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Verbatim I’m very unforgiving sa mga pasaway, especially the corrupt, doble-kara, hindi marunong lumugar at iyong sipsip. They don’t appeal to me.

Commission on Audit chairperson Grace Pulido-Tan, who is in the forefront of the investigation into the illegal use of pork barrel funds and other anomalies in government

If anyone reading this can prove to me that my husband has stolen any amount from his PDAF in his 12 years as senator, I will give you P10 million in cash and I will leave my husband. That is how confident I am.

Sharon Cuneta tweeted this message in reaction to Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s accusation that his fellow lawmakers, including the actress’ husband, former Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, had misused their pork barrel funds, for which Senators Estrada, Juan Ponce Enrile and Ramon “Bong” Revilla are facing plunder charges

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Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, in her trademark wisecracking way likens her colleagues implicated in the pork barrel scam to crocodiles, or buwaya, the term used by ordinary Filipinos to refer to corrupt politicians

If indeed these statements are sanctioned by or coming from my former boss, then nothing can be worse than this kind of travesty and betrayal.

Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes, former chief of staff of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, reacting to statements by Enrile’s lawyer, Enrique de la Cruz, that the senator did not authorize Reyes to allocate his pork barrel funds to bogus NGOs set up by Janet Lim-Napoles. Both Enrile and Reyes are facing plunder charges in connection with the P10billion pork barrel scam.

He [President Aquino] remains to me the best chance our nation has for reforms to take root and bear fruits for this generation, or at least the next.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda, reacting to criticisms against President Aquino for his administration’s handling of the pork barrel issue

The pork barrel is an evil practice and it is our duty to fight evil by engaging it and not running away from it, not escaping from it.

Retired Chief Justice Reynato Puno, on the alleged diversion of the congressional Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), or pork barrel, to bogus nongovernment organizations (NGOs) in schemes involving lawmakers and detained businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles.

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Don’t Mess With This Lady Graft-Buster F By cynthia d. balana

ROM the coiffed, suited elegance to the self-effacing smile, nothing in Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales’ appearance suggests the implacable wrath of the winged netherworld goddesses by which Malacañang refers to the Ombudsman and two other female officials assigned to torment and punish the corrupt and the rapacious.

Morales is one of President Aquino’s “Three Furies,” the triumvirate of the Ombudsman, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Commission on Audit Chair Grace Pulido-Tan, that Malacañang said would see to the investigation and prosecution of the infamous pork barrel fund scam.

As head of the Office of the Ombudsman, Morales is the country’s chief public accuser and arguably -- particularly after the impeachment and conviction of Chief Justice Renato Corona -- one of the main pillars of the nation’s democracy.

The 72-year-old Morales, who was plucked from retirement as a Supreme Court associate justice to head the Ombudsman’s Office in 2011, said she shares the “common and valid observation” that corruption has become increasingly systemic in the country.

“No matter how many people we hold liable, no matter how many government officials we send to jail, if the system remains uncured, the vicious cycle of corruption will not stop,”

Ombudsman Conchita Morales (right) with Secretary Leila de Lima

CarpioJustice

she said.

“The ill-fated system itself will breed the next generation of corrupt leaders,” she said. “[But] as there is yet no absolute care to corruption, prevention appears to be the only remedy or antidote against the spread of this social malady,” she said.

There is hope According to Morales, there is still hope, pointing to the Integrity Management Program, the government’s flagship corruption prevention program that offers diagnostic tools designed to systematically assess government agencies’ vulnerabilities and resistance mechanisms to corruption.

She expects the program to address bureaucratic red tape and to issue a “blue certification” seal for fully compliant agencies, a measure meant to stop the flow of bribe money into the system.

At the individual level, Morales said compliance with integrity standards will be used as one of the criteria for the performance evaluation of the

employees of the Office of the Ombudsman.

According to Morales, putting the Ombudsman house to order has been difficult considering the volume of the cases and complaints that she inherited from four administrations and the avalanche of fresh cases involving the biggest names in Philippine politics that keep coming.

Morales said she takes the pain and patience to comb through the complaints and evidence, whether they come in trickles or truckloads.

“We try to evaluate cases or complaints that come in, whereas before any complaint from any Tom, Dick or Harry was entertained even if there are no leads,” she said.

“They purport to be serious concerns but actually they are harassment complaints. We try to filter which complaints are really meritorious and which are not,” she said.

From 100 complaints against erring public officials and private individuals received

by Office of the Ombudsman before, Morales said the number is now down to 20 to 30.

First death threat She said this was made possible through the united efforts

of “integrity crusaders” in government, particularly the Office of the Ombudsman, in reinventing public service.

For her pains, the Ombudsman has received her first death threat following the explosion of the pork barrel controversy, in the form of threatening phone calls.

But this has only made her even more determined to serve.

“Excuse me, I’m not scared.

Maybe they are scared, which is why they’re trying to scare me,” she told reporters.

She said her office needs more good lawyers but is unable to entice them because of the low pay.

“It’s really difficult to attract good lawyers,” she said.

“The starting fee is P58,000, that’s gross of tax. With the tax, it’s P40,000. How can you compete with private firms? On the part of ladies, that only pays for the lipstick,” she said.

Economist and lawyer Born on June 19, 1941, Morales, or Chit to friends, has degrees in economics and law from the University of the Philippines.

She first worked at the Atienza Tabora and Del Rosario Law Offices after graduation. In 1971, she became a special assistant to then Justice Secretary Vicente Abad Santos at the Department of Justice where she worked for 12 years.

She began her career at the bench in 1983, when she was appointed Regional Trial Court judge of Pili, Camarines Sur. In 1994, President Fidel Ramos appointed her to the Court of Appeals where she eventually headed the 7th Division.

In 2002, she was elevated to the Supreme Court by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo upon the unanimous endorsement of the members of the Judicial and Bar Council.

Morales, who is a cousin of Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, is married to Eugenio Morales Jr. The couple have two sons.n

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Daughter Shares Lessons From Late N Icon of Good Governance By ador vincent s. mayol

made it a point to drop by a church or the Blessed Sacrament. It was something we learn from him. He taught us by example that faith and family would always come first,” she said.

For her father, Aika said “every individual counts” and that “relationships are important.”

“He would say that the most important thing you can give to people is your time. In terms of relationship, he would always say that with other people, you don’t always agree with what they say. But you have to respect them even if you don’t see things in the same light,” she said.

O shortcuts.

Be uncomfortable with perks.

Prioritize others.

These were lessons Jessica Marie “Aika” Robredo learned from her late father, Jesus “Jesse” Robredo, a model public servant who perished in a plane crash after taking off from Cebu over a year ago.

Speaking to people of different ages, the daughter of the late Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government and mayor of Naga City, shared the values which her father espoused.

The young Robredo was the guest in a forum organized by the Dilaab Foundation Inc. which is promoting the “Vote Good” campaign and was organized in time for the Oct. 28 barangay elections.

Aika, the eldest of Robredo’s three children, presently works at the Department of Transportation and Communications and hosts a public affairs program over the government-run IBC-13 television station.

She came up with a list of qualities which his father emphasized to them.

She said her father taught them to avoid the perks government officials and their families receive while they are in power.

“He gave us a very good example that just because you are in power, you would be different from the rest. When my father was mayor of Naga City and secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), he and our family had the opportunity not to toe the line in some instances. We could have used a lot of shortcuts. But my father prohibited such practice,” Aika told about 50 individuals who attended the forum at the Capitol social hall yesterday morning.

Have a sense of purpose

President Aquino poses with the Robredo family (left to right) – Tricia, Aika, Mrs. Leni Robredo and Jill – after the conferment of the Quezon Service Cross Award (posthumous) on the late DILG secretary Robredo in Malacanang in November 2012.

Shun perks “He told us that it would be very difficult for you to get used to these perks. Wherever he would go, he would always fall in line. He would always follow the rules,” she added.

Aika said when her father was the secretary of the DILG, he would shy away from using his position by cutting into queues ahead of others who wanted to use the elevator.

“His office was located on the 8th floor. The elevator was really small so during rush hour, there was usually a long line of people. The guards told us that my father made it a point to queue like everyone else,” she said.

Aika said her father taught them to be selfless especially in dealing with others.

“During typhoons, it was always understood that you can’t

see him at home. He would always be outside. He always emphasized that it’s part of his job to make sure that people in Naga are safe. After the typhoon, he cleans the streets.

That is leadership by example.

What you expect others to do, you should by yourself,” she said.

Family and faith Aika said her father taught them, above all, to prioritize “family and faith.”

“Even when he was busy as a mayor and DILG secretary, he made it a point to be a part of our daily routine. He managed to make time for us,” she said.

Aika said the late DILG secretary also emphasized having an intimate relationship with the Lord.

“In the family, he was the most religious. Every day, he

Aika said her father also taught them to “know yourself,” “have a sense of purpose,” “engage,” “trust,” and “live an upright life.”

“Once you know yourself, you get a sense of purpose. Before he died, he would always say if what he was doing made sense. But he would tell himself to have faith and just trust. He would always tell us that whatever you do, you have to be good at it,” she said.

Queried if she has plans of joining politics like her father, Aika said “Politics is not for me. But it’s difficult to say I will never do it because what if I will change my mind?”

“If there’s anyone who will follow his footsteps, it would be one of my sisters,” she said.

Aika’s younger sisters are Tricia, a courtside reporter for ABS-CBN Sports, and Jill, who was once reported to be interested in show business.

Asked to give her personal views on the calls to abolish the pork barrel of lawmakers, Aika said, “I think it should be abolished unless there would be mechanisms in place that would show us where it really goes. But until they don’t figure that out yet, it’s better to abolish it.” (Cebu Daily News) n

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Who’s Really the Boss – The People or the Big Donors?

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IGH-ROLLER donors accounted for the bulk of the campaign donations made to the 12 winning senatorial candidates and their political parties in the 2013 midterm elections, according to a study made by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ).

Only 2,368 donors – 2,174 persons and 194 corporations – contributed the P1.69 billion that went to the campaign purses of the 12 winning senatorial candidates and their political parties, data from the Statements of Election Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs) submitted to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) showed.

PCIJ said 90 of the 2,368 donors for both senators and political parties in the May 13 elections had contributed over P795 million, or a whopping 47.1 percent, of the total P1.69 billion donations in the elections.

Multi-millionaires who gave between P1 million to P5 million may comprise just 17.8 percent of total donors, but they managed to give P671 million or 39.7 percent of total donations, the PCIJ report said.

Topping the list is the “High Rollers Club” of only 90 donors who contributed at least P5 million to at most P63.2 million to their favored candidates and

Big campaign donors expect to recoup their investments when their bets assume office. political parties.

In contrast, what PCIJ called the “Taumbayan” category, or those who donated from P500 to less than a million constituted 78.4 percent of total donors.

This large group, however, accounted for less than 13 percent of total donations, or only P223.9 million.

“This situation indicates that while elections are supposed to be an exercise in representative democracy, only a select few really bother to gamble – and gamble big – in those who offer themselves in elections,” said PCIJ. “More importantly, this also means that those who run and win in the elections now tend to owe more and more to fewer and fewer people.

Vested interests Reacting to the PCIJ report, Comelec Commissioner Christian Robert Lim said, “The dan-

ger here is that the high rollers are the people who would dictate the national policies.”

Lim, who heads the Comelec’s Campaign Finance Unit, said the setup may also show that a “few people control how policies are (made) . . . And to what interest? Is it their interests or of the general public?”

Comelec Commissioner Luie Guia bewailed the Filipinos’ lack of interest in funding election campaign. “This is a public good that can be financed by public money. Pero wala sa atin ang gan’ung konsepto. We’d rather (na) mapondohan ng private interests ang mga kandidato,” said Guia said, adding this setup leads to “conflict of interests” among candidates.

One of the authors of the story, PCIJ multimedia director Ed Lingao, said their findings raise the question: Who is the candidates’ boss?

“Kanino ba talaga napupunta ang utang na loob? Tayo ba o sila ang boss?” Lingao said in the presentation of their report.

Legal Network for Truthful Elections acting executive director Rona Ann Caritos said she traced this setup of elitedominated elections to a longstanding culture of patronage politics, by which elite voters give millions of donations to candidates in exchange for their favor in policy-making.

“Naniniwala ka sa kandidato . . . But it’s more of an investment for your business,” Caritos said.

“Sa patronage politics kasi, ang attitude is the politicians should give something to you.”

Banned donations To prevent elected officials from giving favorable deals to private individuals and groups that supported their candidacy, the Comelec, through the Omnibus Election Code, is empowered to ban firms with contracts with government to bankroll the candidates’ campaign.

The Code also prohibits donations from operators of a public utility, or those who have businesses of exploiting the country’s natural resources like energy and mining, among others.

But the PCIJ report revealed that this was not the case in the May 13, 2013 elections, which saw major businesses supposedly banned by Comelec splurge tens of millions of donations. n

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Skyscrapers rise above the Makati skyline, evidence of the country’s healthy economy.

Philippine Economy Shines as Region Falters

T

HE Philippines stands out in the region as the only country still expected to grow at a healthy pace this year and the next despite weak global economic conditions.

Local policymakers, however, still need to solve the puzzle of how to translate this economic growth into more jobs for Filipinos to reduce poverty across the country, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said.

“The challenge is how to establish the link between strong economic growth and poverty reduction,” said ADB senior economist for the Philippines Norio Usui.

In its recent Asian Development Outlook (ADO) update report, the ADB announced revisions for its growth forecasts for countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The forecast for the Philippines’ economic growth— now at 7 percent from the previous 6 percent—was the only one revised upwards by the multilateral lender.

The projected growth for the rest of Southeast Asia was revised to 4.7 percent from the previous 5.7 percent for this year.

“Southeast Asia is crimped

by weakness in its three biggest economies. Lackluster export markets and moderated investment have weighed on growth in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia,” the ADB said in a statement.

The ADB took note of the Philippine economy’s first-half growth of 7.6 percent, which was the fastest in Southeast Asia.

Commenting on the report, Usui attributed the Philippines’ progress to massive reforms implemented by the Aquino administration over the last three years, namely the reduction in the country’s deficit, higher spending on infrastructure and efforts to curb corruption.

On top of these reforms, Usui said the economy also continues to enjoy the benefits of steady remittances from migrant workers, which fuel domestic consumption that makes up 70 percent of domestic output.

The government’s focus in the remaining years of President Aquino’s term, Usui said,

would be ensuring that the rest of the population benefits from the fruits of the country’s economic growth.

In a related development, the Philippines has obtained its third investment grade rating for the year—this time from Moody’s Investor Service—securing its place as Asia’s fastest growing economy.

Moody’s is the last major credit rating firm to upgrade the Philippines to investment grade.

Fitch Ratings was the first to recognize the Philippines’ improved economic standing in March, followed by Standard & Poor’s in May. Tokyo-based Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) also upgraded the Philippines to investment grade last May. The Philippines is now rated “Baa3” by Moody’s—a notch higher than the previous “Ba1,” which was considered “speculative.”

Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima described the upgrade as long overdue. He said the upgrade was due to sound economic policies and the public sector’s push toward good governance.

“Good governance is truly

good economics,” Purisima said in a statement he posted in his Facebook account.

Purisima said that despite the investment rating from Moody’s, the Philippines actually remains one of the most underrated countries in the world.

The higher credit rating should give the government more access to cheaper credit because investors may now consider the country’s debt to be less risky.

“The upgrade by Moody’s completes the investment grades we aspired for. We can expect improvements in terms of foreign investments and tourism,” Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said in a press conference.

Lower borrowing costs for the government may mean more resources for it to spend on basic services for the people.

Yields on government debt paper are also used by local banks to price their loans to the public. This means that households can expect lower interest rates for housing and car loans, among others.

Businesses will also have access to cheaper credit, allowing them to expand their businesses more easily, leading to the creation of more jobs.

Abad said that, because of the investment rating upgrade, interest payments should be lower than what was originally programmed for 2014.

In a statement, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. said Moody’s upgrade should spur investments, which would lead to the creation of more jobs.

“Greater investments should strengthen the base for sustained and inclusive economic growth and usher in a transformative period for the Philippine economy,” Tetangco said.

The International Monetary Fund expects the economy to grow by 6.75 percent this year. Also, Asian Development Bank sees the economy growing by 7 percent this year, faster than any other country in Southeast Asia. (Philippine Daily Inquirer) n

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GK Launches Its Own

‘Disneyland’ By ma. stella f. arnaldo

T

HE Department of Tourism (DOT) is looking toward “social tourism” efforts as a way to boost visitor arrivals and deepen a tourist’s travel experience.

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the GK Social Business Summit at the Gawad Kalinga’s Enchanted Farm in Angat, Bulacan, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. hailed the creation of the organization’s farm, dubbed as a ‘Disneyland for social tourism’ by GK founder and chairman Antonio Meloto.

“This is all about social tourism, which is probably the newest and most exciting development in the tourism industry today. I am very happy that the very concept of social tourism is based on people. It just happens to be one of our strengths, so this is very significant development.”

The farm, an education center for tourists and travelers, attracted some 10,000 visitors in 2012 and is targeting 20,000 visitors this year. It is aiming for 50,000 visitors in 2014, and 200,000 in 2015.

The farming population is composed of 50 families, or close to 500 persons, who used to be informal settlers in Metro Manila.

“Over one billion people traveled in 2012, so someday all middle- to upper-income people have already traveled. And why do they keep on traveling? The answer to that is someday they travel not just to see places but to meet people. And social tourism is an opportunity to do exactly that, and to encounter people they have not encountered before,” Jimenez said.

He stressed that “anything that deepens the dimension of involvement [by tourists]

will help our tourism, because remember, tourism has to be sustainable. “If you’re making friends, then you’re also making sure there will always be visitors, because they will talk about [their experience here] with their friends. They will miss the Philippines and they will come back.”

He added that the visitors, in turn, are also “helping our people discover themselves by bringing their skills and their goodwill here. Overall, it’s a fantastic development.”

The Philippines is trying to attract some 10 million foreign visitors by 2016.

For his part, Meloto said the Enchanted Farm will be the first farm-village-university in Asia, where tourists interact with locals in education and social initiatives.

With construction beginning in 2010, “this place is a unique ecosystem that provides a convergence platform for gov-

Tony Meloto ernment, business, social entrepreneurs, innovators, scientists, farmers and community partners to work together in solidarity in creating solutions to global issues that affect all of us [such as] climate change, food security and extreme poverty,” GK’s web site said.

Meloto added that the farmvillage-university will also be a platform for “a new brand of tourism, ‘social tourism,’ that it is not only ‘more fun in the Philippines’ but ‘more fun and fulfilling’, because we are also attracting the brightest, best people who want to do good in Asia.”

With its ambitious aim of ending poverty in the Philippines, GK has undertaken several projects to empower the urban and rural poor to trans-

Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto opens the GK Enchanted Farm Countryside Fair.

form their lives into productive members of society.

GK is eyeing to develop 21 more of such “enchanted farms” in other parts of the country, in the next following years.

Named after the barangay (Encanto) where it is located, the 34-hectare Enchanted Farm is billed by GK as it’s “innovative platform for experiential learning.”

Meloto explained that the farm incorporates three concepts: a Village University for sustainable community development, Silicon Valley for social entrepreneurship, and ‘Disneyland’ of social tourism.

“Through the magical stories of the Enchanted Farm, enchanting not only through stories of fairy tales like that of duwendes [dwarf], but also real life experiences, tourists can see how dreams can become a reality in a nation where its people were once provided to find solutions and greener pastures elsewhere,” he stressed.

The farm will expose students on how to start social enterprise and communities from the ground up, attracting students from all sorts of disciplines.

Fifty of the most innovative social enterprises in the Philippines will not only be conveniently located in the Enchanted Farm to showcase their brands, but will also share in the resources of the farm and facilities.

Meloto has called the community a mentorship hub where those in the know are bound to build a better quality of life for those who have less in life.

Over 500 local and international social entrepreneurs, businessmen and politicians gathered at the Enchanted Farm for the inaugural Social Business Summit, a four-day event which began on October 2, and co-convened by Sen. Bam Aquino.

About 50 foreign delegates from the United States, Australia, France, Singapore and the United Kingdom, attended the summit. (Business Mirror) n

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BY MA. STELLA F. ARNALDO

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EGROS OCCIDENTAL once evoked a similar vibe and atmosphere as the colonial southern United States, except that sugar was the commodity that fueled the often rich and indulgent lifestyles of the hacienderos of old.

The sugar crisis of the 1980s, which led to a virtual collapse of the industry, took away some of the wealth, but

Balay Negrense, which was built by sugar baron Victor Gaston, is a typical bahay na bato. It has since been turned into a museum and furnished with authentic period furniture from the 19th century.

The Sweet Spots of Negros Occidental FULL PAGE AD

not the joie de vivre of its people. In fact, its famous fiesta, MassKara Festival, regularly held around the time of Bacolod City’s charter day (October 19), was created amid those horrendous years, to inspire the residents to get back on their feet and triumph against all odds.

Reminiscent of the carnival in Rio de Janeiro, the MassKara Festival features street dancers in artistic displays of handcrafted masks and colorful costumes, beauty contests, food festivals, trade fairs and sports events.

Aside from Bacolod’s MassKara Festival, the entire province whoops it up during the Panaad Festival—where all the cities and municipalities of the province gather at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City and showcase their wares. There will be a lot of drinking, dancing and eating during this weeklong festival, which is held in April.

Of course, everything is still about sugar in Negros, and most of the sights will still remind you of its once-glorious sweet past.

And then there’s the food—just gems of culinary flavors that make Negrense cuisine arguably

the best in the Philippines.

Must-see’s On the whole, the province has been able to preserve most of the vestiges of its past including heritage homes and the facades of old churches.

Known as “Paris of Negros,” Silay City is a treasure trove of well-preserved ancestral homes. Balay Negrense (Cinco de Noviembre Street, Silay City), which was built by sugar baron Victor Gaston, is a typical bahay na bato (stone house) It has since been turned into a museum and furnished with authentic period furniture from the 19th century.

Another heritage home in Silay worth seeing is the Hofileña Heritage House because the owner, Ramon Hofileña, still lives there and regales his guests with stories of the old Silay. It also features his private art collection and family heirloom pieces.

In Bago City, there is also the ancestral home of Gen. Juan Anacleto Araneta who led a revolt of locals versus the Spaniards. The house has also

been turned into a museum and a repository of the family’s memorabilia and furniture.

Most of the centuries-old churches in Negros Occidental may be intact but most their interiors had been restored with a modern touch. Still, worth a look-see are the San Sebastian Cathedral in the provincial capital Bacolod City (constructed in 1876), the Saint Mary Magdalene in Hinigaran (1881), and Our Lady of the Guadalupe (1851) in Valladolid.

Have a picnic at the Mambukal Mountain Resort (Barangay Minoyan, Murcia) and try to reach all seven waterfalls that run throughout the property. It also has a bathhouse fed by hot springs, known to have therapeutic properties, as well as gardens and a lush forest. There are also cottages available for those who want to stay overnight.

Must-do’s Chow it down -- Aside from the chicken inasal or barbecue chicken, Negros Occidental is also popular for its seafood; kansi, slow-boiled tender beef shanks in broth soured with

batuan, a local fruit; and lumpiang ubod, a spring roll with heart of palm filling.

For fresh diwal or Angel Wing’s Clams, drive out to Valladolid where vendors have set up stalls along the national highway; piaya, barquillos and barquiron from Sugarlandia; and sweet treats like napoleones and half-moon from Pendy’s, cakes and pastries from Felicia’s Café in Bacolod City.

The best of Negros cooking is really whipped up in the kitchens of the old families of the province. Many of these families have handed down their recipes through generations and keep these as closelyguarded secrets. So if you ever find yourself invited to the home of local residents, do not pass up the opportunity!

Swing it! -- Negros Occidental hosts three world-class golf courses—Bacolod Golf and Country Club, Victorias Golf and Country Club and Negros Golf and Country Club. Except for Victorias, which has an open policy, the other two are private golf courses and thus, you need to be accompanied by a member to be able to play as a guest there.

Environmental check -- Ecotourists will want to visit the Danjugan Island Marine Sanctuary in Cauayan (http://prrcf. org/danjugan-sanctuary) run by the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation Inc. for snorkeling, kayaking and other marine activities, or the Mount Kanlaon Natural Park for hiking and mountain climbing. Hiking permits must first be secured from the park management at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources office.

You can also scope out the water birds at the Pulupandan, where some 46 species have been surveyed including some that are on the globally “threatened” list. Visitors should register at the Pulupandan municipal office, which will provide a guide to the birdwatching area.

The best times to see the birds are 4-6 a.m. and 3-6 p.m. (BusinessMirror) n

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Sean Ellis (extreme right) poses with Jake Macapagal and Althea Vega, at the premier screening of Metro Manila at a Manila cinema.

Filipinos Headline 3 Films Nominated for Oscars

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ILIPINOS get top billing in three foreign language film nominees in no less than the prestigious Academy Awards.

Britain’s nominee as best foreign language film for the Oscars features an all-Filipino cast and a story that traces the sacrifices and hopes of an impoverished family from the countryside that tries its luck in the dark and squalid ghettos of Manila.

Metro Manila, written and directed by Briton Sean Ellis, is one of three foreign language films delving into the lives of Filipinos which are nominated in the best foreign language category for next year’s Oscars.

The Philippines’ nominee Transit focuses on the struggles of migrant Filipino work-

ers in Israel, while Singapore’s entry Ilo Ilo is about a Filipino nanny who works for a Singaporean family.

The US Film Academy will select a long list of finalists in January, trim it down to five finalists in February and announce the winners in March.

“I thought it was a very beautiful and poetic story about family and about sacrifice and about hope,” Ellis said of his movie, which won an audience award at the recent Sundance Film Festival. The movie opened in Philippine cinemas on Oct. 9.

It tells of the journey of

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farmer and former soldier Oscar Ramirez, played by veteran stage actor Jake Macapagal, and his young family, from the rice terraces in the rural north of the country to the chaos of Manila to seek a better life.

In the city, they fall prey to various characters and are forced out of desperation to make difficult choices. Oscar’s wife, Mai, played by film actress Althea Vega, is forced to become a bar girl to feed her two young children.

Oscar manages to land a job as a driver for an armored truck company and is befriended by Ong, his senior officer. Ong, played by John Arcilla, is helpful and jolly, but it becomes clear he had been waiting for someone naive and trusting like Oscar to come along.

Macapagal, 47, who spent a decade in Europe working in the musical stage production Miss Saigon, said the role was “challenging but not very far from every Filipino’s plight.”

Manila’s dark side has been explored in several films by Filipino directors, including the classic 1975 film Maynila Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag by the late award-wining director Lino Brocka, and more recently, by noted director Brillante Mendoza.

Ellis said the story was inspired by a scene he witnessed while visiting the Philippines.

Two employees of an armored truck company, in bulletproof jackets and helmets, and lugging M16 rifles, were screaming at each other. It ended with one of them kicking the truck before they both got in and drove off.

He said the scene remained with him when he returned to Britain and he kept on wondering what they were arguing about. That led him to develop a 20-page synopsis. The script was in English, but Ellis allowed the actors to translate their lines into Tagalog.

Ellis said it was strange to direct a movie in a language he could not understand, but for only “about five seconds, because then you start to see the performance and you’re not

worried about the words they’re saying, you trust them to say the words that are in the script.”

But before Ellis could start shooting, he had trouble finding money for his project. “When I was looking for financing, American companies would ask, ‘Could we put a Westerner in it?’

That’s not the idea I’m following.

I felt it needed to be in Tagalog, too. I wanted Filipinos to think of it as a Filipino film as much as it is a British film,” he explains.

Though funding a film in Filipino was very difficult, Ellis was firm that it had to be in Manila. “I’m a great believer in the laws of creation. I was given this idea on the streets of Manila, and I wanted to be faithful to the idea because I felt that it was given to me as a gift. I continued, rather pigheadedly, to make the idea work here in the Philippines,” Ellis adds.

Filming took them to locations in Tondo, Makati, and Banaue in Ifugao province. Ellis credits the cast and crew for the authentic Filipino tone of his film. Though it had a budget for a translator, they ultimately decided to let the actors have a go at translating the dialogue themselves, which gave it a flow that was organic to their respective characters.

This process was liberating for Ellis as well. Since he didn’t speak Filipino, it allowed him to focus direction on body language and facial expressions instead of dialogue delivery.

He did pick up a few Filipino phrases, though. “There’s sort of weird little things that they say in the film that I kinda picked up on,” he recalls, “like ‘Salamat po,’ and ‘Di ba?”

A few things bothered Sean during the production. “I was doing a lot of jobs—cinematographer, director, recording sound, as well as being the writer and the director. It was a very physical shoot for me.

I would take three T-shirts to work every day and sweat through all of them. The heat was probably the biggest challenge.” (Associated Press/Philippine Daily Inquirer) n

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Megan Young embodies the best of PHL

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HE HAILS both from the Philippines and the United States and embodies the best of both

sides.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. had this to say about Amerasian Megan Young, the Virginia-born and Olongapo-raised actress who made history Saturday night when she became the country’s first ever Miss World title holder.

“We don’t have a toast tonight.

But we’re saying three things: Mabuhay ang Pilipinas, mabuhay ang America at mabuhay ang Ms. World!,” said Thomas in impromptu remarks at a reception to introduce new Embassy press and cultural officers.

He earlier congratulated Young via Twitter, mentioning her birthplace Alexandria, Virginia, in his congratulations. Young, 23, was born to an American father and Filipino mother in 1990 and moved to Olongapo City at age 10. She has since remained in the Philippines and pursued a career in show business.

“She represents both of our countries as a Filipino-American in so many ways: intelligence, beauty — I know something about beauty in the Philippines I tell you — poise and never quitting,” said Thomas, known to have met his Filipino girlfriend Mithi Aquino during his tour as envoy here.

Speaking about the affair of the night, Thomas cited one more thing common between the US and the Philippines — a free press, and the transparency it has afforded governance.

He shared a story from a trip to Hawaii in 2012 just as the state braced itself for an incoming hurricane. At the time, he was with people from around Asia, including China and Singapore where state control of media has long been a tradition.

“When we got to the part of how we’re going to deal with the press, someone said

Megan Young was crowned Miss World, the first time the Philippines has won the competition.

what? The press? We don’t interviews), [or that] we can’t be FULL have to deal with the press.

WePAGE askedAD certain things. We have just tell them what to write and to be able to defend ourselves we ignore them. And I felt how and our policies, and that is blessed I was to be an Ameriimportant. ‘Cause the press, socan, to be from a country where cial media, all those, are makwe have to deal with the press, ing changes,” said Thomas. and to be living here in the He cited netizens’ posts on the Philippines, another country US Embassy’s official Facebook where you have to deal with the page, where Embassy personpress,” Thomas said. nel engaged social media users He said the Philippines’ “vitality” has been reflected in the media, including the widely utilized social media platforms. Thomas himself is known as among the few Manilabased envoys who

widely use social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter.

“And that’s why we never say we have to have all the questions in advance (for media

with the question: “If you had a chance to tour President Barack Obama around the Philippines, where would you take him and why?”

Obama was scheduled to visit Manila to meet with President Aquino for wide-ranging discussions on Philippine-US ties but cancelled due to the recent partial US government shutdown, The last US president who visited was George W. Bush who came here for a whirlwind trip in 2003.

“People have been saying all kinds of things. Not only do they want to take him to other parts of the Philippines, like Palawan, Boracay all those beautiful beaches. But they also say they want him to investigate, terminate corruption.

That’s not his job, but it’s reflective of the passion you have in your ability to say things without fear of retribution,” said Thomas.

with full news by Tarra Quismundo from the Inquirer

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ISS PhilippinesWorld Megan Young broke the jinx to become the first Filipina to win the elusive Miss World title.

The 23-year-old actressTV host bested beauty queens from 126 countries in a glittering finale on the Indonesian resort island of Bali, Indonesia on Sept. 28.

“I promise to be the best Miss World ever,” Megan said after winning the 63rd annual event, as a large number of Filipino fans who traveled with her celebrated by jumping and waving the country’s flag.

“Salamat sa mga kababayan ko. Mahal na mahal ko kayo,” said the teary-eyed Filipina after she was crowned at the end of a three-week contest.

Megan, wearing a pearl white gown, bested 126 beauty queens from around the world to become the first Filipina to win the coveted title in a contest broadcast to more than 180 countries worldwide.

Miss France, Marine Lorphelin, 20, took second place, while Miss Ghana, Carranzar Naa Okailey Shooter, 22, came in third.

Megan, who took the crown from Wenxia Yu of China, the 2012 winner, was born in the United States. When she was 10 she moved to the Philippines, where she has appeared in films and as a television host.

She thanked the judges for choosing her and pledged to “just be myself in everything I do, to share what I know and to educate people.”

To the question “Why should you be Miss World?”

Megan answered, “I treasure a core value of humanity and that guides people why they act the way they do. I will use this to show other people how they can understand each other … as one, we can help society.”

Megan, who is studying digital media and also presents TV shows in the Philippines, en-

Newly crowned Miss World Megan Young (center) waves after besting candidates from 126 countries in Bali, Indonesia.

Megan Young Vows To Be the Best ‘Miss World’ Ever

Miss Philippines Megan Young (right) reacts after her name was announced as the winner of the Miss World 2013 contest. tered the semi-final round with the highest score based on preliminary activities.

Just a day before the coronation night, the Miss World Organization announced on its official website that Megan topped

the “Top Model” competition, placed fourth in the “Multimedia Challenge” and fifth in the “Beach Beauty” contest.

Megan also earned a spot in the “Dances of the World” segment for the final

telecast, where only a select few contestants were chosen.

In line with tradition, Megan headed straight to London after the coronation where she will reside during her reign.

This is the first time the Philippines has won a Miss World title crown in the 63-year history of the London-based pageant.

The country has won the Miss Universe title twice, Miss International four times, Miss Earth once and Miss Supranational also once, this year.

The closest the Philippines came to win the Miss World title before were in 1973 with Evangeline Pascual and in 2011 with Gwendoline Ruais. Both finished first runner-up.

Other notable Filipinas in Miss World Ruffa Gutierrez, 2nd runner-up in 1993; and Carlene Aguilar, Top 15 in 2005. n

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PH trails Asean peers in global ranking on human capital

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ESPITE ITS huge its people,” Klaus Schwab, diaspora of WEF founder, said. skilled workers “In the future, human capi-- not to mention tal will be the most imporbeing the world’s top source tant kind of capital. Investof seafarers -- the Philiping in people is not just a pines is not among the leadniche to have; it is imperaing countries in terms of tive for growth, prosperity unlocking the economic poand progress,” he added. tential of their labor force.

The WEF said the index In its first Human Capital Inaims to help countries dex, the Davos-based World make the right decisions on Economic Forum (WEF) said investing in the economic the Philippines ranked 66th potential of their people. out of 122 economies sur“In this light, the Human veyed for their ability to harCapital Index is a tool for ness their workers. understanding where counThe Philippines trailed five tries stand today so that other Asean countries in the government and business study -- Singapore, which can engage in workforce placed third; Malaysia, 22nd; The PH only ranked 66th out of 122 countries surveyed for their ability to utilise human capital. planning for the future,” Thailand, 44th; and IndoneSaadia Zahidi, WEF senior sia, 53rd -- but ranked higher director and head of the Huvironment.

38th ranking on the workforce FULL than Vietnam (70th), Lao PDR man Capital project, said.

The Philippines ranked highPAGE and AD employment pillar and (88th), and Cambodia (96th).

Switzerland topped the survey, vis-a-vis many other countries 96th on health and wellness,” The index measures countries followed by Finland, Singapore, in terms of workforce and em- said the report. on their ability to develop and the Netherlands, Sweden, Gerployment, but was pulled down The Philippines placed 65th in deploy healthy, educated and many, Norway, United Kingby its standing on health and terms of education, and 78th in able workers through four disdom, Denmark, and Canada. wellness, enabling environment terms of enabling environment. tinct pillars: education; health and education.

“The key for the future of any and wellness; workforce and with full news by Rain Castro “The Philippines follows a simi- country and any institution employment; and enabling enfrom Interaksyon lar profile to Indonesia with a lies in the skills and talent of

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Showbuzz ng opportunity at nagawa ko naman nang maayos ‘yung duty ko bilang si Darna, malaking bagay na ‘yun sa akin. Pero kung magbabalik ako, okey lang,” she said at the time.

The latest TV incarnation of Darna is Marian Rivera, who appeared in a 2009 series

by GMA-7.

Angel as Darna in 2005 TV series.

Angel to play ‘Darna’ in movie

ANGEL Locsin will once again wear the costume of Filipina superhero Darna -- but this time on the big screen. Angel played Darna on television in 2005 when she was still with GMA-7.

This was confirmed by Star Cinema managing director Malou Santos, putting an end to speculations as to who will play the Pinay superhero after ABS-CBN had acquired exclusive rights to the Mars Ravelo creation.

“For Darna, we’re already done with the story of her past.

We’re already brainstorming.

We’re targeting next year for filming. So tuloy-tuloy na ‘yun,” Santos told Manila Bulletin in an interview.

In a previous interview, Angel said she would love to portray Darna again if ever the ABS-CBN management gives her the opportunity. She said Darna has already become part of her and it would delight her to give life to the character again.

“Ako kasi si Darna, feeling ko talaga eh. Kahit hindi ibigay ulit sa akin ang bato, part na siya ng pagkatao ko. ‘Yung magkaroon ako

New John LloydSarah movie in the works

STAR Cinema managing director Malou Santos disclosed that the film production arm of ABS-CBN is already working on the fourth installment of the series of romantic-comedy films starring Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz.

In an interview with the Manila Bulletin, Santos said, “Kasi nung nag-end ‘yung film, gusto mo pa malaman what happens to the relationship. Now, we’re doing our fourth for next year, mag-asawa na sila.”

The third instalment, It Takes a Man and a Woman, ended with Miggy (John Lloyd) and Laida (Sarah) walking down the aisle and exchanging vows after overcoming struggles they faced in their relationship.

While many consider It Takes a Man and a Woman the third and final installment in the series, Santos’ disclosure seemed to indicate otherwise.

A s k e d whether she’s

afraid that the love team of the two Kapamilya stars would get overexposed, Santos said: “Hindi, kasi iba ‘yung kuwento.

You deal with real-life situations. Parang si Laida at Miggy naging mga kaibigan mo. Feeling ko kakilala mo sila and you want to know more about this couple.”

With over P350 million in total earnings, It Takes a Man and a Woman is one of the highest-grossing local films of all time.”

Can he recover from the scandal?

Bong backs out of Iglesia movie

SENATOR Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. will no longer play the role of Eduardo V. Manalo, Iglesia Ni Cristo’s executive minister, in the epic film Ang Huling Sugo (The Last Messenger).

Quoting a “reliable source”, PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) said that it was the actor-politician’s decision to remove himself from the film.

“Naisip niya na pag itinuloy niya yung role, baka lahat ng kontrobersiya na ipinupukol sa kanya ngayon,

It takes a fourth installment to end the series.

madawit [yung pelikula],” PEP quoted its source. “Kasi, papapelan niya yung pinakamataas, inisip niya, nakakahiya…

Na iisipin ng mga tao, yung gumaganap ng pinakamataas na pinuno ng Iglesia ni Cristo, maraming isyu ngayon,” said the source.

Bong and two other senators -- Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Jinggoy Estrada -- are facing plunder and malversation charges for their alleged involvement in the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel scam.

Bong’s wife, Bacoor Congresswoman Lani Mercado, who is supposed to play the wife of Eduardo V. Manalo, is also out of the project.

Before the issue of pork barrel scam broke, Bong had been very helpful and supportive of the movie project, according to the source.

Derek confirms split with Cristine

JUST one month after finally admitting that they were romantically involved, Derek Ramsay and Cristine Reyes have called it quits.

At first, neither Derek nor Cristine — who both said their relationship officially started on August 28 — would confirm the breakup. “I don’t want to make any statement. I want to keep this private,” Derek said in a text message to Philstar. com.

But a week after the rumor broke, Derek finally confirmed the breakup. “We’re fine,” he told reporters on Oct. 4. “There are so many speculations. But I would not talk about what people are saying. That is their opinion. We have decided to end the relationship, and I’m going to be very private about it.”

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Showbuzz claimed the drug that the actress was injecting on her arm, as shown in Raymart’s video, was actually Claudine’s beauty secret” called Gerovital H3 which rejuvenates the skin.

Claudine’s lawyer also presented results of drug tests in October 2011 and April 2013 which, he said, showed that she was not using prohibited drugs.

Gone too soon.

In a talk with reporters later, Derek further explained, “Ang sasabihin ko lang, walang may kasalanan sa nangyari. Walang may kasalanan. Walang may mali. It’s just a decision that was made. There’s nobody wrong.”

One speculation why they parted ways is because the two became “too close for comfort”.

Before the breakup, there were reports of a sex video of Cristine and former boyfriend Rayver Cruz. Asked to comment on the rumor, Derek said, “So what?”

There are also rumors linking Ynna Asistio to Derek, which the actress has denied.

Gretchen, Raymart accuse Claudine of drug use

GRETCHEN Barretto claims her youngest sister, Claudine Barretto, was confined in a hospital two years ago for drug use and mental illness, backing allegations by Claudine’s estranged husband, Raymart Santiago, that she had used illegal substance.

In a statement sent to Philippine Entertainment Portal, Gretchen recalled that in January 2011, her father, Miguel Barretto, pretended to suffer from heart attack and was confined in Medical City in Pasig City.

“That was just a ploy to get Claudine confined at the basement [of the hospital] for her

severe drug abuse and mental condition,” said Gretchen.

Claudine’s treatment for drug addiction was continued in a private clinic in Chana, Thailand, she added.

Gretchen said she was forced to spill the beans after her father asked her and sister Marjorie to drop the Barretto surname because they were no longer part of the family.

Gretchen, Marjorie and brother JJ are at odds with Claudine, sister Gia and their parents.

Earlier, Raymart presented to the court a sworn statement and evidence, including photos and videos, which, he said, would prove that Claudine was a drug user.

Claudine denied the drug abuse allegation. Her lawyer

Claudine and Gretchen in happier times.

So happy together

Beach wedding for Echo and Kim in 2014

JERICHO Rosales has been on Cloud 9 since he proposed to his girlfriend, Kim Jones, in August, saying he couldn’t ask for more from her.

“Nag-date kami ng eight months and after that, nasabi ko na talaga na I wanna prepare for the future, kasama itong babaing ito, sabi kong ganu’n. Siya lang talaga, eh. Tinamaan ako talaga, eh,” he told reporters.

The 34-year-old actor confirmed that they are preparing for a beach wedding next year.

No date has been set, he said.

Jericho describes Kim in glowing terms. “Sa rami na rin ng pinagdaanan ko, siya lang talaga ’yung tao na nararamdaman ko na ’pag up ako, nandiyan siya, ’pag down ako, nandiyan siya, ’pag nasa gitna ako’t alanganin ako, nandiyan siya.

“And she’s solid. She’s a solid person, she’s not all about me, you know. Ako lang parati ang nasa harap ng camera, but in fact, in real life, she’s the

star for me. She’s a wonderful person. She’s very talented pagdating sa lahat ng gusto kong gawin.”

Sam, Jasmine ‘exclusively dating’

SINGER-ACTOR Sam Concepcion has finally confirmed the status of his relationship with showbiz newcomer, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, which has been the subject of speculation in recent months. Jasmine, 19, is the younger sister of popular actress Anne Curtis.

“We are exclusively dating.

Whatever that means to you, to us, we are just both very happy,” said the 20-year-old Kapamilya after the well-attended Cosmo Bachelor Bash recently, which featured him as one of the celebrity “centerfolds.”

‘We’re exclusively dating.’

Asked if he was aware that Jasmine was in the audience at the packed World Trade Center in Pasay City, Sam said, “That really did help boost my confidence while walking the ramp . . . Of course, it was a source of energy and strength for me para makalakad ako nang may confidence. Enjoy lang.”

As to whether he thinks Jasmine would be bothered by female fans’ reaction to his firstever Cosmo outing, Sam said, “Hindi naman siguro. I think secure siya.” n

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UR Misuari, a charismatic Muslim leader who set the Philippines’ south ablaze with rebellion decades ago, is back doing what he does best after a less-than-successful fling with peace.

At the age of 71, the former academic is orchestrating a stand-off in the southern port city of Zamboanga that has claimed more than 100 lives and put him back in the national spotlight.

“We don’t want to be part of the Philippines anymore,” Misuari told supporters in his Jolo island stronghold on August 12 as he declared himself the president of the “Bangsamoro Republik” and railed against national government authorities.

“Their presence in our homeland is illegal, unlawful, illicit. They should pack up and leave.”

A firebrand orator from an influential clan of the Tausug, a warrior-like seafaring tribe, Misuari rallied thousands of fellow Muslims in the early 1970s to take up arms for a separate state in the southern Philippines.

He was continuing a tradition for Muslims in the south of the mostly Catholic Philippines who had for centuries resisted outside Christian rule – whether that be Spanish, American or Filipino.

War for independence Misuari was a young political science professor at Manila’s prestigious University of the Philippines when he established the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to launch a war for independence.

The conflict, which eventually took on other forms with the emergence of other rebel groups, has gone on to claim about 150,000 lives.

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Endgame for Nur Misuari?

tours, said Ramon Casiple, executive director of the Manilabased Institute for Political and Electoral Reform.

Nevertheless, Misuari undoubtedly retains some support and influence.

“Nur is still an icon to some Muslims,” Dureza said.

He and Casiple said Misuari was still able to tap into powerful emotions among many Muslims in the south of feeling oppressed and their dreams of independence.

His status as the founder of the rebellion would also always ensure respect.

However, they said many also realize that Misuari’s motives for instigating the Zamboanga crisis may be driven more by personal interest and a fear of becoming politically irrelevant.

Nur’s last hurrah?

Misuari went into Middle East exile after a 1976 truce, then returned a decade later following the fall of dictator Ferdinand Marcos to begin negotiations with democratic governments in Manila.

He eventually agreed to a peace pact in 1996, with the MNLF laying down its arms in return for self-rule in parts of the southern Philippines and Misuari as the autonomous region’s governor.

Failed adminisrator But life for Misuari as a bureaucrat and politician would prove to be far less successful than as a revolutionary leader.

As head of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), he was finally in a position to help alleviate devastating poverty, corruption and

violence in the south, and work to end the oppression that the millions of Muslims there feel.

Instead, he established a reputation among the political elite, the national media, and some Muslims as an aloof administrator who was more concerned about his own interests.

They argue he wasted the hundreds of millions of dollars in development funds he controlled.

“Some say he blew his chance that he did not perform well, that he did not deliver, that he failed his people,” Jesus Dureza, who advised two past Philippine presidents on Muslim issues, told AFP. The governor was notorious for spending most of his time away, including weeks at a time with a large retinue at plush Manila hotels or on Middle East

Last September he sent an estimated 200 gunmen to Zamboanga in an effort to derail a planned peace deal with the region’s remaining major Muslim rebel group, the 12,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which split from the MNLF in 1978.

Under the envisaged peace pact, a new autonomous region largely controlled by the MILF would replace the MNLF-brokered one.

“They fear that they might be outside the mosquito net,” Dureza said of the MNLF leadership, using a Filipino expression for total exclusion.

However, Misuari may have overplayed his hand, according to Casiple, citing his inability to draw much support beyond the Tausug heartlands of Jolo and Basilan island.

“His problem now is that you have a president who is in no mood to negotiate,” Casiple said, citing President Benigno Aquino III’s rejection of a ceasefire offer by Misuari and plans to charge his men with rebellion.

“I think this is the endgame for him.” (Agence France-Presse) n

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FULL PAGE AD

Best countries to grow old: PH ranks 44th

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HE PHILIPPINES ranked 44th in the global ranking of the best and worst countries to grow old in.

The Global AgeWatch Index 2013 surveyed 91 nations on the wellbeing of the elderly.

It was compiled by the elder advocacy group HelpAge International and the United Nations Population Fund.

The Philippines placed 73rd in the area of income security for the elderly, 70th in health status; 17th in employment and education, and 21st in an enabling environment.

Global AgeWatch said while older people still face challenges in achieving income security and health status, the government is taking positive action, like the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

“A targeted old age allowance is still too limited to make any difference,” Global AgeWatch said.

“There are also policies and programs that recognize older people’s contribution, provide

old in are Sweden, Norway, Germany, Netherlands, Canada, Switzerland, New Zealand, USA, Iceland and Japan.

Britain came in at 13, ahead of Australia (14) and France (18).

Lower down in the rankings were the emerging economies of Brazil (31), China (35), South Africa (65), India (73) and Russia (78).

The bottom 5 are: Rwanda (87), Jordan (88), Pakistan (89), Tanzania (90), and Afghanistan (91).

The Philippines ranked 44th out of the surveyed 91 nations on the best countries to grow old in.

entitlements to access social services, promote their full employment and maximize opportunities for their participation in national development.

“The government also recognizes the need to address older people’s specific needs in terms of healthcare, housing and income security.”

In Southeast Asia, the Philippines ranked just behind Thailand (42) and ahead of Vietnam (53), Indonesia (71), and Cambodia (80).

Malaysia and Singapore were not included in the survey due to insufficient data, the Global AgeWatch said.

The 10 best countries to grow

WEF study In a human capital study released by the World Economic Forum (WEF), the Philippines landed 66th out of 122 countries covered.

The Geneva-Based WEF is a non-profit, independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

(Helen Flores, Philstar)

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Flash t Run for Pasig River

Runners fill a portion of Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City during the ‘One Run, One Philippines’ fun run to support the rehabilitation of the Pasig River. The annual event attracted some 100,000 runners.

s Celebrating Diversity

Dressed in colorful tribal attire, members of indigenous groups from across the country delight the Sunday crowd at the Rizal Park in Manila as they perform cultural dances to celebrate the Dayaw 2013, or the Month of Indigenous People.

s No Pork for Newlyweds

s

Newlywed couple Kevin and Shiela Solivar make known their grievance against the pork barrel scam as they kiss after a mass wedding of 300 couples in Taguig City.

The Siege is Over

The Philippine flag flies at half-mast on a mosque that was retaken by government troops from Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels who laid siege to Zamboanga City.

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Flash s

Paying Homage to Ina

Devotees of Our Lady of Peñafrancia crowd the icon of Ina as it wades its way to the Naga City Cathedral after the fluvial procession. The annual religious event in September draws thousands of devotees from the Bicol region and across the country.

t Christmas is in the Air A storekeeper checks the Christmas decorations and ornaments on sale in a store in Manila as the early birds start their holiday shopping.

s Images of War

s

A young boy shows his drawings of guns and other weapons of war, vivid memories of the bloody and destructive battle between government troops and MNLF rebels in the heart of Zamboanga City.

Body Art

Mai-Mai Leal and Louie Cinco and show off their head and body tattoos at the ‘Dutdutan Trece,’ tattoo festival at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. The two-day event showcased 400 of the best local and foreign tattoo artists.

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WHAT’S ON

COMMUNITY

31 Oct. 2013

A Night of Laughter and Halloween Comedy Show

Sounds and Sights of the 1st Halloween Mardi Gras

Venue: Penarth Conservative Club, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 2EZ

Venue: TBA Contact: Lorrie Fordan (BFAB Vice Chairman) bfab0359@yahoo. co.uk

Contact: Hugh 07445301468 / Linda 07572418398

18-19 Oct. 2013

Live Performance: Miss Pinky Amador Venue and Time: TPJ FULL PAGE AD Bar and Restaurant, 4 Buspace, Conlan Street, London, W10 5AP at 8pm (starts promptly) Tickets: £ 30 pp Contact: 07447 632673, 07739 759743

As we splash around town we will make sure that your message is splashed across areas that matter most. Our service is contracted to work on these delivery points for an extensive circulation with all local and regional outlets.

FR MARCH 2012

P H I L I P P I N E S VOLUME 1 NO. 1 n ISSUE NO. 1

EE

Palawan’s Underground River Sparks Tourism Boom

Region

copies circulated

London

15,000

Manchester

4,000

Birmingham

5,000

Newcastle

3,000

Glasgow

1,000

Bristol-Cardiff

2,000

Leicester

3,000

Southampton

2,000

Norfolk

1,000

York

1,000

Bradford-Leeds

2,000

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30 Nov. 2013

1 November 2013

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For advertising inquiries, call 020-3371-7882 Email: splashpress@aol.com or splash@magloid.net

Camarines Sur Filipino Community UK Annual Dance Competition

Annual Dance Competition - Philippine Folkdance, Pride of Culture Venue: Sion-Manning RC Catholic Girls’ School, London, W10 6EL Contact: 07947344422 07908581062 07980557467

E: camsur_uk@ yahoo.co.uk

30 November 2013 Let’s Get Loud

Venue: Marian Community Centre, 1 Stafford Road, Kilburn, London NW6 5RS, 6pm Advance ticket: £ 15 At the door: £ 17 Contact: 07455881142 info@arts-venue.com, www.arts-venue.com

OCTOBER APRIL2013 2012

LONDON

EMBASSY NEWS

LONDON

LONDON

Splash PHILIPPINES 2935

WHAT’S ON

New Lines of Coconut Products launched by UK brands

O

troduced by TIANA were NE OF the Organic Coconut Water largest canned within three hours importers of opening of fresh young and manucoconuts, an Organic Exfacturers quisite Omega 3 Spreadable of coconut products that can serve as a butter sourced from the Philipsubstitute, Anti-Ageing and pines introduced a wide Anti-Drying Moisturizers, new range of organic and an Intensive Hydration and fair trade product Treatment for hair. lines at a British retail In addition to sourcing its giant’s flagship store in raw materials from the Philcentral London last 12 ippines, TIANA’s Fair Trade September.

Project has been benefitting TIANA Fair Trade Orcoconut farmers and local ganics, a market leader communities since 2009. and award winner in In his message, Ambassathe health food sector, dor Manalo stated that the broadened its range coconut products deliver of Philippine sourced on social responsibility, as goods available in the well as on quality and taste.

UK with the introducBritish consumers can now get their dose of Philippine coconut products in stores like Holland and Barrett.

“The Philippines, the UK tion of five new prodippine Trade and Investment and PTIC-UK Director Kristine and the rest of the world are ucts at Holland & Barrett, Centre (PTIC)-UK, was led by Umali, together with TIANA Ditherefore all looking forward Europe’s leading retailer of Philippine Ambassador Enrique rectors Tanya and John Harris to these new organic product Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Manalo, Philippine Department and Holland & Barrett’s Senior lines.” he said.

Supplements. of Trade and Industry Under- Manager Mohamed Akasha.

The product launch, organized secretary Ponciano Manalo Jr. The new health products inwith full news from PE London in cooperation with the Phil-

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DUBLIN OUTREACH The Embassy is pleased to announce the holding of its Consular Outreach Mission for 2013 at the following venue: DATE : 26-27 OCTOBER 2013, SATURDAY TIME : TBA VENUE : Ground Floor of The Guild Building, Ardee Street corner Cork Street, Dublin 8 The Mission is intended to exclusively provide only the following services: • E-PASSPORT APPLICATIONS (by booking with the Embassy from 14 – 31 August 2013) • CIVIL REGISTRATION (Report of Birth and Report of Marriage) needed for e-Passport application • PAG-IBIG Membership/Inquiries Those requiring passport services are requested to fill out the attached Passport Service Request form and send the same to the Embassy via email to embassy@philemb.co.uk or fax to 0207 930 9787 from 14 – 31 August 2013.

The data collected shall serve as basis in organizing the requests, with priority to be based on passport expiry date and special needs (such as first-time passport applicants, lost and damaged passports).

All those who will avail of the services during the Outreach Mission are advised to check the documentary and other requirements at www.philembassy-uk.org. Applicants may likewise download application forms in advance from the same website.

Embassy Closures for OCTOBER 2013 The public is advised that, in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 658 dated 3 October 2013, the Philippine Embassy will be closed on the following date: Tuesday, 15 October Eidul Adha ( Feast of Sacrifice) Regular office hours will resume on Wednesday, 16 October, respectively.

In case of death or detention of a Filipino citizen in the United Kingdom, please contact the Embassy’s emergency mobile phone at 07802790695.

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Splash PHILIPPINES

OCTOBER APRIL 20122013

WHAT’S ON

LONDON

TRAVEL

Explore the Philippines by jeepney

J

EEPNEYS ARE the unofficial emblem of the Philippines.

They’re brilliantly colourful and a hybrid of a bus and jeep, and they’re everywhere.

The small vehicles are the main mode of public transport in most towns and cities in the Philippines, including busy Manila, and are used for both local and long-distance trips.

Many Jeepneys are hand-painted, with their destination written on the side.

They first evolved from the many jeeps left behind by US forces after the end of World War II. They were modified as the need arose, with bits and pieces of metal added by hand.

They were also painted with murals, often in bright colours.

Today, they are built locally from aluminium and stainless steel. But they’ve

maintained their original form - and colour - and are a ‘motif’ of the country.

A word of warning though, if you plan to take a jeepney somewhere, make sure to read the entire long-destination notice.

The first part of the “sign board” states the jeepney route’s origin, the last part, its destination.

The middle section is the most critical. It details the route the driver will take between the two points.

So, while a quick glance at the sign board might lead you to Jeepneys, which are the unofficial offical mode of transportation of the Philipthink two jeepneys are going FULL PAGE AD pines, are known for thei colorful exteriors. to the same place, they likely won’t go the same way. The actual path they take to get there tion, outside the Mall of Asia.

The place is crowded with jeepwill be different. neys, promising a fun foray Once you’re aware, a trip in a jeepney is fun and should be around Manila. on your to-do list when visiting with full news by Chris Hutchthe Philippines.A good place to ings from Stuff NZ start from is the city bus sta-

OCTOBER APRIL2013 2012

LONDON

Splash PHILIPPINES 3135

T: 0203 371 7882

As we sp that you that matt work on t circulatio

at your doorstep!

Name:

Splash PHILIPPINES

SEPTE E 2013

Verbatim This controversy has been engineered by the administration for only one purpose – to demolish the opposition, especially those who enjoy the popular support of our people.

Address:

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.’s initial reaction to revelations by whistleblowers linking him and other lawmakers to the pork barrel scam allegedly engineered by Janet LimNapoles.

It is not up to the senato determine whether an N bogus or not.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada, one senators whose pork barrel was allegedly funneled to b governmental organizatio explaining how his pork barrel en the NGOs set up by Janet Lim

ON ON LOND LOND

Senators Bong Revilla and Jinggoy Estrada with Janet Lim-Napoles at a party.

When I’m watching, I tell my household to buy me a vial of poison, prepare a necktie for me or piece of rope, or just [turn off ] the TV. I want to die.

I am happy that there are a lot of people who think for my future.

That means I’m on their minds and I just thank them for thinking of me.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, brushing aside questions about his presidential ambitions in 2016

Alam mo, ayoko na siyang pag-usapan.

Hindi naman siya importanteng tao, at hindi rin siya sikat.

Claudine Barretto, when asked about her estranged husband, actor Raymart Santiago, against who she filed abuse charges

Home phone:

L

PINES

O TO E 2012

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Excuse me, I’m not scared. M they’re scared, why they’re tr scare me.

Ombudsman Conch Morales, confirming receiving death threats, which could be related to the ongoing investigation on regarding pork ba

Mobile:

Email:

LONDON

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, castigating l linked to the pork barrel scandal, adding that her c tagged in the multibillion-peso scam should “ea (blank

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