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Verbatim We were all convicted that is why we are now all men of conviction.

Ex-President and new Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, who was convicted of plunder in 2007, comparing himself to Nelson Mandela of South Africa, Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar, and Sen Ninoy Aquino who were all imprisoned for their political beliefs

If you can’t or will not, you will not survive, you can leave either vertically or horizontally.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, warning criminals to mend their ways or something bad will happen to them, an oft repeated message to criminals in the city for which he has been criticized by human rights groups for tolerating extrajudicial killings of suspected criminals

We can’t have a society where a few flourish, and the rest must make do with crumbs.

President Aquino, vowing that the last three years of his administration will be focused on uplifting the lives of the “poorest of the poor”

Those are the realities of politics.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, on why his party, the United Nationalist FULL Alliance PAGE AD (UNA), is on different sides of the political fence in Congress – the 5 UNA senators are not allied with the majority bloc in the Senate led by the Liberal Party, while UNA members in the House of Representatives have joined the LP-led majority

Let them show what they are made of. Will they be a Salonga or a Lapid?

Comparing it to a human heart, the arteries are blocked and the flow of blood is impeded - so the person will experience a heart attack.

Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, pointing to clogged drainage and waterways as one reason for the perennial flooding in Metro Manila

Former Senator Rene Saguisag, asking the electorate to give the neophyte senators a chance to prove themselves and whether they would turn out to be like former Senate President Jovito Salonga or Sen. Lito Lapid

We are raising our voices because Catholic values are being compromised.

Archbishop Socrates Villegas, newly installed president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, on why the Church tangles with the Aquino administration on several contentious issues, notably the Reproductive Health measure which promotes family planning

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The Philippine Catholic Church’s Best-kept Secrets S

TORIES of priests having sexual affairs and siring children are no longer new in the Philippines. But where are these reports most common?

In his book, Altar of Secrets: Sex, Politics, and Money in the Philippine Catholic Church, author and award-winning journalist Aries Rufo said: “Despite their vow of celibacy, or maybe because of it, priests having affairs or siring children is not a new phenomenon in the Philippines. In some dioceses, the problem has become the norm rather than the exception, particularly in Pampanga.”

Citing sources, Rufo said almost one-third of Pampanga’s more than 100 priests had or have illicit relationships.

Instead of shunning the priests and giving them the boot, however, the community there appears to have given them the support, with the number of church-goers even rising to hear them deliver their homilies.

“Kapampangans are known for their deep religiosity, loving and spoiling their priests to a fault,” Rufo said. He interviewed several lay leaders who said the supposed misdeeds of priests are downplayed just because “we look up to our religious leaders.”

He cited, for example, the case of Fr. Crispin Cadiang who later asked to be discharged from his priestly duties after admitting to siring two children. Cadiang then said he was surprised “when people hearing mass increased in my parish…The people’s show of support was very encouraging.”

‘Accusing a religious person imbued culturally with holiness and divine authority can disturb the peace of society.”

Hands-off culture There’s also the case of Ed Panlilio, who first made headlines when he challenged the big named politicians in Pampanga.

Asked by members of the Jesus is Lord Movement prior to his gubernatorial bid in 2007 if he had affairs with women and fathered a child or two, Panlilio only said: “I have had my mistakes. Who does not?”

Rufo, citing an interview with Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz, said the nonchalance of Kapampangans may be giving a wrong signal to priests.

“This hands-off culture, prevalent in Pampanga, only prodded other priests to violate their celibacy vow. It was like a virus that surreptitiously infected others,” he said.

If there were those who raised hell, they were only in the minority, Rufo said.

Church keeps mum Such was the case of a layman who filed a complaint against Fr. Jeffrey Maghirang of the Metropolitan Cathedral San Fernando in October 2011. The layman accused Maghirang of having an affair with his wife.

San Fernando, Pampanga

Bishop Paciano Aniceto got wind of the complaint, but downplayed the situation like all other cases there, Rufo said.

The case was later dismissed for lack of evidence. “[To the] complainant, it did not matter anymore. When we visited him a few months after his case was junked, he said he was in the process of moving on. This meant separating from his wife, having custody of their child and vowing to keep track of Maghirang’s movements,” the book says.

The book exposes many more secrets of the Catholic Church, which remains mum on the reports.

There’s the story of the protégés of the late Manila Cardinal Jaime Sin – Bishop Teodoro Bacani and Bishop Crisostomo Yalung – who left their duties after being embroiled in scandals.

The latter, after supposedly having an affair with a young woman and allegedly using the church’s coffers to care for their child, is now in Sacramento, California.

Veil of secrecy “Within the Church, two factions emerged: one pushed to sweep the scandal under the

rug while another group argued the Church should come clean.

Those who favored secrecy won,” Rufo said.

There’s also the case of Malolos Bishop Cirilo Almario who was allegedly involved in the “carnal corruption of several young seminarians … [Almario] and several priests were reportedly involved.”

It was the then Papal Nuncio who ordered Almario’s removal from the post.

Still, “the secrecy and the confidentiality somehow worked. Long-time priests in Malolos we talked to said they were not aware of the scandal.

Current Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros … also said he was not aware of the incident. It was as if it never happened,” Rufo said.

In his book, Rufo tried to answer the issue of secrecy in the church.

Stigma of shame He said there is a guideline in handling sexual abuses and scandals, but this is just paper tiger – imposing but ineffective.

“The Church law says that the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith may, at its own discretion, conduct an inquiry itself or guide the bishop on how to proceed with the case,” he said.

The book says the stigma of shame, coupled with the influence of the church lording over the laity, almost always leads to the incident being swept under the rug.

“When the abuser is from the clergy or religious, the culture tends to remain silent because accusing a religious person imbued culturally with holiness and divine authority can disturb the peace of society.”

(ABS-CBNnews.com) n

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The OFW phenomenon — an anomaly

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T HAS been believed that Filipinos should not go abroad as OFWs, they should emigrate. If you want to go abroad to look for work you must immigrate to that country and not go there as an OFW. If you are married you should go there with your whole family.

The present OFW-phenomenon leads to so many unfortunate happenings. It leads to broken families. Either the husband becomes unfaithful or the wife, who has been left alone with the children, looks for another partner out of loneliness. A husband and a wife should stay together. You don’t get married in order to be separated from each other for a longer time.

The children need a father and a mother to look after them at any time.

In Holland, after the Second World War, there were less job opportunities for farmers and tradesmen. People emigrated to Canada or Australia where there were plenty of job opportunities. Brothers and sis-

The present OFW phenomemon leads to so many unfortunate happenings. ters immigrated to Canada and of them were killed in the acthrough hard work all of them cident. Their families here redid very well and became entre- quested that their bodies be preneurs on their own. repatriated to the Philippines.

Recently there was an unfor-PAGE TheyAD had to shoulder all the FULL tunate experience in a family expenses themselves. The Thai here in the Philippines. One of government and the Thai emthe in-laws, a boy, had gone to ployer didn’t take the responsiThailand as an OFW some years bility for the transportation. ago. His wife and children were They could have minimized the left behind here. Recently he expenses if they would have met a fatal accident on a mo- cremated the bodies and have torcycle with another Filipino the ashes returned here in an driving the motorcycle. Both urn. Cremation is practiced all

over the world also by Catholics as the most hygienic way of burying the dead but Filipino culture looks at it as disrespectful to the dead. When the bodies arrived in Manila they were by mistake interchanged and the body of a relative was sent to Bacolod and that of the other victim to Cagayan de Oro. Again they had lots of expenses in bringing the bodies to the right place.

They are treated there as commodities to be disposed of at will and not as people who have rights and human dignity. Of course, the government should have as one of its priorities to create more job opportunities here in the Philippines.

It should not look at OFWs as dollar earners who are supporting our economy through their dollar remittances. To call them our modern heroes is another anomaly.

with full news by By Arnold Van Vugt from the Sun Star

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By Pepe Diokno

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EN, Raffy, and Erwin Tulfo, hosts of TV5’s number one show T3, are the pioneers of media justice on steroids. When the state is weak — when PO1 detains Juan dela Cruz illegally, when the cops can’t crack down on a shabu factory, when a mayor abets corruption, the Tulfos are strong. Some call it vigilantism. But in a country where there are so many corrupt bullies, you need big brothers to stand up for you.

The toughest brothers on TV and radio grew up nomadic.

A military father ensured not only that they lived in a strict household, but also a moving one. “Our environment was unstable,” explains Ben. “Where our father went, we’d go.”

The older Tulfo siblings like fellow journalist brother Mon grew up in the frontier land of Muslim Mindanao, in places of conflict like Jolo. The younger Tulfos of T3, what Ben calls “the juniors,” lived in Zamboanga, Manila, and Palawan.

“Moving around can create trauma,” says Erwin, who is possibly the most introspective among the three. “Every year, you have different classmates.

You have a best friend, then you leave. It’s sad.”

In every new town, the brothers had to make new friends and stare down new bullies. But unlike the doting parents of today, their father Ramon left his kids to fend for themselves. “If we were bullied, our father would beat us up,” recalls Raffy. It was their fault if somebody picked on them “So we became strong and we learned not to rely on

Raffy, Erwin and Ben: The pioneers of media justice in the Philippines

The Tulfo Brothers

Hecklers or Heroes? anybody.”

“Eventually we learned to fight the bully and kill the bully. Which just means were able to tame the bully,” Ben adds.

Insofar as the Tulfos take law enforcement into their own hands, they are superheroes. Superheroes, after all, are symbols of a society’s yearning for justice amid a rotting political system.

And like superheroes, Tols Ben, Raffy, and Erwin trace the origins of their corruption-fighting elan to their childhood.

“In the 1960s,” says Raffy, “mayroong tao yung daddy ko na inapi ng NBI. He was tortured. Nalaman ng daddy ko ito, so ni-raid niya yung buong NBI. He disarmed the NBI.” In the aftermath of the raid, Ramon Tulfo Sr. lost his job. But his son Raffy learned to side with the small guy regardless of the consequences.

All three brothers remember their mother, Caridad, giving away food, clothing, and

money to the wives of military men. If the military could not provide for its people, their mother could step in. Today, if the government can’t discipline its own, T3 steps in.

Like superheroes, the Tulfos have personas, masks they put on in crusades more psychological than physical. Raffy is the fast-talking, lawyerly pitbull, who outsmarts officials trained in the bureaucratic art of palusot. Ben — always in dark glasses — is the enforcer, who will “turn off the camera” if you challenge his resolve. Erwin, who served in the US Army during Desert Storm, is the steely backbone.

They take their personas seriously, but they are not beyond making fun of their own reputations.

“Anong meron dito? Sino ang bibitagin natin,” Ben chuckles as he shakes my hand for the first time (the handshake is firm, but, unlike what I expected, my hand

was not crushed). The quip is a reference to his show, Bitag, where Ben chases and exposes syndicates and criminals.

When our photographer asks the brothers to pose for a “jump shot,” Ben objects: “’Pag ginawa ko yan, baka wala nang matakot sa akin.” We all laugh.

The brothers jump and pose.

While horsing around with each other, they do seem tamer than their on-screen selves.

Lest I be misconstrued, the brothers are tough. Ben really does know martial arts, and he does walk around with a gun.

But he knows how to ham up his image for added effect.

“We’re different on TV; people are scared,” admits Erwin.

“But when we’re with our families, we don’t show that side; we leave it at work.” Every true macho has a soft side, and the Tulfos are no exception.

After I interview all three individually, I follow them to the set of T3. The set is hallowed ground as it is the site of greatest moment in Pinoy TV history: the verbal assault on Raymart Santiago.

I watch from the back as the brothers lash out against an MMDA officer who illegally towed a truck in Quezon City.

The segment, as expected, is high octane, with the three taking their turns at dishing out pagalit against an erring government official.

During the commercial break, I notice all three brothers look down, maybe in order to rest or to review their scripts. I stand up from where I’m seated behind the cameras, thank them profusely, and walk out of the studio.

I wonder if the brothers are tired. I wonder if dealing with corruption every day, if seeing the dirty underbelly of Philippine politics, can cause disillusionment with the system.

When I enter my car, I soon forget about my musings. T3 is still on. I immediately feel Tulfo withdrawal. I turn on my radio and get more Tulfo. (The Philippine Star) n

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SANDUGO FESTIVAL – Tagbilaran, Bohol “Sandugo” is a Visayan word which literally means One-Blood.

The annual celebration commemorates the blood compact between Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Datu Sikatuna in 1565.

It signifies the friendship between the conservative Filipinos and the liberal Spaniards.

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What’s Keeping PH From Being a Top Economy? philanthropy, said he feels it is his job to return to the country what he earned through years of hard work. “I feel very strongly whatever financial returns I’ve

had are from the Philippines, so it’s my job to give it back to the country.”

SyCip founded the accounting firm SyCip, Gorres & Velayo (SGV), the country’s largest auditing and management consulting firm, and Asian Institute of Management (AIM). He has long retired but he still sits on the board of directors of at least 25 top Philippine companies. n

‘Industry, Not Foreign Investments, Is What We Need’ DESPITE the remarkable economic gains and improved business climate in the country, the Philippines has been unable to attract substantial direct foreign investments. Economists say the lack of foreign capital is one reason why there has not FULL PAGE AD been enough jobs created by the overheated economy.

But to Salvador Enriquez, a former finance secretary under President Fidel V. Ramos, more than foreign investments, what is needed is “a return to the basics in order to move the SyCip: No to ‘premature’ democracy. country forward.”

Enriquez said Filipinos “must first return to basics – love ROMINENT Filipino-Chinese tycoon their country and rediscover themselves.”

He said the stock market as source of investments is not a and philanthropist Washington SyCip crucial as these investments are temporary and would soon fly blames democracy and overpopulation out of the country at the first sign of financial difficulties. for the country’s inability to become a top What is important, Enriquez said, is for Filipinos “to feel and possess love, faith and pride for the country not only as Asian economy. lip service but in the real sense and to be truly proud of being In a rare TV appearance, the spends a month in China or Filipinos.”

92-year-old SyCip was asked India, “if you come out, you “It’s not investments that we need most, industry is what what he thinks has kept the would not be for democracy for we need,” he stressed.

Philippines from becoming one a poor emerging nation.”

“Take note, countries that progress are those with citizens of Asia’s top economies.

Overpopulation is another who have a strong love for country. Filipinos who are willing “If I were to be frank with problem of the Philippines, Syto return to the Philippines, and are not lured to become TNTs you, two of the assets that we Cip lamented, noting that the (tago nang tago) or overstaying individuals in a foreign land,” he said. “That and love embedded in the Filipino’s sense of nawere told we had that would lead Philippines is “the only country tionhood will be among the factors that can change the future us to be a country in East Asia that does not have any kind of of the country,” he added. next to Japan, have become our family planning.”

Enriquez called on Filipinos to nurture a strong culture of liability,” he said. “One is democ“We’re seeing one of the justice. racy, you can have a premature major problems of the country, “But what we see is walang nagrereklamo, walang pumademocracy. Just take the case with overpopulation, educationpalag, at masama pa, tatanggapin na lang kung may magof India and China. Both were al standards have gone down, ilaareglo. We have to develop a culture of righteousness, and very poor and compared to each literacy has increased. That’s the willingness to sacrifice for the country.” other. Now China’s GNP is four poorest way of handling our huPresident Aquino, he said, is “the right leader of our time times of India’s.” man resources,” he said. and he is resolute.” n SyCip noted that if one SyCip, well known for his

P

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Entertainment City Seen as Next Global City P

HILIPPINE Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s Las Vegas-style casino and tourism complex, Entertainment City, has the potential to become the next major central business district in Metro Manila and replicate the success of Bonifacio Global City where demand for real estate properties has gone up significantly, according to the head of the state gaming firm.

Pagcor chairman and chief executive officer Cristino Naguiat Jr. said Entertainment City, located on 100 hectares of reclaimed land along Manila Bay in Parañaque City, is not only poised to become the country’s premier gambling destination but is also seen to lead the next wave of growth in the metropolis.

Naguiat said real estate values in Manila have been on the uptrend especially with the ongoing development of the Entertainment City.

Property consultancy firm Colliers International said developers have been stepping up construction in Manila and Pasay City as demand for residential properties in the area spiked up with the opening of the first of four integrated resorts planned within the complex.

The 16-000-seat SM Arena inside the SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City is a stone’s throw away from the Entertainment City.

An artist’s concept of the completed Entertainment City complex as seen from Manila Bay. The demand is mainly driven by foreign expats who have moved to the Philippines to work in Entertainment City, which is touted to become the region’s next best bet for tourism and gaming. Foreigners are allowed to own condominium units in the Philippines.

For this year alone, around 7,181 units from 18 new residential condominiums are expected to come online, 10 percent higher than the 2012 figure.

Naguiat said Pagcor owns more than 50 hectares of land within Entertainment City. It acquired the lot in 2008 for around P23,000 per square meter which is already more than double the current market value of P47,000 per square meter.

“Entertainment City may be the next Bonifacio Global City.

Similar to Fort Bonifacio, lot prices in Manila are expected to go up further as new developments rise in the area. But the value will not rise without the

casinos,” Naguiat said.

Pagcor has leased some of its properties within Entertainment City to Bloomberry Resorts Corp., the owner of the $1.2-billion Solaire Manila Resort & Casino which opened its doors to the public last March 16, and Travellers International Hotel Group of Malaysian conglomerate Genting Group and real estate tycoon Andrew Tan. Apart from casinos and hotels, business process outsourcing (BPO) buildings and international schools have been sprouting in Manila to take advantage of the real estate boom being generated by Entertainment City.

Entertainment City is seen to attain even greater momentum once all four gaming proponents are fully up and running by 2016 or 2017.

In anticipation of the expected influx of new businesses in the area, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has sought the

construction of a new P1.2-billion substation to address the needed capacity of large load customers at Entertainment City.

Alphaland Corp. of businessman Roberto V. Ongpin is building an exclusive marina club along the western coast of Alphaland Bay City, located between SM Mall of Asia and Solaire. The project is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2014.

A short distance away from Makati and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Entertainment City’s strategic location is another prime attraction. The extension of the existing LRT Line 1 from Baclaran to Bacoor, Cavite and the construction of an elevated expressway linking the South Luzon Expressway to NAIA Terminals I, II and III are also expected to boost commercial activity in the area.

At full development, Entertainment City is expected to have the capacity to deliver up to $10 billion annually in gaming revenues as well as generate over 400,000 direct and indirect jobs. It is seen to attract at least a million tourists annually and capture 10 percent of the global gaming market.

“We are highly enthusiastic about Entertainment City and the impact it will have on Philippine tourism. I believe the Philippine gaming industry has a long way to go in terms of revenue potential,” Naguiat said.

Aside from Solaire and Travellers, other gaming proponents setting up shop in Entertainment City are the group of Macau casino giant Melco Crown and tycoon Henry Sy’s Belle Corp., and Tiger Resorts Leisure and Entertainment Inc. of Japanese gaming tycoon Kazuo Okada.

Melco-Belle is slated to open its casino venture in October next year while Okada’s is slated for opening in the first quarter of 2015. Travellers, on the other hand, is scheduled to open Manila Bayshore by 2016 or 2017. (The Philippine Star) n

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Marian Reclaims ‘FHM Sexiest Woman’ Title Sam

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ARIAN Rivera has reclaimed the FHM Sexiest Woman title. She first won the title back in 2008. The local edition of the popular men’s magazine conducts the search every year.

Garnering a total of 890, 490 votes via online, text and print ballots, Marian edged Sam Pinto, who got 778,681votes, for this year’s edition of the coveted title.

Marian is the fourth FHM Babe to land this prestigious title twice; the first was Katrina Halili (2005 and 2010), second was Angel Locsin (2005 and 2010), and third was Sam Pinto (2011 and 2012).

The Top 10 FHM Philippines Sexiest Women in 2013: 1. Marian Rivera 2. Sam Pinto 3. Angel Locsin 4. Jennylyn Mercado 5. Cristine Reyes 6. Solenn Heussaff 7. Ellen Adarna 8. Anne Curtis 9. Jackie Rice 10. Empress Shuck

Angel

Jennylyn

Marian

Cristine

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For Kim, Life is More Dramatic Than a ‘Teleserye’

rudely insensitive insinuations that she was an uncaring and ungrateful daughter -- which were firmly refuted by many others.

They pointed out that, during her mother’s final days, Kim would go without sleep, working the whole day and then flying to Cebu to be with her mom, then flying back to Manila very early the following morning to resume taping for her recently concluded drama series, and other commitments.

Subsequent TV coverage of the wake and burial of Kim’s beloved mother underscored the family’s loss and grieving even more, as it showed them doing their best to lovingly make up for all those years of estrangement.

By nestor torre

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V-film screen “princess” Kim Chiu strikes viewers as a young star who lives a fabled, fabulous life -she’s popular, makes a lot of money, gets to play the choicest roles, is adored by many fans and courted by some of the hunkiest swains in Tinseltown. What else could she possibly want?

It turns out that, away from the cameras and the show biz spotlight, the answer to that question is: A whole lot!

Because, in her unseen heart of hearts, the ostensibly happy and supremely blessed and fulfilled young star was in fact hurting, because her beloved mother had been missing from her life for many years.

For a long time, Kim dealt with the hole in her heart as best she could, but she didn’t feel complete because she didn’t know what had become of her long-absent parent.

Then, only this year, she was heartened by reports that the mystery was about to be

Reel vs real moments

Kim (second from right) with her father (to her left) and siblings during the funeral Mass for her mother. clarified, and that her and her siblings’ reunion with their missing mother, who had “vanished” when they were very young, could finally transpire.

But, tragically, it was not to be. Because, when their mother finally revealed her whereabouts, she was very ill, and there was only a little time left for regrets, love and farewells to be shared, and expressed.

Painfully ironic What’s most painfully ironic about this scenario is that it’s very much like the plots of many teleseryes, the fictive sort which Kim has gotten used to acting in for years. And yet, now that she’s living her own

Kim and erstwhile best friend Maja Salvador had their reel and real dramatic scenes in their last teleserye, Ina Kapatid Anak. real-life story, it’s turned out to be more challenging -- and truly, movingly dramatic -- than anything that TV is capable of creating.

Yes, life is more genuinely dramatic than TV melodrama!

What made the ordeal even more painful for Kim were bashers and haters’ nasty and

Nobody was acting in those shots, and yet their emotive and empathetic power made fictive approximations in teleseryes look pitifully insufficient on one hand, and outrageously excessive on the other.

The fact that a popular actress like Kim was involved in this real-life leave-taking was especially instructive, because of the drastic difference in her behavior.

In her teleserye performances, she was required to be overly voluble and emotionally expressive -- whereas, as she bade her own mother farewell, her emotions were deeply and relatively quietly felt, and expressed.

We trust that both actors and viewers saw and understood this key difference, which underscores the huge “believability gap” separating life from televised artifice. And that the former is much to be preferred over the latter. And that performers should do their best to genuinely move viewers not by semaphoring and enlarging their portrayals to “operatic” proportions, but to feel the dramatic moment as truthfully and deeply as possible. (Philippine Daily Inquirer) n

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Boom spreads wealth wider in PH

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UST THREE years ago a new car and an overseas holiday were unthinkable luxuries for J. Ante and her family of six. The insurance company manager’s commissions have soared since then as the Philippines, blighted for a generation by venal and incompetent leaders, has unexpectedly boomed, putting middle class comforts within tantalizing reach of many.

The $250 billion economy surged 7.8 percent in the first quarter of this year, outpacing China, and a middle class stunted by widespread poverty, political strife and corruption is beginning to share in a prosperity captured for decades by a clannish business and political elite.

The growing affluence and a burgeoning population have lured many global brands. Students and office workers flock to gleaming outlets opened

by Zara, Gap, Forever 21, Starbucks and Japan’s Uniqlo. New apartment blocks are springing up on almost every corner of Metro Manila and other cities, often clustered around malls and office buildings housing outsourcing businesses such as call centers, which are forecast to earn around $25 billion by 2016.

She said three years ago it was difficult to come up with the school fees for her four children. Travel abroad or a new car were impossible, but “they seem more realistic now since my income is growing at a faster rate,” she said. The family holidayed in Hong Kong this year and a vacation in the US and Canada is planned. They hope to afford a family-friendly Toyota Innova this year.

Many credit the new vitality to the policies of President Benigno Aquino III, elected in 2010 on promises of eradicating graft and fighting poverty. He introduced new taxes, reformed the judiciary, and set the country on a path that shows sign of enduring — it has now enjoyed three straight quarters of economic growth above 7 percent.

Standard and Poor’s and Fitch Ratings earlier this year upgraded the Philippines’ credit

The government has intervened through a program that gives cash directly to the poorest families on condition children stay in school and see a doctor.

The program will continue in the remaining three years of Aquino’s administration, along with building mass housing and creating durable jobs in manufacturing, tourism and agThe growing Filipino middle class is a sign of prosperity in the Souteast Asian nation. riculture, Aquino said.

FULL PAGE AD “We cannot have a society rating to investment grade for workers. where a few flourish, and Aquino blamed the increase the first time. the rest must make do with in joblessness to delays in the “Disposable income has incrumbs,” he told a recent develplanting season due to poor creased and we see a rising opment conference. “We must weather, leaving farm workers middle class,” said Jose E.B. have inclusive growth.” temporarily out of work during Antonio, chairman of Century the survey period.

Properties Group that brought with full news from the Inquirer Graham Advert:Layout 1 23/10/2012 21:48 Page 1 in Donald Trump’s sons and Paris Hilton to launch luxury condos in Manila.

It adds up to dramatic shift for a country that has perennially lagged most of its Southeast Asian neighbors despite perceived advantages of a relatively free media, democratic elections and widespread use of English — the language of global business.

There is a still a long way to go before the 28 percent of the population who live below the poverty line feel they too are benefiting from the boom that has dotted Manila with cranes and propelled the local stock market to new heights.

Antonio, the property developer, believes it’s only a matter of time before prosperity trickles down. He called for more focus on building infrastructure — roads, airports, hotels, restaurants — to support the tourism industry, which he said is a key to providing jobs for drivers, farmers, cooks and other lower income groups.

Despite the strong economic growth, joblessness soared to 7.5 percent in April, up from diana@thegrahamagency.co.uk You will find our current vacancies online at 6.9 percent a year earlier. Another 19.2 percent were “underemployed,” or part-time

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Why Cebu Should Be the Face of PH Tourism

Cebu has the natural beaches and nice diving places and food, culture, shopping, says a marketing expert.

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EBU City -While tourism officials keep touting the gains of the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign, many foreigners still think the Philippines is dirty, crowded and dangerous.

For instance, American author Dan Brown described Manila as the “gates of hell” in his latest book, Inferno, incurring the wrath of many Filipinos.

With Manila’s bad rap keeping some tourists away, a branding strategist suggested promoting Cebu as the face of Philippine tourism.

Jacqueline Thng, CEO of Lexis Branding, Singapore, noted that the Philippines still suffers from a perception problem, which is preventing the country from attracting more tourists.

“I always feel that Cebu is the platform to showcase the face of the Philippines,” she told ABS-CBNnews.com at the sidelines of the Cebu Tourism Congress.

wholistic approach that would involve infrastructure investments and the cooperation of the people, she added.

The branding message should also deliver on its promise and should be consistent.

“It has to be real, tangible and deliver that promise. But once you decided what to deliver, you need to be able to execute it and that’s where most of the branding fails, in the execution. How do you deliver it?” she said.

This is perhaps the challenge of the country’s “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign. Thng acknowledged the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign is “promising,” but Philippine tourism officials still have a lot to do.

“You have to make sure it starts from the moment you enter the Philippines... It has to start from every part of the journey,” she said, noting this should start from the moment tourists enter the airport to the time they leave.

Powering up Cebu tourism

Cebu boasts world-class accommodations and amenities for the most discriminating tourists.

Advantages of Cebu “If you do any survey, you get the same thing people fear about going to the Philippines.

It’s very consistent and that’s something that the government needs to address, and that’s not through advertising but it’s through PR,” she added, referring to tourists’ concerns about safety in the Philippines.

Thng noted it would be difficult to change the perception of the Philippines immediately, and it would be easier to choose a city that can represent the best of the country.

Cebu already attracts many

tourists every year, who flock to its world-class beaches and resorts. In the first quarter of the year, 305,970 foreign tourists visited the province.

“For me, you can just choose a city that can represent a heart and soul in itself and that’s Cebu. Cebu could represent the best of the Philippines. It has the natural beaches and nice diving places and food, culture, shopping,” she said.

Country branding Branding for anything, Thng said, has to “come from within.”

Country branding would need a

Meanwhile, Lito Maderazo, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), said he hopes Cebu would be able to provide a unique and memorable experience for tourists by giving them a taste of the Cebuano way of life.

“It would have a lasting impression for tourists to remember if we will give them a Cebu experience. It’s not just about 4 or 5-star hotels or going to the malls. What do Cebuanos do in their daily life? Maybe go to the oldest streets in Cebu, which is Colon. Or maybe visit Magellan’s Cross and eat barbecue at the roadside... Like the Balinese way of life, the Cebuano way of life is something we need to develop,” Maderazo told ABSCBNnews.com.

The Cebu Tourism Congress gathered travel and tourism industry executives and stakeholders last month, with the aim of “powering up tourism” in Cebu. (ABS-CBNnews.com) n

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The OFW phenomenon — an anomaly

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T HAS been believed that Filipinos should not go abroad as OFWs, they should emigrate. If you want to go abroad to look for work you must immigrate to that country and not go there as an OFW. If you are married you should go there with your whole family.

The present OFW-phenomenon leads to so many unfortunate happenings. It leads to broken families. Either the husband becomes unfaithful or the wife, who has been left alone with the children, looks for another partner out of loneliness. A husband and a wife should stay together. You don’t get married in order to be separated from each other for a longer time.

The children need a father and a mother to look after them at any time.

In Holland, after the Second World War, there were less job opportunities for farmers and tradesmen. People emigrated to Canada or Australia where there were plenty of job opportunities. Brothers and sis-

The present OFW phenomemon leads to so many unfortunate happenings. ters immigrated to Canada and of them were killed in the acthrough hard work all of them cident. Their families here redid very well and became entre- quested that their bodies be preneurs on their own. repatriated to the Philippines.

Recently there was an unfor-PAGE TheyAD had to shoulder all the FULL tunate experience in a family expenses themselves. The Thai here in the Philippines. One of government and the Thai emthe in-laws, a boy, had gone to ployer didn’t take the responsiThailand as an OFW some years bility for the transportation. ago. His wife and children were They could have minimized the left behind here. Recently he expenses if they would have met a fatal accident on a mo- cremated the bodies and have torcycle with another Filipino the ashes returned here in an driving the motorcycle. Both urn. Cremation is practiced all

over the world also by Catholics as the most hygienic way of burying the dead but Filipino culture looks at it as disrespectful to the dead. When the bodies arrived in Manila they were by mistake interchanged and the body of a relative was sent to Bacolod and that of the other victim to Cagayan de Oro. Again they had lots of expenses in bringing the bodies to the right place.

They are treated there as commodities to be disposed of at will and not as people who have rights and human dignity. Of course, the government should have as one of its priorities to create more job opportunities here in the Philippines.

It should not look at OFWs as dollar earners who are supporting our economy through their dollar remittances. To call them our modern heroes is another anomaly.

with full news by By Arnold Van Vugt from the Sun Star

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Flash t Gay and Proud Gay rights advocates march around the University of the Philippines campus in Diliman, Quezon City, with a rainbow-coloured flag to celebrate Pride Month in June. The celebration coincides with the landmark ruling of the US Supreme Court which overturned a ban on gay marriage.

s Kicking Butts Wearing red, black and white long-sleeved shirts, 13,892 government employees, students and volunteers form a human ‘No Smoking’ sign at the Bicol University football field in Legazpi City, Albay, in a bid to land in the Guinness World Records.

t New Museum Workers clean a halfsize replica of a popular Egyptian tourist attraction, the Colossi of Ramesses II, inside The Museum Manila.

The museum, which opens on July 12, will feature exhibits on ancient China, Egypt and Greece.

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Flash t

‘Taong Putik’ Festival

Every 24th of June, residents of Barangay Bibiclat in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija, march and dance around the village with mud smeared all over their bodies, covered with dried banana leaves. The ‘Taong Putik’ Festival honours St. John the Baptist, who is believed to have saved villagers from Japanese soldiers during World War II.

t Jobs in the City Jobseekers search through available work and fill up forms during a recent job fair in Manila. The country’s unemployment rate jumped to a three-year high 7.5 percent in April despite a 7.8 percent annual GDP growth in the first quarter, the fastest in the Asian region.

s Riverside Shanties After many years of inaction, the national government has finally committed to clear esteros and waterways in Metro Manila of shanties and other illegal structures. Some 20,000 families living in eight esteros will be relocated within the year to minimize flooding in Metro Manila.

s

Wet and Wild

Firefighters spray water on revelers during the Wattah Wattah Festival in San Juan City, Metro Manila, to celebrate the Feast of St. John the Baptist, patron saint of the city. Residents observe the occasion by dousing or spraying water on one another.

s Blood Ivory

At least 5 tons of smuggled elephant tusks worth an estimated $10 million are destroyed by a road roller in support of a global effort to stop the illegal ivory trade. The government hopes the destruction of the stockpile would discourage the illegal wildlife trade.

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The Treasures of Taal

OR many people, the name “Taal” would automatically be associated with that small volcano in Batangas found in the middle of the lake that also bears this name. Thus the mention of the existence of a town in Batangas called Taal, from which the volcano and the lake got its name in the first place, should elicit a lot of surprised reactions.

The fact that the volcano and the lake were named after the town underscores the historical and cultural significance Taal has played not only for Batangas, but also for the whole Tagalog region and the country as well that not many people know about. This underrated gem has so much to offer that makes it worth the visit.

Being a town with more than 200 years of history, Taal bears a rich, unique heritage that has managed to survive and thrive in the face of modernism. The most visible example of this heritage is the presence of many structures, some dating as far back as the late 18th century.

Some may be reminded of Vigan with such scenery, but Taal is a bit different in that each of the structures has its own architectural style and look that should delight even those who do not have a trained eye for design.

Life in a bygone era Historically, Taal has played a prominent role in our history with a number of notable individuals and families who were born or have lived there.

There are the Dioknos from which came the senator, Jose

The Basilica de San Martin de Tours’s towering height symbolizes the Taaleño’s spirit to rise above adversity.

adversity as the town has managed to prove many times like in calamities brought about by the volcano’s eruptions.

Then there is Taal’s Marian patron, the Our Lady of Caysasay. Believed to be one of the oldest Marian images in the country, the Our Lady of Caysasay also is notable for being the first Marian apparition in the Philippines that was verified by the Vatican.

The well where the apparition was said to have occurred is visited frequently these days for its purported miraculous powers.

A church was built in the lady’s honor in 1620, which still stands to this day.

Tubong Taal

Galleria Taal houses a collection of vintage cameras dating back to the 19th century.

W. Diokno; the Villavicencios, whose matriarch Doña Gliceria contributed significantly to the cause of the Philippine Revolution; and the Agoncillos, particularly the couple Felipe, the first Filipino diplomat, and Marcela, who helped make the first Filipino flag.

Some of their residences have now been converted into museums that are open to visitors who wish to learn about life in a bygone area. The most notable of these museums is the one that used to be owned by the town’s illustrious IlaganBarrion family, which is now Galleria Taal, the first and only camera museum in the country and in Southeast Asia that is home to hundreds of cameras dating as far back as the 19th century. (All the cameras are still in working condition.)

One can also appreciate learning Taal history in a fun way. A visit to Villa Tortuga gives one the opportunity of experiencing history come to life by dressing up in period costumes and have your photo taken there as well. Dress up as a 19th century illustrado or even some infamous Padre Damaso. It’s a different twist to costume play that should make it an unforgettable experience.

Faith stands high Taal may not be popular as a Catholic pilgrimage site, but the presence of Asia’s highest Catholic church, the Basilica of St. Martin de Tours, should be worth a visit. The present Baroque-inspired structure was built in 1856, and it is said its towering height symbolizes the Taaleño’s spirit to rise above

Balisong, the Philippine butterfly knife, is one of Batangas’ trademark products. But not many know that Taal is actually its birthplace. In fact, it is in the town’s barangay named Balisong where much of its production is based, thus the title given to Taal as “the balisong capital of the Philippines.”

There is also the burdang Taal, the hand-embroidery tradition in the production of garments made from pineapple and abaca like the Barong Tagalog.

What makes the burdang Taal Barong Tagalog different is the intricate designs handwoven into the garment, something that has become the template for Barong Tagalog design, giving Taal the moniker “the Barong capital of the Philippines.”

As far as culinary delicacies go, Taal has some to boast as well. Some Taal delicacies to try out are the maliputo, the fish from Taal Lake; the marinated meat products Tapang Taal and Longganisang Taal; and the justright sweetness of the Sumang Taal. Of course, being in Batangas, one cannot miss out having a sip of hot Batangas coffee, more popularly known as the Kapeng Barako. (Manila Bulletin) n

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Book launch on new strategy for success

O

N JUNE 20, 2013, Professor Ibrahim Sirkeci launched his book Transnational Marketing and Transnational Consumers at Regent’s University of London sponsored by Ria Financial.

Ria proved yet another huge success in its latest event that took place in London. More than 50 people attended the event with presence of international media like Planet Philippines, Channel 9 from Bangladesh, Africa Diaspora, Extra Latino and Universal Studios, members of the Colombian Consulate and representatives of the industry.

Sebastian Plubins, Managing Director of Ria EMEASA together with his team from headquarters in Spain and representatives of Ria Financial UK including its Managing Director Marcela Gonzalez were present at the event. Professor Ibrahim has explained how Ria is a perfect example of Transnational Marketing and Business in the

XXI. Ria a Transnational marketing case The world is in a constant change as are the organisations, the consumers and the ways in which businesses are connected and managed. The two main drastic changes we are concerned with here are, first, the increasing mobility of goods, finances and people and second, the enormous speed and variety available in communication and transportation.

Ria is an example of success in this Transnational concept explained Professor Ibrahim. recorded remittances.

The total volume of recorded The importance of Transnaremittances is estimated to be tional Marketing is also within over $600 billion (USD) in the their teams and employees. Ria FULL AD 60 nationalities on world by 2012 according to thePAGE has over World Bank study by Sirkeci, payroll and about 55 per cent Cohen and Ratha. This vol- of its 1800 strong employees ume exceeds the GDPs of most are based overseas, i.e. outside countries around the Globe and the US, where the headquarters more than half is directed to- are based. Having different wards developing countries. In- faces to different nationalities formal remittances are estimat- could be an advantage, hence it ed to be between 35% to 75% of is not simply the language but

5 things to consider when looking for work (1) Management relations The type of relationship with your manager is one of the most important things to consider. This will dictate your work flow and ultimately your production and not taking this factor into account may spell big trouble later on.

(2) Company culture One thing you really have to adjust to is company culture since it’s always constant. But it changes depending on the people employed in the company.

What’s important is that if you don’t feel like you’re going to fit in, maybe you should reconsider applying in that company.

(3) Your personality Are you more of an introvert or an extrovert? Maybe even a mix of both?

You should find work which fits your personality so you could excel in your career.

(4) Work-life balance Work – life factors are important to consider since these things affect your dealings not only in work but also with your family and relatives.

Not thinking this part out can add a significant amount of stress later on when you’re actually on the job.

(5) Stability Though this is more of optional, choosing a company which is stable is the smart thing to do. It might make you feel robbed of your youth if it suddenly shuts down after you’ve given everything. with full news by Andrei Medina from GMA News

know-how of the language and the country you serve.

Ria means smile in Spanish but the brand name is short and sweet like an art work, once out in the public everybody can attach a different meaning to it. This is why Nigerians, Ria’s largest client community, like the brand: it rhymes well with Nige-Ria. with full news from RIA

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TRAVEL

Europeans pay visit to Hundred Islands

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HIS SUMMER holidays, it’s not only the local tourists that were allured in the beauty of the Hundred Islands in Alaminos, Pangasinan.

According to the Balita Pilipinas Ngayon, it was said that more

than 100 tourists from Europe visited this well-loved tourist destination in Pangasinan.

They were warmly received by the community in the area, and they were also given a great dance presentation that mirrors the Filipino culture before

they toured around the islands.

On 2008, the Hundred Islands were included in a book that was published and distributed in the UK titled ‘501 Must Visit Islands.’ It was even featured as the cover picture of the book.

The primary attraction in the

Hundred Islands was its refined white sand beaches, crystal blue waters, and its exquisite rock formations. with full news from GMA News

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COMMUNITY

3 August 2013

3-4, 17-18, 24-25 August 2013

Rock Diva Comeback Concert

10th FilCom Oxford Sports Festival

Venue: TBA

Venue: Oxford Brookes University Centre for Sports Open to everybody!

Featuring Ruvic Rea a.k.a. Rock Diva Contact: Melanie King (melking74@gmail. com)

3-4 August 2013

10th SPORTS FEST

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14-15 Sept. 2013

Penafrancia Fiesta 2013 (Leicester 1st Basketball League)

PEÑAFRANCIA FIESTA 2013 Leicester 1st Basketball League

Venue: Graduation College Sports Hall, Station Road, Wigston, Leicester LE18 2DS Contact: Jessie 07983576082 Rico 07769262947

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E: chairman@filcomoxford.org.uk www.filcomoxford.org. uk .

30 Aug-1 Sept 2013

AEGIS: Rakrakan sa Europa 2013 Birmingham: 30 Aug (The Conference Hall) London: 1 Sept (Hammersmith Town Hall) Contact (for B’ham): 07877617011, 07917116926 (for London) 07846184767, 07786837879

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WHAT’S ON

Join the “OFW Member Dagdag Ipon Raffle Promo” MECHANICS: 1. The promo is open to all qualified Pag-IBIG OFW members who will remit a minimum member’s savings (MS) of P300.00 (single transaction). Upgraded contributions of housing loan borrowers are not included in the raffle promo.

2. The Member shall be entitled to one raffle entry for every P300.00 (member’s savings) MS remitted.

For single transaction of more than Php 300.00, he/she shall be entitled to one raffle entry for every Php 300.00, i.e. four (4) raffle entries for P 1,200.00; three (3) raffle entries for P 1,000.00.

3. To join the raffle, the Member should do the following steps: STEP 1. Remit the required P300.00 minimum member’s savings (MS) to any Pag-IBIG Fund branch, overseas desks, or accredited remittance partner abroad.

STEP 2. Visit www.pagibigfund. gov.ph and click the Filipinos

Working Abroad STEP 3. Click the “Join the raffle promo!” link and enter the following information: FIRST NAME LAST NAME Pag-IBIG ID/POP Temporary ID/Registration Tracking Number BIRTH DATE EMAIL ADDRESS STEP 4. Click the VALIDATE button.

Clicking the button will validate the information provided. This will validate the email address the OFW Member has indicated when he/she registered with the Pag-IBIG Fund. A validated email address will appear on the screen.

In case the OFW Member does not have / incorrect email address on record, he/she shall be required to encode his/her email address. It is important that the OFW Member provides his/her email address to Pag-IBIG Fund in order to receive the electronic raffle entries corre-

sponding to his/her remittances.

Accomplishing steps 2 and 3 shall entitle an OFW member to receive a bonus of one (1) raffle entry. The bonus raffle entry shall be received on the SECOND email to be sent by PagIBIG Fund. The FIRST email confirms only the Member’s participation in the Raffle Promo.

Only one Pag-IBIG ID Number per OFW member will be validated by the PIOG Raffle Committee. The use of more than one Pag-IBIG ID number will invalidate the Member’s participation in the raffle promo.

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Steps 2 and 3 shall only be done once. Hence, succeeding remittance of MS will no longer require these steps.

4. There will be three (3) raffle draws, as follows: 23 August 2013 (1st Preliminary Draw), 25 October

2013 (2nd Preliminary Draw), 20 December 2013 (Grand Draw) 5. The raffle promo period shall run for five months from 19 June 2013 to 30 November 2013.

6. All prizes are non-transferrable and non-convertible to cash (except the US$10,000.00 grand cash prize which will be converted into its peso equivalent based on the prevailing exchange rate on the date of the raffle promo).

7. All winners shall be notified thru telephone calls, e-mail or registered mailing address as registered in his/her records with the Fund. Winners of each draw shall also be announced in major newspapers in the Philippines and in the Fund’s official website.

For complete details of the mechanics, visit www.pagibigfund.gov.ph or call us at 422 3351 , 894 3389.

You may also email us at raffleHELPDESK@pagibigfund.gov.ph.

British Ambassador was conferred the Order of Sikatuna

B

RITISH Ambassador Stephen Lillie paid a farewell call on President Benigno Aquino, was conferred with the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu.

The Order of Sikatuna is a national order of diplomatic merit of the Republic of the Philippines conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Philippines.

It is being given to diplomats, officials and nationals of foreign states who have rendered conspicuous services in developing and strengthening relations between their country and the Philippines.

The order is also being conferred upon the personnel of the Department of Foreign Affairs both in the home office and in the foreign service.

The Order of Sikatuna may be awarded by the secretary of Foreign Affairs in the name and by authority of the President.

The rank of Datu or Grand Cross has two distinctions:

Gold (Katangiang Ginto) and Silver (Katangiang Pilak).

The Grand Cross may be conferred upon a crown prince, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House,

Chief Justice or the equivalent, foreign minister or other official of cabinet rank, Ambassador, Undersecretary, Assistant Secretary, or other person of

a rank similar or equivalent to the foregoing. with full news from the Office of the President

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