EEC NOW January Issue by Melba David

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JANUARY 2019

Philippines to complete Pag-asa Island repairs by 2019

he Philippines is expecting to finish the repairs of the runway on Pag-asa (Thitu) Island in the West Philippine Sea by the end of 2019, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said. In May, Washington-based Asian Maritime Transparency Initiative released satellite imagery showing repairs have begun at the Rancudo Airfield on Pag-asa Island, one of the largest features in the Spratly Islands. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines recently started constructing a beach ramp and a mooring bollard on the island. “When completed, these will facilitate the transport of materials

for repair and concreting of the airstrip,” Lorenzana said in a speech at the Pilipinas Conference 2018 in Makati City. As part of its efforts to protect national territory and uphold sovereignty, the armed

forces also facilititated hydrographic reconnaissance and site survey of Mavulis Island in Batanes. This is for the construction of a fisherman’s shelter on the country’s northernmost island. Lorenzana stressed that the military continuously shows presence within the country’ exclusive economic zone. “We have intercepted intrusions to Philippineclaimed features. Littoral monitoring detachments and littoral observatory stations provided common air and maritime operating picture in the West Philippine Sea, Philippine Rise and other parts of the Philippine

territory,” he said. A few weeks ago, Lorenzana revealed that Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua tried to block the government’s plan to rehabilitate structures on Pag-asa Island. “When he learned that we’re going to repair our runway in Pag-asa, he came to me and said, ‘No,’” Lorenzana earlier said at a maritime forum. Lorenzana answered to Chinese envoy by pointing out that it was proper for Manila to improve every facility on Pag-asa as Beijing already developed Subi Reef. China has reportedly installed surfaceto-air missiles, anti-cruise ship missiles and electroning jamming equipment on Fiery Cross, Mischief and Subi Reefs. —Philstar

House approves expanded VAWC bill

he House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading the Expanded AntiViolence Against Women and their Children (E-VAWC). Lawmakers unanimously approved with 207 affirmative votes House Bill 8655, which seeks to amend Republic Act 9262 or Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004. Gabriela Women’s Party (GWP) welcomed the approval, describing it as “ray of good news” amid looming approval of repressive measures and a “historic advance of the #LabananAngAbuso campaign.” “This is a much-awaited development by women abused by their partners, as the measure expands the definition of VAWC to include forms of electronic violence, with corresponding penalties,” according to Gabriela party-list Rep. Emmi de Jesus, one of the principal authors of the Expanded VAWC bill. “We are pushing the E-VAWC to address the loopholes in Republic Act 9262 of 2004, which failed to mention electronic violence that could cause more damage but are not as visible as the manifestations of physical violence,” she added. House Bill 8655 includes psychological violence committed through the use of electronic devices or information communication technology-related means. These include spread of explicit videos to harass women and their children, harassment via text messages, stalking, and creation of fake social media accounts with ill intent and malice that will cause distress on the part of women. Electronic violence will be penalized by a fine of not less than P300,000 but not more than P500,000. The measure also expands the provision of RA 9262 on the 10-day paid leave for VAWC victims, indicating penalties for the immediate supervisor or senior official who denies the victim of the paid leave. In addition, House Bill 8655 widens the composition of the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children to include the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Commission on Overseas Filipinos, and 2 representatives from civil society organizations. “With the approval of the measure, we hope to give women an increased chance to fight forms of violence and abuse as we educate them on their rights. We will continue amplifying support for this legislative advocacy through our regular Anti-VAWC consultations at the barangay, municipal, city-wide and provincial levels,” Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas said. We urge the Senate to do its part and fast-track the counterpart measure amending the Anti-VAWC Act. If signed into law, this will be a very valuable legacy of the 17th Congress to women long suffering from all kinds of abuse and harassment,” Brosas added. Gabriela Women’s Party first filed the measure during the 15th Congress. —ABS-CBN News

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JANUARY 2019

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NEWS Makati Subway: Everything to know about Makati’s biggest project

o you live or work in Makati? Expect big changes when the Makati Public Rail Transport (PRT)—better known as the Makati Subway—becomes operational in five years. The 10-kilometer Makati PRT will be the first intracity subway system in the Philippines. What’s in store for residents and employees in the country’s premier business district? Let’s explore Makati’s most ambitious infrastructure project to date. Here are the basic stats on the Makati PRT, based on information from the Makati City government so far: lMakati Subway stations: 10 underground stations with at least 30 entrances linked to key destinations around the city lProject cost: USD 3.7 billion lConstruction timeline: December 2018 to 2023 lPassenger capacity: Over 700,000 daily (or 27,000 every hour in each direction) lOperational trains: 12 air-conditioned trains in the first year of operation, with intervals of 3 to 6 minutes (Future target: 18 trains with intervals of 2 to 4 minutes) Operating hours: 18 hours daily How Will Makati Subway Benefit Us? 1. Faster and Easier Commutes The Makati Subway System will ease the flow of traffic in the city, addressing the transport and parking problems of

residents and workers. Citing feasibility studies, the city government estimates that the PRT will help reduce 270,000 vehicles on the road by 2048. This project will benefit some 500,000 residents and five million workers who commute to and from Makati every day. Makati Subway stations will be located near various landmarks around the city: lAyala-EDSA lAyala Avenue lSM Makati lAyala Triangle Gardens lLegaspi Village lMakati Central Fire Station lManila South Cemetery lMakati City Hall lJ.P. Rizal Ave. lPoblacion Heritage Site lRockwell Center lGuadalupe Viejo lPasig River lSt. Luke’s Medical Center lGuadalupe Bridge lGuadalupe Nuevo lLawton Ave. lUniversity of Makati lOspital ng Makati Also, the intracity subway system will be connected with other mass transport systems in Metro Manila, including the MRT-3, Pasig River Ferry System, and the soon-to-be-constructed Metro

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JANUARY 2019

Do not give to beggars — DSWD

Manila Mega Subway. The Makati city government has assured the public that the five-year subway construction won’t worsen traffic congestion, as it will be done in underground tunnels.

he Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reminded the public not to give alms to street dwellers, saying there are other ways to help this Christmas season. “We appeal to our kababayans especially here in Metro Manila not to give alms to children and families on the streets, as this will perpetuate their beliefs that it is OK to ask for alms and that it is a good way to earn,” DSWD spokesperson and assistant secretary Glenda Relova said. “We understand that during Christmas season, people give extra love and care. They are more generous as this is the season of giving. But let us not give alms. We believe it is not the best solution,” she added. Relova said they monitor an increase in street dwellers during Christmas season as more people go to city centers to ask for alms during the Christmas season. “Starting October, we usually see our fellow citizens who are Aetas and Sama-Bajaus go to Metro Manila to ask for alms, as it is a means of livelihood for them,” the DSWD official said. “If quick cash won’t be accessible to them, they will not pursue this practice anymore,” she added. GIVE Continued on Page 5

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Ang rason na naging very intimately aggressive ang nobyo

GIVE Continued from Page 4

Instead of giving alms, the DSWD urged the public to take part in their initiatives to help the homeless through its #HelptheHomelessPH advocacy campaign. Relova said the public may organize giftgiving events or small reach-out activities, as well conduct art or story-telling and even feeding programs and medical missions. “What we also encourage is for the public to help us in developing programs for street dwellers and to give to our centers, non-government organizations and other charitable institutions that provide comprehensive services for street children and families,”Relova said. She said indigenous peoples who go to Metro Manila to beg are also being supported through their Balik-Probinsya program. “The Silungan sa Barangay project will be pilot-tested in cities and municipalities here in Metro Manila. Under this project, the DSWD aims to have processing centers for street dwellers in the LGUs or a temporary home or ‘silungan’ where they can stay and be provided with a convergence of holistic services from different groups,” the official added. —Philstar

i Cristine Roque 24, nagtatrabaho bilang secretary ay ibinahagi ang magandang karanasan dahil sa paggamit ng seksuwal na pabangong gawa sa England, ito ay ang upgraded Dream Love 1000 na may 3D hologram model image silver seal. Nabasa niya mula sa EEC Now magazine ang patotoo ng Pinay na nagkaroon ng makulay na lovelife dahil sa paggamit nito ng nasabing seksuwal perfume. Nabili nito mula sa EEC Elite Mart ang nasabing pabango sa halagang NT$560 lamang.

Cristine Roque

Naikuwento din ng kaibigan ang kakaibang karanasan nito dahil sa paggamit ng natural pabango na may pang-akit ng kalalakihan. Ginamit niya ito ng ayon

sa instruction sheet sa loob ng kahon. Mula ng gumamit siya nito ay nadama niya na naging lalong mapagmahal at malambing ang kasintahan. Dati ay holding hands lang ang gawa nito, kalaunan ay napuna niyang tila naging mapusok ito at kaniyang pinaalalahanan na kailangan muna itong magtimpi sapagkat marami pa siyang pangarap sa buhay. Humingi ito ng paumanhin at sabay na sinabing sorry. Ang mga sumunod pang araw ay naging maligaya sa kanilang dalawa at nagpaplano na silang pakasal.

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JANUARY 2019

Balangiga Bells back in Philippines after 117 years

hree church bells taken by American soldiers as war booty from Balangiga town, Eastern Samar in 1901, arrived in the Philippines on December 11. The Balangiga Bells, seen by historians as a symbol of Filipino resistance to foreign invaders, were airlifted to the Philippine Air Force headquarters in Villamor Airbase. Balangiga town prepares to receive centuries-old bells from US. “It has been a very long road home. Many Filipinos and Americans worked tirelessly for decades to make today possible. I’m so glad many of them are here today,” US Ambassador Sung Kim said during the handover ceremony at the airbase. “The history of these bells spans the entire relationship between the United

States and the Philippines. In the process, they have touched many lives. And their return underscores the enduring friendship between our countries, our shared values, and shared sacrifices,” he said. The Balangiga Bells tolled on the morning of September 28, 1901 to signal the start of a sneak attack by dozens of town villagers against American soldiers. Some 50 Americans, many of them eating breakfast or just waking up, were killed in the incident that handed Filipinos one of their greatest victories in the Filipino-American war. But the American forces retaliated under the orders of US General Jacob Smith, killing and burning all men above the age of 10 in the town, leaving some 2,000 locals dead. The US troops took 3 church bells as

war trophy, displaying 2 of them in a museum in Fort Russell, Wyoming and another at a museum in South Korea. Efforts to retrieve the bells were made as early as 1957, when Fr. Horacio de la Costa requested their return to Chip Wards, Command Historian of the 13th Air Force in San Francisco, California. A petition by the Balangiga Historical Society for the bells’ return in 1989 failed despite help from the National Historical Institute and the Department of Foreign Affairs. In 1994, then-US President Bill Clinton gave a verbal promise to return the bells to then President Fidel V. Ramos, “in the spirit of fair play.” But some US officials opposed Clinton’s offer. Efforts would continue to make the US return the bells,

with some private groups like the US-Philippines Society helping, until President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office. In 2017, Duterte demanded that the US return the bells, which he said were “reminders of the gallantry and heroism of our forebears who resisted the American colonizers.” America finally agreed to return the bells last August when US Defense Secretary James Mattis signed an official document agreeing to deliver back the wartime artifacts. “The return of the Bells of Balangiga lets us reflect on the U.S.-Philippine relationship -where we have been, where we are, where we are going,” said Kim. “Our shared history is enduring and deeply personal. Our relationship has withstood the tests of history and flourishes today. And every day our relationship is further strengthened by our unbreakable alliance, robust economic partnership, and deep peopleto-people ties,” he added. —ABS-CBN News

2019 Philippine Holidays

President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation No. 555 declaring the regular holidays and special non-working days for 2019 on Wednesday, August 15. The regular holidays are: January 1, 2019, Tuesday - New Year’s Day April 9, 2019, Tuesday - Araw ng Kagitingan April 18, 2019 - Maundy Thursday April 19, 2019 - Good Friday May 1, 2019, Wednesday - Labor Day June 12, 2019, Wednesday - Independence Day August 26, 2019, last Monday of August - National Heroes’ Day November 30, 2019, Saturday - Bonifacio Day December 25, 2019, Wednesday - Christmas Day December 30, 2019, Monday - Rizal Day Special non-working days: February 5, 2019, Tuesday - Chinese New Year February 25, 2019, Monday - EDSA Revolution Anniversary April 20, 2019 - Black Saturday August 21, 2019, Wednesday - Ninoy Aquino Day November 1, 2019, Friday - All Saints’ Day December 8, 2019, Sunday - Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary December 31, 2019, Tuesday - last day of the year Additional special non-working holidays: November 2, 2019, Saturday December 24, 2019, Tuesday Malacañang will issue a proclamation to declare national holidays for Eid’l Fitr and Eid’l Adha after the approximate dates of the Islamic holidays have been determined. – Rappler.com

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JANUARY 2019

Kahit walang ehersisyo nabawasan ng 15 pounds at 3 inches excess fats

irap si Maria Biaco na mabawasan ang timbang. Isa sa mga tuksong hirap siya ay iwasan ang pagda-diet tuwing Linggo. Hindi niya maiwasan na kumain ng paboritong pagkain kasalo ang mga kaibigan kaya tumaba siya. Naikuwento ng kaibigan na ito ay naging sexy slim pagkatapos gumamit ng upgraded Dream Love 1000 5 in 1 body essence lotion, gawa sa England na may 3D hologram model image silver seal na mabibili mula sa lahat ng branches ng EEC Elite Mart sa halagang

Maria Biaco (Before)

NT$590 lamang. Nakita din niya ang poster na may before at after photos ng mga Pinay na gumamit nitong nasabing lotion. Pumasa ito sa standards

ng Research Institute of Physiological Activity sa England. Sinunod ni Maria ang instruction sheet at nagpahid siya ng lotion dalawang beses sa isang araw sa buong katawan at mukha. Maganda ang naging epekto ng lotion sa kaniya lumiit ang sa bilbil, puson at baywang niya. Nagtimbang siya at nakita na sa loob ng pitong linggo ay nabawasan ng 15 pounds habang 3 inches naman sa kanyang baywang. Pumuti, kuminis ang kanyang balat at nagmukha siyang batang tingnan.

Maria Biaco (Before)

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PRRD approves First 1,000 Days law

resident Rodrigo Duterte has signed the First 1,000 Days Law which seeks to scale up nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life. Known as “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act,” Republic Act 11148 was signed by Duterte on Nov. 29, providing proper maternal and child health care program to prevent stunted growth of children. Under the First 1,000 Days Law, the government is mandated to prioritize the nutrition of pre-pregnant, pregnant and lactating women, infants and young children. It will also provide comprehensive strategy to address health and nutrition of children and institutionalize and scale up investment plans

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for health and nutrition in the regional and local development units. The Senate unanimously approved the measure, or Senate Bill 1537 known as “Healthy Nanay and Bulilit Act”, in March this year while the House of Representatives passed it in September last year. According to Senator Ralph Recto, at least PHP17 billion will be needed to implement the 1,000 days program which will inoculate 2.7 million pregnant women against tetanus and diphtheria. The new law seeks to strengthen the enforcement of Executive Order 51 or the “Milk Code,” and Republic Act 10028, or the “Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of

2009,” which promotes optimal infant and young child feeding and maternity protection. Several groups hailed the signing of new law with Save the Children Philippines reportedly saying that the measure will ensure children of poor families of access to government’s quality health and nutrition services. In an ABS-CBN news report, the group claimed some 95 children below 5 years old die every day due to preventable diseases caused by undernutrition. The group said there are also at least 3.6 million stunted children in the country. In its Facebook post, National Nutrition Council said the new law will provide support and training for mothers on

Schools, hospitals, and companies operating in economic zones have already signified their intent to block the proposal. Abrea said the Department of Finance (DOF) should be open to passing the proposal without rationalizing incentives. Finance Undersecretary Karl Chua previously said making incentives time-bound, transparent, and targeted is among the “nonnegotiables” of the proposal. Rappler talks to Chito Zaldarriaga, president of the Philippine Ecozones Association, about their take on the Duterte administration’s second tax reform package. When asked how the government will offset the foregone revenues, Abrea said the government should look beyond taxes.

“The government should focus on reforming agencies like the Bureau of Internal Revenue to widen the tax base and improve collections,” Abrea said. “Revenue losses? It’s not the taxpayers’ problem, it’s the government’s problem. Why burden us, responsible taxpayers, with possible job losses?” he added. Abrea also insisted that the government must go after tax evaders, rather than taking away tax incentives to get funds. “Well, we have to try again next year, I guess.” This was the statement of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III on the foreseen demise of the Trabaho bill under the 17th Congress. The DOF hoped to have the measure passed before the end of 2018,

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte

how to ensure her and her child’s health and nutrition. The barangay health workers will also undergo training to be conducted by the Department of Health. —PNA.GOV.PH

Trabaho bill delay will hurt business, says expert

tax expert warned that delaying the passage of the Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High-Quality Opportunities (Trabaho) bill would be an “injustice” to regular business taxpayers. “Do not delay it, lower the corporate income tax to 20% because the prevailing rate is compromising the 99% of regular taxpayers,” tax expert Mon Abrea told Rappler. The Philippines currently has the highest corporate taxes at 30%, while regional peers only fall between 17% and 25%. While the bill aims to lower corporate income tax, it also seeks to rationalize fiscal incentives or repeal over 100 special tax laws, which businesses fear might lead to job losses.

as legislators are deemed to be busy next year for the 2019 midterm elections. “Billions of tax expenditure has been poured into redundant, ill-targeted, and opaquely administered incentives. We need an incentive system that is better designed, better targeted, and transparent,” said AJ Montesa of the Action for Economic Reforms. The Trabaho bill was already approved at the House of Representatives, but faces delays at the Senate, amid fears that the proposal might ironically lead to job losses. The bill is pending before the Senate ways and means committee, chaired by reelectionist Senator Juan Edgardo Angara. — Rappler.com

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JANUARY 2019

Taipei issues multi-language warning against meat smuggling

wo Taipei City government agencies released a poster in five languages, warning about the penalties for bringing meat products into Taiwan from areas affected by African swine fever, as part of growing nationwide efforts to prevent the virus from entering the country. The poster, bearing the warning in Chinese, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai and English, reminds travelers and Taiwan’s migrant workers that the fines for meat smuggling range from NT$200,000 to NT$1 million. The fines were increased Tuesday by

the Council of Agriculture (COA) from NT$50,000 to NT$200,000 for first-time offenders, and from NT$500,000 to NT$1 million for repeat offenders, in a bid to better protect Taiwan’s pig farming industry from the ASF threat. Taiwan has also stepped up customs inspections at its ports of entry, in light of an outbreak of ASF across 23 provinces in China, which, according to international media, had resulted in the culling of some 600,000 pigs since August. Apart from China, other areas reportedly

affected by ASF are Hong Kong, Macau, Russia and some parts of Europe. On the Taipei City government statement, the public is advised to call 0800-039-131 to report any cases of meat from an unknown source. Any such meat should not be put into the trash or food scrap disposal bins, according to the poster, which was released jointly by the Taipei Department of Labor, and Foreign and Disabled Labor Office. —Focus Taiwan

beverages,” the FDA said in a statement. The agency’s regional field offices and agents of its regulatory enforcement unit have been placed on heightened alert to ensure that none of these toxic alcoholic beverages are sold to the public, it said. “The FDA will not hesitate to confiscate these products being openly sold to the public, to prevent further loss of life to unsuspecting consumers,” it added. In Quezon province, a lambanog producer in Tayabas City had called on authorities to find illegal distributors responsible for the deaths to prevent further damage to the local liquor industry. “The police should immediately identify, arrest the culprits and close their shops to save … legitimate distillers,” Lito Mallari, owner of Mallari’s Distillery in Tayabas, said. He said he was concerned because reports

identifying Candelaria, Quezon, as the source of lambanog, which was blamed for eight deaths in Laguna, had hurt the local industry. “It will be a sad Christmas for all dependent on the industry. We hope and pray that it can survive this tragedy,” Mallari said, noting that the sale of lambanog this holiday season would be affected by the issue. He suspected that the lambanog consumed by the victims was a mixture of toxic chemicals and not a product of natural fermentation and distillation process followed by legitimate producers. “The bogus manufacturers just add a portion of highly concentrated methanol … we call ‘bating’ to produce the distinct lambanog aroma,” Mallari said. He said producers from Tayabas sell the distilled type of lambanog that passed government standards and safety tests.

FDA goes after makers of deadly ‘lambanog’

t least 21 people had died in several areas in Southern Tagalog and Central Luzon since May after drinking “lambanog” (coconut wine) found to contain high levels of methanol, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said. The FDA said results of laboratory tests on samples of lambanog from the cities of Sta. Rosa and Calamba, and Luisiana town in Laguna province; Antipolo City in Rizal province; and Tarlac province showed these were positive for high levels of methanol, a prohibited additive in lambanog. The presence of methanol in the alcoholic drink is suspected to have caused the deaths of the victims, with the most recent deaths reported in Laguna. “(The) FDA will be filing cases against the identified peddlers of these unregistered, out of specs, and/or adulterated alcoholic

Consumers, Mallari said, should buy lambanog in “sealed, branded bottles.” “Do not buy from retailers which sell the liquor straight out of plastic drums. Yes, it’s much cheaper. But why gamble with your health and life?” he said. Mallari Distillers sell a gallon of genuine lambanog for P350, which is higher than the P100 per gallon price of illegal manufacturers. Lambanog is created from the dripping sap, called “tuba,” of the coconut flower. The sweet and frothy tuba is prepared through a process of natural fermentation and distillation that produces lambanog. The sap is gathered by a “mangangarit” in a morning ritual involving the climbing of coconut trees and crossing bamboo bridges connecting the trees so they can collect fresh sap. —Inquirer

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Baguhin mo ang iyong kaisipan, mababago ang iyong buhay

lam na natin na ang ating isip ay napakamakapangyarihan. Napapanalo o natatalo sa buhay batay sa uri ng pangangatuwiran o kaisipan. Anoman ang pangangatuwiran mo ay lalabas sa iyong buhay. Imposible halos na mabuhay sa positibong paraan kung ang laman ng iyong isipan ay negatibo. Kung hindi mo babaguhin ang iyong pangangatuwiran o kaisipan, hindi mo mababago ang uri ng iyong buhay. Paano babaguhin ang kaisipan o pangangatuwiran? GIBAIN MUNA ANG LUMANG KAISIPAN. Nang umalis ang tenant sa first floor ng 5 story apartment building na aming tinitirhan sa Tienmu, Taipei nuon, ipinagiba ng mayari ang laman ng first floor liban sa mga haligi. Ginawa ito sapagkat ina-aanay, iniipis, dinadaga at binubukbok na ang mga kahoy na parte ng apartment. Marumi ang dingding at pilas na ang mga pintura. Nakita ko ang ilan sa mga power tools ng mga manggagawa

gaya ng circular saw, rotary/jack hammers, cordless drill, angle grinder, air cleaner, bars, pliers at maliit na loader. Ito ang mga gamit sa demolisyon o panggiba. Gayun din naman, may gamit sa paggiba ng luma, madumi, inaanay, baluktot at palpak na pangangatuwiran o kaisipan. Kailangan din ng POWER TOOLS. Kakaiba nga lamang na power tools. Ganito ang pahayag ni Apostol Pablo sa 2 Corinthians 10 : 3-5 (MBBTAG). “Kung nabubuhay man kami sa mundong ito, hindi naman kami nakikipaglaban ayon sa pamamaraan ng mundong ito. 4 Ang sandata namin sa pakikipaglaban ay hindi makamundo, kundi ang kapangyarihan ng Diyos na nakakapagpabagsak ng mga kuta. Sinisira namin ang mga maling pangangatuwiran..” Pansinin ang power tools sa pagbabago ayon kay Apostol Pablo. Hindi ginagamit ang jack hammers, grinders, at iba pa sa pag-giba ng marumi, luma, palpak na pangangatuwiran. Ang gamit na power tools ay mula sa Diyos sapagkat ito lamang ang makagigiba sa mga bulok, baluktot, at sirang makamundong pangangatuwiran o pag-iisip. Ngunit saan kukunin ang power tools ng Diyos? Ganito ang pahayag sa Biblia sa Hebrews 4:12, “Ang salita ng Diyos ay buháy at mabisa, mas matalas kaysa alinmang tabak na sa magkabila’y may talim. Ito’y tumatagos maging sa kaibuturan ng kaluluwa at espiritu, ng mga kasukasuan at buto, at nakakaalam ng mga iniisip at binabalak ng puso.” Ang power tools sa pagbabago ng isipan at pangangatuwiran ay Salita ng Diyos sapagkat mas matalas pa ito sa kutsilyo, karit, samurai

, jack hammer o bala ng baril sapagkat hindi lamang pisikal na laman, bato, bakal o semento ang tinatalaban nito kundi tumatagos ito sa kaluluwa at espiritu ng tao. Tarok nito ang isipan at mga balak ng tao sapagkat nababasa ng Diyos ang lahat ng bagay. Power tool sapagkat Buhay ang Salita ng Diyos, hindi lamang letra ito sa papel. Kaakibat nito ang Espirito ng Diyos. Ganito ang sabi ni Jesus sa kapangyarihan ng kanyang Salita (Juan 6:63), “Ang Espiritu ang nagbibigay-buhay; hindi ito magagawa ng laman. Ang mga salitang sinabi ko sa inyo ay espiritu at ito ang nagbibigaybuhay.” Buhay ang Salita ng Diyos at kayang buwagin, palitan, ang mga palpak na pangangatuwiran at magbigay ng bagong buhay. Pero, ano-ano nga ba ang mga dumi ang laman ng isip at puso ng tao na kailangan gibain at linisin? Ganito ang pahayag ng Biblia sa Kawikaan 6:17-19, “Kapalaluan, kasinungalingan, at mga pumapatay sa walang kasalanan, pusong sa kapwa’y walang mabuting isipan, mga paang ubod tulin sa landas ng kasamaan, saksing sinungaling, mapaglubid ng buhangin, pagawayin ang kapwa, laging gusto niyang gawin.” Ganito pa ang mga dumi sa puso’t isip ng tao ayon sa Galatians 6:19-21, “...pakikiapid, kahalayan at kalaswaan; pagsamba sa diyus-diyosan, pangkukulam, pagkapoot, pag-aaway-away, pagseselos, pagkakagalit at kasakiman, pagkakampikampi at pagkakabaha-bahagi, pagkainggit, [pagpatay] paglalasing, walang habas na pagsasaya, at iba pang katulad nito.” Kailangan talaga na malinis ang mga dumi na ito sa isip at puso. Lantad at halata kasi na nakakasira ang mga ito hindi lamang sa sarili kundi sa kapwa. Ang problema, kahit anong gawin ng tao ayon sa kanyang pamamaraan ay hindi kayang linisin ang mga dumi sa isip at puso. Hindi ma-aalis ito sa paggawa lamang ng New Years resolution. Alam natin na hindi naman kayang tuparin ang mga resolusyon gawa ng tao. Power Word nang Diyos lamang ang makagagawa nito kung nais mong magkaroon at makaranas ng tunay na bagong taon at bagong buhay. Ganito ang sabi ng Diyos kung paano ma-aalis at malilinis ang dumi ng iyong puso at pangangatuiwran ayon sa pahayag ni Apostol Pedro (Gawa 2:38-39), “Pagsisihan ninyo’t talikuran ang inyong mga kasalanan (dumi ng puso at isip) at magpabautismo (magpasakop) kayo sa pangalan ni Jesu-Cristo upang kayo’y patawarin; at tatanggapin ninyo ang kaloob ng Espiritu Santo.” Pero, ano ba ang ibig sabihin ng pagsisisi? Ang pagsisisi ay pagtalikod sa dumi ng isip, puso, at pangangatuwiran ng sarili. Sa Biblia, kasalanan ang tawag sa dumi na ito ng tao. Isipin mo, kung hindi mo tatalikdan ang dumi ng isip at puso mo, para kang nabubuhay at lumalangoy sa sarili mong dumi. Isipin mo na lang ang amoy mo sa harap ng Diyos. Tadtad ng virus, bacteria at germs ang buhay mo sa spiritual sense. Papatayin ka nito kung hindi ka aahon, maliligo, pasasabon, patutubog sa anti-disinfectants at anti-biotics. Kung talagang ayaw mo na sa dumi mo, aahon ka at iiwan mo ito at tutungo ka sa Diyos at ipalilinis mo ang dumi mo. Ihihinggi mo ng tawad sa Diyos ang madumi mong pamumuhay taos sa puso at isip mo. Kailangang tutuo ang pagahon mo sa putik ng iyong maduming puso, isip at buhay. Kasunod ng iyong pag-ahon, papa- anti-disinfect ka sa Diyos. Paano iyon? Patutubog ka sa Banal na dugo ni Jesu Cristo. Dumaloy ang dugo ni Jesus sa Kalbaryo upang linisin ang kasalanan ng tao. Ganito ang sabi sa

1 Juan 1:7b, “...ang lahat ng ating kasalanan ay nililinis ng dugo ni Jesus na kanyang Anak.” Bagaman tumigis ang dugo ni Jesus sa Kalbaryo, hindi automatiko o nangangahulugan na nalinis na ang kasalanan o dumi ng lahat ng tao. Kailangan na bawat isang tao na nais palinis ay lumapit at hinggin kay Jesus na hugasan ng kanyang dugo. Boluntaryo ang paglapit kay Jesus. Kailangang sadyang ninanais mo na hugasan ng kanyang banal na dugo. Tanda ito ng iyong pananalig mo kay Jesus at ang kanyang ginawa sa Kalbaryo para sa iyo at sa ating lahat. Kapag ginawa mo iyon, ipagkakaloob sa iyo ng Diyos ang Banal niyang Espirito. Lulukuban ka ng Espirito ng Diyos upang panatilihin kang malinis. Sa tutuo lang tatatakan ka pa upang maging tanda na ikaw ay hinugasan at hinirang na ng Diyos. Ganito ang sabi sa Efeso 1:13, “Sa pamamagitan ni Cristo, kayo rin na nakarinig ng salita ng katotohanan, ng Magandang Balita na nagdudulot ng kaligtasan, at sumampalataya sa kanya, ay pinagkalooban ng ipinangakong Espiritu Santo bilang tatak ng pagkahirang sa inyo.” Ano ang kasunod na gagawin? LUMAKAD KA SA PANIBAGONG BUHAY Kung umahon ka na sa iyong maduming pamumuhay, buong puso na nakahinigi ng tawad sa Diyos Ama, nagpalinis ka na sa dugo ni Jesus, at natatakan ka na ng Banal na Espirito ng Diyos bilang pagkakahirang ng Diyos iyo, ganito ang susunod mong hakbangin ayon sa pahayag ni Apostol Pablo sa Efeso 4:22-32, 22 Iwan na ninyo ang dating pamumuhay. Hubarin na ninyo ang inyong dating pagkatao na nasisira dahil sa masasamang pagnanasa.23 Magbago na kayo ng diwa at pag-iisip; 24 at ang dapat ninyong isuot ay ang bagong pagkatao na nilikhang kalarawan ng Diyos, at nahahayag sa matuwid at banal na pamumuhay ayon sa katotohanan. 25 Dahil dito, itakwil na natin ang pagsisinungaling at tayong lahat ay magsabi ng totoo sa isa’t isa, sapagkat tayo’y bahagi ng iisang katawan.26 Kung magagalit man kayo, iwasan ninyo ang kayo’y magkasala. Huwag ninyong hayaang lumubog ang araw na galit pa rin kayo.27 Huwag ninyong bigyan ng pagkakataon ang diyablo. 28 Ang magnanakaw ay huwag nang magnakaw; sa halip, magtrabaho siya nang marangal para sa sariling ikabubuhay at makatulong sa mga nangangailangan. 29 Huwag kayong gumamit ng masasamang salita kundi iyong makapagpapalakas at angkop sa pagkakataon upang makapagdulot ng mabuti sa mga nakakarinig. 30 At huwag ninyong saktan ang kalooban ng Espiritu Santo, sapagkat siya ang tatak ng Diyos sa inyo, ang katibayan na kayo’y tutubusin pagdating ng takdang araw.31 Alisin na ninyo ang lahat ng sama ng loob, poot at galit; huwag na kayong mambubulyaw, manlalait at mananakit ng damdamin ng kapwa.32 Sa halip, maging mabait kayo at maawain; magpatawad kayo sa isa’t isa tulad ng pagpapatawad sa inyo ng Diyos dahil kay Cristo. Baguhin mo ang iyong Kaisipan, Mababago ang iyong Buhay. Gawin mo na ngayon ang panibagong lakad sa tulong ng Banal na Espirito ng Diyos ayon sa pangangatuwiran nakabatay sa Salita ng Diyos at maliwanag na mababago ang uri ng iyong buhay. Happy New Year!!! ----------------------------------------------------------Kung nagkaroon ng kahulugan sa iyo ang mensahe ng artikulng ito, mangyaring sumulat sa paul@launchpoint.cc upang ipanalangin ka. Kung nais mo ng counseling gawin ipadala ang iyong suliranin, tanong o anoman. Pagpalain kayo ng Diyos.

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JANUARY 2019

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Horoscope 2019

NEWS

In 2019 the health of people with Aries zodiac sign will remain unstable. During this period, if you leave minor stress then your health will remain in a good condition. In this year, you will get mixed results in terms of your career. You will succeed due to your excellent efforts. There is a possibility of promotion in your job. Luck will favor you in terms of taking your career to the next level. From the beginning of the year, you will work hard in your projects, which will benefit you in the future. The scenario of volatility in the economic situation will be witnessed. At the beginning of the year, your financial situation will be strong but your expenses will increase at this time. Suddenly, the number of unnecessary expenses will increase. If this is not controlled, it can lead you towards financial crisis. In the middle of the year (June-July), your business will gain momentum, which will give you an economic advantage. Love life will not change much. In order to keep your relationship special, you will be required to introduce transparency in your love.

Your health will remain good during this 2019. In the early months of this year, you may suffer from symptoms of cold. You may feel a loss of physical fatigue and energy. However, you will get health benefits from mid-February. You will work hard to get s u c - cess in your career. On the career front, you will get successful results, but you will not be satisfied with these results. Your diligence at the workplace will give you a new identity. You will also get a chance to work at a new office. In the beginning of 2019, you will get better results in the field of career. In this year, you may have to face small challenges in your economic life, but despite this, you will also get great results. Your financial situation will be strong. Skipping the month of January, the months of February, March and April might bring financial loss for you. You will find your love life challenging in this year. Hence, you need to be extra careful in this year. There is a possibility of an argument with your love partner or any kind of misconception might lead to bitterness in the romantic relationship.

Your health will remain good during this 2019. In the early months of this year, you may suffer from symptoms of cold. You may feel a loss of physical fatigue and energy. However, you will get health benefits from mid-February. You will work hard to get success in your career. On the career front, you will get successful results, but you will not be satisfied with these results. Your diligence at the workplace will give you a new identity. You will also get a chance to work at a new office. In the beginning of 2019, you will get better results in the field of career. In this year, you may have to face small challenges in your economic life, but despite this, you will also get great results. Your financial situation will be strong. Skipping the month of January, the months of February, March and April might bring financial loss for you. You will find your love life challenging in this year. Hence, you need to be extra careful in this year. There is a possibility of an argument with your love partner or any kind of misconception might lead to bitterness in the romantic relationship.

In 2019 your health condition may remain a little weak and hence there is a need to be extra cautious about your health in this year. Pay special attention to your eating habits. Consume healthy food. You may suffer from a chronic disease in this year. During the early phase of this year, you may have to face difficulties related to your career. There will be ups and downs in career and you’ll have to work hard in order to get good results. You will be more serious about your career throughout this year and you will also work hard to create a unique niche in your career. Economic life will be better than the usual. Your financial situation will improve but your expenses are also likely to increase. If you do not control unnecessary expenses then your existing financial situation may be disturbed. By the way, your earnings are likely to increase during this year. New sources of income will be created. From mid-April to mid-May, your financial status will remain strong and the situation will remain the same throughout June as well.

Your health will face several ups and downs during this year of 2019. For instance, in addition to health benefits, you will also see a downfall in your health condition. You will get mixed results in your career. There will be many opportunities in this area, where you may have to be disappointed. On the contrary, there will be numerous opportunities where you will taste success. People with Virgo zodiac sign will achieve professional success via your efficient communication skills. Your economic life will be better than the usual and you will begin to feel it from the beginning of this year. In the months of January, February and March, you will get income from different sources, but at this time, your expenses are likely to increase. However, circumstances will still remain under your control. Year 2019 will offer mixed results for your love life. In this time period, you will have to witness ups and downs. The beginning of the year is not favorable for the love life. At this time, you may have to face challenges in love life. Due to job/business, you may have to go away from home.

This 2019 will be a good year for you. However, you may have to face some problems due to health reasons. During the initial three months, your health will remain in a good state. At this time, you will feel energetic, but after that from the month of April to September, you may have to face health problems. Economic life will comprise of ups and downs. There is a possibility of an increase in your expenses during this year, but in terms of income, there is less chance of a hike. However, there is a strong probability of benefitting financial due to international relations. If you are into a job, then you are likely to receive promotion or an appreciation from the management. The month of October will also bring lots of good news for you. You will grow in your business. You will thoroughly enjoy your love life. Your love life will be exciting. If you want to make your love partner a life partner, then this wish of yours is likely to get fulfilled this year.

Your health will remain good during this year. This 2019, you’ll not only receive health benefits but you will also get rid of long-bothering chronic diseases. You will receive very good results in your career. After March, your new ideas will aid you in getting successful. At this time, you will get better results in the work area. You will receive support from co-workers, but not as much as you would expect from them. Hence, do not rely on them blindly. In the economic sector, you will get better results than expected. In the economic area, fate will also accompany you and there will be many opportunities to strengthen your financial status. In this year, a new relationship might get built with someone. You compatibility with the love partner will be flawless. You might also go on a trip with him/her. Even for entertainment purpose, you’ll both go somewhere together. However, there might be situations wherein you may have to face disappointment. You will stay happy with the peace and happiness inside the house. In the middle of the year, a great news might please you. At this time, there might be an auspicious program at home.

Your health condition will remain good throughout 2019. You will stay healthy and feel more energetic. There will be a lot of excitement, passion, excitement and phenomenal energy within you. In this year, your career will get heightened. You will get success in your area of work. Your decisions will help in making the career a lot more impressive. You will create great opportunities for yourself via your excellent decisions. Your financial life will be fantastic. In this year, there are strong chances of receiving economic benefits. You will get money which will strengthen your financial situation. Also, you will be successful in accumulating wealth throughout this year. After March, your financial situation will continue to improve. There will be multiple sources of income and you will also be happy on the economic front. In this year, your love life will be better than the normal. The beginning of the year will be a bit slow. Till the month of March, you may have to face several ups and downs in your love life. However, during this time period, have full faith in your love and do not break the faith of your loved one.

Horoscope

You Gemini will get health benefits this 2019. However, you might have to face minor health problems occasionally. In the beginning of the year i.e. in the month of January, you will have to be careful about your health. At this time, you may have to face a skin related problem. This year is indicating normalcy in terms of your career. However, if you work hard, then this year may turn to be good for your career. You would have to focus on your work. In order to move forward in your career, you will have to create new ideas. The advice of senior personnel will also work for you. This year, you will have a great achievement in terms of economic life. There are strong chances of economic gains. New ideas in business will help you increase your economic profits. You will be successful in collecting money during this year. However, in order to expand your business, you may have to go away from your home.

The year 2019 will be favourable for Cancerians in terms of economic affairs and career. However, it would be necessary to be careful on the health front because you may have to witness fluctuations in your health throughout this year. If you talk about the career, then the working professionals are likely to receive promotions in their jobs. From Feb. to March and Nov.r to Dec., you will get good news in terms of job and business. At the same time, after March, you might start a new business or expand your existing business. Now, let’s talk about your economic life. This year, your economic situation is going to remain strong because there are numerous chances of monetary benefits throughout this year. The months of March, April and May are likely to remain great for matters related to money. During this period, an increase in income and financial gains will strengthen your economic status and increase your social status. In addition to monetary gains, you may also have to face money loss during this year. Therefore, make intelligent and careful arrangements for funds and capital investment related plans from February to early March.

A look at your health condition depicts that you need to be a little cautious about your health this 2019. You might deal with your fitness problem. If your health declines, do not be carelessness. Get immediate treatment for your disease. The months of February and March might remain a bit delicate for your health. On the contrary, a look at the career depicts there are high chances of receiving great results in your professional life. You will get success in your career and you will come across numerous golden opportunities on the career front. You can get a job offer from a good company. There is also a possibility of going abroad due to work. This year will render mixed results for your economic life. You might notice ups and downs on the economic front. You will find a difference between your expenses and income, so make proper adjustments between the income and expenses in your financial life. On the other hand, the year is quite favorable for your love life. There will be an opportunity to romance with the beloved and the relationship will be strengthened.

Your health for 2019 will remain in a good condition during this year. However, you still need to be very cautious about your health. In order to keep yourself fit, you can do yoga, exercises, running, etc. to keep yourself fit. Get enough sleep to health maintain good health. You may also choose to do meditation in order to keep the mind stable. If you are mentally and physically fit, then your career can get sky-rocketed during this year. In the workspace, you will get a brand new identity. Your image will be that of a hardworking, dedicated and honest working professional. You may have to face financial challenges and hence there is a need to be careful about your financial situation throughout this year. Before proceeding ahead with a risky decision, make sure to think about it or you may have to suffer a financial loss. In this year, you are likely to remain in a state of confusion about your love life. There might be a specific doubt in your mind regarding your romantic relationship. There also might be a heated argument with your love partner regarding a specific subject.

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JANUARY 2019

Beware of loan sharks: How to avoid illegal lenders

ver heard of Sangla ATM? Sounds risky as it is, but many fall victim to this illegal lending scheme. Almost 40% of Filipinos borrow money by using their ATM cards as loan collateral, based on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) Consumer Finance Survey. Loan shark syndicates operate in the Philippines, taking advantage of borrowers who are desperately in need of money. Dealing with a loan shark not only puts you in a worse financial situation but may also cause so much stress and anxiety. It may put your life in danger, too. How do you make sure you aren’t transacting with a loan shark when borrowing money? Know the warning signs of loan sharks and how to avoid them.

What is a Loan Shark? A loan shark is an unlicensed lender that offers loans at extremely high interest rates for short periods. Their lending practice is predatory, often targeting borrowers with bad credit history, offering very bad terms, and using threats and violence to collect debts.

How to Detect Loan Sharks Loan sharks in the Philippines share several traits in common. Here are the telltale signs that a lender is illegal and should be avoided.

1. Excessive Interest Rates Preying on their victim’s desperation, loan sharks charge ridiculously high interest rates that can go over 100%. Loans from them have to be repaid in a short time. However, the law prohibits such abusive practice. According to BSP’s Circular 799, the legal interest rate on loans without express contracts shouldn’t be more than 6% per year. Lenders who charge higher than what the law prescribes could be loan sharks.

2. ATM Card or ID as Collateral

The BSP has warned the public against loan sharks in the Philippines that operate Sangla ATM schemes. This illegal money lending system works by requiring borrowers to turn over their ATM cards and share their PIN and other confidential bank account information with a loan shark. Other loan sharks may take a borrower’s passport, driver’s license, or any ID as collateral for the loan. Sangla ATM is dangerous because loan sharks could withdraw higher amounts than what they lend. It also exposes the victim to identity theft, unauthorized transactions, and other banking scams on their ATM accounts.

3. No Formal Loan Contract

Unlike banks, government agencies, and licensed private lending companies, loan

sharks don’t provide any written document that specifies the terms of the loan. This makes borrowers prone to abuse like adding extra charges any time. Because of the absence of a legally binding contract, there’s no way to report or file a complaint for any violations of the verbal agreement and the law.

4. No Record of Repayments

Aside from lack of a written loan agreement, loan sharks also don’t provide a record of their borrowers’ repayments. This allows illegal lenders to increase the debt since borrowers may not be keeping track of how much they still owe.

5. Harassment and Violence

Loan sharks in the Philippines are notorious for resorting to threats and violence when borrowers can’t pay them back. They also pressure people into borrowing more money from them to pay off their loan, burying borrowers deeper into debt. To force borrowers to repay what they owe, loan shark syndicates kidnap them and ask their families for ransom money. In June 2018, news broke out about members of a loan shark syndicate torturing a Chinese casino player who borrowed money from them. The loan shark took a video of the torture and showed it to the victim’s family to blackmail them. Now that you know how to spot

a loan shark, it’s easier to avoid falling trap to any illegal and abusive lending scheme. Keep these tips in mind when borrowing money to avoid dealing with a loan shark: Stop transacting with a lender that shows signs of being a loan shark. l Beware of lenders who reach out to you. Loan sharks typically use public records to get the contact details of their potential victims. If you get an email or text message from a stranger offering you a loan, just ignore it. Legitimate lenders don’t do that. l Check if the lender is licensed. Use the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website to verify if the lender is authorized to operate in the Philippines. l Explore other ways to borrow money. If you’re declined for a personal loan from a bank or government agency, try other licensed private lenders who may consider approving you for a loan even if you have a low credit score or low income. Final Thoughts Protect yourself, your family, and your finances against unscrupulous people who are out to make huge money from desperate borrowers. Avoid a loan shark at all costs. —MoneyMax.ph

How to say no graciously when you can’t loan money to family and friends

ick and tired of getting a request to loan money for the nth time? Wondering how you can properly refuse lending money to family and friends? What makes this situation tricky is that it’s hard to say no to someone dear to you, despite your best efforts not to care about what people think of you. But at the same time, you don’t want to compromise your own finances. Utang is part of the Filipino culture, so much that almost 22% of Filipino adults borrow money from family, relatives, and friends, based on the 2017 Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas financial inclusion survey. In other countries like Australia and New Zealand, family disputes stemming from unpaid loans even reach the courts. That’s rare in the Philippines. There are diplomatic ways to say no to family and friends who want to borrow money from you. Here are some suggestions to consider.

Don’t Be Pressured Into Saying Yes Before you can actually say no to any loan money request, it’s important to first sort out your feelings about it. While it’s considered selfish and a little too harsh to decline to help loved ones financially, you are in no way obligated to give in to any request that’s against your will. It’s your hard-earned money we’re talking about—whether you can afford to lend money or not, it’s your call how you use it. The pressure often comes from the need to repay one’s utang na loob, fear of confrontation and being badmouthed, or the Filipino’s innate generosity. Sometimes, the people who try to borrow money are the ones pushing you to make a quick—and favorable—decision by creating a sense of urgency. Expect that in most cases, money borrowed by family and friends are likely to be never paid back—no matter how they assure you that they’ll return the cash. If you’re in a tight budget, lending money is simply not an option.

Just Tell Them You Don’t Loan Money Be straightforward if it’s a distant relative, an officemate you barely talk to, or a

Facebook friend who asks to borrow money. Personal finance expert Fitz Villafuerte gives a sensible advice: Tell them point-blank that as a personal rule, you don’t lend money to friends (or relatives, whichever is applicable). Such statement is direct yet doesn’t pass judgment to the person. Delaying your response or being wishy-washy about it won’t help. Neither does getting them seenzoned on Facebook and hoping they’d get the hint.

Practice Saying No From a psychological perspective, you can train your mind to make saying no a habit when someone asks you a favor, especially if you’re naturally a people-pleaser who always say yes. Research shows that planning and rehearsing your response before you receive a request allows you to respond in a manner that’s consistent with what you originally intended, like saying no to lending money. Come up with a default non-committal response (e.g., “Sorry, I can’t loan money to you this time.”) and practice saying it before you’re confronted with a request to borrow cash.

Listen and Empathize It’s a different thing when someone dear to you comes up and asks for your help. Give your family member or friend the benefit of the doubt—they may be really in a serious financial trouble. Listen intently, be genuinely concerned, and show that you’re trying your best to understand the situation—without promising or committing to anything. This way, you make the person feel you aren’t disregarding his or her feelings. Also, having a clear picture of the circumstances that have led to the need to borrow will enable you to help without having to loan money to your family or friend.

Give Yourself Time to Think of an Appropriate Response Depending on the relationship you have with the person, an outright “no” may cause tension between you and your family or friend. After listening to the person, tell him or her that you’ll need some time to check your budget

and assess your finances. Give it around one to three days—this is enough time for you to think of a good response and for the person to figure out other ways to obtain money.

Be Clear About Your Priorities It’s much easier to say no if you know your financial priorities—like saving up for your child’s education or a home or car purchase— than if you aren’t sure about the things that matter to you. Keep your own finances your priority—and be firm about it. After all, you can’t help others financially if you can’t even sort out your own finances.

Explain Your Financial Situation Honestly and Calmly

Help them find a raket or side business. Or share any opportunity or idea you know that lets them earn extra income. Tell them to get a low-interest personal loan that allows them to borrow money at a low cost. If you have extra time, you can assist them in preparing the document requirements or research anything they need to know to qualify and get approved for a loan. Accompany them in finding and applying for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial assistance from different entities for their specific financial need. If they’re always short of cash and can’t seem to get their finances in order, offer to help review and track their budget.

Stand Your Ground

When you explain your decision, be honest and assertive about your reasons for turning down the loan money request. But be calm as well—avoid speaking in an angry tone, no matter how exasperated you are with the person or situation. Let your friend understand your financial situation and goals, and how lending money may not fit into the picture. You can say, “I’d really love to help you, but I’m on a tight budget right now, just like you. Sorry, I can’t afford to lend you money right now.” Such a response doesn’t give much detail but clearly states your point without hurting someone’s feelings. If that person is really close to you, he or she will understand and will not hold grudge against you. No need to overexplain. Sharing more details than necessary might make the person feel that you think he or she can’t handle a refusal.

What if your family and friends keep pestering you? No matter what, be firm with your decision. Reiterate what you’ve said to let them know that you’ve made up your mind and there’s no changing it. They’ll understand and respect your decision. If they react negatively, don’t hesitate to let them know how they’re making you feel. Tell them that you value your friendship or relationship. However, their actions are making you feel uncomfortable, stressed, or unhappy even if you’ve made it clear that you won’t be able to loan money. People who truly love you care about your feelings and wouldn’t want to hurt you. If they still won’t back down, just let things be, focus on the good, and move on. The situation may have cost your relationship. But at least you aren’t stressing over collecting a debt or running short of budget.

Offer to Help in a Different Way

Final Thoughts When saying no to family and friends who are borrowing money, never feel guilty about it. You have your own needs and priorities to take care of. Can you bear touching your child’s tuition fund or your family’s food budget, for instance, just because you can’t say no to a friend? Refusing to loan money isn’t being selfish. You aren’t helping people by lending them money. It only teaches them to be more financially dependent on others (instead of helping themselves). —MoneyMax.ph

Can’t afford to support your loved one financially but you really want to help? You can do so without shelling out cash. Sincerely offer non-monetary assistance. This is a great way to soften the impact of rejection and help the person become less reliant on financial help from family and friends.

Here are some ways to support family or friends who try to borrow money:

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JANUARY 2019

Diabetes cases growing

n the country’s labor force, cases of diabetes are expected to grow among millennials, business process outsourcing (BPO) workers and overseas Filipino workers (OFW), according to a health expert. Already, about 6.1 million Filipinos were diagnosed with diabetes, and the figure will double by 2040 if current trends prevail. The vulnerability of the three groups is from the many risks their job poses, such as a working environment that does not support physical activity; constant exposure to work strain and/or emotional stress; and limited to no access to affordable and nutritious food. This, according to Jeremy Robles, an endocrinologist and vice president of the Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism (PSEDM). “We should all be worried because if we look closely, these groups belong to the sectors that drive our economy,” Robles said. “Considering that uncontrolled diabetes is a major cause of kidney failure, blindness and amputations as well as a major contributor to heart attacks and stroke, imagine the out-ofpocket expenses resulting from medical costs, hospital bills, not to mention the workplace disruptions and loss of productivity that will occur,” he added. Robles also warned that diabetes would impose a significant economic burden on the national healthcare system and would continue to do so in the next two decades, even in a conservative scenario. “Disturbingly, this trend is reflected internationally. Meaning, millennials (those born between the early 1980s and mid-

1990s) will be more susceptible as they are not eating better and exercising more, possibly due to environmental, lifestyle and other factors,” Robles explained. Each year, an estimated 3,600 children and young adults are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the United States. Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, nearly 7,000 cases were reported in this year alone, according to The Lancet medical journal. The risk of acquiring diabetes is more prominent among BPO workers — estimated to be over 1 million Filipinos — who mostly answer phone calls from different time zones. Their job duties make them prone not only to sore throat, cough and sleep problems, but also to risk factors linked to the development of diabetes, which includes inactivity, weight gain, uncontrolled high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Likewise, Filipinos working abroad are also prone to getting the disease. Their job duties forces them to often skip meals, work long hours and even skip days off, overlooking

their health. “A lot of them forget the value of exercise, eating healthy and getting enough sleep in their quest to provide a better life for their families back home. These unhealthy habits leave them vulnerable to health risks such as diabetes,” warned Robles. Robles said that type 2 diabetes, once thought to be largely irreversible, could be managed through lifestyle changes and moderate weight loss. “Why not park a few blocks away from the office to compel one to walk more? If snacking cannot be avoided, opt for healthier alternatives instead of those food high in salt, sugar or cholesterol. More importantly, stop smoking and lessen alcohol consumption,” he suggested. He added that during early stages of pre-diabetes and diabetes, symptoms would often subtle and could nearly be missed. These include thirst, fatigue, increase in appetite, frequent urination, itching skin, tingling and numbness in the hands or feet, and frequent and recurring infections. Stressing the importance of early detection and prevention, Robles said: “The best thing to do is to see a doctor, preferably an endocrinologist who has special training and experience in treating people with diabetes.” The doctor recommended getting a glycated hemoglobin (A1C) blood test, which shows one’s average blood sugar level. Meanwhile, for a more accurate determination of diabetes, doctors may opt for the fasting blood sugar test or the oral glucose tolerance test. The former allows blood samples to be taken after an overnight fast, while the latter are for

patients with high fasting blood glucose, but are not high enough to meet the diagnosis for diabetes. Apart from constant monitoring of blood sugar, Robles said extra medications would be needed by patients with type 2 diabetes. These include one aimed to help the pancreas (an organ that produces insulin to help regulate blood glucose levels) to release more insulin, and another to help cells use insulin better, if it can’t control the liver from releasing too much glucose. Moreover, from the progressive nature of type 2 diabetes, insulin therapy may also be required to achieve optimal blood sugar control. Recent developments of new generation long-acting basal insulin have resulted in significant improvements in the managing type 2 diabetes. “When lifestyle modifications and treatment with oral anti-diabetic drugs have failed to achieve normal blood sugar level, timely initiation of single-dose basal insulin treatment may prove as a convenient, effective and recommended strategy,” he said. “I believe the most important message here is that diabetes management has shifted away from ‘one size fits all’ care to an individualized approach for each patient. This is because even though we all have the same goals, there is not one set of advice that covers everybody with type 1 diabetes or everybody with type 2 diabetes. More importantly, successful diabetes care requires a patient’s consistent self-care behaviors such as attention to diet, exercise, preventive care measures, drug adherence and self-monitored blood glucose,” Robles said. —Manila Times

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Reasons Why You Should Visit

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Philippines Fast-Rising Surfing Destination

Siargao Island in the Southeast began to make a buzz as a surfing destination. Tourists and local celebrities came flocking to this gorgeous teardrop-shaped island to spend a relaxed time and ride the waves. Now, it’s getting featured on almost every channel, medium, and platform. Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte is a small piece of land with offerings as grand and as enchanting as paradise. Read on to find out why Siargao island is growing to be everybody’s favourite getaway.

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1. It’s Not Too Crowded… Yet Island getaways are an escape from all the city and work hauling. And, Siargao provides the placidity you want and need. For the time being, though, that is the case. The scenario might be different in two years’ time, given that both the local government and private sectors are heavily promoting tourism in the area. So, yeah, there’s no better time to visit than NOW. 2. The Island Has Become Accessible Gone are the days when travelling to Siargao meant inconsistent flight schedules and overnight ferry boat rides. There are direct plane rides from Manila and Cebu taking tourists to this pristine island. Check out your favorite airline’s latest offerings because the chances that Siargao is included in their packages are high. 3. Siargao is a Home of Unspoiled White Sand Beaches Nothing beats the beauty of white sand beaches and along the coast of General Luna, there are plenty of spots like that. Three other stunning island coasts can be reached by more or less a half an hour boat ride from the main Siargao island.

Daku Island

The Natural Reserves Showcase Nature’s Finest

Sugba Lagoon This lagoon is the Philippines’ second largest mangrove forest. It has jade green clear waters and limestone cliffs perfect for some zen swimming. Aside from swimming in its clear waters, you can also enjoy water activities like paddle board, snorkelling, and kayaking.

Sohoton Cove It’s going to take a long while to get to Sohoton Cove but the trip is worth it. The view in this portion of Bucas Grande is simply spectacular; turquoise waters and luscious forests surround you as you travel on a boat. It’s so enchanting — as if you’ve never actually seen earth before.

Try Surfing in Siargao, of course Surfing is the watersport that made Siargao popular and one of the must-do activities. As mentioned above, tourists, professional surfers, and locals alike marvel the island for its big and dramatic waves. Cloud 9 is the most famous spot and where the annual International Surf Cup in the Philippines is usually held. Though, there’s no need to worry if you’re a newbie surfer. You CAN still ride the waves. Surfing lessons for as long as an hour are available in parts of the island.

You Can Try Rock Diving, Too Since big rock formations are everywhere in the Island of Siargao, rock diving naturally became a popular sport. The Magpupungko Tidal Rock Pools is a known spot for diving during high tide and swimming during low tide

Magpupungko Tidal Rock You Can Even Dive Further Down Under The Blue Cathedral is a world-famous diving spot which holds marine beauty in a 20m diameter hole. There are also new and recent underwater rock formation discoveries like Casulian, Shark Point, and Pilar Twin Rocks.

Guyam Island Bucas Grande Naked Island

Another hidden haven in Siargao Island is Bucas Grande with its non-stinging jellyfish sanctuary and limestone rocks that settle in serenity in jade-coloured water. If you like cave adventures, the Hagukan and Magkukuob Caves will not disappoint with their glistening water and enclosed pathways. Twelve-feet cliff diving (into the water, so don’t worry) is also a must-do in Bucas Grande.

There is Island Nightlife Like No Other Jungle bars exist in the island for legit tropical parties. Tattoo Jungle Bar is a place common to visit on Fridays. Other bars you can check out (and are just as fun and interesting as their names) are RumBar, Stow Away Disco, Octopus Bar, and Together Bar. Island cafes are open for those who prefer chill island nights. Pleasure Point Cafe and Kitya’s Place are popular coffee and pastry destinations. With all that’s been said, there’s only one conclusion: There is heavenly beauty in untouched and undisturbed nature. Let’s hope and pray that Siargao Island stays the way that it is. From: www.shopback.ph

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‘May joke ako’ — May joke ako about unemployment, kaso baka di magwork — May joke ako about business …kaso baka di bumenta — May joke ako about basura … kaso baka ikalat mo — May joke ako about sa medyas …But it really socks — May joke ako about Linkin’ Park …kaso in the end, it doesn’t even matter — May joke ako about Korina Sanchez…Kaso handa na ba kayo? — May joke ako about sa pabangi kaso it doesn’t make any scents. — May joke ako tungkol sa kasoy…Cashew — May joke ako about calculators … Casio — May joke ako about a country…Peru — May joke ako about panget…Kaso baka maoffend ka

English class Teacher: In my class, I don’t want to hear you speaking Tagalog. Is that clear? Student: Yes Ma’am Teacher: Ok, let me know your name first. What’s your name? Student: My name is Earlyseven Strikeland Neverbroke Teacher: Wow! Are you Fil-Am? Student: No, ma’am, its English term for my real name “Agapito Hampaslupa Dimagiba” ---------------------------------------------------------Ano ang tawag Samatala sa field trip Teacher: Juan, what do you call that? (pointing to a deer in the Zoo) Juan: Ewan ko po, ma’am. Teacher: What does your mom call your dad? Juan: TARANTADO ba tawag diyan ma’am? ---------------------------------------------------------Mga tanong at sagot na nakakainis T: bakit binubuksan ang bintana tuwing umaga? J: Syempre sarado! Bakit bubuksan mo pa ba kung nakabukas na? T: Anong isang ang lumalaki pa? J: Maliit na isda T: Anong tinapay ang hindi kinakain ang gitna? J: Doughnut! Try mo kayang kainin yung gitna T: Sa tuktok ng bubong may tandang, saan mangingitlog yung tandang? Ana: Sa bubong! Juan: Bobo! Kailan pa nangitlog yung tandang. Tanga ka ba? Bakit? Naninigurado lang

Panu kumuha ng mangga ang mga tanga? Una aakyat sila sa pinakatuktok ng puno tapos pag narrating na nila yung bunga, hahawakan nila kung hinog na ito, kung hinog na baba sila, at saka nila susungkitin.

Tula ng manliligaw O mahal lung nilalangit… Nilalangaw pati pwit! Kung sa ganda mo ako’y samba! Sa utot mo’y ako’y tumba! Kung sa langit ika’y Taladito! Sa lupa ika’y tekla Buhok mong paalon-alon Kuto mo’y patalon-talon Mata mong maririkit Muta mo’y dikit dikit Ilong mong matangos Sipon mo’y yumayangos Ngipin mong pantay pantay Hininga mo’y amoy patay Paano na ang buhay? Kung sa’yo ako’y mamamatay.. BOW! ---------------------------------------------------------Ang orasan Guro: Pedro late ka na naman Pedro: Late po kasi relo ko Guro: Problem aba yun. Eh di i-advance mo Pedro: Sige po Guro: Oh, saan ka pupunta? Pedro: Uwian nap o! ---------------------------------------------------------Teacher and Juan Nagtanong ang teacher kay Juan Teacher: Juan anong hayo ang nagsisimula sa Letter K? Juan: Ma’am kuto po! Teacher: hindi! Nagtatapos ito sa letter W? Juan: ma’am! Kutow po! Teacher: Hindi! Nasa lupa ito? Juan: Ma’am! Kutow lupa! Teacher: Hindi may sungay ito? Juan: Ma’am alam ko na po dimonyong kutow? ---------------------------------------------------------Reasons why the government gives discount to Senior Citizens FOOD – marami nang bawal TRANSPORTATION – nahirapan nang sumakay GROCERIES – di na kayang buhatin CINEMA – Malabo nang mata CONCERTS – mahina ang pandinig GAMOT – hindi malunok HOTELS – anong gagawin naman doon

Enjoy life while you’re still young, don’t wait for discounts. ---------------------------------------------------------The ungrateful Wife and the charitable husband The wife came home early and found her husband in their bedroom making love to a very attractive young woman. And was somewhat upset. “You are disrespectful pig!” she cried. “How dare you do this to me – a faithful wife, the mother of your children? I am leaving you. I want a divorce straight away!” “Fine, go ahead,” she sobbed, “but they’ll be the last words you’ll say to me!” And the husband began – “Well, I was getting into the car to drive home and this young lady here asked me for a lift. She looked so down and out and defenseless that I took pity on her and let her into the car. I noticed that she was very thin, not well dressed and very dirty. She told me that she hadn’t eaten for three days! So, in my compassion, I brought her home and warmed up the enchiladas I made for you last night, the one you wouldn’t eat because you’re afraid you’ll put on weight. The poor thing devoured them in moments. Since she needed a good clean up I suggested a shower, and while she was doing that I noticed her clothes were dirty and full of holes so I threw them away. Then, as she needed clothes, I gave her the designer jean that you have had for a few years, but don’t use because you say they are too tight. I also gave her the underwear that was our anniversary present, which you don’t use because I don’t have a good taste. I found the sexy blouse my sister gave you for Christmas that you don’t use just to annoy her, and I also donated those boots you bought at the expensive boutique and don’t use because someone at work has a pair the same.” The husband took a quick breath and continued – “She was so grateful for my understanding and help and as I walked her to the door she turned to me with tears in her eyes and said, please…do you have anything else that your wife doesn’t use? ---------------------------------------------------------Ang kabit bow Boylet at kabit nagdedate Boylet: Honey, anong name ko sa phonebook mo? Kabit: McDo..kasi love ko ‘to Boylet: hahaha..ang sweet naman, ikaw naman BDO Kabit: Bakit? Boylet: kasi We Find Ways.. ---------------------------------------------------------Battle of the brainless Juan: San ginagawa ang uling? Pedro: Sa coal center Pedro: Ano ang tawag sa yaya ni Nora” Juan: maid of Aunor

Juan: Ano ang mas Malaki pa sa city? Pedro: Utso! Juan: Ano tagalog ang street? Pedro: Diritsu Pedro: Anong hayop ang walang gilagid Juan: Hmmmmmm Lang gum? ---------------------------------------------------------H: What is the national bird of the Philippines? Clue: Starts with the letter “M” (Maya) C: Manok? H: Hindi, brown ang kulay nito. C: Piniritong manok? H: Hindi, nagtatapos sa Letter “A” C: Piniritong manoka? H: Hindi, mas maliit pa sa manol C: Maggie chicken cube? ---------------------------------------------------------Heart surgery Boy: Di ba ngayon heart surgery mo? Girl: Yeah Boy: Just remember that I LOVE YOU so much. Girl: I LOVE YOU more. Thank you After ng heart surgery, nagtaka yung girl kung bakit Tatay na lang niya nasa tabi niya. Girl: Dad, asan sya? Dad: Di mo ba kilala kung sinong nagbigay sayo ng puso mo? Girl: Oh my God! And the girl started to cry Dad: Joke lang! Tumae lang. Eto naman ---------------------------------------------------------Girls Prayer Dasal naman ng mga babae Sa edad na 20 – “Lord, I want the best man.” Sa edad na 25 – ‘Lord, I want a good man.” Sa edad na 30 – “Lord, I want any man.” Sa edad na 40 – “Lord, please naman.” ---------------------------------------------------------Sa isang mental hospital Nagdrowing si Doc ng pinto sa blackboard Doc: Kung sino mauna makalabas dito sa pinto, makalabas na dito sa hospital. (Nag-unahan ang mga pasyente! May isang di tumakbo, at tumatawa!) Doc: Mukhang magaling na itong isa ah! Matanong nga Doc: Bakit di ka nakipag-unahan? Pasyente: Ano ba mga yan. Panu sila makakalabas dun eh…nasaken ang susi! ---------------------------------------------------------Ms Universe Pageant Ms.Venezuela – Ola Viola kaseroa saranggola tinola arinola ni Lola Venezuela Ms. Norway – Anyway highway expressway there’s no way other way Norway Ms. Hungary – Gutom ka gutom ako gutom tayong lahat Hungary Ms. Kenya – Hindi sayo hindi sa akin kanino sya? KENYA Ms. Philippines – Mula sa lupaing kulang sa bigas mataas ang agas sandamakmak ang mandurugas Pilipinas

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Bea Rose Santiago, kailangan ng ‘life-saving transplant’

a kaniyang Instagram post, inihayag ni Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago na kakailanganin na niya ang “life saving transplant” matapos na matuklasan na mayroon siyang chronic kidney disease (CKD). Matatandaan na nitong Agosto ay ibinalita ni Bea Rose ang pagkakaroon niya ng CKD na pinaniniwalaan niyang pinalala ng kaniyang paggi-gym. Gayunman, inamin din niya na noon bata pa lang siya ay nagkaroon na rin siya ng problema sa kaniyang bato. Sa kaniyang bagong IG post, sinabi ni Bea Rose na nagkakaroon na siya ng kidney failure at nagtungo siya sa Japan para humingi ng second opinion pero kompirmasyon ang kaniyang natanggap na sagot. “I was diagnosed months ago, I was in denial and thats why I left the Philippines to get a second opinion in Tokyo and when it turned out to be a confirmation. Flew right away

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Bea Rose Santiago

to be with my family and my potential live donors. Yes, I will be needing a life saving transplant,” saad ng beauty queen na kasalukuyang nasa Amerika. Sinabi rin ni Bea Rose na nabubuhay siya sa tulong ng makina sa pamamagitan ng dialysis. Sa kabila nito, nananatiling positibo ang kaniyang pananaw at nagpapasalamat sa pagmamahal at suporta na kaniyang natatanggap. “I am

blessed and I will continue to spread positivity to the world,” aniya “I am in a good place now but my heart isn’t. It’s not easy and will only get harder!” Sa kaniyang kalagayan, sinabi ni Bea Rose na hindi siya humihingi ng simpatiya. Bagkos, nais niyang magbahagi ng impormasyon sa iba. Iginiit niya na dapat magpakonsulta at magpasuri kapag may kakaibang naramdaman. “At 16 I had IGA Nephropathy stage 1. I suffered from UTI’s when I was younger, food poisoning and stress. Apparently its genetics and popular in Asians, so please get checked!,” payo niya. “I suffered no symptoms! Symptoms started after my diagnoses and then the excess water in my body disappeared after and then was stable. Still it wasn’t enough I needed to dialyze. So please please when u feel weird and off, go get yourself checked,” pahabol na saad ni Bea Rose. — GMA News

Lea Salonga, ibinida ang kanyang 1st Grammy Award nomination indi umano mapigilan ng Pinay international theater actress na si Lea Salonga na ipagsigawan ang nominasyon nito sa unang pagkakataon sa 2019 Grammy Awards. Mismong si Salonga ang nag-anunsyo na nominado ang buong cast ng kinatatampukan niyang Broadway production na “Once on This Island” para sa Best Musical Theater Album. “Pardon me for screaming but… THE ONCE ON THIS ISLAND CAST ALBUM JUST GOT NOMINATED FOR A GRAMMY!!! OHHHHH MYYYYYY GODDDDDDDD!!!!!!!! We did it, Island Family!!!!!!!!!!” saad nito sa kanyang Instagram. Ginampanan ng 47-year-old Pinay singer ang pagiging goddess of love sa katauhan ni Erzulie, sa naturang Tony Award-winning musical. Patungkol ito sa pagmamahalang nabuo sa tropical island sa pagitan ng simpleng babae at ng French-descended nobleman. Opisyal nang Grammy nominee si Lea Salonga. Hindi agad siya makapaniwala nang makarating sa kanya ang balita. Pumunta sa website ng Grammy si Lea at nakumpirma na nominated siya sa 61st Grammy Awards bilang Best Musical/Theater Album ang Once On This Island na pinagbidahan niya bilang goddess. Ibinahagi ng international Broadway superstar ang nominasyon niya sa kanyang Instagram. “Had to actually go to Grammy.com to see if it was true. And it’s true! I am officially a Grammy nominee!!! It may be a while before I get any sleep tonight! So thrilled to share this with my Island family. And that at 47 years old, one can still have a thrill first!” caption ni Lea. Gaganapin ang 61st Grammy Awards sa February 2019.

Empoy Marquez, may bagong trabaho sa Japan ila naging malaking tulong para sa Japan Tourism Authority ang naging tagumpay ng 2017 romantic comedy movie na “Kita Kita” na pinagbidahan nila Alessandra De Rossi at Empoy Marquez. Matatandaan na sa Sapporo, Japan kinunan ang kabuuan ng pelikula. Dahil dito, napili ang komedyanteng si Empoy bilang tourism ambassador ng Japan sa Pilipinas. Kuwento ni Empoy, hindi niya inakala ang naging impact ng “Kita Kita” sa turismo sa Japan. “First of all, flattered kaming dalawa ni Alessandra, at ng buong team ng ‘Kita Kita’ at thankful kami kay God kasi hindi naman namin expected na ganito ang kalalabasan ng pelikula at sobrang blessed po,” bungad ni Empoy sa naging panayam sa kanya ng ABSCBN News. Ayon pa sa komedyante, hindi nila inasahan na magkakaroon ng positibong epekto ang kanilang pinaghirapan na pelikula. “Hindi po ako makapaniwala, kasi syempre ipinagkatiwala sa akin na mang-imbita ng mga turista sa Japan na talaga naman na napakagandang bansa,” ani Empoy. Napa-throwback naman ng kuwento ang komedyante sa kanyang magagandang experience habang binubuo ang “Kita Kita.” “’Yung lugar, ang kahandahan ng Japan at fresh air. Mababait ang mga tao at magalang, sobrang nakakatanggal ng problema,” pahayag pa ni Empoy. Sa ngayon, isa ang “Kita Kita” sa mga pelikulang Pinoy na napapanood na sa Netflix. Bukod sa pagiging ambassador ng Japan tourism, isang teleserye naman sa 2019 ang nakatakdang kabilangan ni Empoy na mapapanood sa ABS-CBN.

Kiray Celis, biktima umano ng panloloko ng isang producer sang hindi magandang karanasan ang ibinahagi ng dating child star na si Kiray Celis sa kanyang naging pagbisita sa isang bayan sa Davao City. Sa kanyang Instagram post, ibinahagi ni Kiray ang naging panloloko umano sa kanya ng isang show producer na nag-imbita sa kanya para sa isang show sa Mintal. “Silaw na silaw si ate girl sa stress sa producer ng MINTAL DAVAO show ko. Andyan po ako kagabi. Diyan pa ‘ko nag-stay sa Miyaki Resort. Nakarating po ako, ‘di po sila tumupad sa usapan. Sobrang bastos nila. Lalo na sa pagkakilala sa ‘min na producer na si ‘Ronald A. Brigoli’ na si Aldong daw, ‘di binayaran lahat pati nag host ng event,” post ni Kiray sa kanyang Instagram. Nagkaroon man ng aberya, malaki pa rin ang naging pasasalamat ni Kiray sa mga nagmalasakit at tumulong sa kanila ng kanyang ina habang sila ay nasa Davao. “Maraming salamat, Mintal Davao. Pasensya na sa nangyari. Hindi man ako nakapag-perform para sa inyo. Pero bumawi ako at nag-parade para sa inyo. Isang malaking lesson ang natutunan namin ni mama,” aniya sa post.

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Angara augments budget for ofw services and programs

enator Sonny Angara has pushed for additional funding to boost programs and services aimed at providing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with faster and more accessible government services. “The Senate will increase the budget of the Labor Department to improve its One-Stop Service Centers for OFWs to make government frontline services accessible to Filipinos who are currently working and planning to work abroad,” said Angara, vice chairman of Senate finance committee tasked to sponsor the budget of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Angara said additional P5 million will be allocated to ensure that the one-stop service centers for OFWs all over the country will be

fully equipped and operational. To date, there are 18 one-stop centers for OFWs nationwide. He said that augmenting the budget for frontline services for OFWs would further speed up the process for Filipinos looking to secure government-issued documents required for work abroad. “Sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay sa kanila ng mas mabilis na serbisyo ay maiibsan natin ang mga alalahanin at mapagagaan ang buhay ng tinatawag nating mga bagong bayani ng bayan,” Angara pointed out. Launched in 2016, the one-stop shop aims to make it easier for OFWs to avail of government services. It seeks to reduce their transportation expenses and shorten the processing time of their documents.

In 2017, such centers served more than 1.4 million OFWs. The centers consolidate the services of at least 14 government agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Maritime Industry Authority. The Senate will likewise allocate additional P100 million for the emergency repatriation program of DOLE. “The additional funding would provide the department a standby fund for the repatriation of distressed OFWs in cases of outbreaks or crisis particularly in Middle East countries,” the senator said.

Angara, however, stressed that aside from safely bringing OFWs back home, the government should ensure that decent jobs and livelihood opportunities are awaiting them here. Angara is the sponsor of the new OWWA law or Republic Act 10801 that strengthened the government’s capacity to assist OFWs who lost their jobs or those who decided to return to the Philippines by providing additional funding for OFW reintegration program, which includes free employment and livelihood training, access to credit, and grant money to start their own business. —senate.gov.ph

Expanding OFW demand offsets Saudization impact —solon

ilipino workers who want jobs in Saudi Arabia need not to worry about the kingdom’s policy of giving preferential employment to its nationals as demand is going higher in other countries. “While Saudi Arabia’s labor market is shrinking, the demand for Filipino workers in other parts of the globe — in Asia, North America and Europe —continues to expand,” ACTS-OFW party-list Representative John Bertiz III said in a statement. According to Bertiz, the total number of land-based Filipino workers deployed around the world is expected to reach 1.9 million. “Of the 1.9 million, some 21 percent or 400,000 are new hires, while around 79 percent or 1.5 million are rehires,” he said. Earlier, the Department of Labor and Employment warned of a 30-percent plunge in the number of Filipino workers going to Saudi Arabia for work is primarily due to Saudization. “Saudization simply means that certain job openings in Saudi Arabia previously available to foreigners, including

Other large sources of remittances from OFWs posting strong growth from Jan. - Sept. are: United Kingdom: $1.1B, up 9.9% from $1.0B; Canada: $711.27M, up 48.7% from $478.31M.; Germany: $645.14M, up 15.2% from $560.03M; Hong Kong: $612.61M, up 10.5% from $554.33M; Taiwan: $420.59M, up 46.4% from $287.23M; Malaysia: $341.68M, up 51.2% from $226.04M; South Korea: $247.84M, up 21.9% from $203.24 M; The Netherlands: $226.56M, up 57.1% from $144.19M; New Zealand: $184.94M, up 105% from $90.23M; and Norway: $123.40M, up 23.3% from $100.07M.

Filipinos, may no longer be there because these are now being reserved for (Saudi) nationals,” Bertiz said. This resulted in a decrease in the amount of remittance

Solon calls for vigilance as HIV-AIDS cases among OFWs breach 6,000

lawmaker on Saturday called for heightened vigilance against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) —the virus that causes AIDS—noting that the number of OFWs infected by the sexuallytransmitted disease has already breached the 6,000 mark. On the occasion of the observance of the World AIDS Day (December 1), party-list group ACTS-OFW Representative Aniceto Bertriz III called for “heightened vigilance” against the epidemic that has infected nearly 60,000 Filipinos and killed almost 3,000. Citing records, Bertiz, in a press release, said that a total of 6,135 OFWs have been infected by HIV. “Fighting AIDS through greater awareness and prevention is a top priority for us because one in 10 Filipinos living with HIV is a migrant worker,” Bertiz said. “OFWs are especially at risk because once they are exposed to foreign cultures, they tend to let their guard down,” he added. A total of 697 OFWs were newly diagnosed with HIV from January to September this year, up 13.7 percent from 613 in the same period in 2017. The nine-month figures brought to 6,135 the cumulative number of OFWs found infected with HIV since the government began passive surveillance in 1984.

OFWs with HIV now account for 10 percent of the 59,135 confirmed cases in the National HIV/AIDS Registry as of September this year. Of the 6,135 OFWs in the registry, he said 5,280, or 86 percent, are male with the median age of 32 years. Of the male cases, or 71 percent, were infected through sexual contact among MSM, or men who have sex with men (2,176 from male-to-male sex and 1,586 from sex with both males and females), Bertiz said. The median age of female OFWs in the registry is 34 years. Bertiz urged the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to devote more resources to preventive education among OFWs and their families. HIV causes AIDS, or the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, which destroys the human body’s natural ability to fight off all kinds of infections. The condition still does not have any known cure. Antiretroviral treatment (ART) has been known to slow down the advance of HIV in cases detected early. At least 31,458 Filipinos living with HIV were listed as undergoing ART as of September, according to the Department of Health. —GMA News

sent by Filipino migrant workers from Saudi Arabia by 12.3 percent to $1.662 billion in the first nine months of the year from $1.894 billion in the same period in 2017, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). But Bertiz said this decline in cash remittances from Filipinos in Saudi Arabia is being offset by those coming from other OFWs in other parts of the world. For instance, Bertiz said cash transfers from Singapore increased by 5.8 percent in $1.386 billion in the first nine months of the year from $1.311 billion in the same period last year. At the same time, OFW remittances from Japan also rose by 4.4 percent to $1.131 billion in the first nine months this year from $1.084 billion in the same period in 2017. Overall, remittances sent by OFWs amounted to $21.3 billion in the first nine months of 2018, the BSP said, higher by 2.5 percent from $20.7 billion in the same period last year. —GMA News

MIAA sheds light on deported OFW’s complain about ‘tampered’ baggage in viral video

wo days after a video of a deported Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), who claims to have lost valuable items from his checked-in baggage, went viral on social media, the Manila International Airport and Authority (MIAA) disclosed information from its initial investigation. In a social media post, OFW Andrew Montes, said he and his co-deportees arrived in the Philippines on November 17 from a direct flight from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He said that the Jeddah immigration personnel instructed them to check-in everything, as they were not allowed to carry any of their belongings. “Ang sabi po sa mga pulis (Immigration) sa Jeddah bawal po namin bitbitin kahit anong gamit, kailangan daw po namin ilagay sa aming bagahe. Kaya po sinunod namin sila,” he posted. When they landed in Manila, Montes said he was surprised to find out that his mobile phone, cash money, and some jewelry were missing in the baggage. As a response, MIAA coordinated with the ground handler of Saudi Airline at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and found no basis for Montes’s allegation. “It was learned that footage taken from body cameras of their ramp agents revealed

no noticeable irregularities or mishandling of baggage,” MIAA said in a statement. The Saudia Airline has also informed Montes that the airline cannot be made liable for undeclared valuables placed inside his baggage. Several reports from other Filipino deportees, however, have been observed by MIAA based on records claiming that they also lost items from their checked-in luggage in previous Saudi Airline flights. According to the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), Montes sought assistance from their office on November 20 but he did not file a formal complaint after he was advised that compensation for lost valuable items was subject to proper declaration during checkin. MIAA reminded the air passengers to be mindful of the standard operating procedures in airlines, especially in baggage check-in. Posting “baseless” complaints on social media was also discouraged. “Hindi nakakatulong sa ating bansa ang mga akusasyong walang basehan. Dapat maging mahinahon at alamin ang puno’t dulo ng lahat. Sa pangyayaring ito, muli na namang nalagay sa masama ang imahe ng NAIA at tingin ng mundo sa ating bansa. Nakakalungkot,” MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal said. —GMA News

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Taiwan’s loosened regulations on respite care to take effect Dec. 1

n order to secure foreign caregivers health and well-being, as well as to help financially support Taiwanese families who require extra assistance on a temporary basis, the Ministry of Labor (MOL) on Nov. 26, announced that relaxed regulations for respite care services will go into effect on Dec. 1. Under the new regulations, Taiwanese nationals who have hired foreign caregivers to take care of their family members with a severe disability, or those that require limited assistance, such as individuals living alone

situation of the household. A low income household will be given full funded respite care services, while a middle -to-low income and average income households will be assisted with 95 percent and 84 percent of the cost, respectively. Earlier reports from CNA said that a total amount of NT$182 million (US$4.79 million) was allocated by the government to implement short-term relief assistance programs for caregivers and to give assistance to the families. An estimated number of 28,000 households

New bill seeks to draw ‘mid-level’ foreign workers to Taiwan with easier APRC

he Cabinet (Nov. 29) announced a new draft act called the “New Economy Immigration Bill” which seeks to provide more incentives for “mid-level” foreign workers, including easier access to permanent residency, to make up for an annual shortfall of at least 110,000 foreign skilled workers, reported Liberty Times. The new bill would relax the regulations on permanent residency for “mid-level” skilled talent (中階技術人力), including those who have worked in Taiwan for more than six years, graduated high school, have professional certificates, graduated from overseas technical training courses, or other foreigners with midlevel skills. The wages paid to such workers must not fall below the 70th percentile of the average pay in their profession. The “New Economy Immigration Bill,” which was put forth by the National Development Council (NDC), is aimed at four categories of foreign workers: foreign professionals, foreign mid-level skilled personnel, overseas compatriots, and investment immigrants. Among these groups, the priority will be placed on foreign midlevel technical talent. According to the draft act, foreign midlevel technical talent includes overseas

Duterte orders faster airport transactions for OFWs

or those whose primary caregiver is over 70 years old, will be eligible for the respite care assistance, CNA reported. Furthermore, qualified applicants can apply for a maximum of 21 days of respite care services annually which can help to cover the periods which employers are required by law to grant to their regular foreign caregivers. After passing the review process, families and caregivers are now able to receive government-funded short-term relief assistance. However, the amount of subsidy provided shall depend on the economic

resident Rodrigo Duterte on (December 5) said he wants faster airport transactions for Overseas Filipino Workers whose welfare, he claimed, is one of his administration’s top priority. “No more human contact. You just swipe your... two minutes, i-swipe mo lang ‘yung visa mo , you’re out. Wala nang tanong-tanong, no more human contact and that will be true and I’m ordering it now. You have to make it faster,” Duterte said during his speech at the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the 2018 Model OFW Family of the Year Awards ceremony in Malacañang. Last week, the Bureau of Immigration announced that 18 electronic gates are now open in three international airports in the country, exempting the Philippine passport holders from queuing at immigration counters. Duterte also reminded

compatriots, who have at least graduated from senior vocational schools, completed overseas compatriot youth training courses, or have an intermediate technical ability, as well as foreigners who have worked in Taiwan for more than six years. Sunrise provisions will be stipulated for those who fit in these categories and the Cabinet will set an open period and scope at its discretion. NDC Minister Chen Mei-ling (陳美伶) said mid-level skilled workers are not migrant workers or blue-collar workers and the draft uses the salary as the employment threshold, which is a monthly wage that is not below the 70th percentile of the average salary in their field. For industrial workers, technicians, assistant professionals, or mechanical operators and assemblers, the monthly salary threshold is NT$41,393 (US$1,343), but for social workers and healthcare workers the monthly salary should match that of longterm caregivers, which is NT$32,000. The draft also stipulates that mid-level technical personnel should have professional certificates or other certification documents, with annual quotas set for each industry. The draft relaxes the requirements to qualify for an alien permanent residence permit (APRC) in Taiwan for mid-level workers, changing

the requirement of living in the country from a minimum of 183 days per year in Taiwan in each of five consecutive years, to an average of 183 days per year within five consecutive years. An early version of the draft also stipulated that the law would apply to Hong Kong and Macau residents, however, some Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislators expressed reservations because they feared some Chinese white-collar workers would take advantage of their status in those areas and game the system to obtain permanent residence in Taiwan by claiming to be mid-level workers. In order to avoid disputes over this provision, it was shelved until after the election. The latest version of the bill removed the provision “this law applies to residents of Hong Kong and Macau.” Chen said the application of the law to residents of Hong Kong and Macau would be determined by existing legal provisions. iting a survey conducted by the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics in February, Deputy Minister of Labor Shih Keh-her ( 施克和) said that out of the total shortfall of 244,000 in manpower in the country, the largest shortage was in mid-level skill workers at 110,000 last year. —Taiwan News

those present at the Malacañang event how he stopped the “tanim bala” scheme at airports. “I made my stand very clear that I won’t allow... ihinto nila ‘yang kalokohan nila, kabastusan nila na bala, tanim bala. Sabi ko, kung gusto ninyo sa inyo na ‘yan but kakainin ninyo ‘pag nag-umabot tayo. Since then ay wala na akong narinig. P***** i** ninyo, patayin ko talaga mga leche kayo,” he said. “I don’t allow rampant corruption, I don’t allow the opening of bags in the airport, lalo na ‘yung mahihirap... ako naman kasi’y isang anak lang din ng mahirap,” he added. Also, Duterte pointed out that the government should go beyond the cliche “OFWs are the bagong bayani” and actually do something for their welfare. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said that OFWs boost the country’s economy by sending P1.3 trillion every year. —GMA News

ubic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Wilma T. Eisma revealed that President Rodrigo Duterte signed an executive order (EO) granting temporary visit for foreign nationals in this premier freeport. “Our President recently signed EO 72 on December 18, amending EO 271 of former President Fidel V. Ramos, which grants foreign nationals to enter Subic without a visa. They only need to present their marine vessel tickets to be able to stay here for 14 days,” Eisma said. Eisma said foreigners who enter the freeport zone need to present only their passports and certificates of identity and travel documents that are valid for six months. “This is a game changer for Subic Freeport. We can now accommodate cruise ship visits that are planning to stay overnight while their passengers can tour the many fascinating areas within the adjacent provinces of the area,” she added.

could benefit from the alleviation of respite care services, CNA reported. Families or foreign caregivers that would like to arrange for respite services, or who would like more information can call the number 1966. As of August this year, the number of foreign caregivers in Taiwan reached 253,679 employees, with the majority of them coming from Indonesia (193,187), and others from the Philippines (31,600) and Vietnam (28,392), according to statistics from the National Immigration Agency. —Taiwan News

Six MOUs signed to boost TaiwanPhilippines investment

aiwan’s Chinese National Federation of Industries signed six memorandums of understanding (MOU) with Filipino industry associations in Taipei Thursday and is looking for further opportunities for cooperation in the electronics, electric motorbike and plastics industries. In an annual Taiwan-Philippines Industrial Collaboration Summit, Deputy Economics Minister Wang Mei-hua (王美花) said the MOUs will increase the willingness of Taiwanese businesses to invest in the Philippines, where the two countries have long cooperated in the electronics industry. According to the deputy minister, as the trade war between the U.S. and China continues, the Philippines, with a domestic market of more than 100 million people and tariff preference for exports to the U.S. and the European Union (EU), could be an option for Taiwan’s investors to reduce risk. Wang said that bilateral trade between Taiwan and the Philippines has grown steadily in recent years, reaching US$12 billion in 2017 and is likely to increase following the renewal of a bilateral investment agreement (BIA) in December 2017. —Focus Taiwan

Visa-free entry for seafarers, cruise ship tourists in Subic freeport

EO 72 amends Section 2 of EO 271, making the piers of Subic Bay Freeport open to foreigners. Eisma pointed out that foreigners were only allowed to leave the country through the Subic Bay International Airport. EO 72 also states that “foreign nationals who enter the zone under the EO shall… leave or depart from the Philippines only through the Subic Bay International Airport or the Subic Bay Piers and Wharves.” The EO requires the joint efforts of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the SBMA in its implementation. “The said agencies, in consultation with the National Intelligence Coordinating Council, shall issue guidelines to ensure that there will be no detriment to national security in the implementation of this executive order.” The three agencies are authorized by the EO to collect reasonable fees for the processing of no-visa entry and application for visa waivers.

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Filipino wins P3.5M for bamboo house design at international contest

Siargao among places to go in 2019

voted for Siargao, which is popular for surfers, as the best island in Asia. Local property services firm Pinnacle Real Estate and Consulting Services Inc. had earlier described Siargao as the “next big tourist paradise,” citing its “towering waves and dynamic seas facing the Pacific Ocean.” “There is now ease of putting up businesses and investing, with the availability of properties and buyers and sellers in the area. Investors and businessmen alike have set their eye on developing Siargao, but with a more conscious effort to fashion it into a paradise island, a relatively untouched region which has always been part of its charm,” the report stated. “Learning from the Boracay experience, there should be a well-thought of and wellplanned development in Siargao, specific to sewage and waste management, urban planning and tourism regulations,” it added. —Philstar

Palawan’s Hidden Beach is No. 1 in Asia’s Top 50 Beaches list, also ranked third worldwide

he Hidden Beach in El Nido, Palawan bested 49 other beaches in Asia and ranked No. 1 in the continent’s Top 50 Beaches for 2018, Canada-based online travel company Flight Network said. The Hidden Beach also placed third in the ranking of best beaches in the world this year by Flight Network, coming from behind Greece’s Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos, which was ranked No. 1, and Australia’s Whitehaven Beach in Queensland, which was ranked No. 2. According to the online travel firm, Palawan’s beach gem is the top beach in Asia for its “sheer untouched beauty, remoteness, sand and water quality, annual days of sunshine, and average annual temperature.” It described the Hidden Beach as “tropical, white sand, postcard-perfect beach from the rest by one magnificent trait – those unmistakable, protruding limestone cliffs.” “The wild, vegetation-covered rock formations and crystal clear waters of Hidden Beach will make you feel as if you’ve been dropped into a movie,” Sachin Aggarwal, of Carlson Wagonlit Travel, was quoted in flightnetwork.com as saying. Meanwhile, Thailand’s Maya Bay and Railay Beach in Thailand came in second and third, respectively, in the Asia’s Top 50 Beaches for 2018. Other Philippine beaches included in the Asia’s list were Guyam White Sand Beach in Siargao (13th); Palaui Beach in Cagayan Valley (22nd); Caramoan Island Beach in Camarines Sur (29th); Dahican Beach in Davao Oriental (41st); Gumasa Beach in

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Conde Nast:

iargao has been named as among the 19 places to go in 2019 by international travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler. “This teardrop-shaped island has long been a surf mecca, with more than 15 worldclass breaks (including the legendary Cloud 9) and a handful of locally run surf schools to keep beginners busy. The see-your-toes water is heaven for snorkelers, with healthy coral reefs teeming with life,” Megan Spurrell, Conde Nast community editor, said. The magazine cited Siargao’s Mamon island and its non-sting jellyfish sanctuary Bucas Grande. “Siargao is slightly harder to get to than other destination islands in the Philippines; there are no international flights and travelers must connect through Manila or Cebu, but that’s a good thing,” Spurrell said. Conde Nast described Siargao as “Boracay before everyone found out, and better managed.” “There are luxe accommodations like the chic villas of Nay Palad Hideaway (formerly Dedon Island Resort), but it hasn’t been overbuilt,” the magazine added. Turkey, Bhutan and Berlin are among the other places to go next year, according to Conde Nast. In October, readers of Conde Nast

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Sarangani (45th); Kalanggaman Island in Cebu (49th); and Paliton Beach in Siquijor (50th). “Flight Network’s World’s Best Beaches for 2018 provides an annual snapshot of the opinions and experiences of the world’s top travel experts. This globally-recognized list showcases a collection of off-the-beaten-path slices of paradise from every corner of our planet,” the company said in its website. Flight Network explained it garnered the Asia ranking by conferring with about 600 journalists, editors, bloggers, and agencies experienced in traveling. For the worldwide list, Flight Network said it sought the perceptions of over 1,200 journalists, editors, bloggers, and agencies. “Flight Network consulted these travel professionals to rank the best beaches in the world, based on their personal and professional experiences. We received unparalleled insight into the most spectacular beaches on earth,” the online travel firm noted. “Upon completion of the voting process, Flight Network’s in-house travel experts analyzed and categorized the results. We created several official lists, including the top 50 beaches around the globe, as well as separate lists showcasing the top 50 beaches in several regions of the world, such as Africa, North America, South America, Central America and the Caribbean, Australia and the South Pacific and Asia. Even further, we ranked the top 50 beaches within or near cities and the top 50 most remote or untouched, beaches,” it added. —Inquirer

Earl Patrick Forlales (inset) and his winning CUBO design.

23-year-old Ateneo de Manila graduate won the grand prize of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors’ (RICS) Cities for our Future competition. Out of the 1,200 entries submitted from all over the globe, Filipino Earl Patrick Forlales bagged the competition’s prize of £50,000 or over P3.5 million for his entry CUBO, a bamboo house design that aims to solve Manila’s slum housing crisis. Since bamboo is abundant in the Philippines, Earl chose to create his design using bamboo as an affordable and an environment-friendly solution for the modular housing units, which he designed for construction in only four hours. Among the house’s other features include reduced heat gain due to space between roof and ceiling; inclined roof for easier rain water drainage and collection; cross ventilation through properly positioned window and door; and elevated floor to prevent floodwater from entering. The modulars can be grouped together in different arrangements, so families can take advantage of community kitchens, bathrooms or offices. “CUBO started as nothing more than an idea, conceived while spending time at my

grandparents’ house – it is incredible to think that it now will become a reality,” Earl said in an interview with ABS-CBN News. CUBO’s concept captured the attention of the judges in the competition, including RICS president John Hughes. “The world’s cities are growing all the time and there is a real need to make sure they are safe, clean and comfortable places to live for future generations,” Hughes said in an online video interview with ABS-CBN. “There were many exciting, original designs among the submissions, however Earl’s idea stood out for its simple, yet well thought through solution to the world’s growing slum problem,” he added. According to its online profile, RICS was founded in London and is a professional body that accredits professionals within the land, property, construction, and infrastructure sectors worldwide. RICS’ Cities for our Future contest aims to find solutions that address the urban world’s problems. Earl said he will use the prize money to create a team to work for CUBO’s prototype and model units. He hopes that his design will be supported by government and private sectors to help ease the country’s housing problems. —Philstar

Pinay skateboarder and gold medalist Margielyn Didal listed on TIME’s most influential teens

said that her mother, kateboarder and a street vendor, and Philippine pride father, a carpenter, were Margielyn Didal against her decision to was included in TIME try out skateboarding but Magazine’s annual list they eventually became of the most influential supportive about it. teens in the world. The Now that she has a gold 19-year-old skateboarder medal to her name, Didal raised the Philippine flag high earlier this Gold medalist Margielyn Didal said that her next goal is of the Philippines bites her to secure another medal year by winning a gold medal on the podium during in the coming 2020 Tokyo medal in women’s the victory ceremony for the street skateboarding women's skateboard street event Olympics. “It’s going to be competition at the during the 2018 Asian Games in the big goal in my life to get Asian Games which was Palembang on August 29, 2018. that gold medal. That medal would be the Philippines’ held in Indonesia. Now, Didal is arousing the Pinoy pride once first Olympic gold and would help cement again by being one of the influential teens skateboarding’s status as a serious sport in recognized by TIME Magazine after she the country. “I want to build a new generation made a “global impact through social media and overall ability to drive news”. Didal of skaters for the future,” she said. Other spoke to TIME Magazine and said that her personalities included in the said list are parents were her biggest motivators to actresses Millie Bobby Brown, Joey King, and Storm Reid, internet celebrity Danielle achieve her outstanding feat. She said that she started competing Bregoli, K-Pop group NCT Dream, and in local skateboarding competition even other teenage activists, public figures, and before she owned her skateboard. Didal influencers.

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Newly crowned Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray was always considered a shoo-in for the crown on Monday, December 17. But the 24-year-old stunner admitted that up until the last second, she wasn't quite sure if she had bagged the Mikimoto crown. In an interview backstage for the Chi Hair segment after she was crowned in Bangkok, Catriona said: "It's like you second guess yourself. It's like... did they say Philippines? But when you hear the crowd, of course so many people, so many Filipinos are so passionate and they're all here." She briefly talked about her inspiration for her hairstyle and also wore a familiar accessory – the ear cuff. She also gave a message to the fans. "Sa lahat ng Filipinos and all the fans, thank you so much for all the love and support thus far. “Mga kababayan ko (My countrymen), I’m happy to give you the best Christmas gift ever.” At the press conference after the pageant, Catriona was asked about her plans as the new titleholder. "I would definitely love to expand the platform that I have regards to education. I work closely with an HIV and AIDS organization in the Philippines. It’s something that I feel passionately about because a few years ago, I lose a close friend to health complications with HIV." "So spreading awareness on that cause and encouraging people to get a simple test and knowing their status is one of my first project that I would like to pursue. And other than that, talking about education for young children in impoverished areas." "There are so many children who don’t have access to quality education and I would like to speak on that matter also. And of course, willing to lend my voice to any other cause that many come in my way," she said. She also said that she's looking forward to her stay in New York – including the chance watch a play on Broadway. "I’m so excited. I have so many Broadway shows that I love to see. And it would be wonderful to experience autumn and winter because we don’t have it in the Philippines." Catriona said that she's looking forward to spending time with her family and friends, whom she credits for keeping her grounded during the competition. She was also asked about her thoughts about cultural diversity and women empowerment. "I think Miss Universe is a wonderful platform that we promote diversity and women empowerment. Why? Because we are achieved women who have stories, who passions, who have careers. We’ve congregated together, have represented our countries and are given these platforms to voice what we love, what we are passionate about and what talks our heart. So that to think you can have that many countries coming together in a collaborated effort. "How are we empowering others? We are lifting each other up and I think that’s amazing cause we’re crossing country boarders while doing that." — Rappler.com

Catriona Gray on winning Miss Universe 2018: The best Christmas gift for PH (Left) Miss Universe Catriona Gray's gown was designed by a Filipino, who said it was inspired by the iconic Mayon volcano in Albay in the Philippines. (Center photo) Embellished with crystals and feather details, Mak Tumang and his team of 16 artisans meticulously crafted the Ibong Adarna-inspired gown that took 2,712 hours or 113 days to finish. According to Mak Tumang, Catriona embodies a Phoenix with her resilient, tenacious, and unwavering spirit. (Right) It was during the swimsuit round that she debuted her much-awaited signature “lava walk,” which some pageant fans link to Mount Mayon, an active volcano and a famous landmark in her hometown, Albay, Bicol.

Here are Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray's winning answers Here are Catriona’s winning answers during the opening statements, Q&A, and the final word segments: Opening statement "Working in some of the poorest areas of my country, I found that it was a lack of child support, not poverty, that killed their dreams. A child once told me, “Cat, that’s just not my life, and those dreams aren’t made for me.” But I stand here today because someone believed in me and we owe it to our children to believe in them.” Q&A portion Canada recently joined Uruguay as the second nation in the world to make marijuana legal. What is your opinion on the legalization of marijuana? Answer: I’m for it being used in a medical use but not so for recreational use, because I think if people were to argue, what about alcohol and cigarettes? Well everything is good but in moderation. Final word What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your life, and how would you apply it to your time as Miss Universe? Answer: I work a lot in the slums of Tondo, Manila, and the life there is very poor and very sad. I’ve always taught myself to look for the beauty in it, to look for the beauty in the faces of the children, and to be grateful.

I would bring this aspect as a Miss Universe to see situations with a silver lining, and to assess where I could give something, where I could provide something as a spokesperson. If I could teach also people to be grateful, we could have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster, and children would have a smile on their face. Thank you. LIST: What Catriona won at Miss Universe 2018 Newly crowned Miss Universe Catriona Gray will not only bring Philippines pride and honor, she will also receive perks and prizes from the Miss Universe Organization and its sponsors. Gray, who succeeded Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, gets to take home the iconic phoenix crown designed by by the former official jeweler of Miss Universe, Mikimoto & Co., Ltd. The legendary rising phoenix crown that bears over 100 pearls signifies power, status, and beauty. The luxurious headpiece is estimated to cost around $250,000 or P12.5 million. The Mikimoto crown only made a comeback to the pageant in 2017. It was used by Miss Universe organization from 2002 to 2007. It was Miss Universe 2002 Oxana Fedaroba of Russia who had the opportunity to first wear the phoenix crown

while Miss Universe 2007 Riyo Mori of Japan was the last crowned with it. Apart from the crown, the MUO and earlier listed down the perks and prizes of the next Miss Universe. These include the following:  Year-long salary as Miss Universe;  Luxury accommodation in a New York City apartment for the duration of her reign – including living expenses;  One-year supply of beauty products;  Full shoe wardrobe from Chinese Laundry shoes and accessories; Modelling portfolio by leading fashion photographers;  Skin and healthcare products; travel representing  Extensive sponsors and charitable partners;  Access to various events including casting opportunities, movie premiers, screenings, Broadway shows and launch parties; and  Personal appearance wardrobe and styling by the official MUO fashion stylist MUO said every winner relocates to New York City to meet her new Miss Universe family and focus on her chosen advocacy. “Through the organization, the winner is provided a platform for possibility based on her objectives for the year. Alongside The Miss Universe Organization, she will plan how to achieve her goals on the national and global scale,” the MUO said.—Philstar

MMK episode with Angel Locsin, Dimples Romana wins at Asian Academy Creative Awards

BS-CBN’s drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK) has just won the Best Single Drama/Telemovie award at the first Asian Academy Creative Awards in Singapore on December 6. MMK’s winning entry “Kotse-Kotsehan,” internationally titled “Toy Car,” was a twopart episode depicting two perspectives of a mother’s love for her children. The episode, which aired in May 2017, was top-bllled by Angel Locsin and Dimples Romana. MMK business unit head Roda Catolico dela Cerna received the award. In her short speech, she said, “We share this recognition to the two mothers who entrusted their life stories to MMK. From

the men and women behind the program Maalaala Mo Kaya, thank you very much.” MMK qualified for the international gala finals of the Asian Academy Creative Awards after it was declared the national winner in the Best Single Drama/Telemovie category last October 2018. Meanwhile, Dimples took to her Instagram account to congratulate MMK for its latest accolade. She wrote, “Ay Lord, napakasarap mo talaga magmahal. Congratulations po Pilipinas!!! Congratulations and thank you po Ma’am @charosantos sa patuloy na pagtitiwala, my @mmkofficial family, my Abscbn Family and my mars forever @therealangellocsin napakahusay mo!

“Grabe itong episode mo na ito!!! Acting with you will always be one of my career’s greatest honors. Sana pagkatapos nito ay marami pa tayong proyektong pagsamahan dalawa. aylabyu. “And to the two brave mothers who lovingly shared their letters and stories for the episode, Salamat po, para sa inyo po ito.” MK host and creator Charo Santos-Concio also congratulated her show, “Congratulations @mmkofficial for winning the Best Single Drama at the 1st ever Asian Academy Creative Awards!!! “We made history!!!! I am so proud of all of you!!!!! It is the best Christmas gift!!! “Thank you for all your hard work, your passion and your love! To all the letter

senders, maraming salamat sa pagbabahagi niyo ng inyong magagandang kwento na puno ng aral at pag-asa. And to all the artists who breathe life to these beautiful stories, mabuhay po kayo!” The inaugural Asian Academy Creative Awards is being held as part of the 2018 Singapore Media Festival. The winners of award-giving body’s acting awards will be announced tonight, December 7. According to its website, the award-giving body was established to “serve the creative industries as the pinnacle of their achievement in content creation and media production.” MMK, which is now on its 27th year, is dubbed as Asia’s longestrunning drama anthology. —PEP.ph

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Bong Revilla 'not guilty' of plunder in pork barrel scam case

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kay Atty. Ramon Esguerra, Not guilty” ang desisyon ng abugado ni Revilla, malinaw Sandiganbayan sa kasong sa utos ng First Division ng plunder ni dating Senator Anti-Graft Court na tanging Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. ang mga nahatulang “guilty” Ito ay kaugnay ng pagkakasangot na sina Janet Lim Napoles ng actor-politician sa Priority at dating legislative staff Development Assistant Fund ni Revilla na si Richard (PDAF) o pork barrel scam. Cambe, ang inaatasan ng “Guilty” naman ang hatol korte. Aniya, hindi maaaring sa tinaguriang mastermind ng pagbayarin si Revilla dahil pork-barrel scam na si Janet LimThe verdict of the inabsuwelto siya ng mga Napoles at ang sa staff member ni Sandiganbayan on former sa kasong Revilla na si Atty. Richard Cambe. senator Bong Revilla Jr in his mahistrado Binasa ang desisyon ng plunder case will be handed ibinibintang sa kaniya. Hindi out on December 7, 2018. nagustuhan ng isa sa mga Sandiganbayan First Division Photo by Rappler opisyal ng Integrated Bar Biyernes ng umaga, December 7. of the Philippines (IBP) ang Ito ang kauna-unahang desisyon ng Sandiganbayan sa mga kasong may pagpapawalang- sala ng Sandiganbayan kay dating Senator Bong Revilla sa kasong plunder. kinalaman sa pork-barrel scam. Ayon kay Atty. Domingo Cayosa, executive Inakusahan si Bong ng diumano’y pagbulsa ng P224.5 milyong halaga ng ill-gotten wealth sa Vice President ng IBP, nakapagtataka pamamagitan ng pagtalaga ng pondo sa bogus ang pasya ng anti-graft court kung saan organizations na diumano’y nilikha ni Napoles. inabswelto si Revilla habang hinatulang Taong 2014 nang naghain ang Office of the guilty naman ang kapwa akusado nito na sina Ombudsman ng mga kaso laban kay Revilla at Janet Lim-Napoles at Richard Cambe. Giit ni Cayosa, malinaw ang mga mga kapwa niya senador na sina Jinggoy Estrada, at Juan Ponce Enrile. Na-detain si Revilla sa iprinisintang ebidensiya ng prosekusyon Custodial Center ng Philippine National Police na mayroong nangyaring nakawan dahil na simula noong June 20, 2014. Sa tatlong senador, rin sa kontrobersiyal na paggamit umano si Revilla lamang ang hindi pinayagang mag- ni Revilla sa kanyang pork barrel. Masyado post ng bail. Nilinaw rin ng kampo ni dating rin aniyang pinairal ng mga hukom ng Senador Bong Revilla Jr. na hindi ito kasama sa Sandiganbayan ang teknikalidad sa kaso sa mga inatasan ng Sandiganbayan na magsauli ng halip na tingnan ang merito ng asunto at kahit P124 milyong halaga ng civil liabilities matapos napatunayan namang milyun-milyong halaga na mapawalang-sala sa plunder case. Ayon ang nanakaw sa kaban ng bayan.

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