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Verbatim ‘Yang death penalty, hindi ‘yan pantakot. Hindi ‘yan to deter. Whether you like to commit a crime or not, that’s not my business. Death penalty to me is the retribution . . . Magbayad ka sa ginawa mo sa buhay na ito. Hindi niyo ba alam na wala nang durian sa Davao? Eh kasi puro balimbing na doon!

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, noting the long line of political turncoats descending on Davao City to pledge allegiance to President Duterte

Call it anything you want, just not pork. Prospective Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, assuring congressmen that they will still be entitled to their usual district allocations, also known as “pork barrel”

President Rodrigo Duterte, on why he favors the death penalty

Whether with a position or not, I will strive to keep FULL PAGE theAD promises I made to our people the best of my ability. Vice President Leni Robredo, expressing her willingness to support the Duterte administration before she was eventually appointed by the President to head the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council

Whose money is being spent? It’s the private sector’s. There is no guarantee from the government, no government fund is involved, so get out of the way, period. Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) chair Manuel V. Pangilinan, urging the government to “get out of the way” of the private sector’s initiatives

The madness must stop. Quick fix savagery and abuse of power by law enforcers … is a Frankenstein monster that will haunt us all over time. Edre Olalia, secretary general of the National Union of People’s Lawyers, on the spate of drug-related killings

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Philippines Bids to Host 2017 Miss Universe Pageant

Controversial host Steve Harvey will be back in next year’s Miss Universe pageant.

But given the government’s limited budget, Teo and her staff face enormous challenges. The funding shortfall will have to be compensated by creative and innovative approaches that would result in increasing the global tourism market’s awareness of our country and what it has to offer. For her first high-impact marketing project, Teo proposes the staging of next year’s Miss Universe pageant in the Philippines. Knowing how passionate Pinoys are about beauty contests, Teo believes the Philippines has a good chance of bringing back the Miss Universe contest to out shore which we hosted the second time in

May. It will be the best month but I will have to ask the approval of the President kasi executive order din yan,” Teo said. Teo has already lined up a number of ideas and suggestions on how to proceed with the staging of the beauty pageant. She envisions a provincial caravan for the Miss Universe contestants, which will spotlight the country’s various provincial tourist offerings and expose the contestants to our diverse cultural heritage. At the same, time, Teo hopes the provincial tours will perk up business in the provinces. “Hindi lang naka-focus sa Manila. Gagawin din natin in Davao, Cebu, mga ganon. Iiikot namin para makilala ang ibang provinces. I really want that everybody earn a living, mga operators, ‘yung mga travel agencies, mga hotels. I want it to go down to the grass roots para matulungan yung mga mahihirap,” Teo said. An estimated $12 million is needed to produce the pageant, but Teo and Tourism Undersecretary Kat de Castro are confident the amount can be shouldered by the private sector. “Half of that may kumuha na, so ilan na lang hahabulin. Medyo madali na nang habulin. Ang dami namang diyan na gusto talaga, willing to join,” Teo explained. Next year’s Miss Universe pageant promises to be extra exciting with the return of a controversial personality who will host the event. “Steve Harvey! He will host again and I think, he will apologize – no more mistakes this time,” Teo said in jest. n

OURISM Secretary Wanda Corazon Tulfo Teo knows fully well that her biggest challenge is to expand the Philippines’ presence on the global tourism map. In concrete terms, this means catching up with our Asian neighbours like Thailand and Malaysia in terms of tourism revenues. To attain that goal, the former tour agency operator from Davao City needs to undertake a massive international marketing campaign to lure tourists to our side of the planet and at the same time spearhead the drive to expand and improve our tourist facilities.

Amparo Munoz of Spain is crowned Miss Universe during the pageant’s first staging in Manila in 1974. 1994. The first time the country staged the event was in 1974. On July 18 Teo and reigning Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach will sit down with President Rodrigo Duterte where they will broach the Miss Universe idea to the Chief Executive. “At least may kasama akong makiusap sa presidente because

I really want the project,” Teo said. “It will be an honor for Pia to come back to the Philippines and crown her successor here.” If she had her way, Wurtzbach would love to relinquish her Miss Universe title in the Philippines. “We’d all love to have the Miss Universe pageant here in the Philippines,” said Wurtzbach. “I am actively campaigning for it to be held here. But I don’t know how far along we are in making it happen. The possibility is always there. But is it a done deal? I don’t know. I can’t give you an answer. But we do want the pageant to happen here.” Teo is also encouraged by the pronouncement of the president of the Miss Universe franchise that it’s about time the Philippines hosted the event once again. However, the scheduling of the event threatens to derail the return of the pageant to Manila. Miss Universe head Paula Shuggart wants the coronation night to be held on January 29, 2017, which Teo finds too soon. “Ang problem natin, too soon. May Sinulog, Chinese New Year. Medyo gipit. So siguro, we will ask them to move it to probably

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Why the Philippines’ Legal Case Vs China Matters O N July 12, a panel of five judges at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague will announce their ruling in a case brought by the Philippines against China over its actions in the South China Sea.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? • The Philippines' case against China marks the first time any legal challenge has been bought in the South China Sea territorial dispute. Centered on the Spratlys archipelago which straddle vital international shipping lanes, tensions in the South China Sea have simmered for decades, intensifying in recent years. China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei claim the Spratlys and/ or surrounding waters. China, Taiwan and Vietnam claim all of the Paracel Islands in the north of the South China Sea. • The dispute has intensified political and military rivalry across the region between the rising power of China and the long-dominant player, the United States. China has been projecting its growing naval reach while the U.S. is deepening ties with both traditional security allies, such as Japan and the Philippines, and newer friends, including Vietnam, Indonesia and Myanmar. • Chinese analysts say the South China Sea will only grow in importance to Beijing, particularly as its submarine base on Hainan Island will be crucial to China's future nuclear deterrent.

Shoal, seeking a ruling that shows it sits entirely within the Philippines' EEZ. • Any ruling on the legality of the nine-dash line, Beijing's controversial claim to much of the South China Sea, will be closely watched. Created in the late 1940s and used on official Chinese maps, the line bisects the EEZs of several other countries and reaches deep into the maritime heart of Southeast Asia. • Manila's lawyers have also argued that none of islands, shoals and reefs across the Spratlys are significant enough to lay claim to an EEZ.

A Philippine flag flutters from a dilapidated Philippine Navy ship that has been aground since 1999 and became a Philippine military detachment on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands, in the South China Sea. WHAT DOES THE CASE INVOLVE? • The Philippines formally lodged its arbitration case under the UN's 1982 Convention of the Law of the Sea, known as UNCLOS, in January 2013. • China repeatedly warned the Philippines against pushing ahead with the case, and Beijing has refused to participate in any of its hearings, forgoing its right to appoint a judge. China says the court has no jurisdiction, and that its historic rights and sovereignty over the South China Sea predates UNCLOS. • UNCLOS does not deal with sovereignty issues, but sets out what countries can claim from various geographic features at sea, as well maritime behavior. That regime allows for 12 nautical miles of territorial waters from islands and rocks and 200 nautical miles of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from islands that can sustain ordinary human habitation. An EEZ is not

sovereign territory but gives a country the right to the fish and seabed resources, including oil and gas, within that zone. • China and the Philippines are among the 167 parties that have signed and ratified UNCLOS. The United States has not, as the law has been blocked in the U.S. Senate in the past. But its government recognizes it as customary international law, including during naval patrols of the South China Sea.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO MANILA'S CASE? • Manila's case is built around 15 points that seek to clarify its rights to exploit its EEZ. It challenges Chinese activities, including fishing, dredging and law enforcement patrols, as well as Beijing's reclamation and construction on seven reefs in the Spratlys. It also challenges China's effective control of the Scarborough

• While the findings are legally binding, UNCLOS has no enforcement body and legal experts say it remains unclear what can be done when China ignores the ruling. (Cases involving a ruling over actual sovereignty require mutual consent by states and are heard by the International Court of Justice in The Hague. ICJ rulings are enforceable by the United Nations Security Council.) • Chinese officials have not ruled out future military action to enforce their claims, including construction on the Scarborough Shoal or the imposition of an air defense zone over the area. They have warned against further expansion of the U.S. military presence in the area. • U.S. responses could include an increase in the frequency of so-called freedom of navigation operations and overflights in the region and increased defense aid to Southeast Asian countries, according to U.S. officials speaking on the condition of anonymity. • Other claimants, particularly Vietnam, are being closely watched to see whether they will launch their own action against China. Hanoi has sought legal opinions on a possible case, and its officials have yet to rule out such action. (Reuters) n

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Bad Spending Habits OFWs Need to Break O

VERSEAS Filipino workers (OFWs) are often considered modern-day heroes. Their cash remittances help keep not only millions of families provided for, but also the Philippine economy afloat. But despite their seemingly glittery life abroad, many OFWs still fail to manage their finances well. Some come home empty-handed, while others are burdened by debts. What hinders many OFWs from being financially independent? Vince Rapisura, president and CEO of Social Enterprise Development Partnerships Incorporated (SEDPI), sat down with Rappler to discuss OFWs’ spending habits and give tips on how they can become financially independent. If you are an OFW aiming for financial success, here are bad spending habits you might want to break:

No emergency savings According to Rapisura, about half of OFWs claim that they save, but only one out of five save for emergencies adequately. An emergency fund, said Rapisura, should be equivalent to six months of an OFW’s income.

Consumption-based budgeting Rapisura also shared that OFWs do budget, but their budgeting is focused mainly on immediate consumption, not on budgeting for investments or for the attainment of their financial goals. “Very little, really, is budgeted for savings and investments,” he added.

lifestyle better. The bottom line? Save and invest as much as you can. “A lot of people would ask me, ‘How much should I save and invest?’ And I say, ‘As much as you can,’” Rapisura said. As a guideline, Rapisura suggests that OFWs follow the 5-15-20-60 budgeting rule, with 5% of income going to insurance premium, 15% to savings, 20% to investments, and 60% to expenses.

Newfound wealth shock Many OFWs get overwhelmed by their much bigger salaries abroad, and this sometimes leads to them prioritizing wants over needs. Some are also pressured to “prove their worth” in their communities, thinking that they must show they are well-off when they return home. Rapisura added that OFWs are pressured to help their relatives, not just their immediate family members. This pushes them to overspend, leaving no room for savings.

Emotion-driven decisions Rapisura said OFWs tend to use negative emotions when deciding on financial matters – fear, anger, guilt, envy, or shame. This leads to overspending or sudden – and sometimes even risky – financial decisions.

Lack of financial plans and goals Many OFWs don’t plan ahead. When they go abroad, they do not consider how they will use their income once they are back in the Philippines. Their long-term goals are not mapped out. “When they go there, initially they say, ‘I only want a tricycle as a business,’ and send my children to school.’ After five years and they’ve already attained that, the goal would shift somewhere else. Maybe the tricycle is now a jeepney, and sending the children to

Borrowing money

school is finished and now they want to put up a house,” Rapisura explained. Changing goals is not necessarily a bad thing, but having no definite end-goal contributes to OFWs overstaying abroad.

Becoming financially independent The first step to financial independence, according to Rapisura, is to craft a financial plan with your family. “You have to be sure of what you want. You have to establish your financial goals and that should be put into writing in your financial plan,” he said. After that, you’ll have to manage the changes in your lifestyle to meet your goals. Ideally, a family’s income from the Philippines should finance their needs while an OFW’s income from abroad (remittances) should be used for financial goals. By only using their income in the Philippines for day-to-day needs, the family would be able to sustain their

Many OFWs also resort to loans in order to provide for the needs of their families. When is borrowing money advisable? According to Rapisura, OFWs should consider 5 cardinal rules before borrowing: • Borrow money only when you plan to use it for productive purposes. This means using the money to finance something that creates income. • Income from this project should be greater than the interest you will pay. • Installment amount should not exceed 20% of your regular income. • Do not borrow to finance wants. To be able to buy the things you want, save for it or create an investment portfolio that will provide you with a passive income. • Lastly, borrow only from formal financial sources. This way, you can take advantage of lower interest rates and establish your credit history. (Rappler. com) n

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COVER PIX Sunshine Dizon in the original ‘Encantadia’.

Five Pinoy Remakes By niki yarte

HIS month, GMA-7 is set to premiere one of its hotly anticipated shows this year: the remake of the 2006 fantaserye Encantadia. The original show, which had an ensemble cast led by Iza Calzado, Sunshine Dizon, Karylle, and Diana Zubiri, was one of the more successful and enduring primetime offerings of the network. At the time, the creators of the show cited the popularity of The Lord of the Rings trilogy as a sign that Filipino audiences were ready for such an ambitious show. They echoed the same sentiment this time around, citing that the popularity of Game of Thrones means that audiences are once again ready for a second serving of Encantadia. The new show is the latest in a string of remakes like Mara Clara, Mula sa Puso, Pangako sa Yo, and the Marian Rivera starrer Marimar, Darna, and Dyesebel. With these examples in mind, it’s not hard to see that there definitely is no shortage of material in Filipino pop culture that can be refreshed for a new audience and given new

life with new production technologies and fresh faces. Taking from the example of the new Encantadia, here are more projects from yesteryears that should be given new life considering recent trends.

Magic Temple -- In 1996, Peque Gallaga scored himself a hit with his own fantasy ad-

It’s not hard to see that there definitely is no shortage of material in Filipino pop culture that can be refreshed for a new audience and given new life with new production technologies and fresh faces.

venture that predated both The Lord of the Rings movies and Encantadia. Magic Temple starred 90s teen stars Marc Solis and Anna Larrucea, who were both replaced in the sequel, Magic Kingdom, by Janus del Prado and Anne Curtis. At the time, Magic Temple was touted as a triumph of production and storytelling, winning all awards it was nominated for at the Metro Manila Film Festival. They were ambitious for their excessive use of special effects, which may be laughable by today’s standards. A teleserye remake of the movies would be a safe bet for any network for the same reason that make Encantadia viable: Filipino audiences are

hungry for magic, fantasy, and adventure. The secret, more than a spectacular production budget, is to retain the fun and spirited tone that made the original movies endearing to audiences. As for the cast, well, the top three networks all have an army of young actors just waiting for their big break. With most of the budget going to the set and special effects, casting new talented unknowns could be a win-win situation for everyone.

Hataw Na -- The original 1995 dance romp starred thenMiss Universe Dayanara Torres and Gary Valenciano. It had a semblance of a story involving a delinquent class of high school students who found their true

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That Need to Happen passion on the dance floor thanks in no small part to their mentors Gary and Dayanara. A remake or a teleserye adaptation of the movie should be in the works in the near-future considering reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach is set to relinquish her crown in six months’ time. After her responsibilities as Miss Universe, the return of Hataw Na can be her showbiz vehicle with her taking over the Dayanara role. There’s no reason Gary can’t reprise his role. The man is still in his prime. However, Gary can also pass on the torch to son Gab who has already made quite a name for himself thanks to a series of popular YouTube videos.

Abangan Ang Susunod Na Kabanata -- Change is coming thanks to the new administration under President Rodrigo Duterte. For all his macho preening and posturing, the new Commander-in-Chief is actually a colorful personality

who has accumulated a library of soundbites that is just rife for satire – and no other show did satire better than the 90s comedy series Abangan Ang Susunod Na Kabanata. Noel Trinidad was corrupt congressman Tengco, Tessie Tomas was his Imeldific wife, and Jon Santos was a chameleon who channelled different caricatures of leading figures. Of course, it was also a different time. Fidel Ramos was president and there were no threats to the media or to major networks from the top man himself. These days, satirizing the president would have his thousands of supporters accusing the show of being “biased”. However, this particular trend is actually why a show that subliminally challenges and questions the status quo is necessary: It makes everyone participate in the political process by delivering them the pertinent issues of the land behind a veil of comedy to make swallowing the news a sweeter

experience. All that plus comedic geniuses like Noel, Tessie, and Jon all deserve a regular gig.

Zsazsa Zaturnnah -This 2006 movie version of the stage musical that was adapted from the popular graphic novel flopped both commercially and critically and it’s not hard to see why. Despite a stellar cast led by Zsa Zsa Padilla as the super-heroine alter ego of a gay man played by Rustom Padilla, the movie suffered from an incessant barrage of tropes that would’ve worked had it been a 1980s comedy musical starring Roderick Paulate. While the movie certainly delivered on the music thanks to Zsa Zsa and Pops Fernandez who played her arch-nemesis, the movie failed to deliver on the comedy. A teleserye remake of the original graphic novel, though not necessarily a musical, could work with Vice Ganda and perhaps Angel Locsin (as a sweet

nod to her time as Darna). With the recent popularity of superhero blockbusters that dominate cinemas, an adventure comedy like Zsazsa Zaturnnah would give audiences a refreshingly different approach to the familiar superhero concept. This kind of show also has the opportunity to bring LGBT issues in the forefront of mainstream media in a way that is less awkward and intrusive for the audience.

Maging Sino Ka Man - Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz. Anne Curtis and Sam Milby. Having these four stars alone was enough to sell this show back in the day. Imagine a remake starring today’s hottest love teams. Perhaps with the Xian Lim-Kim Chiu and Erich Gonzales-Daniel Matsunaga tandems or with Daniel PadillaKathryn Bernardo and Enrique Gil-Liza Soberano. Such a project would definitely be a dream come true for all their respective fans. n

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‘It’s a boy. It’s going to be a miniPaul.’

Toni, Paul Soriano expecting baby boy TV host Toni Gonzaga and husband Paul Soriano confirmed that they are expecting a baby boy this year. The couple made the announcement last June 30, during an interview on Tonight with Boy Abunda. “We’re having a boy,” Paul said, while Toni emphasized: “Tito BOY.” “We’re having a boy. It’s a boy. It’s going to be a mini-Paul,” the director of the upcoming movie Dukot said. Paul said that it was Toni’s wish to have a boy for their first child. “I just wanted girl or boy, healthy,” he said. As for a name, Paul said: “We’re debating now. Of course one is Paul and you know...” Toni is scheduled to give birth in the last quarter of the year. Last April, Toni confirmed that she was pregnant with her first child with Paul. She said that she did not initially announce it because it was delicate at that stage of her pregnancy. The couple celebrated their first anniversary last June 12.

Daniel, Kathryn ‘exclusively dating’ “BASTA exclusive kami sa isa’t isa,” Daniel Padilla said, with certainty in his voice. Without so much as a glance at his onscreen partner, he calmed rumors that he and Kathryn Bernardo became a couple while filming their upcoming movie in Barcelona last month. “May hinihintay pa kami na something kaya hindi pa malagyan ng label,” he told ABS-CBN News when asked to clarify his relationship with Kathryn. “Maaga pa sa ngayon. May mga gagawin pa kami and may tamang moments para doon …

All to themselves in Barelona. Magiging special siya.” Kathryn said she and Daniel share a “special understanding” when it comes to their relationship. “It depends kung anong understanding ninyo,” she said when asked about the importance of labels. “Kami kasi hindi na namin siya pinaguusapan dahil parang nagkakaintindihan na kami.

But then, may hinihintay pa nga siguro kami.” The two returned home last July 1 after filming for nearly a month in Barcelona, Spain, for an upcoming Star Cinema movie. The two were photographed cuddling and holding hands in Barcelona, sending their devoted fans, who have been calling for them to take their friendship to another level, into a frenzy.

‘Nothing wrong with hanging out with Luis’ JESSY Mendiola doesn’t see anything wrong with “hanging out” with Luis Manzano. “I don’t see anything wrong with hanging out with Luis,” she said in an interview on Tonight with Boy Abunda. “We go out from time to time. Sometimes we go out as groups and siguro halata naman na hindi kami nagtatago kasi may mga pictures naman to prove na yes we go out.” Jessy has been linked to Luis since last April, when Jessy first posted a photo with Luis for his birthday. Despite being open in going out with Luis, the Kapami-

‘We are friends and getting closer.’

lya actress doesn’t want to label their relationship. “We are friends and we are getting close to each other, but he knows I have to do a lot of things right now and he knows I’m enjoying my life as it is,” she explained. Asked if Luis has a chance to win her heart, Jessy didn’t hesitate to say yes through she didn’t mention whether the actor is courting her. “I am not denying anything,” she said. “Ayoko naman maging sobrang pretensious na wala. Mayro’n, kasi like what I’ve said Luis is a nice guy and any girl would be happy to have him.”

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‘Ang weird namin.’

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Showbuzz Will there be a second chance for Bea and Gerald?

FOR the first time, ex-couple Bea Alonzo and Gerald Anderson are paired together in the Star Cinema romance movie How To Be Yours. Diretor Dan Villegas observed that Bea and Gerald have chem-

istry onscreen, and, more importantly, offscreen, “given naman na may history ang dalawa.” Bea and Gerald admitted they felt awkward working with each other. “I have to be honest, nung umpisa, hindi talaga. Weird because it’s the first time na magkakatrabaho kami plus before, hindi naman talaga kayo sanay na nakikita kami together before. It was kind of weird being in front of a lot of people,” said Bea. Asked if their past feelings

Jessy Mendiola is FHM’s ‘Sexiest Woman’ 2016 ACTRESS Jessy Mendiola is now the new “sexiest woman in the land,” according to the men’s magazine FHM Philippines’ 100 Sexiest List. FHM conducted its public poll from April 1 to June 15. “Surreal. Thank you,” wrote Jessy on Instagram upon learning the good news. “I’m overwhelmed. It’s a nice venue to send the message that everyone is sexy and if I can win this, if I’m hailed as the sexiest of FHM, lahat tayo puwedeng maging ganun,” she said in a video aired on ABS-CBN News. “What’s important is loving yourself, being healthy, and being the better version of yourself. So I guess kaya ito nangyari kasi I am on that journey, nasa journey ako of being better for myself.” “My body may not be per-

‘My body may not be perfect …’ fect but that will not stop me from being confident with myself,” she wrote on Instagram a while ago. “We all come in different sizes and shapes but that shouldn’t stop us from being happy with our own bodies.” In her FHM profile, the magazine hailed the actress for proving “that being sexy is beyond physical.”

for each other are being rekindled, Gerald replied, “‘I don’t know, ang weird. Ang weird namin. Ang weird ko. I just like to make her laugh and every time na magasama kami, nagtatawanan lang. We’re making jokes sa mga pinagdaanan namin before.” Bea added, “Napag-uusapan na lang namin at pinagtatawanan na lang namin ngayon.” They are both single now, have they considered the pos-

sibility of reconciling? “Step by step,” Gerald replied. “Huwag niyo kaming bigyan ng pressure. We’re having fun. Ako, pag nandiyan siya, sobrang saya ko rin. Yun ang pinaka-importante na masaya ang lahat, masaya ang set.” “Oo nga, huwag nating icomplicate,” quipped Bea. Have they been out, just the two of them, after work? “Yup,” confirmed Gerald. “Hang out,” blurted Bea.

Joey Mead’s husband is now a trans woman CURRENTLY a brewing topic among car enthusiasts and fashion fans are the Instagram posts of couple Joey Mead and Ian Angelo King. She’s a top model/host, and has repeatedly described the state of her marriage as ‘deeply happy.’ He’s a businessman, the managing director of the motel chain Victoria Court, and a Porsche-phile, who turned his love for cars into a lucrative venture, the Car Porn Racing. The two got married in November 2011. On June 2, Joey posted on Instagram a photo if Ian in a two-piece swimsuit spread-eagled on a swimming pool with the caption: ‘Freedom.’ Ian posted the same photo on his Instagram account with the caption, ‘Best hangover cure @joeymead.’ Their closest friends had posted encouraging words for

Ian aka Angelina (left) and Joey: Hail to the queen! the two. Motoring journalist James Deakin said: “So one of the car guys I look up to the most, is now a woman. Hey, if you ain’t hurting anyone and it makes you happy, it’s all the same to me … He can be trans woman and love another woman just the same.”

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Peso, remittances seen most at risk from Brexit LR_Philippines_185x121mm.indd 1

05/07/2016 11:55

N EXPECTED economic downturn in the eurozone after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union may threaten Filipino remittances and the peso, but sound macroeconomic fundamentals are seen likely to limit any larger negative impact on the Philippine economy. For the Philippines, the fallout would be felt more in the financial markets, said Nicholas Antonio Mapa, associate economist at the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI). “As expected, the US dollar and yen benefited as safe haven currencies. While regional currencies are down, the peso remained in the middle of the pack,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando Tetangco Jr., said. Tetangco noted that even as direct Philippine exposure to the UK is relatively small, the central bank will be watching the impact on the local economy via contagion from moves in US dollars. In the medium term, he said monetary authorities would watch developments as the rest of the EU reacts to Brexit.

Remittances from the UK will be most at risk from Brexit in the short term. Eurozone risk Joey Cuyegkeng, ING Bank Manila senior economist noted that the Philippines’ exposure to the UK involves 5.6 percent of total overseas Filipino workers’ (OFW) remittances as of 2015, but trade with the UK is quite marginal. “A slowdown in UK would have some impact but we expect such to be marginal. Once the dust settles, we expect Philippine economic fundamentals to eventual-

ly exert some strengthening pressure on the peso,” he said. But he stressed that a significant slowdown in the euro zone as a result of Brexit would have a more significant impact on the Philippines. He said Europe accounts for 15.5 percent of total OFW cash remittances in 2015, with exports to Europe accounting for 12.6 percent while imports from Europe account for 11.4 percent of total imports.

However, Ernesto Pernia, incoming socioeconomic planning secretary and director general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), downplayed the potential risks posed by Brexit. He said Brexit would not affect the Philippines’ trade or investments with the UK as the effects of the separation with the EU would only be on their part. “There is no direct impact [to us] because we’re not really affected. We’ll continue with our trade with the UK so it’s not a problem. And the trade with Europe will also continue,” Pernia said. “The direct impact is on Britain and the European Union, not on us,” he stressed. Henry Schumacher, vice president of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), agreed, saying the euro zone may have some readjustments with the exit of the UK, but that the impact would not be greatly felt elsewhere. “Europe will have to restructure but I don’t see the Philippines being substantially affected,” Schumacher said.

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Filipinos Are Working Hard But Remain Poor – World Bank By maracepeda

Job market mismatch has been a perennial problem in the Philippines, with labor advocates pushing for a long-term jobs road map to address it. Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz previously said that only 10 out of 1,000 Filipino applicants are getting hired because many lack the necessary skills needed for the jobs available in the market.

RECENT study by the World Bank showed that Filipinos continue to suffer from poverty despite being employed.

The World Bank revealed the highlights of its report entitled, “Labor Market Review: Employment and Poverty in the Philippines” released on June 17. “This new report shows that contrary to some perceptions, economic growth in the last 10 years has created enough jobs to absorb the growing labor force. Still, many workers remain underemployed,” said World Bank country director Mara Warwick. Those considered underemployed are people with jobs who express the desire to have additional hours of work in their present job, to have an additional job, or to have a new job with longer working hours. The Philippine economy has been steadily growing at around 5% to 6%, but Warwick said the issue is that “many of the newly created jobs are precarious and low-paying,” mostly found under the informal sector According to World Bank lead economist Jan Ruthowski, reducing in-work poverty is thus the main challenge facing the country’s labor sector. He attributed the cause of in-work poverty among Filipinos to the low learning capacity of the poor, saying that 30% of workers who finished secondary education hold unskilled jobs and work as laborers. Rutkowski added that there is a scarcity of productive, wellpaying jobs, especially in the rural areas. The World Bank’s findings echo the data recently released

Tripartite approach needed

Thirty percent of workers who finished secondary education hold unskilled jobs and work as laborers.

There is a scarcity of productive, well-paying jobs, especially in the rural areas. by the Philippine Statistics Authority. The unemployment rate in April 2016 declined to 6.1% from 6.4% a year ago, but the underemployment rate climbed to 18.4% from 17.8%.

‘Good’ vs ‘bad’ jobs Rutkowski acknowledged that the growing Philippine economy produced jobs for Filipinos, but this did not necessarily improve the quality of jobs. He discussed labor market segmentation, wherein the World Bank classified work into two: good jobs, which are “formal, permanent, well-paid, and offering social protection; “and bad jobs, which are “temporary, casual, informal, precarious and low-paid, often with very

little or no social protection.” While this is not an issue unique to the Philippines, it is more pronounced here. PSA data showed that underemployed persons who work for less than 40 hours a week accounted for 54.2% of the total underemployed in April 2016. About 45.7% of the underemployed worked in the services sector, while 35.5% were in the agriculture sector. “The problem has been that the jobs that are available are not meeting the aspirations of the young people entering the labor market… It’s the quality of jobs that matters,” said Rutkowski. “There are still a lot of informal jobs, still a lot of informal jobs, precarious jobs, and low-paying jobs,” he added.

Rutkowski added that informal sector workers have low bargaining power. “Given the structure of the economy, minimum wage is ineffective in raising wage level,” he said. Rutkowski said the World Bank recommends a tripartite response among the government, the employers, and the Filipino laborers to determine the best ways to solve this issue. “But also workers from the informal sector need to be represented. They need to have a voice,” he said. Rutkowski said the World Bank report suggest a threepronged approach to reduce in-work poverty and to help address labor market segmentation. The World Bank recommended that government continue investing in education and skills of disadvantaged youth to raise their earning capacity, especially in the rural areas. Labor regulations should also be simplified to encourage more employers to formally hire more workers. Rutkowski said the investment climate in the Philippines should likewise be improved. “Lower the cost of doing business in the formal sector to create more and better jobs, and sustain high economic growth,” he said. (Rappler.com) n

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Mike Enriquez reaps more awards

HEN IT rains, it pours. GMA senior anchor Mike Enriquez received two awards just days apart this recent month of June. He was recognized as one of the Most Outstanding Manilans during the 445th founding anniversary of the city of Manila. The awards were given as part of the celebration of this year’s Araw Ng Maynila. It was in recognition of men and women whose exemplary achievements in their profession contributed to the development of the country’s capital city. Enriquez was born and raised in Sta. Ana, Manila. He was also recognized as Reader’s Digest’s Most Trusted Radio Presenter last June 30. This was the first ever Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Award for radio broadcasting. The Trusted Brand Award is based on an annual survey of Reader’s Digest readers across Asia. Enriquez expressed his appre-

ciation for both awards saying that radio would continue to be his passion and his life. He added that the awards he continues to receive do not belong to him alone, but also to those he works with in GMA Radio and RGMA Network, which is GMA’s radio affiliate. He co-anchors GMA’s prime-

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time television newscast “24 Oras” with Mel Tiangco and Vicky Morales. He hosts the widely popular “Imbestigador” every Saturday afternoon, as well as the program “Saksi Sa Dobol B” from 6-10 AM on weekdays on GMA’s flagship AM station, DZBB. Enriquez is also the President of RGMA Network, Inc. and GMA’s Consultant for Radio.

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Piaya Ice Cream Sandwich at Sarsa Kitchen+Bar Chef JP Anglo’s Sarsa Kitchen+Bar uses Bacolod’s famous piaya as buns to make a seriously delicious ice cream sandwich. Sarsa has branches at Bonifacio Global City, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, Rockwell and Legaspi Village in Makati.

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Fun Twists on Classic Pinoy Dishes SHOW your love for country by trying these Filipino dishes with fun, playful twists.

Mangga’t Bagoong Sorbet at Sebastian’s Sebastian’s turns the street food favorite mangga’t bagoong into a refreshing treat using green mango sorbet and shrimp paste made in-house. Sebastian’s has branches at The Podium, SM Mall of Asia and Regis Center on Katipunan Avenue, QC.

Adobo Flakes Yum Burger and Halo-Halo Sundae at Jollibee Homegrown fast food giant Jollibee has tweaked two of its bestselling products to make them uniquely Filipino. A variation on Jollibee’s classic Yum! burger, the new sandwich has a patty topped with adobo flakes and a special sauce. The Halo-Halo Sundae, on the other hand, is vanilla soft serve ice cream topped with red bean, banana, jackfruit, nata de coco and macapuno

Binagoongan Paella with Kare-kare at Neil’s Kitchen

Corned Beef Sinigang at Sentro 1771 If you’ve dined at Sentro 1771 in Makati or Taguig, chances are you’ve ordered this iconic dish. Instead of the usual pork or shrimp, Sentro 1771’s bestseller has corned beef – not the canned variety, but meat that requires days of preparation.

This is one of the creative paella dishes at Neil’s Kitchen at Westgate Center in Alabang. The restaurant also serves Sinigang Paella, which consists of grilled liempo with deep-fried vegetables paired with sinigangflavored rice.

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The Beauty and Challenges of Traveling in T Muslim Mindanao By rhea claire madarang

HE mosque, gleaming white in the street lights, sounded its call to prayer signaling the breaking of the day’s fast. I watched as people walked into Sheik Makhdum Mosque, the site of the first and oldest mosque in the Philippines. I was at Simunul, Tawi-Tawi, the birthplace of Islam in the country during one of the holiest times of the year. A quiet sacredness rested on the town like a warm blanket. Though my host family said the place was usually quiet, it felt quieter, more solemn during Ramadan, and I could attest to that when I returned at another time a few years later. It was my first time traveling to Muslim country in Mindanao, and I was awed by the unexpected gentleness of the place, as I kept seeing locals take time to bow and pray, a few even while traveling. In typical Filipino hospitality, our hosts went out of their way to make me and my travel companion feel welcome. They served us a generous iftar (the meal after breaking the day’s fast during Ramadan) and made us sleep in their room, among other things. Locals took time amid their

Sitangkai’s boats and waterways can indeed be a unique attraction for the adventurous traveler, but the town is beset by hardships like lack of potable water.

The Badjaos, or the Sama Dilaut, as they are more formally called, weave strikingly beautiful and colorful mats.

Bongao, whose summit gave us sweeping views of some of TawiTawi’s landscapes and seascapes. I was met with the same kindness and hospitality in all my subsequent visits to predominantly Muslim provinces. I was also struck by all the raw beauty, especially the

long white beaches and impossibly clear and beautiful waters, even in ports. I was meeting a Muslim Mindanao quite different from the war-torn, conflict-ridden places I often see reported in media. I remember the then-Basilan tourism officer telling me that there are only certain areas in Muslim Mindanao where clashes and conflict usually take place; not all areas are unsafe like many of us believe. Her words rang especially true when I was approached by friendly locals as I walked alone on a stretch of white sand in Malamawi Island. And yet amid all the beauty and kindness exist uncomfortable realities. Muslim provinces are among the poorest in the country. In fact, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in particular is the poorest region. I saw this in Sitangkai, tout-

fasting to guide us through unfamiliar places like B u d

On top of Tawi-Tawi’s Bud Bongao you can see picturesque views of land and sea.

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ed as the “Venice of the South” for tourism purposes. There is indeed beauty in this place where houses are on stilts, roads are waterways, and boats are the main mode of transportation. But locals here struggle daily with harsh realities like lack of potable water, often relying on rainfall. And, while there are indeed relatively safe places and periods to travel, conflict is still very much real in other areas. My travel companion and I were all set to go to Jolo when the tourism officer advised us at the last minute to cancel our plans, as the military who were supposed to escort us had to be in Talipao, where a clash occurred. In Pikit, Cotabato, a young man took us to a place where trees had holes marked by bullets and weapons. There he talked about how his grandparents and other families were attacked and killed by rebels on the spot where we stood. There also appears to be fear and distrust in some areas toward Muslims. Concerned and well-meaning Christian locals had warned me not to meet and get Muslims as tour guides. While I was saddened by this, I was more surprised when I heard Muslims warn me against fellow Muslims. They told me not to go to “Badjao Village” in Tawi-Tawi, as I might not be safe among the Badjaos there. I went anyway and let myself be amazed by the painstakingly woven, brilliantly-colored mats by the Badjaos, more formally known as the Sama Dilaut. I had to remind myself that Muslims are divided into over 10 ethnolinguistic groups, so they may have preconceptions or biases toward other groups they do not know, in the same way Christians may also have preconceptions or biases toward fellow Christians who are different. Instances like this remind me how there is still so much I do not know and understand about Muslims in Mindanao.

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Sibutu is the southernmost municipality in the Philippines, and is as close to Malaysia as it is to the mainland of Tawi-Tawi.

A quiet sunrise in Sibutu, the Philippines’ southernmost municipality. I am then cautioned against drawing my own neat little conclusions, knowing that I do not know all the information and there are other perspectives I have yet to see. I got a glimpse of another perspective when I went to Sibutu, the southernmost municipality in the Philippines, which is just around an hour away by jetski from Malaysia, according to the then-mayor. At that “remote” place, which is as close to Malaysia as it is to the mainland of Tawi-Tawi, it was Metro Manila and Luzon that felt remote, and that the systems and way of life there do not quite fit in here in Sibutu. Meanwhile, visiting part of an MILF camp for my documentation work in Mindanao, I was struck by how ordinary the people’s lives there seemed. My companions and I met children, teenagers, wives, and mothers. There was also a school on the grounds. The MILF camp is actually a community of families,

and not exactly the all-military camp I had imagined. My beliefs and worldviews are challenged in these encounters. Slowly, I am beginning to have a deeper appreciation and, I hope, understanding of Muslims and Muslim Mindanao. I had the privilege of witnessing other people in their attempts to understand more, too. I saw students and teachers from different faiths come together in a peace camp to celebrate and recognize their differences, and to heal their biases and stereotypes. They planted trees in the place once riddled by bullets. I watched an Igorot teacher who was a friend of one of the fallen SAF 44 during the Mamasapano tragedy break down after he met Muslims and also learned some of their history absent in textbooks. He confessed that he had hated Muslims and had actually been teaching his students that Muslims were bad. He apologized to his new Muslim friends and

vowed to teach his students differently. We tend to judge what we do not know. It is in knowing that we see more clearly. Currently, there is a bill already approved in Congress that can help with that – it is a bill seeking to require teaching Muslim and indigenous peoples’ history in schools. Meanwhile, in light of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law which will give more autonomy to Muslim areas in Mindanao, I watched a well-meaning Christian ask a Muslim why it was important for Muslims to be recognized as Bangsamoro, or even as Muslims. “Aren’t we all Filipinos?” The question, though asked innocently, understandably sparked some frustration in the Muslim woman, as she patiently explained their history of fighting Spanish colonizers and their actions to keep their own government, among others. She said: “Yes, we are all Filipinos. But we want to be seen as Muslims too... our identity and way of life before there became Philippines.” And perhaps that is what many Muslim Filipinos desire or even hunger for – to be seen for who they are. For their identity first to be recognized, and not dismissed. They are Filipinos, but they are also Muslims. There is so much I do not yet understand about Muslim Mindanao and its people, but I would like to believe each travel and each conversation helps me see them more clearly. And my hope is that, more than just seeing the beauty of Mindanao, my fellow Filipinos would also see the beauty in Muslims who live there. (Rappler.com) n

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A TRINIDAD, Benguet—Tourists visit the town of La Trinidad, Benguet to see the strawberry and flower farms, and buy fresh vegetables. Now, there is another reason to make the trip from Baguio City.

Last 23 June 2016 was the unveiling of the STOBOSA Hillside Homes Artwork—the largest community artwork in the country and the first in the Philippines. The project is a component of the Department of Tourism-Cordillera Administrative Region’s Rev-Bloom (REV-UP, REVIVE, REVISIT, REVITALIZE) Urban Redevelopment Tourism project supported by Davies Paints. STOBOSA stands for Stonehill, Botiwtiw, and Sadjap—the three sitios on which the artwork now stands. The 200 houses that line the Stone Hill on Km. 3, La Trinidad previously formed something akin to a confusing wall overlooking the Balili

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La Trinidad Residents Create PH’s First and Biggest Community Artwork

River. It has now been transformed to an 18,000-sqm collective canvas brilliantly painted by 520 residents and volunteers, the endeavor commenced in January 2016. This is a testament to the Bayanihan spirit still alive among Filipinos. Davies Paints, the country’s #1 Paint Exporter and #1 in colors, provided environmentfriendly paints as part of its advocacy to beautify the Philippines, give back to communities and bring

color into people’s lives. The local government of La Trinidad provided paintbrushes and rollers, and built scaffolding; Tam-awan artists, led by Jordan Mang-osan, designed the connective landscape. The residents and volunteers executed the artwork beautifully, motivated by community spirit. “More than the mural, more than the beautification,

you will see the community has bonded together to spruce up their areas,” DOT-Cordillera Regional Director Venus Tan said. Johnlee Garcia, President of Davies Paints, said: “Davies has always been passionate about finding ways to help improve communities in whatever way we can and this project is a great opportunity to create a big impact in the area. We have a long history of engaging in CSR programs and beautification efforts in the country; we’re proud to be a major part of this project and we plan to continue these efforts in the future.” The project was inspired by the Favelas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The STOBOSA community has pledged to make the project sustainable by touching up the artwork as necessary. Working together has also inspired representatives of the households— mostly women—to endeavor other efforts to beautify their area by keeping it clean and infusing life by planting greens. After their collective effort, the area is now a burst of vibrant and brilliant colors—a welcome sight as you enter the town. So the next time you go up North, get your cameras ready: the community artwork will be visible on your right after you cross the La Trinidad arch from Baguio City. (Photos by Clinton Aniversario) – Philippine Daily Inquirer n

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EMBASSY OUTREACH - DUBLIN The Embassy will hold its next Consular Outreach Mission for 2016 in: Date/Time: 16-17 JULY 2016 (Sat, Sun), 10AM - 5PM Venue: St. John Bosco Youth Centre, Davitt Road, Dublin 12 Contact Persons : Ms. VANDA MARIE BRADY, 0879501678 vanda.brady@enfid.org The Embassy of the Philippines is pleased to announce the list of consular service applicants who successfully completed their booking for the second Consular Outreach Mission in Dublin scheduled on 16 – 17 July 2016. Please check for your name and appointment schedule at http://londonpe.dfa.gov.ph/advisories/317-consular-outreach-mission-dublin-ireland-16-17-july-2016-update-no-2 . Individual e-mail or telephone notification have also been sent to the applicants using the contact details provided in the service request forms. Applicants are requested to be at the venue 15 minutesFULL before their scheduled appointments. Kindly visit the Embassy website www.londonpe.dfa.gov.ph for the documentary and other requirements for your respective transactions. Only applicants with complete requirements will be served. The Embassy looks forward to serving you at the Consular Outreach Mission in Dublin.

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Duterte’s 1st order to DFA: Improve OFW services

OREIGN SECRETARY Perfecto Yasay Jr disclosed the first order he got from President Rodrigo Duterte for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA): Improve services for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). “I have my marching orders coming from the President, the first being we must make sure that our overseas Filipino workers’ needs and problems are specially and adequately addressed,” Yasay said at the Tapatan sa Aristocrat forum. Yasay said: “We want to make sure that from the very day, the first day that the recruitment processes start, up to the time that they arrive at their point of destination, we will be ready and available to help them in their needs.” The DFA chief said the least that the Philippines can do for OFWs, “who, in a true sense, are our economic heroes,” is to serve them well. He added that the DFA wants “to make sure that other services that we render to the pub-

President Duterte’s first order to DFA: Improve OFW services, cut bureaucracy. lic, especially with the regards to the issuance of travel documents, passports, and other documentations needed for the free passage and travel of our people, will be cut to the minimum in terms of red tape.” Duterte stressed this point in his inaugural speech on June 30.

The President said on his first day in office: “I direct all department secretaries and the heads of agencies to reduce requirements and the processing time of all applications, from the submission to the release.” “I order all department secretaries and heads of agencies to remove redundant require-

ments and compliance with one department or agency, shall be accepted as sufficient for all,” Duterte added. Known for his passion in cutting government red tape, Duterte said: “I plan to convert (the Manila-based historical) Post Office into something very functional, very useful to Filipinos. I want those who are applying for overseas work not to keep on returning for the processing of their papers. I want the offices of the foreign affairs department, the health services, and the police (for police clearance) to be in the proposed office.” In the last weeks of the Aquino administration, the DFA already said it wants to improve its passport application services. The DFA, for one, said it is cracking down on passport applicants who fail to show up on their application date. The DFA is also converting its satellite office in Robinsons Galleria mall exclusively for OFWs.

JULY 2016 APRIL 2012

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WHAT’S ON

TRAVEL

HE NEXT BIG thing in Philippine tourism is ripe and is ready for harvest. Farm tourism has started to grab the attention of farm owners and visitors in the last few years. Led by the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST), the 4th Farm Tourism Conference and Farm Tourism Market Festival was held from July 14-16, to help farmers further develop their properties as a sustainable tourism product. “In other countries, the farmers are policy makers. They are very influential,” ISST president Mina Gabor says, while in the Philippines farmers are often taken for granted. She adds that most Filipino farmers are 57 to 60 years old, with the younger generations lured to the metropolis, seeking more lucrative jobs. “They think farming is a very lowly job,” says Gabor. One way to augment the income of farmers is through farm tourism – which has become popular in other countries such as Taiwan, where families flock to farms and partake in activities such as rice planting, vegetable harvesting and others. At first, Gabor says, they used the term agri-tourism and started actively campaigning for it in 2012, but the name did not have much appeal to visitors and was intimidating to small farm owners – “agri” made them think of bigger, industrial farms. When the term “farm tourism” was introduced, it became more accessible and the project took off. Gabor

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says, “Now there are more than 100 accredited farm tourism establishments” all over the country. Aside from farm stays, other activities that can be offered in farm tourism destinations include museums (for wine, flora, butterflies), petting zoos for children, horseback riding, lagoon fishing and trekking. Many farms are also able to sell their fresh produce to visitors. The farmers know the strengths of their locations, Gabor says, so they can readily identify what they can offer. To upgrade the standards of farm tourism by putting systems in place, creating tour packages and improving facili-

ties, the Farm Conference was launched, organized by the ISST with the support of the Department of Tourism and Tourism Promotions Board, Department of Agriculture, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Trade and Industry. This year’s congress was held in Tagaytay in cooperation with the provincial government of Cavite and the municipal government of Tagaytay. The three-day conference has put the spotlight on the unique fusion of farming and tourism, with the theme, “Farm Tourism: Promoting Biodiversity, Contributing to Food Security.” With a wide variety of offerings, farm tourism can cater to all sectors – from those into healthy food and organic products which are very trendy today, to schools who want students to learn and appreciate local agriculture; from families looking for a unique activity to visitors who want to disconnect from their busy lives in the city, reconnect with nature and even

enjoy an organic spa treatment. “That’s the beauty of farm tourism,” Gabor says. There have been many success stories since the first farm tourism conference, Gabor adds – family farms from all over the country who have been able to harness the gifts of their land and turn them into a more lucrative business. Furthermore, the ones in charge of developing the tourism destinations are usually the younger generations – children of the farmers who have come back to their hometowns because they see a worthwhile future in farming once more. Gabor hopes that the incoming tourism secretary will continue visiting and accrediting new farm tourism sites to sustain the progress that has been made in this budding tourism product. Hopefully, as farm tourism develops even more, farmers will soon be reaping its bountiful rewards. (Full attribution from material earlier published PhilStar)

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FIESTAS TBA 2016

30-31 July 2016 Milton Keynes Barrio Fiesta 2016

Barrio Fiesta in Manchester 2016

Time: 9am-7pm

Venue: TBA

Venue: Campbell Park, Milton Keynes, MK9 4AD

Time: TBA Contact: Aurora 07748 252 530 Resty 07877 727 007

Contact: Merald07909957313 Anita-07557358013

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WHAT’S ON 5 Aug-4 Sept 2016 Marco Polo Musical

2:30 PM / 7:30 PM Shaw Theatre, 100-110 Euston Rd, NW1 2AJ, London Tickets from £40-£80 Contact:

clondon@marcopolonewmusical.com

COMMUNITY 17 Sept 2016

Leicester Darterong Pinoy UK 2016 Venue: Notts Oddfellows Club, 9 Humberstone Gate, Leicester, LE1 1WB Time: 10:30AM-8:30PM Register: £30 per player Contact: James Diez 07800815268

2 October 2016

“At Last in London!” Alden Richards in LDN Venue: Troxy, 490 Commercial Rd, London E1 0HX Time: 3 to 5 PM Tickets from £30 - £80 Contact: 07422858223 www.troxy.co.uk

Supporting all good community fiestas and celebrations this Spring and Summer. For more details call us at 02075818100 or send your material details to philservicecorp@aol.com

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