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Verbatim To use basketball parlance, I say the CPP has a deep bench.
He’s a good man, an honest man but he’s an awful manager. Senator Sergio Osmeña III, describing President Benigno Aquino III’s managerial capability
Founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Jose Maria Sison, disputing the claim of the military that the capture of top CPP officials Benito Tiamzon and his wife will cripple the communist movement
We have never promised a rose garden.
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We have a self-defence capability of maybe three minutes with our Air Force. After three minutes, we’re gone. - Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, on the Philippine Air Force capability of defending the country’s territory in the face of China’s “aggressive moves” in the South China Sea
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, reacting to persistent complaints by light railway train commuters in Metro Manila who suffer daily from inefficient mass transportation, adding that while the Aquino administration has promised to implement genuine reforms, it did not say that everything would come up roses
So many people have suffered for so long, so many of our stakeholders have worked so hard to arrive at this point. I will not let peace be snatched from my people again. President Aquino, warning the “enemies of peace” following signing of the historic peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
Puwede, sa Manila City Jail, kapag nakulong. Mayor ang tawag doon.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada, when asked if he would consider running for mayor of Manila in 2016. Estrada is facing plunder charges in connection with the pork barrel scam.
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To Go Global, Filipino Cuisine Should Not Compromise I
Let’s unabashedly present to the world our flavors, full back fat and all!
By margaux salcedo
N town for the Nespresso Food Forum’s The Next Big Thing last March 25 were David Thompson, chef of Nahm, which bagged the No. 1 spot at this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards; Leisa Tyler, regional chair of the World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards; and Raymond Lim of Les Amis, a restaurant in Singapore that has constantly made it to various lists of Asia’s best.
The forum aimed to answer a question that we have been asking for decades: How can the Philippines get on the list of world’s best restaurants? Thompson shared the story of how Nahm, a Thai restaurant, became recognized in London, where its first branch opened. He related how he did it on his own terms, without compromising flavor, even if some guests requested to tone down the spice. The authenticity of flavors became the restaurant’s trademark, and soon it was on the list of the world’s best. Then he went on to the bigger challenge: opening a Thai restaurant in Bangkok. The thing is, Thompson is Australian, so people were skeptical. But his passion proved produc-
ers and marveled at pleasant discoveries she had made along the way. Malagos cheese, for instance, produces European-style cheese using local goat’s milk, while in Mindanao one would find not only pineapples but also tomatoes, just like the ones that she would find in Italy. A shocking input came from Tyler, who said that she went to Bacolod and found no Filipino food.
Gov’t support needed Famous chefs’ advice: Put your stamp on what you serve, don’t just copy tive. He did his research, so much so that he has written an encyclopedia on Thai cuisine, and today is regarded as an authority on Thai food.
No copycats It was proposed that maybe this is something that should be done by Filipino restaurants as well. Serve Filipino food -even abroad -- without compromises. Let’s unabashedly present to the world our flavors, full back fat and all! An observation that Tyler had about Filipino “fine dining” restaurants is that a lot of dishes are imitations of dishes at other “best” restaurants of the world, whether in Europe or the United States or other parts of Asia. “I ate at this restaurant here in the Philippines (she wouldn’t name it) and I swear every dish that was served I knew which restaurant the chef copied it from.” Lim explained it is impor-
tant for chefs to expose themselves to trends around the world, but only to gain a new sense of perspective in order not to become outdated. Exposure should not lead one to copy dishes, she said.
Innovate but go local What is important, they all concurred, is that chefs innovate. Put your stamp on what you serve, don’t just copy. Make it your own. Your restaurant must have personality, although this must be matched with flavor. One way to make your personality shine is to use local produce. Margarita Fores, also a speaker at the forum, talked about how all her restaurants are embracing the farm-to-table movement and how fulfilling her journey in putting up Grace Park -- which just turned one year old -- has been. She talked about how she has partnered with local farm-
With all due respect to Chickenjoy, maybe it’s time for the government to further improve its micro-entrepreneurship programs to encourage the growth of small Filipino restaurants in the provinces to compete with large franchises and truly showcase our flavors. One thing that everyone agreed on, though, was that government support is important. Raymond Lim, in his talk, gave the example of Singapore’s Your Singapore and Sweden’s Visit Sweden. Singapore had a food truck that went to major cities around the world -- Spain, New York, Paris, Tokyo, etc. -showcasing Singaporean food; while Sweden launched a massive campaign calling the country “The New Culinary Destination.” Can the Philippines be the next big thing? Tyler thinks so. “With the right campaign, it will take only five years tops to make the Philippines the next culinary destination.” Let’s drink to that! (Philippine Daily Inquirer) n
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By krista monica garcia
F
ILIPINO time, ningas kugon, colonial mentality.
We hear these phrases often – when a colleague arrives late for a meeting, when a subordinate fails to deliver on a project he was so eager to take at the beginning, or when a friend buys an imported brand even if the local counterpart is better
5 Pinoy Money Habits to Break
in quality and cheaper. We refer to these as ugaling Pinoy. These habits hold us back in school, work, in our relationships, and even financially. Are you guilty of any of these habits? Now is the best time to get rid of them.
’Okey na yan’
‘Mañana’ habit Mañana is the Spanish term for tomorrow and it sounds like mamaya na, which means “later.” Filipinos usually use this phrase to refer to the habit of procrastination. Financially, it’s perfect to describe lack of preparation for the future. Many Filipinos put off saving or getting insurance, feeling they can do so on another sunny day or when their finances are more stable. When they finally decide to do it, it’s too late – the premiums are too high or they’re sick and need the money badly. Most Pinoys also forego saving for retirement. Instead, they spend all their money on their children, believing that when they get old, the favor will be returned to them. This is the same burden that their own parents imposed on them. It becomes a vicious cycle. When it comes to accumulating wealth, the best step is
niversaries, christenings — if there’s any reason for celebration, Filipinos are bound to milk it. When put on the spot, we tend to prioritize the happiness of other people over our own financial well-being. Everyone loves a treat, and getting the tab all the time can make you the most popular person. But is it always necessary to eat out for every single milestone and make that unscheduled trip to the ATM just to put on a good face? Because of pakikisama, or our cultural predisposition to get along with everyone, we find it hard to refuse when a relative or a close friend needs financial aid. We end up shelling out our own savings because we’re afraid to say “no.” There are times when it’s necessary to say, “I’ve got this.” But when you really don’t, you have to be honest. Trust your peers to understand, as they’re probably in the same boat.
to start early. Don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today.
‘Bahala na si Batman’ “Leave it up to Batman” sounds like a quip from an ‘80s action flick, and yet we still hear this phrase getting thrown around every day. When you get your pay, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment, spend on things especially when they come with the enticing 70% off tag. You end up spending most of your budget in one go, without setting aside an amount for your savings account. What if you or a family member gets sick? You should have an emergency fund for surprise expenses like hospitalization.
‘Hiya’ factor Sometimes, Pinoys are too humble — to a fault. We are hard-wired to avoid talking openly about our wealth or the desire for it. This hesitation stems from our childhood – in the classroom, many students are afraid to ask questions because they might be ridiculed or perceived as overly inquisitive. In playing safe, we miss out on the opportunity to learn more. When it comes to financial wealth, you can never ask too many questions. To make wise money decisions, the best step is to share your financial goals with someone who can give sound, practical advice.
‘Pakikisama’ and ‘Libre!’ Birthdays, promotions, an-
Some people have the tendency to go, Okey na yan (that’s good enough), when assessing their performance or status. They are reluctant to challenge the status quo and shake things up. Why settle for okay when you can have the best option? Why should you be satisfied with achieving your minimum savings goal when you can actually aim higher and take simple steps to be more prosperous? You can start by opening a time deposit or mutual fund account, depending on what suits you. Over time, these products can help your savings earn more. There’s no such thing as being too prepared. Having more isn’t just for your stability, but for the well-being of your family. The truth is that Filipinos have a lot of positive traits; we are hardworking, resilient, and optimistic. Financially, we are all equipped to make the best happen, if we just put our heart and soul into it. (Rappler.com) n
I
Bill seeks to stop fee payment as travel precondition for OFWs
N A bid to unburden Filipinos who want to work abroad, a legislator has filed a bill seeking to prohibit the collection of fees from departing overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) as a travel pre-condition. “Why demand unnecessary fees and make travel more difficult for our financially hardpressed workers seeking employment abroad?” OFW Family partylist Rep. Roy Señeres said as he pushed for the passage of House Bill 4004. The bill to known as the “OFW Travel Protection Act of 2014” prohibits the collection of any amount of money in any form or for any purpose from departing Filipino workers as a pre-condition for travel. Señeres cited the right to travel by Filipinos under the Constitution. 2 “Our modern-day heroes do PLANET
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A bill is proposed to prohibit fee collections from departing OFWs as a travel precondition.
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not deserve to be punished, inconvenienced or annoyed when seeking to exercise their right to travel to foreign countries to find golden opportunities for the sake of their loved ones,” he said.
cited the OFWs’ yearly $22-billion remittance to the coffers of the government. Section 2 of HB 4004 states: “It shall be unlawful to impose, exact or collect any sum of money in any form as for any purpose
from a department overseas Filipino Worker as a pre-condition for travel except those authorized by law.” “The passage of a law for the restrictions is condition sine qua non. Unless there is such a law, the right to travel is paramount and absolute. The restraint should not be done in the guise of forced or compulsory contribution as this will constitute restraint in disguise,” Señeres said. He added that the Overseas Employment Contract between the foreign employer and the OFW includes provisions which take care of the health and welfare of the OFW. “The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) cannot ignore this fact,” Señeres said. The POEA shall initiate the filing of appropriate criminal complaint in the Department of Justice or any law enforcement agency, against any individual, juridical entity, its officers and personnel who violate the provisions of the proposed statute.. (Inquirer)
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By nathan allen
WHEN I was in the Philippines, a friend of mine said “Nathan, you think too much”. Actually, I heard this from a few Filipinos. Really? I mean, I know I tend to analyze things, but “thinking too much” is precisely I how I dreamed up a way to (modestly) travel the country for a year then write an in-depth article on Filipino culture (an article that, guess what, Filipinos seem to LOVE). Filipinos: I am asking you to think MORE. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people.” Sadly, perhaps due to colonization and other factors (I’ll get to these later), the Philippines may have established itself as a country full of “small minds” - people that were discouraged from being ambitious, and kept from their potential. Those in power wanted to keep it that way, and to some extent I believe it’s still the same today. The masses are encouraged to keep consuming products and stay focused on (and distracted by) trashy, mindless TV and gossip. I’ve seen it happen in the US. It’s good for the economy, but bad for the culture (it makes things easier for a government to manipulate its people and keep them powerless).
Consumers and copycats The Philippines seems to be a country full of consumers and copycats. What do I mean by that? Media consumption TV, radio, and Internet . . . and it’s all designed to manipulate you one way or the other. Encouraged through the media is shopping - you’ve got to have the latest shoes, bags, and
ent . . . and feeling like you don’t have a voice - that your opinions don’t matter, and have no value. That is understandable (given your country’s repressive history), but we live in a different world now, and I hope you can begin to take the first few steps away from that oppressive past.
Don’t forget who you are
Banana cue in hand, a foreign tourist enjoys a laugh with Filipino children.
A Foreign Blogger’s Letter to the Philippines
phones. Otherwise, your value in society isn’t very high. Just like in the US, it’s a very shallow, endless cycle of consumption, but Filipinos, what are you producing? What are you contributing to the world? You are widely known to be some of the best cover-artists in the world. You can recreate almost any song sometimes even better than the original! Pinoy vocalist Arnel Pineda becoming the lead singer of the iconic American band Journey is a good example of this. You’re such gifted musicians and vocalists, and aside for the US and UK, I’m pretty
sure you can speak English better than any country in the world - so where are your own musical contributions? I know you have some classic Filipino songs, but I’m talking about international hits (and Fil-Am artists don’t count). Filipinos, perhaps hundreds of years of colonization have left you holding back your tal-
Now, with your growing economy, you are heading in the same direction as many wealthy western countries. You are “modernizing”, and that appears to be a good thing. Do you know what the irony is, though? In our countries, the “higher standard of living” is not what you might think. Most of you have plenty of “quality social time”. The amount of time we have to reflect and enjoy life with friends and family is shockingly little. Unlike most of yours, our families are broken and very disconnected. In the “developed” world, we seem to be losing our humanity - we barely make eye contact when we’re out in public! Your family-oriented culture and sense of connectedness is something that you REALLY have going for you in the Philippines. In our countries we work too much, are completely stressed out, and have countless new diseases and psychological disorders that I believe are popping up because of life in our hectic modern world. A therapist is practically a requirement for life in any large American city. Filipinos, do you even know what a therapist is? No? Good. Ha, ha:) These disorders (just like therapists) are rare in the Philippines. This seems to be the price we pay for being “advanced and developed” nations. The point is, I do hope you can break free from this “colonial” mentality, but aside from that . . . Filipinos: Don’t try to be more like us, try to be more like YOU. I believe what the world needs now is more you, not more us. n
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raduation rites in schools all over the country would not be the same without the generous support of their overseas Filipino alumni. At the Bagong Barangay Elementary School in Pandacan and Roxas High School in Paco, for example, over a dozen students this year will receive the Ulirang Kabataan Awards— thanks to London-based power plant chemist Reynaldo Z. Lachica, who remembers his own excitement when he graduated from those two schools many years ago. Rey, who went on to get a chemisty degree from Adamson Uni-
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APRIL 2014
The Five People You Meet in a Jeepney
By mervin jay fernando
F
OR frequent jeepney riders, encountering a lot of people and their varying personalities is not a novelty. No matter what route you take—Pasig-Quiapo, Divisoria-Cubao, Lawton-Baclaran, Caloocan-Bulacan, etc.— you’re bound to ride with different sets of folks who have similar habits and circumstances, usually based on where they sit. A few good men Courteous people usually sit beside or behind the driver or near the back of the jeepney. Those who sit up front or behind the driver usually carry bulky baggage. They want to sit there so as not to block the entry and exit of passengers,
and usually extend their hand when another passenger pays the fare. It’s as if they feel that their baggage lessens the number of passengers the jeepney can carry, so they just compensate by being the “fare crane” for the driver. When they don’t have much baggage or ride the jeepney first, or when only a handful of passengers are aboard, they usually slide to the front and pay the driver first and slide back down near the exit, so as not to trouble other passengers. In some cases, when elderly people climb up the steps, they move and allow the “young once” to sit nearer the exit.
Get a room There are some passengers who act like newlyweds, as if they’re on a honeymoon in transit. And then there are also those who hold mini conferences on the road. These people usually sit in the middle of the siyaman seats that, in all honesty, only fit seven.
Some couples really have a hard time controlling urges. They tend to forget that there are people around them who see the things they do, even those whom they think they can hide with a sling bag. Most jeepney routes pass by at least one hotel or motel, and it’s not that hard to pull the string to signal the driver to stop. There are also hotels and motels that cater to conferences and meetings. People who ride in groups and think that the jeepney is a place to hold discussions, arguments and debates should really consider booking a whole day for these activities, and allowing those who wake up early to go to work to get at least a 15-minute nap.
PUJ royalty These passengers are the most irritating. Like some of their courteous counterparts, they usually place themselves on the last seat near the exit. They sit like they paid for three persons, and have a general love for footwear and a general hate for their elders. These people redefine the idea of paying it forward—in a negative way. They strategically wait for another passenger to whom they will pass their fare, even if they are the only two persons there. Most of them sit as if they are on a couch. They don’t move for anybody, not even for the elderly, as common courtesy would dictate.
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Finally, additional wear and tear on their shoes or slippers is not a welcome thought for them, as they insist on going down at the exact point of their destination, even if it was just two steps away from the last stop.
Exploited youth These are children denied the comfort of seats. It is a harsh reality that syndicates are enriching themselves at the expense of children. It’s a weakening sight to see a young boy carrying an infant, holding on for dear life, after chasing moving jeepneys to ask passengers for alms. Equally sad is how a young boy learns, at such a young age, to snatch wallets, watches, mobile phones and earrings from jeepney passengers. What’s worse is that parents sometimes take part in the exploitation. There are times when a child jumps off a moving jeepney. The parents then come to their “rescue” and ask compensation for injuries from the driver. These children end up with broken elbows and scathed knees from the multiple jeepney dives.
Reflection on the galvanized iron Filipinos pride themselves in saying that the jeepney is found only in the Philippines. It is a source of pride for us; it is part of our culture. However, as you alight from the jeepney, it seems nothing has changed. Though they are not in their seats, the people you encounter inside the jeepney are the same folks you see in our society: a few good men; opportunists; and inconsiderate individuals. (Philippine Daily Inquirer) n
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ONDON -- The Human Rights Watch (HRW) slammed the failure of the British government to protect migrant workers against abuses that included confinement to home, physical and psychological abuse, long working hours with no rest days, and very low wages or even non-payment of wages.
In a report titled Hidden Away: Abuses against Migrant Domestic Workers in the UK, HRW said the abuses committed against migrant workers by their employers have been exacerbated by the recent changes in the UK immigration rules that make it difficult for abused workers to escape. “It’s scandalous that in modern Britain migrant domestic workers are subject to such appalling abuses,” said Izza Leghtas, Western Europe researcher at Human Rights Watch. “But instead of protecting these workers, the system makes it harder for them escape.” The report also shows the UK government has failed to live up to its obligations under international law to protect migrant domestic workers and enable them to access justice if they are mistreated. In April 2012, the UK abolished the right of migrant domestic workers to change employer once they are in the UK, against the recommendations of parliament, nongovernmental organizations, and UN experts. Under the terms of the new ‘tied visa,’ overseas domestic workers cannot legally leave their employer and find new work, meaning those abused can become trapped. “Workers who are mistreated now face a horrendous choice: either endure the terrible abuse, or escape and become undocumented migrants, where of course they are much
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Int’l Rights Group Slams UK for Abuse of Domestic Workers
more vulnerable to further abuse and exploitation,” said Leghtas. “It’s abhorrent that anyone should be tied into abuse in this way.” Because domestic helpers work in private households, much of the abuse takes place behind closed doors. Workers told Human Rights Watch of working up to 18 hours per day for weeks on end without breaks, not being fed properly and surviving off leftovers, being forbidden from possessing a mobile phone or contacting their own families, and being unable to ever leave their employers’ homes unaccompanied. Some were paid wages as little as £100 (US$160) per month and sometimes even these meager salaries were withheld. The British Home Secretary Theresa May is bringing forward a modern slavery bill to tackle serious labor abuses in the UK. In December 2013, May presented a draft bill that would increase penalties for slavery, servitude, forced labor, and human trafficking from 14 years to life imprisonment. But
the bill makes no reference at all to the plight of domestic workers. A parliamentary committee is reviewing the draft bill and is due to publish a report in early April. Human Rights Watch is urging the government to broaden the scope of the bill to ensure appropriate protections for migrant domestic workers, including the right to change employer. Restoring this right is vital to help combat abuse against this very vulnerable group of workers, Human Rights Watch said. Every year, some 15,000 migrant domestic workers arrive in the UK. Many of those interviewed by Human Rights Watch were women from Asia or Africa who previously worked for their employers in the Gulf, and had already experienced abuse there at the hands of their employers. Human Rights Watch also found that the measures the UK government has in place to prevent abuse are inadequate. The government requires workers to have been employed for at least a year by their employer
before coming to the UK. However, many migrant domestic workers interviewed by Human Rights Watch in London said their employers had subjected them to abuse in the Gulf and treated them the same, or sometimes even worse, in the UK. The UK government also requires written terms and conditions of employment to be signed by both the employer and the employee, including the obligation to pay UK minimum wage. But there is no mechanism to monitor whether those terms are respected. Under domestic, European, and international human rights law, the UK must protect migrant domestic workers from abuse, both from government officials and from private individuals. But recent cuts to legal aid deny victims who have not been recognized as possible victims of trafficking free legal assistance, even if they are victims of forced labor. The UK government has also refused to ratify a groundbreaking international treaty which affords the same rights to domestic workers as other workers. In June 2011, the UK was one of only nine countries that did not vote in favor of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Domestic Workers Convention. Human Rights Watch is also recommending that the UK ensure that domestic workers are made fully aware of their rights in the UK when they apply for visas, and that employers understand their duty to treat employees in accordance with UK law. (NewsDesk) n
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PH economy is on track to grow faster this year
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espite the latest economic forecast downgrade by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, the Philippine economy is on the way to growing faster this year, First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC) and University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) reported. The economy has already achieved a strong growth trajectory since two years ago, fueled by domestic demand and consumer spending, FMIC and UA&P noted in the latest issue of The Market Call. However, it did not specify a growth number other than saying, “The Philippines’ economic growth momentum continues to track a high growth path despite the adverse supply chain impact of November’s super typhoon Yolanda. “Domestic demand remains intact, as Meralco electricity sales growth for January improved from the previous month. External demand, which was weak for most of 2013, showed
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The Philippine economy is forecasted to grow faster this year according to economists. surprising strength as exports continued its recovery in December, marking the 4th month out of five in which it posted double-digit gains. Inflation has kept fairly steady at 4.2 percent
in January, while record Overseas Filipino Workers’ (OFW) remittances hit another all-time high in December 2013. “There are no signs that the economy is veering away from
the high growth path it has taken in 2012… Domestic demand keeps a robust growth due to the peso depreciation’s positive effect on OFW remittances and exporters’ revenues that are boosting consumer spending, apart from the unrelenting government spending on infrastructure,” the report read. “To be sure, the reconstruction work in Eastern Visayas may start in earnest only in Q2, since detailed plans and logistics are being finalized in Q1,” it added. In a report on Tuesday, Manilabased ADB said it expects the Philippine economy to grow by 6.4 percent this year from the actual 7.2 percent expansion last year. The World Bank, however, projected a 6.6 percent growth for Philippine output, saying the extent and the speed with which Manila could tackle the post-Yolanda reconstruction in the Visayas would have a definitive impact on economic prospects for 2014. (GMA)
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Showbuzz Kris and Herbert Bautista are dating
Herbert Bautista: A chance at forever with Kris? KRIS Aquino finally confirmed that she and Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista are dating. In the April 7 episode of Aquino and Abunda Tonight, Kris disclosed that Herbert sought the permission of her brother, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, to date her. In a prepared statement she
read on the show, Kris said “that gesture gained the respect of my brother and sisters because it showed all of them na malinis ang intention para sa bunso nila. Yes, my family welcomed him during our get-together because we want to know him better.” she continued. “I promised him that our relationship won’t be a distraction in his obligations to the 3 million residents he took an oath of office to serve. He has given more than 25 years of dedicated public service and my respect for him and his office is such that I don’t want to add stress, but hopefully give him inspiration,” Kris continued.
Kim and Maja finally settle their issue ERTSWHILE best friends Kim Chiu at Maja Salvador have finally settled their feud. Maja first gave a hint of a reconciliation when she was asked about the possibility of being friends with Kim again. Maja replied, “In time. Magugulat na lang kayo Gugulatin na lang namin kayo, ‘Ay, okey na pala sila!’” On March 30 entertainment columnist at radio show host Ogie Diaz reported that Kim and Maja had met and threshed out their differences some two weeks back. Ogie’s report was corroborated by the Philippine Entertainment Portals, which quoted an anonymous source. The PEP report said it was Maja who initiated the reconciliation. Gerald Anderson has confirmed that he and Kim are friends again. Kim and Maja parted ways after the latter hooked up with Gerald not long after he split with Kim. Meanwhile, Maja was re-
cently launched as new recording artist; “Sinu-surprise ko pa ang sarili ko na kaya ko palang kumanta at kaya ko palang tahakin itong music industry, kahit papaano,” she said of her new venture.
Kris talked about what it took to make it work, as well as lessons learned from the past. The greatest lesson, she said, was that she couldn’t do it all by herself. “Herbert and I are partners in either the failure or success of our being together. And we can strengthen what we have by allowing ourselves to have a chance at forever by keeping quiet and private about what is here and now.” “We are a work in progress
and it’s a joint project that both of us are happily undertaking with maturity, respect and commitment,” Kris ended. She said that this will be the last time she will talk about Herbert in any of her shows, interviews or her social media accounts. The former actor, known for movies such as Bagets, and Captain Barbell in the ‘80s, turns 46 this May. He has a daughter (18) and a son (11) with his former live-in partner, Tates Gana.
Derek, Kris say they’re just good friends
BOTH Derek Ramsay and Kris Aquino have denied rumors that they are dating. They insisted they were just friends. “There’s no relationship… Hindi ako nanliligaw, we’re friends,” Derek told the Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP). Derek said he and Kris have been friends since they started the San Miguel beer commercial. He added that he and Kris have been exchanging views on a variety of topics. “I asked her advice the other day from something, that’s why she posted, ‘Thanks for giving me the opportunity to be there for you also’ ‘coz I’m really there for her,” he said. On her show Kris TV, the presidential sister also doused cold water on speculations that she and Derek were dating.
“Alam mo, it speaks for itself. It is safe to say we are really good friends and nagreconnect kami. Happy kami to be good friends and to be with each other and to keep each other’s company and to keep each other’s secrets. I think they can leave that at that,” Kris said. Ironically, it was Kris who fueled the fire when on April 1 she startled her followers on Instagram when she thanked God and the actor for being a part of her life. “It was a hard day for both of us, you had your personal issues & so did I… But you were there for me & I was grateful you gave me the chance to be there for you… I said it before, super cute na may coffee pa. And now we can add chocolate marble & French Fries to that list…,” Kris said in her Instagram post.
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Showbuzz Daniel open to changing religion for Kathryn DANIEL Padilla is open to the idea of changing his religious beliefs to be with his on-screen partner, Kathryn Bernardo. Daniel is a Catholic, while Kathryn is a member of Iglesia ni Cristo. “Tignan natin at marami pa namang pwedeng mangyari sa future. Siguro hindi pa ako makakapag-decide ngayon. Pero siyempre, open naman ako. Diyos pa rin ‘yan, bakit naman aayawan ko,” Daniel told ABS-CBNnews.com at the sidelines of his press conference for his second major concert at the Araneta Coliseum on April 30. But for now, Daniel said their different religious beliefs are not an issue. “Oo INC siya, okey lang, ganoon naman talaga. Pero sa future pa tayo makakapag-decide niyan. Hindi naman isyu ang religion. Hindi lang tayo pwedeng
Anne in another ‘drunken stupor’?
For Daniel and Kathryn, love conquers faith. magdesisyon ngayon,” he said. The actor went on to say that he and Kathryn enjoy each other’s company. “Ganoon pa rin po, very close kami ni Kathryn. Kami ang typical na masaya kapag magkasama,” he said. While they remain “very special but not really official,” Daniel said he is willing to wait for the right time to be Kathryn’s boyfriend. “Ayaw ko pong minamadali ang mga bagay-bagay,” he said, adding, “Siguro kung alam naman ng lalaki ang mga nangyayari ngayon, hindi naman niya siguro liligawan si Kathryn.”
Boy shelves political plans in 2016 TV HOST-talent manager Boy Abunda says he is backing out of his initial plans to join politics. Citing the health condition of his mother, Boy said his priorities have changed. “I had plans for 2016, pero hindi na,” he told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal). “Hangga’t inaalagaan ko ang nanay [ko], yun ang priority ko. Everything else comes second. I’m not closing my doors on politics, but definitely not in 2016.” He denied rumors that he would seek a national position. “If I run for public office, I’ll start in Eastern Samar. Tutulong ako sa probinsya ko and
Boy and his Nanay that was my original plan.” He said there are a number of reasons for his decision to shelve his political plans in 2016, chef among them the health of his mother. “Pinaka-importanteng dahilan ay ang kalagayan ng aking ina,” he said. “Hindi ko naman kakayanin na mahahati
APPARENTLY, Anne Curtis got into another confrontation after drinking in a party, this time involving her sister’s rumored boyfriend Sam Concepcion, a report said. The Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP) quoted two anonymous sources as saying Anne shouted at Sam during the birthday celebration of Vice Ganda on March 31 at Century City Mall in Makati City. Sam is the rumored boyfriend of Anne’s sister Jasmine Curtis-Smith. Anne, who was said to be drinking at the time, approached Sam during the party and shouted at him: “Why are you here? Who invited you? You are not classy enough to be here!” Anne then reportedly went on to bash Sam’s car, saying that his car was no match to her oldest car. She then accused Sam: “Ba’t mo niloloko ang kapatid ko?” Sam reportedly left the scene teary-eyed and embarrassed. Anne’s confrontation was supposedly so loud it attracted the attention of other guests, the report said. Anne denied the PEP report. In an Instagram post accompanied by a group photo with Sam, Vice and model Georgina Wilson, Anne wrote: “Taken at Vice’s birthday. Of
ang aking oras. Pangalawa, ang dami kong disappointments sa nangyayari sa gobyerno. ‘Yung hindi gobyerno ni Noynoy, ha? ‘Yung sistema, the P10-billion [pork barrel] scam, itong corruption sa mga offices.” “You know, Noy [President Aquino] is just one, he can only
Anne endorses Ginebra San Miguel. course I spoke to Sam that night and as always, I told him to take care of my baby sister. Like any ate would do BUT to clarify I DID NOT say any of those words written in the article. Kahit tanungin nyo pa si Sam. Even he doesn’t know where those words came from. Basta. Ang mahalaga Sam and I are ok. End of story, no issue here.” This was not the first time Anne got embroiled in a confrontation after having had drinks. On Nov. 23 last year, Anne slapped a couple of people, including actor John Lloyd Cruz, at an upscale club in Taguig. She then called John Lloyd “an addict” and told model-host Phoemela Barranda, “I can buy you, your friends, and this club.” Anne has since apologized for the incident, saying on Twitter that she has had “one too many drinks” and was on a juice cleanse diet that time.
do so much. ‘Do I really want to be part of the system?’ Yun ang tanong, ‘di ba? Gusto ko bang maging bahagi ng sistemang ito na napakatagal na? . . . Ang tanong, ‘Kaya mo ba yun?’ Parang, is it worth it at this point in my life, when I have a mother to take care of?”
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By bayani san diego jr.
F
ILMMAKER Peque Gallaga fondly calls actor-siblings Michael de Mesa and Mark and Cherie Gil, The Flying Eigenmanns. “Like the high-wire trapeze artist-family The Flying Wallendas, the Eigenmanns perform death-defying acrobatics in acting,” Gallaga told the Inquirer. “They are fearless.”
Mark, Cherie and Michael comprise the second generation of this esteemed acting clan, often compared to Hollywood’s Barrymores. Mom is character actress Rosemarie Gil (whose filmography boasts classics like Celso Ad. Castillo’s Burlesk Queen and Eddie Romero’s Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon). Dad is singer-actor Eddie Mesa, “Elvis Presley of the Philippines” in the 1960s (Eigenmann is his real surname).
Third generation The clan’s third generation— Mark’s children Gabby and Andi Eigenmann and Sid Lucero and Michael’s sons Ryan and Geoff Eigenmann—is making headway in the biz, too. Cherie’s daughter Bianca has shown a keen interest in acting as well. (Even the in-laws are award winners—Gina Alajar (Ryan and Geoff’s mom), Jaclyn Jose (Andi’s), Bing Pimentel (Sid’s). Michael credited their parents for the clan’s prodigious talents. Eddie was underrated, Michael said. “He was a good actor, too.” Michael recently returned from the United States (where he, his parents and his son AJ are now based), to act in GMA 7’s afternoon soap, Innamorata. Like Cherie and Mark, Michael straddles the mainstream and indie scenes effortlessly. He may portray Ishmael Bernal in Chris Martinez’s planned biopic, and is committed to act in
Those Flying Eigenmanns two plays this year: the musical La Cage aux Folles (Nine Works Productions) and the straight drama The Little Foxes with his siblings. It’s the first time they are sharing the stage.
Loving the craft Mark is on pins and needles. “Stage debut—it’s exciting and scary!” he said. Cherie and Mark recently shared the screen in Gabby Fernandez’s indie film Mana. She described the “high” of acting with a family member: “It’s much more intense. Mana was about complex family dynamics so it made the task of tapping personal truths much easier.” She recently portrayed iconic Vogue editor Diana Vreeland in Full Gallop. “It’s important for me to keep acting,” she said. “I am attracted to good roles and great stories. But it is in theater that we find the best materials for women.” Cherie has taken the bull by the horns, producing her own stage plays (Full Gallop) and movies (Gallaga’s well-received Sonata) for her company, My Own Mann Productions.
Michael has ventured into directing. (He did TV shows and movies in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Recently, he directed the Christmas episode of the GMA 7 drama anthology Magpakailanman.) What is it about this clan that yields acting gold? Mark swears he never watched his parents’ old movies, not even to study their technique. “We never talked about work; we still don’t. It’s uncanny that we are known independently… we each went our own way.” Do they pressure the younger generation to excel as well? “Not really,” Michael said. “I just advise them to love the craft because then, it will love you back.”
More blessing than baggage For the young ones, the family name is certainly more blessing than baggage. Geoff told the Inquirer: “Everyone expects a lot; I take that as a challenge, not something negative.” Sid has won several acting trophies himself, but recalled pressure “in the beginning.” He related, “People tended to com-
Second generation Eigenmanns (L-R) Mark Gil, Cherie Gil and Michael de Mesa with the clan’s newest member, Ruis Cael, Ryan’s son. pare us with our elders. That’s why I didn’t use my real family name as screen name. It’s not a competition; we just want to do well on our own.” (That screen name is a tribute to his dad just the same: It’s the name of Mark’s character in the movie Batch ’81.) Geoff is more identified with mainstream projects like GMA 7’s Adarna, but would like to do indie films again. He did cameos in Sigfried BarrosSanchez’s Mga Anak ni Brocka and Joel Ruiz’s Baby Angelo. “I enjoyed doing those,” he said. “In Baby Angelo, I played a stoner… it fit me to a T!” That’s what sets the Eigenmanns apart, Sid noted. “We are not afraid of becoming the characters we play.” It’s all about honesty, dad Mark agreed, and gave pieces of advice to the third generation: “Be professional. Hone your craft. Keep your feet on the ground. Aim for longevity.” Gallaga captured the Eigenmanns’ acting secret succinctly: “It’s a total state of being, an instinct for behavioral truth. They have an ability to understand character and be swallowed up by it. It’s an utter disregard for being beautiful, cool or sexy. It’s genetic.” (Philippine Daily Inquirer) n
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Flash Summer Splendour
A sunflower shows all its splendour at a plantation in Ligao, Albay, as a visitor enjoys the summer spectacle. It takes 80 to 120 days for a sunflower to bloom, which happens every summer.
No More War
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President Aquino (2nd right) and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak (4th left) witness the historic signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in Malacañang last March 27. The agreement was signed by MILF Panel chair Mohagher Iqbal (2nd left) and the Philippine government Panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer (2nd right) with Tengku Dato Mohamed of Malaysia (3rd left) as witness.
s Tale of the Tape
Two protesters carry indignant messages for China for Beijing’s “latest act of harassment” of a Philippine civilian vessel late last month at the West Philippine Sea, which is claimed by both the Philippines and China. The enlarged tape measures suggest that China does not know how to properly measure its territorial boundaries.
s
Blowing Kisses
A new set of beauty queens was crowned during the Coronation Night of the 2014 Bb. Pilipinas beauty pageant on March 30 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Heading the group is 2014 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Mary Jean Lastimosa (center), who was crowned by 2013 Miss Universe Gabriela Isler of Venezuela.
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Kites for Peace
Peace advocates from various sectors join a kite-flying activity at the Luneta Park in support of the peace agreement that was signed by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on March 27.
s Participants from various municipalities in the Bicol region compete in a street dance contest at the 2014 Magayon Festival held in Legazpi City, Albay, on March 24. The annual event seeks to promote the rich culture of the province and the region.
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s Street Dance
Bursting at the Rails
Commuters queue up for more than half an hour in many MRT stations in Metro Manila as the over-capacity trains could not cope with the deluge of passengers wanting to avoid the traffic gridlock on EDSA. Many wonder if the train ride is worth the wait.
Holy Smokes
A farmer arranges his harvest of lush green tobacco leaves for drying under the sun in Barangay Santa Isabel, Ilagan City, Isabela. Tobacco farming is a major industry in the Ilocos region.
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Surfing in Siargao.
Biking among the ruins of Corregidor Island.
Why the Philippines Is the Place to Be This Summer W
HEN you live in a country that fuses together urban sophistication, impressive skylines, gorgeous beaches and the friendliest people on this side of the world, it’s hard not to look forward to it at its finest – during the summer. Yes, the Philippines boasts some of the most exciting prospects for the summer, so before you book that trip to the Maldives or Ibiza, here are few reasons to make you stay in the Philippines for the summer holidays.
1. You can go back in time Well, okay – it doesn’t literally mean going back in time, but the Philippines is home to some of the most historic spots in the world! Corregidor Island, for one, is guaranteed to transport you back into the Second World War with its perfectly maintained Malinta Tunnel and Pacific War Memorial, among others. But if that’s not up your alley, fear not – there are many other options to satisfy your craving for exciting history. There’s also Mactan Island to check out Magellan’s Cross, or Fort Santiago to be a witness to the heroics of our countrymen
during the Spanish era.
2. You can finally catch that perfect wave Even Anthony Kiedis from the Red Hot Chili Peppers can attest to this – the Philippines boasts some of the best surf spots in the world. Be sure to check out Siargao Island for a thrilling adventure that will surely be the talk of the town for whole of the summer. CNN agrees too – the Cloud Nine surfing hotspot on Siargao is among their Top 50 Best Surf Spots in the World. Now why would you want to miss out on that?
3. The food (Oh yes, the food) From the sisig of Pampanga to the lechon of Cebu, there is no end to the culinary feast that the Philippines can bring. Yes, the Philippines is home to a wide range of quality dishes – both local and international
fare. Whether it’s a frosty glass of halo-halo by the beach that you’re craving for, or a sumptuous lechon dinner at the heart of the city, or a quick 2-piece chicken meal from Jollibee, the Philippines has it – and so much more.
4. We have some of the best beaches ever
The summer is the perfect time to hit up the beaches around the Philippines – and there are just so many to choose from. There’s the gorgeous Bohol for one of the most scenic destinations in the country, exciting Boracay Island for the partygoers and socializers and beautiful Palawan for some of the most exotic and solitary beaches in the Philippines. Lo-
cal travel website tripmoba.com has some enticing travel packages for many of the country’s top beach destinations, and it’s so simple to use – a few clicks and you’re in for a summer holiday you won’t ever forget.
5. The list never ends The Philippines never seems to run out of things to do – whether it’s going on a hike up Mt. Pinatubo, riding horses in Baguio or partying the night away around The Fort or Capitol Commons. Yes, the Philippines offers a widely extensive list of things to do, making it the perfect summer destination for families, colleagues and friends alike.
6. There’s always something to do for everyone You don’t have to worry about mom getting bored or your youngest brother getting restless this summer – there are so many things to do across many different age groups, and now that it’s summer, there’s even more time to do it. The Philippines is really a melting pot of diversity – among people, cultures and natural wonders alike, and this summer, the country is set to take centre stage and show the world why it really is more fun in the Philippines. (Philippine Daily Inquirer) n
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TRAVEL WHAT’S ON ‘No tourism if you T kill the environment’ OURISM professionals have highlighted the crucial role of tourism in helping restructure the Philippines’ economy in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. Delegates at the rescheduled World Ecotourism Conference, which took place on Cebu, discussed the marine and coastal impacts of tourism and destination management. They also took a tour to the nearby island of island of Bohol to discover major ecotourism developments. The Philippine Department of Tourism recently unveiled its National Ecotourism Strategy (NES) and action plan from 2013 to 2022. This framework, it claimed, provides a platform for the department to create diverse ecotourism products and environments, generate valuable revenue for host communities and ultimately achieve its ecotourism vision. Speaking at the event, the Philippine tourism secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr illustrated the market growth and ability of ecotourism to conserve nature. He said the Philippines expected to welcome almost 1.5 million visitors in 2016. “Ecotourism will continue to demonstrate robust growth in the next two decades, as more sophisticated types of travellers evolve”, he added. Community-based initiatives for tourism, with the help of the government and businesses, were also recommended to support the planet and fight poverty in impoverished communities. Gina Lopez, managing director of ABS-CBN Foundation, said, “Tourism generates revenues and creates employment but if you’ll just put money in there, nothing will happen. For community-based tourism projects to take off and see results, these need the concerted efforts of local government, private sector and the
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community.” She added, “There is no tourism if you kill the environment. There is no good tourism if it would not significantly improve the lives of the community.” The UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has demonstrated its commitment, post-Haiyan, to helping the Philippines’ economy and tourism sector recover in the long term. Harry Hwang, UNWTO deputy regional director for Asia and the Pacific, confirmed at the conference that the organisation’s secretary-general Taleb Rifai will be visiting the country in May to provide recommendations for renewal. A study published in February found that ecotourism and the creation of conservation areas helped reduce poverty in local communities. (Blue & Green Tomorrow)
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2-18 May 2014
Barrio Fiesta sa Belfast 2014 Venue: St Kevin’s Hall, Belfast, NI BT15 1ER Time: 9:30 - 5:30 Contact: 07717030035 07545430498 07850013294
14 June 2014
Time: 9am to 6pm Contact: Sally - 07886742417 Eva - 07542026296
14 June 2014
Philippine Independence Day Celebrations in Oxfordshire Venue: The Kassam Stadium, Grenoble Road, Oxford OX4 4XP Time: 9am to 6pm Contact: joarielan@yahoo.com, www.filcomoxford. org.uk
21-22 June 2014
Barrio Fiesta Bristol Venue: Eastville Park, Muller Rd Eastville, Bristol, BS5 6XA Contact: Honeylyn 07783343848 Clarence 07500896239 Hilda 07909724653
7-8 June 2014
7 June 2014
Ikaw at ako naman! UK Tour 2014 Venues: London, Brighton, Newcastle, Manchester, Scotland Tickets: £7 - £20 Contact: KMF Events 07879331814 07775441369 www.kmfevents. co.uk
Independence Day sa Newcastle Blaydon Rugby Club Field (Carboot Area) Hexham Road, Swalwell, Newcastle NE16 3BN
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14 June 2014
116th PH Independence Party Venue: The Chartroom Restuarant/Bar, Inverkip, PA16 OAS Time: 7 to 11:30pm
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Barrio Fiesta Yorkshire Venue: The Racecourse, Boroughbridge Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 1UG Time: 10am - 5pm Contact: Lolita Boddy 01765 535015/ 07973 469450
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Hydebank Parks and Playing Fields, 19 Newtownbreda Road, Belfast BT8 6BQ
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EMBASSY NEWS
LONDON
EMBASSY CLOSURES FOR APRIL 2014 The public is advised that, in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 655, s. 2013 dated 25 September 2013, the Philippine Embassy will be closed on the following dates:
Thursday, April 17- (Maundy Thursday, PHL Holiday) Friday, April 18 - (Good Friday, PHL/UK Holiday) Monday, 21 April – (Easter Monday, UK Holiday) Thursday, 1 May - Labor Day (PH Holiday) Monday, 5 May - Early May Bank Holiday (UK Holiday) Regular office hours will resume on 22 April, 2 May, and 6 May, respectively. In case of death or detention of a Filipino citizen in the United Kingdom, please contact the Embassy’ emergency mobile phone at 078-0279-0695.
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WHAT’S ON EMBASSY OUTREACH
The Embassy will hold its future Consular Outreach Missions for 2014 in:
NEXT OUTREACH: ISLE OF MAN (26-27 APRIL) DUBLIN (17-18 MAY) CARDIFF (JULY - TBA) Please note that bookings for passport applications is now closed for DUBLIN. Further information, including venue and opening times, will be announced later. For more info please go to http://philembassy-uk.org/
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AN AGUSTIN, Leyte - Jennifer Pulga endured the depths of helplessness as she pumped the last air her husband would breathe into his typhoon-battered body, and her life since has felt barely any more in control. A coconut tree crashed through the thatched roof of the Pulga’s tiny home in an isolated farming village of the central Philippines during Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in November, crushing Richard and igniting a torturous passage to death. With no vehicle to evacuate the farmer and roads in the area initially unpassable due to typhoon debris, it took his wife a week to get him to the nearest major hospital 60 kilometers (30 miles) away. But that hospital, in the ruined city of Tacloban, was overwhelmed and medics could do little for Richard other than amputate one leg and give Jennifer a pump to manually inflate his lungs. Jennifer kept her husband alive for seven hours, the sound of the handheld ventilator like a mournful fog horn amid a sea of agony as other patients died from injuries that doctors said could have been treated if there was electricity and medicines. “I was praying and hoping that he would live. I was praying that even if he is disabled, that’s okay, as long as he lives, that’s all I want,” Jennifer, 28, told AFP on a recent visit to see how she was coping. Compounding the grief of losing her husband of seven years, Jennifer was left destitute with a four-month-old daughter, Irish, and a six-yearold son, RJ. ‘Yolanda’, which was one of the most powerful storms ever recorded, is believed to have killed about 8,000 people,
APRIL 2014
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Endless Torment for ‘Yolanda’ Widow
Jennifer Pulga checks on her husband at the Divine Word hospital after the Typhoon Yolanda disaster in Tacloban, Leyte, on November 15, 2013. mostly in farming and fishing communities that were already among the poorest in the Philippines. The Pulga family comes from one of the most impoverished of those farming villages, in a scenic but unruly part of Leyte province known as a haven for communist guerrillas and other armed bandits. The Pulgas lived in a dirtfloor hut made of bamboo, coconut wood and palm thatch, tending 10 hectares (24 acres) of coconut tree plantations and a one-hectare rice field left to them by Richard’s deceased father. Richard, who died aged 27, would earn some extra money giving rides on his motorcycle along a rocky track to people in his and neighboring villages. The farm and Richard’s motorcycle riding earned them about 3,000 pesos ($70) a month, just enough to survive when supplemented by vegetables they grew for themselves and pigs raised for food. Like thousands of other farmers in the region, the family’s main source of income was
lost when ‘Yolanda’ destroyed most of their coconut trees, which take more than five years from planting to bear fruit. “I don’t have anything now, Richard was our breadwinner,” said Jennifer, whose only previous paid work was as a domestic helper in the nation’s capital, Manila, when she was a teenager. The young widow and her two children went to live with Richard’s 68-year-old mother, Guadalupe, in a neighbouring village. The in-law’s two-story concrete house had its roof partially ripped off during the typhoon and has still not been repaired, although it provides adequate shelter and RJ can attend the local school for free. But the two women have no source of income, and are almost totally reliant on food aid that has been delivered by the government and relief agencies. Guadalupe has another farmer son, but one of his children was killed and house destroyed in the typhoon, so is unable to provide financial help. “We are just living day-to-
day. We are trying to do the best we can but we don’t have any money. So we are just concentrating on what we have now. If there’s none, well, that’s it,” Guadalupe said. Jennifer has nine siblings but their financial health is little better, and the only contribution from her immediate family since Richard’s death has been a 1,000-peso ($22) donation from a sister. “I just wish I can find a job, for my children, for the future of my children. That’s all I wish for in life, that I can support my children until they grow up,” she said. But Jennifer said a higher priority for the moment was breastfeeding Irish, ruling out travelling for work. Jennifer’s ideal job would be to run a small stall outside her mother-in-law’s home, selling daily household items and food, so that she could stay close to her children. She estimates setting up the business would cost about 10,000 pesos, an impossible amount. And while billions of dollars are being spent in an effort to help the typhoon-hit areas recover, little of it appears to be trickling up to the base of the picturesque mountains where the Pulgas live. Aside from the food aid, Jennifer and her in-laws said they had been offered no other support, such as money, materials or expertise to help rebuild or repair their homes and farms. Still, Jennifer appears not to be focused too much on the future, with her concentration dominated by the struggles of surviving each day and the ceaseless grief. “Now I am alone and I can’t bear it,” she said. (Agence France-Presse) n
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08/04/2014 14:51