One Philippines Newsmagazine - Dec 2022

“That’s a big thing for us, that is why we need to fight for what is ours and take advantage if there really is oil there…” – President FERDINAND MARCOS JR., emphasizing his country’s right to exploit energy reserves in the contested waterway.

When freshman senator Raffy Tulfo described the country’s farmlands as in a state of shrinking spiral (causing problems in food security), he was directly alluding to “big-time” developers (Villar’s family) who are converting agriculture areas into subdivisions and commercial spaces. This is Senator CYNTHIA VILLAR’s calm response: “That’s our business. I want to tell you we don’t buy agricultural land in the provinces. We limit ourselves to cities and capital towns… If the developers buy your land, they buy it expensive and you can reinvest the money and they will make more money than planting on those lands. It’s an investment decision. You have to understand agriculture as a business also.”

SENATORS BACK MARCOS JR.’S OIL EXPLORATION TACK Inquirer.net

IMEE MARCOS FROWNS AT PROPOSED ‘MAHARLIKA INVESTMENT FUND’ ABS-CBN

IMEE MARCOS, SENATORS QUESTION P275-B MAHARLIKA WEALTH FUND PROPOSAL Rappler.com

PHILIPPINES LAUNCHES ETRAVEL PLATFORM FOR INBOUND PASSENGERS PhiliPPiNe StAr

DOH: PH LOST 44M DOSES OF COVID-19 JABS TO WASTAGE GMA News

MARCOS TELLS AMBASSADORS: MAKE PH’S POSITION KNOWN TO THE WORLD Manila Bulletin

December in PHILIPPINE HISTORY

THE PHILIPPINES WAS ELECTED TO THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL

On De cember 7, 1956, The Philippines was elect ed to the eleven-na tion United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

President Ramon Magsaysay on the following day, designated Ambassa dor Carlos P. Romulo as Philippine representative on the Council. The Philippines deadlocked with Yugosla via the previous year in election to the Council and an improvised lottery re sulted in the accession of the latter to the seat with the understanding that it would give way to the Philippines after one year of the two-year term.

The Soviet bloc attempted to upset this arrangement and proposed the election of Czechoslovakia, but on a vote being taken, the Philippines won on a secret ballot of 51 to 20.

REMULLA:

to same-sex marriage, divorce, abortion, and the SOGIE Bill (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression)

Defense Secretary Crispin “Boying” Remulla spoke for the entire Philippines when he cited religion (“The Philippines is predominantly Catholic”) as the reason for his outright rejection of UNHRC’s calls for bills to legalize same-sex marriage, divorce, abortion, and the SOGIE Bill (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression)

BSP GOVERNOR VOICES CAUTION OVER PLANS TO CREATE P275 BILLION SOVEREIGN FUND InterAksyon

HUNGARY COULD BE NEXT TOP OFW DESTINATION–PASEI Business Mirror

MGA PANGANIB NG MANDATORY SIM CARD REGISTRATION AlterMidya

THE PHILIPPINES MUST FIND A WAY TO EXPLORE FOR OIL AND GAS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA EVEN WITHOUT A DEAL WITH CHINA

NO

PBA: San Miguel wards off Meralco for fourth straight win

Daisy M. Esguerra (DME)

Malongwena Pride Collection

A pride of art collection created from versatile garments

A traditional Filipino as well as other South east Asia countries, like OKIR a variety of geometric and a variety of geometric patterns designs. With simple plaids and stripes as the preferred pattern. The more elaborate made of silk, in colors of red, purple, and yellow, is worn for ceremonial occasions. Known for its versatility.

Each garment is like a brushstroke, with different fits conveying certain styles.

It is a way for us to express ourselves, our identity and even how we feel also reflects a version of yourself that you want the world to see. It highlights individuality and allows you to express yourself without the need for words.

The design embodies all things honest and dependable, morally upright, tenacious and responsible. It can be used in different

ways that fit individual lifestyles and has the power to influence the young and the old.

Every moment is a fresh beginning. “Life’s not about expecting, hoping and wishing, it’s about doing,

being and becoming.” I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.

Fashion means to me so much more than making money off a collection, but it means the experimentation to find how you truly want to express yourself and how confident you feel once you find the perfect combination of clothing.

My creation inspires me on modern clothing from culture of indigenous textile’s.

Make an effort art accessible to the generations to come and enabled us to appreciate the beauty of the culture and embrace them as part of our daily lives.

The designs are elaborate and inspired by leaves, vine patterns and flower symbols

Back in the days the common design elements tribal lives. On colors, red, black, white, green and yellow are more traditional color combinations.

Culture evolves from one generation to another.

Expressions rich in tradition, practices and culture.

Fearless passion with a heart of Gold

I would like to extend my outmost gratitude to our Hon. Mayor Lamberto Bambao , Admin and staff .my relatives, friends and supporters for all you support, love, respect and warm hospitality during my surprised visit in our home town Ternate Cavite Philippines.

- Daisy Mariano Esguerra

Queen Pearl Philippines

Euroasia UK 2021 & Queen Pearl Charity uk 2021

Designer, MALONGWENA

Pride Collection

- Fearless Queen with a heart of Gold

Lawmaker wants more safeguards in proposed Maharlika Investment Fund

From CNN Philippines

With at least ₱250 billion in taxpayers’ money to be exposed to financial risks, the House Ways and Means Committee chairman wants additional safeguards to be in place in the creation of the proposed Philippine sovereign wealth fund to be called the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF).

Albay Rep. Joel Salceda, a multi-awarded financial analyst before joining politics, suggested amendments to House Bill 6398 creating MIF when it was tackled by the House Committee on Banks and Financial Intermediaries on Tuesday.

He said a single individual should not hold the position of chairperson and chief executive officer (CEO) of MIF board of directors, the independent body which will be created to manage the MIF.

Salceda said the Finance Secretary could be the MIF chairman, while the board would decide who would be the CEO.

“In the whole world, in the financial sector, the chairman and the CEO cannot be the same person,” Salceda pointed out. “They are separate. And definitely, I take a strong position on this.”

“The purpose of the board is to oversight the executive officers such as the CEO,” he also said. “The board also typically decides matters such as hiring and executive remunerations. Commingling the CEO and chair positions

“Nakakabahala at nakakaduda na ang kompanyang itinayo ng mga proponents ang siyang magiinvest sa pera na di naman sa kanila,” said ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro. “Maliban sa usapin ng conflict of interest ay mukhang magiging pugad din ito ng corruption”

in a government fund could be prejudicial to accountable governance of the fund.”

Salceda continued: “The board should be able to fire the CEO for cause and should not be protected by any term, and should not have a fixed term. The chairperson, if it is designated as such, should need not have a fixed term of office.”

Under HB 6398 filed by Speaker Martin Romualdez, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, and four other lawmakers, the MIC board of directors will be composed of a chairperson and CEO with a seven-year term, two independent directors, and six regular members coming from the government financial institutions (GFIs) providing the initial investment for the MIF.

The bill proposes an initial investment of ₱250 billion from the Government Service Insurance System (₱125 billion), Social Security System (₱50 billion), Land Bank of the Philippines (₱50 billion), and Development Bank of the Philippines (₱25 billion).

Salceda said the tax exemptions proposed under HB 6398, including value added taxes and documentary stamp taxes, should be limited to the sovereign fund.

The MIF should also be subject to congressional oversight, he added.

“We will allow all the exemptions listed for as long

as they inure to the MIC and MIF,” the lawmaker said. “Isa lang naman ang problema. Paano kung yung presidente bumili ng sampung kotse? Eh di hindi siya magbabayad ng excise tax sa sampung kotse? (There is only one problem. What if the president bought 10 cars? So he won’t pay excise tax on ten cars then?).”

Salceda’s committee will discuss the tax provisions of HB 6398 next week. It has already been approved “in principle” by the House Banks and Financial Intermediaries Committee. Meanwhile, the progressive Makabayan bloc expressed misgivings over the creation of a sovereign fund, noting that SSS and GSIS already have a

poor track record of providing benefits to their members.

In a recent statement, the group warned of possible misuse of funds and corruption under the proposed MIF.

“Nakakabahala at nakakaduda na ang kompanyang itinayo ng mga proponents ang siyang magiinvest sa pera na di naman sa kanila,” said ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro.

“Maliban sa usapin ng conflict of interest ay mukhang magiging pugad din ito ng korapsyon,” she warned.

[Translation: It is worrisome and doubtful that the company built by the proponents will invest money that is not theirs. Apart from the issue of conflict of interest, it also seems to be a nest of corruption.]

(Source: https://www. cnnphilippines.com/ news/2022/11/30/Lawmaker-wantsmore-safeguards-in-proposedMaharlika-Investment-Fund.html)

From

fund” is all about.

“What the idea is – when you invest into certain assets, kapag kumikita ka dyan, the profit will be used to finance government projects na kukulangin yung pondo. So it is essentially another source of income,” Marcos said in a press briefing.

“Sometimes, sovereign wealth fund, they will put their investments in projects abroad or other projects in other countries, doon sila kumikita,” Marcos noted.

“I think the starting fund will be about P250 billion and it will be used to invest in…financial assets,” he said, adding that “It will be run like a private corporation.”

“Ang ating mga kapitbahay sa ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) ay meron na (Our

ASEAN neighbors already have this)...“To give you an idea, yung Indonesian sovereign wealth fund, 2021 nagsimula, one billion ang starting investment nila (the Indonesian sovereign wealth fund began in 2021 at one billion) It’s called assets under management. They are now I think at 24. So 23 billion dollars ang kita nila (So they earned 23 billion dollars),” he said.

The House leader said Singapore also has one of the biggest sovereign wealth funds in the world.

“So marami tayong makukuha, pwede nating kopyahin ang model na ginagamit nila para maidala natin dito sa Pilipinas (We can get a lot from them, we can copy their model and bring it to the Philippines),” Marcos said.

“The hope is that we will accelerate the development of our country and accelerate the funding of our priority programs. Six years admittedly is not a long time, so we need to try different things to make sure na ang ating mga kababayan ay makikita nila ang progreso (that our countrymen will see progress),” the 28-year-old explained.

(Source: https://mb.com. ph/2022/12/01/sandro-explains-whatproposed-maharlika-fund-is-all-about/)

SeniorDeputy Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos explains in layman’s terms what the proposed “Maharlika

Sandro Marcos explains what the proposed ‘Maharlika’ fund is all about

Manila Bulletin

One Nation Awards UK Celebration 2022

By Jhermeroy Esperanzate

2020 was Lockdown, but it wasn’t a barrier for people who went above and beyond as they took the risk of going out there despite restrictions in a bid to control the spread of the deadly virus, to reach out and help those people in need. Mostly contracted, there were some who expanded. For those who expanded despite adversities, the least one can do is to give them appreciation.

“The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated” - Wiiliam James

This is how ONE NATION AWARDS UK came into being. As Lockdown 2020 loomed in, we only had social media that time to stay connected to each other. Social media, a medium to bring people together despite the unprecedented global circumstance. It is a collaboration spearheaded by JhermiNATION Digital Media Events and ONE Philippines UK Newsmagazine, hence ONE NATION Awards UK.

2021, The Breakthrough... we survived, we conquered, we are slowly coming back with the “new normal” as what we all quipped. For most people covid was a curse, for a few it was a blessing. This is when new ways were created and discovered out of desperation in order to adapt and thrive. This is when we all realised, things are possible indeed.

2022, now it is time for CELEBRATION...not just virtually, this time it is in person, face to face with the addition of being a HYBRID event. In person and online. What a great fulfullment to witness again people and communities coming together

“People work for money but go the extra mile for recognition, praise and rewards” - Dale Carnegie

to celebrate each others’ successes and achievements over the year.

November 19, 2022 Saturday at the APO RESTOBAR was the first ever face to face of One Nation Awards UK.

Finally after 2 years of being online and virtual, we made individuals and communities feel happy and victorious coming up on stage and their names being called out and photos being projected on stage’s projector to recognise and give them their glass awards and certificates for their excellence and hardwork in their own respective fields of endeavor.

What made this awarding event unique is what one of the awardees said : “ Being recognised by your own countrymen is super special and I am very proud to always represent where I came from in bringing our Filipino voices on the national front.” - Louie Horne (Healthcare Service Award).

Louie Horne is a senior matron and deputy associate Director of Nursing at the East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust has recently been recognised by Health Service Journal

(HSJ) as one of the 50 most influential BAME Rising Stars in health.

While it is great to receive recognition from other entities internationally, being recognised by your own fellowmen is something different.

Here are the awardees for this year’s ONE NATION AWARDS UK CELEBRATION 2022.

Health and Fitness Award: - RICCA PASCUA PARADA

Healthcare Service Award: LOUIE HORNE

Entrepreneur Award: - ELIZABETH CLOVER EUGENIO

Stewardship Helping Hand Award: - PAULINA ALEJO

Arts and Culture Champion: - MICHELLE MCGHEE

Young Hero Award: - JULIENNE LORETO

UK Newcomer Award: - SHENNA MAY “Yam Yam” UNGON FADOL

Pride LGBTQ Award: - MIKAELLA JANE ATAY

Best Community Organisation Award: - IGOROT UK

Love and Light Award: - JANE WALKER MBE

Posthumous Award: - EDDIE CHUA

The panel of Judges:

- RONALD SIPAT, ENFID UK Chairperson, Board of Directors ENFID Europe, Area Commander Knights Of Rizal UK and Ireland

Deputy Mayor of Stevenage Councillor - MYLA ARCENO, Philippine Theatre UK, Global 100 Influential Filipina Women

- RUSTY MALLILLIN, Composer, Founder of ERASMOSTARS Talents and Entertainment, 2019 FAMAS Awardee, 2022 5th Asia Pacific Luminare Awardee, Producer of PERA KWARTA SALAPI, musical movie coming to London 2023.

- H.E. JUSTIN HO GUO SHUN, Asean Youth Organization, Philippines

- JHERMEROY ESPERANZATE, Founder JhermiNATION Digital Media Events, One Philippines columnist

The awarding event was graced by performers to entertain the audiences:

- Violinist RJ DEMONTEVERDE

- Sri Lankan Singersongwriter HARIN PERERA, BBC

- The Voice 2015 SUDAN LOVEJOY and - Dance group D’ MOMMAS and D’ GROVERS.

The awardees and nominees from previous One Nation Awards Lockdown 2020 and Breakthrough 2021 virtual awarding who were present during the event were also called on stage to be recognised. Special mention to IGOROT UK, the winner for Best Community Organisation 2022 as the organisation demonstrated on that day what a community organisation should be.

There were 13 members who attended and they all went up on stage to receive their glass award while singing SALIDUM-AY.

For the special posthumous

award, the wife of the late Eddie Chua, NORA CHUA kindly received the award and delivered her speech in gratitude and tribute.

We are grateful to The Philippine Embassy for the welcome remarks delivered by VICE CONSUL EMILIO O. LOPUE, JR. and for the media coverage by SMNI led by MARCELL LAMES and ROSE ANNE SAMION.

This event wouldn’t have been a great success without the support of our Major Sponsors:

- DJ NEWS FOOD AND WINE (MAITA MARTIN)

- PINOY SUPERMARKET

- DIRECT MONEY

- TRANSFER (MICHAEL and JANNETH MAGDALENA).

Our Patrons: - SPOON & RICE Filipino Streetfood and the newly opened SARI SARI STORE (JOHN and GLYNDELL BELMONTE), - NINFA BUT REGONDON (NUSKIN)

- NEXT GEN FOREX ACADEMY (BERNARDINO Q. RAYEL)

- FILIGRILLZ Filipino Grilled Streetfood (REY and KEZIAH PALENCIA), - PROFESSIONAL HEALTHCARE UK (ROUCHIE TECMON and FEBIE LAGROSA)

- NOREEN TO-ONG OLAVIDES

- DIAS SOLICITORS

- JOJO PINOY STORE

- LYNETTE MEDINA

- FRICH REVO (GRETCHEN DASALLA and EDEN SERRANO)

- WORLDREMIT - BDO REMIT

Our raffle sponsors: - SWEET GLAM CAKES (CHELO VALENCIA), SKINFACIALITY (NICK PAUL FRUTO)

- RAPSA Filipino Restaurant

- MAKATI CARGO EXPRESS

- COVID WARRIORS CORNER

- ARTHUR NIEVA. Our official photographer: COLOUR N FILM (BG JONG in FB).

Apart from recognising outstanding and exceptional individuals and organisations who made a difference and impact in the community,

ONE NATION AWARDS UK is also giving back to charities. This year our beneficiaries will be MILL GROVE CHRISTIAN CHARITABLE TRUST in South Woodford, London and for the 3rd year running PLAY LEARN AND SERVE CHILDREN’S PROGRAM in the Philippines.

We are so happy and grateful for all the love and support. Award is only a tool, the main impact is the motivation it gives to the recipient of the award, the inspiration it brings to the community to do better each day and every year, the ripple effect that more people will emulate the great deeds of others, the happiness and deep appreciation for the recognition.

For some awardees, it was their very first time to receive an award, for a few, they were used to receiving awards. Whatever it is for YOU, the question is : are you willing to do whatever it takes to make a difference and impact, to be exceptional without thinking of getting an award or recognition?

Award and recognition is just the by product of hardwork, excellence and value you bring to the society. Keep going and move forward, be the difference maker and game changer as you might be the next ONE NATION AWARDS UK awardee !

SEE YOU ALL NEXT YEAR!

Our website: www. jhermination.com

Social Media: Jhermination FB page, Youtube, Tiktok, Twitter, Jhermi_nation on IG.

Rommel Balacanao releases new Christmas track “Merry Christmas Everyone”

Rommel Balacanao is proud to announce the release of yet another Christmas song which is soon to be added to his repertoire. Named “Merry Christmas Everyone”, this new song is designed with the idea of celebrating Christmas and bringing in a unique perspective towards the way we enjoy Christmas and what changes we need to make.

At the same time, Rommel Balacanao is bringing in a soft, fun way to think about what happened over the year, the challenges that we face and how we have to push those away.

Christmas time is here to help us enjoy life and let us think about the important things in life.

There are always challenges and unwanted situations to face. This is the time to get past all of that and just focus on making things better all the time.

Merry Christmas Everyone

track was originally created by Shakin Stevens and now it comes from Rommel Balacanao which adds a new and fun, creative spin on it. Which is what makes it fun, because it helps bring in a sense of innovation and fun, while also keeping stuff clever throughout the entire song.

Rommel Balacanao is no stranger to Christmas cover songs. His previous one named Oh Holy Night was a great success, he was 42nd on the iTunes chart and it managed to impress a lot of people with its unique ideas and features. It really had the opportunity to show everyone the power of Christmas and why we need to come together during this time of the year.

The new Rommel Balacanao cover this Christmas adds a similar approach, but it’s a lot of fun and it really pushes the boundaries by adding in a clever new spin to the entire process. It’s really nice to see how this new cover has evolved and how it compares to the previous one.

Anna, a friend of

Rommel’s from Ukraine is a guest voice for the song, and her voice adds a unique twist into the mix. It makes the song very colorful and enjoyable to listen to!

At the end of the day, this is the type of exciting and fun song we need at the end of the year. We need something that’s creative and positive, but which also oozes happiness and creativity. That’s the reason why we think this new song is an incredible one and a fun, immersive one you do not want to miss! Merry Christmas Everyone is releasing November 25th 2022!

Once again, old leaves are about to fall and new sprouts are coming to life.

What magical living is having free life, free feelings and free vision to see things around us!

Have you thought about these?

When you are alone, have you ever wondered why you are here? Have you asked yourself about these things? Things that do not require money or reward or anything in return.

The season for giving and sharing is just around the corner or is it not? Must sharing, giving and loving be a season? I know there is winter, spring, summer and fall but giving, sharing and loving?

In a world of fast pace and shifting, we get carried away with what is on trend and not what it takes to be humans again. Have you ever thought of the best and priceless gift to give and share and probably you have been receiving all your life, is what you have been asking from others and maybe you find it a challenge to give away.

When someone did you wrong, it marks a spot in your heart. You find it difficult to remove because you get hold of that feeling you thought you have empowered over that person when in fact you did not. What you are doing is planting a seed that will grow and block you from enjoying life forever. Now that’s what I will call forever!

Seriously, how many of you believe you do not do this?

I thought of myself but no. I was just covering it with what I believe and that is how powerful BELIEF is.

Belief grows stronger and bigger, could be positive but somehow we misuse it and result in an unpleasant mood and feeling that no matter how beautiful you have in front of you, you never learn

Nursing the Nurse

The Best Gift

By Maria Leza Yugto aka Lulay of All Aces

to see its value because you cannot appreciate the presence. The best gift I received this year is the gift of forgiveness not only towards the person who did me wrong but to the person in me.

The movie FROZEN played a very special part of this where the words linger ... LET IT GO! Anything that you cannot hold onto, let it go. Anything that is not of use into your life, LET IT GO! Anyone who just adds up things from the real story you are involved to or ANYONE who did you wrong, LET THEM GO! It is not you that will never become rich nor will they never become happy. LET THEM GO! Your process heads for growing, and you cannot take everyone instead ONLY THOSE who are willing to come along, LET THEM GO. You do not have to wait for them to say how sorry they were or how sad they have become when you were sad or when you got hurt. GROWING is shedding off to have the new YOU. Life is not about having many friends or the most popular one or in the biggest house. LIFE is for living. Live in a life where you are living, not portraying nor showing off the nicest things.

Life is about how you are inside because that is the best way to move forward and enjoy LIVING. Never wait for anyone to say sorry and expect to complete you after they broke you. The past is the lesson, the present is how we are for the future to come and embrace.

FORGIVENESS is not a weakness. It is the strength not everyone can properly enhance. Forgiveness is within our control. Have power over it and LET IT GO to shine over and show them how you have bloomed!

Forgiveness is NOW. And you will never have to go back to feeling miserable if you understand how forgiveness is given away. And the many of us say, forgive and forget is not true in my book. We never forget and do not feel guilty if you do. We never forget and it

is the lesson for us not to do the same to someone because we know how it is when we have that. It is always FORGIVE and REMEMBER not to do it.

The feeling is there and never deny that you still do, however, you learn to modify the approach by being more careful than careless towards another person.

I realized these when I find it hard to let go of what is keeping me hurt during those years of pain. With the power of the internet and based on my personal feelings, I read a lot and searched for it. I tried doing it and slowly gave me satisfying freedom that what I could have done has just been lying in my hands!

Slowly, I allowed myself to trust the process and slowly I felt good inside. That goodness that somehow gave me the opportunity to see small things ZOOMED IN.

Forgiveness made me see FREEDOM! And how I would love you to see and experience the same if not the exact emotions I felt during those times. It is rewarding! Before the year ends, and this does not have to be you telling off people but do it for yourself. Nobody has to know because it will show how beautiful you have blossomed when you reach that threshold. Just even at the

beginning of the process, you will know the difference. You do not have to write to anyone, but if that will complete your process of forgiveness, but you are not required to, then do you.

FORGIVENESS is FREE but expensive. How? Because not everyone could have it. Become one of those, become one of us. Be FREE, FORGIVE and LET IT GO.

Pandemic may still be here but that is irrelevant with human emotions. Cry if you must, and be humble. Christmas or not, for as long as you are breathing... do it. May this season and the years that pass, teach us the many wonderful and not so wonderful things to become the good person we are created in the likeness of the higher power regardless of your religious orientation, belief and preaches. Let us enjoy life and I would love to hear from you all how you are after this year.

I would love to share the load and allow me to help others through you, by reaching out: lovinglylulay@gmail.com Blessed Christmas and May 2023 be a Rewarding Year for all of us.

Tap on your back for being here despite of.

I love you all!!

IKA-9

THE THIRD ONE PHILIPPINES UK SERIAL FICTION

Bulong ngPuso

IKA-SIYAM NA KABANATA Ni Cora P. Carsola

Ang nakaraan:

Lubos ang kasiyahan sa kasalang Miranda-Reyes. Ito ang kauna-unahang Military Wedding sa bayan ng San Ildefonso. Punung-puno ng kaligayahan ang buong nayon lalung-lalo na ang mga kamag-anak at mga kaibigan ng magkabilang partido. Tipong isang barrio fiesta ang naganap na kasalan. Punum-puno ng banderitas ang kalye nina Corine.

Walang patid sa pagtugtog ang military band na dumalo. Saganang-sagana ang pagkain na inihanda para sa lahat. Punum-puno rin ang simbahan ng mga sariwang bulaklak na nanggaling pa sa Trinidad Valley.

NA KABANATA:

Paglabas na paglabas ng mga bagong kasal sa simbahan, nasorpresa sila sa ugong ng isang military helicopter na naglalaglag ng mga sariwang talulot ng mga bulaklak at mga ginupit sa malilinggit na iba’t ibang kulay na mga papel. Kasunod ang paglaglag nito ng isang napakalaking kartolina na may nakasulat na pagbati para sa bagong kasal.

Pagdating ng dapit-hapon, nababanaag na sa muka nina Jake at Corine ang pagkahapo, subalit nangingibabaw pa rin ang saya sa kanilang katauhan. Dapit-hapon na noong matapos ang pagbubukas sa mga regalo at ang pagbibilang sa nalikom na pera sa mga bagong kasal. Iniabot ng isa sa mga amain ni Corine ang sobre na naglalaman ng pera kay Jake at mabilis naman niyang iniabot ito sa ngayo’y matatawag na niyang asawa.

Kaugalian din ng mga kanununuhan nina Corine na balutin sa putting kumot ang lahat ng regalo. Ito’y pagtutulungang buhatin ng mga bagong kasal kapag magpapaalam na sila sa mga panauhin. Bago nila gawin ito, nagsalita si Jake.

“Sampu ng pamilya Miranda, nagpapasalamat po kami sa mainit na pagtanggap niyo sa amin. Asahan po niyong mamahalin namin si Corine kagaya rin ng pagmamahal niyo sa kanya.” Pangako ni Jake sa lahat.

“Aasahan namin anak, sapagkat si Corine ay daig pa ang ginto sa amin,@ pahayag naman ni nanay Crisanta.

“Sa ngalan naman ng pamilya Reyes, nagpapasalamat din kami sa lahat sa inyong pagdalo, lalung-lalo na sa aking mga biyenan, si Jinky ang Super Star, alam na niya kung bakit tinawag ko siya ng ganito, sa lahat ng mga kasamahan ni Jake, ang banda, ang mga bumuo ng Sabers Court, at sa lahat-lahat na,” pagpapasalamat ni Corine.

“Huwag kayong mag-alala nanay Crisanta, aalagaan kop o ang ate Corine ko sa mga panahong nasa destino ang kuya Jake ko,” sabi ni Jinky.

“Totoo ‘yan ha, bunso?” salo ni Jake.

“Opo kuya, mahal ko yata ang ma’am ko… ay ate na pala.” Sabay hagikhik ng bunsong kapatid ni Jake na naging instrumento ng kanilang pagkakakilala.

Ako man balae ay ganun din, singit ni Nanay Ana. “Ngayo’y may anak na akong babae.” Masaya niyang pagpapatuloy.

Pagkuwa’y naririnig na nila ang ugong ng paparating na sasakyan

– ang limousine na kasama sa package deal sa honeymoon ng bagong kasal.

“Kuya, puwedeng sumama sa resort?”

Napatawa si Jake nang malakas. “Kuting ka pa nga bunso. Akala ko ba mahal moa ng ate Corine mo?”

“Oo siyempre.”

“Kung ganun, bukas na kayo sumunod ni nanay sa resort. Mauna na kami ni ate mo para makapagpahinga siya. Okay ba?”

“Yes sir!” Mabilis na sagot ni Jinky sabay sa pagsaludo sa kanyang kuya.

Natuwa ang lahat kay Jinky at malakas na tawanan ang kasunod.

Samantala, sa tahana ng maganak ni Rico sa California…

“Good night, daddy.”

“Good night darling.” Sagot na pagbati rin ni Rico sa humihikab sa antok na anak.

Papalabas na siya mula sa silid ni Vanessa, nang marinig ang dasal ng kanyang anak.

“Mama Mary, I was a good girl today. Papa God, please bless my lolo and lola, my daddy, my mommy, my titos and titas, my teacher Corine and also my classmates. You know, I miss them. Good night Mama Mary, good night Jesus.”

Tumayo ang mga balahibo ni Rico. Gusto niyang balikan ang anak at sabihing kalimutan na niya ang kanyang teacher Corine. Nais din niyang sabihin na kanina’y ikinasal ito. Na mula sa araw na ‘yon ay may nagmamayari na kay Corine.

Ano nga naman ang alam ng maliit na bata sa mga nangyayari?

Noong gabing ‘yon, nasa night shift si Glenda sa kanyang trabaho. Pagdating nto sa kanilang bahay kinaumagahan, nabungaran niya ang pina-inoman ni Rico ng alak.

Hindi na siya nagtanong sapagkat alam na niya ang dahilan. Alak ang naging katuwang ng kalungkutan ni Rico sa araw ng kasal ni Corine. Mahal na mahal ni Glenda si Rico kung kaya’t sinisikap niyang daaning lahat sa diplomasya at pag-unawa sa asawa. Nangako rin

ito noon na hinding-hindi na nito babanggitin pa ang pangalan ni Corine sa asawa.

Sa katotohanan, ipinagdasal niya ang tagumpay ng kasal ni Corine ang isa pang katotohanan ay hangad din niya ang kaligayahan ng isang nilalang na minsa’y inagawan niya ng pag-ibig.

Noong umaga namang yaon habang nagkakape sina Jake at Corine sa kanilang kuwarto sa resort, biglang tumilapon ang iniinom ng huli. Napatayo si Jake at kaagad nitong pinunasan ng serbilyeta ang bibig ng asawa at ang dibdib nito na kung saa’y umagos ang mainit-init na kape.

“What’s wrong, Corine?” Nagaalalang tanong ni Jake.

“Nothing Jake. I’m... I’m alright, thanks.” Pakunwari niyang sagot. Nanginig ang kanyang mga laman sa narinig niyang sonata mula sa radyo, ang awiting “Somewhere my love”, na theme song nila ni Rico.

“...someday we’ll meet again my love. ‘Til then my sweet, think of me now and then... Godspeed my love ‘til you are mine again.”

“What a coincidence at ‘yan pa ang pinatugtog.” Bulong niya sa sarili. Pinilit niyang umiwas sa eksenang iyon.

Humiwa ito ng kapiraso ng tapa at isinubo kay Jake. Halos di nito maitama sa labi ng asawa dahil sa panginginig. Naramdaman ni Jake ang panginginig na ‘yon.

Sinubuan naman siya ni Jake ng isang kutsara ng fried rice.

Napabuka nang husto ang kayang bibig dahil punum-puno ang kutsara. Humawak ito sa kamay ni Jake na nakatangan sa kutsara. Nabahala si Jake sa panginginig ni Corine.

“Giniginaw ka ba?”

“Hindi Jake.”

“Then what?”

Agad na tumayo si Corine at pinatay ang radyo. Sa kanyang pagbalik sa lamesita, niyakap nito ang asawa mula sa likod.

Agad namang hinawakan ni Jake sa kanyang dalawang kamay ang mga nakayapos na kamay ni Corine at marahang hinila ito sa direksyon ng kayang upuan.

“Now tell me what’s wrong

please.”

Nag-aalangan si Corine na magsabi ng totoo sapagkat ayaw niyang madungisan ang kanilang pulot-gata, bagkus...

“Gaano mo kaya ako kamahal Jake at hanggang kailan, Jake?” garalgal na boses mula kay Corine.

“Ha ha ha! ‘Yan ba ang kumukulob sa isipan mo?” Hindi pa rin nagtapat ang pobreng asawa.

Walang nahintay si Jake na kasagutan mula sa kanya.

“Of course I love you. . you’ll never know how much, and. . . you’ll never know its end. Need I say more?” Pagsuyo ni Jake. Matamis at malagkit na titig ang naging reaksyon ni Corine sa mga sinabi ni Jake.

Ngunit tama lang ba ang pasiyang ‘yon ng ating bida? Lumipas ang buong maghapon na hindi mapalagay si Corine. Hindi niya kayang magsinungaling. Nakagisnan niya ang pagiging matapat nino man. Hinding-hindi niya magagawa ito sa lalaking naghatid sa kanya sa dambana. Nais niyang matulog nang mahimbing sa tabi ng kanyang asawa. Ayaw niyang matulog na may anino si Rico sa kanyang balintataw.

Ngunit papaano kung mamasamahin ito ni Jake?

“Telling him the truth will set you free.” Bulong ng kanyang puso.

“It’s not a big deal to me Corine. Ang mahalaga’y nagmamahalan tayong dalawa. Huwag kang magpaalipin sa nakaraan, upang mayakap mo ang pangkasalukuyan. You are now MRS. CORINE

REYES MIRANDA.” Masinsinang pahayag ni Jake.

“Napakabuti mo Jake,” sabay sa pagyakap sa asawa.

Makalawa, pabalik na sila sa Maynila. Papasok na muli si Corine sa kanyang trabaho bilang isang guidance counselor. Iiwanan siya ni Jake at kailangang babalik na rin ito sa kanyang destino sa TawiTawi bilang isang commanding officer.

Gagampanan ni Corine ang papel na Mrs. Miranda.

ITUTULOY.

The best gift I received this year is the gift of forgiveness not only towards the person who did me wrong but to the person in me

Leni Robredo joins Obama Foundation’s Democracy Forum

Leni Robredo is killing it in her post-vice presidential career. After beginning her stint at the Harvard Kennedy School as a Hauser Leader in October, Robredo joinedto former US President Barack Obama at the Obama Foundation’s Democracy Forum last Nov. 17, 2022. Robredo made the announcement herself on social media.

“Amid the difficulties, democracy finds anchorage in the hearts of our people—and it is something we must protect for our future. Excited to announce that I will be joining President Barack Obama at the Obama Foundation #DemocracyForum on November 17,” she wrote, tagging the former US head of

state’s Twitter handle. Robredo joins a prestigious panel that includes Jelani Cobb, dean of the Columbia Journalism School; awardwinning investigative reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones of The New York Times Magazine; WE Act Environmental Justice

co-founder Peggy Shepard; and Renée DiResta, technical research manager at Stanford Internet Observatory.

Robredo’s daughter, Tricia, who is also at Harvard as a Master of Medical Sciences student, was all praises.

“The proudest,” she replied on

Twitter.

The Barack Obama Foundation was founded in 2014, during Obama’s final years at the White House, as a nonprofit that “inspires people to take action, empower them to change their world for the better.”

(Source: https://coconuts.co/ manila/news/leni-robredoset-to-join-obama-foundationsdemocracy-forum/)

Have you considered other ways to celebrate Christmas this year? How can we make it meaningful in our lives? Every year, we

Filipina Scientist in the United Kingdom Part 28

You are the spark in my life

have a simple family tradition of making handmade gifts for everyone. Perhaps adding an extra tradition this year would bring joy to others, such as volunteering as a family, helping out, reaching out to others, making them feel special, not alone, and making them feel that they are also part of your family, will put a smile on their faces and break the cycle of others’ unfortunate events. Make a donation to a local, national, or international charity. Donate food to your local soup kitchen. Buy food

By Sheena J.B. Worthington

or gifts for your community’s Christmas hampers. Giving simple gifts to children who do not receive Christmas gifts due to unexpected family circumstances during the holiday season. Serving meals and visiting the sick and elderly to make them feel cared for and loved. Generosity has been shown to improve people’s mental and physical health. This holiday season, give generously of your money, talent, and time to a cause

that you care about. When we experience our lowest point in life, it will make us feel better if we receive the assistance we require to rise again. Remember; if you do good, good will come to you. For this month’s issue, I conducted an interview with two glamorous, kind, and elegant individuals from United States of America and Wales, United Kingdom.

The first is Ms. Amy McDowell, Pure International Ms. 2022. And the other is, Ms. Hannah Bowen, Ms. Royal U.K. 2022

Amy McDowell

girl. I work both as a NASA Education Specialist and as a fashion designer for my own fashion company - Amy McDowell Designs (www. amymcdowelldesigns.com). I began my career as a classroom educator for upper elementary school in 2004, but soon found a passion for all things NASA and space.

and more. There is always something exciting to see!

Marshall Space Flight Center has been working hard on the newest NASA rocket - the Space Launch System, or SLS.

Introduction overview of yourself, brief background (full name, age, marital status, profession) Please share your pageant journey, and also please explain your pageant system to those who are unfamiliar with it.

Hello! I am Amy McDowell, Pure International Ms. 2022. I just entered my fourth decade and am truly enjoying my 40th year. I have been married to Jonathan for 17 years, and we have two children - an 11-yearold boy and an 8-year-old

I made the switch from the classroom to NASA in 2010, and “I love being a part of NASA’s mission by inspiring and educating students, teachers, and the general public about science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and NASA’s current missions.” My career has given me the opportunity to meet students and educators from all over the world. It has also allowed me to have some pretty awesome experiences. I worked with LEGO in 2011 at Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the launch of STS134 (Space Shuttle Mission 134).

I watched both of the last two space shuttle launches, and I walked around and stood underneath one of the three retired space shuttle orbiters. At Johnson Space Center in Texas, I have visited the Neutral Buoyancy Lab where astronauts train for spacewalks. At Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville where I live, I have visited the robotics flat floor lab, nuclear thermal propulsion lab, metrology lab, deep space habitat lab, engine test stands,

Fashion Design seems to be a far cry from the STEM subjects, but the two truly do connect. Many to most of my designs are inspired by math and science concepts, and I use technology and engineering to make them come to life. A fashion illustration is much like an engineering plan. When a part of the design does not work, you go back to the drawing board and try again!

I drew fashion illustrations as a child, and I have been sewing since the age of eight.

I did not pursue fashion design until recently, because quite frankly I did not see it as a viable option for me. It seemed like such an abstract career, and I had no idea how to get started. Thankfully, the pageant industry has taught me that sometimes we create our own opportunities.

The pageant industry has provided me with extremely supportive people who have offered me the platform to showcase my designs. My sister queens have also supported me by hiring me to design their evening gowns and/ or costumes. Since the world has become interconnected through the internet, I do not have to live in a large city in order to pursue my dreams. I can pursue them directly from Alabama!

I began pageantry at the age of 17 when I competed in my home state of Virginia’s Junior Miss Scholarship Program. After placing 1st runner up at the state level, I decided I wanted to pursue preliminaries in the Miss America Organization. Moving from Junior Miss to MAO was quite the learning curve! After a couple of years of competing without winning a preliminary title, I finally won Miss Davidson County (Nashville) and competed in the Miss Tennessee Pageant. After also competing in 2004, I had plans to marry so I put pageantry on hold. For the past 5 years, I looked at various pageant systems here and there. I could not find what I was looking for, so I consulted a friend who I knew from the Miss America Organization. She pointed me toward Pure International Pageants, and I knew I had found where I wanted to land. Pure International values all women of all ages, sizes, shapes, and colours.

A faith-based pageant system is family focused and community service driven. These values combined with the optional Super Star Competition sealed the deal for me. This optional competition gave me the opportunity to showcase the random things I do - dance, acting, martial arts, modelling, public speaking, art, and more. It was the perfect fit! I won the title of Pure International Ms. USA in 2021,

competed for, and won Pure International Ms. this previous summer. The friendships I have made through not only Pure International but also pageantry in general have become some of my closest friends. I have to explain to others that do not understand pageantry that we are some of the most supportive and encouraging people, you will ever find.

What is (your current location) best known for?

My city of Huntsville, Alabama is known for our work in the space and defense industries. NASA Marshall Space Flight Center is located on the Army’s Redstone Arsenal. Redstone has played an important role in defense research for decades. The city is filled with government contractors, and our Cummings Research Park is the second largest research park in the country. Huntsville has recently been named the largest city in Alabama and is consistently ranked as one of the top places to live in the U.S.

Please tell us your current job role and activities outside work including modelling?

Outside of my work, I am a print and commercial model and actress. I absolutely love walking the runway, but at 5’1”, there are not many opportunities for me to do so! Through pageantry and modelling, I have met other models who have walked for me to showcase my designs.

I showed my line for the first time in September during New York Fashion Week as presented by Beauty, It’s Everywhere, and it was a dream come true! I watched my designs come to life on models with diversity in terms of age, size, shape, and colour!

I also volunteer at my children’s school every Wednesday, and I truly enjoy walking and running outside. I love a good book and prefer fiction with a good plot. Reading is a stress reliever for me, so I would prefer to focus on something fun rather than serious!

What is your current pageant platform, how do you promote it and how can you guide new queens/ new

titleholders in choosing the right pageant platforms?

My platform is EmpowHER To Be. I work to inspire and encourage females of all ages in STEM through activities that join the body and mind.

STEM is a part of everything we do. Dance is physics. Music is math. Visual art can utilize all of it. Running, aerobics, beauty products, and the food we prepare…

This last summer I worked with middle school age girls to build LEGO robots that must traverse a certain path and accomplish tasks. They used great creativity to solve the problem and would even add flair to the programming- they could make the robots twirl and dance!

Fitness classes that I teach always include fun body mechanics and physics information in order to best understand how that particular exercise works within your body, as well as modifications or slight adjustments that could either increase or decrease the work you are doing. I would really like to utilize my platform to teach selfdefence classes to women.

I hold a black belt in Tang Soo Do, and through my training have studied how body mechanics and physics dictates the most efficient strategies for neutralizing an attacker.

As a teenager, I truly loved Biology class, but I was too timid to pursue a STEM career because they seemed scary. In reality, they are a part of our every-day life. Once we start thinking in that way, STEM becomes less intimidating.

If you are a new or aspiring titleholder and are looking for your best pageant platform fit, I recommend looking at your passions and your current activities. Are you already involved in some way with a group or activity that benefits others? Is there something very close to your heart that you would like to raise awareness

of? Start there!

How different would the world be if women were to rule the world?

Just as there are good and bad male leaders, there are also good and bad female leaders. I have worked under all of the above. When the leaders were emotionally healthy, had a good self-esteem, and showed compassion towards others, then the team worked smoothly and efficiently. On the flip side, when the leader led through fear, was self-absorbed, or had a low self-esteem, then the team morale was low, and workers began looking for other jobs.

Emotionally healthy women are an unstoppable force. They are kind, compassionate, assertive, and analytical. They can examine an issue from other perspectives. They are humble but also celebrate successes. They build others up. Emotional health starts with a positive self-esteem. If I love myself well, then I can love others well.

What would you change about yourself if you could?

I am what you call an HSP, or Highly Sensitive Person. My high sensitivity has pros and cons. The pro is that I can connect with others easily on an emotional level and have great empathy towards them.

The con is that I can become overstimulated. I sense feelings easily, so I can often take on the feeling. This means that I exhaust easily if tension, anxiety, or fear are present.

I would love to learn how to stay grounded and present in the midst of these emotions.

I am able to handle sadness from others very well, and I am effective in a crisis, but spending a lot of time around fear and anxiety is not a good fit for me.

What advice would you give to young women on how

to deal with the pressures they face today?

Know who you are and stick to it. You are allowed to evolve and change as you mature and experience life events, but do not morph into something that you are not just, because it makes others more comfortable with you. Although women have more opportunities today than in the past, it does not mean that we will not have naysayers. Especially other females! Some of our worst critics (other than ourselves) are other women who do not feel comfortable around strong women who are sure of themselves and their place in the world. Do not let those people dim your light. Take up space and shine brightly! You have much to offer the world.

What are some random fun facts about you?

I love to learn new things and hope to never stop growing. Why peak at a certain age? I did not pick up martial arts until the age of 36. I reentered the world of pageantry at 39 after a 17-year hiatus. I entered fashion design at 40. The fun never stops! Oh…and I can fold a fitted sheet like a BOSS!

How can you inspire others in your own little way?

No impact is too small. Do not believe that you have to do something large and grandiose in order to make a difference. You are unique. There is only one of you in the entire world! No one can impact the world in the exact same way as you, so your impact is needed. Believe in yourself and the rest will follow.

“I love being a part of NASA’s mission by inspiring and educating students, teachers, and the general public about science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and NASA’s current missions”

Hannah Bowen

current job role and activities outside work including modelling?

All of my professional golf playing gets done alongside trying to inspire others to take part in the sport mainly girls and ladies, as an Ambassador for the Golf Union of Wales working on ‘New to Golf’ schemes for Ladies, Girls and families to encourage new players. I have hosted coaching clinics and work with corporate clients and charities such as The Lighthouse Construction Charity, Games Aid, helpful hope, Rainbow, and BBC Children In Need, Ronald McDonald House Charity, Welman Cancer Charity; as a professional for European Golf Concierge pro-am and beat the pro events.

over 60 topics that young people and families have said they want included in the new curriculum, the charity has also had input from a variety of professionals over a 22 month period, including our educational mentors Daydream Education on subjects on a range of issues that affect our youth, for example, healthy relationships, grooming, mental health issues, sexuality, gang culture, discrimination, knife crime, bereavement and loss, exam and peer pressure, personal development to mention a few.

pageant platform, how do you promote it and how can you guide new queens/ new titleholders in choosing the right pageant platforms?

As a PGA Advanced Professional golfer, I get to support amazing charities and have been humbled by this work and the experience of working with these causes. My chosen platform is to champion inclusivity in sport, focusing on disability, socio-economic and cultural factors within sport that can create barriers.

M y name is Hannah Bowen; I am a 25-yearold professional golfer, and I am currently single. My pageant journey started when I had a cancer scare operation last year that meant I could not play professional golf for the whole season. Rather than do nothing with my time I see decided to enter my first pageant Miss Wales, mainly because I work in a male dominated industry. That is what made me fall in love with pageantry. However, I was looking for the right system for me. That is when I found Royal. Royal is a system that empowers women to give back to their community, to make a difference and inspire. I have truly found a sisterhood; I cannot wait to share this year with the other Royal Queens. We have a fantastic director who looks after us and the Royal winner’s package is incredible, it includes our opportunity of competing in internationals in America in July.

What is (your current location) best known for?

This depends on whether we are talking UK, Wales, or Swansea. UK the Queen, Wales Tom Jones, and Swansea Joe’s Ice cream (it is the best ice cream in the world. trust me).

Please tell us your

I run TRI-Golf sessions at the Urdd and EID events and a few sessions at local Youth clubs to encourage participation from all areas and cultures. I am a qualified inclusive golf coach, coaching in events for disability sport, blind golf, deaf golf, amputee golf and the Chinese Autistic Society in Swansea. I love this work mainly because it challenges me and my coaching in how adaptable I have to be with each player, in every session I am learning. I love being able to connect with the players and offer them some freedom to enjoy and let loose, at the same time as learning a new skill and making friends.

I am currently been made an ambassador of the Gloves Are On the charity. I am excited for all the current work planned with them for the year, with our recent projects being mental health and body positivity, looking at the #bekind initiative. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, children and young people, all across Wales, have struggled significantly with their mental health and well-being. We as a charity petitioned that to the Welsh Government to that wellbeing along with the other subjects and topics needs to be seen as priority and essential part of teaching in school.

These diverse and inclusive health and wellbeing packages, include

Thanks to the @ glovesareon work we did, mental health is now being delivered as a subject in all Welsh school’s curriculum from next year.

On top of this as part of this educational program, the Hannah Bowen Golf Academy has been added. This will offer workshops and scholarships for budding golfers. Golf is a great way to improve mental health wellbeing and offer freedom to any child who takes part.

What is your current

Using my background as a qualified inclusive coach, skills and knowledge of supportive charities, I hope to make sport achievable and accessible for all so that everyone can benefit the improved mental health that sport can provide. The reason I chose this as my platform is influenced by my personal experiences growing up in a working class home with a disabled sister has inspired me and made me want to get involved with inclusive coaching; to do my bit and offer some of the freedom I feel when on the golf.

Expression of Gratitude

Heartfelt

thanks to my amazing kids Reece Philip Worthington and Samuel Louis Worthington. Big thanks to my family Ms. Yasmin Toni Kinder, her beautiful baby Kai Alfie Kinder-Hayes and her mum Dawn, Ms. Elaine Tan Chu Hap, Mr. Gary Chan, Mrs. Jacklyn Monte and Miss Sky Simone Monte a.k.a baby Yu Yu, Dr. Ma. Teresa Chang Yu, Dr. Irvin Chang Yu, Dr. Kristopher Greg Chang Villanueva, Mr. Quervin Chang Yu, Mr. Harvin Chang Yu, Miss Lauren Chang Yu, Mr. Noel Chang, Ms. Nunay Macabasco, Ms. Kathleen Hazel Macabasco, Mrs. Josephine Macabasco, Mrs. Diane Chang Villanueva, Mr. Gregorio Villanueva, Mr. Kristian Chang Villanueva, Mr. Kenneth Chang Villanueva, Mrs. Meldy Divina Wietbrauk, Mr. Henry Chang, Mr. Jayson Joseph Chang, Mr. Axel Eckardt, Ms. Mailen Chang, Mrs. Jacquelyn Chang, Mrs. Soheila Regina Green and Mrs. Remedios Chang. Thank you also to a beautiful couple in Germany Mr. Quimppy Murry Chang and Mrs. Neriniza Pagsanhan-Chang, also thanks to my family from Batanggas City Mr. Jerry Chang, Mrs. Cheenee Chang-

Macala, Mr. Bryant Joseph Chang (BJ), Mrs. Sophia (Pea) Sison Chang and the rest of the family. To all the readers, Samuel wishes you and your family good health, harmony, happiness, and fulfilment. Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year! Please continue to support the monthly issues of ONE PHILIPPINES! Please stay tuned for more exciting stories on next year’s January 2023 Issue “The magic of new beginnings.”

Electrical safety while working at home

Do you have a home office or work from home?

Follow these electrical safety tips to keep you and your home safe from electrical hazards.

1. Avoid overloading outlets

2. Unplug appliances when not in use to save energy and minimize the risk of shock or fire

3. Regularly inspect electrical cords and extension cords for damage

4. Extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis

5. Never plug a space heater or fan into an extension cord or power strip

6. Never run cords under rugs/carpets, doors, or windows

7. Plug in smartly. Make sure cords do not become tripping hazards

8. Keep papers and other potential combustibles at least three feet away from space heaters and other heat sources

9. Make sure you use proper wattage for lamps/lighting

10. Make sure your home has smoke alarms. Test them monthly, change batteries yearly, and replace the unit every 10 years

11. Wherever you work, it’s always important to be safe.

(Source: https://www.esfi. org/electrical-safety-whileworking-from-home/)

What keeps electrical workers safe?

An array of special gear and equipment keeps crew members safe while working on electrical equipment and lines.

Hard hat: insulated and rigid to protect workers from contact with electrical hazards or falling objects. Includes slots for adding in ear protection or face shields, when necessary.

1. Glasses: Keep glare and objects/small debris from workers’ eyes.

2. Gloves: Workers wear two layers of gloves. Insulated rubber gloves protect from electric shocks and burns, and an outer pair of leather gloves help keep the rubber gloves from getting punctured or torn.

3. Rubber sleeves: Worn over clothes to protect workers from accidental contact with live lines or other equipment.

4. Safety Strap/Harness: Either connected to the inside of a bucket truck or attached around the pole to prevent falls.

5. Clothing: Arc rated clothing such as jeans and shirts are made from flame resistant materials and avoid using metal components (buttons, zippers).

6. Boots: Reinforced steel or ceramic toe, with serrated heels and reinforced sole for support in climbing and working on poles.

7. Rope/Handline: Includes a pulley and steel clips to assist with lifting and lowering materials and acts as a lifeline in the event of an emergency.

8. Hot stick: Insulated fiberglass tool used when working with live lines and equipment.

A Cebuano native delicacy Binangkal

vanilla too for extra flavor!

Making binangkal requires patience, time and extra strength.

You need a strong arm in mixing the dough if you do it with hands

as it becomes sticky and stiff.

(Sources: https://www. choosephilippines.com/ eat/local-flavors/511/ binangkal/ Google Images)

Come home to the Philippines this

Sleigh bells, snowy skies and a glowing fire evoke an idyllic Christmas. But the tropics can be just as festive as any wintry holiday this time of year. The Philippines boasts the longest yuletide season in the world.

September inaugurates the start of what is known as the “Ber” months (September, October, November and December) when parades, parties and concerts crowd the calendar of a season that is as visually resplendent as it is long.

Holiday Season

Binangkal is a sesamecovered baking powder doughnut that is shaped and as small as a ping-pong ball. It

is deep fried until crisp and brown on the outside. It looks like a dim sum which gives us a hint of Chinese influence. The basic or main

ingredients are eggs, oil, flour, sugar and sesame seeds.

Binangkal is a snack that you can easily bring with you, it last for a long time and could easily make you full with just a glassful of water.

How to make it?

There are many recipes available if you search the internet or you can try this one out:

INGREDIENTS:

2 1/2 cups flour

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder

3/4 cups brown sugar

2/3 cups water

2 tbsp oil sesame seeds

PROCEDURE:

1. Sift together dry ingredients.

2. Mix brown sugar, water and oil then add to flour mixture. Mix until blended well.

3. Using a teaspoon, take small bits of batter then roll in sesame seeds.

4. Deep fry in hot oil until golden brown.

5. Add milk and or

Christmas parades boom through neighborhoods and villages of Manila. A wonderland of fairy lights lines the streets. Grand hotels glisten with extravagant decorations worthy of a czar’s winter palace. On Manila’s Policarpio Street, lavishly lit homes draw carolers and onlookers alike.

“Filipinos love to celebrate ... and they want the environment to be colorful,” says 21-yearold marketing student Pau Escobedo.

Churches are wreathed in Christmas splendor, displaying life-size nativity scenes. More than 90 percent of the Philippines identify as Christian, the majority of them Roman Catholic, and consider faith central to their lives.

Making the season merry, musicians and performing artists are booked in every conceivable venue, says Martin Lopez, who promotes and showcases classically trained Filipino talent throughout the season.

But the real stars of the Christmas season appear to be the Filipino overseas workers. With over 2 million Filipinos employed abroad, sending back a billions of dollars in remittances every year, many make their one annual sojourn home for Christmas.

If the Misa de Gallo (Rooster’s Mass) is any indication, the church is holding its own. Millions rise before dawn this

season to attend the Mass, a holdover from the Spaniards who ruled the Philippines for more than 300 years until 1898. The Masses are celebrated over nine-consecutive days — the novena — from Dec. 16-24.

After all the food for the soul, there’s some serious feasting. No Filipino Christmas table is complete without roasted pig, or lechon, the whole pig, which can weigh between 26 and 44 pounds.

Rows of roasted pigs ran through with thick bamboo sticks line the sidewalks of La Loma, a district in Quezon City considered the lechon capital of the Philippines. At the Mang Tomas Native Lechon stall, workers take small blowtorches to the tough rinds, to burn off hair stubble.

To be with loved ones is the No. 1 wish most Filipinos express for Christmas. When asked what he wanted, Michael Liwanag, a financial strategist, blurted out “world peace,” and quickly amended that — just “peace and quiet.”

(Source: https://www.npr. org/2018/12/24/678616528/ love-the-holidays-thephilippines-celebrates-4months-of-christmas-mania)

The world’s longest Christmas Season

E very year, Filipinos all around the world mark September 1, as the start of the Christmas countdown. The “Ber months” countdown, which runs from September to December, is one of the most important traditions that sets apart Christmas in the Philippines from celebrations in the rest of the world.

Asked how the phenomenon of the “Ber months” first began, Clifford Sorita, a sociologist and former seminarian with the order of the Society of the Divine Word told NPR that it grew organically, without any precise timeline. Sorita, however, said that the frenzy surrounding the “Ber months” represents “a psychological time clock for most Filipinos to prepare” a jammed Christmas calendar with family and friends, especially returning OFWs.

September 1 usually starts with radio and TV stations playing Christmas music. (Cue Jose Mari Chan and the endless memes.)

Stalls selling Christmas decorations and fireworks begin to line the street. In some households, Christmas decorations are already hung up

this early. The most common of which is the “parol,” a starshaped Christmas lantern made of wood and paper, or metal and a shell called capiz usually used for window panes.

Another Christmas tradition that starts early for Filipinos is Christmas caroling. Similar to trick-or-treating, Filipino children go from house-to-house to sing Christmas carols in exchange for some coins, otherwise known as “aguinaldo.” They usually sing with make-shift instruments like tambourines made from metal bottlecaps, maracas made out of bottles filled with coins, and drums from empty cannisters. Some establishments also offer early Christmas sales and discounts. Filipino shoppers usually stock up on groceries for their Christmas midnight feast Noche Buena months before to avoid the Christmas rush. Some even start their gift shopping as early as September

(Source: https://ph.news. yahoo.com/here-is-why-thephilippines-celebrate-theworlds-longest-christmasseason-062426338.html)

Tatlong Hari at isang saling pusa

WELL DONE MY CONCUBINE

In 2022, Putin went to meet Xi Jinping in Beijing. They had dinner at the Palace, and sat down afterwards alone for drinks and cigars to discuss business. After a little bit Xi asks Putin “Hey, you wanna see something?” and he rings a little bell that’s sitting on the coffee table. A beautiful concubine walks in to the room, kneels in front of Xi, and without a word starts giving him a blowjob right there in front of Putin. A few minutes go by and Xi smacks the concubine once on the back of the head, she gets up, and without a word leaves the room. Xi smiles at Putin. “You want to try too?” He asks. “Yes” says Putin enthusiastically “But please don’t smack my head when you’re done”.

Q&A

Question: has Xi Jinping and the CCP been extra bad this year? Answer: So they can get free coal in their stocking.

TRUMP TRIUMPHS

THIRTEEN FASCISM FLUBS

1 What did the Italian farmer name his fascist cow? Moo-ssolini

2 What do you call a boring violinist whose fascist regime lost WWII? A dull fiddler

3 Why couldn’t the commie find the fascist? They were looking too far left while the other one was far right.

4 A racist, a fascist, and an idiot walked into a bar “What can I get you?” Asked the bartender. “I’ll just have a water, and make sure the glass is small enough for my hands” said Donald Trump.

5 Bartender and His Customers A neurosurgeon, two Cubans, a fascist, a socialist, and a prisoner all walk into a bar together. The bartender asks, “What’s new?” They all reply, “I’m running for president.”

NOBEL LAUREATE

GEOPOLITICAL ENCRYPTION

Chinese president Xi Jinping passed a private note to Donald Trump at their last meeting. It was very short and Trump thought it was obviously some sort of a code that simply read: “370HSSV0773H” He smiled, winked at Xi Jinping and pretended he knew what it said. Later he asked his aids who couldn’t figure it out. He called the head of the FBI and CIA and none could figure it out. They finally sent it to the Chineese embassy and got a quick reply.

“Tell the president he’s holding the note upside down.”

GRAVITATIONAL SEQUENCE

Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un all jump from a plane without a parachute. In what order do they hit the ground? Answer: Doesn’t matter.

BFF TERMS OF ENDEARMENT

What is the celebrity couple name for Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping? Answer: Kimchi

Years ago, Nobel peace prize winner Liu Xiaobo died in custody under Xi Jinping, who denied any connection to the incident. They said it’s a matter of “He said, Xi said.”

HELLO SUNSHINE Xi Jinping was on his balcony during the early morning, admiring all that Bejing has become He inhaled a sweet breath of fresh Bejing air and looked East to see the sun smiling down. “Hello, Sun”, said Xi Jinping. The sun replied “Hello Glorious Leader, the architect of a grand Communist Utopia. Best wishes leading your already prosperous nation.” Xi Jinping, despite his delight, remembered he had an upcoming meeting to attend. He thanked the Sun and left. As the day approached an end, an exhausted Xi Jinping returned to his office and reflected on the day. He strolled back onto his balcony and looked West towards a beautiful sunset. Hoping to fish more praise he said: “good evening, Sun.” The Sun candidly responded: “Fuck you, I’m in the West now.

The Pope, Xi Jinping and Donald Trump are summoned by God “OK”, said God, “the world’s gonna end in 20 years, go back and prepare your people.” The Pope prepared a great mass at St. Peter’s Square and announced “Dear Catholics, I have good and bad news. Rejoice, for God is real, but also repent, for the end of the world is coming in 20 years”. Xi Jinping held a speech in front of the CCP. “Horrible news, comrades, not only is God real, he also told us the world is coming to an end in 20 years.” Trump tweeted “Great news everyone! God knows I’m important!”

6 A rapist, a con-artist and a fascist walk into a bar... The bartender says ‘What’ll it be Mr President?’

7 What is the difference be tween a fascist and a commu nist?

America hasn’t elected a com munist yet.

8 What’s the difference be tween a communist and a fascist?

The fascists have better cos tume designers.

9 What do you call a fascist potato? A dictater.

10 What do you call a fascist t-Rex?

A tyrannical ruler

11 Why couldn’t the commie find the fascist?

They were looking too far left while the other one was far right.

12 What do students do against their fascist teacher? They make a class struggle.

13. What do you call a fascist mosquito?

Benito Mosquitollini

Sunak’s Student Visa Crackdown

According to the Office for National Statistics, approximately 40% of the 704,000 non-EU nationals that came to the UK from June 2021 - 2022 arrived with student visas.

In line with the UK’s bid to bring down net migration, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak proposes to limit the number of international students coming into the UK. The government’s Migration Committee stated that such a proposition could send many universities in the country, particularly those in poorer regions into a struggle for financial survival.

In an interview with the BBC, Professor Brian Bell, a world leading economist recognised for his work in immigration has stated that “most universities for most courses lose money on teaching British students and offset that loss by charging more for international students.” For Professor Ian Walmsley, Provost of Imperial College London, international students “make an irreplaceable contribution to the UK economy - worth around £29 billion a year” More specifically, the Prime Minister seeks to reduce the number of international students bringing dependants and as well as restrict admissions to top universities as well as overseas students seeking to take “low-quality” degrees

Current Law Appendix Student of the Immigration Rules provides a route for individuals over the age of 16 to study with a sponsor for a further education course, professional English course, recognised foundation programme or take an elected post as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer.

For a valid application, one must submit an online form, pay the Home Office Fee and immigration health surcharge. They must also submit their ID and supporting documents and their confirmation of acceptance for studies which has been issued within 6 months before the date of application. Furthermore, as with any other routes in the Immigration Rules, one must not fall within the grounds for refusal under Part 9 of the rules. In the event that the applicant is already in the UK, they must be in the country lawfully and not on immigration bail.

With regards to an applicant’s suitability, an applicant may apply 6 months before the course begins. They must also be a genuine student who satisfies the personal and financial requirements. In addition, they must also be able to show that they can score 70 points for the application. 50 points for study requirements

which is the confirmation of acceptance for studies; it must be a full time, degree level course provided by a Home Office accredited provider. The applicant would also need to meet the financial requirement for 10 points. There is no need to show funds if the applicant is already in the Uk with permission to stay. Should the applicant not fall within the category, they will need to meet the financial requirement and the funds must have been held in the Applicant’s account for at least 28 days. Lastly, the Applicant would need to demonstrate that he meets the English language requirement at B2 level for bachelor’s degree or above and B1 if applying for courses below UK bachelor’s degree.

On a successful application for a student visa, the applicant, assuming the course is 12 months or longer, shall be granted leave for a month before the start of the course up to 4 months after their course. The student cannot claim public funds or study (outside the course which is in their confirmation of acceptance for studies). In addition, student visa holders are permitted to work in the UK provided that it is limited

to 20hors per week during term time for full time degree course students and 10 hours per week for students below a bachelor’s degree course.

Should this proposal by the Prime Minister come into force, one may argue that limiting the number of international students paying international fees is not only detrimental to the economy but could also overlap with the problem of trying to address the gaps in the British workforce.

In addition, the question as to whether this measure is a matter of necessity remains. This is because, reverting back at the data provided by ONS, 61% of non-EU students left at the end of their study visa in 2019. Likewise the majority of the remaining students obtained an extension for their leave and are likely to eventually leave the UK.

For more information, please contact Lawyery t/a Dias Solicitors on 020 3865 0636 or you can also visit our website, www.diassolicitors. com where you can book a free initial consultation.

By Kiara Hamlig-Gregorio Paralegal, Lawyery DIAS SOLICITORS