EU Pasisinayaan ang Blue Card upang Mahimok ang mga Highly-Qualified Foreign Workers

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1 With compliments of Angel Locsin Pasisikatin ng DOS! Filipino Violinist achieves Music Degree PAHINA 20 PAHINA 12 AKO ay Pilipino Nag-uugnay sa mga Pilipino sa Europa EUR 1,00, GBP $ 0,7, CHF Fr. 1,50, NOK Kr. 8,0,, SEK Kr. 9,0, DKK Kr 7,5 0 complimentary copy EU Pasisinayaan ang Blue Card upang Mahimok ang mga Highly-Qualified Foreign Workers Bilang tugon sa mga pangangailangan ng Europa sa mga highly-qualified workers, pasisinayaan ng Brussels ang isang EU-wide work permit para sa employment ng mga non Europeans, saanmang bansa sa loob ng 27-nation bloc, ito ang sinabi ng EU home affairs Commissioner Franco Frattini sa EUobserver. Ang idea ng EU work permit ay gagawing Blue Card na mula sa kulay ng European Union flag at pormal na gagawin ngayong buwan. Ang Blue Card, ay inaasahang, makakahimok sa mga manggagawa na pumunta sa Europe kaysa sa US, Canada o Australia at mabawasan ang kakulangan ng mga manggagawa na humaharap sa bloc dahilan sa maunting populasyon at pagbababa ng mga bilang Editorial Office: via Virgilio Maroso 50, Rome - Italy ipinanganganak ayon kay Mr. Frattini. Ito ay ayon sa akin- ayon sa Europa-na maipromote at mahimok ang mga highly-skilled migrants na pumunta dito kung sila ay kailangan, aniya. Si Mr. Frattini na siya ding VP of the EU ay nagsabi na nais niyang i-suggest ang possibilidad ng intra-eu movement na may mga kondisyon. Ang Blue Card ang siyang papayag sa mga holder na makarating mula sa isang from one EU member state patungo sa iba pagkatapos ng initial period ng dalwang taon, at kung mapapatunayan na legal ang pananatili nito sa kanyang trabaho. Ang holder ay kailangan na makapunta sa ibang member state pagkatapos ng ilang taon. Phone: Fax akoeurope@etnomedia.org ISYU 8 SETYEMBRE, 2007 More Pinoys Suffer Depression due to Poverty, OFW Parents, Disasters More Filipinos are suffering from depression due to intense longing for loved ones working overseas or to feelings of helplessness in the face of natural and man-made disasters, experts said. Dr. Felicitas Soriano, president of the Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA), said the widespread phenomenon of Filipino parents working abroad is taking a heavy toll on the mental health of their children. If you are left behind by your mother or your father who is an OFW, you sometimes get lonely. You long for the affection and presence of your parents. Sometimes, that can lead to depression, Soriano said in an interview after a health forum organized by the Philippine College of Physicians and Zuellig Foundation. Mga Batang Migrante Inaabuso sa Kulungan ng Spain pahina 3 pahina 6 pahina 4 Romulo Leads ASEAN Ministers in adoption of two key documents boosting migrant workers welfare pahina 12 The St. Joseph Social Center Accomodates and responds to the needs of the Filipino Migrants Sport Pinoy ang napiling Sports Idol Isa pang gymnast ang nakapasok sa elite list ng top young athletes, matapos mahirang bilang ultimate Pinoy Sports Idol sa pagsasara ng third season ng contest kamakailan, na napapanood tuwing Sabado sa Studio 23. pahina 23 Pimentel Renews Call for Federalism to end Rebellion in Mindanao Asians Sing, Dance and Shine! pahina 10 pahina 16 British Embassy Warns Filipino Job seekers pahina 15 pahina 14

2 2 SETYEMBRE, 2007 BALITANG EUROPA AKO ay Pilipino Balak ng EU na Bumuo ng European Migration Network Binabalak ng European Commission ang lumikha ng isang European Migration Network (EMN) para sa epektibong probisyon ng up-to-date information at ang data ng lahat ng mga migratory developments. Nais ng ENM na makagawa ng higit na informed policy- at ng decision-making para sa ongoing development ng European immigration at ng asylum policy. The European Migration Network, pahayag ni the Vice-President of the Commission, Franco Frattini, ito ay mahalagang instrumento upang mapalago ang kaalaman tungkol sa migratory phenomena sa EU, salamat sa mga abilidad na napalawak at naipublish sa policy reports, ang mga nasuri na statistical data, ang mga nai-produce na specific studies at ang pagbibigay ng relevant ad-hoc information na may kinalaman sa migration at asylum hindi lamang sa policy-makers kundi sa general public. Hangarin ng ENM s ayon sa proposal na na maibigay ang mga impormasyon na kailangan ng mga Community institutions, Member States authorities at institutions, at ng general public sa migration at asylum ang magbigay ng providing up-to-date na may layunin at kompletong impomasyon sa migration at asylum kasama ang suporta sa mga patakaran at decision-making ng European Union sa kanilang lugar. Para mapanatili ang layunin na ito ang Network ay kailangnan magcollect at magpalitan ng existing data at impormasyon mula sa mgasources; na nagsagawa ng analysis na may data at impormasyon na publish reports; makagawa at mapanatili at kailangan ay mga internet-based information na exchange system accessible sa publiko (EMN website); at kayang makapag operate ng European at international bodies. Ang Network ay kinabibilangan ng National Contact Points, isang sangay ng Member State, at ng European Commission. Ang National Contact Points ay bahagi ng the Member States. Ito ang magbibigay daan sa aktibong partisipasyon mula sa Member States at ang gagarantiya sa EMN s na makapagtrabaho ng maayos kasama ang EU s political agenda, ang Steering Board na nagtayo sa bawat miyembro ng Member State, ang Commission at ang European Parliament na siyang magrerepresent dito. Ang Network ang magpapanatili na magkaagapay ito sa Commission, na magbibigay ng malaking daan upang makagawa ng mga taun taon na programa at ng mga pondo base sa National Contact Points at ang pagpili ng service provider na siyang tutulong na makipag ugnay sa Network. Applications ng Asylum sa UK Kumokonti na Patuloy ang pagbagsak ng bilang ng asylum seekers sa UK dahil halos 2,000 nitong 2006 ang pinakamababang level na nagsimula pa noong 1993, ito ay ayon sa statistics na ipinublish ng Home Office noong Agosto. Ang bilang ay ipinakita na 23,610 ang aplikasyon hindi pa kasama ang mga dependants na nakatira na noong nagdaang taon na nagbigay ng 8% kada pagbagsak ng aplikasyon kompara noong Ipinakita rin sa report na ang pagtatanggal ng walang karapatan sa UK ay nakaabot na sa record levels. Umabot na sa 2006, 63,865 tao ang napaalis sa UK na tumaas ng 10% sa level noong Ang bilang ng asylum seekers ay bumagsak bukod pa sa mga dependants na inialis noong nagdaang taon na may itinaas na 19%. Ayon kay Home Office Minister Tony McNulty : Malakas ngayon ang kontrol sa na siyang nagbibigay ng malaking aplikasyon sa mga asylum na aplikasyon. Ngayon ay mas madami pa ang dumarating sa Britanya at humihingi na makatanggap ng asylum. Sinasabi namin na ginawa na maing doble ang mga resources para sa patakan sa migrasyon at noong isang taon ay nakadala na kami ng mga pagpapaalis sa mga illegal sa Britanya na halos ang isa ay napapatalsik sa loob lamang ng 8 minuto. Ngayon ay gumagawa pa kami ng mabilis na hakbang upang higpitan ang seguridad. Sa susunod na 12 buwan ipapakilala na namin ang single border force, pagcheheck ng mga fingerprints sa lahat ng mga aplikante ng bisa, ang ID cards para sa ibang lahi, ang electronic passenger screening at ang Australian-style points system. Ganun din magtatangal kami ng 2000 ibang lahgi na nasa mga kulungan sa loob ng isa hanggang 6 na buwan sa taong iuto at ang Prime Minister ay nangako na magpapatalsik ng 4,000 katao sa katapusan ng taon. Ang huling ulat ay nagpakita na ang bilang ng mga tao na nabigyan ng settlement ng 2006 o ng indefinite leave na manatili sa UK ay bumaba din ng by quarter. Ang bilang ng mga pasahero na pumasok sa mga porto at napaalis sa Britanya ay nasa 34,825 noong 2006 at tumaas ito ng 6% kumpara sa nakaraang taon. Sinabi pa ni Mr. McNulty na: Napakahirap na ipagpatuloy ng ganitong trabaho upang paalisin ang mga pumapasok sa UK na walang karapatan na manigil dito dahil delikado sa publiko. Kami ngayon ay patuloy na naghahanda ng mga e-borders programme na kung saan sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon ay pinayagan kami na pabalikin ang mga tao sa kanilang bansa at suriin ang kanilang mga paglalakbay laban sa watch-lists. Ang pilot scheme, Project Semaphore, ay nakakuha na ng 29 milyong pasahero na halos nagissue ng lampos sa 13,000 alerts at natapos sa pag aresto ng 1000 katao. IRIS, ang ating pinagkakatiwalaan na traveller programme na nakabase sa iris recognition, na nagbigay ng malaking tagumpay sa airport sa Britanya ng mahigit sa 100,000 pasahero na nakapasok na halos. Ang mga quarterly asylum na bilang mula pa ng Abril hanggang June 2007 ay nagpakita ng pagbagsak ng aplikasyon ng mga asylum na ipinagpapatuloy. Sa huling 3 buwan ay nagkaroon ng 4,950 na applications, bukod ang dependants, na may 13% ng nakaraang quarter. Ang pagpapaalis ay bumagsak sa mga asylum seekers bukod pa ang dependants na halos 7% ang ibinaba kumpara sa first quarter of Vatican Official: Ang Mga Migranteng walang dokumento ay Hindi Mga Kriminal! Ang pagiging walang dokumento ay hindi katulad ng pagiging kriminal, pahayag ng isang Vatican official sa Global Forum on Migration and Development. Sinabi ni Archbishop Agostino Marchetto, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travellers Sa kanilang pagiging Independently sa kanilang legal na estado, ang mga migrante ay mga tao at may mga karapatan din na dapat igalang at irespeto., binanggit din ito ng Vatican Radio. Ang archbishop ay gumawa ng mga hakbang na tumutukoy sa global forum, na nag-usap usap ang mga nongovernmental at ang mga faith-inspired organizations kasama ang labour unions na inisyatibo ng Belgian government upang magkaroon ng konkretong proposals para sa paglago ng mga international policies on migration and development. Ang mga tao ay may karapatan na mamuhay ng mapayapa at may dignidad sa kanilang sariling mga bansa, at sila ay may karapatan na mangibang bayan kung kinakailangan na makamit ang kanilang pangangailangan, saad ni Archbishop Marchetto sa forum. Sinabi pa niya na ang international community ang mas kailangan na magbigay ng epektibong promosyon ng kapayapaan at pag unlad sa buong mundo upang hindi mapilitan na mangibang bayan ang mga tao at ng mapigilan din ang bilang ng legal na migrasyon. Ang migrasyon ay hindi para sa digmaan o kahirapan ng isang umuunlad na bansa ngunit ito ay para sa pangangailangan ng ibang bansa na matulungan ng mga mayayaman na bansa para sa mga manggagawa. Kaya, ang mga migrante ay may kontribusyon sa bansa ng kanilang pagkatao, dagdag pa niya. Ang mga migrante ay may obligasyon na respetuhin ang mga batas ng kanilang bansa na pinuntahan at magkaroon ng layuning integrasyon mula sa bansa at matuto ng kanilang salita. Ang mas magbibigay sa kanila ng respeto sa bansa at ang pagmamahal at patatanggol sa kanilang sarili. pagtatapos ni Archbishop Marchetto.

3 AKO ay Pilipino BALITANG EUROPA SETYEMBRE, EU Pasisinayaan ang Blue Card upang Mahimok ang mga Highly-Qualified Foreign Workers Bilang tugon sa mga pangangailangan ng Europa sa mga highly-qualified workers, pasisinayaan ng Brussels ang isang EU-wide work permit para sa employment ng mga non Europeans, saanmang bansa sa loob ng 27-nation bloc, ito ang sinabi ng EU home affairs Commissioner Franco Frattini sa EUobserver. Ang idea ng EU work permit ay gagawing Blue Card na mula sa kulay ng European Union flag at pormal na gagawin ngayong buwan. Ang Blue Card, ay inaasahang, makakahimok sa mga manggagawa na pumunta sa Europe kaysa sa US, Canada o Australia at mabawasan ang kakulangan ng mga manggagawa na humaharap sa bloc dahilan sa maunting populasyon at pagbababa ng mga bilang ipinanganganak ayon kay Mr. Frattini. Ito ay ayon sa akin- ayon sa Europa-na maipromote at mahimok ang mga highlyskilled migrants na pumunta dito kung sila ay kailangan, aniya. Si Mr. Frattini na siya ding VP of the EU ay nagsabi na nais niyang i-suggest ang possibilidad ng intra-eu movement na may mga kondisyon. Ang Blue Card ang siyang papayag sa mga holder na makarating mula sa isang from one EU member state patungo sa iba pagkatapos ng initial period ng dalwang taon, at kung mapapatunayan na legal ang pananatili nito sa kanyang trabaho. Ang holder ay kailangan na makapunta sa ibang member state pagkatapos ng ilang taon. Ang card holder ay maaari din na makabalik sa kanyang bansang pinanggalingan at makabalik muli upang makapasok sa EU territory pagkatapos ng apat o limang taon, na walang pagsisimula sa mga administrative procedures na kailangan na gawin saad ng EUobserver. Ayon sa Brussels, ang mga pagkilos na ito ay makakasugpo sa mga migrante na magtagal ng pananatili sa Europa at ang makasugpo sa mga devastating effect of brain drain mula sa bansang lumalago. Ang blue card ay hindi permanenteng card na tulad ng sa American green card, pahayag ng EU commissioner. Ang card ay nagbibigay lamang ng posibilidad na mag anyayaya sa mga highly-skilled workers na makarating at maiwasan ang brain draining dagdag pa niya. Sinabi pa ng EU VP na ang pagkakataon na ito ay simpleng patakaran lamang para magkaroon ng mga access sa mga tao na kailangan... ngunit ito ay tataas sa bawat member state kung makikita kung gaano karami ang kailangan nila. Kung sakali na member states na sila lalo sa reluctant concerning low-skilled or seasonal workers, sila ay posible din na makainggayo ng mga highly-skilled migrants tulad ng mga engineers, doctors, researchers, pagtatapos niya. Sinabi ng Commission na sa 2050, ang labour shortages ay tataas kapag nagretire na ang 25 million Europeans na nagtatatrabaho mula sa one-third ng population ay magiging lampas ng 65 taong gulang. Padadamihin ang Theory Test Questions para sa mga Nag-aaral na Driver at Motorista sa UK Simula sa buwang ito ang mga nag-aaral na driver at mga motorista sa UK ay makakaranas ng dagdag na theory test questions upang mapalaganap ang kaligtasan sa pagmamaneho sa mga kalsada. Ayon sa the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), ang Executive Agency ng Department for Transport, ang pagtaas ng bilang ng multiple choice questions sa mga tests ay makakatulong sa mga nagaaral na magkaroon ng malawak na pag-aaral at magkaroon ng mataas na antas na kaalaman. Sinabi ni Jill Lewis, DSA s Head of Lifelong Learning na: Mahalaga na mapabilang ang mga nag-aaral na maghanda ng maayos para sa mga theory tests katulad ng ginagawa nila sa ibang mga exam. Ito ay magdadagdag ng mga bilang ng mga tanong sa kanilang mga test upang mabigyan sila ng mas malinaw na coverage ng buong syllabus. Matatandaan na ang parehong sasakyan na kotse at motor na test ay mayroong 35 katanungan at ang mga nakuha ng exam na ito ay kailangan magkaroon ng 30 tamang sagot. Pero simula sa ika-3 ng Setyembre ang bilang ng mga tanong ay magiging 50 at ang passing score ay 43. Ang exam na ito ay magbibigay ng oras para sa multiple choice na bahagi ng theory tests na tataas sa 57 minuto at ang bayad ay tataas din. Ang updated version ng Official theory test book and CD Rom ay makikita sa mga tindahan, o di kaya ay magpunta sa official bookstore button sa DSA website ( Ang fee ay tataasan dinmula sa to para sa theory tests na kukuhanin para sa kotse at motorsiklo na gustong matuto bago o pagkatapos ng ika-3 ng Setyembre. Para sa libro ng theory test, kailangan bisitahin ng mga nagaaral ang uk/drivingtest o di kaya ay tumawag sa ; (Minicom: ; Welsh Speakers: ). Pamilya ng mga Highly Skilled Immigrants sa Netherlands makakakuha ng Permit sa loob ng dalawang linggo Plano ng Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) sa Netherlands na pabilisin ang proseso ng residence permits para sa pamilya ng members of highly skilled immigrants. Isang sulat ang ipinadala ng Dutch Lower House of Parliament by Justice State Secretary Nebahat Albayrak ang nagsasabi na ang ang miyembro ng kapamilya ng mga highly skilled immigrants na nakisama sa kanilang bansa at makakuha na ng residence permit sa loob lamang ng dalawang linggo. Hangarin ng Immigration at ng Naturalisation Service (IND) na pabilisin ang proseso ng mga applications para kapamilyang miyembro sa loob lamang ng dalawang linggo na kasama ng mga highly skilled immigrants. Kung lahat ng klase ng migrante at kanilang miyembro ng kapamilya ay kumpleto at tama, mamadaliin itong asikasuhin ng IND s special knowledge at labour migration desk. Noong nakaraang buwan ay sinimulan na ng IND ang pagpaprocess ng mga applications ng mga migrante na nais na magbago ng kanilang estado patungo sa highly skilled immigrant status sa loob lamang dawalang linggo. Ito ay makakapagpadali sa mga batang may talento na makahanap agad sila ng trabaho. Tinatayang 8,800 highly educated ng migrante ang nabiyayaan na ng mabilis na prosesong ito simula ng ito ay pasinayaan noong October Nakipagkasundo rin sa halos 2,600 companies at institutes ang IND na magamit ang ganitong klase ng patakaran. Ang tatlong pinakapopular na sektor ng employment sa tipo ng mga migrante na may mataas na pinag-aralan ay ang ICT, industry at ang scientific education/research. Ang tatlong nangunguna na bansa ay an gmga bansang: India, the United States of America at Japan. Ang mga Employers na nag-enrolled sa IND s Highly Skilled Immigrant Programme ay makakapag-employ ng migrante ng mas mabilis. Ang mga Highly skilled immigrants ay mga migrante na pupunta sa Netherlands para magtrabaho at makakuha ng gross salary na hindi bababa sa 46,541 euro, o 34,130 euro kung sila ay bata 30 taong gulang. Sila ay hindi kailangan pang mag apply ng work permits at ang kanilang aplikasyon para sa residence permits dahil ito ay ipaprocess na ng special IND desk sa Rijswijk loob ng dalwang linggo. Ang desk na ito ay mabilis at maingat sa pagpopoproseso ng mga aplikasyon mula sa mga employers at ng mga employees. Ang mga employers na nais maghire ng highly skilled immigrants ay makakakuha ng deklarasyon at application forms sa special page ng IND s website: www. ind.nl.

4 4 SETYEMBRE, 2007 BALITANG EUROPA AKO ay Pilipino Mga Batang Migrante Inaabuso sa Kulungan ng Spain Sinabi ng Human Rights Watch report na Daan-daan ang mga hindi nasusubayan na mga migranteng kabataan mula sa Africa ang nakakaranas ng pang-aabuso at sexual abuse sa Spanish government migrant detention centres ng Canary Islands. Mahigit 900 ang mga hindi nasamahan na migranteng bata ang dumating noong nakaraang taon sa Canary Islands matapos ang mga mapanganib at traumatic na paglalakbay na ginawa ng mga ito sa barko. Bilang pagtungon sa mga bilang mga bata na dumarating sa tabi ng mga dagat noong nakaraang taon sa Canary Islands regional authorities ay nagbukas ng apat na emergency centres para sa pabahay ng migranteng bata na karamihan ay mula sa Senegal at Morocco. Ang pamagat ng report Unwelcome Responsibilities: Spain s Failure to Protect the Rights of Unaccompanied Migrant Children in the Canary Islands, ay nagpapakita kung ano ang kalagayan ngmga bata sa centres na ito kung saan sila ay namamalagi sa hindi alam kung gaano katagal sila doon na halos siksikan at mahirap na kondisyon. Sinabi ng mga bata sa Human Rights Watch na na ginagawa nila na hindi saktan ito ng mga staff, at mailayo saanman klase ng pang-aabuso sa mga kasama. Hindi naman sila natutuwa makapag-aral sa mga publikong paaralan dahil sila ay may limitado lamang na oportunidad. Ang mga kabataan ay kailangan na Spanish authorities, hindi sila makaranas pananakit at pang-aabuso, saad ni Simone Troller, Europe children s rights researcher for Human Rights Watch. Ang Canary Islands government ay magsasarado na ng kanilang centres at maiayos ang mga bata. Ang Canary Islands regional authorities at ang Spanish government hanggang ngayon ay wala pa ring solusyon para sa mga batang nasa mga sentrong ito. Ang paglilipat sa 500 kabataan ay kailangan ng maayos na pangangalaga sa Spanish mainland mula sa negosasyon ng Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, na mayroong limitado na proteksyon na dapat makamit sa serbisyong dapat na ibigay ng Canary Islands. Higit sa lahat, ang implementasyon ng agreement ay discriminatory laban sa mga Moroccankabataan na napiling ilipat. Ipinahayag pa nghuman Rights Watch na may mga karapatan ang mga bata na ito na manatili sa bansa kahit na sila ay nasa Spanish territory dahil nakasulat sa probisyon ng Convention on the Rights of the Child ng Espanya na pinasinayaan noong Ang karapatan na kilalanin ang solusyon na inapila Spanish government para sa mga bata na nakarating sa bansa. Kailangan na makapag-aapply ang mga ito ng asylum, saad nito. Ang gobyerno ay kailangan maglaan ng family reunification matapos ang careful assessment depende sa desisyon ng bata. Kung anuman ang gusto ng bata ay kailangan na ibigay ng Spanish government para sa oportunidad na integrasyon nito at seguridad ng kaligtasan. Hindi ako masaya dito, kung makakaalis lang ako dito gagawin ko. Hindi kami binibigyan ng pagkain, pahayag ng isang 17 taong gulang na Senegalese boy at La Esperanza emergency centre in Tenerife. Sinab i ng mga bata sa Human Rights Watch na marami silang naranasan na hirap mula sa pang-aabuso. Isa pang 17 taong gulang sa La Esperanza ang nagpahayag na may nanakit dito habang naliligo ito at hanggang sa makita na dumudgo na lamang ang bibig nito matapos na saktan. Sinabi naman ng 13 gulang sa Arinaga emergency centre na ang mga staff members ay sinasaktan din sila. Tumawag ang Human Rights Watch sa Canary Islands government at sa Spanish government upang maaksyunan ang pangyayari na ito at isarado na ang center na ito. Dapat mailipat ang mga bata upang maging maayos ang mga ito at mailayo sa mga ganitong klase ng pang aabuso na magbibigay ng garantiya sa kaligtasan ng mga kabataan. Umapela din ang Human Rights Watch sa mga authoridad na imbestigahan ang mga kasong ulat at maling pagtrato sa mga bata. Kailangan din na maipaalam sa mga kabataan ang kanilang karapatan lalo na sa kanilang mismong salita ng maunawaan ng mga ito at kailangan na maiparating din sa mga ito ang kanilang karapatan sa mga dokumentasyon lalo na sa legal residence, work permits, education and health, saad nito. Fingerprint Technology palalakasin ang seguridad sa UK Border Netherlands : IND Magbubukas ng mga Regional Offices Humigit sa kalahating milyong sets ng fingerprints ang nakuha mula sa visa applicants mula sa mga rollout programme mula noong nakaraang taon, ito ang resulta ng UKvisas annual report. Ang fingerprinting ay compulsary na bahagi na ngayon ng UK visa application process na mula sa ibat ibang bansa din ng mundo. Sa pagpapatupad nito ay lalong hihigpitan at palalakasin ang border control, ang higit sa 6,000 sets ng prints na tutugma sa katauhan ng isang migrante Ang Fingerprints ay kinukuha bilang requirement sa visa application process at ang pagsusuri laban sa UK Government records na makilala ang mga tao sa UK immigration authorities. Kapag nagamit ng UK the authorities ang data ng isang tao ito ay makakatulong sa kanila kung sila ay totoong nagtatatrabaho sa UK o kung ang mga ito ay namatay na o nawawala. Sinabi ni Home Office Minister Liam Byrne: Ang mga bagong fingerprint visas ay mabilis na paraan laban sa illegal na migrasyon. Sa pangongolektya ng mga fingerprint information sa migrante na dumarating sa UK in advance ng kanilang paglalakbay ay makakatulong na agad sa overseas border control kung totoo o perke ang visa applicants. Ayon naman kay Foreign & Commonwealth Office Minister Dr Kim Howells: Ang pagrerecord ng mga biometric information ay makakapagpakilala sa mga tao ng mas mabilis at ng dahilan ng kanilang pagpunta sa bansa. Sa mga nagdaang taon ay naipakilala na ang biometric data collection technology sa mga visa application process. Ito ang susi ng layunin ng mga pinalakas na borders. Ito ay napakainteresado din sa ibang gumagamit ng biometrics tulad ng fingeprintspara sa iba pang layunin hindi lamang sa border control. Ang UK visas ay kolaborasyon na ng bilang ng mga European countries ng mga pilots on joint biometric capture. Sinabi pa ng Home Office na na ayos ang ito sa pagkilala ng mga tao rin na lalabag sa mga batas ng UK, ang pagbabawas ng pang-aabuso sa UK s immigration at asylum systems, combat visa fraud, reduce unfounded asylum claims, improve the smooth running of the visa service; at ang proteksyon sa indibdual. Ang UK visas ay umaasa na makukumpleto na ito sa Abril 2008 na global roll-out ng biometric data collection technology sa lahat ng UK overseas missions sa loob ng 135 bansa at 111 visa application centres sa 53 bansa. Ang roll-out programme, ay magsisimula ngayon September 2006 na sasakop sa three quarters ng world s population kapag natapos. Ito ay ang paraan na pangungulekta ng biometric data (ten fingerscans and a digital photograph) mula sa lahat ng mga visa applicants, irrespective of nationality saanman bansa ito iaapply. Ang Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) sa Netherlands ay magbubukas simula sa buwang ito ng mga regional offices upang maasikaso ang lahat ng mga immigration issues. Nangangahulugan ito na lahat ng mga responsibilidad mula sa Aliens Act ay ililipat hanggang sa municipalities ng IND. Bawat IND s regional offices ay magbibigay ng imposmayon na regular temporary residence sa Netherlands, makakatanggap ng application para sa residence permits at na-issue na ang residence documents. Kapag nabukas ang IND office sa isang rehiyon ay hindi na kailangan pang magpunta ang mga migrante upang magsubmit ng application ng temporary residence permit sa Aliens Office sa town-hall ng municipality kung saan sila nakatira. Saan at kung kailan maaaring pumunta sa IND office ng iyong Rehiyon IND office Address for visitors Opening on 1. Zwolle Zuiderzeelaan JV Zwolle 2. Utrecht Gebouw Dienst Burgerzaken en Gemeentebelastingen Arthur van Schendelstraat MH Utrecht Rijswijk Sir Winston Churchilllaan DC Rijswijk 4. Den Haag Immigratiekantoor Stadhoudersplantsoen JL Den Haag 5. Rotterdam Stadswinkel Centrum Coolsingel AD Rotterdam Eindhoven Wordt nog bekend gemaakt 7. Den Bosch Magistratenlaan MA s-hertogenbosch 7. Den Bosch Magistratenlaan MA s-hertogenbosch 8. Amsterdam Orlyplein DV Amsterdam 9. Hoofddorp Mercuriusplein HA Hoofddorp

5 AKO ay Pilipino BALITANG EUROPA SETYEMBRE, Tulong para sa mga Women and Carers sa UK kapag naging Batas ang Pensions Act 2007 Ang mga kababaihan at carers sa UK ay makatatanggap ng malaking tulong sa reforms to the state pension system ng Pensions Act 2007, na natatanggap ng Royal Assent. Para sa mga napakaraming low income na kababaihan ito ay magiging dagdag na 50 kada linggo sa 2050s mula sa state pension. Sinabi ni Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Peter Hain: Ang Act na ito ay magdadala ng mahahalagang reporma sa state pension system sa henerasyon. Maraming kababaihan at carers ang nadedeny ang kanilang pension na dapat nakukuha dahil sa ang kanilang pamilya at responsibilidad ay hindi nakapagtrabaho ng tama at sapat sa tagal ng dapat na kanilang paghahanapabuhay. Ang Act na ito ang magbibigay sa mga kababaihan at carers ng tamang deal upang makagawa ng mas madali at balanse na responsibilidad at pagkilala sa kontribusyon na ginagawa nila sa komunidad. Halos three quarters sa mga kababaihan na retiring sa 2010 ay dapat tumanggap ng full Basic State Pensionskumpara sa 35% ngayon at 50% na walang riporma. Mahigit sa 90% na mga kababaihan at kalalakihan ang retiring sa 2025 na dapat tumanggap ng full Basic State Pension. Binawasan din ng reporma at naging 30 bilang ng taon ng kontribusyon na kailangan na matanggap ng ang full Basic State Pension. Ito ay aplikable lamang sa mga babae at lalake mula noong ika- 6 ng Abril Ang kasalukuyan na 39 taong gulang para sa mga kababaihan at 44 para sa kalalakiha. Ang Act ay itataas ng State Pension Age sa 68s a 2046 para sa kalalakihan at kababaihan. Ayon sa reformed system, ang mga tao na nag-aalaga ng mga bata at matanda na mayroong disability ay maaring magkaroon ng state pension entitlement sa pamamagitan weekly carer s credits. Ang credits ay higit na flexible kaysa sa Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP), na kailangan pa ang tao ay may qualifying year para makakuha ng state pension entitlement. Nakasaad pa sa reporma na, ang tao na makakaabot ng state pension age sa 2050, ay kailangan na maghanapbuhay ng lampas sa 40taon at kailangan na makabuo ng total entitlement ng 145 per week ( earnings terms) mula sa Basic State Pension at State Second Pension. Ito ay kumpara sa mababa na 100 a week na walang riporma.. Pinuri ni Mr. Hain ang bagong pensions settlement sat sinabing Ang Act ay bumuo ng bagong pundasyon sa pensions settlement. Ito kasama na ng Basic State Pension sa mga kita na may tamang edad ng pamumuhay sa syudad. Ito ang magbibigay ng tamang deal sa state pensions,at kami ay magbibigay ng platform fpara sa mas malaking pag-iimpok para sa indibidual at mga employers ng bagong savings scheme na ipapakilala sa susunod na Pensions Bill.Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon ang lahat ng mga employees ay makakaaccess na ng workplace pension na may minimum employer contribution, at ang contribution para sa gobyerno. Idinagdag pa niya na Ito ay sa tulong ng consensus na kanilang itinayo na ngayon ay gagawin ng agreement sa mga tao na kailangan ng trabaho para sa kanilang kinabukasan at pamumuhay. Pananatilihin ng consensus ang mga importante na public confidence ng bagong pensions settlement at ang mapatatag ito sa susunod na henerasyon. Race Equality Priyoridad ng UK s Cohesion Minister Sinabi ni Cohesion Minister Parmjit Dhanda na Kailangan na mapataas ang pakikipaglaban sa pantay na karapatan at matanggal ang maling pagtingin mula sa mga ethnic minority backgrounds na mapalago ng edukasyon at business. Ayon sa isang bagong report ang cross-government ay nakafocus ang break down ng barriers na maiwasan ang ibang miyembro ng Black at Minority Ethnic communities mula sa equal oportunidad, karapatan at responsibilidad ay nagmumula sa tunay paglago.. Binaggit din ni Cohesion Minister, Parmjit Dhanda ang repleksyon na sa aking karanasan habang sa pangalawang henerasyon sa Asian in Britain at sinabi na ang bagong focus na ito na matulungan ang maraming tao- kabilang ang lahi, pananampalataya, o ang ethnic origin- na nakakagawa ng kanilang malakingparte sa komunidad.. Ipinahayag pa niya na ang kanyang priority ay ang mapag usapan ang inequalities na hinaharap ng maraming kababaihan na muslim Muslim at mga kabataan. Ang ulat ay ipinakita sa employment rate gap sa pagitan ng Pakistani at Bangladeshi na kaba baihan sa mga puti na nagbago mula1970. Naniniwala siya na ang gobyerno ay kailangan na makinig sa mga boses ng mga komunidad na dapat mapakinggan- na magbibigay ng economic and social benefits sa syudad. Nagsalita siya sa isang community project sa South London, Parmjit Dhanda sinabi niya na: Maraming miyembro ng Black at Minority Ethnic Communities ang nais na magpunta sa Britain ngayon. Ngunit dahil hindi sila angkop sa hitsura ay nakakaisip na lang sila na wag ng magtuloy. Lumaki ako na Sikh at sa ikalawang henerasyon ng Asian sa predominantly white community. Napakapalad ko at nabigyan ako ng benepisyo ng aking mga magulang na gawin ang makakaya ko sa school at makapunta sa university. Ngayon kailangan ko ng tulong ng Minister na matulungan ang mga minority communities na maibigay ang nararapat sa kanilang mga anak Sinabi niya na gusto niya na masigurado na ang gobyerno ay gumagawa ng paraan na buksan ang pintuan para sa mga kababaihan at kabataan na hindi tinitingnan kung anu ito bagkus kung anu ang makakaya nitong potensyal. Ang kailangan ay ang maging patas ang pagtingin sa mga tao lalo na ang may mga ethnic backgrounds at suportahan din ang mga ito na makapamuno saanman lugar kung sila ay may kakayahan. Sinabi din ni Mr. Dhanda na ang UK ngayon ay mas comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation sa Europe. Targeted interventions in school are raising educational achievement and ethnic employment rates are rising. I welcome these positive changes but we still have a long way to go. Across public services and across Government we need to continue to take the steps that are needed to deliver greater equality and build strong communities, sabi niya. Ang Improving Opportunity, Strengthening Society (IOSS) strategy sa Government s commitment ay ang makakuha ng matatag na cohesive communities na ang bawat indibidual kahit anung lahi ay mabigyan ng pantay na karapatan at responsibilidad. Idinagdag pa ng Minister na: Local people know their communities better than anyone. I want to make sure Government is supporting small and locally based projects, who are often best placed to reach out to members of the community and find creative solutions to help people access services, challenge racism and bring people together. I know there is incredible work going on in communities to promote equality and celebrate the diversity of this country. I believe diversity has brought huge economic, social and cultural benefits and I want to support community groups to find the best, hands-on ways to respond to local needs, increase opportunity and build strong cohesive communities. UK Bagong Batas para maiwasan ang Forced Marriage Inaprubahan ng UK Parliament ang isang legislation na nais protektahan ang victims of forced marriages and preventing them from taking place, pahayag ng Ministry of Justice. Sa ilalim ng Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act, where a forced marriage has or is about to take place, courts will be able to make orders to protect the victim or the potential victim and help remove them from that situation. The courts will have a wide discretion in the type of injunctions they will be able to make to enable them to respond effectively to the individual circumstances of the case and prevent or preempt forced marriages from occurring. Ang batas ay inihain sa Parliament noong nakaraang November sa pangunguna ni Lord Lester of Herne Hill bilang Private Member s Bill. The Government then worked to strengthen the draft legislation and laid amendments to the Bill to provide greater powers for the courts to identify and protect victims of forced marriages. Sinabi ni Bridget Prentice, minister at the Ministry of Justice na: This legislation sends out a clear message that forced marriage, a breach of an individual s basic right to choose who and when they marry, is not acceptable in our society. It will enable us to make better use of civil court remedies to provide protection to those placed in this intolerable position. The Act is just one part of a much wider programme of work already underway to raise awareness of the problem of forced marriages and protect women s rights in this area. Pinahayag namanni Lord Lester of Herne Hill QC na: The Bill tackles a serious social problem in a practical and sensitive way. It has become law in record time because it has won the support of all three main political parties and of grassroots bodies like the Southall Black Sisters, IMKAAN, Ashiana and Karma Nirvana, who work to protect women and children against being forced into marriage. What matters now is to translate the new law into practical reality. That will require strong leadership within the minority communities working in partnership with public authorities and voluntary bodies. Ayon naman kay Meg Munn, minister at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office,: I am pleased that Parliament has passed a new law to tackle forced marriage. The Government s Forced Marriage Unit has helped many people since it was launched in This new legislation will give greater protection to potential victims and victims and I look forward to its speedy implementation. The Act will give the courts the power to make Forced Marriage Protection Orders to stop someone from forcing another person into marriage. The courts will have a wide discretion in the type of injunctions they will be able to make to enable them to respond effectively to the individual circumstances of the case and prevent or pre-empt forced marriages from occurring. Furthermore, courts will be able to attach powers of arrest to orders so that if someone breaches an order they can be arrested and brought back to the original court to consider the alleged breach. The Act will also enable people to apply for an injunction at the county courts, rather than just the high courts. It will also enable third parties to apply for an injunction on behalf of somebody else.

6 6 SETYEMBRE, 2007 BALITANG PINAS AKO ay Pilipino Friday, August 24, 2007 By Sheila Crisostomo More Filipinos are suffering from depression due to intense longing for loved ones working overseas or to feelings of helplessness in the face of natural and manmade disasters, experts said. Dr. Felicitas Soriano, president of the Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA), said the widespread phenomenon of Filipino parents working abroad is taking a heavy toll on the mental health of their children. If you are left behind by your mother or your father who is an OFW, you sometimes get lonely. You long for the affection and presence of your parents. Sometimes, that can lead to depression, Soriano said in an interview after a health forum organized by the Philippine College of Physicians and Zuellig Foundation. She said More Pinoys Suffer Depression due to Poverty, OFW Parents, Disasters substance abuse is also a major cause of depression. She estimated that three out of every 100 Filipinos suffer from depression. The figure does not include those who are not aware of their condition or those who are aware but don t seek professional help. Soriano also attributed to depression the rising number of obese and overweight Filipinos. PPA treasurer Dr. Antonio Sison explained that there is a correlation between depression and obesity. Sometimes, when you are depressed, your appetite increases so you eat a lot. You don t notice that you re already gaining weight, that you are becoming obese. But in some cases, depression can cause you to lose your appetite. It really depends on the person, Sison said. He advises obese individuals to modify their lifestyles to ward off complications like diabetes and hypertension. Scientists Warn vs Selling State Power Assets By Artemio Dumlao Friday, August 24, 2007 LA TRINIDAD, Benguet Filipino scientists warned that the accelerated sale of the state s power assets will only pull upwards the cost of electricity for consumers. Instead of looking at nuclear power to provide cheap energy, President Arroyo only has to realize that most of the energy resources she has auctioned off could have provided the Philippines with cheap and renewable energy, said Dr. Giovanni Tapang, national chairperson of Filipino scientists group AGHAM or the Samahan ng Nagtataguyod ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Sambayanan (Advocates of Science and Technology for the People). AGHAM noted that Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes is mulling the use of nuclear energy as one of the options to provide cheap power. But Tapang pointed out the country has many available energy resources: hydro, geothermal, natural gas, wind and solar sources. He said, however, these have been all put up for sale by the By Sheila Crisostomo Friday, August 24, 2007 The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) lifted yesterday the restriction it imposed on admission of women about to give birth, a hospital official said. It s back to normal, said PGH spokesman Dr. Michael Tee in a telephone interview. Last Aug. 3, PGH officials called on mothers who were about to give birth to go somewhere else because the hospital s nursery was overcrowded with infants born with complications. PGH normally admits up to 60 babies born prematurely or with complications in its nursery everyday. But prior to Aug. 3, admission reached 90 babies daily. The PGH, however, continued government to independent power producers (IPPs). Is the President now mulling building nuclear power plants to sell it again to foreign bidders? Tapang asked. PGH Lifts Restriction on Maternity Cases to admit patients who were experiencing complicated delivery. The management had observed the situation for 20 days before restoring the hospital to its normal operation. Tee said the hospital would further strengthen its networking system with other government hospitals under its Tatak PGH program to prevent overcrowding at the PGH. Under the program, the PGH provides training to the doctors and staff of other hospitals in Metro Manila and nearby provinces to enable them to attend to delicate cases like complicated pregnancies. The overcrowding of the PGH s nursery section had been attributed to the frequent transfer of pregnant patients from other government hospitals to the charity ward of PGH. Career Exams to Proceed as Scheduled By Rainier Allan Ronda Friday, August 24, 2007 The Department of Education (DepEd) announced yesterday that the second National Career Assessment Examinations (NCAE) for all 4th year high school students in public and private high schools will push through as scheduled on Aug. 28. DepEd said the National Education Testing and Research Center (NETRC), which will conduct the test, is all set to administer the examination next Tuesday. Public and private 4th year high school students will take the exams to determine which career path is best to take after graduation, based on the individual test results, DepEd said. The department said that the schedule of the test has already been decreed in DepEd Memorandum 270 series of 2007 published earlier, wherein it was provided that the NETRC shall administer the NCAE to 4th year high school students every last week of August. This year the test is set on Aug. 28. DepEd officials earlier revealed that there were plans to postpone the NCAE due to the string of class suspensions last week due to floods caused by heavy rains brought by typhoons Chedeng, Dodong and Egay. The NCAE is being administered by DepEd to provide graduating high school students with information on where their competencies lie to help them choose what course to take after high school. DepEd officials are promoting technical-vocational (tech-voc) education and training as a viable career path for high school graduates before going on to college. The department is pursuing the campaign for tech-voc education with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) urging schools to ladderize their college programs, which involves the infusion of tech-voc education and skills training in the first two years of the curriculum to ensure that college students learn technical skills even if he or she does not finish the four- or five-year college course. The NCAE will enable students and parents to better assess the career options of high school graduates based on the student s skills and propensity towards various fields of interest. NCAE will evaluate not only academic aptitude, but also technical and vocational capabilities, as well as entrepreneurial skills. This aims to enable students, as well as their parents, to rationalize career prospects, as well as focus on careers with jobs available in the future. The NCAE was developed by the NETRC in consultation with testing experts from the Center for Educational Measurement (CEM). The NETRC will oversee the administering of the test to some 1.5 million private and public high school students. It will be recalled that the results of the NCAE for school year showed that more than half of the 1.3 million students who took the test showed poor aptitude for college courses.

7 AKO ay Pilipino BALITANG PINAS SETYEMBRE, By Artemio Dumlao Wednesday, August 22, 2007 ITOGON, Benguet The P600 million released by President Arroyo for cloud-seeding operations to counter the effects of the dry spell should be used instead to GMA urged to use P600-M Fund for Cloud-Seeding to Rehab Watersheds reinvigorate denuded watersheds, an irrigation official said. Abraham Akilit, regional director for the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), pointed out that cloud seeding is very expensive yet not an effective way of addressing environmental concerns. NIA-CAR has spearheaded a comprehensive watershed management and rehabilitation program involving the denuded Mount Data National Park that covers a huge portion of Benguet and Mountain Province. Akilit said they were successful in mobilizing the 16 barangays along the Bayudan River one of the critical areas in the watershed to plant at least 200,000 waterbased and fruit-bearing trees to jumpstart the program. But lack of funds and support from higher authorities, Akilit said, is a stumbling block to reforest denuded mountains so that there would be abundant water supply for domestic and irrigation purposes, especially for lowland areas. He added that with the disaster brought by the previous three typhoons on agricultural crops in the lowlands, the government should refocus on the comprehensive rehabilitation of watersheds in Cordillera and other parts of the country. However, Akilit lamented, ironically, some NIA officials in Manila have been opposing the watershed management and rehabilitation program prepared by its Cordillera office because of the belief that it is not their mandate to pursue the program. Former NIA administrator Arturo Lomibao promised to provide P10 million as seed money for the watershed program but the release of the funds was overtaken by certain events, Akilit said, but did not elaborate. Stiff opposition from some executives at the NIA national office who refuse to understand the importance of combining environmental protection and irrigation projects was another reason, he said. POEA allows Online Recruitment By Mayen Jaymalin Wednesday, August 22, 2007 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has given the go signal for the on-line recruitment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for various employment openings abroad. POEA chief Rosalinda Baldoz said the agency s governing body already issued the rules and regulations for recruitment agencies engaged in electronic-hiring of OFWs. Under the new regulation, Baldoz said only POEAlicensed recruitment agencies or partner entities are authorized to recruit Filipino workers through the Internet. Non-licensed agencies engaging in on-line recruitment is considered illegal recruitment and subject to penalties provided under the law, Baldoz said in an interview. Baldoz said the POEA decided to come out with rules governing on-line recruitment so as to prevent the proliferation of illegal recruitment being done through the Internet. According to her, POEA has been receiving numerous complaints regarding agencies posting non-existent overseas jobs in the Internet. Baldoz added that POEA is now investigating the on-line hiring of Filipino workers to Iraq, where the Philippine government has an existing deployment ban on OFWs. 2 Subic Firms face Probe on Fuel Smuggling By Paolo Romero Tuesday, August 21, 2007 The Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) is now investigating two oil firms in Subic suspected of smuggling billions of pesos worth of fuel into the country. Scores of corrupt Bureau of Customs officials are also facing criminal and administrative charges for conniving with suspected smugglers. PASG chief Undersecretary Antonio Villar identified the two oil firms as Oil Link and PTT. However, he said the PASG is still double-checking the information it has on the two oil firms before filing cases against them in the next few weeks. The government earlier filed criminal cases against another Subic oil firm, Tri-Solid, for alleged oil smuggling. According to Villar, Tri- Solid has 138 million liters of unaccounted fuel. We re building airtight cases so they (charges) will hold in court, Villar said in a New Investment Scams on the rise NBI Tuesday, August 21, 2007 press conference in Malacañang, adding that the country losses around P20 billion a year due to oil smuggling. He said PASG received reports that Oil Link, which is reportedly a sister company of Uni-Oil, has about 12 undeclared tanker shipments of diesel or gasoline. The government could receive some P3 billion in payment from Oil Link alone if it wins in the legal battle. Meanwhile, Villar disclosed that President Arroyo is likely to grant the appeal of Gawad Kalinga to donate proceeds from the auction of seized smuggled vehicles to the foundation. In his letter to Mrs. Arroyo dated Aug. 15, Gawad Kalinga founder Antonio Meloto suggested that to ensure transparency, the auction of smuggled goods must be witnessed by representatives from the SGV auditing firm and the media. Villar said the PASG will also be donating to the Department of Social Welfare and Development smuggled used clothing the group recently seized in Davao. Despite recent exposes on investment scams, an official of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said yesterday they have received reports that new syndicates offering money-making schemes through the Internet have reportedly began sprouting in the country. NBI-National Capital Region director Ruel Lasala said the new online investment scams are reportedly operated by members of earlier investment scams whose operations have been shut down. But unlike other alleged online investment scams, the new syndicates impose a lower minimum investment amount of $100, Lasala said. The NBI said these new players now give products such as cell cards to people who invest a minimum of $100 (P45,000). These investment websites also promise a daily profit of two or three percent, which Lasala said was too high and had an unreasonable interest rate. He also appealed to the National Telecommunications Company (NTC) to block the websites of these syndicates to prevent them from duping unsuspecting prospective traders. The NBI recently filed syndicated estafa charges before the Department of Justice against owners, incorporators and employees of two alleged investment firms: the Performance Investment Products Corporation (PIPC) that is reportedly using another company name called PIPC Corp., and the Internet-based Franc- Swiss Investment. PIPC offered one to two percent monthly earnings while FrancSwiss promised a daily interest rate of 4.5 percent and an additional 10 percent commission called e-points for every person an investor recruits. Evelyn Macairan

8 8 SETYEMBRE, 2007 BAHAGI NG LUZON AKO ay Pilipino Violence feared to erupt in N. Vizcaya Mining Site Thousands stranded as Cagayan bridge collapses By Charlie Lagasca Tuesday, August 21, 2007 By Charlie Lagasca Monday, August 20, 2007 BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya Violence is feared to break out in mountainous Kasibu town as antimining villagers vowed to stand their ground against the entry of equipment of a foreign mining firm in their area despite an earlier court order for them to clear the road leading to the exploration site. Last week, provincial sheriffs tasked to implement a court injunction gave the anti-mining residents of Kasibu five days or until tomorrow to vacate the road leading to the exploration site of Oxiana Philippines, backed by an Australian mining firm, or else be forcibly dispersed. However, the anti-mining villagers, led by tribal elders and supported by Monday, August 20, 2007 CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga Lubog pa rin sa tubig baha ang animnapu t pitong barangay sa Pampanga dahil sa patuloy na ulan dulot ng bagyong Egay, ayon sa ulat kahapon. Sa tala ng Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC), kabilang sa nanatiling lubog sa tubig baha ay ang Minalin na may walong barangay, lima sa San Fernando City, 7 naman sa Macabebe, 9 sa Masantol, 3 sa bayan ng Sto. Tomas, 6 sa Lubao, 7 sa Candaba, 3 sa Guagua, 6 sa Mexico, environmental groups and the local Catholic Church, vowed to stay on until further consultations between them and Oxiana and government representatives. It is our roads they will be passing through. And besides, we will never be in favor of mining, said Denny Dugay, an official of Barangay Paquet, who alleged that Oxiana did not consult local leaders on the project, an allegation which the mining firm denied. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples both said residents in the primary impact zone, majority of whom are Bugkalots, have endorsed Oxiana s exploration project. Engineer Jerrysal Mangaoang, MGB s Cagayan Valley regional director, said their national office granted Oxiana a two-year exploration permit covering 3,000 hectares in the Bugkalot-dominated area to explore gold, copper and other minerals of possible commercial value. Oxiana has filed a case against at least 21 residents, including the chairmen of four Kasibu barangays, who have prevented the entry of its exploration equipment. The Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement and various local environmental groups said the government should not have issued an exploration permit to Oxiana since its site is part of the Palali-Mamparang watershed area. Besides Oxiana s, Kasibu also hosts the multibillion-peso goldcopper project of Oceana Gold Philippines, a local subsidiary of the Australian-New Zealand mining consortium Oceana Gold Ltd., in Didipio village. 67 barangay sa Pampanga lubog pa rin sa tubig baha 7 sa Sasmuan at 5 sa bayan ng San Simon. Sinabi si Luchie Gutierrez, executive officer ng PDCC, patuloy naman ang relief operations sa apektadong mga barangay partikular sa mga bayan ng Candaba at Masantol na ang tubig baha ay umabot sa taas na tatlo hanggang apat na talampakan. Kahapon ay binisita ni Gov. Ed Panlilio ang ilang barangay na apektado ng tubig baha partikular sa bayan ng Candaba kung saan aabot sa 25 pamilya ang inilikas dahil sa patuloy na pagtaas ng baha. Ric Sapnu TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan Thousands of motorists and passengers were stranded when part of a more than three decades old Lucban bridge in Abulug town in the northwestern part of this province collapsed Saturday night, following an attempt by an overloaded 40-ton truck to cross the bridge. Traffic is now back to normal in the area after nearly two days of round-the-clock work by the Department of Public Works and Highways Cagayan engineering district and the provincial engineering office to construct a temporary bridge. Chief Superintendent Ameto Tolentino, Cagayan Valley police director, said no one was hurt in the accident, which happened when the overloaded truck carrying a bulldozer, tried to cross the bridge despite exceeding the load limit. This caused the 50-meter span of the 300-meter-long bridge to collapse at around 6:30 p.m. Saturday, making passage for all types of vehicles impossible. The province s northern towns west of Abulug leading to Ilocos were temporarily cut off from the rest of the province and isolated from this capital town. Built during the Marcos administration, the Lucban bridge served as a vital link between this country s northernmost mainland province and the Ilocos provinces. Gov. Alvaro Antonio and Rep. Florencio Vargas, whose 2nd congressional district covers Abulug town, had already gone to the area to fasttrack the rehabilitation of the bridge so as not to affect economic activities in the province. Fake Money circulating in Ilocos By Myds Supnad Tuesday, August 21, 2007 CAMP PRESIDENT QUIRINO, Ilocos Sur Authorities here warned the public yesterday to be cautious in receiving money, following the confiscation of P68,000 counterfeit money in Bantay town recently. Senior Superintendent Jessie Cardona, PNP director, said his men are hot on trail of a syndicate behind the circulation of fake money in the province. Senior Inspector Arsenio Ramos, chief of Bantay PNP station, reported to Cardona that they were able to confiscate various denominations of fake money from Rochina s store owned by Leonardo Rochina, of Barangay Cabalengegan, Bantay town. The fake bills, totalling P68,000, are in P1,000, P500 and P100 denominations. Based on investigation, Ramos said syndicate members left the fake money behind upon sensing that policemen will be arriving soon. The group reportedly came from either Manila or Bulacan. We are now looking into a group, which is possibly the same syndicate circulating fake money in nearby provinces and in Manila, added Cardona.

9 AKO ay Pilipino SAKOP NG VISAYAS SETYEMBRE, Business optimism down for second half By Des Ferriols Saturday, August 25, 2007 Business became less optimistic of their prospects for the third and fourth quarters of the year, indicating more caution even before the disruption caused by the crisis in the US credit market. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said yesterday that its recent Business Expectation Survey (BES) showed possible business expansion and rise in employment in the next months before the onset of the holiday season. However, the BSP said that even before the blow-out that triggered a global sell-off of stocks, Philippine businessmen were already edgy over the emerging problems in the US housing market. The survey covering the third and fourth quarters was conducted in late July and early August, long before the US housing problems exploded into a full-blown crisis in the US credit market. The quarterly BES indicated that the confidence index of business enterprises remained strong at 40.9, up by 19.2 index points compared to last year, but fell by 5.5 points from the previous quarter s survey results. According to Central Bank Deputy Governor and officer-in-charge Diwa Guinigundo, more firms indicated expansion in their activities in the coming two quarters. Guinigundo, however, said there was a slightly more cautious business outlook in the third quarter compared with the second quarter. He said respondent firms attributed this to the slackening of production for the third quarter due to seasonality. Guinigundo said even before the break-out of the US credit problem, businessmen were already anticipating a slowdown in the US economy because at the time, it was apparent that the US was having problems in the housing market. The rest of the concern is related to the usual anticipation of competition, with cheap imports from China, the increase in crude prices as well as power and water shortage, he said. On the other hand, Guinigundo said there was some optimism over prospects in the fourth quarter that businesses attributed to better macro-economic conditions reflected in low inflation, stable interest rates, strong peso and improved investment conditions. Guinigundo said businesses were also counting on increased remittances from overseas Filipinos, as well as the solid performance of Asian economies and the onset of the holiday season, which is always accompanied by an increase in domestic consumption. The BSP said a breakdown of respondents indicated that importers, along with importerexporters, were the most optimistic, while exporters were generally more grim. According to Guinigundo, businesses in Metro Manila were generally more optimistic than their counterparts outside the capital. But both sections of the business sector noted that their access to financing had improved and this was reflected by the increase in bank lending during the period. Guinigundo said optimism was strongest in the construction sector, which reflected the growth in the property sector. He said this was the sector that also exhibited the highest expectations in terms of employment, indicating that constructionrelated job creation would be on the rise. 4,000 Take Nursing Exams Thursday, August 23, 2007 Close to 4,000 Filipino nurses are taking the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to be held in Manila starting today. Presidential task force on NCLEX chief Dante Ang reported that a total of 3,500 Filipino nurses have registered to take the US licensure examination. NCLEX examination will be held daily from Monday to Friday and we already booked a total of 3,500 examinees until December, Ang disclosed. Ang said 90 Filipino nurses will be among the first batch of NCLEX examinees, a majority of them from Metro Manila. Nurses from neighboring countries have yet to express their intention to take the examination here, said Ang. He added that extending the NCLEX to other areas in the country would depend on the number of examinees. If there is a surge in the number of examinees, US may probably allow examinations in Cebu and Davao, he said. According to Ang, each Filipino nurse who will take the examination in Manila will be able to save at least P100,000 that would be needed if they take the test abroad. But with this great opportunity comes a great responsibility for us to maintain the integrity of the examination. We should not endanger the credibility of the NCLEX here, Ang said. Ang urged Filipino nurses to refrain from taking any action that may compromise the holding of the US board examination in the country. The US National Council of State Boards of Nursing Inc. (NCSBN) earlier announced that NCLEX testing will be conducted in Manila to allow greater customer service to nurses who are applying for work in the US. All security policies and procedures currently used to administer the NCLEX examination domestically will be fully implemented in the Philippines. Foreign nurses aspiring to work in the United States are required to apply to the board of nursing in the state or territory where they wish to be licensed before registering for the NCLEX examination. Mayen Jaymalin Community Consultant for the Filipino Community in Spain Western Union, a leading global financial services company, has an open position in her marketing team for Spain. The specific emphasis of this role will be to provide greater insights and understanding of Filipino communities and consumers in Spain in order to leverage this information effectively through marketing initiatives. This position requires certain level of independence, working under pressure in a competitive and fast changing environment The individual will work very closely with the Spain team, based in Madrid and will report to the Spain Marketing Manager. The ideal candidate is a native of Philippines: years old Min. 3 years experience in Marketing and PR or Promotions Extensive experience with fieldwork High levels of creativity & motivation Excellent communication, presentation & interpersonal skills Willingness to extensively travel in Spain Good connections with the Filipino Community in Spain Excellent English, Spanish & Tagalog Eligibility to work in Spain is required This position is for a determined period of min. 3 months To apply for the Community Consultant for the Filipino Community in Spain please send your resume to the following address: rachel.abaqueta@intl.westernunion.com

10 10 SETYEMBRE, 2007 PARTE NG MINDANAO AKO ay Pilipino Tuesday, August 21, 2007 By Christina Mendez Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. reiterated his call for a shift in government from presidential form to a federal system, saying this would end the decades-old Muslim rebellion in the south. Pimentel Pimentel Renews Call for Federalism to end Rebellion in Mindanao reasoned that Muslim dissidents in Mindanao would stop clamoring for a separate, independent republic if their aspiration for genuine autonomy in the form of a Bangsamoro Federal State is fulfilled. He argued that the federalization scheme, far from dismembering the republic, would make it more united and cohesive. I think it is necessary for us to restructure our thinking, that by adopting the federal system, we are not dividing the nation; rather, we are creating federal states out of the Republic of the Philippines, Pimentel explained. Pimentel noted that the peace negotiations have been stuck on the issue of ancestral domain, or the recognition of the right of Muslims to their traditional homeland in Mindanao. He pointed out that ancestral domain is just one of the many issues being raised by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in upholding the rights of Muslims. The problem is the government seems to have no interest at all in offering the federalism proposal in the peace talks, he said. Pimentel said the failure to discuss the federalism proposal, which has the support of leaders of the MILF and Moro National Liberation Front and various sectors of the Muslim community, is a major reason why the peace negotiations have dragged on for over 10 years, with the prospects of a final peace agreement still hazy. Peace talks between the government and the MILF have been suspended because of ongoing military offensives in the south against the rebels over the killing of 14 Marines in Basilan last July 10. As proposed by Pimentel, there will be 10 federal states under the proposed system of government: four in Luzon (National Capital Region, Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, Bicol), three in the Visayas (Eastern, Western and Central Visayas) and three in Mindanao (Northern Mindanao, Southern Mindanao and Bangsamoro). Pimentel stressed that the proposed Federal Republic of the Philippines will retain sovereignty over the nation and the federal states will have to contend with the powers and functions that will be delegated to them and defined in the Constitution. Economic package for Mindanao Senators Richard Gordon and Gregorio Honasan urged the government to start a comprehensive peace process and real economic package for Mindanao as a means to end the longest running insurgency in Asia, if not the world. Sen. Francis Escudero earlier criticized the administration for not having a long-term solution to the problems of Mindanao. Honasan agreed that there should be a comprehensive peace process. Let us agree on a long-term objective on issues such as land, development, two cultures in one political system, Honasan said. It s been 34 years and we are facing the same problem. So there must be something wrong with our approach. There should be improved intelligence, followed by development peace process. For his part, Gordon suggested to President Arroyo that the government finish constructing the circumferential road in Isabela, Basilan, which will pave the way for local prosperity because goods can move faster in the province. This will be very significant because of the increase in the number of rubber trees and the abundant production of lanzones, he said. Pinugutang 10 Marines naiganti na AFP Monday, August 20, 2007 Naniniwala ang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) na kahit papaano y naiganti na nila ang 10 Marines na pinugutan ng mga bandidong Abu Say yaf noong Hulyo 10, sa pagkakapatay ng mga pangunahing lider ng grupo sa engkuwentro nitong nakaraang Sabado sa Basilan. Sinabi ng AFP na kasama sa 42 napatay na Sayyaf sina Kumander Furugi Indama at kapatid nitong si Umair, alyas Abu Jihad. Si Umair ang pinaniniwalaang pinuno ng grupo ng ASG na pumugot sa ulo ng 10 Marines. Itinuturing umano nilang tagumpay sa panig ng pamahalaan ang engkuwentro nitong nakaraang Sabado dahil ilang lider ng ASG ang pinaniniwalaang napatay nila. Kahapon ay muling pinaulanan ng bomba ng AFP ang tatlong posisyon ng Abu Sayyaf sa Basilan. Sa ulat ng National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), inumpisahang paulanan ng 105-mm howitzers dakong alas-6:30 ng umaga ang mga hangganan ng bayan ng Tipo-Tipo, Sumisip at Ungakaya Pukan sa Basilan. Bahagya namang humupa ang harapang sagupaan ng mga sundalo at mga bandido ngunit patuloy pa rin na nagsasagawa ng reconnaissance operations ang AFP sa mga kuta ng bandido. Sinabi ni AFP Spokesman Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro na patuloy pa ring hinahabol ng kanilang puwersa ang mga bandido. Sapat naman anya ang kanilang puwersa para lipulin ang ASG at hindi na kailangan pang magdagdag. Sa kabila ng pagkasawi ng 15 pa nilang tauhan, nanatili pa rin umanong mataas ang morale ng kanilang mga sundalo at desidido na lipulin na ang mga terorista. Ipinagbawal naman ng AFP ang muling paglipad ng mga MG 520 attack helicopter habang iniimbestigahan nila ang dahilan ng pagbagsak ng isa nito sa Basilan, kamakalawa kung saan nasawi ang piloto nito. Sinabi ni Bacarro na nagsasagawa muna sila ng imbestigasyon sa dahilan ng pagbagsak nito matapos na kumpirmahin na hindi tinamaan ng bala ng mga bandido ang helicopter kaya bumagsak. Danilo Garcia DOT eyes South Cotabato as Major Tourist hub Monday, August 20, 2007 From terrorism to tourism Mindanao will soon get a makeover, starting with South Cotabato, which the government is eyeing to develop as a major tourist destination. Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said the province in Central Mindanao could help sustain the growing interest of foreign travelers and investors in Mindanao. Mindanao is very rich in terms of culture and natural attractions. The region is also steeped in history and tradition. It is only fitting that we share this with the rest of the world, and offer a unique and unforgettable experience, Durano explained. A few weeks ago the US government issued a travel advisory for its citizens to exercise caution when traveling to the country, particularly Central Mindanao and South Cotobato allegedly due to terrorist threats. But Durano said the US warning had not prevented foreign tourists from visiting the country, including different destinations in Mindanao. As of May 2007, the DOT s research and statistics division recorded a total of 74,562 foreign and local travelers have visited South Cotabato. This figure is percent higher than the 65,147 arrivals attained in Durano said DOT is currently exploring other areas in Mindanao that can generate interest and spread the economic benefits of tourism. He said he visited South Cotabato recently for an ocular inspection of major attractions, and also to discuss with local officials the opportunities in the area. Durano pointed out that South Cotabato is accessible to foreign visitors via the international airport in General Santos City. And it is known primarily for the tranquil Lake Sebu, one of the country s major watersheds and a rest stop for migratory birds. The area is also home to the indigenous highland T boli tribe, whose culture and traditions are ardently protected with the help of an international nongovernment organization, Durano said. Historical, archaeological and ethno-cultural artifacts of the T bolis are showcased in the Lake Sebu Museum, a native bamboo thatched house located within the tribal village. Outside this homely institution, visitors can witness craft making, cultural celebrations, tilapia fishing and the T boli way of life in general. Durano said the DOT would assist the South Cotobato provincial government in developing the areas surrounding Lake Sebu through the Grassroots Entrepreneurship and Employment in Tourism (GREET) program, which provides financial grants to small and medium businesses engaged in tourism-oriented livelihood projects. The T bolis are very skilled people who produce a wide and unique range of native arts and crafts. We plan to set up artisan villages with homestays around Lake Sebu to feature the tranquil environment, the colors of the T boli culture and the creativity and hospitality of the people, Durano revealed. The province further holds a variety of magnificent land and water forms that can easily attract adventurers such as the Seven Falls, good swimming spots and nature trails. There is also the Lonon Falls, the largest of the group, which pours thousands of cubic meters of water to a natural pool and Mt. Matutum, which offers mountaineers breathtaking views. South Cotabato also boasts of practically typhoon-free weather, good roads, as well as warm and hospitable accommodations. Mayen Jaymalin

11 AKO ay Pilipino KALAWAKAN SA EUROPA SETYEMBRE, Asean Embassies in Vienna Host Successful One Asean Conference at Vienna s Diplomatic Academy Asean Charter Task Force Chair Amb.Rosario Manalo Discusses ASEAN-EU ties The newly formed ASEAN Committee-Vienna (ACV), composed of the diplomatic missions of the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam in the Austrian capital, successfully hosted a one-day conference on the topic One ASEAN: A Partner for Europe at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna last 19 July. The conference was formally opened by ASEAN Secretary General Ong Yeng Kong and Dr. Johannes Kyrle, Secretary General of the Austrian Foreign Ministry, with diplomats, businessmen, think-tank representatives and members of the academe in attendance. The programme featured two sub-sessions, during which ASEAN-European Union political relations and ASEAN-EU relations in the economic arena were discussed through presentations by a panel of experts from the ASEAN and EU sides, who then fielded questions from the audience. Ambassador Rosario G. Manalo of the Philippines, Chair of the High-Level Task Force Chair of the High-Level Task Force on the Drafting of the ASEAN Charter, delivered a well received presentation on the topic ASEAN-EU Political and Security Relations: An Assessment and the Way Forward. Ambassador Manalo provided a historical overview of ASEAN, tracing its evolution into one of the world s most cohesive and successful regional organizations, as well as the development of its 30- year-old relationship with its first ever dialogue partner, the EU. Ambassador Manalo also provided the audience with an update on ASEAN s moves towards becoming an ASEAN Community by 2015 and on the status and highlights of the draft ASEAN Charter. Ambassador Manalo stressed the Charter s anticipated central role in ASEAN s efforts towards becoming a rulesbased organization characterized by efficiency, improved working methods, and a membership that adheres to the group s collective instruments and decisions. Aside from Ambassador Manalo, the ASEAN side was represented at the Conference by ASEANIndonesia Director General Ambassador Dian Triansyah Djani, ASEAN- Thailand Director General Nopadol Gunavibool. The two sub-sessions were moderated by Former Indonesian Ambassador to the US Soemadi D.M. Brotodiningrat and Ambassador Wolfgang Schallenberg, President of the Austrian Association for Foreign Policy and International Affairs. The One ASEAN conference kicked off a series of commemorative activities being organized by the ASEAN diplomatic missions in Vienna during the year, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the organization. Ambassador Rosario G. Manalo delivers her presentation on ASEAN-EU political relations and the ASEAN Charter at the One ASEAN Conference cohosted by the ASEAN Embassies in Austria and the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna Philippines Takes Centersatge on French TV El Nido, Palawan, is at primetime French TV1 s s top-rating summer hit show, Koh-Lanta. The French version of the American television show Survivor, Koh Lanta has 5 to 7 million viewers every Friday watch 16 contestants vie for a prize of 100,000 Euros. The contestants whose ages range from 16 to 55 years old, were selected from more than 25,000 applicants and include among others, a financial adviser, a retiree, a CEO, an agriculturist and a train conductor. They must survive 40 days on the island and go through adventure games, mental challenges and physically demanding tasks. Now running on its third week, the show has generated mass interest in the Philippines as a tourist destination and has received glowing reviews about the beauty of Palawan. A magazine has referred to it as un petit paradis sur Terre (a mini-paradise on earth) what with its luxurious vegetation, crystalline waters and tropical climate. According to Philippine Ambassador José Abeto Zaide, the Embassy already received an exponential increase of queries on Palawan and the Philippines as a whole from holidaymakers. Television is a medium that is crucial to the promotion of Philippines in French consciousness, and we are delighted that Palawan was chosen by the producers for this year s edition of Koh Lanta as it showcases what the Philippines can offer, added the Ambassador. Shot between February and March of this year, Koh Lanta was realized with the support of the Department of Tourism, through its representative for France Ms. Venus Tan, who coordinated with local companies and the local government, among them El Nido Resort, Seair and Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Manila. As an added incentive the show will raffle off a roundtrip ticket to the Philippines for two (2) at the end of its run. In Support of Filipino Entreprenuers in the Netherlands, Ambassador Romeo A. Arguelles attends the 2nd Annual Filipino Explorer Philippine Ambassador to The Hague, Netherlands, Romeo Arguelles reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Embassy team attended the 2nd Annual Filipino Explorer at the province of Zeeland, South of the Netherlands. The organizers, Merly Samontina and her Dutch husband Ron Kooiman, initiated the event in 2006 with the hope of providing a venue for Filipino entrepreneurs in the Netherlands to promote Philippine food and non-food products to the Dutch public. In his opening speech, Ambassador Arguelles congratulated the participating Filipino entrepreneurs and encouraged them to increase their efforts to further penetrate the Dutch market. The Ambassador also stressed the importance for Filipinos and their families in the Netherlands to continue patronizing Filipino food and non-food products so that Dutch shops/supermarkets will feel the demand and acquire, in their inventory, Philippine products. At the event were exhibits and sale of an extensive array of Filipino food products, Filipino-made jewelry, bags and other accessories as well as ratan and bamboo furniture. Mama Sita representatives held a cooking demonstration to showcase the various Mama Sita products available in the Netherlands. The organizers expressed optimism of increased participation in the event in the coming years. The organizers also received the assurance of the Embassy s continued support as the event promotes the spirit of entrepreneurship, promotes Filipino products and gives recognition to Filipino entrepreneurs in the Netherlands. Ambassador Arguelles is fl anked with Mrs. Merly Samontina and husband Mr. Ron Kooiman, the organizers of the event. Also in the picture, from extreme right, are the Embassy s Cultural Offi cer Edwin Edralin and Consul Leila Lora- Santos; from extreme left, Economic Offi cer Hermenegilda Bustos and visiting Cultural Offi cer from the Philippine Embassy in Vienna, Ms. Cora Cruz.

12 12 SETYEMBRE, 2007 KALAWAKAN SA EUROPA AKO ay Pilipino Romulo leads ASEAN Ministers in adoption of two key documents boosting migrant workers welfare In a move that bolsters the region s efforts to protect and promote migrant workers rights, Secretary Alberto G. Romulo led the ASEAN Foreign Ministers in the adoption of two key documents boosting migrant workers welfare. Describing the adoption as a significant stride forward for migrant workers rights protection and promotion, Secretary Romulo said the two key documents strengthened on-going efforts at building a caring and sharing ASEAN community and expanded the ASEAN network of concern and support beyond our region. We are moving ahead and building on our commitment in the 12th ASEAN Summit in Cebu to build a truly caring and sharing region. Here in Manila, ASEAN has shown firm resolve in advancing the promotion and protection of migrant workers rights, Romulo said after the 40th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting Retreat. We are taking pro-active steps to protect our nationals within and outside of the region. For this demonstration of the deep and enduring human ties that bind us, and for the vision and follow through actions, our region s peoples can only be thankful, added Romulo. Adopted during the 40th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting were the Statement on the Establishment of the ASEAN Committee on the Implementation of the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers and the Guidelines for the Provision of Emergency Assistance by ASEAN Missions in Third Countries to Nationals of ASEAN Member Countries in Crisis Situations. The ASEAN committee is tasked to ensure the implementation of the ASEAN Cebu Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Migrant Workers. The ASEAN Committee is also tasked to facilitate the development of an ASEAN instrument on the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers. The Committee s functions include, among others, the promotion of bilateral and regional cooperation and assistance on matters involving the rights of migrant workers, the sharing within ASEAN of best practices relating to the promotion and protection of migrant workers rights and the harmonization of mechanisms between both sending and receiving states that promote and protect migrant workers rights. The harmonization of mechanisms is among the ASEAN commitments identified in the Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Migrant Workers. Signed in Cebu during the 12th ASEAN Summit in January, the Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Migrant Workers advances one of the Philippines key international advocacies under President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. During the AMM s Opening Ceremonies today, President Arroyo underscored the importance of migrant workers rights protection and promotion. Secretary Romulo also hailed the adoption of the Guidelines on providing emergency assistance. The Guidelines underscore ASEAN s recognition of our shared responsibility to uphold our people s rights and welfare given the rapidly changing conditions in our region brought about by globalization, Secretary Romulo said. For the Philippines and ASEAN, the protection and promotion of migrant workers rights have taken on a very real significance and represents an enduring commitment, Secretary Romulo said. The Guidelines expand the scope of our caring and sharing community and clearly shows how the ASEAN values our peoples, Romulo explained. Under the Guidelines, the Missions of ASEAN members are to extend assistance to nationals of ASEAN members who are caught in conflict or crisis situations in third countries. We welcome the support of our ASEAN partners on this endeavor and we look forward to working closely with our neighbors and other friends in the international community to move this agenda further forward, Secretary Romulo said. Madrigals perform anew at cathédrale des invalides, Paris Philippine Ambassador to France José Abeto Zaide reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Philippine Madrigal Singers popularly known as the Madz returned to the Cathédrale St. Louis des Invalides for a triumphal encore performance on 26 June 2007 as part of the Embassy s commemorations of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and France. The cathedral was festooned with French and Philippine banners when the Madz took the guests through a journey of secular and spiritual songs before seducing them in the second half of the program with Philippine kundimans. The talents of the famed singing group were much appreciated by the audience made up of French society and government figures, members of the diplomatic corps, and prominent Filipinos including Parisbased celebrity KC Concepcion. On 27 June 2007, the Madz shared the stage with Ligaya Fernando Amilbangsa s Alun-Alun Dance Circle at the 1,300-seat UNESCO auditorium. The twin-bill engagement by the finest combination of song-and-dance artists is the highlight in the Philippine bid to return to the UNESCO Executive Board. Besides engagements by the Madz and the Alun- Alun, the year-long commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Franco-Philippine relations in Paris includes cinema (revival of Manuel Conde s Cannes-awardee Genghis Khan ), painting exhibits (José Oviejero, Manny Baldemor, Gus Albor, Phyllis Zaballero, Claude Tayag and Juvenal Sanso), barrio fiesta, convocation of the Order of the Knights of Rizal, and Christmas Bazaar and Parol Contest. Filipino Violinist achieves Music Degree There is no better way to learn the art and craftmanship of music than in the land of great musicians and composers. Several Filipino students have discovered the rich musical heritage in Germany and in Berlin. Like Jose Rizal, they have benefited from the academic opportunities offered here and have proven that Filipinos could also excel abroad. Justin Texon is one of them. He has just graduated his bachelor s degree in Music from the prestigious Hanns Eisler Music School in Berlin. Justin Caesar Texon was born on September 26, 1977 in Manila, Philippines. He started his formal studies of Music at St. Scholastica College of Music in Manila where he finished his degree Bachelor of Music major in Violin. From 1995 to 1996, he was a member of the Asian Youth Orchestra. In 1998 he joined the world-renown orchestra, Jeunesses Musical Weltorchester. Leaving the Philippines in 2001, he ventured into further studies in Berlin. He achieved his bachelor s degree as Orchestra musician at the Hanns Eisler Musikhochschule in During the course of his studies, he has deepened his musical experiences by participating in various orchesters and by staging different concerts. In 2001, he joined Germany s youth orchestra, Bundesjugendorchster Deutschland and since then a member of the Hanns Eisler Sinfonieorchester. The following year, he became a member of the Festivalorchester der Bachakademie in Stuttgart, Germany. He has participated in several concerts in Asia, Europe and in the US. In the Philippines, he has played with the Manila Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Bamboo Organ Festival Orchestra, Peace Philharmonie Philippines and with the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchester. On July 4 and 10, Justin Texon had his Final Examinations for his Degree as Music Teacher. He has certainly achieved much after that eventful year 1996, when he won as Best Violinist in a National Contest for young people in the Philippines. More than ever, he was able to prove that Filipinos can also play the works of great masters like Mozart, Beethoven, Piazolla or Vivaldi; and that we, Filipinos could also shine abroad! Justin Texon showed that Filipinos can also play works of great musicians during his fi nal examinations in Berlin

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14 14 SETYEMBRE, 2007 ANGAT SA ALEMANYA AKO ay Pilipino Asians Sing, Dance and Shine! Filipinos sang Tagalog songs. Vietnamese built the stage. Indonesians cooked Satay. Children from Laos and Thailand presented a traditional dance. Asian Reynas joined the Santacruzan. Asians planned together, helped each other and celebrated their multiculturality, rain or shine. Asian Feast is the event of the year, the cultural fiesta, the experience of Asian s varied culture in songs, dances, food and arts. Guests from Asia, Germany and around the world journeyed together on June 23, a day which we will cherish in our heart and memory in the coming years, commented one guest. The compound of the rather quiet St. Aloysius Church and the nearby Schillerpark was transformed by the Asian Festival into a cultural magnet whose sounds and sights have enriched both the Asian and European guests alike. Seven Booths were already open at 12 noon where Asian specialties were cooked and served. The air was filled with the smell of meat marinated with exotic Asian spices. The variety of cuisine offered turned the event into a humble Asian Food Fest. Other booths sold Asian goods, fresh vegetables, clothing and accessories. The Cultural Program started at 2 PM with the Jubilee Song which fittingly expressed the vision of the Asian Feast: No more walls, no more chains, no more selfishness for we are all together as one family. This was followed by the rare showcase of traditional and indigenous dances from various Asian countries. Guests from Oceania also enriched the grandious repertoire. More than 20 dances and five song performances where witnessed by around 300 guests. Aside from the dancers from Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and the Pacific Islands, the performers from the Philippines - the Manisan Dance Group, Moving Friends, Philippine Folk Dance Youth, Berlin and the Loved Flock Community Choir, enriched the colorful cultural repertoire. The highlight of the Feast was the Asian Santacruzan. Vietnamese ladies in their traditional costume supported their representative as Divina Pastora. Likewise, the Indonesians where represented by the Reyna Mora. The angels carrying Ave Maria came also from different Asian countries. The 24 other Reynas and Personalities were represented by Filipinos and Germans. The Reyna Elena this year is Ms. Denile Magallanes while the Hermana Mayor group is the Moving Friends. After the Santacruzan, there was a short program with dances from Thailand and the Oceanian continent. The Asian Feast culminated with the Asian Night. Guests enjoyed the rest of the evening in the short program and the disco held at the Hall of the same church. It was a fitting conclusion of a day full of fun, culture, memories and meeting of friends. The Asian Feast which takes place for the second time this year achieves its goals of sharing the richness of Asian culture, of binding the Asians closer together and of creating bridges of communication and dialogue. Indeed, it was a day when Asians proved that they can sing, dance and shine! Fr. Adonis Narcelles Jr., SVD Lady of Fatima attracts Pinoy Pilgrims The Filipino Community in Berlin organized this year s Community Pilgrimage to Fatima, Portugal from July 23 to 27. It was a very memorable and blessed spiritual journey for the more than 30 participants who spent time in prayer and reflection in this holy place where the Blessed Virgin Mary appreared to three children, Jacinta, Lucia and Francisco, exactly 70 years ago. The group had the chance to celebrate the daily Holy Mass at various chapels, namely: Holy Family Chapel, Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel, Basilica and at St. Joseph s Chapel. The nightly Rosary and procession touched the pilgrims from around the world. The Filipino delegation was able to lead the praying of the Hail Mary in Tagalog on two evenings. Two of the highlights of the Pilgrimage were the Stations of the Cross and the visit to the different places where the Angel and our Lady appeared. The Houses of the three children, especially meeting living members of their extended families also impressed the group. The multi-medial Exhibit, Fatima: Light and Peace was well-appreciated especially the guidance of the Filipina Sister Leopolda. The pilgrims were proud to see a piece of the Berlin Wall as a testimony of the fall of eastern Europe through Mary intercession. Aside from Fatima, the group was able to visit Lissabon, Bathalia and Nazare. All in all, it was a rewarding and priceless spiritual journey which has inspired the pilgrims to continue discovering God s ways not only in holy places like Fatima or Lourdes but also in the normal events of daily life. Everybody is looking forward for the Community Pilgrimage next year FADN German Feast with Pinoy Touch The Filipinos showed once again their being good ambassadors of Philippine Culture during the German Feast of the Holy Spirit Community in Berlin-Charlottenburg. One can easily notice the presence of the Filipinos through their colorful booths decorated with pictures, clothes and posters from the Philippines. Like during the previous years, the members of the Pastoral Team of the Philippine Community in Berlin served Filipino Food to the delight of the Germans and other guests. About 20 kilos of Pansit and more than a hundred Lumpia s were enjoyed by the guests who even enjoyed looking at how Pansit is being cooked. The Filipinos also rendered a fitting tribute to the Parish Priest Fr. Manfred Krause who is leaving the parish for another assignment. The Loved Flock Choir sang during the short program while the Moving Friends danced several dances which culminated with the Tinikling. Guests also tried to dance to the delight of the appreciative audience. This Feast was again an opportunity for the Filipinos to show the richness of their culture be it in song, dances or food. It was a significant contribution towards cultural understanding, respect, integration and prophetic dialogue. Fr. Adonis Narcelles Jr., SVD Ihaw-Ihaw Dinumog ng mga Bisita Isang hapon ang inilaan ng Filipino Community sa Berlin para sa Ihaw-Ihaw sa Bayernallee na dinaluhan ng mga bisitang Aleman, Pinoy at iba pang galing sa ibang bansa noong ika-24 ng Hunyo. Dahil sa ganda ng panahon ay marami ang dumalo sa nasabing picnic na ang pakiramdam ay parang nasa Pilipinas. Ang hangin ay nangamoy ng inihaw na manok, isda at bar-b-q. Pagkatapos ng kainan ay isinagawa naman ang Raffle Draw na ang unang gantimpala ay biyaheng papuntang Pilipinas na ipinagkaloob ni Alyss Gronau Filipinas Reisen. Marami pang ibang pa-premyo ang inuwi ng mga nagsipagwagi gawa ng bigas, kawali, appliances, at marami pang iba. Isa na namang masayang hapon ang naranasan ng mga Pinoy sa Berlin kasama ng kanilang mga bisita isang hapon na puno ng saya at masasayang ala-ala.

15 AKO ay Pilipino KAGANAPAN SA UK SETYEMBRE, London Hosts Biggest Philippine Barrio Fiesta in Europe Once again in Lampton Park in Hounslow, Middlesex became the stage for the biggest Philippine barrio fiesta in the UK and throughout Europe. It is headed by the Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Edgardo B. Espiritu and all satff of the Embassy. On its 23rd year now, the Hounslow Barrio Fiesta is the longest running and the most attended Philippine barrio fiesta in the UK, which Filipinos from all over the UK and other cities in Europe take time off just to attend, Ambassador Espiritu said. This year, more than 70,000 people joined the fiesta celebration as Filipinos and British alike trooped to Lampton Park as early as 9:00 a.m. to join the fun. Around 80 stalls were put up, showcasing various Philippine products from canned goods to native delicacies, Philippine remittance companies and banks, travel agencies, cargoes, real property developers, restaurants and catering services, retailers and other service providers. The Philippine Embassy also had a booth to provide information on consular services, tourism, labor, PAG-IBIG, and SSS. The first day kicked off with a cultural program featuring various Filipino talents based in the UK, The program lasted through the afternoon. Ambassador Espiritu also addressed the crowd at the fiesta. In his remarks to the crowd, Ambassador Espiritu said, As you celebrate and enjoy the festive atmosphere of this event, I hope that you will not forget to use the occasion as a venue for promoting our rich cultural heritage so that our young generation of Filipinos and our British friends present today will have a greater understanding and genuine appreciation of our cultural tradition. He also took the opportunity to appeal to Filipinos present to actively participate in the country s development endeavors, saying, I encourage you to remain active players in our economy, not only as remitters but also as investors in your respective provinces. In the afternoon, the Philippine Tourism-London Office hosted a reception for Friends Philippines & the Embassy booth. The reception was attended by more than 100 friends of the Philippines, mostly British nationals involved in promoting Philippine tourism to the British market. Former British Ambassador to the Philippines Paul Dimond and his wife were also guests at the reception. Hounslow Mayor, Councillor Andy Morgan-Watts and his wife were also present. The second day started off with a parade around Hounslow High Street through to Lampton Park. Philippine Deputy Chief of Mission Reynaldo Catapang and officials of the Philippine Centre led the parade. More than 300 people representing various professional and geographical Filipino organizations in the UK as well as Embassy personnel and youth groups joined the parade. The WOW Philippines taxi promotion and the Igorot Association UK with their native costumes were two of the main attractions at the parade. The parade was followed by a cultural show, which featured local Filipino talents and the Miss Little Philippines contest. Mr. and Mrs. Catapang crowned the winner of the pageant and Mr. Catapang also addressed the crowd on the day. He echoed the importance of barrio fiestas in promoting Philippine cultural traditions in the UK. The crowd braved the afternoon rain to have a glimpse of Filipino artists Regine Velasquez, Epi Quizon and Nyoy Volante, who all came from the Philippines to perform at the fiesta. The Hounslow Barrio Fiesta is a project of the Philippine Centre, an umbrella organization of more than twenty Filipino organizations in the UK dedicated to promoting Filipino culture through barrio fiestas and other cultural activities. British Embassy Warns Filipino Job seekers Pinapayagan ng Manatili ang mga Caregivers sa United Kingdom The British Embassy in the Philippines warned Filipino job seekers of fake job offers through the internet that offers a high salary, good benefits, free travel and housing in Britain. In a statement, the British embassy said, Some scams offering U.K. employment have proliferated on the Internet recently. These can exploit unwitting and often desperate applicants. Often, the starting point of this type of operation is the receipt of an unsolicited electronic mail ( ) offering work in the UK while other offers are sent directly to job seekers who post their resumés on job sites, it added. The advisory said fake job offerings could be distinguished by the use of free address, such as Yahoo, Hotmail, and MSN. It warns the job offers may look genuine but searching the internet for the recruiting company would fail to bring any results. Pinapayagan na ng British Home Office na manatili o magpatuloy ang mga pinoy na nagtatrabaho bilang mga caregivers sa United Kingdom. Muling binuksan ang pintuan ng UK sa mga pinoy at sa kanilang pamilya na manatili lalo sa kanilang marangal na trabaho. Ito din ay sa ulat na ipinalabas ng ABS-CBN Balitang Europe sa ulat ni Gene Alcantara. Binigyan linaw din ito ni Charles Kelly na isang immigration adviser na siyang nagsabi na ang mga caregivers na nagtatrabaho na doon ay pwede ng manatili subalit kailangan nilang sumunod sa mga patakaran na iniimplementasyon para sa trabaho na kanilang ginagawa o hinahanap. Ang Home Office ang nagaproba ng directive na ito noong ika-13 ng Agosto, Dagdag pa niya hanggang sa 20,000 libong mga matatanda ang dapat maalagaan at nangangailangan ng tulong ng mga care giver na may mga working permit.

16 16 SETYEMBRE, 2007 PINOY SA EUROPA AKO ay Pilipino The St. Joseph Social Center Accomodates and Responds to the needs of the Filipino Migrants The St. Joseph Social Center is the center that accommodates and responds to the needs of migrants from different countries who came to seek help. It is located at no. 13 Ayiou Maronas 1010 Nicosia with telephone numbers , and fax no It is managed and run by the Sisters of St. Joseph namely Sis. Adeline Condon, and Sis. John Cullen from Ireland, Sis. Antonia John from India, and Sis. Magdeline Nan Za Hly from Myanmar. They are also responsible for the Association For Support of Foreign Workers. The association is being helped by a committee, all migrants are represented on the committee and meet once in a month to discuss the problems and the organization of the different activities which take place in the center. Below is the background of the Congregation and the routine activities being held in the center. The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition is a missionary religious Congregation, founded on Christmas night 1832 at Gaillac in France by St. Emilie de Vialar who was canonized by Pope Pius XII in The name of the Institute calls to mind the mystery of the Incarnation as revealed to St. Joseph in the Gospel of St. Matthew. The name reminds the Congregation of that which the foundress wanted it to become, by vocation a living sign today of the love of God, which has become incarnate and reaches persons through human actions. Today the Congregation has spread to 32 countries in all the five continents in the world. In the year 1844 the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition came to the island of Cyprus to respond to the needs of the people of that time. They were the first religious to come to the Island and had French and English schools for the people. They had also dispensaries to treat the patients; the name of Sis. Sophie is still remembered not only by the people of Larnaca in Cyprus but also registered in the Government records. In the years to come the schools were closed and were handed over in the hands of the lay people. The two missions of Larnaca and Nicosia remained in the hands of the sisters. The mission became entirely a new one and this time it is to respond to the needs of the Migrants from Sri Lanka, India, Philippines, Myanmar, Africa, Kurds, Iraq, and many other countries. The house of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition became a house of refugee for the people who had no shelter. Today the center has a lot of activities accommodating the refugees who come regularly. The routine activities are the following; regular sunday gatherings of all domestic workers of different nationalities, legal cell that help everyone in need with a lawyer employed for the purpose, counseling and support to the one in need, teaching Greek and English languages, computer classes with a tutor employed for the purpose music classes for those interested to learn music, sewing, drawing, painting and many others. Sunday is a day when the Government of Cyprus has asked all the employers to give a day s holiday to all the domestic workers. It is a day when the center has a hundreds of young women and men who come to participate in different activities and come for counseling. The Sisters are always available to them. Day and night the door of the center is open to the homeless, and they have a big number of girls who come for shelter everyday. The problems of the migrants are very complicated and the Sisters are available to the girls and the woman whenever they are needed. The center started with the goodwill of all the people in the area. In the beginning they were generous. The Sisters of the St. Joseph could manage to a certain extent the expenses of the center but now, they do not get much help except from the government and from their own Congregation. They are obliged to keep the center running because of the number of people who come for help, for shelter, and for some formation classes. Carmen Brazan - Vda. de Llauderes with reports from Sis. Adeline Condon Philippine Consulate General in Milan Launches Computer- Literacy Course For Migrant Filipino Workers The Philippine Consulate General in Milan, Italy recently launched its Basic Computer Course at the Consulate s Community Technology Learning Center for Filipinos in Milan and northern Italy. The Microsoft-sponsored program is being conducted by the Consulate in coordination with the DOLE-OWWA- Microsoft s Tulay Project aimed at helping Filipinos overseas upgrade their skills. The Italian governmentaccredited Filipino NGO Balikatan is the Consulate s Filipino community partner for this project. The initial batch of thirty Filipino trainees started last week in two shifts. Three-hour training sessions are conducted every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Many Filipinos have signed up for the computer course where they will undergo basic computer training with additional batches scheduled for September, October and November. The Consulate plans to conduct advanced computer courses and tapping graduates from the program to train future enrollees. The Consulate s thrust is to train and upgrade the skills of Filipino workers in Milan and northern Italy given the country s labor-friendly environment. The program is also intended to bridge through the use of the modern information highway the communication gap between the Filipino migrant workers and their families back home. Through the wonders of computer technology, the costly expense of keeping in touch with families in the Philippines will be drastically reduced. This computer learning project is being replicated in other Philippine embassies and consulates in countries where there are large concentrations of Filipino workers Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, and Rome, as well as in various OWWA regional centers in the Philippines. Another developmental project of the Consulate is the Caregivers Course, which is currently on its second batch of trainees, and the Manipulative Massage Therapy Training, which will have its fourth batch of trainees on 13 September Over 30 Filipinos have graduated from the first training batch in the Caregivers Course while about 80 have finished the Massage Therapy Course. Many graduates of the courses are now practicing and earning from their new skills. Come shine Since its debut on the World Wide Web in March 1997, it s been a colorful journey for philstar.com! From a simple online edition of The Philippine STAR, we have embraced a bigger vision of becoming a portal for the Filipino global community. In keeping with our service-oriented direction, we are evolving again to give you a new look, brand new services and more interactive features. We are family! As your virtual home on the Web, the new philstar.com recognizes readers need for a complete view of the news from home. We give you news from The Philippine STAR, updates from Cebu and the Visayas from The Freeman, Cebu s oldest English daily. We also give you the joy of reading the news in Tagalog and Visayan through Pilipino STAR Ngayon and Banat, respectively. And through People Asia magazine, we profile the most interesting personalities in the Philippines and in Asia. Our family is growing. Log on to with us! You are home! Beyond news, philstar.com is for the Filipinos wherever they are in the world. Let s talk, share, rave, rage, rant, bond. We open our site for the free flow of information, for a vigorous exchange of ideas, for reaching out to fellow Filipinos, for getting to know each other and our country better. We are not perfect but we are together!

17 AKO ay Pilipino AKSYON SA CYPRUS SETYEMBRE, Athletics - Cyprus Anglo-Fil Debuts in Athens Summer months are the busiest time for athletic competitions everywhere and Cyprus is no exemptions. Athletes have been very busy preparing themselves for the various summer competitions held within the island and internationally. An under-17 athletics competition was held at G.S.O Tsirio stadium in Limassol on 16th - 17th of June this year, the same stadium where Brian Adams performed his first ever concert in Cyprus! Different clubs from all over Cyprus sent their best athletes to compete for a place to go to Athens (Greece), with the best top two athletes for each category having the chance to go as part of the National Team to compete in the same age group against the top two athletes from Greece. Turning fourteen last month meant that Cathrine Beatty, a member of the G.S.P. Athletics Club of Nicosia since March this year, is now considered to be at the senior level and was one of the lucky athletes taking part in this event representing Nicosia for the hammer event. Cathrine managed to obtain second place with a throw of metres during this competition, which qualified her to go to Athens as part of the Under-17 National Team to compete against Greece. Preparation for this competition involved a month and a half of hard training, every day except Sundays, as well as frequent competitions to get used to the idea of throwing in front of a big audience. Thankfully, the school exams and school term had finally finished by then, which gave Cathrine less pressure in preparing herself. The trip to Athens finally arrived on third of August. Realising that neither her coach nor her mother would be with her during this trip, it made her feel excited but at the same time apprehensive, to be travelling on her own. Being the only foreigner in the team and being very shy of speaking the Greek language, she had to learn quickly to get along with her teammates so as not to be left on her own. Luckily, she is the sort of person who can easily get along with everyone. About 21 athletes from the Nicosia team plus their coaches and organisers met at the new Olympic Committee building and headed off to Larnaca airport to meet up with the rest of the Cyprus team to catch the early morning flight to Athens. The Cyprus national team stayed at the luxurious 5* Metropolitan Hotel in Athens. The venue for the competition was Agios Kosmas, which is a 30-minute drive from the airport and around 10 minutes from the hotel. Their first day in Athens was spent resting and exploring the hotel, as well as going to the stadium to get the feel of the ground and a bit of training in preparation for the competitions. Her coach specifically instructed Cathrine before she left that since her competition would not be until Sunday, 5th August; Saturday would be a rest day for her. Luckily, Athens did not have the extreme heat that Cyprus has experienced during the last few weeks and the temperature was much more pleasant than here. All competitions were held from 6:00 PM until 9:30 PM. In the morning of the second day of the competition, a small group of athletes went to the centre of Athens for a bit of stress relieving shopping. At 6pm, the games opened, and the competition started with the 100m hurdles. Cathrine s event was at 6.15 pm, and competing against much older (17+) and experienced athletes, she finally took 4th place with a throw of 33m. Although nowhere near her best, she felt that she gained a lot of experience from competing in such a high profile event and is now even more determined to bring back a medal next time! When the games had ended, the Cyprus team decided to go out and celebrate their best athletic year yet at a local café. The next day was the last day to be spent in Greece, and because the competitions were over, the Cyprus team took the opportunity to go for a little sightseeing. First the team visited the Parthenon in Acropolis, which amazed everyone with it s beauty and enormity. Then they took two coaches to The Mall Athens for a last-minute spot of shopping! After spending 3 hours in the Mall it was time to go to the airport. Three hours later, saying goodbye to newly made friends, they were on their way back to Nicosia by bus at two-thirty in the morning with triumph in their hearts! Cathrine Beatty Dr. Samuel Lee During Pentecost Dr. Samuel Lee was the keynote speaker during the Pentecost celebration held in Rex Cinema Larnaca. He proclaimed the Word of God in Luke 19:1-10 Zacchaeus The Tax Collector. He said, When we desire to see Jesus like Zacchaeus we must overcome hindrances to draw near to God. We need to surrender our life to him to be saved. We must repent and avoid sins. God knows us intimately. Abide with His Word to recieve eternal life. Because we are like a dead meat without the spirit of God, he concluded. Dr. Lee is an Apostle Pastor of Samuel Lee World Evangelism. He said he is highly priveleged to minister the Word of God to Cyprus for over ten years now and to the rest of the world. He came with a Wonderful Man of God Bro. Thomas Asante. The celebration was a gathering of different churches and fellowships from different places in the island mostly foreigners. It was hosted by Jesus Christ Foundation pastored by Pastora Mhel Villanueva and Pastor Carlos Villanueva Jr. The theme is Uniting God s People in the Island and Releasing Then to Advance the Kingdom of God. The praise and worship was led by Sis. Shirley Rinell with Filipino Worship Team. All prayed for the unity of pastors, leaders, and churches and asked God for a new annointing for this time and season. The Pentecost celebration is a symbolic and a significant festival in the church. It was on this day that the holy spirit was poured by Jesus Christ in the group of about 120 disciples, [ Acts 1:13-15] The celebration was a victory for the glory of God. Carmen Dolorez B. Brazan-Llauderes Till Death Do Us Part Hon. Consul Kyriakides Meets Consular Volunteers For better or for worse till death do us part. This is the wedding vow of the newly wed couple Pastora Shiela Dumaoang of Agappi Christian Fellowship and Ranier Celestino as they expressed their conjugal love and sealed it with eternal bond through the Holy Matrimony last June 3, 2007 held at # 22 Pente Pigadia St. Agio Omoligites 1076 Nicosia.The wedding ceremony was conducted by Dr. Samuel Lee of the Samuel Lee Worl Evangelism in a garden setting. It was attended by the couples employers respectively with their closest friends, relatives, and with several invited guests. Pastora Shiela and Ranier first met last December 25, 2005 at Jesus The Savior Fellowship Church in Nicosia. Their meetings were followed successively as they get attracted with each other. Ranier loves to play guitar and Pastora Shiela loves to sing. Until he finally courted her and became friends. Their friendship blossomed into an intense committed relationship. Finally they committed themselves as husband and wife in Jesus Name. Carmen Dolorez B. Brazan-Llauderes A meeting was held between the Philippine Honorary Consul to Cyprus Mrs. Shemaine Alonso Bushnell - Kyriakides and the counsular volunteers held in her residence in Nicosia. She said, there are 9049 legally staying filipinos in Cyprus based from the Immigaration report. A regular passport application requires working days and costs 60 cyprus pounds while an expidite passport application only takes 5-7 working days and costs 84 pounds, she added. During the meeting, the vounteers suggested to the Honorable Consul wheather they could possibly conduct a consular outreach mission on her behalf to reach out more OFW s who couldn t come to her office. Mrs. Kyriakides gave them her approval. Following her approval the consular volunteers conducted immidiately a two-separated consular outreach mission in Paralimni and in Larnaca respectively. There were about 90 OFW s from Paralimni met by consular volunteers Emong Pedroso, Marites Caligtan, and Elizabeth Fernandez. Meanwhile consular volunteers Primrose Lomas and Carmen B. Llauderes met more or less 60 OFW s in Larnaca. Consular Volunteers also conducted information disimination and distribution of passport, OWWA, and PAG-IBIG application forms. They encouraged fellow filipinos to join programs and projects of the government for their benefits and welfare. CDBBL

18 18 SETYEMBRE, 2007 SPIRITUAL READINGS AKO ay Pilipino GIRASOLE As we come to the end of summer we have reflected about the sea (July issue) let me now write about what we always see as we travel along the roads of Europe in her vast rolling hills. It is sunflower. This is a legend. A nymph Clytie fell in love with the sun god, Apollo. Throughout the days she would sit and stay motionless, watching the sun god Apollo in his radiant glory shining and journeying across the sky. But Apollo did not notice her. The love of Clytie was not even reciprocated. Yet Clytie remained faithful and hopeful with her love of Apollo. Everyday she watched Apollo passed by, staring at him until her last day. Apollo took pity on her and admired her faithful love. And so Apollo changed her into a flower. This flower is bigger compared to other flowers, has bright and stunning colors of yellow and black. And much more this flower continues to what the nymph Clytie did, always facing and worshipping Apollo, facing always towards to sun. Thus it is known as sunflower a symbol of submission to love, turning always to her beloved, ever faithful never doubtful, unwavering to her choice. Isn t beautiful? Isn t very touching? We always set our sight on the one whom we loved. We always look after whom we care. We always want to see, to hear or to be with our beloved. Like sunflower we want to turn, to face, to be in sight of our beloved. This is an interesting episode in the life of Saint Anthony Abbot ( ). He lived his whole life as a hermit in an Egyptian desert. He was noted for his holiness and people came for his spiritual advises. There were always three monks who never failed to visit him. Two of them always asked questions about themselves, about their salvation. But the third monk was always quiet, totally silent, without saying anything. After some time the hermit Anthony said to him, you have been in the habit of coming here and to visit me all this time. And yet you do not ask me any questions. The monk answered, good father, it is enough for me just to look at you. Have you noticed that the sunflower moves with the sun and always facing proud and tall to the sun? Have you observed that at the sunset the sunflower bowed down? Like sunflower let us always turn to the one we must love. Like the sunflower let us always set our sight and life to the One who loves us most. And He is no other than our Lord Jesus who is the true light as He said, I am the light of the world, the one who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have light and life (John 12,8). The book of Psalm proclaims, for the Lord God is a sun and a shield; he bestows favor and glory. The Lord withholds no good things from those who walk in uprightness (84,12). Have you heard the Italian song about sunflower? The Italian word for sunflower is girasole. It means always turning towards the sun. And a portion of that song goes like this: Come un girasole giro intorno a te Che sei il mio sole anche di notte E come un girasole, io te seguiro. E mille volte ancora cui innamorero! Like a sunflower, I turn always toward you for you are my sun even in the night And like a sunflower, I will follow you. and for a thousand times more I will fall in love with you still! Inspirational Messages Tulong! There were three brothers who were all compulsive in their desire to hit the pot of gold in the world of business. Even as young high school students on to college, their parents were constantly breathing over their shoulders for them to make it to the top no less. The competitive spirit they learned to sharpen in the classroom against their classmates soon became a lethal weapon against each other later in life. In the absence of an outside enemy, the battle soon turned brother against brother. With more than enough money now as yuppies, they never were in contact with each other as they were living separately by themselves, avoiding even the traditional reunions they were taught to hold on a regular basis by their late parents. No pansinan talaga! At lalo na t walang pakialaman. Suddenly, the eldest brother died. The remaining two brothers were shocked no end, and in few minutes notice, the two met to take stock of their situation, as they made preparations for the cremation of their eldest brother. They were assisted by their former family driver who was living in the slum area. Helplessness divorced from self-pity breeds an inch into our humanity. In helplessness, one either despairs or connects. Magaling sa salita ang Pinoy. Mautak ang Pinoy. Magaling sa diskarte ang Pinoy. There is absolutely nobody with so much money who will not need the shoulders and the hands of the poor, and there is no one who is so poor who will not have something to offer the rich. Acute I cannot forget the words of a mother telling her children who kissed her hand when they arrived from school Mabuti lang kayo habang maliliit pa, pero pag laki niyo, ang sungay niyo ay hinagpis ko na. The face and trust of a child is mysteriously arresting to adults. Nagigitla ang pagkatao natin, Tenderness is innocence and compassion. Powerlessness magnets kindness. Bawat baby ay cute, di ba? Mahirap hindi-an ang bata. Pag tanda nagiging acute na. Buti na lang may second childhood tayong inaasahan sa pagtanda natin, pero pangalawang hinagpis sa magaalaga sa atin! Balik pampers. The problem really starts when we have all forgotten where we have started to learn how to walk, and the first time we earned our first paycheck. Nakakalimutan din natin ang mga tumulong sa atin, na hindi pa nga natin lubos na napapasalamatan. Loving and caring lose their value when we start counting the times and the ways. Kung kelan pa umunlad ang buhay natin as OFW, e, doon pa tayo natuto magaling magbilang ng utang na loob sa natulungan din natin. Think again. Indeed, we have changed a lot. Money leads to independence, and independence cut from all sorts of gratitude, flirts with greed and egoism. Maski ang nanay natin hindi na tayo kilala. Nanunungay na ang dating musmos. And since we do not really know our true selves, the relationships we establish are often short-lived and skin-deep. We only listen to what we would like to hear. Tragedy, or comedy, or acute? Comments/feedbacks to addis_son@yahoo.com Thinking deeper about sunflower I came out with this interesting messages for you. First, always turn to God. Whatever happens, wherever we are let us always turn to God. In our needs let us seek God first. In our wandering let us go back to God. With our success and with our triumphs let us always remember God. In our happiness let us return to God, to praise Him and to be thankful to Him. As the sunflower moves in the direction of the sun, let us then direct our heart and mind to God. Let us focus our vision to God s plan for us. Let us keep our will attune to God s ways, our goals align to God s mission. Prophet Joel reminds us, rend your heart, not your garment. Return to Yahweh, your God-gracious and compassionate (2,13). Santa Teresa de Avila tells us withhold your heart from all things: seek God and you will find Him. Second, as we turn to God, let us therefore try Him and trust Him. God has always the right answers to our quests and questions in life. God has always the best remedy for our pains and problems. God consoles. He heals. He helps. So why not try Him first? God is always available and very approachable. He always listens and attends to our needs. So why not go first to God? He is our safety. He is our protector and great provider. God always wills what is best for us. He does what is most beneficial for us. So, let us try Him first and always trust Him. We must lay our burdens to Him. Entrust all your cares to God. Jesus is telling us, come to me, all you who work hard and who carry heavy burden and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble of heart; and you will find rest. For my yoke is good and my burden is light (Matthew 11, 28-30). Saint Augustine says, trust the past to God s mercy, the present to God s love and the future to God s providence. Third, take God always in your life. As we do our earthly pilgrimage towards heaven surely we will encounter many challenges and responsibilities. There could be hardships. There would be trials and even temptations. But whatever and wherever let us take God with us. Let us remember Him and take refuge in Him. Our works could be demanding and difficult. Our people could be uncooperative, our superiors unforgiving. Our labors could be unproductive or the results frustrating. So, let us take God with us and think of Him. God will make a way. He will do everything possible. He will surely grant us a bountiful harvest. There is always invitation from God to return to Him, to try Him and take Him. Jesus is telling us always, if you wish be a follower of mine, deny yourself and take up your cross each day, and follow me (Luke 9,23). Let us accept the invitation of Jesus. Let us take Him in. And so before taking any serious decision let us think of Him. Let us take recourse to Him. Before assuming great tasks or before going to places let us take God with us, in our works, and in our workplaces. God always sets His sight on us. He is always after our safety, our security and much more for our salvation. He wants to take us with Him in heaven. So let us take Him in our hearts, in our homes. Blessed Mother Teresa used to say, I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world. As I admired the beauty of sunflower I was struck by its striking reaction to the sun. After looking up at the sun, and when the sun sets the sunflower looks down on the soil. After facing and enjoying the brightness of the sun and at the end of the day the sunflower bows down. As sun gives way to night the sunflower too faced down to the earth. And this could be our cue. After we look up to God we have to look for our brothers and sisters. After we receive rays of graces from God we have to shine for others. After we face God we have to the reflection of God s goodness to others. Like in the Italian song come un girasole intorno ate let us always move towards God, turning always to Him. Let us fix our vision to Him. Let our desire is always God. The sunflower portrays our deep longing to be with God, to see Him face to face. It describes our utmost need to remain and to stay with God. Mons. RUPERTO CRUZ SANTOS Rector of Pontificio Collegio Filippino National Coordinator for the Pastoral Care of Filipino Migrants Thoughts of the Month There are three types of people in this world: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who wonder what happened. We all have a choice. You can decide which type of person you want to be. I have always chosen to be in the first group. Mary Kay Ash Don t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as you mind lets you. What you believe, you can achieve. Mary Kay Ash The stories of past courage... can offer hope, they can provide inspiration. But they cannot supply courage itself. For this each man must look into his own soul. John F. Kennedy Giving of yourself, learning to be tolerant, giving recognition and approval to others, remaining flexible enough to mature and learn - yields happiness, harmony, contentment and productivity. These are the qualities of a rich life, the bounteous harvest of getting along with people. Jack C Yewell May we never let the things we can t have, or don t have, or shouldn t have, spoil our enjoyment of the things we do have and can have. As we value our happiness let us not forget it, for one of the greatest lessons in life is learning to be happy without the things we cannot or should not have. Richard L. Evans Don t say you don t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein. H. Jackson Brown If you have it [Love], you don t need to have anything else, and if you don t have it, it doesn t matter much what else you have. Sir James M. Barrie What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals. Zig Ziglar The battles that count aren t the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourselfthe invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us-that s where it s at. Jesse Owens

19 AKO ay Pilipino PUSO SA PUSO SETYEMBRE, Ms. Heart's Corner Dear Ms. Heart How are you? Hope everything is fine. Naaasar ako sa bf ko kasi parang feeling ko hindi niya ako mahal. Hindi ko siya maunawaan, hindi ko malaman kung paano ko huhulihin ang loob niya. Isa sa character ko ang pagiging makulit, sabi niya sweet naman daw ako. Mahal na mahal ko siya and everything that i can ginagawa ko para sa kanya pero hindi siya ganun sa akin. Nasasaktan ako kasi natatakot ako na baka hindi niya ako mahal or ginagawa lang niyang basehan ang relationship namin para sabihin na may gf siya or may makasama. Ms. Heart paano ko ba malalaman kung mahal niya ako talaga? Tulungan mo ako hirap na hirap na ako. Gumagalang, Josephine Dear Josephine, Napakaopen mong tao. Hindi naman talaga madali na malaman sa isang tao kung bakit mo siya minahal sa kabila ng pagkakadama natin minsan kung mahal ba nila tayo. Minsan hindi natin makita ang pagmamahal na dapat sana ay ibinibigay sa ating mga babae. May limang klase ng language of love na posibbleng makatulong sayo para malaman mo kung mahal ka nga ng bf mo. Ito ang tinawag na language of love. Una ay ang words of affirmation. Ito ay kung lagi niyang sinasabi sayo na mahal ka niya, lagi ka niya itenetext na mahal ka niya. Ikalawa ang quality of time. Nagseset siya ng time at panahon para sayo para magdate kayo, mag usap kayo at magkwentuhan kayo. Parng time to each other. Pangatlo, ang gifts, ito iyong binibigyan ka niya ng regalo, naalala ka niya through simple or big things. Pang apat ay ang physical touch, hindi man siya nagsasalita ay ipinapaalam niya ito sayo by holding your hands, inihahug ka niya, iyong through sense of touch na ginagawa niya sayo especially kapag kailangan mo siya at ang panglima ay acts of service, ito ay kung pinaglilingkuran ka niya, pinagsisilbihan ka niya ika nga eh para kang prinsesa na pinagsisilbihan ng iyong prinsipe. Ngayon hanapin mo sa limang iyan kung ginagawa ba iyan ng bf mo sayo at malalaman mo na by means of by 5steps kung talaga nga bang mahal ka niya. Pakiramdaman mo ring mabuti. Sana ay natulungan ka namin at kayong lahat na aming mga readers. Sumasaiyo, Ms. Heart Pinoy Jokes Exam Anak: Tay, bagsak ako sa exam. Itay: Bakit? Anak: Kasi hindi ko po alam kung ano iyong EFFORT... Itay: Dun naglalanding ang mga EF- FLANE... NO ID NO ENTRY bakit ang sign na: NO ID ENTRY NO ENTRY na malimiy natin nakikita sa mga school ay hindi tinitagalog? Answer: Kasi pag tinagalog yan: WALA ID WALA PA- SOK... NGEEeeeekkkk Arthritis Juan: Pare palagay ko tumatanda na ata ako, masakita na paa ko! Pedro: Arthritis yan pare o rayuma, madali lang gamot jan.. epitren Juan: Ay talaga pare?baka naman mahal yan? Pedro: di pare!! ganito gawin mo punta ka sa riles paipit kasa tren epitren.. Sulat dear pipe, pakisabi kay binge na nanalo si pilay sa takbuhan... nagmamahal, putol kamay!!! bulag at duling magsusuntukan bulag: hoy duleng wag ka magtago sa dilim... duleng:panu ako hndi magtatago!!! eh dalwa kayo!!! nyeeeh!!! one way sa palengke may isang amerikano na nagtanong sa tindero kung magkano ang isang kilong manok... amerikano:magkeyno ang eysang keylong meynok?... tindero: one way... amerikano:ha? tindero: one way sir... amerikano:anow? tindero: isang daan bow-bow Pinoy Recipe Pancit Palabok Estimated preparation for toppings: 1 1/2 hours Estimated cooking time for sauce & noodles: 40 minutes Pansit Palabok Ingredients: Palabok Noodles / Sauce 1/2 kilo miki noodles 1/2 kilo small crabs 5 cloves of garlic, minced 1 onion, chopped 2 tablespoons of atchuete seeds or oil 2 tablespoons of patis (fish sauce) 4 tablespoons of cornstarch, dissolved in water 1 teaspoon of monosodium glutamate (MSG) 1 1/2 cups of water Palabok Toppings Tinapa flakes (smoked fish) Cooked shrimps, shelled Squid adobo, sliced into rings Pork chicharon, grounded Spring onions, chopped Hard boiled eggs, shelled, sliced Fried garlic, minced Fresh calamansi (lemon), sliced Pansit Palabok Cooking Instructions: Extract fat and meat from clean crabs, set aside. Pound crab and extract juice on 1 1/2 cups of water On a pan, sauté garlic and onions until golden brown then add crab fat, crab meat, 1 1/2 cups of crab wash, patis and MSG. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Add corn starch and continue to simmer while constantly stirring until thick. Put miki noodles in a strainer and dip in boiling water for 5 minutes or until cooked. Lay drained noodles on a platter and pour the palabok sauce. Garnish with toppings and serve. Essential Health Tips (The Basics to Practice Every Day) He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything. -Arabian Proverb 1. Move More Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it s a stress buster. Think move in small increments of time. It doesn t have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that s great when you re up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha. Then do it! 2. Cut Fat Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine. Then be one! 3. Quit Smoking The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we ve seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or tough guy stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette. the next one. 4. Reduce Stress Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds.then float on them. 5. Protect Yourself from Pollution If you can t live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It s a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: Smoke gets in your eyes and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants.hum the tune daily. 6. Wear Your Seat Belt Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up. 7. Floss Your Teeth Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it s because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don t? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body s boss. 8. Avoid Excessive Drinking While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time. 9. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook There s a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can t be unhappy when you re smiling or singing. 10. Choose Your Parents Well The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn t mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you. Thought for the day: Follow these basic tips for healthy living and you can better control your own destiny.

20 20 SETYEMBRE, 2007 SHOWBIZZ GIGS AKO ay Pilipino Angel Locsin Pasisikatin ng DOS! Binigyan na ng grand welcome ng ABS-CBN si Angel Locsin sa ASAP 07. Nakailang song numbers din si Angel at parang feel na feel niya ang ginawa niyang pagkanta sa show. Nakasama niya sa production number ang mga prinsesa at prinsipe ng mga teleserye ng Kapamilya network, na ayon kay Angel ay gusto raw niyang makatrabaho. Sa dulo ng mga pasasalamat niya ay nagdayalog siya ng, Sa TFC (The Filipino Channel), ako po si Angel Locsin! bilang opisyal na pagpapakilala ng sarili niya sa Kapamilya viewers sa ibang bansa. Nag-guest na din si Angel sa Kapamilya Deal or No Deal ni Kris Aquino. Isang reporter ng ABS-CBN ang naringgan na isang source ang nagtanong ng Bakit parang hindi warm ang audience kay Angel? dahil tila wala raw reaksyon ang mga nasa studio pagpasok ng dating GMA star. After Angel ay guest din sa game show ni Kris si Governor Vilma Santos. Nagpunta raw si Angel sa dressing room ni Ate Vi para magbigay-pugay. Na-excite daw ang dalaga na makitang muli ang kanyang idolong aktres. Natuwa si Gov. Vilma na sinadya siya ni Angel para bumati. Ang ganda raw pagmasdan ng dalawang aktres na parehong gumanap bilang Darna. Bukod sa mga staff ng Dos at Star Cinema ay ang lady boss mismo ng Star Cinema na si Ms. Malou Santos ang aligaga sa pag-aasikaso kay Angel. Halatang ipinadarama raw nang husto ng Kapamilya network ang matinding pag-aalaga sa bagong lipat na young actress. Kailangang magpabongga ng celebrity guests ang show ni Kris dahil kinakabog ito sa rating ng katapat na programa sa Siyete na Marimar. Ngayong gabi ipalalabas ang guesting ni Angel sa KDND. Kaabang-abang kung magagawa nitong pataubin sa rating ang tinanggihan niyang telenobela ng GMA na napunta kay Marian Rivera. Bukod pa dito sadyang magiging mahigpit lalo ang laban ng rating ng siyete at dos samantalang malaking hamon kay Angel ang pagiging kapamilya na dating kapuso. Vina Morales, Pinoy band win IKON Asean Popular singer-actress Vina Morales came home from Malaysia where she won in the solo artist category of the IKON ASEAN regional singing competition held August 12. Morales won a cash prize of $25,000. She arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) with the members of the group Kjwan, who were declared champions in the band category. Morales and the Kjwan band members were ecstatic over their victory, and knowing that they made their countrymen proud by giving the world a taste of world-class Filipino talent. Morales, Sharon Garcia-Magdayao in real life, said those who joined the contest did not only compete but instead, shared music with other artists. She said she feels very blessed to have won but she also dedicates her success to her fellow contestants. Morales sang the ABS- CBN telenovela theme song Pangako Sa Yo and Feels So Nice while Kjwan sang Invitation and One Look. They received their awards from Astro Entertainment executive director Zainir Aminullah and ASEAN Music Industry Association chairman Arnell Affendi. The singing contest was held at the Putrajaya International Convention Center where representatives of other ASEAN countries also competed. IKON ASEAN, a contest which seeks to bring together ASEAN talents under one roof to showcase and celebrate Asian entertainment, starts in a contestant s home country. Michael Punongbayan Daya sa Game Show Nabuking Nahaharap sa bagong kontrobersiya ang bantog na noontime game show na Wowowee ng ABS-CBN matapos dagsain ng reklamo ang Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) at Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) tungkol sa anomalya o dayaan sa pinakabagong palaro nilang Wilyonaryo Jackpot. Sabado ng inilunsad ang palaro ngunit ito ay celebrity edition lamang at nito lang nakalipas na lunes, Agosto 20 pormal na binuksan para sa mga contestants. Naging contestant ang isang nagngangalang Weng at mismong si Willie Revillame ang umistima rito para sa mala-pera o bayong na larong tinawag nilang Wilyonaryo Jackpot. Ang palaro ay parang pinball at papipiliin ang contestant ng isang wheel na may kulay at doo y papahulaan kung nais ba nito ang Wilyonaryo o Winame. Kung ang Wilyonaryo ang pinili, may tsansa ang contestant na manalo ng P2 milyon; P1 milyon o P500,000 at bahay at lupa. Kapag Winame (Uwi na ko) naman ang pinili, ibig sabihin ay tatanggapin na lamang nito ang alok na pera ni Willie at uuwi na lamang ang contestant. Pinili umano ni Weng ang Winame kasama ang P100,000 na alok ni Revillame, bukod pa sa napanalunan nitong P37,000 sa elimination round bago ang jackpot round. Hindi naman nabigo si Weng na maging tama ang pasya dahil ang pinili nitong kulay puting wheel ay naglalaman ng 0 na ibig sabihin ay kung ito ang pinili, tiyak na bokya o uuwi siyang luhaan. Kagaya ng patakaran sa iba t ibang game show, sisilipin kung nasaan ang jackpot price at sinabi ni Revillame na ito ay nasa kulay lilac o violet na wheel. Nang aktong bubuksan ng kontrobersiyal na host ang nasabing wheel, lumabas umano rito ay 0 (zero). Nakasaad sa bahagi ng transcript ang ganito: Mariel Rodriguez: Ayon walang laman Willie: Mali, Mali, Mali. Sandali. Ang P2 milyon ay (habang binubunot sa likod ng wheel) eto pala. Mariel Rodriguez: Hawak mo pala Pappy Willie: Ayon hawak ko pala, Alright ayan po ang P2 milyon, 2,000,000. Dahil sa insidente, nabuko na dalawang uri ng papel o film mayroon ang jackpot wheel ng nasabing palaro kung saan ay maaari nilang gawing milyon ang zero na numero o gawing zero ang milyon na numero. Ayon naman sa mga nakasaksi sa panonood, nagtataka rin sila kung bakit nasa likod lagi ng wheel ang kamay ni Revilla. Ang naturang pagkakabuko ay nai-record ng ilang televiewers at anumang araw mula ngayon ay ipadadala nila ang kopya ng CD nito sa tanggapan ni MTRCB chairperson Ma. Consoliza P. Laguardia at DTI na inaasahang magpapatawag ng imbestigasyon hinggil dito. Nabigo namang makuhanan ng pahayag si Villame sa naturang alegasyon. Angie dela Cruz Horoscope of the Month. ARIES: (Mar Abr. 19) - Magdiwang ka ngayon dahil may magandang kapalaran ang darating sa iyo. Malamang manalo ka sa lotto o ibang uri ng laro na may premyo. Ngunit kung wala kang mapanalunan, ang iyong pagiging masayahin ang isang katangian na nagustuhan ng iyong mga mahal sa buhay kaya daig mo pa ang nanalo ng malaking halaga. Lucky numbers at color for the day ang 2, 8, 26, 37 at magenta. TAURUS: (Abr May. 20) - Tiyakin mong magiging maganda ang iyong relasyon sa minamahal, kasamahan, kamag-anak, kaibigan o kasambahay dahil may bagay kang magagawa na mawawala ang kanilang respeto at tiwala sa iyo ngayon. Upang maiwasan, huwag kang magpabigla-bigla. Sa bawat kilos, pag-isipang mabuti para walang masaktan o makasakit ng damdamin. Lucky numbers at color for the day ang 1, 15, 29, 36 at lavender. GEMINI: (May Hun. 21) - Mag-isip ka ng oportunidad na bagay sa magandang kikitain at dapat mong tutukan ito ngayon dahil magiging magaan ang mga magagandang ideya na iyong mahahagilap. Mapapasaiyo ang matagal mo nang hinihintay mula sa trabaho o minamahal. Lucky numbers at color for the day ang 8, 13, 30, 38 at midnight blue. CANCER: (Hun Hul. 22) - Mag-ingat ka sa pakikitungo sa isang Scorpio, Taurus o Capricorn dahil magdudulot ito ng pagkairita sa iyong damdamin o magiging kaaway mo ngayon. Magigipit ka sa pera sa araw na ito, bagay na palaging nangyayari. Simulang magtipid upang di na maulit. Maiinggit ka sa bagong labas na cellphone pero sorry na lang, mag-ipon ka muna upang makabili. Lucky numbers at color for the day ang 5, 15, 16, 28 at turquoise. LEO: (Hul Ago. 22) - Sabay kayong mangarap ng iyong minamahal tungkol sa maganda ninyong kinabukasan. Huwag idaan sa pangarap lamang ang lahat. Pagsikapan ninyong makamit ang inyong mga pangarap. Hindi mo mapapansinin ang mga maliliit na bagay na dating nagpapairita sa iyo dahil napakalayo ng iyong isipan sa bagay na gustong-gusto mong makamit. Lucky numbers at color for the day ang 1, 12, 36, 41 at dollar green. VIRGO: (Ago Set. 23) - Magkatulad ang inyong damdamin sa isa t isa kaya walang problema kung magkarelasyon kayo. Huwag matakot na mawala siya sa iyo o maangkin ng iba. Mawawalan ka ng gana sa iyong katrabaho. Pasensiya ang kailangan habang naghahanap ng ibang mapapasukan. Lucky numbers at color for the day ang 9, 16, 25, 36 at blue. LIBRA: (Set Okt. 23) - Magigipit ka sa isang transaksyong papasukan kung hindi pag-aaralang mabuti lalo na sa presyo ng mga materyales na gagamitin. Mapapasok ka sa bitag ng magandang makipag-usap na katransaksyon kung tatangatanga ka kaya maging alerto. Maging matalino sa negosasyon upang may kitain. Lucky numbers at color for the day ang 3, 19, 29, 33 at jade green. SCORPIO: (Okt Nob. 22) - Madamdamin ang magiging araw mo ngayon dahil may problema. May aalis na malapit sa iyong puso o makokonsensiya ka sa mga narinig na usap-usapan na hindi maganda laban sa iyo. Kung sa akala mo ay wala kang nagawang pagkakamali, harapin at ipaglaban ang karapatan at tiyak na titiklop sila at tatahimik. Lucky numbers at color for the day ang 6, 14, 34, 35 at purple. SAGITTARIUS: (Nob Dis. 21) - Ngayon mo malalaman ang katotohanan tungkol sa iyong pag-ibig. Magdedesisyon na ang iniibig o may matutuklasan ka tungkol sa kanya. Magingat sa isisiwalat na maseselang bagay tungkol sa trabaho o ibang tao dahil mababansagan kang tsismosa o tsismoso pag nagkataon. Lucky numbers at color for the day ang 2, 19, 27, 35 at indigo. CAPRICORN: (Dis Ene. 19) - Magiging maalalahanin ang iyong kasuyo o minamahal ngayon. Isang regalo o pasalubong ang marahil maiaabot sa iyo. Isang sorpresa ang naghihintay sa pagdating ng isang matagal na kakilala o komunikasyon mula sa isang hindi inaakalang makakaalala. Lucky numbers at color for the day ang 1, 9, 17, 40 at lilac. AQUARIUS: (Ene Peb. 18) - Malalagay sa alanganin ang inyong samahan kung hindi ka mag-iingat. May pagkakamali kang magagawa o sila ang makagagawa ng pagkakamali. Magkakaroon ng munting alitan ngunit ito ay mabibigyan ng solusyon kung haharapin kaagad. Samantala, iwasan munang makipag-ugnayan sa kaibigang Taurus o Sagittarius dahil bibigyan ka ng sakit ng ulo nito. Lucky numbers at color for the day ang 5, 11, 25, 31 at avocado green. PISCES: (Peb Mar. 20) - Ngayon mo maaalala at mabibigyan ng atensiyon ang mga bagay sa ginawa niyang pabor o tulong na hindi ka nakapagpasalamat. Magiging maluwag ang iyong panahong makipag-ugnayan sa taong nakatulong sa iyo o mga matalik na kaibigan. Lucky numbers at color for the day ang 12, 22, 38, 40 at pearl white.

21 AKO ay Pilipino SHOWBIZZ GIGS SETYEMBRE, Ruffa at Yilmaz Nagharap sa Pinas! Natagalan sa Pilipinas ang turkish-businessman na si Yilmaz Bektas matapos itong bumisita at dalawin ang kanyang pamilya na sina Ruffa Gutierrez at ang dalawa nitong anak. Dapat sana ay Biyernes ay aalis na ito pero naging pabago bago ang kanyang isip. Halos tatlong araw pa itong nagextend bago makaalis ng bansa dahil sa kanyang pagiging urong-sulong. Mami-miss daw kasi niya ang kanyang pamilya. Mami-miss din daw kasi siya ng mga anak na sina Lorin at Venice. Ito ang itnuyrong dahilan ni Yilmaz ng hirap na pagbalik ng Istanbul, Turkey. Urong-sulong man si Yilmaz sa kanyang pag-alis sa bansa, hindi nagbabago ang paninindigan ni Annabelle Rama na huwag siyang harapin. Hindi ganoon kadali para kay Annabelle (pati na rin kay Eddie Gutierrez) na harapin at kaagad na patawarin si Yilmaz. Sabi niya, alam niyang mahal pa rin ni Ruffa si Yilmaz kaya ganoon kadali para sa actress/ TV host na mapatawad ang Turkish-businessman, pero iba ang istorya nila ni Tito Eddie. Mahal man ni Ruffa si Yilmaz ay alam ng actress/tv host na kailangan niyang tapusin ang ilang commitments dito sa atin kaya hindi pa din masasagot kung magkakabalikan pa si Yilmaz at si Ruffa. Iyung pagpapatawad ay madali para kay Ruffa dahil mahal pa rin niya si Yilmaz, pero ang tanong dapat ay kung nakalimutan na ba ni Ruffa ang mga pananakit sa kanya noon ng estranged husband? Madaing magpatawad, pero ang kalimutan ang mga nagawa ni Yilmaz, malabo yon sa ngayon! Anyway, natutuwa at masaya sina Lorin at Venice sa pagdating sa bansa ng kanilang ama. Natutuwa rin si Annabelle sa bagay na yon. Para sa kaligayahan ng mga apo ay hindi na nagkontrabida pa si Annabelle sa pagdating dito sa Pinas ni Yilmaz. Kahit hindi hinarap ni Annabelle ang estranged husband ni Ruffa ay pinadadalhan niya ito ng pagkain sa hotel. Pati sasakyan ni Yilmaz ay si Annabelle rin ang nag-aasikaso. Shaina Magdayao Pwede ng Makipagboyfriend! Kubrador Patuloy na Namamayagpag sa Ibang Bansa Umaani pa rin ng tagumpay at papuri sa mga international film festivals ang pelikulang Kubrador na prodyus ng MLR Films ni Atty. Joji Alonso at pinagbidahan ni Gina Pareno, at dinirek ni Jeffrey Jeturian. Nakuha ng Kubrador ang ikasampung award sa Brisbane International Film Festival kung saan Hindi pa man nagsisimula ang teleserye na gagawin ni Angel Locsin sa ABS-CBN ay may narinig nang tsika na ipantatapat daw ito sa bagong primetime show ni Richard Gutierrez sa GMA na Kamandag.Walang kaso kay Richard ang paglipat ng dati niyang kaloveteam sa Dos dahil sariling desisyon yon ni Angel pero ang hiling daw sana ng pambatong matinee idol ng Siyete ay huwag pagtapatin ang mga programa nila.tila hindi mangyayari ang gusto ni Richard dahil narinig naming ipantatapat sa Kamandag ang Taong Lobo nina Piolo Pascual at Angel Locsin. ginawaran ang movie ng NETPAC Jury Award para sa promotion ng Asian Cinema. Kaya naman si Atty. Joji, sobrang happy dahil sa recognition ng pelikulang Kubrador at umaasa siya na makagagawa uli siya ng ganitong klase ng movie na mabibigyan pa rin ng recognition sa ibang bansa. Richard Ayaw tapatan ang dating kaloveteam na si Angel Locsin! Debut na ni Shaina Magdayao sa Nov.6 at pinayagan na siya ng parents na maligawan pero personal choice niya na huwag munang seryosong makipag-boyfriend. Pero open siya sa pagsasabing pinakamasugid niyang manliligaw ang ka-loveteam na si Rayver Cruz. Hindi raw naman dahil sa nangyari sa kanyang Ate Vina (Morales) kaya ganoon ang desisyon niya. In fact, natuwa pa raw sila nang tuluyan nakipag-break ang Ate Vina niya sa boyfriend nito. Wala raw naman siyang tampo sa naging boyfriend nito pero ayaw niyang magsalita in behalf of her family. Basta sila raw, sinusuportahan nila ang Ate niya anuman ang maging desisyon nito. Kung anuman daw ang nangyari sa kanyang Ate Vina, pinalitan naman ito ni Lord ng blessing, nang manalo ito sa first Ikon Asean Grand Finals last Sunday, August 12, sa Putrajaya International Convention Center sa Malaysia. Tumanggap din ito ng cash prize na $25,000. Dalawa ang entry nina Shaina at Rayver sa MMFF 2007, ang Katas ng Saudi ng Maverick Films na kasama nila sina Sen. Jinggoy Estrada at Lorna Tolentino, at ang Bahay Kubo na happy sila na muli nilang makakasama sa Bahay Kubo ng Regal Entertainment si Maricel Soriano. Ok Naman Daw ang Relasyon Kristine at Diether Ocampo Pinaghandaan ni Diether Ocampo ang presscon ng Star Magic para sa kanya kaya nasagot niya ang lahat ng mga tanong ng entertainment press. Inasahan ni Diether na magtatanong ang mga reporter tungkol sa status ng relasyon niya kay Kristine Hermosa. Ayon kay Diether, mas maayos ngayon ang relasyon nila ni Kristine. Okey kami. We re much better now. So far, we re able to rectify some things. Technically, nililigawan ko pa rin siya, hanggang ngayon. Itinanggi ni Diether ang balita na nakatira sila ni Kristine sa iisang bahay pero ipinapaalam sa kanya ng asawa ang lahat ng ginagawa nito. That I don t know, at was it a friendly kiss. ang sagot ni Diether sa balita na may nakakita nang halikan ng isang lalake si Kristine at nangyari ito sa Hong Kong. Yeah, I know the guy. He s her friend. He s a very nice guy. As far as I know, she s there (in Hong Kong) for a vacation with her family. From somebody in the know, mahal na mahal pa rin ni Diether si Kristine. Nagtataka nga raw siya dahil hindi maintindihan ng mga tao ang present set-up ng mag-asawa na sila pa rin pero malaya nilang magagawa ang gusto nila. Ito ang unconditional love niya para kay Kristine na sinasabi ni Diether. Itinanggi rin ni Diether ang balita na busy sa mga charitable nakikipag-date na siya sa ibang babae. Masyado raw siyang project niya tulad ng K.I.D.S. Foundation at R.E.D. (for reduce, eliminateand decrease under nutrition). Ang Department of Education at Department of Health ang katulong ni Diether sa pagpapaabot ng tulong para Humingi muna ng dispensa kina Mother Lily at Roselle Monteverde-Teo si Ryan Agoncillo bago sabihing more concern siya sa quality ng My Kuya s Wedding kesa box-office result. Pero, gusto rin niyang kumita ito dahil first movie niya sa Regal at para kay Maja Salvador. Samantala, hindi alam ni Ryan kung saan galing ang balitang magpo-propose siya ng kasal kay Judy Ann Santos sa year Nagulat siya sa nabasa dahil wala pa silang balak pakasal at mas pinag-uusapan sa mga nangangailangan. So far, umabot na sa 400,000 ang bilang ng mga libro na donation ng K.I.D.S. sa mga public school. Contributing photographer din si Diether sa mga fashion magazine tulad ng Metro. Ipinagmalaki ni Diether na siya ang photographer ng 4-page sexy pictorial ng isang Brazilian model sa September 2007 issue ng UNO magazine Huimingi ng Dispensa kay Ryan nila kung saan sila titira after their wedding. Gusto nito sa may Alabang area at tiyak siyang papayag din ang girlfriend. Hindi pa rin napag-uusapan ng dalawa kung saang simbahan sila pakakasal, pero hindi sa Manila Cathedral. May mga kuwentong naririnig si Ryan na naghihiwalay ang celebrity couples na dito ikinakasal at ayaw niyang mapasama sila ni Judy Ann sa listahan. Ibig sabihin, married life forever ang gusto nito with the actress.

22 22 SETYEMBRE, 2007 SPORTS AKO ay Pilipino International Navigation (Limassol) wins Philippines Basketball League (Cyprus) 2007 Dell of Nicmustaosia and Interorient Navigation of Limassol were not bothered with the soaring temperature reaching 40C today to play the final games of the championship. After two months of playing basketball every Sunday and with the heat gradually creeping up all the time, the Philippine Basketball League (Cyprus) 2007 is finally over! Donald Luzon scored 21 points and Ace Generoso chipped in with 15 as Interorient Navigation topped DELL to claim the Philippine Basketball League 2007 title on Sunday morning in Nicosia. Both teams went basket for basket from the tip-off, but the Limassol side kept their cool in the last minutes of the game and deservedly captured the championship title. During the post-game show, spectators were able to enjoy the performances of Wilma Dayrit, Karen Julongbayan as well as Homeboys and G-girls from Limassol who recently won the dancing competition for the Philippine Independence Day celebration. The organizing committee then presented a total of 13 awards, which was followed by serving Filipino foods provided by team members and the organizing committee. The best team uniform award was given to the team from Larnaca, while Jhovaline was awarded the Fair-play award. Miss Jennyln Honrado, representing MoneyGram, received the PBL 2007 Muse award. The youngest player award was given to Karl Julongbayan of Interorient Navigation who is 13 years old, with the Best Coach award also heading to the Limassol side with Marvin Santos claiming it. The Mythical Five Award was given to Jeffrey Sarmiento of DELL, Donald Luzon of Interorient Navigation, Allan Paul de Leon of Jhovaline, Allan of Larnaca and Ronald Ramos of MoneyGram. Interorient Navigation s Donald Luzon also received awards for the MVP of the league and the Best Scorer. Jeffrey Sarmiento of DELL was awarded as the player who scored the most three-pointers throughout the competition. On the first series of the final, which was played on 3rd June 2007, DELL used a punishing final quarter to claim an important victory over Interorient Navigation and take a 1-0 lead in the best of three series of the Philippine Basketball League 2007 finals. Mrs. Shemaine Bushnel-Kyriakides, the new Honorary Consul of the Philippines, made an honorary tip-off, which was greeted with a long applause by Filipino spectators. Among the guests of the organizing committee was also Mrs. Popi Votsi, the General Manager of Western Union in Cyprus who sponsored the league. After the final buzzer, the spectators had an opportunity to enjoy basketball even more when the selected team of the league faced the CyBasketball. com team in a game with many attractive moves. The CyBasketball.com team had the upper hand throughout the game eventually winning it In the second game of the league finals which was held on 17th June 2007, Interorient Navigation defeated DELL convincingly with the score of and tie the final series at 1-1, while in the game for the third place MoneyGram demolished Larnaca After leading throughout the first half, the Limassol side almost let their lead slip away when allowed DELL to take the lead for the first time in the game towards the end of the third quarter at When everyone expected DELL to take a complete control of the game in the final period Interorient Navigation came back strong scoring 26 points and holding their opponent on seven to win the game and force the deciding third game today. The organizing committee would like to thank the following for their kindness and generosity for the success of the league: Western Union and G.A.P. Vassilopoulos Worldwide Removals for their sponsorship, Keravnos Club for letting us use their court, Mr & Mrs Tony Kyriakides, Mrs Morena Pavlou, Mr Costakis Panagides, Messrs Photos Photiades, Lenia from Limassol, Aida of Boracay Club (Limassol) and to all the teams and committee members who provided foods and drinks during the celebration after the game. A game is not always possible without a referee, so we would like to say a big thank you to Mr Nemanja Bjedov, who has always shown his professionalism to all the players and was assisted by Mr Amin Houmayoun, for their help and assistance. Congratulations to all the players of each team for showing the true spirit of sportsmanship during the games. TAYO Y MGA PILIPINO MAGKAISA TAYO!!! Ester C. Beatty First game of the fi nal series between Dell & Interorient Navigation with the new Honorary Consul of the Philippines, Mrs. Shermaine Bushnel-Kyriakides, Mrs. Popi Votsi, General Manger of Western Union in Cyprus and the Sports League Committee members (3rd June 07). The PBL (Cyprus) 2007 Champion Interorient Navigation (Limassol) Interorient Navigation and Dell Teams with the Referees and Committee members during the Final game of the PBL 2007 Championship. Tipp-off of the Final game of PBL (Cyprus) 2007 PBL (Cyprus) 2007 Runner-up Dell Team with the organizing committee and Nemanja Bjedov (Referee) MVP & Highest Pointers award winner - Donald Luzon of Interorient Navigation received his trophy from Nemanja Bjedov, PBL 2007 referee St. Catherine (Limassol) Summer Sports League 2007 After more than three months of non-stop playing of volleyball and basketball, the awarding ceremony of the Inter-community s St. Catherine Summer Sports League 2007 in Limassol, Cyprus got underway on the 5th August Although feeling under the weather, Mr. Arnel Ambon, Committee Vice Chairman & Statistician of the sports league opened the muchawaited ceremony. Mr. Ambon emphasized to all the players and participants alike that with such sport events, he hopes that this will bring us closer in the spirit of friendship, goodwill and unity regardless of our race, religion and nationality. Fr. Andrew Arhin, organizer on behalf of St. Catherine Catholic Church, delivered an inspirational talk encouraging everyone that through the love of God may this event keep our community stronger and to use what they have learned and experienced from this event positively. Ms. Emilyn Sorilla, Committee Chairwoman, assisted by Ms. Carmel Carton presented the trophies and medals to winners as well as minor awards to players. In the volleyball category, Kartoudes Team proved to too strong for Mantovani Team in the twiceto-beat final games rule, and were crowned 2007 Champions. Third and fourth place were Propan and El-Shaddai respectively. As well as the Championship trophy, Kartoudes team players also received the following minor awards: Mai de los Santos for best team captain, Loida Asug for best stopper award and Amethylen Amoguez.received the MVP award. The best service award was received by Lakshika Muthumali of Ceylon Team while the Best Sportsmanship/Fair-play award was presented to Western Union Team headed by their coach/player Mummy Ruth Tagalicud, who kept on encouraging her team to keep smiling even if they were losing badly! Best Manager Award was given to Mrs. Ester Beatty who has shown her total support to her team, Western Union, travelling all the way from Nicosia whenever possible, giving them encouragement even when they were not always winning. La Maison Team received the best in team uniform as well as the Miss Muse 2007, which was awarded to Ms. Nhorie Joy Elio during the opening ceremony of the league on the 15th April The best 12 Filipino players were also selected amongst the top four teams who participated in the league for the much anticipated all Filipino (women) Inter-Island Volleyball tournaments, which comprises of the best Filipino volleyball players from the towns of Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia and Paphos respectively, to be held sometime in September or October this year. In the basketball event, Antipolo Team claimed the Championship beating La Maison 2-1 games in the best of three series, while Archirodon Team finished third overall. Rodel Ereneo of Antipolo Team was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the league. Miss Crisanta Endozo mesmerized the crowds with her beautiful voice and was joined by Ms. Gemma Cabral to provide the entertainment at the awarding ceremony, which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

23 AKO ay Pilipino SPORTS SETYEMBRE, Pangako ni Pacquiao Tinupad at Ginawa na Pinaghahanda na ng Filipino Ring Idol ang kanyang susunod na laban at umaasang hindi bibiguin ang mga pinoy na umiidolo sa kanya Matapos ang pangangakong binitiwan ni Manny Pacquiao ay nagsimula na nga itong magpapahirap sa kanyang sarili sa ensayo, nang magumpisa na siyang umispar. Sumabak na si Pacquiao sa isparing, pero tatlong rounds lamang, dahil batid niyang may jetlag pa ang isa sa tatlong kinontratang kaispar ni American trainer Freddie Roach na si David Ravelo, na dumating sa Pilipinas noong Linggo at agad nagtungo sa Cebu City. Medyo pagod pa sa biyahe yung kaispar ko, kaya 3 rounds muna kami, sambit ni Pacquiao, na dinaan lang sa bilis ang kaisparing. Inaasahang sa mga susunod na isparing ay hahataw na ng husto ang Filipino ring idol, tulad ng ginagawa nitong halos pagpapakamatay sa ensayo lalo na t sa isang mahalagang laban. Ang 28-anyos na WBC International super-featherweight champion ay naghahanda para sa rematch kay Marco Antonio Barrera, na nakatakda sa Oktubre 6 sa Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino sa Las Vegas. Sa unang laban ng dalawa noong Nobyembre 15, 2003 sa San Antonio, Texas - - umiskor si Pacquiao ng 11th round TKO kay Barrera. Nakatakda ring dumating ang dalawa pang makakaispar ni Pacquiao na sina Urbano Antillon at Jose Armando Sta. Cruz. Higit din ang inspirasyong idinulot kay Pacquiao ng pagbisita ng asawang si Jinkee at bunsong anak na si Mary Divine Grace o Princess sa Cebu City. Miss na miss ko ang pamilya ko, kaya sila na lang ang pinapunta ko dito (sa Cebu), para hindi na ako maka-absent sa training kung ako pa ang pupunta sa Maynila, komento ni Pacquiao. Dahil sa hirap talaga ng buhay sa ngayon, pati isports ay talagang apektado. Nabatid kay chef de mission Romeo Ribano na natapyasan ang RP contingent para sa Asian Indoor Games sa Macau, China dahil sa problema sa budget. The sepak takraw hoop men s and women s teams will not participate anymore in the event because they have no budget, ani Ribano, na idinagdag na baka madagdagan pa ang mga national sports association na matulad sa sepak takraw association (PASTA) na di makahagilap ng pondo para sa palaro. Apektado sa desisyon ng PASTA ang 11 players (5-men at 6-women) kasama ang dalawang coach at isang opisyal, na kagaya ng ibang NSAs ay nais gawing tuneup ang Macau Games para sa 24th Southeast Asian Games na nakatakda naman sa Thailand sa Disyembre 6-16 kung saan overall defending champion ang Pinas. Depende sa magiging performance sa Philippine Cup na tatalbog umpisa sa Oktubre 14, di malayong ma-extend ang pagiging officer-in-charge sa PBA at tuloy maging ganap na commissioner si Sonny Barrios. Tinuran kahapon ito ni PBA chairman Tony Chua sa kanilang pagdalo ni Barrios sa weekly PSA Forum. The PBA board of governors may extend Mr. Barrios service as PBA OIC or even tap him as full commissioner of the league if he performs well in the forthcoming Philippine Cup, ani Chua. Idinagdag niyang bagama t may agreement ang nakaraang board na pinamumunuan ni Ricky Vargas ng Talk N Text, na di na ia-appoint sa commissionership ang magiging OIC, di naman malayong masusugan ito kung para sa kabutihan ng pro league. Wala akong nakikitang maganda ba ang magagawa ni Mr. Barrios, siguro puwede ring i-amend ang previous agreement namin basta sa Ang dalawa pang anak ng mag-asawa na sina Emmanuel at Michael Stephen ay hindi nakasama dahil may pasok na sa eskuwela ngayong araw. Walang Budget ang Isports Barrios May Ibubuga ikabubuti ng PBA, ani Chua. Sa parte ni Barrios, inihayag niya sa kanyang panunungkulan bilang OIC hanggang Marso 2008 na gagawin niya ang kanyang makakaya kasabay sa patuloy sa pagbalangkas ng mga programa nang nagbitiw na dating commissioner. All I can say is I m doing all my best to please the board and maintain the PBA as the no. 1 sports entertainment in the land. We will adapt most of the programs implemented by the previous commissioner, sambit niya. Pansamantalang tumutuwang kay Barrios bilang consultant si dating commissioner Rudy Salud. Ilan sa mga nakahilera na ang 5-game simula sa Gen. Santos City, Manila at Cebu City sa opening. Ang unang anim na kumisyuner ng liga ay sina Leopoldo Prieto ( ), Col. Mariano Yenko ( ), Atty. Rodrigo Salud ( ), Reynaldo Marquez ( ), Emilio Bernardino, Jr. ( ) at dating abogadong si Jose Emmanuel Eala ( ). Villanueva, Cruz bida sa SMB 9-Ball Bacolod leg Kinaldag nina Eduardo Pikoy Villanueva at Rene Bata Cruz ang kani-kanilang kalaban para tumapos na undefeated sa 38 man-field ng 4th annual San Miguel Beer Philippine 9-ball Open noong Linggo sa Celebrity Billiards and Bar sa Bacolod City. Ang Bacolod City native Villanueva, runner-up kay eventual champion Jose Amang Parica sa 1993 RP 9-ball Open sa Ninoy, Aquino Stadium, ay nag-bye sa first round at pagkatapos ay giniba sina Warren Kiamco (7-6), Manolo Tanasas (7-5), Ronnie Aying (7-6) at Jarry Pelayo (7-5), ayon sa pagkakasunud-sunod. Habang si Cruz mula Nueva Ecija ay nag-bye din sa opener at nagwagi kina Edgardo Sibuco (7-6), Ranel Bayona (7-2), Jimmy Cheng (7-5) at Jose Drilon (7-2), para maisubi ang first two slots sa two-day event (August 18-19), kung saan tumayong punong-abala si Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) president at Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) director Jonathan Sy. Samantala, nanaig naman sina tournament favorites Roberto Gomez ng Divisoria, Zamboanga at Jharome Pena ng Marinduque, para makopo ang nalalabing two remaining slots sa loser s brackets, sa raceto-7, double elimination format at samahan sina Villanueva at Cruz sa Grand Finals sa September Tinalo ni Gomez si Drilon (7-5), habang umibabaw naman si Pena kay Pelayo (7-5) sa one-loss side. Pinoy ang napiling Sports Idol Isa pang gymnast ang nakapasok sa elite list ng top young athletes, matapos mahirang bilang ultimate Pinoy Sports Idol sa pagsasara ng third season ng contest kamakailan, na napapanood tuwing Sabado sa Studio 23. Si Renatina Lipasana, tubong Kalunasan, Cebu City, ay naging ikalawang gymnast na tinanghal na top sports idol kasunod ni second season winner Rizza Desiree Garcia ng Tondo. Ang 16-anyos na si Lipasana ay nakakuha ng points mula sa televiewers text votes at sa judges score sheets, para talunin si dancesport bet Shaira Hope Bocane at taekwondo jin Krystel Joy Kuan. Siya rin ang nakakuha ng Texters Choice award, habang ang Darling of the Press ay napunta kay Bocane. Ang tatlo ay binigyan ng college scholarship grants sa alinmang unibersidad na nais nilang pasukan sa kolehiyo. AKO AY PILIPINO REGISTRAZIONE TRIBUNALE DI ROMA N del Via Virgilio Maroso, Roma, Italy ako@etnomedia.org tel fax GENERAL DIRECTOR: Sergio Talamo MANAGING EDITOR Federica F. Gaida STAFF WRITERS: Jocelyn I. Ruiz Randy Sebastian COLLABORATORS: Fr. Adonis Narcelles Jr. (Germany) Nina Koume (France) Hector Pascua (Austria) Carmen Dolorez Brazan (Cyprus) Andreu Matibag (Spain) Abet Paras (Belgium) RR of Finland Roderico Atienza (Russia) Ramon Reyes (Monaco) Msgr. Ruperto Santos (Spiritual Page) PAGE LAYOUT Carmen Florea PUBLISHER Stranieri in Italia srl via Virgilio Maroso, Roma Tel fax editore@stranieriinitalia.it ADVERTISEMENT Etnocommunication srl Via Virgilio Maroso, Roma Tel fax info@etnocommunication. com DISTRIBUTION Anca Gliz- stranieri in Italia srl Tel fax distribuzione@etnomedia. org PRINTING PRESS POLIGRAFICA GAETA of A: Gaeta Via Zinnie, 13--Nettuno, Rome, ITALY

24 IPINAPADALA KO ANG AKING PAGMAMAHAL 2007 WESTERN UNION HOLDINGS, INC. All rights reserved. Mabilis, maaasahan, money transfer sa buong mundo.

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