan’s “Dementia”.

“I’m very lucky to have back-to-back movies with her and in key roles to both stories,” she enthused.

A lot of people may not be aware of

Chynna Ortaleza in high spirits again.

Photo from her Instagram.

Chynna Ortaleza with Nora Aunor in a scene from ‘Dementia’. Photo from Chynna’s Instagram

it but Chynna received her first and so far only nomination for Best Supporting Actress from the FAMAS in another Nora Aunor starrer, “Migrante” just last year.

In terms of taking her craft more seriously, Chynna said she was particularly overwhelmed when she decided to participate in the open auditions for “Hustisya”.

“I’m an actor for television. I get cast for shows without auditioning for them. I never go through that. So to be able to see the amount of actors who want a job, like around 700 amazing talents and spend a day auditioning for a role just like them, that was something I found to be truly humbling.”

In both “Hustisya” and “Dementia”, Chynna feels very proud and honored to be working not only with Ate Guy but also with indie stalwarts like Althea Vega, Chanel Latorre, Sue Prado and Angelina “Miles” Kanapi, to name a few.

“Can’t believe I’m sharing screen time with them. Nagising ako today at kinailangan ko siguraduhin na oo nakatrabaho sila. Mismo ito!” she recently posted on her Instagram page.

She plays very challenging roles in both movies as well. In “Dementia”, she plays Nora’s psychotic and violent sister whose scenes in the film are that of a ghostly apparition. In “Hustisya”, she plays a lesbian cellmate of La Aunor’s incarcerated character.

For Chynna, playing a wide variety of characters and not limited to being typecast is always good for any actress.

“Gusto ko kasi ng diversity. It’s nice to chase your passion and learn 100 percent along the way. My goal every time I perform is to just search for the truth.”

And the truth is, one year after a very low point in her personal life, Chynna Ortaleza has bounced back in a very big way.

“You know, I really find it overwhelming that all these good projects are coming in at the perfect time. I don’t know what’s happening but it’s a good thing.” By Edwin P. Sallan / InterAksyon.com / May 29, 2014 / 8:58 AM

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PHILIPPINE EMBASSY NEWS AROUND THE WORLD

June 2014 – No. 11 • UK & Europe Edition

Filipino Artist to Hold a One-Man Painting Exhibit Entitled “La Sincronía Filipino-Mexicana” in Mexico City FILIPINO artist Manuel D. Baldemor will hold a one-man exhibit of more than a hundred of his art works entitled “La Sincronía Filipino-Mexicana” (Philippine and Mexican Synchronicity) at the Centro Cultural Ollin Yoliztli, Sala Tonáli in Mexico City from June 3 to 23, in cooperation with the Office of Culture of Mexico City Government.

The exhibit is part of the activities of the Philippine Embassy in Mexico to commemorate the 116th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

The inauguration will be held on June 3 and will be open to the general public for free, starting June 4.

In his forthcoming engagement in Mexico City, Baldemor will delve into Philippine art and cultural traits as influenced by Mexican traditions, folk and ritual customs. At the same time, the exhibit will provide the viewers with the

opportunity to appreciate Baldemor´s art philosophy which hinges on a never-ending drive to evolve and improve.

On May 29, the press department of the Secretary of Culture held an interview with Baldemor at the venue of the exhibit. On the same day, he had another interview with FM Radio 95.7. Both interviews focused on his exhibition, his impression of the Mexican arts and culture and the shared linkages between the Philippines and Mexico.

Baldemor has mounted one-man exhibits in major cities around the world. He has collaborated with numerous national ministries of arts and culture, including those of France, Russia, Egypt, Latvia and Estonia, to develop artistic projects. He has also worked with various United Nation´s agencies in Vienna and New York where his murals adorn their offices. ■ Philippine

PHL Consul General in Xiamen Graces Opening of Expat Filipino Photo Exhibit PHILIPPINE Consul General in Xiamen Julius Caesar A. Flores attended the opening of “Square Hues: Yunshuiyao” photo exhibit conducted by Mr. Jose Noel “Bong” Antivola, a Xiamen based Filipino at The Shop on May 13.

The exhibit showcased 10 of Mr. Antivola’s black and white photographs featuring local Xiamenese going about their day to day activities. Aside from the photographs on display, a slide show consisting of 150 photos by Mr. Antivola taken in the last seven years in the Philippines, Hong Kong, Macau and different parts of China, was presented.

Mr. Antivola is currently the Art Director of Regency Bone China Ltd., a foreigninvested tabletop design company in Xiamen. He founded Xiamen Photo Plus, primarily for Filipino photography enthusiasts. The group grew to include other active members from China, Spain,

Embassy Philippines / May 30, 2014

the US, Tunisia, the UK, Chile, Argentina and other countries.

The Consul General commended Mr. Antivola for his contributions to Xiamen’s cultural landscape and active participation in the activities of the Filipino community and the Consulate General. ■ Philippine Embassy Philippines / May 30, 2014

PHL Consul General Meets Milan’s Head of Police

Philippines, Republic of Korea Hold 5th Policy Consultations, Vow Closer Cooperation

THE Philippines and the Republic of Korea (ROK) vowed closer bilateral and regional cooperation as they marked 65 years of relations during the successful conduct of the 5th Policy Consultations on May 27 at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

DFA Undersecretary for Policy Evan P. Garcia led the Philippine delegation along with Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs Minda Calaguian-Cruz and Ambassador-designate to ROK Raul S. Hernandez. First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Tae Yong and Ambassador Lee Hyuk headed the ROK side, which consists of delegates from the ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the ROK Embassy in Manila.

The two sides reviewed the continued growth of bilateral relations and discussed measures to further enhance political, defense, economic and socio-cultural cooperation. Earlier this year, the Philippines signed a contract to acquire

twelve (12) FA-50 fighter jets from the ROK. The importance of ensuring the safety and well being of Filipino and Korean nationals in each other’s territory was also highlighted in the meeting. The Policy Consultations likewise provided an opportunity for both delegations to exchange views on regional and global developments affecting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

Bilateral relations between the Philippines and ROK entered its 65th year when the Philippines became the fifth country to recognize the newlyestablished Republic of Korea on on 3 March 1949. In September 1950, the Philippines joined the United Nations coalition in actively defending the ROK in the Korean War (1950-53) through the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) with 7,420 Filipino soldiers representing the 4th largest foreign troop contribution.

In the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, the ROK provided humanitarian assistance to typhoon victims and deployed personnel from the Korea Disaster Relief and the Korean Armed Forces composed of medical, rescue, recovery and engineering personnel to assist in relief and recovery operations.

The ROK is one of the Philippines’ top trading partners and major source of investments, as well as being the Philippines’ top tourism market since 2010 with tourist arrivals breaching the one (1) million-mark in 2012 and again in 2013.

The Philippines-ROK Political Consultations is the main forum for extensive dialogue between the two countries’ Foreign Ministries, providing significant opportunities for advancing effective cooperation towards the attainment of common goals and mutually-beneficial interests. ■ Philippine Embassy Philippines / May 28, 2014

PHILIPPINE Consul General in Milan Marichu Mauro paid a courtesy call on Mr. Luigi Savina, Milan’s Head of Police, on May 26. She thanked the Questura for its hospitality to over 42,000 Filipino migrants in Milan alone, and the support his office is extending to the community particularly in legalizing the stay of undocumented Filipinos.

The police headquarters in each Italian city is called a Questura. It is the office responsible for all the activities carried out by the local police within the city and for the issuance of permits to stay for all foreign migrants living and working in Italy.

The meeting discussed Italian immigration policies and procedures that should be followed by all foreign nationals

who go through the Questura for the issuance of their permit to stay. Consul General Mauro requested the information for the benefit of the Filipino community to help them understand Italian immigration laws and procedures.

The Philippine Consulate General and the Questura di Milano agreed to have closer collaboration on projects and programs for the interests and benefit of the huge Filipino population in Milan.

Mr. Savina welcomed more collaboration between the two offices and committed to exchange information and meet regularly to address problems confronting the status of undocumented Filipinos and to ensure better integration of all Filipinos into the Milan society. ■ Philippine Embassy

Philippines / May 30, 2014

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SPORTS

www.hello-philippines.com

June 2014 – No. 11 • UK & Europe Edition

Jimmy Alapag saves day anew as Talk ‘N Text snaps San Miguel Beer’s winning streak THE Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters held off the San Miguel Beermen down the stretch for a 103-97 victory on Saturday at SMARTAraneta Coliseum.

The win improved the Tropang Texters’ standing to 3-1 while snapping the threegame winning run of the Beermen, who dropped to 3-2.

“Good thing for us to stay in the top four,” said Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black.

Jimmy Alapag delivered the biggest blows for Talk ‘N Text, scoring 12 of his 18 points in the final period.

“Alapag hit some big shots,” said Black.

Back-to-back three-pointers from the Tropang Texters’ team captain pushed the Talk ‘N Text lead to six, 91-85.

Several moments later, another three-

pointer from Alapag gave his squad a 99-92 advantage.

But San Miguel Beer came charging back behind import Reggie Williams, who nailed two free throws with 22.1 seconds left to put his team within a single basket, 99-97.

Ranidel De Ocampo’s free throws gave Talk ‘N Text more breathing room, 101-97, with 20.6 seconds left.

The Beermen once again went to Williams, but he was foiled at the ring by Noy Baclao, preserving the Talk ‘N Text win.

Talk ‘N Text drew a much better game from import Rodney Carney, who finished with 28 points after scoring just 13 in his debut. Castro added 21 points for the Tropang Texters.

“We got what we wanted from our

import,” said Black. “Locals really stepped up and supported him.”

Williams finished with 33 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists, while June Mar Fajardo continued his rampage through the tournament with 20 points and 14 rebounds.

The scores: TALK N’ TEXT 103 – Carney 28, Castro 21, Alapag 18, Fonacier 8, Baclao 8, Williams 7, De Ocampo 6, Canaleta 5, Reyes Ryan 2, Reyes Rob 0, Carey 0.

SAN MIGUEL BEER 97 – Williams 33, Fajardo 20, Santos 18, Kramer 8, Mercado 7, Tubid 5, Lutz 4, Lanete 2, Maierhofer 0, Duncil 0, Chua 0.

Quarters: 19-19, 44-38, 76-73, 103-97 ■ InterAksyon.com / May 31, 2014 / 7:13 PM

Injury-hit San Miguel Beermen hang on against Barako Bull in OT THE San Miguel Beermen bucked injuries to Chris Ross and June Mar Fajardo to edge Barako Bull Energy 115-112 in overtime, Wednesday at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna, in the 2014 PBA Governors’ Cup. San Miguel (3-1) won despite playing without Marcio Lassiter, who wounded his leg during their Monday game at the Mall of Asia Arena, an injury which required 13 stitches to close the wound. The Beermen have won two straight to move to second in the standings, while the Energy (1-3) have lost three in a row.

Former NBA player Reggie Williams was named Player of the Game, compiling 33 points, 13 rebounds and five assists.

The game got off to a fast start as both teams got out into the open court and easily scored at the rack. The Beermen spread their scoring amongst their starting unit, while Jeric Fortuna nailed three triples to give the Energy a boost. Barako Bull tied the score at 12-12 but never led, and settled for a 32-26 deficit after the first quarter.

The Energy found some extra points off turnovers during the second quarter, getting

contributions from Dave Marcelo and Carlo Lastimosa to move the offense along. San Miguel leaned on their size to keep Barako Bull at bay. However, they would not be kept down for long as Keith Jensen and Mick Pennisi’s outside shooting helped Barako Bull make a 13-7 push to close the half, making it just a 58-54 tally in the Beermen’s favor.

Fajardo scored seven points before rolling his left ankle and leaving midway through the third quarter, 67-66, with the Beermen barely in control. Barako Bull’s Eric Wise, who already had eight points in the period before Fajardo left, was mostly silent until the quarter’s end. San Miguel though was able to trade buckets until time expired, to take an 80-78 lead after a Chris Ross trey.

Fajardo returned in the fourth but it was Ross’ turn to get hurt. Ross scored the Beermen’s first five markers before pain in his calf forced him back to the locker room.

Barako Bull deployed a zone defense and whittled the lead down to one, but allowed Chris Lutz to hit back-to-back treys to create a 96-91 gap.

Leo Najorda buried a four-point play in

Hot-shooting Reggie Williams led San Miguel to the win. Photos by Nuki Sabio.

addition to two more triples from Pennisi and Ronjay Buenafe, to snatch a 101-100 edge with two minutes left. Wise got a triple to answer a Williams trey, but Barako Bull blanked two tries before San Miguel retook possession with 26 seconds left, 103-103.

Marcelo intercepted the entry pass to Fajardo, and the Energy called timeout with 10.1 seconds left. However, Fortuna missed a step-through jumper that sent the game to overtime.

Both teams combined for five triples over the next four minutes, but the Beermen took a 115-111 lead off a Fajardo andone. Barako Bull didn’t come any closer, as Jason Deutschman split charities and missed a three-pointer. However, Barako still had a chance to force a second overtime after Sol Mercado blanked two charities with 7.6 seconds left. Unfortunately for them, Fortuna dribbled out the clock until he missed a long trey over Arwind Santos’ outstretched hands.

Energy point guard Denok Miranda didn’t suit up after aggravating his plantar fasciitis prior to tonight. ■ Job B. De Leon / AMD, GMA News / May 28, 2014 / 7:57 PM

SMB’s June Mar Fajardo aims one over veteran Barako center Mick Pennisi.

After suffering freak injury, Marcio Lassiter calls on MOA Arena to ensure players’ safety SAN Miguel Beer star Marcio Lassiter remained out for his team on Saturday because of a deep cut on his shin at Mall of Asia Arena last week against the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers.

He suffered the freak injury after diving into the front row seats at courtside.

Lassiter had to be rushed to the hospital, where the wound took 13 stitches to close.

“It’s a deep cut. Even though it looks better in the outside, inside there’s still pain,” said Lassiter.

The sweet-shooting wingman said the injury has kept him not just from getting back to the court, but from staying in shape.

“I couldn’t do any cardio workout. I have gained weight as I had no exercise,” he said.

With the PBA returning to MOA Arena

over the next few days for a series of games, Lassiter called on the venue’s management to make sure such an incident wouldn’t happen again.

“Something has to be done. I guess I have to speak out about it to avoid this from happening again to anyone,” said Lassiter.

“It could happen to anyone.” ■ Rey Joble / InterAksyon.com / May 31, 2014 / 7:36 PM

Crowd-funded Filipina jiu-jitsu fighter Meggie Ochoa wins gold in World Championship BRAZILIAN Jiu-Jitsu fighter Meggie Ochoa, who took to crowd-funding website Make a Champ to help bankroll her trip to the Jiu-Jitsu Federation World Championship in Long Beach, California, will bring a gold medal back with her to the Philippines.

Ochoa, out of Atos Jiu-Jitsu Philippines, came out on top of the Rooster weight division, besting Isis de

Albuquerque Slomba from Atos USA, who came in second.

Rita Ochoa Navarro (Boran Jiu-Jitsu) and Sheryl Thonar (Gracie Barra) placed third.

Although Ochoa was only able to reach a little over half ($2,360) of her goal of $4,380 on Make a Champ, she was still able to make the trip, where she spent a month prior to the contest training at Atos HQ. ■ AMD, GMA News / May 30, 2014 / 10:28 AM

SPORTS

June 2014 – No. 11 • UK & Europe Edition

‘Sorry if we failed you, Pilipinas’: Azkals manager Dan Palami apologizes after Challenge Cup loss

PHILIPPINE national men’s football team manager Dan Palami apologized to Filipino fans after the Azkals fell short of winning the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup early Saturday morning in the Maldives with a 1-nil defeat to Palestine.

Winning the Challenge Cup could have earned the Azkals a ticket to the prestigious Asian Cup in 2015. Palestine instead will join defending champion Japan, Jordan and Iraq for the first time in the continent’s biggest football competition slated in Australia.

The Azkals surrendered a goal at the 58th minute to hand the Challenge Cup crown to Palestine, which gave the Filipinos a tough time at both ends of the pitch.

During the match, Palami was ejected from the Azkals bench for complaining.

Despite the loss, the silver finish was no mean feat for the Azkals, who played in the

Challenge Cup final for the first time and surpassed their third place finish in 2012.

Online, fans were disappointed with the loss but remained appreciative of the Azkals’ feat. ■ Karl Decena / InterAksyon.com / May 31, 2014 / 2:34 AM

www.hello-philippines.com

39

‘Basketball was my first love,’ declares Manny Pacquiao as he pursues PBA dream with Kia Continuation from page 40 Pacquiao is known for playing intense pick-up games during breaks in training for his boxing matches, and remains in top physical condition while enjoying a successful sunset to his career in the ring.

Pacquiao said he would rely chiefly on his experience from playing in the streets and town squares, and that his years in the ring would also help him on the basketball court, especially in coaching.

“You create strategies during the game. It is like boxing. When I am in a fight, my mind works and shifts faster. In a split second, I can decide on changing strategies,” he said.

Pacquiao parlayed his boxing fame to

get elected to the Philippines’ Congress and has stated he wants to be president when he eventually finishes his boxing career.

He has also earnt a fortune advertising products, flirted with acting and singing careers and worked as a TV gameshow host. Since embracing Christianity in recent years, Pacquiao has also tried his hand as a preacher.

If Pacquiao pushes through with his basketball career, he would have to do so while training for an upcoming fight in November and serving his constituents as a Congressman.

But veteran Filipino sportswriter Recah Trinidad said a busy schedule would be the

least of Pacquiao’s concerns, predicting he would be a flop if he steps on to the professional court.

“He has the passion but he doesn’t have the rhythm. He tends to be awkward,” said Trinidad, who has seen ‘Pac-Man’ play during breaks in his boxing training, when asked to assess Pacquiao’s basketball prowess.

Other critics believe Pacquiao’s public basketball ambitions are just a marketing gimmick for the new team, and he will not even take to the court, accusations his business manager insist are false.

“This is not a publicity stunt. He doesn’t do such things,” Eric Pineda told AFP. ■ Agence France-Presse / May 31, 2014 / 7:43 PM

‘He’s a hero of mine’: Tim Cone welcomes Manny Pacquiao’s foray into PBA MANNY Pacquiao may have gotten mixed responses about his stated desire to play and coach in the PBA as part of the Kia Motors expansion team, but at least one champion coach would welcome the Filipino fight icon’s presence in the league.

San Mig Super Coffee Mixers coach Tim Cone is among those who would want to see Pacquiao strutting his stuff in the PBA. “I’m looking forward that. I was only able to meet him once,” Cone told InterAksyon. com.

“He’s a hero of mine. Whenever I visit

the US, I would always tell the people I meet that I live in the Philippines. First person they will mention, Manny Pacquiao. Every time.”

Cone knows about Pacquiao’s earlier forays into basketball, but notes that the PBA “is a different ballgame.” Still, he’s curious to watch Pacquiao try to keep pace with the best point guards in the league.

“It would be fun to see him going up against the likes of (LA) Tenorio, (Jayson) Castro, or (Mark) Barroca,” said Cone, who notes that players would worry about ticking off Pacquiao.

“I hope they don’t duke it out there. First thing you don’t want to happen is make Manny pikon.”

The Filipino fight icon also expressed his desire to be a playing coach in the league, which Cone doesn’t see as a problem, provided he gets the right assistant coaches.

“I think he’ll get a lot of help,” said Cone.

“But he’ll be a good motivator. I’m sure his players will be in great shape like he is, getting up and down the floor. We’ll see.” ■ Rey Joble / InterAksyon.com / May 31, 2014 · 12:17 AM

sport Jimmy Alapag saves day anew as Talk ‘N Text snaps San Miguel Beer’s winning streak Story on page 38

Crowd-funded Filipina jiu-jitsu fighter Meggie Ochoa wins gold in World Championship Story on page 38

‘He’s a hero of mine’: Tim Cone welcomes Manny Pacquiao’s foray into PBA Story on page 39

‘Basketball was my first love,’ declares Manny Pacquiao as he pursues PBA dream with Kia MANILA – Being world boxing champ, a heavyweight politician, an actor and a preacher is not enough for the Philippines’ irrepressible Manny Pacquiao — now he wants to be a professional basketballer.

The pint-sized 35-year-old has caused shockwaves and much disbelief with his adoring fans at home by declaring his intention to become a playing coach for an expansion team in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

“Even when I was a kid, even before I learnt to box, basketball was my first love,” Pacquiao, who has won an unprecedented eight boxing world titles in different divisions, told reporters this week.

Pacquiao stands at 1.69 metres (five feet, seven inches) and has no history as a basketballer in competitive leagues, but intends to serve as playing coach for the newly created Kia Motors team when the next PBA conference starts in October.

He defended himself against critics who said he would be no match for the professionals of the league, which has produced players with enough quality to see the Philippines qualify for this year’s World Cup.

Continue to page 39

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