JUNE2016 2016 JUNE APRIL 2012
LONDON LONDON
FULL PAGE AD
Splash PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES 25 3
232 16
Splash SplashPHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES
JUNE 2012 2016 APRIL JUNE 2016
LONDON LONDON
Verbatim Non-committal ako diyan kasi kilala ko si Bongbong . . . I don’t want to hurt him. Leni will understand, she’s from the opposite side. President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, on whether he would appoint incoming Vice President Leni Robredo to his Cabinet
I won’t tell him to eliminate cursing. Maybe just don’t do it 100 times. Senator Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III, offering an unsolicited advice to his partymate President-elect Duterte
The time to act presidential is now, and he should realize this not only for his own good, but for the good of the FULL PAGE AD millions of Filipinos who only wish him well and want to see him succeed.
When we help him to succeed, we are helping our nation and ourselves succeed. Incoming Vice President Leni Robredo, calling on Filipinos to support President-elect Duterte
Senator-elect Leila de Lima, calling on President-elect Duterte to stop making “irresponsible” statements
I am not play-acting at being President . . . Hindi ako tumayo dito para magshowbiz, tumayo ako dito para gampanan ‘yung papel ng isang pinuno.
President Aquino, responding to criticisms that he lacks empathy for ordinary Filipinos
Sa mata ng Panginoon, hindi bawal ‘yan. Death penalty is biblical . . . Hindi ang presidente ang maghahatol ng kamatayan kundi ang government authority, which is approved by God.
Senator-elect Manny Pacquiao, a born-again Christian, explaining his support for the restoration of the death penalty to end the drug menace and criminality in the country
The charges against Andal Ampatuan and other members of the Ampatuan clan were fabricated. Atty. Salvador Panelo, the incoming spokesman of President-elect Duterte, when he was still the defense counsel of the Ampatuans who are accused of the mass murder of 58 people, including 32 media practitioners, in 2009 in what is now known as the Maguindanao Massacre
Splash PHILIPPINES
JUNE APRIL 2016 2012
LONDON
3
4G
UK PLAN L
1000
National minutes
Unlimited National SMS
2GB
Data FULL PAGE AD
Only!
£12 30 days
Unlimited
calls to Lycamobile UK To activate: Dial *139*12044# When you buy UK Plan L
3
Philippines
Landline
5
Mobile
Order your free SIM at www.lycamobile.co.uk or call 020
7132 0322
Top-up your SIM online or where you see the following signs: Customers may not be able to use Electronic Top-Up at all locations where the top-up logo appears Customers should opt-in by texting SAVE to 2525 to be eligible to get the special rates, Customer who did not opt-in will be charged at standard rates. Opt-in save promotional tariff is valid from 25.02.2015. Customers with India 1p/min promotion ( top up offer) should not opt-in to this special rates. If you opt-in to this promotion, you will not be able to avail India special rates.Promotional tariff valid for 30days from the Opt-in. Lycamobile reserve the right to amend or vary the terms of this promotion, or to withdraw this plan at any time on reasonable notice. Lycamobile UK Plan (“the offer”) inclusive allowances are for calls and texts from the UK to standard UK landline (starting 01,02 or 03) and other UK mobile numbers, and for mobile internet usage in the UK. Other usage will be charged at standard rates. Allowances are valid for 30 days from the date of purchase. 4G availability is subject to handset model and location. Calls are rounded up to the nearest minute for the purpose of calculating remaining allowances. A customer may have only one offer on their account and may not buy another during the 30 day validity period. Any remaining allowance after 30 days will not be carried over into the next 30 day period should the customer repurchase their bundle. In bundle data usage is rounded up and charged in 1KB increments. Once the data allowance of a bundle has been fully used, additional data usage will be charged at standard rate. Lycamobile reserves the right to replace or amend the offer or these Terms & Conditions or to withdraw the offer at any time on reasonable notice. Note that promotional credit (credit which Lycamobile has given to customers for free) cannot be used towards purchasing a bundle. The offer is for non-commercial, private, personal use only - Lycamobile reserves the right to withdraw or suspend the offer or to disconnect you if we suspect that offer is being used for commercial purposes, for conferencing, or if it is not being used in a handset (in a SIM box for example), if it is being used for tethering or if any reason Lycamobile reasonably suspects that you are not acting in accordance with this policy where we consider that the usage was illegitimate. Promotional period: The offer is valid from 09.08.2015.
LM_UK_Philippines_Splash_May_2016_185x245mm.indd 1
24/05/2016 15:25
Splash PHILIPPINES
JUNE 2016
LONDON
PH Is Best Economy in Southeast Asia – Oxford Business Group
By claire jiao • CNN Philippines
T
HE Philippines is the top-performing economy in Southeast Asia and if the new government plays its cards right, it can see growth ramp up in the mediumterm, a consultancy said. “It was unthinkable seven years ago, but the Philippines is the best economy in Southeast Asia today,” Oxford Business Group (OBG) Managing Editor Paulius Kuncinas said in a news conference last May 13. “Investors no longer ask why but where and what sectors they should invest in,” he added. The OBG launched its investment outlook for the Philippines for 2016-2022 and the report credited the country’s strong domestic consumption, growing business process outsourcing sector and newfound political stability as some of the key factors for growth.
The Philippine economy grew 6.9 percent in the first quarter, making it one of Asia’s best performers, even outpacing China for the first time in 27 years. In the same period last year, the economy expanded 5.2 percent. The Philippines outpaced the growth posted by major Asian economies, such as China’s 6.7 percent, Vietnam’s 5.5 percent, Indonesia’s 4.9 percent and Malaysia’s 4.2 percent, according to the National Economic and Development Authority.
One main draw for foreign investors is the country’s large, young, Englishspeaking workforce. ICCP Group Chairman and CEO Guillermo Luchangco said he no longer has to convince his business partners to come see what the Philippines has to offer. They want to be here, he said. The main draws for investors? A large, young, English-speaking workforce, and close trade links with Asia, the world’s fastest-growing region. Metrobank Vice-Chairman Francisco Sebastian agreed, saying, “Before, if I could entertain five to six businessmen a year, I was lucky. Now, I entertain five to six people a week.” So much has improved in the last few years, Sebastian said. The economy has grown above-5% annually. The Philippine Stock Exchange index now trades at about 7,000, nearly double the 3,600 in 2008. Foreign direct investments (FDI) have tripled in the same period, from a “miserable” $1-2 billion to $6 billion this year. The Philippines must now set its sights on transitioning into a middle- to upper-middle income country, Kuncinas said.
He urged the new government to attract more FDI, particularly through relaxing foreign ownership restrictions in the Constitution. “The government must make it easier for people to bring in capital. There is plenty of liquidity around the world. The United States, the European Union, Japan are all printing money. We’re all looking for yield,” he said. The new government must also commit to infrastructure development, according to Kuncinas. Traffic and congestion are a drain on the economy. The group criticized the Aquino administration for not investing enough in infrastructure during its term. No country, Kuncinas said, lets the private sector take the lead in developing public works. Public-private partnership – Aquino’s preferred method for rolling out projects – is but one component in infrastructure development, Sebastian added. “In fact, it is even more expensive since you have to make sure your private sector partner earns.” Kuncinas said the government must take the lead in addressing major bottlenecks, such as those in ports, airports
and highways. “The government mustn’t look at it in terms of how much it will spend, but how much return it will get. They will get their money back. Why do you think Dubai builds the biggest airports?” Lastly, the OBG asked the government to work towards peace in Mindanao. Decadeslong fighting in the south have limited the spread of development to some of its poorest provinces. Presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte might just be the man to address this, Luchangco said. As the first head of state from Mindanao, he understands just how much resources are kept in the capital. It also helps that the core of his platform is peace and order. The OBG’s recommendations fit in neatly with the eight-point economic agenda recently presented by Duterte’s transition team. It bodes well for the economy since it means there is political will to address these critical issues, business leaders said. “We’re pleased that the next president is working very fast. He is picking his people and fleshing out his platform immediately. The main fear about him was that his economic plans were not always clear,” Sebastian said. For Luchangco, Duterte can focus on the areas Aquino may have fallen behind in, such as agriculture and small- and medium-size enterprises. “On the other hand, we must also admit that what lifted our economy is the work of Aquino. We must not throw that away,” he said. In a separate research note, JP Morgan welcomed Duterte’s eight-point agenda. “We believe that financial markets will welcome the explicit commitment of the incoming administration in keeping the current macro-economic policies, particularly its focus on infrastructure,” it said. “The absence of any drastic shifts is encouraging, in our view.” n
JUNE APRIL 2016 2012
LONDON
FULL PAGE AD
Splash PHILIPPINES
5 3
Splash PHILIPPINES
G
JUNE 2016
LONDON
Balikbayan Box Shipments Are Tax-Free Up to P150,000
OOD news for overseas Filipinos, both OFWs and immigrants. President Benigno Aquino III has signed into law a proposal increasing the tax exemption ceiling of balikbayan box shipments from P10,000 to P150,000. Under Republic Act No 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) which Aquino signed on May 31, overseas Filipinos can now send home balikbayan box shipments of up to P150,000 in value without paying tax. The law also raises the de minimis value from P10 to P10,000. The de minimis value refers to the value of tax and duty free goods as well as the minimum cost required for items to undergo formal entry via the Bureau of Customs (BOC.) The law also provides for an “automatic indexation” of the amounts every three years to account for inflation. This means the P150,000 tax exemption could even go higher if warranted by rising prices. RA 10863 allows every OFW to send up to three shipments worth P150,000 each shipment every year free of tax, provided that the goods are not intended for sale, barter, hire, or other commercial purposes. Under the new law, Filipinos who stayed overseas for several years but who plan to return to the Philippines will be provided with tax exemptions for personal and household items they bring back home. OFWs who lived abroad for 10 years will get a P350,000tax exemption while those who lived overseas for at least 5 years will be entitled to tax and duty-free personal and house-
Hooray, no more customs inspection! hold effects worth P250,000. Filipinos working abroad for less than 5 years will enjoy a P150,000-tax-free ceiling. The new law is meant to give due acknowledgment to the contributions and sacrifices of OFWs whose remittances have greatly helped the national economy. It is also designed to forego the usual customs inspection inasmuch as most of the balikbayan shipments are household effects and pasalubong to OFW families in the Philippines. By increasing the tax exemption on these shipments, customs personnel can no longer arbitrarily inspect practically all the balikbayan box shipments since most of them have value of less than P150,000. The inspection of balikbayan boxes by the Bureau of Customs became a hot topic in 2015 after the bureau warned OFWs not to abuse their balikbayan box privileges. Public outcry from OFWs
across the globe prompted President Aquino to stop physical inspections on balikbayan boxes.
Supplemental medical assistance Meanwhile, OFWs are set to benefit from the supplemental medical assistance program being offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in cooperation with PhilHealth. OWWA Administrator Rebecca Calzado and PhilHealth president and CEO Alexander Padilla have signed a memorandum of agreement for the new one-time financial assistance program dubbed as MEDplus. All OFWs who are members of both the OWWA and PhilHealth are eligible for MEDplus. MEDplus will be available to OFWs diagnosed with and subsequently hospitalized due ailments that require long-term care. “Chances are, those afflicted with these kinds of diseases can
no longer work [or] they can still work pero walang kasiguraduhan ang kanilang tuloy-tuloy na pag-trabaho,” Calzado said. MEDplus will match the benefit granted by PhilHealth to its members “under its case rate system” and may grant OFWs financial aid until they max out the P50,000 limit, which could be spread across multiple treatments. “If they’re found qualified, they can continue to claim hanggang umabot po sa total amount of P50,000... for the same type of disease,” Calzado said. Qualified OFWs who apply for MEDplus must submit the benefit claims notice (BNC) from PhilHealth to OWWA to receive aid. OWWA will then use the BNCs to verify claims and look up OFW profiles on My PhilHealth, the online portal used by PhilHealth and its members to check their membership status with the insurance agency. Filipinos abroad who wish to avail of MEDplus may send their hospital records to their kin in the Philippines to undergo the same process mentioned above. “Kung kunyari nagkasakit yung ating OFW abroad, at meron man silang insurance, let’s say meron silang private insurance, ang mangyayari po dun babayaran ng private insurance nila but they can claim sa PhilHealth yung ginastos din nila sa ospital abroad based on Philippine rates,” Padilla explained. Those without insurance may still apply for MEDplus. Over 300 medical and surgical procedures qualify under MEDplus. Among the diseases included are chronic kidney disease, ecephalopathy, and ischemic heart disease with myocardial infarction. MEDplus will be implemented by September or October. n
JUNE APRIL 2016 2012
LONDON
FULL PAGE AD
Splash PHILIPPINES
7 3
Splash PHILIPPINES
JUNE 2016
LONDON
Dear President Duterte By clinton palanca
A
LTHOUGH almost 40 percent of the voting population chose you as the next president of the Philippines, I was not one of them. My support was for another candidate. But because of the way that democracy works, you will become the president of my country; while I will become one of the citizens of the nation that you are in charge of for the next six years. So it seems we are stuck with each other. Unlike many of the people whose candidate did not win in the 2010 election and spent the next six years in a great sulk, I will do my utmost to support the person that my countrymen have elected.
You like to project yourself as a man of the people, straighttalking and honest. So let us be frank with one another. Tapatan. I believe, and I hope, that many of things you said during the campaign were just theater. Soundbites. A way to get people’s attention. The projection of an image. I get it, some of these things you just have to say in order to win. I would like to believe that Duterte the President will be different from the Duterte from the campaign. I may never see eye to eye with the people who voted you into office, but we want the same things for the Philippines. We want a country that works:
where the trains run on time, where my taxes go to building roads and hospitals, where my children can grow up feeling safe. The difference between us is that I continue to believe in democracy, while those who cast their votes for you might not be so sure any more. And I do see their point. When you’re starving you can’t eat democracy. China gets along perfectly well without a democratic process. Lee Kuan Yew forced the people of Singapore to give up some freedoms but made them prosperous and content. After all, it’s democracy which gave us airports that don’t work, an LTO that can’t produce license plates, and a BIR that feels like the mafia. When we see a policeman we don’t feel safe, we feel we are about to be harassed. We work hard but no matter how hard we try we can only get so far, while we see that there are people who wake up in the morning and just
think about how to spend their money. Our experience of democracy is that of a government that doesn’t work but is out to get your money, jobs that work us hard but give us no security for our future, an endless queue for a ride that never comes. Our institutions have become pawns in a struggle for money and power, and we the people are left with nothing. If we agree that the system is broken, then why do you and I disagree about what to do about it? Because I want to fix it, while you wish to destroy it. Perhaps that is not true. Perhaps it was campaign rhetoric: dictatorship, revolutionary government, cutting ties with our allies. But the ideas behind democracy are still worth keeping. Like free speech; like letting women have the right to wear what they want; like letting suspects have a chance to exonerate themselves, and letting criminals have a chance
to rehabilitate. Some complex problems really do have simple answers, but there are also apparently simple problems that need complex answers. I am worried because it seems that you are intent on taking the whole country apart without a thought to how to put it back together again. You want change, and so do I. But if you do not have a schematic to put it back together properly we could end up worse off than before. You have opened a dangerous door, one which could let in people who will arrange things so that we will be worse off than ever before, and they will be even richer. And they would make it so that the most important element of democracy—free and honest elections—will not have to happen. The door you opened may be impossible to shut. On this and many other things, I hope that I am wrong. I hope that you will set an example of strength rather than thuggery: there are some who do not know the difference. I hope you will use your mandate not only to discipline, but to create; to revive institutions, such as our educational system and healthcare, that badly need attention. Do not let yourself be distracted by the symptoms; root out the disease and conquer that. Most of all I hope that you will not become just another dictator, blinded by power, running the country on fear rather than hope. Will you become a tyrant, or pave the way for tyrants to return? The elections were a spectacle and you played it to the hilt. But as you have said so often: S-T-O-P. The time for theatrics is over. This is the time of governance; we are looking to you to lead now. You have my support. Now let’s get to work. (Spot.PH) n
JUNE APRIL 2016 2012
LONDON
Splash PHILIPPINES
Only the Finest
‘Far East Brands’ 75% shoppers want more choice from world foods SHOPPER INSIGHT MANAGER – I.G.D. 01 Oct 2015
FULL PAGE AD
Manning Impex Limited Tel: +44 (0)1276 406888/7 Email: sales@manningimpex.com www.manningimpex.com Facebook: facebook.com/Manning-Impex-Ltd
9 3
10
Splash PHILIPPINES
JUNE 2016
LONDON
By bea cupin
I
DON’T have what it takes, she would often say. But when the situation called for it, Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo ran a passionate but disciplined campaign for vice president, breaking free from the bottom of the surveys and slaying the vaunted money and machine of the Marcoses.
Becoming Leni Robredo
Three months before she finally agreed to run with Mar Roxas in September 2015, Robredo’s public opinion ratings were almost nil at one percent.
Only a few months ago, the Aquino administration’s vice presidential candidate could breeze through airports and public spaces without causing a stir. Upon seeing her, a handful of people would start talking in hushed tones, wondering who the vaguely familiar woman was. Robredo’s alert campaign aides – mostly twenty-somethings – would notice, and she would then approach them and introduce herself. “Ako si Leni Robredo,” the 51-year-old Bicolana would say. The outgoing congressional representative of Camarines Sur ran against five candidates – all incumbent senators – who have run national campaigns and enjoyed the platform and resources that came with a Senate seat. Three months before she finally agreed to run in September 2015, Robredo’s public opinion ratings were almost nil at one percent. If she were to be “cerebral” about it, the answer to the persistent courtship of the ruling Liberal Party and President Benigno Aquino III would be no, she said a few days before she declared her candidacy. “All the odds were against me,” she recalled. “Most of the candidates have been planning for this all their lives. May mga
When Robredo takes the stage during campaign rallies, it’s not unusual for the audience to fall silent, stay quiet, and at times shed a tear or two. hometown of Naga City.
Beyond Jesse
The reluctant politician spent the past decades working behind the scenes, helping her husband lead and manage Naga as a mayor. organisasyon na in place, naisip na nila kung paano gagawin ang kampanya. Parang ako, lumundag muna bago mag-plano,” she said on the sidelines of their last provincial rally in her
When Leni Robredo takes the stage during campaign rallies, it’s not unusual for the audience to fall silent, stay quiet, and at times shed a tear or two. Unlike the candidates who speak before and will speak after her, hers is a speech that’s almost always devoid of jokes, barely contains promises, and makes no mention of the gains of the administration, of which she is a part. Instead, she tells a story.
It is part coming-of-age and part love story, as she tells the audience why she joined public service, how she met her late husband Jesse Robredo, about her struggles as a young mother/lawyer, why she chose to lawyer for the poor, about the pain of losing the love of her life, and eventually, how and why she found herself gunning for an elective post in 2013. Jesse, former interior secretary and long-time Naga mayor, is a prominent character in her narrative. After all, Jesse had always been – and was always supposed to be – the lone Robredo in government. But those plans changed on August 18, 2012, when the plane he was riding crashed off the coast of Masbate. “Noong namatay ‘yung asawa ko, naging very fatalistic ako eh. Para sa akin, ‘thy will be done’ na lang parati. ‘Di gaya noon na parati na lang planado ‘yung buhay ko. Dati sinasabi ko parati, never. Namatay ‘yung asawa ko, parang mag acceptance ako na anything is possible,” Robredo said. But being Jesse’s widow was both a boon and bane for Robredo during the campaign. While the “Robredo brand” offered familiarity, many criticized her for “necro-politics” – or using the death of a loved one for political gain. There were also those who hit her for being “only” Jesse’s widow and for supposedly having nothing else to show.
LONDON
APRIL 2016
6
PHILIPPINES
JUNE APRIL 2016 2012
Splash PHILIPPINES 11 3 London Edition
SP PR LA O P SH E R M TY AG O AZ F IN E
PLANET
Ltd, Churchill House,
FULL PAGE AD
APRIL 2016
PLANET
PHILIPPINES
40
London EditionLondon Edi
How to spot fake job offers in UK? Filipino-
T
HE PHILIPPINE Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has offered tips to jobseekers on how to spot fake job offers in the United Kingdom. This, amid the proliferation of fraudulent recruitment in the internet for supposed jobs usually offered through unsolicited email or social media sites like Twitter and Facebook by scammers pretending to be representatives of legitimate companies in the United Kingdom. To determine whether an offer of job in UK is real or a scam, for verification and authenticaAdministrator Hans Leo Cacdac tion. issued the following tips in his • Genuine UK companies are Twitter account @HansLeoCacAREFUL AboUt your language? registered and can be checked dac. Come on, don’tonwww.companieshouse.goc. be “high blood.” On job offers: uk correct English now perfectly • Check with the POEAIt’s whether • Genuine UK companies would to say that will the employer has approved job a “presidentiable” not give mobile number for stamp out “carnap” and a“salvage” orders contact • Advise prospective UK emincidents, or that yourdetails “barkada” • Most ployers to submit the will original go on a “gimmick” genuine as long asUL companies would not use a hotmail, yahoo copies of their employment it’s “KKb.” or gmail email accounts documents to the POLO Office, • The British Government does Philippine Embassy in London
never been included in the UK’s list of Au Pair countries. The Au Pair visa scheme had already been abolished effective last 26 November 2008 and has been replaced by the Youth Mobility Scheme under the new UK Points-Based System • The new UK Points-Based Immigration System has done away with the requirement of the old ‘work permit’ which is now replaced by the ‘certificate of sponsorship’. To be able to issue a certificate of sponsorship in favor of a candidate or applicant, the prospective UK employer should be duly theaoxford English licensed as sponsor by Dictionthe ary (oED) has (UKBA). included 40 UK Border Agency Fili-Filipino terms—compound words pino jobseekers should verify and of uniquely usage of the status theirPhilippine prospective English 2015 employers in words—in the list the of June sponupdate of be what is recognized sors which can found at the as “definitive record of the EngUKBA thewebsite:www.ukba.holish language.” meoffice.gov.uk. In a news release the oED said the dictionary’s latest update (Manila Bulletin) “sees the inclusion of a number of words from Philippine English
Coined Words Now in Oxford Dictionary
not send unsolicited emails
Thewith Oxford English Dictionary job offers. Government vacancies are advertised on www. said its latest update “sees the careers-civilservice.gov.uk inclusionOnofvisa a number of and words issuance, fees, pro- from cedure: Philippine English as part of our • The British Embassy does not issue Au Pair visas totoFilipino ongoing commitment recording nationals. The Philippines had words from all varieties of English, throughout the world.” This page is brought to you by
+12
12
Splash PHILIPPINES
JUNE 2016
LONDON
Yet, she converted non-believers every step of the way. And there’s no better proof of this than the upward trajectory of her survey numbers leading to Election Day on May 9, 2016.
Crafting her own narrative The challenge, Robredo told Rappler in an interview, was to introduce herself while letting people know she was more than just her captivating story. The reluctant politician spent the past decades working behind the scenes, helping her husband lead and manage Naga as a mayor. Yet it was also Jesse who always imagined his wife as an ideal fit in politics and governance. Whenever he’d hit the term limit as Naga City mayor, allies would clamor for Leni Robredo to take over. “All those times, parati kong sinasabi sa kanya: hindi ko ‘yan kaya. Parati niyang sinasabi sa akin na kulang ang paniniwala mo sa sarili mo na siguro hindi ko naman nagawa itong lahat kung wala ka. Kasi ano talaga, siguro ako talaga ‘yung wind beneath his wings,” Robredo said, recalling the two times allies clamored for her to take over city hall. The year 2013 proved Jesse Robredo right.
Slaying a dynasty Barely a year had passed since her husband died when their political allies in Camarines Sur started fighting months before the 2013 senatorial and local elections. Supporters told her only she could end the wrangling – by running. At the last minute, Leni Robredo was persuaded to run for Congress against Nelly Villafuerte of the politically entrenched Camarines Sur clan. Unlike Villafuerte, Robredo had little campaign funds to speak of. Instead of big rallies, she’d campaign before small groups, bringing with her a ragtag army of campaign volunteers and a portable sound
Robredo is officially proclaimed vice president by Senate President Franklin Drilon and Speaker Feliciano Belmonte. ‘Handa na akong maging nanay ng ating inang bayan.’ system. Villafuerte would counter by hosting huge gatherings with generous raffle prizes. Robredo won that race – and by a landslide. “That’s when I realized money isn’t everything in politics,” Robredo would say. “Hindi pera ang pinaka importante sa eleksyon, dahil ang tao kahit tinatanggap ang mga pamigay ang binoboto ‘yung nasa puso nya pa rin. Ito po ang lagi kong pinag yayabang, kahit saan ako mapunta, doon po sa amin sa Naga, doon sa aming distrito kahit wala kang pera, pwede kang manalo. Sa tingin ko po napakalaking leksyon po ito para palitan na natin ang mukha ng eleksyon, para palitan na natin ang mukha ng pulitika,” she told fellow Nagaueños during the party’s last provincial rally on May 5.
The comfort of Naga It’s in Naga and her Camarines Sur district where Robredo feels the most at ease. It’s in Naga where she can arrange quick meets with her high school batchmates in between sorties, it’s in Naga where she can walk into a local salon without fanfare or the slightest bit of attention. She was born in the city. It’s where she grew up, fell in love, raised a family. One of Robredo’s favorite stories told and retold in the campaign involves her first and last pregnancies. She was due in a few weeks’
time just as Jesse was campaigning for his first term as Naga City mayor. There was a rally in a far-flung barangay and Robredo herself had to haul the sound system. She even did the heavy lifting by herself. “It’s because then, only Jesse and I believed in each other,” she said, laughing. Just as soon as she was done driving from the rally venue, Robredo’s water broke. She went to the hospital and gave birth to their eldest daughter, Aika. “When Jesse came, his child was already there,” mused Robredo. Years later, Robredo had taken on a job with Saligan, an alternative law group that catered mostly to the poor. During one trip to a far-flung island barangay, a pregnant Robredo had to ride a habal-habal (motorcycle) and a banca to reach a community of fisherfolk. They were going to hold a seminar to teach locals their rights under the law. They slept inside the fishermen’s boats and moved to nap under coconut trees when the men had to fish early in the morning.
‘From 1 percent to vice president’ The national stage offered a different terrain, which explains her initial reluctance to conquer it. But when she decided to go for it, Robredo embraced all its demands and complexities. “I may be new in politics,” she said. “But I’m not new to public service.”
“Many say to be an empowered woman of our society, we always have to stand up and be heard, that all have to listen to our voice at every opportunity. Many say gender equality is all about being as strong as a man [but] in my life at least, it meant knowing when to let go of the limelight and knowing when to step up.” On the campaign trail, she made sure to strike the delicate balance between her personal story and her professional track record. While she’s never hesitated to talk about the pain of losing a husband, she also talked about the years she spent as a young lawyer who assisted people and communities from the laylayan [ng lipunan] (fringes of society). Robredo was up against five male, incumbent senators in the vice presidential race. Most of them hailed from entrenched political families. There was Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, whose sister and brother are incumbent legislators. Cayetano eventually placed third in the race. Another Bicolano, Senator Francis Escudero, comes from a long line of Sorsogon politicians. He placed fourth in the race. Robredo’s chief rival, Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr, is the only son and namesake of the late dictator. Marcos’ mother is a legislator while his older sister is governor of Ilocos Norte. Robredo defeated Marcos by just over 200,000 votes. “Sa anim na kandidato, pang-anim ako. Kaya po nang nakita ko ang unang survey, sabi ko sa sarili ko, ‘Grabe namang lakas ng loob meron ako,” Robredo said in one of her campaign sorties. She went to as many towns as she could cover. The hard work paid off as she managed to land in a tie with Marcos in the last pre-election survey. At the final campaign rally of the LP in Quezon City, a beaming Robredo told the crowd: “Handa na akong maging nanay ng ating inang bayan.” (Rappler.com) n
JUNE APRIL 2016 2012
LONDON
T
Splash PHILIPPINES 13 3
Coming soon: Hassle-free OFW passport applications
HERE will be less hassle for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) applying for passport soon. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that it is considering putting up courtesy lane for migrant workers’ passport application and renewal at its office in Aseana Business Park, Parañaque City (Metro Manila). Meanwhile, its satellite office at Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas, Quezon City, will be dedicated for OFWs only. Meaning, the OFWs can go “This is to show that we straight to are giving importance to DFA’s offices our OFWs and the conand they no longer need to tribution that they give to book for apthe country’s economy.” pointment. “[This is] to show that we Jose said. are giving importance to our
FULL PAGE AD The Robinsons
OFWs and the contribution that they give to the country’s economy,” DFA Assistant Secretary Charles
Galeria was chosen, he added, so applicants who may need to transact with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) also on Ortigas Avenue can just easily cross EDSA for passport application. The OFWs only need to show
their employment papers, along with their passport requirements. Jose cautioned that passport applicants who will not show up on the date and time of their appointment will be banned from applying for 30 days. The penalty, which will take effect on 1 June, is aimed at encouraging applicants to take their reservation seriously and value their slot. Jose said 47 percent or at least 800 passport applicants skipped their appointment that results in a two-month delay for several other applicants. “If there will be no sanction, they will think that they can just not attend on their reservation because it is easy to book online,” he added. Jose also announced that the DFA would allot 50 additional slots daily for online passport applicants. (The Manila Times)
14
Splash PHILIPPINES
JUNE 2016
LONDON
KKK Coffee
10 Filipino
Kamuning Bakery
Restaurants for Your Balikbayan Guests W
HAT’S the best way to thank your balikbayan relatives for giving you Spam, bottles of lotion and boxes of chocolates as pasalubong? Treat them out to a Pinoy meal, of course! But where to take them? We rounded up the best restaurants for devouring all-Filipino grub. Make sure to include at least a couple of these places in your balikbayan’s itinerary.
even your parents will enjoy! KKK Coffee is perfect for afternoon merienda! We recommend the favorites Kapeng Pandan and Kapeng Labuyo. 154-A Maginhawa St, Quezon City. Daily 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
1. For the coffee connoisseur: KKK Coffee
2. For the shoe collector: Industriya
Awesome things are brewing at Brian Tenorio’s KKK Coffee. Take your balikbayan relatives to the branch at Maginhawa Street, and enjoy the charming Filipino interiors. Coffee here is simple and authetically Pinoy. None of the single-origin, thirdwave brouhaha. It’s something
Industriya is an homage to the once booming shoe industry of Marikina. The restaurant used to be a shoe and leather factory, but it has now been transformed to a dining and events place with an industrial look. With its upcycled, hip vibe, stepping inside the
Industriya
Balaw-Balaw
Roxas St, Calumpang, Marikina; +63 2 6329225. Daily 10 a.m.10 p.m.
3. For the bread lover: Kamuning Bakery You cannot go wrong with the oldest bakery in Quezon City. Now 77 years old, this landmark at the corner of K-1st and Judge Jimenez Streets continues the tradition of making good bread using oldfashioned techniques in baking the wellloved best-sellers. 43 Judge Jimenez corner K-1st Streets, Quezon City; +63 2 9292216. Daily 7 a.m-12 a.m.
4. For the artist or art collector: Balaw-Balaw
The Bottle Shop restaurant is a delight. It is spacious, and the interiors are very interesting, the shoe theme is evident in the tiny details around the place. They have a 12-page menu filled with Pinoy, Japanese, American and Italian favorites. Try their crispy pata (PHP695) or their FIlipino longganisa plate (PHP225). 23 M. A.
A meal is never just a meal at Balaw-Balaw. The place showcases Filipino art along with the dishes they offer. The even more interesting part? They serve exotic dishes like crocodile sisig, fried frogs, kamaro and beetles. For those looking for a regular Pinoy meal, they have a wide range of Pinoy seafood and beef dishes. We recommend the group platter for small gatherings. 16 Doña Justa Street, Angono, Rizal; +63 2 6510110. Daily 10 a.m-10 p.m.
JUNE APRIL 2016 2012
LONDON
Splash PHILIPPINES 15 3
Wishes all the Pinoy community in the UK a HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY 2016
ZERO FEES *
when you send money to
BARRIO FIESTA
PHILIPPINES FULL PAGE AD Collect your money via
www.lycaremit.com
Bank transfer
Cash pick-up
or for more info please call our customer service on
0207 132 0015
or FREE from Lycamobile on
305
*Zero fees offer available until 30/06/16 . ** Free £5 Lycamobile credit is valid only for customers who send £300 per transaction or more. The offer is valid once per calendar month per customer. When you register for Lycaremit, you will need to provide us with your Lycamobile number as your mobile number. Once you have made your transaction of £300 or more in a calendar month, you will receive the £5 Credit on your provided Lycamobile number for that particular month. Offer available until 30/06/16. Lycaremit is the trading name of Lycamoney Financial Services Limited, and is regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registration number 900153. Registered office: Walbrook Building, 195 Marsh Wall, London. E14 9SG. Company Registration number 08662355
OWWA, PhilHealth to offer new medical aid for OFWs LR_ Philippines_Indepe_185x121.indd 1
18/05/2016 10:52
A
BOUT 24 MILLION overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are set to benefit from the supplemental medical assistance program being offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in cooperation with PhilHealth. OWWA Administrator Rebecca Calzado and PhilHealth president and CEO Alexander Padilla inked a memorandum of agreement for the new onetime financial assistance program dubbed as MEDplus on All OFWs who are members of both the OWWA and PhilHealth are eligible for MEDplus. Approved by the OWWA Board of Trustees in September 2015, MEDplus will be available to OFWs diagnosed with and subsequently hospitalized due ailments that require long-term care. “Chances are, those afflicted with these kinds of diseases can no longer work [or] they can still work pero walang kasiguraduhan ang kanilang
24 million OFWs are set to benefit from the medical aid offered by OWWA and Philhealth.
tuloy-tuloy na pag-trabaho,” Calzado said. MEDplus will match the benefit granted by PhilHealth to its members “under its case rate system” and may grant OFWs financial aid until they max out the P50,000 limit, which could be spread across multiple treatments. “If they’re found qualified, they can continue to claim hanggang umabot po sa total amount of
P50,000... for the same type of disease,” Calzado said. Qualified OFWs who apply for MEDplus must submit the benefit claims notice (BNC) from PhilHealth to OWWA to receive aid. OWWA will then use the BNCs to verify claims and look up OFW profiles on My PhilHealth, the online portal used by PhilHealth and its members to check their membership status
with the insurance agency. Filipinos abroad who wish to avail of MEDplus may send their hospital records to their kin in the Philippines to undergo the same process mentioned above. “Kung kunyari nagkasakit yung ating OFW abroad, at meron man silang insurance, let’s say meron silang private insurance, ang mangyayari po dun babayaran ng private insurance nila but they can claim sa PhilHealth yung ginastos din nila sa ospital abroad based on Philippine rates,” Padilla explained. Those without insurance may still apply for MEDplus. Over 300 medical and surgical procedures qualify under MEDplus. Among the diseases included are chronic kidney disease, ecephalopathy, and ischemic heart disease with myocardial infarction. Calzado said the implementing rules and regulations for MEDplus will be submitted within 60 days from the MOA signing. MEDplus will be implemented by September or October.
16
Splash PHILIPPINES
Locavore
JUNE 2016
LONDON
Victorino’s
5. For the millennial beer drinker: The Bottle Shop Our local craft beer industry is young, but it’s growing at a pretty steady rate. As an advocate of good drinks, The Bottle Shop helped elevate the beerdrinking culture in the country. This well-loved watering hole offers a wide variety of beers from local microbreweries like Craftpoint, Katipunan Craft, Baguio Brewery and Katipunan. Drinking craft beer is a good way to introduce Pinoy flavors to millennials. How does a pandan ale or champorado stout sound? G/F Tritan Ventures Building, Paseo De Magallanes, Magallanes, Makati; +63 2 8956175. Daily 1 p.m-2 a.m.
Bono Gelato gamall, Ortigas; +63 2 6314214. Daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
9. For the health conscious: Enchanted Farm Enchanted Farm Cafe along Commonwealth Avenue is a good option for those who want organic, locally-grown, 100% healthy produce. This hidden gem is an advocacy cafe led by Gawad Kalinga. Enchanted Farm supports social enterprises that provide livelihood for Filipinos. Grab an Enchanted Burger (PHP150) with 80% vegetables and 20% meat. It’s also a good place to buy souvenir items and gifts with a Pinoy touch. We suggest the Theo&Philo chocolate in manggang hilaw. 463 Commonwealth Avenue cor Feria Road, Brgy. Matandang Balara, Quezon City; +63 917 8483597. Daily 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Enchanted Farm Cafe
6. For the culinary adventurer: Locavore Sizzling sinigang (PHP475)? It sounds weird, we know. But this fun and refreshing take on the classic Pinoy dish has made Locavore a neighborhood favorite in the Kapitolyo area. The rest of their menu is equally interesting. They have pakbet rattatouille (PHP270) and lechon mami (PHP150). They have a wide selection of bar chow and drinks too, so it’s a good place for happy hour conversation. 10 Brixton Street, Bgy Kapitolyo, Pasig; +63 917 6218909. Daily 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
7. For the Ilocano: Victorino’s Victorino’s is an old spacious house converted into a restaurant serving classic Pinoy dishes, mostly Ilocano. It’s very homey but diners will still feel special because of the excellent
10. For the lover of lechon: Pepita’s Kitchen
Pepita’s Kitchen food and service in the restaurant. There are so many items to choose from! We recommend the poqui-poqui and the squid dishes. For dessert and takehome snacks, there’s a corner bakery selling Henry Sison’s creations. You can’t go wrong with her cashew sansrival (PHP110) and mango chocolate tort (PHP220). 11th Jamboree St, Diliman, Quezon City; +63 2 9228558. Daily 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
8. For the lover of dessert: Bono Gelato There’s nothing like a refreshing scoop of good gelato to beat the Philippine heat. Make it even more Pinoy with interesting concoctions from Bono. Try pili di Giacomo, the latest addition to their menu of exciting flavors. They also have the award-winning mango ube symphony and taho flavors. They come up with interesting, experimental flavors every once in a while, so be on the lookout. G/F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Me-
Pepita’s Kitchen is a great way to welcome balikbayans back home. In here, every meal is a feast. Dedet dela Fuente is a genius in the kitchen, and she’s always coming up with exciting lechon and degustation concepts. Pepita’s Kitchen recently received international attention when Adam Richman raved about their lechon on his Facebook page. In honor of Adam’s visit, Dedet introduced Richman’s Degustacion. By appointment only, call for details: +63 2 4254605. (Coconuts Manila) n
JUNE APRIL 2016 2012
LONDON
Splash PHILIPPINES 17 3
FULL PAGE AD
Kris Bernal Promotes Lyca TV and GMA Pinoy TV
F
ILIPINO ACCRESS and Starstruck (a reality show) grand champion Kris Bernal took time out and devoted one day from her personal vacation in UK to promote Lyca TV. It was Kris herself who requested this as she met with the GMA Marketing team a few days before she left for UK. The day’s activity started with a photoshoot of Kris and the Lyca TV taxi in London’s iconic landmarks (London Eye, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace). “It’s my first time here in London and I’m so excited!”,
Kris said as she gamely posed with Filipinos who wanted to take pictures with her while doing the video and photoshoot conducted by GMA correspondent Joseph Sonny Laragan and Paolo Justin Alquiza, respectively. Kris then proceeded to the Philippine Embassy in London for a courtesy call with Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Senen T. Mangalile,
This page is brought to you by
whom she and her sister Kate had a chat with about the must visit places in UK. After the brief meeting, she went to meet and say hi to the Filipinos in the embassy. The highlight of the day is the ceremonial switch on of Lyca TV held at Philip De Vera’s Salon with Kris, salon owner Philip De Vera and Lyca TV’s Global Product Manager (Filipino Segment) Lilibeth Bautista. A mini press conference followed after the ceremony, with Kris answering questions from members of the media. Before the event ended, Kris chatted and gamely posed for photos with the guests in the salon. She promised to come back and do a show in London soon. Lyca TV is the world’s biggest ethnic channel platform providing over 450 channels in more than 20 languages. It is quick and easy to set up and is available in 9 devices with just a single subscription. For more details and to subscribe, call 0203 3182004 or visit www.lycatv.tv.
18
Splash PHILIPPINES
JUNE 2016
Queen of Cannes
LONDON
Jaclyn accepts the Best Actress award at Cannes as daughter Andi Eigenmann and director Brillante Mendoza look on.
By gabbie tatad
T
HE funny thing about Jaclyn Jose is this: Although she is, by far, one of the strongest and most entertaining character creators to grace local screens, she never actually wanted to become an actress. It was her sister, known to many as Veronica Jones, who first pursued acting in the ’70s as the breadwinner of their family. Veronica had glitz, glamour, and a permanent seat next to legendary action stars like Fernando Poe Jr. and Rudy Fernandez. Jaclyn saw it all and wasn’t the least bit attracted to that sort of life. “I didn’t like it. I’m a creative person — I paint and I work with charcoal, I do still life. I studied interior design in [the Philippine School of Interior Design]. That’s really what I wanted to do.” In fact, it was her mother who asked her to give acting a try, especially after Veronica had settled down with a family of her own. “At first, I wasn’t so sure that I wanted to stay that long. I just wanted to let my mom have her thing. Inisip ko, baka hindi rin naman magtagal ’to because it’s not my thing. Pinagbigyan ko lang siya.” So Jaclyn began what she had no idea would become a lifelong career as she earned small roles with the help of her mother, who kept close ties with Veronica’s earlier producers.
Her first audition In 1983, the film Chicas was looking for its female cast, and Jaclyn’s mother encouraged her to audition for it. She was hesitant, still unsure that this was a path she wanted to pursue,
Mendoza escorts Jaclyn to the stage to receive the Best Actress award at Cannes. but figuring that she would fall through the ranks anyway, she tried. She auditioned in front of the likes of Bing Lao, Ed Estrella, Brillante Mendoza, William Pascual, and Ricky Lee. “The more that I wanted to get out of it, I couldn’t. I didn’t dramatize my workshop. I mostly did nuances, and I’m very argumentative. If I didn’t want to do things, I’d say I didn’t want to do that. I thought to myself, ‘I’ll just throw the line. I’ll just throw it as naturally as how people say it, not like… acting acting.’ Yun naman pala mas lalo yung gusto!” It was here that, amid all the resistance to a life of acting, something funny happened. “So I got involved with this group, and they shared their passion. It was continuous learning about their talents and social awareness. I didn’t see this during my sister’s time, which was all about glamour, portray-
ing things dramatically. And sa akin, okay, if this is showbiz, if this is the industry, I love it. I want to get involved in making real films and creating characters and showing society these kinds of people, rather than showing the industry me, the actor.” And when that clicked, when Jaclyn finally fell in love with the industry that wanted her, magical things occurred. Her career has been storied, although vastly underrated, having worked with legends that include the likes of Lino Brocka. She has for 32 years graced TV screens as well as the silver screen, giving us drama and comedy, quietly slipping into characters without much fuss. “Kahit small scene lang, gusto ko may pak. When people tune in to teleseryes, they want to see the large movements and wonder what happened to this character yesterday, and maybe
they should watch tomorrow to see what happens. Pag indie naman, very subtle ka lang. Ikaw lang dapat yung may alam kung anong nangyayari sayo, to the point na yung audience sumasakit yung ulo kung ano bang iniisip nito. Pag mainstream, you have to be beautiful and adjust to what the audience usually looks for. I always work with people as a team, but I will also work on what I know is right in my heart and in my mind.”
Ma’ Rosa It’s this attitude that’s led her to one of her most significant roles yet. In Brillante Mendoza’s Ma’ Rosa, she plays the title character of Rosa, a crystal meth dealer from the slums who is eventually detained together with her husband and whose children are forced to find a way to set them free. Being friends with Mendoza, she was invited casually and she accepted as he prepared in pre-production. She was asked to lose weight, which she says, “Oo lang ako ng oo pero hindi ko ginawa. Nung nagkita kami ng first shooting day, sabi niya, ‘Ang taba mo pa
JUNE 2016
LONDON
Splash PHILIPPINES
19
In Ma Rosa Jaclyn plays the role of a crystal meth dealer from the slums. the performance she gave? She broke my heart.”
Never about awards
rin, nakakaloka ka.’ Sabi ko, ‘Eh hindi naman ako gumagamit, nag-bebenta lang!’” Humor aside, however, every inch of the film was made in a manner befitting an artist like Jaclyn. “[Mendoza] just told me the story. There were no scripts. That’s how he works. He let us go through an immersion in the slums in Guadalupe, and he lets you pick a character from who you see there. He’d ask us to lock in our schedules, meaning we couldn’t shoot anything else or do segues [between jobs]. He wants us focused on who we’re supposed to be for the entire time that we’re shooting.” She smiles and says, “Actually, that’s the way I like to work. I’m comfortable with improvisation, and honestly, once you know your character, if your heart
and mind and soul are into it, you’ll know what to do, how to react, how to connect in any situation. And when we’re shooting a scene, [Mendoza] tells me what is happening to me but not what’s happening to anyone else. So when something happens, our interaction is raw and I don’t anticipate anything.” This then gives so much more weight to what transpired in Ma Rosa, to a performance both created and nurtured so freely by the one portraying the role. It’s no wonder then, that the jury at Cannes saw what they saw in Jaclyn’s performance, landing her the Palme d’Or. Some questioned her win, saying that it was more of a supporting role, but members of the jury quickly and confidently rebutted the claim at a press conference. Hollywood actor Donald Sutherland said, flat out, “The critics were wrong.” To which French director Arnaud Desplechin added, “She is the film. Have you seen
But for Jaclyn, it was never about the awards; rather, it was about family. She constantly talks about how taking the role was really for her daughter, Andie Eigenmann, so that she could have a shot at having what Jaclyn had experienced earlier in her career. “I keep telling her, ‘If you don’t have it, you can quit. If you have the passion, go ahead. If you only want fame and fortune, you’ll only get hurt.’ But naririnig ko siyang bumulong sakin na, ‘I want to achieve what you’ve achieved,’ so I thought okay, maybe this will help. It felt like my journey was to help her career.” And so going to Cannes, for Jaclyn, was an experience simply to share with family, with a daughter who aspired to the breadth of her own mother’s talent. “Hindi ako umasa. Si Marion Cotillard? She’s one of the top of my list of favorite actresses! Hindi ko malilimutan yung ‘La Vie En Rose’. So yung sa akin, wala, attend na lang.
Kahit yung suot ko parang ‘Ay, may awards night nga pala! Buti may jacket ako,” Jose says with a laugh. But what she also got to share with her daughter was a win that not only recognizes her ability and performance, but puts her among the ranks of Bette Davis, Katharine Hepburn, Vanessa Redgrave, Meryl Streep, and Helen Mirren. What she also got to share with her daughter was the reach of talent, backed by hard work and a passion for delivering excellence even in the smallest of spaces. So what’s in store now for the first Southeast Asian woman to ever bag a Best Actress award at Cannes? Jaclyn says she’s only inclined to entertain foreign offers if it has some connection with the Philippines or being Filipino, as it is what she knows and it is what she brings to the table. Otherwise, she says, “I have to behave like I have a Palme D’or. Like if I’m going to the grocery na naka tsinelas tsaka shorts, siguro ngayon sandals naman tsaka shorts.” She laughs a hearty laugh, and with a shrug, says, “Basta work, basta work.” (The Philippine Star) n
20 16 32
Splash PHILIPPINES
JUNE 2012 2016 APRIL
LONDON
Overseas Filipinos get parting gift from Aquino O
was just a drop in the bucket compared with the $20 million to $24 million worth of smuggled goods a year based on the disparity between the official data of exports to the country against recorded imports. “It’s a small piece of happiness for our hardworking OFWs,” said Gabriela Rep. Luz Ilagan, who noted that huge containers and luxury cars “glide like invisible phantoms under the noses” of customs people. OFWs, who number 2.5 million at any given time in a year, prop up the Philippine economy. Last year, their remittances totaled $29.7 billion. That was why the Lina directive last year generated so much indignation. An Inquirer survey in 2014 showed that the top 10 items Filipinos get through balikbayan boxes were chocolates and candies, clothes, shoes, food and canned goods, toiletries, bags, toys, watches, appliances and gadgets.
SP PR LA O P SH E R M TY AG O AZ F IN E
VERSEAS Filipino workers (OFWs) got a parting gift from President Aquino on Tuesday—a tax exemption of up to P150,000 for their balikbayan boxes—those packages of happiness sent to loved ones back home. A month before stepping down at the end of his term, Mr. Aquino signed the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA). The law increases the tax exemption ceiling for gift packages from OFWs from P10,000 to P150,000, provided the items are not of commercial quantities. Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara thanked the President for signing the measure—long pending in Congress until Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina sparked public outrage when he directed in August last year that the balikbayan boxes be subjected to stringent scrutiny in a purported move to crack down on smuggling. The backlash prompted lawmakers to pass the bill posthaste. Given the higher tax-exemption ceiling, there would also be fewer opportunities for corruption or extortion activities in the handling of the balikbayan boxes, said Angara, one of the authors of the bill. “They can bring home more things to their families. This would bring comfort to their families because they could send home items that they were able to buy at a lower price abroad,” Angara said. “With the increase in the values, we lessen the discretion of the customs officials to inspect goods and collect taxes, thus minimizing cases of corruption and smuggling,” he said. “Let us not punish the OFWs by imposing higher taxes and by supposedly rifling through and stealing the items in balikbayan boxes,” he said. Tax exemption The law also provides that Filipinos who have stayed in a
FULL PAGE AD
foreign country for at least 10 of the items is below P10,000, years and are returning to the said Angara. “It will facilitate Philippines will be granted tax commerce and help small and exemption for personal and medium businessmen,” he said. household effects not exceeding P350,000 that they will be Drop in the bucket bringing with them when they He also said the law sought go back to the country. to ensure that the tax exempThose who have lived abroad tion ceilings would be updated for at least five years, on the regularly, as it provided for other hand, will be entitled to automatic indexation of the tax and duty free personal and amounts every three years to household effects amounting account for inflation. to P250,000. In directing Those who close scrutiny have stayed “Let us not punish the OFWs of the OFW abroad for by imposing higher taxes and gifts last year, less than five by supposedly rifling through the Bureau years can enof Customs and stealing the items in joy a P150,000 (BOC) said balikbayan boxes.” tax-free ceilthat the goving. ernment was The law relosing P50 quires online customs processmillion a month, or P600 miling of exports and imports to lion a year, from tax collections speed up transactions as well due from 1,000 containers that as make them more transpar- arrived each month in Philipent. The law likewise slaps heftpine ports. ier penalties against violators. Lawmakers noted that this The minimum cost of goods required to undergo formal customs processing has been raised from P10 to P10,000. This would be beneficial to entrepreneurs who want to send product samples to customers abroad, as they would not be taxed as long as the value
This page is brought to you by
Another milestone “President Aquino signing CMTA into law has set the BOC on an even faster pace of reform. Embracing technology and updating regulatory frameworks reduces opportunities for corruption and streamlines client experience with the BOC,” Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima said in a statement. “Better institutions deliver better outcomes. We look forward to a stronger, more efficient BOC aiding our bid for trade liberalization and competitiveness,” Purisima said. The signing of the CMTA into law is “truly another milestone for his administration and the continuing reformse we continue to institutionalize in the bureau,” said Commissioner Lina. (Inquirer)
JUNE APRIL 2016 2012
LONDON
FULL PAGE AD
Splash PHILIPPINES 21 3
22
Splash PHILIPPINES
JUNE 2016
Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City is dubbed the ‘Little Niagara Falls of the Philippines’. By louie lapat
M
INDANAO never runs out of places for tourists to explore, from white beaches and rivers to caves and coves, from deep diving spots to mountains grand and tall. Some remote and some easily accessible, these wonders of nature are proof of the timeless allure of Mindanao. Raw and wild, Mindanao is truly a nature-lover’s paradise.
Sadly though, this beauty is overshadowed by skepticism, even fear, largely to the image being associated with Mindanao as an area of conflict. While it is true to just very few areas here, the peaceful situation in large areas of Mindanao now serves as a magnet for tourists. If the influx of visitors in key tourist sites is an indication of a shift in stereotyping of Mindanao, then the island is indeed ripe for the world to see. And just as an example, take a look at these beautiful waterfalls you can visit once you decide to come around to see Mindanao.
1. Tinuy-an Falls Located on the slopes of Bislig in Surigao del Sur, Tinuy-an Falls is referred to as the “Little
LONDON
Aliwagwag Falls is now showing signs of full recovery after being badly battered by Typhoon Pablo in 2012.
Fall in Love With These 8 Waterfalls in Mindanao
lometers away from Bislig City proper, or merely a 40-minute ride through the roads.
2. Aliwagwag Falls
Bani Falls is a two-hour trek but upon reaching its base, tourists will be rewarded with this grand view. Niagara Falls” of the country. Tinuy-an Falls is huge, spanning 95 meters in width and its water cascades 55 meters high – enough to resemble a wide white curtain usually seen in theaters. Make sure to ride a bamboo raft to get closer to the base and enjoy the plunge of water. After which, take 200 steps to reach the second and third level of Tinuy-an where you can sit or lean on the rock and let the water massage your back. Getting there: To get to Bis-
Maria Cristina Falls is a source for hydroelectric power that provides energy to many parts of Mindanao. lig, one has to fly to Butuan City and take the 6-hour bus ride to Mangagoy, part of Bislig. Tinuy-an is located 18 ki-
After suffering the wrath of Typhoon Pablo in 2012, Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel, Davao Oriental is now back to its full glory. Lush vegetation can now be seen on both of its sides, adding beauty to more than 130 cascading waterfalls spanning 1,110 feet. The provincial government of Davao Oriental collects a minimal entrance fee for the upkeep of the eco-park that has seen an influx of tourists lately. Added attraction here is a zipline and a monkey bridge where tourists can cross above the waters of Aliwagwag. Getting there: Aliwagwag is 7 hours away from Davao City. From Davao, take a bus to Mati City. Upon arrival, ride a van going to Cateel town proper. From downtown Cateel, a 30-minute habal-habal (motorcycle) ride will take you to Aliwagwag which is conveniently located along the highway.
3. Bani Falls If you are aiming for more
JUNE APRIL 2016 2012
LONDON
FULL PAGE AD
Splash PHILIPPINES 23 3
NEW YEA NEW FLA R VOURS SAM E GREAT QUALITY W ADDED Z ITH ING !
Distributed by
ASCO Foods Limited Tel: 01494 434 953 Fax: 01494 726 387 Email: sales@ascofoods.com Web: www.ascofoods.com
24 16 32
Splash PHILIPPINES
JUNE 2012 2016 APRIL
LONDON
FULL PAGE AD
Professional service delivered personally We have clients in London, throughout the UK and overseas who are currently seeking
Housekeepers, Couples, Nannies, Cooks, Companions, Carers and all types of domestic staff Live in and live out positions with excellent salaries and benefits We are available 7 days per week at any time on 020 8348 1767 and 020 7118 0166 or please send your cv to diana@thegrahamagency.co.uk You will find our current vacancies online at
www.thegrahamagency.co.uk
DATING
A successful English gentleman would like to meet attractive Filipina lady for exciting days and romantic evenings.
John 07752 656 713
JUNE APRIL 2016 2012
LONDON
WHAT’S ON
TRAVEL
T
HE WORLD’S top travel influencers have all praises for Filipinos especially their love for Philippine tourism days after their visit to some of the country’s key tourist destinations last May 11-24. On the invitation of the Department of Tourism (DOT), a team from creative technology agency Beautiful Destinations went to these destinations to capture photos and videos to boost interest amongst its followers and inspire them to visit the Philippines. The team was composed of the founder of the company and global social media influencer, Jeremy Jauncey; travel drone pioneer and Head of Brand Partnerships for BDI, Tom Jauncey; Canadian film maker and videographer of the DJ duo The Chainsmokers, Sam Kolder; celebrated iPhoneonly photographer James Relf Dyer; and influential London-based Instagram travel photographer and videographer, Jacob Riglin. DOT is the first national tourism organization in
Splash PHILIPPINES 25 3
FULL PAGE AD Filipinos lauded for ‘unbelievable’ passion for tourism Southeast Asia to partner with Beautiful Destinations which has more than 10 million followers in over 180 countries in their successful travel-related accounts on Instagram and Snapchat. Among the destinations they have been to are Cebu, Bohol, El Nido in Palawan,
Manila, and Hundred Islands in Pangasinan. Beautiful Destinations community manager Jacob Riglin described the reception of the Filipinos as “unlike any” he had seen before. He also lauded the Filipinos’ “unbelievable” passion for tourism. “When they see our posts on Instagram, they don’t just comment ‘what a lovely shot’, instead we have received numerous comments expressing thanks for featuring this beautiful country –their home,” Riglin said. “The engagement over here is incredible!” he added, noting that aside from the scenic places in the country, it was the warmth and hospitality of Filipinos that won him over. Since Beautiful Destinations was established, their visit to the Philippines marked the first time that
special events were held and organized for the team. DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. meanwhile expressed gratitude for the various content that they have produced which he said .continues to surprise and inspire millions of people around the world, including Filipinos themselves”. of the beauty and diversity of this country”. “Beautiful Destinations is a team that is committed to capture the most exciting things about our country. And it’s because they look at familiar places from a very unfamiliar vantage point,” Jimenez said. “With their unique perspective, without us having to prompt them, they are sending out images of the Philippines that even we have never seen before,” he added. (Update PH)
This page is brought to you by
26
Splash PHILIPPINES
JUNE 2016
LONDON
Mindanao by the Palate text and photos By angelo g. garcia
M
I N D A N A O has a negative reputation with tourists, especially from the international community. The conflict in Southern Philippines has yet to be resolved and is not helping the tourism promotion of this beautiful island. It is unfortunate that only a few visitors experience this place rich in natural beauty and culture. If you haven’t been to Mindanao, then you are missing a lot.
Most of Mindanao is safe to tourists, contrary to popular belief. A lot of tourists have gone to Mindanao say the “fear” only comes from misconceptions, especially if you haven’t been there. The conflict areas are contained and violent crimes are isolated -- like any other place on earth. According to the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region XII Regional Office, in 2015, 3.1 million tourists arrived in the region. The region, which is composed of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City (Soccsksargen or SOX), has had a relatively healthy tourism sector. While the bulk of that number is local tourists, there were 53,861 foreign tourists who arrived in the region last year. “If people are scared to come here, why did we reach
Tuna lechon.
Tuna sashimi
T’boli nelut, traditional native chicken dish cooked in bamboo those numbers?” asks DOT Region XII regional director Nelly Nita Dillera. What particularly makes the DOT regional director proud is the food industry, having seen the potential of it being a driving force to boost tourism in her region. In the recently concluded Flavors of the Philippines campaign, a program of DOT, Region XII showcased Flavors of SOX where it pushed various food tours in tourism packages. These food tours will highlight the strength of the region from the tuna of Gensan to the sweet pineapples of South Cotabato to the halal delicacies of Cotabato City. “Sometimes people visit a place because of the food, and the destination is secondary. Local tourists come back to experience living with the tribe and eating their food,” Nita says. “We are number 1 in Mindanao and number 5 in the
country for rice production; for corn, number 1 in Mindanao, number. 2 in the country; for coffee, number 1 in the Philippines. We also export meat like ‘pork in box,’ which is exported to United Arab Emirates (UAE). Then, there’s organic rice, which is exported to UAE, Hong Kong, United States, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. But two of our top exports are canned tuna and canned pineapple.” The special packages include: the Gensan Tuna Food Tour, which explores the best product of the city through different offerings of several restaurants and hotels; B’laan Traditional Food Tour, which immerses guests in the tradition and food of the B’laan Tribe; South Valley Food Tour, which is all about the area’s fresh fruits, which includes the abundant pineapple, that grows in the foothills of Mt. Matutum covering Gensan and Koronadal City; Lake Sebu Culinary Experience, a territory of the T’boli tribe, which is famous for its tilapia cuisine; T’boli Food Adventure, which highlights the traditional cuisine of the tribe; Halal Good-
ness, which promotes the halal delicacies of Cotabato City and nearby areas; and the GenSan Agri Tour, which explores the bounty of the country’s southernmost city. The region is a melting pot of Filipino cuisines, adds Dillera. Settlers from all over the Philippines have called Soccsksargen their home for many years, so expect authentic Kapampangan, Ilocano, and Bicolano food, among others. But the tours that have been gaining popularity are the visits to tribal communities. Lake Sebu, a territory of the T’boli Tribe, is probably the most visited place in South Cotabato. But there are other T’boli territories that have recently opened to tourists, one of which is Lake Holon, a crater lake in Mount Parker, locally known as Mount Melibengoy. The lake is another territory of the T’boli, open to hiking and camp tours, which include T’boli traditional entertainment and, of course, the food. The héklafak is a traditional T’boli dish, it is butterflied native chicken roasted over charcoal. Then there’s the nélut, a native chicken dish, cooked tinola-style inside a bamboo. The Blaan Traditional Food Tour, on the other hand, lets tourists experience the culture of the B’laan Tribe. Lamlifew Village, located in Malungon, Sarangani province, welcomes guests to its community of more than 300 families. (Manila Bulletin) n
JUNE APRIL 2016 2012
LONDON
WHAT’S ON
Splash PHILIPPINES 27 3
FIESTAS
18-19 June 2016
24-25 June 2016
9am - 6pm Venue: Morden Park, London Road, Morden SM4 5QX
Venue: Fairlands Valley Park Showground Arena, Broadhall Way, SG2 8RH
Morden Barrio Fiesta 2016
Hertfordshire Barrio Fiesta 2016
Contact: Bing Juco - 07739479172 Tess Juco - 07956593236 Mayette - 07501530530
Contact: 07534711757 barriofiestainhertford shire@yahoo.com
25 June 2016
25 June 2016
Newcastle Barrio Fiesta 2016
Bristol Barrio Fiesta 2016
Venue: Blaydon Rugby Club Field (Carboot Area) Hexham Road Swalwell, Newcastle NE16 3BN Contact: 07886742417 07824338251 07725892489
Time: 8:30am-6pm (Sat) Venue: The Park, Daventry Road, Knowle, Bristol BS4 1DQ Contact: Carlo - 07528770491 Honeylyn - 07783343348 Clarence - 07500896239 Wil - 07900485194
26 June 2016
2-3 July 2016
FULL PAGE AD
Leeds Barrio Fiesta 2016 Time: 9:30am-6pm Venue: Event Field, Temple Newsam, Leeds LS15 0AF Contact: 07787510277 07917563070 01132174109 07449878657
LL ANDWE GHAM-S BIRMIN T MIDLANDS FREE WES
ENTRANCE
O-RHODES IRENE ALAN UK 2016” “The Voice LYDIA “The Voice LUCY UK 2016”
nday and Su rday 16 Satu ARK ick
P w , 20 AND 3 WOODoSod, Smeth JULY 2 LIGHTB earw DP e, s Lan nds B67 5 Adkin Featuring Midla GMA TV’S West
PRIMETIME KING
N A MORGA ” ARIANNgbird Princess
“The Son
YORKSHIRE FILCOM ASSOCIATION OF FILIPINOS IN BRISTOL SANDWELL AND DUDLEY FILIPINO COMMUNITIES NOTTINGHAM FILIPINO COMMUNITY FILIPINO BRITISH SOCIETY MILTON KEYNES
MAJOR SPONSORS This event supports MEDIA PARTNERS
EVENT SPONSORSHIP, CATERING AND PARTNERSHIP Rozen Malonzo, RN 07985159203 EVENT PROGRAMME, PERFORMANCE AND SANTA CRUZAN Anna - 0789 6082895 Cris - 0747 2953935
Vicky - 0740 1765373 Efren - 0777 9444269
DINGDONG DANTES
Bham-Sandwell West Midlands Fiesta Celebration Venue: Lightwoods Park, Adkins Lane, Bearwood, Smethwick, B67 5DP
Contact: 07985159203 07896082895 07472953935
9 July 2016
9-10 July 2016 Barrio Fiesta in Manchester 2016
Venue: Tingewick Hall, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU Contact: joarielan@yahoo.com chairman@filcom oxford.org.uk
Venue: Thatch Leach Lane Playing Field Thatch Leach Lane Whitefield, Bury M45 6FN
Oxfordshire Barrio Fiesta 2016
Time: 10am-5pm
28 16 32
Splash PHILIPPINES
JUNE 2012 2016 APRIL
LONDON
WHAT’S ON
FIESTAS JUNE 2016
SPOTon
16
SPL
www.planetphilippines.uk.com www.planetphilippines.uk.com
9-10 July 2016
16-17 July 2016
Contact: 07810377208 07402201985 07850268868 07540633789
Venue: Apps Court Farm (near Hampton Court, Walton-on-Thames, KT12 2EG Contact: VIP tickets - 07720935575 Marketing - 07867940447 londonbarriofiesta@ abs-cbn.com
Barrio Fiesta 2016 The Big Comeback Venue: Woodgate Valley Country Park, Clapgate Lane, Bartley Green B32 3DS
32nd Barrio Fiesta sa London
FULL PAGE AD
30-31 July 2016 Milton Keynes Barrio Fiesta 2016 Time: 9am-7pm
Venue: Campbell Park, Milton Keynes, MK9 4AD Contact: Merald07909957313 Anita-07557358013
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
WHAT’S ON 9-10 July 2016
Leicestershire Filipino Family SportsFest 2016 Venue: Judge Meadow Community College, Evington, Leicester LE5 6HP Contact: 07983576082 01162220596
COMMUNITY 9-10 July 2016
5 Aug-4 Sept 2016
Thatch Leach Lane Playing Field Thatch Leach Lane Whitefield, Bury M45 6FN
2:30 PM / 7:30 PM Shaw Theatre, 100110 Euston Rd, NW1 2AJ, London Tickets from £40-£80
Miss Gay / Trans Northwest 2016
Contact: Aurora Robb 07748 25 25 30
Marco Polo Musical
Contact:
clondon@marcopolonewmusical.com
JUNE APRIL 2016 2012
LONDON
EMBASSY NEWS
LONDON
LONDON
Splash PHILIPPINES 29 3
WHAT’S ON
EMBASSY OUTREACH - NEWCASTLE The Embassy will hold its next Consular Outreach Mission for 2016 in: Date/Time: 25 JUNE 2016 (Saturday), 10AM - 5PM Venue: Derwent Room, Blaydon Rugby Club, Hexham Road, Swalwell, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE16 3BN Contact Persons : Sally 07886742427, Bong 07824338251 Eva 07880368662, Rodger 07725892489 Applicants are requested to submit an accomplished Consular Service Request Form to secure an appointment schedule at the Outreach. Please send the accomplished form via email to plymouthoutreachlondonpe@gmail.com. Applicants are advised to check the documentary and other requirements at www.londonpe.dfa.gov.ph and to download the application forms in advance from the same website. Please beware of other websites purporting to be the Embassy‘s website. Due to audit regulations, only cash payments mayFULL be accepted. We do not accept personal cheques or debit cards.
PAGE AD
Applicants are requested to provide their own self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of their documents. The Embassy looks forward to serving you at the Consular Outreach Mission in Newcastle.
EMBASSY OUTREACH - EDINBURGH The Embassy will hold its next Consular Outreach Mission for 2016 in: Date/Time: 3PM
24 SEPTEMBER 2016 (Saturday), 9AM -
Venue: Destiny Church Edinburgh 52 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh EH11 2NB Contact Details: scotlandoutreach@yahoo.com Applicants are requested to submit an accomplished Consular Service Request Form to secure an appointment schedule at the Outreach. Please send the accomplished form via email to plymouthoutreachlondonpe@ gmail.com. Applicants are advised to check the documentary and other requirements at www.londonpe.dfa.gov.ph and to download the application forms in advance from the same website. Please beware of other websites purporting to be the Embassy‘s website. Due to audit regulations, only cash payments may be accepted. We do not accept personal cheques or debit cards. Applicants are requested to provide their own self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of their documents. The Embassy looks forward to serving you at the Consular Outreach Mission in Edinburgh.
30 16 32
Splash PHILIPPINES
JUNE 2012 2016 APRIL
LONDON
FULL PAGE AD
JUNE APRIL 2016 2012
LONDON
Splash PHILIPPINES 31 3
P R E M I U M Q UA L I T Y
Jasmine Rice FULL PAGE AD
Background floral design courtesy of Freepik.com
The fa ntastic IMPERIAL ELEPHANT Jasmi ne Rice available i n the fi nest Asia n stores at g reat low prices .
AVA I LA BLE I N 20KG, 10KG & 5KG BAGS Exclusively distributed by
Tel: 01494 434 953 Fax: 01494 726 387 Email: sales@ascofoods.com Web: www.ascofoods.com
32 16
Splash PHILIPPINES
JUNE 2012 2016 APRIL
US
LONDON
FULL PAGE AD
£20 FREE Lycamobile Top-Up
PL
*T&Cs apply
£422 OUR PREFERRED PARTNER
DIRECT FLIGHTS fr
£444 30kg
46kg 40kg
CLARK CEBU KALIBO DAVAO 30kg
£489 fr £509 fr £553 fr £533 fr
30kg
Speak to our Filipino travel experts on 0207 132 00 74 Ronie : 0740 575 28 84 | Joyce : 0740 448 94 49 | Aireen : 0744 824 87 21 | Email : phl@lycafly.com
Canary Wharf, Walbrook Building, 195 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SG - 0207 132 32 32 All fares shown above are subject to limited availability. The Free Lycamobile top-up offer is offered to each fully paid adult return ticket and will not be offered to child/infant and one way tickets. The Lycamobile top-up offer is not valid for selected airlines. The Lycamobile top-up offer is not exchangeable, transferable or redeemable for cash. LycaFly reserves the right to withdraw this offer before the expiry date, without notice.