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Duterte

PAO chief Acosta: Claims of no deaths related signs 1st tax reform to Dengvaxia are lies package into law

Taiwan, Philippines sign bilateral investment agreement

2018 Horoscope

Ai-Ai, iniyakan Congress extends ang kasal nila martial law in ni Gerald Mindanao to end of 2018

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Palace allays concerns, says China OFWs urged to explore agri-business Telecom expected in early 2018

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alacanang on December 19, allayed cybersecurity concerns over China’s expected entry into the Philippines’ telecommunications industry by the first quarter of 2018.

“It is the priority of the administration to improve our cybersecurity and that’s why I’m sure policy makers will have builtin measures to protect us,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. told a press conference. “Well, right now, all I can say is we’re picking up. We’ve given priority to our cybersecurity, and I’m sure, there will be measures to protect our privacy and our national security inquests,” he added.

Roque said China Telecom might enter the Philippines in the first quarter of 2018, following the President’s directive to Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to approve its application.

The government’s decision to allow Beijing-based China Telecom to be the third telecommunications’ carrier in the country has sparked security concerns among other Filipinos. Malacañang had admitted that President Rodrigo Duterte’s offer to China to be one of the key players in the Philippines’ telecommunications industry was a “political decision,” in a bid to strengthen ties between the two countries.

The administration also said China’s entry would end the “duopoly” of local telecommunications firms PLDT Inc.and Globe Telecom Inc. Amid potential national

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security risk, Roque said the public should not worry on the impending participation of a foreign player such as China’s telecommunication company, stressing that even local players are currently partnered with some foreign entities.

“Please note that there’s always a foreign player in any telecom provider. They are all partnered with a foreign,” he said.

“It’s not as if foreigners don’t have access right now because the minority shareholders of our providers are also foreign. So there’s always a foreign partner involved,” he added.

Roque said Duterte was “serious” in allowing China Telecom to operate in the country. “The President has instructed the DICT and the National Telecommunications Commission to ensure that the third telecom provider will be up and about by the first quarter of 2018, the first three months of 2018,” he said. “And NTC and DICT were tasked to approve all the applications and licenses within seven days only upon complete submission of requirements. And if it is not approved, within seven days, it is deemed approved,” he added. —SunStar

verseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families were encouraged to explore agri-business investments in Western Visayas to help not only themselves but also create employment for others.

Peter Sobrevega, Department of Agriculture (DA)-Western Visayas rechnical director for research, said on December 12 that there are a lot of agri-business investments in the region with the available commodities in Iloilo like coffee, cacao, flowers, fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products.

“We have a lot of farm products and commodities that our OFWs could invest from production, processing, value adding up to marketing of these products,” he said.

Sobrevega said that a number of OFWs have savings that they could use to invest particularly in food production. There are also some OFW families who could engage

in agri-business out of the remittances they receive. “This would really help our economy because this would create employment opportunities to our fellows, at the same time improve our food production and we could have quality products out of their agri-business venture,” he said. Sobrevega said there are already some returning OFWs and their families in the region that have organized themselves into groups for the production of mushroom.

Some of these groups have already availed themselves of the training conducted

by DA-Western Visayas to make their mushroom production an industry in the region as it is in high demand. He said they are willing to further assist more OFWs in the region, particularly in creating their project proposals, to ensure that their investments are sustainable and profitable.—SunStar

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Duterte signs 1st tax reform package into law

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resident Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) bill which is expected to generate P130 billion in revenues.

Duterte signed Republic Act 10963 or the Train law – a priority measure of the Duterte administration – at Malacañang’s Ceremonial Hall on December 19.

Revenues from the tax reform measure are meant to fund the Duterte government’s Build, Build, Build infrastructure program and socio-economic programs.

The first of 5 tax reform packages, the Train law “corrects a longstanding inequity of the tax system” by reducing the income taxes of 99% of income taxpayers, said Malacañang.

With the Train law now signed, almost all the 7.5 million income taxpayers in the country should see a reduction in their income tax rates starting next year, according to a media briefer from the Senate committee on ways and means on the bicameral committee-approved Train bill.

Income taxpayers with an annual salary of P250,000, or those earning approximately P22,000 monthly and below, are now exempt from income tax payment.

The law also exempts from tax payment the first P90,000 of the 13th month pay and other bonuses.

Self-employed professionals will see new income tax rates with the introduction of an 8% flat tax on gross sales or receipts instead of income tax and percentage tax to be filed once a year.*

To make up for the loss of revenue due to reduced income tax, the law imposes higher

taxes on cars, fuel, tobacco, cosmetic surgery, tobacco, and some sweetened beverages.

Diesel, which is not taxed at present, will be imposed P2.50-per-liter tax in 2018, P4.50 in 2019, and P6 in 2020.

LPG would have be taxed P1 per liter in 2018, P2 in 2019, and P3 in 2020.

For gasoline, from the current tax of P4.35 per liter, it would be imposed a levy of P7 per liter in 2018, P9 in 2019, and P10 in 2020.

The law also applies a 4-tier tax scheme for automobiles. All pick-up trucks and electric vehicles would be exempted from additional taxes.

Hybrid cars would be imposed half the taxes as non-hybrid vehicles.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III had said the hike in prices of automobiles would mainly impact the well-off individuals who could afford to buy luxury cars.

The law also imposed a tax of P6 per liter for drinks using sugar and artificial sweeters and P12 per liter for using high fructose corn syrup. Milk and instant coffee, drinks consumed by a majority of Filipinos, are exempted.

Tobacco products will also be more expensive as under the Train law, the sin tax on such products will be increased.

Coal will be taxed P50 for 2018, P100 for 2019, and P150 for 2020.

The Train law imposes a 5% levy on cosmetic surgery purely for aesthetic purposes. Mining will be taxed double, from 2% excise tax to 4% excise tax on metallic minerals like copper, gold, and chromite.

To cushion the impact of these higher taxes on the poorest Filipinos, the law

provides a cash transfer mechanism.

Under the law, 10 million of the poorest households will receive cash transfer of P200 per month in 2018, and P300 per month in 2019 and 2020.

Under Train, there will be an increase in the value added tax (VAT) threshold from P1.9 million to P3 million.

This would mean small business with annual sales of P3 million and below would be exempt from paying VAT, which is envisioned to encourage growth and job generation.

A flat rate of 6% for estate tax and donor’s tax will also be imposed under the new law. Under the previous scheme, estate worth P200,000 and above was taxed between 5% to 20%.

Family homes that are worth up to P10 million, will be exempted from estate tax, higher than the P1-million tax-exempt value under the current law.

To help heirs settle expenses relating to the passing of the deceased person, the Train law also increased allowable withdrawals from the deceased person’s account to any amount, subject to a 6% final withholding tax.

Currently, only withdrawals up to P20,000 is allowed.

New rates for the documentary stamp tax and final tax on currency deposit units are provided in the Train law.

Tax rates for stocks not traded in the stock exchange as well as the stock transaction tax are increased under the law.

The government expects two-thirds of the needed revenue for priority projects to be provided by the Train law. The next tax reform package is expected to be passed in early 2018.

— Rappler

Congress extends martial law in Mindanao to end of 2018

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oting 240-27, the 17th Congress on December 13, approved the request of President Rodrigo Duterte to extend the imposition of martial law in Mindanao by a year, or until the end of 2018.

The Senate and the House of Representatives also extended by a year the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, which would allow the government to arrest persons of interest without a warrant.

This is the second extension granted to the President. Congress earlier granted Duterte’s request for a 5-month martial law extension, which was supposed to end on December 31 this year.

In the House, 226 voted for an extension, and 23 voted against it.

In the Senate, 14 senators voted in favor of the extension and 4 voted against it – minority Senators Franklin Drilon, Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, Risa Hontiveros, and Francis Pangilinan.

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III moved for a second round of voting for the Senate, after the House did the same, but Drilon opposed it, saying he was “not aware of any procedure in the Senate or the joint session” that allowed revising a vote tally that had already been announced. At the time, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel IV had already announced the Senate vote.

EXTENDS Continued on Page 5

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EXTENDS

Continued from Page 3

In response to Drilon, Sotto said that Senators Francis Escudero and Cynthia Villar were on the side of the plenary hall when the Senate vote was called, and were unable to participate.

“Senator Escudero and Senator Villar, I know they will vote yes anyway. If they were allowed to vote, they would have voted yes,” Sotto said.

During the 4-hour deliberations, lawmakers questioned officials from the executive on the rationale for a one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao, which some feared would be expanded nationwide.

Malacañang maintained that the Duterte administration wants “unlimited peace” not “unlimited martial law.”

Officials from the executive at the joint session were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana who is the martial law administrator, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr, and Interior Undersecretary Eduardo Año, who was military chief and martial law implementor when Marawi was under siege.

Armed Forces Chief General Rey Leonardo Guerrero also attended the session to respond to lawmakers’ questions.

Duterte earlier asked Congress to extend martial law in Mindanao by one year to “totally eradicate” Islamic State-inspired terror groups – from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. — Rappler

Marriage proposal natulad sa teleserye

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i Belinda del Rosario, 29 anyos nagtatrabaho dito sa Taiwan ay isa sa mga kababaihan na nakaranas din sa magandang epekto ng pabango na gawa sa England.

Bago siya pumunta dito upang magtrabaho ay nagkalabuan sila ng kaniyang kasintahan.

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nito at nagpasama sa EEC Elite Express, ang pabango daw ay NT$560 lamang.

Nang matapos ang contract ay sinabihan ng boyfriend para sumalubong

sa kaniyang paguwi.

Ginamit ang pabango bago lumapag ang eroplano, pagkatapos makuha ang bagahe ay nagsimula siyang maglakad upang hanapin ang sundo. Napuna niyang napapasinghap at nangiti ang bawat madaanan niyang kalalakihan. Napangiti siya at naalalang epekto ito ng gamit na pabango. Pagkakita sa nobyo ay nabigla siya ng buhatin siya nito at halikan ng ubod tamis. Palakpakan ang mga tao na tila sila ay nasa harapan ng camera na gumagawa ng pelikula.

Pagkababa sa kaniya ay luamuhod ito sabay abot ng engagement ring. Sobrang galak at pasasalamat niya sa Dream Love 1000.

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New guidelines on use of P1B OFW fund signed

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oreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano signed the new guidelines on the use of the P1-billion fund for distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The new guidelines were prepared by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)’s Office of Migrant Workers Affairs after Congress approved President Duterte’s request to increase the Assistance to Nationals (ATN) Fund from P400 million to P1 billion and the Legal Assistance Fund (LAF) from P100 million to P200 million for 2018. Cayetano said with the new guidelines on the use of ATN and LAF, the DFA is now in the position to more effectively respond to the growing number of distressed OFWs.

Cayetano had ordered a review and revision of the guidelines after the President announced the budget augmentation for the DFA “to allow more flexibility in their disbursement, to expand the scope of the services covered and to be more responsive to the needs of our distressed kababayans

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abroad.” “The rationale behind the revised guidelines is for us to be able to help as many and as much without sacrificing the quality of our service. “The LAF may be availed of by a distressed overseas Filipino who is unable to engage the services of private counsel, and who is in a country where there is no system of legal aid or public defenders, or where there is no access to counsel de officio, or any lawyer provided by the foreign host government,” he added. The ATN Funds, on the other hand, will be used to cover welfare assistance and repatriation of distressed, sick and deceased Filipinos abroad. It also includes the cost of cremation or embalming, transport of remains to the Philippines and burial assistance. Under the new guidelines, the DFA will not only provide care packages and basic supplies for Filipinos on death row and those serving life sentences abroad, but will also shoulder the cost of compassionate visits by their next of kin to the country of incarceration.

—Philstar

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PAO chief Acosta: Claims of no deaths related to Dengvaxia are lies

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ublic Attorney’s Office chief Persida Acosta said those who are claiming that there have been no Dengvaxiarelated deaths of dengue victims are liars.

In a press conference, Acosta presented the parents of 10-year-old Anjielica Pestilos and 11-year-old Christine Mae De Guzman, who both died due to severe dengue months after receiving the world’s first dengue vaccine.

“Sinungaling sila sa sinasabi nilang walang namatay kahit nasaksakan ng Dengvaxia. May namatay. Ito nga dalawa.

Marami pang ibang (victims) pero on process pa [by PAO],” Acosta told GMA News Online, referring to those who claimed there have been no dengue deaths due to Dengvaxia.

Acosta said the parents only want those responsible for the deaths of their children to be held accountable. “Nakakainis na. Nanay din ako. Na-dengue na rin buong pamilya ko.

Buti na lang hindi nabakunahan,” she said.

De Guzman’s father, Nelson, earlier said Christine, who had no history of dengue infection, developed severe headache and fever on Oct. 11, 2016, was rushed to the Bataan General Hospital on October 14, and died on October 15.

She received the first Dengvaxia shot in April 2016 when the vaccination program of the Department of Health (DOH) was launched.

Nelson said that they have documents proving that his daughter received the Dengvaxia vaccine before she contracted dengue. Pestilos, meanwhile, died last December 6. She also had no previous exposure to dengue.

“When we reviewed her clinical abstract, there is a manifestation that Anjielica died of severe hemorrhagic dengue,” said PAO Forensic Laboratory director Dr. Erwin Erfe.

Erfe said Pestilos had edema, rashes, bleeding and low platelet count.

Sanofi Pasteur, which manufactured Dengvaxia, had said that the dengue vaccine “does not contain any viruses that can make people ill with dengue or severe dengue.”

It said that a “subsequent exposure” to the virus will cause “severe dengue” which the firm said was not deadly.

Acosta, meanwhile, announced that Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II has authorized her office to assist victims arising from the administration of the Dengvaxia dengue vaccine to schoolchildren.

Aguirre issued Department Order 792 on December 12 authorizing and directing the PAO, through Acosta, to extend free legal assistance in civil, criminal, and administrative cases to all possible Dengvaxia-related injuries, illnesses and deaths.

DEATH Continued on Page 19

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2 inches sa waist 1½ din sa legs weight loss experienced in short time

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Tessie Langawen (Before)

atagal nang panahon na iniinda ni Tessie Langawen ng Taiwan ang dry at magaspang niyang balat. Masugatan lang siya ng konti ay nagiging peklat na.

Marami na siyang nasubukan na whitening creams para lamang malunasan ang mga peklat ngunit hindi naging epektibo.

Nabanggit niya sa pinsan ang problema at inirekomenda nito ang upgraded Dream Love 1000 5 in 1 body essence lotion. Ito ay gawa sa England na may 3D hologram model image silver seal at Supreme Taiwan & Singapore quality na tatak sa gilid ng kahon at mabibili mula sa lahat ng branches ng EEC Elite Mart sa halagang NT$590 lamang. Tiwala si Tessie at nakumbinsi sa sa sinabi nito.

Bago umuwi ng bahay ay bumili siya ng nasabing imported lotion. Pag-uwi at pagkatapos maligo ay ipinahid ang lotion sa buong katawan at mukha ayon sa sa instruction sheet. Laking gulat niya na bukod sa nabawasan ang mga peklat ay nawala ang gaspang at pagka-dry ng balat.

Nabawasan siya ng 2 inches na taba sa baywang at balakang, habang 1½ inches naman sa hita sa loob ng ilang linggo na pagpapahid niya.

Ngayon kahit kanino man siya madikit ay hindi na siya nahihiya dahil unti-unti nang kuminis ang kanyang balat at pumuti pa. Hindi na rin niya problema pagiging dry at magaspang na balat. Bumata pa daw siyang tingnan.

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NEWS NEWSBITS ‘Snooze’ feature on FB lets users temporarily hide people, pages

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riendships need not be ended for good any more due to movie spoilers with this new Facebook feature called “Snooze.” The new Snooze feature works by temporarily hiding posts from people and pages of the user’s choosing. For example, friends who like to post movie spoilers just to watch the internet writhe in agony can be temporarily hidden for 30 days from a user’s News Feed. Furthermore, the Snoozed will not be notified that someone has chosen to temporarily not see their posts. Like an alarm clock’s snooze function, the Snoozed person or page will eventually return to the user’s News Feed. A notification will be sent to the user before the Snooze period ends. Users can also un-Snooze anyone at their leisure.

New flyover shortens travel time between Bacolod, Bago City

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he Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) opened a new two-lane flyover along Araneta Avenue, which crosses Magsaysay Avenue, in Negros Occidental’s Bacolod City. The DPWH said that construction of the P32-million flyover began on April 2017. The flyover was 7.5 meters wide and 280 lineal meters long. It was constructed using “prefabricated modular steel technology” from Matiere S.A.S., which was provided by the French Government through an assistance program. The new flyover was expected to cut travel time from downtown Bacolod City to Bago City. Public Works Secretary Mark Villar also explained in a statement that the flyover would eliminate traffic congestion along the intersection of Araneta Avenue and Magsaysay Avenue. The reduction of heavy traffic along the intersection had the added benefit of reducing carbon emissions from vehicles. During the inauguration, Villar and Public Works Undersecretary Emil Sadain commended the city government of Bacolod and the DPWH’s unified project management offices staff for the project’s completion. French Embassy Economic Counselor Laurent Estrade, DPWH Region 6 OIC-Director Wenceslao Leaño Jr., Bacolod City District Representative Greg Gasataya, and Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia were also present at the ceremony.

New P5 coin in honor of Bonifacio up for release

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he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipnas (BSP) on November 29, announced that it will release the new P5 coin ahead of the other denominations of the New Generation Currency (NGC) Coin series.

The new P5 coin, which will feature Gat. Andres Bonifacio on the obverse, will be legal tender for circulation starting December, the central bank said in a statement posted on its website. Its release highlights the 120th death anniversary of Bonifacio and his 154th birthday. Bonifacio, considered as the Father of the Philippine revolution, was the founder of the Katipunan, the secret society that ignited the flames of the revolution which finally led to the declaration of Philippine independence in 1898. Bonifacio’s portrait is etched on the obverse of the coin, along with the markings, “ANDRES BONIFACIO”, “5-PISO” and “REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS” in bold font and in microprints, and the mint mark. The reverse side, meanwhile, features the Tayabak, a Philippine endemic plant that climbs tall forest trees. The new coins adopt the latest technology in minting coins. The security features of the NGC Coin Series are enhanced to deter counterfeiting, improve wear and corrosion resistance capabilities, saves the BSP minting costs, avoids risks arising from unexpected volatile swings in metal prices, and also deters the illegal hoarding of coins for melting and shipment to other countries. Coins in the NGC Series will feature the BSP logo, national heroes and endemic flora, consistent with the design of the NGC Banknote Series, launched in 2010, which also highlights Philippine fauna. Other denominations of the NGC Coin Series will be released for circulation in January 2018.

Here’s what Pinoys were searching for on Google in 2017

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ilipinos love to sing along to a catchy hit, so it’s no wonder that song lyrics make up most of the top trending searches on Google. Predictably, it was the smash hit “Despacito” that topped the list, which also included Bruno Mars’ “Versace on the Floor,” the Korean kiddie song “Baby Shark,” and Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect.” Pageant-crazed fans also propelled Miss Universe 2017 to third, ahead of a viral horror story and Xander Ford, formerly Marlou Arizala, who unveiled this year the results of his plastic surgery. List as follows: 1. ‘Despacito’ lyrics by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee; 2. ‘Versace on the Floor’ lyrics by Bruno Mars’; 3. Miss Universe 2017; 4. Lucia Joaquin; 5. Xander Ford; 6. ‘The Voice Teens’; 7. 13 Reasons W hy; 8. ‘Baby Shark’; 9.

‘Perfect’ lyrics by Ed Sheeran’s; 10. FIBA Asia Cup

DOLE open to redesigning OFW ID after getting flak for Duterte photo

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ilvestre Bello III said on December 12, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) would consider changing the design of the identification cards for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) after it drew criticism online. A photo of the ID bearing President Rodrigo Duterte’s image circulated online after it was posted by Presidential Communications Operations Office Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson on her Facebook page. Several netizens criticized this as an unnecessary detail while others said they could allow the design as long as the services would be smoother with the introduction of the ID. Some pointed out why Duterte’s photo, in color, was even bigger than the OFW’s black and white photo. “We have to consider the reaction from the public. We are open to changing the design. But, so far, OFWs are not complaining about it,” said Bello in Filipino on Tuesday. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque earlier said Duterte had no knowledge of the design. Bello also raised the same point, that this was DOLE’s initiative without any instructions from Malacañang. The initial release and processing of the OFW IDs started on December 7, as Bello and Duterte welcomed several returning OFWs at the Clark International Airport. Only returning OFWs under the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration’s Balik Manggagawa program can apply for the first phase.“A lot of people are applying, that’s why I instructed a technical working group to fast-track their monitoring of possible glitches.

So far, there are no glitches reported,” said Bello. DOLE launched the OFW ID last July without having final guidelines for the implementation. Filipino migrant workers have been waiting for its release since it will replace the overseas employment certificate, a required document that has been a burden for OFWs to secure. As the first phase rolls out, DOLE has not yet issued the official guidelines for the OFW ID application. Accessible via the iDOLE One-Stop Online Facility (iDOLE.ph), the ID inter-links services and information from different government agencies, such as the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Bureau of Immigration.

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Jasmine Curtis-Smith admits depression over anorexia accusations

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aging emosyunal at hindi napigilang maiyak ni Jasmine Curtis-Smith nang tanungin tungkol sa pamba-bash na tinatanggap niya kaugnay ng malaking ibinawas ng kanyang timbang.

May ilang tumawag sa kanyang “anorexic” at “malnourished,” na labis palang dinamdam at nagbigay ng depresyon sa aktres. Pahayag ni Jasmine, “I just want to share my opinion as a mental health advocate.

“It affected me, it gave me anxiety, it made me so depressed that people calling me out like that. “It is so hurtful that people don’t understand na kaming mga nasa industriya, tinatanggap naman namin lahat.

“Huwag n’yo lang kaming pangaralan, as if hindi naman kami pinaparangalan ng mga manager namin, ng family namin.” Patuloy ng 23-year-old actress, “Sorry, sensitive topic for me... “I’ve never been humiliated by my weight, shamed by my weight, because di kayo happy na payat ako.

“Hindi lang… it was like, ‘Oh, my gosh, napakapangit ko palang tao dahil payat ako!’ or ‘Oh, my gosh, napakasama ko palang tao dahil di ninyo gusto ang hitsura ko!’ “Ganun na pala tayo sa society ngayon, wala nang love. “People think you just want to be praised or masabihan ka ng maganda, no, it’s not that.

“Kaunting respeto naman kasi sine-share ko naman ang buhay ko sa inyo, not because it’s my obligation, not because I owe it to you guys, but because I want to, but because happy ako, di ba?”

Bakit sa lahat ng isyung naipukol sa kanya ay itong isyu ng extreme weight loss

ang sobrang nakaapekto o nakasakit sa loob niya? Paliwanag ni Jasmine, “Personal na siya and it’s about my weight.

“And ako kasi, pagdating sa timbang ng tao, huwag mong i-discriminate. “Wala ‘yan sa timbang, wala ‘yan sa hitsura, nasa kalusugan ‘yan ng tao.

“Ako naman, lagi akong nagtatanong, ‘Okay ba ang katawan ko?’ “Kaming nasa spotlight as celebrities, napakalaki ng pressure na naibibigay sa amin na maging ganito ang korte ng katawan. “‘Ang pangit, wala siyang shape! Ay, diretso ang katawan!

Ay, may taba dito.’ “Gosh, ano pa ba, heto na nga payat na nga ako, sa’n pa ba ako lulugar?”

Nagsimulang punahin ng netizens si Jasmine dahil sa kanyang pagpayat nang mag-post siya ng picture na naka-bathing suit sa isang swimming pool. Kuha ito habang nagbabakasyon sila ng kapatid na si Anne Curtis sa Los Angeles, California, noong Oktubre ng taong kasalukuyan.

Dito ay hindi napigilan ni Jasmine na sumagot sa ilang netizens na pumuna at nagkomento sa kanyang pagpayat. Saad niya, “It’s a matter of ano lang naman, people feel like they are so entitled to call out the way you look dahil hindi nila gusto. “Sumagot na ako ‘coz nababastusan na ako sa paraan ng pagsasabi. “Naiintindihan ko naman, kaya nga sumagot na ako na sabi ko, ‘I understand where you guys are coming from…’ “To be honest, nalungkot lang ako, ang daming vicious magsalita.

ADMITS Continued on Page 18

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JANUARY 2018 HOROSCOPE 2018

by talking and communicating peacefully.

You would gain in reputation and profile at ARIES work will enhance. Your social status would Horoscope for Aries in 2018 predicts that the also increase. Main focus should be on your Horoscope in 2018 predicts that as thechances beginning the year will bechronic full beginning of the year will be for fullAries on energy and health, of of developing any on energy andwill determination. decisions bringYou good news for lack you of determination. Wise decisions bring good Wise disease are will there. may feel throughoutthe theyear. year. Domestic Domestic lifehappiness might be ininchaos, you might of to news for you throughout yourasmarital life.feel Youlack need contentment and happiness at home due to hectic schedule and skipping life might be in chaos, as you might feel lack avoid heated arguments to make your marital meals. First two months might not stay that easy on health. Income would of contentment at home due life alive.

Expenditure would and be excessive. increase; youand willhappiness rise in career.

Your professional ventures will be successful highly to hectic schedule meals.for First Earning be there, butfruitful you should control influential, and and you’dskipping make a name yourself.

Long will journeys will be and beget two good months might notmid stay that easy on might your excessive expenditure, it may results.

After October, earnings reduce a bit and hard as work will create be health.

Income wouldlifeincrease; you more will rise imbalance in your finance. wouldyou enjoy required.

Marital will demand of your time and commitment; and You gradually wouldYour be able to win other’s heart.will Occasional detachment is likely.

Overall, a the in career. professional ventures be lavish life, as from your work intention throughout good and year for you. successful andprogressive highly influential, and you’d year will be on enjoying life and spendings. make a name for yourself. Long journeys will For which, you will work hard. Overall, this be fruitful and beget good results. After mid year will be quite favourable with some Beginning some which might affect you adversely, you need October, earnings might with reduce a aggression bit and challenges. on health.

Gradually, hard work will to befocus required.

Marital life will you will gain will power and wish to achieve the year, you need to work really hard in order to gain demand more ofsomething. your time Throughout and commitment; success.

Some in work is also likely. After October, your and gradually you would be disappointment able to win LEO finance willOccasional increase and your maritalfrom life willAccording gain bliss. Some short trips willpredictions beget good of to the astrology other’s heart. detachment results; you may go for pilgrimage. You need to avoid disputes and clashes, as they may work is likely. Overall, a good and progressive 2018 for Leo, you would gain interest in trouble you with wealth losses. During first two months, stay away from any controversy year for you. religious and virtuous pursuits; also may or scandal, as it may harm your image. However, you will be quite fast in life to face go so forkeep pilgrimage.

Health siblings may challenges. Possibility of a health issue is there, a watch over youroffood, as you TAURUS suffer during pursuits.

Jan-Feb, Overall, but you will have may gain in weight. You may spend on spouse and religious an average Beginning with you some aggression which might You increased valour. lifelifewill mixed year where will learn many new things. would have goodLove marital and face financial affectposition. you adversely, need on of phases. side,getting you would face some Althoughyou there will to be focus chances you and On yourone spouse into disputes health. will power andGradually, arguments,you butwill you’llgain overcome that. misunderstandings, but on the other side, and wish to achieve something. Throughout you would enjoy fresh breeze of love with the year, you need to work really hard in order your loved one. Your actions will lead you to The expressing power in ofwork Gemini will throughout year.made However, to gain success. Some disappointment the help roadyou of success.

Anythe effort in the during first month, you have your words, they may troublesuccess, you is also likely. After October, your finance willto watch right direction willaslead you towards with clashes. gobliss. away from residence order to expand yourfor increase and your marital lifeYou willmay gain onlyyour if you do notinprocrastinate things and there will earn well.and But,work it willhard. keep you away from Some short tripswork will beget goodyou results; you very later However, you your should loved once. So, a balance will be required in personal as well as professional life. If may go for pilgrimage. You need to avoid avoid laziness. Marital bliss would increase. unmarried, during the year till mid of December, you may tie a knot with your desired disputes and clashes, as they may trouble you You would feel that your life is going ahead partner. Your lasting dream of marrying your beloved will finally come true, and you’ll get with wealth losses. During first two months, and situations are coming in your way and into the sacred bond of marriage with your parents blessings. Expenditure would be stay away fromduring any controversy or scandal, as Your you would rise be financially.

Pregnant excessive the last quarter of the year. health may fluctuating and youwomen may it may harm your image.

However, you will be joint should take during Afterfood. mid of feel some issues related to airy diseases, pains, etc.care Stay away Jan-Feb. from coarse quiteBusiness fast in life to face challenges.

Possibility October, domestic life as well as professional will bring more benefits during the year. Your past hard work will lay foundation of a health is there, so keep aOverall, watch over lifewill will see positive changes.

You would also of yourissue professional success. this year provide you with many opportunities your to food, you may gain in weight. You gain in status publically. growasand succeed. may spend on spouse and religious pursuits.

Overall, an average year where you will learn VIRGO As perYou the horoscope of 2018 will feel more energy aroundthis As per theyou Virgo’s horoscope for 2018, many new things. would have goodfor Cancerians, and may wish Although to lead others.

Some of ayour onesyear mayfornot is going to be high loved achieving you. marital life andyou financial position. understand this may become a reason for would sour relationships.

Ample opportunities beget good there will be chances of youyou andwell yourand spouse Domestic life would be harmonious with some occasional tiifs.

Avoid arguing getting into disputes and arguments, but financial results. Your social circle will highly with family members, and try to solve things out by talking and communicatactivate and you would rise in social status you’ll overcome that. ing peacefully. You would gain in reputation and profile at work will enhance. Your social too. Good time will be spent with friends status would also increase. Main focus should be on your health, as chances of developing GEMINI and loved ones.

You marital would life. enjoy a good any chronic disease are there. You may feel lack of happiness in your You need The expressing power of Gemini will you undertakings to avoid heated arguments to help make yourprofessional marital life life. alive.Your Expenditure wouldwould be throughout theEarning year. However, during firstshould meet with your success.

Any long awaited as desire excessive. will be there, but you control excessive expenditure, it month, you have to watch your words, as theyYouwould fulfilled. income would may create imbalance in your finance. would be enjoy lavishInflow life, as of your intention may throughout trouble youthe with You may go be spendings. good throughout In January, yearclashes. will be on enjoying life and For which,the youyear. will work hard. awayOverall, from your orderfavourable to expandwithsome this residence year will beinquite someunexpected challenges.gain is likely to come. After your work and there you will earn very well. October, this increase will be even more. You But, it will keep you away from your loved may have gains through your spouse, but he/ According to the in astrology 2018 you till would gain or once. So, a balance will be required personalpredictions she may of feel lowfor onLeo, energy October interest inlife. religious and virtuousany pursuits; may go for pilgrimage.

Health as well as professional If unmarried, healthalso complication may arise. However, suffer during but get you full will support have increased valour.You during the year of tillsiblings mid ofmay December, you Jan-Feb, you would from them. will desired face mixed phases. On one side,to you some misundermay tie a knot Love withlife your partner. may need gowould away face from family for some but on theyour other side, youofficial would reasons enjoy fresh breeze ofaway. love with Your lasting standings, dream of marrying beloved or working Any your sacred loved one.

Your actions will lead the road of success.

Any effort in theAny right will finally come true, and you’ll get you intotothe ceremony will take place made in family. new direction will lead you towards success, only if you do not procrastinate things for later sacred bond of marriage with your parents addition is also possible. Overall, this year will and work hard. However, you should avoid laziness. Marital bliss would increase. You blessings. Expenditure would be excessive be more beneficial for you in all terms. All you would feel that your life is going ahead and situations are coming in your way and you during the last of the year. Your healthshould needtake is tocare maintain peace in domestic lifeofand would risequarter financially.

Pregnant women during Jan-Feb. After mid may October, be fluctuating and mayasfeel some avoid domestic lifeyou as well professional life willtiffs. see positive changes. You would also issues related to publically. airy diseases, joint pains, gain in status etc. Stay away from coarse food. Business LIBRA will bring more benefits during the year. Your Astrology 2018 forecast for Libra predicts that this theisbeginning the achieving year will year be in past hard workAswill foundation of your per lay the Virgo’s horoscope for 2018, going to beofa high energetic but aggression there, professional success. this year willwould for you.Overall, Ample opportunities beget mode, good financial results. will Yourbe social provide you with circle manywill opportunities to grow which be controlled in order highly activate and you wouldneeds rise intosocial status too. Good time to ones.

You would a good professionenjoy domestic as enjoy well as marital bliss. Your and succeed. will be spent with friends and loved al life. Your undertakings would meet long awaited healthwith maysuccess. be low Any between January desire - March. would be fulfilled. Inflow of income wouldKeep be good throughout the year.words, In January, CANCER a check before uttering as they some unexpectedofgain is for likely to come. After October, this increaseofwill be even As per the horoscope 2018 Cancerians, may hurt sentiments others.

Domore. not be You may have gains through your spouse, but he/she may feel low on energy till October you will feel more energy around you and rude and straightforward or utter something or any health complication may arise.

However, you would get full support from them. may wish to lead others. Some of your loved that can really hurt anyone’s feelings. Work You may need to go away from family for some official reasons or working away. Any ones may not understand you well and this place will be a good place where your ideas sacred ceremony will take place in family. Any new addition is also possible. Overall, this may become a reason for sour relationships. would get shape and you would be able to year will be more beneficial for you in all terms. All you need is to maintain peace in Domestic life life would be harmonious with manage things in your favor. Laziness should domestic and avoid tiffs. some occasional tiifs. Avoid arguing with be avoided. Colleagues will be quite neutral. family members, and try to solve things out Hence; you should depend on your own

9 NEWS capabilities. Jan-march, chances of increase during March and May. Domestic life would in earnings are there. After that, your own flourish and a bond of togetherness would efforts will lead new ventures. There will gain more strength. In marital life, some be lack of contentment and happiness in misunderstanding would take place which 2018feel forecast for Libra that theavoid. beginning the year willmarried be domestic lifeAstrology as you may detached andpredicts you should After of October, your energetic mode, but aggression there,also which needs and to beyou controlled may not be inable to give required time to will lifebe would improve would enjoy in order to enjoy well as marital bliss.life.

Your healthan may betolow your domestic life. This woulddomestic require as your good personal Overall, year excel in between March.

Keep before uttering as they may attention. After March,January marital- life would bea check life and improve yourwords, weaknesses. sentiments of others. progressive. hurt Overall, a progressive yearDo fornot be rude and straightforward or utter something that can really hurt anyone’s feelings.AQUARIUS Work place will be a good place where you.

You should focus on increasing income your ideas would get shape and you would be able to manage things in your favor. Laziness This is the year for Aquarius, predicts 2018 avenues. should be avoided. Colleagues will be quite neutral. Hence; you should depend on your horoscope. Your decisions will lay foundation own capabilities. Jan-march, chances of increase in earnings are there. After that, your own SCORPIO your growth during the year.

Your main efforts will lead new ventures. There will be lack ofofcontentment and happiness in domestic According thefeel horoscope 2018 focus would be on increasing your wealth life as youto may detached and for mayScorpio, not be able to give required time to your domestic this come with some challengesAfter and March, and due to your you would be life.year This will would require your attention. marital life hard wouldefforts, be progressive. ifOverall, you are ready for them, theyou. achievements ableontoincreasing make thisincome year aavenues. profitable one and a progressive year for You should focus are there for you. Your health may see a your financial status would enhance. Long decline during Jan to March; thereafter you journeys would take place. You would take to the 2018 for Scorpio, this year will come with some would get ridAccording of such issues andhoroscope gain strength. wise and productive decisions.

Your state of challengesover and your if you opponents. are ready for them, achievements are there for you.

You would dominate healththe would be strong and you would get rid Your health may see a decline Jan toany March; you would rid As far as finance is concerned, during during the from pastthereafter illness. Seniors will get appreciate of such issues and gain strength. You would dominate over your opponents. As year and especially till October, you would you. Your quality of work will improve far as finance is concerned, during the year and especially till October, you have excessive expenditure that may affect along with your output, and you’ll be able would have excessive expenditure that may affect your finance. After October, good results your finance.

Afterefficiently.

October, good results will before to impress your colleagues your will be seen more You need to check investments.

Do not trustwith blindly on way be seen more efficiently.

You need or to even checkhandling and management skills.

Youalways. wouldThis indulge anyone with monetary transactions money, but stay in loop before investments.

Do nottighten trust blindly virtuous pursuits. life would is a year where you should up youron lacesinand get ready to workMarital more to get good have anyone monetary transactions or evenfor essence of this love year and is affection. income.with Those interested in going abroad education, perfect However, for them. first handling butbestay in loop during always.most two a bit challenging, as good there may Domesticmoney, life would in harmony of months the year.are Marital life will bring This is aSpouse year where should tighten up be in some orendeavors. health issues of yourwill spouse. results. will beyou enterprising and supportive all oftiffs your Workplace be quite but progressive.

Overall, results willrelations, be seen. this year will demand your laceschallenging and get ready to work more to mixed Those in love get good income. Those interested in going their more focused attention and they need to abroad for education, this year is perfect for understand each-other very well. Overall, a As per the predictions of 2018 horoscope for Sagittarius, this year will provide them. Domestic life would be in harmony positive and progressive year for you. you with several opportunities to grow further in life. Your determination will during most ofbe the year.

Marital willthis bring high enough tolife make year a perfect one. Income flow will increase till PISCES would increase, but after that good results. March.

Spouse will be till enterprising Thereafter May, your expenditure Asthe per the of 2018, sensitive and supportive in all of your endeavors. again you will on right track for rest of year.

So,horoscope finance will not be a reason Piscesearning people need to take their health Workplace will Your be quite challenging to worry about. inclination would bebut to increase avenues andcare you of may earn throughout the year;asespecially tillyour October, progressive.

Overall, mixed results will avoid be becoming through more than one sources.

However, workaholic, it may affect thereafter would beare able to enjoy seen. health. March to May looks a bit low and after October, somethey health issues possible.

Trygood to eat healthy. Drive carefully. Domestic life will andplace, harmonious with believe some in life.beAtgood work you would occasional issues. However, you should avoid feeling of detachment or lack of contentment SAGITTARIUS putting your extra efforts to get desired in per domestic life and avoid uttering wrongfor words.

MaritalSeniors life will would beget good results, but As the predictions of 2018 horoscope results. be quite demanding; health of spouse may give you hiccups.

Love life will gain strength.

Domination Sagittarius, this year will provide you with hence, you need to cope up with over all these opponents would be there.

Overall, a good year for you,at health should be of ontime. check. several opportunities to grow further in life. things a single point January may Your determination will be high enough to have quite challenging period for finance make this year a perfect one. Income flow hence; postpone any big deal for February; 2018 will be a year where you would be able to understand what the life is all will increase till March. Thereafter till May, thereafter your income would increase with a about. On one side, your expenditure would be excessive and you would feel your expenditure would increase, but after good flow. Marital life will be in good essence that your finance is being declined. On the other side, your health would give that again you will on right for rest and yourconnections spouse would extend you hiccups.

But,track you would getofsome foreign through themtheir your level the year. So, earnings finance will notincrease. be a reason to bestyou efforts to help in all endeavors. would At workplace, would gain you in authority, but stay Your worry about. inclination would be to into relationship between yougive andyou your spouse away from anyYour controversy.

Getting involved any controversy might a bad increase earning avenues and you mayatearn will strengthen, you’ll able toand achieve name, with people pointing fingers you even you’re not and guilty.

Yourbeprofile through more thanwould one increase sources. and However, things together.

You project may change reputation at work may get amany new assignment or important in avoid becoming workaholic, as it may your residence toespecialprofessional your hand.

Maintain good relations with affect seniors, as theycurrent would extend theirdue favors ly during March and would and a bond togetherness your health.

March toMay. May Domestic looks a bitlife low and flourish obligations.

AfterofOctober, you would would see gainOctober, more strength.

In marital misunderstanding would take place which you this after some health issueslife, aresome possible. much positive changes in life.

Overall, should avoid.

After Drive October, your married life would and you wouldyou enjoy Try to eat healthy. carefully.

Domestic year also will improve be an years where should good Overall, an year with to excel in lifegive and improve yourfirst weaknesses. life willpersonal be goodlife. and harmonious some your health priority and maintain occasional issues. However, you should avoid balance in all walks of life. feeling of detachment lack contentment This is the or year forofAquarius, predicts 2018 horoscope. Your decisions will lay in domestic foundation life and avoid uttering of your growthwrong during the year. Your main focus would be on words. Marital life willyour beget good increasing wealth andresults, due to your hard efforts, you would be able to make but health of spouse give you hiccups. this year amay profitable one and your financial status would enhance. Long would take place. You would take wise and productive decisions. Your Love life willjourneys gain strength.

Domination over state of health would be strong and you would get rid from any past illness. Seniors will opponents would be there.

Overall, a good appreciate Yourshould qualitybeofon work will improve along with your output, and you'll be able year for you,you. health check. to impress your colleagues with your way and management skills. You would indulge in virtuous pursuits. Marital life would have essence of love and affection. However, first two CAPRICORN months challenging, therebemay 2018 willare be aa bit year where you as would ablebe some tiffs or health issues of your spouse.

Those in love relations, this year will demand their more focused attention and they need to understand what the life is all about. On to understand each-other very well. Overall, a positive and progressive year for you. one side, your expenditure would be excessive and you would feel that your finance is being As per horoscope 2018, sensitive Pisces people need to take care of their declined. On thethe other side, of your health throughout especially would give health you hiccups.

But,the youyear; would get till October, thereafter they would be able to enjoy good life. Atthrough work place, you would believe in putting your extra efforts some foreign connections them to get desired results.AtSeniors would be quite demanding; hence, you need to your earnings would increase. workplace, cope up with all these things at a single point of time. January may have quite you would gain in authority, but stay away challenging period for finance hence; postpone any big deal for February; thereafter your from any controversy. Getting involved into income would increase with a good flow. Marital life will be in good essence and your any controversy mighttheir givelevel you best a bad name, spouse would extend efforts to help you in all endeavors. Your relationship with people fingers will at strengthen, you even and you’ll be able to achieve many things between you pointing and your spouse you’re not You guilty.

Your profile andcurrent reputation together. may change your residence due to professional obligations. After atOctober, work would increase and may get achanges new you would see much positive in life. Overall, this year will be an years assignment or important projectfirst in priority your and maintain balance in all walks of life. where you should give your health hand. Maintain good relations with seniors, as they would extend their favors especially

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Jobert Sucaldito charged with 37 counts of cyber libel filed by Erik Santos

ahaharap ang radio host at reporter na si Jobert Sucaldito sa kasong 37 counts of cyber libel kaugnay ng patung-patong na reklamong isinampa ng Kapamilya singer na si Erik Santos at talent manager nitong si Erickson Raymundo sa Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office noong March 30, 2017.

Ito ay sa kadahilanang mayroon umanong “sufficient ground” ang inireklamong malisyoso at mapanirang Facebook posts ni Jobert patungkol sa dalawang complainants.

Base ito sa joint resolution ng Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office, na may petsang October 12, 2017, at may lagda nina Investigating Prosecutor Julan Ilao at Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Jaime Villanueva.

Dito ay nakasaad ang detalyadong pagsusuri sa alegasyon ni Jobert hinggil sa diumano’y mapanlinlang na paraan ng Cornerstone Talent Management, na pinamumunuan ni Raymundo, sa pagkuha ng proyekto mula sa ibang talent management groups.

Sabi sa isang bahagi ng resolusyon: “A careful scrutiny of the Facebook posts complained of disclosed that they were ostensibly made with malice tending to insult and tarnishes the reputation of Mr. Raymundo and Santos, and Cornerstone.

“The fact that Mr. Sucaldito is alleging that the company of Mr. Raymundo was undercutting projects from other people, employing underhanded means in order to book artists under his management, engaging in unfair competition, and becoming swell-headed, disparage the integrity of the latter. “Further, the fact that Mr. Raymundo is the President and Founder of Cornerstone should be sufficient to prejudice Mr. Raymundo with Mr. Sucaldito’s accusations and allegations.

“These accusation smack of bad faith and reveal an intention to besmirch the name and reputation of Mr. Raymundo, as well as Cornerstone.”

Nakasaad din sa resolusyon ang pagsusuri sa Facebook posts ni Jobert kung saan inatake ng radio host/reporter ang diumano’y respective gender preference ni Erik at ng kanyang manager.

Partikular na sa mga diumano’y

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mapanirang paglalarawan ni Jobert sa mga kinasangkutang insidente nina Erik at Erickson na masasabing “gay” o “bakla” diumano ang mga ito.

Sabi sa resolusyon: “With regard to the Facebook posts insinuating complainants as ‘gays’, the Undersigned agrees with the respondent that the word ‘gay’ is not an insult per se. “In determining whether such allegation is defamatory or not, what should be considered is how the matter was conveyed to a fair and reasonable man and not the intention of the author.

“To tell another person he is ‘gay’ whether it be true or not, should be construed as to its context and what it is to third persons.

“Statements should not be interpreted by taking the words one by one out of context; they must be taken in their entirety.

“It does not hinge on whether or not the word ‘gay’ is an insult or not.

“In the instant case, taken in its entirety, it is apparent that respondent has no other intention to call Mr. Raymundo and Santos as ‘gay’ or ‘bakla’, but to defame them or disparage their integrity and honor.

“In this case, respondent’s remarks against complainants breached the said walls since all the flak that were directed against them even whent beyond personal and not directed to Mr. Raymundo as President of an agency or to Mr. Santos as a celebrity.

“Respondent went beyond his duties as a newsperson to actually attack a complainant’s personal preferences in life.”

Nag-ugat ang kaso sa blind item ni Jobert tungkol sa isang “male grand winner” na diumano’y hindi sumipot sa dapat sana’y paglabas nito sa isang TV show dahil lumipad papuntang Hong Kong upang kitain ang karelasyon nitong isang lalaki rin.

Mayroon ding blind item si Jobert tungkol sa talent management na diumano’y “mahilig manulot” ng shows mula sa ibang talent groups sa pamamagitan ng “BUY ONE TAKE ONE kaya ang ibang artists ay nababump off.” Makikita ang mga nasabing blind items sa Facebook posts ni Jobert noong March 10.

CHARGED Continued on Page 19

Deadly fires highlight housing safety issues for migrant workers

I

n the past two months, 15 people, including at least seven from Southeast Asia, have died in two fires that ravaged buildings in northern Taiwan.

The first incident occurred Nov. 22 at an apartment building in New Taipei City’s Zhonghe District, killing nine people, some of whom were living in an illegally constructed fifth-floor apartment that had no fire safety features. On Dec. 14, six of 12 Vietnamese migrant workers housed in a factory dormitory in Taoyuan died in a fire that destroyed a factory warehouse, which was also the site of an illegally designated dorm.

The deaths of the 15 individuals have highlighted the issue of low-income housing safety and standards in Taiwan and turned the spotlight in particular on accommodation for migrant workers.

“The latest incident in Taoyuan showed major negligence on the part of the local government, which apparently failed to detect the factory’s violation of safety protocols despite several inspections by the relevant city authorities,” said Kuomintang (KMT) Legislator Lin Li-chan, Taiwan’s first new immigrant lawmaker.

According to Taoyuan authorities, the most recent inspection of the factory site was in August and the owners were fined NT$30,000 (US$1,000) for safety issues at the factory itself. However, there was no inspection of the factory warehouse, where the 12 Vietnamese workers were housed in a 48-square meter dormitory in a secondfloor space that was not licensed for such a purpose.

In Taiwan, there are many such factory dormitories, but Taoyuan labor affairs officials said that under the law, they are not required to inspect those facilities.

The paradox lies in the fact that factory owners are required by law to provide accommodation for their migrant workers, either by allocating space to them in a dormitory, or giving them off-dorm housing for which NT$5,000 per month is deducted from the worker’s pay, according to Karen Hsu, secretary-general of the Global Workers’ Organization in Taiwan.

In many cases, factory dormitories, like the one in Taoyuan, are built without any attention to fire prevention because the factory operators are trying to save money, said Hsu whose organization provides foreign workers with information about living, working and studying in Taiwan.

In the case of the New Taipei City incident, the units were small spaces with flimsy partitions, which were in violation of the city’s safety codes and quickly went up in flames when an arsonist lit a fire in the stairwell of the building.

“It’s like living in a powder keg that could explode at any moment,” Hsu said of the housing situation for migrant workers and new immigrants.

In the wake of the two fatal fires, migrant

and immigrant rights groups and others have been calling for better regulations and extensive investigations into the conditions of dormitories and cheap accommodation offered to blue-collar migrant workers.

“Before granting Taiwanese employers licenses to import workers, the relevant government authorities should first inspect the dormitories provided by those employers,” Peter Nguyen, founder of the Vietnamese Migrant Workers and Brides Office in Taoyuan, suggested earlier this month.

Meanwhile, some blue-collar migrant workers in Taiwan are engaging in networking in an effort to protect their safety. While there is no panic among migrant workers at this time, they are trying to exchange information among themselves about which residential facilities to avoid and similar matters relating to safety, said Nia from Indonesia.

Concerns have also been expressed among migrant workers about reports that no insurance will be paid to the families of the six Vietnamese workers who perished in the Taoyuan fire since the workers were not on the job at the time. “It’s unfair because they were asked to live in the dormitory in the first place,” Vietnamese migrant worker Vu Thi Thuy Hang said.

Such reports in the aftermath of the two fatal fires have also brought to the forefront other issues related to migrant workers, such as poor treatment by employers, long hours, and high wage deductions by brokers.

Legislator Lin said the government only pays lip service to the protection of their rights of the 610,000 blue-collar migrant workers in Taiwan. “In a country that places high importance on the protection of human rights, the government should make stronger efforts to safeguard the basic rights of migrant workers,” she said. “Otherwise, the administration would hardly be able to meet its goal of recruiting and keeping foreign talent.”

Authorities, however, have said they are already taking steps to address the situation.

For example, since the fire in New Taipei in November, the city government has said it is giving priority to safety checks on small partitioned living units like those in Zhonghe where the immigrants died.

The central government has also become involved, holding several meetings with local governments to ask that they take stronger measures to deal with the issues, in particular the problem of illegal structures, Deputy Minister of Interior Hua Ching-chun said.

“We will also see what we can do to give the local governments more resources and more flexible mechanisms to demolish such structures,” he said. “This is a matter that concerns not only migrant workers but underprivileged citizens, who all are entitled to a safe residential environment.”

—Focus Taiwan

abandoned them – even though their actions could have resulted in their own deportation.

“The Filipino domestic workers decided to stay even though they no longer [had] employment contracts, risking deportation for violation of local migrant-labor laws,” the MECO said in a statement on December 11.

According to the office, the Philippine

government has compensated the two domestic workers for their unpaid salaries and fixed their employment status in Taiwan.

Camilote and Bonilla have since found new employers. In Taiwan, Filipinos make up the second-largest group of migrant workers, most of them employed in factories or as caregivers for the elderly.

Filipino pair honored for taking care of abandoned boys

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wo Filipino domestic workers in Taiwan have been recognized by the Philippine government for taking care of two boys suffering from cerebral palsy after their parents abandoned them in July.

Their story came to the attention of the Philippine representative office in Taiwan after it was published by Asia Times.

On December 11, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), as the representative office is officially known, honored Joylyn Catulos Camilote and Joyce Ann Cudal Bonilla for their actions, GMA News reported.

In July, the two domestic workers agreed to continue caring for the two boys who suffered from cerebral palsy after their parents

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JANUARY 2018

Regrets and New Year

amakailan, nakabili ako nang isang sasakyan na ipinasubasta (auction) ng gobyerno. Mga sasakyan na sinamsam at di na natubos. Marami na ang naunang nasubasta, kaya tira na lang ang ilang sasakyan. Kaunti na rin ang interesado kaya sa maliit na halaga nakuha ko ang isang 1999 car model. Akala ko naka-jackpot ako. Subalit nang ma-i-uwi na, saka ko napansin na may engine problem bagaman tumatakbo. Ang policy, no return, no exchange.

Kailangan ko pang ipa-ayos ito upang magamit pa. Nanghinayang tuloy ako. Maaaring sabihin na lahat ng tao ay may regrets sa buhay. Ang regrets ay hindi kanais nais na pakiramdam sa mga nakaraan pangyayari bunga ng mga ginawa at ikinilos natin. Malimit naihahayag ito sa salitang “sorry.” Ang pakiramdam na dala ng regrets ay malimit lungkot, kahihiyan, pagkalugami, irritasyon o kasalanan na pinanghihinayangan at iniisip na sana ay hindi na nangyari ang mga bagay na iyon. Ang regrets ay maaaring makahadlang sa iyong kapayapaan, magdala ng dalamhati at mapigilan ang iyong pag-unlad sa buhay.

Tatlong uri ng regrets: (1) Mga regrets dahil sa nagawa mo. Maaaring nakagawa ka ng maling desisyon gaya ng pagbili ko ng lumang sasakyan.

Maaaring nakapag sinungaling ka sa kasama.

Maaaring nakawaldas ka ng pera sinasadya man o hindi. Maaaring hindi mo napigil ang sarili at nakasakit ka sa kapwa. Maaaring na-lulong ka sa masama at nakakasirang bisyo. (2) Mga regrets dahil sa hindi mo nagawa. Maaaring may opportunidad na hindi mo na-aksyunan at nakalampas tuloy. Maaaring may mga bagay na dapat sana sinabi mo ngunit hindi mo na nabanggit.

Maaaring may tao na dapat sana pinatawad mo ngunit ipinagkait mo. (3) Mga regrets dahil sa reaksyon mo. Maaaring may mga hindi pagkakaunawaan sa iyong sariling pamilya, kaibigan, o ka-trabaho na pinabayaan mong lumala imbes na inayos mo. Mga bintang na hindi mo niliwanag at naging masama ka. Karaniwan, nauulit at nalulubog ka sa regrets kapag naulit ang mga gayung pangyayari. Ang tawag sa ganitong paulit-ulit na regrets ay “Sorry Cycle.” Sinabi ni Mellani Greenberg na isang Psychologist, nakakapinsala sa isip at katawan ang epekto ng regrets na paulit-ulit. Ito ay nakaka-paralyze o nakakalumpo sa taong hindi ma-resolba ang mga regrets. Hindi kasi ito puedeng ipawalang bahala. Gaya ng beach ball na inilubog sa tubig, lilitaw itong muli. Sa bagong taon na ito, ang good news ay puede kang maka-hulagpos sa sorry cycle at maka-pagsimula muli. Paano ba?

1. Harapin mo. Huwag mong itago ang iyong regrets o ibaon sa kalimot at akalain na mawawala na lamang ito at matatahimik ka na. Gaya ng sinabi, walang iniwan ang regrets sa isang beach ball. Ilubog mo man sa ilalim ng tubig, tatalbog at lulutang iyan. May kapangyarihan itong sirain ang iyong buhay. Sa Pilipinas, ang basurang itinapon sa dagat at ilog ay bumabalik at lumilitaw muli gaya ng nangyari sa mga nakaraang bagyo. Sa pagbalik ng mga basura, dala ang baha, kasiraan, sakit at mga buhay na nasira. Mas mabuting harapin ito bagaman masakit alalahanin. Paano? Idala mo una sa panalangin. Ganito ang pangako ng Diyos kung iluluhog mo sa Kanya sa panalangin ayon sa Filipos 4:6-7, “Huwag kayong mabalisa patungkol sa anumang bagay. Sa halip, ipaalam ninyo ang inyong mga kahilingan sa Diyos na may pasa-

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salamat sa pamamagitan ng panalangin at ng panalanging may paghiling. At ang kapayapaang mula sa Diyos, na higit sa anumang pang-unawa, ang siyang mag-iingat sa inyong mga puso at pag-iisip sa pamamagitan ni Cristo Jesus.” Nais ng Diyos na maka-hulagpos ka at tumanggap ng kapayapaan at tulong upang ma-resolba mo ang nakaraan regrets.

2. Resolbahin mo. Kung ikaw ang may kagagawan ng mga nangyari, humingi ka ng tawad sa nagawan mo ng kasalanan. Ganito ang pangako ng Diyos kapag ginawa mo ang gayon ayon sa Santiago 5:16, “Ipahayag ninyo ang inyong mga pagsalangsang sa isa’t isa. Manalangin kayo para sa isa’t isa, upang gumaling kayo....” Sino ba ang inatraso mo nitong nakaraang taon o mga taon?

Humingi ka ng tawad at makipagsundo. Kung matagal na ang nangyari, at na-aalangan ka, puede mong sulatan muna ang taong na-atraso mo. Puede mo rin regaluhan kug makakatulong.

Maging handa na areglohin mo ito. Paano kung ayaw pa-areglo kamo? Hindi mo na kasalanan kapag nagawa mo na ang parte mo at tumangging makipag-areglo. Ang mahalaga ay lubos at tutuo sa puso mo na makipag-ayos sa harapan ng Diyos. Maaari rin na magbago ang isip ng taong iyon sa ibang panahon. Kakatigan ka ng Diyos kapag nagpakumbaba ka, lalo at ikaw ang may atraso. Kung ang sarili mo naman ang nasaktan sa nagawa mo at hindi ibang tao. Halimbawa, sa hindi sinasadyang pangyayari, ipinagbilin sa iyo ang isang bagay at nawala ito, nasira, o anoman. Kung pinatawad ka na at kung nabayaran mo na, patawarin mo na ang iyong sarili sa pagkakamaling nagawa. Kung kapwa tao mo naman ang naka-atraso sa iyo, patawarin mo rin.

Ganito ang pangako ni Jesus sa Mateo 6:14-15, “Ito ay sapagkat kung patawarin ninyo ang mga tao sa kanilang pagsalangsang, patatawarin din kayo ng inyong Ama na nasa langit. Ngunit kung hindi ninyo patawarin ang mga tao sa kanilang mga pagsalangsang, hindi rin kayo patatawarin ng inyong Ama sa inyong pagsalangsang.” Marami, ang reaksyon ay ganito, “Ano, patawarin ko?” Masyadong masakit at malaki ang ginawa sa akin ng kamoteng iyon tapos patawarin ko?

Ano, masuwerte siya! Ganuon na lamang ba iyon? Pero kaibigan, alalahanin mo na malaki ang atraso natin sa Diyos. Pinako ang bugtong na Anak ng Diyos na si Jesu Cristo pambayad sa atraso mo at atraso ko. Kasalanan natin ang pumatay sa Anak ng Diyos. Kamatayan kasi ang kabayaran sa kasalanan (Roma 6:23). Sinaktan ng ating mga kasalanan ang Diyos. Sa kabila nuon, Diyos pa ang nagpakumbaba. Nagawa niya ito sa sa laki ng pag-ibig sa atin. Ayaw niyang mapahamak tayo sa impierno. Iyan din ang dahilan kung bakit tayo ay nararapat maging mapagpatawad.

Sinabi ni Jesus, hindi ka rin patatawarin ng Ama sa langit kung hindi ka magpapatawad sa kapwa na nagkasala sa iyo. Kung mahapdi para sa iyo gunitain ang mga pangyayari sa buhay...,

3. Ipatubos mo. Ang ideya ng pagtutubos ay may kinalaman sa proseso ng sanglaan. Kunwari ay nagsanla ka ng alahas sa Bahay Sanglaan (Pawn Shop) kapalit ng isang halaga. Subalit sa hindi mo inaasahang pangyayari ay hindi mo nakayang tubusin sa takdang panahon. Nailit tuloy. Tanggal na ang karapatan mong tubusin ito.

Para mabawi ng Sanglaan ang halagang nakuha mo, isusubasta niya ang iyong alahas. Gayun din naman, nakasanla na tayo sa impierno bunga ng ating kasalanan at yan ang nagpapahirap at nagpapahapdi ng buhay. Ang mahirap pa nito, hindi natin kayang tubusin ang sarili. Iyan ang dahilan kung bakit maraming sorry cycles ang buhay. Darating ang takdang panahon at iilitin tayo. Saan ka lalapit bago mailit ang iyong buhay? Diyos lamang ang puedeng tumubos sa ating pagkakasanla sa impierno. Why not? Bago dumating ang bagong taon, ipatubos mo sa Diyos ang buhay sa pamamagitan ng pagsisisi at pananampalataya kay Jesu Cristo (ang Dakilang manunubos). Gawin mo bago pa mailit ang lahat at tutuong magiging Happy and Blessed New Year!

Duterte defends granddaughter’s Malacañang photo shoot

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resident Duterte came to his granddaughter Isabelle’s defense after her pre-debut photo shoot in Malacañang was criticized by netizens.

Isabelle, daughter of Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, brought top stylists and makeup artists to the Presidential residence to have her photos taken for her 18th birthday celebration. Duterte, during the birthday celebration of Senator Manny Pacquiao in General Santos City, said the photo shoot should not be an issue.

“Ano ba naman ‘yan? Kadugo ko ‘yan eh. Small matter, gamitin lang ‘yung Malacañan. Wala naman ako doon (Come on. She is my blood. She just had a photo shoot, it’s a small matter. I was not even there),” Duterte said.

“But even if I was there, itong granddaughter ko magpa-picture, lahat nga ng mga bisita pumupunta diyan, nagpapa-picture eh (She just had her photos taken, every visitor there does that),” he added.

Malacañang earlier appealed to the public to cut the Dutertes some slack since they already opted not to live in the Presidential residence. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Duterte’s granddaughter and her team probably went through proper documentation before proceeding with the photo shoot.

“Everything has to go through a process here. If I’m not mistaken even ‘yung pagpasok sa (just the mere entry) Malacañang has to be recorded somewhere, it has to be approved,” Roque had told Malacañang reporters.

“I do not know who requested but they already opted not to live in the Palace. Kung ginusto nila, pwede silang tumira doon at our expense. Hindi naman po nila ginawa ‘yun. ‘Wag naman po nating ipagkait ‘yung photo opportunity sa loob ng Palasyo (If they want to, they could have decided to live in the Palace at our expense. They did not do that.

Let’s not deny them that photo opportunity inside the Palace),” he added.

Netizens criticized Isabelle’s photo shoot particularly her posing by the Philippine flag, the Presidential Seal, and the Presidential Flag. According to Roque, he believes Isabelle did not violate any law or executive order when she posed with the Presidential symbols. Communications assistant secretary Margaux “Mocha” Uson also defended Isabelle when she dared those who criticized Duterte’s granddaughter to just file a case.

“May batas daw na nalabag dahil sa pag gamit ng seal? Eh bakit hindi nalang mag demanda may batas palang nalabag (They said a law was violated because they used the seal? Why don’t they just file a case if so),” Uson, who will be taking up law next year, said in her Facebook page.

According to section 3 of Executive Order no. 310 signed by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2004, the Seal, Flag, and Coat-of-Arms of the President and Vice President “shall be exclusively used to represent the President of the Philippines”.

Section 3 further states the Seal and Flag can only be used in print resource materials when explaining or describing the history of the Presidential symbols.

The symbols can also be used to describe or exhibit them in libraries, museums, or educational facilities. They can also be used as architectural embellishments in libraries, museums, monuments or archives established to house the papers or effects of former or incumbent Presidents or Vice Presidents.

The symbols can also be used by way of “photographic or electronic visual reproduction in pictures, moving pictures, telecasts, or otherwise of bona fide news content”.

They can also be used for exceptional historical, educational, or newsworthy purposes as may be authorized in writing by the Office of Presidential Protocol.

—Manila Bulletin

More Filipinos embrace mobile banking for convenience with bill payments, money transfer—survey

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n 2016, over half of Filipinos with smartphones used mobile banking services at least once a week, with the top two reasons being convenience and availability. Every year, the Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes study surveys 500 Filipinos to obtain information on their online payment habits. The study also found that almost three in four Filipinos with smartphones have a banking app. The app saves a visit to the bank: 80 percent of those surveyed said they would rather check their account balances and pay bills on their phone than go to a physical branch.

Eighty-five percent of Filipinos use their banking apps to check account balances and 63 percent pay their bills on it. Fifty-nine percent transfer money through the app.

Among those surveyed, 65 percent made a purchase via their smartphone. Mobile payments are made at least once a week (41 percent). A major factor in mobile payment adoption is having a smartphone. This was cited as one of the top three reasons to

make mobile payments, the other two being convenience and security of payments. Ondemand services such as transport network vehicle services (TNVS) like Uber and Grab have contributed greatly to the use of mobile payment. Six in 10 Filipinos surveyed said they have used the mobile payment to book transportation and to avail themselves of beauty services. The number is even higher for the emerging affluent at 70 percent.

Convenience, efficiency and shopping at their own homes were cited as the main reasons for paying via mobile phone. By 2020, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) hopes to fulfill its cash-lite program, which mans most financial transactions will become digital. In 2016, a Brookings report stated the Philippines had the largest improvement in digital and financial inclusion, up by eight points from 2015. Smartphone penetration, adoption of mobile money accounts, and the launch of the Philippine National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI) contributed to the increase in score.

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JANUARY 2018

Model OFW families honored in Malacañang

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he Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has recognized two exemplary overseas Filipino worker (OFW) families for their achievements and contributions to their respective communities.

They were honored in an awarding ceremony for the annual Model OFW Family of The Year Award (MOFYA) on December 5, in Malacañang. National Capital Region’s Leo Rafer de Velez and his family are this year’s national winner for the land-based category.

Soccsksargen’s Noe Canja Diola and his family are the winners for the sea-based category.

De Velez family

Leo De Velez and wife, Maria Elaine, received this year's national award for the landbased category of the 2017 Model OFW Family of the Year Award.

De Velez is an engineer and a resident of Las Pinas City. He was a mechanical engineering board topnotcher who joined Shell Corporation, assuming managerial positions in its Philippines office and Singapore headquarters, until his retirement in 2013. His wife Maria Elaine, meanwhile, was a senior director for research and development of Johnson and Johnson Asia Pacific in Singapore. Upon returning to the Philippines, they started a company, which helped many children successfully pass the national competitive examinations administered by the Philippines Science High School. Leo Noe Diola and his family posed for a picture after also created an e-teaching medium for late receiving the national award for the seabased learners and indigenous communities. They category of the Model OFW Family of the Year Award. also helped in restoring a 500-year-old church in their hometown of Vinzons, Camarines Norte. l Crisanto Limbauan - Enrile, Cagayan Leo De Velez and wife, Maria Elaine, receives l Patricio Fernando - Dinalupihan, Bataan this year’s national award for the landbased l Teodorico Pagkaliwangan - Indang Cavite category of the 2017 Model OFW Family of l Edgardo Nardo - Boac, Marinduque the Year Award. Leo De Velez and wife, Maria l Benito Casquejo - Tabaco City, Albay Elaine, receives this year’s national award for l Agustin Bedia - Oton, Iloilo the landbased category of the 2017 Model OFW l Emerico Gepilano - Banawa, Cebu City l Captain Rodello Ponay - Catbalogan City, Family of the Year Award.

Samar l Captain Romulo Elagor - Dipolog City, Diola family Zamboanga del Norte Also an engineer, Diola is from Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, and was raised l Cesar Maderal - Mahayahay, Iligan City by a widowed mother. His wife, Angelita, a l Remegildo Banderado - Lanang, Davao City dentist, focused on raising their children and l Noe Diola, Pigcawayan - North Cotabato (National winner) managing their business. Their two eldest children are now doctors, while their youngest l Jun Salazar - Parang, Maguindanao is a Grade 9 student. The husband and wife l Roberto Vizcarra - Guisad, Baguio City have sponsored medical and dental missions l Napoleon Jovita - San Juan, Surigao City and outreach programs in their community. l Rodrigo Pulvera - Batasan Hills, Quezon City They have also helped beneficiaries under Special awards: the Department of Labor and Employment’s Meanwhile, Central Visayas’ Emerico Special Program for Employment of Scholars. Gepilano and his family were given the Special The two national winners received a trophy and Award for Community Service. Gapilano comes P500,000 each. They were chosen from 17 from a family of seafarers from Banawa, Cebu families of land-based OFWs and another 17 City, and holds a degree in marine transportation. families of sea-based workers who won in the He and 6 other seafarers put up a maritime regional searches. The regional winners were review and training center, which helps aspiring seafarers and undertakes community outreach given P30,000 each. programs. They have sponsored cleft palate surgeries, feeding programs, and scholarships Here are the regional winners: for the less fortunate. Also from Region 7, Land-based: Gerry Paglinawan and his family from Mabolo, l Russell Vilmer Tandoc - Dagupan City, Cebu City, were given the Special Award for Pangasinan Entrepreneurship. A fine arts graduate, Gerry l Marcela Valdez - Villaverde, Nueva Vizcaya became a director of design for a prestigious l Nestor Dizon - Pampanga exporter in Vietnam from 1996 to 2010 and in l Antonio Fernandez China in 2013 to 2017. The family is engaged in l Abad Arellano successful business enterprises in Zamboanga l Nicolas Perez - Nabua, Camarines Sur and Cebu. The two families from Cebu City were l Antonio Morales - La Paz, Iloilo given a plaque and check worth P75,000 each. l Gerry Paglinawan- Cebu City 3 domestic workers were also given the l Salvador Villalino - Catbalogan, Samar Natatanging Kalihim Award: l Albie Usama- Zamboanga City l Marchela Echevere Valdez l Aurelia Lunsayan- Sumilao, Bukidnon l Radiya Bergado Mustapa l Radiya Mustapa - Mati, Davao Oriental l Evelyn Licos Camenda l Evelyn Camendan - Takurong City, Sultan President Rodrigo Duterte graced the Kudarat awarding ceremony. In his speech, Duterte l Sultan Samer Tatak - Mamasapano, told the OFW families that he is confident Maguindanao they will be “steadfast partners of government l Saturnino Valencia - Baguio City in promoting the FIlipinos’ greatness in the l Dr Rolando Hordista - Trento, Agusan international community.” “Hand in hand, let us del Sur continue to strive for a more prosperous and l Leo De Velez - Las Piñas (national winner) comfortable life for your family and to the future Sea-based: generation of Filipinos,” he said. – Rappler l Michael Eugenio - Pugo, La Union

Filipina wins Miss Tourism International in Malaysia

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he Philippines continued its winning streak in beauty pageants this year when a Filipina was crowned Miss Tourism International 2017 at a pageant held in Malaysia last December 6.

Jannie Alipo-on, of Navotas City, became the fourth Filipina to win in the 23-year-old beauty pageant. The 25-year-old model is a business management graduate of the De La Salle-College of St Benilde in Malate, Manila.

Previous Filipino winners in the same contest were Maria Esperanza Manzano (2000), the late Rizzini Alexis Gomez (2012) and Angeli Dione Gomez (2013).

The Miss Tourism International pageant is usually held on New Year’s Eve. But starting this year, organizers changed its format and decided to stage it before Christmas.

Alipo-on won a scholarship worth RM60,000 from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology; RM10,000 cash, trophy and other prizes from this year’s pageant sponsors. Miss Poland Maja Aleksandra was named Miss Tourism Metropolitan International; Miss Indonesia Lois Merry Tengel, Miss Tourism Cosmopolitan; Miss Australia Diana Hills Miss Tourism Global; Miss Brazil Julia Do Vale Horta, Dream Girl of the Year; and Miss Thailand Kamolrut Tanon, Miss Southeast Asia.

Miss Malaysia Melissa Ng Sook Khuan won the Miss Glowing Glojas special award.

Mutya ng Pilipinas President Hemilyn Escudero-Tamayo congratulated Alipo-on for her victory. ”Thank you so much Father God! Congratulations to us!” With the theme “Promoting Tourism, Culture and Friendship,” the beauty pageant is an international talent search platform aimed at promoting Visit Malaysia Year 2020. In the competition, Alipoon said on Instagram that she considers Miss Brazil a very nice person. “One of my favs Ms. Brazil @juliahorta. You’re always such a beautiful and kind hearted-person. Thank you for always being so nice to me. And congraaaaaats! The moment you’ve been waiting for! New sash! Miss Langkawi 2017.”

A

Miss Philippines Jannie Loudette Alipo-on has been crowned as Miss Tourism International 2017 on December 13, 2017.

Before Alipo-on competed abroad, she said that she was very thrilled to represent the Philippines in the Miss Tourism International pageant. “I still can’t believe this is really…really happening.. from not knowing what to do in life to representing my country Philippines in an international pageant. (Goose bumps!!!) This is a big responsibility (OMG). I guess, This is another awesome chapter in my life and I will be forever grateful, especially to those people who believed in me. Wohoo!” said Alipo-on.

Alipo-on is one of Filipino beauty queens to win an international title this year.

Other winners were Miss Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco and Reina Hispanoamericana Teresita Marquez. Fellow Mutya ng Pilipinas Ilene won 4th runner-up in the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant held in Manila recently.

It wasn’t an easy road for Alipo-on in beauty pageants. She never stopped dreaming and joined Mutya ng Pilipinas three times.

It was only during her third try in August this year that she won in the prestigious local competition. Alipo-on also competed in major pageants such as Miss Philippines Earth and Miss World Philippines.

—Manila Bulletin

18-year-old Filipino wins int’l science video contest

n 18-year-old Filipino won in this year’s Breakthrough Junior Challenge, an annual global science video competition. Hillary Andales, a student of Philippine Science High School-Eastern Visayas Campus, will receive $250,000 in educational prizes, while her teacher will get $50,000 and her school, a new laboratory worth $100,000. Her entry was a 3-minute video explaining the concept of equivalence of reference frames, part of general relativity.

In her acknowledgement speech,

Andales urged the Filipino youth to delve into the study of science and technology. “May this inspire more young people, especially my dear Filipinos, to look up and become scientists themselves – the stars that we should all look up to,” Andales said. She bested more than 11,000 students, coming from 178 countries, in this year’s competition. The organizers said a total of 3,200 videos were submitted this year.

WINS

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JANUARY 2018

Estudyante: Boss mag-apply po ako Manager: Mag-aapply ka? Eh bakit nakatrunks at shades ka? Anong position ba inaaplayan mo?

Estudyante: Summer job po --------------------------------------------------------Job interview Employer: Isa sa hinahanap naming sa application ay yung responsible Applicant: Sir, responsible po ako Employer: Talaga?

Applicant: Oo, Sir. Dun sa dati kong trabaho, pag may di magandang nangyayari ay ako ang laging itinuturong responsible.

--------------------------------------------------------The boss asks: “Do you have any sales experience?”

The Pinoy says: “Sir, I was a salesman back home in Manila.”

Well, the boss liked the Pinoy chappie so he gave him the job. “You start tomorrow. I’ll come down after we close and see how you did.”

His first day on the job was rough but he got through it. After the store was locked up, the boss came down. “How many sales did you make today?”

Pinoy boy says: “Sir, just one sale.”

The boss says: “Just one? No! No! No! You see here our sales people average 20 or 30 sales a day. If you want to keep this job, you’d better be doing better than just one sale. By the way, how much was the sale for?”

Pinoy boy says: “$101 237.64” Boss says: $101 237.64? What the hell did you sell?”

Pinoy boy says: “Sir, first I sell him small fishhook.

Then I sell him medium fishhook.

Then I sell him large fishhook.

Then I sell him new fishing rod and some fishing gear.

Then I ask him where he’s going fishing and he said down on the coast, so I told him he’ll be needing a boat, so we went down to the boating department and I sell him twin engine Chris Craft.

Then he said he didn’t think his Honda Civic would pull it, so I took him down to our automotive department and sell him that 4 x 4 Blazer.

I then ask him where he’ll be staying, and since he had no accommodation, I took him to camping department and sell him one of those new igloo 6 sleeper Camper Tents.

Then the guy said, while we’re at it, I should throw in about $100 worth of groceries and two cases of beer.”

The Boss said: “You’re not serious? A guy came in hereto by a fishhook and you sold him a boat, a 4 x 4 truck and a tent?”

Pinoy Boy says: “No sir, actually he came in to buy Tylenol for his headache and I said:” We’ll, fishing is the best way to relax your mind!”

--------------------------------------------------------The most hurtful words that your dad can tell you: “kung alam ko lang sanang magiging pasaway ka… sana pinahid na lang kita sa kumot!

Pero mas masakit pag mom mo ang nagsabi sayo ng “Kung alam ko lang sanang magiging pasaway ka…sana nilunok na lang kita!”

--------------------------------------------------------Courting period “Breakfast time nap o. Eat ka na. Wag ka magskip ng meal.”

First 3 mos. Mag on “Baby , did you eat na ba? Eat ka na. I love you!”

4-8 months “Baby, eat muna ako. Eat ka na din. I love you.”

9-12 months “Baby, gutom na ako. Eat muna ako.”

After ng 1st year anniversary ‘Eh sa hindi ako makapagreply dahil kumakain ako eh! Kumakain yung tao, text ka ng text!

Bwiset namang buhay to oh!”

--------------------------------------------------------Use Barack Obama in a sentence Mama: Anak, timpla mo nga ako ng kape…

Anak: Barako ba Ma? --------------------------------------------------------Si Pedro ay nakapulot ng bote na may genie sa loob.

Genie: Hohoho! Bibigyan ktia ng 3 kahilingan.

Pedro: 1 Gusto kong tumira sa malaking bahay 2. Gusto kong puti ang complexion ko.

3. Gusto ko lahat ng babaeng makakita sa akin ay maghuhubad ng panty at papatong sa akin BabaBoom!

Naging toilet bowl si Pedro.

--------------------------------------------------------Tatay: Anak bakla ka ba?

Anak: Opo Sabay lubog ng mukha ng anak sa harina.

Tatay: Ano? Ngayon lalaki ka na ba?

Anak: Geisha nap o Nagalit ang tatay sabay nilubog mukha ng

anak sa baldeng puno ng tubig Tatay: !@#$ Anu ka na? Sagot?

Anak: Dyesebel nap o Nagalit lalo ang Tatay..kaya pinaso nya ito ng plantsa hanggang ito’y mangitim…

Tatay: !@#$% ka! Ano ka na ngayon!

Anak: Ako na po c Beyonce!

--------------------------------------------------------Kinuha ng isang kanong pari si Pacquiao as interpreter Pari: The Lord was crucified between 2 robbers Pac: Si Hesus ay ipinako sa gitna ng 2 goma Pari: We need to sacrifice Pac: Kailangan natin ng 2 sakong bigas Pari: If we don’t repent Pac: Kapag hindi natin pininturahang muli Pari: Thewrath of God will come upon you Pac: Ang mga daga ng Diyos ay pupunta sayo (nagtawanan) Pari: Well…Well..

Pac: Balon…Balon --------------------------------------------------------Isko: Gulo ng buhay, pre Paeng: Ay sinabi mo pa. Pinakamagulo buhay ko!

Nagpakasal ako sa buyda, may anak na dalaga Pinakasalan ni Tatay yung anak Nanay ko tuloy yung dalaga, si Tatay anak ko na Yung asawa ko, manugang ni Tatay.

Kung magka-anak sila nung dalaga, lolo ako ng kapatid ko. Gulo di ba?

Hehehe…sakit sa ulo.

--------------------------------------------------------Boy: Miss kakagatin ko suso mo bayara kita ng 10 million Girl: (Isip) Sige!

Boy: (Dinilaan, sinipsip, nilamas) Girl: Bakit di mo kinagat?

Boy: Hehehe…wala ako pera eh!

--------------------------------------------------------May last piso at di ka naka-unlimited Nagtxt ang 3 tao na pinagkakaintereran mo: Past Love: tinanong ung may pag-asa pang ibalik ang dati nyo at alam mong may puwant pa rin namam sya sa puso ko.

Present Love: Tinatanong kung gaano mo sya kamahal, ayaw mo syang mawala dahil di mo kaya Crush: Inamin na may pagtingin sya sayo at tinatanong kung ganun ka rin ba. Nararamdaman mong nahuhulog ka na sa kanya.

Kaninong tanong ang sasagutin mo?

Syempre malandi ka Magpapaload ka ang Bonggang bongga --------------------------------------------------------An Arab wan interviewed at US checkpoint.

American: “Name please”?

Arab: Abdul Aziz American: “Sex?”

Arab: “6 times a week.”

American: “I mean, male or female?”

Arab: Doesn’t matter, sometimes even camel American: “Holy cow!”

Arab yes, cow’s and dog’s too!

American: “Man, isn’t that hostile?”

Arab: Yes, horse style, dog style any style American: Oh dear Arab: Deer? No deer! Deer run fast!

--------------------------------------------------------Umulan Boy 1: Gustong-gusto ko kapag umuulan. Kasi hindi halata na umiiyak ako.

Boy 2: Ako din. Gusto ko ng ulan. Hindi halata na umiihi ako sa pantalon --------------------------------------------------------Ma’am: Alam mo Inday, yang sir mo ang daming babae!

Inday: Hay nako, si ma’am naman, pinagselos pa ako!

--------------------------------------------------------Teacher: Lahat tayo nagmula kay Adan at Eva Student: Ma’am hindi po totoo yan. Sabi ng Tatay ko, nagmula daw tayo sa unggoy Teacher: Iho, hindi natin pinag-uusapan dito ang pamiyla mo!

--------------------------------------------------------Teacher: What is the coldest freezer in the world?

Student: Vagina ma’am Teacher: Ha! Why? Student: Kasi po, di pa nga pumapasok, ang tigas na --------------------------------------------------------Bulad at duling magsusuntukan Bulag: Hayop ka duling! Lumabas ka dyan… wag kang magtago sa dilim Duling: In your dreams! Bakit ako lalabas eh dalawa kayo!

--------------------------------------------------------Boy: Miss, hulaan kita gusto mo?

Girl: Oo ba..

Boy: Single ka noh?

Girl: Ang galing mo ha! Panu mo nalaman?

Boy: Ang pangit mo kaya! Duh! --------------------------------------------------------Misis: Himala an gaga mong umuwi ngayon?!

Mister: Sinunod ko lang ang utos ng boss ko.

Sabi kasi niya sa akon, ‘Go to hell” kaya umuwi agad ako --------------------------------------------------------Sir: “Yaya, natanggal mo ung mantsa sa barong ko?”

Yaya: “Opo! Tanggal na tanggal!”

Sir: “Good! Anong pinangtanggal mo?”

Yaya: “Gunting, kuya! Gunting!”

--------------------------------------------------------Sa Mc Donald’s…

Boy: Excuse me, may Wi-Fi ba dito?

Crew: Ay naku ser, wala po eh. Apple-fi lang tsaka pineapple-fi lang meron.

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JANUARY 2018

Travel app launched to help Southeast Asian migrants explore Taiwan

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travel app launched recently aims to help migrant workers from Southeast Asia explore scenic spots around Taiwan and inform them about cultural activities in the country, according to the nongovernment organization that developed the app.

The QTaiwan app, launched last month by the Global Workers’ Organization, Taiwan, offers information about 58 popular scenic spots around Taiwan in English, Chinese, Indonesian, Thai and Vietnamese.

Users can also listen to audio tours on the app in their respective languages, and check the latest cultural events in their cities, Karen Hsu, head of the organization, told CNA. “We developed this app because we

discovered that many migrant factory workers have been getting more time off since the start of this year due to the amended work week rule,” Hsu said.

“They have nowhere to go, but our experience tells us that if we provide the workers with ample information, they are very capable of arranging their own holiday schedules,” said Hsu, whose organization provides foreign workers in Taiwan with information and services related to work, education and living.

“The Huashan 1914 Creative Park, for example, is very close to the Taipei Main Station, where a lot of migrant workers gather on the weekends, but few of them have ever been to the park and that is a pity,” Hsu said.

Other scenic spots on the app include

Taipei’s Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Xiangshan Hiking Trail, Taichung’s Rainbow Village and National Taichung Theater, and Tainan’s Chimei Museum and Chihkan Tower.

Fisherman’s Wharf in New Taipei, Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung and Jian Chinxiu Temple in Hualien are also on the list.

The app also includes a section for those who wish to check out the latest cultural activities, festivals and exhibitions in Taiwan, such as the “Christmasland” event in New Taipei, as well as sections introducing local cuisine and Mandarin phrases for traveling.

“With the help of this app, we hope that our migrant friends can better enjoy their holidays and get to know Taiwan more,” Hsu said. She said her organization will continue to expand and update the information on the app, and is currently working with travel agencies to provide one-day package tours

abroad, Allan Lin, president of Taiwan Association Inc. Philippines said.

While the terms of the agreement have not been made public for the time being, a source familiar with the matter previously revealed that it puts in place mechanisms that make investments more transparent and the treatment of investors fairer, including provisions on how investors can seek government assistance when they run into trouble. Taiwan and the Philippines previously signed a BIA in 1992. Given that markets have drastically changed in the two and a half decades since, the new agreement is completely different, Gary Song-huann Lin said. It is the ministry’s hope that similar BIAs can be signed with other countries that are the focus on Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy, such as Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and India.

he number of Taiwanese traveling to the Philippines to study English has surged to 10,000 annually over the past five years, according to the Global Career Development Association, a Taipei-based civic organization focused on developing people’s global career potential.

There has been a tremendous rise in the number of people going to the Philippines to study English in recent years, from 1,000 people in 2012 to 10,000 this year, association president Wang Hsing-wei said.

The surge is explained by the proximity of the Southeast Asian country and the relatively cheap tuition there compared with English programs in North America, Australia or New Zealand, Wang said.

The majority of English language schools in the Philippines offer one-on-one teaching in an English-only environment and

long, intensive classes that often last eight to 12 hours a day, he said, adding that they are predominantly located in the city of Baguio on the island of Luzon, and in Cebu City, on Cebu Island.

Wang said two groups often choose to study in the Philippines: students who are taking winter or summer holiday courses to sharpen their English skills and professionals who need reach a certain level of proficiency in a short amount of time.

About 20 years ago, South Koreans were the first to travel to the Philippines to learn English, Wang said.

Even with 10,000 Taiwanese nationals enrolled in the Philippines annually, Wang said he believes that there is still room for growth. The number could increase to 20,000 over the next five years, he said.

—Taipei Times

week policy, under which workers were supposed to be provided one leave day for every six consecutive workdays, took away seven public holidays to which they had been entitled.

Zhuang Shu-qing of the Migrants Empowerment Network in Taiwan (MENT) said workers could be exploited if the proposed “flexible working hours”, which involved loosening the requirement of providing workers one day off for every six consecutive workdays, and increasing maximum monthly working hours, were allowed to pass.

The government had given its assurance that the loosened policies would first have to be mutually agreed by both employer representatives and their labor counterparts before going into effect.

Zhuang argued that blue-collar workers were often left with no choice but to accept every term laid out by their employers as they lacked the bargaining power to negotiate for their rights, given language barriers, insufficient information and the absence of the legal right to change their jobs.

The draft amendment in question, for instance, was only available in Chinese, but

not in any of the migrant workers’ native languages, added Zhuang, who was worried that if it were passed it would “legalize” the forcing of vulnerable workers to work overtime by inhumane employers.

Jian Chang-jung, also from MENT, said 660,000 migrant workers would become the latest victims of Taiwan labor law if the amendment went through. He urged the government to take the responsibility of supervising or facilitating employeremployee meetings instead of leaving the two parties to reach a fake consensus.

—Asia Times

promote diplomatic relations and tourism, nationals from these countries appear to be taking advantage of them to come to Taiwan and engage in such illegal activities as drug smuggling, human trafficking, and prostitution, the report said.

In the case of Thailand, there has been an increase of 157 Thai nationals who have been arrested for crimes in Taiwan since the trial visa-free entry program was rolled out for Thailand and Brunei in August 2016, according to the report.

The Control Yuan, which monitors

the behavior of government officials and agencies, said it would ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Ministry of Interior (MOI) to review the many visafree entry programs based on its findings, especially with rises in crime correlated to countries given visa-free entry treatment.

The report also warned that many of the New Southbound Policy countries receiving visa-free treatment are source countries for migrant workers in Taiwan.

With 50,000 migrant workers in Taiwan unable to be accounted for at present, there

is also a concern that nationals from these countries will take advantage of the program to come work or stay illegally in Taiwan, the report said.

It recommended that law enforcement authorities record the nationality of people who violate the Social Order Maintenance Act, something not currently done, so that a database can be created to help assess risk with the MOFA evaluates whether to grant visa-free access to a country.

—Focus Taiwan

Taiwan, Philippines sign bilateral investment agreement

T

aiwan and the Philippines signed a new bilateral investment agreement (BIA) on December 7, making it the first updated investment agreement that Taiwan has signed with a country targeted by its New Southbound Policy.

Taiwan’s representative to the Philippines Gary Song-huann Lin and Philippines representative to Taiwan Angelito Banayo represented their respective countries at the signing which took place in the Filipino city of Makati. According to Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs Shen Jong-chin, the agreement is a win-win for the economic development of both countries.

The agreement lays out a legal foundation for Taiwanese investors in the Philippines and Filipino investors in Taiwan, which will function as a safety net should they encounter conflicts while doing business

for migrant workers. In addition to serving migrant workers, the app can also be handy for backpackers from Southeast Asia who wish to learn more about local culture, Hsu said.

But she also acknowledged the limits of the service, saying it can be difficult for migrant workers to register and pay for tours online because they often do not have Taiwan credit cards.

Also, when users link to travel agencies’ websites through the app, they will find that many of those websites are exclusively in Chinese and English, scaring away travelers from Southeast Asian countries, she said.

She urged the government and more travel agencies to join her group in translating travel information into Southeast Asian languages. The app can be downloaded for free on both the Android and iOS platform.

—Focus Taiwan

More Taiwanese flock to Philippines to study English

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Migrant workers protest against looser labor rights

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ore than 70 migrant workers, led by a non-governmental organization fighting for improved labor rights, staged protests outside Taiwan’s Legislation Yuan and the Ministry of Labor in an effort to prevent the passage of amendments to the controversial five-day-workweek policy.

Some members of labor groups also started a rally featuring a hunger strike outside the Labor Ministry on November 20, demanding the resignation of Minister Lin Mei-chu, Taiwan Times reported.

Previously the government, in order to implement the controversial five-day-

Control Yuan finds visa-free programs adding to crime in Taiwan

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here has been an increase in foreign nationals engaging in illegal activities in Taiwan since the country initiated visa-free entry programs under its New Southbound Policy, according to a Control Yuan report released.

The government has extended visafree access to 17 diplomatic allies in Latin America, the Caribbean and the Pacific as well as 10 Southeast Asian countries and six South Asian countries covered by the New Southbound Policy, the report said.

But while these programs help

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Migrants day celebration in Taiwan

nternational Migrants Day was celebrated in Taiwan on December 17 with a parade in Taipei featuring new immigrants and their children dressing in the traditional attire of their respected countries, showcasing the diverse cultures of the country.

Joined by 12 teams made of new immigrant families, migrant workers, and migrant support groups from Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam, among others, the parade circled around downtown Taipei’s 228 Memorial Peace Park to kick off the annual event.

It was followed by a series of music and dance performances by new immigrants and foreign nationals based in Taiwan.

“New immigrants are no longer a symbol for the underprivileged in Taiwan but a source of new power,” Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Interior (MOI) Interior Hua Ching-chun said during his address.

According to MOI statistics, the number of foreign spouses in Taiwan has surpassed 520,000. The nation also has more than 610,000 blue collar migrant workers and another 30,000 white collar workers.

“Now Taiwan is your family and new home,”

New and second generation immigrants celebrated the day with cultural dance performances

he added.

Under the principle of diversity, respect, love and care, Hua said the government has been launching a series of measures to better safeguard the rights and and ensure the

welfare of new immigrants and their children.

Noting the government administration’s “New Southbound Policy,” aimed at deepening ties with countries in Southeast and South Asia, Hua pledged that the government

will make every effort to encourage foreign nationals and new immigrants to stay in Taiwan to raise a family here. New immigrants refer to foreign nationals who have moved to Taiwan after marrying a Taiwanese citizen or those who have come here to study or work.

In addition to the performances, there were also booths showcasing food and traditional artifacts from the immigrants’ home countries. Despite drizzling rain and an ongoing cold front, the International Migrant Day event was attended by more than 1,000 new immigrants, according to organizers.

The half-day event is scheduled to conclude around noon.

Many blue collar migrants however do not have the right to stay here after their work contracts expire, and while working in Taiwan, they face unfair treatment, long hours and high wage deductions by brokers.

Rights groups have long complained the government has failed to effectively address their concerns. Meanwhile, young Southeast Asians who study here often have to return home because they can’t find any job or wellpaying jobs here after graduating.

—Focus Taiwan

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SHOWBITS NEWS

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JANUARY 2018

Maine Mendoza returns to Eat Bulaga! on January 1, 2018

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inumpirma ng manager ni Maine Mendoza na babalik na sa Eat Bulaga! ang kalahati ng AlDub loveteam sa January 1, 2018. Magtatatlong linggo nang hindi napapanood si Maine sa noontime show na umeere sa Kapuso network. Ang pagkawala ng TV host-actress sa Eat Bulaga! ay bunsod ng bashing na naranasan nito matapos mabalitaan ng fans na nakipag-group date siya kasama si Jake Ejercito.

Kasalukuyang nasa U.S. ang Dubsmash Queen kasama ang kanyang pamilya. Sa ulat ni Salve Asis sa Pilipino Star Ngayon (PSN) nitong December 19, kinumpirma ni Rams David na babalik na si Maine sa Kapuso noontime show. Live kasi ang Eat Bulaga! tuwing Bagong Taon at lahat daw ng hosts ay mapapanood sa show. Ayon kay Rams, “Definitely she’ll be back. “Alam naman nating she’s having a good time sa States with her family. Doon sila magki-Christmas.”

Dagdag pa sa ulat, kailangan daw makapagpahinga kahit ilang linggo ng phenomenal star dahil na rin sa pagod at sa dami ng trabaho nito. Ani Rams, “Sobrang napagod sa rami ng trabaho.

“Saka remember, hindi naman siya showbiz, di ba? “So, two years na mahigit na para siyang a fish out of the water. Bigla nating itinulak sa jungle! “Dalawang taon niyang hinarap ang lahat ng challenges, ups and downs. Lahat.” Tungkol naman sa open letter na ginawa ni Maine para sa fans nila ni Alden Richards, hindi raw ibig sabihin nito ay tatalikuran na ni Maine ang showbiz. Saad ni Rams, “Yung open letter naman doesn’t mean na umayaw siya. “Ang daming speculations na kesyo ganito, kesyo ganyan. Wala. “None of those speculations are true! “Ang totoo lang, nagbakasyon lang siya. Kasi Pasko naman. She deserves it.” Tuloy na rin daw ang movie na pagsasamahan nina Maine at Alden. Na-delay lamang daw ito dahil binago ang takbo ng istorya. Pinabulaanan naman ni Vic Sotto ang napapabalitang suspendido si Maine sa show dahil sa kanyang ginawang open letter.

Court of Appeals rejects Jason Ivler appeal to overturn decision on murder case

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binasura ng Court of Appeals (CA) ang hiling ng kampo ni Jason Ivler na baliktarin ang desisyon ng Quezon City Regional Trial Court kaugnay ng kasong pagpatay sa anak ng isang dating government official. Ayon sa ulat ng ABS-CBN News, pinaboran ng Court of Appeals ang naunang hatol ng QC-RTC na reclusion perpetua laban kay Ivler noong 2015. Noong November 2009, nasangkot sa isang road-rage incident sina Jason at Renato Ebarle Jr., anak ni dating Presidential Chief of Staff undersecretary Renato Ebarle Sr. Ilang tama ng baril ang tinamo ni Ebarle mula kay Ivler, na naging sanhi ng agad na pagkamatay ng una. Hindi pa agad sumuko noon si Ivler, pamangkin ng music icon na si Freddie Aguilar. Noong January 2010, nakipagpalitan ng putok ng baril si Ivler sa mga tauhan ng National Bureau of Investigation, na umaresto sa kanya sa bahay ng ina niyang si Marlene Aguilar. Bukod sa 40 taong pagkakakulong, itinaas din ng CA ang multa para sa damages sa P916,590 mula sa P248,890. Ipinag-utos din nito ang karagdagang 6 percent na interes sa bawat taon, na magsisimula sa pinakahuling desisyon sa kaso.

Miho Nishida confirms undergoing cosmetic surgery

“

Gusto ko lagi akong maganda, lagi akong handa kung nasaan man ako.” Ito ang paliwanag ni Miho Nishida kung bakit siya nagdesisyong sumailalim sa cosmetic surgery. Naging usap-usapan kamakailan sa social media ang pagbabago ng histura ng Pinoy Big Brother 737 Big Winner. Marami ang naintriga kung sumailalim siya sa cosmetic surgery. Sa episode ng Tonight With Boy Abunda noong December 15, Miho Nishida, Big Winner of the diretsong sinagot ni Miho ang tanong tungkol sa second batch of Pinoy Big Brother: 737 kanyang “pagpaparetoke.” Saad niya, “For me, Tito housemates in 2015 Boy, gusto ko lang mag-improve sa sarili ko.

“Para sa akin, Tito Boy, sa isang artista, gusto ko lagi akong maganda, lagi akong handa kung nasaan man ako. “Gusto kong maipakita sa tao na, ‘Ay, maganda pala si Miho. Maganda siya.’

“Kasi yun naman ang trabaho natin, lagi kailangan tayong maganda, maayos. “So, yun lang po.”

Ito ang unang pagkakataong diretsong inamin ni Miho na nagparetoke siya. Nang mag-guest siya sa dzMM Teleradyo show na Showbuzz noong nakaraang linggo, umiwas siya sa tanong kung nagpagawa siya ng ilong. Pero inamin ni Miho na tumaas ang confidence level niya dahil sa kanyang “improved looks.” Samantala, inamin nina Miho at Young JV na nagkakamabutihan sila ngayon. Nang tanungin si Miho sa estado ng kanilang relasyon, sagot niya, “Parang kahit hindi man niya sinasabi na ‘I love you’ or whatever, nararamdaman ko rin na masaya kami pag magkasama kami.” Ayon naman kay Young JV, na kasama ni Miho na nag-guest sa show ni Boy Abunda, “Naghihintay lang po ako, Tito Boy. I wanna respect her space. “Alam ko busy siya sa pamilya, sa anak niya, sa paligid niya. “Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘I’m always gonna be there, not just because I like you, because I wanna be there as a friend, as a best friend, as a whole.’ “Kasi ayoko yung, ‘I wanna be here just because I felt I like you.’”

ADMITS Continued from Page 8

“Parang nawawalan na tayo ng respeto sa isa’t isa, na porke’t madali nang mag-share ng comment or mag-express ng opinion, basta na lang ba natin bibitawan online? “Kaunting ano lang naman, kaunting alaga sa sarili.

“Kasi ugali mo rin ang ipinapakita mo pag nagko-comment ka ng hindi maganda.”

Ayon pa kay Jasmine, “For those naman na nag-comment na parang nagulat lang or whatever, I didn’t mind it. “It’s more of those people na nagsabing magpa-checkup ka sa doktor or concerned lang daw sila.

“My family themselves will tell me if I am underweight, my family themselves will bring me to a doctor if they are worried,

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my manager herself will tell me if I’m too underweight. “Hindi naman ako yung obsessed magpapayat, obsessed magkaabs. I’m not that kind of person. “Hindi ako obsessed sa diet, wala sa akin yun.

“Na-hurt ako dun sa tingin ninyo nagpapaka-anorexic ako. “Do you know what anorexia is? Do you know how serious the condition that is to be calling someone anorexic? “Do you know the impact of your comments or sayings towards receiving it?

“May mga tao na hindi naman ganun kalakas ang loob, pero nagtatrabaho pa rin kasi gusto nila ang trabaho nila. “Hindi naman ibig sabihin nun nasa public image na kami, kailangan lahat tanggapin na lang namin.

“There are times you have to put people in

Ai-Ai, iniyakan ang kasal nila ni Gerald

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fficially, Mr. and Mrs. Sibayan na sina Ai-Ai de las Alas at Gerald Sibayan matapos ikasal ang dalawa last December 12 sa Christ the King Parish in Greenmeadows, Quezon City. Tatlong taon ang naging relasyon nila bilang mag-nobyo.

Pinaghalong showbiz at politics ang mga personalidad na bumuo ng wedding entourage nina Ai-Ai at Gerald.

Ang mga principal sponsors ay binuo nina Eugenio `Boy’ Abunda at Cory Vidanes, ang dating Vice-President ng bansa na si Atty.

Jejomar `Jojo’ Binay at Analita del MundoRamos, Henry Chua at Susan Co, Bobby Co at Lolit Solis, Delfin de Dios, Jr. at Nancy Young, Butch Espino at Maribel Espino, Sen. Richard Gordon at Fely de la Cruz, Alex Lim and Susan Lim, Atty. Felipe Gozon and Mother Lily Monteverde, Robert ‘Ogie’ Mendoza and Melissa Rubio-Mendoza, Sen. Ralph Recto and Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto, Bro. Bo Sanchez and Ana Puno, Willie Revillame and Cristy Fermin, Gov. Chavit Singson and Julita Cayanan, Antonio Tuviera and Marivin Arayata at si Bro. Mariano ‘Mike’ Velarde and Geraldine Desiderio-Garcia.

Ang bunsong anak ni Ai-Ai (kay Miguel Vera) na si Sophia Andrea de las Alas ang maid of honor at ang bestie naman ni Ai-Ai na si Sharon Cuneta ang tumayong matron of honor. Best men sina John Kenneth Monterubio at Richard ‘Alden’ Faulkerson, Jr. Tumayo namang mga secondary sponsors ang mag-asawang Vic `Bossing’ Sotto at Pauleen Luna-Sotto (candle), couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera (veil) at sina Joseph and Marnely Calata (cord). Si Stephen Sibayan ang Bible bearer, coin bearer si Gabriel Sibayan at ring bearer naman si Seth Andrei de las Alas at flower girls naman sina Amella Sibayan at Angela Sibayan.

Sa hindi sinasadyang pagkakataon ay sina Piolo Pascual at Pops Fernandez ang magkapareha bilang bahagi ng groomsmen at bridesmaids. Unknown to many, ang dalawa ay nagkaroon noon ng short-lived relationship pero nanatiling magkaibigan ang dalawa after their break-up.

Ang veteran fashion designer na si Frederick Peralta ang gumawa ng wedding gown ni Ai-Ai na siyang wedding gift sa kanya ng kanyang `twin sister’ na si Marian Rivera.

Si Marian din ang nag-provide ng multicolored wedding bouquet ng bride.

Sa Italy ang honeymoon ng newly-wed couple courtesy of one of their ninongs na si G. Tony Tuviera, big boss ng TAPE, Inc. (producer of longest-running noontime show na “Eat Bulaga”) at APT Entertainment. place.” Ibinahagi rin ni Jasmine ang mga rason na sa palagay niya ay naging dahilan kung bakit siya nagkaroon ng extreme weight loss.

“Siguro na-excite lang ako this year, ang daming nangyayari with my family.

“Nakita n’yo po naman na kahit anong grabeng kagasgas namin sa trabaho, hindi naman ako pumapayat, di ba? “Pumayat ako because it’s a personal matter to me. And ako, I want to make sure everything is perfect for my family.

“Na-hurt ako na ang kapalit pala nun, e, ganun. “Hindi kasi ako mabiyaheng tao, hilig kong mag-travel, pero hindi ako mabiyahe.

“This year, ang dami kong biniyahe. Pabalikbalik sa Australia, sa LA, so nabigla ang katawan ko, I guess.”

Pinanghalo rin ang mga Kapamilya at Kapuso sa kasal nina Ai-Ai at Gerald na hindi naman kataka-taka dahil matagal ding naging Kapmilya ang komedyana bago ito muling bumalik sa Kapuso Network.

Si Ai-Ai ay may tatlong anak sa previous relationship. Ang panganay niyang anak na si Sancho ay anak niya sa yumaong theater actor na si Rey Malte Cruz habang sina Nicolo at Sophia ay anak niya sa kanyang exhusband, ang singer-actor na si Miguel Vera na naka-base na sa Amerika kasama ang bagong pamilya nito. May adopted son din ang singer-comedienne, ang 7-year-old na si Seth Andre o Sean na malamang dalhin na ang apelyidong Sibayan ngayong kasal na sila ni Gerald.

Sean was almost four years old nang maging sina Ai-Ai at Gerald at ang huli na ang kinalakihan nitong ama.

Ngayong legal nang mag-asawa sina Ai-Ai at Gerald, lahat ng mga properties na maa-acquire ng couple during the marriage ay conjugal property na ng mag-asawa.

Si Gerald ay lumagda sa isang pre-nup agreement para ma-protektahan ang tatlong anak ni Ai-Ai na sina Sancho, Nicolo at Sophia.

Samantala although dalawang beses nang ikinasal si Ai-Ai in the past, first time niyang naglakad at ikinasal sa simbahan at nakapagsuot ng traje de boda kaya hindi nito napigilan ang umiyak sa sobrang kaligayahan.

—PEP.ph Nilinaw rin ni Jasmine na hindi siya nagda-diet at walang dapat ipag-alala ang ibang tao sa pagbawas ng kanyang timbang.

Aniya, “Wala akong diet, I eat rice, I eat potatoes, pasta. “Nangarag lang this year in a personal environment. “Happy na ako sa weight ko... ano lang, educating people.

“It’s not fair, hindi okay, hindi tama na basta-basta mo na lang bibitwan ang salitang anorexia, anorexic or malnourished. “Kita n’yo ba ang mga bata sa lansangan na walang kinakain, yung mga bata sa Africa? ‘Yan ang malnourished.”

Sa kabila ng lahat ay matapang namang hinaharap ni Jasmine ang mga namba-bash sa kanya. Patunay nga nito ay wala siyang binablock na sinuman sa bashers niya. —PEP.ph

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CHARGED

Continued from Page 10

Nasundan pa ito ng magkakasunod na patutsada tungkol sa kasarian ng “mag-talent/manager” na diumano’y “baitbaitan” sa harap ng publiko, pero napagtanto raw ni Jobert na mga “traidor.” Hanggang sa tuluyang pinangalanan ni Jobert sina Erik at Erickson sa kanyang mga sumunod na Facebook posts.

Ito ay sa kadahilanang tila ikinagalit ng radio host/reporter ang diumano’y pagsusumbong ng mag-talent/manager sa mga boss sa TV station na pinagtatrabahuhan nila. Sabi ni Jobert: “Abotlangit na ang galit ko sa dalawang mag-tiyahin na ito - ERIK SANTOS na iyakin at ERICKSON RAYMUNDO ng Cornerstone na ubod na ng yabang ngayon. “Wala kayong mga utang na loob.

Mga p****** kayo!!!” Ayon pa rin sa resolusyon, nakapagsumite si Jobert ng kanyang consolidated counter-affidavit kaugnay ng patung-patong na reklamong isinampa sa kanya nina Erik at Erickson. Idinepensa raw ni Jobert ang kanyang freedom of speech at kakulangan umano ng ebidensiya na magsasabing

WINS

Continued from Page 13

“Truly you have imbibed in you the vision of the school, a passion for excellence, pursuit of truth, and service to the nation,” PSHS - Easter Visayas Campus Director Reynaldo Garcia said in his speech

na-identify ang complainants sa kanyang blind items. Ayon pa rin sa resolusyon, “In defense, respondent claims that complainants are public figures, who are, therefore, the subject of fair comment, thus, actual malice must be proved.” Gayunman, nakasaad dito na, “After an assiduous review of the evidence presented by the parties, there is SUFFICIENT GROUND to engender a well-founded belief that respondent committed the crime of Libel penalized under Section 4 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.” Sabi pa sa resolusyon, kahit pa obvious ang clues sa isang blind item ay hindi ito maituturing na libelous kung hindi diretsahang pinangalanan ang pinatutungkulan nito.

“The downfall of Mr. Sucaldito is when he actually named and positively identified complainants Raymundo and Santos on one of his posts, which makes the element of identity present, as evidenced by the Fifteenth and Eighteenth count in the complaint-affidavit of Raymundo and Eighteenth and Ninetheenth count in the complaint-affidavit of Santos.”

—PEP.ph

for Andales. Andales’ entry made it to the finals after she won in the online “Popular Vote” contest. She was among 15 finalists, representing 6 countries. Her win was announced during the Breakthrough Prizes ceremony at the NASA Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley on Sunday, December 3 (Monday, December 4 in Manila). The

DEATH

Continued from Page 6 Acosta said her office is ready to comply with Aguirre’s directive.

The DOH stopped the government’s dengue immunization program last December 1 following Sanofi Pasteur’s admission that Dengvaxia’s use must be strictly limited due to evidence it can worsen the disease in people who have not previously been exposed to dengue.

According to the DOH, more than 830,000 children — aged 9 and above — from public schools in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Cebu were vaccinated with Dengvaxia. Following the suspension, the DOH said it would evaluate the dengue vaccination program and is now working in close coordination with the Department of Education to monitor the thousands of students who have been administered with Dengvaxia.

—ALG, GMA News

Breakthrough Junior Challenge, now on its 3rd year, is an “annual global competition for students to inspire creative thinking about science,” according to the organizers.

Students are invited to create original videos that explain a scientific concept, and are judged on how the complex concept or idea is communicated. It is organized by

the Breakthrough Prize Foundation, which is an annual award that “aims to celebrate the best scientific work and inspire the next generation of scientists.”

Among the Breakthrough Prizes’ founders are Google co-founder Sergey Brin, and Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan.

—Rappler

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Maaaring magtanong ukol sa mga alitan ng manggagawa at employer, ukol sa biglaang pagtatapos ng kontrata, pagkuha ng patotoo ng pagtatapos ng kontrata, atbp.

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Tel: 02-25502151 Fax: 02-25507024 Tel: 07-8117543 Fax: 07-8117548 Tel: 02-89659091 02-89651044 Fax: 02-89651058 Taoyuan County Foreign Workers Tel: 03-3344087 Consultation Service Center 03-3341728 03-3322101 ext. 6812 Fax: 03-3341689 Taipei City Foreign Workers Consultation Service Center Kaohsiung City Foreign Workers Consultation Service Center Taipei County Foreign Workers Consultation Service Center

Foreign Representative Offices in Taiwan Manila Economic and Cultural Office

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fOR INQUIRIES PLEASE CALL 02-2595-8686 OR TEXT TO 0983-433-022

EEC SERVICE STATIONS Stations marked with ZHONGSHAN Tel.: (02) 2596-2889

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No. 39, 1F, Zhongshan North Road, Sec. 3,Taipei City 台北市中山北路3段39號

No.1, 1F, Lane 86 Wugong 3rd Road, Xinzhuang District, New Taipei City

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●Mon-Sun : 8:30AM-9:30PM

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●Mon-Sat : 8AM - 9PM ●Sun :8-12; 17-21

●Mon-Sun : 9AM-9PM

台中市潭子區中山路2段480之3

Tel.: (04) 2227-1100 No. 32, 1F, Li-chuan East St., Central Dist.,Taichung City 台中市中區綠川東街32號 CHIAYI Tel.: (05) 225-2928

●Mon-Sat :10:30AM - 9PM ●Sun: 9AM - 9PM

No. 216, Linsen West Road East Dist., Chiayi City 嘉義市東區林森西路216號

DEXIAN (07) 360-1381 (07) 360-1383

●Mon-Sun :9AM-8PM

No. 108, Dexian Road, Nantzu District, Kaohsiung City 高雄市楠梓區德賢路108號

桃園市觀音區成功路１段567號

●Mon-Sat :12AM-8PM ●Sun :9AM-9PM

No. 54, 1F, Zhongzheng Road, East Dist. Hsinchu City 新竹市東區中正路54號

No. 847, 1F, Zhongzheng Rd., Miaoli City, Miaoli County 苗栗縣苗栗市中正路847號

●Mon-Sat : 9-13 / 16-21 ●Sun : 9-13/16-21

No. 93, 1F, Zhongzheng Road, Miaoli City 苗栗市中正路93號

DOULIU Tel.: (05) 533-2190

●Mon-Sun : 9AM-9PM

No. 24-1, 1F, Datong St., Shalu Dist., Taichung City 台中市沙鹿區大同街 24號之1

NEPZ Tel.: (07) 364-0036 ●Mon-Sat :10AM-7PM

No. 563, 1F, Dexian Rd., Nanzi Dist. Kaohsiung City 高雄市楠梓區 德賢路563號

AFACE (Arts and Fashion a Charity Event) Search for Taiwan’s Next Top Model to be held on March 2018 at Big City, Hsinchu City Taiwan an outdoor event, with special guest performers Wowie De Guzman and Mark Kramer (YouTube Sensation / Zumba Instructor and Streetboys Dancer). In collaboration with Filipino Fashion Designer CasaDeModa by James Paul and in cooperation with Taiwan journalist Asuka Lee and the Taiwan Media.

Give a Toy, Share Double Joy Re-share your toys to the unfortunate Kids in the Philippines. The event will be on January 27, 2018 from 12nn- 5pm at 2F, No. 46, Chungshin Road, Sanchung Dist., New Taipei City 新北市 三重區重新路46號2樓. Activities includes sing, dance and fun games. We will pack the toys ready to ship to the Philippines. The toys will be donated to Lin-awa Rehabilitation Center of Tabuk City, Kalinga, which caters to the need of children and youth with disabilities. For further detail please contact Ms. Brenda @ 0926-972-783. Organized by FIC with AMAZING GRACE FAMILY@shop.com. How to get there by bus no. 111, 520, 292, 227, 636, 618, 617, 616, 641, 639, 638）By MRT: Taipei Bridge 台北橋

MIAOLI 1 Tel.: (037) 272-172

No.19-1, Huzhu Community, Dalin Township, Chiayi County 嘉義縣大林鎮互助社區 19-1號108號

SSS Taiwan 3F, No. 33, Sec. 2, Jianguo N. Rd. Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City Tel. No.: (02) 2507-9187 Mobile: 0926-38256

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Tel.: (037) 370-570

DALIN Tel.: 05-295-1119

Fire Dept. and 119 Ambulance Service Police 110 Local Directory 104 Assistance (Mandarin) 105 Long Distance Directory Assistance (Mandarin) Directory Assisance (English) 106 Protection Hotline 113 Coast Guard 118 Anti-Fraud Hotline 165 Freeway Report 168 Operator Assistance 1128 International Call Center 0800-080-100 International Community 0800-024-111 Service Hotline 24-Hour Toll-Free Travel 0800-011-765 Information Call Center English-Speaking Taxi Service 02-2799-7977 Tourist Information Hotline 02-2717-3737 Taoyuan Int’l Airport 03-383-2194 Tourist Service Center Taoyuan Int’l Aiport 03-383-2194 - Terminal 1 Taoyuan Int’l Airport 03-398-3341 - Terminal 2

●Mon-Sun : 9AM-9PM

SHALU Tel.: (04) 2635-2601

TAICHUNG CITY

Service Line 0800-885885 0800-885995 0800-885958 0800-017858

AFACE Next Top Model

3F, No. 33, Sec. 2, Jianguo N. Rd. Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City Tel. No.: (02) 2517-7775 Mobile: 0975563561 Facebook: Pag-IBIG Taiwan Members Club

●Mon-Sun : 9AM-9PM

HSINCHU CITY

●Mon-Sun :9AM - 9PM

●Mon-Sun : 9AM-9PM

No. 480-3, 1F, Sec. 2, Zhongshan Road., Tanzi District, Taichung City

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No. 2-12, 1F, Lane 48, Zhongzheng Rd., Taoyuan City

MIAOLI 2-TK

TEPZ Tel.: (04) 2535-8888

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Tel.: (02) 2908-6793 ●Mon-Sun : 9AM-9PM

●Mon-Sat :12AM-8PM ●Sun :9AM-9PM

11F, No. 176 Chang Chun Rd., Taipei,Taiwan,104, R.O.C. Tel: 02-25081719 Fax: 02-25079805 10F, No.151, Xinyi Rd , Sec. 3, Taipei,Taiwan Tel: 02- 25811979 Fax: 02- 25818707 6F., No. 550, Ruiguang Road, Neihu District, Taipei City Tel: 02-87526170 Fax: 02-87523706 No. 3-1, Lane 69, Songjiang Road Taipei, Taiwan Tel: 02-25043477 Fax: 02-25041761

Pag-IBIG Taiwan

are open from 9am-9pm every 5th and 10th of the month

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Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office

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●Mon-Sun : 9AM-10PM

No. 114, Minsheng Road, Douliu City, Yunlin County 雲林縣斗六市民生路114號

TAINAN Tel.: (06) 223-8260

●Mon-Sun :9AM-9PM

No. 184, 1F, Zhongshan Rd., West Central Dist.,Tainan City 台南市中西區中山路184號

GANGSHAN Tel.: (07) 622-9903

●Mon-Sat :12PM-9PM ●Sun : 9AM-9PM No.1, 1F, Lane 101, Gangyan Rd., Gangshan Dist., Kaoshiung City

高雄市岡山區岡燕路101巷 1號1樓

TAINAN-TK Tel.: (06) 222-7281

●Mon-Sun: 9AM-9PM

No. 31, Gongyuan S. Road, North District, Tainan City 台南市北區公園南路31號

DALIAO (07) 787-8310

●Mon-Sat :12AM-8PM ●Sun :9AM-9PM No. 1235, Guangming Rd., Sec. 1, Daliao Dist., Kaohsiung City 高雄市大寮區光明路一段1235號

9 7 6 3 9 5 4 8 6 2 5 1 1 8 3 4 6 2 7 3 1

9 6 5

4 2 1 6 2 9 2 8 7 4 5 3

Each Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically without guessing. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces.

Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3 x 3 square.

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3 x 3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusive

Solution to last issue

9 7 3 1 8 2 5 4 6

1 4 5 7 6 3 8 2 9

8 2 6 4 9 5 1 7 3

6 8 2 5 1 9 4 3 7

4 3 1 2 7 6 9 8 5

7 5 9 8 3 4 6 1 2

2 6 8 3 5 1 7 9 4

5 1 4 9 2 7 3 6 8

3 9 7 6 4 8 2 5 1

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