November 2012 B issue

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PHILIPPINES Connecting Global News & Views For The Community

UK & Europe Edition

November 2012 / Fortnightly

Volume 3 - Number 21

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JENNIFER LOPEZ ON PINOY FANS: ‘They are so supportive and loving’ FR Jimenez, GMA News

EXCITED na umano ang Latina superstar na si Jennifer Lopez sa nakatakda niyang one-night-only concert sa Mall of Asia Arena sa Lunes, November 26.

Sa Chika Minute ng GMA news 24 Oras nitong Miyerkules, tiniyak ni Jennifer na mag-e-enjoy ang lahat sa gagawn niyang concert sa Pilipinas

na bahagi ng kanyang “J.Lo Dance Again World Tour.”

“It has a lot of energy,” pahayag ng dating American Idol judge.

“You’re gonna get all the songs that you know me for and a couple of new ones too. It’s very theatrical in a sense, it kind of tells a story.”

Alam ni JLo na marami siyang Pinoy fans at natutuwa umano siya dahil masipag silang makipag-

ugnay sa pamamagitan ng social networking site.

“They are so supportive and loving.

They are like, ‘Come to Manila!’ And I am like, ‘I am coming!,’” masaya niyang kwento.

Sa pag-imbita ni Jennifer sa kanyang Pinoy fans, tiniyak niya na magiging masaya ang gabi ng kanyang concert sa MOA Arena sa November 26. ■ (©GMA

©J.Lo Philippines Twitter Fan Page

News – November 21, 2012)

PHL THIRD TOP GLOBAL RECIPIENT OF REMITTANCES

THE Philippines remains the third top recipient of remittances in the world, receiving $24 billion by end of 2012, according to a World Bank report.

Only India ($70 billion) and China ($66 billion) are getting more in remittances, said the institution.

Mexico ties the Philippines in 3rd place, while Nigeria closely follows in fourth with $24 billion.

According to the World Bank Migration and Development Brief issued on Wednesday, November 21 (Manila time), most of the remittances are from Filipinos working in the Middle East.

The report also said that remittance flows to developing countries are expected to exceed earlier estimates and reach $406 billion by end of 2012, a 6.5-percent increase from 2011. These are also expected to

increase by 8 percent in 2013 and 10 percent in 2014 to reach $534 billion in 2015. The WB also expects remittances sourced from the US, the Gulf Cooperation Council and Russia in particular will grow in the next few years.

The estimate for this ye ar, $406 billion, is now more than three times that of official development assistance (ODAs) going to these countries.

The Philippines has more than 9 million overseas workers, the bulk of them in Saudi Arabia (1.2 million).

There are 750,000 Filipino workers in Europe, mostly in France, Italy and Spain.

The report said “harsh rhetoric and policies hostile towards migrants in Europe” could discourage the flow of migrants there in the future. The continuing Eurozone crisis has also affected outward remittance flows

and increased unemployment rates for migrants there.

Resilience Global remittances have shown “remarkable resilience” since the global financial crisis, registering only a modest fall in 2009, said the report, though remittances to some regions have lessened, particularly Europe, Central Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

The WB also noted that migrant workers adjust easily to economic crises by lessening personal expenses and sending more money to their families back home.

Migrant workers also tend to be more adaptable to the vicissitudes of the global financial crisis than native workers, such as responding to “a shrinking construction sector by moving to other services and trade sectors.”

“Naturalized citizens have been

better able to make this change compared with native-born and foreign-born non-citizens, which includes undocumented migrants,” said the report.

The WB attributes the US’ resumed economic growth largely “because migrant employment

picked up considerably and faster than employment of native workers since 2009 and has recovered to the pre-crisis level.”

The US is the largest recipient of migrants from developing countries and largest sender of remittances. ■ (©GMA News – November 21, 2012)

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Business & Finance

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November 2012 / Fortnightly – No. 21 • UK & Europe Edition

Business groups score Senate for slow action on reform measures Ben Arnold O. De Vera, InterAksyon.com BUSINESS organizations warn that the Aquino administration’s reform measures won’t be in place by the time its term ends in 2016 given the Senate’s slow action on a number of key legislation.

Officials of the Bankers Association of the Philippines, Business Processing Association of the Philippines, Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Federation of Philippine Industries, Financial Executives of the Philippines, Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines, Management Association of the Philippines, Makati Business Club and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry met with

House leaders last week to air their sentiments.

In the said meeting, the business groups noted that of the 30 economic bills passed in the 15th Congress, only 9 had been enacted into law, with 16 languishing at the Senate.

Businessmen are worried that the government would be unable to make big strides in its economic reform agenda given the preparations for next year’s mid-term elections.

“Legislation is usually a multi-year and even multi-Congress process, but elections work like a reset button.

If there are difficulties maintaining momentum across legislative terms, this administration is at risk of not completing key reforms before the Aquino presidency ends in 2016.

The country should continue to strive to move at least twice as fast to realize its full economic potential,” American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines senior adviser John D. Forbes said in a statement issued over the weekend.

The business groups enjoined Congress to pass the following bills on: • Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas charter amendments; • Common carriers and gross

Philippine billings taxes on airlines; • Creation of a Department of Information and Communications Technology; • Design Council Act; • Direct remittance to local government units of their 40-percent share from national wealth taxes; • Excise taxes on alcohol, tobacco and cigarettes; • Excise taxes on minerals; • Fair Competition; • Freedom of Access to Information; • Land Administration Reform Act; and • Reproductive Health “We trust government’s commitment in undertaking legislative reform to ensure that our strong growth is sustainable

and inclusive. Good laws attract investors and encourage businesses by creating a secure, predictable, and level playing field where firms can thrive and provide employment for the long term,” said Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Miguel B. Varela.

Last week’s meeting was the third between businessmen and the House in line with the business sector-led “Arangkada Philippines” initiative, which lists down 471 recommendations – including 105 legislative measures – that, when put in place, are expected to generate $75-billion worth of foreign investments, 10 million jobs, and over a trillion pesos in revenues for the government within the decade. ■ (InterAksyon.com – November 19, 2012)

GMA keeps the bar for elections coverage high with Formidable Partnerships

“IT has indeed become necessary that the delivery of news be essentially in real time as information now flows fast and free in a world without borders,” GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon said, in reference to the recently concluded elections in the United States, which he considers a preview of things to come for next year’s election as far as media coverage is concerned.

Forging stronger ties with formidable names in the media, telecommunications, technology, research and the academe, business groups, public service and government organizations, the Philippines’ news authority, GMA Network, gears up to mount the most comprehensive and most credible coverage of the 2013 elections.

Gozon also added that the key responsibility of delivering news and information about the Philippine elections and how they affect the Filipino people here and abroad is, at best, a shared goal among like-minded individuals and groups like the GMA Network and its election partners.

Dubbed Eleksyon 2013, GMA Network’s special coverage of the 2013 elections brings together the best and most distinguished organizations in an unparalleled partnership to keep people up to date with developments in the hope for a clean, honest, efficient electoral exercise.

“That is why we are very proud of the many prestigious names in our Eleksyon 2013 partnership. This is proof that we are keeping the bar for media coverage of the elections high not only among us partners, not our respective clients, but more so for each and every Filipino whose right to vote is enshrined in the Philippine Constitution,” Gozon also said, adding that the Eleksyon 2013 partners are not only driven by a singular passion for excellence in their respective fields, they are also in it for public service and the strong motivation to do what is right for the Filipino people.

Led by GMA Chairman & CEO Gozon and GMA President and COO Gilberto Duavit Jr., the Kapuso Network brings in in full force its internal partners – GMA News and Public Affairs, GMA News TV, GMA International (GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International), GMA New Media Inc., GMA News Online, Radio GMA, DZBB, DWLS FM, and the GMA Kapuso Foundation.

Also signing for their respective organizations are long-time partners who are committed to join hands with the Kapuso Network: the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) and Smart Communications led by Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan and PLDT President and CEO Napoleon Nazareno; the Philippine Daily Inquirer represented by its President and

From left to right: (1st row) are Dean Ramon Clarete (UP School of Economics), Ms. Ana De VillaSingson (National Media and Communications Director, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting), Atty. Jaime Hofileña (Vice-President for Social Development, Ateneo de Manila University), Atty. Miguel Varela (President, Phil. Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Ms. Malou Mangahas (Executive Director, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism), Amb. Henrietta De Villa (Chairperson, PPCRV), President and COO Gilberto Duavit, Jr. and Chairman & CEO Felipe L. Gozon (GMA Network, Inc.), Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan (PLDT-Smart Communications), Ms. Alexandra Prieto-Romualdez (President and CEO, Philippine Daily Inquirer), GMA News pillar Mike Enriquez, Commissioner Elias Yusoph (COMELEC), Consul General Jose Luis Yulo, Jr. (President, Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands), Dean Rolando Tolentino (UP College of Mass Communication), Bro. Ricardo Laguda, FSC (President, De La Salle University), and Ms. Natalie Christine Jorge (Lead Convener, YouthVote Philippines). 2nd Row News Director Norilyn Temblor (DZBB), Dr. Evelyn Songco (Assistant to the Rector for Student Affairs, University of Santo Tomas), Mr. Butch Gonzales (Radio GMA), Mr. Michael Gallego (Partner, Advisory Services Division of Punongbayan and Araullo), Atty. Beda Fajardo (First Vice-President and member of the Board of Trustees, Philippine Bar Association), Mr. Howie Severino (Editor-in-Chief, GMA News Online), Mr. Judd Gallares (President, GMA New Media Inc.), Fr. Francis Lucas (President and CEO, Catholic Media Network), Mr. Napoleon Nazareno (President and CEO, PLDT), Ms. Mel Tiangco (EVP and COO, GMA Kapuso Foundation), Amb. Amable Aguiluz V (Chairman, AMA Education System), Mr. Paolo Prieto (President, Inquirer.Net), Ms. Therese Badoy (Founding Director, ROCK Ed), Mr. Paul Gwyn Pagaran (Director for Special Concerns, Philippine Red Cross), and Mr. Glenn Allona (Programming Director, DWLS FM).

CEO Alexandra Prieto-Romualdez; Inquirer.Net President Paolo Prieto; Ambassador Amable Aguiluz V of the AMA Education System; Malou Mangahas, Executive Director of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ); Fr. Francis Lucas

of the Catholic Media Network (CMN); Ambassador Henrietta de Villa, Chairperson, and Ana De Villa-Singson, National Media and Communications Director of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) and of course Commissioner Elias Yusoph

of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Coming in strong for the academe are Ateneo de Manila University with VicePresident for Social Development Atty.

Jaime Hofileña; Bro. Ricardo Laguda, President of De La Salle University; Dean Rolando Tolentino of the UP College of Mass Communication, Dean Ramon Clarete of the UP School of Economics, and Dr. Evelyn Songco of the University of Sto. Tomas.

The MOA signatories also included Youth Vote Lead Convener Natalie Christine Jorge, RockEd Founding Director Therese ‘Gang’ Badoy, Punongbayan and Araullo Partner for Advisory Services Michael Gallego, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Atty. Miguel Varela, Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands President Jose Luis Yulo, Jr., Philippine Bar Association First Vice-President Atty. Beda Fajardo, and Philippine Red Cross Director for Special Concerns Paul Gwyn Pagaran.

With the above roster of partners, GMA’s Eleksyon 2013 coverage becomes an even more anticipated television event for Filipino viewers here and abroad. Filipinos all over the world can catch the coverage on GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, GMA News TV International, DZBB and DWLS. For more details, visit [www.gmanetwork. com/International] or [www.facebook. com/GMAPinoyTV]. ■

TV5 International continues expansion with Canada launch

TV5 signs a partnership agreement with Reyfort Media Group and AEBC Internet Corp. to distribute its 2 International channels, Kapatid TV5 and Aksyon TV International via TURBO TV, an IPTV service to be made available all over Canada.

TV5 INTERNATIONAL continues to expand with the recent launch of channels Kapatid TV5 and Aksyon TV International in Canada. Held last November 3 during the PNT Singing Idol 2102 Grand Finals in Vancouver, the launch introduced to the public the availability of TV5’s channels through the Turbo TV bar, an IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) powered device that transforms regular TV into a smart TV. The Turbo TV bar allows users the flexibility to download and install their favorite Apps from the Google

Store. Viewers can enjoy both local Canadian programs and TV5’s news and entertainment shows while having the functions of a desktop computer on their television sets. The Turbo TV Android Set top box also comes with a built-in camera, allowing users to surf the web and connect with their family and friends on Twitter, Facebook, Skype, and Youtube.

“Turbo TV is the first to offer this kind of cutting-edge technology to Filipinos living overseas, combining entertainment with almost everything one wants to do online,” said Claro

Carmelo Ramirez, President of PGN, Ltd. “This is truly revolutionary and we are optimistic that our Kapatids in Canada will love this product.”

TV5’s Kapatid TV5 and Aksyon TV International are the only channels from the Philippines offered via the Turbo TV Filipino package, which is powered by Vancouver-based AEBC Internet Corp. and distributed by Reyfort Media Group all over Canada. Plans are also already underway for a bigger launch in the country sometime next year, with hopes to reach more Filipinos living in other key areas in the region. ■

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Law & Legal Issues / Politics

November 2012 / Fortnightly – No. 21 • UK & Europe Edition

Government closer to tobacco, alcohol tax hike

THE government has moved closer to raising tobacco and alcohol taxes, said Wednesday, November 21, after the Senate passed a bill aimed at weaning millions of smokers off the habit.

The Senate late Tuesday, November 20, passed a bill that would raise 40 billion pesos (nearly $1 billion) in “sin taxes” each year, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said in a statement.

It “also provides moderate tax increases to protect the young and the poor from the ill effects of smoking

and excessive drinking”, he added.

Under the proposed law, cigarette excise taxes would be gradually raised to 26 pesos (63 US cents) per pack by 2016, close to the 60 percent tax level recommended by the World Health Organization and the World Bank, he added.

The House of Representatives must pass its own version of the bill, now under deliberation, before a compromise measure integrating the Senate and House bills can be signed into law by President Benigno Aquino, himself a smoker.

Filipinos are among the heaviest smokers in Southeast Asia with nearly one in five of its citizens smoking an average of around 15 cigarettes per day, according to the department of health.

A state briefing paper said this was partly due to the very low taxes on cigarettes, which sell at an average of 27.72 pesos a pack – the lowest in the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Raising tobacco taxes by 10 percent would reduce the number of Filipino smokers by two million

within four years and cut smokingrelated deaths, it added.

The Senate bill would also bring Philippine taxation on distilled spirits into line with World Trade Organization rules, raising the excise tax on most distilled spirits by around 50 percent by 2015.

Last year in a complaint filed by the United States, the WTO found the Philippines’ lower taxes on some domestically produced spirits had violated the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. ■ (©AFP – November 21, 2012)

©AFP File

This file photo shows a grocer selling beer, rum and cigarettes in Manila, in 2004. The Philippines has moved closer to raising tobacco and alcohol taxes, the government said on Wednesday after the Senate passed a bill aimed at weaning millions of smokers off the habit.

Nangopya rin umano: Ethics complaint, isinampa laban kay Senator Pia Cayetano FRJimenez, GMA News MATAPOS si Senate Majority Floor Leader Vicente Sotto III, si Senador Pia Cayetano naman ang inireklamo ng pangongopya sa Senate ethics committee, na pinamumunuan ng kanyang kapatid na si Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.

Inihain nitong Miyerkules ng isang Alberto Loquez Ong Jr., ang reklamo laban kay Pia dahil sa umano’y pangungopya ng talata mula sa ibang tao at ginamit na bahagi ng kanyang talumpati.

Ayon kay Ong, may dalawang pagkakataon na inabuso ni Pia at hindi ginamit sa tamang paraan ang kaalaman sa batas, “when she deliberately delivered speeches without proper attribution from the author of the work.”

“It is respectfully prayed of this honorable Senate committee on ethics and privileges to declare Senator Pia Cayetano as unfit and unbecoming of national public official for having violated the Intellectual Property Code and exhibiting improper conduct for arrogance and abuse of her law profession. Other reliefs just and equitable are equally prayed for,” paliwanag sa reklamo.

“As a senator and lawyer, Sen. Pia Cayetano should not initiate the

act of violating any of the existing Philippine laws. She is commanded by her obligation to the citizens of the Philippines to obey the Constitution and laws, and not to use her lawyering profession and public position to be above the law,” patuloy niya sa ginawang paglabag umano ng senadora sa Intellectual Property Code.

Ang tinutukoy ni Ong ay ang naunang alegasyon ng isang blogger na nagngangalang Elisa Sangalang na kinopya umano ng senador ang bahagi ng talumpati nito sa “The Status of the Philippines in Achieving the Millennium Development Goals” at privilege speech sa World Environment Day. “Senator Pia Cayetano has shown conduct which is improper and inconsistent with her duty as both a lawyer and an elected, national public official,” ayon kay Ong.

“Those who violate the laws must be treated the same for no one is above the law, and being a lawmaker should not be abused,” patuloy nito.

Ayon naman kay (Pia) Cayetano, maglalabas siya ng pahayag tungkol sa reklamo.

Sa ulat naman ng SONA ng GMA News TV 11 nitong Miyerkules ng gabi, sinabing pinabulaanan ng senadora ang alegasyon.

Iginiit nito na tinutukoy niya ang mga taong pinagkukunan niya ng bahagi ng kanyang talumpati at naglalagay din ng “footnotes” na makikita sa kanyang website.

Noong nakaraang linggo, inireklamo rin sa ethics committee si Sotto dahil sa umano’y paggamit ng ilang bahagi sa kanyang talumpati nang hindi binibigyan pagkilala ang mga taong pinagkopyahan nito ng talata.

Sa mga naunang panayam, iginiit ni Sotto na hindi niya inangkin ang mga talata na nanggaling sa ibang tao na nagamit niya sa talumpati.

Si (Pia) Cayetano ang nagsusulong sa kontrobersiyal na reproductive health (RH) bill, samantalang masugid na tumututol naman sa naturang panukalang batas si Sotto.

Nitong Miyerkules, sinabi naman ni (Alan Peter) Cayetano na magkakaroon ng pagdinig ang ethics committee sa Huwebes para talakayin ang mga patakaran na gagamitin sa gagawing pagdinig sa mga reklamo.

“I’m expecting the members to ratify the rules. After the ratification of the rules, we can officially calendar all pending cases,” pahayag ng senador. ■ (©GMA News – November 21, 2012)

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HELLO PHILIPPINES

Events Diary

www.hello-philippines.com

November 2012 / Fortnightly – No. 21 • UK & Europe Edition

SIMBANG GABI 2012 - SCHEDULE OF MASSES DATE / TIME

VENUE

PRESIDER / CO-CELEBRANTS & CHOIR

15 December 2012 – Saturday 3:00pm

Westminster Cathedral Clergy House, 42 Francis Street, London SW1P 1QW

16 December 2012 – Sunday 2:00pm

Carmelite Priory 41 Kensington Church Street, London W8 4BB

16 December 2012 – Sunday 3:00pm

Sacred Heart Church New Priory, Quex Road, Kilburn, London NW6 4PS

Presider: Fr. Irvin Morastil, O.M.I.

16 December 2012 – Sunday 3:00pm

Blessed Sacrament Parish Church 157 Copenhagen Street, Islington, London N1 0SR

Presider: Fr. Allan Sator

16 December 2012 – Sunday 6:00pm

St. Dominic’s Catholic Church Violet Lane, Waddon, Croydon, Surrey CR0 4HN

16 December 2012 – Sunday 6:00pm

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel & St. Joseph Church 8A Battersea Park Road, London SW8 4BH

Presider: Fr. Cirino Potrido, C.M.

17 December 2012 – Monday 7:00pm

St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church 167 The Broadway, West Hendon, London NW9 7EB

Presider: Fr. Cirino Potrido, C.M.

17 December 2012 – Monday 7:00pm

St. Edmund Campion Roman Catholic Parish 40A Altwood Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 4PY

Presider: Fr. Claro Conde

18 December 2012 – Tuesday 8:00pm

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 218 Roehampton Lane, London SW15 4LE

19 December 2012 – Wednesday 7:00pm

Jesuit Church of the Immaculate Conception 114 Mount Street, London W1K 3AH

19 December 2012 – Wednesday 7:00pm

Roman Catholic Church of St. Joseph’s Wembley 339 High Road, Wembley, Middlesex HA9 6AG

Presider: Fr. Agustin Paunon

20 December 2012 – Thursday 6:00pm

The Holy Cross Chapel Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith, London W6 9NT

Presider: Fr. Nigel Griffin Co-Celebrant: Fr. Ari Dy, S.J.

21 December 2012 – Friday 6:00pm

Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church 111 Portsmouth Road, Frimley, Surrey GU16 7AA

Presider: TBC

21 December 2012 – Friday 6:30pm

St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church 185 Mitcham Road, Tooting, London SW17 9PG

Presider: TBC

21 December 2012 – Friday 7:00pm

Roman Catholic Church of St. Pius X 79 St. Charles Square, Ladbroke Grove, London W10 6EB

21 December 2012 – Friday 7:30pm

Our Lady of Lourdes Church Acton High Street, London W3 8AA

21 December 2012 – Friday 5:00pm

St. John the Baptist Church Alexandra Road, Andover, HampshireSP10 3AD

21 December 2012 – Friday 7:00pm

St. James Church Abbott Walk, Reading RG1 3HW

22 December 2012 – Saturday 4:00pm

Parish of St. Michael and St. Martin 94 Bath Road, Hounslow, Middlesex TW3 3EH

22 December 2012 – Saturday 6:00pm

Sacred Heart Of Jesus 62 Eden Grove, Holloway, London N7 8EN off Holloway Road, opposite Metropolitan University

22 December 2012 – Saturday 6:00pm

St. Joseph’s Church 12 Eastgate Gardens, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4AZ

22 December 2012 – Saturday 7:30pm

Sacred Heart and Mary Immaculate Church 2 Flower Lane, Mill Hill, London NW7 2JB

22 December 2012 – Saturday 7:30pm

Church of the Holy Redeemer 20 Brixton Road, London SW9 6BU

23 December 2012 – Sunday 3:00pm

Our Lady of the Holy Souls 68 Hazelwood Crescent, Kensal Road, London W10 5DJ

23 December 2012 – Sunday 6:00pm

Christ the King Roman Catholic Church 408 Northumberland Avenue, Reading, Berkshire RG2 8NR

23 December 2012 – Sunday 7:00pm

English Martyrs Church Chalkhill Road, Wembley Park HA9 9EW

Presider: Fr. Cirino Potrido, C.M. / Co-Celebrant: Fr. Ari Dy, S.J. Choir: Friends of Our Lady of Peñafrancia Choir and Couples for Christ Presider: Fr. Cirino Potrido, C.M. Choir: Carmelite Church Filipino Choir

Presider: Fr. Jake Dicto, C.S.

Presider: Fr. Jake Dicto, C.S. Presider: Fr. Ari Dy, S.J.

Presider: Fr. Cirino Potrido, S.J. Presider: Fr. Ari Dy S.J. Presider: Fr. Norlan Julia, S.J. Presider: TBC Presider: Fr. Cirino Potrido, C.M. Presider: Fr. Gideon Wagay Choir: The Filipino Nurses Group of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church Presider: Fr. Aaron Espenelli Presider: Fr. Cirino Potrido, C.M. Presider: Fr. Jake Dicto, C.S. Presider: Fr. Cirino Potrido, C.M. Presider: Fr. Pat Madden Presider: Fr. Cirino Potrido, C.M.

PLEASE NOTE: The Oval Filipino Community of the Holy Redeemer Church (RC), Scalabrini Centre, and the Filipino Community of Roehampton, both under the Archidiocese of Southwark and entrusted to the Scalabrini Fathers, are hosting a novena of masses from 15 to 23 December 2012. Following are details of their Simbang Gabi Masses: 15 – 23 December 2012 7:30pm

Church of the Holy Redeemer 20 Brixton Road, London SW9 6BU

Presider: Fr. Jake Dicto, C.S./Scalabrini Fathers

15 – 23 December 2012 8:00pm

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 218 Roehampton Lane, London SW15 4LE

Presider: Fr. Jake Dicto, C.S./Scalabrini Fathers

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1st Reel Gate International Film Festival in London, UK

November 2012 / Fortnightly – No. 21 • UK & Europe Edition

2012 Reel Gate International Film Festival in London, critically acclaimed Boy Villasanta HONESTLY, the 1st Annual Reel Gate International Film Festival, a three-day film event which showcased Filipino and foreign works, had been not quite a box-office hit but it proved a great deal of critical acclaim from people from all walks of life.

That alone, the Festival Organizer and Director Jowee Morel, could come to terms and make sense in facing up with realities of a gargantuan task in the magnitude of an international film festival.

“I know where I stand in what I do. I don’t harbour illusions because I operate in the premise of objectivity,” Morel exclaimed.

From the very start, mounting a world film event was no joke.

Even local film festivals are also subject to rigors and challenges of the berth.

“I could imagine the pressures and jitters people from Cinemalaya,

Cinema One, Cinemanila International Film Festival go through in staging their festivals,” Jowee chuckled.

But Morel was able to pull off one and passed it with flying colours.

Even after November 4, 2012 at the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, London, the Fil-Briton filmmaker had, “Imagine, I had sleepless nights and butterflies in my stomach every day of my life even after the festival,” recalled Jowee.

But it was the endless cooperation from Morel’s compatriot film artists who had invested on their trust on him which served as an inspiration and motivation to go on with the festival.

All of them, director-producer Jim Libiran (“Happyland” and “Tribu (Tribe)”), actor-producer-director Noriel Jarito (“Rindido (Rage)”), Scenema Concept International courtesy of Maylyn Villalon-Enriquez (“Manila Kingpin The Asiong Salonga Story” on behalf of Tikoy Aguiluz), producers Chuck Gutierrez and Baby Ruth Villarama (“MNL 143” on

behalf of filmmaker Emerson Reyes), Atty. Joji Alonso, at the helm of Quantum Films (“Bisperas (Trespassers)” and “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank The Women on the Septic Tank)” on behalf of directors Jeffrey Jeturian and Marlon Rivera, respectively), producer-director Sigfreid BarrosSanchez (“Ang Bangka Ha Ut Si Duwah Sapah/The Boat Between Two Rivers”) and director Paul Soriano (“Thelma”), were very enthusiastic to realize Morel’s baby.

“I am indebted to all of them. Although, we didn’t make money but the spirit of doing an international film festival and showing mostly Filipino films, I am very happy and inspired to be with them,” said Jowee.

Likewise, the short films and their creators were unselfishly giving their support wholeheartedly including Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo (“Ang Paghihintay ng Bulong (Waiting for Whisper”), Thop Nazareno (“Ang Balut ni Mang Roger (Sir Roger’s Balut),” Chuck Gutierrez (“Ulian (Senility),” Ronald Batallones (“Sikreto

(Secrets),” Mario Celada (“Pasahero (Passenger),” Mustafa Boga (“Hidden Thoughts”), Djonny Chen (“Choices”), Silver Belen (“Kanluran (The Dusk)” and Ivan Madeira (“Can’t Get Past” and “Underwear”).

“I can’t forget all of them. They’re all amazing,” exclaimed Morel.

He also can’t forget the mixed reactions of people who watched the films.

Jowee was stationed at the entrance of the movie house where he could thank the viewers after each screening.

“I felt elated when they praised me and promised they would help me again next year. Most of these moviegoers were Filipinos or FilBrits,” recalled.

What really made Jowee’s day was when an official of the London Film Academy came to watch “Happyland” and still a number of fulllength and shorts?

“He was very proud of Filipino films. He watched ‘Happyland’ and was carried away by it. He said he

would recommend the film to his colleagues.

“This man from the Academy was a fixture in Reel Gate so I again got excited and inspired to go on with Reel Gate,” Morel chuckled.

The mainstream press, added Jowee, was also interested in the festival.

“They were raving the event and these are white writers and press people and it’s amazing to think about it,” exclaimed Morel.

As early as now, the 2013 Reel Gate International Film Festival has been scheduled on the last week of August 2013 and a list of films, overseas and local, is being considered.

A monitoring team was established by Jowee to facilitate an easier collection and consolidation of materials.

Morel is thankful to Yvonne Benavidez, also known as Tita Mega C, to Pinoy Radio UK and Hello Philippines for the enormous support they gave to him to succeed in his artistic endeavour. ■

Philippines Department of Tourism launches twin-centre Taxi Campaign

THE Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT) has launched a London taxi campaign, targeting those who opt for a Hong Kong or Singapore city break, with taglines such as ‘Paradise…only 2 ½ hours from Hong Kong. It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ and ‘Paradise…only 3 hours from Singapore. It’s More Fun in the Philippines’.

With one hundred taxi covers roaming the streets of London, PDOT used the campaign to generate awareness about FUN Philippines and to inform people that paradise is just a hop away from these popular Asian hubs!

Ms. Marie Venus Q. Tan, Philippines Department of Tourism Regional Director for Europe commented, “The

UK it is an important market for us as it is the number one source of tourists from Europe.

As we focus on international marketing, London proves to be an excellent global platform, by launching the taxi campaign here we are not only targeting

the British but effectively an international audience.”

“The taxi promotion is a sustained initiative, and more brand and destination awareness campaigns shall be visible in the coming months,” added Ms. Tan. The Philippines, being an archipelago, is a paradise for beach enthusiasts and divers alike. The country also boasts of a rich history, vibrant culture and FUN people which would compliment any city breaks within the Southeast Asian region.

The taxi campaign is part of the Philippines’ aim to achieve 10 million visitor arrivals by 2016, with 207,000 visitors coming from the UK - an increase of 15% per year. ■ (PDOT London – November 2012)

TTG interview of Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr.

TTG Media’s brand director, There has been significant Daniel Pearce conducted growth of visitors from the UK an interview with Tourism and it remains to be the highest Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez source market from Europe.

Jr. during World Travel Market The growth rate of tourism to about the growth of tourism to the Philippines is one of the the country and the direction it highest in Asia between 9.2% is taking to invite the world.

9.6% for 2012 and tracks to hit The Secretary describes double digit figures in 2013. the Philippines as “an old Opening 12 more destination that is suddenly very international airports in the new”. Signs from the UK travel next 3 years in the Philippines trade are hopeful and they are and “open skies” are among very excited about the country. advert the 24/06/2011 main strategies of the PhilippineJuneAdvert:phillippine 13:21 Page 1

Department to reach its goal of 10 million tourists in four years.

Secretary Jimenez ended the interview by encouraging everyone to come and have FUN in the Philippines. ■ (PDOT London – November 2012)

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Philippines Tourism - It's More Fun in The Philippines

November 2012 / Fortnightly – No. 21 • UK & Europe Edition

Inauguration and Blessing of the PDOT London Office

NOVEMBER 4, 2012 – IT is an exciting time for Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT) London Office. Their new office is Philippine Embassy Building, 10 - 11 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HG. Contact numbers will now be T: 00 44 20 7321 0668 and F: 00 44 20 7925 2920. Email addresses and the website remain the same with the @itsmorefuninthephilippines. co.uk domain. Please feel free to drop-by for any tourism advice / concerns and to discover more why “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”. ■

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Philippines Tourism - It's More Fun in The Philippines

November 2012 / Fortnightly – No. 21 • UK & Europe Edition

DOT brings ‘More Fun’ to JATA

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) spearheaded the country’s participation in the JATA World Tourism Forum and Travel Showcase, the largest travel and consumer trade fair in Japan which was held from 20 – 23 September 2012 at the Tokyo Big Sight.

Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) is an association that seeks to improve the quality of services provided to travelers to and from Japan. It contributes to the development of the travel and tourism industry through a variety of activities including disseminating information, encouraging cooperation among members, and promoting the development of businesses and legislation that benefit the industry at large. JATA’s annual travel and consumer trade fair is participated by almost all major stakeholders of the travel industry in Japan. This year, the event hosted 708 exhibitors from 156 countries and welcomed more than 125,000 visitors who enjoyed the attractions offered by both domestic and international participants.

DOT Assistant Secretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr. led the Philippine delegation composed of representatives from prime tourist

facilities and service providers that included Attic Tours Philippines, Boracay Mandarin Hotel, Century City Development Corp., Club Paradise Resort, El Nido Resorts, Friendship Tours & Resorts Corporation, Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa, Japan Philippine Tourism Council, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Marco Polo Plaza Davao, Movenpick Resort & Spa Cebu, Pacific Cebu Resort International, Philippine Airlines, Resorts World Manila and The Ascott Limited.

DOT’s attached agencies namely, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), were also represented. Members of the Philippine delegation had full schedules of business-to-business meetings, which yielded many positive responses. They were likewise pleased to have been visited by no less than JATA Chairman himself, Mr. Jungo Kikuma.

With the Filipino Fiesta as its theme, the Philippine pavilion was one of the most visited during the three-day fair.

Located strategically at the venue’s entrance, the pavilion’s waterfalls and the upbeat It’s More Fun in the Philippines promotional video also caught the attention of all those who

came to see the travel exhibition. “The pavilion also highlighted partnerships with different private companies and organizations. Mini Stop sponsored a seminar introducing the monthlong joint promotional campaign and distributed our local bananas which they have been importing from the Philippines,” Assistant Secretary Bengzon shared.

FUN activities such as traditional Filipino games and dances drew in amused visitors. The live Filipino music played by Acoustic Ensemble and the dance performances of Indak Turismo were much applauded. The visitors also experienced dancing the Tinikling and playing the traditional game of sipa. Many also gathered to have their pictures taken at the photo booth with Boracay Island as backdrop.

The guests received their souvenir photos in special It’s More Fun in the Philippines photo frames.

Another highlight of the pavilion was the quiz rally wherein the participants were given a chance to play robot catcher. Prizes included special miniature jeepneys and abaca sandal phone straps. Information on how to join the partnership campaign with NEC’s My Arrange Schedule and download the It’s More Fun in the

The Philippine delegation to the JATA World Tourism Forum and Travel Showcase staged at the Tokyo Big Sight. At the center wearing coat and tie is JATA Chairman Mr. Jungo Kikuma flanked by PDOT officials Assistant Secretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr. (on his left) and Tourism Attache to Tokyo Valentino Cabansag (on his right).

Philippines refill design was likewise available at the reception table.

The DOT also hosted the coffee break for the participants of the JATA World Tourism Forum. Participants, majority of whom represented the leading sectors in the Japan tourism industry enjoyed Filipino coffee and snacks while listening to the live musical performance of the Acoustic Ensemble. Fifteen lucky winners in the raffle draw had the opportunity to taste the famous Alamid coffee made from one of the world’s rarest coffee beans.

“Japan is a mature market. We need to constantly reintroduce our

tour products, reinvent our ways, and expand the potential market for new users or new uses in order to further increase our market share. Our FUN campaign has definitely attracted a lot of interest, and we hope to sustain this for what looks like another banner year for international visits to the Philippines,” Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. enthused.

Japan remains as one of the Philippines’ key source markets and the third biggest generator of tourist arrivals, registering 311,008 visitors or 9.87% of the total visitors from January to September 2012. ■ (DOT – November 20, 2012)

Tubbataha Reefs Law wins International Award

THE law protecting the worldfamous Tubbataha Reefs National Park has been cited as one of the world’s best practices in marine environment conservation.

Republic Act 10067, or the Tubbataha Reefs National Park Act of 2009 (TRNP Act), was awarded one of two silver awards at the 2012 Future Policy Awards (FPA), the World Future Council (WFC) announced Wednesday, September 26, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The law was cited by the WFC as an “example of successful coral reef conservation and a model for action on other coral reefs.”

Approved in 2009 and enacted April 2010, the Act ensured proper management of the Unesco World Heritage Site, located in Cagayancillo, Palawan, by “strengthening the legislative mandate of its managing bodies.”

It is also a key step in enacting national-level policies, the WFC said, like the 1992 National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act. “The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Act demonstrates the critical need for national level policy to support local level action, giving permanence and power to local level institutions to confront regional threats such as illegal fishing, poaching and destructive fishing practices undertaken by foreign vessels,” the citation read.

“Tubbataha has shown that with carefully planned management,

local communities need not bear the burden of closed protected areas, but can be their primary beneficiaries: as a nursery ground for fish, the reefs are supporting local artisanal fisheries,” it added.

Similar legislation is now being enacted in the neighbouring Apo Reef.

Angelique Songco, Protected Area Superintendent and head of the Tubbataha Management Office, says they’re proud of the law that was crafted for Tubbataha, since it recognizes the role of the local community in preserving a heritage site.

Funds for the preservation of Tubbataha are managed by the 19-person board of Tubbataha, she says, which is composed of local leaders led by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development which is headed by Governor Abraham Mitra.

“It’s a novelty,” she told Rappler.

For one, the military – as guardians of the sea through the Navy and Marines – is part of the board, she added.

Before the law’s enactment in 2010 (it was crafted in 2009), the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park was established in 1988. The Park will be celebrating its silver anniversary next year, and thus the silver award came at a good time, Songco said.

Palau top prize; Namibia also gets silver.

Sharing the silver award with the TRNP Act is Namibia’s Marine Resources Act of 2000, which has

successfully helped the African nation manage its marine resources through eco-friendly and economically sustainable ways.

The Namibian law “established strict monitoring and control systems and regulations addressing the key drivers of degradation of marine capture fisheries: bycatch, illegal fishing, overcapacity from subsidies and harmful fishing gear,” the WFC said.

The top award, meanwhile, went to Palau for its Shark Haven Act of 20098 and its Protected Areas Network (PAN) Act of 2003.

Palau’s PAN Act was cited for having “all the elements of successful management for people and environment.”

“The Act involves local

communities by enabling them to undertake a scientific and social assessment of their local environment and supports traditional systems of natural resource management, which have a long history in Palau,” the group said in its citation.

So far, the law has caused the designation of 35 protected areas, as it aims to have at least 30% of the island-nation’s near-shore marine environment and 20% of its land environment included by 2020.

Meanwhile, the Shark Haven Act ensured the protection of more than 100 species of deepwater and reef sharks. The law is now a model for shark conservation in countries such as the Honduras, the Bahamas, and the Maldives.

‘Interests of future generations’.

The 4 policies bested 27 others from 19 countries, nominated by various international organizations such as the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), The Nature Conservancy, and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

The awardees were chosen by a jury consisting of sustainability experts from around the world.

The Future Policy Awards has been handed out since 2009 by the WFC, a group of experts that focus on issues concerning the “interests of future generations,” aiming to address challenges the world faces in the future.

Aside from the WFC, the award is sponsored by the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the Global Environment Facility, and the Okeanos – Foundation for the Sea. This year’s FPA focused on the marine and coastal conservation.

In the past, winning policies include the Food Security Program of Belo Horizonte, Brazil (2009, first award); the Costa Rica Biodiversity Law of 1998 (2010); and Rwanda’s National Forest Policy (2011).

“The 2012 Future Policy Award highlights the challenges faced by the world’s oceans as well as exemplary solutions to protect them,” the FPA said.

The awards were held at the 11th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Hyderabad, India on October 16, 2012. ■ (Rappler.com)

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Philippines Tourism - It's More Fun in The Philippines

November 2012 / Fortnightly – No. 21 • UK & Europe Edition

PDOT London concludes its trade show season with WTM 2012

THE Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT) London concludes its trade show season with its biggest participation at the World Travel Market 2012. The country is well on its way for a breakthrough year reaching its target of 4 million tourists set by the Department.

Since the launch of the exciting new brand, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” (IMFITP), tourism awareness for the destination has never been higher. The brand has been proudly emblazoned across London during key times of the year. Travellers in the capital were able to see the brand on London Taxis, Double-decker buses and all-over the London Underground.

Print advertising was equally high, with supplements in the Daily Telegraph and numerous travel trade publications. The new brand was highly visible during the most watched global events in 2012, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, The London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

In time for World Travel Market, one of the most important trade fairs globally, the PDOT London went all-out with editorials and adverts in print and outdoor media. Trade advertising was utilised with full-page adverts and equal editorials in WTM Preview, WTM Business Magazine, WTM Catalogue and in each of the TTG Dailies. Further, an impressive 2-page adventure and experience driven feature appeared in the TIME Magazine UK. At the exhibition, exhibitors and visitors were greeted by a nine square meter Philippines floor graphic featuring the pristine Panglao Beach, in Bohol as soon as they enter the central boulevard.

The Philippines booth was utterly impressive, located at the front of the Asia Hall, displayed 6-metre high by 10-metre wide striking images of

the adventure sites of the country – Boracay, Underground River, Banaue Rice Terraces and Kayangan Lake.

Outdoor, the Department increased its campaign with the iconic London taxis from 50 to 100 carrying the new brand with the colourful “It’s more fun in the Philippines” logo. The additional 50 London cabs were strategically placed during the crucial winter holiday planning period for the UK. There are also still a few Doubledecker buses with the IMFITP adverts roaming the streets of London left from the Olympics and Paralympics campaign last July and August.

New videos of the Department were shown at the massive screens fronting the booth – “Sleepless Nights” – http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=TuUQzIfAACo and “Moving House” – http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=JWEbKleE-ss. Highdefinition overland footage by TXL Video of selected Philippines sites was also displayed at the booth.

Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. led the delegation this year personally and spearheading the campaign to bring 10 million visitors to the country by 2016.

Tour Operators who joined the Department at the booth included Annset Holidays, Baron Travel, Blue Horizons Travel and Tours, Constellation Travels, Intas Destination Management, Sharp Travel Service and Uni-Orient.

Resorts which participated this year were Boracay Regency, BE Resorts and El Nido Resorts.

Reports from private sector participants indicated a highly productive WTM with new partnerships established and new European tour operators poised to feature the country for the first time in the coming months. ■ (PDOT London

– November 2012)

Photography by Key of “G” Photography

November 2012 / Fortnightly – No. 21 • UK & Europe Edition

Philippines Tourism - It's More Fun in The Philippines

WTM 2012 – Online Profile Photography by Key of “G” Photography

WHAT truly makes the Philippines a unique, amazing, and special place to see?

For the Department of Tourism, it has found the simplest, most direct answer to the fundamental question of every traveler through its latest tourism campaign, It’s more fun in the Philippines. The new expression is a powerful, compelling idea that draws strength from the fact that it is a fundamental truth about the Philippines – the Philippines is not just a place to see, it is a place to be.

The man behind this now very popular tagline that became a top trending topic worldwide in just a matter of hours on the day it was launched is a writer, mentor, former instructor, marketing communications expert, and one of the pillars of Philippine advertising – the Honorable Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr., Secretary of the Department of Tourism.

In keeping with his promise to make tourism the “people’s business,” Secretary Jimenez aims to transform the department into a primary selling unit with the ultimate goal of not only improving statistics, but also ensuring that every endeavor would be fulfilling and profitable for Filipinos. Under his leadership, the DOT has embarked on convergence projects with government agencies and the private sector, and actively espoused policy reforms.

With his marketing communications experience, Secretary Jimenez hopes to build enough energy around tourism to give the Philippines a positive image.

Brimming with confidence, he looks forward to meeting our target of 10 million foreign tourist arrivals and 35.5 million for domestic by 2016, and seeing tourism finally take its place as a key driver of socioeconomic progress in the country, to make it “more fun” for all. ■ (WTM 2012 – November 2012)

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PH extends FUN welcome to Legend of the Seas

THE Royal Caribbean International’s Legend of the Seas made its inaugural call on the ports of Manila and Boracay last 26 – 27 October, as part of the vessel’s 8-night Southeast Asia itinerary from Hong Kong to Singapore, with stopovers at Xiamen, China; Manila and Boracay, Philippines; and Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. The Royal Caribbean International, a Norwegian and American cruise line brand based in Florida, is one of the biggest and most famous cruise companies in the world. Its Legend of the Seas has a wide range of facilities which passengers can enjoy, ranging from a shopping center, golf course, rock-climbing wall, four-themed bars, casino, and theatre.

The Department of Tourism (DOT), in cooperation with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and

the Philippine National Police (PNP), extended its warmest reception to almost 2,000 passengers from different countries on-board the vessel. They enjoyed a quick tour of Manila’s famous tourist spots such as Intramuros and the Rizal Park.

Completing their final course in the country, passengers were also given ample time the following day to explore the white sand beaches of Boracay, recently hailed as “2012 World’s Best Island” by Travel + Leisure Magazine.

DOT Region VI Director Atty.

Helen J. Catalbas together with DOT Boracay OIC Mr. Artemio Ticar, Governor Carlito S. Marquez, Malay Mayor John Yap with wife Abigail, local tour guides, representatives from the media, private sector, and local government, were present during the simple program held

THE annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program of the One Meralco Foundation, Maliwanag ang Pasko (MAP), is beaming this year with new partnerships with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and various local government units (LGUs).

In his welcome remarks during the press conference held last 16 November 2012, Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said that year after year, MAP looks forward to an increased community effort, counting on various municipalities’ participation.

Driven by the primary objective of creating brighter homes and a better future for underprivileged children, MAP has tapped the support of different LGUs since its launch in 2006. This year, MAP turns even more radiant with the DOT sharing in its vision of lighting up the Philippines and positioning the country as a premiere tourist destination this Christmas.

Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. responded positively to this newfound partnership with Meralco as one worthy cause of bringing the spirit of Christmas to all communities in the country.

He said in his keynote speech, “By leveraging on this one season that is almost always associated with our

brand, Christmas is more fun in the Philippines because we celebrate it the longest, and we celebrate it the best.”

According to Meralco Senior Vice President, Head of Customer Retail Services of Corporate Marketing & Communications Al Panlilio, this year’s MAP is shining brightly and proudly with 27 participating municipalities and cities from Metro Manila and its neighbors from the Greater Manila Area. Meralco will launch Liwanag parties in its Ortigas compound on November 20, while partner LGUs will receive Meralco starter kits consisting of a Maliwanag ang Pasko parol and 500 boxes of Christmas lights to start lighting up their communities. The “Best Liwanag Park” award will be given to the most beautifully-lit communities.

The DOT has committed to sponsor the cash awards at P100,000 for the 3rd place, P150,000 for the 2nd place, and P250,000 for the grand winner.

Every year, the Meralco “Maliwanag ang Pasko” aims to reach out to less fortunate areas such as the children from Isla Verde in Batangas last year. MAP has since donated multimedia equipment and microphones to deserving community schools, and provided electricity to far-flung areas that

inside the cruise ship. The Ati-atihan tribesmen in their vibrant costumes also welcomed and hyped everyone up at Cagban Port, Boracay with their drum beats as guests and crew disembarked the cruise ship through a floating pontoon provided

by Southwest Tours.

“Ten months ago at the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Indonesia, I met with top executives of the Royal Caribbean who hinted at commencing their Asia route to include the Philippines. I never expected it would be this soon. The arrival of the Legend of the Seas would hopefully mark the start of the arrival of more foreign cruise liners to the Philippines, bringing along with them more tourists which would give the country’s tourism industry a boost.

With the country’s transportation infrastructure program all laid out to

DOT Region VI Director Helen Catalbas hands over a symbolic key to Boracay Island to Legend of the Seas Captain Yngvar Knutsen.

include building and repair of major sea and jetty ports and harbors, we envision more international cruise liners to arrive at our shores and make cruise tourism a viable tour option,” Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. enthused.

The cruise industry is one of the fastest growing travel sectors in the world. According to the latest industry figures, about 20

million passengers took a cruise last year with North America and Europe as the main markets. In the National Capital Region (NCR), the Philippines’ premier gateway, international cruise visits are starting to contribute significantly to the total foreign arrivals. More cruise ships are scheduled to call on Philippine ports in 2013. ■ (DOT – November 22,

DOT, Meralco to make Christmas brighter and ‘more fun’ 2012)

During the partnership agreement signing with LGU heads and representatives (standing behind from left to right): DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr., Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, Meralco SVP Al Panlilio, and MAP Program Head Jeffrey Tarayao.

still live in darkness. For 2012, MAP will be extending electrification assistance to Buenavista in Bohol and Dinagat Islands in Mindanao, among many others. “Nobody is left behind when our bright tomorrow comes,” MAP Program Head Jeffrey Tarayao exclaimed.

For the younger crowd, the Maliwanag ang Pasko mobile app is

also readily available for download, where one can upload photos of welllit houses for a chance to win P5,000 daily from 1 – 22 December 2012.

“The creation of Liwanag parks will bring our people together, making the Christmas spirit stronger as we approach the actual day. And yes, it is a vision that can only be made through collaborative efforts. This

newfound partnership, therefore, is one perfect example that hinges on private-public partnership. This time, it is focused on the business of giving glory, where both parties work with their strength to create something bigger than themselves, reflecting the true spirit of Christmas,” Secretary Jimenez enthused. ■ (DOT – November 19, 2012)

Philippines Department of Tourism aims for 10 million visitors by 2016 BRINGING one of the biggest delegations to World Travel Market this year, The Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT) presented its plans to position the Philippines as a must-experience destination in Asia and aims to achieve 10 million visitor arrivals and employ 6.8 million workers in the tourism sector by 2016. The UK target is 207,000.

The Philippines is already set

to hit its 4 million visitor goal for this year. This has been driven through a vigorous marketing campaign, centered around the use of social media to engage fans of the Philippines to share their images of the destination and its people, captured with unique witty taglines on why ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’. For example, ‘The Underground. It’s More Fun in the Philippines’, was used in the London

underground to advertise the captivating photo of the Philippines’ longest underground river in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Honourable Ramon Jimenez Jr, Secretary of Tourism comments: ‘We are delighted to be back in London and promote our global campaign here at WTM. We have a very high target for visitors by 2016, but believe this is achievable. We have plans in the next few years to

work closely with the UK trade, by focusing on market development, hosting familiarization trips, sales missions and trainings.’

PDOT has also created a new tourism video for the campaign, to showcase why ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’, through a selection of Philippines’ gems and tourist hot spots such as Palawan, Cebu and Boracay. ■ (PDOT – November 2012)

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Eat Bulaga! in London, United Kingdom

November 2012 / Fortnightly – No. 21 • UK & Europe Edition Photos credit: Marvin Escueta Digital Photos on behalf of

HELLO PHILIPPINES

November 2012 / Fortnightly – No. 21 • UK & Europe Edition

Eat Bulaga! in London, United Kingdom

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MESSAGES, CONGRATULATIONS AND COMMENTS Hello Mareng Cora & Kids, Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be part of the crowd to the greatest show of the decade! Congratulations to you guys! T’was an exciting night full of fun and shared laughter to everyone. The tremendous success has created a good impact to the community and to the whole industry. The effort done is worth keeping and you really work hard for it! More power to you and looking forward to a more blessed success in the future!

Dottie J. Mendoza (Manila Supermarket)

“I’m very happy, very excited, nag-enjoy ako. Very, very much enjoyed it!”

Analyn Livermore

Congratulations you all did very well. Made a lot of people happy. Well done. Power to you all and more success.

Teresita Leus McCarthy

Eat Bulaga! in London, United Kingdom Dear Cora, Congratulations to you, your family and to all your staff for a superb, fantastic and enjoyable show. Well done everyone!!!!!!!!

On behalf of Farm Street Filipino Community, I would like to express my sincerest thanks and gratitude for your kindness and generosity for giving me and all the Filipino Organization in the UK the opportunity to watch this wonderful live show. It was really an honour and privilege to be a part of your VIP’s guests.

Wish you success and more power to you and to your family.

Many thanks and kind regards, Josie Ramos on behalf of FSFC

“Well, napakaganda at masayang masaya.

Nagustuhan ng karamihan. Ang hindi lang nila nagustuhan bakit daw wala si Vic Sotto. Ang sabi naman ni Judy Ann Santos (asawa ni Ryan Agoncillo), siya ang kapalit ni Vic Sotto.

Ay masaya, maraming nakagusto.”

Eladia Timoney, an elderly Londoner

“Sobrang ganda ng Eat Bulaga! I really love it.

Come back here in the UK again, East Bulaga!”

Joan Tigalan

“Masaya kasi at last parang nasa Pilipinas kasi yung mga show. Dito busy but nung nalaman ko Eat Bulaga dapat mapanood!”

Sharon Ramirez, a theater nurse and a PLOV

Dear Cora, Thank you for the ticket for Eat Bulaga to Eleanor of the Filipino Club at Westminster Cathedral. Josie and Eleanor were really impressed with the number of Filipinos who came to watched the spectacular show. Well done to you and your team who organised this big event. More power to you all.

God bless, Flora C. Kingscote Hi Tita Cora, I would like to express our appreciation for your families hardwork and the people behind you that work really hard to bring the best entertainment EAT BULAGA in London. To witness them live was a great deal to us.

On Behalf of FLOW Northumberland a very very big congratulations to you, Roselle and your team Mabuhay po kayong lahat!!!

Truly, Edward Jaucian, Chairman FLOW Northumberland Congrats for the success of your show eat bulaga it was very good. Bitin lang ng kaunti... Sana meron pang kasunod. Well done to you and your staff.

Moises Espanola Sobrang enjoy, nkakatuwa c wally at jose.

Andre Calleja

Congratulations for the success of the show! My family and friends had great fun! Thanks for giving me the opportunity to be part of it somehow. God bless your family!

Paul De Guzman Maraming salamat sa lahat. Congratulations for a successful show!!!

Hugh Dela Cruz on behalf of SLAWUK

Congrats for the successful event of “Eat Bulaga”.

Regards, Bong Palmares

Ate Cora, Thank u so much for a wonderful evening we’ve really enjoyed it. We were looking for you after the show but failed bec the crowd was so much congratulations a very successful show your hard work has paid off well thank you again ate.

God bless, Annie & Danie

Wow ang CHAya-CHAya!! Well done Dabarkads for a successful show and thank you so much for bringing not isang libong tuwa kundi isang Milyon tuwa sa London! WHAT A LIFE!!!

Julie Mane My sincere congratulations!

For a well-organized show!

Chit Afuang (PDOT London)

We enjoyed a lot un nga lang bitin. Anyway congrats for d job well done.

Roger Ferriol

Hello Po, It’s been lovely to meet you in person. We had a really good time at nag enjoy po kami ng husto. Saludo po ako sa pag organised nyo ng show. It’s worth going back again in the future.

Kim Hawker Cora congrats sa concert!

Lorie enjoyed it.

Star Rivera (Star Line Lingerie)

Hi Cora, thanks 4d concert – very entertaining.

Sending my regards, Betty Brannelly

“Ang Pilipino saan mo man ilagay, masaya kami at very proud ang mga Pilipino kahit saan ay number one.”

Agnes Ganda, a games maker (PLOV) from London HURRAY! CONGRATULATIONS! To my kumareng CORA SANTOS and her team for a very successful ‘EAT BULAGA!’ show at ExCeL LONDON. WELLDONE! Linda Celestial (Celestial Properties London)

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Great show... Congratulations...

All in one amazing cast... Sulit na sulit... Well done sa inyo!

Sheilah Panlilio

“Masaya. Its fantastic, kasi ang daming tao, nagkakaisa talaga, kumita talaga ang Eat Bulaga!”

Lino dela Merced, a nurse and a PLO

Hi! Just want to thank u, ur mum and everyone behind d show. We enjoyed it so much. Salamat muli.

Aileen Cambronero on behalf of FACE in the Vale of Glamorgan

Hi Tita Cora! We were in bliss on that day to see Eat Bulaga casts the first time around. The whole programme was well organised. The concert was a success because of you. You truly inspired us and i hope to see you the soonest for us to personally extend our warm congratulations for a job well done.

Kudos and see you in the Philippines!

Grace & Jun Degamon Hi Ate Cora, Just wanted to thank u we did enjoy the eat bulaga at ang ganda u nman parang c Imelda Marcos na walang kupas iba talaga ang pinoy he he! Again thank u and kind regards sa family clan mo. God bless!

Myra & Alex (Fish Chips) “Napakaganda ng Eat Bulaga, kahit wala si Bossing, si bossing Vic, si Wally champion din.”

Carlo Cruzat, who hailed from Batangas

“Happy kami dahil masaya at saka na-feel naming parang nasa Pilipinas. Enjoy kaming lahat.”

Erwin dela Cruz, a nurse and a PLOV

GUD AM CORA CONGRATULATIONS 4 U & FAMILY 4 UR HARD JOB 2 BRING 2 US EAT BULAGA WE ENJOYED VERY VERY MUCH WE R HOPING 2 BRING THEM BACK AGAIN. TNX. Violy & Joey Umali I just want to say thank you very much and congratulation for your successful event. I really enjoy. Thank you god bless.

Rami Aquino on behalf of York Community

“Okey siya maganda, maraming babaeng malulupit sumasayaw, kaya interesting siya, nakapagpapasaya ng mga tao, experience din na makita sila.”

Jim Villapa

“Maganda. It went well. Yung Eat Bulaga, yung si Joey de Leon, yung mga original, maganda, get together ng mga Pilipino.”

David Castillo

“Masaya, longest ever noontime show in our country, so everybody enjoyed it. I was very happy coz I was with the Plov-ers.”

Zarah Serrano, nurse and a PLOV

“Maganda itong show na ito. At least bumisita ang Eat Bulaga sa London.

Maganda ang scene, okey, East Bulaga the best.”

Nino Abelez Hi Cora, Thanks for lovely show we thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s well organise.

Regards, Esther Murray I just want to congratulate your family to a job well done last night sa EAT BULAGA SHOW. It is really a success!

Rosa Ching Tesalona

“Mixed, mixed kasi e. Masyado silang bulgar, may mga bata, hindi maganda, maraming mga bulgar na words.”

Maria Thelma Manville, an Olympics volunteer Hi Ate Cora it was nice to see you yesterday, congratulation for the success of your event... we enjoyed the show...

Evangeline Bell (Citrine Travel)

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Eat Bulaga! in London, United Kingdom

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“Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat na sumoporta sa Eat Bulaga! In London, UK!!!”

WE, Hello Philippines newspaper and OSN would like to extend our sincerest and heartfelt gratitude to everyone that supported the Eat Bulaga! Live Show in London, United Kingdom on Saturday, November 17, 2012 which was held at ExCeL London ICC Auditorium.

We have received a tremendous amount of positive and encouraging feedback. We are deeply and sincerely grateful for all of your kindest support which has been a truly humbling experience.

The success of the EAT BULAGA! Live Show in London, UK was truly made possible by the support of all our Kababayans, Filipino Communities, Filipino Associations in UK and Europe and Pinoy London Olympic and Paralympic Volunteers (PLOV) and all individual volunteers.

Thank you to the Philippine Embassy London and Philippine Department of Tourism London for gracing the occasion.

Mabuhay and God Bless from all of us at Hello Philippines newspaper.

The recorded EAT BULAGA! Live Show in London, UK 2012 is scheduled to be aired second weekend in December 2012. For information on receiving your own Filipino Plus TV Package please contact Hello Philippines TV Connect on: 020 3174 1894.

EAT BULAGA! celebrated its 33rd year on Philippine television. Eat Bulaga! is translated as (Eat – Lunchtime) and (Bulaga! – Surprise!), “lunchtime surprise” currently holds the record of being the longest-running noontime variety program on air in the history of local television in the Philippines. The show has entertained successfully for three generations Filipino families all over the world with its own brand of dancing, singing, comedy, audience participation segments such as Pinoy Henyo (a very popular guessing game) and reality TV where the show goes out live to the public in the Philippines, play game and give prizes (which in some cases is life changing).

Eat Bulaga! aired by GMA Network since 1995 have recently expanded the show in Indonesia. July 16, 2012 SCTV network in Indonesia premiered the first episode of Eat Bulaga! Indonesia.

Eat Bulaga! became the first Philippine show, variety show in particular, to be franchised by another country.

(Wikipedia) The very first and largest indoor Filipino show ever staged in Europe was witnessed by more than 4,500 Filipinos on Saturday 17th November 2012 at the ExCeL London ICC Auditorium. Eat Bulaga! Dabarkads artists included Joey de Leon, Jimmy Santos, Allan K, Anjo Yllanan, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Julia Clarete, Keempee de Leon, Paolo Ballesteros, Pauleen Luna,

Ruby Rodriguez, Ryan Agoncillo and EB Babes. A piece of the Philippines came to London for one night as reflected in a young boys question to his dad during the show “is it really like this in the Philippines?”, obviously excited by performances, production and lighting, sound, staging, 3 big screens and excited audiences, it must have been a Peter Pan moment for him. The dad proudly answers “Yes! It is”.

During the seven days following the Eat Bulaga! Show in London, some of the attendees uploaded clips of the show unto YouTube resulting in over 57,000 hits, this is a testament to the success of

the show and a credit to the Producers – Hello Philippines newspaper and OSN. The audience came prepared with banners both handmade and printed, the Pinoy London Olympic and Paralympic Volunteers (PLOV) also came out in full force proudly sporting their attires along with Mr and Miss Philippines UK, Mr and Miss Bikini Open, Mrs Philippines, Miss Glamour UK, Munting Prinsesa and Prinsipe, Little Miss and Mr Philippines (credit to all of them) and all of the Filipino Associations and Filipino Sports Committee and Teams that came out in full support.

Senator Tito Sotto and Vic Sotto unfortunately was absent from the show due to political and other commitments.

Will there be more shows like this? I think yes! With Filipino Plus TV featuring GMA and TV5 (two TV stations) on one Set Top Box available throughout Europe for Filipinos to enjoy a wider variety of shows is encouraging.

The show was brought to London, United Kingdom Produced and Organised by Hello Philippines and OSN, can we look forward to a similar show in the future? I think yes! ■

Eat Bulaga! Dabarkads stage successful show in London; Jose and Wally bring the house down Allan Diones, PEP LONDON, U.K. – ISANG malaking tagumpay ang pagtatanghal ng Eat Bulaga!, ang “EB Dabarkads in London,” na ginanap dito nung Sabado ng gabi, November 17, 2012 (Linggo ng madaling-araw sa Pilipinas), sa ICC Auditorium ng ExCeL London.

Ito ang kauna-unahang live show ng EB tropa sa Europa.

Dumagsa ang mga kababayan nating Pinoy para panoorin ang masayang show ng Dabarkads.

Karamihan sa kanila ay nanggaling pa sa malalayong English countryside na ilang oras ang biyahe mula sa Central London.

Five thousand ang seating capacity ng ICC Auditorium ng ExCeL London at laking-tuwa ng Dabarkads nang makita nilang punung-puno ang venue.

Ang ExCeL London ay maihahalintulad sa SMX Convention Center ng Mall of Asia, ngunit mas malaki nga lang ito. Sama-sama sa iisang modern complex ang napakaraming hall venues na perfect lalo na sa live performances.

Past 6 p.m. nagsimula ang show.

Ang lakas ng hiyawan ng audience nang tumugtog ang “James Bond theme” habang sumasayaw ang EB Babes, sabay pasok ni Jimmy Santos bilang kunyaring Agent 007.

Naaliw ang audience sa rap number ni “Jimmy Bond.”

Muling nagtilian ang fans ang opening line niya na, “Are you ready for the bloody action?!”

Tuwang-tuwa ang mga kababayan

natin nang sunud-sunod na umentra ang very energetic Dabarkads na sina Joey de Leon, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Allan K, Anjo Yllana, Keempee de Leon, Ryan Agoncillo, Paolo Ballesteros, Ruby Rodriguez, Julia Clarete, at Pauleen Luna.

Hindi nakasama sa trip na ito ang magkapatid na Tito at Vic Sotto.

Nagtawanan ang fans sa birong hirit ni Joey na si Tito Sen ay may session sa Senado, habang si Bossing ay may “sex-sion” kaya hindi nakarating ng London.

JOSE & WALLY. Bentang-benta sa crowd ang “Anak” sketch nina Jose at Wally, na habang inaawit ni Jose ang nasabing Freddie Aguilar hit ay iniinterpret ito ni Wally in a naughty way.

Napakaraming fans nina Jose at Wally sa U.K. Nakatuwaang i-playtime ng dalawa ang isang Pinay sa audience na may asawang foreigner.

“So wise. He will save you from poverty!” sabi ni Wally sa Pinay, na tawa lang nang tawa sa pambubuska ng dalawa.

Todo ang tawa ng mga Pinoy sa mga kalokohan nina Jose at Wally, lalo na sa mahahalay na portion.

CHA-CHA. Sina Pauleen, Paolo, Ruby, at Jimmy ay humataw ng “Cha-Cha Dabarkads” – ang dance craze na pinauso ng 2012 Little Miss Philippines na si Ryzza Mae Dizon.

Tapos ay kumuha sila ng tigdadalawang audience members na nakipag-cha-cha showdown sa kanila sa stage.

Ang cute ni Paolo na bigay na bigay sa pag-cha-cha ala Ryzza, complete

with nakangangang bibig habang sumasayaw at kumekembot.

Si Pauleen ay napakaseksi naman sa kanyang black tight-fitting outfit na labas ang pusod at parang bra lang ang black na pang-itaas.

Si Ryan ang naging showdown master, na ang nanalo ay ang pares na kinuha ni Ruby.

RYAN & JUDAY. Ni-request ni Ruby na mag-“Gangnam Style” dance si Ryan, na pinagbigyan naman ni Ryan.

Bigay na bigay ito sa pagsayaw alaKorean sensation na si Psy. Tapos ay nakangiting sabi ni Ryan na may sumama sa kanya rito sa London dahil malamig.

Grabe ang lakas ng hiyawan nang tawagin sa stage ang misis niyang si Judy Ann Santos.

Nag-request ng “kiss” si Joey mula sa mag-asawa. Tilian naman ang fans nang mag-kiss nga sa lips ang dalawa.

Si Juday ang nagpaliwanag na hindi pa tapos ang shooting ni Bossing Vic ng filmfest movie nila na Si Agimat Si Enteng at Si Ako kaya hindi ito nakasama.

Siya raw ay tapos na ang shoot kaya naka-join siya sa dabarkads dito sa London.

Ang ganda at ang payat ni Juday sa suot niyang simpleng blue dress.

Nag-duet sila ni Ryan at nag-kiss ulit ang mag-asawa after their song number.

JOEY’S BRAND OF COMEDY. Klik ang mga pilyong hirit ni Joey, tulad ng sabi niya kay Ruby na mayaman ito dahil marami itong pounds. (Pound sterling ang currency ng UK.) Aniya, ang malulusog na dibdib pa

lang ni Ruby ay 22 pounds each na.

Ang mali-maling EB Babe na si Ann Boleche, aka Hopia, na hinamon ni Joey na magpa-picture sa Eiffel Tower dito sa London, ay sinabihan daw niya na: “Pag-aralan mong mag-tube!”

(Tube ang tawag sa underground train dito.)

Ang sagot daw ni Hopia: “Marumi ang tube ko, e!”

Nabuhay nang husto ang audience sa “Pinoy Henyo” segment na sinalihan ng tatlo nating kababayang taga-U.K. Ang nanalong female nurse ay nagdrive pa raw nang apat na oras para lang makarating ng venue.

Nag-uwi ang lucky game participants ng limited edition EB shirt, jacket, at coffee table book.

MISS UNIVERSE. “Machong Jagger” ang song-and-dance number nina Jose at Wally, na mash-up ng “Moves Like Jagger” at “Macho Guapito.”

Nagkagulo ang fans nang bumaba sa audience ang mga bida ng comedy flick na D’Kilabots Pogi Brothers…

Weh?!.

Kasunod nito ang Visayan skit at “Miss Universe” sketch ni Allan K. Tumawag ng isang lalaking foreigner sa audience si Allan.

“Come to mama. I will breastfeed you!” sabi niya.

Nang malaman niyang Indian national at may asawa na ang nakuha niya sa may VIP section, dinayalogan ito ni Allan ng: “Indian? No UK visa?

And you’re married? Go down!”

Havey na havey pa rin ang Bisaya jokes ni Allan at ang kanyang kuwelang

beauty-pageant sketch.

Isang Francis M. number naman ang binanatan nina Julia, Keempee, Wally, at Jose, na pawang nakasuot ng FMCC shirts habang umaawit ng ilang hit songs ni Kiko.

May mini-video tribute sa dating dabarkad, na kahit wala na ay lagi pa ring bahagi ng shows ng Eat Bulaga! sa iba’t ibang bansa.

Nagsama-sama ang buong tropa sa entablado for the closing number.

Kasama nilang umakyat si Juday, na nakasuot ng shirt na “Forever Eat Bulaga.”

Sa ending ng show ay pinabunot ni Joey si Allan ng isang masuwerteng audience member na mananalo ng isang round-trip ticket to Manila.

Natapos ang EB Dabarkads in London na masaya at may ngiti sa labi ang mga kababayan nating pinatawa at pinaligaya ng dabarkads.

Masayang-masaya si Mrs. Corazon Santos, founder/chairman ng Universal Infinity Limited (Hello Philippines), ang event partner/ sponsor/event organizer ng show.

Ang katuwang na event partner nito ay ang OSN, ang exclusive distributor ng GMA Pinoy TV at GMA Life TV dito sa Europa.

Sobrang na-touch si Mrs. Santos sa natanggap niyang mga papuri at positive feedback tungkol sa show ng EB Dabarkads in London, kaya inimbita niya ang mga ito – sa pamamagitan ng lady boss ng TAPE, Inc. na si Ms. Malou Choa-Fagar – na bumalik sa bahaging ‘yon ng mundo at pasayahin naman ang mga kapatid nating Pinoy sa Ireland. ■

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GMA International takes part in honouring outstanding Filipinos in New York TWELVE Filipinos reaped the harvest of their hard work and exemplary contributions to the FilipinoAmerican community at the 2nd The Outstanding Filipino Americans (TOFA) in New York Awards held last October 27 at the Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall New York.

The awardees are Eduardo Sicangco (Arts & Culture); Edwin Josue (Business & Entrepreneurship); Yves Nibungco (Community Service & Advocacy); Agnes ‘Bing’ Magtoto (Education & Research); Kirby Asunto (Entertainment); Danelle Izza Dungca (Fashion & Style); Anthony and Lisa Siopongco (Food & Restaurants); Jona Jane Tajonera (Health Care); Cecilio Asuncion (LGBT Advocacy); Ryan Songalia (Media & Publishing) ; Mayor Guillermo Udarbe (Public Service & Politics); Advancement for Rural Kids, Inc. (Youth & Sports). The winners were chosen based on the number of votes they garnered on Facebook.

Five community organizations were also given the Heritage Awards

in recognition of their dedication and service to the community. They are the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America NY-NJ; Ma-Yi Theatre Company; Philippine American Chamber of Commerce; the San Lorenzo Ruiz Choir of New York and the Philippine Nurses Association.

GMA International, which manages the distribution of GMA Network’s international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV and GMA News TV International, participated as a major sponsor in this event which recognizes exemplary Filipino Americans in the New York TriState. GMA’s participation at the TOFA Awards earned a Third Place Diversity Awareness Award from the EMMAs (Excellence in MultiCultural Marketing Awards) at the 26th National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) last September.

For more information on GMA International, visit [www. gmanetwork.com/international] or [www.facebook.com/GMAPinoyTV]. ■

Atty. Robert Pearlstein (Lawyer of Lea Salonga), TOFA Awardee Edwin Josue, Mrs. Eleanor de Leon, Consul General Mario de Leon, Mrs. Udarbe, TOFA Awardee Mayor Guillermo Udarbe

Consul General Mario de Leon, Loida Nicolas Lewis, Tofa Awardee Lumen Castaneda with officers of Afta

Edwin Josue, Loida Nicoolas Lewis, Mrs. Pearlstein, Atty. Robert Pearlstein

TOFA Awardee Jorge Ortoll, Loida Nicolas Lewis, Consul General Mario de Leon

NAFFAA President in Northern California Lorna Dietz, TOFA Founder and chairman Elton Lugay

The Outstanding Filipino Americans (TOFA) Winners

Magpakailanman returns on GMA Pinoy TV NEWS5 executives share expertise with global

GMA PINOY TV brings back the award-winning drama anthology Magpakailanman to inspire the lives of the Kapuso viewers all over the world once more. It will be hosted by multi-awarded broadcast journalist Ms. Mel Tiangco.

Magpakailanman, an original concept and creation of the GMA Entertainment TV Group, initially ran from 2002 to 2007 and has twice been awarded the Best Drama Series category at the Catholic Mass Media Awards. It also garnered the 2008 and 2009 Anak TV Seal. Actor Noni Buencamino won the 2005 Asian TV Best Actor award and Actress Sunshine Dizon won the 2004 PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Actress award for their outstanding performances in the program. During its fiveyear run, the program, which was a consistent top-rater, inspired the lives of many Filipinos and promoted good family values to its viewers.

Because of the growing clamour to revive the program, Magpakailanman returns to television but with new elements such as more in-depth investigation and dramatization of real-life inspired stories. The show will bring in Mel Tiangco’s broadcast journalism expertise in each story by not only presenting what happened in the story but also examine some aspects as why it can happen, how can it be prevented from happening again and what concrete moves or steps can be done for it not to occur again.

“I wanted to add some new elements into the show. I told the staff that they should put my elements, my persona in the show. I told them that they should put it into the context

broadcasters in Barcelona and Melbourne

Mel Tiangco

that I am Mel Tiangco. I am a news personality. I am a public servant… all these things should be incorporated in the show,” said Mel Tiangco.

Aside from merely telling and narrating the story, Mel Tiangco will take a more participative role in making each story not only inspiring and uplifting but also informative and interesting. This will be about “the real story behind the story.”

Thus, one can already perceive the new kind of stories that “Magpakailanman” will be delivering.

Keeping the primary objective that the stories will be inspiring and should uplift the human spirit, the new stories of “Magpakailanman” will be provocative, exceptional, arresting and even sometimes sensational. Tiangco’s spiels and interviews will serve as the thread that will bring all these elements together.

GMA Entertainment TV’s AVP for Drama Redgie Acuna-Magno says Mel Tiangco remains to be the

ideal host of the well-loved drama anthology. “There is really no better person to host the show except Mel Tiangco. She is already identified with the show and the show reflects her true persona.”

“Mel Tiangco is a multi-awarded journalist that delivers investigative and informative news and at the same time a woman with a soft spot and of substance that a lot of people can relate and look up to – a perfect combination for Magpakailanman’s new offering,” said Magno.

Magpakailanman premieres November 18 in the US, Canada and Asia Pacific, and on November 23 in the Middle East and Europe.

For more information on GMA International, visit [www. gmanetwork.com/international] or [www.facebook.com/GMAPinoyTV].

To subscribe to GMA Pinoy TV contact HELLO PHILIPPINES TV CONNECT on 020 3174 1894 / 07944 026 968 / 07577 813 104 or visit www.hptvconnect.com. ■

IN keeping with TV5’s commitment to excellent news production and public service, NEWS5 executives will be joining some of the world’s best in broadcasting to discuss some of the network’s best practices in Barcelona, Spain and Melbourne, Australia. NEWS5 chief Luchi CruzValdes is set to leave for Barcelona on November 12 to represent the Kapatid Network at News Xchange, the largest gathering of international broadcast news organizations in the world, which will be held from the 16th to the 18th of November 2012. The only Filipino broadcast journalist and executive at the event, she is slated to be a panelist in discussing “The Evolving Role of Journalism” alongside award-winning Ghanaian investigative journalist Anas Aremayaw Anas.

The panel session is produced and moderated by mostly CNN personalities, like supervising producer Lisa Cohen whose The CNN Freedom Project led to the release of scores of modern day slaves.

Pertaining to NEWS5’s coverage and emergency response system during times of calamities, Cohen

said, “There are not many TV news organizations that have made a sustained, long-term commitment to a cause in the way that CNN and TV5 have. In fact, we might be the only ones who have done so.”

Meanwhile, Philippine TV’s first emergency response unit RESCUE5 was invited to present at the World Public Relations Forum 2012, a biennial meeting of over 700 thought leaders, practitioners, researchers and educators from 24 countries engaged in PR and communication.

The Forum will be held in Melbourne, Australia from November 18 to 20. The organizers from Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management invited RESCUE5, led by head Sherryl Yao and licensed rescuers-journalists Paolo Bediones and Benjie Dorango, to discuss how NEWS5’s emergency rescue unit has played a vital role in giving information and extending help in a disaster-prone country like the Philippines via panel session titled “Communication and Global Crisis: a discussion on natural disasters and recoveries.” ■

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GMA International Consultant Grace Labaguis receives Ruby Prize from The Filipino Reporter

THE Filipino Reporter, the oldest and one of the most popular and most trusted Filipino publications in the Tri-State area, celebrated its 40th anniversary via a grand gala last November 10 at the Astoria World Manor in Queens.

During the celebration, the publication awarded community leaders with the Ruby Prize in honor of their contributions in shaping the Filipino-American community.

Among the awardees this year is GMA International East Coast representative Grace HufanoLabaguis, who helps oversee the operations of GMA Network’s international unit in the area.

Labaguis has been a consultant for GMA International since 2009 and has been playing a key role in bringing GMA International closer to the Filipino community through trade shows, fiestas, and expos nationwide.

She has been instrumental in the unprecedented success of various Filipino-American community events for GMA Pinoy TV which included the Phil-American Friendship Committee (PAFCOM) Parade in NJ, Philippine Independence Day Committee, Inc. (PIDCI) Parade in

NY, Philippine American Friendship Day Parade in VA Beach, Asian Festival in Reston, VA., PhilFest in Tampa, Florida, Skokie Festival of Cultures in Chicago, IL, and several GMA International celebrity presscons and road shows. Grace has also line-produced GMA Pinoy TV Dance Show Down, a hip-hop dance competition held at Marist High School in Bayonne, NJ in 2009.

Meanwhile, Filipino Reporter publisher Bert Pelayo brought inspiration to the audience as he walked them through the important milestones of his publication over the last 40 years. “The Reporter is an enduring proof of the critical role played by the print media in the evolution of the Filipino American community,” he said in his speech.

Community champion Ms. Loida Nicolas-Lewis was also the Guest Speaker at the occasion.

Broadway stars Adam Jacobs and Eli Ewoldt entertained everyone present with their well-applauded numbers from “Phantom of the Opera” and “King and I.” The program was hosted by ABC 7 news anchor Nina Pineda, Lito Pernia of Friends Indeed with Jocelyn Bernal Ochoa. ■

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GMA Pinoy TV pulls off a casting coup via Pahiram Ng Sandali GMA PINOY TV showcases a formidable cast via PAHIRAM NG SANDALI, a compelling study on love and relationships. The drama series premieres on November 27 on the flagship international channel of Filipino broadcast giant GMA Network.

Ms. Redgie Acuña-Magno, GMA’s AVP for Drama enthuses, “Bawat isa sa atin ay may hiram na sandali.

Kaya magugustuhan ang Pahiram Ng Sandali ng ating mga Kapuso. Yung buhay natin. Yung makapiling natin ang mga mahal natin sa buhay. Yung trabaho natin. Makapag-aral. Lahat iyan ay mga hiram na sandali.”

“Pero ang tanong, matatagpuan ba ang pag-ibig na karapat-dapat ipaglaban sa isang hiram na sandali?”, Director Maryo J. Delos Reyes, who helms the masterpiece, interjects with the very intriguing question which according to him the series will explore for its viewers.

Direk Maryo, as fondly called by the industry, is one of Philippine’s most admired directors; his body of work is a brand in itself which is synonymous to excellence.

His brilliance catapulted Lorna Tolentino to celebrity status via Diosa, a romance-fantasy that also advocated pro-nature messages.

And his opus, Magnifico, gave him grand slam victory in 2004.

Ms. Lilybeth Gomez-Rasonable, OIC of GMA’s Entertainment Group shares, “Viewers will find Pahiram Ng Sandali exciting because it mirrors our lives, how we are, what we are and how falling in love makes us different from who we thought we were. Even more engaging is to discover how someone we love can alter our destinies.”

Coming from the phenomenal success of her latest production One True Love, Ms. Redgynn Alba, Program Manager of Pahiram Ng Sandali, is confident that GMA’s

latest offering will also exceed expectations, “Considering the exceptional talent of our cast and the team behind Pahiram Ng Sandali, we can promise that viewers will witness the finest on Philippine television.”

Leading the casting coup of Pahiram Ng Sandali is Metro Manila Filmfest 2011 Best Actor Dingdong Dantes who is all set to show off his acting prowess as Alex Santiago, a man driven by his desire to care for his mother who falls in love with an older woman, whose love realigns his goals in life.

Aside from being recognized as one of the country’s youth advocates and sought-after endorsers, he was also lead actor and producer of Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles.

While Lorna Tolentino portrays Janice Alvaro, a media executive who is hurt by her husband’s lack of interest and is flattered by a young man’s sincere interest and affection.

She appreciates the project with this perspective, “Magugustuhan niyo po ang Pahiram Ng Sandali kasi kapag nakilala ninyo ang characters namin sa series, makikita niyo rin yung sarili ninyo. Maaalala ninyo yung sarili niyong experiences, yung sarili ninyong feelings. Na lahat tayo ay tao lang.

Lahat tayo ay nagsisimula sa tamang rason at motivation. Pero nagugulat na lang tayo na natatagpuan natin ang sarili natin sa maling sitwasyon dahil sa desisyon ng ibang mga tao at dahil sa mga pangyayari na hindi natin inaakalang makaka-apekto sa pagkatao natin.”

Lorna is one of Philippine cinema’s very few grand slam actresses. Her most memorable award-winning performances were for Maging Akin Ka Lamang and Narito Ang Puso Ko. Seasoned actor Christopher de Leon joins the powerhouse cast of Pahiram ng Sandali as Phillip, Janice’s husband. Highly respected,

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Max Collins and Dingdong Dantes ©jojitlorenzophotography.com

Alessandra de Rossi

Christopher de Leon

Christopher won acting recognitions for Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang and My Other Woman, just to name a few from a long-list of awards.

Mark Gil is Larry Gomez, Dingdong’s domineering father. He has three Best Supporting Awards and one is for Magnifico, under the guidance of Pahiram Ng Sandali’s director.

Introducing in Pahiram ng Sandali is fast-rising Kapuso actress Max Collins as Cindy, an independent and adventurous woman who falls for Alex. She has appeared in The Good Daughter and Coffee Prince.

Alessandra de Rossi is Baby, Philip’s lover. She earned her first critical acclaim at only sixteen

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years of age, for her performance in Azucena.

Playing equally important roles in Pahiram Ng Sandali are Sandy Andolong, Roi Alvarez, Isabel Rivas, Neil Ryan Sese, Julio Diaz, Kristoffer Martin, Luz Valdez.

Dingdong expounds, “Words will never be enough to articulate the beauty of Pahiram Ng Sandali as an artwork. And am proud to say na sa palabas namin ay walang bida at kontrabida. Dahil ang mas mapapansin ng viewers ay kung paano pinagsanib ang galing ng bawat isa sa amin, sa harap o likod man ng camera, dahil para sa bawat isa sa amin, ang project na ito ay isang hiram na sandali lang.

Bihira ang ganito kaganda. Bihira ang

Kristoffer Martin

Max Collins

ganitong pagkakataon.”

“And like the best things in life, you can’t have it for a lifetime. Puwede pa siguro na, you shall remember Pahiram Ng Sandali for a lifetime. Kaya sana, huwag niyo pong palampasin. Sana ay sama-sama nating pagsaluhan ang hiram na sandaling ito.”

Pahiram Ng Sandali will redefine television viewing experience beginning November 27 on GMA Pinoy TV. For more details, visit [www. gmanetwork.com/international] or [www.facebook.com/GMAPinoyTV].

To subscribe to GMA Pinoy TV contact HELLO PHILIPPINES TV CONNECT on 020 3174 1894 / 07944 026 968 / 07577 813 104 or visit www.hptvconnect.com. ■

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Sandy Andolong

PHILIPPINES

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Neil Ryan Sese

Isabel Rivas

Dingdong Dantes

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Celebrity, Showbiz & Entertainment

November 2012 / Fortnightly – No. 21 • UK & Europe Edition

Highlights of Musika SamaSama: The Together Concert on GMA Pinoy TV PHILIPPINES

IN celebration of the Philippine Heritage month, GMA Pinoy TV, the flagship international channel of Filipino broadcast company GMA Network, lived up to its promise of bringing Filipinos closer to home at the Musika SamaSama: The Together Concert held last October 27 in Chicago.

Organized by the Tinley ParkFrankfort Rotary Club, the event celebrated the diversity and richness of the Filipino culture through an unforgettable concert event.

Around 700 attendees from across the Midwest including Philippine Consulate General, Honorable Leo Herrera-Lim joined the celebration to catch the performances of Chicago’s premiere Filipino Folk Fusion band, along with local dance troupes, martial artists, and the Rip Chords – an all-female group of singers from the University of Illinois.

Known for blending Filipino traditional folk music with contemporary songs, the SamaSama Project is a regular fixture at cultural festivals, museum shows, and commercial and private engagements in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Iowa. The group, whose members include Baron Cabalona (drums), Ran Sevilla (guitar), Lee Maningas (bass), Louella Cabalona (vocals), Josue Torres (conga) and Ben Corpuz (keyboard), had the rare chance to perform at the Pope’s World Youth Day MacroFestival Concert in Madrid Spain last year.

Other performers during the SamaSama event were Girlie Pascual, James DC, Karrel Bernardo, Michael Baylon, 3JNR Rondalla, the Bolingbrook Park District Dance Force, the Philippine American Cultural Foundation (PACF) Performing Arts, the Illinois Rip Chords, the Kampilan Eskrima

Team, the Philippine Dance Troupe of Eastern Iowa, the Philippine Dance Troupe of the Quad Cities and the Loyola Breakers.

As the show aimed to bring Filipinos together through music, the two-hour program featured songs highlighting the role of Filipino women in the course of history, Filipino songs performed

by American artists (such as Nat King Cole and Eartha Kitt), Filipino classic hits during the ‘80s and from the prior decades, and the all time-favorite Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

In addition to the concert, spectators also had the chance to witness a mouth-watering display of Filipino food arranged by various Pinoy restaurants, as well as Filipino artefacts by Pinoy-owned businesses. Clothes by Filipino designer Jason Lee were also part of the display.

The Musika SamaSama: The Together Concert is a much-awaited event among Filipino-Americans in the area. It stemmed from the celebration of October as the Filipino American Heritage Month, which was proclaimed by five city mayors in the surrounding community. In California and Hawaii, where a large number of Filipino Americans reside, Filipino American History Month is widely celebrated as many Filipino American organizations in the US often initiate their own independent celebrations including those in the state of Illinois.

Highlights of the show can be seen on GMA Pinoy TV. For more information visit [www.gmanetwork. com/International] or [www. facebook.com/GMAPinoyTV].

To subscribe to GMA Pinoy TV contact HELLO PHILIPPINES TV CONNECT on 020 3174 1894 / 07944 026 968 / 07577 813 104 or visit www.hptvconnect.com. ■

Baron gives a spell-binding clarinet interlude for Bituing Marikit, an amazing spin of Gershwin’s Summertime. Ran accompanies with his rhythm guitar. Credit: Together Concert (TC) Camera Brigade

Louella Cabalona, lead SSP vocalist, drew plenty of audience appea l.Her “WarayWaray” song was easily the hit of the show that was full of star acts.

Concert Director Marc Rita and Manager Rian Mari Francisco display their pride if not relief from a vastly successful cultural event that had just ended. Credit: Together Concert (TC) Camera Brigade

Habanera de Jovencita folk-dancers from Quad City (Gilda Lumen, Desiree Echavez-Alfon & Leah Kristine Acera) pose with Girlie Pascual and Karrel Bernardo. Credit: TogetherConcert (TC) Camera Brigade

Prelude from 3JNR Rondalla. L-R: Dr. Nards Chato (Rhythm), Jun Reyes (Lead), Judy SanLuis-Tomas (Laud), Jun Tomas (Banduria) & Ric dela Pena (Bass). Credit: TogetherConcert (TC) Camera Brigade

This image speaks less than a thousand words but the few words are telling enough. Credit: Together Concert (TC) Camera Brigade

TinleyPark-Frankfort, IL Rotary Club joins cast on stage for farewell appearance to an audience who came for show that gave them plenty of memories. Credit: Together Concert (TC) Camera Brigade

First audience treat is a child’s cradlesong, Ili-Ili, Wala Anai, performed in a duet by Emilia Ramos playing the violin and Louella Cabalona singing. Credit: TogetherConcert (TC) Camera Brigade

Pilipino Dance Troupe of Eastern Iowa, doing a Filipino-muslim dance movement called Malong-Malong. Credit: Together Concert (TC) Camera Brigade

Standing ovation, handwaves, applause and then some were the response they offered a wonderful cast of performers. Together, they celebrated a historic event. Credit: Together Concert (TC) Camera Brigade

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Celebrity, Showbiz & Entertainment

November 2012 / Fortnightly – No. 21 • UK & Europe Edition

GMA Life TV and GMA News TV International now seen on British Columbia and Alberta!

Camille Prats and Suzi Entrata-Abrera

GMA International celebrates the best in Filipino lifestyle and offers the latest and most relevant local news to more Filipinos in Canada with the upcoming launch of GMA Life TV and GMA News TV International in British Columbia and Alberta via Telus Optik TV recently last November.

GMA Network’s second international channel, GMA Life TV captures the exciting and colorful lifestyle of Filipinos through a widerange of program genres, while GMA News TV International - powered by most trusted and multi-awarded news organization in the Philippines GMA News and Public Affairs serves as the ultimate source of local news abroad.

Leading the vibrant mix of TV programs on GMA Life TV is Kusina Master, a 45-minute cooking show hosted by Chef Boy Logro. With his funny antics and excellent kitchen skills, Chef Boy makes way for a fun and enjoyable experience when preparing meals in the kitchen.

Fashionistas are in for a treat as Fashbook hosted by multi-talented singer, actress and host Solenn Heussaff leads an inside and out makeover for her guests and inspires viewers with the help of an A-list makeover team.

MARS gives viewers fresh, fun and intelligent conversations for and by mothers via on a variety of topics concering each member of the family. Dubbed as television’s go-to show for all mommy concerns, MARS is hosted by celebrity moms Suzi Entrata-Abrera and Camille Prats.

Other GMA Life TV programs

Chef Boy Logro

Solenn Heussaff

include Weekend Getaway, a traveler’s guide to the best destinations in the Philippines hosted by Drew Arellano; Let’s Fiesta, which offers highlights of the latest festivals all over the archipelago; and Reel Time, which tackles the lighter side of Pinoy culture via movie-like documentaries, among others.

Meanwhile, bannered by the most respected names in Philippine broadcast journalism today – Jessica Soho, Mike Enriquez, Mel Tiangco, Arnold Clavio, Vicky Morales, and Howie Severino – GMA News TV International provides the latest, most comprehensive, and most credible news from the country.

The country’s number one local news channel, GMA News TV boasts of a formidable line-up of programs to give Pinoy viewers overseas relevant and credible news reportage all throughout the day.

At the forefront of the list of programs on the channel is the flagship newscast State of the Nation, which delivers in-depth and comprehensive news reporting and anchored by no less than GMA News TV pillar Jessica Soho.

News To Go, meanwhile, gives viewers different news and feature stories hosted by GMA News Online Editor-in-Chief Howie Severino together with Peabody award winner Kara David.

Viewers can also look forward to a most interesting gathering of programs including a modern spinoff of GMA Network’s hugely popular news magazine program in the ‘90s, Brigada Siete, in GMA News TV’s Brigada. In the show, Jessica Soho gives a new generation of reporters the opportunity to present the stories behind the headlines as she

Jessica Soho

Howie Severino

mentors each of them to get a deeper understanding of their reports.

Powerhouse is a program hosted by another GMA News TV pillar, Mel Tiangco. Through the program, viewers get a peek into the private homes and lives of Philippines’ most powerful and controversial personalities.

Led by broadcast journalist Arnold Clavio, Tonight with Arnold Clavio treats viewers to a no-holds barred and informative discussion of the hottest issues today, with the most sought after personalities.

GMA News and Public Affairs is the only broadcast news organization in the Philippines that has won the highly prestigious George Foster Peabody Award. The team was also awarded with five citations by the Telly Awards and another one from the US International Film and Video Festival – the only USIFVF award for a Philippine program in 2011.

GMA News and Public Affairs also has the New York Festivals International Television and Film Awards and the Asian TV Awards in its roster of accolades. Just recently, GMA News and Public Affairs was awarded with three Silver World Medals and six Finalist Certificates in the 2012 New York Festivals.

GMA Life TV can be seen on Channel 516 while GMA News TV International can be seen on Channel 511. To subscribe, call 310MYTV (6988) or visit www.telus. com/optiktv. Channel and program information are also available at www. gmanetwork.com/international and www.facebook.com/GMAPinoyTV. Both channels are charged separately at only $5.00 / month per channel. Subscription to Filipino TV is required. ■

Ritz Azul sizzles as FHM Philippines’ November cover girl TV5 Primetime Princess Ritz Azul is poised to become every man’s fantasy come to life as she poses for FHM’s November issue.

Donning a revealing lace bodysuit for the magazine’s cover, the 18-yearold actress sizzles in her first ever sexy pictorial. The self-proclaimed probinsiyana oozes with a mixture of charming naivete and sexiness that only comes natural to Ritz.

While Ritz is proud and delighted

with how her photo shoot turned out, the young star admitted that posing for a men’s magazine was no easy feat.

“Siyempre po kabado ako,” she shared. “Hindi maalis sa akin ‘yun.

Pero marami namang tumutulong sa akin kaya lumalakas din yung loob ko [during the shoot].”

Ritz, who won fourth runner up in TV5’s former talent search Star Factor, made her acting debut in the primetime series Nagbabagang

Bulaklak in 2011. That same year, Ritz bagged the Outstanding Breakthrough Performance by an Actress from the ENPRESS Golden Screen TV Awards and the Amazing Female Newcomer from Yahoo!

Philippines OMG Awards. It was also in Nagbabagang Bulaklak where Ritz inadvertently attracted a slew of male fans including FHM’s stable of editors and writers. The editors of the popular magazine admitted that Ritz’s name

have always come up in their list of cover girls. And now they are over the moon to have finally featured her as the magazine’s muse-of-the-month since it’s been a while since FHM featured a “debutante” on the cover.

After starring alongside Lorna Tolentino in the soap series Glamorosa, Ritz is faced with another challenge as she stars in TV5’s first superhero drama Kidlat opposite hunk Derek Ramsay. ■

Arnold Clavio

Mel Tiangco Mike Enriquez

Vicky Morales

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Adivay in London 2012 “Benguet is no place like home that even so far away the heart of every iBenguet finds the beat of where it hails from.”

Clint Bangwa THE Benguet community in the United Kingdom celebrates with the province its 112th Foundation Day in the staging of the fifth Adivay in London. Organized by the Benguet Organization – United Kingdom (BO-UK) lead by its president Mr. Archibald Nabus held on November 17 at the Churchill Gardens Hall in Central London. Attended by many of our province folks representing the thirteen municipalities, Cordillera friends as well as guests from other parts of England.

Once more, we are gathered not just for an event but in the spirit of community belongingness. We find joy in the bondage of our townsfolk as we long for our love ones back home through occasions such as the Adivay in London despite the isolation we find ourselves amid the busy work laden life. Indeed, we appreciate the acknowledgement in a message read to us from the office of the provincial governor of Benguet.

Kaladjo man aadivay kitejo!

And so we transform our English background with Benguet atmosphere and tradition. Lead by the officers of BO-UK, donned colorfully are women on tapis and

men strapped of wanes dancing gracefully the Bindean choreograph with the rhythm of gongs on the beat.

Once more, the crowd is enlivened with the mesmerizing art of the performances. Sally from Essex said she is drawn by the presentation particularly the dancing. And Daniel Lovell, a musician from London engaged to a Benguet lass see the potential of incorporating the gong instruments in his music.

They both like the part as a cultural element and are happy to be with a community that is rich with such practices. They toss cheerfully us a cup of tapey and a handful of camote and some suman.

Part of carrying out such important tradition is to maintain the existence of our culture especially among the young generations brought up abroad. The organization’s president admitted some of us do not know our traditional dance / tayaw and play the gangsa yet are proud to follow and show it out as a unique identification in such a foreign place.

Moreover, the BO-UK juniors who helped entertain the crowd with their theatrical act expressed their great interest in learning more of their parent’s traditions. Despite the need to learn how to speak inibaloi or kankana-ey, they said they are proud

of our culture they belong with as a differentiation from their culturebland mates.

Not least but there too is a talent among us worth showing for the enjoyment in our London version of Adivay. A special number by Ms Loryza Abanag awed everyone with her X-Factor worth song performance. The adorable children with their hanging wanes wagging front to back as they lead the famous dance Gangnam style. They were instantly popular. And the rest who entertained us all.

Over all, what defines the occasion is the presence of everyone as one community. A fervent semblance of the Igorot culture and brotherhood.

Nothing like this is observed in a radical country to the fact that we are envied and admired by others.

With so the success of the event, Benguet Organisation-UK beside Miss Benguet-UK 2012 and crowned Miss Igorot-UK Grace Melecio of Mankayan, thank everyone for the ever support shown especially in attaining the aims and charitable purposes of the group including the past efforts with lots of sacrifices put into.

We deliver again our Adivay 2012 London theme: Takdayko, iawatko, kajemmo, kajemko, kaladjo man aadivaykitejo, no mansaksakeykitejo, ishadshadsak pay (My hand I offer, your friends are mine too, let’s be one together for the more united we are, the happier). ■

November 2012 / Fortnightly – No. 21 • UK & Europe Edition

November 2012 / Fortnightly – No. 21 • UK & Europe Edition

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BOXING

November 2012 / Fortnightly – No. 21 • UK & Europe Edition

PACQUIAO PLANS TO PICK UP PACE AGAINST MARQUEZ

MANNY Pacquiao says Juan Manuel Marquez won’t be able to out run him because he plans to fight at a faster pace when the two veteran boxers clash for the fourth time on December 8 in Las Vegas.

“He is a good counter-puncher,” Pacquiao said of Marquez. “He is very patient and sits back and waits for action.

“If I waited for him to throw the punches first, the fight would be boring. That’s why I have always been the one to make the fight between us.”

Pacquiao, a former eight division world champion, is making big changes to both his preparations and his sparring for the non-title fight at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.

“I will try not to fight as slow at the end of this fight as I did in the last three fights,” Pacquiao said. “That is my focus now. I want to finish stronger in this fight.”

The 33-year-old Pacquiao defeated Marquez in a majority

decision last year — a third gutwrenching result for Marquez against his Filipino foe.

In the build-up to that fight, Marquez had taunted Pacquiao with claims that he was the true winner of their first two bouts – a 2004 draw and a 2008 rematch.

Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach said they are looking at ways to break through Marquez’s skilled defence.

“We have a tough fight ahead of us,” Roach said. “We know that Marquez is a great counter puncher.

We are working on things to defeat that counter-puncher style.

“Manny is looking great in training. I like what I see. He is where I want him to be right now. His focus is where it has not been for some time. He is very focused for this fight and I think it’s going to be the best fight yet.

“The thing is Marquez fought the fight at a slow pace the last time.

We plan to fight the fight at a much faster pace this time like we did in the

Boxers Manny Pacquiao (L) and Juan Manuel Marquez (R) at a press conference in September 2012 in New York. Pacquiao says Marquez won›t be able to out run him because he plans to fight at a faster pace when the two veteran boxers clash for the fourth time on December 8 in Las Vegas.

first fight in the early rounds. That’s where we had the most success.

“Going by all the tapes we have watched, we do our best when we are more aggressive. More hand speed. We are going to use a lot of that.”

Pacquiao says if the opportunity for a knockout is there he will go for it.

“Right now my mind is focused on being more aggressive for this fight,” Pacquiao said. “If there is a chance

in the ring during the fight, why not make the fight easy.”

Pacquiao plans another fight in April before running unopposed for his congressional seat in the Philippines.

He hasn’t given up on a potential mega fight with Floyd Mayweather but said Miguel Cotto could also be an upcoming opponent.

Promoter Bob Arum said this fight will give boxing fans a clear picture of who is the better fighter.

“There was controversy after the

last fight and they are matched very well together,” Arum said.

“Both of them will be looking for different strategies this time so that the winner will be more conclusive.

“Each of them will be more aggressive and each of them will be taking the fight to the other. That may be a disadvantage for Juan Manuel whose biggest advantage is counter-punching but he’s going to be a lot more aggressive as well.” ■ (©AFP – Los Angeles, USA – November 21, 2012)

FOOTBALL Philippine United FC top of the league after biggest win ever in PUFC history 14-0 Leo Jensen Founder (Philippine United FC) AFTER Sheffield coaches Norm Parkin and Steve Conroy rejoined PUFC in Manchester together with our new member Shaun Ryecroft, who helps the players with his physio-skills and massage, the team

are now heading in same direction of success as we had with our team in the West Herts league in North London from 2009-11.

PUFC was founded in 2008 after a trial in Manchester to find talented players for the Azkals, the Philippine national team. But it was first in January 2009 after a meeting in

the Philippine Embassy together with Azkals players Phil,Chris,Simon Greatwich and Fulhams goalkeeper now on loan to Bristol Rovers Neil Etheridge, a final team was selected after several trials with 60 players involved.

In our first season with only 2 defeats we promoted to the West Herts Division 1 and won the London Asian Cup the year after.

And now former president for the Philippine Football Federation, Mari Martinez visited us and he was very impressed. Under his visit here in UK he met together with PUFC several managers from the premier league and championship, which opened the door for our team to play some of their academy teams in near future.

Pictures from these meeting can be seen in the gallery on our website.

But despite our success we had with the team it was a big prize to pay to travel every Saturday to London from Manchester and Sheffield without funding and donations.

So we decided to start up another team of PUFC here in Manchester and the team we had in West Herts league continued to play in Division One there under the name of Philippine Football Club.

In Manchester Philippine United currently play in the City Central League Division 2. This is a new international league under Manchester FA to get more grassroots and international players into football.

However these leagues are totally different from West Herts as the Manchester FA will not allow us to field a team of Filipinos only which

we think is very positive, as we can all learn from each other. Another good thing here is we can use 16 players in each game 11 plus 5 reserves but its all roll on and off so everybody get their chance to play.

Currently we have 14 Filipinos and 6 non Filipinos in our team but we hope to see more Filipino players from Greater Manchester and North West of England.

We hope to give them a chance for a trial also for PFF like we helped Rob Gier in 2009 and he is now one of the best players for the Azkals.

Also Jason Arroyo from our London team has played some friendliest for PFF and he has furthermore been on a trial for the famous FC Barcelona.

For more information about PUFC visit our website http://www. philippineunitedfc.com/. ■

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