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Verbatim Remember, your vote can bring heaven to the Philippines. Your vote can also bring hell to the Philippines. Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president and Lingayen Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, urging Filipino voters to make prayer and discernment the prerequisites in choosing their candidates in the coming 2016 election

Lahat ng nangyaring bidding sa aming lungsod ay biddingbidding-an.

Atty. Renato Bondal, a critic of Vice President Binay, claiming that all supposed biddings in Makati City were rigged to favor certain contractors

Let’s open our books If God will bless us, before our Facebook He will give us Mar Roxas and Grace Poe. accounts. President Aquino, addressing If He FULL PAGE ADwill punish us, students of Tarlac National He will give us UNA High School (United Nationalist Alliance). Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice, rooting for a Roxas-Poe ticket in 2016 against Vice President Jejomar Binay of UNA

He won the hearts of the world. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, on Manny Pacquiao’s performance against Floyd Mayweather Jr, echoing President Aquino’s statement thanking the Filipino boxing icon for inspiring his countrymen

Moms should not wear bathing suits . . . I don’t want you to be in a bathing suit. I don’t want guys to say you’re hot. Bimby, Kris Aquino’s 8-year-old son, reacting to photos of his mom in a bathing suit

Ngayon ay nandito na kami sa Pilipinas ay marami kaming sisingilin sa gobyerno … Kaya humanda kayo! Nandito kami para lumaban!

Celia Veloso, mother of Mary Jane Veloso – the Filipina domestic who was spared from execution in Indonesia after she was granted a reprieve - blaming the Aquino government for her daughter’s fate

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Why Retire in the Philippines

By greg b. macabenta

F your age is past three-fourths of a century, it’s probably time to consider your retirement options. My wife and I have decided to spend most of what remains of our lives in the land of our birth. We’ve lived in America for nearly 30 years. America is a great country. The subway is efficient. Traffic is disciplined. You don’t have to line up for government services like renewing your driver’s license. For government documents, there are no “autographs” to be signed by multiple bureaucrats who expect some “gratitude money.” We have a nice home in Pinole in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our children are all living independent and fruitful lives of their own. And four grandchildren all born in the US, plus two more coming, are enough reason to believe that our roots are firmly planted in American soil. But we also have roots in the Philippines. In Manila. In Albay. And in Leyte. I acknowledged that when I joined the very first batch of Fil-Ams to avail themselves of the benefits of the Dual Citizenship Law. But, you may ask: Why retire in the Philippines? Why go back to a country that many have severely criticized for every imaginable flaw? Why go back to where EDSA traffic is a mess, the MRT and LRT are

like sardine cans (except you don’t risk your life with a can of sardines), you are threatened with apprehension for not having license plates on your car, even while the blasted Land Transportation Office makes you wait months to get the blasted plates? And the airport stinks? The answer is simple. This country is home. And my friend, Tourism Secretary Mon Jimenez, is right. It’s more fun in the Philippines. This is not to say that it’s not fun in America. But my social security pension and that of my wife go a much longer way in Manila, and wherever we choose to travel in the islands. Ever since our eldest son decided to work in an ad agency in Manila, my wife and I have had reason to come home often. We have thus seen how much farther our funds can go and how much more fun our money can buy. Some years back, my wife had to pay for minor dental

works in Daly City. To say that it nearly cost an arm and a leg is no exaggeration. By the way, many of the dentists (as well as doctors and nurses) in America are Pinoys. So, you can expect good dental care and health care from those still practicing in the Philippines. But that’s not the fun part. It’s the lifestyle and it’s enjoying that lifestyle with friends. On a recent trip to Manila, we treated several friends to dinner at a restaurant at Serendra in Bonifacio Global City. Some of the most delectable Filipino dishes were laid out before us and bottles of fine wine kept pouring endlessly, not to mention great dessert. For eight people, the bill was less than $200, before our 20% senior citizens’ discount. I immediately recalled how our youngest son and his wife treated us to dinner in downtown San Francisco a month earlier. For the four us, the bill was almost $500 -- and no se-

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nior discount, either. But the most priceless part of all was the company. Being with friends of many years, talking about your youth and sharing corny jokes -- what can be better than that when you are all past 70? I once wrote a piece entitled, “SM, SL -- So Much for So Little,” which was about how I couldn’t use up $100 at the SM Mall in Sucat, Parañaque, after paying for a jeepney ride, buying lunch and snacks, a session at the Internet café, calling on my Smart phone, and a movie. In Manila, with our social security pension, we can afford live-in help and a laundry woman who comes once a week. My shirts and pants are actually pressed and so are my boxer shorts and handkerchiefs! We wake up in the morning to a ready breakfast of sinangag, itlog and daing. There’s fresh fish (still alive and wriggling) to be bought at the nearby palengke, along with fresh fruits and newly butchered meat. And for merienda, there are all sorts of kakanin, plus halo-halo at Chowking. And, oh yes, the magtataho drops by regularly. While I’m not about to lavish praise on the charges of the utility providers in Manila, for someone like us who are used to paying over $800 a month for electricity, cable, phone and Internet access, as well as water and garbage collection, I must say that our social security pensions can well afford PLDT, Meralco and Maynilad Water. But the most important reason for coming home is because we owe a debt of gratitude to our Motherland. And we would like to spend the last years of our lives trying to pay her back. (Business World) n

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If Filipinos Ran New York, Central Park Would Be Full of Malls I By jorge mojarro

N the Philippines, progress seems to be measured by the height of condos and the size of malls. The uncontrolled proliferation of condos and malls are damaging the landscape of both big and small cities.

In Tagaytay, greedy developers have built high-rise condos that have destroyed the beautiful landscape of the hills and eroded the value of a precious green zone. A 50-story condo has recently been built in a famous Malate street that is not even 15 meters wide, leaving only a two-meter wide sidewalk. Forty-story condos continue to be built on very tiny streets and also along Taft, Edsa, and España -- roads already fully congested. No public ordinance seems to regulate this construction madness gripping the whole archipelago. Neither does urban planning nor coordination. The rule seems to be: purchase a piece of land and maximize the profit as much as possible. At the other end, condo buyers disregard even the noise produced by the traffic. Resorts World in front of NAIA 3 is living proof that the surrounding noise of departing and arriving planes does not decrease the value of properties. This happens because the living standards of the streets are already so low that living in any gated community or condo seems to be the only solution. The lack of cohesion of Filipino society is reflected adamantly

It seems that you can do whatever you want as long as it is a privately owned land. in the dysfunctionality of the city. The general life for the Filipino middle-class revolves within three walled bubbles: gated community or condo, workplace, and the mall. The street is just a place to skip as fast as you can to avoid delays, pushing away street vendors, pollution, noise, and dirt. Some experts say this crazy type of development is good for the economy. My question is: Economy for whom? Is the standard of living of Filipinos improving? Some months ago I wrote something about the public use of sidewalks. Now is the turn of parks. Yesterday, I saw that the biggest green space in Makati is going to be radically reduced due the construction of a new hotel, an office tower, and stores, depriving Makati residents of one of the very few remaining open spaces. It seems that you can do whatever you want as long as it is a privately

owned land. There is, however, a phenomenon that I believe is being unnoticed along all this years: the continuous selling of public lands to private developers. SM Aura, for example, is a long-term concession in a supposedly public land. The Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) is selling a huge prime lot, Payanig sa Pasig, to private companies. My question is: How much public space is left? Are the so-called public servants selling or leasing every public space to private companies? I suspect this thing is extremely related to the absence of parks and open spaces in Metro Manila. What is the point of having parks when you can profit selling the lot to a real estate developer? However, parks are extremely important, even for the economy. Lee Kuan Yew realized soon this when planning the development of Singapore in order to attract foreign talent to their shores. The city

state is proud to advertise itself as “a city in a garden.” Parks are the lungs of the city: They are the ideal place to relax on weekends after a stressful work week, they cool the city, they clean the air, they relieve “massification” and gentrification. Parks provide intrinsic environmental, aesthetic, and recreational benefits to our cities. They enhance property values of the surrounding areas and make the city more attractive. Parks are important even for social cohesion: People in parks feel they are part of a broader community with a shared participation. In a place like Metro Manila, where public spaces are so scant, parks are extremely important for children to play and run freely. Parks are obviously good for public health. Well-designed parks attract tourists and are the ideal place to organize cultural events, sports competitions, and small concerts. Summing up, having parks means having a civic culture. The absence of parks and open public spaces in general is harmful for all the citizens. Looking at Google Maps, anyone can observe that the percentage of space devoted to parks in Metro Manila or Cebu is ridiculously small compared to the cities of Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, Bangkok, or even Kuala Lumpur. The two biggest green areas in the city are actually private golf clubs. Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center, in Quezon City, is an exception. It seems to me that if New York were governed by Filipino politicians, Central Park would be full of condos and malls in only a decade. I think it is time for public servants to stop being private servants and start fulfilling the needs of the people. Creating more green parks would be a good beginning. (The author, a Spaniard, is a PhD candidate doing research on Filipiniana. He has lived and worked in the Philippines since 2009.) - Interaksyon.com n

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By boo chanco

HAT happened in Nepal is a tragedy that could happen here. Associated Press reports that the week before the earthquake, about 50 earthquake and social scientists from around the world came to Kathmandu, Nepal. They were trying to figure out how to get this poor, congested, overdeveloped, shoddily built area to prepare better for the big one. According to AP, the experts knew they were racing against the clock, but they didn’t know when the feared earthquake would strike. “It was sort of a nightmare waiting to happen,” seismologist James Jackson told AP. Jackson is the head of the earth sciences department at the University of Cambridge in England. “Physically and geologically what happened is exactly what we thought would happen.” But he told AP, he didn’t expect the massive quake that struck April 25 to happen so soon. The magnitude 7.8 earthquake killed nearly 3,300 and counting, and caused widespread destruction. A Kathmandu earthquake has long been feared, not just because of the natural seismic fault, but because of the local human conditions that make it worse. Of course that could also be said about Metro Manila and the dangers we face from two dangerous and active fault lines, the West Valley Fault and the Manila Trench. I live a kilometer away from the West Valley Fault but even if I live a little further as in Ermita or Malate, the dangers are the same. Indeed, areas in Manila face the added danger of liquefaction.

Elementary school students duck beneath their desks during an earthquake drill in Paranaque City.

We Are Not Ready for the Big One

How do we prepare for the big one? That’s what we have to think about. A 7.2 quake at the West Valley Fault will cause, according to a study done by JICA, 34,000 deaths, 114,000 injured, four out of 10 buildings collapsing, 3 million refugees, water, power, telecom loss. Metro Manila will also be physically separated into four sections due to damage to roads, bridges and flyovers. With businesses shut down as people deal with survival issues, how do you feed yourself in the meantime? Another study done by Geoscience Australia, Phivolcs and other Philippine government agencies expanded the risk analysis to include Rodriguez, San Mateo, Antipolo, Cainta, Taytay in Rizal. Based on a possible earthquake of 6.5 or 7.2 Magnitude, estimated economic losses could be as much as P1.9 to P2.4 trillion, cause 27,000 to 37,000 deaths, 100,000 to 140,000 seriously injured.

The West Valley Fault Line traverses parts of Metro Manila. There is another thing I am worried about if the big one strikes. The structural integrity of the almost 50 year-old Angat Dam in the mountains of Norzagaray town (Bulacan) may not be strong enough to withstand such a quake. If that dam breaks up, Metro Manila will be dry for a long, long time. About 98 percent of our water requirements come from that dam. There will also be loss of lives and seri-

ous property damage along the path of the abruptly released water, in some Bulacan towns. Dr. Renato Solidum, Phivolcs executive director, has called for the immediate repair and strengthening of the rockfilled dam. Dr. Solidum told a disaster awareness conference in Bulacan that “Angat Dam is an old dam and must be fortified as soon as possible. It is old and sitting along the West Valley fault line.” Dr. Solidum said that when the West Valley fault line moves, it could create a magnitude 7.2 or an intensity 8 earthquake that could spell disaster of unimaginable proportions. He said that the West Valley fault line moves every 400 or 600 years and that the last recorded movement of the West Valley fault line was in 1658. “We cannot predict earthquakes, but we can brace for it by getting prepared and ready, and through disaster imagination,” Dr. Solidum said. I asked MWSS Administrator Gerry Esquivel about Angat Dam some months ago. “I am very aware of the situation,” he told me. “While this critical facility’s rehabilitation does not fall under MWSS mandate but NPC’s and PSALM’s, we took it upon ourselves to be the champion of this dam’s strengthening and remediation. “Personally, I envisioned Angat to be world-class and a state-of-the-art facility which is why we inserted in our proposal to NEDA, full instrumentation and the latest dedicated weather forecasting equipment for upstream and downstream.” Gerry said P-Noy was very supportive of this project which is why he approved it in September of 2012. The NEDA Board allocated P5.7B for immediate implementation. But legal problems around the privatization of Angat Dam delayed the start of the remediation project. I hope this Nepalese earthquake wakes up our bureaucrats. (The Philippine Star) n

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Who’ll Be the Next Teen Princess? By cherie del rio

HE throne and the tiara are waiting. Among today’s rising teen actresses, just who will be the next Teen Princess of showbiz?

Most of today’s roster of the hottest teen beauties hail from the Kapamilya network -- apparent heirs of Kim Chiu. Leading the pack are Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Barretto and Liza Soberano. The darling little sister of Anne Curtis, Jasmine Smith-Curtis from rival TV5, is likewise a contender.

Kathryn’s self-titled debut record likewise enjoyed the same success, earning the Gold certification immediately after release.

Wattpad story. What’s special about Liza is that although she is a relative newcomer to showbiz – compared to the likes of Kathryn and Julia -- she has already managed to enchant the hearts of audiences. Everyone seems to be in awe of her beauty (she can act and sing, too!). With that sweet smile and captivating eyes, who wouldn’t be? Liza is definitely gaining more and more followers every day, and she just might bag that Teen Princess crown!

ie Para sa Hopeless Romantic, said they are open to the possibility of falling in love with each other.

Stardom beckons

Kathryn Bernardo is a showbiz royalty in her own right. She is an actress, endorser, and just recently a recording artist. Although she was already able to establish a legitimate acting career early on, she rose unstoppably to stardom when she was paired off with Daniel Padilla. A few of Kathryn’s notable roles in pre-KathNiel days were the young Victoria in Magkaribal and Mara in the hit remake of Mara Clara. Kathryn was initially paired with Albie Casiño, but that love team did not blossom into the same wondrous showbiz sparkle that is now KathNiel. Today, Kathryn continues to amass a wealth of projects and along with it, an army of diehard fans. Last February, her movie with Daniel Padilla (Crazy Beautiful You) garnered over P100 million in box office earnings just a few days. KathNiel has been tapped in the lead roles in the much-awaited remake of Pangako Sa’Yo.

Kid sister

Showbiz royalty

Julia Barretto is no stranger to showbiz: her parents are both actors (Dennis Padilla and Marjorie Barretto), and her beauty is reminiscent of one of showbizlandia’s prettiest: her aunt Gretchen Barretto. Julia comes from the controversial Barretto clan, and as she prepared for her 18th birthday, she had a few controversial stories on her tail. She was estranged from her father for quite a while and wanted to drop his last name. However, in the days leading up to her debut, the two patched things up. Julia later announced that she will now keep her father’s last name. Julia has appeared in several teleseryes and has been paired off with two up and coming matinee idols: Enrique Gil and Iñigo Pascual. Julia and Iñigo who appeared in the mov-

Angelic face

The fresh, angelic face of newcomer Liza Soberano has swiftly captured the hearts of audiences. Liza plays the charming but meek Agnes Calay in the primetime teleserye Forevermore, alongside her onscreen (and rumored offscreen) partner Enrique Gil. Although Forevermore is what put Liza in the radar of who’s who in today’s list of shining young stars, Liza actually already appeared in several drama TV shows and movies, such as Maalala Mo Kaya, Got To Believe, and Wansapanataym. Liza also had roles in the 2013 flicks Must Be…Love and She’s The One. Reports say she will play the role of Sophia Taylor in the film The Bet, which is an adaptation of the popular

Jasmine Curtis-Smith, the younger sister of Kapamilya sweetheart Anne Curtis, is slowly working her way into stardom. She has quite a few TV and movie projects as well as a number of product endorsements. She’s got the beauty and the talent, but her exposure surely isn’t as massive as those of the three earlier mentioned. Her rise to fame may not be as fast as the other contenders’, but she’s getting there. In an interview, Jasmine was quoted to have said: “Basta ako kung saan may trabaho, dun naman talaga ako pumupunta, eh. Wala naman sa akin yung anong mas malakas na network or mas malakas na event or whatever.” The challenge is indeed much greater for Jasmine. Before she can claim the throne of Teen Princess, she must first get out of the shadow of big sister Anne. n

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Showbuzz No politics for Dingdong in 2016 HIS name is being floated as one of the senatorial bets of the Liberal Party (LP) in the 2016 elections but Dingdong Dantes clarifies that he is not seeking any elective position. “Karapatan naman nila to come up with their list, with their draft,” the Kapuso star said. “Sa akin, it’s an honor na napasama ako diyan. Sino naman ako para mapasama doon?” For now, Dingdong wants to focus on his career and his new family. His wife Marian Rivera is three months pregnant. “Bukod sa trabaho ko dito sa GMA ay focused ako in serving the Filipino youth and taking care of my wife and our baby. Wala sa plano ko iyon. I’m categorically saying na I’m not running for any electoral post this 2016,” he said. People have speculated on his interest in running for public office because of his youth advocacies. Aside from putting

Rachelle Ann is going places

Rachelle Ann in West End’s ‘Les Miserables’ Excited about stork’s arrival up the YesPinoy Foundation, Dingdong is also Commissioner of the National Youth Commission. “I never saw it coming. Ako naman ay isang volunteer lang. Dati pa nila sinasabi (na tatakbo ako), pero hindi naman. It’s a part of the whole process of

really participating sa mga social activities na nangyayari sa ating mga communities, sa country,” he said. He said he is excited about their first baby, adding that he feels that his life has more meaning now that he and Marian are starting a family.

Willie returns to TV HIS was a familiar spiel: “Bigyan lahat ng jacket ’yan!” This was what TV host Willie Revillame opened with when he returned to TV via the new game show Wowowin! last May 10. The first episode of the new show, which airs every Sunday on GMA-7, had a dance segment shot on the helipad of the host’s own Wil Tower Mall. The rest of the show was held in the new studio along Kalayaan Avenue in Quezon City. Almost 300 dancers performed on the show, with actresses Lovi Poe, Kylie Padilla and Wynwin Marquez adding glitz to the proceedings. Known to popularize upbeat

songs, Willie’s opening song was Sumayaw, Gumalaw, Tumalon. He performed the song with Wowowin Girls, a group composed of dancers from past incarnations of the show. Wowowin! is Willie’s eighth game show since he launched his career. The games on Wowowin! are no different from the ones in previous shows. The “Bigyan Ng Jacket ’Yan” segment led to “Jacket Jackpot,” where the winner takes home a brand new car. The second game, “Willie of Fortune,” has become “Wil To Win” wherein a contestant can take home P1 million, a house and lot and a brand new car.

How long will his latest reincarnation last? The show is not opening its studios to live audiences for now.

RACHELLE Ann Go was chosen as the new Fantine in London’s West End production of the hit musical Les Miserables. The announcement was made on May 11 through the Les Miserables official Twitter account. Before bagging the role of Fantine, Rachelle Ann Go was picked to play the role of Gigi in the West End revival of Miss Saigon where she won the Whatsonstage Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical and Best Featured Actress in the BroadwayWorld West End awards. Rachelle Ann took to Twitter to express her excitement for her new role. “I guess it’s official! I will be FANTINE!!!! Aaaaaaaahhhhh!,” she said. She will join the Les Miserables cast on June 15. Tony Award winner Lea Salonga once played the role of Eponine during the 10th anniversary production of Les Miserables in 1993. This year, Les Miserables will celebrate its 30th year in London.

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Showbuzz Julia tells Iñigo: Don’t be ‘torpe’

Will their team-up click? JULIA Barretto describes her leading man Iñigo Pascual as “torpe.” Asked by reporters how they were asked how similar they are to their characters in the upcoming film Para sa

Hopeless Romantic, Iñigo said, like his character, he is a “shy type of guy.” But Julia had a different take, saying Iñigo is “torpe.” “Torpe is when you can’t say how you feel. Shy guy is just shy,” she explained. The two have become fast friends, leading Iñigo to come to Julia for love advice, as revealed by the young actress. So when asked to give Iñigo love advice, Julia replied: “You know what, ang pagiging torpe ng lalaki nasasakanya ‘yan. No matter ano i-advise ko, at the end of the day nasa iyo ‘yan. Kung

may gusto kang mangyari, make it happen. I always tell him to be himself. Di ba, kung may gusto kang ligawan, go!” Before Julia was paired to Iñigo, she was paired to a number leading men, including Enrique Gil and Sam Concepcion. Among the three of them, she’s most comfortable with Iñigo. “I can be myself, I can act like a kid (with Iñigo),” she explained. “Kasi nga I’m an old soul, and it’s Inigo who brings out the kid in me all the time. Parang siya ‘yong nag-remind sa akin na, ‘Relax! Have fun!’”

Ex-beauty queen pregnant with Cesar’s baby? RUMORS are flying fast that Cesar Montano and Miss Philippines Earth 2009 Sandra Seifert are in a relationship and that the model is pregnant with the actor’s baby. According to reports the two flew to Las Vegas to watch the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight. There have been sightings of the couple together as well as photos of the two on social media. From Las Vegas, the two reportedly proceeded to visit Cesar’s sister in Italy. It is there where Sandra is reportedly planning to deliver the baby. When confronted by TV Patrol about the rumors, Sandra replied via Viber: “Unfortunately I cannot comment on this issue

Sandra and Cesar: What’s the score? right now. Hope you understand dear.” Cesar has also remained mum about the issue. Although he and wife, Sunshine Cruz, are estranged, they remain legally married.

Sunshine have two pending cases against Cesar – one, for physical abuse, and another for the actor’s “indecent” or “vulgar” behavior in front of their children.

No skimpy outfit for Sarah.

Sarah’s idea of being sexy SARAH Geronimo is still a bit shy whenever people describe her as “sexy’, especially that the term is usually related to wearing skimpy outfit and showing more skin. In fact, Sarah does not see herself wearing such clothes when she’s not performing. “Hindi po kasi ganun ang personality ko, e,” Sarah said in an interview recently. “Alam ko na mai-improve pa ‘yong katawan ko by working out and eating healthier. Pero hindi, e. Hindi ko talaga nakasanayan ‘yon. Mabuti na ‘yong you’re being you, hindi ka nagko-conform sa style ng iba.” Of course, to feel sexier, Sarah said, it’s also important to always feel confident. “It’s a state of mind. ‘Yong confidence kasi kailangan mo siya i-imbibe,” she explained. “Kailangan mo siyang ilagay sa puso mo, sa utak mo. Hindi ibig sabihin na, ‘Ang ganda-ganda ko, sobra.’ Hindi ganun, e. It’s acceptance—accepting who you are and all your imperfections.”

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Ombudsman Panel Finds Cause to Indict Binays for Graft T By aries rufo

HE allegedly overpriced P2.2billion Makati city hall parking building “is a grand corruption scheme” involving “the diversion of people’s money” and raiding of city government coffers for the benefit of favored contractors. This is the conclusion arrived at by a special panel of Ombudsman probers that looked into the controversial 5-phased project that spanned the terms of father and son tandem Vice President Jejomar Binay Sr and current Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. The panel report seeks to indict Binay and his son, other Makati officials, and several private contractors “for criminal and administrative charges” in connection with the “illegal procurement and payment for the design and construction of the Makati city hall parking building.” It also sets the stage for a possible impeachment of the elder Binay, considered the man to beat in the 2016 presidential race. “The case of the Makati parking building is a clear instance of diversion of people’s money and putting it on the hands of favored private contractors. The release of millions of pesos for unutilized working drawings and plans, and the circumvention and violation of procurement laws to favor the contractors, have indeed, raided the coffers of the city government of Makati. The public officials responsible for such illegal transaction, and the private contractors who conspired

with them, should therefore be held accountable,” the panel report said. The Vice President did not submit his counter-affidavit but questioned the authority of the Ombudsman to investigate him, citing a provision in Republic Act 6770, the law that created the Ombudsman, which excludes impeachable officials like him from the disciplinary action of the anti-graft body. But this argument was trashed by the special panel, which argued that while Section 21 of RA 6770 limits the disciplinary authority of the Ombudsman for impeachable officials, it does not restrict the investigatory power of the Ombudsman which is “all encompassing.” The panel cited Section 13, Article XI of the Constitution and Section 15 of the Ombudsman law, which grants authority to the Ombudman to investigate and prosecute “any public official or employee…” Section 22 of the Ombudsman law also clearly states that even impeachable officials are within the ambit of the Ombudsman’s prosecutorial

mandate, the panel said. Section 22 states: “The Office of the Ombudsman shall have the power to investigate any serious misconduct in office allegedly committed by officials removable by impeachment, for the purpose of filing a verified complaint for impeachment, if warranted.” The panel said the Vice President’s refusal to submit his counter-reply is considered “a waiver of his right to present his evidence and controvert the charges against him.” An administrative case and suspension order had earlier been slapped against the younger Binay in connection with the Makati parking building case but this was restrained by the Court of Appeals. The issue is pending before the Supreme Court. In its report, the panel concluded that the Binay father

Father and son have ruled Makati for 29 years. and son should face administrative and criminal proceedings after finding probable cause that they colluded with several Makati local officials and private contractors on the allegedly overpriced Makati parking building. The report said the P2.2-billion project was tainted with irregularities – from the lack of public bidding for the architectural and design services to falsification of the bid documents and lack of required appropriation. The grand scheme gave “unwarranted benefits” to: • MANA Architectural and Design Company which got paid more than P11 million despite failing to provide the architectural design of the building; • Hilmarc’s Construction which cornered all the five phases of the project. The Bids and Awards committee under both the administrations of the Vice President and his son “disregarded procurement rules” and that rigging in the award of the project were boosted by the admissions of Makati engineer Mario Hechanova and former Makati general services department head Ernesto Aspillaga. Both Hechanova and Aspillaga testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee that all bidding activities in Makati were rigged. Quite telling is the fact that the invitations to bid were found to be fake, as testified to by the newspaper owners and editors. They said the Makati City government had placed no advertisements in their papers. (Rappler.com) n

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PH economy remains an exception

HE PHILIPPINES will continue to be the “exception” in Asia and in the world as its economy is expected to continue its upward growth momentum, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said. “We see falling potential growth in the world and in Asia in general, but the Philippines is an outlier,” IMF resident representative Shanaka Jayanath Peiris said in a briefing yesterday. Peiris said a big factor is the country’s demographics, as more and more Filipinos join the labor force. Another thing that will drive Philippine potential growth further is the rising investments, he said. IMF’s current estimate of the Philippines’ annual potential growth is at six to 6.5 percent. Peiris said the IMF would update this figure during its Article IV Consultation slated next week. The IMF last month increased its forecast for Philippine eco-

FULL PAGE AD The Philippines will continue to be the “exception” in Asia and in the world as its economy is expected grow.

nomic growth this year to 6.7 percent from an earlier projection of 6.6 percent. The latest estimate is faster than the 6.1 percent expansion recorded last year but still short of the

government’s seven- to eightpercent target for 2015. For next year, the IMF expects economic growth to slow down to 6.3 percent, also below the government’s seven to eight

percent target for that period. The Philippines should remain as Southeast Asia’s growth driver this year until the next, Peiris said, despite a slower first quarter growth versus the fourth quarter of last year. “Manufacturing and exports are weaker, but domestic demand remains strong. This suggests that growth is overall strong… definitely stronger than first quarter of 2014 but may not be stronger than fourth quarter of 2014,” Peiris said. Risks to growth this year include the slowdown in activity in Japan and in China, as they are among the biggest trade partners of the Philippines, the IMF official said. Peiris said the divergence in monetary policies across advanced economies also pose a downside risk to the country and the region in general as they could lead to shifts in interest rates and possibly tighter financial conditions. (Philstar) .

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Foreign trade groups draw up key proposals for PH govâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

experiencing strong and sustained economic growth ahead of the establishment of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) by yearend. EU ambassador to the Philippines Guy Ledoux said the recommendations were consistent with some of the experiences of FULL European industry in the Philip-PAGE pines, and were all deemed important for the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continued economic development. The implementation of these proposals is also described to be key determinants for further trade engagement with Europe. (Inquirer)

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By gemma nemenzo

OW that we have reached retirement age and are about to begin a new phase in our lives, the eternal question of expats confronts us – do we go home to where we began, or do we stay where we are now?

For those who haven’t been away for too long, the answer is unequivocal: Yes, we are going home. To stay. That was my answer too, deep into my expat years. Now,

Do we go home to where we began, or do we stay where we are now?

Expat Realities:

Is it the Journey or Is it the Destination?

when the reality of a reverse upheaval, aka repatriation, looms large -- too large sometimes – the thought of ripping out roots once again the way I did it 27 years ago is no longer as exciting or appealing to my senior brain and creaky bones. For the many who have grown roots in their adopted country, the answer is not that easy. Do we, or don’t we? We meet up with old friends and after the usual catchingup ritual – what ailments, what medications have taken over our daily lives, who have died, who are dying, who should be dead tsk tsk, if only -- we settle down to confronting the big question as we chew on our bibingka and slurp our halo halo in an effort to blunt the burden of decision-making. And after a dozen or more get-togethers, none of us has really come up with a definite answer, although the consensus is that the six-monthsthere-six-months-here arrangement seems to be ideal; at least for now when we’re still able to

The tug of the homeland is strong even as we are confronted by the dark side: congestion, heat, inefficiency, toxic politics, bureaucracy. travel long distances, endure long plane rides and afford the ever-increasing airfares. But we all know that this strategy is finite – eventually, health and finances will diminish and we’re back to the question of where we will stay put, although by that time we probably won’t have options anymore. We hear from those who have gone home, their stories about how leisurely their lives have become with the househelp, the dollar going a longer way, the heavenly food, the beaches, the vacation spots,

the music, the unclocked hanging out with friends, and our mouths water with envy. But then as we go home for a spell to test the waters we are also confronted with the dark side: The horrendous traffic and the unrelenting pollution in Metro Manila; the heat; the bureaucracy; the inefficiency; the toxic politics; the lack of health insurance; and the relatives who look at us as walking, breathing ATMs. And we falter. Do we, or don’t we? Perhaps we’re looking at this the wrong way. Perhaps the

question is not a do-or-don’t but rather a why-and-where. Why is it that we’re even allowing ourselves this dilemma when we can unequivocally decide that the US (or whatever country we are in) is home, the Philippines merely a vacation place? Why is the tug of the homeland still a potent force in our consciousness that we can’t ignore? Is it the actual return to our country of origin that appeals to us, or is it our natural restlessness, our need for new beginnings (or the imperative of endings) that pulls us away from our currently settled lives? The next question then is where – where do we go next as we continue to pursue the adventure that began decades ago when we uprooted ourselves from the comfortable and familiar to try a new life? Is it time to move once again, to the next part of our voyage until we reach the point where our road leads us back to where we really belong? When questions like these percolate within me, I always revert to a poem that has guided my thoughts ever since I learned about freedom, resurrection and reinvention. Always keep Ithaca on your mind. To arrive there is your ultimate goal, But do not hurry the voyage at all. It is better to let it last for many years, And to anchor at the island when you are old, Rich with all you have gained on the way, Not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches. Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage Without her you would never have set out on the road. --“Ithaca” by Constantine Cavafy (1911) May we all have the chance to savor our personal Ithaca some day. When we are ready. (Positively Filipino) n

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The Philippines is the third-biggest recipient of cash transfers, after India and China.

Low oil prices were to impact employment prospects and wage growth for OFWs in the Middle East.

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Declining remittances mean less business for shopping malls, fast-food chains, cell phone companies and condominiums.

Dwindling Remittances

OR years the Philippine economy benefited from the billions of dollars sent home by the more than 10 million overseas Filipino workers. Hailed as modern-day heroes, these workers remitted a record $24.31 billion in cash last year, with the bulk of the money coming from the United States, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong and Canada. Also last year, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration reported that 1.6 million Filipinos were deployed abroad, and that job orders jumped 11 percent to 878,609, of which 44 percent were for workers in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Taiwan and Qatar. The Philippines is one of the world’s top labor exporters. It is the third-biggest recipient of cash transfers, after India and China. Money sent home by OFWs were equivalent to 8.5 percent of the country’s gross domestic product in 2014. These funds, in turn, are a strong driver of consumer spending, which makes up twothirds of the domestic economy. These inflows also ensure a steady supply of dollars to the economy to cover the money needed to pay for imports. Last month, however, an alarm was raised: Growth in remittances this year may not be as robust. The reason is that some parts of the world where many OFWs are based face economic difficulties. While the

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas noted that remittance growth recovered in February to 4.2 percent, the money sent home by OFWs during the preceding month grew by just 0.5 percent. For the first two months of the year, remittances were up by 2.4 percent, which is among the weakest growth rates for remittances in years. The signs were there in the last quarter of 2014. In November, cash transfers from overseas Filipinos grew at their slowest pace in more than five years. According to data from the BSP, growth in OFW remittances slowed to 2 percent in November from October’s 7percent expansion. While the slower growth in November was likely a result of the weak-

er peso—which meant that OFWs could send less dollars back to the Philippines and still be able to meet expenses in the country—that was also the time when crude oil prices started to plummet. Growth in remittances in November at just 0.1 percent was the slowest since January 2009, or months after the start of the 2008 global financial crisis. The concerns are coming from two fronts. First, economic growth in the developed world has remained stagnant. While the American economy is showing early signs of recovery (an indication is the strengthening dollar), economic activity elsewhere—particularly in the euro zone—has remained weak. The second is cheap crude prices. The price of the benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude oil has nearly been halved from $93.82 a barrel in 2014. In a recent note to its clients, Standard Chartered Bank expressed doubt that the strength of remittances would hold up in the coming months, given the weaknesses in countries hosting OFWs. Remittances from Asia have contracted for three consecutive months and growth in remittances from Europe declined for eight consecutive months, the bank said. It added that inflows from the Middle East could also ease if low

oil prices were to impact employment prospects and wage growth for overseas workers. A big portion of OFWs work in the Middle East, a region that relies heavily on revenues from oil. A weakening in remittances should be expected and the government must act accordingly. It is worth studying how the billions of dollars in remittances received by the Philippines have actually impacted the overall economy in general and the family beneficiaries in particular. Can it be that only the owners of shopping malls, fast-food chains, cell phone companies and condominiums gained so much from the OFW windfall? This observation follows the lackluster expansion of small and medium-size (SME) manufacturing or microfinancing for small businesses, or even the agricultural sector, which continues to lag behind in terms of technology and infrastructure. It will really be a shame if the billions of dollars sent home by Filipino migrants toiling abroad only went to industries feeding on consumers’ expenditures instead of growing such sectors as SMEs. The government should realize that it cannot forever depend on OFW remittances to fuel or sustain consumption-induced economic growth. (Philippine Daily Inquirer) n

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Flash Disputed Island

Residents and soldiers conduct a flag raising ceremony during by Armed Forces chief General Gregorio Pio Catapan’s visit to Pag-asa Island on May 11. The island is part of the Kalayaan Group of Islands in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), which China is claiming.

s Light Display A group of pregnant women holds a protest on Mother’s Day at the Quezon City Memorial Circle against a Quezon City ordinance prohibiting home births in the city.

Lull Before the Storm

s Mother’s Day Protest

Nearly five months after being declared one of the cities among the New7Wonders Cities of the world, the heritage city of Vigan in Ilocos Sur was officially inaugurated in a colorful lights show on May 7.

Farmers in Cagayan province work double time harvesting palay ahead of Typhoon Noul, locally called Dodong, which made landfall in northern Philippines last May 10.

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Flash Carabao Canvas

Local artists paint art over the body of a carabao that will participate in the parade and contest in the recently concluded ‘Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts’ in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

Vigil for Mary Jane

A group of activists keep vigil outside the Indonesian Embassy in Makati City in a last-minute ditch appeal to spare the life of Filipina domestic Mary Jane Veloso. Their prayers were answered when Veloso was granted a reprieve on the eleventh hour.

s Cheering for Pacman

Fans watch the “Fight of the Century” between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather on a live telecast monitor in Plaza Miranda, Manila. The scene was repeated in numerous indoor venues and public places across the country.

Live Fire Exercise

Philippine and US troops stage a mock assault during a live fire exercise on the last day of the joint military exercise at Crow Valley in Capas, Tarlac on April 30.

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Foreign trade groups draw up key proposals for PH gov’t

UROPEAN BUSINESS groups in the country for the first time crafted a consolidated, comprehensive white book containing cross sector and industry specific advocacy papers, which identified crucial legislative and operational changes that the Philippine government should implement to have a more competitive environment for foreign businesses. The advocacy papers, all aimed at facilitating market access and ensuring a level playing field in the country, were drawn up by the EU-Philippines Business Network (EBPN). The network was co-funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium of European business organizations based in the Philippines. The recommendations were deemed crucial at this juncture as the Philippines is currently experiencing strong and sustained economic growth ahead of the establishment of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) by yearend. Henry J. Schumacher, vice president for external affairs of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Inc. (ECCP), noted in a briefing on Tuesday that this was a good time for the government to implement the proposals as foreign firms were increasingly looking at the Philippines as potential site for a regional hub. Also, European manufacturing firms may take advantage of the country’s inclusion in the EU’s new generalized system of preferences (GSP+). Under this scheme, over 6,200 lines of products manufactured or produced in the Philippines may be exported to Europe with zero duties. There are proposals that can readily be addressed by the government in the remaining 13 months of the Aquino administration, Schumacher said. But there are also the more complex ones that will have to undergo legislation and may thus take time. ECCP president Michael Raeu-

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The PH gov’t should implement to have a more competitive environment for foreign businesses.

ber similarly underscored the importance of heeding the proposals, explaining that while the country is well on its way to become a major Asian player on the global market, the Philippine government and the private sector must ensure that the necessary foundations are laid to ensure that the rapid economic growth will translate into long term, sustainable and inclusive growth. “European business can and is willing to join hands with Philippine partner organizations and local companies, including small- and medium-sized enterprises to achieve this goal by generating quality employment, transferring valuable technology and expertise, providing a wider choice of products in the market, which will benefit the quality and cost of products reaching the Filipino consumer,” Raeuber said. “Legislative reforms that reflect changing market needs and match what competing markets are offering are crucial. A fair competition law, the enactment

“European business can and is willing to join hands with Philippine partner organizations and local companies...”

of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, the adoption of the co-loading bill, and the removal of professions from the Foreign Investment PriorityList need to be prioritized,” Raeuber added.

According to EBPN, there were nine cross-sector papers. Most stressed the need for the Philippines to further liberalize its economy by revising the Foreign Investment Negative List (FINL); to enact the national Fair Competition Law; amend the Government Procurement Reform Act; rationalize fiscal incentives without having to remove the provision for income tax holidays; and enact the Customs and Modernization Tariff Act. EU ambassador to the Philippines Guy Ledoux said the recommendations were consistent with some of the experiences of European industry in the Philippines, and were all deemed important for the country’s continued economic development. The implementation of these proposals is also described to be key determinants for further trade engagement with Europe. (Inquirer)

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OT all beaches are created equal. Besides Boracay, where else to hit the beach in the Philippines? We asked top travel photographers and aficionados to share their favorite sandy spots throughout the Philippine islands

1. BITAUG BEACH - Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte Main draw: Bitaug is one of Dinagat islands’ eight beautiful beaches and a great site for rock climbing. How to get there: Fly to Surigao City, Surigao del Norte from Manila. From Surigao Airport, take a 10-minute multicab ride to Claver Port to catch a boat to San Jose, Dinagat Islands, an hour’s travel. 2. LITTLE BORACAY BEACH - Sta. Maria, Davao

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10 Best Beaches

of the Philippines

How to get there: There are daily flights and daily deluxe buses from Manila to Naga City. From Naga City, take a shuttle bus to Sabang, and from its Caramoan-Naga port, take a two-hour boat ride to Caramoan.

8. SAN VICENTE BEACH

CARAMOAN PENINSULA MAIRA-IRA BEACH

Del Sur Main draw: Named after the famous Boracay Island in the Visayas, Little Boracay, just like its namesake, has beautiful powdery white sand beach — a shorter stretch at 2 km — but without the tourist crowd. How to get there: There are daily flights from Manila to Davao City. From Davao City, take an aircon bus bound for Malita (P80-P150 or about US $2-$3). From the town of Malita, take a tricycle (P20 per person) to Sta. Maria town. From Sta. Maria’s poblacion or center, it’s another 15 minute tricycle ride to Little Boracay.

4. NAGSASA COVE - San Antonio, Zambales Main draw: Nagsasa Cove reminds some people of the American film Brokeback Mountain. The stunning Nagsasa mountain range wraps around the unspoiled hidden cove, where you can pitch a tent for the night if you are adventurous enough. How to get there: Take a Victory Liner bus from Manila to Iba or Sta. Cruz and get off in San Antonio.

3. MAIRA-IRA BEACH Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte Main draw: Maira-ira Cove’s picture perfect blue waters and white sand are especially dramatic when viewed from the top of a hill near the cove. How to get there: There are daily flights from Manila to Laoag Airport, where waiting vans regularly serve Pagudpud. There are also deluxe buses that ply the Manila-Pagudpud route daily.

5. LAKAWON ISLAND Cadiz Viejo, Negros Occidental Main draw: Coconut and talisay trees line Lakawon Island. It offers a gorgeous nine-hectare white-sand beach and a panoramic view of Panay Island. How to get there: There are daily flights from Manila to Bacolod in Negros Occidental. To reach the island from Bacolod City, take a 45-minute bus trip to Kaduha-an in Cadiz City. From Kaduha-an, take a tricycle

WHITE ISLAND

to Cadiz Viejo where you will find small motorized boats to take you to the island.

6. WHITE ISLAND

- Mambajao, Camiguin Main draw: The delicate 2km sandbar with Mount HibokHibok and Mount Vulcan in the backdrop. How to get there: Take a flight from Manila to Cagayan de Oro (CDO). From CDO, commute to CDO seaport where you can take a two-hour ferry to Camiguin’s Benoni Port. From Benoni, take a jeep or multicab or hire a van to Mambajao or ask to be dropped off at your resort destination.

7. CARAMOAN PENINSULA - Caramoan, Camarines Sur Main draw: Dubbed the “Palawan of Bicol”, Caramoan has pristine beaches with unique, towering limestone cliffs, caves, and lagoons.

- San Vicente, Palawan Main draw: The 14-km stretch of unspoilt beach, the longest in the country, and its abundant wildlife. How to get there: Take a flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa City. From the city, it’s a two-and-a-half-hour land travel to Port Barton, San Vicente. From the public market in Puerto Princesa, jeepneys leave daily for Port Barton at about 8 a.m.

9. CAMIGUIN ISLAND

Babuyan Islands Main draw: Secluded beaches and a chance to see 45-footlong humpbacks. How to get there: Take a flight from Manila to Tuguegarao, Cagayan. From Tuguegarao, hop on a jeep that will take you to Aparri in two hours. From Aparri, take an eight-hour ferry ride to Camiguin Island.

10. HIDDEN BEACH

- El Nido, Palawan Main draw: Your perfect beach — Extremely white sand, clear waters, stunning views of centuries-old limestone cliffs. How to get there: From Miniloc Island Resort in El Nido take a boat to Matinloc Island (less than an hour) where the Hidden Beach is located. Island Transvoyager, Inc. offers regular flights to El Nido. From El Nido’s port, several boats offers island hopping tours that will get you to Hidden Beach. (Inflight.ph) n

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TROPICAL rainforest has regrown against all odds on the edge of the Philippine capital’s biggest open-air dump, and is now a patch of green paradise in a sprawling metropolis blighted by giant slums.

The only nature park in Manila, the La Mesa watershed, a thicket about a fifth the size of Paris, wraps around a dam that stores drinking water for the metropolis of 14 million people.

Forest Paradise Re-emerges in Manila

“It’s as if you’ve left Manila,” Anton Haltland, manager of a car dealership, told Agence France-Presse (AFP) after he and his friends spent half a day riding mountain bikes under thick canopies and knee-deep river crossings. “As if you’ve slipped into a different time zone of a bygone era... it ticks all the boxes for challenge and beauty.” About 300,000 people visit the watershed and its more than 50 kilometers (30 miles) of nature trails each year, according to park officials. The tropical rainforest within a city is the product of a 15-year partnership involving the national government, water companies and environmental groups. Before then, the forest surrounding the reservoir had been largely burnt off, replaced with a patchwork of farms and shanties that had been expanding in parallel with the nation’s fast-growing population. “Most of these informal settlers depended on the watershed’s resources to make a living, so they cut trees for lumber, charcoal or firewood. The cleared areas were turned into vegetable plots,” project manager Dave Azurin told AFP.

To understand what would have happened to the area if not for the conservation efforts requires simply looking from a ridge across to the massive slums that border the watershed and are home to about 350,000 people. One of the city’s biggest open-air dump sites is also next to it. But since the re-greening efforts started, more than 750,000 trees have been planted and are now home to 125 bird species, according to Azurin. He said 99 of the tree species were endemic to the Philippines, and many of them were endangered. More than 7,000 illegal settlers who were living in the watershed were also gradually relocated to nearby areas, thanks to free housing provided by the state water utility, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System. Nevertheless, the programme has not been a complete success, nor without its dangers. Unknown to many visitors, the park remains besieged by intruders who cut and steal trees, and at times even build

shanties inside. The park’s first line of defence is a perimeter wall about the height of two adults, but trespassers easily use crowbars and hammers to make holes, according to forest ranger Exequiel Lobres. “We’d plug a hole today and they’d be back to punch another one through when no one is looking,” Lobres said. “It’s a dangerous job. We’re always fighting fires set off by outsiders. Some of them are armed.” In the most infamous incident, armed settlers raided the rangers’ bunkhouse in 2002 and beheaded its caretaker. The assailants also set fire to the building and several watchtowers along the watershed, according to Azurin, who was among a group of rangers

and project officials threatened at gunpoint during the raid. He said four suspects were later arrested, tried and convicted of the murder, while another remained at large. Between three and five people are still charged in court each year for cutting and stealing trees or burning the forest, while many more minor violators are sent away on a reprimand, according to Azurin. The park has 59 forest rangers, but they are armed only with machetes and chemical sprays with which to fight fires. However he said the problem of interference by people in neighbouring areas was starting to improve. “We believe the worst is behind us. These incidents are on a downtrend,” he said, crediting an educational campaign in the surrounding communities as key to preventing further violence. Nevertheless, Azurin said informal settlers still remained on about 225 hectares (555 acres), just over 10 percent of the forest, in an ownership dispute with the state water utility, he added. The case has been tied up in the courts for years, holding up the reforestation effort. And the watershed’s future is by no means secure, according to Gina Lopez, the head of the reforestation programme. She said the programme is due to end next year and the national government had yet to decide whether to extend the partnership with the green groups and various state agencies involved. She warned that, without proper funding to guard the watershed, trespassers would easily come in and cut down the trees, which would become increasingly valuable as they matured. “In a few years’ time this forest is going to be worth zillions of pesos (dollars),” Lopez said. (Agence France-Presse) n

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WHAT’S ON

HE UPGRADING of airports - the first window to the country for new arrivals - and good roads leading to tourist destinations are touted among the factors that led to a rise in the Philippines’ rank in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2015, Palace officials said. And, believe it or not, even a huge flower with a funny smell can be one of the country’s best ways of showing tourists how, indeed, it’s more fun in the Philippines, as officials look to the new tourist revenues promised by the completion of a multimillion access road leading to the rare giant flower, Rafflesia, found only in the region, and of which the country accounts for the biggest number (10, and counting) of species found. The latest edition of the global report has ranked the Philippines 74th out of 141 countries. “This is an improvement from the [2013] report, which ranked us at 82 out of 140,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said. She noted that “the President and his administration have been taking strides to craft and to implement the tourism development plan, which means that tourism is not just the responsibility of the Department of Tourism, but also the responsibility of departments that have something to do with tourism.” She then cited as examples, “mainly the airports under the DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications), the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) for fixing roads that lead to tourist destinations.” High in price competitiveness, openness Valte said the 2015 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report showed the Philippines scored very high in price competitiveness and prioritization of travel and tourism and international openness. “Also, we continue to see this in the figures of visitor arriv-

TRAVEL Tourism competitiveness rises on good pricing, more access roads

FULL PAGE AD als that we have because from 2010, it has consistently been going up. At the end of 2014, we logged in 4,833,368 international visitor arrivals for the year, and we hope to continue to see those numbers going up as well as numbers for domestic tourism as well,” Valte stressed. She sees the series of long weekends for 2015 as boosting tourism even more. Safety, security addressed Meanwhile, in response to reporters’ queries, Valte conceded that a part of the WEF report showed low performance by the Philippines in the areas of ground infrastructure, port infrastructure, and safety and security. Valte said measures are being undertaken with regard to safety and security as part of “an overall plan.” But for tourism-related initiatives, “we still have TOP COP (Tourism Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection),” where tourist police tourinely patrol the tourist spots especially in high-volume periods like Holy Week and summer, as well as in December, when tourists from cold places flock here to escape the winter. As for infrastructure, “of course, we will continue to address this by means of the tourism infrastructure plan un-

der the DPWH,” Valte said. The DPWH has identified roads that either need repair or need to be constructed in order to give faster access to tourists to vacation spots in the country, according to her. (Interaksyon)

“The administration has been taking strides to craft and to implement the tourism development plan...”

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May, Come She Will By gemma nemenzo

OR those who have spent part of their lives in the Philippines, May is just as much a month of flowers and sunshine. When we were kids, we would spend part of our afternoons stringing garlands of calachuchi (frangipani) and sampaguita, or arranging bouquets out of the many blooms around us. Then we would walk to church for the daily service called Flores de Mayo that involved saying the rosary and some prayers to the Virgin Mary before lining up to offer our individual floral creations. While the priest would often remind us that any offering will do, that even a blade of grass is welcome, we would always try for the best combination of colors and smells not just to honor the Virgin Mary but to titillate our senses. In our young hearts, nothing was more satisfying than to press one’s nose on a colorful bouquet of subtle fragrances. There was one time when we dared go beyond the yellow bells, the red gumamelas, and the violetas that were always within our reach, and aspired for the fiery orange blossoms of the caballero trees that lined a street in the UP campus. Those were old trees, see, and in their full glory they formed a canopy that was an explosion of color so intense, we could only compare it to fire. Like moths to flame, we were drawn to them, despite the warnings of the adults and the danger posed by the buses that plied that route. May back home is also the month of the Santacruzan, an elaborate procession that has been transformed in the past decades into a showcase of wealth, a fashion show for aspiring couturiers, and a beauty pageant, all in one. In many instances, the religious intent is overshadowed by the secular ostentation, something that I always thought the Catholic Church should object to except that such displays of extravagance must also mean a propor-

tional increase in its coffers. To those of us with provincial roots, this month always brings nostalgia for the fiestas. A number of important saints – notably San Isidro, the patron saint of farmers – have their feast days in May, thus many normally sleepy towns explode in once-a-year revelry. A town fiesta is enough reason to go home, not just for those who have moved to different areas in the Philippines but especially for expats and those who want to witness Philippine culture at its most hospitable. For strangers in the town who are just there to enjoy the proceedings, a fiesta can be a feast of the senses. There would be church bells peeling at various times, loudspeakers blaring music and/or the yells of peddlers, raucous public dances in the plaza, stage shows featuring aspiring local singers and comedy skits by midgets, cockfights and the accompanying roar of the crowd, ferris wheels and mini roller coasters eliciting screams,

Flores de Mayo procession in Pila, Laguna

Santacruzan parade in Manila and booths featuring various strange games that would involve such oddball elements as white mice and spiders. Because May is the height of summer, there would be vendors displaying juices and ice cream of various tastes and hues, scooped out into glasses cursorily dipped in a basin of already foggy water. Then of course there is the food: everyone is expected to go to each house, even of strangers, to partake of the fare the hosts spent a year saving for. It would be rude not to eat and rudeness is a no-no during fiestas, when townsfolk and visitors alike forget about decorum and reserve, and allow themselves to be swept into the rhythm of the Bacchanalian celebration. For former residents going home to visit, the annual fiesta is almost like a spiritual retreat, a time for grounding. No matter how far they have gone

from their former lives, there is always the thrill of looking up those who stayed behind and returning to the rituals that used to bind them to each other. I have always been envious of how my brother and sister could naturally slip into the slow beat of life in our father’s hometown and start conversations with their old friends like the interruption happened yesterday, not decades before. Since I’ve never spent more than a week there, I was always the semi-stranger who was treated royally but could never share the nuances of life in the town. Yet when May comes around, I inevitably look back with fondness to the fiestas I’ve been to and the towns that hosted them, knowing deep in my heart that when the time comes for me to embrace a quiet life, those are the places I will return to and finally call my home. (Positively Filipino)

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Yorkshire Barrio Fiesta 2015 Time: 10am-5pm Venue: The Racecourse, Boroughbridge Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 1UG Contact: Lolita Boddy 01765 535015 or 07973 469450

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Bradford Barrio Fiesta 2015 Time: 10am-5pm Venue: Lady Hill Park, Allerton Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD15 7RJ

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Leicestershire Filipino Family Sports Day Venue: Judgemeadow Community College, Marydene Drive, Evington LE5 6HP Leicester Contact: jpamar@ yahoo.com

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117th Philippine Independence Party 2015 Venue: Volunteer Rooms, 19 High Street, Irvine, North Ayrshire KA12 0AL Contact: Nally - 01294539713 Marilyn 01475522459

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Bristol Barrio Fiesta 2015 Time: 8:30am6:30pm Venue: Eastville Park, Muller Rd Eastville, Bristol, BS5 6XA Contact: Honeylyn 07783343848 Clarence 07500896239 Hilda 07909724653

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WHAT’S ON Barrio Fiesta Hertfordshire 2015 Time: 8am-6pm Venue: Fairlands Valley Park Showground Arena, Broadhall Way, SG2 8RH Contact: 07534711757, 07428184063 07533764965

Oxfordshire Barrio Fiesta

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Venue: Tingewick Hall, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU Contact: joarielan@yahoo. com

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OBITUARY - Neria Gesmundo Reyes Business-woman and philanthropist

ERIA REYES, a wellknown figure in the Filipino business community in London, died on Monday, 30th March 2015 aged 74. She spent the early years of her career in the insurance and mortgage industries, and later became the powerhouse behind the development of Aurea Village, an exclusive gated subdivision in Tagaytay. Neria came to England in 1974 to join her husband, a diplomat who had just accepted a prestigious posting at the Philippine Embassy in London. She was 34 years old, independent-minded, filled with raw ambition, a mother raising two young children, and had little idea of how to be a diplomat’s wife. 1970s London had few Filipinos. Those who were there were part of an elite minority – professionals undertaking further training, students attending top universities, artists and asylum-seeking intellectuals fleeing from the oppressions of Martial Law. Neria joined a close-knit diplomatic community in which private entertaining was an unspoken obligation and wives were highly visible socialites. She learnt to host drinks parties, luncheons, and mah jong with meriendas, and accompanied her husband in doing the rounds of receptions, cocktails and dinners. The important social skills she would learn during this period – conversation, formal etiquette, and dressing appropriately - would later be brought effectively to bear on her business ventures. While Neria enjoyed the socializing, the diplomatic calendar for trailing spouses must have seemed to her unfulfilling. She wanted to be someone on her own terms, earn her own money, and was acutely aware of just how much respect wealth and success could bring a woman. A nanny was employed (the first of several who would, in quick succession, abandon the household and young charges, for London’s attractions). Neria got a job as a book-keeper, her first real job, in a shabby accountant’s office on Oxford Street. Although it was lowly work and modestly paid, the income it brought enabled her and her husband to buy a house. As a career diplomat, her husband did not foresee the family staying in England beyond his term. But with the purchase of the house, the first major step in settling had been unwittingly taken. The mid-1980s saw the Philippines in turmoil. The era of dictatorship under Ferdinand Marcos was coming to a spectacular end with the rise of an oppositional mass movement that came to be known the world over as ‘People Power’. Her husband faced returning to Manila and the prospect of a less attractive posting elsewhere. Neria took the decision to stay in London, compelling her husband to eventually resign from the diplomatic service. She had, by then, joined

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an insurance company, Transinternational Life, and her earnings were steadily increasing. She was not about to relinquish her own new-found career and financial freedom. The family stayed in London. Throughout the 1990s, Neria honed her business skills. She studied for an MBA and went from being an insurance agent, to a financial consultant and mortgage broker employed by the multinational insurance company, Aegon. She worked extremely hard and the company rewarded her with lavish, international trips: she flew to New York by Concord, returning by QE2; she traveled all over Europe, and visited the Caribbean and South America, sharing each trip with a member of her family. London, by this time, had become a magnet to Filipinos who were being recruited in the thousands as hospital auxiliaries and service workers in the catering and care sectors. This burgeoning community proved to be the niche market that Neria could naturally do business with. She counseled her compatriots on the intricacies of securing loans, mortgages, pensions and savings, life, and health insurances. As was her style, her professionalism had a friendly touch. Her mixing of business with socializing was instinctive. Clients would become solid friends and she shared in, as much as shaped, the fortunes of the Filipino community of which she was a part. Neria was born in 1940 in San Pablo, Laguna. Her large clan belonged to the well-to-do, land-owning, provincial upper middle class. Lawyers, economists and free masons counted amongst the male members on the paternal side, whilst female members on her mother’s

side owned and operated bakeries, dormitories for girls, and collected rental fees from commercial establishments that stood on their land. Although her own family was not particularly wealthy, their life was comfortable. She had two sisters and was the beloved middle child. Her parents doted on her and took an interest in her intellectual development from an early age. She had music lessons; a local Chinese shop-keeper was hired to give her extra maths tutoring. Her father was an agronomist and traveled all over the country investigating crop production and plant diseases. The family often accompanied him, and Neria learned to speak several Philippine languages. Her early years were spent in Bicol, a place and time she would always cherish. She schooled in Manila and, while supporting both herself and her younger sister, gained a degree in business administration at the University of the East. She met her future husband in 1960, under unorthodox circumstances. She was riding a jeep that was headed for Santa Cruz and he happened to sit opposite her. They married after a five-year courtship. By her own admission, her early married life was difficult. She contended with overbearing in-laws, lack of money, and a husband who was frequently away. Those hardship years informed the energy she gave to philanthropic work. The route she preached was progress and improvement, whether for herself or for others. In 1988 she helped found the Filipino Women’s Association (FWA), a charitable organization, which today continues to provide educational support to under-privileged children in the Philippines. Neria

brought her considerable contacts and commercial acumen to the Association and served as its first treasurer. On her own time and completely gratis, she helped innumerable Filipinos find employment, assisting with their work visas, citizenship documents, their efforts to petition family members left behind in the Philippines, and navigating Britain’s social security system. She privately supported young scholars in the Philippines from impoverished families, funding their high school and college education out of her own pocket. One child, after graduating with honors at the Ateneo de Naga in Bicol, went into banking and became her family’s breadwinner. Those with whom she did business were as impressed by Neria’s organizational skills as with her amiable warmth. The shelves in her home groaned with neatly labeled box files. She took a sincere, open-minded interest in people’s lives. And she was strikingly glamorous. Perhaps in response to the fierce competitiveness of the maledominated industry in which she moved, Neria’s dress sense was of the smartly feminine, polished chic variety, determinedly so. With her dinner party gowns long packed away, she adopted a working woman’s wardrobe. Petite and curvaceous, she favored bespoke skirt suits in powerful colors – cream, red, black; matching jackets with discreetly padded shoulders; a quality bag or briefcase. Patterned silk scarves, worn with loose panache, and stiletto-heeled shoes were her signature pieces. The shoes caused her to walk tortuously slow; gave her feet bunions, and brought pain and discomfort. But she persisted in wearing them. She always wanted to stand tall. Neria inhabited many social circles and, in some of the more conservative quarters, the sheen of affluence she wore and her strident independence, were the subject of envious rumor. Neria’s response was to shrug off the whisperings. She was obstinately positive in outlook. She respected convention and knew its boundaries, but she did not for an instant allow convention to limit what she sought to do. With her usual élan, she would say: “Never regret; pray; be grateful for all your blessings. And go for it!” Even in the last months of her life, when her illness had debilitated her to such an extent that she could no longer rise from bed, her optimism remained undimmed. She planned a trip to the Philippines; to Europe to see her grandchildren; kept in touch with friends by telephone; advised on Aurea Village matters; and took pleasure in the plants she tended – the potted orchids and amaryllis, and the cherry tree outside her window – all of which came into bloom in her final days. Neria died from complications arising from metastatic breast cancer. She is survived by her husband, children and numerous grandchildren. By Dr. Raquel A. G. Reyes 23 April 2015

MAY 2012 2015 APRIL

LONDON

EMBASSY NEWS

LONDON

EMBASSY OUTREACH - PLYMOUTH The Philippine Embassy is pleased to announce that appointment slots are still available for the Consular Outreach Mission in Plymouth on 30 May 2015. Date: 30 May 2015 (Saturday) Time : 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Venue : The Abbey Hall, Catherine Street, Plymouth, PL1 2AD Contact Person : (For details on the venue/on-site arrangements) Ms. Marie Manalo-Maramba 07427659599 mtmmmaramba@yahoo.com Dr. Inocencio C. Maramba 07838904893 cito.maramba@gmail.com Applicants are advised to check the documentary and other requirements at www.philembassy-uk.org and to download the application forms in advance from the same website. http://philembassy-uk.org/

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Notice of Hearing: Application for Registration for Overseas Voting Please be notified that the Resident Election Registration Board (RERB) of the Philippine Embassy in London, UK, will convene on 21 May 2015, at 10: a.m., Conference Room, Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, No. 10 Suffolk St., London, SW1Y 4HG, to conduct a hearing on the applications for registration/certification for overseas voting for the period of November-December 2014. Any interested party who objects to the application contained in the following lists (link below) may file their opposition in writing addressed to the RERB. SENEN T. MANGALILE Chairman

IMPLEMENTATION OF TERMINAL FEE INTEGRATION PROGRAM

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The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has advised that there is NO APPROVED JOB ORDER for UKbound nurses in MALTA as of this date. Filipino nurses who wish to work in the UK should apply through appropriate channels for recruitment of nurses into the UK. BEWARE OF ILLEGAL RECRUITERS!

PH Ambassador killed in plane crash - statement The Department of Foreign Affairs is deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan Hon. Domingo D. Lucenario, Jr. due to a helicopter crash incident in the Naltar Valley area of Pakistan. Ambassador Lucenario was a career ambassador who served the Philippine Government for over 35 years. During his term as Ambassador to Pakistan, relations between the Philippines and Pakistan have enjoyed a robust partnership in various areas of cooperation. Ambassador Lucenario was also the Philippines’ non-resident Ambassador to Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. A lawyer by profession, he served the Department in various capacities including assignments in Germany, Hong Kong, Australia, and as former Philippine Ambassador to Kenya with concurrent jurisdiction to 12 African nations. The Department of Foreign Affairs offers its deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of Ambassador Lucenario at this time of mourning. He is survived by his wife, Lawyer Nida Arada Lucenario and 3 children. Ambassador Lucenario was 54 years old.

01 November (deferred from 1 October) 2014, the Philippine Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) will be implementing the International Passenger Service Charge Integration Program, i.e., the IPSC – commonly known as the airport terminal fee - shall be incorporated into the cost of airline tickets at point of sale. The aim of the integration scheme is to address congestion in all Ninoy Aquino International (NAIA) terminals caused by the increasing volume of passengers, through the adoption of measures that reduce processing times.

EMBASSY CLOSURES FOR MAY-JUNE 2015 The public is advised that the Philippine Embassy will be closed on the following dates:

Monday, 25 May – Spring Bank Holiday Friday, 12 June – PHL Independence Day Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, 26 May and Monday, 15 June. In case of death or detention of a Filipino citizen in the United Kingdom, please contact the Embassy’s emergency mobile phone at 07802790695.

Philippine passports may not be used as collateral The Philippine Embassy in London advises the Filipino community that Philippine passports reported held as guarantee or collateral for loans/obligations are automatically cancelled upon notice by the passport holders as per Foreign Service Circular No. 214-99. The cancellation of said passports therefore renders the documents invalid for purposes of guaranteeing payment of loans/obligations. The Philippine Embassy reminds the Filipino Community that all Philippine passports are property of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and shall not be used as collateral for any loans/obligations.

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