Philippines Independence Magazine

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Philippine Independence

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Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan para sa Tuwid na Daan

From the President of the Philippines It

is my honour to greet my fellow Filipinos as we celebrate the 114th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

Once again, the Filipino people are writing a significant chapter in our history. Like all turning points in this narrative, this chapter is an outcome of collective will, manifested by our desire to fulfil our country’s great potential as exhibited by the ability, creativity, and fortitude of the Filipino. Our patriots embodied these qualities in all of their undertakings, particularly in their greatest enterprise —the formation of this Republic.

Today we also take inspiration from our countrymen who demonstrate passion, excellence and integrity in their chosen fields, thereby carrying on

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this legacy of solidarity and nationhood from our forefathers. As we celebrate our Independence, let it be our duty to reaffirm the values that have shaped and strengthened our nation and to forge ahead in fulfilment of the destiny envisioned by our heroes.

Let us uphold the spirit of hope and confidence that complements the momentum of change in our time. May we also remain proud of our heritage and diversity, the foundations that distinguish our beloved Philippines. Inspired by the past we now commemorate, we move forward to establish a future that accords with our rightful place in the community of nations.

Benigno S. Aquino III

from the Secretary of Foreign Affairs C

ommemorating Independence Day reminds us of the courage and struggle of the men and women who paved the way for the birth of our nation. Our ancestors made great sacrifices to witness that day in 1898, when the Philippine flag was raised and the national anthem was played to mark the proclamation of our nation’s independence.

One hundred and fourteen years after, we are called to remain united and steadfast to the ideals of freedom and democracy. This year’s theme, Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan para sa Tuwid na Daan, prompts us to bear in mind that every Filipino, wherever he or she may be, has a role to play in the nation’s development. Our hard-earned independence comes with responsibility to build a prosperous nation founded on truth, justice and equity.

Through good governance, the President is steering the Philippines towards rapid and sustainable economic growth, coupled with an im-

proving quality of life for every Filipino. The Department of Foreign Affairs is one with the President in his pursuit to achieve inclusive growth for the country. In deepening our relations with other countries and engaging regional powers, the Department endeavours to advance national security and secure our territorial integrity, effectively address the needs and welfare of overseas Filipinos, and engage in a vigorous campaign to enhance economic diplomacy.

Love for country and deep faith in the Filipino people gave our heroes strength to fight for independence. As we celebrate Independence Day, may their patriotism inspire Filipinos, here and abroad, to become willing partners and dedicated collaborators of the government in attaining sustained growth and development.

Mabuhay at Maligayang Pagdiriwang ng ating Kalayaan!

Albert F. Del Rosario

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The 114th Anniversary of Philippine Independence

Message

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

From the Philippine Ambassador to Qatar When

our forefathers declared independence from colonial rule 114 years ago they were filled with a strong resolve to take over the reins of government to free the Filipino nation from grave oppression and severe injustice, and provide better opportunities to improve the lives of every Filipino.

With similar patriotic fervour, Filipinos overseas, the nation’s modern-day heroes, value their families’ future as their primary driving force is working in foreign lands away from their loved ones. You are filled with this noble purpose as you battle against homesickness, unfamiliar environments and conditions, and other inevitable difficulties while away from our home country. This daring gesture is in itself heroic and comparable to the exploits of our valiant forefathers.

This year’s theme “Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan para sa Tuwid na Daan” reminds each one to go beyond ourselves and to plant in our con-

sciousness the utmost concern for our nation as we celebrate the 114th anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence. Each one should bear the social responsibility to pursue the “Tuwid na Daan” with unflinching commitment to good governance and transparency in our own sphere of influence. It is through our collective efforts to be actively involved in the government’s reforms and other pursuits of righteousness that the Almighty God will hear from heaven and heal our people, and prosper our lands.

Finally, I wish to extend my sincerest gratitude to all who have made this year’s celebration a huge success, particularly those behind PINOC 2012. I encourage all Filipinos in Qatar to continue serving as bridge in further strengthening Philippine-Qatar relations by way of exemplary and commendable work ethic.

Mabuhay tayong lahat!

Crescente R. Relacion

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The 114th Anniversary of Philippine Independence

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The 114th Anniversary of Philippine Independence

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

The 114th Anniversary of Philippine Independence

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Philippines and Qatar

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31 Years of Vibrant and Dynamic Partnership ments in the political, economic, social and cultural fields.

Qatar hosts an estimated 200,000 Filipino workers serving in the field of medical care, hospitality services, engineering, accountancy and household services.

The Philippines and Qatar maintain friendly and cordial relations. It was through Qatar’s invitation that the Philippines was able to attend the 9th OIC Summit held in Doha from 12-14 November, 2000.

Qatar has said that it will not object to RP’s bid for Observer Status in the OIC. It is recommended that RP make high-level representations in Doha.

As a member of the Asian Group of the UN, Qatar supported RP’s candidature to a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the term 2004-2005. In return, the Philippines supported Qatar’s candidature to a non-permanent seat in the UNSC for the term 20062007.

The

State Visit of His Highness The Emir, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani on April 10, 2012 affirms the enhancement of political and economic ties between the Philippines and Qatar.

This first-ever visit of the Qatari Emir to the country, upon the invitation of President Benigno S. Aquino III, bolstered the vibrant and dynamic partnership the Philippines and Qatar enjoy for 31 years. This visit also reciprocated the state visits of President Fidel V. Ramos in March 1997 and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in December 2008.

The Emir met with President Aquino and key Cabinet members and discussed ways to further enhance the relations between the two countries especially in the areas of labour, tourism, agriculture, trade and investments. Agreements were signed on tourism cooperation, agricultural and fisheries cooperation, and cooperation in the legal field, apart from one with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry cooperation.

There was also a Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Trade and Industry and Qatar Holdings LLC to study cooperation in investments.

Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Qatar were established on May 5, 1981. For over a decade, Qatar was covered by the Philippine Embassy in the United Arab Emirates.

The Philippine Government opened an Embassy in Doha in May 1992. Located in the West Bay Area, the Embassy was initially headed by First Secretary and Consul Mariano A. Dumia as Chargé d’ Affaires, a.i. The Qatari Government, in turn, opened an Embassy in Manila in 1994.

The first resident Philippine Ambassador to Qatar was H.E. Antonio B. Magtibay (1994-1998). He was succeeded by Amado S. Tolentino, Jr. (1999-2002), Wenceslao Jose O. Quirolgico (2002-2005) and Isaias F. Begonia (2005-2009).

H.E. Crescente R. Relacion is the current Philippine Ambassador to Qatar while H.E. Jassim Ali Abdullah Al Obaidly is the Qatari Ambassador to the Philippines.

The Philippines and the State of Qatar have always enjoyed friendly and cooperative relations, which are anchored on the principles of mutual trust, respect and understanding.

Through the years, the two countries have demonstrated their commitment to further enhance and deepen their relations through cooperative arrange-

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The 114th Anniversary of

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Th e Subterranean River National Park (Puerto Princesa Underground River) is famous for its various landforms.

Its rocky mountain is composed of different land forms that is covered with green tropical rain forests. In a small portion of the park, you can find a karst limestone. Aside from the underground terrain, you can find a wildlife preservation park; it is also the home of the endangered mousedeer, peacock pheasants and Philippine Cockatoo.

Puerto Princesa Underground River is located at the Midwest coast of Palawan approximately 365 nautical miles south of Manila. It is 76 km northwest of Puerto Princesa city facing the South China Sea. It lies in the portion of Barangays, Cabayugan, Marufinas, and Tagabinet.

Puerto Princesa Undergr One of the New 7 Wonder The

subterranean underground river is one of the most visited places in the Philippines. Tourists from all over describe the place as mesmerising and captivating.

The waters at Puerto Princesa Underground River are cool and calm thus giving an exciting experience for a boat trip. The Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) is also included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.

“The River travels thro features stalactites, stalag large chambers. The park a complete sea to mounta features 8 of the 13 diffe found in Asia. Collectively different plant species.”

Philippine Independence

round River: rs of Nature

ough a cave that gmites, and many area encompasses ain ecosystem and erent forest types there are over 800

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QUICK FACTS • Also known as St. Paul’s Subterranean River • Located in the Saint Paul Mountain range in the Philippines • An 8.4 km navigable underground river • Longest underground river in Asia and second longest in the world Photographs by Simply Pinoy Guide, Gly Chua PPUR Consultant Mr. Edison Go Tan / PPUR Campaign Lead Hon. Edward S. Hagedorn / Puerto Princesa City Mayor, La Venta Esplorazioni Geografiche

A Boost to the Tourism Potentials of PPUR There’s still more room to enhance the potentials of the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) as a tourist destination, according to government study.

For one, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, whose main attraction is the 8.4-kilometer PPUR that flows directly into the sea, can hold about 1,400 tourists a day if it is managed properly.

The park, considered one of the country’s important protected areas situated 76 kilometres northeast of Puerto Princesa City, used to be visited by only about 145 people a day.

Following the PPUR’s proclamation as one of the world’s New Seven Wonders of Nature, the number of local and foreign visitors has considerably increased to about 900 per day.

By 2020, it is expected to have more than 2,100 visitors a day, as projected by a research team of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (DENR-ERDB).

The study was done to determine the park’s carrying capacity, or the allowable number of visitors and corresponding activities that the place could accommodate without harming its natural beauty and ecological integrity.

The PPUR, according to the researchers, is expected to attract five times more tourists in the next 11 years.

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The 114th Anniversary of Philippine Independence

Greetings from Al Abdulghani Law Firm We, Al Abdulghani Law Firm along with our Filipino Colleagues wish a Happy and Proud Independence Day to all the Filipino Communities in the State of Qatar on the 114th Philippine Independence Day. We would like to express our gratitude to the Philippines for producing a well-trained and industrious work force. We also remember the unforgettable and tremendous contribution of Filipinos in building up Qatar. Filipino talent and competence are highly recognized around the gulf and are known for being highly skilled, hardworking, and passionate about their jobs.

As a kind of appreciation, we take this opportunity to extend our hands to the Filipino Community to stand with their rights. We have appointed Naida Nagrampa, a Filipina, to better understand them in their own language in providing legal service to the Filipino Community as we can see the need and the evident shortage of legal information.

Happy Independence Day and Mabuhay Philippines!

Philippine School Doha embraces K-12 Philippine School Doha (PSD) is all set to implement the Kindergarten to 12 (K to 12) program, which will incorporate school curriculum to Grade 7 and will embrace further year for high school. In line with its implementation, PSD is currently holding an In-Service Training (INSET) with the theme “Embracing K-12 with Meaning and Creativity”. The training started last June 3 and will last until June 14, 2012.

The K to 12 program is a modification of the 10-year basic education system implemented in the country that comprises six years of elementary and four years of high school. It has a kindergarten as base, followed by six years of elementary (Grades 1 to 6), four years of junior high school (Grades 7 to 10), and two years of senior high (Grades 11 to 12). This will decongest the current curriculum by disseminating the lessons over 12 years instead of shoving them into 10.

The K to 12 program will use the “spiral progression approach” which will aim to teach students more upon entering high school. Under this system, students in first year level (seventh graders) would already be introduced to the basics of all these mathematics subjects as well as Science enriched course.

With its implementation, this will serve as the start of what PSD hopes to withstand in the route towards the development of everyone. The INSET anchored to the K to 12 training was spearheaded by the intermediate department of Philippine School Doha lead by Paulita Pal.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Al Tai Medical Center

We deliver a wide range of quality healthcare services, all in the same location. Our team of professionals use the latest and most advance technology and machineries for treatment.

Our aim is to provide outstanding, up-to-date health care within our resources, delivered with care and compassion. We endeavour to be responsive to patient’s needs and also offer to help manage their own health.

Our List of Departments: • Gynaecology & Obstetric Clinic • Orthopaedic & Rheumatology Clinic • Dental Clinic • Paediatric Clinic • General Practitioner Clinic • Physiotherapy Clinic • Al Tai Pharmacy The Center’s unique combination of people and experience is the foundation of its prestigious reputation for innovation and clinical excellence.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

The 114th Anniversary of Philippine Independence

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A Glimpse of the Philippine Landscape: Your Window to Infinite Investment Opportunities

Doing

business in the Philippines provides investors with more than just profit gains.

The country offers a plethora of unique and exceptional treasures that is unmatched anywhere else around the globe. Abundant natural resources, breathtaking sceneries, vibrant culture, and warm and committed people characterise the wonderful Philippine landscape.

Breathtaking Sceneries With more than 7,100 islands comprising the Philippine archipelago, the country offers a variety of destinations and activities for every kind of traveller. Picturesque sceneries combined with warm, tropical weather, vibrant and unique heritage and hospitable people have made the Philippines an ideal tourist destination.

Diverse Natural Resources A tropical country in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is well-endowed with rich and diverse natural resources of agricultural crops, marine life and mineral deposits.

The primary source of livelihood among natives comes from the plentiful agricultural produce, while the extensive territorial and different bodies of water serve as a vast resource of sea harvests. Mineral resources also abound the Philippine soil. The country’s mineral deposits can be classified into metals and non-metals.

Adequate Network of Infrastructure In spite of the country’s archipelagic nature, the country is on its way to social and economic development owing to the adequate network of infrastructures in transportation and communication.

The transport infrastructure includes an extensive network of road systems for land travel, efficient nautical highways that link the Philippine islands for water transport, and a number of

international and domestic airports that serve as the country’s aerial gateways.

On the communication front, television, radio and newspaper still remain to be the mainstream media. On the other hand, the internet is fast-emerging as a new media, with social networking as the most active web-based activity in the country today.

In addition, the country has a sophisticated cellular phone industry and a high concentration of users.

Warm and Committed People Filipinos are proud of their rich and colourful heritage. The country’s history is characterised by strong influences from Spain and America, having been a colony of both countries for a long period of time. The country’s long history produced a culture that is both traditional and westernised.

Probably because of the influences from various foreign cultures, the Filipino culture gives high priority to establishing good interpersonal relations with their business contacts. Other than their friendly traits, Filipinos are also known for their world-class dedication to work. The Filipino workforce is characterised for its global competitiveness, highly skilled and proficient in the English language, a proof of their passion and commitment to everything that touches their lives.

Due to the country’s fairly high educational standards, the literacy rate in the country is high at 95 percent, with majority of Filipinos aged 10-64 years old literate. There are about 500,000 graduates yearly across various disciplines, thereby enriching the country’s vast pool of human resource.

hamad bin suhaim al thani chairman

adel ali bin ali managing director

ihsan ghazal general manager designs : ravindranath koonath

tasnim ahmed & lubuna k.a. supplement editors advertising : Len Dominguez

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The 114th Anniversary of Philippine Independence

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Among the best! countries, in a bid to maintain the Philippines’ status as a premier and competitive dive destination among overseas divers.

The Philippines has also been consistently awarded as one of the top 10 “Dream Destinations.” Selection for these awards is done through voting by subscribers of Marine Diving magazine, one of the most prestigious dive publications in Japan.

World’s best in business English proficiency According to a Yahoo! Southeast Asia report, which cited the study conducted

by GlobalEnglish Corporation, the Philip-

World’s top 3

It indeed was a moment of pride for all Pinoys when the Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. announced that the Philippines was named among the top dive destinations during the Marine Diving Fair 2012 held recently in Japan. The Marine Diving Fair 2012 is one of the largest diving and beach resort exhibitions in Asia that attracts over 50,000 visitors annually.

According to Secretary Jimenez, the Department of Tourism (DOT) participated in the event, which showcased 200 exhibitors from 50

Numbers Talk!

90,865

Number of summer jobs the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has made available for students under the Government Internship Program (GIP) for 2012.

P1.4 billion

Tourism infrastructure package for the province of Albay to fund the Cagraray Circumferential Road in Bacacay town and a road that directly links Albay to Donsol, Sorsogon where whale sharks or “butandings” are the main draw.

100,000

Number of jobs from 300 local and overseas firms that will be available at the Department of Labour and Employment’s (DOLE) 2012 Labour Day Job Fair.

P767.2 million

Amount to be released for the power subsidy of local government units (LGUs). This will not only allow LGUs to fulfil their role in implementing critical programs and projects in their own communities – it will also give local governments enough legroom to lower the cost of electricity across their localities.

Special Thanks The QIM team thanks the Embassy of Philippines, DohaQatar for the kind support and contribution to the Supplement.

pines is the world’s best country in business English proficiency, ranking higher than the United States.

GlobalEnglish Corporation’s annual Business English Index (BEI) reviewed 76 countries but only the Philippines was able to score 7.11, a BEI level indicating high proficiency in business discussions.

Quoting GlobalEnglish Corporation, “It is not surprising that both the Philippines and Norway—the only two countries in the top five in both 2011 and 2012—are improving their economies, based on the latest GDP data from the World Bank.”

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The 114th Anniversary of Philippine Independence

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owered by age-old artisan techniques, expertise and myriad influences, the Philippines furniture industry has bagged many accolades and is currently creating quite a spur around the globe. The Philippines has made into the homes of notable personalities like Queen Rania of Jordan and Hollywood power couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie; leading lifestyle stores and many more.

As part of promoting Filipino creativity and the design-driven industry in the world, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the marketing arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry, united four of the nation’s major design events- Manila FAME, Manila Now, CEBUNEXT, and Bijoux Cebu- under a single spinnaker last October 2011, bringing a new phase to the Philippine furniture, furnishings and accessories industry and offering sourcing ease and convenience to international buyers.

More than bringing the four event brands together, CITEM also created programs for the furniture and accessories sectors, strengthening their ability to penetrate international markets through design and merchandise development as well as capability building.

The trend-setters

Kenneth Cobonpue needs no introduction in the Middle East market! Masterpieces from the expert has already made into the interiors of numerous leading players in the region including Al Sharq Village and Spa in Qatar, Four Season Hotel and Nobu, The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, Melange Shisha Lounge in Jeddah, and Rare Restaurant. Cobonpue is renowned for his signature pieces constructed from natural fibres and materials. His brilliant works that truly showcase the craftsmanship of Filipinos have been gathering accolades abroad and have been featured in Hollywood movies such as Oceans 13, Made of Honour, Spread and the TV show CSI: Miami. His exceptional designs and one-of-a-kind craftsmanship involved in his products have earned admiration from celebrities like Lucy Liu, Robert de Niro, Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.

Another Philippine manufacturer who penetrated the Middle East Market is Betis Crafts. For more than three decades, Betis Crafts has been exporting

intricately carved wood furniture to the Middle East market.

Like Betis Crafts, Maze Manufacturing, has been exporting to the Middle East market since the early 2000s. The company produces furniture and home accessories under the skilled hands of craftsmen from her province of Pampanga, north of the Philippine capital city of Manila.

According to Judith Maranang, Maze Manufacturing Marketing Director, most of the exquisite design of their products resembles the opulence of the Middle East. “The classical line that features ornate items done in gold and silver leaf finishes are very much in demand in the Middle East. They love the design and the human touch that goes with every detail of our products. I think it is one of our company’s best-selling factors in the Middle East market,” added Maranang.

The total sales alone from the Middle Eastern market recorded US$1.69 million total sales of Manila FAME from March 2012. Top product categories that appealed to

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the Middle Eastern market include furniture, fashion complements, home decors, crafts, premium and holiday items.

For its 56th edition on 1720 October 2012, CITEM is gearing up Manila FAME and the other event brands for a bigger and more exciting show through expanding design-driven merchandise and introducing new exportready companies.

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Tuesday, June 12, 2012