May 2014 b issue

Celeb Scoop page 26

E E FR

Connecting Global News & Views For The Community

UK & Europe Edition

May 2014 / Fortnightly

Nora Aunor confirms rift with Coco Martin

NORA Aunor has finally confirmed rumors of a rift between her and Coco Martin, her co-star in the indie film “Padre de Familia”.

The rift was allegedly caused by the superstar’s repeated requests for financial help from the actor.

Nora confessed to the TV5 entertainment talk show “Showbiz Police” that she felt slighted by the rumors, which she expected Coco to deny. She admitted that she had sent him a series of text messages asking him to clarify the matter with the media.

“Ayoko na sanang sagutin yan kasi ayoko nang lumala ang isyu na yan. Pero totoo po yon na may nangyari na nag-text ako sa kanya dahil nga dun sa nabalitaan kong kesyo siya raw ang nagbabayad ng

condo ko. Tapos naubos daw yung kanyang bank book dahil sa kahihingi ko ng pera sa kanya na siguro naman ay hindi totoo,” she said.

Nora said she was still waiting for Coco to break his silence and clear her name.

“Ang gusto ko lang naman sa kanya ay ilinaw na mali naman yung sinasabi ng iba. Hinihintay ko sanang siya ay tumawag kasi hindi ko naman alam kung natatanggap niya ang texts ko kasi nagtawagan na kami minsan, eh,” she explained.

Nevertheless, the veteran actress said she was not inclined to make a big deal out of their misunderstanding.

“Tampo? Ah, noon, noong umpisa. Ako naman kasi, hindi nagtatanim ng galit o tampo sa kapwa,” she said.

Volume 5 - Number 10

She expressed confidence that she could patch things up soon with the actor, whom she considers like a son. “Anak ko pa rin siya,” she said.

Nora is well aware that this rift is unbecoming of an actress who might soon be declared a National Artist for Film. Last month, after months of speculation, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts announced that it had recommended Nora for the award to the Office of the President.

“Alam n’yo po, kung ibibigay sa atin, laking pasasalamat ko po talaga. Kung hindi naman, laking pasasalamat ko pa din kasi yung kinukunsidera lang nila ako bilang National Artist, isang malaking bagay na po sa akin bilang isang artista,” she said.

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Whether or not Malacanang finds her worthy of the distinction, Ilocos Norte governor Imee Marcos has already erected a monument in La Aunor’s honor.

Last Saturday, May 10, Nora received an early birthday gift from the governor with the unveiling of a statue of her lead character Elsa in her classic film “Himala” in the sand dunes of Paoay, where parts of the movie were shot.

As she looked forward to her 61st birthday on May 21, she expressed a simple wish: “Magkasama-sama kaming buong pamilya at sa mga fans, yung mabuo uli, magkita-kita ulit katulad ng dating may mga fans day.

Nakikita ko silang lahat once a month.” ■ MJ Marfori / News5 / May 16, 2014 / 11:00 AM

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

May 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

Board of Australia’s Goodman Fielder endorses revised takeover offer from Wilmar, First Pacific MANILA - The board of Goodman Fielder has recommended a revised offer from Wilmar International Ltd and First Pacific Co Ltd to take over the Australian food company.

In disclosures to the Australian Stock

Exchange, Goodman Fielder said its board today received a revised non-binding and conditional cash offer from Wilmar and First Pacific of A$0.70 a share for 100 percent of the Australian food company’s stock.

The revised offer is five cents higher than the original offer of A$0.65 apiece, which the Goodman Fielder board turned down because the amount undervalued the company at A$1.27 billion. The revised offer now values Goodman Fielder at A$1.37 billion.

The Australian food firm said its board has recommended to shareholders to accept the revised offer from Wilmar and First Pacific, each of which would take a 50 percent stake in Goodman Fielder once the deal is completed.

With the recommendation, First Pacific and Wilmar in a joint statement said they are proceeding with the due diligence of the Australian food company.

“We are very pleased to be able to take a significant step forward with this proposed transaction,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, chief executive officer and managing director of First Pacific. “In Wilmar we have a terrific partner in this investment.”

Kuok Khoon Hong, chairman and CEO of Wilmar said, “We thank the Goodman Fielder board for their support and look forward to working with First Pacific to make this a successful transaction for all.”

Goodman Fielder is the company behind such brands as Medow Lea, Praise, White Wings, Pampas, Mighty Soft, Helga’s, Wonder White, Vogel’s (under license) and Meadow Fresh.

Singapore-based Wilmar is in the

business of oil palm cultivation, oilseed crushing, edible oils refining, sugar milling and refining, specialty fats, oleochemicals, biodiesel and fertiliser manufacturing and grain processing. It has more than 450 manufacturing plants and distribution network spanning China, India, Indonesia and 50 other countries.

Hong Kong-based First Pacific has businesses in telecommunications, infrastructure, consumer food products and natural resources.

InterAksyon.com is the online news portal of TV5, which is a member of the PLDT Group, of which First Pacific is a key shareholder. ■ InterAksyon.com / May 16, 2014 / 4:56 PM

NGCP hoists ‘red alert’ in Luzon, as Meralco areas suffer outages after 2 coal plants bog down MANILA - The National Grid Corp of the Philippines (NGCP) warned of possible power interruptions after two of Luzon’s major coal plants bogged down.

In a statement, NGCP said it issued a “red alert” notice to its Luzon grid customers today due to insufficient power supply brought about by the unexpected outages of certain power plants.

“Rotating brownouts in Luzon are expected today because of the generationrelated deficiency. The specific affected areas and the duration and schedule of brownouts per area will be determined by the local distribution utility,” the power transmission monopoly said.

“Red alert” refers to the system condition when the contingency reserve is zero or a generation deficiency exists, while a “yellow alert” is a system condition wherein the total of all reserves is less than the capacity of the largest plant online, which for the Luzon grid, is 647 megawatts (MW).

When system reserves are more than sufficient to meet the requirements of the grid, the system is considered to be under normal condition. The system alert, and the corresponding power curtailment, if any, is

lifted once demand recedes or once there is enough available capacity coming into the grid from the power plants.

The supply situation is expected to normalize once the unavailable capacities or the plants on shutdown or running on limited capabilities are back and synchronized to the grid, or once the demand recedes.

Among the plants that went offline is one of the Sual coal plant’s 647-MW units in Pangasinan. The facility was shut down last Tuesday for repair works.

Likewise, one of the Pagbilao coal plant’s two 367.5-MW generating facilities was placed on emergency shutdown at 2:28 p.m. today due to technical problems.

The Sual plant is expected to be back online by Sunday while the Pagbilao facility may take up to five to six days to be fully operational.

“All efforts are being undertaken to lessen downtime and have the unit back online as soon as possible,” the plants’ operator, TeaM Energy Corp, said in a statement.

One-hour interruptions. Portions of the Manila Electric Co (Meralco) franchise

area were affected by one-hour power interruptions starting 1:28 p.m.

Affected areas included portions of Cavite – Tagaytay City, Alfonso, Indang, Maragondon, Mendez-Nunez, Silang, General Trias, Imus, Kawit, Dasmarinas, Trece Martirez City; Metro Manila – Caloocan City, Malabon, Navotas, Q.C. – Balintawak, Batasan, Greater Fairview, San Bartolome, Tandang Sora, Novaliches, La Loma, Mabuhay, Valenzuela, Manila City; Bulacan – Malolos City, Paombong, Guiguinto, Santa Maria, Meycauayan, Bocaue, Marilao, San Miguel, Angat, Dona Remedios Trinidad, Norzagaray, San Jose del Monte, Balagtas, Bulacan, Plaridel and Pandi.

Around 375 MW was lost in the Luzon supply due to the outage of Pagbilao 1. For Meralco, this meant that supply was lower by around 270 MW. To help mitigate the situation, participating establishments under the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) volunteered to reduce their consumption by running their own generator sets, instead of sourcing their power directly from Meralco, thus allowing customers to continue to enjoy power.

PH stock market trims losses to stay above 6,800-mark MANILA – Philippine share prices on Friday trimmed losses to keep the composite index above the 6,800-mark, but the two-day profit-taking snapped local equities’ seven-week streak of gains.

At the Philippine Stock Exchange, the benchmark index lost 31.62 points or 0.46 percent to finish at 6.817.71. The equity gauge declined 0.43 percent for the week.

Except for the financial counter, other sub-indices trekked lower with the mining and oil, as well as property counters, falling by more than one percent each.

Decliners beat advancers, 125 to 61, while 35 issues were unchanged.

Value turnover slipped to P10 billion from yesterday’s P11.92 billion, as 1.69 billion shares changed hands.

Most actively traded stocks were BDO, Puregold, PLDT, Ayala Land and DoubleDragon. Top gainers were Central Azucarera, Southeast Asia Cement and SPC Power, while the biggest losers were Globalport, Da Vinci Capital and Pancake House.

“We saw continued profit-taking, tracking overseas trends. However, strong support at 6,800 was observed,” said

Freya Natividad, investment analyst at Papa Securities Inc, referring to the composite index’s recovery since hitting a low of 6,787.67 during the session.

Overnight, US equities fell by the most in about a month after data showed a surprise drop in industrial output and Europe’s economic growth missed projections.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gave up 0.9 percent to 1,870.85, while the Dow average fell 167.16 points, or 1 percent, to

16,446.81, its biggest decline.

Tracking the weakness on Wall Street, Asian shares declined as China reported the biggest increase in bad loans since 2005, adding to concerns over global growth prospects. India’s shares rose the most in five years after the party of opposition leader Narendra Modi looked headed for a landslide victory in the election. ■ Krista

Angela M. Montealegre / InterAksyon.com / May 16, 2014 / 4:22 PM

Photo from industcards.com show the Sual coal.

Power to the last affected areas was restored as of 4:58 PM. “Meralco will constantly coordinate with the system operator, the Department of Energy (DOE), and establishments participating under the ILP to ensure that the supply situation is addressed,” the company said in a statement.

No brownouts this weekend. Meralco spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga assured that no brownout will take place this weekend.

“Demand is lower during weekends,” he said.

In a tweet, Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla said, “Walang aasahang brownout sa weekend dahil mababa ang demand ng kuryente sa mga araw na ito.”

InterAksyon.com is the online news portal of TV5, which like Meralco is chaired by Manuel V. Pangilinan. ■ Euan Paulo C. Añonuevo / InterAksyon.com / May 16, 2014 / 5:08 PM

Lucio Co holding firm raises P5B warchest

MANILA – The holding firm of businessman Lucio Co completed its maiden debt issuance, the proceeds of which will be used to finance strategic acquisitions.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Cosco Capital Inc said it signed a P5 billion notes facility agreement with a syndicate of institutional lenders composed of banks and insurance companies.

The issuance of seven- and 10-year notes was 2.5 times oversubscribed.

First Metro Investment Corp, the investment banking arm of the Metrobank group, acted as sole arranger and book runner for the transaction.

“This notes issuance is indeed a clear confirmation of the financial community’s trust and confidence in Cosco. We congratulate First Metro for successfully arranging the deal,” said Leonardo Dayao, Cosco president.

Formerly Alcord Gold Resources Inc, Cosco became the holding firm for Co’s consumer-focused businesses after a P74.81-billion share-swap transaction. It has interests in retail through Puregold

Price Club Inc, liquor distribution, real estate, oil storage and mining.

Early this month, Cosco completed the acquisition of Office Warehouse Inc, marking its maiden foray into non-food specialty retail.

In March, Cosco acquired NE Pacific Shopping Centers Corp, the owner of NE Pacific Mall, the largest commercial area in Nueva Ecija. ■ Krista Angela M. Montealegre / InterAksyon.com / May 17, 2014 / 10:27 AM

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

May 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

Private job-creation not keeping pace with population growth, says NEDA MANILA – Job-creation in the private sector has not kept pace with the increase in the Philippine population, which is why economic growth has so far failed to make a dent on both unemployment and poverty, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

“The generation of remunerative employment remains a big challenge in the country. Data show that the rate of employment generation has not kept pace with the labor force growth such that there is still a large stock of the unemployed,” Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan yesterday told participants of the 35th National Conference of Employers.

“Investing in manufacturing, tourism, information technology-business process management, construction, logistics, and agribusiness can provide remunerative jobs for a great number of the poor,” Balisacan, who is also NEDA director-general, said.

“We hope that the Employers’

Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) would continue supporting us in our efforts to generate high-quality and remunerative employment that is key to rapid poverty reduction,” he added.

ECOP organizes the annual conference of employers.

While the country saw an improvement in poverty figures in the first six months of last year, Balisacan said a lot remains to be done to further reduce poverty and ensure inclusive growth, and in this the private sector should pitch in.

As for government, it is pursuing a number of strategies to speed up job creation, he said.

“These strategies include continuous build-up of capital, promotion of priority sectors, stable macroeconomic fundamentals, investment in research and development in the agriculture, industry and services sectors, and reducing the cost of doing business,” Balisacan said.

Under the Philippine Development Plan

2011-2016 Midterm Update, the government aims to reduce the unemployment rate from seven percent in 2012 to 6.5 -6.7 percent by the end of President Benigno Aquino III’s term.

The plan also calls for reducing underemployment from 20 percent to 17 percent in 2016. Likewise poverty incidence should go down from 26 percent to between 18-20 percent by that year.

Low productivity. In a recent report, the World Bank said the Philippines’ slow improvement in reducing poverty can be traced to the low productivity of most forms of jobs in the country.

“The official poverty headcount has remained stagnant at around 26.5 percent in the Philippines since 2003. Any slowdown in growth in the future will likely imply slower improvements in living standards than what many people in East Asia have come to expect,” the Washington-based lender said.

It said the Philippines underwent an “incomplete structural transformation,” thus

the preponderance of poverty and lowquality jobs.

“Stagnant agriculture and manufacturing sectors have led most of the labor force that migrated from rural areas into cities to end up in low-productivity, informal service sector work,” the World Bank said.

“The service sector has been the largest employer since 1997. However, more than three-quarters of the service sector is composed of low-wage or low-skilled jobs, and there has been no corresponding significant increase in productivity in the service sector,” the Bank said.

It identified the Philippines as among the countries with the highest rate of idle youth.

“High levels of youth inactivity have been linked to violence and eroding social cohesion, providing a strong motivation for governments to pay closer attention to the opportunities for youth to work or build human capital,” the World Bank said.

“Even where violence is not yet a concern,

high rates of disengagement among youth can have a lasting impact on their future economic prospects and ultimately limit the productive potential of a country as a whole,” it added.

“Business as usual is not an option,” Bert Hofman, chief economist for the World Bank in East Asia and Pacific Region, said.

“The consequences of not taking more action to ensure welfare gains from work will increasingly threaten social cohesion and, as growth moderates, will constrain productivity and limit gains in living standards,” he added.

■ Rain Castro / InterAksyon.com / May 17, 2014 / 4:09 PM

Singaporean private equity firm pledges P7B to develop Clark property into mixed-use facility MANILA - A Singapore-based private equity firm has committed to invest P7 billion to develop a property inside the Clark Freeport Zone.

In a statement, state-run Clark Development Corp (CDC) said it signed a long-term lease agreement with Capilion Corp Pte Ltd to develop a mixed-used facility ideal for business process outsourcing (BPO), residential, commercial, or retail enterprises on a three-hectare property inside the Clark Freeport Zone.

The Singapore firm issued demand drafts totaling almost $4.9 million or about P215 million representing the firm’s advance lease, security deposit and performance security,

plus reservation for another 8,639 square meters adjacent to its property.

The agreement also requires signing an anti-graft undertaking and exert every effort to hire indigenous people (IP) and persons with disabilities (PWD’s).

Capilion also presented a bank certification issued by the Union Bank of the Philippines confirming the Singaporean fund’s P2 billion for the Clark project.

“This will be the biggest contract to be signed by the new administration in terms of

employment generation with a projection of 75,000 that can be accommodated within seven years”, CDC president Arthur Tugade said. ‘’Our target of breaking the 100,000 employee barrier by the year 2016 is projected to be broken by 2015 because of the entry of Capilion to Clark,” Tugade said.

Capilion will develop the areas in three phases for completion by 2018.

Established by Peter YB Tay in 2006, the Capilion group of companies has businesses

in private equity, corporate services, real estate, financial securities, ship ownership, shipping and shipbuilding, infrastructure development and clean and renewable energy projects.

The group has various stakes in different countries such as the securities industry in Indonesia, ferry project in China, biofuel in Indonesia, infrastructure in Kyrgyzstan, mono rail project in India, and various other real estate projects in Southeast Asia. ■ Darwin G. Amojelar / InterAksyon.com / May 12, 2014 / 8:31 PM

May 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

BUSINESS & FINANCE

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WEF in Manila: PH’s ‘remarkable story’ draws in 600 world leaders to talk ASEAN, food security

MANILA - At least 600 world leaders from 30 countries are expected to converge in Manila next week to see for themselves the ‘remarkable’ growth stoory of the Philippines during the 23rd World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia to thresh out top economic and developmental issues of the region.

East Asia has recorded the fastest growth in the world as the economies of develeped nations still lumbered last year, with the Philippines leading the pack in Southeast Asia.

In a pre-conference briefing on Thursday, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and WEF head of Asia Sushant Palakurthi Rao that this summit is a huge opportunity for the Philippines to showcase to the world its potential for investments. Moreover, it is also a chance for the Aquino administration to send the message to global leaders that its good governance platform bears good economic results.

“This is about capturing the mind share of decision makers. these are people we would like to expose to the Philippines. This is an opportunity to highlight the gains that we have had,” said Purisima.

Participants in the WEF on Easia in Manila are exepcted to arrive from member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Japan, India, Hong Kong, UK, Australia, Switzerland, Pakistan and Belgium.

About 460 business leaders from 25 industry sectors are also joining the

discussions on topics ranging from leadership to finance.

According to WEF, holding this year’s conference in Manila is a vote of confidence on the country’s ‘remarkable story’, a comeback kid of sorts as the Philippines continues to take the spotlight with its improving competitive rankings, credit rating upgrades and robust economy.

“The past hosts of the WEF represented the peak of interest in their respective countries, in 2010 it was Vietnam, in 2011 Indonesia, and then Myanmar. The Philippines has a remarkable story and has really achieved a turn in its economy. The participation numbers are a reflection of global interest in the Philippines,” Rao said.

The Aquino administration is spending P71 million for hosting the WEF on East Asia at the Makati Shangri-la on May 21 to 23.

The amount includes expenses for shuttles and hotel rooms for guests who will also be given free tours within and outside Metro Manila.

Among the benefits that this conference would bring to the country is the prestige as this would show to the world that the Philippines is not just a dot on the map.

“These are intangibles. Reputation is intangible, image is intangible, these are hard to measure. The fact that they are here for the first time is a very important signal that they recognize the potential of the country,” Purisima said.

Guillermo Luz, National Competitiveness Council private sector co-chair, the summit is expected to draw in more foreign direct

investments (FDI) to the country, which could result to more jobs for Filipinos--as long as the government has the correct mindset in its pursuit of inclusive growth.

“Transport, infrastructure, those are the new frontiers to investment that we should promote. Let us take advantage of the problem areas that we have and turn it into FDI opportunities, bringing people here to see the oppoertunities and potential partnerships,” Luz said.

Aside from this, the WEF also presents a great opportunity for leaders to discuss issues that need collective thought and action.

“The WEF will also be a platform to discuss challenges, and there are many challenges.

But there is a collective will among leaders to address them together, and ensure that the economic performance of the region translates to inclusive growth and equitable progress for all,” WEF’s Rao said.

“Given the number of ministers, NGOs, civil society groups, it is an unprecedented opportunity to have a public-private dialogue, cross-sectoral dialogue that is hard to attain otherwise,” he added.

ASEAN, food security. Among the topics that WEF would be tackling are the ASEAN Economic Integration that would commence next year.

Purisima said bringing the ASEAN integration to the fore is important as “intraASEAN trade is growing rapidly, and has even outpaced the growth of world trade.”

As a collective, the ASEAN’s gross domestic product is around $2 trillion.

WEF in Manila pre-conference briefing (From left) Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, and WEF head of Asia Sushant Palakurthi Rao. Photo by Likha Cuevas-Miel ©InterAksyon.com

Representatives from different parts of Asia will also be discussing regional security next week.

Regional tensions have risen in the past few weeks, with China and Vietnam’s maritime skirmishes reaching new heights as it sparked deadly riots in the latter.

China claims almost the entire oil- and gas-rich South China Sea, junking rival claims to parts of it from Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei.

In the East China Sea, Beijing is locked in an increasingly bitter dispute with Japan.

China is skipping this year’s WEF on East Asia but Rao said this does not have anything to do with the country’s ongoing tensions with the Philippines.

Also included in the issues to be tackled is food security amid a climate-dictated future. Rao said the WEF summit would set the stage for a public-private dialogue

towards achieving food security since “we need to feed a rapidly growing population.”

With that as a centerpiece, WEF will be launching food security partnerships among the largest food and beverage companies and Asian governments, with the goal of providing livelihood and sustainability to the region through agricultural transformation.

Climate change is also on top of the list of issues to be discussed, specifically designing solutions or adopting business models to mitigate climate changeinduced respirce risks and vulnerabilities.

According to the Asian Development Bank, Asia in the last two decades has borne almost half of the global economic cost of natural disasters estimated at $53 billion a year. ■ Michelle Orosa with a report from Likha Cuevas-Miel / InterAksyon.com / News5 / May 16, 2014 / 9:18 AM

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IMMIGRATION / OFNEWS

May 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

8 Pinoy teachers undergo training in Australia for K-12 program

EIGHT Filipino teachers recently attended a two-week training program in Australia to improve their teaching skills in light of the government’s implementation of the K-12 Program.

The teachers—winners in the recent Metrobank Foundation Inc.’s Search of Oustanding Teachers—participated in the Strengthening Leadership and Teaching Excellence Skills (SLATES) from April 27 to May 10, according to the Australian Embassy in Manila.

While in Australia, the teachers visited K-12 schools around Queensland, Victoria, and South Australia to observe the country’s implementation of the program.

The visits also included workshops on developing leadership skills, assessment of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers’ framework, and a “Practical Resilience Workshop,” the embassy said.

According to the Department of Education, the K-12 Program covers Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education—six years of primary education, four years of Junior High School, and two years of Senior High School—to provide sufficient time for mastery of concepts and skills, develop lifelong learners, and prepare graduates for tertiary education, middlelevel skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship.

The eight teachers were: • Fely A. Batiloy - Special Education Integrated School for Exceptional Children in Iloilo City • Mitchel V. Rodriguez - Odiongan Central School in Gingoog City, Northern Mindanao • Cherry G. Vinluan - Guagua Elementary School, Pampanga • Rodel C. Sampang - Pedro Guevarra

Elementary School, Manila • Dominique J. Maquiran - University of the Philippines Highschool, Iloilo City • Marvelo V. Otinguey - Ampusongan National High School, Bakun, Benguet • Maria Teresa M. Bautista - Bacnotan National High School, La Union • Maria Lorna L. Garnace - Phillippine Science High School, Palo, Leyte Upon their return to Manila, the teachers participated in a two-day planning session with their school principals to build strategies—based on what they have learned from Australia—to implement action plans for their own schools to support the government’s K-12 program.

Australian Embassy Charge d’Affaires David Dutton said education was his country’s “flagship initiative in their development program with the Philippines.”

He said he is looking forward to seeing the

teachers use their training to “benefit and inspire” their students.

“Australia is pleased to be working in close partnership with the Philippines towards achieving better learning outcomes for Filipino children,” said Dutton.

He added, “Our support to outstanding teachers stems from the fact that teachers play a significant role in delivering quality education and building a better future for the Filipino children.” ■ Rie Takumi / KBK, GMA News / May 14, 2014 / 2:16 PM

Search for next Megan Young on via first Miss World PHL franchise in East Coast A newly established Filipino-led production company in the US is set to launch the first-ever Miss World Philippines’ franchise in the East Coast by way of the 2014 Miss Philippines Quest USA pageant.

The pageant will be held on July 12 at Symphony Space in Broadway, New York, according to a press statement from the Synergy Production & Marketing Inc., the

company behind the event.

Synergy Production is the same company behind the recently concluded concert “An Evening of Original Philippine Music with Cecile Azarcon, Lorrie Ilustre, and Fil-Am Artists in New York and New Jersey,” also held at the Symphony Space.

The company will hold the 2014 Miss Philippines Quest USA pageant “with its

Lorrie Ilustre, Cecile Azarcon, Grace and Ronald Labaguis of Synergy Production.

Photo by Rex Romero.

eyes firmly set on the promotion of FilipinoAmerican talents in the East Coast,” the statement read.

“We’re truly grateful to Fil-Am organizations, colleagues, friends, and family members who came out to support Synergy Production’s tribute concert to Original Philippine Music (OPM) and legendary Filipino songwriter Cecile Azarcon held last month,” said Synergy Production’s Grace Labaguis, who also serves as marketing consultant for GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV, international channels of GMA Network Inc. “With the outpouring love and support that we got, we now feel more inspired to do our best at promoting deserving Fil-Am talents,” she added. “Without missing a beat, and with the blessing of Ms. Cory Quirino, the franchise owner of Miss World Philippines, our search for the East Coast’s official representative to the prestigious Miss World pageant—through our very own Miss Philippines Quest USA—is our next platform.”

Quirino, for her part, shared her enthusiasm for collaborating with Synergy Production.

“Because of the success of Megan

Young, Miss World 2013, we are encouraged to widen our search in order to give every eligible Filipina a chance to make her Beauty Queen dreams come true. We are confident that our partnership with Synergy Production will lead to a deserving winner who will ably represent the Filipino community in the US,” she said.

Miss World is a highly reputable international beauty pageant, which originated in the United Kingdom in 1951.

Its “Beauty with a Purpose” campaign, in particular, has raised hundreds of millions of pounds, which have been donated to various organizations in aid of disadvantaged children across the globe.

Apparently, Fil-Ams in the New York Tri-State area have recently been reacquainted with Miss World’s charity projects through the shining example set by its reigning Filipina Miss World Megan Young, who globetrotted London, New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Jakarta in less than two weeks to raise funds for the victims of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in the Visayas.

Rey Yumang, a beauty pageant connoisseur, said, “Single Filipinas in the East Coast should join Miss Philippines

Quest USA to chase their dreams and make a difference in the lives of many. This firstever franchise of Miss World Philippines pageant will definitely be a springboard for many modern-day Filipina beauty queens to promote and support worthy causes and advocacies.”

“Be a part of the Miss World Philippines’ family and know what the true purpose and role of a Beauty Queen is: one who truly uses her beauty and intelligence to raise the Filipino flag proudly before all the world to see,” said Quirino.

Synergy Production, together with Izzajaye Dungca of One10 Collection and Mabel Sigmon of MS Event Solutions, will conduct screenings of prospective Miss Philippines Quest USA pageant contestants on May 17 and 24, 1 to 6 p.m., at 71 West 23rd St., Suite 1628, New York, NY. 17-24 year-old single Filipinas, 5’6” or taller, may apply.

To request for an application form, email at missphilquestusa@synergyproduction. biz or call 212-206-1627.

Miss Philippines Quest USA winner will travel to the Philippines and compete for the 2014 Miss World Philippines’ title. ■ KBK, GMA News / May 13, 2014 / 12:57 PM

41 more Pinoys home from strife-torn Syria ANOTHER batch consisting of 41 Filipinos has been repatriated from Syria with the help of Philippine officials in Lebanon and Syria, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

The DFA said the Philippine embassies in Beirut, Lebanon and Damascus, Syria, worked with the International Organization for Migration to repatriate the 41 last May 6.

“The departure of this group of 41 Filipinos brought to 2,305 the total number of Filipinos repatriated from Syria via the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut since the first cross-border operations began on 12 December 2012,” it said in a news release.

“This brings the total number of Filipinos repatriated from Syria to 5,334,” the DFA added.

The DFA said the IOM shouldered the airfare and expenses for land

transportation and meals of the repatriates. It added the May 6 operation was the 50th cross-border operation.

A Reuters report said more than 150,000 people have been killed in the Syria conflict, which has become increasingly sectarian as rival regional powers have backed either President Bashar Hafez al-Assad, a member of the Shi’ite offshoot Alawite sect, or the overwhelmingly Sunni rebels who oppose him.

Millions more have fled their homes and fighting regularly kills more than 200 people a day.

The road home. For the May 6 operation, the DFA said a team from the Philippine Embassy in Beirut composed of Vice Consul Dennis John Briones and Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Officer Dexter Macaraeg assisted the repatriates at the Masna’a border, where representatives of the IOM were present.

“After undergoing entry immigration procedures in Masna’a, the Embassy team escorted the repatriates directly to the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut where another team from the Embassy and IOM assisted them in going through airline and immigration formalities. Vice Consul Briones and Embassy Collecting Officer Alberto Bansil comprised the Embassy airport team,” the DFA said.

The repatriates then left Beirut for their flight to Manila via Dubai (United Arab Emirates), and arrived in Manila on May 7 at 3:55 p.m. via Emirates Airlines flight EK 332.

Meanwhile, the DFA appealed anew to Filipinos still in Syria to seek immediate repatriation.

It said they may call the Philippine Embassy in Damascus at 00963-116132626, 00963-949155557, and

00963-934957926 or send an email to damascus.pe@gmail.com.

Also, it said families of Filipinos in Syria may provide the it with updated information regarding their next-of-kin’s location and contact details in Syria.

They may call the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (OUMWA) at (02) 834-3240 or 834-4583 or the DFA’s 24-hour Action Center at (02) 834-3333. ■ Joel Locsin / KBK, GMA News / May 14, 2014 / 12:45 PM

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IMMIGRATION / OFNEWS

May 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

Task force to urge vaccination for Pinoys traveling to nations on WHO polio list THE Department of Health-led interagency task force on polio is set to formally recommend and implement “within several days” the vaccination of Filipinos, especially overseas workers, traveling to 10 countries cited by the World Health Organization as being infected with the disease.

In an interview, DOH Family Health Unit officer-in-charge Dr. Joyce Ducusin said the task force, which met on Tuesday, is also considering the setting up of polio vaccination centers at the country’s international airports to handle visitors coming from these 10 countries.

On May 5, the WHO named Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Cameroon,

Equitorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Israel, Nigeria, and Somalia as countries having escalating polio cases, prompting the international health body to declare a “public health emergency of international concern.” The 2009 flu pandemic merited the last such designation.

Ducusin, who is also the DOH’s immunization expert, said Filipinos bound for the 10 countries will be “strongly requested” to visit the Bureau of Quarantine offices for polio vaccination.

“While the initial targets of polio vaccination are Filipinos going to these 10 countries, eventually we hope to vaccinate a significant number, if not all, Filipinos,” she said.

“Reaching out to and vaccinating overseas Filipinos working in strife-torn countries infected by polio are posing as a challenge to us,” Ducusin added.

Checking for polio in PHL. In the Philippines, Ducusin said, the DOH is expected to strengthen its surveillance of people exhibiting “loose and floppy limbs, otherwise known as flaccid paralysis,” a symptom of polio.

Even those who have had polio vaccinations in the past are encouraged to have booster polio shots, she added.

Among the symptoms of nonparalytic polio infections are: fever, sore throat, head ache, vomiting, fatigue, back pain, neck pain, muscle tenderness, and meningitis.

Loss of reflexes, severe muscle aches or weakness, and flaccid paralysis usually worse on one side of the body are among the symptoms of paralytic polio.

Other members of the inter-agency task force on polio are the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Tourism, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, the Bureau of Immigration, and the Bureau of Quarantine.

The Philippines was only declared polio-free in October 2000, following compliance with several conditions imposed by international polio experts.

A potentially deadly infectious disease, polio is caused by a virus that spreads from

person to person, invading the brain and spinal cord and causing paralysis.

Because polio has no cure, vaccination is seen by experts as the “best way” to protect a person from being infected by the virus and to stop the disease from spreading.

Immunization experts have observed that one of the causes of the re-emergence of polio is the lowering of a country’s immunization rate.

Health experts strongly urged poliofree countries to conduct an “intensive and continuous aggressive polio immunization” to help them combat the resurgence of the disease. ■ Ibarra C. Mateo /

BM, GMA News / May 14, 2014 / 8:11 PM

Taiwanese lawyer indicted for framing Pinay maid A Taiwanese lawyer has been indicted for framing a Filipina maid who learned of her illicit affair with her bodyguard, Taiwan’s Central News Agency reported Sunday.

The Taipei District Prosecutors Office handed down an indictment last May 7 against the Taiwanese lawyer identified only by her surname Chuang.

That affair led to the divorce of Chuang and her husband in September 2011.

Citing prosecutors’ records, the CNA report as posted on TaiwanNews.com said the Filipina saw Chuang having sex with the man who worked as her bodyguard and driver in November and December 2010.

In a bid to ensure the Filipina kept quiet,

Chuang allegedly had her sign a waiver agreeing not to ask for her contract to be renewed.

She also bought the Filipina a plane ticket back to Manila in June 2011. But the Filipina decided she wanted to stay in Taiwan and backed out.

Chuang then tried to get the maid thrown out of Taiwan by accusing her of stealing a diamond ring, earrings, a necklace and NT$30,000 cash.

Taipei prosecutors, after checking the facts, decided to indict Chuang on false accusation charges and not charge the maid. ■ Joel Locsin / RSJ, GMA News / May 12, 2014 / 11:44 AM

2 men face UAE court for alleged rape on Pinay in bus

TWO drivers faced a United Arab Emirates court Monday for allegedly raping a Filipina inside a rented bus last December, a UAE news site reported Tuesday.

Both men had been arrested inside their bus about three days after the alleged crime in Al Karama area, Khaleej Times reported.

One of the men allegedly introduced himself as a businessman and lured the Filipina to go out with him from a nightclub, the Court of First Instance heard. The two were aged 33 and 27, the same report said.

The two men face charges of rape, kidnap by force and threat, impersonation of police officers, forcible theft, and possession of lost property.

The report said that according to the 31-year-old Filipina, she met one of the men at a nightclub after 1 a.m. on December 20.

She said he claimed to be a trader with an exhibition at the (Dubai World) Trade Center.

“He convinced me to go out with him to his hotel room where he said he had alcohol. He promised he would help me find a job.” she was quoted in the report as saying.

She said the man then had her ride a cab that dropped them near a hotel. But he then walked her to a bus parked nearby and shoved her inside.

The man then allegedly told the Filipina he was a police officer and slapped her on her cheek. He showed her an ID card which she could not see properly.

The Filipina then realized there was another man in the bus, who drove for a while before he parked somewhere in Al Garhoud.

He then moved from the driver’s seat and took her to the back of the bus where he raped her and made her perform a sexual act on him, the Khaleej Times report said.

The man then drove again for a while and parked in an area close to the airport, while his companion raped the Filipina again.

The Filipina said the men threatened to send her to jail and get her deported if she did not have sex with them.

She said they took her gold ring, Dh300 and her smart phone, then drove away after telling her to step off the bus. The Filipina filed a complaint with the police.

The Filipina told investigators she had a hard time sleeping and had been having nightmares.

Following the men’s arrest, one said he planned to go to the nightclub and meet any girl and lure her to accompany him so that they would rape her.

Meanwhile, a search of the suspects’ bus yielded an ensign of the Ministry of Interior and a small badge with the UAE national flag, as well as a walkie-talkie.

One of the suspects admitted he found the lost items when he worked as a driver for the military police students.

The Khaleej Times report said the two defendants were also linked to two similar criminal cases. ■ Joel Locsin / RSJ, GMA News / May 13, 2014 / 10:36 AM

Program offers to lend mobile phones to Pinoy helpers in HK FILIPINO domestic helpers in Hong Kong may keep in touch with their families at home and seek assistance in emergencies via a program that allows them to lease a mobile phone.

Caritas, a social service organization of the Catholic Church, said this will help migrant workers face various challenges including changing their habits and coping with loneliness.

“In order to encourage Filipino domestic helper new arrivals to keep contact with

family members and to seek assistance for emergency needs, our project offers renting service of hand phones to support the FDHs [Filipino domestic Helpers] who do not have any hand phone,” it said in a news release posted on the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong’s website.

Filipino helpers who want to avail of the program must pay a deposit fee of HK$50.

This will cover a Nokia handset with charger.

The phone can be used only for calls and texts, and the HK$50 will be refunded

if the phone is returned in good condition.

Also, the program will apply only for FDHs with less than two years’ stay in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, Caritas’ Asian Migrant Workers Social Service Project is also planning an orientation program for newly arrived FDHs from June 7 to July 12.

Participants may have to pay fees of $10 per session or $50 for the whole course, which will orient them on skills to develop and common working problems and skills. ■ Joel Locsin / LBG, GMA News / May 17, 2014 / 3:02 PM

2 Pinay pole dancers arrested in Malaysia’s anti-vice raid TWO Filipinas moonlighting as exotic pole dancers were detained by Malaysian authorities following a raid on an establishment in Kuala Lumpur last Monday, a Malaysian news site reported Thursday.

A report on Malaysia’s The Star Online cited a report in the vernacular newspaper “Harian Metro” indicating the Filipinas were among 12 foreign women detained following the raid.

While the women work as maids during the day, they work as exotic pole dancers at

night, the report said.

The raid by Malaysian anti-vice officers occurred at 11 p.m. Monday at an entertainment outlet in Taman Tun Dr Ismail in Kuala Lumpur.

Likewise detained following the raid were 50 customers and the caretaker.

The Star Online report quoted “Harian Metro” as saying the women aged 23 to 37 they could earn about RM300 (P4,054) a night at the joint. ■ Joel Locsin / LBG, GMA News /

May 15, 2014 / 12:48 PM

OFW in Saudi not kidnapped but under police custody – VP Binay

BILLY Joseph Enriquez, the Filipino waiter in Saudi Arabia who has been missing since last week, is in police custody and not kidnapped as earlier reported, Vice President Jejomar Binay said Wednesday.

In a statement, Binay, the presidential adviser on OFW concerns, said he got the information from Philippine embassy officials in Riyadh.

“I was told by Vice Consul Redentor Genotiva that Mr. Billy Joseph Enriquez was taken by the police and that his case is still under investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office,” Binay said.

He said embassy officials had already met with Enriquez. It was not however clear

why Enriquez was taken by the police.

Binay, who met with Enriquez’s parents in the Philippines, said government assistance will continue to be provided to Enriquez.

An investigation is currently underway to assess Enriquez’s current situation, he said.

Enriquez was reported missing last week after his co-workers at the Noria Restaurant in Al-Khobar told his parents of his alleged abduction. This prompted his parents to seek assistance from the OPLE Center and the Office of the Vice President.

Enriquez, 22, is about to return home in June when his two-year contract expires. ■ Rie Takumi / KBK, GMA News / May 14, 2014 / 7:01PM

IMMIGRATION / OFNEWS

May 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

www.hello-philippines.com

11

POEA wants MERS-CoV tests for returning OFWs from Middle East THE Philippine Overseas Employment Administration wants Filipinos returning from the Middle East to undergo tests for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) before their departure for the Philippines.

POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac, in Advisory No. 6 Series of 2014, urged licensed recruitment agencies to facilitate such tests, adding these should be at no cost to the workers.

“All licensed recruitment agencies are urged to have their returning/vacationing workers from the Middle East undergo (MERS-CoV) test prior to their departure for the Philippines through the facilitation

Overseas Filipino workers arriving at the NAIA Terminal 1 from the Middle East wear surgical masks as protection from the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome - corona virus (MERS-CoV) on Wednesday, May 14.

of their respective employers at no cost to the workers,” Cacdac said in the advisory dated May 12.

At least three Filipinos in the Middle East have already died from MERS, a novel virus often referred to as the Middle East’s own version of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and even diarrhea.

Human cases of MERS have also been reported in other Middle Eastern countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan and Oman.

Anti-polio vaccinations. Meanwhile, Cacdac advised overseas Filipino workers

to get anti-polio vaccinations before they leave the Philippines for their respective job sites.

This is after a polio outbreak in 10 countries, he said. A report on UK’s The Independent said recent polio cases had been “exported” from Pakistan, Cameroon, and Syria.

The Independent added wild poliovirus was also found in Afghanistan, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Iraq, Israel, Somalia and Nigeria.

Cacdac said OFWs can get their vaccinations at hospitals or clinics accredited by the Department of Health. ■

Joel Locsin / RSJ, GMA News / May 15, 2014 / 1:20 PM

Pinoys in Vietnam asked to take precautions amid anti-China violence

FILIPINOS in Vietnam were asked by the Philippine government to take the necessary precautions amid surging antiChina violence there that has killed at least 21 people.

At a press briefing Friday, Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said there are about 5,500 Filipinos in Vietnam and that the Philippine Embassy there is coordinating with their companies to ensure their safety.

“Our embassy wants to make sure that their employers will provide them enough protection,” Jose told reporters.

China’s installation of an oil rig in the disputed Paracels off the South China Sea,

which is also claimed by Vietnam, has sparked anti-China riots and led to attacks on factories believed to be Chinese-owned.

Protesters torched at least 15 foreignowned factories in south Vietnam and several others were ransacked, highlighting the escalation of tensions between Beijing and Hanoi.

Despite this, Jose said the Philippine government will not issue a travel ban to Vietnam nor will it suspend the deployment of workers there.

“The Vietnamese government is taking steps to control the situation and our embassy is asking them to take

precautions,” Jose said.

Separately, the Philippines accused China of encroaching into its waters and has revealed a massive Chinese construction and reclamation of a Manilaclaimed reef.

China, which claims the South China Sea nearly in its entirety, said the reef, called Mabini by the Philippines, is part of Chinese territory.

Other claimants to the disputed waters, said to be harboring rich oil and gas resources, are Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. ■ Michaela Del Callar / RSJ, GMA News /

May 16, 2014 / 4:10 PM

Firefighters rest near a fire-damaged Chinese-owned shoe factory in Vietnam’s southern Binh Duong province on Wednesday, May 14. Thousands of Vietnamese set fire to foreign factories and rampaged in industrial zones south of the country in reaction to Chinese oil drilling in a part of the South China Sea claimed by Vietnam.

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INTERNATIONAL / GOLBAL NEWS

China signs mega east Africa rail deal NAIROBI - China on Sunday signed a deal to build a $3.8 billion rail link between Kenya’s Indian Ocean port of Mombasa and Nairobi, the first stage of a line that will eventually link Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan.

Under the terms of the agreement, Exim Bank of China will provide 90 percent of the cost to replace the crumbling British colonial-era line with a 609.3 kilometre (379 mile) standard-gauge link and Kenya the remaining 10 percent.

Construction is due to start in October and take three-and-a-half years to complete, with China Communications Construction Co. as the main contractor.

Once the Mombasa-Nairobi line is

completed, construction would begin to link east Africa’s largest economy with Kampala, Kigali, Bujumbura and Juba.

The deal was signed at State House in Nairobi and witnessed by presidents Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Salva Kiir of South Sudan.

“This project demonstrates that there is equal cooperation and mutual benefit between China and the East African countries, and the railway is a very important part of transport infrastructure development,” Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said.

Li has been on a four-country tour of Africa, his first since taking office last year, with the world’s second-biggest economy

keen to boost its presence on the continent to find new markets and opportunities.

Kenyatta hailed the booming relationship with China, calling it one “based on mutual trust” and saying Kenya “has found an honourable partner in China”.

Museveni also took a swipe at Western donors who have been critical of his leadership -- including government corruption and his recent signing of draconian anti-gay legislation.

“We are happy to see that China is concentrating on the real issues of development,” Museveni said.

“They don’t give lectures on how to run local governments and other issues I don’t want to mention,” he said. ■ AFP / May 11, 2014

May 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (left) and Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta applaud the signing of the Standard Gauge Railway agreement.

Iran says it has copied US drone

A handout picture released by the office of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on May 11, 2014.

TEHRAN - Iran said on Sunday it has succeeded in copying a US drone it captured in December 2011, with state television broadcasting images apparently showing the replicated aircraft.

Tehran captured the US RQ-170 Sentinel in 2011 while it was in its airspace, apparently on a mission to spy on the country’s nuclear sites, media in the United States reported.

“Our engineers succeeded in breaking the drone’s secrets and copying them. It will soon take a test flight,” an officer said in the footage.

The broadcast showed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s visit to an exhibition organised by the powerful Revolutionary

Guards air wing about Iran’s military advances, particularly regarding ballistic missiles and drones.

Footage showed two nearly identical drones.

“This drone is very important for reconnaissance missions,” Khamenei said, standing in front of the Iranian copy of the American unmanned aircraft.

Iran said it had taken control of the ultra hi-tech drone and forced it down in the desert where it was recovered nearly intact.

Washington said it had lost control of the aircraft.

At the time, US military officials tried to play the incident down, saying Iran did not

have the technology to decipher its secrets, and President Barack Obama asked the Islamic republic to return the Sentinel.

Iran has been working to develop a significant drone programme of its own, and some of its unmanned aircraft have a range of hundreds of kilometres (miles) and are armed with missiles.

The state broadcaster also showed images that the commentary said had been recorded by an Iranian drone above a US aircraft carrier in the Gulf.

In the pictures, which were relatively clear, it was possible to see American personnel working on planes and helicopters aboard the vessel. ■ AFP / May 11, 2014

Japan, China ministers hold first meeting since war shrine trip

THE Japanese and Chinese trade ministers held talks Saturday in the first high-level meeting between the two countries since a visit by Japan’s premier to a controversial war shrine sparked a furious diplomatic row in December.

Toshimitsu Motegi and his Chinese counterpart Gao Hucheng agreed to put political tensions to one side to boost bilateral economic ties, when they met on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) forum in Qingdao, Kyodo news agency reported.

It was the first Cabinet-level meeting since hawkish Japanese premier Shinzo Abe’s visit to Yasukuni Shrine on December 26 provoked outrage in Beijing, inflaming diplomatic tensions already running high

over a bitter territorial dispute.

China, along with other Asian nations, regards the shrine as a symbol of what it says is Japan’s unwillingness to repent for its aggressive warring last century.

“Although Japan and China have difficult issues, we agreed that we should proceed with cooperation between the two countries based on our mutually beneficial and strategic relationship,” Motegi was quoted by Japanese state broadcaster NHK as saying following the meeting in the Chinese port city.

The talks, which lasted about 20 minutes, were held in a “very good atmosphere”, Motegi told reporters.

Relations between the Asian giants plunged to their lowest in years in

September 2012 after Japan nationalised part of a South China Sea island chain known as the Senkakus in Japan and the Diaoyus in China.

Tokyo controls the islands, which are strategically sited and may harbour mineral resources, but Beijing claims sovereignty.

Paramilitary vessels from both sides have shadow-boxed in waters around the islands since then, with some observers warning of the risk of a limited military confrontation that could have disastrous regional implications.

However, in recent months the temperature has cooled and there have been signs that the two sides, who are economically interdependent, are moving towards a diplomatic detente. ■ AFP News / May 17, 2014

Philippine, VietnameseThe join anti-China street protest street action, which remained Manila’s Vietnamese community at the and resource-rich waters, including the oilSEVERAL hundred Filipino and Vietnamese protesters united in a march in the Philippine capital on Friday, demanding that China stop oil drilling in disputed South China Sea waters.

Filipino riot police blocked the entrance to a high-rise building that houses the Chinese consulate in Manila’s financial district as around 200 protesters marched on the office.

Vietnamese protesters hold an anti-China rally with their Philippine counterparts in front of the Chinese consular office in Manila, on May 16, 2014

peaceful, came after deadly riots in Vietnam that Hanoi said were triggered by China’s deployment of a deep-sea oil rig in a part of the South China Sea. The protesters, some wearing green cardboard cut-outs of turtle shells, carried placards that read “Vietnam-Philippines join hands to kick off China”, “China Stop Bullying Vietnam and the Philippines” and “We Support Vietnam”.

The Philippines this week filed criminal charges against nine Chinese crew members of a fishing boat seized by Filipino police in the disputed waters for collecting hundreds of protected giant sea turtles.

The protesters also chanted “Paracels Vietnam”, referring to the South China Sea island chain where the Chinese oil rig is deployed.

Filipino politicians joined members of

demonstration.

“We are here to protest what China is doing against Vietnam. We need to call on the support of local and international friends,” Arya Nguyen, one of about 60 Philippines-based Vietnamese who joined the protest, told AFP. “If they (the Chinese government) can do that to Vietnam, they can do it to everybody,” echoed Janicee Buco, a Filipina representative of a community group called Vietnam Filipino Association.

Buco said the Vietnamese who took part were Philippines-based descendants of Vietnamese boat people who fled with the aim of being resettled in the West after the Vietnam war.

The protesters said they felt aggrieved over China’s recent moves to assert its territorial claims over most of the strategic

rig deployment that Hanoi said triggered ramming incidents involving Vietnamese and Chinese vessels.

Like the two communist rivals, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan also have claims to the sea, which overlap those of China and Vietnam.

Manila also accused Beijing of illegal land reclamation on a reef that Filipino officials said could be used to build China’s first airstrip in the disputed waters.

Manila from time to time arrests Vietnamese fishermen for poaching in Filipino coastal waters, but bilateral ties are otherwise cordial.

Both nations have overlapping claims to the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, but there has been little tension over those as they work together through ASEAN to contain China’s territorial ambitions. ■ AFP / May 16, 2014

EVENTS DIARY UK & EUROPE

www.hello-philippines.com

14

DATE / TIME

EVENT

VENUE

22 March 2014 Saturday 11:00am to 4:00pm

Spring Filipino Food Festival

Ashford Christian Fellowship Church, Bank Street, Ashford, Kent TN23 1BA

22 March 2014 Saturday 5:00pm 29 March 2014 Saturday 4:00pm

Dinner & Dance Charity

2 to 4 April 2014 10:00am to 5:00pm

Maria Farrar: An Exhibition of Paintings

St Francis of Assisi Hall Grove Crescent Road Stratford E15 1NS St Boniface Hall 185 Mitcham Road Tooting, London SW17 9PG Philippine Embassy 10 Suffolk Street London SW1Y 4HG

4 April 2014 Friday 8:00pm 4, 5 and 6 April 2014 Friday, Saturday and Sunday 27 April 2014 Sunday 12:00pm – 4:00pm 2 May 2014 Friday 5:00pm

Eraserheads The 70's Superband – The OPM Hitmakers

Eventim Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, London W6 9QH The Dome, London / Epic, Norwich / Britannia Theatre, Chatham, Kent

Filipino Women’s Association (FWA) UK SaloSalo 2014 Ikaw at ako naman!

Ate Gay and Kim Idol Live in Scotland

St Mary Abbots Centre Vicarage Gate London W8 4HN Adelaides Auditorium 209 Bath Street Glasgow G2 4HZ

3 May to 25 October 2014

Miss Saigon

17 May 2014 Saturday 14 June 2014 Saturday 9:00am to 6:00pm 15 June 2014 Sunday 9:30am – 5:30pm 15 June 2014 Sunday 2:00pm – 11:00pm

Summer Disco

Prince Edward Theatre Old Compton Street London W1D 4HS Baden Powell House, 65 – 67 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5JS Blaydon Rugby Club (Carboot Area), Hexham Road, Swalwell, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE16 3BN Selby Road Leeds LS15 0AD

Building Dreams – a Spring Charity Event

Independence Day sa Newcastle Barrio Fiesta in Leeds

ORGANISER

Fundraising for the rebuilding of the Sto. Nino Church & the Palo Cathedral in Leyte, Philippines hit by Typhoon Haiyan All proceeds go to The Cordillera Connection’s (TCC) Scholarship program.

Myrna Cunningham: 020 8534 3316 Virgie Fajilagmago: 07984 148 592

An exhibition of paintings by Filipino-British artist Maria Farrar. The paintings explore, among others, the paradox of realism by hiding or revealing cryptic motifs of biblical or scenes of ordinary life.

Finest Workers UK

Maria Farrar Maria.c.farrar@gmail.com

For tickets and inquiries: 07784 881 850 / sales@finestworkers.com

Side Projects Productions in association with Simply C PR & Events

Tickets and General Information: 07903 547 676 / www.sideprojects.biz

Filipino Women’s Association (FWA)

Featuring Fil-Am Eva Noblezada as Kim and Rachelle Ann Go as Gigi

Nene Martin: 020 8997 2146 Imee Pinto: 020 8265 8368 Eleanor Templeman: 07738 873 565 Alex Pullan: 07566 585 592 Greg Fernandez: 07449 095 895 Nimo Oliveros: 07411 643 352 Mikee Devlin: 07411 795 337 Melba Lawrie: 07889 874 970 Tickets are available now from the Delfont Mackintosh Theatres

Aguman Kapampangan UK

Zhanie Del Mundo 07886 881 432

Filipino Community of Newcastle Upon Tyne (FILCAN)

Sally Sellars 07886 742 417 / Program: Eva Bartolome 07542 026 296 / Santacruzan: Haidee Atienza 07814 425 547 Marjorie Horner: 07787 510 277

KMF, Edinburgh, Filipino Community in Scotland

Filipino Leeds Association (FLA-UK Limited)

West Wing Arts Centre Art Centre Stoke Road Slough SL2 5AX

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

London Biennale 2014: Token of a Times Gone By Reanimating History as Art in the Work of Noel De Leon

Philippine Embassy 10 Suffolk Street London SW1Y 4HG

21 and 22 June 2014 Saturday and Sunday 10:00am to 5:00pm 24 June 2014 Saturday 6:00pm – 1:00am

Barrio Fiesta in Bristol 2014

Eastville Park, Bristol BS5 6XA

FWA UK 26th Philippine National Day (PND) Dinner & Dance

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

Filipino Women’s Association (FWA)

28 June 2014 Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm 29 June 2014 Sunday 9:00am to 6:00pm 5 and 6 July 2014 Saturday and Sunday 10:00am to 6:00pm

1st Southampton Barrio Fiesta

Hoglands Park Southampton

Southampton Barrio Fiesta

Bradford Barrio Fiesta

Lady Hill Park Allerton Bradford BD15 7AA Lampton Park Lampton Road Hounslow TW3 4DN

Independent Team

12 and 13 July 2014 Saturday and Sunday

Birmingham Barrio Fiesta 2014

9 August 2014 Saturday 9:00am 6 September 2014 Saturday

Pistahan Sa Nayon!

Barrio Fiesta in Scotland 2014 Mr & Miss Philippines United Kingdom 2014

Woodgate Valley County Park, Clapgate Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham B32 3DS Queens Park Recreation Ground, 520 Langside Road Glasgow G42 7JQ TBC

CONTACTS / REMARKS Tickets: Adult £6.00 / Children £3.00 (between 5 to 13) / Family £15.00 / www.filipinofoodfestival.co.uk (tickets on line are cheaper)

116th Philippine Independence Day Celebration 2014 – Piyesta Ng Kalayaan

HELLO PHILIPPINES proudly presents Hounslow Summer Festival 2014

May 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

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

HELLO PHILIPPINES

Filipino Association of Birmingham

Noel De Leon: 020 8581 3623 / 07504 999 374 Deleon.noeled@yahoo.com Website: http://www.1fmediaproject.net/2014/05/01 /london-biennale-2014/ Wil Manuel 07900 485 194 / Honeylyn 07783 343 848 / Clarence 07500 896 239 / Hilda 07909 724 653 Clarita Richardson (Chairman): 020 8767 0180 or 07505 91 468 Jane Gibbs (PND Coordinator): 01483 714 383 Kerima Harris (Deputy PND): 07795 903 419 For stalls, sponsorship and other enquiries: Paul Maspinas 07894 227 754 / Jimmy Cabotaje 07878 852 153 / Nora Zuniga 023 8023 4412 Nelson: 07823 338 947 Nina: 07780 076 256 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

Filipino Community in Scotland

Alex Pullan: 07505 117 889 / 07456 658 592

Philippines-UK

Eva Macadangdang 07983 593 914 / Marlowe Macadangdang 07956 944 520 / Myra Adap del Cruz 07789 695 596 / MP_UK@yahoo.com Zhanie Del Mundo 07886 881 432

20 September 2014 Mrs Philippines UK Baden Powell House, 65 – 67 Aguman Kapampangan UK Saturday Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5JS 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 newspaper. This is merely an Events Diary Listing of what is happening within the Filipino Communities in Europe.

This is for general information only.

MONTHLY FILIPINO COMMUNITY MASSES IN GREATER LONDON

1st Sunday

2:00pm

1st Sunday

5:00pm

2nd Saturday

4:00pm

2nd Sunday

2:00pm

2

nd

Sunday

2:00pm

2

nd

Sunday

4:00pm

3

rd

Sunday

3:00pm

3

rd

Sunday

3:00pm

Last Saturday

6:00pm

Last Sunday

2:00pm

Every Sunday

5:00pm

First Wednesdays

6:30pm

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.uk Roland Adap – r_adap@hotmail.com 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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NEWS

May 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

2 probes on EDCA: Miriam to do separate inquiry on PH-US defense pact’s constitutionality MANILA - Senator Miriam DefensorSantiago, who chairs the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, will conduct her own inquiry into the constitutionality of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), separate from a planned hearing called by the defense panel chairman, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. Santiago sent Trillanes a letter Friday to announce her intent, days before Trillanes - who chairs the defense and national security panel - was to open an inquiry into the legality of EDCA under the Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement.

Trillanes earlier filed a separate resolution asking his panel to look into the legality of the recently signed agreement between the Philippines and the United States amid questions raised by legal luminaries, including some of the former senators who voted in 1991 to end the bases treaty.

In his Resolution No. 623, Trillanes noted that the signing of the pact was followed by a clamor from the public, including several legislators, for a clarificatory review and/

or briefing on the coverage and content of the defense agreement and its operational details.

“There appears to be an imperative need to review the EDCA in order to clarify its coverage and contents as well as the extent of the strategic military relationship between the US and RP under the said agreement in order to promote transparency in this regard,” Trillanes said.

Santiago: focus on constitutional issues. However, Santiago said even without the resolution, her committee can conduct on its own an inquiry, under the Senate Rules, on the constitutional issues of the defense pact.

“As the chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, I am allowed by the Senate Rules of Procedures Concerning Inquiries in Aid of Legislation to hold a public hearing on the EDCA, without the need of a Senate resolution. I intend to do so,” Santiago said.

In order that their committee hearings on EDCA will not overlap, Santiago recommended a division of labor: the Trillanes committee will inquire into the

military and political strategy involved; the foreign relations panel will inquire into the constitutional issues.

“I shall duly inform you of the date for the Foreign Relations hearing as soon as my Chronic Fatigue Syndrome allows me to do so,” Santiago said.

Santiago said that aside from violating 1959 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties under Article 46, she cited the three constitutional provisions that militate against the EDCA: First, the provision that: “No treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred in by at least two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate.”

(Constitution, Art. 7, Sec. 21) Second, the provision that: “After the expiration in 1991 of the Agreement between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of American concerning Military Bases, foreign military bases, troops, or facilities, shall not be allowed in the Philippines except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate.” (Constitution, Art. 18, Sec. 25) Third, the provision that: “The

Philippines, consistent with the national interest, adopts and pursues a policy of freedom from nuclear weapons in its territory.” (Constitution, Art. 2, Sec. 8) Recently, the Senate plenary session on first reading assigned the topic of the EDCA to the defense committee as the primary committee; and to the foreign relations committee, as the secondary committee.

“However, instead of attending the

joint hearings of the two committees, I have decided to hold my own separate committee hearing. Under the Senate Rules of Procedure Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation, my committee is allowed to initiate an investigation by itself, as long as the subject matter – which is an international agreement – is within the committee’s competence,” Santiago said. ■ Ernie Reyes / InterAksyon.com / May 9, 2014 / 6:57 PM

Dramatic transformations of Chinese garrison on Mabini Reef

FROM a small outpost, China is now carrying out a major reclamation project at Mabini Reef which has widened its footprint to as much as 20 hectares.

DFA Spokesman Assistant Secretary Charles Jose acknowledges that authorities discovered the Chinese reclamation activity when a Philippine military aircraft, tasked to help in the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, flew over the area.

The Philippine Government is now in the process of determining the purpose of the expansion of the Chinese military garrison at Mabini Reef, internationally known as Johnson South Reef but which China calls Chigua Reef.

A senior Aquino Administration defense official said they have estimated the reclaimed area to measure between 15 to 30 hectares.

Manila’s initial reckoning was that China was building an airstrip, but the defense official noted that the area may not be big enough to accommodate warplanes.

The other scenario is that China could be building a bigger, more permanent structure to allow it to support and maintain a more persistent naval presence in the disputed Spratly Islands.

Other officials point out that the reclamation operations appear to be longterm undertaking, as China has stationed a dredging ship in the area and also deployed several bulldozers.

The dredging ship’s mission to suck soil and other solid materials from the surrounding areas and pour this on the reclaimed area.

The Philippine Government has not

monitored any similar activity at the other Chinese garrisons located within the Philippine zone of the disputed Spratly Islands.

The DFA released a series of surveillance photos to show the dramatic transformation of the Chinese military garrision at Mabini Reef.

China’s presence at Mabini Reef was first disclosed in an exclusive report by News5 in May 2011.

That report, citing confidential photographs and documents, showed that China has gradually built military installations at Kagitingan Reef (Fiery Cross Reef), Calderon Reef (Cuarteron Reef), Zamora Reef (Subi Reef). Gaven Reef, Mabini Reef (Chigua Reef) and Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef).

A photo of Mabini Reef, taken around 2005, shows the presence of a permanent reef fortress and a supply platform.

Seen on the garrison are a radar and communications antennas, observation posts as well as naval guns and weapons platforms. The platform is used to support ships.

Also seen in the 2005 photograph are two octagonal buildings, which are widely believed be support structures for expansion and additional buildings.

In another photo taken on March 2012, the permanent reef fortress could be seen and that platform had been expanded, which can now support helicopters and bigger ships.

In the February 2013 photograph, it can be clearly seen that the garrison’s platform

is now bigger and that the main building has also been expanded to house more personnel.

Also seen on the roof are more parabolic discs and radar dishes. It could be seen that China has “planted” steel rods and beams into the reef apparently to serve as foundation for additional structures.

The February 2014 photograph shows the Chinese dredging ship anchored off Mabini Reef.

It can be clearly seen that the ship is suck up solid materials and “re-distributing” these on the area near the garrison. It can also be seen that China has built additional platforms off the garrison, presumably to accommodate additional personell and supplies to support the reclamation project.

Also present is the start of a perimeter wall (long black strip on the left side of the reclaimed area).

In the March 2014 photograph, it can be seen that the bulk of the dredging operation is finished, although work is still being done to control erosion.

Retaining walls being built and earth moving equipment, such as bulldozers, can also be seen. ■ DJ Sta. Ana / InterAksyon.com /

Mabini Reef on March 11, 2014 ©DFA photo

Mabini Reef on February 25, 2014 ©DFA photo

Mabini Reef on February 28, 2013 ©DFA photo

Mabini Reef on March 13, 2012 ©DFA photo

The online news portal of TV5 / May 15, 2014 / 4:43 PM

US-based girl scout troop, including 2 Pinays, raise $500 for Yolanda victims A United States-based Girl Scout troop with two Filipina members managed to raise $500 (P21,875) for victims of super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), the Philippine embassy in Washington said Saturday.

The fundraising by members of Girl Scout Troop 3579 from Ronald Mc Nair Elementary School in Germantown, Maryland started as an effort to help one of the troop members’ relatives in Tacloban.

“Two members of our troop are Filipino — Amanda and myself. We initially thought of just helping her family, but eventually, it became a troop mission to do what we can to help out those who have lost not only their homes, but also loved ones,” said first-generation FilipinoAmerican Hailey Sebastian.

In a news release, the Philippine

embassy in Washington said the $500 was turned over to the US Philippines Society.

The donation will go to Typhoon Haiyan relief and recovery efforts targeting children in the Philippines, it said.

Figures from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council showed that as of April 3, Yolanda left 6,293 people dead, 28,669 injured and 1,061 still missing.

It said Yolanda affected 3,424,593 families or 16,078,181 people in 12,139 barangays in 44 provinces, 591 towns and 57 cities.

The NDRRMC said Yolanda caused P39,821,497,852.17 in damages, including P19,559,379,136.11 in infrastructure and P20,262,118,716.06 in agriculture.

Girl Scout Troop 3579 is composed of

Emily Bui, Emma Carrai, Kaylee Dembroski, Summer Doleman, Katarina Endom, Vivian Li, and Hailey Sebastian, and their troop leader Ileana Endom.

Scouts’ activities. The embassy said the Girl Scout troop raised awareness of the Philippines and Yolanda.

“During our service unit’s Thinking Day, we represented the Philippines. We had special food and made a poster board on the schools there. During our service unit’s last encampment, we chose the Philippines again. We brought a sign, made a Philippine flag, and talked about the typhoon and helping the affected people,” said troop member Katarina Endom.

The girl scouts also conducted fundraising activities throughout the school

year, including a “Fall Fundraiser” where they sold candies to earn money.

Endom said they also did their Girl Scout cookie booth and sold many boxes of cookies to earn money.

“Our biggest fundraiser was a basket making workshop and bake sale our troop put on. All our fundraisers were fun,” she said.

Sebastian added having the Philippines as the center of the troop’s activities is personal as she is a first-generation FilipinoAmerican and she wants to learn more about the culture and the people, “apart from what my parents have taught me.”

For his part, Philippine Ambassador Jose Cuisia Jr. thanked them on behalf of the government and the people of the Philippines.

“What you have done – going out of your way to help people you don’t even know – is indeed commendable. I would also like to commend your parents and troop leader for the good job they have done instilling in you values that are important in the youth today,” said Cuisia.

“Please extend my gratitude to your fellow troop members who also worked hard to raise funds,” he added. ■ Joel Locsin / LBG, GMA News / May 17, 2014 1:40 PM

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May 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

6 months post-Yolanda, survivors struggle to rebuild lives, no thanks to govt TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte – Six months after the devastation wrought by super typhoon Yolanda, there can be no doubt that the people of Eastern Visayas are slowly rebuilding their shattered lives.

For many, however, the lack or, in some cases, absence of help from government has made the task extremely difficult. And, as this sampling of survivors shows, it isn’t just the poor that are complaining.

1. “Mahirap pa rin ang sitwasyon namin, lalo na at wala nang relief. Isa lang akong labandera, lima ang mga anak ko at bilanggo pa ang asawa ko, may sampung taon na. Mahirap kasi, magpapasukan na, tatlo sa mga anak ko ang nag-aaral. Sa isang linggo nakaka-isang labada lang ako, P300 lang ‘yun at anim kami. Gusto ko sanang makapagsimula ng sarili kong hanapbuhay kasi sobrang nakakapagod nang maglaba, buti sana kung malaki katawan ko. Mas lalo pang lumala sitwasyon namin matapos ang bagyo.”

3. “Tumaas din ang presyo ng isda matapos ang bagyo. Wala na kasing masyadong supply dito galing sa Carigara, Samar at Ormoc.Karamihan sa mga isda ngayon ay galing ng Davao, Cebu at Bicol.”

9. “Five pesos increase is not painful anyway, hindi pa kasi normal ang sitwasyon sa atin. Pero normal naman ang supply ng moron (a delicacy of sticky rice mixed with chocolate) at binagul (sweetened mashed yam with peanuts) ngayon, wala namang problema ang supplynamin so far. ‘Yun nga lang nagmamahal din kasi ang mga ingredients.” ■ Text and photos by Lottie Salarda

Joel Dacut, 40, Fish vendor, Tacloban City

4. “Sabi sa radyo noong Disyembre magbibigay daw ang DSWD ng mga yero sa mga totally damaged ang mga bahay, pero hanggang ngayon, anim na buwan na, wala pa rin. Hindi ko matapos-tapos maayos ang bahay namin dahil wala na kaming hanapbuhay, wala na kasi ang mga niyog na pinagkukunan namin ng kabuhayan.”

2. “Kulang ang nahuhuli naming isda at alimango ngayon sa dagat, nasira kasi ‘yung mga binabahayan ng mga isda sa ilalim ng dagat dahil sa mga bagay na nahugot ng dagat dahil sa storm surge.

Kaunti na lang ang huli namin ngayon sa laot.”

6. “Is the national government serious in helping us? Because we don’t know where to start. A month after the typhoon, Finance Secretary (Cesar) Purisima and BIR Commissioner Kim Henares were here, binigyan kami ng ultimatum when to file (our taxes), but 45 days was too short kasi during that time wala pa dito ‘yung mga negosyante plus mga holidays pa.

Nahirapan kaming mabayaran ‘yung mga penalties.”

Rodolfo Rapada Sr., 68, Coconut farmer-tenant, La Paz Leyte

Jack Uy, President, Tacloban Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce Incorporated

5. “Walang linya ng tubig sa loob ng nobuild zone eh, so dito nalang kami nag-iigib malapit sa kalsada kasi sa barangay daw

7. “Mag-e-enroll ‘yung anak ko sa college ngayong June at requirement itong birth certificate galing NSO. Galing

But human rights groups such as Karapatan said the Manobos’ declaration of resistance against large-scale mining applications in Talaingod and the Pantaron Range could be among the reasons for the military operations.

On May 11, Karapatan and several groups launched a national fact-finding mission in Southern Mindanao to investigate the effects of militarization and reports of human rights abuses in the region, especially in Talaingod.

Cristina Palabay, Karapatan secretary general, added that the Talaingod Manobo belonging to the organization Salugpungan ‘Ta Tanu Igkanugon (Unity for the Defense of Ancestral Land), which Apoga and other datu founded in the 1990s, has a history of fierce resistance against militarization and corporations that intrude into their ancestral land to extract resources.

In 1994, Salugpungan, led by Apoga, declared a pangayaw (tribal war) against Alcantara and Sons, one of the largest logging companies in Mindanao, because of the continued denudation of Talaingod and Pantaran’s forest cover.

/ InterAksyon.com / May 17, 2014 / 3:18 PM

Erlinda Samson, 45, Housewife, Tacloban City

Davao del Norte Manobo vow to resist all threats to their land and way of life TALAINGOD, Davao del Norte – “We want peace here in Talaingod. But if they take away our land, we will fight. We will fight with our native weapons.”

This was the message of several datu of the Talaingod Manobo led by the fugitive Datu Guibang Apoga, who has become a local legend, when they faced a group of journalists in the hinterlands of Davao del Sur on May 14.

Wearing their traditional outfits, the tribal leaders said they used to live in peace in the mountains of Talaingod, including the Pantaron Range, home to one of the few remaining tropical rainforests in the Philippines.

But operations by the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, purportedly against communist guerrillas, forced at least 1,700 Talaingod Manobo to flee their communities on March 26.

In April, the Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed conducting military operations in Talaingod, which they said led to “several encounters between the NPAs (New People’s Army) and the 1003rd Infantry Brigade.”

pa ako Lawaan, Eastern Samar, malayo pero kailangan kong makuha ‘yun kasi hindi makakapasok sa school ‘yung anak ko kung wala ‘yun. Sana hindi totoo ‘yung sinasabing tatlong buwan muna bago makuha yung kopya. Na-wash out kasi lahat ng mga documents namin nu’ng bagyo.”

Marianito Chavez, 54, Jeepney driver, Brgy. 62, Tacloban City

Ruby Esperas, 35, Laundrywoman, Tacloban City

Eulysses Samson, 50, Fisherman, Tacloban City

ito. Araw-araw binubuhat namin ang mga ‘to sa bahay-bahay namin. Mahirap din!”

Datu Guibang Apoga (center) and other leaders of the Talaingo Manobo meet with journalists in the mountains of Davao del Norte

As a result, he and other Talaingod datu were issued arrest warrants.

Apoga has remained in hiding since then.

“Why does the military continue to hunt me down when all I did was protect our land? They should have hunted Alcantara and Sons instead because this is our land,” Apoga said.

The tribal leader said they long to live in peace, but will fight for their land and future, if necessary. ■ Kenneth Roland A. Guda—photojournalist and editor of Pinoyweekly. org, a progressive online newsmagazine, and board member of PinoyMedia Center, Inc. / Pinoyweekly.org / InterAksyon.com special / May 17, 2014 / 9:50 AM

Francisca Daiz, Mother, Lawaan, Eastern Samar

8. “Kailan lang pinagawa ng operator ang jeep na ‘to. Kailan lang din ako nakapaghanapbuhay. Malaki kasi ang sira nito, nalubog din kasi sa tubig.”

Susan Go, 58, Delicacy vendor, Tacloban City

Palace sees WPS row tackled in Vietnamese PM’s visit

MANILA - Malacanang on Saturday said that broiling territorial issues with China in the disputed West Philippine Sea (WPS) are expected to be discussed during the visit of Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in the country to attend the 23rd World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia scheduled May 21 to 23.

Aside from Prime Minister Nguyen, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Myanmar vice-president U Nyan Tun as well as 10 heads of economies and 1,000 delegates from 40 countries will also be attending the WEF conference.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that, apart from the WEF, the Vietnamese Prime Minister is also scheduled to have a separate meeting with President Aquino.

Valte did not specify when or where the meeting will take place but assured journalists that the WPS was certainly one of the points to be brought up for discussion.

She said that, like in the Philippines, China’s aggressive action on territorial claims is a current issue in Vietnam.

Vietnam and China are currently locked in a maritime standoff with both sides reportedly deploying ships after China’s state-run oil company went drilling for oil in contested waters near the Paracel Islands.

The Paracel Islands is part of the South China Sea within Vietnam’s 370-kilometer Exclusive Economic Zone.

Vietnam has accused China of using water cannons and ramming its ships during confrontations over the rig.

Mr. Dung said the planting of the rig by state-run oil company “gravely violated” the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. Both the Philippines and Vietnam have, however, maintained their stand on resolving conflict through “peaceful” means. ■ InterAksyon.Com and PNA / May 17, 2014 / 8:31 PM

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May 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

Angat Dam mirrors creeping, agonizing impact of scorching heat

MANILA – The phenomenon called El Nino, despite its name, is no child’s play, as experts around the world and those who experienced them before know. In the Philippines, even before El Nino is officially declared as in fact already happening, people – especially farming communities – are even now already bracing for the worst, especially when confronted with images of a critical indicator of the state of the water system: Angat Dam in Bulacan, which supplies 90 percent of the requirements of the National Capital Region.

Angat Dam has hit its critical level of 180 meters, and the level is seen to decline further as the scorching heat continues to bear down on a people repeatedly reminded about climate change. The first consequence of Angat’s hitting such a critical level was the decision to shut off supply to irrigation systems, which in turn is deepening the anxiety of farmers in Central Luzon, a vital food basket.

Here, in this series of photos, are scenes from Angat Dam as of Thursday, May 15, 2014. ■ Text and photos by Bernard Testa / InterAksyon.com / May 15, 2014 / 6:01 PM

The water level at Angat dam has dipped further to 178.97 meters The critical level is 180 meters, according to Napocor.

Photo shows the river bed elevation at the trash rack, a structure used to stop things like weeds, animals, pieces of logs, from being borne by water into the reservoir.

Rocks and earth are seen at the main reservoir (trash rack) of Angat dam.

Bacolod houseboy found guilty of murdering 3 minors with a hammer A Bacolod City court has sentenced a houseboy to 120 years in prison for the murders of eight people in the city 13 years ago, a Negros newspaper reported Saturday.

Bacolod Regional Trial Court Branch 52 Judge Raymond Joseph Javier on Thursday found Bemon Barrios Gallo guilty of the gruesome crime, the Visayan Daily Star reported.

Gallo was sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty beyond reasonable doubt on three counts of murder for killing Mark Anthony Rivilla, 13, Guillermo Benrico Rivilla, 11, and John Michael Rivilla, 9.

Javier also ordered Gallo to pay the heirs of the minors P150,000 in civil indemnity, P150,000 in moral damages and P90,000 in exemplary damages.

Gallo had earlier been convicted for the murder of other victims in the massacre, including the owners of a sugar central, their

son, three grandchildren and two house helpers in Bacolod City.

Killed were Carlos Rivilla Jr., 76; his wife Florinda, 75; son Guillermo Benrico, 42, father of the three minors; and helpers Dolores Ogatis, 20, and Ritchell Gonzales, 19.

Evidence recovered from the crime scene pointed to Gallo, including “vengeance letters” written in blood on the walls of the victims’ room - which matched his handwriting.

Judge Javier also noted the attack on the three minors was deliberate, sudden, and unexpected.

Investigation had shown Gallo entered the room of the minors and bashed their heads in with a hammer.

Javier ordered Gallo immediately transferred to the National Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City to serve his sentence. ■ Joel Locsin / JDS, GMA News / May 17, 2014 / 4:14 PM

The spillway gates are closed from the trash rack at the main reservoir to the Ipo dam, from where water goes to La Mesa Dam and the Balara filtration plant.

Earth and rock bed show the lowest elevation of Angat dam from the dike section.

Alarming images of what the heat can do: parched earth at the river bend in the dike section of Angat dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan.

Water from Angat dam passes through the bypass valve towards Ipo Dam before being treated in La Mesa dam and Balara filtration plant. Maynilad and Manila water distribute the potable drinking water in Metro Manila.

109 retired prosecutors get P2.5M pension differential each MORE than 100 retired public prosecutors can now claim around P2.5 million each in pension differential after the Department of Budget and Management released P241 million for it.

In a memorandum dated May 12, Assistant Secretary Zabedin Azis of the DBM Financial Service informed Justice Secretary Leila De Lima that the release of the budget for the pension differential of 109 prosecutors who retired between 1992 and 2008 has finally been green-lighted.

The DBM transferred P241,209,240 to the Department of Justice through Special Allotment Release Order No. BMB-D-14-0005253 and a corresponding Notice of Cash Allocation No. BMB-D-14-005730.

The pension benefits were in compliance

with provisions under the Prosecution Service Act of 2010, which provides the scheme in computing retirement benefits of prosecutors.

“We welcome this as a great development in the department, particularly the National Prosecution Service. Our prosecutors had relentlessly dedicated their services for the cause of justice,” De Lima said.

Around the same period last year, the DBM also released around P247 million to cover the retirement gratuity differential for 85 public prosecutors who retired between 2010 and 2012, including that of Cadiz City, Negros Occidental prosecutor Marcelo del Pilar.

Del Pilar made it into the news after the prosecutor, who had to undergo heart bypass surgery after suffering from two

heart attacks in 2007 and 2010, wrote to Vice President Jejomar Binay, De Lima, and President Benigno Aquino III for his lump sum pension, but to no avail.

On April 4, 2013, Del Pilar - who was in government service for almost four decades - passed away without getting his retirement pay. His pension was only finally made available to his family a month after he died.

According to the DOJ, Del Pilar’s family received around P4.1 million, covering his unpaid retirement benefits.

The DBM fund release was contained in a memorandum dated April 17, 2013 and was sourced from the Pension and Gratuity Fund under the General Appropriations Act of 2013. ■ Mark Merueñas / JDS, GMA News / May 17, 2014 / 3:14 PM

Militants hold alternative Santacruzan for justice and peace Get vaccinated vs polio, DOH urges Pinoys QUEZON CITY – Children, whose going abroad as WHO reports outbreaks parents or relatives were either detained or had disappeared, were the sagalas in an alternative enactment of the Santacruzan on Saturday morning by the human rights group Hustisya at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

Spinning off the traditional May celebration of the Santacruzan, which portrays Reyna Elena’s search for the holy cross, the procession was called Santacruzan para sa Katarungan at Kapayapaan.

“The human rights violations experienced by people like the families of these children highlight the absence of genuine peace and justice,” said Hustisya secretary general Cristina Guevarra, “the procession symbolizes our continuing search for peace and justice, and we encourage people to join the quest.”

The children sagalas were dressed up in alternative fashion depicting their plight longing for imprisoned and disappeared families and relatives. Other children of human rights advocates also joined the procession.

Children of parents or relatives who were either detained or disappeared were the sagalas in an alternative Santacruzan held by rights group Hustisya at Quezon Memorial Circle.

Photo by Krisken Jones.

The adorning archs, made of bamboo and bedecked with paper flowers and cranes, bore calls in colorful but bold letters like freedom for political prisoners, the resumption of the peace talks and justice for victims of human rights violations.

“The origami cranes are peace cranes, signifying the people’s longing for freedom and justice. We also call for the resumption of the peace talks,” said Guevarra.

One arch read, “Palayain si Andrea Rosal,” alluding to the daughter of the late Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal, who remains detained at Camp Bagong Diwa even if she is due to give birth this month.

Rosal faces a number of allegedly trumped-up charges of murder, arson among others.

Rosal is one of the more than 400 political prisoners yearning for freedom.

Hustisya is also calling to free elderly and ailing political prisoners on humanitarian grounds.

After making a round inside the Quezon Memorial Circle, the procession ended with a short program at the Peace Bell.

“We urge the Aquino government to heed these calls. This is not a plea, but a demand of the victims and their families,” Guevarra said. ■ InterAksyon.Com / May 17, 2014 / 6:15 PM

MANILA – The Department of Health is urging Filipinos going abroad to get vaccinated against polio to help ensure the country remains free of the disease.

The appeal was made following reports of polio outbreaks in some countries.

DOH spokesman Dr. Lyndon LeeSuy said the department plants to make vaccination mandatory soon after the World Health Organization declared polio a public health emergency.

He added that the DOH is also discussing with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Labor and Employment a proposal for mandatory vaccinations for outbound Filipinos.

“The Philippines is polio free but because of the threat outside the country, we might get affected,” Lee-Suy said.

WHO noted polio outbreaks in at least 10 countries in central Asia (from Pakistan to Afghanistan), in the Middle East (Syrian Arab Republic to Iraq) and in Central Africa (Cameroon to Equatorial Guinea).

Polio or poliomyelitis is a highly

infectious viral disease that mainly affects young children.

The virus is transmitted through contaminated food and water, and multiplies in the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system, the WHO said.

While many infected individuals have no symptoms, they excrete the virus in their feces, transmitting the infection to others.

Initial symptoms of polio include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, and pain in the limbs. In a small proportion of cases, the disease causes paralysis, which is often permanent.

The only way polio can be prevented is through immunization, the WHO said. ■

Philippine News Agency / May 17, 2014 / 8:00 AM

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HEALTH and Lifestyle

Cardiovascular disease CARDIOVASCULAR disease (CVD) is a general term that describes a disease of the heart or blood vessels.

Blood flow to the heart, brain or body can be reduced as a result of a: • blood clot (thrombosis) • build-up of fatty deposits inside an artery, leading to the artery hardening and narrowing (atherosclerosis) Types of CVD. There are four main types of CVD: • coronary heart disease • stroke • peripheral arterial disease • aortic disease Each type is discussed in more detail below.

Coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease (CHD) occurs when your heart’s blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances (atheroma) in the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries are the

two major blood vessels that supply your heart with blood.

If your coronary arteries become narrow due to a build-up of atheroma, the blood supply to your heart will be restricted.

This can cause angina (chest pains). If a coronary artery becomes completely blocked, it can cause a heart attack.

Stroke. A stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disturbed.

Like all organs, your brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to function properly. This is provided by the blood, so if your blood flow is restricted or stopped, brain cells will begin to die. This can lead to brain damage and possibly death.

Therefore, a stroke is a medical emergency and prompt treatment is essential. The sooner a person receives treatment, the less damage is likely to occur.

Cardiovascular disease - Risk factors THERE are nine main risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), including high blood pressure,smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise and being overweight or obese.

Many of the risk factors are linked, which means that if you have one of the risk factors you are also likely to have others.

The risk factors for CVD are discussed in more detail below.

• High blood pressure (hypertension) – is by far the most important risk factor for CVD. Poorly controlled high blood pressure can damage your artery walls and increase your risk of developing a blood clot.

• Smoking (or other tobacco use) – the toxins in tobacco can damage and narrow your coronary arteries, making you more vulnerable to coronary heart disease.

• High blood cholesterol – can cause your arteries to narrow and increase your risk of developing a blood clot.

• Diabetes – the high blood glucose (sugar) levels associated with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes can damage

the arteries. Many people with type 2 diabetes are also overweight or obese.

• Poor diet – a high fat diet can speed up the formation of fatty deposits inside your arteries, leading to both high blood cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.

• Lack of exercise – people who do not exercise regularly usually have higher cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, high stress levels and are also more likely to be overweight.

• Being overweight or obese – being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure. People who are overweight or obese often have poor diets and do not exercise regularly.

• Excessive alcohol consumption – can increase both your cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

• Stress – stress can increase your blood pressure and the hormones associated with stress are thought to also increase your blood glucose levels. ■ NHS

Choices

The main stroke symptoms can be remembered with the word FAST which stands for: • Face – the face may have drooped on one side, the person may not be able to smile or their mouth or eye may have drooped • Arms – the person with suspected stroke may not be able to lift their arm and keep it raised due to weakness or numbness • Speech – the person’s speech may be slurred or garbled, or they may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake • Time – it is time to dial 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms Peripheral arterial disease. Peripheral arterial disease, also known as peripheral vascular disease, occurs when there is a blockage in the arteries to your limbs (usually your legs).

The most common symptom of peripheral arterial disease is pain in your legs when walking. This is usually in one or both of your thighs, hips or calves.

The pain can feel like cramp, a dull pain

May 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

or a sensation of heaviness in the muscles of your legs. It usually comes and goes and gets worse during exercise that uses your legs, such as walking or climbing stairs.

Aortic disease. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. It carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body.

The most common type of aortic disease is aortic aneurysm, which is where the wall of the aorta becomes weakened and bulges outwards. You will usually

experience pain in your chest, back or abdomen (tummy).

Preventing CVD. Most deaths caused by cardiovascular disease are premature and could easily be prevented by making lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and stopping smoking.

It is estimated that CVD is responsible for around 1 in 3 premature deaths in men and 1 in 5 premature deaths in women. ■ NHS Choices

Cardiovascular disease - Prevention children THERE is a significant amount of good quality evidence to show that eating and drinking habits established during childhood can continue for many years into adulthood.

Therefore, while bad eating habits in childhood may not pose an immediate health risk, they could lead to serious health problems in adulthood.

Four important things to consider are the amount of: • fat in your child’s diet • salt in your child’s diet • sugar in your child’s diet • exercise your child does Salt. Eating high levels of salt in childhood has been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke in adulthood.

For babies and children, the current recommended limits of salt are: • less than 1g of salt a day for children

aged 0-6 months • 1g a day for children aged 7-12 months • 2g a day for children aged 1-3 years • 3g a day for children aged 4-6 years • 5g a day for children aged 7-10 years • 6g a day for children aged 11-14 years It is easy to underestimate how much salt is contained in food. For example, a Happy Meal consisting of small fries, a hamburger and a coke contains 1.8g of salt, which is over half the recommended daily limit for a five year old.

Pre-packaged and ready-to-eat foods, particularly those not specifically designed for children, often contain high levels of salt.

For example, a 200g tin of tomato soup contains 1.4g of salt.

You should always check the label of any foods you give your children so you can keep an eye on their daily salt consumption.

Fats and sugar. You should also limit

the amount of saturated fat and sugar your child eats.

Too much saturated fat and sugar in your child’s diet can lead to high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure in later life. They can also increase your child’s risk of becoming overweight or obese. A diet high in sugar can also cause tooth decay.

Children’s foods high in saturated fats and sugar include: • chocolate • sweets • fast food, such as burgers or chicken nuggets • fizzy drinks • ice cream • biscuits • crisps • processed foods, such as microwave meals, hot dogs and breakfast cereals that contain additional sugar ■ NHS Choices

Cardiovascular disease - Prevention adults For a healthy heart, a low fat,

MOST risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) are linked, which means that if you have one risk factor you will probably have others as well.

For example, people who are heavy drinkers usually have poor diets and are more likely to smoke. Also, obese people are more likely to have diabetes, high cholesteroland high blood pressure.

Addressing one risk factor, such as giving up smoking, will bring important health benefits, but to significantly reduce your risk of developing CVD, you need to look at your lifestyle as a whole.

In particular, you need to consider: • your diet • your weight • the amount of alcohol you drink • the amount of exercise and physical activity you do • whether you need to stop smoking Each of these is discussed below.

Alcohol. If you drink alcohol, you should not exceed the recommended daily limits of 3-4 units for men, and 2-3 units for women.

A unit of alcohol is roughly equivalent to half a pint of normal strength lager, a small glass of wine or a single measure (25ml) of spirits.

You should see your GP if you are finding it difficult to moderate your drinking.

Counselling services and medication can help you reduce your alcohol intake.

Diet. For a healthy heart, a low fat, high fibre diet that includes whole grains and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (at least five portions a day) is recommended.

Your diet should include no more than 6g (0.2oz or one teaspoon) of salt a day.

Too much salt will increase your blood pressure. Limit the amount of salty foods you eat, such as ready-made meals and canned or tinned food.

Do not eat foods high in saturated fat because this will increase your cholesterol level. These foods include: • meat pies • sausages and fatty cuts of meat • butter and ghee (a type of butter often used in Indian cooking)

• lard • cream • hard cheese • cakes and biscuits • foods that contain coconut or palm oil Eating some foods high in unsaturated fat can help decrease your cholesterol level. These foods include: • oily fish • avocados • nuts and seeds • sunflower oil • rapeseed • olive oil Exercise and weight management.

If you are overweight or obese, you can lose weight using a combination of regular exercise and a calorie-controlled diet.

The recommendation for adults is 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise every day for at least five days a week.

Read more about the physical activity guidelines for adults.

Cycling or brisk walking are examples of

high fibre diet that includes whole grains and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (at least five portions a day) is recommended. moderate intensity exercise. Other activities you could incorporate into your exercise programme include: • swimming • running • hill walking If you find it difficult to do 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week, start at a level you feel comfortable with.

For example, do 5-10 minutes of light exercise a day and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your activity as your fitness level improves.

Smoking. If you smoke, it is strongly recommended you give up as soon as possible.

The NHS Smoke free website provides information, support and advice. Your GP will also be able to recommend and prescribe medication to help you quit.

Medication. If you have a particularly high risk of developing CVD, your GP may prescribe medication to help reduce your risk. Medication used to prevent CVD includes: • blood pressure tablets, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors – used to treat high blood pressure • statins – used to lower blood cholesterol levels • low-dose aspirin – used to prevent blood clots ■ NHS Choices

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Indigestion INDIGESTION, also known as dyspepsia, is pain or discomfort in your chest or stomach. This usually comes on soon after eating or drinking.

You may also have other symptoms, such as: • feeling full or bloated • heartburn • nausea (feeling sick) • belching Indigestion is a common problem that affects many people, but in most cases it is mild and only occurs occasionally.

Why it happens. Indigestion is caused by stomach acid coming into contact with the sensitive, protective lining of the digestive system. The stomach acid breaks down the lining, leading to irritation and inflammation (soreness and swelling). This causes the symptoms of indigestion.

In most cases indigestion is related to eating, although it can be caused by other factors such as smoking, drinking, alcohol, pregnancy or taking certain medications.

Treating indigestion at home. You may be able to treat your indigestion with changes to your diet and lifestyle, or with a number of different medications, such as antacids.

If an underlying health condition is the cause of indigestion, further investigation

HEALTH and Lifestyle food

May 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

such as an endoscopy may be required (see below).

When to see your doctor. Most people will not need to seek medical advice for their indigestion. However, it is important to see your GP if you have recurring indigestion and you: • are 55 years old or over • have lost a lot of weight without meaning to • have increasing difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) • have persistent vomiting • have iron deficiency anaemia • have a lump in your stomach • have blood in your vomit or blood in your stools This is because your symptoms can be a sign of an underlying health condition that affects the digestive system, such as gastrooesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

If this is the case, you may need to be referred for an endoscopy. An endoscopy is a procedure where the inside of the body is examined using an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube that has a light and camera on one end).

Severe indigestion can cause long-term problems with parts of your digestive tract, such as scarring of the oesophagus or the passage from your stomach. ■ NHS Choices

Indigestion is caused by stomach acid coming into contact with the sensitive, protective lining of the digestive system. The stomach acid breaks down the lining, leading to irritation and inflammation (soreness and swelling).

This causes the symptoms of indigestion.

The symptoms of indigestion are Indigestion - Symptoms often described as ‘heartburn’, which you may experience as a burning pain behind your breastbone. Heartburn is caused by acid that passes from your stomach into your oesophagus (gullet).

THE main symptom of indigestion (dyspepsia) is pain or a feeling of discomfort in your chest or stomach.

This usually comes on soon after eating or drinking, although there can sometimes be a delay between eating a meal and experiencing indigestion.

The symptoms of indigestion are often described as ‘heartburn’, which you may experience as a burning pain behind your breastbone. Heartburn is caused by acid that passes from your stomach into your oesophagus (gullet).

If you have indigestion, you may also have symptoms such as: • feeling uncomfortably full or heavy • belching • bringing food back up from your stomach • bloating • nausea (feeling sick) • vomiting When you should see a doctor. In some cases, indigestion symptoms can indicate a more serious underlying health problem, such as stomach

cancer. Seek immediate medical attention if you have recurring indigestion and you: • are 55 years old or over • have lost a lot of weight without meaning to • have increasing difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) • have persistent vomiting • have iron deficiency anaemia • have a lump in your stomach • have blood in your vomit or blood in your stools ■ NHS Choices

Indigestion - Causes You may have indigestion if you INDIGESTION (dyspepsia) occurs when acid from your stomach irritates the lining of your stomach, oesophagus (gullet) and top part of your bowel.

In most cases, there is no underlying medical reason for indigestion. It is usually caused by a process known as acid reflux, where acid from your stomach escapes and is forced back up into your oesophagus.

However, indigestion can also be caused in other ways, and it can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, particularly if you experience recurrent bouts. Some possible causes are explained below.

Medications. You may have indigestion if you take certain types of medication. Some medicines, such as nitrates (taken to widen your blood vessels) relax the oesophageal sphincter (ring of muscle between your oesophagus and your stomach), which allows acid to leak back up.

Other medicines, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can affect your digestive tract and cause indigestion.

Do not take NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, if you have stomach problems such as a peptic ulcer or have had this in the past. Children under 16 years of age should not take aspirin.

Never stop taking a prescribed medication unless you are told to do so by your GP or another qualified healthcare professional who is responsible for your care.

Obesity. If you are very overweight, you are more likely to experience indigestion because of increased pressure inside your abdomen (tummy). This can force open your oesophageal sphincter after a large meal, causing acid reflux.

Hiatus hernia. A hernia occurs when an internal part of the body, such as an organ, pushes through a weakness in the surrounding muscle or tissue wall.

A hiatus hernia occurs when part of your stomach pushes up into your diaphragm (the sheet of muscle under your lungs), preventing your oesophageal sphincter from closing. This can allow stomach acid to travel back up into your oesophagus, leading to heartburn.

Helicobacter pylori infection. You may have recurring bouts of indigestion if you have an infection with Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) bacteria. H pylori infections are common, and it is possible to become infected without realising because the infection does not usually cause any symptoms.

However, in some cases an H pylori infection can damage your stomach lining and increase the amount of acid in your stomach. It is also possible for your duodenum (the top of your small intestine) to be irritated by excess stomach acid if you have an H pylori infection.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common condition and one of the main causes of recurring indigestion. It is caused by acid reflux. This occurs when the oesophageal sphincter fails to prevent stomach acid from moving back up into your oesophagus.

Acid reflux becomes GORD when the sensitive lining of your oesophagus is damaged by repeated irritation from stomach acid.

take certain types of medication.

Some medicines, such as nitrates (taken to widen your blood vessels) relax the oesophageal sphincter (ring of muscle between your oesophagus and your stomach), which allows acid to leak back up.

Peptic ulcers. A peptic ulcer is an open sore that develops on the inside lining of your stomach (a gastric ulcer) or small intestine (a duodenal ulcer). If you have a peptic ulcer, you may have indigestion as a symptom.

Peptic ulcers form when stomach acid damages the lining in your stomach or duodenum wall. In most peptic ulcer

cases, the lining is damaged as a result of an H pylori infection (see above).

Stomach cancer. In rare cases, recurrent bouts of indigestion can be a symptom of stomach cancer.

Cancer cells in your stomach break down the protective lining, allowing acid to come into contact with your stomach wall.■ NHS Choices

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Pinoy comic book creator wins at LA Asian Pacific Filmfest for animated short

Arnold Arre

A scene from Arnold Arre’s ‘Milkyboy’.

“MILKYBOY,” the debut animated feature of Filipino comic book writer and artist Arnold Arre, won the “Linda Mabalot New Directors/New Visions Award” at the 30th LA Asian Pacific Filmfest in Los Angeles last Sunday, May 11.

This year, the LAAPFF presented over 140 short films from directors across the globe. The dramatic and elegantly executed “Above the Sea” from Keola Racela received the Golden Reel Award, while Arnold Arre was honored with the Linda Mabalot New Directors/New Visions Award for his animated work “Milkyboy”.

On Arre’s official website, the award is described in his updated biography as “a juried award that recognizes the creative and innovative use of the language of cinema.”

Of the 11 Philippine films accepted in the festival’s feature, documentary and short film categories, only Arre’s “Milkyboy” won any of the festival’s awards. The other Filipino films were Miko Livelo’s “Blue Bustamante,” Borgy Torre’s “Kabisera,” Timothy Mendoza’s “Mikoy,” Dennis Empalmado’s “Hindi Tao, Hindi Hayop,” John Paul Su’s “The Refuse,” Mikhail Red’s “Rekorder” and Siege Ledesma’s “Shift”.

“Milkyboy” is described on the festival’s website as the story of Rey, a child star whose sole claim to fame is playing a superhero character called ‘Milkyboy’ in a TV milk commercial. Now in his 30s, Rey is an alcoholic stuck in a dead end job in a fading advertising company.

As a comic book creator, Arre won National Book awards from the Manila

Critics Circle for his 1999 graphic novel “The Mythology Class” and “Trip to Tagaytay,” a one-shot future fiction short story.

He and another celebrated comic book artist, Gerry Alanguilan, teamed up for reimaginings of Mars Ravelo’s “Lastikman” in 2004 and again in 2011 for “Darna”.

Prior to “Milkyboy,” Arre had dabbled in filmmaking and had directed two liveaction shorts, “Chapter: One” and “Kaye for Komiks”.

His animated works include the fourminute “Andong Agimat: Kanya ang Kalye” which won Best Animation (Category A) and Special Jury Prize at the 7th Animahenasyon Philippine Animation Festival last year. He also directed animated music videos of the Philippine National Anthem “Lupang Hinirang” and

“Kaninong Anino,” the Jose Rizal birth centennial commemorative song which also won Best Music Video also at the 7th Animahenasyon Philippine Animation Festival.

In addition to the LAAPF award, “Milkyboy” was previously honored at the 25th CCP Alternative Film and Video Awards where it won the top prize in the animation category. It also won the Best Screenplay award at the 7th Animahenasyon Philippine Animation Festival.

This year, the film has been making the rounds of several US film festivals and has already been screened at the CAAMFest in San Francisco last March and the Sacramento International Film Festival only last April. ■ Edwin P. Sallan / InterAksyon.

com / May 14, 2014 / 11:14 AM

2NE1 gets deafening welcome reception at open presscon IT may be a stretch, even sacrilegious to call 2NE1 the new Fab Four.

But given the very warm reception these four Korean girls received on their return visit to the country, one can’t help but wonder if their global popularity is something akin to, dare we say it, early Beatlemania.

It certainly felt that way when hordes of screaming fans filled the posh and usually laid-back Shangri-La Plaza to give CL, Bom, Minzy and hometown favorite Sandara “Dara” Park a literally deafening welcome at their press conference that was open to the public last Friday.

Fans reportedly arrived in the mall as early as 10 in the morning to wait for the 4PM event scheduled at the East Atrium of the mall’s newer East wing. Occupying the walkways of the mall’s three floors just to get a glimpse of the K-Pop sensations, they patiently waited for almost the entire day and carried signs and tarpaulins that professed their love for both the group and its individual members.

At the mall’s original Main Wing, there

was also a viewing party of sorts for the event. A large LED screen that monitored the proceedings was also placed on the activity area for the benefit of fans who could no longer find viewing space in the East Wing.

As the crowd waited for several more hours, they were entertained by the warm-up performances of 2NE1 songs by Sapphire, a female song and dance group that featured Manila-based rising Korean sensation Dasuri Choi.

At about 7PM, pandemonium ensued when 2NE1 took to the stage and finally settled down for the much-awaited press conference. And yes, fab was quite an apt description for both the girls’ glamorous appearance and the larger-than-life treatment they continue to enjoy from their ever-increasing followers.

“I miss you Philippines!,” wailed 30-yearold Bom, the group’s main vocalist.

“Mahal ko kayo!” exclaimed main dancer and lead rapper Minzy, the youngest member at 20.

“We’re very happy to be here. Finally, we

K-Pop girl group 2NE1 in Manila for 5th anniversary concert THE popular K-Pop girl group 2NE1is in town to celebrate its fifth anniversary.

The quartet arrived at the Niniy Aquino International Airport terminal 1 on board Asiana Airlines flight OZ701 Wednesday morning.

Shrieking airport fans awaited the group upon deplaning but security personnel

prevented them from getting close as the girls went through immigration.

Fortunately for some of them, CL, MInzy, Bom and former local celebrity Sandara Park, who now goes by her nickname Dara, gamely posed for souvenir photos.

2NE1 will have a one-night concert on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City to mark the group’s 5th anniversary. The show is part of their ongoing “All Or Nothing 2014 Tour”, the second major worldwide tour.

On Thursday, Park will visit the housemates of the reality show “Pinoy Big Brother”. Before returning to her home country to become a K-Pop star, she became a celebrity in the Philippines after winning first runner-up in an ABS-CBN talent contest. ■ Eric B. Apolonio / InterAksyon.com / May

get to perform ‘Come Back Here’ tomorrow at our concert,” CL, the 23-year-old leader of the group said in reference to their latest hit single and May 17 “All or Nothing” concert at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Speaking in often straight and fluent Filipino, the now 29-year-old Dara declared, “Masaya kami at dito kami magse-celebrate ng aming 5th anniversary. Sobrang saya ko at nandito kayong lahat. Na-miss ko kayo ng sobra. Ito talaga ang hinihintay ko!”

While the artist formerly known as Sandara Park was the obvious darling of the crowd, the other three girls enjoy equally solid fan bases of their own. CL, in particular, was also very popular with local fans as her name was repeatedly chanted at one point during the event.

Eloquently articulating 2NE1’s appreciation to their Filipino fans, CL said they would love to do a TV series here if given a chance. She added that even though they look and sound like one seamless unit on both their records, music videos and onstage when they perform, they still have different styles when it comes to taste in music, fashion and other preferences.

“But when it all comes together, it’s all good,” she added. “Just like the song, ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’, we enjoy music and have fun.”

For her part, Dara did not reveal much by way of her own individual plans but teased fans with something they can look forward to in the near future.

“Next time, may Koreanovela na ako!” the Star Circle Quest alumna quipped to another round of earsplitting cheers.

Formed in 2009 by Korean record label and talent agency YG Entertainment, 2NE1

Bom, Dara, CL and Minzy of the K-Pop girl group 2NE1. Photo by Ginger Franz S. Ocampo.

(pronounced as “twenty one”) immediately took the flourishing K-Pop musical genre by storm.

Integrating elements of hip-hop, R&B, electronica and even reggae, the group scored early hits with “Lollipop,”, “Fire”, and “I Don’t Care”. In 2010, they became global sensations when their debut album, “To Anyone” and its nine singles including “Clap Your Hands,” “Go Away” and “Kiss” (featuring Dara on lead vocals) sold well in the US, Thailand and the Philippines.

In Japan, a country known for its historically poor relations with Korea, 2NE1 has been a huge hit with Japanese fans

since 2011 especially after they recorded Japanese versions of their big hits. That same year, the group also headlined “The Party: 2NE1 in Manila” at the Araneta Coliseum.

Dara said compared to that 2011 gig which she described as “not really a concert” since it had several local guest performers to fill up its limited running time, fans would see a lot more of 2NE1 in their “All or Nothing” show.

“We will perform 21 songs,” she announced to the delight of the overjoyed crowd. ■ Edwin P. Sallan / InterAksyon.com / May 17, 2014 / 11:57 AM

14, 2014 / 3:37 PM

Sandara ‘Dara’ Park of 2NE1 presents herself at the immigration counter at the NAIA on Wednesday morning. Photo by Eric B. Apolonio ©InterAksyon.

Sandara Park arrives at the NAIA on Wednesday.

Hundreds of cheering fans fill the Shangri-La Plaza during the 2NE1 press conference on Friday. Photo by Valerie Chua as posted on the mall’s Facebook page.

Sandara Park’s face hogs the videowall screen during the 2NE1 press conference at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall on Friday.

Photo by Ginger Franz S. Ocampo.

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Chito Miranda-Neri Naig proposal video a hit with netizens A new video featuring Chito Miranda and Neri Naig has gone viral.

This time, it involves the footage of a surprise wedding proposal by the Parokya ni Edgar frontman to the character actress who recently staged a comeback of sorts on TV5’s recently concluded medical drama “Obsession”.

In MJ Marfori’s report for News5’s “Andar ng mga Balita”, it was revealed that Chito himself staged the whole thing when he asked his friend from the band Typecast to hire Neri as a talent for the band’s new music video.

“Yung concept, sa field, lakad-lakad… it’s a front (for the proposal) kung baga,” Chito narrated.

Neri was then seen walking in the garden by nighttime until she came across a large widescreen projector and was surprised with the message that greeted her.

“Ako na siguro ang pinakaswerteng

lalake sa buong Cavite…” went the first line of the message as Chito walked towards Neri with a bouquet of flowers.

That’s when the two embraced as the message finished with “…dahil mapapangasawa ko yung pinakamagandang babae sa Eastwood…kung papayag siya?”

As a sobbing Chito went down on his knees, kissed the hand of Neri and presented her with an engagement ring, the deal was sealed when the visibly overwhelmed actress said, “Of course, yes!”

The video of the proposal, which took place in Tagaytay last May 7, was only uploaded by Chito on his YouTube account last Wednesday, May 14.

The couple, whose relationship has long been public, was the subject of two private sex videos that somehow found their way online. Both admitted to be hurt and shaken by the scandal and the initially unfavorable public reaction that followed.

Still, Chito and Neri remained steadfast in their love for each other, with Chito being particularly vocal about his intention to marry his sweetheart.

The two even managed to put their careers back on track. Parokya ni Edgar released their 13th album, “Bente”, to mark the band’s 20th anniversary. Chito also collaborated with rapper Abra earlier this year for the recording of the song “Diwata”.

Neri, on the other hand, returned to television work with a pivotal role in TV5’s “Obsession” that was followed by a special participation in the ongoing ABS-CBN teleserye, “The Legal Wife”. She is currently part of the supporting cast of “The Half Sisters”, another teleserye that will air on GMA Network starting May 26.

What is now known as “The Proposal” also elicited favorable reactions on social media. ■ Edwin P. Sallan / InterAksyon.com / May 15, 2014 / 7:49 PM

Fundraisers set for ailing Pinoy Rock icon Jun Lopito

LEGENDARY Pinoy rock and blues guitarist Jun Lopito has been diagnosed with Hepatitis C and needs immediate medical attention. This was the gist of a message by his daughter, Bebop Lavalan which was shared on Facebook by wellmeaning friends.

In her private message to a certain “Tita Maricel”, Lavalan said her father is still “undergoing oupatient workup and to date, a few diagnoses have been established for which further evaluation is needed.”

The ailing musician has been getting some assistance from Hearts of Music, the non-government organization founded by jazz and ska chanteuse Skarlet Brown that seeks to secure and protect the health and livelihood of Filipino musicians.

Skarlet confirmed to InterAksyon that HOM paid for Lopito’s initial tests even though his ailment had not been made public yet at the time.

“Yung iba nga akala hindi ako kumikilos kasi nga discreet lang. Aside from HOM, the Brownbeat All-Stars also had a ‘pass the hat’ thing at Tomato Kick. We managed to raise P11,000 that contributed to Jun’s medical needs,” Skarlet added.

But the need to raise more funds for Lopito’s increasing medical expenses has prompted his daughter Bebop to ask for more help from well-meaning friends and perhaps some concerned fans.

“We are reaching out to concerned, kind souls who are interested and willing to offer assistance to Jun. You can get in touch with us at buddhabluesyou@gmail. com where we will continue to forward

info, updates, and developments,” Lavalan further appealed.

So far, there are at least two fund-raising gigs for Lopito. There’s a May 16 gig dubbed as “Blues for a Blues Man” at The Bar1951 in M. Adriatico St. in Malate, Manila. Among the featured performers in this show are Rolly Maligad of Cocojam, the Bleu Rascals, together with Blue Way, Lagkitan and Paul Puti-an of Coffee Break.

Skarlet said there’s also a June 18 fundraiser at Saguijo where she is one of the performers.

Born Wolfrando G. Lavalan, Jr., the 55-year-old guitarist is the son of the late comedian Lopito and is considered as one

of the pioneers of Pinoy Rock.

Often compared with rock icons Jeff Beck and Keith Richards, Lopito has played guitar at one time or another for the likes of Joey “Pepe” Smith, Anak Bayan, Blitz, Cocojam, The Jerks, Runaway Boys, Tropical Depression and, most recently, Mr. Bones and the Boneyard Circus which won Jack Daniel’s “The Chosen One” competition last year.

In 1995, he released his first and only album “Bodhisattvas”, which featured several guest artists including Joey “Pepe” Smith, Grace Nono, Cocojam, Spy and late rock drummer Edmund Fortuno. ■ Edwin P. Sallan / InterAksyon.com / May 14, 2014 / 9:04 AM

Jun Lopito in a 2010 performance at Saguijo in Makati.

With Kris movie a no go, Derek Ramsay looks forward to Marian project

“RUROUNI Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno”, the second live-action film based on the popular Japanese manga series, will have its Philippine premiere on September 23 of this year, SM Cinema announced on Facebook on Tuesday.

“Kyoto Inferno”, originally titled as “The Great Kyoto Fire”, is one of the two sequels to “Rurouni Kenshin”, the successful screen adaptation released in August 2012 in Japan and which premiered in select SM Cinema theaters starting December 5, 2012.

“Kyoto Inferno” will premiere in Japan

on August 1, to be followed by the release on September 13 of another sequel, “Rurouni Kenshin: The End of a Legend”.

No Philippine release date for “The End of Legend” has been announced as yet.

The director of the first film, Keishi Ohtomo, also helmed both sequels. Lead star Takeru Satoh remains in the lead role of the wandering assassin Himura Kenshin.

Both sequels will co-star FilipinoJapanese actress Maryjun Takahashi as Yumi Komagata, the lover of main antagonist Shishio Makoto played by Tatsuya Fujiwara.

■ InterAksyon.com / May 14, 2014 / 5:25 PM

Takeru Satoh in a scene from ‘Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno’.

Chito Miranda asks Neri Naig to marry him. Photo posted by Nice Print Photography on its Facebook page.

With Kris movie a no go, Derek Ramsay looks forward to Marian project EVEN presidential sisters don’t always get what they want.

In the May 12 episode of “KrisTV”, her ABS-CBN morning show, Kris Aquino revealed that the proposed movie project for Regal Films that she was supposed to do with Derek Ramsay is not pushing through, after all.

“Nakausap ko si Tita Cory Vidanes and I was told, ‘You tell Regal hindi pwede.’ So yun na. So, I apologize. Derek Ramsay, I’m sorry.

I’m obeying my boss,” Kris told guest star Sunshine Cruz after the name of director Erik Matti was mentioned in their conversation.

Matti was supposed to direct the film described by Kris as “an adult relationship drama about going with the flow of love after mutual failed relationships.”

The Queen of All Media did not say why the network did not give her permission to do the project. In the past, Kris was able to do “Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love” for Regal Films, which had recently collaborated with ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema in the Metro Manila Filmfest horror blockbuster, “Pagpag”.

Likewise, Erik Matti’s acclaimed actiondrama, “On The Job” was picked up for distribution by Star Cinema which suggests that Matti himself enjoys good relations with the Kapamilya network.

So could the involvement of Derek be the reason why Vidanes did not give Kris the goahead to do this project?

It can be recalled that the Kapatid actor’s relationship with his former network soured when he joined TV5 in 2012. He became a sort of persona non grata on ABS-CBN when, after finishing “A Secret Affair” for Viva Films, his co-stars Anne Curtis and Andi Eigenmann were not allowed to even mention his name during the film’s promotional campaign.

For a while, Derek’s name was also noticeably not mentioned in entertainment reports for the network’s news programs and in the showbiz talk show “The Buzz” (now “Buzz ng Bayan”) until his short-lived romance with Cristine Reyes and much later, in the brief buzz about his supposed

romantic association with Kris, which he quickly denied.

But in a recent interview with TV5’s “Showbiz Police”, Derek himself did not speculate on why Kris was barred by ABSCBN from doing the project. “I guess this is not the right time,” he said.

Derek added that Regal may go ahead with another movie project that will team him up with Marian Rivera, which he said he is also looking forward to.

Asked who between Marian and Kris he prefers to work with, the actor gave an interesting answer.

“I really want to work with both of them.

They’re both amazing people but I know Kris, Kris is a dear friend to me and the family so if you’re going to make me choose, if you’re going to put a gun to my head, I’ll have to say Kris. But I’d love to work with both of them,” he declared.

Right now, Derek said he’s busy working on two films. One is “The Janitor,” the Cinemalaya entry of his “Kidlat” director Mike Tuviera for its Directors Showcase section. The other is the long overdue “Trophy Wife”, which was originally assigned to director Elwood Perez but is now helmed

by Andoy Ranay.

Produced by Viva Films, “Trophy Wife” also stars Heart Evangelista, John Estrada and Derek’s former girlfriend Cristine Reyes, who he says he has been in good terms with again for quite a while.

“I told everybody after the breakup, we were back to normal…so yeah, we’re like best friends again,” he quipped. ■ Edwin P. Sallan / InterAksyon.com / May 16, 2014 / 11:13 AM

Kris Aquino and Derek Ramsay

Filipino Community of Oxfordshire invites everyone to the

116th Philippine Independence DayCelebration “Fil ipino integration to the British Society ”

Saturday - 14 June 2014

The Quadrangle Conference and Exhibition Centre The Kassam Stadium, Grenoble Road, Oxford, OX4 4XP

A C T I V I T I E S :

08:30 - Muse and Flower Parade • 11:00 - Con-celebrated Mass • 12:30 - Lunch (Salo-Salo) • 14:00 - Cultural Show • 18:00 – End of Event The Filipino Community of Oxfordshire (FilCom Oxford) was founded in 2002.

Its Mission and Vision is to bring Filipinos in Oxfordshire together, united as one big family in promoting our cultural heritage and advocating fair and equal treatment in the community through proper education, training and good citizenship.

FREE FOR ALL – NO ENTRANCE FEE – FREE PARKING

For sponsorship, stalls and performances please email: Ariel Lanada chairman@filcomoxford.org.uk

w w w.filcomoxford.org.uk Major Sponsor:

Sponsors:

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CELEBRITY, SHOWBIZ & ENTERTAINMENT SCOOP

May 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

GMA Life TV brightens weekdays with Basta Every Day Happy STARTING Monday (May 12), throw away all the negatives vibes as GMA Life TV, the Philippines’ first international lifestyle channel, makes happiness contagious with its newest talk/variety program Basta Every Day Happy.

The show brings Donita Rose, Gladys Reyes, Alessandra De Rossi, and Chef Boy Logro together for the first time on television, creating a vibrant atmosphere through a mixture of their witty personalities. They will share their happy experiences in various fun segments, projects, and challenges that will certainly draw smiles and laughter from the viewers.

In its desire to make more Filipinos joyful and inspired every day, this show will encourage everyone to take an active step in making one’s self happy through the simple pleasures in life, such as stumbling upon a hilarious social media post, an amazing food discovery, completing one’s

wish list, or a deed of paying it forward, which consequently affects someone else’s happiness.

Knowing that Filipinos possess the unique characteristic of being naturally cheerful despite adversities, Basta Every Day Happy will feature guest celebrities and even ordinary people who will share funfilled conversations with the hosts.

Kapuso viewers locally and abroad will certainly have something to look forward to every day as each episode contains a collection of happy moments of everything under the sun, such as parenting, family, relationships, home care, beauty, fashion, technology, travel, among others.

Directed by Louie Ignacio, Basta Every Day Happy is set to change the Filipino viewers’ weekday viewing habits.

Catch your daily dose of happiness in Basta Every Day Happy only on GMA Life TV. ■

Basta Everyday Happ cast Alessandra De Rossi, Gladys Reyes, Chef Boy Logro, and Donita Rose.

Dingdong Dantes, looking forward na makasal sila ni Marian Rivera SA mga tagumpay na nakakamit ni Dingdong Dantes, inihayag ng Kapuso Primetime King ang kaniyang pasasalamat sa suportang natatanggap sa nobyang si Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera.

Sa simbahan na ba ang diretso ng kanilang pag-iibigan?

Sa ulat ni Lhar Santiago sa “Chika Minute” ng GMA news “24 Oras” nitong Miyerkules, sinabing naka-ilang taping days na si Dingdong para sa bagong Kapuso soap na “Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real.” Kasama niya rito sina Maricel Soriano at Lovi Poe. Sobrang excited daw ang aktor sa nabanggit na primetime soap dahil sa napakaganda umano ng pagkakatahi ng istorya at tuwang-tuwa sila sa script, lalo na

sa mga linya na kanilang binibitiwan.

Sa kanilang mga eksena, puring-puri ni Dingdong ang Diamond Star na si Maricel.

“Hindi siya nagkukulang ng mga pagadvise sa akin, sobrang sinisiguro niya yung katabaho niya ay magiging comfortable plus the fact that she really has a great sense of humor,” kwento ng aktor.

Bukod sa Kapuso serye, abala rin si Dingdong sa pelikulang pinagsasamahan nila ni Isabelle Daza. Nalalapit na rin ang panunumpa niya bilang bagong hirang na Commissioner-At-Large ng National Youth Commission.

Sa lahat ng ito, malaki ang pasalamat ng aktor sa suportang ibinigay sa kaniya ni Marian.

“Always and I’m very grateful at ako naman ganu’n din ako sa kanya... lahat ng mga nangyayari sa kanya, lahat ng mga achievement niya. Masarap lang din yung pakiramdam that she’s behind me at ako rin, you know, I’m happy doing this for her,” ayon kay Dingdong.

Kumikislap naman umano ang mata at napapangiti ang aktor kapag napaguusapan ang pagpapakasal nila ni Marian.

“Hindi ko talaga masabi specifically kung kailan pero like what I always say naman, alam mo yung ganyang klaseng seremonya’t pagkakataon, I’m so looking forward to it,” pahayag niya. ■ FRJ, GMA News / May 15, 2014 / 12:17 AM

Kris Bernal’s birthday with a cause KRIS Bernal has remained humble throughout the years. Maituturing na isa siya sa pinaka successful na talent from the artista search show na StarStruck. Pitong taon mula nang tanghalin siyang Ultimate Love Team opposite Martin Escudero, heto pa rin at isa siya sa mga active Kapuso actress ngayon.

Kaya nitong May 14, isang early birthday celebration ang hinandog ng dalaga sa Gen. T. de Leon Elementary School sa Valenzuela city at ang mga bisita niya ay mga bata with special needs.

“Kasi ako sa totoo lang, napakalapit talaga ng puso ko sa bata, mapa-special kid or normal na bata,” sagot ng StarStruck alumna.

“Everytime na nakikita ako ng bata sa mall, sa daan, habang nagmamaneho parang natutuwa talaga ako, nagiging source of happiness ko sila sa isang araw.

So napili ko talaga mga bata. And siyempre dito sa Valenzuela kasi may mga school na puro special kids. So sabi ko, sige gusto ko yan, gusto ko special kids tayo,” Tirik man ang araw at mainit sa loob ng covered court ng eskuwelahan, walang pagod itong nakisaya kasama ang mga bata at pati na rin ang kanyang fans club na Krispers.

Dagdag pa nito plano niya isulong bilang advocacy ang pagtulong sa mga bata with special needs. “Oo, actually sa totoo lang may winoworkout kami ngayon ng GMA Artist Center. Ang pangalan nung advocacy ‘Save the children’, so winoworkout namin na ako ang maging ambassadress nito,” sabi ni Kris.

Last January pa ang huling soap ni Kris Bernal sa Kapuso Network, kaya inusisa ng press kung may susunod na bang project after ng Prinsesa ng Buhay Ko , “Wala

pa nga eh, wala pa dumarating na soap pero sinasabihin naman nila ako na may nakahanda na para sa akin pero sa ngayon daw pahinga pahinga muna, Sunday All Stars muna.”

Ngayon na may free time ang Kapuso actress mas pinili nito na pagbuhusan ng pansin ang pag-aaral para mas higit na maimprove ang kanyang skills.

“Marami akong class na tinatake ngayon eh, nag-vovoice lessons ako, nagspeech class ako, nagpo-pole dance ako.

So napupuno rin yung week ko ng puro klase. Kung anu-ano ang pinag-aaralan ko,” pagbahagi niya.

Watch out for Kris Bernal in Sunday All Stars and for more updates on your favorite Kapuso stars and shows, log on to www. gmanetwork.com. ■ Aedrianne Acar and Elisa

Aquino / GMANetwork.com / May 15, 2014 / 3:47 PM

Masayang birthday celebration ni Kris Bernal. Nitong Miyerkules, nagdaos ng kaniyang early birthday celebration si Kris Bernal sa Gen. T. De Leon Elementary School sa Valenzuela city at mga batang with special needs ang kaniyang naging bisita. GMANetwork.com

Richard Gutierrez takes on dark character in comeback movie ‘Overtime’ MARAMI ang naghihintay sa pagbabalik ni Richard Gutierrez on-screen.

Kaya naman ngayong darating na July, ihahandog ng GMA Films ang Overtime na pagbibidahan ni Richard kasama si Kapuso actress Lauren Young.

Halos isang taon ding hindi lumabas sa TV si Richard. Ang kanyang huling teleseryeng ginawa ay ang Love and Lies noong nakaraang taon pa. Taong 2013 din nang huling lumabas si Richard sa pelikula kasama si Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera sa My Lady Boss.

Nang tanungin ng GMANetwork.com si Richard tungkol sa kanyang character sa Overtime, sinabi niyang kakaibang Richard daw ang makikita ng viewers.

“Expect something different. I’m kind of pushing myself on this character,” aniya.

Ayon sa aktor, pinagbutihan niya raw ang pagganap niya sa character ni Dom sa tulong ng kanilang direktor. “Direk Wincy (Ong) is helping me also to really push myself and it’s different,” saad ni Richard.

Ipinakilala sa amin ni Richard ang character ni Dom. “I’m playing a kind of

bad guy but it’s more character-driven so the audience will take a journey on the life of this character even though it’s somewhat dark,” pahayag niya.

Dagdag pa niya, “I think it’s engaging also also for Lauren as much as I was engaged in the character. So it’s totally different. It’s out of my comfort zone. It’s out of the box.”

Ayon kay Richard, hindi pa siya nagkaroon ng chance na mag-portray ng ganoong klase ng character sa isang suspense-thriller na pelikula. Kaya naman nang i-offer sa kanya ng GMA Films ang role sa Overtime,

hindi na raw siya nagdalawang-isip na kunin ang project na ito.

“This is my first time to do something like this so it’s always an adventure and exciting for me,” pahayag ni Richard.

Catch Richard Gutierrez as he plays the role of Dom in Overtime, the newest offering of GMA Films, this coming July on theaters nationwide.

Keep visiting www.gmanetwork.com for updates on Richard Gutierrez and your favorite Kapuso stars, shows, and films. ■ Al Kendrick Noguera and Bochic Estrada / GMANetwork.com

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NEWS

May 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

How to solve abysmal performance in teachers’ licensure test? Top schools have suggestions MANILA - Representatives from some of the top Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) gathered at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City recently to find solutions to the poor quality of teachers in the country given the dismal Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) passing rates.

Organized by the education reform organization Philippine Business for Education (PBEd), the roundtable meeting focused on proposed actions, seeing as how only 10 percent of TEIs offering elementary teaching education and 12 percent of TEIs offering secondary teaching education had at least 75 percent of their students pass the LET in nine instances from October 2009 to September 2013.

This is based on data from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), which PBEd analyzed and made public in March so that students and their parents know which schools have a stellar track record in shaping future teachers.

Meanwhile, PBEd president Chito Salazar announced that they will be launching a website in July where parents and senior high school students can choose the professions best suited to them, learn those which are in demand by the time they graduate, see how well schools are performing in these professions, and know industry data on salaries.

Learn the best performing schools with 80 percent and above passing rates for both elementary and secondary exams with at least 250 takers through this link(http:// www.interaksyon.com/article/82945/ guess—which-teachers-schools-have-thebest-passing-rates).

Meanwhile, schools where less than 10 percent of repeaters passed the elementary and secondary exams, and which had at least 500 repeaters, are: • TEIs with 1,000 test-takers: • Southern Mindanao Colleges • Samar College • Sulu State College • Mindanao State University (Jolo) • Masbate Colleges

• Northeastern Mindanao College • Mindanao State University (Tawi-Tawi) • Basilan State College • Pacasum College • Rizal Memorial College • Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College • Tomas Claudio Memorial College • TEIs with 500 to 999 test-takers: • Bicol College • Central Mindanao Colleges • Partido College And, 128 of about 1,100 TEIs for both elementary and secondary teaching education have less than 10 percent of their students passing the LET on their first try.

Need to get to root of poor performance.

“We need to hold accountable those schools that are not performing,” said former education secretary Dr. Edilberto de Jesus. He suggested that the reason behind the abysmal performance rate among TEIs be determined. Is the input poor? Is it their unsatisfactory preparation of students? Is the LET not good enough?

However, Dr. Rosita Navarro of the Board of Professional Teachers proposed that the problem be approached positively.

Research must be done on what were the success factors of the TEIs whose graduates were doing well. Was it the faculty?

Curriculum? Facilities?

Br. Jun Erguiza of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines still viewed the situation grimly. “We’re not getting the right students to get into education. To put it rather blunt(ly), we are getting garbage,” he said.

He noted that students who do a certificate program in teaching on top of their college course tend to do better than their education major counterparts. Should employers, therefore, tap more into the former?

To add to that, Navarro said that exam topnotchers were usually second-degree holders. Before they took up certificate programs in teaching, they usually finished Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Nursing, Accountancy, and the like.

Over the years, the first-semester run of licensure exams in general usually had

higher results as compared to their secondsemester run, said PRC chairperson Teresita Manzala. She attributed this to the fact that the graduates of top-performing schools usually take the exams in the first semester, while the graduates of “other performing schools” take them in the second semester.

Another problem, said Navarro, was that teachers do not have to undergo continuing professional education as opposed to their counterparts in other industries.

She also noted that schools which practice selective admission get high results in the LET. During her time, she said, a high school graduate had to have a general average of 85 before he or she was allowed into the education program in her school.

Meanwhile, Mike Luz of PBEd made the radical suggestion of doing away with the education major, and turning TEIs into graduate schools, instead. Students interested in becoming teachers will take their college courses, and an 18-unit certificate program in teaching afterwards.

He posed this question to the PRC: when will test questions be assessed by “real professionals.”

To this, Manzala said that there were “policy issues” involved. “Interested” TEIs are already being given sample questions if they want to look into them under the Philippine Qualifications Framework, she said, declining to elaborate about what this was when approached by InterAksyon.com, that CHED and PRC were required to look into the content of licensure exams. They are now transitioning from a “competencybased test framework to an outcomesbased framework,” she said.

In a recent en banc decision, she said, there would no longer be any questions classified as “easy, moderate, and difficult.”

Rather, tests would consist of: •Skills, knowledge, and values (30 percent), • Application or situational cases (50 percent), and • Degree of accountability and responsibility (20 percent) Navarro added that as soon as LET results are out, they do an item analysis.

Singapore to buy $84 mln stake in Philippine hospital group SINGAPORE sovereign wealth fund GIC will buy a minority stake in a company that operates top hospitals in the Philippines for $84 million, both firms said on Friday.

A joint statement said GIC’s investment will give it a 14.4 percent stake in Neptune Stroika Holdings Inc., the hospital holding company of Philippine conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

Neptune Stroika runs eight hospitals in the Philippines, including the Makati Medical Center, Asian Hospital and Cardinal Santos Medical Center which are favoured by the country’s elite.

GIC also subscribed to bonds worth 6.5 billion pesos ($149 million) which could be exchanged for a further 25.5 percent in Neptune Stroika in the future under certain conditions.

Metro Pacific will use the bond proceeds to invest in its other businesses such as roads, power and water, the statement said.

GIC’s hospital venture comes two weeks after it announced a $77 million investment in the parent company of Philippine canned

A sign (top L) for the Government of Singapore Investment Corp (GIC) is seen along with other big companies on the building facade in Singapore, on September 23, 2008. Photo by Roslan Rahman, ©AFP News

food producer Century Pacific Food Inc. as it seeks to boost its presence in the sprawling archipelago of 100 million people.

The Philippine economy grew 7.2 percent last year—one of the fastest rates in Asia.

GIC, previously known as the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation, manages more than $100 billion of the city-state’s foreign reserves.

Among its latest investments, GIC this month bought a stake in Brazilian online sports goods retailer Netshoes.

Last December, it bought a 50 percent stake in a major London office complex which press reports said was worth around £1.7 billion ($2.8 billion), while in January it partnered with a group of investors to buy $1.3 billion worth of Manhattan office space from Time Warner.

The US-based Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute names GIC as among the world’s top 10 biggest sovereign wealth funds, in a list that also includes Singapore state investment firm Temasek Holdings. ■ AFP News / May 16, 2014

File photo of an elementary school. Top teacher training institutions are mulling over ways to improve the quality of graduates of education schools, given low passing rates in the licensure exams for teachers. Photo by Bernard Testa, ©Interaksyon.com.

Those which are valid go into an item bank, while questionable ones are subject to the review of test consultants.

Recall and recognition type will be “just a portion” of the exams, she said. Now, they will have to present cases to test-takers which simulate the classroom situations teachers are faced with.

“We are now revolutionizing the type of test items we are producing,” she said.

Manzala also cautioned students against purchasing review books supposedly manufactured by PRC or containing items from the PRC. She said that these claims still needed to be validated. In some instances, they checked their databank of questions only to find that those in the books reported to them were not there.

Do away with LET? Another proposal was to do away with the LET altogether.

Singapore and Malaysia were two of the countries cited as not having (either presently or previously) licensure exams for teachers.

De Jesus asked if there were other ways to determine a teacher’s capabilities.

Meanwhile, Department of Education CALABARZON assistant regional director Beatriz Torno lamented the deletion of a provision in Republic Act 9293 (an amendment of the Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act Of 1994), a bill at

the time, which puts a cap on the number of times one can take the LET. She said that an enhanced bill containing the same provision was submitted after that to the 14th Congress, and the same is now in the legal division of the PRC. Reforms being proposed, she said, include giving priority in hiring to teachers who were successful at their first take of the LET, as compared to repeaters.

A pressing question, said Dr. Cris Acido of the University of the Philippines College of Education, was how to raise the status of teachers. “We don’t get the best minds because of the status we have given the teaching profession,” she said. Giving higher salaries could be a move in the right direction.

PBEd also advocated closing down TEIs which have consistently performed poorly in the LET for five years. The Higher Education Act of 1994 or RA 7722 gives CHED this power, they said.

They also called on PRC to publish the list of TEIs which performed poorly, for consumer protection. The PRC Modernization Act of 2000 or RA 8981, they said, gives the PRC this responsibility.

The same legislation, they said, also tasks the PRC with releasing exam questions so that they may be reviewed and aligned to the new K-12 curriculum. ■ Tricia Aquino / InterAksyon.com / May 17, 2014 / 10:21 PM

What are the top killers of teenagers according to WHO

GENEVA – A United Nations agency released a report on Wednesday urging a stronger focus on the health of boys and girls in their pre- and teen years.

The report, released by the Family, Women, and Children’s Health at the UN World Health Organization (WHO), listed road traffic injuries, HIV/AIDS, and suicide as the top killers of adolescents globally, and depression as the predominant cause of illness and disability.

“We hope this report will focus highlevel attention on the health needs of 10 to 19-year-olds and serve as a springboard for accelerated action on adolescent health,” said Flavia Bustreo, assistant directorgeneral for Family, Women and Children’s Health at WHO. An estimated 1.3 million adolescents died in 2012, largely from preventable causes, according to the UN agency’s Health for the World’s Adolescents online report released on Wednesday.

Of those young people, the highest numbers were killed by road traffic injuries,

which is also one of the top causes of illness and disability for the age group, behind depression.

Among other alarming trends, the authors suggested that estimates of adolescents dying from HIV and HIV-related illnesses are on the rise, particularly in the African region.

Maternal mortality still ranks as second among causes of deaths in girls between the ages of 15 and 19, only behind suicide.

However, deaths due to complications from pregnancies and childbirth among adolescents have fallen, particularly in Southeast Asia, Eastern Mediterranean and African regions. ■ Philippines News Agency

/ Xinhua / May 15, 2014 / 9:49 AM

May 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY NEWS AROUND THE WORLD

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ICCROM Director-General Visits PHL, Vows to Help Restore Damaged Heritage Sites DR. Stefano de Caro, Director General of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), paid a courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Special and Ocean Concerns Rafael E. Seguis on May 13 to discuss issues related to the restoration of Philippine heritage sites, most especially those that were damaged during the recent calamities such as the earthquake in Bohol and Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

Undersecretary Seguis conveyed the Philippines’ utmost appreciation for ICCROM’s assistance in the aftermath of such calamities.

Prior to Dr. De Caro’s visit, a team comprised of specialists from ICCROM, the National Commission on Culture

and the Arts (NCCA), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) went to Manila and Central Visayas from December 2 to 12 last year to assess the situation and damage caused by the natural disasters, identify immediate needs and emergency safeguarding measures, as well as medium-term interventions needed for rehabilitation and recovery.

Dr. De Caro was accompanied during the call by NCCA Chairperson Felipe M. De Leon whose agency is hosting the former’s visit to the Philippines from May 12 to 18.

After Manila, Dr. De Caro is scheduled to visit Vigan from May 14 to 15 and Bohol from May 16 to 17.

Dr. De Caro and Chairperson De Leon then participated in a roundtable discussion with selected Foreign Affairs officials, namely Ambassador Jose Maria A. Carino, Head of the Cultural Diplomacy Unit;, UNESCO National Commission Secretary General Virgina A. Miralao;, European Affairs Director Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez; and Strategic Planning and Policy Coordination Director Rosario P. Lemque. Office of United Nations and Other International Organizations Director Gonaranao B. Musor moderated the discussion.

ICCROM is Rome-based intergovernmental organization dedicated to the conservation of cultural heritage, including monuments and sites. ■ Philippine Embassy, Philippines / May 16, 2014

Hungary Supports Philippine Approach to West Philippine Sea Dispute THE 5th Political Consultations between the Philippines and Hungary was held on May 9 at the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Budapest. The Philippine Delegation was headed by Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson while the Hungarian Delegation was headed by Deputy State Secretary Peter Wintermantel.

The meeting discussed bilateral cooperation in the fields of agriculture, trade, water management, education, ICT, and tourism, as well as the possibility of high level exchanges and visits within the year.

Assistant Secretary Collinson encouraged Hungary to expand its cooperation with the Philippines in the area

of agriculture to include other products and related services such as wheat and flour, aside from meat products. She noted Hungary’s expertise in water management which played a pivotal role in the aftermath of Supertyphoon Yolanda (Haiyan) when the Budapest Water Works company operated and eventually donated a seven metric ton water purification plant in Mercedes, Samar.

In the area of education, both parties agreed to discuss an arrangement where Filipino scholars availing of Hungarian scholarships would receive additional support.

Drawing attention to the return of Philippine carriers to Europe, Assistant Secretary Collinson made a pitch for more expansive tourism cooperation.

Hungary agreed with the Philippines that bringing the West Philippine Sea issue before the Arbitral Tribunal was in consonance with international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

The meeting ended with both countries agreeing to hold the next round of Political Consultations in Manila next year. ■ Philippine Embassy, Philippines / May 16, 2014

Philippines and Poland Strengthen Cooperation, Honor Shared Values THE Department of Foreign Affairs announced today the successful convening of the 3rd Philippines – Poland Political Consultations which took place on May 6 in Warsaw, Poland. Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson headed the Philippine delegation, while the Polish delegation was led by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Undersecretary of State Mr. Artur Nowak-Far. The meeting highlighted cooperation in the fields of trade, defense, educational

and cultural promotion, as well as technical exchanges, high-level visits of key Philippine officials to Poland in the latter half of the year, and the proposed re-opening of the Polish diplomatic mission in Manila.

In their discussion on maritime security, the two governments agreed on the importance of peaceful resolution of disputes through the adherence to, and observance of, international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

An exhibit and seminar on Philippine-

Polish relations was held after the political consultations. Jointly organized by the Philippine Embassy in Warsaw and the Polish Parliament or Sejm, the seminar attracted more than 150 participants eager to know more about the Philippines.

During the seminar, Assistant Secretary Collinson spoke on the strongly held values of freedom, democracy, as well as shared faith and parallelisms in history which provide a solid platform for enhancement of bilateral relations. ■ Philippine Embassy,

Philippines / May 16, 2014

Philippines Pursues Closer Ties with Romania A delegation from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), headed by Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson, met with a delegation from Romania led by Ms. Carmen Liliana Burlacu, Director General of the Office of Globalization of the Romanian Foreign Ministry, at the 5th Political Consultations between both countries held in Bucharest last May 5. Philippine Ambassador to Romania Eleonor Jaucian and DFA Director Lenna Eilleen De DiosSiso composed the other members of the Philippine Delegation.

The meeting discussed four key areas of cooperation, namely, agriculture and the agro-industrial sector; energy, oil and gas; disaster risk reduction; and tourism.

Romania offered to host the training and exchange of engineering students and professionals wishing to pursue further studies in the energy sector through its summer programs at the Oil and Gas University of Ploiesti.

With the Philippines hosting the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, and Romania hosting the ASEM Seminar on Sustainable Development and Water Management this June, both countries agreed to support each other and to recommend experts to participate in the said conferences.

One of the highlights of the consultations was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the DFA’s Foreign Service Institute (FSI) and the Romanian Diplomatic Institute (RDI). The

MOU, signed by Ambassador Jaucian and RDI Director General Dan Petre, aims to increase contact between both institutions through the sharing of best practices in diplomatic training and the exchange of experts, visits, and publications.

Assistant Secretary Collinson and her delegation were received by Romanian State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Radu Podgorean. The two sides discussed regional and international issues. They also agreed on the important role that international law plays in the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Senator Gabriel Mutu, Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Romanian Parliament, and Deputy Radu Bogdan Timp u, President of the RomaniaPhilippines Parliamentary Friendship Group, received the Philippine delegation during their visit to the Romanian Parliament.

Senator Mutu informed Assistant Secretary Collinson that the Romanian Parliament recently ratified the Partnership Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between the Philippines and the European Union (EU). The PCA, once signed or ratified by the majority of EU Member States, will pave the way for a full-scale free trade agreement between the Philippines and the EU. The Philippines established diplomatic ties with Romania on 29 February 1972.

This was the first relationship the Philippines established with a then-communist country.

Romania is now a member of the European Union and is the largest country in the Balkans, a region in southeastern Europe. ■

Philippine Embassy, Philippines / May 16, 2014

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NEWS

May 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

Vague provisions under PH-US defense pact revealed in Senate hearing

MANILA – The government panel that negotiated the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the United States is unclear on the issues of toxic waste, telecommunication frequencies, access, and a host of other issues.

This was clear from the Senate hearing on the controversial agreement allowing more US troops in the country which was signed a few hours before US President Barack Obama arrived for a state visit without Senate ratification. Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, for one, believes that the absence of a Senate concurrence makes the agreement unconstitutional.

The government panel, led by its chairman, Defense Undersecretary Lorenzo F. Batino, public information office of the AFP; Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III; Defense Assistant Secretary Raymundo Jose Quilop; Ambassador Lourdes Yparraquire; and Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya were unable to respond to questions posed by Senators Sergio Osmeña III and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who heads the Senate committee on defense that called for the hearing, was absent from the hearing. Aside from Gazmin and Del Rosario, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV is also absent during the Senate investigation into the legality and constitutionality of EDCA. If the American military unintentionally causes an oil spill in the course of their increased presence in the Philippines, will the US government shoulder the expenses?

Who will be responsible for disposal of toxic and hazardous material that the US forces may bring inside their facilities in our military camps? No clear answer.

Osmeña said this issue should not only

be clarified by the Philippine panel, but by the American panel as well.

“Yung iniwanan nilang lasong basura doon sa Clark at sa Subic, hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin kini-clean up. At napakahina din ng provision dito na kung maglalagay sila ng facility, tulad ng refueling and bunkering, naku, doon nga nanggangaling ang lasong basura eh. (“Until now, the toxic waste that the Americans left in Clark and Subic has not been cleaned up. The provision here is so weak especially if they will set up their own facility for refueling and bunkering, where the toxic waste comes from.”)

“So there’s no real and tight provision on cleanup and remediation,” he said.

“The treaty is not necessarily one-sided, but there are some items there that I would have wanted clarified, like for example toxic and hazardous wastes,” he said.

PH telecommunication frequencies to the Americans? What about the Philippine panel guaranteeing the US forces use of local telecommunications frequencies, the franchise for which only Congress can give.

“Doon sa telecommunications, tinanong ko bakit nagbigay tayo ng guarantee na magagamit nila ‘yung frequencies dito sa Pilipinas. Normally that is a franchise that is granted by Congress. Ang sagot naman nila, ang gagamitin nila yung frequencies na inassign sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (They said the US will use frequencies assigned to the AFP),” he said.

Osmeña also wanted to be clarified on access to US military facilities inside Philippine camps.

“Usec Batino, you and I know that you will not be allowed to look into facilities they will

be building in the future,” he said during the hearing.

After the hearing, both Osmeña and Marcos said members of the EDCA negotiating panel failed to give clear-cut definitions (for example, “permanence”) as well as operational details that would have shown due diligence in behalf of the Filipino people.

Question on access. The Philippine Constitution prohibits the establishment of any foreign bases in the country, Marcos said, but the EDCA does not explicitly state the frames of reference and details about where the US is allowed to put up structural facilities for its use.

Will the US set up in their former camps in Subic or Clark? Or will they set up anywhere in the Philippines? Marcos asked.

“Hindi maliwanag ang EDCA na napirmahan. Hindi nga maliwanag kung saan nga ba yung agreed locations,” he said.

“Pinagdedebatehan natin ang military presence dahil unang-una na kung ito ay bagong base dahil hindi ito pinapayagan ng ating Constitution na magkaroon ng base ulit dito. So, ano ba talaga ang frame of reference? Ano ba talaga ang detalye sa agreement kung saan puwedeng ilagay (US facilities)?” Marcos said. (“The debate is about US military presence because in the first place, if this is a new base, the Constitution prohibits it.

What is the frame of reference? What are the details of the agreement on where the US facilities will be put up?”)

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has already allowed the Philippine military to use part of its land under a

memorandum of agreement between them.

So will the US military use that Philippine military access to Subic? This depends on SBMA giving its permission to the Philippine military, which in turn may give its permission to the US, particularly on pre-positioned material, which effectively brings back US military presence in Subic, Marcos said.

But the more important question is if the Philippine military would have access to US facilities if it agrees to US infrastructure inside Subic, he said.

“Kahit nasa atin rin, nasa Filipino pa rin ang desisyon kung paano ilalagay. Kaya nga lamang hindi nga masyadong maliwanag pa (The decision is still with us on how US facilities may be established. But it is not very clear now),” Marcos said.

“Sinasabi naman na pwedeng pumasok ngunit sinasabing hindi pwedeng gamitin ang gamit ng mga Amerikano so me konting contradiction dun -- kailangan natin na liwanagin (They said that we can enter, but

cannot use American facilities so there’s some contradiction which needs some explanation),” he added.

Gazmin, del Rosario in next Senate hearing. Marcos said he does not want the Philippine panel to renegotiate some provisions of the agreement. However, the government should be clear about what it can and cannot do, what it can and cannot expect.

Overall, Osmeña said he was not satisfied with the responses of the panel.

“Satisfied? No! I am not satisfied with the explanations,” he said.

Osmeña, who said he favors increased US presence in the country, said the next Senate hearing on EDCA should be attended

by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario so that they can explain the vague provisions and also why the agreement was not brought to the Senate for ratification. ■ Ernie Reyes / InterAksyon.com / InterAksyon.com / May 14, 2014 / 6:56 AM

Walang pera pandemanda: No charges yet vs ‘killer’ of PAF sergeant in Ninoy slay MANILA – Even after he was freed and had to lead a normal life. And that was what forgiven for the 1983 assassination of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s father, former Philippine Air Force (PAF) master sergeant Pablo Martinez remained imprisoned with the thought that someone was out to kill him.

Public Attorney’s Office chief Persida Acosta recalled what Martinez told her the last time they spoke with each other in 2010. “He said he was afraid. But he was just fighting his fear.”

Acosta said that just like the others convicted for the killing of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., Martinez, who had linked Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr. to the assassination of his cousin-in-law, was afraid for his life.

Fighting his fear meant that Martinez

he did in the last seven years since he got out of the National Bilibid Prison. He worked at a military financial institution called Air Materiel Wing Savings and Loan Association Inc., and spent most of his mornings biking along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City.

Little did Martinez know that what he did to overcome his fear would lead him to what he had dreaded the most. In the morning of May 6, 2014, the 77-year-old Martinez was hit by a car while he was biking. He died at dawn the following day, succumbing to fractures in his ribs while at the San Juan de Dios Hospital.

Intentional or accidental? Based on police reports, a black Mitsubishi Montero driven by 29-year-old Henry Roque ran over Martinez while the victim was on his

File photo of Benigno (Ninoy) Jr. and only son Benigno III (Noynoy or PNoy, now president). The son has categorically ruled out the possibility that his uncle Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco had anything to do with the 1983 airport assassination of the returning senator, as claimed by one of the soldiers who served time for the murder, Air Force Sgt.Pablo Martinez. The latter died last week after being hit by an SUV, in a case his family feared might be foul play.

mountain bike and was about to return home.

Probers are convinced that Roque had no intention to kill Ramirez. Parañaque police chief Senior Supt. Ariel Andrade said investigators believed the incident was “purely accident.”

But Diomedes, the 46-year-old son of Martinez, said earlier he wanted a thorough investigation on his father’s death.

“Duda ako kung kung nabangga s’ya o binangga s’ya [I’m doubting on whether he was accidently or intentionally hit], said Diomedes, a PAF staff sergeant, in a recent interview with dzBB radio.

In another interview published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Diomedes described what the vendors on Roxas Boulevard reportedly witnessed. Roque’s car allegedly did not stop when it hit Martinez, who was thrown off his bike and rolled onto the road. “An innocent driver would stop at once as soon as he learned he hit someone. But clearly, he did not.”

It’s not yet clear how Roque surrendered after hitting Martinez. Andrade was quoted in a news report as saying that Roque surrendered to authorities immediately after the incident. But another news report said Roque allegedly tried to escape but was arrested after he got stuck in traffic.

Settlement. Nevertheless, Roque has gotten off the hook for now. He was released from police custody after Martinez, before he died, reportedly agreed to an amicable settlement with Roque. The latter was identified as an employee of Philippine

Airlines, Asia’s oldest carrier, controlled and managed by San Miguel Corp.

“If there will be an investigation, if it’s foul play or not, it will be welcome. But we have already settled this. We have no money and means to file a case in court,” Diomedes said.

In a later statement to the Philippine Star, Andrade said the Parañaque police was preparing to charge Roque with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide. Andrade was also quoted in a news report as saying that the settlement reached between Martinez’s camp and Roque had nothing to do with the victim’s death.

Buried with Martinez is his desire to have the Ninoy assassination case opened because the masterminds have not yet been brought to justice. The Supreme Court twice thumbed down the petition of the convicted soldiers to reopen the Aquino-Galman case, saying they had no new evidence to offer.

Who masterminded Ninoy slay? On November 22, 2007, the day Martinez was pardoned by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, ABS-CBN’s Julius Babao asked him who masterminded Ninoy’s assassination, Martinez replied, “Danding Cojuangco.”

In the same interview with Babao, Martinez said it was in a hotel where he met some of Cojuangco’s “bata” (associates) two days before Aquino’s August 21, 1983 assassination.

“I didn’t hear any direct order from him (Cojuangco). But I asked them (the men in the hotel) who was giving them the order

and they replied, Danding,” Martinez told Babao.

In February 2006, Time Magazine wrote a story quoting Martinez as saying that it was Rolando Galman who told him that the plot against Ninoy was ordered by Cojuangco, the martyred senator’s cousinin-law and chairman of San Miguel Corp.

Son, Noynoy defend Danding.

Cojuangco’s camp denied Martinez’s allegations. The business tycoon’s son Mark Cojuangco said Martinez’s claim was “completely false.”

Two days after Martinez accused Cojuangco of masterminding the crime, then senator Noynoy Aquino, who would be President in 2010 following the death of his mother and the country’s first female chief executive, Corazon “Cory” Aquino, took up the cudgels for his Uncle Danding.

“The claim of Martinez is an absurdity.

It is just as absurd as the claim that the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos chose my father to be his successor,” Noynoy said in an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer published November 24, 2007.

“Why would my uncle want to have my father killed [when] he was not at the pinnacle of power then. My father and my uncle had a good relationship. My family split ways with my uncle in 1965 only because he sided with Marcos. But that was the extent of it,” he said.

“If one was a criminal, would one lay down a trail that would lead to himself?” added Noynoy. ■ InterAksyon.com / May 10, 2014

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NEWS

May 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

WEF in Manila: PH picks BMW to service heads of state, gov’t leaders MANILA - The Philippine distributor of BMW cars will serve as official premium vehicle partner for the 23rd World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia.

In a statement, Asian Carmakers Corp (ACC) said the Philippine government appointed the company to service visiting heads of state and other government leaders.

Based on the initial list from WEF, three heads of state and a deputy head— Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Myanmar Vice President

Nyan Tun—will attend the conference.

Also participating are at least 20 top officials from different Asian governments and multilateral organizations.

ACC said it will field a fleet of 25 units of the BMW 7 Series, which is the company’s most innovative sedan in the luxury segment. The units will be turned over to the Philippine government after the three-day conference.

“ACC is truly honored to partner with the Philippine government once again as the official premium vehicle partner for the 23rd WEF-EA. We are delighted that our partnership with the government in efforts

to boost the country’s economy is sustained and, more importantly, strengthened,” said ACC president Maricar Parco.

“We continuously showcase our full support to the government’s undertakings in ensuring that Asean member countries are resilient and adept in the face of unpredictable economic challenges through provision of BMW vehicles that exceeds expectations when it comes to performance,” she said.

ACC also provided transport to top delegates to the 2012 Asian Development Bank meeting in Manila. ■ InterAksyon.com / May 17, 2014 / 8:00 PM

POEA tips on how to spot fraudulent overseas job offers FILIPINOS looking for work abroad should think twice before responding to job offers posted in newspapers and on the Internet if such ads lack vital data.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration also advised prospective OFWs to disregard ads with instructions for an interview in a hotel or private house.

“Job applicants should... disregard ads with instruction to report for an interview in a hotel room or private residence. These ads are most likely placed by fly-by-night or other unauthorized recruiters,”POEA head Hans Leo Cacdac said.

He also said ads that lack information but require applicants to submit bio-data and other documents through an e-mail address or post office box “should be avoided.”

The POEA said advertisements from

licensed recruiters should have the following information: • Name, address and POEA licensed number of the agency • Work site of prospective principal/ project • Skill categories and qualification standards • Number of available positions Cacdac said only recruitment agencies licensed by the POEA are allowed to place advertisements for overseas jobs. Foreign employers may advertise only through these accredited agencies or through the POEA. Advertisements for manpower pooling by licensed agencies should indicate in bold letters that it is for manpower pooling only, and no fees will be collected from applicants.

Airlines (PAL) said its loss fell by a quarter in the first three months of the year on higher international passenger traffic.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, PAL Holdings Inc said its loss narrowed by 25.8 percent to P931.28 million in the January to March period from P1.26 billion in the same three months of last year.

The flag carrier’s revenue climbed 18.3 percent to P21.66 billion from P18.31 billion last year.

from the “favorable passenger revenue performance during the quarter as a result of the 40.1 percent increase in passenger traffic mainly in international routes.”

Operating expenses rose 16.6 percent to P22.46 billion from P19.25 billion last year.

Flying operations, aircraft and traffic servicing, passenger service and reservation and sales contributed to the increase in expenses.

Flying operating costs climbed 26.4 percent because of increases in aircraft lease charges, jet fuel and cockpit crew costs, offset by depreciation-flight equipment.

Fuel cost, which remains PAL’s biggest operating expense, amounted to P9.4 billion, higher by 25 percent from P7.5 billion in the same period last year.

“This was driven by the increase in volume from 1.4 million barrels in 2013 to 1.6 million barrels in 2014 due to the operation of new international routes such as London and various Middle East routes,” PAL said.

“The name, address and POEA license number of the agency, name and worksite of the prospective registered or accredited principal, and the skill categories and qualification standard are also specified,” the POEA said.

Cacdac urged applicants to report illegal job advertisements through private message at www.facebook.com/mypoea. ■ Joel Locsin / KBK, GMA News / May 14, 2014 / 1:12 PM

San Miguel willing to undergo PAL narrows first-quarter loss on higher passenger traffic bidding for new airport project MANILA - The parent firm of Philippine PAL Holdings said the increase stemmed Ramon S. Ang, president of PAL MANILA - San Miguel Corp (SMC) is willing to go through bidding for its proposed $10 billion international airport in the south of Manila.

“The idea is that the government will bid out the project. We just presented our proposal. I cannot ask the government na bigyan ako ng right of first refusal. That’s not good. So what we presented is a good idea. A good project and I don’t want people to say that we have the advantage over anybody.Kaya okay sa akin na magpatawag siya ng bidding para magkaroon ng equal chance, equal opportunity to build this airport,” SMC president Ramon S. Ang told reporters on Thursday night.

Ang said SMC is open to partner with Filipino companies such as the SM and Ayala groups, for the construction of the international airport.

“Cebu Pacific can also build a lowcost terminal there. Maraming puwedeng maging partner and we are open to anybody,” he said.

On Wednesday, SMC submitted to the government a proposal to construct an international airport that will be located along the Manila-Cavite Coastal Road at the waterfront reclamation project covering the cities of Paranaque and Las Pinas.

The proposed airport, which would be pursued as a build-operate-transfer (BOT) project, would be located on newly reclaimed land reaching 1,600 hectares and would be separated from adjacent areas by drainage channel.

The airport layout plan is based on an international and domestic passenger

handling capacity of 75 million passengers per year, with scalability to cater to more than 100 million a year.

Separate passenger terminal facilities are planned for full-service and low-cost airlines. The terminals will have up to 164 contact gates serviced by protected passenger boarding bridges and walkways.

Once built, the new airport can accommodate all international and domestic operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). International and domestic operations will be co-located allowing for more convenient internationaldomestic connect times.

The new airport would be only 11 minutes away from the Makati Central Business District via a new Airport Expressway rail service, allowing it better access than airports in Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

The proposed Airport Expressway would be 15-kilometers long, providing quick access to Fort Bonifacio, Ortigas and Eastwood as well as an alternative route to the Makati.

The main airport access can be via C5 and East-West direction, directly connecting the proposed new airport to Fort Bonifacio, Ortigas and Eastwood. This route would also lead to Makati via Kalayaan Road.

SMC has a 49 percent stake in Philippine Airlines Inc (PAL), which the food-andbeverage conglomerate acquired from tycoon Lucio Tan, who still holds the remaining 51 percent of the flag carrier. ■

Darwin G. Amojelar / InterAksyon.com / May 16, 2014 / 11:53 PM

earlier said the airline is likely to return to profitability this year as it retires some of its old aircraft.

Ang said the company sold four Boeing 747 aircraft, four Airbus 340s and eight A330s to a big foreign company.

The airline expects to save as much as $120 million annually in fuel and maintenance costs using the B777 on the US routes.

PAL plans to fly to New York, Chicago or Florida by October this year. The airline stopped operating in New York because of the Asian financial crisis in 1997.

PAL operates a total of 26 weekly flights to the US, with frequencies to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu and Guam. The airline will be using Boeing 777-300 ER. The San Miguel Group is running both PAL and PAL Express, after Lucio Tan sold a 49 percent stake in both carriers to the diversifying food-and-beverage conglomerate. ■ Darwin G. Amojelar / InterAksyon.com / May 16, 2014 / 4:10 PM

Bacoor police seek more evidence in death of woman found in vacant lot THE investigation into the death of a woman found half-naked in a vacant lot in Bacoor, Cavite on the morning of April 27 is still ongoing, local police said.

The body of Darenclin Vito Bosea, 22, was found at the ACR compound in Soldier Hills IV subdivision. She reportedly died of strangulation and was found with multiple stab wounds.

In an interview with GMA News Online, Supt.

Rommel Estolano, chief of the Bacoor police, said a suspect was arrested but was later released due to lack of evidence. He said the suspect will be subject to further investigation while police gather more evidence.

In a separate interview, a source familiar with the case said Bosea was seen on CCTV footage entering the subdivision around midnight.

A witness who lives near the lot where

the victim’s body was found heard screams and sounds of a struggle at around 2 a.m., the source also said.

The autopsy found no signs that the victim was raped, although the source said it was likely that there was an attempt to do so.

Bosea would have turned 23 on May 7.

■ Andrei Medina / JDS, GMA News / May 17, 2014 /

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SPORTS

May 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

Marquez-Alvarado winner can either accept or reject mandatory Pacquiao fight - Arum JUAN Manuel Marquez had a reason why he did not entertain a proposed world light welterweight title showdown against Ruslan Provodnikov. The 40-year-old future hall-of-famer always had, and still has his sights on making boxing history by becoming the first Mexican to win a world title in five weight divisions. To reach this goal means Marquez would have to win a world title in the star-studded welterweight division.

Marquez, who previously failed in his world welterweight title bid twice, is set to face Mike Alvarado this Saturday (Sunday PHL time), at the Forum in Inglewood, California at a catchweight limit of 144 pounds. The winner of thebout will become the mandatory challenger to Pacquiao’s

WBO world welterweight title. Both fighters are coming from defeats so it came as a surprise to Alvarado to be placed in such a lucrative path.

“I was surprised a little bit but I know that I deserve it. Top Rank has had my back the whole time and my will is that much stronger, more so than I showed that night against Provodnikov,” said Alvarado (34-2, 23 KOs) in a media call conference organized by Top Rank Promotions. “They blessed me with another opportunity and I am going to step up to the plate to put on a better show and back it up once again. This is where I belong and I am going to show that this weekend.”

Marquez is coming in as the favorite to win the bout but is not taking Alvarado lightly.

Marquez said that they have prepared for the best version of Alvarado in the ring and is not looking past his dangerous opponent.

“I do not look past Mike Alvarado. I concentrate only on this fight. Maybe in the future I think about that fight against Pacquiao but right now the most important fight of my career is against Alvarado because he is a strong fighter and a tough fighter. Right now all I am thinking is Alvarado,” said Marquez. “My thinking is first-things-first. My thoughts right now are on Mike Alvarado. If I win the fight then I will think about Manny Pacquiao. I will fight the fight on Saturday then go from there.”

Marquez previously went on record and said that a fifth with Pacquiao fight would be unnecessary. After almost two years later

and a clear defeat at the hands of Timothy Bradley last year, Marquez is now secondthinking the idea of a fifth battle. After all, it is the most handy and sensible route for a fifth division title, something he’s been obsessing about for quite some time now.

Bob Arum promotes all three fighters, and as far as he is concerned, Marquez or Alvarado just have to win this Saturday (Sunday, PHL time) and a Pacquiao fight is as good as made.

“The first thing I did was talk to Manny and he is up to fight the winner. There is nothing contractual with the two fighters that are fighting Saturday, but they know I will offer the winner a fight with Manny and it’s up to the winner to accept or reject it. So that’s where we stand and if I hear that the

CEO Bob Arum. Photo by Steve Marcus ©Las Vegas Sun

winner will be interested in fighting Manny in the fall, and Manny has agreed to fight the winner, so I would say that once we got the terms straightened out it would be a done deal” says Arum. ■ JM Siasat / AMD, GMA News / May 16, 2014 5:16 PM

‘Biggest ever challenge,’ says Rob Gier as Azkals take best shot at Asian Cup ticket THIS month, the Philippine national men’s football team will fly to Maldives with the mission of putting the country on the football map, at least in Asia.

The Azkals will compete in the final edition of the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup. The winner of the tournament, designed for emerging nations,

will win a ticket to the prestigious Asian Cup next year.

After this year, the AFC will institute reforms on qualifiers for the Asian Cup, merging them with the World Cup, and doing away with the Challenge Cup entirely.

This means that this year’s Challenge Cup presents the best chance for the Azkals to level up to Asia’s top competition.

“To even think we have a chance of qualifying for the Asian Cup is testament to everyone involved in Philippine football over the years,” said veteran defender Rob Gier, who has worn the captain’s armband for several times for the Azkals.

“It will be a very difficult task and for those that are thinking we will qualify easily are very mistaken, this is our biggest ever challenge.”

Two years ago, the Azkals finished third

in the Challenge Cup, an impressive feat for the fledgling Philippine side. But this year, winning the tournament is the only goal.

“Every team will have the same dream as us and they will all have left no stone unturned in their preparation,” said Gier.

“However, I have always been amazed by this team and the group of people that are part of it and in the past we have all achieved amazing things together. Every time I lead the players out on to the pitch it is the biggest honour anyone could bestow on me as I know what this team is capable of.”

Gier is aware of how the new format could present a tougher road down the line for the Azkals when it comes to qualifying for the continent’s top football competition.

“Maybe this will make it more difficult for us to qualify in the future and that is

why we see this year’s Challenge Cup as an amazing opportunity for us to join the biggest tournament in our region,” he said.

Gier knows that winning the tournament would be no walk in the park.

“Every team will have the same dream as us and they will all have left no stone unturned in their preparation,” he said.

“However, I have always been amazed by this team and the group of people that are part of it and in the past we have all achieved amazing things together. Every time I lead the players out on to the pitch it is the biggest honour anyone could bestow on me as I know what this team is capable of.

“Do I think it will be difficult? Yes. Will we have to work harder than in every game we have previously played? Yes. “Do I think we can win it? Yes!” ■ Karl Decena / InterAksyon.com / May 17, 2014 / 4:38 PM

Indonesia defends turf against ASEAN All-Stars in ‘Yolanda’ benefit match

UFL: Team Socceroo avoids relegation with rout of lowly Pasargad

TEAM Socceroo secured its Division One status for next season after sending Pasargad FC to relegation with a 6-2 rout in United Football League action Sunday at the Emperador Stadium.

The victory helped Team Socceroo, which only gained promotion this year, maintain its slot in the first division. The newly-promoted squad improved to a 4-4-12 win-draw-loss card for 16 points, a record which Pasargad, carrying a lowly 1-3-17 slate for six points, cannot

outmatch anymore.

The loss also extended Pasargad’s winless skid to 14 matches.

Lee Jeong Woo led all scorers with three goals for Team Socceroo, which took a commanding 4-1 lead at halftime.

In Division Two action, Manila Jeepney FC took the lead in the table after drawing Philippine Air Force, 1-1, while Forza walloped Nomads FC, 5-2.

■ Karl Decena / InterAksyon.com / May 12, 2014

/ 4:49 PM

THE Indonesian national men’s football team came away with a 1-nil victory over a selection of Southeast Asia’s best players in a benefit match for those affected by super typhoon “Yolanda” on Sunday at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.

The Indonesians scored at the 13th minute and held the lead for the rest of the match, taking advantage of the unfamiliarity of players from the ASEAN All-Stars, which only had one day to prepare for the match.

“I was very impressed with what was shown by the players,” Datuk K. Rajagobal, ASEAN All-Stars coach and also a former coach of Malaysia, said after the match.

“This considering that we did not have much together and really had just one day of training, not taking into account that the Thai players only arrived today.

“They showed some good flashes and to lose 1-0 is really not too bad.”

Indonesia coach Alfred Riedl was far from pleased on his team’s performance despite the victory.

“I was looking forward to a technically better match but it was not to be due to the rain. The field was poor and that affected play,” Riedl said.

“We had about 10 half chances but we failed to score because the technique was not good enough” The ASEAN All-Stars were composed of 20 players coming from each nation the region. Azkals veterans Aly Borromeo and Chieffy Caligdong, who replaced Ian Araneta in the lineup, were chosen as to represent the Philippines in the match.

Borromeo and Caligdong played with some of the region’s stars such as 2012 Suzuki Cup Most Valuable Player Shahril Ishak of Singapore, Datsakorn Thonglao of Thailand and Le Cong Vinh of Vietnam.

Photo by Jojo Lirio Jr. ©Sports5 file

Apart from “Yolanda” recovery efforts, the match’s proceeds will also benefit of affected by the massive eruption of volcanoes Mount Kelud and Mount Sinabung in Indonesia last year. ■ Karl Decena / InterAksyon.com / May 12, 2014 / 3:35 PM

Undefeated Filipina Jessebelle Pagaduan to fight for WBO atomweight title in Japan

UNDEFEATED Filipina boxer Jessebelle Pagaduan (6-0, 4 KOs) will have a chance to give the Philippines another boxing world champion when she fights for the vacant World Boxing Organization atomweight title on Saturday, May 17, at the Azalea Taisho Hall in Osaka, Japan.

Pagaduan, a 29-year-old Southpaw from Baguio, will be taking on veteran Nao Ikeyama (13-3-1, 4 KOs) in front of her hometown Japanese fans.

The Filipina, who will be fighting out of the K2 Gym in Malabon City and is trained by Toto Banares, is raring for a shot to bring honor to the country and make a name for herself in the boxing world at the same time.

If Pagaduan wins, she will join Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and Donnie Nietes as the only Filipinos holding world titles. ■ InterAksyon.com / May 16, 2014 / 6:51 PM

May 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

SPORTS

www.hello-philippines.com

39

How the San Mig Coffee Mixers clinched a third straight title

UNLIKE their previous wins, there was nothing super about the way the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers started game four. The Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters returned to the lethal form they showed a month ago and refused to let their 13-0 record fade into meaninglessness. But at the end of the night, the Mixers had the final say and took home their third straight championship.

Here are a few factors that came into play: The San Mig rookies stepped up. To say that the Mixers struggled in the first quarter would be an understatement. They looked terrible. Tim Cone yanked his starters and gave his bench an early crack, and they went on to score the only four field goals of the period. Those buckets came from first year players Ian Sangalang and Justin Melton.

We all knew that Sangalang would be good. He’s a power forward (alongside imports) with good height and reach, and a solid set of offensive fundamentals, but doesn’t quite have the anticipation or strength to be a consistent defensive factor.

He was a great backup who fit nicely early on as Marc Pingris’ reliever, good for maybe eight points and a handful of rebounds on any given night.

But quietly, these playoffs have been his coming out party in the pros. He took greater responsibilities when Pingris suffered a bruised rib in the semis. He kept the Mixers chugging through the first 17 minutes of game four, tiding them over until everybody else felt like playing. He was taking smart shots, cutting to his best spots and spinning

in the right direction to get a clean look.

And the moment you realize that he’s only 22-years-old, you also realize that his only weakness coming into the draft was that he was five inches shorter than Greg Slaughter.

And right there with him was Justin Melton. Nobody knew him before the draft, and today everybody knows him for his dunks. Melton isn’t just a dunker, but his dunks say everything about his game.

This guy doesn’t know fear, whether it’s challenging giants at the rim or challenging Jimmy Alapag or Jayson Castro on either side of the ball. I can’t recall another player who channels this much intensity while playing his role, and right now Melton’s small feet are filling in shoes of a much bigger size.

Talk ‘N Text crumbled in the last 18 minutes. Losing this championship doesn’t take anything away from the fantastic run that the Texters had this conference. They were head-and-shoulders above their competition for 13 games, and last night they showed the league why. They made quick decisions with the ball and found the open man whether it was Richard Howell on the block, Kelly Williams from 20 feet, or KG Canaleta whizzing off a screen. Ranidel De Ocampo was showing BPC-candidate form, and Jimmy Alapag was chomping at the bit to put behind his scoreless, foul-riddled game three. The defense was alive with precise rotations, well-timed double teams and domination on the glass.

But the picturesque play from the first quarter didn’t magically vanish when Mark

Second overall pick Ian Sangalang was a force against the veteran Texters. Photos by KC Cruz.

Barroca and James Yap ripped them apart in the last six minutes. Their demise actually began in the third, when the Texters were crushed beneath the weight of the little things that added up from here and there.

It seemed like the Texters left their hot hands in the locker room, as while Canaleta continued to bomb away from three, Alapag couldn’t find the bottom of the net. And the tight perimeter defense began to leak, allowing the Mixers’ guards to find space to create whilst Sangalang torched them in the post. You’re not supposed to concede 14-0 runs that allow your opponents to believe in themselves again. You don’t go for the shots that are there instead of the best possible one. Another ring slipped through their fingers before they figured things out.

Talk ‘N Text’s disappearing acts. A couple of days ago, I said that the Texters needed their three-point game to be sharp, Ranidel De Ocampo to be hungry, and Richard Howell to get mad. Talk ‘N Text furiously checked all those boxes for most of

the game, but they couldn’t come away with the win. They came up with their best punch, but they couldn’t knock the Mixers out.

Credit goes to guys like KG Canaleta, Kelly Williams, and even Danny Seigle who stepped their games up when they were called upon. But Jayson Castro went from being all over the place in game three to barely there in game four. Larry Fonacier has been in a series-long funk could barely string together decent possessions on either end, while Richard Howell couldn’t convince San Mig Coffee to send a double team at him.

The Texters took what the defense gave them and ran plays for shooters and pick and pops. But San Mig Coffee played the percentages and stayed planted inside towards the end. Eventually, the shots stopped falling, and the Texters didn’t have any more cards to play.

Mark Barroca and Big. Game. James.

Mark Barroca is forcing himself back into the conversation of who exactly is the league’s

Jayson Castro (C) was a no-show in game four.

best point guard. Even if you chalk up his playoff performances to dominating smaller guys, including Ginebra’s LA Tenorio in the last conference, you have to grudgingly concede that he plays for big moments like this. He’s the one that led SMC back from the dead, down 17 in the third, and helped put the game away.

On the other hand, there’s not much more you can say about James Yap anymore. Without using words like “clutch” to describe him, his moment in the fourth quarter was all you need to know about the relationship he shares with Tim Cone.

Yap was practically scoreless through three quarters and was benched during a botched comeback bid in game two. Yet with the championship on the line, Cone had faith that Yap would put the ball in the hoop, because he believed that Yap simply would.

And with that three-pointer with exactly two minutes to play, the Finals MVP repaid his debt with a huge, gleaming trophy. ■ Job B. De Leon / AMD, GMA News / May 17, 2014 / 3:07PM

Witnessing the myth of Mark Barroca SAN Mig Coffee just scored and led, 9791. It was late in the fourth quarter. It was a critical moment in game four of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-five finals.

San Mig Coffee led the series, 2-1. Talk ‘N Text, expectedly, called a timeout. As San Mig Coffee players marched back to the bench, San Mig Coffee team manager Alvin Patrimonio jumped off his seat and darted towards Mark Barroca.

Barroca, who just scored on a daring lay-up, disappeared into Patrimonio’s checkered blue polo shirt. In a moment of unrelenting joy, Patrimonio nearly crushed Barroca with a bear hug. He probably drenched Barroca with a few tears as well.

It was the unmistakable Patrimonio hug: the surest stamp of approval from the franchise’s greatest player.

I couldn’t blame Alvin. I saw what he saw.

The fourth quarter started with Talk ‘N Text leading, 74-69. The Texters built that five-point cushion thanks to three-point shots from Jayson Castro and Jimmy Alapag. Looking back, it feels bizarre, gutwrenching even, to write that those two, rally-breaking three-point shots at the end of the third quarter comprised the Texters’ last stand.

With about half-a-quarter left in game four, Barroca, who was forced to sit earlier in the period after picking up his fifth personal foul, checked back into the game to replace Justin Melton. Barroca’s seminal moment – the kind of blistering personal streak fans will remember for years - in the 2014 Commissioner’s Cup was about to begin.

Talk ‘N Text led, 85-82. James Yap

grabbed the loose ball and saw Barroca, who was standing just a few feet away, all alone outside the three-point line. Yap issued a gentle pass, the kind of pass you would issue to a toddler, to Barroca. Barroca aimed for the three-point shot. Ranidel De Ocampo, the nearest TNT defender, took one big step and extended his left arm to challenge the shot. Wisely for San Mig Coffee, Barroca decided to go for a fake.

Unfortunately for TNT, De Ocampo decided to bite. As De Ocampo glided by, Barroca drove towards the hoop, took off early, and went for an elegant finger roll scoop shot like he was Jojo Lastimosa. After three bounces, the ball went in. Talk ‘N Text still led, 85-84.

Several plays later, Barroca had the ball.

Talk ‘N Text was still ahead, 87-86. Barroca was face-to-face with Alapag. As far as I know, 2014 Barroca has always tormented 2014 Alapag. I saw that in the Philippine Cup quarterfinals. I saw that in the Commissioner’s Cup finals. Surely, Barroca has seen it too. Therefore, to nobody’s surprise, Barroca proceeded to post up Alapag. Barroca took three slow dribbles to get to a shooting spot in the paint. Alapag tried his best to bump Barroca away.

Barroca, however, turned to the basket, overpowered Alapag and launched a onehander like he was Rey Evangelista. San Mig Coffee grabbed the lead, 88-87.

After Talk ‘N Text regained the lead with a Richard Howell basket, Barroca had the ball…again. Alapag was guarding him…again. Larry Fonacier, a much taller defender, was initially guarding Barroca during the play. Fonacier, however, decided to help on San Mig Coffee import James

Mays. As a result of a defensive chain reaction, Alapag found himself guarding Barroca anew. Barroca scored on Alapag earlier. Naturally he tried to score on Alapag again. He succeeded. 14 feet away from the basket, Barroca bounced off Alapag’s chest and used the separation to confidently shoot a one-hander like he was Jerry Codiñera.

San Mig Coffee took back the lead, 90-89.

James Yap hit a three-point shot to push the Mixers ahead, 93-89. This column, however, isn’t devoted to the game-winning abilities of James Yap. James Yap is already a mythical figure. Barroca isn’t one just yet. But the former Gilas point guard is quickly getting there. Scoring over mythical figures like Alapag will definitely accelerate the process.

Moments later, Barroca had the ball again. Astonishingly, Alapag was guarding Barroca again. I think even Barroca was surprised. Barroca, operating from the left side of the floor, one step from the threepoint line, did a stutter step to disrupt Alapag’s footing. Barroca went right. Alapag followed. As soon as Barroca reached the free throw line, he hit the brakes and decided to pivot to his left. Alapag, still sliding toward Barroca’s right side, tripped on Ranidel De Ocampo’s right foot and dropped to the floor. From a sitting position, Alapag watched Barroca spin and launch a wide-open one-hander. Barroca scored like he was Alvin Patrimonio. I watched this play over and over and my heart broke repeatedly for Jimmy. I mean, si Jimmy yun eh. The Mixers led, 95-89.

From the San Mig Coffee bench, assistant coach Olsen Racela flew from his seat and pumped both fists like he was back

Mark Barroca’s Finals reputation continues to grow as the San Mig Coffee Mixers picked up a third straight title. Photo by KC Cruz.

to being that spirited Purefoods rah-rah rookie from 1993.

San Mig Coffee was still ahead, 95-91.

Barroca, of course, had the ball again.

Only this time, Castro was guarding him.

Castro! Gilas! Blur! BPC! Barroca, unfazed, still attacked. He pretended to go right but quickly bolted to his left. He sprinted past Castro and saw a driving lane so clear and unoccupied; Air Force One could’ve landed on that open space. Barroca soared towards the basket. Ranidel De Ocampo, two steps too late, tried to block the shot. Barroca, bracing for possible contact, looked away and took a go-hard-bahala-na-left-handedlay-up. I still don’t know how he scored. But he did. Mixers surged ahead, 97-91.

And so we go back to the beginning of this column…

Patrimonio catapulted off the bench to give Barroca the emotional Patrimonio bear hug. It was unreal. I felt how he felt. In the final period, Barroca gave nostalgic Purefoods fans glimpses of Jolas and Rey and Jerry and Alvin. But for those too young to remember Jolas, Rey, Jerry or even Alvin, let me help you out. From a more recent context, that Patrimonio rib-crushing bear hug is pang-Denzel Bowles. The tight embrace.

The captain’s tears. A young player’s validation. That unforgettable moment before a championship. Alvin gave Mark a hug na pang-Denzel Bowles because in that fourth quarter, thanks to a scoring spree that could fortify a player’s mythical status, grabe, Barroca was Bowles. ■ Mico Halili / AMD, GMA News / May 17, 2014 / 9:09 PM

sport PACQUIAO SAYS ASIAN BOXERS NEED SUPPORT, DISCIPLINE

KUALA LUMPUR - Boxing great Manny Pacquiao has said Asian fighters need greater support and more discipline if they are to become world-beaters, a report said on Thursday.

The 35-year-old Filipino superstar has fought professionally for nearly two decades and last month reclaimed the World Boxing Organization welterweight world title he lost in 2012.

“We have a lot of good talent in Asia, especially in our country [the Philippines] where there are a lot of young ones who can do the country proud,” he told Malaysia’s New Straits Times.

“Fighters need to have good coaches,

trainers and facilities. It is also important to educate them about what it takes to be a good boxer and how a boxer’s life should be.”

Pacquiao, who defeated American Timothy Bradley by unanimous decision in Nevada last month to avenge a 2012 loss, added that Asian fighters also needed to toughen up mentally.

“I did not have a lot of chances to fight as an amateur in Asia. I had already turned pro when I was 16 so I did not get to compete in competitions such as the Asian Games or even the Olympics,” he said.

“To become a professional is not easy.

My advice to those hoping to make it is

to love their job, focus, believe in God and most importantly stay disciplined.”

Pacquiao, who is also a congressman in the Philippines, was in Malaysia with a business delegation from the archipelago.

■ AFP / May 15, 2014 / 3:55 PM