September 2012 issue by MShare Limited

PHILIPPINES Connecting Global News & Views For The Community

UK & Europe Edition

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September 2012

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1st Reel Gate International Film FR Festival • Business & Finance • Celebrity, EE Showbiz & Entertainment • Environment • Events Diary • Global News • HP News • Immigration • Law & Legal Issues • OFW News • Philippine Embassy Around the World • Philippine Tourism • Social Issues • Spotlight

Volume 3 - Number 16

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MVP JOINS TWITTER THOUSANDS RETURN HOME AFTER TSUNAMI

Teodoro Aljibe, AFP

RESIDENTS on the Philippines’ Pacific coast described how they ran for their lives when a major offshore earthquake triggered a tsunami warning, as thousands returned home on Saturday, September 1. Most people had fled the east coast by the time waves of up to half a metre (20 inches) hit coastal areas within an hour of the 7.6-magnitude quake striking offshore late Friday, August 31, civil defence chief Benito Ramos said. “They feared they would be swamped by waves as large as those in the (March 2011) Japan tsunami, so it was not difficult to convince them to leave,” he told AFP. Police said 132,241 people evacuated overnight, during which the Philippines was rocked by 139 aftershocks, the strongest recorded at a magnitude of 6.4, the state seismology office said. Everyone had since returned home, national police spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo said in a statement.

A woman was killed and two other people were injured on the southern island of Mindanao and the eastern island of Leyte, he said. Evacuations were ordered for the east coasts of the two large islands, as well as Samar island, impoverished areas that are pounded annually by many of the up to 20 typhoons and storms that hit the country every year. Samar resident Rosita Abodi took her large extended family of 17 including nephews, nieces and grandchildren back home near the coast of Guiuan, about 140 kilometres (90 miles) from the quake epicentre, before dawn. The 60-year-old woman, who was back at work serving food at her small cafe on Saturday, described the panic that had gripped the area. “It was a full moon and my brother said he saw the water retreat from the shoreline. He was the one who warned us to leave,” she said. “When we heard the news we ran because there was no transport available. We slept on cardboard boxes on the floor of a schoolroom. We did not have any

©AFP/File, Ted Aljibe

Police said 132,241 people evacuated overnight, during which the Philippines was rocked by 139 aftershocks.

blankets or mosquito nets,” she told AFP. Abodi said it was the first time in her life that she had been forced to flee her fishing town on the southern tip of Samar because of a tsunami. Roman Catholic parish priest Lope Robredillo said Samar’s entire east

coast suffered a power outage from the quake, but he did not see any visible damage to buildings and roads. “People here are used to typhoons, but a tsunami is a different proposition because Guiuan is almost entirely surrounded by water,” said the 56-year-old.

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Ramos, the civil defence chief, said the quake damage was “very minimal” with cracks seen on a Samar gymnasium wall and three bridges. However the bridges remained open to light vehicles, he said. ■ (AFP – Guiuan, Philippines – September 1, 2012)

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Special Feature - 14th Paralympic Games London 2012

September 2012 – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

Opening ceremony looks to the skies Robin Millard, AFP THE London 2012 Paralympics began Wednesday, August 29, with a vibrant opening ceremony led by Stephen Hawking that paid tribute to human endeavour, enlightenment and the quest to understand the universe. Paralympians soared through the air above the 80,000-seater Olympic Stadium while Hawking, the world’s most famous living scientist, urged people to look to the stars for inspiration. In a spectacular finish, a British marine who lost both his legs in an explosion in Afghanistan brought the flame into the stadium on a zip wire from the Orbit tower. Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II declared the Games open after a joyous athletes’ parade that saw competitors from a record 165 nations take their bow. The show began with a spectacular flypast as a plane, lit electric blue and trailing golden sparks from its wings, circled overhead. British theoretical physicist Hawking, paralysed and in a wheelchair much of his life due to a rare form of motor neuron disease, kicked off the show by speaking of the challenge of working out how the universe works. “Ever since the dawn of civilisation, people have craved for an understanding of the underlying order of the world. Why it is as it is, and why it exists at all.” The umbrella was used as a motif throughout the show, in a light-hearted nod to Britain’s gloomy weather. A glowing, celestial sphere descended into the middle of a giant central umbrella, igniting the “Big Bang” signifying the creation of the universe. Some 600 performers with umbrellas that lit up radiated out from the centre. The ceremony’s artistic directors Bradley Hemmings and Jenny Sealey said their show was a tribute to human endeavour. “We hope that you will join with us in celebrating the empowering possibilities of ideas, science and creativity, through which we can realise our full potential: who we are and who we aspire to be,” they said. Led by the three competitors from Afghanistan, the athletes’ paraded to a soundtrack mixed by three local disc jockeys. Each country’s name was written atop an umbrella in the London Underground font. Every nation was given a warm reception, something that was a feature of the Olympics just a few weeks ago. Taking pictures and waving to the crowd, some on crutches, others in wheelchairs pushed by their teammates, the athletes revelled in the moment.

©AFP Photo

©Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images ©AFP Photo

©AFP Photo

Britain’s Prince William (left) talks with his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. ©AFP Photo

The Mexicans, wearing sombreros and colourful woollen ponchos, shook their rattles, while Belgian sprinter Marieke Vervoort had her labrador Zenn upright on her lap. The Ghanaian delegation danced their way round, while the North Koreans looked overjoyed as they waved their national flag. Great Britain were welcomed in last with a deafening roar, David Bowie’s “Heroes”, and a blast of gold and silver ticker tape. London Games chairman Sebastian Coe said: “It is my great honour to say welcome home to the Paralympic Games,” as the event turned to its ceremonial conclusion. “Everything sport stands for, we’re going to see right here, right now. “These will be Games to remember. “Prepare to be inspired; prepare to be dazzled; prepare to be moved by the Paralympic Games of London 2012,” he said. Queen Elizabeth, who was joined by her grandson Prince William, his wife Catherine and other senior royals, then declared the Games open, heralding the start of 11 days of Paralympic sport. “What can be more special than that there is no boundary?” asked Hawking. “There should be no boundary to human endeavour.” In tribute to Isaac Newton’s discovery of gravity, the spectators simultaneously crunched into apples. After the flame’s dramatic entrance, the cauldron was lit by 84-year-old Margaret Maughan, Britain’s first gold medallist from the inaugural 1960 Paralympic Games in Rome. Singer Beverley Knight closed the show with a rendition of “I Am What I Am” as fireworks exploded across the Olympic Park. ■ (©AFP – London, United Kingdom – August 30, 2012)

©AFP Photo

Torchbearer British Royal Marine Joe Townsend carries the Paralympic Flame during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in East London on August 29, 2012. A wheelchair tennis player glides on wires above the arena during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in East London on August 29, 2012.

©AFP Photo

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II (left) next to Britain’s Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex (right) declares the London 2012 Paralympic Games officially open during the opening ceremony at the Olympic Stadium Science and the discovery of knowledge were central themes in the opening ceremony in East London on August 29, 2012. of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. ©AFP Photo

Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in East London on August 29, 2012. © AFP, Leon Neal

©AFP Photo

Members of Britain’s delegation parade during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in East London on August 29, 2012.

Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games

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Special Feature - 14th Paralympic Games London 2012

September 2012 – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

Ambassador Manalo Joins Philippine Paralympic Team at Official Welcome Ceremony PHILIPPINES

©HELLO PHILIPPINES

Paralympic Team arrived at London Heathrow last Friday, 24 August 2012

PHILIPPINE Ambassador to Britain Enrique Manalo joined the athletes and officials of the Philippine Paralympic Team for the official team welcome ceremony at the Athletes’ Village last August 28. “We are very excited that the Philippine Paralympic Team is competing in the 2012 Paralympics

here in London. Each one of our paralympians is a true inspiration, proving to the world that every Filipino has the capacity to excel in anything. The Embassy and the Filipino community in Britain will be cheering them on to success, and hopefully our first silver and gold medals,” exclaimed Ambassador Manalo.

The Philippine Paralympic Team is composed of table tennis player Josephine Medina, powerlifters Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta, Achelle Guion and Agustine Kitam, sprinter Roger Tapia, distance runner Isidro Vildosola, javelin thrower Marites Burce, swimmer Bea Roble and high jumper Andy Avellana.

Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Enrique Manalo, Deputy Chief of Mission Reynaldo Catapang and other Embassy officials with the athletes and officials of the Philippine Paralympic Team at the Athletes’ Village.

The team was led by Chef de Mission Gerardo Rosario and accompanied by Philippine Sports Association for the Differently Abled/National Paralympic Committee (PhilSPADA/NPC) President Michael Barredo and Secretary-General Carlos Weber, Jr.

It is only the fourth time that the Philippines is participating in the Paralympic Games. The first time was in Sydney in 2000, where Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta bagged bronze in women’s powerlifting – the country’s only Paralympics medal so far. ■ (©DFA – August 31, 2012)

Original Creation and Copyright Reserved By: Hello Philippines 2012

Philippine, China leaders may discuss row at APEC

THE Philippine and Chinese presidents will likely discuss a territorial row on the sidelines of a regional trade summit in Russia on September 2012, a Filipino official said Wednesday, August 29. Philippine President Benigno Aquino will reaffirm in the talks his country’s claims to parts of the South China Sea while seeking to ease tensions with China and boost trade, foreign affairs undersecretary Laura del Rosario said. “He (Aquino) will explain to them

what we are doing about it, what we are doing to de-escalate it. It’s useless to discuss the problem in a high-pitched voice,” del Rosario told reporters, referring to the maritime row. Aquino and Chinese President Hu Jintao are due to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit in Russia’s far eastern port city of Vladivostok on September 8 and 9. Del Rosario said the meeting between Hu and Aquino on the sidelines of the summit had not

yet been confirmed, with both delegations still to finalise their schedules. But she said the Chinese side had proposed the bilateral meeting, and Aquino would accept. “It will be the number one on his priority list,” she said. Del Rosario emphasised the Philippines wanted to focus on boosting economic partnerships with China during the planned meeting, not the South China Sea dispute that has caused deep diplomatic fissures for more than a year.

“We just hope... that whatever political issues we have, we can just separate it from economic issues and trade issues,” she said. China claims sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea, which is believed to hold vast amounts of oil and gas, is a rich fishing ground for the region and is home to shipping lanes that are vital to global trade. But the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam, as well as Taiwan, claim parts of the sea.

The Philippines and Vietnam have accused China recently of becoming increasingly aggressive in staking its claims to the area. Tensions between the Philippines and China escalated dramatically in April when vessels from both countries became engaged in a stand-off at a remote shoal in the sea. The Philippines’ foreign minister then accused Chinese diplomats in July of “duplicity” and “intimidation”. ■ (©AFP – August 29, 2012)

President Aquino to attend APEC summit in Russky Island An August 29, 2012 press release from the Department of Foreign Affairs PRESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III will lead the Philippine delegation at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Week in Russky Island, Vladivostok, Russia from September 2 to 9. Joining him in the Philippine delegation are Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario, Secretary of Trade and Industry Gregory L. Domingo and Secretary of Finance Cesar V. Purisima. Hosted by the Russian Federation, APEC 2012 is working

under the motto “Integrate to Grow, Innovate to Prosper”. At the Concluding Senior Officials’ Meeting and the Ministerial Meetings leading up to the Leaders’ Meeting, the Philippine delegation, hand in hand with its APEC partners, will discuss ways to promote trade and investment liberalization, closer integration, food security, cooperation in the field of prevention and mitigation of natural disasters, and diversification and improvement of transportation and logistics chains. At the 20th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) on

September 8 and 9, the Leaders will discuss the four priorities set by the host, Russia, for 2012: (1) trade and investment liberalization and regional economic integration, (2) strengthening food security, (3) establishing reliable supply chains, and (4) cooperation to foster innovative growth. President Aquino will also participate in the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Dialogue with Leaders, which is a key feature of the AELM. This dialogue gives ABAC Members the opportunity to meet with the APEC Leaders to discuss

the entire year’s ABAC work program and to raise issues of pressing concern to the business community. ABAC Philippines is represented by A. Magsaysay Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Doris Magsaysay Ho, Jollibee Foods Corporation Chairman and CEO Tony Tan Caktiong, and Ayala Corporation Chairman and CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala. This year, ABAC has adopted the theme “Aspirations to Reality…” The 2012 work program builds on the achievements of the past year by continuing the focus on regional economic integration, SMME and

entrepreneurship and sustainable growth, with particular emphasis on the key areas of transportation and logistics, technology transfer and green development and ecocities. APEC has 21 members – referred to as “member economies” – which account for approximately 40 percent of the world’s population, approximately 54 percent of world gross domestic product (GDP) and about 44 percent of world trade. It is the premier forum for facilitating economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region. ■ (©DFA – Manila, Philippines – August 29, 2012)

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Special Feature - 14th Paralympic Games London 2012

September 2012 – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

Paralympics: Showing ability in disability PHILIPPINES

THE “I Can!” Photography Exhibition focuses on persons with disabilities leading active and productive lives. With the London 2012 Paralympic Games, the British Embassy and its partners – SM Supermalls, PhilSPADA-NPC Philippines, British Council and Samsung – are taking advantage of this unique opportunity to launch a campaign to change the way people think, feel and behave towards disability and disability sport. The British Embassy’s “I Can!” Photography Exhibition is harnessing the power of images to show the ability in disability by aiming the lens on persons with disabilities leading active and productive lives. The exhibition was launched on August 22, at The Podium in Ortigas Centre, Mandaluyong City. “History has proven that even a single image can have the power to evoke strong emotion, to change perceptions and to mobilise people into action. The Paralympics is an excellent platform to promote respect, acceptance and equality for persons with disabilities. We want to echo this message using the inspiring visual images featured in this photo exhibit,” said British Ambassador Stephen Lillie. The photos featured are the winners and finalists of the “I Can!” photography competition conducted in July to celebrate the countdown to the London 2012 Paralympics. Big winner Sheila Pamakid, whose entry titled “I Can be full”, was declared both the Grand Winner and the Voter’s Choice. The photo shows swimmer Arnel Aba hopping ahead of able-bodied athletes as one-third of a triathlon relay team composed of persons with disabilities. Rouelle Umali bagged the Best Published Photo title. His winning image, dubbed “I Can aim high for my dreams and reach for it”, captures Paralympian Andy Avellana in mid-air as he trains for a high jump competition. Ten other photographs were named finalists: I Can soar (Mark Floro); I Can sell with my wheels (Moises Biason); I Can fulfil my dreams (Genie Villota); I Can continue life after the accident and help the less fortunate through my profession (Jeana Manalaysay); I Can chase my goals and exceed the expectations of others (Rouelle Umali); I Can inspire people (Jophel Ybiosa); I Can rise above any obstacle (Vincent Go); I Can go though life’s ups and downs (Kenneth Corpus); I Can be number 1! (Ruwen Verdaguer); and I Can run (Vera Tandog). The winners received trophies and Samsung Galaxy Tabs, while the finalists received certificates and Samsung Galaxy Pocket mobile phones. The launch was graced by the Filipino Paralympic athletes competing in the London 2012

©British Embassy Manila

©British Embassy Manila/Sheila Pamakid

©British Embassy Manila/Mark Floro

British Ambassador Stephen Lillie and PhilSPADA Chairman Mike Barredo wishes the Filipino Paralympians all the best in the London 2012 Paralympic Games to be held from 29 August to 9 September. Grand Winner & Facebook Voter’s Choice – I Can be full. A determined spirit is what pushes a person to overcome tall and insurmountable odds. This man exceeded everyone’s expectations and inspired millions. His feat proves to all that limitations are only in the mind and left everyone without excuses. Indeed, God created everyone equal in spirit. With perseverance and willpower to succeed, this man is Full and Complete. ©British Embassy Manila

©British Embassy Manila/Jeana Manalaysay

Finalist - I Can continue life after the accident and help the less fortunate through my profession. After the accident, I am no longer sure if I can still be a dental practitioner considering that most of the procedures in dentistry use foot control. It is really been a big challenge for me on how to do it but I was able to prove that even my feet are not moving I can still do my task as a dentist and penetrate the world of dentistry which is dominated by able people. Dental treatment is quite expensive so majority cannot really afford to even have a simple filling. In having the disability my eyes were open so I am grateful that in my lifetime I am given the opportunity to share my experiences, skill, be of help to the community and be a continuous inspiration.

Paralympic Games on August 29 to September 9, 2012. British Ambassador Stephen Lillie acknowledged the important role of Paralympians as catalysts for changing the negative perceptions about disability. “You are shining examples that persons with disabilities can achieve great things. We wish you success in your quest to win medals for your country. By representing the Philippines in the London Paralympic Games, you are already bringing pride and glory to your country. We hope that the Filipino community in the UK will be able to watch the Games live cheer you on. While we cannot be there physically, we at the British Embassy will join the rest of the country in support,” he said. The “I Can!” Photography Exhibition is organised by the British Embassy in Manila, in cooperation with its partners: British Council, Samsung, PhilSPADA-NPC Philippines, SM Cares, The Podium and SM Program on Disability Affairs. The entries may be viewed on the British Embassy’s Flickr account. The exhibit will run for the duration of the Paralympics and will be shown in eight SM Malls across the country. From August 28 to September 2, it will be seen at the activity centres of the following SM Malls: Mall of Asia, North EDSA, Pampanga and Bacolod. From 4 to 10 September it will be shown at the following SM Malls: Baguio, Cebu, Fairview and Davao. The exhibit is open to the public. ■ (British Embassy Manila – August 24, 2012)

“I Can!” Photography Competition Grand Winner and Voter’s Choice Sheila Pamakid and her subject Arnel Aba. ©British Embassy Manila

(From L-R) Mr. Mike Barredo, PhilSPADA Chairman, British Ambassador Stephen Lillie, Bien Mateo, VP for Operations (North Luzon) - SM Supermalls, Mr. Steven Tan, VP for Operations (Premier Malls) - SM Supermalls, Ms. Annie S. Garcia, President of SM Supermalls and Mr. Luis Jose Arrellano, President of PhilSPADA cut the ribbon to formally open the “I Can!” photography exhibition.

Finalist – I Can soar. A multi medalist winner from the 3rd – 6th Asean Paragames, Arnel Aba has also been coaching and instructing swimming techniques. His passion for competitive swimming has brought the 27-year-old national swimmer to foreign lands, where he made new friends. Mr. Aba is MORE than “I Can”. He is living proof of “I Did It” or even “I Excelled In It”. He has and will continue to inspire persons with and WITHOUT disabilities. Photo by: Mark Floro ©British Embassy Manila

British Ambassador Stephen Lillie, Philspada Chairman Mike Barredo and SM Supermalls President Annie S. Garcia with grand winner Sheila Pamakid and best published photo winner, Rouelle Umali. Pamakid and Umali each received a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 P5100 courtesy of Samsung and a trophy. Pamakid also won the voter’s choice and received a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 P3100 courtesy of Samsung and a trophy. ©British Embassy Manila

British Ambassador Stephen Lillie with the Paralympians. (first row) Luis Jose Arellano (President, PhilSPADA); Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta (Powerlifting); Achele Guion (Powerlifting); Agustin Kitan (Powerlifting); Beariza Roble (Swimming); Marites Burce (Athletics) (second row) Carlos Weber Jr (Secretary General, PhilSPADA); Ramon Debuque (coach); Roger Tapia (Athletics); Andy Avellana (Athletics); Isidro Vildosola (Athletics); Bien Mateo (Vice President, SM SuperMalls); Annie Garcia (President, SM SuperMalls); Antonio Ong (coach); Gerardo Rosario (Chef de Mission, PhilSPADA); British Ambassador Stephen Lillie; Mike Barredo (Chairman, PhilSPADA); Steph Lysaght (First Secretary, British Embassy).

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Global & Social Issues

September 2012 – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

Study shows spanking boosts odds of mental illness PEOPLE who were hit or spanked as children face higher odds of mental ailments as adults, including mood and anxiety disorders and problems with alcohol and drug abuse, researchers said Monday, July 2. The study, led by Canadian researchers, is the first to examine the link between psychological problems and spanking, while excluding more severe physical or sexual abuse in order to better gauge the effect of corporal punishment alone. Those who were spanked or hit as kids were between two and seven percent more likely to encounter mental issues later, said the research in the US journal Pediatrics, based on a retrospective survey of more than 600 US adults. That figure may seem low, particularly since about half of the US population recalls being spanked in childhood, but nevertheless shows that physical punishment can raise the risk of problems later on, experts said. “The study is valuable because it opens the conversation about parenting,” said Victor Fornari, director of the division of child and adolescent psychiatry at North

Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System in New York. The rate “is not dramatically higher, but it is higher, just to suggest that physical punishment is a risk factor for developing more mental disturbances as an adult,” said Fornari, who was not involved in the study. Previous research has repeatedly shown that children who were physically abused as youngsters suffer from more mental disturbances as adults, and are more likely to engage in aggressive behavior than kids who were not hit. But these studies have typically included more serious abuse. The current study excludes both sexual abuse and physical abuse that left bruises, marks or caused injury. Instead it focuses on “harsh physical punishment,” defined as pushing, grabbing, shoving, slapping or hitting as a form of punishment from elders. While 32 nations around the world have banned corporal punishment of kids, the United States and Canada are not among them. Using a nationally representative survey sample of 653 Americans, they found that those who recalled experiencing harsh punishment as children faced higher odds of a range

of mental problems. Between two and five percent of disorders like depression, anxiety, bipolar, anorexia or bulimia were attributable to physical punishment as a child, the study said. From four to seven percent of more serious problems including personality disorders, obsessivecompulsive disorder and intellectual disabilities were associated with such punishments in childhood. Researchers stressed that the study could not establish that spanking had actually caused these disorders in certain adults, only that there was a link between memories of such punishment and a higher incidence of mental problems. The survey data came from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions collected between 2004 and 2005, and included adults over age 20. Participants were asked: “As a child how often were you ever pushed, grabbed, shoved, slapped or hit by your parents or any adult living in your house?” Those who answered “sometimes” or greater were included in the analysis. Roya Samuels, a pediatrician at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New York, said the parents’ genes may influence both their response to

©AFP/Illustration, Christof Stache

Canadian researchers have examined the link between psychological problems and spanking.

raising an unruly child as well as their likelihood of passing down certain ailments. “Parents who are resorting to mechanisms of corporal punishment might themselves be at risk for depression and mental disorders; therefore, there might be a hereditary factor going on in these families,” she told AFP. Future research could shed more light on the issue. In the meantime, the study offers a reminder that other disciplinary options such as positive reinforcement and removing rewards are viewed more favorably by doctors. “The reality is, if 50 percent of the population has experienced being

spanked in the past year, most kids are resilient. It is just that there are better ways for parents to discipline kids than spanking,” Fornari said. “And for some vulnerable kids, the spanking may increase their risk for the development of mental disturbances. So for those reasons it is important to really minimize or extinguish physical punishment.” The American Academy of Pediatrics opposes striking children for any cause and the Canadian Pediatric Society recommends that doctors strongly discourage the use of physical punishment. ■ (©AFP – Washington, USA – July 2, 2012)

Original Creation and Copyright Reserved By: Hello Philippines 2012

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Events Diary

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DATE / TIME

EVENT

VENUE

September 2012 – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

ORGANISER

CONTACTS / REMARKS

2 November 2011 to 31 October 2012

Filing of Applications for Registration / Certification and Transfer of Registration Records

Philippine Embassy, 6 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HG

Philippine Embassy, London, United Kingdom

For purposes of the May 13, 2013 elections, the filing of applications for registration / certification and transfer of registration records will resume at the Philippine Embassy.

9 September 2012 – Sunday 11:00am

Fluvial Mass on the River Thames

Westminster Pier

Bicol Association

Julius Maristela 07823 336 085 / Rita Magdaraog 07912 035 665

15 September 2012 – Saturday 5:00pm to 11:00pm

MFBA Fundraising Concert “Rock Baby Rock”

Mitcham Filipino British Association (MFBA)

Roger Ferreol 07771 892 997

15 September 2012 – Saturday 6:00pm 1:00am

Miss Philippines UK & Mr Philippines UK

Colliers Wood Community Centre, 66 – 72 Colliers Wood High Street, London SW19 2BY Millennium Gloucester Hotel & Conference Centre, 4 – 18 Harrington Gardens, London SW7 4LH

MP UK

Eva Macadangdang 07983 593 914 / Marlowe Macadangdang 07956 944 520 / Myra Adap dela Cruz 07789 695 596 / mpuk@yahoo.co.uk

16 September 2012 – Sunday 11:00am

Fluvial Mass on the River Thames

Butlers Wharf Tower Bridge

Friends of Penafrancia

Essex Angulo 07946 510 347 / Adela Caguimbal 07717 493 541

16 September 2012 – Sunday 4:00pm

HELP NOW, Part 2…Habagat Charity Event

18 September 2012 - Tuesday

Bowlympics

Boston Arms Pub Hall, 178 Junction Road, Tufnell Park, London N19 5QQ (in front of Tufnell Park Station) Tenpin, Hesterman Way, Croydon CR04YA

22 September 2012 – Saturday 6:00pm to 11:00pm

The 19th Anniversary Mrs Philippines UK 2012

23 September 2012 – Sunday 1:00pm to 4:00pm 4:00pm to 11:00pm

Entrance fee £5.00. There will be a show, auction, raffle and other activities. Food and drinks will be available for sale in the hall. Mitcham Filipino British Association (MFBA)

Roger Ferreol 07771 892 997

Baden Powell House, 65 – 67 Queens Gate, London SW7 5JS

Aguman Kapampangan UK

Zanie Delmundo 07886 881 432 / 07733 781 858 / Luz 07949 078 266 / Erroll 07429 187 991 / Stella 07506 797 772 – Ticket Price: £10.00 / Smart Casual

E-Learning Group UK Annual General Meeting / Election of New Officers E-Learning Group UK 3rd Anniversary / Induction of New Officers

Maxilla Social Hall, 2 Maxilla Walk, Ladbroke Grove, London W10 6NQ

E-Learning Group UK

Norma Viloria (President) 07894 145 546 / 07584 190 993 / Barbara Infante (Secretary) 07920 714 795 / Janette Vicera (Assistant Secretary) 07714 287 610

25 September 2012 - Tuesday

Bowlympics

Tenpin, Hesterman Way, Croydon CR04YA

Mitcham Filipino British Association (MFBA)

Roger Ferreol 07771 892 997

28 September 2012 – Friday

Ai Ai Got More Talent

O2 Apollo Manchester

Star Global and Management Limited

07775 441 369 / 07876 508 835 / 07786 950 323

29 September 2012 – Saturday 11:00am

Ginebra na UK Tour 2012

Kelvin Hall, Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8AW

QS Life London

Bong Palmares 07766 057 000

29 September 2012 – Saturday

Ai Ai Got More Talent

Newport Centre South Wales

Star Global and Management Limited

07775 441 369 / 07876 508 835 / 07786 950 323

30 September 2012 – Sunday 11:00am

Ginebra na UK Tour 2012

Loughborough, Sports Hall, Leicester LE11 3TU

QS Life London

Bong Palmares 07766 057 000

30 September 2012 – Sunday

Ai Ai Got More Talent

Troxy London

Star Global and Management Limited

07775 441 369 / 07876 508 835 / 07786 950 323

12 October 2012 – Friday 8:00pm to 2:00am

Pinoy Live Sessions – “AAA” (Live Bands + 1 DJ – FireFallDown, Ekiz, Myth of Ben, Wasak and DJ Celebrate

Archangel, 11 – 13 Kensington High Street, London W8 5NP – www.aaa.net.uk

3Rhythm Productions

Online Booking: www.aaa.uk.net/whatson/pinoy-live-sessions-present-firefalldownekiz-myth-of-ben-wasak/ Over 21’s only / £6.00 Advance / £8.00 On The Door

20 October 2012 – Saturday 6:30pm

Batangas Association UK – 19th Annual Charity Dinner & Dance

The Ballroom, Radisson Blu Portman Hotel, 22 Portman Square, London W1H 7BG

Batangas Association UK (BAUK)

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Philippines lays to rest official killed in crash PHILIPPINE President Benigno Aquino led a state funeral on Tuesday, August 28, for one of the country’s most respected politicians, who died in a light-plane crash. Thousands of people lined the streets as Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo’s funeral cortege made its way from a Catholic basilica to a nearby crematorium in his home town of Naga in the far east of the Philippines. In his eulogy, Aquino paid tribute to Robredo as a leader who got things done while rising above the corruption that infests Philippine politics. “He was a trail blazer. He showed you can succeed in politics without becoming a traditional politician,” Aquino said during the funeral that was broadcast live on national television. “All of Naga feel like they have lost a father,” he said,

wearing a black arm band as a sign of mourning. Aquino’s entire cabinet attended the funeral of a colleague whom they had hailed as perhaps the most hard working among them. They stood beside Robredo’s grieving widow and three daughters – aged 12, 18 and 24, - some of them teary eyed as police and military honour guards in crisp blue and green uniforms carried the coffin. As the mournful bugle music “Taps” played, Aquino handed the Philippine flag that draped Robredo’s coffin to his widow. A three-volley salute by 21 military riflemen followed, before the coffin was wheeled inside the crematorium for a private ceremony reserved for family members. Robredo, 54, was on his way home to Naga aboard a twin-engine airplane when it

encountered engine trouble and plunged into the deep sea in the central Philippines on August 18. After a three-day search, divers pulled Robredo’s remains from the wreck on the seabed. The pilot and his copilot also died, while Robredo’s security aide survived. Aquino appointed Robredo shortly after he won the presidency in 2010 on a platform to end corruption. Robredo was widely praised for leading reforms in the country’s 143,000-strong corruption-plagued police force and seeking to implement a policy of transparency in government. His political star rose in 2000 when he won the Ramon Magsaysay Award for good governance. The well-respected award recognises achievers annually across the region. ■

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©AFP, Charism Sayat

A supporter holds out a placard to Robredo’s cortege.

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September 2012 – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

Singapore court awards Marcos millions to PNB

SINGAPORE’S High Court has ruled that more than $23 million seized from the estate of late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos rightfully belongs to a Philippine bank. In a 77-page ruling obtained Thursday, August 16, by AFP, Justice Andrew Ang dismissed the rival

claims of the Philippine government, a group of human rights victims and five foundations believed to be Marcos fronts. He ruled that the money – deposited in the Singapore branch of German bank WestLB – belongs to the now privately-owned Philippine National Bank (PNB). “I am of the view that PNB holds legal title to the funds as trustee of the same,” Ang said in his judgement issued Wednesday, August 15. The funds, comprising $16.8 million and 4.2 million British pounds ($6.58 million), were part of the alleged illicit fortune that Marcos stashed away in various Swiss bank accounts. Marcos ruled the Philippines from 1965 to 1986, when he was overthrown by a popular revolt. He died in exile in Hawaii in 1989. He first governed as a democratically elected president but declared martial law in 1972, using military force to crush dissent. Marcos and a circle of relatives and cronies allegedly amassed a

©en.wikipedia.org Photo

Ferdinand Marcos was sued in the US Federal Court in Hawaii, where he fled, on behalf of some 10,000 victims of arrest, torture and execution. The plaintiffs obtained a nearly $2-billion judgement after he died and now seek related assets.

fortune of up to $10 billion through graft and rigged business deals, much of it stashed overseas. In 1998, Swiss authorities released deposits in Swiss banks to PNB, which in turn transferred the money to various banks in Singapore including WestLB, according to the ruling. WestLB went to court in 2004 to determine the owner of the money

First female chief justice named

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino on Friday, August 24, named a veteran judge as the first female chief justice of the Philippine Supreme Court, following his controversial ousting of her predecessor. Supreme Court associate justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, 52, was named to take the place of ousted chief justice Renato Corona after he was impeached by Aquino’s congressional allies in May amid a public feud with the president. Aquino had sought the sacking of then-chief justice Corona, saying it was part of his anti-corruption reforms. But critics said he wanted to ensure his control of the court.

“The president is confident that Chief Justice Sereno will lead the judiciary in undertaking much-needed reforms,” Aquino’s spokesman Edwin Lacierda said. He added one of Aquino’s considerations in appointing her was the need to reform the judiciary in the Philippines, which has been dogged by accusations of a slow pace, waste of resources, and corruption. Lacierda also said that under Philippine law, where Supreme Court justices retire at 70, Sereno could serve as chief justice for 18 years, giving her the time to enact necessary reforms. Aquino informed Sereno earlier

she would be appointed to the top post and that her reaction was “one of surprise”, Lacierda said. But he stressed Aquino would respect the independence of the court. Sereno, who was formerly a private lawyer and law professor, had also served on both the government’s Commission on Human Rights and the World Trade Organizations’ appellate body in Geneva. She was appointed by Aquino to the Supreme Court in August 2010 just months after he was elected president on an anti-corruption platform. ■ (©AFP – Manila, Philippines – August 24, 2012)

Philippines to bring home ambassador

THE Philippines said Monday, August 27, it would bring home its new ambassador from China after she suffered a stroke, but stressed the move would not affect efforts to solve a territorial dispute over the South China Sea. Veteran diplomat Sonia Brady, 71, who was picked to help ease tensions with China, is “recovering slowly” after she was rushed to a Beijing hospital last week, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said. “Hopefully if the recovery rate continues, we maybe able to bring her back to the Philippines in about two weeks time,” he said. Del Rosario said there would be “no adverse impact” on the dispute in the South China Sea and the embassy’s charge d’affaires was on hand to take on diplomatic relations.

Brady was named ambassador in May, a month after a territorial row erupted over the Scarborough Shoal. The government said Brady was picked largely for her familiarity with Chinese culture and politics having already served as ambassador there from 2006 to 2010. Tensions flared when the Philippines sent its biggest warship to arrest Chinese fishermen at the shoal in the South China Sea. The outcrop of rocks sits about 230 kilometres (140 miles) from the western coast of the Philippines’ main island of Luzon. The nearest major Chinese landmass is 1,200 kilometres northwest, according to Philippine navy maps. China claims the shoal along with most of the South China Sea, even up to the coasts of its Asian neighbours,

Sonia Brady

while the Philippines claims the shoal as being well within its 200-nauticalmile exclusive economic zone. The sea is a major shipping route and is believed to hold vast mineral resources. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said del Rosario and President Benigno Aquino had yet to discuss at length a possible replacement for Brady. ■ (©AFP – Manila, Philippines – August 27, 2012)

after several groups staked claims. Among the claimants was the Philippine government, which based its arguments on a 2003 ruling by the country’s Supreme Court that the funds be forefeited in its favour. But the Singapore judge ruled that the Philippine Supreme Court ruling could not be enforced in the citystate. While he dismissed the claims of

the human rights victims, the judge said he sympathised with their plight but the court “must act in a principled manner when dealing with such questions of law”. Despite numerous cases being filed in the Philippines, no member of the surviving Marcos family has been successfully prosecuted and they continue to live in luxury. ■ (©AFP – Singapore – August 16, 2012)

©AFP Photo

Philippine President Benigno Aquino (left) officiates the oath taking of the newly appointed Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno (second from right) with her family at the Malacanang Palace in Manila.

Police arrests five Taiwanese for drugs

POLICE arrested five Taiwanese men in a Manila suburb for allegedly manufacturing illegal drugs, an anti-narcotics official said on Monday, August 20. They raided a rented house on Sunday, August 19, where the five were allegedly manufacturing the banned drug methamphetamine hydrochloride, popularly known as “shabu” or “ice”, said Chief Inspector Roque Merdegia. He said police had been tracking an alleged Taiwan drug syndicate operating in this country since last year but only pinpointed the drug laboratory after being tipped off earlier this month. “We received information coming from concerned citizens... reporting the presence of suspicious persons and of the foul

odour coming from the garden of that house,” said Merdegia, chief legal officer of an anti-drugs taskforce. Police found banned substances including an amount of the drugs that were still being processed, he told AFP. The five will face charges of manufacturing illegal drugs and could face life imprisonment, he added. He named the five as Tsai Horng, Yu Kun Lin, Huang Yung Chun, Cheng Yu Teng and one man identified only as Hsu. The suspects had entered the country separately over two years and the police are checking their passports to see if the information inside is accurate, Merdegia said. ■ (©AFP – Manila, Philippines – August 20, 2012)

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September 2012 – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

Philippines likely to expel China, Taiwan scammers PHILIPPINES

THE Philippines will likely deport nearly 400 Taiwanese and Chinese arrested in a major telephone scam that swindled millions of dollars from elderly compatriots, police said Friday, August 24. Police made the arrests during raids on 20 houses across Manila on Thursday, August 23, after being tipped off by authorities in mainland China and Taiwan, Philippine antiorganised crime task force chief Reginald Villasanta told AFP. Asked if the suspects would be deported he said: “Before the operation was launched we were provided with the evidence gathered by our counterparts in Taiwan and China. So most likely that is what is going to happen.” Posing over the phone as police officers or state prosecutors in their homelands, the suspects scared mostly elderly victims into transferring their savings into bank accounts of the gang, Villasanta said. “They would tell the victims their bank accounts are being used by terrorists or syndicates and should transfer them to a safer account,” Villasanta said. “In reality these accounts are controlled by the syndicate and when the deposits are made they are swiftly cleaned out.” He said the gang stole “millions” of yuan or Taiwan dollars every day, he added. One yuan is worth 15.74 US cents. One Taiwan dollar equals 3.33 US cents. The gang had been under surveillance since July, however Villasanta said police were not sure

©AFP, Ted Aljibe

Hundreds of Taiwanese and mainland Chinese rounded up by Philippine police on suspicion of being involved in a major telephone scam wait to be processed by authorities at a police station in Canlubang, south of Manila, on August 23. The gang would pose as police and government prosecutors, telling their victims they had legal problems and would have to transfer money to a certain account. The arrested suspects included both men and women but they declined to answer most questions, said an investigator.

how long it had been operating in the Philippines. A total of 385 foreign suspects were arrested along with two Filipinos of Chinese background, said Superintendent Winnie Quidato, operations chief of the task force. Seventy-eight Taiwanese suspects were arrested in a similar scam in the southern Philippines in April. The suspects were later deported to face charges at home, authorities said. But sorting out the mainland Chinese from the Taiwanese in the latest case is proving difficult because the suspects are refusing to cooperate with authorities, according to Quidato. The Philippines has asked the Chinese embassy and the Taipei

cultural office for help in identifying them, Quidato said. In February last year the Philippines mistakenly deported to China 14 Taiwanese suspects of another scamming operation that had allegedly swindled US$20 million from mainland Chinese victims. A furious Taiwan denounced the mistake as a blow to economic and cultural ties. China sent the 14 suspects home to Taiwan nearly four months later. Officials at the Taipei cultural office were not available for comment on Friday. Chinese embassy spokesman Zhang Hua told AFP the mission was expected to comment on the arrests later Friday. ■ (©AFP – August 24, 2012)

Philippines pressed for Hong Kong hostage apology THE families of eight Hong Kong tourists who were killed in a Philippine hostage crisis renewed their demand for an apology from Manila on Thursday, August 23, as they marked the tragedy’s second anniversary. The relatives and survivors observed a minute’s silence and chanted “We will never forget” as they

handed a petition to the Philippines consulate. “We’re very angry and disappointed,” said Tse Chi-hang, brother of tour guide Masa Tse who was killed when a sacked policeman seized a bus packed with tourists in a desperate bid to be reinstated to his job. “From the beginning to the end, our request remains the same – that

©AFP, Philippe Lopez

Survivors and relatives of eight Hong Kong tourists who were killed exactly two years ago in a 2010 Philippine bus hostage fiasco in Manila gather outside the Philippines consulate in Hong Kong to demand an apology.

the Philippine government should apologise to the victims and their families.” After lengthy negotiations and a bungled assault on the bus, the hostage-taker and eight tourists were killed and seven others were wounded in an incident that was broadcast live on television around the world. The apparent incompetence of the police raiders outraged the Hong Kong and Chinese governments, which demanded formal explanations from Manila. Hong Kong maintains a travel warning for the Philippines, citing the hostage crisis. The southern Chinese city has also complained about the light penalties meted out to officials involved in the operation. Philippine President Benigno Aquino has expressed regret and admitted the crisis should have been handled better, but refused to apologise when the victims’ families travelled to the site of the incident in Manila last year. ■ (©AFP

– August 23, 2012)

The suspects were apprehended along with numerous computers and telephone systems.

Government prosecutes ex-chief justice The government asked state prosecutors Thursday, August 30, to indict for tax evasion disgraced former top judge Renato Corona, who was fired in May over undeclared bank accounts. The move is part of President Benigno Aquino’s campaign against corruption that he claims reached pervasive levels during the time of Corona’s political patron, ex-leader Gloria Arroyo. Former Supreme Court chief justice Corona was accused by internal revenue commissioner Kim Henares of failing to pay about 120.5 million pesos ($2.8 million) in taxes between 2003 and 2010. “Our aim is good governance as a way of life for everyone, regardless of your status,” Henares told AFP. The complaint filed at the justice department also named Corona’s daughter and her husband, whom the tax agency said also misdeclared their incomes, assets and net worth while purchasing prime properties. “Our case is airtight,” Henares said, adding that if convicted, the three could spend between five and 10 years in jail as well as being ordered to pay the tax owed. Corona described the criminal prosecution as part of continuing political harassment against him that began with his impeachment, while vowing to submit himself to the judicial process. “I agree with the observation of many that my family’s persecution continues,” he said in a statement. “We have long expected this.” Aquino’s spokesman Edwin Lacierda rejected suggestions the

government was singling Corona out for harassment, saying the Aquino government had been actively targeting prominent personalities to set an example and boost tax collection. “This is not something extraordinary. It just so happens that the personality involved is the former chief justice,” Lacierda said. Aquino, who won the presidency in 2010 on an anti-corruption platform, launched a bruising and sometimes controversial crusade to remove Corona. He had charged that Corona was illegally appointed by his predecessor Arroyo to protect her from prosecution after she stepped down. Arroyo was arrested and detained in November on separate charges of vote fraud and corruption, but has since been allowed by the courts to post bail. The House of Representatives dominated by Aquino allies impeached Corona in December and sent the complaint to the Senate, the upper chamber of Congress. After more than four months of courtroom drama that gripped the nation, the Senate convicted Corona for violating the constitution and betraying public trust. He became the first chief justice to be fired from his post. During the trial, Harvardeducated Corona admitted he did not disclose more than $4 million in bank accounts, which he claimed were earned through years of hard work. ■ (©AFP – Manila, Philippines – August 30, 2012)

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Immigration / OFW News

September 2012 – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

Guidance for international students sponsored by London Metropolitan University UKBA Press Release THIS is for students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who are studying at London Metropolitan University or are planning to study there. We have withdrawn London Metropolitan University’s licence to sponsor students from outside the EEA under Tier 4 of the pointsbased system. This means it is no longer on the register of licensed sponsors, and it can no longer sponsor students from outside the EEA with a Tier 4 visa. A taskforce is being created, which will include the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), Universities UK, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the UK Border Agency and the National Union of Students (NUS). This is starting to work with London Metropolitan University to support you. It will try to help appropriately qualified genuine students to find another education provider to sponsor them, provided they meet the requirements to study in the UK under Tier 4 of the points-based system. If you are a student at London Metropolitan University and you are already in the UK with a current, valid Tier 4 visa: You do not need to do anything immediately. We will write to you after 1 October. We will ensure that you have 60 days to make a new student application or to arrange to leave the UK. This 60 days will start from the date we write to you. If you are a genuine student who meets the requirements to study in the UK under Tier 4 of the pointsbased system, the task force will try to help you to find another licensed

education provider to sponsor you before your 60 days expire. If you are successful, you will then be able to continue your studies in the UK with this new education provider. The Tier 4 requirements may have changed since your original application, so you should read them carefully. For example, English language requirements changed in 2011. Alternatively, if you meet the requirements, you may be able to apply to switch into a different immigration category, for example one of the categories for working in the UK. If you cannot find another sponsor we will expect you to leave the UK at the end of your 60 days. If you are an existing London Metropolitan University student with a current, valid Tier 4 visa and you: • are on holiday outside the UK; or • have applied to us to extend your visa If you are outside the UK, you can return to the UK. We will write to you after 1 October. We will ensure that you have 60 days to make a new student application or to arrange to leave the UK. This 60 days will start from the date we write to you. If you are a genuine student who meets the requirements to study in the UK under Tier 4 of the pointsbased system, the task force will try to help you to find another licensed education provider to sponsor you before your 60 days expire. If you are successful, you will then be able to continue your studies in the UK with this new education provider. The Tier 4 requirements may have changed since your original application, so you should read

them carefully. For example, English language requirements changed in 2011. Alternatively, if you meet the requirements, you may be able to apply to switch into a different immigration category, for example one of the categories for working in the UK. If you cannot find another sponsor we will expect you to leave the UK at the end of your 60 days. If you are an existing student of London Metropolitan University and you have applied to us to extend your current visa: Your confirmation of acceptance for studies that was issued by London Metropolitan University is no longer valid and you cannot use it to apply for an extension of your stay in the UK. We will write to you after 1 October. We will ensure that you have 60 days to make a new student application or to arrange to leave the UK. This 60 days will start from the date we write to you. If you are a genuine student who meets the requirements to study in the UK under Tier 4 of the pointsbased system, the task force will try to help you to find another licensed education provider to sponsor you before your 60 days expire. If you are successful, you will then be able to continue your studies in the UK with this new education provider. The Tier 4 requirements may have changed since your original application, so you should read them carefully. For example, English language requirements changed in 2011. Alternatively, if you meet the requirements, you may be able to apply to switch into a different immigration category, for example

one of the categories for working in the UK. If you cannot find another sponsor, we will expect you to leave the UK at the end of your 60 days. If you are sponsored by London Metropolitan University but are studying at another education provider that is in partnership with it: This mostly applies to students at the London School of Business and Finance. London Metropolitan University can no longer sponsor you. You do not need to do anything immediately. We will write to you after 1 October. We will ensure that you have 60 days to make a new student application or to arrange to leave the UK. This 60 days will start from the date we write to you. If you are a genuine student who meets the requirements to study in the UK under Tier 4 of the pointsbased system, the task force will work with the London School of Business and Finance to help you complete your course and will also try to help you to find another licensed education provider to sponsor you before your 60 days expire. If you are successful, you will then be able to continue your studies in the UK with this new education provider. The Tier 4 requirements may have changed since your original application, so you should read them carefully. For example, English language requirements changed in 2011. Alternatively, if you meet the requirements, you may be able to apply to switch into a different immigration category, for example one of the categories for working in the UK. If you cannot find another sponsor we will expect you to leave

the UK at the end of your 60 days. If you are a new student who is planning to travel to the UK soon to start studying at London Metropolitan University: If you already have a visa to come to the UK to study at London Metropolitan University, you should cancel your travel plans. London Metropolitan University should already have told you this. Please contact London Metropolitan University if you have not received any information on what to do next. If you have a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) from London Metropolitan University but you have not yet applied for a Tier 4 visa: Your CAS is no longer valid. If you apply for a visa using that CAS, we will refuse your application. You will have to find a new education provider to sponsor you and apply to us for a visa when you have the new CAS from that education provider. If you brought members of your family to the UK with you: If your family members are here with permission to stay in the UK in their own right under an immigration category, they are not affected. If they are here as your dependants, their permission to stay will end when your visa is cancelled. They will be able to stay in the UK with you if you are able to transfer to another higher education institution and you meet requirements to have dependants with you in the UK. How to contact the taskforce or get more advice: The UK Border Agency has sent staff to the help centre set up by the London Metropolitan University to support and advise students. The number is +44 (0) 20 7133 4141. ■ (UKBA – August 31, 2012)

London Metropolitan University’s licence to sponsor students is withdrawn THE UK Border Agency has revoked (withdrawn) London Metropolitan University’s licence to sponsor students from outside the European Union. The withdrawal of London Metropolitan University’s licence means that it is removed from the register of licensed sponsors, and students from outside the European Union are no longer allowed to study at the university. We understand that international students at London Metropolitan University may be concerned. London Metropolitan University students who are already in the UK with a current, valid UK visa do not need to do anything immediately. A government-led taskforce is being created, which will include the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), Universities UK, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the UK Border Agency and the National Union of Students. This will work with London Metropolitan to support those

affected and enable appropriately qualified genuine students to find another institution where they can continue their studies in the UK. The taskforce will start work immediately. If an existing London Metropolitan University student with a current, valid visa is on holiday outside the UK, they can return to the UK. New students who were planning to travel to the UK to start studying with London Metropolitan University should not travel.

A UK Border Agency spokesperson said: ‘These are problems with 1 university, not the whole sector. British universities are among the best in the world – and Britain remains a top-class destination for top-class international students. ‘We are doing everything possible, working with the taskforce established by BIS, to assist students that have been affected.’ ■ (UKBA – August 30, 2012)

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Business & Finance

September 2012 – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

Philippine Airlines orders Airbus aircraft worth $7bn Cecil Morella, AFP PHILIPPINE Airlines announced Tuesday, August 28, it had ordered 54 Airbus aircraft with a list price of $7 billion, and planned to buy dozens more planes in a spectacular move to rejuvenate Asia’s oldest carrier. The initial orders would more than double PAL’s current fleet of 39 planes, and allow it to serve more long-haul international routes while meeting the challenges of intense low-cost competition at home. “The orders we are placing with Airbus will play a key role in revitalising PAL and growing trade and tourism in the country,” PAL Chairman Lucio Tan and President Ramon Ang said in a joint statement. In a separate statement Airbus said the “firm orders” were for 44 single-aisle A321 planes and 10 longhaul A330-300s. Delivery would start next year with the final planes of the batch ready to start flying in 2015. PAL said the orders had a list price of $7 billion. But airlines typically negotiate big discounts on such deals and PAL officials refused to say exactly how much the airline would pay. Ang told reporters PAL was looking to buy 100 new planes in total, and that discussions were under way with

Boeing as well as Airbus to secure the extra aircraft. “Our intention is to buy up to 100 aircraft, 26 of that will be long range, wide body,” Ang said. The PAL announcement comes after San Miguel, one of the Philippines’ biggest conglomerates, bought a 49-percent stake in the loss-making carrier for $500 million in April, and took over management. Ang is president of San Miguel while billionaire Tan, an ethnic Chinese tycoon who is the country’s second-wealthiest man, remains PAL’s controlling shareholder. Ang said raising the money to finance the fleet expansion would not be a problem, with PAL to initially use the $500 million injection from San Miguel, and loans potentially also to be taken out. He said San Miguel, famous for its beer but which has embarked on an aggressive and successful diversification programme over the past decade, was prepared to put more money into PAL if needed, as was Tan. Ang also emphasised that the carrier had returned to profit following some major restructuring that included the outsourcing of 2,600 jobs, although he said balance sheet specifics would not be released

for a couple of months. PAL, which began flying in 1941, reported a net loss of $33.5 million in the three months to December, reversing a profit of $15.1 million from the same period the previous year. It had said the losses were mainly due to soaring fuel costs. However the airline’s reputation had also declined, with passengers complaining of old planes, limited flight options and poor service. PAL also lost its status as the nation’s top carrier, with low-cost airline Cebu Pacific establishing itself in recent years as the biggest in terms of ticket sales and number of routes. Cebu Pacific last year ordered 23 Airbus 320 and 30 Airbus A321 neo aircraft to add to its fleet of 25 A320s, and in January leased eight A330s for long-haul flights. ©AFP/File, Jay Directo

Philippine Airlines planes are seen on the tarmac of the international airport in Manila. PAL President Ramon Ang said the carrier intended to buy 100 new aircraft in total.

SingTel says first quarter net profit up 3.2%

SINGAPORE Telecom (SingTel) said on Tuesday, August 14, its first quarter net profit rose 3.2 percent from a year ago, driven by improved earnings from some regional associates and gains from an asset sale. Net profit in the three months to June was Sg$945 million ($759 million), up from Sg$916 million in the same period last year and higher than the Sg$919 million forecast by a Dow Jones Newswires poll of analysts. Revenue totalled Sg$4.53 billion, down 1.6 percent from a year earlier, SingTel said in a statement. Pre-tax profit from the firm’s overseas associates climbed 2.4 percent to Sg$483 million, buoyed by strong earnings growth from Indonesia’s Telkomsel and Thailand’s AIS. The gains however were eroded by the Singapore dollar’s strength against weaker regional currencies, said SingTel, Southeast Asia’s biggest telecom firm by revenue. As part of its expansion beyond the small domestic market, SingTel also holds significant stakes in India’s Bharti Airtel, Pakistan’s Warid Telecom, Globe Telecom in the Philippines and Pacific Bangladesh Telecom. Optus, SingTel’s wholly owned Australian subsidiary, reported a 7.4 percent decline in underlying net profit to Aus$161 million, with operating revenue dropping 3.2

Philippine Airlines ground crew staff attend a strike in Manila, in September 2011, in a protest against the airline’s plans to outsource 2,600 catering, airport services and call centre reservation jobs. PAL was also forced to cut hundreds of flights in September last year after a day-long wildcat strike.

With Tuesday’s deal, PAL has set itself on a course to regain its status as the biggest player in the Philippine aviation industry. “This is the right strategy for the PAL Group,” Brendan Sobie, chief analyst for Australia-based Centre for Aviation, told AFP in an e-mail. “But it still faces many challenges and PAL has to overcome many obstacles in order to achieve sustained profitability.” He said PAL was adopting strategies employed by other Asian airlines of building a budget brand –

Airphil Express – to take on low-cost rivals while also building its premium and long-haul products. Manila-based Security Bank economist Patrick Elia said PAL would be able to access extra capital, with lenders taking into account San Miguel’s strong financial position and track record in successfully entering new industries. Shares in PAL’s locally listed parent firm, PAL Ho ldings Inc., closed 0.70 percent higher on Tuesday at 7.15 pesos (16.90 US cents). ■ (©AFP – August 28, 2012)

Manny V. Pangilinan ended his presentation at the Mobile Marketing Summit with slide, demonstrating that his “heart is in digital”.

TV5’s MVP joins Twitter Tricia Aquino and Patrick Villavicencio, InterAksyon.com HEY, he just met you, and this is crazy. But here’s his Twitter, so follow him, maybe. Speaking at the 6th Internet and Mobile Marketing Summit, PLDT

Singapore Telecom (SingTel) said on Tuesday, August 14, its first quarter net profit rose 3.2 percent from a year ago, driven by improved earnings from some regional associates and gains from an asset sale. SingTel’s mobile customer base totalled 462 million as at June 30, up 11 percent from a year ago.

percent to Aus$2.24 billion also partly due to the weaker Australian dollar. SingTel said it booked a one-time gain of Sg$119 million from the sale of its 3.98 percent stake in Taiwan’s Far EasTone Telecommunications. “The group delivered a resilient performance this quarter despite regional currency headwinds and operating challenges in India,” said SingTel Group chief executive Chua Sock Koong. “This reflected the strength of diversity of the group’s operations. We are embracing the changes in

our industry by strengthening our telco business and establishing new growth platforms in the digital space.” Bharti Airtel’s pre-tax contribution to SingTel’s overall profit fell 38 percent, partly due to a weaker Indian rupee, while that of Warid Telecom tumbled 49 percent. Pre-tax profit contributions from Telkomsel, AIS and Globe Telecom however were up. SingTel said its mobile customer base totalled 462 million as at June 30, up 11 percent from a year ago. ■ (©AFP – Singapore – August 14, 2012)

Manny V. Pangilinan, Chairman of ABC Development Corporation

chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan announced that he had opened a Twitter account Thursday night, . Quoting lines from the popular song by Carly Rae Jepsen, he invited the audience to “follow me, maybe” on his account @iammvp. The move underscores that Pangilinan’s “heart is in digital.” Pangilinan’s account, @iamMVP, quickly gained three thousand followers within 30 minutes after his speech, with many social media personalities welcoming the businessman to the “Twitterverse.” Then, an hour later after his IMMAP Summit 2012 stint, Pangilinan sent out his first ever tweet: “Just came from #IMMAPSummit2012 What a group. The new movers and shakers. Thank you for having me. I’m glad it’s over, what a relief :)” Followers soon began speculating as to whom @iamMVP would follow first. Answer: @interaksyon. InterAksyon.com is the online news portal of TV5, which is chaired by Pangilinan. ■ (InterAksyon.com – August

24, 2012)

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Spotlight - Filipino Achievers From Around The World

September 2012 – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

12 Filipinos awarded Chevening Scholarships THE British Government through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship to a dozen Filipinos this year. British Ambassador Stephen Lillie congratulated the scholars personally during a send-off reception at his official residence on 30 August. “I’m always impressed by the high quality of scholars coming from the Philippines. I’m delighted that this year we’re able to offer a record number of Chevening Scholarships in this country. It’s a sign of the importance that we attach to our dynamic links with the Philippines,” said Ambassador Lillie. The number of scholars from the Philippines has increased four-fold since 2010, from 3 to 12. Addressing the scholars, Ambassador Lillie said that they can be confident of receiving a world-class education in the UK. “Our educational institutions are among the most sought after in the world. Many of the world’s very best universities are in the UK. We hope you will take the unique opportunities that your Chevening Scholarships present to bring back home what you’ve learned and continue what you’ve started in making a difference here in your country.” The scholars expressed their excitement in receiving the study grants to UK institutions. Stephen Michael Co, who will pursue a Masters in Bioscience Enterprise at the University of Cambridge, expects to gain valuable knowledge and expertise to help achieve his goal, which is to lead in the establishment of bioscience entrepreneurship as an industry in the Philippines. “Through the Chevening Scholarship, I am given the rare opportunity to learn and experience firsthand the latest trends in bioentrepreneurship. It is common knowledge that Cambridge has produced innumerable biotech start-ups and spin-offs that have since gained worldwide success and recognition,” said Co. Melvin Noche, who will pursue a Masters in Finance at the University of Cambridge, is looking forward to becoming part of the Chevening network of scholars that will enable him to tap into and share insights with a vast pool of experts from across the globe. “Chevening is not merely a brand. It is sustenance for a variety of sustainable positive impact on

the world. The network of scholars across the globe in various fields pools together and creates a conducive global environment for intellectual edification and synergization of influence – small ideas will translate to great impact.” Co and Noche are the very first batch of Cambridge Chevening Scholars from the Philippines, after the British Embassy Manila secured an agreement with Cambridge University last year to partially fund two scholars from the Philippines. This year’s Chevening Scholars are: Rommel Abitria – he has been working at the Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation and is currently teaching Juvenile Justice and Delinquency at De La Salle University – Dasmarinas. He will be studying Master of Laws in Criminal Justice at the University of Kent. Sherielysse Bonifacio – has worked with bilateral and multilateral agencies on judicial capacity building and judicial reform projects as well with the judiciary (Philippine Supreme Court) as a law clerk and as an information officer. She will be studying Master of Laws in Development and Governance at the School of Oriental and African Studies. Joyce Marison Camacho – has been working at the Office of the Undersecretary for International Economic Relations, Department of Foreign Affairs. She will be studying Masters in International Political Economy at King’s College London. Stephen Michael Co – has been working as a junior consultant at Hybridigm Consulting, the Philippines’ first and only biotechnology consulting firm. He will be studying Masters in Bioscience Enterprise at the University of Cambridge. Jessica Hermosa – has been working as a business journalist at BusinessWorld for four years to date. She will be studying Masters in International Relations - International Political Economy at the University of Birmingham. Janice Lee – worked as a court attorney at the Office of then Associate Justice, now Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P. A. Sereno. Her main responsibilities include reviewing researching local and foreign laws and jurisprudence, drafting court decisions and resolutions, and effectively recommending court actions on cases brought before the court. She will be

British Ambassador Stephen Lillie and the Chevening Scholars for 2012-13.

studying Master of Laws in Public International Law at the Queen Mary, University of London. Ana Rhia Muhi – is a human rights lawyer specializing in indigenous peoples rights and environmental law. She was a senior law clerk for then Associate Justice, now Chief Justice Maria Loudes Sereno of the Supreme Court of the Philippines when she applied for the Chevening scholarship. She will be studying Masters of Laws, with specialization in Environmental Law at the Queen Mary University of London Melvin Noche – worked as an advisory associate in the Corporate Finance practice of FTI Consulting and a corporate finance lecturer at the Mapua Institute of Technology. He will be studying Master of Finance at the University of Cambridge. Anna Lorem Ramos – worked as a court attorney at the Office of then Associate Justice, now Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P. A. Sereno. Her work at the Supreme Court involved the drafting of legal memoranda for human rights cases, especially those relating to extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. She will be studying Master of Laws in Public International Law at Queen Mary University of London. Abdul-Jalil Umngan – he is an active member and officer of the

Insan Islamic Assembly and the Young Moro Professionals Network, both NGOs working for human rights, environment, values transformation, education for youth, and peace & development in Mindanao. He will be studying Master of Science in Sustainable Environment Development with Management Studies at Kingston University – London. Marian Theresia Valera – recently worked as a Program Coordinator at the Zuellig Center, one of the research centers of the Asian Institute of Management. She managed the Center’s Good Governance in Health and Health Technology Assessment programs, and contributed to research that supports Universal Health Care in the Philippines. She will be studying Master of Science Public Health (Health Economics) at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London. Deniece Yusun – is a principal designer and partner of the architecture company C+Y Design Studio. They focus on in commercial and residential design, with the goal of continuously developing sustainable design practice principles. She will be studying Masters in Environmental Design and Engineering at Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London.

Further Information The Chevening Scholarships are named after Chevening House, an Official Residence of the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, a country house in the Sevenoaks county of Kent. The Chevening Programme was launched in 1983, and the first scholars started their studies in 1984. Since then it has developed into a prestigious international scholarship scheme. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) now awards over 500 scholarships every year. There are over 32,000 alumni worldwide. The programme is mainly funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, with some contributions from Higher Education Institutions and other partners in the UK. The Chevening Scholarships were originally called the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Scholarships and Awards Scheme. Chevening Scholarships are for talented people who have been identified as potential future leaders across a wide range of fields including politics, business, the media, civil society, and academia. Most scholars undertake a one year master’s degree. Filipino, Marshallese, Micronesian and Palauan candidates are selected by the British Embassy in Manila. The scheme is managed by the British Council Philippines. ■ (©British Embassy Manila – August 31, 2012)

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THE FOLLOWING AREAS: SPORTS, MUSIC, DANCE, ART, MEDICINE, ACADEMIC, BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURS. IF YOU KNOW OF ANY SPECIAL TALENTED, GIFTED AND HARD WORKING FILIPINOS PLEASE CONTACT US ON – editorial@hello-philippines.com / +44 (0) 1708 369 048.

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Philippine Embassy Around The World

September 2012 – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

Ambassador Manalo on working visit to York

PHILIPPINE Ambassador to the United Kingdom (UK) Enrique Manalo made a working visit to the historic city of York on August 17 and 18, 2012. The visit was an opportunity to meet local government officials and conduct a consular outreach activity for the Filipino community all over the Yorkshire region. During his visit, Ambassador Manalo

met with Lord Mayor Keith Hyman, Sheriff Paul Firth, Council Leader James Alexander, Councillor Sonja Crisp and Economic Development Head Katie Stewart. “We were warmly welcomed in York by the local government. As one of the most historic cities in Europe, York has few peers. My visit was an opportunity to share with local executives the

(From left) Council Leader James Alexander, Lord Mayor Keith Hyman, Ambassador Enrique Manalo, Sheriff Paul Firth and Lady Jenny Firth and Councillor Sonja Crisp.

positive economic news from the Philippines and explore possible linkages in the areas of business and education,” Ambassador Manalo remarked. The Ambassador added that “York officials were aware of how the Philippines was a strong and growing economy, and they were keen to develop economic links especially as York is already the second-fastest growing city in England.” York officials told Ambassador Manalo that the Filipino community in York and the rest of Yorkshire was a “superb community” that has “integrated very well into the local society.” “I am proud of the Filipino community in the entire Yorkshire region. Most of them work in the healthcare industries, mainly as nurses and caregivers. In fact, the Barrio Fiesta that they hold every year has become a major event

Ambassador Manalo with officers of the Filipino Community in York (FCY) and the Embassy personnel.

for the broader Yorkshire community,” Ambassador Manalo said. The City of York was established in 71 A.D. and is located in northeast England. As the second-fastest growing economy in England, it contributes about £3 billion to the British economy

each year. It also hosts over 7 million visitors annually. According to latest estimates, there are some 6,000 Filipinos living and working in the Yorkshire region, which includes the city of York. ■ (©DFA – August 23, 2012)

“Boto mo, Karapatan mo, Gamitin Mo!” – Last few days for Overseas Absentee Voting Registration

THE Embassy of the Philippines in London once again reminds the members of the Filipino community in the United Kingdom who are eligible to vote to kindly register to be able to take part in the May 2013 Philippine national elections. The deadline for registration at the Embassy of the Philippines in London is on 31 October 2012. Ambassador Enrique A. Manalo was quoted as saying, “Between today and the end of October this year, there are just 80 more days for Filipinos to be able to register.” “Tayo po ay makilahok upang makatulong sa bayan.” he added. Filipinos who are not from London

may register during the scheduled consular outreach missions and field registrations in the following areas: September 22 – Edinburgh (Destiny Edinburgh Church, Gorgie Centre, 52 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh EH11 2NB) October 6 – Newcastle upon Tyne (Park Road Community Centre, Park Road, Elswick Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7RU) For more details, please contact Mr. Rosendo Rodriguez or Mrs. Edith Mallillin at telephone numbers 020 7451 1816 or 020 7451 1826. ■ (The

Philippine Embassy in London, United Kingdom – August 13, 2012)

OBJECTIVES Primary - Provide a forum for Europe-based Filipino organizations to discuss and achieve collective consensus on issues regarding migrants’ political and socioeconomic integration/reintegration in host and home country. Specific - To make the forum a regular venue for continuing dialogue through active participation in the formation of the Global Filipino Diaspora Council. The conference is open to all interested overseas Filipino individuals/organizations. • Filipinos belonging to national/ regional organizations based in Europe, especially those Italy, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France,

Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, U.K. • Filipinoorganizations in Asia, Middle East and North America. • Delegates of European NGOs involve in Migration Issues. • Other Global Filipino networks/ alliances outside of Europe invited by the Conference. Where: Aran Mantegna Hotel and Convention Center, Via Mantegna 130, EUR-Roma How: Fill-in the Registration Form and submit Registration Fee • €55.00 Standard Rate – For Organizations • €50.00 Standard Rate – For each Member of registering Organizations

• Residents of Italy €30.00 – with proof of ID Card Registration covers conference kit, conference documents, (1) date-set lunch, (1) date-set dinner and coffee break. CONTACT Diaspora-to-Dialogue: 1st Filipino Europe-wide D2D Conference / Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro 112 – 00136 Rome, Italy Phone: +39 06 807 2546; Email: info@d2d.ph Website: www.d2d.ph In collaboration with Ufficio dell’Assemblea Capitolina Consigliere Aggiunto per il Continente Asia ■

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Philippine Tourism

September 2012 – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

Vogue-UK names Ariara Island as #1 Holiday Destination PHILIPPINE tourism is poised to benefit from the worldwide recognition of Ariara Island in Calamian, Palawan for ranking first in the Top 100 holiday destinations, which will be released in Vogue-UK Magazine’s August 2012 issue. This luxurious and spacious private getaway has attracted and welcomed a number of highprofile groups with its all-inclusive package of exclusivity, relaxation, 24-hour service, excellent cuisine, and a host of amenities both for the laidback and adventurous. Ariara is the ultimate “off the beaten track” destination where the structures are contemporary in style and have been designed with sensitivity to the environment. The resort website describes it to have eight spacious villas and beach cottages situated along Ariara’s 600-meter white sand beach with uninterrupted views of the sea and neighbouring islands. All bedrooms have private terraces and gardens, scattered with hanging chairs and

hammocks. Many have vaulted ceilings, four poster style beds, walkin wardrobes, enormous bathrooms, and open-air showers. Every item of furniture in Ariara has been designed, made, and upholstered in-house by local carpenters and craftsmen in the island’s own workshops or outsourced to Filipino artisans. Materials were sourced locally and all furnishings were created using traditional methods: marble bath hand carved from single blocks of Romblon marble, wooden bath made using traditional boat-building techniques, local wood and rattan, cushions made from tribal fabrics in Mindanao, and intricate wooden chests by indigenous Palawan woodcarvers. Ariara’s decorative flair is accentuated by striking wall hangings, heliographs and ceramics made by a talented Filipino artist Ugu Bigyan. “What is remarkable is that the entire resort is a testament to the unique artistry and skills of Filipino designers and artisans.

The use of local materials and traditional techniques serves as good advertising for Filipino craftsmanship and world-class products. Tourism is not just about counting tourist arrivals. More importantly, it is about building opportunities on the ground and improving lives, in communities in very real places,” beamed Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. “Furthermore, the resort’s properly planned development and low density shows the owners’ respect for the environment. We want to see more of this type of investment which supports the principles of responsible, ethical, and sustainable tourism,” the Tourism Secretary added. Prior to Vogue’s recognition, Ariara was likewise featured in various magazines in the United Kingdom. The annual travel issue of Times Magazine hailed it as the “Best Private Island Resort” and described as “a Philippine island of such prettiness that you almost

expect Johnny Depp to pop out with a parrot on his shoulder” and “beyond a forest of coconut palms, ridiculously blue water stretches out to a techno-colored reef, where pink, fluffy, Barbra Cartland-esque corals and rainbow-hued creatures waft in the tropical current.” In Independent’s “Life’s a Tag: 2012’s Most Surprising Holiday Destinations”, Ariara was listed as one of the best islands to visit this year. Black Tomato, on the other hand, hailed the island resort as “the” place to visit in 2012 in the Evening Standard. Other illustrious UK magazines which featured the private island destination are Angels and Urchins, Harrods Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, The Spectator, Wine and Dine, Urbanollogy, and Tatler. Roxanne, a British guest, had this to say about her group’s experience: “We had to pinch ourselves to be sure that the unique mixture of stunning beauty, cosseting luxury, and peace from anyone’s agenda

other than our own wrapped in the friendliest of support teams were all real. With all our varied needs, tastes, and energy levels, every member of the family felt it was the most exciting, stimulating, restful, cleansing, and privileged break they had ever experienced.” UK remains to be a key generator of tourist arrivals to the Philippines. The UK market grew stronger in 2011 and registered 104,466 year-end tourist arrivals – a first in its history to yield over 100,000. January to May 2012 statistics also attest to the market’s continued growth as it yielded 50,327 tourist arrivals rising one notch higher from its previous 10th place. The market’s performance is expected to be better with heightened awareness and current promotional efforts in UK via London taxicabs, double-decker buses, and posters in strategic places at the underground rail stations in time for the Queen’s Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics. ■ (DOT – July 16, 2012)

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Law & Legal News

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September 2012 – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

Mining reforms ignored at gold-rush site PHILIPPINES

Ted Aljibe, AFP

The Philippine government wants to close thousands of small-scale mines blamed for environmental devastation. ©AFP/File, Ted Aljibe

©AFP/Graphic

Mount Diwata in the Philippines.

Residents say the population swells and the honeycomb of tunnels get busier when the price of gold rises.

THE government wants to close thousands of small-scale mines blamed for environmental devastation, but Reynaldo Elejorde insists his chaotic gold-rush mountain town will survive. The 53-year-old former carpenter and his family have been digging alongside hordes of others into the rich veins of Mount Diwata since the 1980s, and the efforts have allowed them to survive just above the poverty line. “We will insist that we stay here because this is our only livelihood,” said Elejorde, dressed in a dirty T-shirt and shorts with a flashlight tied to his head as a makeshift mining lantern, during a typical day of hard toil. President Benigno Aquino announced mining reforms last month that his government said would better regulate a chaotic industry, improve environmental standards and deliver a bigger share of revenues to state coffers. Part of the planned reforms would ensure more strict government supervision of places such as Mount Diwata, a product of a unique Philippine law dating back decades that allows individual miners to set up their own operations. A tribesman’s discovery of gold in what was then a logging area in 1983 started a mad scramble to Mount Diwata of labourers, farmers, ex-soldiers and former guerrillas from all over the country, all seeking to get rich. Today scores of tightly packed houses made of scrap wood and roofed with tin sheets or tarpaulin sit on the mountainside, many of them built over tunnels that the homeowners excavate. About 42,000 people live on and around the mountain, according

to the village census, but residents say the population swells and the honeycomb of tunnels get busier when the price of gold rises. The site is just 70 kilometres (43 miles) north of the major trading city of Davao, but it can be reached only through muddy roads and it has earned a reputation as a lawless “Wild West” site. The government’s small-scale mining provisions were originally intended to give poor, mainly rural people a chance to earn a little money, according to the head of the government’s Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Leo Jasareno. But it has been widely exploited and most of the small-scale miners today, including those in Mount Diwata, violate the conditions for small-scale mining by using explosives and poisonous chemicals such as mercury, Jasareno said. Jasareno estimated that there may be as many as 300,000 such small-scale miners across the country, creating a major environmental problem. With few safety regulations, workplace deaths also occur frequently. At Mount Diwata, five people were reported killed in a landslide in December last year. “The executive order (Aquino’s mining reforms) will address all the problems in small-scale mining. Environmental problems will be addressed as well as safety,” Jasareno told AFP in Manila. Some of the key reforms will be to restrict small-scale operations to “community mines”, so that they can be more closely supervised, while others deemed to be dangerous or bad for the environment will be closed. But at Mount Diwata, community leader Franco Tito said miners had seen similar efforts from previous

governments come and go, with no effect. “It is just a duplication of past presidential orders, local ordinances, republic acts, special laws and what have you, which are basically telling us to stop the mining activity,” he said. Tito said he suspected the national government’s real agenda was to hand the mountain’s resources over to a big mining company, and that the miners would resist any effort to move them. The local province’s governor, Arturo Uy, said he supported Aquino’s mining order but he also questioned whether it could be applied in his domain. “We cannot just tell them (the miners) to move out as they are so many. You can expect protests and rallies because they won’t allow the mining operations to go the large mining firms,” he said. Uy said he had previously proposed a designated area for small-scale miners, similar to Aquino’s order, but that it never took off “because they (the miners) wont listen”. However Clemente Bautista, president of Kalikasan (Environment), a green political party operating in the area, said local officials tolerated illegal activities because they also benefited from them. “Basically, the corrupt government officials profit from that. The provincial officials have a stake in mining. They have interests in the operations,” he told AFP in Manila. But he acknowledged that resistance from the miners would also intimidate officials from taking action. “The small-scale miners will fight back. You cannot force them out if their alternative is that they go hungry,” he said. ■ (©AFP – Mount Diwata, Philippines – August 4, 2012)

Lawmakers speed birth control vote

LEGISLATORS on Monday, August 6, voted to terminate heated debates on a controversial birth control law after President Benigno Aquino urged its speedy passage. A “voice vote” at the 285-member House of Representatives ended further debates on the bill which has polarised the largely Catholic nation of almost 100 million. Congressman Edcel Lagman, the main proponent of the bill, said the loud, vocal support for accelerating its passage was a “positive indication” that it would be passed by the House this month. “We are at the threshold of victory but we are not yet at our victory because we will have to wait for final voting,” he told AFP.

Earlier Tuesday, Aquino met with leaders of the House and expressed his desire to see the law passed, his spokesman Edwin Lacierda said. “The president echoed the view that the responsible parenthood measure had been discussed thoroughly over the past several years and expressed his desire that Congress move on to the next step in the legislative process,” he said. In the past opponents of the bill used lengthy debates and long-winded speeches to delay its passage until Congress adjourned, effectively preventing it from being passed. The church, whose opinion on key issues helps to shape public opinion, led thousands in a rally on Saturday

to call on congressmen to junk the bill. The bill seeks to make it mandatory for the government to provide free contraceptives as well as introducing sex education in schools, which the politically influential Catholic Church has rejected. Lagman said that the next legislative process would be to open the bill for amendment ahead of its passage. The Senate, or the upper chamber of congress, needs to separately pass the bill before it can effectively become law, and some of its leaders have openly said they would reject it. On Monday, over 100 activists favouring the bill held a peaceful rally outside congress to press for its passage.

The birth control bill has polarised the largely Catholic nation of almost 100 million.

Women’s groups as well as the United Nations have been pushing for the law to be passed, saying it would help to bring down the maternal

mortality rate in the Philippines, which is one of the highest in the region. ■ (©AFP – Manila, Philippines – August 7, 2012)

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Environment

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September 2012 – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

Top marine scientists warn reefs in rapid decline MORE than 2,600 of the world’s top marine scientists Monday, July 9 warned coral reefs around the world were in rapid decline and urged immediate global action on climate change to save what remains. The consensus statement at the International Coral Reef Symposium, being held in the northeastern Australian city of Cairns, stressed that the livelihoods of millions of people were at risk. Coral reefs provide food and work for countless coastal inhabitants globally, generate significant revenues through tourism and function as a natural breakwater for waves and storms, they said. The statement, endorsed by the forum attendees and other marine scientists, called for measures to head off escalating damage caused by rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, overfishing and pollution from the land. “There is a window of opportunity for the world to act on climate change, but it is closing rapidly,” said Terry Hughes, convener of the symposium, held every four years, which attracted some 2,000 scientists from 80 countries. Jeremy Jackson, senior scientist

at the Smithsonian Institution in the United States, said reefs around the world have seen severe declines in coral cover over the last several decades. In the Caribbean, for example, 75-85 percent of the coral cover has been lost in the last 35 years. Even the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the best-protected reef ecosystem on the planet, has witnessed a 50 percent decline in the last 50 years. Jackson said while climate change was exacerbating the problem, it was also causing increased droughts, agricultural failure and sea level rises at increasingly faster rates, which implied huge problems for society. “That means what’s good for reefs is also critically important for people and we should wake up to that fact,” he said. “The future of coral reefs isn’t a marine version of tree-hugging but a central problem for humanity.” Stephen Palumbi, director of Stanford University’s Hopkins Marine Station, said addressing local threats, such as poor land development and unsustainable fishing practices, was also critical.

More than 85 percent of reefs in Asia’s “Coral Triangle” are directly threatened by human activities such as coastal development, pollution, and overfishing, according to a report launched at the forum earlier Monday. The Coral Triangle covers Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, The Solomon Islands, and East Timor and contains nearly 30 percent of the world’s reefs and more than 3,000 species of fish. International Society for Reef Studies president Robert Richmond stressed that the consensus statement was not just another effort at documenting the mounting problems. Instead he said it was also about making the best available science available to leaders worldwide. “The scientific community has an enormous amount of research showing we have a problem. But right now, we are like doctors diagnosing a patient’s disease, but not prescribing any effective cures,” he said. “We have to start more actively engaging the process and supporting public officials with real-world prescriptions for success.” ■ (©AFP – Sydney, Australia – July 9, 2012)

A tourist snorkles over coral reef in Raja Ampat’s Mansuar Island located in eastern Indonesia’s Papua region in 2011. ©AFP/Great Barrier Reef Marine Park/File

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef has seen a 50% decline in the last 50 years.

©AFP/File

©AFP/Graphics

More than 85 percent of reefs in Asia’s “Coral Triangle” are directly threatened by human activities.

Coral reefs provide food and work for millions of people, according to the International Coral Reef Symposium.

Hong Kong to return over 100 rare reptiles to Philippines SCORES of endangered reptiles including turtles and a python that were smuggled into Hong Kong will be returned to their native Philippines on Wednesday, August 1 officials said. A 22-year-old man is serving a sixweek prison sentence for smuggling the 105 reptiles into the city packed in plastic containers inside his checked-in luggage on June 14, the officials said. The 39 Philippine pond turtles, 46 Southeast Asian box turtles, 19 Mindanao water monitor lizards and one reticulated python required specialist care before they could be shipped home. “It was difficult for them to breathe,” Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden head of fauna conservation Gary Ades said.

“Many of the animals when they arrived were underweight and dehydrated and so they required treatment,” Ades said, adding most of them had recovered. Trade in the reptiles is restricted under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), although it is legal to keep them as pets in Hong Kong. “By returning these reptiles to their native range, we can sustain populations in the wild,” Kadoorie Farm conservation officer Paul Crow said. Hong Kong endangered species protection officer Alfred Wong said the reptiles most likely would have entered the pet market. Customs officials arrested the

same man in February for smuggling 36 live turtles from the Philippines into Hong Kong. He was fined HK$8,000 ($1,000) for that offence. Trafficking in pond turtles is punishable by a six-year prison term and a million-peso ($23,000) fine in the Philippines, but authorities say they lack resources to properly enforce the law. ■ (©AFP – Hong Kong – July

Mindanao water monitor lizard.

Scores of endangered reptiles including turtles that were smuggled into Hong Kong will be returned to the Philippines.

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1st Reel Gate International Film Festival in London, UK

September 2012 – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

Filipino and British films pose challenges to the 1st Reel Gate International Film Festival in London PHILIPPINES

Boy Villasanta AFTER the fabulous Olympics, it’s the 1st Reel Gate International Film Festival to watch out for. This is post-modern London and anything captivatingly complex springs up any moment of the day. As long as there is creative tension, let the party begin. To borrow a maxim from Chinese philosopher and revolutionary Mao Tse Tung: “Let a thousand flowers bloom, a hundred thoughts contend.” Fil-Briton filmmaker Jowee Morel (“Moma,” “Ec2luv,” “Mga ParuParong Rosas (Pink Butterflies),” “Mona, Singapore Escort,” “When a Gay Man Loves,” “Latak,” “HiStory,” “Moving Dreams,” “Strictly Confidential” and the newly wrapped up migration film “Leona Calderon” starring Filipino screen legend Pilar Pilapil and awardwinning British and Hollywood actress Virginia McKenna) has just joined the fray. When Morel conceptualized and fleshed out the idea of an international film festival in London, he was up for a stiffer and bigger challenge because there are movie events in the city too many. “But I have to be firm,” enthused Jowee who has been living and working in this part of the planet for nearly three decades. “I have to realize my dream which has been nurtured for a long time,” he added. The creation of the Reel Gate International Film Festival is a fascinating story in itself. Sometime four or five years in the Philippines, this writer came up with an idea of Filipino films to be shown in London which we immediately put forward to Morel. The concept was also egged on by respected and active member of the Young Critics Circle and Programmer of the Cine Adarna of the University of the Philippines Film Institute. We saw a ray of flame lighted up Jowee’s face. “Why not?,” the controversial and intriguing director said excitedly. From then on, Morel was so fired up with the plan and initially started his engineering the prospects of the project. But Jowee’s stay in the Philippines wasn’t warranted by a regular and certain monthly income while he was producing films on shoestring budgets. Independent filmmaking was and still is really a hard climb to film business against big production studios but still he didn’t say die. Until the planned showing of Filipino films, a pet project was

sidetracked for a long time by his scarcity of resources. Morel was already in quandary whether to continue producing small-budgeted films or stop his movie directing career altogether. “I loved the Philippines but I had to be practical. I needed to earn a living again because my savings were already drained. I missed the warmth of our country but I could die of hunger if I wouldn’t go back to London to work,” he recalled. His spirit was still willing to go on with his indie filmmaking but his mind was telling him to shift gear for the moment and to pause. Once and for all, he had to decide for his future. In 2009, Morel went back to London to further his studies of filmmaking he enrolled in the Master of Arts in Cinematography

and Post-Production program at the University of Greenwich. “London is very competitive and racial discrimination is still prevalent here so I had to prove something more to myself and to society,” commented Jowee. While in the university, the students were required to produce a film on 35mm which was supported by its academic affairs so he quickly thought of a concept and a storyline. Finally, he came up with a film about a middle aged woman Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who has been living and working in London for the last thirty five years but was diagnosed with a uterine cancer her dilemma was whether to go home to be with her family but all her savings would be spent on her medication because the Philippines has no expansive and

extensive health insurance benefits or to stay in the United Kingdom and enjoy all the medical privileges until God knows when. In a snap of a finger, Morel was able to tap the artistic services of veteran actress Pilar Pilapil to play Leona Calderon, the OFW and to a greater extent, that of awarded British and American-bred thespian Virginia McKenna as the old woman who appreciates the Filipina scavenging surplus or used goods in her yard. Initially, Jowee was happy and overwhelmed to finally touch and hold a 35mm filmmaking gadget and style but his creative team was not too prepared for the work so he shifted to digital platform instead. “I hadn’t experience using reel negatives and was so excited about it but when something buckled down, I thought I didn’t miss

anything using 35mm,” he heaved a sigh of relief. The film, an independently produced project got off the hook and was passed by the University with flying colors. While marketing and promoting “Leona Calderon,” Jowee was tinkering on his laptop he wanted to do other things after finishing off a major film. And voila! The realization of the showing of Filipino films in London. He tapped his multicultural friends and engrossingly talked them to the ambitious project they in return unselfishly contributed their ten-cent worth of inputs. In no time at all, Jowee thought of a name of the festival. Reel Gate International Film Festival. Why reel? Because for Jowee, film is reel and to conquer film, one has to get to the gate of a screen to watch it. He then ran immediately to the proper agency in London to register his brainchild and he was immediately granted permission to actualize his dream. After a while, Morel was taken aback by the mere thought of his residency in London. “I asked myself, what am I as a British national? I should also promote what is British. So I added the showing of British films in Reel Gate,” he informed. Thus, this year’s maiden offering of Reel Gate International Film Festival includes two components - CineMabuhay and CineBritannia. “CineMabuhay will show Filipino films made by Filipino o non-Filipino filmmakers as long as they tackle Philippine life and culture while CineBritannia will feature British cinema by British or non-British filmmakers as long as they depict UK life and culture,” explained Morel. “I want everyone to be challenged by the vision and mission of combining the cultural heritage in films of the two nations, the Philippines and Great Britain,” he exclaimed. As of the moment, there are many interested parties who have already submitted their entries for proper evaluation. The 1st Reel Gate International Film Festival reels off November 2, 3 & 4, 2012 at the Riverside Studio while its Philippine counterpart kicks off December 11, 12 & 13, 2012 at the Cine Adarna of UPFI in Diliman. As an enterprising artist and business person, Morel is expanding Reel Gate film events in many parts of the world in the years to come. ■

September 2012 – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

Celebrity, Showbiz & Entertainment

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HELLO PHILIPPINES

GMA Network bags six trophies at NAMIC Excellence in Multicultural Marketing Awards

GMA NETWORK, Inc. (GMA), through its international business unit, was once again recognized by the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) after winning six EMMAs (Excellence in Multi-Cultural Marketing Awards) for its highly innovative international marketing tactics. This is by far the most number of awards won by GMA compared to previous years, and the Network’s first time to earn two first place recognitions in its long history of winning in the competition. “We have been recognized by NAMIC almost every year since GMA Pinoy TV was launched in 2005,” said GMA International Vice President and Head of Operations Joseph T. Francia. “It is worth noting that the awards we received this year honor different tactics in our integrated marketing mix covering the gamut of our 360-degree approach to reaching our existing and potential subscribers, from our digital initiatives to more traditional schemes.” The “Support Manny Pacquiao” online campaign for the boxing hero’s most recent fight against Juan Manuel Marquez was awarded first place in the Digital Category. The campaign was recognized for effectively engaging Filipinos living in the US, Asia-Pacific and Middle East to send in messages for Pacquiao via GMA’s citizen journalism tool, YouScoop. Highlighting Pinoy pride, these messages were later aired over GMA’s international channels. The GMA International magazine dubbed as “Kapuso Abroad” (KA), meanwhile, won first place in the Grassroots category. KA is dedicated to making Filipinos living abroad feel closer to home by providing them with relevant and entertaining information about their favorite Kapuso programs and personalities. The magazine is circulated worldwide and the increasing demand for KA prompted GMA to create a digital version of the magazine in order to reach more Filipinos globally. Winning third place in the Experiential Marketing category is the Eat Bulaga Live in San Francisco show held last March 30. Being the country’s longest running, most awarded and most influential noontime show, bringing Eat Bulaga to the US allowed Filipino-Americans to experience the classic brand of Pinoy entertainment that only a show like EB can offer. The event gathered over 6,000 attendees from FilipinoAmerican communities in San Francisco and Northern California, and significantly increased the subscription base of GMA Pinoy TV. GMA also won third place in the

Diversity Awareness category for its participation in The Outstanding Filipino Americans (TOFA) awards. TOFA honors Filipino-Americans who have helped uplift the FilipinoAmerican community through their outstanding achievements in their chosen profession. GMA leveraged on this opportunity to celebrate the excellence of the Filipino race by providing media mileage and trophies to all awardees. GMA was able to connect with more than 14,000 voters of TOFA via Facebook and reached out to around 300 attendees from various FilipinoAmerican communities. Meanwhile, GMA’s environmentfriendly non-woven bags won third place in the Premium category. These fully functional, eco-friendly bags represent the Network’s active participation in Corporate Social Responsibility and environmental protection. The bags are always a sought-after premium during events and marketing activities stimulating brand recall. They also resonate well with subscriber cities like San Francisco that aggressively promote the use of reusable shopping bags. Finally, the one-minute free advertising offering “Pinoy Inbox”, which ran from June 2010 to May 2011, finished third place in the Television category. This marketing tactic was built in the hopes of building affinity with GMA Pinoy TV subscribers. This proved to be successful as subscribers continue to pour in giving birth to its spin-off, “Pinoy Photobox.” “This is a fitting reward for our hard work especially as we celebrate our 7th anniversary this year,” said Francia. “These awards are a validation of our efforts to innovate and be more creative in our marketing efforts, and to be even more relevant in today’s highly competitive, fast-evolving pay-television landscape. We are truly honoured to receive these recognitions from a prestigious organization such as NAMIC,” he added. NAMIC is an international organization that recognizes superior multicultural marketing practices in the cable industry. Established in 1980 as non-profit trade organization, it has over 2,700 professionals belonging to a network of 16 chapters worldwide. The awarding of winners will take place on September 11 and 12 at Hilton New York. GMA’s international unit oversees the distribution overseas of flagship channel GMA Pinoy TV, as well as GMA Life TV, GMA News TV International, DZBB and DWLS. To-date, the channels reach over 2 million viewers on various pay-TV platforms in 90 countries worldwide. ■

Grace Lee joins NEWS5

Grace Lee

TV5 NETWORK – LIFESTYLE and entertainment TV host Grace Lee has joined TV5’s roster of dedicated presenters under its news and information arm, News5. The Korean-born news personality is now part of the network’s weekday morning show, Good Morning Club, and a co-anchor on AksyonTV’s daily primetime newscast Andar ng mga Balita alongside seasoned host Martin Andanar. On Lee’s move to TV5, News5 head Luchi Cruz Valdes said, “Together with TV5, Grace can explore other opportunities to develop her journalistic interests. She is a valuable addition to our growing pool of news professionals dedicated to serving the public interest.” Catch Grace Lee on AksyonTV International available in North America, Guam, Europe and the Middle East via DISH Network, MCV Broadband, and OSN respectively. ■