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MANNY PACQUIAO: ‘I THOUGHT I WON THE FIGHT’

AFTER 12-round war with undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao admitted that he was surprised at the outcome as he expected to win the megafight between two of this generation’s greatest fighters.

It s a good fight. I thought I won the fight. He didn t do nothing Pac uiao said as he was interviewed in the ring.

He always moved outside. I got him many times with solid punches. I believe I won the fight.

Pacquiao was pressed during the interview on why he wasn’t able to fight his usual way in the contest.

The official Compubox stats showed

him connecting on only 81 of his 429 punches (19%) while Mayweather landed of his ( .

He s moving around. It s not easy to throw a lot of punches if he’s moving around. But if he stayed I can throw a lot of punches.

He added though that he was not bothered by Mayweather’s size and strength in this one.

I can handle his power. He s not strong like (Antonio) Margarito or other opponents like (Miguel Cotto like that.

He s not bigger than me. It s not the size. Size doesn t matter. I ve been fighting bigger than him. No problem.

MANILA - Manny Pacquiao’s life story, with its inspiring triumph over adversity after each fall, has been mirrored yet again in his fight with Floyd Mayweather, despite his loss by unanimous decision. Thus ran the common thread of officials reacting to the outcome of the fight.

Malacanang Palace, in a statement released by Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. on behalf of President

Aquino, said: “Filipinos can hold their heads up high: our national pride, Congressman Manny Pac uiao did us all proud when he stood his ground against one of the best boxers of our time loyd Mayweather.

“President Aquino reiterates his thanks to Manny for serving as an inspiration to every Filipino in overcoming the daily challenges in the pursuit of a better life and future.

n InterAksyon.com / May 3, 2015 / 1:31 PM

Pacquiao’s good fight inspires Filipinos, say Philippine officials

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will serve him in good stead in all his future endeavors.

Other officials reactions had similar themes of thanking Pacquiao for inspiring ilipinos Sa araw na ito, ipinakita ni Manny na tayong mga Pilipino ay handang humarap at bumangon sa anumang pagsubok.

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2

BUSINESS & FINANCE

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May 2015 – No. 9 • UK & Europe Edition

PLDT, LP congressman lead lawsuits against John Hay developer COCKTALES

THE Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. and Ilocos Sur Representative Eric Singson have emerged as the key Camp John Hay sub-lessees leading the fight for alleged serious contractual violations against the Fil-Estate/CAP Group, the defaulting developer of the former American R&R facility in Baguio.

Singson, who owns and operates the Rembrandt Hotel in Quezon City and the Le Monet in Camp John Hay, last week filed a swindling complaint before the Department of Justice against the Fil-Estate/CAP Group.

Singson’s beef: The Fil-Estate/CAP officers had allegedly misrepresented that their lease with the government’s Bases Conversion and Development Authority was good for 50 years, when it was actually only 25 years as the congressman had later found out.

“The complainants would not have bought the leasehold rights (for the four lots where Le Monet was built and now stands)...and parted with their money had they known that the lease contract between (the Fil-Estate/CAP Group) and (the government) is only for 25 years” subject to non-automatic renewal of 25 years, the Singson complaint said.

Aside from being a key leader of the Liberal Party in the Ilocos region, Singson also happens to be the father of Grace Karen Singson, the former chief of the Department of Finance’s Privatization and Management Office who is married to Good Government Commissioner Richard Roger Amurao.

PLDT, on the other hand, had actually been in litigation with the Fil-Estate/ CAP Group since 2003 over the alleged defective contractual terms and hidden financial charges imposed by the Camp John Hay developer on PLDT. According to the PLDT complaint, the telecom company had sought to return log cabin number 6 within the former Voice of America compound after the Fil-Estate/CAP Group failed to deliver the luxury retreat by the stipulated July 2000 deadline.

In asking for restitution with damages, PLDT said it had given P20 million down-payment for the P40million home, but that it was, because of the developer’s delay in turning over the unit, willing to settle for the P10million cash surrender value just to rescind the contract.

Instead of returning the P10 million, the Fil-Estate/CAP Group dunned PLDT for P21.8 million, including compounding penalties, refusing even to meet with PLDT for an amicable settlement.

PLDT also maintained, despite still being listed as a sub-lessee, that it had never occupied even for a day the USstyle pinewood cottage within the VOA compound.

Unfortunately for PLDT, Singson and hundreds of other sub-lessees within 247-hectare forest reservation, BCDA’s judicial victory in ejecting the defaulting developer also means all of the sub-lessees will have to vacate and turn over their respective log cabins and condo units to the government agency by the end of May. In addition to PLDT, mining magnate Manuel Zamora Jr., International Container Terminal Services Inc., Unionbank, former Agriculture Secretary Luis Lorenzo Jr., LBC Properties and Coca-Cola Philippines’ Marangal Properties are also listed as having each leased log cabins within the VOA compound, Camp John Hay’s most exclusive section.

It was not immediately clear if the BCDA, after it shall have physically taken over the camp, would relent and allow the sub-lessees to continue to occupy their units until their respective 25-year leases run out sometime in 2021.

According to BCDA, the Fil-Estate/ CAP Group had “illegally” sublet the Camp John Hay cabins and condo units for 50 straight years when their actual leases are only good for 25 years, with the expected 25 years of lease extension having failed to proceed precisely because of irreconcilable differences between the government

landlord and the private developer.

As if in a call to arms, BCDA last Saturday published the list of John Hay sub-lessees who were allegedly inveigled with 50-year leases, advising them to sue the Fil Estate-CAP Group for restitution.

Among the recognizable names: • industrialist Raul Concepcion (one country home); • Cebu-based manufacturing magnate Norberto Quisumbing Jr. (two forest cabins); • retired Bank of Commerce president Raul de Mesa (four forest cabins); • developer Rex Drilon II and Keyland Corp. (four country cabins); • generic pharmaceutical exporter Zenaida Dizon-Balajadia (one country home); • AgriSpecialist owner Mario Labadan Sr. (one country home); • Castillo Laman Tan Pantaleon& San Jose law firm and tax lawyer Serafin Salvador Jr. (one country home each); • Maynilad Water president Victorico Vargas (two forest cabins); • philatelist Mario Que (one forest cabin); • multi-level marketing couple Bernardo and Imelda Madera (two forest cabins); • Aficionado perfume manufacturer Joselito Cruz (two golf estate lots); • school books publisher Gloria Mendoza (one forest cabin); • Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Benitez (Camp John Hay hotel penthouse suite); • Palayan City Mayor Adrianne May Joson Cuevas (two Camp John Hay hotel penthouse suites); • Nueva Ecija Governor Aurelio Umali (Camp John Hay Suites Hotel unit); and • Ambassador Raul Rabe (Camp John Hay Manor Hotel unit). dzRH defies gravity. The parent company of radio station dzRH, Manila Broadcasting Co., has been defying gravity and market sentiment.

A duplex-type log cabin in Camp John Hay, file photo.

For three straight days in a row, the MBC share price had bumped the maximum 50-percent daily price ceiling despite paper-thin trading.

For only about P500,000 thrown at the stock since Monday, the share price had been goosed up from P3.12 to close Thursday at P9.

What is even more puzzling is that the stock has had absolutely no transaction for the last four months, an aberration that did not escape the attention of the stock market regulators.

MBC controller and compliance Robert Pua has had to issue two sworn statements to the Philippine Stock Exchange swearing to high heavens that the media company “is not aware of any circumstance, incident or transaction that would cause the said unusual share price” movement.

The query from the PSE’s Capital Markets Integrity Corp. was actually addressed to MBC treasurer Julio Manuel Macuja, brother-in-law of MBC chairman Fred Elizalde, apparently in deference to industry observation that the country’s pioneering and largest radio network is now mischievously called the “Macuja Broadcasting Corp.”, but Macuja passed on the reporting chore to Pua. An earlier inquiry sent to MBC chief financial officer Eduardo Cordova also produced a similar dead-end.

In addition to the AM station dzRH, Elizalde, who is turning 70 this year,

also controls three national FM radio stations and over 100 smaller provincial FM stations scattered nationwide.

Manila

trims

delinquent

list.

Manila City Treasurer Liberty Toledo has dropped Dealco Farms, Century Seafood Restaurant in Century Park Hotel and the Philippine Journalists from the list of delinquent properties to be auctioned by the cash-strapped administration of Mayor Joseph Estrada.

The public auction has also been rescheduled to May 8 instead of April 30.

The biggest delinquent, the Tutuban station that has been leased to developer Prime Orion Philippines, is still there on the list, for having allegedly accumulated over P1 billion in unpaid real estate taxes since 2002.

Heard through the grapevine. The Philippines’ United Laboratories plans to build a hospital in Nigeria in a joint venture with unnamed local investors in the African nation, aside from constructing a Unilab pharmaceutical manufacturing facility to serve the growing need of the continent for cheaper generic medicines.

No less than Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Yemi Farounbi confirmed the planned Unilab expansion in African to a Nigerian newspaper in a wide-ranging interview published earlier this week. n Victor C. Agustin / May 1, 2015 / 12:08 PM

APEC meet on fiscal roadmap showcases Philippines’ microinsurance gains BACOLOD – An Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in this city on the group’s fiscal roadmap became an occasion to tout the Philippines’ leadership in the microinsurance field.

During a briefing on disaster risk finance on Wednesday, Microinsurance Network chairman Michael McCord said more than a third of the 66 million people in the Asia-Pacific region covered by microinsurance are in the Philippines.

This makes the Philippines “one of the best examples across the globe,” he said.

Microinsurance Network is an advocate of insurance service coverage for lowincome populations worldwide.

“Here, you almost have 30 percent

of people in the Philippines covered by microinsurance, for various kinds of products,” McCord said.

“What makes that happen is the fact that you have insurers that recognize the low-income market as an important market. You have regulators and policymakers, you have people who are interested in trying to help low-income people protect themselves, and provide the products that they need. So the coordination of all these groups has really provided a tremendous result here in the Philippines,” he said.

McCord said insurance is important for sustainable development.

“Insurance keeps people from falling

back into poverty. Insurance is the cornerstone of making a resilient market in the Philippines,” he said.

Despite the country’s leadership, microinsurance distribution, especially to the low-income segment, remains a work in progress.

“Often times, in microinsurance we have a problem with trust. In the Philippines, you show people that when disaster happen, insurance will pay.

You’ve got that part, the trust, you just got to get the distribution,” McCord said.

“The broader the group of potential distributors, the easier it will be for them to expand,” he added. n Rain Castro /

InterAksyon.com / April 30, 2015 / 10:04 AM

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

www.hello-philippines.com

May 2015 – No. 9 • UK & Europe Edition

New Customs chief vows to divest, re-organize bureau MANILA - In his third day in office new Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina faced the media to clarify the controversies surrounding his new appointment, as well as to announce a re-organization in the bureau.

First, in response to charges of con ict of interest he promised to divest or sell his shareholdings in companies directly transacting with the Bureau of Customs.

Lina is either chairman or member

of the board of directors of the companies Air21, Cargohaus, eKonek, Shopinas.com, Integrated Waste Management, DOS 1, U-Freight, Waste and Resource Management, Linaheim Properties, Solarlina, LGC Logistics, Credit Solutions & Business Alliances Inc., Lina Farms, GO 21, Ube Media, 2100 Customs Brokers Inc., U-Ocen, and Linaheim Corporate Travel and Tours.

The law requires that an appointee

either resigns or divests from companies with con ict of interest with the agency 60 days after the appointment to the position.

Lina also said he would resign today or tomorrow as independent director of Philippine Airlines He said he accepted the appointment because he is also about to retire and the call of public service is strong. .

“Hindi naman ako nag apply (I did not apply). We are called upon to serve.

And that is the challenge,” he said.

Right now, he said, his lawyers are studying the process of divestment. He promised to do this before the end of the 60-day deadline.

No estimate has been given as to the value of his shareholdings in the said companies.

Lina has also divested when he was appointed Customs Commissioner during the time of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He said he simply had a buy-back of shares one year after he served in the bureau.

P1.5 billion in unpaid taxes?

New Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina. Photo from customs.gov.ph

Lina challenged his critics in

relation to the Customs investigation of his company U-Freight for the alleged P1.5 billion in unpaid taxes.

“Kung sakaling iimbestigahan, go.

I’ll be more than happy na kasama ko kayo magbantay.” (“If I’m investigation, go. I’ll be more than happy that together we monitor it.”)

He said his company is not part of the probe as the importation was made by Zest Air, which has taxand duty-free privileges as part of its Congressional franchise.

To continue Sevilla’s reform. At the same time, Lina promised to continue the reforms started by his predecessor, John Philip Sevilla, who worked to minimize, if not eliminate, corruption in the bureau.

When asked about which is his priority – revenue-generation or anticorruption, he said it would be good to continue what Sevilla has started.

Aside from this, computerization in the agency would continue as this would provide transparency in all transactions.

Re-organization. Lina said he

will also re-organize the Bureau of Customs. He said this is useful in finding out which officials are effective in their posts.

He said he would conduct an immediate evaluation of personnel performance before the election ban on movements and appointments.

“Part yun eh (That’s part of it). You cannot stay in your position for three years. For internal purposes, iniikot ang mga tao (the people have to be rotated).”

Lina said he is still reviewing the documents on the reported reappointment of Atty. Teddy Raval from the Intellectual Property Rights Division to the Enforcement and Security Services.

He said he does not see anything wrong in the transfer of Raval as he is ualified for the post.

“I haven’t really reviewed.

Tinanong na ako dun (I’m being asked about it . If he is ualified to the post, why not? May committee na nagrereview dito (There’s a committee that reviewing it).” n Gerard de la Peña / TV5 / April 29, 2015 / 2:35 PM

Philippines, Australia agree to increase flights MANILA – Expect more flights between the Philippines and Australia after both countries expanded their air service agreement.

Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) executive director Carmelo Arcilla said both countries’ air panels yesterday signed a new Memorandum of Understanding on Air Services, increasing seat entitlements to 9,300 a week from the existing 6,000.

Besides increasing flight frequencies, both countries agreed to allow code sharing by their designated carriers.

“The two countries also agreed

to allow third country code sharing, which will enable designated airlines of the Philippines or Australia to operate services jointly with an airline of a third country, to, from or via the other country and thus improve market distribution,” Arcilla said.

The expansion in the air agreement comes at a time when Philippine carriers fully use their entitlements. Philippine Airlines (PAL) flies to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Darwin, while Cebu Pacific mounts flights to Sydney.

Passenger traffic between the Philippines and Australia rose 10 percent

year-on-year to 327,000 in 2014.

The Centre for Asia-Pacific Aviation said the Philippines-Australia route was underserviced, with 5,800 one-way seats a week, or lower than the 36,000 for Indonesia-Australia and 22,000 for Thailand-Australia.

Alex Reyes, general manager of Cebu Pacific’s Long Haul Division, said the airline plans to expand its Australia operations. Last January, the Gokongweiowned airline carried 13,875 passengers.

PAL representatives could not be reached as this went online. n Cassandra Lee

/ InterAksyon.com / April 30, 2015 / 9:48 PM

INFOGRAPHIC 5 things employers can do so benefit packages attract, retain valued talent

MANILA - The cost of employee benefits is on the rise but employers feel they’re not getting the best return on this expense item.

In its Asia Pacific Benefits survey, Towers Watson said Asia Pacific companies see a major gap between the amount of money spent on employee benefits and the value they get from them.

The survey gathered responses from 1,145 employers across 20 countries.

Work benefits are increasingly seen as an integral part of an employee value proposition — a reward lever to help attract, retain and engage employees, with twothirds of employers surveyed saying that attraction and retention of key

talent is the major focus of their benefit strategies.

According to respondents, annual leave and health/medical care remain the most prevalent benefits while risk benefits (life insurance accident insurance and retirement benefits are also popular.

The survey said more than four in 10 employers spend more than 20 percent of payroll on benefits. Despite this spending, only 16 percent of respondents think their employees value the package they’re getting.

Employers across Asia Pacific spend significant amounts of money on their employee benefit programs. But many struggle to derive full value from that spend,” said Chris Mayes, Towers Watson director for Benefits Optimisation Consulting in Asia Pacific.

“From our experience working with clients we find that those employers who regularly engage their employees in their benefits either

through seeking employee feedback or communicating regularly – tend to see better value,” he said.

Towers Watson said costs are high in countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, where generous medical and retirement benefits are prevalent leading to 38 percent and 29 percent of employers respectively, spending upwards of 30 percent of payroll on benefits.

In the Philippines high benefit costs are driven by a significant spend on medical benefits which often extend to parents of employees as well as retirement benefits said Susan La Chica, Towers Watson director for Health and Group Benefits in the Philippines.

So, how can employers reinvent the way they design benefit packages to get more bang out of every buck? Check out the infographic below, particularly the bottom part. n InterAksyon.com / April 29,

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May pri 2015 – No. 9 • UK & Europe Edition

Cebu Pacific’s passenger traffic grows in of theore lowsales teens Nickel Asia’sfirst-quarter earnings quadruple on doubling MANILA – Nickel Asia Corporation’s (NAC) net income rose by more than fourfold last year on a doubling of its ores sales.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, NAC said it earned P11.008 billion in 2014, or 325 percent more than the P2.586 billion the

previous year. This as revenue MANILA Cebu Pacific more and than doubled to P24.745 billion from Tigerair Philippines ew more P11.109 billion over the same passengers in the first uarterperiod. even as The more than twofold increase in the number of occupied seats per ight revenue owed to sales or ore, which dropped from a year ago. comprised 97 percent of total revenue, In a statement Gokongwei-owned with the balance contributed by sales Cebu Air Inc (CEB said the combined of services. passenger traffic of Cebu Pacific and The company ascribed strong Tigerair rose percent to . its million performance last year to higher ore in the January to March period from prices and record shipments of ore. . million in the same three months Nickel Asia shipped 28 percent more of last year. oreInatMarch 17.9 million wet carriers metric tons alone both ew (WMT) last year from 14 million in . million or . percent more than 2013.

Shipments to Japan and to one of two local processing plants which expertiseAsia andowns track accounted record, wefor expect Nickel the to provide much-needed quality homes in a secure, well-planned, and efficient community that will benefit not only the for truth continues, we reiterate our stand City of Biñan but other nearby areas of that as the nation steadily moves forward Southern Luzon as well,” he added. from this tragedy, we must not allow Biñan is a first-class component city of political manipulation to take advantage Laguna with a population of 284,000. The of the legitimate grief and emotion city hosts several large industrial parks that continues to pervade the public’s and commercial establishments. consciousness. Rather, sobriety, unity, and “We are fortunate to be working with reason must be cemented as the guides one of the most reputable developers in that will steer efforts of government and the country, as this is a project that will the private sector towards genuine peace reflect our shared vision of improving and in preserving the noteworthy gains that quality of life,” said Alveo Land president we have achieved in the last four-and-a-half Robert Lao. years.

“Being rooted in Ayala Land’s heritage At this crucial juncture in the peace of real estate excellence, Alveo Land

rise in of ore amid a decline in the . sales million in the same month of demand coming from China. .

Indonesia’s ore ban continued to Both carriers mounted boost prices, with the average realized ights in the first uarter. price for ore exports at $45.10 per Despite the increase in traffic firstWMT, more than double the $21.28 uarter load factor however slipped in 2013.

The price nickel sold to to . percent thisofyear from . two processing plants which Nickel percent last year. Load factor refers to Asianumber partly of owns also seat roseper to $7.69 the occupied ight. perInpound from $6.70 over the same March alone load factor also slid period. percent from last year s . to “The much improved market percent. conditions Candice and Iyoghigher CEB ore viceproduction president and sales resulted in record-breaking for marketing and distribution said earnings last year,” said Gerard H. Brimo, Nickel Asia president.

“We are also delighted at the results of the first full year of operations of the

the willHPAL mountplant, ights to more newairline Taganito which has destinations this year. he said. met all expectations,” CEB has its sights on Doha Nickel Asiasetowns 22.5 percent of Qatar which weNickel will launch on June as Taganito HPAL Corporation, and to explore adding ight well continues as 10 percent of Coral Bay Nickel fre uencies or seat capacity to popular Corporation. destinations she said.buys ore from Taganito HPAL CEB earned P Corporation, . million lasta Taganito Mining year a owned percent increase from 65-percent subsidiary of Nickel the . million in . This as Asia.P Coral Bay procures ore from revenue grewRio Tuba percent to P billion Nickel Asia’s mine. from billion over the same In Pa meeting today, Nickelperiod.

Asia’s n Cassandra Lee / InterAksyon.com / April 30, 2015 board approved a regular cash dividend

/of 7:47P0.70 PM

per share, a special cash dividend of P0.30 per share, and a 100 percent stock dividend. The board also approved the appointment of Taganito Mining vice president Jose Anievas as Nickel Asia’s new chief operating officer following the retirement of Jose Saret.

The board also approved the conversion of a one-year P446 million loan to and P474 million investment in Emerging Power Inc. (EPI) into a 66 percent stake in the company, which is drilling two “slim holes” at the Montelago geothermal field Mindoro is setting aside P50 billion in capital Occidental, convertible to equity at expenditures for internal growth of its Nickel Asia’s option. businesses.

EPI has signed agreements to sell 40 Federal Land in 2014 grew its net megawatts to the electric cooperatives income by 48 percent year-on-year, as of Occidental and Oriental Mindoro. n revenue grew 19 percent over the same InterAksyon.com / March 27, 2015 / 1:09 PM period. n InterAksyon.com / April 30, 2015 8:05 PM

MANILA - GTwork Capital The Taganito HPAL plant area.

Holdings Inc’s property arm has partnered with a subsidiary of Ayala Land Inc (ALI) to STATEMENT develop a residential project in Laguna.

AS the nation commemorates the In a disclosure to the Philippine first anniversary of the signing of the Stock Exchange, GT Capital said its unit, Comprehensive Agreement on the Federal Land Inc, and ALI’s Alveo Land Bangsamoro (CAB), the Makati Business Corporation signed an agreement to Club reaffirms its continuing and develop a 45-hectare property along unwavering support for the Mindanao Laguna Boulevard in Biñan, City. peace process, and we renew our call to The agreement comes five months the government to put the peace process after GT Capital first disclosed it was back on track at the soonest possible in talks with a strategic partner for a opportunity. maiden horizontal project.

To enhance the prospects for peace in The master-planned residential Mindanao, we urge Congress to resume community will be beside the De La discussions on the Bangsamoro Basic Salle University Science and Technology Law (BBL) at the earliest time. Consistent Complex and the Ayala Laguna

Technopark, and close to ALI’s Ayala Westgrove Heights and Nuvali projects.

The joint venture project can be accessed from the Makati central business with the position released by 14 esteemed district through the South Metro Manila framers of the Constitution last January Skyway and the South Luzon Expressway, 9, 2015, MBC shares the belief that the and is a few kilometers away from the Constitutional principles of genuine human planned Laguna Boulevard interchange of development, social justice, and lasting the proposed Cavite-Laguna Expressway peace underlie the CAB and, ultimately, (CALAX). the proposed BBL. In this context, we “Through this strategic partnership respectfully urge Congress to not allow with Alveo, we look to deepen our revisions that would contravene these involvement in horizontal property values nor run against the aspirations of the development, inasmuch as the historical Filipino people to attain a just, harmonious, focus of Federal Land was mostly on highand progressive Philippines. rise condominium projects,” Federal Land It has been more than two months since president Alfred V. Ty said. the Mamasapano incident. While the search “In tandem with Alveo’s proven

Makati Business Club asks Congress to put peace process back on track

process, let us move forward with sobriety and courage as one united Filipino nation in search of justice and peace. n InterAksyon.

com / March 27, 2015 / 9:11 PM

has always aimed to create an extensive portfolio of holistic communities attuned to the needs of a dynamic, urban lifestyle,” he added.

GT Capital last year infused P8 billion in fresh equity into Federal Land. For this year, the George Ty-owned conglomerate

ORIGINAL CREATION & COPYRIGHT RESERVED BY © HELLO PHILIPPINES 2015

GT Capital unit taps Ayala Land to develop maiden horizontal project

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

www.hello-philippines.com

May 2015 – No. 9 • UK & Europe Edition

Insurance Commission pushing Palace order requiring disaster insurance coverage for SMEs, homes BACOLOD – The Insurance Commission is pushing for an executive order requiring homeowners and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to seek disaster insurance coverage.

Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in this city, Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc said compulsory disaster insurance “hopefully will take place soon.”

“One feature of this is that we will only be requiring an executive order to fast-track the launch of this disaster insurance pool. Of course we would love to get congressional approval for this, but we know that political realities, next year is an election year, we doubt very much if this will be approved by

congress in due time,” Dooc said.

The Philippine Insurers and Reinsurers Association had proposed the insurance pool, which was likewise pitched by the World Bank.

“A model was submitted to us which will provide mandatory cover for residential unit owners and small and medium enterprise owners to secure protection against earth uake fire typhoons and ooding induced by typhoons,” Dooc said, adding that the commission is reviewing the proposal.

“I endorsed it already to the Department of Finance, but we were ordered together with the Bureau of the Treasury, to review it and come up with our suggestion. It’s currently pending with the Treasury, but I expect

that it will soon be forwarded to the secretary of finance Dooc said.

“We’ll see to it that premiums will be affordable by putting a cap, the basic cover could have a maximum cap of P1 million, only because the target of this is small residential owners. But we will qualify it, it will not cover the slums, because they are not insurable,” he said.

“I suggested that it should be tied up with the payment of real estate tax.

So every year that you pay real estate tax, you will also pay the premium. We should talk to the local government units for them to collect the premiums and turn it over to the pool association or to us,” he added. n Rain Castro / InterAksyon. com / April 30, 2015 / 10:23 AM

Philippines’ pooled disaster-risk insurance scheme held up as model for APEC BACOLOD – The Philippines’ pioneering effort in collective disaster insurance has been held up as a model that other Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member-countries can adopt.

During the second day of an APEC meet in this city, Richard Poulter, a World Bank specialist on risk financing, said the Philippines’ pooled insurance scheme for disaster risk can be adopted by other countries prone to natural disasters.

Since insurance may be expensive for a country, it can reduce the cost by employing economies of scale. APEC members can pool their disaster risks and collectively tap an international

poor and the vulnerable so we should do something about it, because it’s not just the size of the impact but also the impact on poverty,” Beltran said.

The Philippines has been pushing for a regional scheme to manage financial risks arising from disasters. One such proposal is to establish a regional insurance fund for disaster risk.

“The APEC region serves as a growth driver for the world economy. Given that the region is prone to natural disasters, collective efforts to boost disaster resiliency are vital in ensuring that our region continues to have significant contributions to global growth,” Beltran said. n Rain Castro / InterAksyon.com / May 1, 2015

insurance provider, Poulter said.

He said the Philippine scheme of pooling the risks of several disaster-prone provinces and seeking coverage for the group can be applied on a regional scale.

The World Bank is helping the Philippines develop a framework for the scheme.

“In so many ways the Philippines has been leading efforts toward resiliency, and the model it is pursuing is an example,” Poulter said.

According to Department of Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran, disasters have slashed Philippine economic growth by an average 1.1 percent a year. This is higher than the APEC average of 0.6 to 0.7 percent.

“That’s large and it affects mainly the

/ 8:39 AM

of respondents expecting an increase in employment at 56 percent, up 14 percentage points from last year.

Despite the improved hiring outlook, more than a third of respondents are hard put looking for ualified workers albeit down 5 percentage points from last year.

“Although there’s a slight

improvement in our skilled workers compared to last year, the gap between businesses’ hiring appetite and the depth of the local talent pool is still alarming,” Marivic Españo, chair and chief executive of P&A said.

“This gap is particularly troubling in the face of the Asean Economic Community where free ow of skilled

More Filipino business execs on hiring mode, as optimism runs high MANILA – Philippine business leaders are Southeast Asia’s most optimistic and the world’s third most bullish.

In its International Business Report, Grant Thornton said at least eight out of every 10 business executives in the Philippines are upbeat about the country’s economic prospects in the next 12 months.

Audit firm Punongbayan & Araullo conducted the survey in the country for Grant Thornton.

Filipino executives were behind their Irish and Indian counterparts, optimism among whom reached 92 percent and 89 percent, respectively, of survey respondents.

Filipinos however were the most optimistic in Southeast Asia, with Indonesians coming the closest at 68 percent, followed by Thais, 36 percent; and Singaporeans, 4 percent. Malaysians bucked the trend, with pessimists outnumbering optimists (see chart).

Filipino executives also are in the mood for hiring, with the percentage

labor is foreseen. The country needs to cultivate the kind of workforce it needs to stay competitive and prevent our most highly skilled professionals from emigrating for job opportunities abroad,” she added.

Alongside a shallow bench for skilled labor, more respondents – 27 percent this year as against 10 percent

in 2014 – are constrained by the lack of financing.

Filipino executives however are more bullish about prospects for exports revenue and profitability with more than six out of every 10 forecasting higher earnings, up from at least five in . n Cassandra Lee /

InterAksyon.com / April 28, 2015 / 6:14 PM

Source: Punongbayan & Araullo

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9

US grandma appeals to keep name of PHL street Pinay testifies in UAE murder trial Pilar Mencias GLENDORA, Calif. –Calif.

– Kierulf will turn 90 inwill October, PilarMenciasKierulf turn and 90 she in A Filipina washopes among witnesses hopes to and celebrate the milestone with October, she to six celebrate thea who testified in the murder case against victory forwith her family. milestone a victory for her family. an Kierulf Emirati recent womanwrote accused of fatally a letter the stabbing an American kindergarten National Historical Commission of the teacher in a(NHCP), mall in the the United Philippines mayors Arab and Emirates last December. council members of the cities of San The witnesses who testified Monday Juan and Mandaluyong, to preserve the before the ederal Supreme Court name of the street where she grewalso up included an Egyptian-American doctor and the legacy of the heroes it honors: whose house was the target revolutionary icon allegedly Gen. Antonio Luna of a homemade bomb Gulf News Bonifacio Lopez Lopez Mencias, Mencias, and Dr. Dr.Bonifacio her reported Tuesday. father.

Emirati woman Alaa Al Hashemi Mencias, the street between Luna Mencias, the street between the had been charged with stabbing the cities of San Juan and Mandaluyong, cities of San Juan and Mandaluyong, is Ibolya Ryan kindergarten teacher is where thea Pangasinan-born Dr. where the Pangasinan-born Dr.Mencias and mother three the his women Mencias builtof afor home for wife,s built a home hisinwife, Barbara bathroom of Reem Island Boutik Mall.

Barbaraa Sacro, a nurse, their six Sacro, nurse, and theirand six children, Al 1930s.

Hashemi was also the suspect children, in the 1930s. in the in the of a homemade bomb Dr. planting Mencias lived and died for his outside the home of an Egyptiancountry. The graduate of Colegio de San American familywas in an halidiya.

Juan de Letran epidemiologist Presiding judge alahof Al Hajeri was dean of the College Medicine postponed the session until May of the University of Santo Tomas from to hear a medical team s report on the 1938 until he was captured

by Japanese defendant s mental condition. while tending to guerrillas in World WarThe II. medical team had decided not to admit the accused to a lives hospital That mission to save ledbut to to periodically check on her while she his capture by the invaders. He was is in prison. never seen nor heard from again. His Mall killing. ilipina and children laterA learned thataUkranian he was woman said they were in women executed—beheaded—for the abetting thes bathroom when the murder occurred. underground resistance.

Theyorsaid heardsacrifice screaming inside histhey ultimate grateful the special needs stall. town authorities attached his name to

that of General Luna.

Threatened. But the honor is The two by added theytosaw under the the threatened efforts rename gap of the door the edge of an abaya national road by the family of another and the hand of aformer white Congress woman departed resident, trying to push away a big knife. member Rufino D. Antonio.

Also move they prompted said theystreet witnessed The residenta woman wearing an abaya shayla Asiddao, 28, 28, to to alert Mariel Kierulf KierulfAsiddao, her (headscarf and a ni ab leaving the grandmother and relatives in Manila, bathroom stall shouting this crazy Northern and Southern California, woman and headingBritish towards the exit.

Chicago, Vancouver, Columbia, One of the witnesses then called and Antwerp, Belgium, to appeal the the security guards but they refused name change. to “At enterthe thestart, women bathroom and my smy motivation was the start, motivation waited for a female security team merely pride,pride, that that the name of the was merely the name of member. streetstreet wherewhere I liveI honors my great the live honors my Homemadesaid bomb.

Dr. Mohammad grandfather,” Asiddao, a marketing greatgrandfather,” said Asiddao, a Hassan Hassan and hisan son Esmail executive atexecutive an IT at and consumer marketing IT and told theelectronics court the multinational doctor s wife electronics multinational company consumer discovered an odd-looking object atas the while pursuing her MBA her as aMBA senior at company while pursuing a entrance of their halidiya apartment.

UP Diliman. senior at UP Diliman.

At the the research, doctor s wife asked “In mytime short I found her son to go to the mos ue to perform out details of a man’s life that awethe sunset prayer. inspired me—I could not believe that The doctor s wife called his accomplishments exceed what her we husband who was at work in alI knew. I realized it was up Shaikh to me halifa Medicalto City (Shis MC then and my family defend memory. called police.

Lolo may not hold a prominent place in The books, witness his ofwife history but also in thissaid corner the sent a picture of the explosive to built him city where he bought the land and before he and got home.

Heup said his home brought hisauthorities family, he told him that it was a primitive enjoys well-deserved recognition.”bomb planted front his home.Marian K. She in and herof mother, He added police there Asiddao, embarkedtold onhim a that campaign were no personal factors or motivation to illuminate city officials on their behind placing bomb. history. ancestor’s gift tothe Philippine

“This appeal is to ensure that he and his great deeds are not to be forgotten,” saidAccording Asiddao. to the doctor a woman wearing a ni abyers (face covering She produced heralding her visited his house two weeks before the Lolo’s accomplishments, which she incident. distributed at the February 24 hearing wife about a European of She the asked San his Juan City Tourism and woman living in the same Cultural Affairs Committee. building prompting the doctor wife to also call Similar case.

Mariels Asiddao security. discovered a similar case last year officer chargehad of in Arrest.

Lucena An where localinofficials arresting the accused in her Shakbout renamed part of a street originally City home the named afterdisplayed the city sthe firstitems Catholic suspect wore during her crime. priest, Fr. Mariano Granja, after Felix Y. Meanwhile were founder the of the Iglesia ni Cristo Manalo, thewitnesses Iglesiani exempt from paying the Dh (INC). The INC has a church on fine the that the judge had asked them to pay street in contention. for Anot attending the previous court resident protested the renaming session. n Joel Locsin / LBG, GMA News / April 29, and brought the matter before the 2015 / 10:36 AM commission.

NHCP chief Maria Serena Diokno in a letter to Council Member Benito Brizuela, head of Lucena’s committee THE Filipino American affairs Association on tourism and cultural and of Southern Ohio (FASO), with the main proponent of the renaming, assistance several community objected to theof change. leaders, is offering Such renaming Cincinnati “would residents tend to a chance to see the the disrupt the continuitybutterflies of the of street Philippines at the Krohn Conservatory. name,” Diokno said in a report by the Butterflies of the Philippines will Philippine Daily Inquirer. run for 11 weeks, or from April 3 to Besides noting the impracticality June 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering of the change, Diokno questioned the the “Greater Cincinnati and Northern propriety of renaming part of a street Kentucky a glimpse of by Philippine that has been sanctified usage culture.” and therefore has attained a degree of historical association and importance

Dr. Bonifacio Lopez Mencias. Photo courtesy of family

in the community.”

In the case of Luna Mencias, the heirs Bonifacio Menciashope hope that that the of Dr. Dr.BonifacioMencias NHCP will adhere to its responsibility to conserve and preserve the country’s historical legacies by objecting to the renaming of the entire street that begins at P. Guevara Street in San Juan City and ends at Shaw Boulevard.

FASO families said various community Nine sinceFil-Am the early 1930s partners have banded together actively have continuously resided“toin the partner with the Krohn Conservatory and Mencias clan compound, including help renderMencias authenticCastaneda, ‘flavor’ as one well Margarita as provide the Greater Cincinnati of the two surviving daughters and of Northern Kentucky a glimpse of Philippine Dr.Mencias. culture.”

“Our father’s name was attached to on WLWT News said 2,000 thatAofreport revolutionary hero Antonio Luna butterflies and artwork representing as testimony of how our neighborhood iconic sites such as the Cagsawa ruins and had recognized his important other natural beauties in the Philippines contribution to our community, country will be featuredMencias in the exhibit. and history,” -Castaneda said in her letter to authorities. “Changing

this street’s name erases his legacy of hard word, perseverance, love of country and achievement.”

Castaneda’s eldest son, Bernardino M. Castaneda, Jr., is a “Kagawad” or member of the barangay council. Like his grandfather, he has chosen a life in public service. Many of his siblings and cousins also chose the same path as their patriarch in the fields of medicine, education, journalism and humanitarianism. One of them received the 2006 Philippine Presidential Award for Overseas Filipino Organizations and Individuals for service to Filipinos in the United States.

“While we can understand the Antonio family’s wish to honor their ancestor, we appeal to you to prevent them from doing so at the expense of the memory and legacy of our grandfather who died so that others may live,” the Mencias grandchildren to saidKrohn in a predicts joint letterthat16,000 to the NHCP 20,000 butterflies will breed from their head, San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez current stock of 2,000 butterflies

by C. and Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin the end of the exhibition in June.

Abalos, Jr, councilors and the Addition FASO is encouraging FilipinoHills barangay captain.

Americans to volunteer for the “Our grandfather never Krohn met us exhibit offering tickets to volunteers but hebylives in us.

Some of us have and their family.

It said interested transplanted ourselves in other applicants may check out the FASO in countries, but we remain rooted website for the waiver form and our home country, the heart of which additional instructions. n Rie Takumi / KBK, is Luna Mencias,” they emphasized. n

Fil-Am group hosts PHL butterfly exhibit in Cincinnati

GMA News / April 29, 2015 / 2:59 PM Cherie M. Querol Moreno / Philippine News / March 25,

2015 / 1:31 PM

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US grandma gets early birthday gift, wins battle vs. renaming of PHL street LOS Angeles County-based Pilar Mencias Kierulf got an early gift for her coming 90th birthday now that the street in the Philippines named after her father has been officially recognized as historic and therefore may not be renamed.

Last month, Kierulf’s relatives on three continents embarked on a campaign to dismiss a proposed ordinance renaming a street honoring revolutionary hero General Antonio Luna and epidemiologist and World War II guerrilla sympathizer Dr. Bonifacio Lopez Mencias, her father.

One of Kierulf’s granddaughters, Manila-based Mariel K. Asiddao, drew international support when she informed relatives in and beyond the Philippines of the effort to rename the street.

Aunts and uncles in Illinois, California, British Columbia, and even Benin, Africa, crowded cyberspace with strong sentiments they condensed into a letter dated March 1, that they addressed to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and mayors and council members of San Juan and Mandaluyong, the cities traversed by the national road bearing their patriarch’s name.

Asiddao later launched an online petition that generated 200 signatures in 24 hours.

Their effort resulted in their favor: The NHCP on March 12 objected to the proposed ordinance affirming the street s historical significance.

“Today we have...good news that Mandaluyong City is to keep the name of Luna Mencias,” Mariel Kierulf Asiddao announced April 7 on Change.org.

Dr. Mencias was Dean of Faculty at the University of Santo Tomas College of Medicine from 1938 until he was

captured by soldiers of the Japanese Army in January 1945 along with his son Eleno Mencias for tending to wounded WWII guerrillas.

The future Dr. Eleno Mencias escaped from Fort Santiago, but his father was never seen nor heard from since. UST records say he is believed to have been executed.

Touched by Dr. Bonifacio Mencias’ martyrdom city founders affixed his name to that of “A. Luna” as the new name of the street where the former had built a home in the 1930s for his nurse wife Barbara Sacro and their six children.

Nine branches of the family have continuously lived on the street for almost 80 years.

Supporters of the proposed ordinance on February 26, 2015 sought to rename the street after another deceased resident, Congress member Rufino D. Antonio an architect who served one term in the Philippine Legislature. He is remembered for leading the move in the 1970s to annex the Philippines as the 51st of the United States of America.

On the day of the hearing in Mandaluyong City, Asiddao, her sister Joanne Asiddao, their aunt Consuelo Q. de Leon, uncle Gerardo M. Castaneda and cousin Francoise K. Bejasa, learned that the NCHP had objected to renaming Luna Mencias on policy grounds.

The commission, in a letter dated March 12 and signed by Chairwoman Maria Serena Diokno, “advised Mandaluyong to keep the name of the street… agrees with the historical significance of Dr. Mencias actions and also advised that the name of the place has been sanctified by usage Asiddao said in her update on Change. org.

The same was contained in the NHCP reply also dated March 12 to the appeal from the Mencias heirs.

Republic Act 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 states that streets in existence for 50 years or more are sanctified by usage and therefore considered historic,” the letter stressed.

“We have communicated our position to the San Juan and Mandaluyong city councils,” Diokno added.

The commission, in a letter also dated March 12, 2015 to Mandaluyong Sanggunian Secretary Jimmy Acebal, suggested that the pro-Antonio camp consider other significant ways to honor” the late lawmaker “such as naming a new or unnamed street or structure after him.”

A street abutting Luna Mencias on the Mandaluyong end is already named after Antonio.

Asiddao applauded the Mandaluyong city council for agreeing on the “need to educate people about history so that stories such as those of Dr. Mencias will not be forgotten.”

The clan burned Viber with positive reinforcement after disclosure of the city council decision following the NHCP dictum.

“We salute chairwoman Diokno and commission members for adhering to their mandate to protect historic sites such as our street,” Asiddao said. “We thank everyone who supported and encouraged us in our appeal.”

The clan also expressed gratitude to the Antonios for inadvertently reuniting their family members throughout the globe.

“The proposed ordinance was a blessing,” said Socorro Mencias Kierulf-Gonzalez, a paralegal in Los Angeles. “It brought to light Lolo Boni’s

Dr. Mencias’ daughter Pilar Mencias Kierulf celebrates family victory with daughter Corito K. Gonzalez in Los Angeles.

significant contribution to Philippine history.”

The outcome elated the late doctor’s surviving daughters.

Pilar M. Kierulf, who will turn 90 on October 1 and is called Grandma the Great by her great grandchildren, recalled that Janet Walker, an American living on Luna Mencias who had befriended the family, had instigated the move to honor Dr. Mencias after the end of WWII. Kierulf’s sister and San Juan City resident Margarita M. Castaneda, 85, was thankful her father will “not be forgotten,” said Castaneda’s daughter Dr. Zita M. Castaneda Ong of Chicago.

“All this is not for naught,” said Mariel Asiddao, who spearheaded the outreach, “because we are keeping alive the legacy of people not

celebrated in history books.” She had immersed herself in UST archives and several search engines to uncover facts about her ancestor. Armed with the result of her copious research, she, her aunt and cousin walked confidently into the April hearing in Mandaluyong City, where the decision turned in their favor.

“This serves as a lesson for us that we need to tell and retell our history and pass on the great stories of those who came before us,” the executive at an information technology company who is pursuing her MBA at the University of the Philippines in Diliman concluded her victory statement. n Cherie M. Querol Moreno is the elder daughter of Rosario Mencias Querol, eldest of Dr. Bonifacio Mencias’ six children / Philippine News / April 27, 2015 / 2:40 PM

Thousands beg Australia not to deport Filipino boy with autism

THE mother of a Filipino boy with autism who is facing deportation because he would be a burden to the Australian taxpayer presented a petition Monday signed by tens of thousands of people begging authorities to let her son stay.

Ten-year-old Tyrone Sevilla arrived in Australia from the Philippines legally as a two-year-old with his mother Maria Sevilla, now a registered nurse in a Queensland hospital.

But he was diagnosed with autism in 2008, a condition the Migration Review Tribunal said posed a “significant cost” to the Australian community in denying the family a visa extension, his mother told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

Maria Sevilla, who said she pays tax and has private health insurance, is on a

work visa, which expired Monday.

The Sevillas presented a petition signed by more than 120,000 people to Immigration Minister Peter Dutton’s electoral office in Brisbane in the hope that the minister would give compassionate consideration to their cause.

“Australia is our home. Because we have been here for nearly eight years and we’ve been assimilated in the community,” the mother told the ABC. “I have my work here and I can actually provide for Tyrone ... that’s why we’re considering Australia our home.”

The family said Tyrone did not speak Filipino or have any close relatives remaining in the Philippines, with his grandmother, grandfather, uncle, aunt and cousins all living in the Australian

city of Townsville.

Maria Sevilla said being sent back to the Philippines would mean she would have to “start all over again”.

Dutton said the immigration department was preparing a report for him on the case, and in the meantime a bridging visa -- which typically covers a 28-day period -- would be issued for the mother and son.

“In this case we need to apply common sense,” he told the ABC. “We’re a compassionate society and we want to help families in difficult situations.”

Dutton said a decision would likely be made within weeks, and it would take into account the fact that Sevilla was employed and could look after her son. n AFP / April 27, 2015 / 1:41 PM

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Death convict Mary Jane signs back of painting telling of God’s love, eternal life FILIPINO death convict Mary Jane eloso adverted to God s love and eternal life in a note she wrote behind a painting that she signed with the eight other prisoners facing execution in Indonesia.

A picture of the back of the framed painting was posted on ABC News and showed what appeared to be a note from eloso.

Jesus always love us until in the eternal life the note read.

According to Australian journalist Cindy Wockner s Twitter post there were two paintings depicting blood and a heart made by Australian death-row prisoner Myuran Sukumaran.

Earlier both ice President Jejomar Binay and President Benigno A uino

III have appealed personally to the Indonesian government to delay or call off eloso s execution.

The -year-old eloso was sentenced to death in Indonesia due to drug smuggling. Eight other convicts from various countries share her fate as they are scheduled to be executed anytime after p.m. Tuesday. n Andrei Medina / NB, GMA News / April 28, 2015 / 7:10 PM

Among Pinoys in Geneva, a growing demand for financial education USING an elevator in a building along the old street of Rue de Lausanne as a temporary shelter to spend the night, Nellie stood up every time the elevator moved and passengers entered.

Penniless after escaping from an abusive employer, she tried to catch more sleep as soon as they stepped out.

That was in the 1980s. She had not yet returned to the Philippines since.

The elements of Nellie’s story, as well as that of other overseas Filipinos, have become strikingly familiar: in the Philippines, the desire to provide for the family is contingent on the opportunity to depart; abroad, the struggle to find work, safety and acceptance – often in that order – eventually unfolds; and abroad still, the reward of finally being able to provide is tempered by separation from the family and a nagging question of when, if ever, the duty to regularly send remittances will stop.

Fortunately for Nellie, she was among those who eventually found a stable income source. As with many overseas Filipinos, the goal was to find constant employment in order to ensure, in turn, the remittances.

Strangers with cash. After the European debt crisis that started in 2009, the ensuing search by displaced workers from the Eurozone for better economic opportunities eventually affected the employment landscape in places like Geneva where, according to some migrants, job-hunting had already become more difficult.

Nevertheless, the salaries of Geneva-based Filipinos, at least before

the economic crisis, had brought them relative affluence compared with their counterparts from other overseas Filipino worker (OFW)-destination countries.

This pay gap was very glaring for Malou, whose previous monthly salary in the Middle East amounted to USD200. A victim of maltreatment, Malou decided to leave her employers when they spent a vacation in Switzerland in 2005.

As she and others would later agree with, however, a higher income did not automatically equate with financial freedom.

“We hear many stories from Filipinos who, despite being abroad for several years and being among the fortunate ones who have found a good job with a high salary, fail to save for themselves, their retirement, or their emergency use,” said Ambassador Cecilia Rebong, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations (UN) and Other International Organizations in Geneva.

A common source of friction between families is the use of the remittance itself.

“OFWs want to provide for their families, which is why they will do whatever they can to send money back home. If this means that they will have to scrimp on themselves or work two or three jobs, they will,” explained Ma. Celeste Valderrama, Labor Attaché of the Philippine Mission.

“But at a certain point, they start asking: until when is my obligation to send?

Should I continue to include the expenses of my siblings and their families in my budget? When do I start saving for my own retirement?” she added.

Even the idea of retirement can be a

cause of anxiety. “I have talked to many OFWs who both look forward to, and fear, the prospect of retiring,” said Philippine Consul General Enrico Fos. “On one hand, they cherish the thought of it. On the other, they feel uncertainty about finding a new source of income or about returning to families whom they have not seen for a long time and who might view them as mere strangers out to distribute cash.”

Different approach. While financial education is already part of the reintegration program of the Philippine government and is advocated by many interest groups and private companies, the Philippine Mission in Geneva, through the Consulate General and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), decided to embark on a program that approached financial education from a different perspective.

“Some financial education programs focus on businesses alone and on convincing Filipinos to go home regardless of their ability to start or maintain these businesses. Others are businesses themselves,” remarked Consul Arnel G. Talisayon.

He expounded, “We designed a program that has a strong focus on the link between migration and financial education.

We discuss business concepts taking the social costs of migration into account and we carefully balance expectations. Some start-ups fail; some don’t. Some people take risks; some won’t.”

“Inflation and liquidity are explored alongside cultural expectations that put pressure on OFWs to spend every time they go home. Addressing communication gaps in the family is included in discussions

Pinoy mountaineers, trekkers affected by Nepal quake all safe –DFA THE Philippine Embassy in New Delhi confirmed the safety of ilipino mountaineers and trekkers affected by the . -magnitude earth uake in Nepal adding on Wednesday that most are on their way back to the Philippines.

Mendelson dela Cuesta and Edward Sampelo the two ilipinos stranded atop Mt. Manaslu were confirmed safe by their Nepalese sherpa and will descend the eighth-tallest mountain in the world using an alternative route

a statement from the Department of oreign Affairs (D A said.

Meanwhile trekkers Ma. Teresa Suratos her travel group and both Jessica Ann Nicole . Ramirez and Jose rancisco C. Oracion have also made it to safety with Suratos and her group making its way to athmandu and the latter two heading for Singapore from the capital.

Stranded tourist Hygeia Chi was also assisted by the Embassy s Crisis Management Team (CMT and

departed for uala Lumpur from athmandu on Wednesday afternoon the D A said.

The CMT also confirmed that there was no ilipinos in local evacuation centers and hospitals.

At least persons have died from Nepal s worst earth uake in eight decades according to reports.

Nepal s Prime Minister Sushil oirala fears that the Himalayan country s death toll could reach .

n Rie Takumi / KBK, GMA News / April 29, 2015 / 9:00 PM

about gross margins and the marketing mix,” he elaborated.

The program also provides a venue for participants to share experiences. Like Malou, Nancy worked in the Middle East but received a lower monthly income of USD150.

When she transferred to Geneva in 1993, she made sure not to fall into the temptation of significantly altering her lifestyle, and that of her children, despite the jump in salary.

“Pagdating ko dito, dahil sanay na sila sa maliit na halaga, hindi ko sila binigla.

Alam ko na ang mga bata, kapag nakakita ng pera, outing dito, gastos doon,” she stated, emphasizing the need for discipline when managing finances.

Nancy is among those who look forward to retirement with ample savings left to take care of herself and even, to some extent, her grandchildren.

Apprehensions.

The financial education program has two components.

The first is a roving seminar on migration and savings, which is a 45-minute talk about general financial concepts together with the realities of migration, as shared by the participants.

The second is a longer course spanning four weekends. Each weekend session lasts for three hours and covers introductory classes on entrepreneurship, marketing and advertising, financial statements, and other concepts.

“At first, we were apprehensive. Who will attend four weekends with three hours of lectures and workshops?” revealed Ambassador Rebong. “However, we were delightfully surprised with the turnout.”

Since the program started in November 2014, 200 people have taken part in five roving seminars while 119 have successfully completed the four-weekend course. The last batch, composed of 41 participants, graduated on April 12.

Additional sessions are scheduled for the year as an increasing number of Filipino groups have expressed interest in participating.

Because the course is recognized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as part of its national reintegration program for OFWs, the certificate of completion received by successful participants can be used as a supporting document when they avail of DOLE programs, such as livelihood assistance, that require prior training on financial education and entrepreneurial skills.

For her elderly mother, Lisa is preparing to return to the Philippines within the next five years and is thankful for a course that formally introduced her to financial management. Meanwhile, Faye – who has stayed in Switzerland for 12 years and is young compared with her co-participants – also wants to return within the next two years to settle down and take care of her paralyzed mother.

“Walang tram sa Pilipinas. Walang winter,” the group mused during one discussion, triggered by a comment about how Switzerland was much more economically advanced than the Philippines.

“Pero walang magulang sa Geneva,” the group concluded. n DFA news release / May 1, 2015 / 1:10 PM

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Pinoys in quake-hit Nepal join relief efforts FILIPINOS in Nepal have joined the massive relief efforts to help survivors of the powerful earthquake that hit the country last Saturday, a report on “24 Oras” said Friday.

The Adalia family, for one, pulled out items from their own stock to feed the volunteers helping the victims of the 7.8-magnitude quake, the report said.

“Kung ano yung nandiyan sa bahay, kung ano yung nasa cabinet namin, lutuin na lang natin lahat at ipakain sa mga nagbo-volunteer,” said Imee Adalia.

Even the Adalia kids participated in the relief efforts, the report said.

“I feel great kasi I think this is my first time to give relief goods and it s

just exciting,” said Abbie Adalia.

The Adalia family s donations were immediately brought to the Bhaktapur area, one of the worst-hit areas of the earthquake, the report said.

Aside from the Adalia family, other Filipinos in areas spared by the earthquake also joined forces to help the victims.

“This is what we are supposed to do on a time like this,” said Mags Yap, a volunteer. “God blessed us so we can be a blessing to others.”

The report said representatives from the Philippine Embassy in India have met with the Filipino volunteers on Friday to discuss ways to help in the ongoing relief efforts.

Consul Fernando Beup said

Filipinos in Nepal are all safe.

“So far they are alive and hopefully they can be extracted from where they are,” he said.

In a press statement Thursday, the embassy said it has received a donation of water purifier tablets sleeping mats blankets, bed sheets, bed covers, clothes, medicines and other utilitarian items from the Kapisanan ng mga Pinay na may AsawangIndianosa Hindustan.

“Donations will be brought to athmandu by the Embassy s Crisis Management Team on 1 May 2015,” it said.

Recent reports put the death toll in Nepal to 6,204, with 13,932 others injured. n KBK, GMA News / May 1, 2015 / 8:10 PM

P A invites ad agencies, P firms to oin drive vs illegal recruiters, traffic ers THE Philippine Overseas Employment Administration has started inviting ad agencies and public relations firms to join the government’s campaign against illegal recruiters and human traffickers.

POEA head Hans Leo Cacdac issued the invitation via his Twitter account Thursday, a day after the Labor Department called for more action against illegal recruitment and human trafficking.

“Any ad agencies, PR firms or their industry associations interested in joining the campaign against illegal recruitment and human trafficking?” Cacdac said.

On Wednesday, the Labor Department said it is eyeing a television program that can help overseas Filipino workers like Mary Jane Veloso avoid falling prey to human traffickers and illegal recruiters.

DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz also ordered the POEA and Overseas Workers

Welfare Administration to draw up an action plan to protect OFWs. Veloso was sentenced to death in Indonesia after being caught with heroin. She was given a reprieve at the last minute, after insisting her recruiter may have set her up.

Baldoz also said POEA and OWWA should first strengthen preventive illegal recruitment measures, the first line of defense for OFWs. n Joel Locsin / LBG, GMA News / May 1, 2015 / 9:36 AM

Stay alert vs. avian flu, Pinoys in HK told WHILE Hong Kong may have lowered the alert level on avian in uenza ilipinos there were reminded to stay vigilant and maintain good hygiene to avoid getting the disease.

The reminder came from the Philippine consulate general in Hong Kong, which said the response level for in uenza pandemic had been lowered from “serious” to “alert” last April 8.

“The Filipino community is advised to stay vigilant and maintain good personal and environmental hygiene,” it said.

It said this includes: • fre uent hand washing especially after sneezing or coughing • maintaining good indoor ventilation • building up good body immunity with balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate rest • avoiding smoking According to the consulate general, the Hong ong government s lowering of the response level means the risk of an in uenza virus to cause new and serious health impact is low.

It said the alert response was

activated due to the highly pathogenic avian in uenza among poultry outside Hong Kong.

The “serious” level was raised after a traveller from mainland China was tagged the first confirmed human case of avian in uenza A(H N last Dec. 27.

“Since then, Hong Kong has recorded three confirmed cases which all came from outside the special administrative region. The latest case was confirmed on ebruary the consulate general said. n Joel Locsin / LBG, GMA News / April 25, 2015 / 8:00 AM

AAP c am s ag medals in lorida c eerleading com etition AFTER winning both the 2015 National Cheerleeding Championship and UAAP Cheerdance Competition in the Philippines, the National University’s cheerdance team showed off its title-winning moves to win big at the 2015 World Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Florida.

NU, as the Philippines’ sole representative at the international event, won the silver medal for the AllGirl Elite category and the bronze for the Coed Elite and Team Cheer Hip Hop divisions.

According to a statement by the NCC, the Philippines improved upon its bronze medal win in last year’s All-Girl category.

Moreover, Philippine Cheer

Association (PCA) president Eduardo David said this was the first time the country competed in the Cheer Hip Hop division.

The All-Girls squad was formed through national tryouts by athletes in high school and college, while the high school group of Miriam Sayawatha represented the Philippines in the Cheer Hiphop division.

“Three podium finishes in all three divisions. If this were an Olympic sport, we can expect medals every four years or so. We’re pretty good at this,” NCC and Team Pilipinas Cheerleading founding head Carlos Valdes said in the statement.

All routines performed by the NU cheerdance squad may be viewed at the WCC website. n Rie Takumi / KBK, GMA News / April 28, 2015 / 7:56 PM

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May 2015 – No. 9 • UK & Europe Edition

May Day rallies in Asia as South Koreans clash with police SEOUL - South Korean workers clashed with riot police at a May Day rally in Seoul on Friday, vowing to wage an “all-out general strike” if the government pushes through with planned labour reforms.

Thousands of riot police erected barricades to block about 10,000 workers from marching toward the office of President Park Geun-Hye. The police fired water cannons laced with a chemical irritant in scattered

clashes with some marchers who tried to force their way through barricades in a tense three-hour standoff on the roads leading to Park s office.

Park’s conservative administration is seeking to push through a reform plan that it argues would introduce exibility to a rigid labour market by making it easier to hire and fire.

“We will crush any government attempts to suppress labour rights with an all-out general strike,” Federation of

Korean Trade Unions head Kim DongMan told the crowd at a rally near parliament.

South Korean union leaders said more than 100,000 workers took part in two rallies, while police put the total number of participants at 38,000.

Elsewhere in Asia, dozens of protesters in Taiwan threw smoke bombs near the presidential office during a workers’ rally, while in Hong Kong domestic helpers were out in

Masked policemen pick up smoke bombs in front of the Presidential Palace during the May Day demonstration

force to seek greater rights.

Hundreds also gathered in downtown Manila to press for higher wages and more job opportunities at home, to prevent so many Filipinos heading overseas, often into vulnerable situations or outright danger.

Activist Renato Reyes said the case of Mary Jane Veloso, a maid who narrowly escaped execution in Indonesia this week for drug crimes, highlighted a “very severe jobs crisis” that forces the poor to go abroad.

Similar themes played out at a protest in Taipei attended by several thousand people who demanded that Taiwan’s government enact higher pay, shorter working hours and a ban on temporary hiring.

“We threw the smoke bombs to protest and ridicule the government’s chaotic policies and its inability to resolve issues such as unemployment and low pay, especially among young

people,” said Han Shih-hsien, an organiser of the protest.

In Hong Kong, hundreds gathered to sing songs and dance in calling for better working conditions for both local and migrant workers.

The plight of maids in Hong Kong was highlighted by the case of Indonesian helper Erwiana Sulistyaningsih, who was beaten and starved by her employer Law Wan-tung in a case that made world headlines.

Despite the Sulistyaningsih case, the Hong Kong government “did not budge” on foreign domestic workers’ demands for more humane working conditions, migrant rights campaigner Joselito Natividad told AFP. “The Hong Kong government can certainly do a lot to bring down that archaic, traditional and feudal attitude towards domestic workers,” he said. n

AFP / May 1, 2015

Indonesia won’t allow Veloso to testify in PHL —report MARY Jane Veloso will not be allowed by the Indonesian government to come to the Philippines for the preliminary investigation of the human trafficking, illegal recruitment, and estafa complaints against her alleged recruiter, an Indonesia-based newspaper reported Thursday.

Indonesia Attorney General’s Office (AGO) spokesman Tony Spontana was quoted by The Jakarta Post as saying

that the AGO will instead facilitate a video conference or written testimony of Veloso for the purposes of the court proceeding in the Philippines.

“The Philippine government has asked Veloso [to come to the Philippines] to testify before the court, but we consider it impossible. Today we will respond to their letter and offer solutions,” Spontana told The Jakarta Post.

According to the report, the letter from

the Philippine government was dated April 28, the day Veloso was supposed to be executed by firing squad – along with eight other drug convicts.

Veloso was given a reprieve after her alleged recruiter Maria Kristina Sergio turned herself in to authorities in Nueva Ecija province in the Philippines.

Sergio and her live-in partner Julius Lacanilao are now under the protective custody of the Philippine National Police in

Camp Crame.

Sergio and Lacanilao have been summoned to a preliminary probe, which was set by the Department of Justice on May 8 and 14 at 2 p.m.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the preliminary investigation will take 60 days to complete.

Veloso claimed Lacanilao introduced her to Sergio and a certain “Ike.” In defending her case in Indonesia,

Veloso claimed that an international trafficking gang tricked her into bringing 2.6 kilograms (5.7 pounds) of heroin to Indonesia from Malaysia in 2010. She was sentenced to death in the same year.

The Philippines had sought for clemency in 2010, and again in April 2015, shortly before Veloso’s scheduled execution. But the Indonesian government rejected the plea. n Amita Legaspi / LBG/KG, GMA News / May 1, 2015 / 10:49

Vietnam PM attacks ‘barbarous US crimes’ on war anniversary HO CHI MINH CITY - Vietnam’s premier on Thursday hit out at the “barbarous crimes” of its wartime American foe as the nation marked four decades since the fall of Saigon, an event that delivered a communist victory and a painful blow to US moral and military prestige.

The central streets of southern Ho Chi Minh City—formerly Saigon— were filled with a forest of hammer and sickle ags of the Communist Party as regiments of goose-stepping soldiers filed past the country s top leaders.

In front of Independence Palace— whose gates northern tanks clattered through in one of the iconic moments of the 1975 victory—Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung struck out at the US attempt to contain the spread of communism in Southeast Asia through war in Vietnam.

“They committed countless barbarous crimes, causing immeasurable losses and pain to our people and country,” he said in an address.

The war killed millions of Vietnamese—both civilians and combatants from the divided North and South—and left hundreds of thousands more wounded.

The physical affects of con ict still linger, including through deformities that Vietnam says are caused by the dioxin Agent Orange, sprayed by the

US air force to pare back the thick jungle used as cover by the northern guerrilla forces.

Some 58,000 US servicemen also died in a war that remains seared into the consciousness of the American public, most often as a tragic waste of young lives and a symbol of the overextension of power.

It was the first Cold War con ict to be extensively covered by the Western press and the first to be lost by a modern superpower that thought itself unbeatable.

The communist victory was one of “ardent patriotism,” Dung said, hailing the reunification of ietnam which was cleaved apart in 1954 into the communist North and the US-backed South.

Veterans at the parade spoke of their pride at having fought the Americans.

On the battlefield we were devoted to our country. An event like this is necessary to help young people understand the glorious history of our country,” 72-year-old Nguyen Van Hung told AFP, wearing his old army uniform.

But divisions remain—up to a million boat people ed the south in the aftermath of the con ict and now form a vocal diaspora, staunchly opposed to Vietnam’s authoritarian one-party state.

Domestically, the Communist Party is also facing rising public discontent

over high-level corruption, growing inequality and its continued efforts to smother criticism.

Victory

means

‘legitimacy’.

American officials did not attend the Vietnamese parade, but instead held a low-key ceremony at the US consulate in Ho Chi Minh City.

“Americans remember the past and we honour it, while we look to the future and build on it,” said ambassador Ted Osius, adding that the relationship between the two countries was constantly improving.

Washington has drawn closer to Hanoi in recent years, in the face of growing Chinese assertiveness in the region.

Vietnam has also long since abandoned the Soviet model and

embraced the market capitalism of its one-time enemy, ushering in a period of prosperity and growth.

The once bitter north-south divisions have also eased, and for many young job seekers the south, and Ho Chi Minh City in particular, is now a magnet—seen as more socially liberal and free market-oriented than the conservative capital Hanoi.

Yet discontent with the government rumbles on, observers say, prompting the authoritarian state to lean heavily on its past military victories to legitimise its rule.

People used to see the war “as one for national liberation and unification Tuong Vu, an associate professor of political science at the University of Oregon told AFP.

Female soldiers dressed as Vietnam war era Vietcong soldiers march during a parade in Ho Chi Minh City

“These days most Vietnamese perhaps believe that the war was a tragic event during which Vietnamese killed other Vietnamese... the Communist Party is no longer seen as patriotic or invincible,” he said.

But the local media, which is entirely state-run, has run fawning stories ahead of the anniversary, heavy on wartime heroism.

That official narrative still chimes with many among the older generation but increasingly, the public is indifferent or even hostile to such shows of official patriotism.

“Let the past go, it’s been 40 years,” wrote businessman Tran Minh Chien on his Facebook page in a typical social media reaction to the anniversary. n AFP April 30, 2015

Participants sing and dance with flags during a parade marking the 40th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30, 2015

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May pri 2015 – No. 9 • UK & Europe Edition

FREE LISTING of events in HELLO PHILIPPINES newspaper.

Please email info@hello-philippines.com to include your event.

D I S C L A I M E R : The Events Diary r listing does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation or fa f vouring by HELLO PHILIPPINES newspaper. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Hello Philippines newspaper and/o / r the Publisher. What’s On is a Filipino Events Diary r listing fo f r UK and Europe.

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MONTHLY FILIPINO COMMUNITY MASSES IN GREATER LONDON

5:00pm

Devotion in Honour of Our Lady of Fatima (Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament / Rosary / Benediction / Mass) St Pius X Catholic Church, 108 Orme Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 3SB – Oliver Abasolo – 07782 661 922 2:00pm Five Precious Wounds Parish, Brentfield Road, Stonebridge Park, London NW10 8ER 1st Sunday Mervic Monocillo – 07894 636 140 5:00pm Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Friary Road, Peckham, London SE15 1RH 1st Sunday Allen Abeleda – 07713 625 888 4:00pm St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 103 Woolwich New Road, London SE18 6EF 2nd Saturday Moises Espanola – 07894 648 639 2:00pm English Martyrs Church, Chalkhill Road, Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 9EW 2nd Sunday Becky Sarinas – 07949 857 699 / 07425 761 519 / Lina B – 07579 418 510 2:00pm St Dominic Catholic Church, 243 Violet Lane, Waddon, Croydon CR0 4HN 2nd Sunday Merlie Mirto – 07722 216 462 2nd Sunday 4:00pm St. Anselm and St. Cecilia, 70 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3JA Feliciano Ramirez – 07733 680 748 3:00pm Sacred Heart of Jesus, New Priory, Quex Road, Kilburn, London NW6 4PS 3rd Sunday Sheidrick de Leon – 07738 210 202 3rd Sunday 3:00pm Blessed Sacrament Parish, 157 Copenhagen Street, Islington N1 0SR Christy Sangalang – 07709 119 969 Last Saturday 6:00pm 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 Last Sunday 12:00pm St Pius X Catholic Church, 108 Orme Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 3SB Oliver FREE LISTING of your events in H E L L OAbasolo P H I L I P–P 07782 I N E S n661 e w s922 paper. If you know of any events please contact us via Last Sunday 2:00pm St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 218 Roehampton Lane, London SW15 4LE info@hello-philippines.com to submit your event.

Rafael Santiago – 07795 254 451 D I S C LSunday A I M E R : T h e E v5:00pm e n t s D i a r y L i s tHoly ing d o e s n o t nCatholic e c e s s a r iChurch, l y c o n s t20 i t uBrixton te or im p l y i Oval, ts end o r s e m eSW9 n t , r6BU ecommendation, Every Redeemer Road, London or favouring by Hello Philippines newspaper. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or Ben Ortiz – 07723 318 486 reflect those of Hello Philippines newspaper. This is merely an Events Diary Listing of what is happening within the Filipino First Wednesdays 6:30pm and C o m m u n i t i e s i n E u r o p e . T h i s i s f o r Filipino g e n e r a lMass infor m a tNovena i o n o n lto y . Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Farm Street Church of the Immaculate Conception (Jesuit House Chapel), on 114 Mount W1K 201 M O N T H L Y F I L I P I N O C O M M U N I T Y access MASS ES IN G R EStreet, A T E RLondon LOND O N 3AY – Josie Ramos – 07723 024 1st Saturday 5:00pm Devotion in591 Honour of Our Lady of Fatima (Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament / Rosary / Benediction / Mass) St Pius X Catholic Church, 108 Orme Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 3SB – Oliver Abasolo – 07782 661 922

NEWS

May 2015 – No. 9 • UK & Europe Edition

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19

The incredible turtle photobomber and the guy in the black and blue rashguard SUMMER was in full swing and Diuvs de Jesus had just finished snorkeling in the clear waters of Apo Island in Negros Oriental. With their day tour coming to an end, he and his friends were left with memories

of turtles being fed in the protected marine area.

Now the only thing missing was the documentation. Still immersed in the water the group posed for a shot.

Their guide clicked the camera. And

The now-famous turtle photobomb, which quickly went viral after Diuvs de Jesus posted it on his blog, ‘Adventures ni Kulot.’ Photo courtesy of Diuvs de Jesus.

a turtle surfaced to breathe, right in front of the lens.

This is the story of the now-famous turtle photobomb, which quickly went viral after de Jesus posted it on his blog, Adventures ni Kulot, on April . De Jesus is kulot (curly the guy wearing a black and blue rashguard in the photograph.

Representatives from various news outlets and online publications scrambled to get his permission to use his photo on their TV shows and blogs. As expected viewers and readers were delighted.

More than sharing the irresistible image of human and animal sharing a photo-op, however, de Jesus hopes that the sight serves as a reminder of the way the two can coexist peacefully.

According to the WW almost all species of sea turtles are endangered, not only because of poaching and habitat destruction, but climate change as well. The WW says that the changing sand temperature can affect the sex of hatchlings.

Over-exploited for their eggs meat, skin, and shells, sea turtles are also at risk of accidentally getting captured in fishing gear the organization adds.

This is why de Jesus asked those who share the photo to help promote “marine wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and

sustainable ecotourism.

A researcher at the Marine Science Institute University of the Philippines Diliman de Jesus is also finishing his Masters in Marine Science, major in Marine Biology.

He is also a member of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines which arranges birdwatching trips to promote birdwatching, bird conservation and environmentalism.

With his friends de Jesus started travel company EpicTravels which conducts Project Lingap as well.

Here, the group organizes visits to remote places in the Philippines where visitors can seek adventure while reaching out to communities who need assistance.

Project Lingap’s “adventures with a heart” have taken nomads to a Mangyan community in Mindoro, an Ifugao community in Banaue and an Aeta community in Zambales to conduct medical missions and book drives.

Because of the nature of his work, as well as his passion for it, de Jesus has gone a number of the most isolated and hard-to-reach places in the country. He also calls these the most fascinating. Tubbataha Reef Tawi-Tawi, and Benham Rise, an area larger than Luzon which had been awarded to the Philippines just two years ago by the United Nations after it became the only country to claim

the territory are just some of them.

These experiences fuel his blog which he hopes encourages readers to travel not just for the sake of seeing different places, but to promote nature, culture, and adventure, he told InterAksyon.com in an e-mail interview.

“Many travel bloggers post how to go to a place, what to see there, etcetera. I d like to go deeper and give insights about nature, culture and adventure he said.

He urges ilipinos to explore their own country before traveling abroad.

“There is a lot—really a lot—to see and experience in the Philippines.

He also makes it a point to mingle with the locals to ask about their home and way of life.

As much as possible I immerse myself in their worlds de Jesus said.

He even travels alone at times, heading to Malapascua Island in Cebu for his last birthday. He went diving to see the thresher sharks, the only ilipino among his fellow divers.

“Traveling made me appreciate and be more thankful of God’s creation,” he said. And fellow travelers you ll meet along the way, together with the locals, will always have something to touch your heart.

Thanks to the serendipitous shot, armchair travelers were touched too. n

Tricia Aquino / InterAksyon.com / Photo courtesy of Diuvs de Jesus, Adventures ni Kulot / May 1, 2015 / 7:16 PM

Filipinos in ‘affordable’ London more likely to send money home than those in millionaire hotspots Bromley and Lewisham beat Chelsea and Fulham FILIPINOS living in modestly priced parts of London are much more likely to send money back home than those who live and work in the city’s af uent West End. Research by the online money transfer service WorldRemit found the rate of sending money from Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich was almost 5x higher than in Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham and Westminster.

London’s richest areas have some of the largest Filipino populations thanks to a ready supply of service industry jobs however WorldRemit s data suggests that those living elsewhere in the city maintainmore active financial ties with friends and family in their homeland.

Sending rates were calculated using the number of money transfers sent to the Philippines compared to each borough s ilipino-born population.

Commenting on the research, WorldRemit founder and CEO Ismail Ahmed said These findings give a

fascinating insight into the economic activity of Filipinos in London and their connections with their homeland.

While the media tends to generalize about people who come to the UK for work and what they do with Try us TODAY! their money, we see that there are huge Enjoy your first variations across this one nationality. transaction FREE Magpadala pera sawhat It s difficult to say ng exactly iyong mga mahal sa buhay Use promo code is behind these patterns - whether it www.worldremit.com HELLOWR15 is more recent arrivals heading for particular borough, or some job types paying more than others - but there are clearly significant differences in behaviour .

One of the only wealthy boroughs to buck the trend was Richmond upon Thames which is London’s 6th most expensive borough to live in and had the second highest rate of sending to the Philippines.

The top 6 boroughs by rate of sending were: • Bromley • Richmond Upon Thames The bottom 6 boroughs by rate of • Harrow sending were: • Lewisham • ensington and Chelsea • Greenwich • City of London • ingston Upon Thames

• Enfield • Hammersmith and ulham • Haringey • Westminster

• Barnet n Data came from WorldRemit transactions, Detailed country of birth 2011 Census and Average house prices by borough

20

HEALTH and Lifestyle

www.hello-philippines.com

May 2015 – No. 9 • UK & Europe Edition

Depression DEPRESSION is more than simply feeling unhappy or fed up for a few days.

We all go through spells of feeling down, but when you’re depressed you feel persistently sad for weeks or months, rather than just a few days.

Some people still think that depression is trivial and not a genuine health condition. They’re wrong.

Depression is a real illness with real symptoms, and it’s not a sign of weakness or something you can “snap out of” by “pulling yourself together”.

The good news is that with the right treatment and support, most people can make a full recovery.

How to tell if you have depression.

Depression affects people in different ways and can cause a wide variety of symptoms.

They range from lasting feelings of sadness and hopelessness, to losing interest in the things you used to enjoy and feeling very tearful. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety.

There can be physical symptoms too, such as feeling constantly tired, sleeping badly, having no appetite or sex drive, and complaining of various aches and pains.

The severity of the symptoms can vary. At its mildest, you may simply feel persistently low in spirit, while at its most severe depression can make you feel suicidal and that life is no longer worth living.

Most people experience feelings of stress, sadness or anxiety during

difficult times. A low mood may improve after a short time, rather than being a sign of depression.

When to see a doctor. It’s important to seek help from your GP if you think you may be depressed.

If you’ve been feeling low for more than a few days, take this short test to find out if you re depressed.

Many people wait a long time before seeking help for depression, but it’s best not to delay. The sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you can be on the way to recovery.

Sometimes there is a trigger for depression. Life-changing events, such as bereavement, losing your job or even having a baby, can bring it on.

People with a family history of depression are also more likely to experience it themselves.

But you can also become depressed for no obvious reason.

Depression is quite common and affects about one in 10 of us at some point. It affects men and women, young and old.

Depression can also strike children.

Studies have shown that about 4% of children aged five to in the U are anxious or depressed.

Treatment. Treatment for depression involves either medication or talking treatments, or usually a combination of the two. The kind of treatment that your doctor recommends will be based on the type of depression you have.

Living with depression

Many people with depression benefit by making lifestyle changes

such as getting more exercise, cutting down on alcohol, stopping smoking and eating more healthily.

Self-help measures such as reading a self-help book or joining a support group are also worthwhile.

Cause. There is no single cause of depression. You can develop it for different reasons and it has many different triggers.

For some, an upsetting or stressful life event – such as bereavement, divorce, illness, redundancy and job or money worries – can be the cause.

Often, different causes combine to trigger depression. For example, you may feel low after an illness and then experience a traumatic event, such as bereavement, which brings on depression.

People often talk about a “downward spiral” of events that leads to depression. For example, if your relationship with your partner breaks down, you’re likely to feel low, so you stop seeing friends and family and you may start drinking more. All of this can make you feel even worse and trigger depression.

Some studies have also suggested you’re more likely to get depression as you get older, and that it’s more common if you live in difficult social

and economic circumstances.

Stressful events. Most people take time to come to terms with stressful events, such as bereavement or a relationship breakdown. When these stressful events happen, you have a higher risk of becoming depressed if you stop seeing your friends and family and you try to deal with your problems on your own.

Illness. You may have a higher risk of depression if you have a longstanding or life-threatening illness, such as coronary heart disease or cancer.

Head injuries are also an often under-recognised cause of depression.

A severe head injury can trigger mood swings and emotional problems.

Some people may have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) resulting from problems with their immune system. In rarer cases a minor head injury can damage the pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland at the base of your brain that produces thyroidstimulating hormones.

This can cause a number of symptoms, such as extreme tiredness and a loss of interest in sex (loss of libido), which can in turn lead to depression.

Personality. You may be more vulnerable to depression if you have

certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem or being overly self-critical.

This may be because of the genes you’ve inherited from your parents, or because of your early life experiences.

Family history

If someone else in your family has suffered from depression in the past, such as a parent or sister or brother, then it’s more likely you will too.

Giving birth

Some women are particularly vulnerable to depression after pregnancy. The hormonal and physical changes, as well as added responsibility of a new life, can lead to postnatal depression.

Loneliness. Becoming cut off from your family and friends can increase your risk of depression.

Alcohol and drugs. Some people try to cope when life is getting them down by drinking too much alcohol or taking drugs. This can result in a spiral of depression.

Cannabis helps you relax, but there is evidence that it can bring on depression, especially in teenagers.

And don’t be tempted to drown your sorrows with a drink. Alcohol is categorised as a “strong depressant” and actually makes depression worse. n NHS Choices

Depression can be triggered by more than one factor Treating clinical depression

Treatment for depression usually involves a combination of medicines, talking therapies and self-help.

Treatment options. The kind of treatment that your doctor recommends will be based on the type of depression you have. Below is a short description of the types of treatment your doctor may recommend.

Mild depression

• wait and see if you re diagnosed with mild depression, your depression may improve by itself. In this case, you’ll simply be seen again by your GP after two weeks to monitor your progress.

This is known as watchful waiting.

• exercise there is evidence that exercise may help depression and it is one of the main treatments if you have mild depression. Your GP may refer you to a ualified fitness trainer for an exercise scheme.

• self-help groups talking through your feelings can be helpful.

You could talk either to a friend or relative, or you can ask your GP to

suggest a local self-help group.

Mild to moderate depression

• talking therapy if you have mild depression that isn’t improving, or you have moderate depression, your GP may recommend a talking treatment (a type of psychotherapy). There are different types of talking therapy for depression, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling. Your GP can refer you for talking treatment or in some parts of the country you might be able to refer yourself.

Moderate to severe depression

• antidepressants antidepressants are tablets that treat the symptoms of depression. There are almost 30 different kinds of antidepressant. They have to be prescribed by a doctor, usually for depression that is moderate or severe.

• combination therapy your GP may recommend that you take a course of antidepressants plus talking therapy, particularly if your depression is quite severe. A combination of an antidepressant and CBT usually works better than having just one of these treatments.

• mental health teams if you have severe depression, you may be referred to a mental health team made up of psychologists, psychiatrists, specialist nurses and occupational therapists.

These teams often provide intensive specialist talking treatments as well as prescribed medication.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps you understand your thoughts and behaviour and how they affect you.

CBT recognises that events in your past may have shaped you, but it concentrates mostly on how you can change the way you think, feel and behave in the present.

It teaches you how to overcome negative thoughts, for example being able to challenge hopeless feelings.

CBT is available on the NHS for people with depression or any other mental health problem that it has been shown to help.

You normally have a short course of sessions, usually six to eight sessions, over 10 to 12 weeks on a one-to-one basis with a counsellor trained in CBT.

In some cases, you may be offered group CBT. Online CBT. Computerised CBT is a form of CBT that works through a computer screen, rather than face-toface with a therapist.

It’s delivered in a series of weekly sessions and should be supported by a healthcare professional. For instance, it’s usually prescribed by your GP and you may have to use the surgery computer to access the programme.

Interpersonal therapy (IPT). IPT focuses on your relationships with other people and on problems you may be having in your relationships, such as difficulties with communication or coping with bereavement.

There’s some evidence that IPT can be as effective as antidepressants or CBT, but more research is needed.

Psychodynamic

psychotherapy.

In psychodynamic (psychoanalytic) psychotherapy, a psychoanalytic therapist will encourage you to say whatever is going through your mind.

This will help you to become aware of hidden meanings or patterns in what you do or say that may be contributing

to your problems.

Counselling. Counselling is a form of therapy that helps you think about the problems you are experiencing in your life to find new ways of dealing with them. Counsellors support you in finding solutions to problems but do not tell you what to do.

Counselling on the NHS usually consists of six to 12 hour-long sessions. ou talk in confidence to a counsellor, who supports you and offers practical advice.

Counselling is ideal for people who are basically healthy but need help coping with a current crisis, such as anger, relationship issues, bereavement, redundancy, infertility or the onset of a serious illness.

Getting help. our first port of call should be your GP, who can refer you for NHS talking treatments for depression available locally.

In some parts of the country, you also have the option of self-referral.

This means that if you prefer not to talk to your GP, you can go directly to a professional therapist. n NHS Choices

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HEALTH and Lifestyle food

Food allergy A food allergy is when the body’s immune system reacts unusually to specific foods.

Allergic reactions are often mild, but they can sometimes be very serious.

In young children, common food allergies include milk and eggs. In adults, allergies to fruit and vegetables are more common. Nut allergies including peanuts, are relatively common in both school-age children and adults.

Symptoms of a food allergy can affect different areas of the body at the same time. Some common symptoms include: • an itchy sensation inside the mouth, throat or ears • a raised itchy red rash (known as urticaria or hives) • swelling of the face around the eyes, lips, tongue and roof of the mouth (known as angioedema • vomiting Anaphylaxis. In the most serious cases, a person has a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis which can be life-threatening.

If you think someone has the symptoms of anaphylaxis such as breathing difficulties lightheadedness and feeling like they are going to faint or lose consciousness call ask for an ambulance and tell the operator you think the person has anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock .

What causes food allergies? Food allergies happen when the immune system (the body s defence against infection) mistakenly treats proteins found in food as a threat.

As a result, a number of chemicals are released. It is these chemicals that cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Almost any food can cause an allergic reaction, but there are certain foods that are responsible for most food allergies.

In children, the foods that most commonly cause an allergic reaction are: • milk • eggs • peanuts • tree nuts • fish • shellfish Most children that have a food allergy will have experienced eczema during infancy. The worse the child s eczema and the earlier it started the more likely they are to have a food allergy.

In adults, the foods that most commonly cause an allergic reaction are: • peanuts • tree nuts such as walnuts brazil nuts, almonds and pistachios • fish • crustaceans (shellfish such as crab, lobster and prawns It’s still unknown why people

develop allergies to food, although they often have other allergic conditions, such as asthma hay fever and eczema.

Types of food allergies. Food allergies are divided into three types, depending on symptoms and when they occur.

• IgE-mediated food allergy the most common type, triggered by the immune system producing an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE . Symptoms occur a few seconds or minutes after eating. There is a greater risk of anaphylaxis with this type of allergy.

• non-IgE-mediated food allergy these allergic reactions are not caused by immunoglobulin E but by other cells in the immune system. This type of allergy is often difficult to diagnose as symptoms take much longer to develop (up to several hours .

• mixed IgE and non-IgE-mediated food allergies some people may experience symptoms from both types.

Oral allergy syndrome. Some people experience itchiness in their mouth and throat (sometimes with mild swelling immediately after eating fresh fruit or vegetables. This is known as oral allergy syndrome.

Oral allergy syndrome is not a true food allergy. It is caused by allergy antibodies mistaking certain proteins in fresh fruits, nuts or vegetables for pollen.

Oral allergy syndrome generally does not cause severe symptoms, and it is possible to deactivate the allergens by thoroughly cooking any fruit and vegetables.

Allergy UK has more information on oral allergy syndrome.

Treatment. There is no treatment to cure a food allergy. The best way of preventing an allergic reaction is to identify the food that causes the allergy and then avoid it.

However, avoid making any radical changes to your or your child’s diet, such as cutting dairy products, without first talking to your GP. ou should speak to a dietician before making any changes.

A type of medication called an antihistamine can help relieve the symptoms of a mild or moderate allergic reaction. A higher dose of antihistamines is often needed to control symptoms.

Adrenaline is also an effective treatment for anaphylaxis.

People with a food allergy are often given a device, known as an autoinjector pen, which contains doses of adrenaline that can be used in emergencies.

When to seek medical advice. If you think you or your child may have a food allergy, it’s very important to ask for a professional diagnosis from your GP. They can then refer you to an allergy clinic.

Many parents mistakenly assume

their child has a food allergy, when their symptoms are actually due to a completely different condition.

Commercial allergy-testing kits are available, but their use is not recommended. Many kits are based on unsound scientific principles.

Even if they are reliable you should have the results looked at by a health professional.

Who is affected. Most food allergies affect younger children aged under the age of three. It is estimated that around one in every 14 children of this age has at least one food allergy.

Most children who have food allergies to milk, eggs, soya and wheat in early life will “outgrow” this allergy by the time they start school.

Peanut and tree-nut allergies are usually more persistent. An estimated four out of five children with peanut allergies remain allergic to peanuts for the rest of their lives.

A type of medication called an antihistamine can help relieve the symptoms of a mild or moderate allergic reaction. A higher dose of antihistamines is often needed to control symptoms.”

Food allergies that develop during adulthood, or persist into adulthood, are likely to be lifelong allergies.

For reasons that are unclear, rates of food allergies have risen sharply in the last years.

However deaths from anaphylaxisrelated food reactions are now very rare. There are around deaths related to food allergies in England and Wales each year.

Food allergy or food intolerance?

Around one or two people out of every 100 in the UK have a food allergy, but food intolerance is more common.

Genuine food allergy is rare.

About 2% of the population and 8% of children under the age of three are affected.

What is a food allergy? A food allergy is a rapid and potentially serious response to a food by your immune system. It can trigger classic allergy symptoms such as a rash wheezing and itching.

The most common food allergies among adults are to fish and shellfish and nuts, including peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts and brazil nuts. Children often have allergies to milk and eggs as well as to peanuts other nuts and fish.

What is a food intolerance? Food intolerances are more common than food allergies. The symptoms of food

intolerance tend to come on more slowly, often many hours after eating the problem food. Typical symptoms include bloating and stomach cramps.

It’s possible to be intolerant to several different foods. This can make it difficult to identify which foods are causing the problem.

Food intolerances can also be difficult to tell apart from other digestive disorders that produce similar symptoms such as in ammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal obstructions or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS .

Lactose intolerance.

Lactose intolerance, sometimes known as dairy intolerance, occurs when your body can t digest lactose. Lactose is in milk and dairy products such as yoghurts and soft cheeses.

The main symptoms are diarrhoea and stomach pain. In most cases your GP can diagnose lactose intolerance by looking at your symptoms and medical history.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance include: • atulence (wind • diarrhoea • bloated stomach • stomach cramps These symptoms usually develop within a few hours of consuming food or drink that contains lactose.

When to seek medical advice. The symptoms of lactose intolerance can be similar to several other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS so it s important to see your GP for a diagnosis before removing milk and dairy products from your diet.

If your GP thinks you are likely to have lactose intolerance, they may then suggest avoiding foods and drinks containing lactose for two weeks to see if your symptoms improve.

What causes lactose intolerance?

The body digests lactose using a substance called lactase to break down lactose into two sugars called glucose and galactose, which can then be easily absorbed into the bloodstream.

People with lactose intolerance don t produce enough lactase, so lactose stays in the digestive system where it is fermented by bacteria, leading to the production of various gases, which cause the symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.

Depending on the underlying reason why the body does not produce enough lactase, lactose intolerance may be temporary or permanent. Most cases that develop in adults are inherited and tend to be lifelong, but cases in young children are often caused by an infection in the digestive system and

May 2015 – No. 9 • UK & Europe Edition

may only last for a few weeks.

Is it an allergy? Lactose intolerance is not the same as a milk or dairy allergy. ood allergies are caused by a reaction to a food by your immune system, causing symptoms such as a rash wheezing and itching.

If you’re allergic to something, even a tiny particle can be enough to trigger a reaction, while most people with lactose intolerance can still consume small amounts of lactose without experiencing any problems (although this varies from person to person .

Could it be another type of food intolerance or condition?

Sometimes it isn’t clear which food is causing a problem. The only reliable way of identifying such a food intolerance is through an exclusion diet, where you cut out certain foods from your diet one at a time to see if there s an effect.

Coeliac disease is a common digestive condition where a person has an adverse reaction to gluten.

However, coeliac disease is not an allergy or an intolerance to gluten. It is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakes substances found inside gluten as a threat to the body and attacks them.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat rye and barley that damages the intestine of people with coeliac disease.

Symptoms include diarrhoea, bloating and weight loss. Coeliac disease can be accurately diagnosed with a blood test and biopsy.

About 1 in 100 people in the UK have coeliac disease, but it’s estimated that around half a million aren’t diagnosed.

Treatments for food allergy and food intolerance.

• In all cases always read food labels carefully, and learn where your problem food may be used as an ingredient in other foods.

• In the case of a food allergy you ll have to avoid the food you’re allergic to. ou may be able to eat the cooked versions without any problems, as can be the case with fruit or vegetable allergies.

• With lactose intolerance you ll have to reduce the amount of dairy food that you eat.

• With other forms of food intolerance, you’ll have to stop eating the food for a while or possibly for life.

With the autoimmune condition coeliac disease, you must avoid gluten for life.

For more advice on your diet, ask your GP to refer you to an NHS dietitian. n NHS Choices

Scoop & KAPATID PA RIN Derek Ramsay renews contract with TV5 24

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THREE years after he made the controversial move to transfer to TV5, Derek Ramsay has decided that he is more than happy to stay with the Happy Network for another three years.

The 38-year-old Filipino-British actor model and athlete officially renewed his contract with TV5 last Tuesday, April 28, in the presence of TV5 president and CEO Noel C. Lorenzana and TV5 chief entertainment content officer Wilma V. Galvante.

Following the contract signing, both Galvante and Lorenzana revealed their big plans for the hunky actor whom the latter called “the biggest male star in the Philippines.”

Derek, who jokingly referred to himself as “ang lalaking walang pahinga”, will have another busy year

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ahead of him as he, Galvante and Lorenzana confirmed that there will be second seasons of his hit shows “Mac & Chiz” and “Extreme Series: Kaya Mo Ba Ito?”. A weekend noontime show where he will be one of the hosts is also in the works.

In addition, Derek revealed that “Bawat Sandali”, the acclaimed Studio 5 Original Movie that he did with Angel Aquino, will have a theatrical release with additional scenes. He also expressed interest in reprising his role as “Kidlat” should the network decide to revive the series.

Asked by InterAksyon if the newly launched Digital 5 would also consider new digital, short-form shows for Derek, Lorenzana replied, Absolutely . He also confirmed that digital versions of “Extreme Series” will soon be seen on Digital 5.

Aside from “Kidlat”, Derek has also headlined several series for the network since signing with TV5 in 2012. This include hosting two seasons of “The Amazing Race Philippines”, the superhero soap, “Kidlat”, the provocative weekly drama, “For Love or Money” and the mystery thriller, “Undercover”. He also headed the TV5 coverage team for the 2012 London Olympics.

While under contract with T Derek also did several movies outside the network including the blockbuster Trophy Wife for iva ilms and well-received turns in “The Janitor” for Cinemalaya and the romanticcomedy, “English Only, Please”, the sleeper hit of last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival where he won his very first Best Actor award. n Edwin P. Sallan /

InterAksyon.com / April 29, 2015 / 10:31 AM

El Gamma Penumbra, Gerphil Flores sent to finals of ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ SHADOW play dancers El Gamma Penumbra earned another Golden Buzzer to earn an outright finals berth in AXN’s “Asia’s Got Talent” held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

In the semifinal round of the popular talent competition that aired Thursday, the group made good on their manager’s promise to make people cry with another stunning performance anchored on the theme of world peace.

Indonesian singer-songwriter Anggun, the judge who pressed the Golden Buzzer that had sent them to the semifinals was teary-eyed after their performance.

“I’m extremely moved by what I just saw, it was really emotional and you made me feel proud and I’m sure you made Filipinos proud. Thank you, that was awless she exclaimed. ellow judges an Ness Wu who gave the group a standing ovation along with Anggun, was also impressed and called them “amazing” while Melanie C conceded that their number was even better than their show-stopping audition piece.

El Gamma Penumbra. Photo from their Facebook page.

But the best remark of the night came from the most hard-to-please judge of all, David Foster.

“I just want to say, I live in a box where I make music in the studio and tonight, I get to come out of my box and I get to see something that was so, so moving and magical, It’s just amazing,” Foster remarked.

Following the judges’ comments, the group was asked by hosts Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez about their thoughts.

A scene from El Gamma Penumbra’s ‘amazing’ semifinals performance. Photo from their Facebook page

“Even in our wildest dreams we still cannot believe we can get here at this moment. We are just happy that we can get this far,” one of the members tearfully replied.

It was a wonderful night for the Philippine representatives as aside from El Gamma Penumbra, soprano singer Gerphil Geraldine Flores was also voted into the finals by fans.

Earlier, 10-year old singer Gwyneth Dorado and multi-genre dance group, Junior New System, likewise advanced in the competition through public vote and Golden Buzzer, respectively.

A total of seven finalists have been named so far, and four of them are ilipinos. The grand finals of Asia s Got Talent” will take place on May 7 at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and will air on AXN the same day.

The results show where the first ever winner will be announced will take place the following week, May 14. or the finale schedule visit axnasia.com. n Edwin P. Sallan / InterAksyon.com / May 1, 2015 / 7:21 AM

May 2015 – No. 9 • UK & Europe Edition

Derek Ramsay with TV5 president and CEO Noel C. Lorenzana and chief content office Wilma Galvante.

Demi Lovato arrives for Manila leg of world tour BEST known for the big hits, “Skyscraper”, “Give Your Heart A Break,” “Neon Lights,” “Heart Attack” and “Let It Go”, the theme song of the hit animated feature, “Frozen”, 22-year-old American singer-songwriter and actress Demi Lovato arrived in the country Wednesday for the Manila leg of her ongoing “Demi World Tour.”

The 12-time Teen Choice awardee will perform in a concert presented

by Wilbros Live this Thursday, April 30, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

This is her second time to do a concert in the country following a successful performance at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in 2013.

In an interview with the talk show “Aquino & Abunda Tonight” shortly after her arrival, Demi told hosts Boy Abunda and Kris Aquino that she always felt welcome in the Philippines.

She also revealed that she dedicated “Warrior,” a song from her latest album, “Demi”, to Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner after his tell-all interview with American

journalist Diane Sawyer.

“Warrior” is a powerful piano ballad about empowerment that originally reflected on Demi’s personal struggles in the past, including her much publicized bouts with depression, obesity and selfharm.

Lovato started her career as a child actress and rose to prominence on the Disney Channel hit show, “Camp Rock”, which she headlined with the Jonas Brothers.

Aside from Bruce Jenner, whom she described in a recent tweet as a “heroic soul”, Demi has also expressed her concern for the victims of the recent Nepal earthquake and the tension that followed the Baltimore riots.

As for her coming Manila show, Demi said she is excited to perform before her Filipino fans. After announcing her world tour last year, Demi also revealed that she will be adding new songs and new covers. She also promised to do things she did not get to do in her previous tour. n Edwin P. Sallan / InterAksyon.com / April 30, 2015 / 1:28 PM

Demi Lovato is surrounded by security men upon her arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Wednesday evening. Photo by Patrick Lasanas.

May 2015 – No. 9 • UK & Europe Edition

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Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko, 39 years of unwavering public service THIRTY nine years on the air and counting, the Philippines’ longest running public service program Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko (KKMK) shows no signs of slowing down as it remains committed to its mission of improving the welfare of indigent Filipinos across the country, especially children af icted with cancer.

Since 1975, the program has served as a bridge between patients in need of financial assistance and the generous donors who wish to make a difference in other people s lives. Subse uently the Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko Foundation, Inc. was established to further the program s dedication to public service.

With KKMK Foundation President Dr. Orly Mercado and M oundation Inc. Board Director

BK Xmas Party 2014

Connie Angeles, who also serve as the program’s hosts, the Foundation continues to promote its health advocacies and extend medical assistance to ilipinos.

In 2014, the Foundation came to the aid of residents affected by the earth uake in Bohol through a medical mission conducted in the area. Along with partners in the private sector, KKMK also took part in the restoration of the Tacloban City Hospital which was turned over to the local government in August of that year.

Continuing its advocacy of raising the standards of public health, the Foundation also conducted 118 medical missions nationwide which benefited a total of patients last year.

With the help of the private sector,

other non-government organizations and the local government units, KKMK was able to provide free checkups and laboratory procedures to the beneficiaries.

Also in the same year, Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko’s long-standing project Batang apwa or Batang saw of its beneficiaries graduate from the program. Batang helps children af icted with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL and their families find financial assistance for the patient s chemotherapy. The program also boosts the children’s morale through support group activities.

Moreover, the Foundation has heeded the call of over 800 patients who came to their office in the form of medicines and financial assistance

for laboratory procedures and surgical needs, while 592 patients were referred to hospitals and medical institutions.

With 39 years of unwavering commitment to public service to its name, Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko moves closer towards its vision of raising the uality of life of ilipinos in need. n

Orly Mercado

Connie Angeles

26

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May 2015 – No. 9 • UK & Europe Edition

Kapuso Foundation conducts Operation Bayanihan in Maguindanao 5,000 families receive relief goods from GMA, partners GMA Kapuso Foundation, GMA Network’s socio-civic arm, recently rolled out its Operation Bayanihan program in Maguindanao, effectively serving 5,000 families affected by the ongoing armed con ict.

In partnership with Solid Shipping Lines, ARMM Heart, Department of Health-ARMM, and Department of Public Works and Highways-ARMM, the Kapuso Foundation team handed out relief goods consisting of rice, noodles and canned goods.

GMA was among the first to provide relief operations in Maguindanao.

In Mamasapano relief goods were distributed to 3,320 families. Meanwhile families in Sharif Saydona and families in

Sharif Aguak also received support from the foundation.

GMAKF’s team had to travel for seven hours from General Santos City to Cotabato just to reach the communities affected by the con ict in Maguindanao. Didith Nucum GMA relief operations project staff, said they were stopped several times by armed men.

“We talked to them and explained our intentions. We had to rush every now and then for our safety. It wasn t easy but what pushed us to keep moving were the people waiting for us who needed our help says Nucum.

When the team finally reached the evacuation center, all of the fear they experienced on the road banished.

“The people greeted us with a smile and it was priceless. We could never imagine how they can still manage to smile knowing that a few kilometers from them, a war is going on recalls Nucum.

“While we continue praying for the stability of our country and the safety of its people, the Foundation is also working to create a concrete and positive impact in the lives of our fellowmen,” says GMA Kapuso oundation E P and COO Mel C. Tiangco. They can rest assured knowing that, wherever there is a Filipino in need, the Foundation will also be there, because that’s what bayanihan and being a Kapuso is all about. n

News5 chief Luchi Cruz-Valdes named Broadcaster of the Year NEWS5 head Luchi Cruz-Valdes receives the Ka Doroy Broadcaster of the Year award during the 23rd Golden Dove Awards on Tuesday.

TV5 has once again proven its mettle in the news and information front as its very own News5 head, Luchi CruzValdes, bagged the prestigious Ka Doroy Broadcaster of the Year Award at the 23rd Golden Dove Awards of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng

Pilipinas (KBP) held Tuesday.

A recipient of top local and international awards in her illustrious career as a broadcast journalist, Cruz-Valdes also took home the Best Newscaster award for TV5’s primetime newscast “Aksyon”.

On top of Cruz Valdes’ win as Ka Doroy Broadcaster of the Year (her second time to be conferred the honor as she also received the same award in the

KBP Golden Dove Awards of 2001), TV5 also won the awards for Best Newscast for its late evening newscast “Aksyon Tonite”, Best Documentary Program for “Yaman ng Bayan: Lupa”, Best Special Program for “Diskargado”, Best Actor for Comedy Program for Ogie Alcasid, and Best Public Service Program Host for its resident legal analyst and radio host Atty. Mel Sta. Maria. n April 29, 2015 / 8:59 PM

Kris Aquino, ipinakita ang beach body habang nasa Coron, Palawan IBINIDA ni Kris Aquino ang kaniyang beach body nang bisitahin niya ang Coron, Palawan, ayon sa GMA News Oras nitong Martes.

Sa kaniyang Instagram account, makikita ang mga larawan at video na game na game siyang nag-pose nang naka-swim suit para sa photo shoot ng es Magazine.

Sexy rin ang dating niya habang nakasakay ng speed boat, at makikita ang magagandang tanawin sa malaparaisong Coron. n FRJ, GMA News / April 28,

2015 / 8:08 PM

Heart Evangelista back in showbiz with teleserye ‘Beautiful Stranger’ MATAPOS ang panandaliang pamamahinga sa showbiz commitments nang maikasal kay Sen. Chiz Escudero nitong Pebrero, baliktrabaho na si Heart Evangelista via Kapuso primetime series na “Beautiful Stranger.”

Aniya sa isang Instagram post nitong Lunes, ‘back to being artista’ nasiya at magkakaroon ng pictorial para sa kaniyang bagong project.

Nitong Miyerkules, isinapubliko na ang cast ng naturang teleserye na kabibilangan ng kaibigan ni Heart

na si Lovi Poe at boyfriend nitong si Rocco Nacino. Kasama rin sina Benjamin Alves, at ang batikang actor na si Christopher de Leon.

Sa “Chika Minute” report ng GMA News 24 Oras nitong uwebes, sinabing makaka-love triangle ni Heart saserye sina Lovi at Rocco.

Ayon kay Heart, very supportive naman daw at excited din para sa kaniya ang mister nasi Sen. Chiz sa kaniyang bagong proyekto. n Bianca Rose Dabu / FRJ, GMA News / April 30, 2015 / 9:32 PM

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NEWS

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May 2015 – No. 9 • UK & Europe Edition

Pacquiao’s good fight inspires Filipinos, say Philippine officials Continuation from page 1

File photo of Pacquiao’s power-punch training with Freddie Roach.

Pac uiao lifts the spirit of every ilipino who struggles daily to rise from adversity. His humility and faith is an inspiration to all of us Binay added. or his part Senate President ranklin Drilon said on Sunday that Pac uiao Saranggani Representative in Congress lost a good fight which makes ilipinos proud.

However for acting Senate Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III said Mayweather won a hollow victory as international comments favoured Pacquiao.

Mayweather did not win. The whole world knows it. Check the international comments. Na-lutong Macao tayo correction lutong Las egas pala Hollow victory for

Mayweather and he knows it Sotto said in a statement. or Senator Bam A uino Pac uiao won for his courage despite defeat.

Hindi man nanalo si Manny sa points panalo naman siya sa tapang A uino said.

Senator rancis Chiz Escudero described Pac uiao as humble but not humbled in defeat.

Manny was is and will always be the better man vs loyd. My hats off to Manny Mabuhay ka at ang Pilipinas Escudero said in a viber message.

A true champion Nancy Meanwhile Senator Nancy Binay said that the Filipino people have seen the heart of a true champion in Pacquiao.

Sa kabila ng nagging resulta ng

labang ito taas-noo pa rin nating iwawagayway ang bandila ng Pilipinas at mananatiling buo ang tiwala sa kakayahan ni Manny bilang isang tunay na kampeon ng masang Pilipino Binay said in a statement.

She likened Pac uiao to a bamboo which bends with the wind but doesn t break. The world has seen Manny rise from every adversity in life.

His body may have been shaken by every blow but his faith in God is remarkably unshakeable she said.

Naniniwala tayo sa kakayahan ni Manny. atulad ng sambayanang ilipino tayo ay hindi nawawalan ng pag-asa at bumabangong muli sa anumang pagsubok Binay added. n Ernie Reyes with Roices Naguit / InterAksyon.com / TV5 / May 3, 2015 / 3:47 PM

UAE court clears Pinoy of charges of assault on cabbie A United Arab Emirates court has cleared a 25-year-old Filipino of charges that he assaulted and robbed a taxi driver in an altercation in March 2014, a UAE news site reported Monday.

The UAE Court of First Instance cleared the Filipino and an at-large

accomplice of charges of assaulting the cabbie and taking his mobile phone and Dh2,360, Khaleej Times reported.

The court also acquitted the Filipino of charges he verbally abused the driver and gave him the finger during the supposed incident on March 28 last year.

However, the Public Prosecution has appealed the verdict.

Investigation showed the Pakistani cabbie, 26, claimed the defendant and another Filipino rode his cab from Al Hudaiba to Al Jafiliya.

But the cabbie said the Filipino suddenly

stepped out of the taxi’s passenger seat and snatched his mobile phone. He said the Filipino showed him his middle finger when he asked him to return his phone.

When the driver stepped out of the cab, he said the Filipino “punched me in the face and his friend pulled Dh2,360

from my shirt’s pocket and punched me several times.”

For his part, a police corporal said they arrested one of the Filipinos in the Al Jafiliya area after getting a tip on his whereabouts. n Joel Locsin / KBK, GMA News /

April 27, 2015 / 3:38 PM

P il ealt warns against fi ers preying on senior citizens MANILA - The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. on Friday urged all senior citizens to be vigilant against fixers who may be charging fees in exchange for assistance in facilitating their enrollment with Philhealth.

In the first place there really is no need to rush for enrollment since they can readily avail of PhilHealth benefits once they need it -- with or without a PhilHealth ID said Atty. Alexander Padilla Philhealth president and chief executive officer.

“They just need to present their senior citizen card and we have already coordinated with our accredited health care providers about this matter he added.

Since the effectivity of the law on November senior citizens have been ocking to the Local Health Insurance Offices to enroll in the program which unfortunately creates an opportunity for fixers to capitalize on the vulnerability of some senior citizens.

Do not deal with fixers. Enrollment in the

program is free. Please avoid being victimized by scams like this stressed Padilla.

PhilHealth issued Circular series of encouraging senior citizens to enroll with PhilHealth in coordination with their respective Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA or through any office designated by the Local Government in localities where they reside.

It also taps the Department of Social Welfare and Development senior citizen organizations duly registered with appropriate national agency any non-government organization or any nonprofit private organizations to ensure coverage of senior citizens.

We are encouraging bulk enrollment of senior citizens through OSCAs or any other recognized senior citizens groups. This will be more convenient for them emphasized Padilla.

Padilla said those who already have PhilHealth coverage under the Indigent or Sponsored Program need not register he added. Jet Villa / InterAksyon.com / May 1, 2015 / 7:28 PM

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May 2015 – No. 9 • UK & Europe Edition

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BBL, key reforms top Senate agenda as session resumes Monday MANILA – Senate President Franklin Drilon said Friday that the deliberation of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law and other key economic reforms bills, amendments to Revised Penal Code and creation of the Department of Information and Communications Technology will top the Senate agenda as session resumes Monday.

Drilon said that while the BBL remains the Senate’s top agenda item, the upper chamber would work for the passage of key legislation that would boost the country’s competitiveness in the face of the emerging opportunities

and challenges brought about by the ASEAN economic integration.

“The Bangsamoro Basic Law will receive special legislative attention in the coming weeks. We will devote extra time and effort to ensure the passage of a BBL that is constitutional, fair and inclusive -- one that will help end the decades of strife in Mindanao,” said Drilon.

“Once the committee on local government, chaired by Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. submits its report on the BBL to the body, we will immediately calendar it for discussion.

DFA team arrives in Nepal to check on, assist Filipinos after quake A crisis management team that the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi, India has reached Kathmandu, Nepal and has begun coordinating with the Filipino community there.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said that around 40 Filipinos in Nepal, which was hit by a devastating earthquake on Saturday, have contacted the embassy to confirm that they are safe.

The DFA is urging Filipinos in Nepal to contact the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi through +91 9910797014, +91 8587030863, +91 9650927535 or by email through philippineembassynewdelhi@ gmail.com.

They may also contact the embassy through Facebook.

“Kababayans in the Philippines who have not heard from their relatives in Nepal are invited to leave the name, address and contact details of the missing individuals on the Facebook Information Page of the Embassy. The Embassy will do its utmost to contact them,” the DFA said.

Families in the Philippines may also get in touch with the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs through 0917-5693073 or (02) 871-4503 for more information. n JDS, GMA News / April 27, 2015 / 10:38 PM

We expect strong debates on the oor over the passage of this bill. We all acknowledge the necessity of this piece of legislation to ensure genuine peace and growth for our brothers and sisters in Mindanao,” he added.

Drilon said the Senate would also devote attention to other bills, including economic reforms to help the country cope with regional developments, such as the ASEAN economic integration this year.

Other bills to be taken up include the proposed Tax Incentives Management and Transparency Act (TIMTA) and the creation of a Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), he said.

He said the passage of TIMTA, which gained support from business community, would promote transparency and accountability in the grant of tax incentives to business entities.

The creation of the DICT, also supported by the business leaders, would help the country manage and develop its burgeoning information and communications technology sector, according to Drilon.

He also said the Senate would work on legislation that would strengthen the public-private partnership scheme to address the infrastructure backlog in the country.

File photograph of Senate President Drilon by Jamin Verde

He said the Senate would work for the passage of the proposed Customs and Tariff Modernization Act (CTMA) to reduce smuggling and make customs procedure and operations more simple and transparent.

“We intend to advance the discussions on the CTMA to address the most pressing problems of the Bureau of Customs,” he said.

Apart from helping end the P200 billion annual dent on state revenues caused by smuggling and illegal transactions, Drilon said “automating the BOC’s systems and reducing human intervention would make customs procedures faster and more credible.”

He said the Senate would pass on third and final reading three proposed bills when session starts on Monday.

These include Senate Bill No. 2280, which seeks to amend the Probation Law of 1976; SBN 2518, which aims to remove the conditions for the condonation of all unpaid taxes due from local water districts; and House Bill No. 945, which seeks to declare the last full week of August as Armed Forces of the Filipino People Week.

Drilon said 33 Senate bills were already on advanced stages of legislation before the upper chamber went on recess last March. n Ernie Reyes / InterAksyon.com / May 1, 2015 / 4:52 PM

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PHILIPPINE EMBASSY AROUND THE WORLD

May 2015 – No. 9 • UK & Europe Edition

APEC Officials to meet again in Boracay for 2nd Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM2) and Ministers Responsible For Trade (MRT) Meeting PREPARATIONS are in full swing for the Second Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC Senior Officials Meeting and Related Meetings (SOM2), and the Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting which will be held back-to-back in Boracay Aklan from May to and May to respectively.

The world-famous Boracay Island will play host to around delegates including Senior Officials and Trade Ministers from the 21 APEC Economies. or this second round of the APEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM APEC delegates will continue the discussions that began last December at the Informal Senior Officials Meeting in Manila, which launched the APEC 2015 theme of “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World”, and which defined the APEC substantive agenda for the year ahead. This May Senior Officials are also expected to report on the progress of agreed work plans and projects discussed at the irst Senior Officials Meeting held last ebruary in Clark, Pampanga.

Considered as the midpoint of the APEC year SOM presents delegates with the uni ue opportunity to follow through on earlier commitments as well as to introduce additional measures to reinforce work on the APEC 2015 priorities:

Regional Economic Integration, SMEs’ Participation in Regional and Global Markets, Investment in Human Resource Development, and Building Sustainable and Resilient Communities.

The SOM2 series of meetings begin with 37 different technical working group-level meetings that tackle trade and investment liberalization, business facilitation, and economic cooperation in the fields of Oceans and isheries

ood Security Science Technology and Innovation Higher Education Human Resource Development Emergency Preparedness Internet Economy Connectivity Economic and Technical Cooperation Structural Reform Counter-Terrorism Telecommunication Tourism and Trade in Services. These technical meetings will culminate in the Senior Officials Meeting proper from May to in which Senior Officials will

review and build on working groups’ initiatives and recommendations.

Senior Officials will then report to the APEC Trade Ministers at the MRT meeting from May to .

Beyond the conference the Philippines as the APEC 2015 Chair and Host, will treat delegates to a relaxed gala dinner on the white powdery sand against the backdrop of the Boracay sunset. Local island avors will be featured at the dinner, while

mythical creatures from Philippine folklore will be the theme of the cultural presentation.

The island will be transformed into a world-class convention destination as APEC Meetings will be simultaneously conducted at the Shangri-la Resort Boracay Crown Regency Resort and Convention Center, and the Paradise Garden Resort Hotel and Convention Center. n Philippine Embassy Philippines / April 30, 2015

DFA Cautions Filipinos on Possible Scam Perpetrated Through Professional Social Media Networks on “Middle East Compensation Package” THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) warns the public of a possible scam using professional social networking sites to steal money from unsuspecting individuals.

The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi obtained information that some Filipino nationals received

messages sent through certain professional social networking sites regarding a compensation package from an organization called “Middle East Compensation Package”. The recipients were instructed to make arrangements with the paying bank for the release of this compensation. The phone number

and email address of the contact person were also provided by the sender.

Upon consultation by the Embassy with the bank’s IT and Fraud Department, it was determined that “phishing” is evident in the message, and that it was designed to steal money.

The bank requested the police to trace

the phone number indicated in the message.

Several overseas Filipinos have already been victimized by scam operators who have designed schemes promising business or personal partnerships.

The DFA urges the public to

exercise caution in communicating with unknown individuals through social networking sites, particularly in providing sensitive personal information and responding to untrusted internet offerings involving financial transactions. n Philippine

Embassy Philippines / April 23, 2015

Philippines, Mexico Push to Nominate Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade Route to World Heritage List AN Experts’ Roundtable Meeting was held at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) on April 23 as part of the preparation of the Philippines for the possible transnational nomination of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade Route to the World Heritage List jointly with Mexico.

The following are the experts and

the topics they discussed during the roundtable meeting: Dr. Celestina Boncan on the Tornaviaje Dr. Mary Jane A. Bolunia on Shipyards in the Bicol Region Mr. Sheldon Clyde Jagoon Bobby Orillaneda and Ligaya Lacsina on Underwater Archaeology Dr. Leovino Garcia on Maps and Cartography r. Rene Javellana S.J.

on ortifications in the Philippines elice Sta. Maria on ood Dr. ernando ialcita on Textile and Regalado Trota Jose on Historical Dimension. The papers presented and discussed during the roundtable meeting will be synthesized into a working document to establish the route’s Outstanding Universal Value.

(From left) Sheldon Clyde Jago-on, Dr. Mary Jane Louise Bolunia, Dr. Celestina Boncan, Felice Sta. Maria, Dr. Fernando Zialcita and Regalado Trota Jose during the roundtable meeting at the University of Sto. Tomas together with Philippines National Commission for UNESCO Culture Commissioners Eric Zerrudo (2nd from left) and Achitect Michael Manalo (rightmost).

The Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade bears its remarkable significance for linking four continents and two oceans, contributing to the development of trade in Asia, Europe, North and South America. It paved the way for the widest possible exchange of material goods, cultural traditions and practices, knowledge and belief systems and peoples. or some years it served as a formidable bridge between East and West. Today it is considered as an early manifestation of globalization having in uenced the politics philosophy commerce and trade development of almost the entire world. The Galleon Trade firmly put Manila on the world map as the largest trade hub in the Orient with solid historical links to its neighbors. The Route becomes

symbolic of UNESCO and the World Heritage Convention’s aims and objectives in establishing peace across nations through shared heritage and a culture of understanding.

The roundtable meeting and the nomination of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade Route to the World Heritage List are initiatives of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines and the Department of oreign Affairs in partnership with the UST Graduate School – Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics. ollowing the roundtable discussion of the Philippine experts, a series of meetings will be convened for its launch in the international community. n Philippine Embassy Philippines / April 28, 2015

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PHILIPPINE EMBASSY AROUND THE WORLD

May 2015 – No. 9 • UK & Europe Edition

PHL Calls for Urgent and Concrete Actions to Rid World of Nuclear Weapons THE Philippines called for urgent and concrete actions to rid the world of nuclear weapons while highlighting its own implementation of peaceful applications of nuclear energy.

“The Philippines believes that the only genuine way we can truly reaffirm our commitment to this Treaty is by demonstrating consistent and continued implementation of its provisions, through real, concrete, and urgent actions,” Ambassador Lourdes O. Yparraguirre, Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations, told States Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) at the General Debate of the 2015 NPT Review Conference.

Ambassador Yparraguirre also

called on States Parties to report on their implementation of the 64-Point Action Plan agreed on at the last Review Conference in 2010, which the Philippines successfully steered towards a successful conclusion.

The NPT is a landmark international treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, promoting cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to furthering the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament.

States Parties to the Treaty meet every five years to review the implementation of the Treaty’s provisions as well as to identify future actions.

Ambassador Yparraguirre disclosed

that the Philippines will submit its national report on the implementation of the 64-Point Action Plan which prescribes concrete actions in the areas of nuclear disarmament, nonproliferation, and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

“Any State Party’s credibility to advocate for urgent implementation of Treaty obligations will largely rest on its own actions. In this regard, the Philippines intends to submit its own report on the actions that my country had undertaken over the last five years to implement the 64-Point Action Plan adopted in 2010,” she said.

The Philippine Ambassador also stressed that the Review Conference must be able to re ect the continued

Ambassador Lourdes O. Yparraguirre delivers the Philippine statement at the General Debate of the 2015 NPT Review Conference. United Nations Photo Library.

lack of progress in the area of nuclear disarmament re ect the growing attention placed on the importance of the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons and calls for effective measures to fill the legal gap for the prohibition and elimination of nuclear weapons.

She underscored the need to ensure that the Conference on the

Establishment of a Middle East Free of Nuclear Weapons and All Other Weapons of Mass Destruction, as called for in the Outcome Document of the 2010 NPT Review Conference, be held at the soonest possible time.

The Philippines serves as VicePresident of the 2015 Review Conference which is chaired by Algeria. n Philippine Embassy Philippines / April 30, 2015

PHL Permanent Representative, UN General Assembly President Exchange Views on PHL Priorities in the UN AMBASSADOR Lourdes O. Yparraguirre, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations (UN), called on UN 69th General Assembly President Sam Kutesa on April 28 to exchange views on Philippine interests and priorities in the UN, as well as on a broad range of pressing international issues.

The two discussed issues of mutual interest including climate change, the post-2015 development agenda, financing for development, as well as

revitalization of the General Assembly and the Security Council.

They also talked about the prospects of having a female UN Secretary-General, one that the Philippines has strongly supported and called for in various UN fora.

Mr. Kutesa also expressed hope that the Philippines will participate at the Finance Ministers level in the upcoming Third International Conference on Financing for Development to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on July 13 to 16.

Mr. Kutesa was elected President of the United Nations General Assembly on June 11, 2014. He previously served as Uganda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs since 2005. His other priority areas for the session include advancing gender equality and empowerment of women, strengthening cooperation between the UN and regional organizations, peaceful settlement of disputes and peacebuilding, and enhancing the role of the UN Alliance of Civilizations. n Philippine Embassy Philippines / April 30, 2015

New Yorkers Encouraged to Establish PHL Links through Social Enterprise THE Philippine Consulate New York together with Gawad Kalinga (GK) Northeast USA hosted on April 22 the New York leg of the GK Social Business Conference in the United States entitled “Philippine Rising: the Gateway to Emerging Asian Markets for Inclusive Growth.” A three-part program was organized by the Consulate starting with a preevent with 2nd-Generation FilipinoAmericans, the book launch of “Genius of the Poor and film screening of the “Social Artist”.

During his welcome remarks, Philippine Consul General Mario Lopez de Leon, Jr. expressed appreciation to the GK delegation for including New York in the eight major US cities of the Social Entrepreneurship Roadshow from April 17 to May 04. GK has been the partner of the Build A Shelter Project (BASP), a community-based and Consulate General - led initiative, aimed at building 104 houses in four villages in Eastern Samar and Leyte in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan/ Yolanda. He also introduced two of the BASP convenors in the community, namely Atty. Ferdinand Suba and Zultan Bermudez.

The event started with a preevent meeting between GK Founder Tony Meloto and 2nd generation Filipino-Americans, which became an

opportunity for an exchange of insights and ideas on new and emerging windows to social entrepreneurship.

In attendance were four New York delegates from the Filipino American Youth Leadership Program - Rachelle Ocampo, Edward Santos, Steven Raga and Michael Vea; Pilipino American Unity for Progress (UNiPro) President Iris Zalun; and Gel de Guzman from Ramapo College who is scheduled to visit the Enchanted Farm this summer.

On GK’s side were Fabien Courteille, a social entrepreneur and owner of Plush and Play; “Genius of the Poor” author Thomas Graham; GK Executive Director Luis Oquinena; and two other young social entrepreneurs, Frank Chiu and Marie Cavosora.

During the discussion, Mr. Meloto emphasized the importance of building an economic platform for the sustainability of poor communities.

He underscored the innovation taking place at Gawad Kalinga’s Enchanted Farm in Bulacan which he described as a unique platform in raising 500,000 social entrepreneurs through a bottoms-up approach. He also underlined that creating a hybrid philantrophy and profit sustainability will help the poor rise up from poverty and eventually increase their viability in the marketplace. A vibrant exchange of ideas and questions ensued among

(Left photo) Philippine Consul General Mario L. De Leon, Jr. facilitates the pre-event meeting of GK Founder Tony Meloto with the 2012 and 2013 delegates of FilipinoAmerican Youth Leadership Program together with the Pilipino Unity for Progress, a community-based in New York. Also in the meeting are GK volunteers. (Right photo) in attendance are FYLPRO delegates Michael Vea (standing letmost), Edward Santos (standing 5th from right), Steven Raga (standing 4th from right) and Rachel Ocampo (sitting 3rd from right). GK Founder Tony Meloto (middle) are with Executive Director Luis Oquinena (2nd from left), social entrepreneur Fabien Courteille (standing 7th from left) and other GK vouluteers. Consul General de Leon (middle) facilitates the meeting. With him are the BASP convenors Atty. Ferdinand Suba (standing 7th from left) and Zultan Bermudes (5th from left) and Cultural Officer Olive Osias-Magpile (standing rightmost). Also in the photo is Manny Osmeña of Movenpick (Standing 4th from left).

the 2nd-generation participants focusing on how the recent technology and innovation could accelerate social investments and empower social entrepreneurs as envisioned by GK. At the book launch, Thomas Graham, a social entrepreneur and British journalist, shared his transformative experiences with Gawad Kalinga communities in the Philippines when he was writing the book. The book, “The Genius of the Poor” recounts closet heroes who are waiting for an opportunity to sustain themselves and help build the country.

It also narrates the living examples of social entrepreneurs who create jobs by partnering with the poor thereby helping address poverty. The book has already been translated into French, and will be published in several other countries within a year, said Thomas.

GK Executive Director Luis Oquinena conveyed GK’s appreciation to the Filipinos abroad for caring for our suffering kababayan’s back home.

He recognized their role, whether philanthropy or social enterprise, in GK’s work in reaching out to the poor living in disaster-stricken and even con ict-prone areas in the Philippines.

He emphasized that the gathering in New York will strengthen the hope, power and resilience of the most needy back home knowing that they are being cared for. He particularly mentioned the first houses of the Build A Shelter Project as among the first of the GK houses built after Typhoon Haiyan hit Eastern Samar and Leyte.

Mr. Manny Osmeña of Cebu, owner of Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Ceby and Ibiza Beach Club Cebu and founder of Manny O wines, also spoke

about his experience with GK. He is a big supporter of GK’s projects for the poor and provided funds for 100 houses in Typhoon Haiyan-ravaged towns like Hernani in Eastern Samar and Bantayan Island in Cebu.

Following the remarks was the film screening of Social Artists written and directed by Sheila Yusay, a photographer by profession from Bacolod but have lived in New York for years. The film which was her first portrays labor of love and restoring hope and dignity among impoverished Filipino communities as demonstrated

by G and personified by its founder Tony Meloto.

The event was attended by more than 80 guests from the Filipino and mainstream communities in New York and nearby cities. n Philippine Embassy Philippines / April 30, 2015

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www.hello-philippines.com

May 2015 – No. 9 • UK & Europe Edition

CCP names Thirteen Artists Awardees THE Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) has unveiled the awardees of the 2015 Thirteen Artist Awards (TAA), who will be staging a group exhibition on September 3, 2015.

Chris Millado, CCP’s vice president and artistic director said in a press conference at CCP on Wednesday, April 29, ”The 2015 edition of Thirteen Artists Awards (TAA) is the 16th time we’re holding the awards and the reason why the awards has had its long life is because of its impact in the visual arts movement. When it was started years ago, more than 170 artists have joined its list of esteemed visual artists and quite a few have joined the ranks of National Artists.”

The 2015 TAA awardees are Buen Abrigo, Martha Atienza, Zean Bajar Cabangis, Ernest Concepcion, Vermont Coronel, Dexter Fernandez, Mark Andy Garcia, Nikki Luna, Hanna Pettyjohn, Mervy Pueblo, Mark Valenzuela, Alvin Zafra, and JeonaZoleta.

The awardees bested other artists

as chosen by this year’s panel of jurors: namely, Jaime De Guzman, Mark Justiniani, Julie Lluch, Pam YanSantos, who were past TAA awardees themselves. Joining the panel of jurors is Boots Herrera, CCP Visual Arts and Museum DIvision’s director.

On what made this year’s awardees stand out from the rest, Herrera told InterAksyon, “I was looking at the direction each artist is pursuing, being consistent with the sensibilities, the sincerity of his or her work, and not just doing it to satisfy the market.”

She added, “They have different mediums, there was a variety that we are all happy about. When we had the final list all five of us were saying it’s a good mix in terms of medium, material and form that again re ects what is happening in the art scene.”

Cash grants to defray cost of materials for the group exhibition and a trophy designed by Juan Alcazaren will be received by each awardee in a formal recognition happening at the same date of the exhibit opening. The exhibition will be curated by Jonathan

Olazo. Both Olazo and Alcazaren are past TAA awardees as well.

The group exhibit is something to look forward to, Millado shared, “Walking into a Thirteen Artists exhibit has always been very challenging. It’s one thing to just stop and stare at an artwork and feel good about it. It’s another thing to feel good about it, and feel disturbed, bothered, and at the same time, have images embedded in your mind and invade your dreams.

Most of the time, these are the kinds of work that find its way into the Thirteen Artists Awards exhibits.”

Started in 1970 as a curatorial guide for an exhibition by former CCP museum director Roberto Chabet, TAA was later adopted as a biennial award by Raymundo Albano. The awards looked for artists who took the “chance and risk to restructure, restrengthen, and renew art making and art thinking.”

In 2009, it has become a triennial award administered by CCP-VAMD. Since then, 172 artists have been given recognition in the fields of

The awardees of this year’s Thirteen Artist Awards, from left, are BuenAbrigo, Alvin Zafra, Ernest Concepcion, Nikki Luna, Mark Andy Garcia, Vermont Coronel Jr., Mark Valenzuela, Mervy Pueblo, Dexter Fernandez, JeonaZoleta, and Hanna Pettyjohn. Photo by RomsanneOrtiguero, InterAksyon.com.

painting, sculpture, mixed and multimedia, and installation art.

Millado shared, “The impact of the Thirteen Artists Awards is that it showcases excellence. Excellence in many ways; excellence in terms of skills, more importantly in the way it challenges existing norms, the way it questions, interrogates, and introduces a new vocabulary in terms of the visual arts movement.

“I think this is the primary contribution of most artists who have joined the ranks of the Thirteen Artists

Awards—the way it shakens the arts community so that we’ll come up with fresher points of view. We have come up with an exciting engagement among the visual arts community, and in the other art genres as well.”

He added, “Another reason why it has great impact on CCP and in the arts and culture (scene) in general is that it showcases original works by Filipino artists and the range of works have always been engaging and exciting.” n Text and photo by Romsanne Ortiguero / Lifestyle

Section / InterAksyon.com / May 1, 2015 / 4:53 PM

Bulusan Volcano ejects steam and ash

File photo of past Bulusan volcanic activity by InterAksyon.com

CONSISTENT

MANILA - The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), in its 1:30 p.m. advisory Friday, disclosed that Bulusan Volcano (12.7667°N, 124.0500°E) situated in Sorsogon Province, produced a steam and ash explosion which lasted for 5 minutes based on seismic records.

The volcanic activity was recorded at 8:09 a.m., although it may not have been observed visually due to thick rain clouds covering the summit.

“At around 10:30 a.m., when the crater became visible, strong to moderate, dirty white steaming was observed, reaching

200 meters high and drifting westnorthwest coming from the northwest vent of the volcano,” Phivolcs said.

Only five (5) volcanic earthquakes were detected during the past week by the Bulusan seismic network, but after the steam and ash explosion, the network recorded approximately 40 volcanic earthquakes.

Alert Level 0 status currently prevails over Bulusan Volcano, Phivolcs added.

However, local government units and the public are reminded that entry to the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) remains strictly prohibited

due to the possibility of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions.

Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejecta from any sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft.

“Furthermore, people living within valleys and along river/stream channels should be vigilant against sedimentladen stream flows and lahars in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall,” Phivolcs underscored. n InterAksyon.com /

May 1, 2015 / 2:18 PM

In chamber of millionaires, workers’ representative is poorest

MANILA -- Mirroring social reality, a lawmaker representing the country’s poorest sectors stood out in a chamber of millionaires for his lack of wealth.

The 2014 Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth of Fernando Hicap of the Anakpawis party-list, which was made public Thursday, showed him with a net worth of 95,572 -- P90,572.65 in the bank and P5,000 in appliances, with no liabilities.

Hicap was one of four party-list lawmakers from the Makabayan coalition, the main leftist bloc in the House of Representatives, who beat their colleagues in making their SALNs public.

The others were Neri Colmenares and Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna and Antonio Tinio of ACT Teachers.

Colmenares’ SALN showed a total net worth of P2,387,473.07, the difference between P3,462,583.90 in assets -- a housing unit, a parking lot, an inherited lot, his vehicle and money in the bank -- and P1,075,110 in liabilities -- a housing loan, car loan, personal loan and credit card loan -- or

an increase of P135,898.15 from his 2013 net worth of P2,251,574.92.

Zarate had a total net worth of P1,772,774.46, with assets of P2,377,774.46 and liabilities of P605,000.

Tinio’s net worth was P2,326,242 -P8,356,992 in assets and P6,030,749 in liabilities.

Although worth more than a million pesos, the assets of Colmenares, Zarate and Tinio place them well in the bottom rungs of House millionaires, where billionaire boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, who represents Sarangani province and has consistently been the richest lawmaker since he entered the chamber in 2010. His 2013 SALN showed him with a net worth of P1.345 billion.

Closely trailing him that year, with a net worth of P922.8 million, was Leyte Representative Imelda Marcos, widow of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who together are accused of plundering the country over 14 years of strongman rule ended only by the 1986 People Power uprising. In third

place was Speaker Feliciano Belmonte with P819.749 million.

Hicap’s current net worth, in fact, is a substantial leap of P57,850 from the P37,722 he declared in his 2013 SALN. Explaining this increase in “wealth,” the Anakpawis lawmaker said: “Galing ‘yan sa mga naipon ko sa suweldo at sa mga natipid ko sa mga nakaraang taon (That is from what I saved from my salary and from the past years).”

Interviewed by phone, the 53-yeard old Hicap said he only owns an old television and a gas range. The very few other appliances he has at home are mostly borrowed from friends.

Hicap was a small fisherman in Sorsogon province before moving to Manila to work fulltime with Pamalakaya, or the National Federation of Small Fisherfolks Organizations in the Philippines, and Anakpawis, which literally means “children of sweat” and represents marginalized labor, fisherfolk and farmers.

He joined the House in 2013 after Anakpawis gained enough votes for a single seat.

Anakpawis Representative Fernando Hicap (file photo)

Hicap was one of the four partylist lawmakers who beat their colleagues at the House in making public their SALN. Traditionally, most of the 290 House members do not voluntarily disclose the details of their wealth, although, like all government officials and employees they are re uired to file their SALNs the sworn declaration detailing net worth,

by April 30 every year.

The lawmakers file their SALNs with the Office of the Secretary General in the House, which posts summaries on the chamber’s website two to three weeks after. However, the details of a lawmaker’s SALN can only be released with his or her consent, according to a memorandum circular issued earlier by House secretary general Marilyn Barua Yap. n Lira Dalangin-Fernandez / InterAksyon.com / May 1, 2015 / 7:37 AM

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NEWS

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May 2015 – No. 9 • UK & Europe Edition

LENTE calls attention to possible implications of biometrics, PCOS issues on 2016 polls MANILA - The elections watchdog Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) on Thursday called attention to issues that it said could affect the credibility of the national elections in 2016, including the possible delisting of voters without biometric credentials and the availability of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines.

In a news forum, the group said that the following major issues should be addressed in order to have an orderly and credible conduct of the polls next year.

Appointments in the Commission on Elections (Comelec). The three vacancies in the Comelec, including the post of chairperson should be filled up by independent and election-experiences

individuals to the commission. LENTE called on President Aquino to consider appointing Comelec career officials in these vacancies.

System to be used in elections.

Comelec should decide at once whether to go automated, semi-automated or manual, especially in the light of the Supreme Court’s decision nullifying Comelec’s contract with Smartmatic on the repair and refurbishment of the old PCOS machines.

Compliance with election laws and prevalence of election offenses. With the advent of automation, which made it difficult for politicians to manipulate the machines, politicians could train their sights on buying votes. LENTE observed the prevalence of cases of

PAALAM DREAMWEAVER

vote-buying in the 2013 election, yet, no one has been prosecuted. The group said that Comelec should be vigilant against people violating election laws.

Disenfranchised voters because of the lack of biometrics. LENTE

estimated that at least two million voters will be deactivated due to the lack of their biometrics data. In an InterAksyon report in February this year, the Comelec was quoted as saying that 4.7 million voters run the risk of being not able to vote in the May 2016 elections for not having their biometric credentials encoded in the voter database.

Under Republic Act 10367 or the Mandatory Biometrics Registration Act of 2013, they cannot vote in next

year’s elections without properly accomplishing their biometric record.

LENTE said that election results would never be credible if a significant

number of people are deprived of the opportunity to exercise their right to suffrage. n Lira Dalangin-Fernandez / InterAksyon. com / April 30, 2015 / 6:08 PM

‘National Living Treasure’ Lang Dulay, 91, dies

File photo of South Cotabato’s pride and famed “dreamweaver” Be’ Lang Dulay. Source: Facebook page of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -South Cotabato’s pride and famed “dreamweaver” Be’ Lang Dulay passed away on Thursday afternoon after being in coma for nearly three months due to a mild stroke.

The 91-year-old T’boli princess died at around 3 p.m. at her home in Sitio Tukolefa, Barangay Lamdalag in Lake Sebu, said Cesar Sulit Jr., South Cotabato’s senior tourism operations officer.

Sulit said Lang Dulay’s family brought her home after being discharged from a hospital in Koronadal City.

“We already informed the governor

(South Cotabato Gov. Daisy AvanceFuentes) about the sad news this afternoon and some arrangements are now being made with (the Dulay) family,” he told PNA. Lang Dulay, who was named a national living treasure in 1998 by then President Fidel Ramos, suffered a mild stroke in late January and has been in comatose since.

A report posted in CNN Philippines quoted Professor Framer CristyMella, chairperson of the North Cotabato Network of Women, as saying that Lang Dulay’s ventilator was removed by doctors last Tuesday.

But Mella, who personally visited Lang Dulay, said the latter was still alive then but remained comatose.

Lang Dulay was known for her contributions in the preservation of the T’boli culture through the tribe’s famed T’nalak fabric.

In 1998, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts conferred the National Living Treasure (Manlilikha ng Bayan) award on Dulay for her efforts in promoting the T’boli culture and for her fine craftsmanship as a T’nalak “dreamweaver.” n Philippine News Agency / May 1, 2015 / 12:09 AM

MMDA opens new route along EDSA for Express bus service next week STARTING next week, another route is set to be opened for the Express bus service plying along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Thursday.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said the new route will cover the distance from Mother Ignacia Street in Quezon City to Ayala Avenue in Makati City and vice versa after a consensus was reached between the agency and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) during a meeting in Makati City.

Tolentino, however, was reluctant to accede to a DOTC proposal to further expand the bus scheme to run through other areas in Metro Manila besides the current Fairview-Makati City route.

Tolentino said there is still a need to determine the viability of the project, particularly the acceptance and patronage of the commuters.

“We have to prove that the project is viable before we talk about expansion,” said Tolentino.

It was noted that during the twoweek pilot testing for the Fairview-

Makati City route, buses participating in the express system recorded a low turnout of passengers.

Concerned with the failure to attract passengers, MMDA and DOTC agreed to implement some improvements in the express bus system wherein the new route from Mother Ignacia to Ayala Avenue has been added.

The express bus scheme aims

to make travel faster along Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfare by making only several stops from the terminal to its destination.

The buses are also allowed to use mixed traffic lanes and underpasses along EDSA. Out of the initial 50 buses, around 27 are now deployed for the extended pilot run until next month. n Clara

Masinag / InterAksyon.com / May 1, 2015 / 6:07 AM

Boy cools down in a fountain in Shanghai.

MAG-INGAT SA HEATSTROKE Heat index may reach 40 degrees Celsius until Labor Day weekend - Pagasa MANILA - Metro Manila and some other parts of Luzon should take “extreme caution” against heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or worse, heat stroke as the heat index -- temperature as felt by the human body -- may reach 40 degrees Celsius starting Thursday, the state weather bureau warned.

Data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) showed that the human discomfort index in Metro Manila will likely reach 39.7 and 40.4 degrees Celsius on Thursday and Friday, respectively.

Tuguegarao and Laoag are also expected to record heat index that may reach around 40 degrees Celsius until Labor Day weekend as actual air

temperatures tend to feel hotter once combined with other factors such as relative humidity or amount of water vapor in an area.

High relative humidity makes it difficult for the human body to release heat through sweat.

“Continuing activity could result [in] heat stroke,” Pagasa said.

The state weather bureau advises the public to stay indoors as much as possible to avoid full exposure to sunshine, wear lightweight and lightcolored clothes to reflect the sun’s energy, regularly drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, eat small meals but more often, and avoid eating foods high in protein to reduce metabolic heat. n Rommel Rio / News 5 / April 30, 2015 / 7:07 AM

NEWS

May 2015 – No. 9 • UK & Europe Edition

www.hello-philippines.com

37

Many factors helped save Mary Jane, but PNoy deserves credit on reprieve MEL STA. MARIA

THE leaders of Australia, Nigeria, Brazil and Ghana were not able to get a reprieve for their nationals on Indonesia’s death row. But President Aquino did.

There will be critics saying that PNoy has nothing to do with the postponement of the death penalty’s implementation on Mary Jane Veloso granted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo. They will animadvert, for example, that the power of social media, both local and foreign to Indonesia, was responsible, that pure neighborly courtesy did it, and that sectors internal to Indonesia pressured its President. Undeniably, all of these may have contributed.

But let us give credit where credit is also due. In this particular issue, President Aquino deserves our praise.

We must remember that just a few days, nay hours, before the scheduled execution, hope seemed to have vanished. President Widodo appeared to be very unbending on the execution. Even the Philippine Daily Inquirer appeared to be so sure that in its April 29, 2015–issue, it erroneously headlined “Death came before Dawn” and with another sub-headline

saying “Aquino, ‘last chance’, appeal strategy fail.” But now we know that the complete opposite is true. Mary Jane Veloso is still alive and Aquino’s strategy succeeded. And the Filipino nation is joyful.

The decision by Indonesian President Widodo could not have been made without very high official intervention. And in fact, this was confirmed by the Indonesian Attorney General s office with its spokesman Tony Spontana, saying the execution

was “postponed due to the request of the Philippine President in relation to an alleged human trafficker who recently gave herself up in the Philippines.” Even if the Indonesian President s final decision granting a reprieve were motivated by some factors other than the Philippine President’s request, surely such request must have impacted the Indonesian President for him to take another look at Mary Jane’s situation and, at the last minute, against all

Presidents Aquino and Widodo were together at the 2015 ASEAN Leaders Summit in Malaysia. Malacanang Photo Bureau

previous official pronouncements finally grant the reprieve.

Personal gestures of a President to another President cannot be underestimated especially if done correctly in the right manner given the situation. As my friend Atty. Bong Alikpala, who has extensive work in helping our OFWs abroad, stated in his Facebook: “the fact that no diplomatic threats were issued by Filipinos, unlike the Australians, was surely noted and appreciated by the Indonesians.”

Moreover, no ultimatum was set, not only because the Philippines cannot afford to do so, but because international law dictates that “domestic jurisdiction” of a particular state must be respected and not intruded upon by another state. In making the request, President Aquino risked being accused of violating this rule, at least indirectly. There is also that delicate move of making sure that, in so seeking Mary Jane’s freedom, the Philippines does not make it create an impression that Indonesia’s judicial system is wrong and inept thus risking a more hard-line stance from the Indonesian government.

That is another risk -- starting a

strained relationship between the two countries.

But President Aquino nevertheless took those risks as, morally, it was the right thing to do. Ignoring President Aquino could have been very easy for President Widodo, but he did not. Whatever President Aquino did and said must have been correct for, undeniably, they paved the way for the reversal of Indonesia’s seemingly unchanging Indonesian policy, at least for Mary Jane, a Filipina.

Much work has to be done. A small window has been opened. And the remarkable thing is that, despite what transpired, the Philippines and Indonesia are still very good friends.

Now, President Aquino must be advised by the very best experts for a situation such as this, and do the very best he can to finally pave the way for Mary Jane’s freedom. For in the end, a successful conclusion might just be the singular event that will be etched in many Filipinos’ mind as the symbolic act defining Pnoy s Presidency his passion for freedom and doing everything to achieve and preserve it for the Filipino people, wherever they are. n Mel Sta. Maria / April 30, 2015 / 10:53 AM

Sergio, Lacanilao ordered to appear at preliminary hearing on Veloso case recruiter in Malaysia to hand over luggage to be brought to Indonesia.

Veloso said she received the luggage in Malaysia but without her knowledge that it concealed a some 2.6 kilograms of heroin.

The contraband was intercepted by Indonesian authorities upon her arrival at Yogyakarta airport.

Sergio and Lacanilao are currently under protective custody at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame after they sought protection due to alleged threats to their lives.

The DOJ has already created a task force headed by Justice Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar to dig deeper into the Veloso case, particularly on the angle that she was victimized by a drug syndicate. n Brian Maglungsod / InterAksyon.com / April 30, 2015 / 5:01 PM

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MANILA - The alleged recruiter of death row convict Mary Jane Veloso and her live-in-partner have been ordered by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to appear during the preliminary hearing of the human trafficking charges against them.

The subpoena issued by Assistant State Prosecutor Susan Azarcon directed Ma. Kristina Sergio and Julius Lacanilao to appear on May 8 and 14 at 2 p.m.

Azarcon also directed the two to submit their respective counter-affidavits in the illegal recruitment human trafficking and estafa charges filed against them before the DOJ by the National Bureau of Investigation-Anti-Trafficking Division (NBI-ATRAD).

Also charged along with Sergio and Lacanilao is their alleged cohort, a man of African descent called “Ike.” “Ike” reportedly met with Veloso and her

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SPORTS

www.hello-philippines.com

May 2015 – No. 9 • UK & Europe Edition

BOXING

Floyd Mayweather overcomes Manny Pacquiao, wins megafight by unanimous decision loyd Mayweather remained undefeated and became the unified welterweight champion after hurdling ilipino boxing icon Manny Pac uiao in a fight between two generational talents in what was billed as The Battle for Greatness on Sunday at the MGM Grand in Las egas Nevada.

Mayweather now - in his career proved his technical prowess in a unanimous decision victory over the

eight-division world champion. He won on one scorecard and in the other two in a decisive victory.

The man they call Money was able to use his reach and defensive ability to avoid Manny s punching power and did enough with his own offense to win the fight. The Compubox numbers had loyd outlanding Manny on total punches.

The aggressive Pac uiao showed

AFP

ashes of his vaunted offense moving forward for much of the contest. But he played into a lot of what his opponent wanted to do as Mayweather landed on counters and lead punches all night long.

Mayweather cemented his place among the pantheon of boxing greats by improving to - with a unanimous decision over Pac uiao in a fight that lived up to its immense hype and price tag.

Mayweather weathered an early assault by the ilipino southpaw and then won the later rounds to finish ahead on all three judges scorecards in a welterweight showdown that is expected to be the top grossing prize fight of all-time.

When the history books are written it was worth the wait Mayweather said in the ring after a fight that was over five years in the making.

Though Pac uiao repeatedly forced Mayweather to backpedal the wily

American blunted his opponent s best efforts by using his renowned defensive skills while getting in several telling jabs and punches of his own.

Mayweather and Pac uiao had promised to deliver on years of hype and give fans their money s worth and were true to their word in delivering everything but a knockout.

Manny Pac uiao is a hell of fighter I see now why he is at the pinnacle of boxing Mayweather said after an emotional embrace with Pac uiao. I m a smart fighter I outboxed him.

We knew what we had to do. He s a tough competitor a very awkward fighter and I had to take my time and watch him closely.

Mayweather is guaranteed at least a million payday from the title bout that had been dubbed the ight of the Century and he said in the ring that his next fight will be his last.

My next fight in September will be my last and I will retire - said the -year-old American.

The spectators packed an MGM Grand Garden Arena that crackled with energy as the rich and famous settled into their ringside seats.

Actors Clint Eastwood Robert De Niro Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington rubbed shoulders with sports celebrities such as Michael Jordan New England Patriots uarterback Tom Brady and billionaire Donald Trump.

With ringside seats commanding six-figure sums on the resale market even the very wealthy and very famous were forced to call in favors to secure a golden ticket while an estimated to fight fans ooded into the desert gambling capital to be part of the buzz.

It is a good fight. I thought I won the fight. He didn t do nothing. He always moved outside said Pac uiao who dropped to - - . I got him many times. I threw the punches and I thought I won the fight. n AFP / InterAksyon. com / May 3, 2015 / 12:35 PM

BOXING

Pacquiao fought Mayweather with injured shoulder MANNY Pacquiao was nursing a right shoulder injury when he climbed into the ring against Floyd Mayweather, according to an online news report.

Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports reported that the Filipino ring icon suffered a shoulder injury three to four weeks before the fight. Pacquiao reportedly took anti-inflammatory shots during his training camp, but was denied from

doing so prior to the fight by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

The report added that Pacquiao could be out nine months for shoulder surgery.

Pacquiao lost by unanimous decision to Mayweather in a fight that saw him uncharacteristically throwing fewer punches than his opponent. n JST, GMA News / May 3, 2015 / 2:35 PM

Sinag Pilipinas wallops Singapore to cap perfect run to SEABA gold THE Philippine national men s basketball team thrashed host Singapore to complete its dominant run to the SEABA Championship gold medal riday night at OCBC Arena.

It was the seventh SEABA title for the Philippines which stamped its class anew as the the top basketball team in the region.

Sinag Pilipinas simply toyed with all of its opponents winning by an average margin of . points en route to a perfect - record in the tournament.

Naturalized center Marcus Douthit who had a uiet performance in the team s past games lorded the paint against smaller opponents for points and seven rebounds. iefer Ravena added points while Jiovanie Jalalon finsihed with points on perfect shooting (four-of-four field goals four-of-four free throws to go along with four assists.

Unlike in its past games Sinag Pilipinas had a slow start before pulling away late. The ilipinos exchanged baskets with the Singaporeans early in the first uarter with the hosts even taking a - lead at the fifth minute after free throws by Wei Long Wong.

But Jiovani Jalalon nailed a jumper

then Marcus Douthit completed an and-one to ignite an - run that put the ilipinos ahead after the first uarter.

The ilipinos never looked back and eventually took a -point halftime lead - which they extended to in the third uarter.

The Singaporeans trimmed it to entering the final frame where

FIBA photo

both teams failed to score double digits. But that didn t stop the ilipinos from running away with the gold.

The title cemented the ilipinos ticket to the IBA Asia Championship in China this September. They will be joined by Malaysia and Singapore in the tournament that serves as a ualifier for the Olympics in Brazil. n InterAksyon.com /, May 1, 2015 / 9:31 PM

Sports5 file/JojoLirio Jr.

FOOTBALL

Phil and James Younghusband headline Azkals stars joining UFL All-Star Weekend THE country’s best football players team up as they banner the 2015 United Football League All-Star Weekend on Saturday at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

National team stars and Loyola Meralco Sparks members Phil and James Younghusband banner the All-Filipino team who will go up against the Rest of the World squad spearheaded by Global FC talisman Izzo Elhabib and Ceres-La Salle FC’s Adrian Gallardo.

Many notable Azkals players will be boosting the All-Filipino team, with Global FC’s Mark Hartmann and Misagh Bahadoran, Stallion FC’s Simone Rota and Ceres’ Martin Steuble, among others also in the lineup. They will be coached by Ceres head coach Ali Go. The Rest of the World team boasts the country’s top foreign players, with Global

FC’s Roland Sadia and Pachanga-Diliman’s Hamed Hajimehdi, among others, joining Elhabib. They will be helmed by former Azkals coach Simon McMenemy of the Loyola Meralco Sparks.

The All-Star Game that will kick off at 8:15 p.m. will culminate the day’s festivities which will begin at 5:15 p.m. with the Western Visayas Classic, a match between UFL players hailing from football hotbeds Iloilo and Negros Occidental, serving as an appetizer.

An entertaining spectacle will also happen at 7:30 p.m. when 100 youth players aged nine below get the chance to face the 11 captains of UFL Division One in an exhibition match.

Parts of the UFL All-Star Weekend’s proceeds will go to Operation Smile and LBC Foundation. n InterAksyon.com / April 24,

2015 / 6:05 PM

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Phil and James SinagPilipinas Floyd Mayweather Pacquiao Younghusband wallops fought overcomes Manny Pacquiao, wins Mayweather headline Azkals Singapore to cap with injured stars joining UFL perfect run to megafight by unanimous decision shoulder All-Star Weekend SEABA gold Story on page 38

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BOXING

‘HE’S A TRUE CHAMPION AT HEART’

Floyd Mayweather praises Manny Pacquiao after megafight

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UNDEFEATED American boxer and unified welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. may have conquered the challenge that is eight-division champ Manny Pacquiao on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) but his respect for the Filipino boxing icon stands as strong as ever.

“He’s a heck of a fighter. And I tip my hat off to Manny Pacquiao. Now I see why he’s one of the guys on the pinnacle of the sport of boxing,” Mayweather said moments after the decision was announced.

Mayweather used his technical prowess – and his excellent gameplan – to stay a step ahead of Pacquiao in the contest.

He was able to avoid being put in dangerous situations while neatly outlanding his opponent, according to the Compubox stats.

“I know he was going to push it. I know he was going to win some rounds. You know he had moments in the fight. But I kept him on the outside. I’m a smart fighter. I outboxedhim.

I wasn’t getting hit with a lot of shots. Until I sat right there in the pocket, that’s when he was landing a lot of shots,” he said.

“We did what we had to do tonight.”

Mayweather gave credit to his father and trainer, Floyd Sr., who helped him train for the much anticipated clash with Pacquiao.

But he saved most of the praise for his opponent in the megafight, which, despite being five years in the making, Mayweather believes will be “worth the wait” according to the history books.

“Manny Pacquiao’s a tough competitor. He’s a true champion at heart. And we both did our best tonight.” n InterAksyon.com / May 3, 2015 / 2:32 PM

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