Vol. 21, No. 4 | January 25 - 31, 2016 by Pahayagang BALIKAS

January 25 - 31, 2016 | Vol. 21, No. 4 | Php 12.00/copy balikasonline@yahoo.com | 0912.902.7373 | 0926.774.7373

MATAASNAKAHOY, Batangas – PORMAL nang naupo bilang ‘pansamantalang’ punumbayan ng baying ito si Vice Mayor Henry Laqui bilang kahalili ni Mayor Jay Manalo Ilagan na nahaharap sa dalawang kasong kriminal. Batay sa mga dokumentong pinagbatayan ng pag-upo ni Laqui, si Mayor Ilagan ay pinaghahanap ng batas gaya ng

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nakasaad sa dalawang warrants of arrest na inisyu ni Judge girlie Borrel-Yu ng Regional Trial Court Branch 35 ng Ormoc City – ang una ay inisyu noong Marso 2014 para sa umano’y kaso ng panggagahasa sa isang 19-anyos na female beautician na walang nakarekomendang piyansya, at ang ikalawa ay ipinalabas noong Disyembre 2014 para sa umano’y kaso ng paglabag sa Expanded Anti-Illigal Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 na may rekomendang piyansya na P200,000.

Vice Mayor Henry Laqui: The ‘caretaker mayor’.| Nabatid rin na matagal-tagal na ring naipagbigayalam kay dating Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas bago paman ito bumaba sa puwesto ngunit tumanggi umano itong magtalaga ng ‘caretaker mayor’ bunsod umano ng interbensyon ni Governor Vilma Santos-Recto, na kasamahan rin sa Liberal Party gaya ni Ilagan.

>>>’LOCAL GOVERNANCE’.... sundan sa P/2

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>>>WHAT’S INSIDE?

GETTING READY. A scene at the Simulation Exercise held January 18 at the SM City batangas parking grounds.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

BICommissioner Geron vows to curb long lines at NAIA >>PNEWS...turn to P/2

Simulation exercise on terror attacks held in Batangas AT FIRST, it would be mistakenly construed as an exercise in futility, but it always gave an opportunity to see the rooms for improvement so that in actual occurrence, emergency response will go on as expected. AT midday of January 18, 2016 at SM City Parking Lot, Brgy. Pallocan West, Batangas City a bomb in a car exploded. Five (5) unconscious men were seen lying near the explosion site. Security guards of said mall hurriedly secured the area and reported the incident to Batangas City Police Station. First responders from San Isidro Police Action Center arrived and take charge of the area. When Chief of Police, PSupt Danilo G. Mendoza arrived, a Crisis Management Center was activated. Different government agencies then arrived first in the area were Batangas City BFP, Medical Teams from CDRRMC, Red Cross, City Health Office and even that of the SM Mall.

>>>POLICE....turn to P/2

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14 arrested in via PNP’s One-Time, Big-Time >>>NEWS....turn to P/2

KEEP THEM IN THE WILD. A disturbing photo of one of the two giant Tiger sharks allegedly caught by fishermen in JRC Beach, Brgy. Balibago, Lian, Batangas. One of the sharks was reportedly caught pregnant. Conservationists call on the local folks to refrain from catching this sea creature even if no national law prohibiting it because they are of big help in maitaining a balanced eco-system.| CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

OCTOBER 12 - 18, 2015

OPINION

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JANUARY 25 - 31, 2016

Commissioner Geron vows to curb long lines at NAIA

NEWLY appointed Immigration Commissioner Ronaldo Geron (in barong) briefs the new immigration officers to be deployed at the airport to solve the problem of long queues at immigration counters. Raoul Esperas

IN an effort to curb the lingering problems of too long queus of passengers at the counters of Bureau of Immigration (BI) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), newly appointed Commissioner Ronaldo Geron ordered his men to step up measures to resolve the problem. While doing his first briefing with airport immigration officers, Commissioner Geron was surprised to learn that even with the expansion of immigration counters at the airport, only a handful of officers are deployed in the area attending to the needs of the travelers. It was a big problem at the airport in the past that there are only few counters allotted for the immigration services. This matter gave way to the allotment of more counters, however, upon verification, of the thirty counters available, only about 10 to 15 immigration officers are deployed at a given shift and left the other counters unserviceable.

“Even the President is getting complaints on the long queues at our airport, and we have to resolve this problem,” Geron told immigration officers assigned at the airport. To address the problem, some 200 more officers and 89 on-thejob trainees will be deployed in the airport according to Geron. Airport Immigration Operations Division head Teody Pascual who was tasked to monitor incoming and outgoing passengers, said the additional deployment will help alleviate the problem of lack of personnel and the long lines. However, to those airport immigration officers facing legal suits in relation to their function will be provided with legal assistance, Geron said. Meanwhile, an isolation room is also requested for passengers who would need to undergo secondary immigration inspection to avoid being discriminated by other travelers.|

.................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................... <<<‘LOCAL GOVERNANCE’... mula sa P/1

Laqui, naupong ‘caretaker mayor’ ng Mataasnakahoy Sa isang hiwalay na liham sa Office of the Executive Secretary at kay DILG Secretary Mel Senen Sarmientov ng isang taga- Mataas na Kahoy na nagpakilalang si Marcelo Bacalso Jr., sinabi umano nito na nakapagtatakang ang isang nagtatago sa batas ay nakpipirma sa mga mahahalang dokumento ng pamahalaang bayan, maging ang

pagpirma sa tseke. “Mahirap po isipin na ang isang taong pinaghahanap ng batas ay patuloy na gumagala ng parang walang kinahaharap na kaso, at bagkus ay nakakaganap pa ng tungkulin bilang isang alkalde at nakakapirma ng mga usaping pinansiyal at pondo,” pahayag ni Bacalso.| BALIKAS NEWS TEAM

.................................................................................................... <<<POLICE... mula sa P/1

Simulation exercise on terror attacks held in Batangas Next came the SWAT Team of Batangas CPS then the SWAT Team of Provincial Public Safety Company with the EOD Team of PRO CALABARZON. Canine units from Coast Guard came to help in the clearing operation. Crisis Commander ordered EOD and Canine Unit to panel and clear the area before the BFP extinguish the fire. Medical teams evacuated the casualties, and SOCO processed the crime scene. Two (2) SWAT Teams conducted checkpoint operation hoping to catch the perpetrators while one (1) was on standby at standing area and their snipers positioned in a place where they can observed the whole scenario. After the casualties were rushed to the nearby hospitals and the SOCO turned-over the scene to the local police, the simulation exercise ended. The provincial police director, Police Senior Superintendent Arcadio L. Ronquillo Jr. and Mendoza expressed their utmost gratitude to the participants from different government agencies, the mall management and security and also to the media friends who cover the drill. Let us specifically recognized the PIO Personnel of Batangas City and Provincial Capitol who helped Batangas PPO document the events. Simultaneous with the bomb explosion was the Fire Incident that transpired at Batangas Port.

Batangas BFP, National Ports Authority, Maritime Police, Coast Guard and Batangas CPS Personnel secured the area and controlled the incident. Fire out was declared after few minutes. The concerned agencies addressed the problems properly in a minimal time and according to the standard operating procedure practiced by the different agencies. In general, the activity which aims to test the operational readiness of the units and check their resources has been fruitful. As said our government is serious and ready to fight criminality and terroristic acts to give the public a sense of security and free them from worries. Background of the emergency response exercise Bombs, gunfire rocked Jakarta just few days ago killing at least two (2) and wounding twenty-four (24). Said incident happened at one of the entertainment and shopping district of the Indonesia’s Capital with various Western chain restaurants and stores and near United Nations Offices. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack in an official statement posted online by the terror organization. The group said that its fighters “targeted a gathering of nationals of the Crusader alliance” — suggesting they were going after not Indonesians but citizens of other countries, many of whom have a role

14 arrested in via PNP’s One-Time, Big-Time BATANGAS City – AT least 14 individuals were arrested while 18 sachets of suspected shabu were recovered in a surprised One-Time, Big Time operation at Barangay Cuta, this city last Monday. Batangas Police Provincial Office Provincial Director, Police Senior Superintendent Arcadio L. Ronquillo Jr supervised the two hundred, sixteen (216) combined forces of Batangas City Police Station, Batangas Provincial Public Safety Company, Batangas Police Provincial Office, SWAT Teams in Batangas, and 401st Maritime Police Station-PNP Maritime Group and Philippine Coast Guard during the operation. Armed with 12 Search Warrants for Violation of RA 9165 (Illegal Drugs) issued by Hon. Judge Ruben Galvez of RTC Branch 3, Batangas City, the operating group trooped to Sitio Itlugan in Barangay Cuta, a village known to be infiltrated by illegal drugs since several years back. The operation resulted to the arrest of eleven (11) persons for having in their possession and direct control illegal drugs. However, one (1) of the targets identified as Jessie Lacsamana Samasa was able to evade arrest. In all, eighty-one (81) sachets of suspected shabu were recovered

with an estimated weight of 19.52 grams. PSupt. Jacinto R. Malinao, Chief Provincial Intelligence Branch was the Ground Commander during the operation while Batangas City Police Station chief, PSupt. Danilo G. Mendoza was the Assistant Ground Commander. The baranghay officials led by Punumbarangay Ramil Caseda, DOJ representative Rodel espina and a member of the press were also present during the operation. Incidental to said operation, another three (3) persons were arrested. Sherwin Ilagan Famorcan was arrested in a checkpoint operation established by PPSC Personnel led by Police Inspector Rhyan Lasi Olave for possession of Illegal Drugs while Danilo Pamesa Bañas was arrested while playing in a “video karera” and for possession of illegal drugs. Another suspect, Roque Tisico Belo, was arrested by virtue of standing warrant of arrest for Violation of a Traffic Ordinance. Arrested Person by virtue of Search Warrant (RA 9165) were siblings Eric, Jeric and Jerwin Noche y Piazo, 27, 25 and 19 year old, respectively, all singles, helper, and residents of Sitio Itlugan; Another siblings arrested were Christopher

Aclan y Dayo, 30, ang his older brother Alvin alyas Hudas, 39, both tricycle drivers. Others were identified as Ernesto Mateo y De Guzman, 50 yo, married, tricycle driver, Pag-asa Village, Cuta West, Batangas City; Mark Cantos y Reyes, 20, single, both tricycle drivers and residents of nearby Pag-asa Village. Arrested, too, were Jeron Lopez y de Castro, 25, married, tricycle driver, and Rene Adarlo y Marquez, 46, carpenter, — both of Sitio Itlugan; and Josua Cortez y Reaño, 20, of nearby Cuta West; and George Ezcarez y Cantos alyas Balut, 20, a tricycle driver. Series of activities were incorporated during the operation. PSupt. Rizalito Guerrero Gapas, Deputy Provincial Director for Operations and PSupt. Gerson Sanchez Bisayas, Chief, Provincial Police Community Relations conducted dialogue with local residents tackling OPLAN LambatSibat, crime prevention tips, Recruitment of Lambat-Sibat Volunteers and BPATs. Distribution of crime prevention leaflets were also done during the activity. Four (4) “Video Karera” were recovered and confiscated in the operation.|

............................................................................................................................................... in the far-reaching campaign against ISIS. According to Indonesian Authorities, Bahrun Naim, one of the high ranks of ISIS, who created cells or a branch of ISIS named Katibah al Nusantara in Indonesia instructed the terror attacks. His vision is to unite all ISIS supporting elements in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.” Though, there are no validated reports yet that the terror group is present in the Philippines, utmost security precautions and intelligence gatherings are being undertaken by the different law enforcement agencies in the country led by the Philippine National Police with the support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. With these, the Regional

Headquarters, Police Regional Office CALABARZON has instructed the Five (5) Police Provincial Offices to conduct a simulation exercise to check on the readiness of the different units if same incidents transpired in our area. The crisis situations given to Batangas Police Provincial Office were a Fire Incident took place at Batangas Port in Brgy. Sta Rita simultaneous with Bombing Incident at SM City Batangas, Brgy. Pallocan West both in Batangas City. The response time and reaction of the different units and offices will be observed by the Critiques Committee coming from the Regional Headquarters. This includes but not limited to the First Responders (Police, Port Authorities, Security Guards), Investigators,

Medical Team, EOD or Explosive Ordinance Division, CDRRMC, BFP, SWAT and SOCO. In general, the activity aims to test the operational readiness of the units, to check the resources available, review the operational guidelines and procedures and other significant matters that needs attention and actions. The PNP wanted to create an impression that our government is serious and ready to fight criminality and terroristic acts, giving the public a sense of security and hesitation on would be criminals like slogans in Jakarta says, “KamiTidakTakut”, which means “We are not afraid,” to express pride and conviction to stand up, rather than bow down to terrorism.|

JANUARY 25 - 31, 2016

NEWS

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Pagpapawalang-bisa sa veto ni PNoy sa SSS Pension Hike Bill, hinirit sa kongreso HINIKAYAT ni Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero ang kanyang mga kapwa mambabatas na ipawalang-bisa ang pagveto ni Pangulong Aquino sa panukalang-batas na nagbibigay ng karagdagang P2,000 sa kasalukuyang pensyon ng mga retiradong myembro ng Social Security System (SSS), kung saan makikinabang ang halos dalawang milyong pensyonado. “Nakalulungkot ang nangyari dahil matagal na itong hinihintay ng mga pensyonadong myembro ng SSS,” wika ni Escudero, ang nangungunang kandidato sa pagka-bise presidente sa darating na eleksyon sa Mayo. “Wala nang mas mainam na panahon para magkaroon ng batas para itaas ang SSS pension kung hindi ngayon, kung kaya’t hinihiling ko sa aking mga kasamahan sa Kongreso na gawin ang tama at ipawalang-bisa ang ginawang pag-veto ni Pangulong Aquino sa panukalang-batas na ito,” dagdag pa niya. Sa ilalim ng Article VI, Section 27 ng Saligang Batas ng 1987, maaaring ipawalang-bisa ng Kongreso ang veto ng Pangulo sa pamamagitan ng pagpapasa ng batas na suportado ng two-thirds ng mga myembro ng Senate at House of Representatives. “Kinakailangang makalikom ng twothirds na boto ng mga myembro ng Kongreso para ipawalang-bisa ang veto. Mahirap pero kailangang subukan para sa kapakanan ng mga pensyonado ng SSS,” punto ni Escudero. Sa magkahiwalay ngunit magkatulad na liham kina Senate President Franklin Drilon at Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., sinabi ni Aquino

Official List of Candidates Municipality of Agoncillo

SI Bayan Muna Party-List representative Neri Colminares habang binibigyang-diin ang pangangailangang maitaas ang SSS Pension.| na bagama’t nauunawaan nya ang layunin ng panukala, hindi nya ito sinusuportahan dahil maaring magdulot ito problemang pinansyal para sa SSS. Nagbabala ito na maaaring mauwi sa pagkalugi ng SSS ang karagdagang P2,000 sa pensyon ng mga retirado nitong myembro. Layon ng House Bill No. 5842 na amyendahan ang Social Security Act ng 1997 sa pamamagitan ng pagpapataas ng minimum pension mula sa P1,200 tungong P3,200 kada buwan para sa mga retiradong may 10 taon sa serbisyo. Para naman sa nakakumpleto ng 20 taong serbisyo, magiging P4,400 kada buwan ito mula sa kasalukuyang P2,400. Ang panukala na inihain ni Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares sa Kongreso

ay pumasa sa ikatlong pagbasa noong nakaraang Hunyo 9 at pinagtibay ng Senado noong Nobyembre 9. May 1.9 milyong mga retirado ang inaasahang makikinabang sakaling maisabatas ang panukala. Nauna nang sinabi ni Escudero, ang mga retiradong empleyado na malaking bahagi ng kanilang naging sahod ay napunta sa pagbabayad ng buwis, ay nangangailangan ng ayuda para sa kanilang pang-araw-araw na gastusin. “Ang makabuluhang dagdag sa pensyon ay kinakailangan upang matulungan natin ang ating mga senior citizen na makasabay sa lumalaking halaga ng pamumuhay,” ani ng senador. Batid ng beteranong mambabatas na hindi sapat ang kasalukuyang pensyon

For MAYOR 1. MARTINEZ, AGLO 2. REYES, DAN

UNA LP

For VICE-MAYOR 1. ANURAN, DANNY 2. ENCARNACION, DOMENG

UNA LP

For MEMBERS, SANGGUNIANG BAYAN 1. AGOJO, BOY UNA 2. BALBA, NONIE LP 3. BROTONEL, NOLI UNA 4. CARINGAL, BOSSING LP 5. DALUZ-DE GUZMAN, NICA LP 6. DE LEON, KRISTER UNA 7. FAJARDO-ROQUE, MYLENE LP 8. HERNANDEZ, PEK LP 9. HERNANDEZ, TONY UNA 10. HOLGADO, LUCIE LP 11. LACAP, GIDO UNA 12. MAALA, DODIE UNA 13. MARANAN, CORA UNA 14. MENDOZA, AARON LP 15. MENDOZA, SIMEON LP 16. REYES, ABET UNA The Certified List of Candidates (List), as posted, is merely an initial List and subject to editing. All candidates are enjoined to check their names, specifically their Names to Appear on the Official Ballot, in the List.| SOURCE: COMELEC Law Department

mula sa SSS para punan ang mga pangunahing pangangailangan ng mga senior citizen gaya ng pabahay, pagkain at gamot. “Sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaroon ng disenteng pensyon hindi na maituturing na naghihikahos ang mga nakatatanda at sa pamamagitan nito kaya na nilang mamuhay ng may dignidad at komportable,” wika ni Escudero. |

OCTOBER 12 - 18, 2015

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OPINION

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JANUARY 25 - 31, 2016

OPINION NOW that we are holding in Cebu the 51st International mEucharistic Congress (IEC), it is imperative that we once again give this most important and sublime sacrament a long, hard look if only to savor more deeply its many implications, spiritual and moral, theological and practical, and so we can be more in conformity with them and most generous in living them out. What we can say as the most crucial part in our understanding of this sacrament is that it requires tremendous faith, since everything about it depends on whether we believe that the bread and wine used in making it are truly the Body and Blood of Christ, or Christ Himself in all his Christological and soteriological nature. Obviously, since faith is involved here, what needs to be done is, first of all and always, to use the spiritual and supernatural means of prayer and sacrifice, with their accompanying complement of studying the doctrine, having recourse to the sacrament itself, waging continuing ascetical struggle, etc. It requires nothing less than a living piety. Absent these, we would be starting off on the wrong foot. These we ought to do before we dare to embark on any effort to explain it theologically, and much more so before we try to decipher their implications personally, socially, culturally, historically, etc. To be sure, faith is not merely an intellectual affair, though it certainly presumes the full use of our intelligence. It should involve our whole being, though our intelligence and will, our spiritual powers, occupy pride of place. Faith demands that we give ourselves completely, and not just our intellectual assent, to what is told to us by Christ. It goes beyond rationality and comprehensibility, because our belief in it is not based on whether we understand it, but rather on the fact that it is told to us by someone who deserves to be believed because he does not deceive us nor is deceived by us. The Catechism describes faith with these words: “What moves us to believe is not the fact that revealed truths appear as true and intelligible in the light of our natural reason. We believe ‘because of the authority of God himself who reveals them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived.’” (156) We believe that what Christ said in the Last Supper, “This is my body,” and “This is the cup of my blood,” have to be understood in the literal, if sacramental sense. This, because Christ, as the Son of God, said so. And so, even if we continue to see, taste, and feel the bread and wine, we are actually seeing, tasting and feeling the very Body and Blood of Christ. That may sound hard to accept, especially if we still let our senses and intelligence, without yet being animated by faith, to lead us. But if we go beyond them to accept the words of Christ, then we should have no problem. We live out what Christ Himself said and earn the reward He promised: “There is no man who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.” (Lk 18,29-30) In other words, there is some kind of holy exchange involved if we want to live our faith and follow Christ and gain eternal life, which is what piety is all about. We need to give up not only certain things, but in fact our whole selves, if we want to enter the world of faith. Without that, we would just be left in our own world. Faith is like God asking everything from us, our very own selves, because He is also giving Himself to us. With faith, we start to live a shared life with God. If we have faith in the Holy Eucharist, then we are fully convinced that we have Christ with us, He who is the Son of God who became man to save us, and continues to be God and man for all eternity. Here, we can see how important it is to understand what faith is all about, and to live it as fully as possible. We also have to understand that faith is first of all a gift from God, before it is something that we have to keep and develop. Let’s hope and pray that we do not waste what we have been given by God. Let’s do all to make our faith vibrant and to be in touch with indescribable reality of Christ truly present among us in the Blessed Sacrament.|

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Eucharist requires tremendous faith

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Faithfully accepted SEALED with the Catholic egalitarianism and consenfaith, people show sympathy sus. The Pope unveiled to as Pope Francis speaks on speed up the annulment the issues of divorce and processes and allow for same-sex unions. appeals to be judge by a local The pronouncement of church official rather than the document shaken the the Vatican in what world and tend to make represent a significant deleterious impression about Catholicism. These issues decentralisation of power away from Rome. have highlighted high profile relationships between His streamlining on both issues is an act of mercy theology, church, state and policy. from a pastoral Pope who listens carefully to the conAs the Catholic Church is concerned, the Pope cerns of the people. The Pope’s liberalization of church proclaimed the issues after his hot button statement welcomes those who worry to go beyond in attenuating during the “Year of Mercy and Compassion” as he the strength of faith, In hopes of increasing affiliation. visited different countries around the world including His incursions into politics have left speculations about the Philippines. his support for freedom and capitalism. As we celebrated in His Holy voyage, we are not In 16 years of my existence, my parents instilled in expecting that there will be statements on the issues of me with values and morale of a Catholic faith. They legalizing divorce, annulment and same-sex marriage. taught me to obey and respect others. For me legal In reality, we cannot deny that those incidents separation already answers the woes of the battered happened but accepting them wholeheartedly will mean wives and the abandoned husbands. However, that they are respected. legalizing same sex But with his guidance, marriage and civil "We must spend our life to be less Pope Francis emphasized divorces are faulty moves judgemental and more merciful in that those incidents are to our faith. individual circumstances welcoming saints and sinners alike." But people will surely rather than advocacy for embrace a less harsh systematic alterations in attitude toward human the Catholic Church. Marriage involving abuse, frailty in failure of marriage. Certainly, many good fellas exploitation and neglect were clear reasons to separate. have entered into strong marriages but compelled to Indeed, we need to remember the sanctity of abandon their faith and finding new home in other marriage. The church taught us that a man and a Christian denominations. woman united by the church cannot be separated by It is an honor for the Pope’s returns and agreements man. And that union is an image of a typical family, to make the Catholic Church more welcoming and were parents take care of their children and praise the inclusive to people. complementarity of the bodies. We are in the modern era where mercy and What Pope Francis calls is an ideological coloniza- compassion are needed. We must spend our life to be tion of the developing world – a reference on the ideas less judgemental and more merciful in welcoming saints about contraception and gay rights are often to impose and sinners alike.| on poor nations as a condition for development aid. ______________ With the ubiquitous issues about family problems Angel D. Iponla is a Grade 10 student of San Celestino and sexual complications, there is a free will of National High School, Lipa City.

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JANUARY 25 - 31, 2016

OPINION

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SSS pension hike veto, a question of: For whom? THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has officially declared the start of the election period by the implementation of the gun ban. The official declaration may have been done recently, but the campaigning and the jockeying for positions have begun a year ago. The Aquino government, executives of the Social Security System (SSS), and the standard bearers of the ruling Liberal Party Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo have been desperately trying to justify President Aquino’s veto of the bill providing for a P2, 000 ($42) hike in pensions for SSS members, which was sponsored by Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares. They, except perhaps Roxas who appears to be clueless about his dim chances of winning the presidency, know the political backlash of such an unpopular, anti-people decision by President Aquino. President Aquino and his appointed SSS executives have been painting a grim scenario of the SSS fund drying up by 2029 if the pension hike was approved. They claim that the SSS would, if pensions were increased, incur a deficit amounting to P16 to 26 billion ($340 to 553 million) in 2016 alone. Advocates of the pension hike, on the other hand, said the increase in pensions could be covered through: 1. Improved premium collections – While the SSS contributions of workers and employees are automatically deducted from their wages and salaries, there are companies that do not remit these contributions, as well as their counterpart. The collection rate of the SSS is said to be a mere 30 to 40 percent. A 2014 Commission on Audit report revealed that about 97,000 employers failed to remit workers’ SSS contributions amounting to P8.16 billion ($171 million). 2. Better management of funds – Anakpawis Partylist cited a 2014 COA finding that SSS has a foregone income from rent amounting to an estimated P198.2 million ($4.151 million). Advocates also revealed that the SSS has reserve funds amounting to more than P420 billion ($8.936 billion). 3. Prudent spending 4. Suspension of the fat bonuses SSS executives have been awarding themselves. 5. Infusion of funds from the government – Ibon Foundation has been questioning why the government is more than willing to allocate funds for PPP projects – for example, the Aquino government has agreed to shoulder P34.9 billion ($742.5 million) or 54 percent of

the total project cost of the LRT1 PPP deal with the Ayala-Pangilinan consortium – and a P30billion ($638 million) risk management program, to cover spikes in costs of doing business of private investors, but is not willing to infuse funds to support the SSS pension hike. Ibon Foundation also cited the fact that the government provided the Ayala-Pangilinan group real property tax exemptions reportedly costing P64 billion ($1.361 billion). Ibon Foundation has sharply pointed out that the veto of the SSS pension hike bill is not merely a question of viability of the SSS fund, but also the Aquino government’s willingness and priorities. If the Aquino government genuinely feels that a pension hike is necessary and important, it could have ordered the SSS executives to draw up a financial plan to make it happen. The plan could include the amount that the government should infuse into the fund. What is glaringly absent in the Aquino government’s equation when President Aquino decided to veto the bill is the situation of retirees. How could retirees survive on P1, 200 ($25) monthly? That amount is not even enough to cover their food expenses, let alone rent, medicines, transportation fare, among others. President Aquino, the members of his Cabinet, and SSS executives do not consider the situation of retirees because they have overflowing bank accounts and properties. Their future is secured and they could retire without worrying where to get the next meal or medicine. The SSS, like its counterpart for government employees the GSIS, is, after all, a safety net, an insurance scheme, a form of assistance. And the funds from the SSS largely come from deductions from the wages and salaries of those who the Aquino administration wants to deny an increase in pensions. Denying SSS members a pension that would enable its members to live with dignity when they retire defeats the very purpose of the fund. This is also why the decision has been called heartless. It is inhumane. In the final analysis, when President Aquino vetoed the SSS pension hike bill, the question is: For whom? Surely it is not for SSS members who would all benefit from any hike in benefits now and in the future.|

Benjie Oliveros

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Happy and Sad Seeds “ELLY, what are you doing, honey?” “Sortin’ out the seeds, mommy,” Little Elly said. She had scattered a pile of monggo seeds in front of her and was sorting them out between a pink cup and an ordinary paper cup. “What goes into the pink cup, dear?” Her mom asked. “They are the happy seeds, mommy!” “Happy? How do you know they are happy?” “I look at them very closely,” she took a seed and stared intensely at it that she almost got cross-eyed. “Then…?” “Then, I feel happy,” she giggled as she placed the last seed into the pink cup. “And if it isn’t?” “Then it goes into the other cup.”  We may not have Elly’s gift of discerning happy from sad seeds. But we all know, without needing any special gift, when we are either happy or sad. Moreover, we are aware of what can make us happy and what can make us sad. The usual cause of common sadness, not including psycho-emotional disorders, would be unfulfilled goals and expectations. This is especially true when we have sincerely worked for them. But this kind of sadness has a redeeming value in fortifying one’s will and tempering the passions. It is unlike the sadness resulting from selfishness. Selfishness, is a kind of sadness masked by an apparent happiness. One actually isn’t happy but only content with oneself: to have eaten, enjoyed, slept, and earned. The only capacity for growing in this condition is the thickening of the ego’s layers and blinding one from the needs of his neighbor and society.

One of the best ways to overcome this selfishness, more so when one is really feeling down and out, is sowing happy seeds. How can one who is sad sow happiness? Humanly speaking, this is quite unnatural because it would be hard to give what one does not have. But spiritually, this is not only meritorious, but will even make the soul happier and holier. Fulton Sheen has a reflection that may help us to understand better the idea behind Christian self-giving or sowing happiness: “There is a law about mercy just as rigid as the laws of nature. What we sow, that also we reap. If we sow sparingly we reap sparingly. If we sow generously we reap an abundant harvest. (…) In other words, by thinking of others we get God to think of us. If the seed of the springtime thought only of self, but never of the soil, the rain, and the sun, it would never bloom and blossom into flower and fruit. But once it forgets itself and goes outside itself, and even dies to seed-life for the sake of the soil and sun and air, lo! it finds itself renewed and beautified a thousand times. (The Cross and the Beatitudes)” Let us learn to sow happy seeds every day. Even though sometimes the weather conditions don’t seem all too favorable due to discord, violence, lies, and all forms of immoral storms and surges. Thus, Pope Francis would suggest that the keys to happiness within our families and society could be found in “three secret phrases: “May I?”, “Thank you,” and “I’m sorry. (Audience, 13-V-2015)”  Elly finished sorting out the seeds. Her mother could not help but be amused with this childlike game she was in.

Facing our fears GIVEN a choice, we naturally prefer the FLIGHT MODE in dealing with our challenges. We are good at running away. We don’t want trials, uncertainties, and difficulties in our life – for we don’t want to fail, to be insulted, humiliated, and left alone. Sometimes, it clear to us what we should do, and yet we postpone it. For we don’t have the strength and courage to do it. Thus, saying YES to the will of God or to the things we ought to do becomes so painful to us. Running away seems to be the best option – and we are good at it. Carrying our cross and facing our challenges are indeed very difficult, frustrating, and painful. But we need to recognize that running away is far more painful and less productive in the end. We need to accept that when we embrace our cross, we become more true to ourselves and to our identity. Given a choice, we naturally prefer the FLIGHT MODE in dealing with our challenges. We are good at running away. We don’t want trials, uncertainties, and difficulties in our life – for we don’t want to fail, to be insulted, humiliated, and left alone. Sometimes, it clear to us what we should do, and yet we postpone it. For we don’t have the strength and courage to do it. Thus, saying YES to the will of God or to the things we ought to do becomes so painful to us. Running away seems to be the best option – and we are good at it. Carrying our cross and facing our challenges are indeed very difficult, frustrating, and painful. But we need to recognize that running away is far more painful and less productive in the end. We need to accept that when we embrace our cross, we become more true to ourselves and to our identity. In a recent Gospel reading, Joseph was totally devastated when he learned that Mary was pregnant. He could not understand it. Suddenly, all his future plans crumbled to pieces. And yet, out of his great love for Mary, he did not judge her. Joseph decided to leave Mary silently to save her from being stoned to death. He decided to RUN AWAY. But when Angel Gabriel appeared to him in a dream and explained everything, Joseph faithfully embraced Mary as his wife without any doubt. His decision to take Mary into his loving arms brought him closer to BETHLEHEM – a step closer to his identity and mission. What about you? What are your fears and anxieties? What are you running away from? What are the things you need to embrace? Let us ask for the grace to be like Saint Joseph, to be able to gain courage to say a BIG YES to the will of God. B. SILENCE: Begin with a ten minute silence. Beg for the grace mentioned above. What is your greatest fear? Why? If God will talk to you now, what will He ask you to do? Will you follow Him immediately or not? Why? Have a dialogue with the Joseph. Ask him something about his fear of accepting Mary as his wife. What were his frustrations? What made him accept her immediately as his wife? Ask him about his inner struggles?.If Joseph will talk to you, what will he say to you? Dear God, I don’t know what’s ahead of me, And it brings in me lots of fears and anxieties. I may not understand your ways and means, For they are behind me. But I placed all my trust In your your great plans. Do what’s best for us now. Amen.In a recent Gospel reading, Joseph was totally devastated when he learned that Mary was pregnant. He could not understand it. Suddenly, all his future plans crumbled to pieces. And yet, out of his great love for Mary, he did not judge her. Joseph decided to leave Mary silently to save her from being stoned to death. He decided to RUN AWAY. But when Angel Gabriel appeared to him in a dream and explained everything, Joseph faithfully embraced Mary as his wife without any doubt. His decision to take Mary into his loving arms brought him closer to BETHLEHEM – a step closer to his identity and mission. What about you? What are your fears and anxieties? What are you running away from? What are the things you need to embrace? Let us ask for the grace to be like Saint Joseph, to be able to gain courage to say a BIG YES to the will of God. B. SILENCE: Begin with a ten minute silence. Beg for the grace mentioned above. What is your greatest fear? Why? If God will talk to you now, what will He ask you to do? Will you follow Him immediately or not? Why? Have a dialogue with the Joseph. Ask him something about his fear of accepting Mary as his wife. What were his frustrations? What made him accept her immediately as his wife? Ask him about his inner struggles?.If Joseph will talk to you, what will he say to you? Dear God, I don’t know what’s ahead of me, And it brings in me lots of fears and anxieties. I may not understand your ways and means, For they are behind me. But I placed all my trust In your your great plans. Do what’s best for us now. Amen.

............................................................................................. “What are you going to do with the sad seeds, Elly?” She asked. “I guess I will plant them in the backyard,” she replied. “You will still plant them? Why not throw them in the garbage can?” “Nah, who knows if they change, they may give wonder flowers and seeds later on,” Elly stood up to dispose of her seeds. “How do you suppose they will change, dear?” “Maybe I could cheer them up

with a song or a joke before planting them,” she said gleefully as she disappeared behind the kitchen door.  If we patiently sow even the tiniest seeds of a smile, understanding, and kindness, the bad weather will pass and the seeds –even the ones that seem sad– will bear fruits of happiness and peace watered with God’s grace and mercy.|

OCTOBER 12 - 18, 2015

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OPINION

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JANUARY 25 - 31, 2016

BUSINESS

Biofuels exemption for gas-fired plants ratified THE SENATE and the House of Representatives have ratified a measure granting natural gasfired power plants exemption from the biofuels law. The bicameral conference committee report on Senate Bill No. 2622 and House Bill No. 5587 was ratified by Senate on Dec. 10, 2015 and by the House on Dec. 14, 2015. The proposed measure now only needs President Benigno S. C. Aquino III’s signature to become law. The Biofuels Act prescribes a 2% blend of coconut biodiesel for power plants to achieve cleaner emissions, a mix which the power industry says is less efficient than straight

diesel. Natural gas-fired plants, concentrated in Batangas where output from the Malampaya field is landed, need to use diesel on occasion when Malampaya operations are shut down. The Batangas plants are the 1,200megawatt (MW) power plant in Ilijan owned by the Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO), as well as the 500-MW San Lorenzo Power Plant and the 1,000-MW Sta. Rita Power Plant owned by First Gas Power Corp. (FGPC). Senator Sergio R. Osmeña III, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Energy, said that although the exemption is virtually permanent, the power plants use natural gas most of the year except when Malampaya goes offline. “These are very short periods. Sometimes

THE Sta. Rita and San Lorenzo combined-cycle gas plant at Sta. Rita, Batangas City.| they don’t even happen,” Mr. Osmeña said in an interview. “When there is an emergency shutdown of Malampaya, like this year (2015) we had thirty days, the [power] reserves become very short. We want to get as much power out as much as possible,” he added. The legislator said that FGPC uses natural gas condensate as its backup while the KEPCO plant uses

biodiesel. The alternative fuels, executives from both companies testified, do not match the generation efficiency of diesel. He said that a 600-MW unit of the Ilijan plant is derated to 420 MW when biodiesel is used. Under the proposed law, the two companies can maintain full output when Malampaya goes offline.| KMBT

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Villar seeks inclusion of farm tourism sports in school field trips PRESIDENTIAL Award for Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation. President Aquino and DENR Secretary Ramon Paje awarded RTN with the PMIEA Presidential Award for 2015. Here NAC CEO and President Jerry Brimo and COO Jose Anievas pose with the President and the Secretary in MalacanÞang.|

AUCTION REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF BATANGAS FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION LIPA CITY OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT & EXOFFICIO SHERIFF

218, Lipa Cadastre L.R.C. Case No. N-1024 (LRC), Rec. No. N-24661), situated in Barangay of Talisay, City of Lipa, Province of Batangas, Island of Luzon. Bounded on the SE., along line 1-2 by Lot 20, Blk. 11 of the subdivision plan; on the SW., along line 2-3 by Lot 13155, Cad-218, Lipa Cadastre, on the NW., along line 3-4 by Lot 16, Blk. 11, on the NE., along line 4-1 by Road Lot 10, both of the subdivision plan. x x x x x x x x x containing an area of ONE HUNDRED (100) SQUARE METERS.

EJF NO. 2015-0134 SHERIFF’S NOTICE OF SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended by Act 4118 filed by HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND (otherwise known as PAG-IBIG), mortgagee, with principal office at Petron Mega Plaza, 358 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City) with branch office at High Rise Business Center, National Highway, Brgy. Halang, Calamba City, Laguna, against MA. RHEA B. COLINDON married to FRANCISCO B. COLINDON JR., mortgagors with residence and postal address at BLK. 11, LOT 19, ACROPOLIS HEIGHT, BRGY. TALISAY, LIPA CITY, BATANGAS, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of October 15, 2015 amounts to Php 1,876,995.77 including/ excluding interest and other charges agreed thereon and other expenses in connection with this sale, secured by the mortgagee, the undersigned Deputy Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court, Office of the Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio Sheriff, Lipa City, will sell at public on February 16, 2016 at 10:00 o’clock in the morning or soon thereafter at the main entrance of the Hall of Justice, Maraouy, Lipa City, to the highest bidder for CASH and in Philippine Currency, the described real property/ ies and its improvements thereon, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 172961 A parcel of land (Lot 19 Block 11 of the subdivision plan, Psd-04-152280, being a portion of Lot 13157, Cad-

Prospective buyers and bidders are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of herein above described and the encumbrances thereon if any there be. In the event the public auction should not take place on said date, it shall be held on February 23, 2016 same place and time without any further notice and re-publication. All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above stated time and place. Lipa City, January 08, 2016 (Sgd.) ARSENIO D. LORZANO Deputy Sheriff IV Award of Publication hereof in the “PAHAYAGANG BALIKAS” drawn by raffle in accordance with law.

DULY RAFFLED: HON. NOEL M. LINDOG Executive Judge AURORA B. MANGUBAT OIC-Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Sheriff

WARNING: It is absolutely prohibited to remove, deface or destroy this notice on or before the date of sale. UNDER PENALTY OF LAW Pahayagang BALIKAS | January 18, 25 & Feb. 1, 2016

MANILA – Senator Cynthia Villar said on Monday school field trips should include farm tourism destinations in order to promote the career in agriculture as a worthwhile endeavor among the youth. “Instead of taking our schoolchildren to accidentprone areas, school authorities should consider an itinerary composed of farm tourism spots and agricultural wonders sprouting all over the country,” Villar said. For one, Villar said the Costales Nature Farms in Majayjay, Laguna offers educational and fun activities for students such as vegetable picking and planting, caring for farm animals, and orientation on healthy eating habits. In Nueva Ecija, Villar added, the Philippine Carabao Center is one of the best farm tourism destinations with its training center, hotel, shops and museum. “The Philippines as an agricultural country is blessed with abundant natural resources, biological diversity and cultural heritage. We have what it takes to take a strong lead in farm tourism in the region, and even globally,” she said. Villar, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food and principal sponsor of Senate Bill No. 3002 or “An Act providing for the development and promotion of farm tourism in

the Philippines and for other purposes,” also welcomed the passage of the bill on third reading at the Senate and at the House of Representatives. The Nacionalista Party senator also suggested the publication of a book showcasing the farm tourism destinations by provinces and also information materials for farmers to teach them on the benefits of farm tourism. Among the salient features of the bill is the formulation of a Farm Tourism Strategic Action Plan consistent with the National Tourism Development Plan. This will provide the specific programs and activities that need to be done by government agencies and industry stakeholders. Under the bill, the Farm Tourism Development Board composed of private sector/ industry stakeholders will also be created. The incentives and tax exemptions identified in the original bills were removed since incentives are already mandated under different laws. “Farm tourism will be a major contributor in bringing back the glory days of agriculture in our country given the potential to increase the income of people involved in agriculture as well as to help solve the problem of urban migration,” Villar said.|

JANUARY 25 - 31, 2016

LIFETIMES balikasonline@yahoo.com

Anti-Smoking campaign lecture focused on high school students, held in Tanauan By SARAH JOY HERNANDEZ

TANAUAN City -- “Hindi na lang mga lalaki ngayon ang makikita nyong naninigarilyo. Ngayon, mga babae na ang tinatarget ng mga manufacturer. Makikita mo yan, unang-una pa lang sa mga pakete nila.” [Nowadays, men were not the only ones you’ll see smoking. Today, women are the target of manufacturers. It is evident on the packaging of their cigarette.] This is what Mr. Mark Anthony Sy, the program coordinator of Adolescent Health and Development Program of Tanauan City Health Office emphasized in his talk entitled “Usapang Usok: Ang Paninigarilyo Dala ay Peligro” among all high school students of Tanauan Institute, Tanauan City recently. The talk focused on how tobacco companies promote

their products among women, especially young girls through having their packaging pink and adding artificial flavoring such as chocolate and strawberry. Today, there are about 2.5 M women in the country smoking and among them are youth aged 13 and 15. According to an article by Asia News in 2008, 90% of women say that they are aware of the risks of smoking, but most of them still smoke. As such, Sy encourages the students not to even try smoking since it will not only shorten their lives and heighten their risks on cancers like throat, mouth and lung cancerbut can also brings danger to their household especially to their pregnant family members. “Magkano na ba ang isang stick ng sigrailyo ngayon? Kung nakaka-isang

stick ka kada araw, i-multiply mo yun sa four pesos. Kung inipon mo na lang sana yung perang ipinang-yosi mo, libulibo na sana ang naipon mo,” Mrs. Celia Marquinez, the high school principal of the Institute urged the students at the end of the symposium. [How much is a stick of cigarette today? If you are smoking a cigarette per day, multiply it by four pesos. If you will just save the money you spend for smoking, you could have saved thousands.] It can be noted that Tanauan City is a hosts to the largest largest tobacco manufacturing company in the Philippines – the PMFTC, Inc., a joint venture of Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing, Inc. and Fortune Tobacco Corporation. Aside from the smoking symposium, the school physician, Dr. Medwin Briones discussed the danger of illegal drugs. He emphasized

Mr. Mark Anthony Sy, the program coordinator of Adolescent Health and Development Program of Tanauan City Health Office emphasized a point during his talk entitled “Usapang Usok: Ang Paninigarilyo Dala ay Peligro” among all high school students of Tanauan Institute, Tanauan City.| that it is important among the young people to mainly know the appearance of the drugs so they will not be deceived into trying those.|

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Rotary posthumous award for late DILG Secretary Robredo ROTARY International (RI) District 3820 will confer a posthumous award on the late Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse M. Robredo on February 26, District Governor Jose Estevez, Jr. announced recentlyy. The posthumous award will recognize Robredo’s “selfless and noble consecration of his life as a public servant of our country and people inspired and guided by the Rotary motto,Service Above Self,” District Governor Estevez said. Robredo was a former member of the Rotary Club of Naga East based in Camarines Sur. The award will highlight the district event, The Rotarian Jesse Robredo Memorial Lecture, initiated by the Rotary Club of West Bay. The memorial lecture focuses “on national issues that affect the lives of the Filipino people and the major role Secretary Robredo played, and RI District 3820 continues to play, in responding to such issues as public service and welfare, education and literacy, environment, health, youth welfare, peace and order, and human

rights, among others,” Estevez said. Dr. V. Bruce J. Tolentino, International Rice Research Institute deputy director general for communication and partnership, will talk on “Partnership and good governance for development” from the perspective of an international non-government organization. Naga City Councilor Gabriel Bordado will speak on “The early years of Jesse M. Robredo as a public servant: Forging partnerships and strengthening

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people’s participation in local governance,” while the academe will be represented by Dr. Florangel RosarioBraid, dean emeritus of the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication, who will speak on “Mass media, social change and public governance.” Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr., chancellor of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), will also address the Rotarian Jesse M. Robredo Memorial Lecture. The event, co-sponsored by the UPLB College of Public Affairs and Development, will be held at the New College of Arts and Sciences auditorium from 8:00 AM to 12 noon. Rotary International is one of the largest not-for-profit service organizations in the world, with more than one million members actively participating in thousands of local clubs spread across 161 countries around the world. It provides its members with the opportunity to address such issues as polio, lack of education, hunger, and other national and international problems. District 3820 is one of the 10 districts in Philippine Rotary. |

12 Suot ng karatista 13 Tahi sa laylayan 15 Ms. Geronimo 16 Propeler 17 Pagpapatalim 18 Signature: daglat 19 Sanaa ang Capital 22 Pangatnig 23 Panali ng kimono 24 Dating tawag sa RP 26 Pamamaga 28 Iskor sa golf 29 Tagulamin 31 Asarol 33 Halili 35 Capital ng Nigeria 36 Badigard 38 Putol 39 Portamoneda 40 Pananong ng bilang PABABA 1 Sasakyang hila ng kabayo

2 Niremata 3 Panginginig 4 Tatak ng elevator 5 Huni ng bubuwit 6 Tawagan sa Sorority 7 Ikon 8 Aklat ng Islam 9 Bulong 10 Capital ng Qatar 14 Manggagawa sa construction 20 Kasama ni Adan 21 Aklat dasalan 24 Tanglaw sa karagatan 25 Bayan sa Sorsogon 26 Paos 27 Banoy 28 Hapo 29 Usok na nakakahilam 30 Lisya 32 Gurong Muslim 34 Tunog ng makinilya 37 Yayo Aguila

Aquarius (Ene. 20 - Peb. 18) - Pulso ng masa ang dapat alagaan para ang desisyon ay isang kasiyahan ng madla tungo sa kaunlaran. Lucky numbers at color ay 19, 27, 31, 45 at yellow. Pisces (Peb. 19 - Mar. 20) - Mag-aral ng oracion meditation para mabilis na magamit ang kapangyarihan ng kidlat at maakit agad ang katuparan ng pangarap. Lucky numbers at color ay 18, 39, 22, 11 at magenta. Aries (Mar. 21 - Abril 19) - Alamin ang totoo ayon sa kalooban. Ang karanasan ay nakakatulong para makaakit ng oportunidad. Lucky numbers at color ay 29, 31, 17, 22 at orange. Taurus (Abril 20-Mayo 20) - Sumpa ng kabiguan ay mula sa contaminated na pag iisip. Ang aura cleansing ang lunas para alisin ang sumpa. Lucky numbers at color ay 15, 21, 47, 19 at sky blue. Gemini (Mayo 21-Hun. 21) - Isang sikrito ang matutuklasan. Magbabago ang kabuhayan. Magiging masagana ang buhay na mararanasan. Lucky numbers at color ay 39, 55, 45, 15 at violet. Cancer (Hun. 22-Hul. 22) - Maaakit mo ngayon ang opportunities para mas maging masagana ang buhay mo. Lucky numbers at color ay 39, 45, 17, 33 at red. Leo (Hul. 23-Ago. 22) - Kung nais masolve ang paulit-ulit na kahirapan, purihin ang iyong ina. Lucky numbers at color ay 13, 39, 21, 45 at gold. Virgo (Ago 23-Set. 23) - Aliwin ang sarili para maging masaya ang buhay. Ang mararanasan sa buhay ay mula sa iyong kaisipan. Lucky numbers at color ay 13, 17, 23, 31 at yellow. Libra (Set. 24-Okt. 23) – Mahalin ang gawain para ikaw ay pagpalain. Bilangin ang biyaya para madagdagan ang tagumpay at kita. Lucky numbers at color ay 15, 21, 31, 33 at tangerine. Scorpio (Okt. 24-Nob. 22) - Ang roller coaster na karanasan ng buhay ay paalala na ang gawain ay hindi naayon sa good purpose. Mag-aral ng oracion meditation para maakit ang pag-unlad sa iyong kabuhayan. Lucky numbers at color for the day 7, 23, 16, 45 at yellow. Sagittarius (Nob. 23-Dis. 21) - Ang pakikisama ay magbibigay saya kapag ang mga gawain ay para sa kasaganahan. Pero kapag ang pakikisama ay labag sa batas, kalaboso ang labas. Lucky numbers at color ay 15, 29, 45, 55 at electric blue. Capricorn (Dis. 22-Ene. 19) - Iwas disgrasya ang pahiwatig ng tamlay. Tama ang iyong pakiramdam, mag-oracion meditation para sa masuwerteng buhay. Lucky numbers at color ay 8, 12, 31, 61 at pink.|

January 25 - 31, 2016 | Vol. 21, No. 4 balikasonline@yahoo.com

F.E.S.T.

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Laser Show and Young Celebrities at SM City Lipa Lipa City – AS Lipa City celebrated its fiesta last January 20, SM City Lipa brought to its shoppers the cast of “And I Love You So” telenovela and a music and light show featuring the Philippines’ Lazerman JB dela Cruz. The cast, membered by Iñigo Pascual, Miles Ocampo, Julia Barretto and Kenzo Gutierez entertained an estimated of 3,000 audience at the Events Center. Come night time, JB dela Cruz fascinated the eyes of SM Lipa shoppers with his laser and music show at the Front Covered Walk.|

US Ambassador Offers Opportunity to Showcase Art

The Cast of “And I Love You SO” live at SM City Lipa.|

Let’s Celebrate Chinese New Year at SM City Lipa 2016 Chinese New Year will be celebrated with wholesome family fun and “Good Fortune” as SM City Lipa prepared a series of events to welcome the new Lunar year of the Chinese calendar. Ongoing now until the 8th of February is a Chinese Food Bazaar at The Events Center. The bazaar offers a variety of Tikoy in different flavors and sizes. Tikoy, also known as Chinese New Year Cake is made of glutinous rice and is believed to have the symbolism of raising oneself taller in each coming year. Also available at the bazaar are the different fruits like oranges, grapes and pomelos which are believed to be symbolic of good luck, wealth, fortune, gold, prosperity and fertility.

Starting January 31 to February 9, a Lucky Money Tree and Chinese Zodiac Display will be exhibited at The Event Center. The Zodiac Display will show some practical life advice for each zodiac sign. On February 7, shoppers may have their selfies taken with SM’s new Chinese Mascots- Mimi and MiuMiu. On February 8, a Lion and Dragon dance performance will delight the shoppers as they go around the mall. Lion and Dragon dance is an old Chinese Tradition to that is believed to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck to a household or establishment. On February 9, well known Feng Shui master Marites Allen shall have a free Feng Shui consultation at the Events Center.

MANILA — In a video produced by the U.S. Embassy Manila’s Public Affairs Section, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Philip S. Goldberg opens his residence to the public for the first time as he promotes and explains the artwork he personally chose for the U.S. Embassy’s “Arts in Embassies” program. The video focuses on Ambassador Goldberg’s encouragement and invitation to Filipinos to submit a photo of their original artwork depicting the theme “U.S.Philippine Friendship” for an opportunity to be featured at the launch event of the “Art in Embassies” booklet. The four-minute video can be viewed via U.S. Embassy Manila’s Facebook account: https:// www.facebook.com/manila.usembassy. The Youtube link to the 30sec. summary of the video can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Xc3lKTbpgN8&feature=youtu.be

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