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Verbatim Gusto kong tawagan, ‘Pope putang ina ka, umuwi ka na. ‘Wag ka nang magbisita dito.
Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, cursing Pope Francis for the heavy traffic caused by his papal visit in Manila last January
Once na nanalo siya, itong death penalty ay [restored] within six months. Kapag ito ay narestore na, we will implement it weekly.
Martin Diño, chairman of Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, on how Mayor Duterte would carry out his anti-crime agenda if he wins in 2016
I understand why there’s a feeling of insecurity and feeling of desperation because of the state of crime. But there are other solutions besides ‘kill the criminal’. Amnesty International Philippines campaigner Wilnor Papa, on the summary killings in Davao City under the watch of Mayor Duterte
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I’m saddened to hear that. But Korina is my wife and I love her very much. And she’s with me. And I’m with her. Mar Roxas, when asked if it was “fair for poor people” not to vote for him because of his wife, broadcaster Korina Sanchez
Yung sa kaso ni Senator Poe, it’s really a question of law. Walang room dito ang emotion, walang iyakan dito na pangtelevision.
Vice President Binay, insisting that the disqualification case against Sen. Poe should be decided on legal grounds alone
Ultimately, the leader of the country has to make people hope. The leader has to make people feel good about the future. Ayala Chairman and CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, on Filipinos should look for when electing the successor of President Benigno Aquino III
Wala nang pangalawang glorya. Hindi na ako mapagbibigyan ng asawang kasing bait ni Jesse. Hindi na ako sweswertehin . . . I am single but not available. Liberal Party vice-presidential bet and Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, when asked if she was open to a new romance
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HE peso has weakened in value against the US dollar in recent weeks, and closed last December 7 at P47.19 to $1— its lowest since 2009. Economists and analysts have attributed this weakening to an impending increase in US interest rates, which has the effect of luring funds to the world’s biggest economy and away from emerging markets such as ours The strengthening of the US dollar has been due to the increasing likelihood that the US Federal Reserve Board will start raising interest rates next month. This has boosted demand for the greenback as investors start buying US treasuries in anticipation of higher US interest rates. Other currencies from the euro to the yuan have also been weakening against the dollar because of this. For local consumers, a weaker peso means higher prices in peso terms for imported goods and services. For example, a weak peso will negate the impact of falling crude oil prices abroad. The pump-prices of gasoline and other petroleum products would have been lower had the peso not depreciated against the dollar. Cheaper fuel prices, in turn, would have triggered a reduction in transport fares and, consequently, food prices. But for sectors whose earnings are denominated in dollars, a weaker peso is a positive thing. Exporters and overseas Filipino workers and their dependents now receive more pesos for every dollar they exchange. Thus, analysts are divided on whether a weak peso has a net positive or negative impact on the country. Some believe that the net effect is negligible. Beneficiaries of OFW remit-
As the peso depreciates in value, beneficiaries of OFW remittances receive more pesos for every dollar sent to them.
What
Weak Weak Peso Means However, their pesos can buy less products here because of higher inflation resulting from higher import costs due to the weaker local currency. tances may at the outset be buoyed by a firm peso. As the peso depreciates in value, they receive more pesos for every dollar sent to them. However, their pesos can buy less products here because of higher inflation resulting from higher import costs due to the weaker local currency. With a peso depreciation, Philippine exporters also believe that they become more competitive in foreign markets as their products become cheaper in dollar terms. But other currencies in the region have also been weakening against the dollar, thus reducing or even offsetting the gain in price competitiveness aris-
ing from the peso depreciation. Exporters who rely heavily on imported raw material components will likewise be heavily affected as import costs also rise due to a weaker peso. A weak peso also fuels inflation due to increases in the price of imported commodities, including milk, wheat and oil. Imported goods and services are more expensive in peso terms whenever the dollar strengthens and the peso gets weaker. This has the effect of increasing the prices of basic commodities and services, a clear damper to all Filipino consumers, including OFWs and exporters. For the government, a weak-
er peso translates to higher debt servicing. The depreciation of the local currency increases the peso equivalent of foreign liabilities and the amount of pesos needed to buy the foreign exchange required to settle maturing obligations. This should have been money that the government could use to build more schools and roads or provide health services. The impact of a declining peso varies for some sectors. The tourism sector may be affected both ways as foreign tourists find it attractive to visit the Philippines with their dollars buying more pesos, while domestic tourists find it expensive to visit places abroad because they will need more pesos to buy dollars. From a long-term perspective, the peso has remained stable, averaging P46.82 to $1 from 1998 to this year. The weakest it has fallen to was P56.34 in October 2004, and the strongest was P37.84 in May 1999. At the start of the year, the exchange rate was P45.06 to $1, marginally slipping to P45.10 in June and to the P47 to $1 levels this month. As the impact of a weaker peso varies among sectors, the recent trend of the local currency cannot be viewed as either positive or negative for the Philippines in general. The more important thing is for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to ensure that any weakening—or strengthening—of the peso will not be too sharp or too abrupt to disrupt normal trade or business operations. For OFW beneficiaries, it is best to save those dollars than splurge on new gadgets this Christmas season as all indications point to a further strengthening of the greenback against all currencies, including the peso. (Editorial, Philippine Daily Inquirer, November 14, 2015) n
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Under the proposed law, a returning Filipino may bring in personal and household effects of up to P150,000 each time for up to three times a year.
New Balikbayan Box
Law Proposed
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ENATE President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto has proposed a new “Balikbayan Box Law” (BBL) that is now pending for approval in the Senate. Recto said the proposed BBL, which aims to raise the tax-exempt value of pasalubong cargo brought in or sent by overseas Filipino workers (OFW) to P150,000, is now a section in the proposed Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA). CMTA is defined as “conditionally-free and dutyexempt importation.” Recto filed the Senate Bill No. 2913, which he dubbed Balikbayan Box Law or BBL, following the public protest against Bureau of Customs’ directive to open and inspect balikbayan boxes. The order revealed outdated regulations, including taxing any box with content worth more than P10,000. “Residents of the Philippines, Overseas Filipino Workers, other Filipinos while residing abroad or in their return to the Philippines shall be allowed to bring in or send to their families or relatives in the Philippines balikbayan boxes which shall be exempt from duties and taxes,” the section read.
Recto said that with his proposed BBL, the “total dutiable value” of the boxes shall not exceed P150,000 which can only be enjoyed “up to three times in a calendar year.” However, the measure states that the boxes must contain “personal and household effects only and shall neither be in commercial quantities, nor intended for barter, sale or for hire.” “This means that an OFW can send two boxes at the same time provided that their total worth is not more than P150,000. That will be counted as one shipment,” Recto said. “This is to prevent senders from abusing this privilege. With this privilege comes the duty to observe the law. And it also comes with penalties so that smugglers won’t take advantage of it,” he added. ”Every three years after the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner (of Customs), shall review the value herein stated and
shall adjust its present value using the Consumer Price Index as published by the Philippine Statistics Authority,” the provision read. According to Recto, the “antiquated provision” of slapping a 50 percent duty on the value of a balikbayan box in excess of PhP10,000 was set 28 years ago through President Corazon Aquino’s Executive Order 206 while the BOC Memorandum Circular 7990 which raised the maximum value of a tax-exempt balikbayan box to US$500 is already more than 25 years old. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reminded the general public about its revised rules and regulations on the importation of balikbayan boxes, which took effect last September. The customs memorandum order (COM) applies to all noncommercial inbound consolidated shipment of overseas Filipino workers and for returning OFWs bringing in personal and household effects. The BOC issued the revised rules following the public outcry against the physical examination of balikbayan boxes which resulted in the pilferage
of the contents by customs personnel. Among the operational provisions is that the OFWs’ balikbayan boxes shall not be subjected to random or arbitrary physical inspection. “Instead they shall undergo mandatory X-ray scanning,” the CMO read. Mandatory container X-ray scanning shall be conducted at the X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) Designated Examination Area (DEA) for preliminary examination of non-commercial inbound consolidated shipment. BOC may also produce and print information, notices, leaflets on the new rules and regulations for the importation of balikbayan boxes “in order to provide OFWs with clear information on the simplified customs procedures prescribed under the order.” In cases of non-commercial inbound consolidated shipment tagged “suspect” after X-ray scanning, the XIP image analysis inspector shall identify the balikbayan box/es with possible violation and recommend the issuance of an alert order. “For balikbayan box/es without violation, it shall be segregated and provisionally released to allow its continuous processing,” BOC said. But in case a balikbayan box is placed under alert, it will be subjected to 100% physical examination at the authorized examination area to be conducted by a customs examiner in the presence of apprehending officers. Freight forwarder consolidator, representatives of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and/or designated officer of an OFW association should also be present. The order added that BOC shall also endeavor to acquire K-9 units and install CCTVs in all authorized inspection/examination areas. n
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The Exempted Gods By joel ruiz butuyan
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ALLS for government officials to take public transportation at least once a month have been making the rounds of online sites for several months now. One online petition (by change.org) declares: “[Eighty] percent of Metro Manila residents—including children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities—take public transportation. The government puts all its efforts in trying to solve traffic [problems] but not in solving public transportation [problems]. The only way government officials will understand the plight of commuters is if they themselves take public transport regularly.” Another campaigner (Legitimate Philippines) cites the purported examples of foreign leaders: “David Cameron (prime minister, United Kingdom) frequently takes the Tube (the London underground). He has also told government ministers to forget the limo and take the Tube. François Hollande (president, France) use[s] the train to official journeys within France, and to European summits in Brussels. Raim Emanuel (mayor, Chicago) takes the train to his city hall office about twice a week. Boris Johnson (mayor, London) is regularly seen biking through London and also uses the Tube. China’s new leadership has asked government officials to travel simply and, in normal circumstances, not to close roads to ease their journeys. [Ninety-one] percent of the delegates to the Swiss Parliament take the tram to work. In Jakarta, city officials are banned from using their
Administration vice presidential bet and Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo (second from left) with co-passengers inside a bus bound for her hometown of Naga City. Robredo is perhaps the only prominent politician who takes public transportation regularly. cars on the first Friday of every month.” Doubtless, these calls are made because despite the horrendously long lines of commuters and the jampacked trains, there is widespread public perception that the government remains unconcerned about the extreme urgency of the need to ease the suffering of commuters. These campaigns spring from overwhelming public resentment that so-called “public servants” are detached from reality and must be made to experience the suffering caused by their action or inaction. The pervasive conclusion that government officials are insensitive is rooted in the many ways they unfairly insulate themselves from the daily struggle endured by the people. There are many examples illustrating how officials flaunt their status as exempted gods. Despite the avowed “no wangwang” campaign of the Aquino administration, commuters and motorists see daily incidents of “public servants” escorted by motorcycle-riding policemen who employ a single “wang” for every reckless swerve they
make as they pompously weave through bumper-to-bumper traffic. “Public servants” are assigned chauffeur-driven and red-plate cars which spare them from packed public vehicles and immune them from number-coding restrictions. “Public servants” exempt themselves from the long lines and dilapidated amenities in our airports by means of escorts, priority lanes and VIP lounges. “Public servants” are provided “courtesy lanes” which are disguised exemptions from the hoops and hurdles to which ordinary citizens are subjected in trying to obtain a driver’s license, passport, social-security benefits, and the like. Government officials build cocoons for themselves which insulate them from the harsh conditions endured by their “bosses.” As a result, they are either completely clueless of the suffering, belated in realizing the suffering, or fail to comprehend the gravity of the suffering experienced by the people. This must be one of the reasons many government policies are formulated only in reaction to long-festering problems instead of being anticipatory of
future problems. A problem must first arise before the government is prompted to react with a remedial action, instead of the government formulating policies that anticipate problems before they darken the horizon. Think of the inadequacies of our trains, airports, roads, and public services in general, and imagine how fast these inadequacies would have been fixed if government officials were part of the masses of people made to suffer from these inadequacies. Many government leaders are content to insulate themselves from societal problems instead of working on solutions that will prevent these problems from bedeviling the entirety of society. Even in the matter of peace and order, too many government officials—undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, directors, vice mayors, city councilors, etc.—surround themselves with personnel who are solely focused on the singular security of their wards. If this army of security personnel were instead assigned to ensure the security of the entire communities where these officials live side by side with the electorate (who are equally entitled to security), then public welfare will be rightfully served. Contrast this to the existing reality where security bubbles are created only for privileged officials, while leaving the rest of the community to fend for themselves in obtaining security against criminal elements. In other countries, campaigns to make government officials experience the hardship endured by ordinary folk resound with this battle cry: “Put politicians on minimum wage, and watch how fast things change.” (Philippine Daily Inquirer) n
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‘Miss Saigon’s’ Jon Jon Briones is Off to Broadway
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ROM Quezon City to Broadway, with the West End in between. That appears to be the journey of Jon Jon Briones, who will be making his Broadway debut in 2017 as the Engineer in the revival of the musical Miss Saigon. Producer Cameron Mackintosh has confirmed that the West End production at the Prince Edward Theatre will close on February 2016 and will transfer to Broadway in 2017. “This is going to be my Broadway debut, and I’ll be turning 51 by that time,” says Briones. “Goes to show you that it’s never too late for dreams to come true.” Briones had known about the transfer for some time now. “We finished negotiations for Broadway last month but even though I was expecting the announcement to happen, it’s still exciting and wonderful to read it in all the news outlets.”
LA-based
Briones: ‘It’s never too late for dreams to come true.’
Raves Miss Saigon returned to the West End in May 2014 with record-breaking advance ticket sales. His performance has been met with raves. The Telegraph called it “memorably seedy”; The Guardian, comparing him with Jonathan Pryce who originated the role, said his Engineer was “an even grubbier, sleazier figure who is the victim of both his background and pathetic fantasies”; and The New York Times hailed his “diminutive
acter Kim, a Vietnam War orphan who falls in love with an American soldier during the final days of the American occupation. The current London revival features Filipino-American Eva Noblezada as Kim, with Filipino actresses Tanya Manalang as alternate for Kim and Rachelle Ann Go as Gigi. Noblezada will be part of the Broadway transfer.
Briones as the Engineer in the London revival of Miss Saigon. presence with a slithery, sleazy command that brings home the sardonic second-act showstopper, The American Dream.” When it premiered in 1989,
the musical thrust Filipino actors into the international theater scene. Lea Salonga and Monique Wilson were cast as alternates for the titular char-
Briones was part of the ensemble in the original production at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. He subsequently landed the role of the Engineer in Germany (where he met his wife Megan), and for a US tour, an Asian tour, a Manila production and a UK tour. Born and raised in Quezon City, Briones has since relocated to Los Angeles, where his wife and two children also work as actors (brionestalent.com). After his stint with the original London production of Miss Saigon, he acted in several Repertory Philippines productions such as the Lion in The Wiz and Enjolras in Les Misérables. Before he joined the London revival last year, he was involved in the pre-Broadway development of the musical Allegiance with Lea Salonga. He’s also done TV work, with guest roles in shows like Sons of Anarchy, Bones, The Mentalist, and Monk. During the break from March 2016 onwards before he debuts at the Great White Way, Briones says he will keep himself busy: “Actors don’t really go on holidays unless they are really successful and can afford to just take the time off. So, as soon as I get back to LA, I go straight to what actors do—audition and go to acting classes.” He adds: “If there is nothing going on, my family and I will take our convertible and just drive somewhere nice and take a couple of days away.” (Philippine Daily Inquirer) n
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elebrity Christmas Trees
It’s white Christmas at the residence of JC Intal, Bianca Gonzalez, and baby Lucia.
Kim Chiu stayed up late last month decorating her tree with niece Raine her friends.
Dawn Zulueta’s red tree. The tall and treelike Christmas tree at the living room of Richard and Lucy Gomez.
On Instagram, Alex Gonzaga shares their family’s tree at home in Taytay, Rizal.
The Christmas tree at the home of Ogie and Regine Alcasid got some art and creative direction from events stylist Badang Rueda.
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10 Zsa Zsa Padilla’s tall Christmas tree.
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elebrity Christmas Trees Korina SanchezRoxas added origami ornaments to her tree.
The home of Tonyboy Cojuangco, Gretchen Barretto, and their daughter Dominique had not just one but four Christmas trees last year.
The Pacquiaos’ Christmas tree, a gift from Dra. Vicki Belo.
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Packing balikbayan boxes: things to know
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ALIKBAYAN BOXES are synonymous to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Imagine the joy and excitement of family members back home when the “package” finally reaches home. Everyone is definitely anxious to open the box. So are you trying to surprise our family in the Philippines with that trademark “package”, “doorto-door box” or “balikbayan box” for the first time? Here are tips to help OFWs or foreign immigrants ensure safe and efficient delivery of our surprise goodies. 1. Think about the practicality, necessity and usefulness of items. Some OFWs think of sending packaged noodles, bath soap or toothpaste to loved ones because they are cheap, on top of making them feel they’re also immersed with life abroad. Think of balikbayan boxes as supersized postal envelopes chosen by Filipinos because of value for money and large volume of items it can handle. But at the same time think about how useful a child’s five pairs of shoes if they don’t fit, your favorite local dish will be spoiled after weeks in transit or when winter clothing looks like a mockery to the tropical weather. These boxes have to travel and cost OFW money to make that happen. But if we think they make folks back home happy, then squeeze them into the box. 2. Estimate the volume of goods before picking the box Door-to-door cargo boxes come in different sizes (some
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Assume all the things you will send in the box are fragile, to ensure their safe arrival to your loved ones. companies call them bulilit, regular, medium, jumbo, super jumbo) and by estimating the volume of items you intend to send you’ll figure out which box is best suited. Would you prefer a small box whose rate is cheaper but can accommodate the fewest number of goods or use the relatively expensive jumbo boxes but you’ll be forced to buy more items just to fill them. 3.
Assume all things you will send are fragile As we are not aware how our boxes are handled on their way to destination, let’s assume that they’ll be in for a rough ride. This means we have to ensure that they are neatly and securely packed inside the box. Some would surround the box with foam or bubble packaging. Others
use blankets or thick fabric as cushions at the bottom and top of the box. Take extra care for glasses that may break (wrap them), shampoo or lotion that may spill (tape the cap). If necessary, place these goods in small packages (plastic bags, etc) so it is also possible to label them with the name of intended recipient. 4. Wrap the whole box To help secure the box after sealing it, wrap the box entirely with tape, which is usually handed by couriers along with the box. This means labeling of recipient name has to come after the whole wrapping process. Hopefully, we can say our balikbayan box is airtight and water-proof. 5. Label your balikbayan box well Write the full name of recipient and ensure the correct delivery address is printed
on the sides of the box. Provide phone number in case local courier partners in the Philippines cannot find it, a number can be called to seek directions. Otherwise, maps and other hints on finding the recipient location also helps. If we can’t trust our handwriting, printing it on a white sheet is an option. Just be sure that we also wrap it with transparent tape so it will not be torn or damaged when wet. 6. Write a list of items completely in the declaration sheet This does not mean we are bragging of what’s inside (if we’re sending expensive items like perfumes), but it’s a way to evaluate how fragile the box is, help forwarder staff to assess the value for insurance purposes, and for our family members to verify that they got what was listed in that sheet.
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Smart Padala introduces Pick-Up Anywhere
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MART PADALA is giving Filipino consumers more options for both sending and receiving money via Smart Padala Pick-Up Anywhere, a new feature from the digital services Smart eMoney, Inc. Consumers can now send remittances via Smart Padala to any mobile phone number, no matter the mobile telecom provider. The sender just needs to fill out the transaction slip, including the recipient’s mobile phone number along with a nominal service fee and proof of identification to the Smart DECEMBER 2013 SPOTon 19 SPL www.planetphilippines.uk.com Padala agent. smartAfter the money is sent, the recipient will receive a text notification with the reference FULL PAGE AD number of the Smart Padala Pick-Up Anywhere transaction. He can then present the reference number, along with a Consumers can now send remittances via Smart Padala to any mobile number, no matter the mobile provider. valid ID, to any closest Smart Padala agent. As an added sePadala already has over 15,000 Filipinos. provider. In terms of cost, the curity feature, the recipient will agents/centers which is more “When you’re sending money average roundtrip fare to reach then be sent a one-time verifitouch points than Automated to someone who needs it, you a financial access point is 43 cation pin that will allow him Teller Machines (ATMs), bank want to ensure that they can minutes. to receive the money. branches and pawnshops in the receive it immediately and con- Ferrer believes this hyper localPreviously, recipients pick up country combined. veniently. By enhancing our ity that Smart Padala Pick-Up their remittances from preNow that everyone can send Smart Padala service with Pick- Anywhere provides will ultiselected Smart Padala centers. money to any mobile phone Up Anywhere, we are enabling mately benefit the Filipino conBut now with Smart Padala number and claim the remitmillions of more Filipinos to exsumer. Pick-Up Anywhere, they can tance from any Smart Padala perience the benefits of finan“While most people will look at send or claim their remittance remittance center, Smart Padacial technology when they need Smart Padala Pick-Up Anywhere from any Smart Padala center la Pick-Up Anywhere is extendit the most, wherever they may as an added convenience, we in the Philippines. AS Smart ing financial inclusion to more be,” said Lawrence Ferrer, Vice look it as a tangible way to help President at Smart eMoney, Inc. improve the standard of living (SMI). for millions of Filipinos. They Based on data from the first no longer have to brave a comNational Baseline Survey on mute, or even a long walk to get Financial Inclusion released money that they need, when by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas they need it. That’s the power this year, it takes Filipinos an of financial technology,” said average of 22 minutes to reach Ferrer. the nearest financial services
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Dancing Lights, Parol, Belen:
Familiar Sights and Sounds of Christmas
W Lights Display at Zamboanga City Hall
HAT would Christmas in the Philippines be without the parol to bring hope and joy to a weary nation constantly battered by natural and man-made calamities? What would the yuletide season be without the bright and colourful lights atop trees and buildings to dazzle young and old with the promise of a brighter tomorrow? What would the celebration of the birth of Jesus look like without the belen to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas? It won’t be an authentic Paskong Pinoy without the noche buena, simbang gabi, kris kringle, Christmas carols, family reunions, gift giving, shopping, and more . . . To those in faraway lands who could not feel the warmth of the embrace of family and friends and enjoy the truly unique Christmas experience back home, we bring on these pages a sampling of the familiar sights and sounds of the season in the city and some parts of the country. Maligayang Pasko at Masaganang Bagong Taon sa lahat!
Belenismo in Tarlac
Lights Display on Ayala Avenue, Makati Lights and Sounds Show at Ayala Triangle Garden, Makati
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Lantern Festival in Pampanga
Giant Christmas Tree at Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City
Christmas Display at Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan
Christmas Symbols Festival in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental
Parol vendors of Manila
Giant Christmas Tree at the atrium of SM Mall of Asia
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Showbuzz Angel undergoes spine in Singapore Angel doing the peace sign after the success of the first stage of her back procedure. ANGEL Locsin is back in Manila after undergoing a successful spine surgery in Singapore. On December 4 expressed her gratitude to her fans for their unwavering support as she posted photos of her in a hospital in Singapore moments after undergoing surgery for
her disc bulge in her spine. On her Instagram account, the 30-year-old actress wrote: “I’m still a little bit groggy and sore but happy and thankful tapos na ang first stage of the procedure. Thank you all for the prayers! Hoping this is it na.” Angel did not specify the exact medical treatment that she went through. Last October, she confirmed that she will no longer be portraying the Filipino superheroine Darna after her rigorous training for the role led to her developing a disc bulge in her spine.
Philippines wins back-to-back Miss Earth titles FILIPINA beauty queen Angelica Ong was crowned as the 2015 Miss Earth on December 6 in Vienna, Austria, the third Filipina to win the title in the pageant’s 15-year history. Angelica’s victory also marks the first time in the history of Miss Earth pageant that a country won in two consecutive years. She succeeded Jamie Herrell, Miss Earth Philippines 2014 who bagged the crown last year. The Philippines’ entry in 2008, Karla Henry, won the first of the three Miss Earth titles for the country. The 24-year-old marketing management student of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in Manila bested more than 80 candidates, including Brazil’s Thiessa Sickert who was named Miss Earth Fire, the United States’ Brittany Payne who bagged the Miss Earth Water title, and Australia’s Dayanna
Angelica Ong is crowned Miss Earth 2015 by fellow Filipina Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrell at the Marx Halle in Vienna, Austria. Gradega, Miss Earth Air. Angelica vowed to continue her advocacy of caring for the environment, which she started when she was a candidate for Miss Philippines Earth. “We have to educate people about the threats of Climate Change because it is only through an educated society can true reform be achieved,” she said. Malacañang congratulated Angelica for her victory and for bringing honor to the country. n
At the time, she said that the decision to pull her out of the project for fears of permanent damage to her health was final and made mutually with Star Cinema and ABS-CBN. In a recent interview with ABS-CBN News, however, Angel’s boyfriend, television host Luis Manzano, hinted that there might still be a chance for his girlfriend to reprise the iconic role. “Sana. Siguro not just dahil
sa clamor ng tao but kahit ang management ay nakikita na ‘Oo nga ano baka naman kaya pa ngang hintayin si Angel.’ So sana,” he said. The couple are flying to Las Vegas in mid-December for a vacation. Luis denied rumors that they will get married in Las Vegas. From there, they will proceed to Miami and Cuba to meet up with Luis’ siblings and father, Edu Manzano. n
Kathryn no longer an Iglesia member? TEEN star Kathryn Bernardo is not breaking any of Iglesia ni Cristo’s rules by endorsing administration standard bearer Mar Roxas since she is no longer with the influential religious sect. In his Bulgar column, showbiz scribe Ador Saluta quoted a certain Daniel Gullos, purportedly an INC minister, as denying in a Facebook post that Kathryn’s endorsement of Roxas had the church’s blessing. “Walang katotohanan na may basbas ng Iglesia ni Cristo ang pag-eendorso ni Kathryn kay Mar dahil siya ay isang tiwalag na,” Saluta wrote, quoting Gullos. Facebook user Jay Phi, meanwhile, posted a series of photos on Facebook showing the teen actress in a Santa Claus suit and wearing a necklace with a crucifix pendant. These pictures supposedly prove she is no longer with
KathNiel with Mar Roxas and wife Korina Sanchez. INC since the church does not celebrate Christmas, and does not honor religious images. Kathryn’s decision to publicly support Roxas’ candidacy has given rise to speculation as to whether or not she is still part of INC since the religious sect has yet to announce who it will support for president in 2016. There are speculations that Kathryn and her onscreen partner Daniel Padilla received a fee “in the millions” for their endorsement of Roxas. But the camp of Roxas claimed that there was “no money involved” in the KathNiel endorsement. n
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Showbuzz BBC features ‘AlDub’s’ meteoric rise An Instagram post shows Alex and her constant date.
Alex ‘exclusively dating’ nonshowbiz guy ALEX Gonzaga has confirmed that she is “exclusively dating” a non-showbiz guy, two years after her controversial relationship with band vocalist Kean Cipriano. The TV host-actress said they have been dating for nearly five months now and that her parents and older sister, Toni Gonzaga, approve of him. “Pag talagang right time, may right person para sa iyo, talagang walang ibang makakapigil. Parang smooth sailing, walang hindrance, walang hindi puwede, walang bawal, lahat maayos,” she told Boy Abunda in an interview. Alex said it took her a while mainly because she didn’t want to enter a new relationship without preparing herself first, and understanding the limitations the entertainment industry puts on her personal life. “I tried dating people from the business. I couldn’t handle it. I don’t want my partner to be in the same industry as I am,” she said. She declined to name her constant, a law student. “Nonshowbiz siya. Ayoko munang sabihin kasi private silang tao, e . . . ano kami ngayon, kasi lahat ‘to, ilalabas sa libro ko. So, ayoko munang i-reveal kasi lahat ‘to nasa libro.” n
AFTER discussing the popularity of the “AlDub” phenomenon in an online article, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) once again featured the hit onscreen love team of actor Alden Richards and Maine “Yaya Dub” Mendoza, this time through an interview. The British news agency on December 8 uploaded the pair’s interview with Filipino BBC host Rico Hizon on the set of noontime show Eat Bulaga. Hizon said AlDub’s “meteoric rise” in the Philippines, which was evident both in television and in social media, was “difficult to ignore.” “They have dominated headlines and social media trends – certainly in the Philippines – but few have tried to evaluate this
winning formula,” Hizon said. “It is, of course, about great entertainment, but perhaps the magic is also in the marketing, a smart social media strategy, and good business sense.” Noting that the “previously unknown couple” have been pulling an average of 8.6 million viewers daily, Hizon said AlDub’s “phenomenal” success was not only a money-spinner for the show’s producers but also for Alden and Maine themselves, as seen in their various commercial endorsements, both local and international. “By international standards, the sum total of their endorsements is paltry. No one would confirm how much they’re earning from these deals but it’s estimated to be little more than
AlDub’s “meteoric rise,” which was evident both in television and in social media, was “difficult to ignore,” says BBC. $200,000 (£132,600). But their rise has been meteoric and unexpected to industry watchers,” he said. But despite her popularity, Maine told Hizon that she has not yet fully absorbed everything that is happening to her. “Everything that is happening now has not sunk in to me yet… The mere fact that people are so engaged and drawn into the whole thing is unbelievable. The support and love of our fans is amazing, they’re incredible,” Maine said. n
‘A Second Chance’ makes history in UK THE blockbuster hit A Second Chance has just achieved a historical first for Philippine cinema after it was distributed in the United Kingdom by Vue Entertainment, said to be the third largest cinema chain operating in the country. Last December 5 and 6, the sequel to the 2007 cult romantic drama One More Chance was shown in cinemas operated by Vue Entertainment, namely Vue West End, Vue Westfield, Vue Shepherd’s Bush, Vue Birmingham, and Vue Leeds The Light. Due to a warm reception, Vue Entertainment has decided to extend its run, and will be screened on December 12 and 13 as well. “This is an achievement
The John Lloyd-Bea tandem lives on. that Filipinos around the world should be proud of,” said ABSCBN EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Managing Director Kai Rodriguez. “A Filipino film just had the honor of being shown at Vue Cinemas and moreover, was given an extended weekend run.
We just made history.” A Second Chance was also screened in 21 theaters across UAE, five in Qatar, two in Kuwait, three in Bahrain, and two in Oman. It topped box office charts, beating out competition from Hollywood. “For a foreign, English-subtitled Filipino film like ‘A Second Chance’ which just focuses on relationships with no special effects or gigantic million-dollar production budgets and casts, to achieve the milestones we just did proves the strength in numbers of the Filipino market here and the growing international appeal of Filipino films that transcends cultural and language borders,” added Rodriguez. n
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post event diary
The two well-loved publications, Planet Philippines and Splash, graced these events for better relations, greater partnership, and to promote community awareness throughout the UK.
FWA UK Partners’ Event
MEMBERS OF the Filipino-British community atteded the FWA UK Partners’ Event on 14 November, 2015 at The Club at Café Royal in London. FWA UK is a not for profit, charitable organisation providing support to vulnerable women and children in the Philippines. It was a very intimate event, with people from various industries attending the gather-
PAL’s 2nd Anniversary Event
THE NATIONAL carrier Philippine Airlines celebrated its 2nd anniversary since launching regular nonstop flights from Manila to London Heathrow ing. as part of their The charity organisation, which continued exhas been running for 28 years, pansion as the has worked closely with the country’s leading airline. Philippine Embassy, the AmFULL PAGE TheAD cocktail reception and Sibassador, and other commulent Disco was held in one of nity groups across the UK in London’s most iconic buildorder to achieve their goals and ings, Walkways in Tower commitments to the FilipinoBritish society. Bridge. You can read more about the Distinguished guests graced organisation on http://www. the event, including Philippine fwa-uk.com/. Ambassador to the UK His Excellency Enrique Manalo, as well as executives from PAL and the Department of Toursa Valdez to meet the members ism. of the international press and Guests enjoyed the specially the Filipino community in Euprepared cocktails and enterrope and the Middle East. tainment numbers from Pinoy The movie A Second Chance is pride Rachelle Ann Go of Les the sequel to the modern clas-
TFC “A SECOND CHANCE” PRESSCON While their movie delved on subsequent opportunities in love, A Second Chance’s lead actress Bea Alonzo and one of its creators Vanessa Valdez met the members of the international press and Filipino community in Europe and the Middle East for the first time via an online press conference held this week by premier network The Filipino Channel (TFC). For the first time, TFC held a three-way press conference that brought together This Generation’s Movie Queen Bea Alonzo, and co-creator Vanes-
sic One More Chance which tells the story of the iconic characters Popoy and Basha now married, after having given each other just that – one more chance. The showing was TFC in Europe’s first venture into the mainstream film circuit via Vue Cinemas and other major cinemas across Europe.
Misérables’ West End production and The Black Eyed Peas’ Apl. De. Ap.
SAFILCA’s 28th Anniversary Party THE MONTH of December started with Christmas parties in full swing, the first one being the St Anne’s Filipino Community Association (SAFILCA) Dinner and Dance Party in Crowne Plaza Docklands, E16 1AL. Now on their 28th year, SAFILCA aims to take a larger role in their community parish, as well strengthening their ties
with fellow kababayan in the area. SAFILCA President Tony Sevilla addressed the members and attendees with his opening remarks. He mentioned their charitable programs for typhoon-stricken families in Samar and Leyte, as well as providing shelter for the poor children in Peru.
DECEMBER 2015 APRIL 2012
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ll t of a ppor In su events in d o it o n g u y omm the c
WHAT’S ON 15 Dec. 2015
Simbang Gabi 2015 Venue: Westminster Cathedral, London London SW1P 1QW Contact: Josie Ramos 07723024591
17 DEC
"ITS NOT THE DISABILITIES, ITS OUR ABILITIES THAT COUNT"
All proceeds go to Brainwave UK and Elsie Gaches Philippines
Performances by: Les Harmones Alin Mihai
184 Uxbridge Road Shepherd's Bush London,
( W12 7JP; close to WestĂželd)
Mistanova and DPZ
Advance ticket ÂŁ8
and many more (bands)
On the day ÂŁ10
Please contact 07895339498; or email applejacobe1@gmail.com for tickets and details. Come celebrate your Christmas Party with us đ&#x;’Ľđ&#x;’Ľđ&#x;’Ľđ&#x;’Ľ đ&#x;Ž„đ&#x;Ž„đ&#x;Ž„đ&#x;Ž„ đ&#x;Ž„đ&#x;Ž„đ&#x;Ž„đ&#x;Ž„
19 Dec. 2015
FCW Get Together Xmas Party Time: 5pm Venue: Clase Social Club , Swansea, SA6 7LW Contact: 01792480177 filipinoswales2005@ yahoo.co.uk
19 Dec. 2015
FLA Christmas Party 2015 Time: 5pm - 10pm Venue: St. Nicholas Church Hall, Oakwood Lane, Gipton, Leeds, LS9 6QY Contact: FB: Filipino Leeds Association
OUT NOW!
17 Dec. 2015
19 Dec. 2015
Venue: Bar FM, 184 Shepherd’s Bush London
Venue: Hillmorton Ex- Service Mans Club, High Street, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 4EH
Tickets: ÂŁ8 - ÂŁ10
BAR FM
Aj and Gab Apple Jacob
COMMUNITY
Benefit Event for Children this Xmas Season
BENEFIT EVENT FOR CHILDREN THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON â?¤ â?„ đ&#x;Ž„đ&#x;Ž„đ&#x;Ž„đ&#x;Ž„ đ&#x;Ž„đ&#x;Ž„đ&#x;Ž„đ&#x;Ž„ đ&#x;Ž„đ&#x;Ž„đ&#x;Ž„đ&#x;Ž„
Splash PHILIPPINES 2953
Contact: 07895339498 applejacobe1@gmail. com
19 Dec. 2015
Gloucestershire Filipino Community Xmas Party
FULL PAGE Venue:AD Cheltenham
Racecourse, Evesham Rd. Prestbury, GL50 4SH Cheltenham, Gloucestershire Tickets: ÂŁ25.00 Contact: Arsenia Masters and Olive Guiyab
20 Dec. 2015
Kasambahay: A Multimedia Exhibition On the Plight of Migrant Workers Venue: ITF House, 49-60 Borough Road, London SE1 1DR Tickets (FREE) register here: www.kasambahay. eventbrite.co.uk Tel: 02036912703 and 07538797963
After conquering Southeast Asia, multi-awarded artist Christian Bautista soars to new and greater heights with the release of his latest single “Who is She To Me� in the United Kingdom. With its digital release set on December 14, “Who is She To Me� is Christian’s first single to debut in the United Kingdom and is expected to air over UK radio such as BBC radio 1 and BBC radio 2. Music enthusiasts should not also miss the special music video of “Who is She To Me� which was shot entirely in London under the helm of veteran director Leon Mitchell. It is now available on popular music video channels and YouTube. Viewers and fans of Christian can check out the music video via YouTube (https://youtu.be/pi90bX41FXA).
Paskong Pinoy sa Rugby 2015 Time: 7pm to 12mn
Contact: Araial Ilustre
19 Dec. 2015
Simbang Gabi 2015 St Michael St Martin Church, 94 Bath Road, Hounslow TW3 3EH Contact: philippinecentre@ yahoo.co.uk
21 Dec. 2015
Simbang Gabi 2015 Venue: Farm Street Church, 114 Mount St, London W1K 3AH Contact: Josie Ramos 07723024591
For your regional celebration, please contact our team on 02075818100 as we will help Splash around the party news to all our readers!
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Pag-IBIG OFW Member Dagdag Ipon Raffle Promo The Philippine Embassy advises Pag-IBIG OFW members that they can now join the Pag-IBIG ‘Dagdag Ipon Raffle Promo’ until 31 December 2015.
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This promo is open to all qualified Pag-IBIG OFW members who will remit a minimum of Php600.00 Pag-IBIG I membership savings (MS) in a single transaction within the raffle promo duration.
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EMBASSY NEWS
LONDON
EMBASSY WEBSITE SUSPENSION Please be informed that DFA Manila is currently upgrading the official website of Philippine diplomatic and consular missions. The Philippine Embassy London official website will be bak online within a couple of weeks. For queries on our Consular Services, please call 020 7451 1780. You can also send us a message via the following e-mail addresses: Passport passportofficer@philemb.co.uk Visa visa@philemb.co.uk Notarials notarial@philemb.co.uk Civil Registry civilregistry@philemb.co.uk Dual Citizenship atnlondonpe@philemb.co.uk Assistance to Nationals - atnlondonpe@philemb.co.uk
LONDON
WHAT’S ON
EMBASSY CLOSURES: DEC ‘15 TO JAN ‘16 The public is advised that the Philippine Embassy will be closed on the following dates: Thu, 24 December 2015 – Special non-working day (PHL Holiday) Fri, 25 December 2015 - Christmas Day (Philippine & UK Holiday) Mon, 28 December 2015 – Boxing Day Substitute (PHL & UK Holiday) Tue, 29 December 2015 - Building maintenance work Wed, 30 December 2015 – Rizal Day (Philippine Holiday) Thu, 31 December 2015 - Special non-working day (PHL Holiday) Fri, 01 January 2016 – New Year’s Day (Philippine & UK Holiday)
Regular office hours will resume on Monday, 04 January 2015. In case of death or detention of a Filipino citizen in the United Kingdom, please contact the Embassy’s emergency mobile phone at 07802790695.
DECEMBER 2015
LONDON
Cloud 9, Siargao’s signature surf spot in General Luna
Siargao
Surf, Shore and More
By bernard l. supetran
S
INCE the late 1990s, Siargao has been synonymous to surfing, and for good reason. A tear-dropped island northeast of Surigao del Norte province, it is the country’s surfing mecca and named by the prestigious CNNGo as the world’s eighth best surfing site. Siargao’s signature surf spot is Cloud 9 in General Luna town, it is acclaimed as a perfect barreling right hand reef break, but with razor-sharp coral at the ocean bed. Named after the popular chocolate candy bar with which foreign surfers subsisted on when it was yet a best-kept secret, this spot has been luring the world’s best every September in the annual Siargao International Surfing Cup to wow the crowd and bring home handsome cash prizes in the process. Today, it is not so much of an apocryphal story to say that surfers are like walking on Cloud 9 when they ride the 16foot waves. Those who are averse on adventure sports can walk on
their own Cloud 9 in Siargao’s sprawling playground, beyond her crashing waves, sculpted by Mother Nature herself. The interlude begins with General Luna’s string of islets of fine-sand beaches and crystalline water that never fails to captivate the wanderlust. First stop is Naked Island, a sandbar whose contour is shaped by the changing tide. The more sizable Guyam and Daku islands have vegetation and are lined with coconut trees and native cottages ideal for intimate picnics. Gazing idly at the sun as it dramatically fades in the horizon at dusk is a priceless sight one can reward himself with. Aquasports is too good of a must-do to pass up in this wa-
terworld. You can paddle in the flat waters of placid lagoons and coves aboard a kayak or on a stand-up paddle. The more agile can kayak triangulate Naked, Guyam and Daku islands or paddle leisurely around Sugba Lagoon and the mangrove forests of Del Carmen. One of the cool stuff guests can do is “staycation,” a conjugation of the words stay and vacation, a trend among weary urbanites where they stay within the confines of their hotel to pamper themselves with its amenities and features. Staycationers can bask in the glow of the newly opened Balinese-themed Siargao Bleu Resort & Spa with its well-appointed Floating Cottages, and Garden and Terraces Rooms. The Floating Cottage is an opulent accommodation with a spacious bedroom, an outdoor shower, a roomy Jacuzziequipped toilet and a scenic veranda facing the Pacific Ocean and the pool. The resort boasts of a 1,600square-meter swimming pool,
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where you can get confidencebuilding measures on kayaking and stand-up paddle board before taking on the sea. Guests are kept occupied with in-house activities such as water aerobics, yoga, Zumba, cooking classes, bartending sessions and kids’ swimming tutorials. Health buffs who can’t part with the treadmill and weights can stay in tip-top shape at the Fitness Gym. There are also movie nights so visitors can catch up on the Hollywood hits, while munching on their sumptuous dinner. There is an option to do “glamping” or glamor camping and pitch tent, to get the feel of being a stranger on the shores of the vast Pacific, with a butler attending to their needs. The local cuisine is an integral part of every journey, and being surrounded by the sea of green, seafood is the handdown staple you can sink your teeth into. Siargao Bleu has the island’s only seafood restaurant, which offers a culinary treat in a tropical retreat. Guests can pick from a wide array of ocean’s bounty ranging from blue marlin, tuna, salmon, oysters, squid, crab, fish and shrimp, as well as pastas, Filipino classics, and any dish in between. For a nightcap, guests can sip their favorite spirits or play billiards at the Bleu Bar, or treat themselves to a rejuvenating massage at the Bleu Spa. But beyond the comfort zone of staycation, visitors are encouraged to discover Siargao’s great outdoors. Magpupungko Rock in Pilar is a tourist icon which forms a natural crystalline pool at low tide, and is ideal for rock diving and free diving. In Del Carmen, there is a 4,000-hectare mangrove forest which extends as far as your eyes can see, which is the habitat of a rare saltwater crocodile specie. This expansive ecosystem has helped maintain the ecological balance in the island by providing rich breeding grounds to aquatic life. (Business Mirror) n
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