Hello philippines September 2014 'B' issue

Celeb Scoop page 24

E E FR

Connecting Global News & Views For The Community

UK & Europe Edition

September 2014 / Fortnightly

Volume 5 - Number 18

www.hello-philippines.com

Kylie Padilla bilang si Leonor Rivera sa ‘Ilustrado’: ‘She’s everything I’m not’ Would - be mother - in - law of ‘Pacmom’ Dionisia Pacquiao dies THE would-be mother-in-law of Dionisia “Pacmom” Pacquiao passed away earlier this week in Iloilo province.

Melinda Yamson, whose 40-year-old son is in a relationship with the mother of boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, died due to complications from diabetes.

Relatives and neighbors in Barangay Botongon in Estancia, Iloilo are preparing for the return of her remains, GMA Iloilo’s Carol Velagio reported.

“Kidney at may diabetes pa.

Komplikado. Matagal na, na-ospital na siya sa Emmanuel, tapos na-ospital naman sa Don Benito. Tapos, ibinalik naman sa Don Benito noong Miyerkules,” said her husband Felicito Yamson.

Felicito also said he was sadder that his wife did not get to meet Mrs. Pacquiao, who may arrive in Iloilo to attend Mrs. Yamson’s wake.

Police have secured the barangay in anticipation of Pacmom’s arrival.

Last August, the Iloilo-based Yamson family voiced no objection to the MayDecember romance of the couple.

While they were first surprised over his relationship with the Pacmom, they eventually accepted it, GMA Iloilo’s Enrico Surita Jr. reported.

Even neighbors of the Yamsons in Purok 3 in Barangay Botongon in Estancia town in Iloilo are excited over the prospect of Mommy D visiting them.

Mrs. Yamson is just about a year older than Mommy D. “Siyempre, nagulat kami dahil hindi naming sukat inakala sa dinami-dami ba naman ng tao sa Pilipinas, ang kapatid ko pa ang kanyang napusuan na una niya pa lang nakita sa videoke bar. Doon nagsimula ang lahat,” said Michael’s sibling Me-An. The GMA Iloilo report said Michael and Mommy D first met when at an eatery where Michael was singing. Mrs. Pacquiao would then frequently call up the family.

It said that when Melinda got sick and Michael kept it from Mrs. Pacquiao, Mommy D scolded him and sent assistance to Melinda. ■ Joel Locsin / LBG, GMA News / September 5, 2014 / 11:17 AM

HINDI lamang si Kapuso actor Alden Richards ang puspusang naghahanda para sa Ilustrado kung di pati na rin ang kanyang magiging leading lady na si Kylie Padilla. Gaganap si Kylie bilang si Leonor Rivera, ang sinasabing childhood sweetheart ni Jose Rizal, na gagampanan naman ni Alden.

Kuwento ni Kylie, malayo ang kaniyang personality sa kanyang character pero hindi ito magiging problema para sa kanya.

“Ang laki ng pinagkaiba namin ni

Leonor Rivera, yun ang maganda, kasi bilang artista, talagang magiging ibang tao ka. But then again, I had to tone down myself kasi parang lalaki ako gumalaw, modern.”

Maliban sa galaw ay kailangan din i-improve ang kanyang pananagalog. “To become Leonor Rivera kailangan maliliit ang galaw, medyo mahinhin, everything I’m not. At saka ‘yung Tagalog, kinailangan ko talagang aralin ‘yung mga malalalim na salita.”

As for working with Alden, Kylie says she’s very grateful that it’s finally happening.

“Never pa kami nagkatrabaho, pero magkaibigan na kami, which is good.

Hinintay ko naman talaga ang panahon na makakatrabaho ko siya.”

Ilustrado is the first primetime bayani serye produced by GMA News and Public Affairs, and will air this October on GMA Telebabad. ■ Michelle Caligan / GMANetwork.com / September 12, 2014 / 3:35 PM

2

www.hello-philippines.com

BUSINESS & FINANCE

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

DOTC pushes back bidding for Metro Manila’s first transport hub project THE Department of Transportation and Communications (DOCT) has pushed back the auction for Metro Manila’s first integrated transport terminal.

In a general bid bulletin, Transport Undersecretary Jose Perpetua Lotilla said the postponement was “in view of the changes in the project structure and in order to provide ample time to all prospective bidders to prepare their submissions.”

As such, the September 29 deadline for submission of bids would be moved by 30 days, he said.

“Said bid bulletin shall also indicate the specific date, time and place of the deadline of bid submission,” he said.

The Public Private Partnership (PPP) Center earlier said 12 companies had expressed interest to join the auction, namely, Ayala Corp, Ayala Land Inc, D.M. Wenceslao and Associates Inc, Egis Projects Philippines, Expedition Construction Corp, Filinvest Land Inc, Megawide Construction Corp, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp, Robinsons Land Corp, San Miguel Corp, States

Properties Corp, and Vicente T. Lao Construction.

The Integrated Transport System (ITS) - Southwest Terminal Project aims to provide a central transport hub that would receive all modes of public transport entering the south of Metro Manila.

One of the terminals to be established will be located at the southwestern part of Metro Manila, near the Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex).

To be built on a 2.9-hectare area, the Southwest Terminal will connect passengers coming from Cavite to other urban transport systems, such as city buses, taxis and other public utility vehicles that serve inner Metro Manila, as well as the future LRT 1 South Extension, which DOTC is also bidding out.

The ITS-Southwest Terminal project will include a passenger terminal building, arrival and departure bays, public information systems, ticketing and baggage handling facilities and park-ride facilities. ■ Darwin G. Amojelar / InterAksyon.com / September 11, 2014 / 5:39 PM

The ITS-Southwest Terminal will receive vehicles coming from, among others, the Cavitex (shown here). Photo from cavitedailyphotos.blogspot.com

Aboitiz Group to vie for government contracted power supply in Mindanao

Consumers turn more bearish in 3Q MANILA - Inflation loomed large in the minds of consumers, who turned more bearish in the third quarter of the year, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

In the third-quarter run of its Consumer Expectations Survey, the BSP said the confidence index slipped to -26.3 percent in the July to September period from -17.3 percent in the previous three-month period.

A negative index points to pessimists outnumbering optimists. Respondents are polled about their outlook for the economy, household income and household financial position.

Higher prices of commodities topped Filipino consumers’ worries during the third quarter. Also weighing on sentiment were the political noise generated by the

debate on legsilators’ pork barrel and the Executive’s economic stimulus package, higher household expenses, and uncertainty about household incomes, job opportunities and the business environment.

The BSP survey was conducted between July 1-12, or before the government released the secondquarter economic data showing a rebound from the previous threemonth period. Inflation in July accelerated near a three-year high on the back of rising prices of food, electricity and fuel.

The survey period also coincided with President Benigno Aquino III’s diatribe against the Supreme Court over its decision to render unconstitutional some parts of the

Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).

The DAP was the Executive’s economic stimulus package, unveiled in 2012 to reverse the sharp economic slowdown the previous year brought about by a pullback in government spending.

Loooking ahead, survey respondents were less bearish, as they anticipate a business upturn, good harvest and additional income, be it 13th month pay or Christmas bonuses.

The third-quarter survey was conducted among 6,106 households nationwide, with about half of the respondents in Metro Manila and the other half in areas outside the National Capital Region. ■ InterAksyon.com / September

12, 2014 / 4:50 PM

MANILA – The Aboitiz Group has expressed interest in acquiring government owned power supply contracts in Mindanao.

Erramon I. Aboitiz, Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc president, told reporters late Thursday that the company continues to look into state auctions for power plants and supply contracts for potential acquisitions.

“We tend to look at all the power biddings, try to understand them and decide if we want to participate,” he said.

Among the assets the company targets to pursue is the government’s contracted capacity with the 92-megawatt (MW) Mt. Apo geothermal plants in North Cotabato.

The bidding for the contracted supply, which will be conducted by the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp or Psalm, is scheduled on September 24, 2014.

Aboitiz said that they are also looking at bidding for government’s contracted capacity with the 210MW STEAG State Power Inc coal plant in Misamis Oriental.

“I think part of the schedule of Psalm is also to do the STEAG [independent power producer administrator]. We will look at that also,” he said.

Psalm earlier scheduled to bid out the STEAG contract next year.

Aboitiz said that they will be spending ₱80 billion over the next five years to ramp up the group’s power generating capacity by another 2,000 MW. At present, the Aboitiz Group, through Aboitiz Power Corp, has a portfolio of 2,300 MW from a combination of conventional and renewable energy plants across the country. ■ Euan Paulo C. Anonuevo / InterAksyon. com / September 12, 2014 / 1:39 PM

4

BUSINESS & FINANCE

www.hello-philippines.com

provinces damaged by Typhoon Glenda.

The municipality of Mulanay was given a total of ₱4.9 million worth of agricultural inputs; Macalelon, ₱6.5 million; and Tayabas, ₱2.4 million.

The farm inputs include corn seeds, organic vermicasts, shallow tube wells, corn sheller, cassava granulator, assorted vegetable seeds and fruit trees, corn hammer mill, palay seeds, urea, a flatbed dryer, palay sheds, hand tractors, among others.

Acquisition costs pull Del Monte end-July finances in the red

Orti Despuez / InterAksyon.com / September 12, 2014 /

by 1 percent versus the prior year period, this was a marked improvement from the 17 percent decline during the Transition Period of February to April 2014, where sales were affected by inherited higher product pricing and changes to product labels,” said Nils Lommerin, DMFI chief executive officer.

“We have taken corrective measures by adjusting the price of our products to competitive levels, reintroducing the well recognised classic label and undertaking aggressive promotional campaigns in an effort to regain market share. In the Packaged Vegetable and Tomato segments, we have stabilised market shares while in Packaged Fruit, we have improved it,” he added.

To improve the group’s gross margins, DMFI’s back office functions will be outsourced to the Philippines in February 2015 and its Enterprise Resource Planning migration to the SAP system will also begin in February 2015.

DMPL’s branded business in Asia (comprising of Del Monte in the Philippines and the Indian subcontinent, as well as S&W in Asia and the Middle East), and export sales globally, generated sales of $120.6 million and net profit of $6.4 million before acquisitionrelated interest expenses.

“The Philippine market performed well and the S&W brand has continued on its growth momentum in Asia,” said Joselito D Campos, Jr, Del Monte Pacific chief executive officer and managing director. “We are also encouraged by the good progress thus far made in the integration of DMFI along with the business development and cost savings initiatives.” ■ Euan Paulo C. Anonuevo / InterAksyon.

12:52 PM

com / September 12, 2014 / 12:37 PM

DA turns over agri products to ‘Glenda’ victims in Quezon MANILA – The Department of Agriculture has turned over agricultural inputs, implements and machineries to beneficiaries in Quezon whose livelihood were affected by Typhoon Glenda.

The department recently distributed said products to some 3,000 farmerfisherfolks in the municipalities of Mulanay, Macalelon and Tayabas in the said province as part of its continuing agriculture rehabilitation efforts to

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

Macalelon was also given a check amounting to ₱3.1 million for the construction of a farm-to-market road.

To date, the department’s agriculture rehabilitation efforts for typhoon Glenda victims has already reached two provinces, Batangas and Quezon.

Besides the said provinces, the department also plans to implement the program in Laguna, Cavite and Rizal. ■

MANILA – Del Monte Pacific Ltd registered a net loss in the first quarter of the company’s fiscal year primarily on account of costs incurred from its acquisition.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Del Monte Pacific said it posted a net loss of $21.9 million from May to July mainly due to the acquisition-related expenses.

The said period corresponds to the first quarter of the financial year of Del Monte Foods Inc (DMFI), which Del Monte Pacific acquired in February for $1.68 billion and aligned its books to.

The losses suffered by Del Monte Pacific for the period include costs from higher interest expenses from a longterm loan to acquire DMFI and shortterm bridge financing of the company, which will be refinanced with an equity offering in the Philippines.

The planned ordinary share public offering will be followed by a perpetual preference share offering and, thereafter, a rights offer. These target to reduce company borrowings by approximately $520 million.

DMFI is the company that owns the Del Monte brand rights in the United States and South America.

Out of Del Monte Pacific’s $445.6 million total sales, DMFI accounted for $339.5 million.

“While first quarter sales decreased

Despite port congestion, DTI says prices of canned, processed goods should not spike MANILA - The Department of Trade and Industry sees no reason for prices of any canned goods, processed meat, or noche buena items to rise in the approach to the holiday season.

Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo said that although the multi-dimensional problem of port congestion was tackled at Thursday morning’s National Price Coordinating Council meeting, the DTI believes the impact of the Port of Manila’s problems on manufacturers should be minimal.

Domingo stressed that only 1-3 percent of overall operational costs of manufacturers are accounted for by trucking and transportation costs, so the pass-on costs to prices of goods for sale should not be that big.

“The prices now may be deemed indicative, since the port congestion issue has festered for six months already. That has been reflected already. The transportation factor, though it has gone up, is relatively small--only 1-3 percent of their total costs,” explained Domingo.

to impose huge spikes. Nothing beyond the normal,” diin ni Domingo.

The DTI is set to issue a new SRP list by end-September, but only the following items will be allowed to reflect price hikes:

Effective September 23, 2014: Earlier, supermarkets and some manufacturers had warned that once the so-called “-ber months” kick in, people should start feeling the price crunch in, among others, canned goods and noche buena items, because, they said, the additional transport and shipping costs arising from the port congestion have to be passed on.

DTI argued, however, that even if officials expect the port congestion problem to linger until the first quarter of 2015, the flow of trucks to and from the port has started to normalize now, and therefore the prices of goods for the holidays should not stray too far from the usual.

“Every -ber months it’s but natural to see slight price hikes. As long as they’re not so sharp, there’s no reason

• Nescafe Classic Coffee Refill (from ₱19.95-39.50 it will rise to ₱20.75-41.00 or UP 3.8-4%) • Datu Puti Patis (from ₱17.35-18.00 to ₱17.60-18.30 or UP 1.4-2%) • Nelicom Patis (from ₱20.05-21.00 to ₱20.40-21.40 or UP 2%) • Sperma Candle (from ₱39.75-54.75 to ₱40.50-56.00 or UP 0.75-1.25%) • Voltive Candle (from ₱49.75- 69.75 to ₱51.00-71.00 or UP 1.25%)

EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 17, 2014:

• Esperma Candle (from ₱31.75122.75 to ₱32.50-125.60 or UP 0.752.85%) However, the Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Assoc.

(PAGASA) has a different take. It said that apparently manufacturers cannot promise ruling out price hikes for the holidays.

“We are not saying worry right away, but some of these things cannot be helped. Some manufacturers confided they will probably have to increase prices. We will wait and see and hold as much as we can,” said Steven Cua, president of PAGASA. According to the Philippine Association of Meat Importers Inc. (PAMPI), 15-percent hikes are expected for ham, particularly ham leg, because of higher refrigeration costs while the imported ham awaits disposition in the port area. The 15-percent expected spike is higher than the 10-percent increase posted last year.

For processed goods like canned goods, the expected hike is 8-11 percent, depending on the brand.

“The cost of refrigeration . . .these are added costs. These cannot be ignored,” said PAMPI executive director Bombit Buencamino.

Meanwhile, the DTI and Department of Agriculture are considering issuing a suggested retail price also for chicken and pork.

Right now, price of chiken averages

₱140 per kilo in the market; and ₱220 for liempo.

According to DTI and DA, prices of chicken and pork should be nearing normal levels of ₱125135 for chicken, and ₱180 for pork, considering that supply has stabilized.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Leandro Gazmin said farm gate prices of pork and chicken have gone down.

The problem is that the integrators, or those who buy supply for distribution in markets, tack on hefty margins on the farm gate prices.

The DA is monitoring the situation this week, and if it has not fully returned to normal, an SRP will be issued for pork and chicken.

“We just came from the effects of Glenda, supply is just starting to normalize. But the price should go down further. We have to be critical of the SRP and see if we have enough supply, and we think right now there is,” said Assec. Gazmin. ■ Mitch OrosaOple / News5 / September 11, 2014 / 5:01 PM

40% savings!

Discover Cebu! from GBP 149.00 per person

•Return flights Manila-Cebu •2Nights/3Days B&B •Half Day City Tour with Local guide (based on 2 person sharing)

“The Eight Wonder of the World”

Banaue Rice Terraces from GBP 319.00 per person

•Transportation by Minivan with English speaking Driver •Two nights accomodation (based on 2 person sharing) •All Meals •Banga-an Village Tour •Local Tour Guide

To Barcelona with Love from GBP 179.00 per person

•Return flight London - Barcelona •2 Nights / 3 Days B&B •Tapas & Flamengco Tour (based on 2 person sharing)

T&C of Packages: Flights and Hotel—Standard Room, based on 2 people sharing and subject to availability and taxes. For other worldwide packages deals, call us!!! Travel restriction and black out period apply.

HOTELS • TOURS • TRANSFERS • AIRPORT SERVICES • CAR HIRE

6

www.hello-philippines.com

BUSINESS & FINANCE

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

Cocktales: Corporate 1% reaps early Christmas bonus JOLLIBEE chairman Tony Tan Caktiong just cleared over ₱87 million flipping his company stock.

The 80-year-old founder and still very much active chief executive of the country’s largest fast-food chain disclosed to the regulatory authorities that he acquired on September 3 some 320,000 Jollibee shares at ₱39.85 each.

Tan Caktiong then promptly turned around and sold on the same day the same the block of stock for ₱190 each.

Another block of 280,000 shares that he acquired also on the same day was also disposed hot at the option price of ₱50 for ₱190.

PBCom chairman Eric Recto, meanwhile, also gave himself an early Christmas bonus when he unloaded last week half a million bank shares worth ₱27 million.

That one-day windfall incidentally equals nearly two-thirds of the projected whole year compensation of PBCom president Nina Aguas and four other management officers.

Recto’s profit-taking came only three weeks after Puregold chain owner Lucio Co acquired majority control of the commercial bank at ₱33 a share.

PBCom closed Monday at ₱53.90, placing Recto’s pile somewhere around the vicinity of ₱2.58 billion.

Over at the Ayala Corp., billionaire chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel also

sold a whopping ₱3.9 billion worth of JG Summit shares last month.

A director of JG Summit since 1990, the 1957 AB graduate of Maryknoll (now Miriam) College oversees the Gokongwei hotel and agroindustrial businesses in Cebu, as well as supervising the purchasing and treasury departments of the related Universal Robina Corp. biscuit and noodle plants in the island province.

With the multi-billion disposal, Ngochua, said to be now 80, has been left with a little over 388,000 JG Summit shares still listed in her name.

D&L-Chemrez now a $1-B combine.

InterAksyon.com photo by Krisken Jones

picked up some ₱61 million in loose change while his brother, Ayala president Fernando Zobel, gave himself a ₱59-million present when the two siblings cashed out a chunk of their stock options ahead of the long National Heroes Day weekend.

Despite the unloading, the two Zobels ended the day loading up an additional 42,088 Ayala shares each through their availing of another round of stock options.

Even better, two-thirds of their optioned shares were acquired at ₱264.06, with the balance at ₱500, as against the ₱725 market price.

A variant of sell-buy tactic was also employed by Metrobank chairman Arthur Ty when the biggest banker of

them all unloaded six million shares but at the same time re-acquired 4.2 million of them at the same price but this time shelved under a different holding company.

The balance of 1.8 million shares, worth about ₱156 million, had been transported to a safe and presumably happy place, or faces.

Over at Manila’s Port Area, Christian Gonzalez, the fair-haired nephew of container terminal operator Enrique Razon, conducted a blitzkrieg of ICTSI share disposals also last month, reaping about ₱16 million after taxes.

The biggest disposal of them all?

That honor belongs to the littleknown sister of taipan John Gokongwei Jr.. the Cebu-based Lily Ngochua, who

There is reason for good cheer among the low-key Lao clan controlling the listed D&L and Chemrez food additives companies.

The D&L-Chemrez combine ended the Chinese ghost month of August in a buoyant mood, with a market capitalization nearing ₱50 billion, ₱42 billion of which is D&L’s.

D&L was listed on December 12, 2012 with a ₱4.30 initial offering price; the share closed Monday at ₱12, nearly three times higher in less than two years.

At the time of its IPO, the company had projected it would reach the $1-billion market cap by 2016.

(Disclosure: Cocktales counts D&L among his modest stock portfolio.)

Money-go-round. After missing out

on by just one point last year, retired San Miguel chairman Andres Soriano III finally won this weekend the title of Mini Maxi Rolex World Champion 2014 when his British-flagged yacht, Alegre, finished first in the annual racing event around Italy’s Sardinian coast.

The identity of the mysterious but persistent buyer of the hardly-traded Central Azucarera de Tarlac stock ahead of a management buyout has been revealed.

It turned out that it was no less than CAT president Fernando Cojuangco who had scooped up nearly 400,000 CAT shares ahead of his planned leveraged buyout of his extended family’s sugar refinery.

Heard through the grapevine. One of the pet peeves of the Philip MorrisFortune Tobacco conglomerate, retired judge and now a key executive of lowcost cigarette manufacturer Mighty Corp. Oscar Barrientos has been rebuffed by no less than the Supreme Court.

Barrientos was found to have facilitated the scheme of some Caloocan City officials to award the title to a 797-square-meter commercial property along Rizal Avenue to a bidder despite the actual property owner, Genato Investments, having religious paid the real estate taxes on the same land. ■ Victor C. Agustin / September 8, 2014 / 5:13 PM

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

Frontier Oil taps Malaysian firm for drilling of Calauit oil field MANILA – Frontier Oil Corp has tapped Malaysia’s UMW Oil and Gas Corp Berhad to drill the Calauit oil field in offshore Palawan.

Frontier Oil said it will formalize its agreement with the Malaysian firm on September 15 for the lease of a drilling rig to be used for the development of the Calauit prospect.

Frontier Oil signed the letter of award with UMW Oil and Gas in July for the $20 million contract to drill the said oil field in the first quarter of 2015.

The Calauit field is within Service Contract 50, an exploration block that covers a 5,000 square meter area in offshore Northwest Palawan.

Citing initial studies undertaken in the contract area, Frontier Oil earlier said the Calauit field has an upside potential to contain in excess of 14 million barrels of oil.

The company targets to start commercial production by April 2015.

Listed firm Trans-Asia Oil & Energy Development Corp earlier exercised its option to acquire a 10 percent minimum stake in SC 50.

■ Euan Paulo C. Anonuevo / InterAksyon.com / September 12, 2014

/ 3:11 PM

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Apex Mining to buy out shareholders of Razon’s Monte Oro

MANILA – Apex Mining Co Inc is set to acquire all the oustanding capital stock of Razon-led Monte Oro Resources & Energy Inc. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Apex Mining said that its board approved the purchase of MORE’s shareholdings consisting of 5,122,161,096 shares at par value of P1 per share.

Apex Mining said the acquisition will allow it “to have another mineral processing plant and expand its operations in Jose Panganiban, in Camarines Norte, and allow it to have a healthier balance sheet with an increase in its asset base and equity.”

To bankroll the acquisition, Apex Mining will raise cash through the issuance of new shares from the increase in the capital stock of the company at the issue price of P1 per share.

“Those who will sell their shares in MORE to the corporation will be allowed to participate in the subscription to new shares from the increase in capital stock of the

Corporation at par value of ₱1 per share,” it said.

The outstanding capital stock of MORE are currently held by Prime Metroline Holdings Inc, Lakeland Village Holdings Inc, Devoncourt Estates Inc, A Brown Company Inc, Wealth Securities, Inc, and the other shareholders.

MORE owns a 30 percent percent interest in Service Contract 72, a contract area for gas in offshore Palawan; a 52 percent shareholding in International Cleanvironment Systems Inc (formerly Jancom Environmental Corp) which has a contract for solid waste management for Metro Manila; a 100 percent of Paracale Gold Ltd which owns a mineral processing plant in Jose Panganiban, in Camarines Norte; and 40 percent of Bulawan Mineral Resources Corp (and an option to acquire the other 60 percent shareholdings).

Bulawan has 9 Applications for production sharing agreements covering 10,884.5552 hectares, 13 exploration permits pending renewal

www.hello-philippines.com

and exploration permit applications covering 85,247.2894 hectares and 2 mining lease contracts covering 652.2891 hectares.

Other assets of MORE include: (a) 100 percent shareholdings in Minas de Oro Mongol LLC (a Mongolian company) which owns 51 percent shareholdings in Erdenejas LLC, a joint venture company which holds a mining license in Khar At Uul in Mongolia. (b) 90 percent shareholdings in Monte Oro Mining Company Ltd. which is engage in mining exploration in Sierra Leone, and in MORE Minerals SL which engages in artisinal mining and gold trading in Sierra Leone. (c) 4 percent participation in National

7

Prosperity Gold Production Group Ltd which hold the mining claims and license from the government of Myanmar to develop and operate the gold mine located at Moe di-Moe mi Region, Yemethin Township, Mandalay Division, Myanmar, known as the Maudi Taung Gold Mine. However a 16/800 participation in this Myanmar investment has been ceded to another party.

MORE also owns 623,308,632 shares in Apex Mining equivalent to 33.34 percent of the latter. MORE has cash and receivables totaling ₱900 Million as of August 31, 2014. ■ Euan Paulo C. Anonuevo / InterAksyon.com / September 12, 2014 / 11:00 AM

8

www.hello-philippines.com

IMMIGRATION / OFNEWS

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

Noted US-based Pinoy sculptor Paul Balan stays true to his Paete roots LOS ANGELES - Paul Cainto Balan, who is from Paete, Laguna, and Chicago, has distinguished himself as the best designer of the new National Humanities Medal, minted in brass and finished in polished gold plate depicting Lady Liberty, which was selected by the National Endowment for the Humanities, a federal agency created in 1965. It supports research and learning in history, literature, philosophy, and other areas of the humanities by funding selected, peer-reviewed proposals from around the nation.

On July 27 at the White House, President Barack Obama bestowed the newly-crafted medals on nine individuals and one organization for outstanding achievements in history, cultural studies, filmmaking, cultural commentary, and historic preservation.

The Balan family witnessed the annual White House ceremony.

“I was nervous,” the artist told Philippine News, “but excited to be in the company of the U.S. president and the honorees. They’re not ordinary people.”

Some 131 online entries (including two from Balan) were submitted March last year in the national medal design competition. Three judges narrowed the field and the NEH acting chairman Carole M. Watson picked a winner, who

works as “mailroom delivery associate,” but a painter and a sculptor during his off hours.

“I cried when I won,” said the native of Paete, a town known for its sculptors, painters, musicians and poets. “Then I praised God for all the blessings that have come our way. The prize for the new design is $3,000. Lady Liberty replaces the previous medal designed in 1995.

The winning artist described the Lady Liberty medal: “She is symbolic of freedom as well as our long held values of generosity and compassion. The diadem worn by Lady Liberty contains 13 spikes representative of the original 13 colonies. In her right arm she is depicted cradling a sheaf of wheat which symbolizes prosperity to be shared with all of mankind. The quill that she holds in her right hand symbolizes knowledge which is chronicled in the open journal displayed on her lap. To her right is a dove which is the messenger of peace; the strand of wheat in its beak a symbol of gratitude. In her left hand, Lady Liberty is depicted clutching a lamp that represents the light of wisdom.”

One of the judges called it “an absolutely beautiful design that is well thought out, composed and stylish.”

Artists. The United States Mint considers artists an indispensable part

Paete native draws inspiration from the land and folklore he heard as a child.

Photo by Neil Reyes/Philippine News In coming up with the new design for the National Humanities Medal, Laguna-born Paul Balan took inspiration from Lady Liberty.

Photo courtesy of Humanities Medal Design

of the coin and medal production team.

In 2003, the company developed a pool of talented and diverse American artists called the Artistic Infusion Program. In 2010, the U.S. Mint accepted Balan in its program as one of the 19 artists who will help design coins and commemorative medals.

“As an associate designer of the Artistic program,” Balan said, “I will design coins and medals for consideration for minting and production. I already designed two congressional medals honoring Native American ‘code talkers’ and one side of a coin for the U.S. Marshals Service’s 225th anniversary.”

The artists receive $2,500 for each

Pinoy bags grand prize in UN photo contest in Seoul

A Filipino musician working at an international hotel chain in Gyeongju, Korea, won a photo competition sponsored by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) last August 30.

Ronnie Dayo was proclaimed overall winner of the “2014 Focus on Your World” International Environmental Photo Competition by the UN for his piece “Fire,” which depicted silhouetted persons trying to extinguish a raging fire.

Dayo was awarded a certificate

and a cash price of $5 million (roughly P211,000) by UNEP Korea vice president and former Minister of Environment Kim Jong-wie during a ceremony.

Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Raul S. Hernandez said in a statement that Dayo’s win demonstrated “the versatility and talent of Filipinos.”

Entries to the competition were judged based on the themes of “Beautiful Planet”, “Small Hope”, and “Raise your voice, not the sea level.” Dayo was able to meet the three criteria, which won him the grand prize of the competition.

According to Korea BizWire, the contest awarded 50 works out of 3,350 entries, giving out prize money equivalent to $27.2 million (roughly P1.15 million).

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the competition was held this year to “encourage greater understanding of the importance of Small Islands Developing States and of the urgency to help protect the islands in the face of growing risks and vulnerabilities.” ■ Rie Takumi / KBK, GMA News / September 10, 2014 / 3:54 PM

design and another $5,000 if the Treasury Dept. uses their design for a coin or medal, according to Mint spokesperson Mike White.

Cash prizes could be baffling for someone who said he left the Philippines with $5 given by his wife’s grandmother.

Background. A descendant of Pablo Bague, one of Paete’s master sculptors, Paul Cainto Balan’s parents-crafted wood furniture and chess sets for a living. Balan began drawing at a young age, inspired by the land and folklore he often heard as a child. He said they didn’t have art books when he was growing up.

Because he was fascinated with art in Catholic churches, he said he copied images from his grandmother’s stampitas, drew with a ballpoint pen and made watercolor paint from coffee grounds. While his friends drew superheroes, he sketched saints, he noted.

At 17, he designed all of the stained glass windows at St. James Apostle Parish in Paete. Many of his religious works, ranging from murals to stained glass, can be seen at various churches in the Philippines. He also designed reredos (screen or wall decoration behind an altar) at Holy Name of Jesus, Most Holy Redeemer, and Holy Cross Parishes.

His commissioned works include oil on canvas murals of Stigmatization of St. Francis, Franciscan Seminary (5’ x 7’); and Blessed Trinity, Philippine Independence Church (48’ x 8’).

While a student of Fine Arts at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, he was an active participant in the Philippine art scene. He entered numerous competitions, including the Annual Metro Bank’s Young Painters and the Art Association of the Philippines, where his pieces were among the finalists and named juror’s choice.

Paul and Marra Balan married in 2000. In 2001, he followed his wife who had immigrated to Chicago earlier, becoming a U.S. citizen in 2005. The couple works for CDW, a Fortune 500 company and a leading provider of integrated information technology solutions in the United States and Canada. They have two children: Micailla, 5, and Paolo, 3.

True. Balan continues to produce a wide range of pieces.

“Thematically,” he said, “I remain true

to my roots: faith, nature and my Filipino heritage; however, I have also enhanced and expanded my scope to include my experiences in the United States and environmental differences like the four seasons.”

In late 2004, he began experimenting with three dimensional art and has since completed three bronze sculptures: Wind, Water, and Pag-Asa (Hope). In 2008, Paul focused his time completing multiple private commissions. His most notable work during this time was his reredo design and painting of San Lorenzo Ruiz for the Prince of Peace Parish in Lake Villa, Ill. The following year he was recognized in three juried competitions in Illinois.

He received an Award of Merit from Recent Works: The 29th Annual Juried Exhibition for Lake County Artists (Grayslake, Oct.) which featured 53 artists chosen from 234 entries. He was a finalist at the 33rd Beverly Art Competitions and Exhibitions (Chicago, Nov.).

He was also one of the 36 finalists at the Postcard Art Competition and Exhibitions (PACE) sponsored by the Lake County Discovery Museum (Wauconda, Ill.). PACE is an international exhibition that showcases the 36 original designs selected from 443 entries submitted from the United States, Canada, Japan and China.

“During the 111th Philippines Independence Day Celebration in Milwaukee, I unveiled my Lupang Hinirang Series, the first ever visual interpretation of the Philippine national anthem, ‘Lupang Hinirang.’ The series consists of ten 24’ x 18’ pen and ink compositions inspired by the lyrics of the national anthem. Each composition is detailed with symbolic representations of the Filipino journey as a nation and as individuals, highlights Filipino virtues and captures Filipino struggles and triumphs with historical accuracy.”

According to Balan, the series took nearly four years to complete as he reflected and rediscovered what it means to be Filipino.

To read more about Paul Cainto Balan and his wide range of work, art exhibits, juried shows at Philippine events, and accolades from government and private establishments, as well as profiles in local publications and news features, visit www.paulcbalan.com. ■ Lydia V. Solis / Philippine News / September 8, 2014 / 4:28 PM

HELLO PHILIPPINES IS PUBLISHED FORTNIGHTLY BY MSHARE LIMITED. THIS PUBLICATION IS COPYRIGHTED AND ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. UK & EUROPE EDITION • NORDIC, IRELAND, ITALY, SPAIN, AND FRANCE • WWW.HELLO-PHILIPPINES.COM

IMMIGRATION / OFNEWS

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

www.hello-philippines.com

9

8 Pinoys receive Chevening scholarships to study in UK EIGHT Filipinos have been awarded scholarships to pursue a Master’s Degree in world-class universities in the United Kingdom through the prestigious Chevening Scholarship program.

The eight Filipinos will pursue studies in healthcare, Islamic finance, environment, socio-economic development, law and information and cyber security, according to a news release from the British Embassy in Manila.

British Ambassador Asif Ahmad congratulated the scholars during the send-off program at his residence, saying the program “helps unlock potential in people that can make them and their countries better.”

The eight scholars accepted in the 2014 Chevening scholarships are:

(1) Maharlika Alonto Head of Accounting and Finance Department Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines

Preferred subject of study, school: MSc Investment Banking and Islamic Finance, University of Reading Why pick this course: Promotion of financial competence as a tool in Muslim Mindanao’s economic development and to augment financial markets.

(2) Armi Bayot Lawyer, Office of the Solicitor’s General Part of government legal team in peace process with Moro Islamic Liberation Front Preferred subject of study, school: LLM Law, King’s College London Why pick this course: Institutionalization of a transitional justice program, “correct historical injustices, and address human rights violations” in Muslim Mindanao.

(3) Evangeline Co

(5) Anna Oposa Consultant, manager on environmental and youth-oriented projects; print and web contributor Preferred subject of study, school: MSc in Conservation Science, Imperial College London

(6) Junefe Payot Court Attorney at the Office of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines Preferred subject of study, school: MSc in Poverty and Development, University of Manchester Why pick this course: Raise awareness on urban poverty and development; resume teaching in university

(7) Marie Tanya Recalde

Court Attorney VI in the Office of Associate Justice Arturo D. Brion, Supreme Court of the Philippines Preferred subject of study, school: LLM in Commercial Law, University of Edinburgh Why pick this course: Promotion of corporate social responsibility

(4) Albert Domingo The eight Filipino scholars with British Ambassador Asif Ahmad. (Bottom row from L-R:) Evangeline Co, British Ambassador Asif Ahmad, Junefe, Payot and Marie Tanya Recalde (Middle row from L-RJ Anna Oposa, Armi Bayot and Marhalika Alonto (Top row from L-R:) Albert Domingo and Carlos Tingson. Photo from British Embassy

Preferred subject of study, school: MSc in Health Systems and Public Policy, University of Edinburgh

Team Manager for Monitoring of Universal Health Care (UHC) Implementation in the USAID/UPeconHealth Policy Development Program (HPDP)

Bank Officer V, Regional Cooperation and Negotiations Group, International Relations Department, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Preferred subject of study, school: MCL in Corporate Law, University of Cambridge Why pick this course: Enhance country’s trade policy and standing in the international arena

(8) Carlos Ely Tingson Information Security Team of the Presidential Security Group in Malacañang Park

Preferred subject of study, school: MSc In Information Security, Royal Holloway, University of London Why pick this course: Implement new security programs in all branches of government; revitalize a national cyber security office Ahmad, meanwhile, encouraged more Filipinos to apply for the scholarship program.

“For all those people with intelligence and passion for making a difference in the Philippines, I would like them to apply for a Chevening scholarship. The competition is tough but I know that there is a wide range of talent from right across the Philippines,” he said.

Interested applicants will need to meet the program’s minimum English language requirement, must have two years’ worth of work experience, a degree equivalent to an upper second-class honors degree in the United Kingdom, a visa, and an unconditional offer from a university in the UK. Over 600 individuals from 144 countries and territories will be supported by the scholarship for school year 2014-2015.

The scholarship was named after the British Foreign Secretary’s formal residence, the Chevening House. ■ Rie Takumi / KBK,

ASHFIELD SOLICITORS GMA News / September 11, 2014 / 3:50 PM

SPECIALIST IMMIGRATION SOLICITORS Are you applying for a visa or your visa refused or appeal dismissed or are you overstaying?

We can advise and assist you for best solution for your immigration issues.

we specialise in Regularising overstayers Visitors Visa EU applications Spouse/ Partner visa British Nationality Immigration appeals

0207 835 1297 Book appointment for initial

FsRultEaEtion

con

3rd Floor, 109, Gloucester Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 4SS Our office is just opposite Gloucester Road tube station within one minute walk.

Piccadilly, Circle, District lines

www.ashfieldsolicitors.com info@ashfieldsolicitors.com

Ashfield solicitors is Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority – SRA Number 599342

10

www.hello-philippines.com

IMMIGRATION / OFNEWS

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

PHL labor officials raise OFW placement fee issue with HK officials PHILIPPINE labor officials have met with their counterparts in Hong Kong to address the issues involving the placement fees for overseas Filipino workers heading there as household service workers (HSWs).

In a statement on Wednesday, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the discussion focused on the need for both sides to cooperate in addressing the concerns of Filipino HSWs. “Their discussion focused on the need to cooperate with each other in addressing the concerns of Filipino household service workers in Hong Kong, particularly on placement fee issues and workers’ complaints against their employers,” she said.

Heading the Philippine side were Philippine Labor Attaché Manuel Roldan and Consul General Bernardita Casalla.

Meeting them were Hong Kong Commissioner Donald Tong, Deputy Commissioner Byron Ng, Assistant Commissioner Nicholas Chan, and Queenie Wong, a senior administrative officer of the Hong Kong Labor Department.

Placement fees, complaints. Roldan said the Philippine side raised the issue of placement fees and

complaints of workers against their Hong Kong employers.

He explained to their Hong Kong counterparts the Philippine procedures in hiring Filipino workers, including the “no-placement fee” policy, the process of accrediting Hong Kong-based employment agencies with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, and their responsibilities to the workers they hire.

Catalla noted the prevailing practice of Hong Kong-based agencies to collect placement fees from workers. She said in some cases, this may violate Hong Kong laws, which allows only a service fee of 10 percent of a worker’s first month’s salary.

“Upon their arrival, they are brought by the agency to a Hong Kong lending company to sign a loan document specifying an amount of up to ₱3,000 that they had to pay through monthly installment of between five to seven months. The workers are asked to pay through various 7-Eleven branches. They are also being made to open a bank account in Hong Kong, but are required to surrender their ATM cards to their agencies,” she said.

“Later, the agencies give to the worker only the balance of their salaries after the amount of service fee for the month has been deducted.

These practices, along with other OFW complaints, such as illegal recruitment and abuse, often remain unreported,” Catalla added.

Probe assured. For his part, Tong encouraged workers to report their complaints against their employers to the Hong Kong Labour Department, and against their agencies to the Employment Agency Administration.

He said their complaints will be used as basis for an inspection and investigation.

Catalla raised the issue of the

workers’ availability to file complaints, since they are free only on Sundays when the Labor Department is closed.

Catalla suggested that the Philippine Consulate accept complaints from OFWs since it is open on Sundays, summarize these complaints, and forward it to the Hong Kong Labour Department.

Roldan said Tong was amenable to the idea of this case-referral system and suggested that this be the subject of further discussion. ■ Joel Locsin / KBK,

GMA News / September 10, 2014 / 9:10 PM

Pinay flees from Saudi employer due to work overload — report POLICE in Dhahran in Saudi Arabia are now investigating a Filipina household worker who fled from her employer, a Saudi news site reported Sunday.

Arab News reported the Filipina, 27, contacted it for help but did not mention at the time that she had decided to run away from her employer.

Labor Attaché Alex Padaen told Arab News the police will get in touch with the Filipina’s employer.

“The HSW [household service worker) will be endorsed to the Saudi Social Welfare Administration (SWA)

If the employer doesn’t want to issue her an exit visa,” Padaen said.

He added that while the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) will monitor developments on the case, it is not directly involved in processing paperwork for the Filipina’s repatriation.

“The rules changed after the crackdown on illegal workers last year.

However, we, at the POLO-ERO, monitor the developments on the cases involving Filipinos,” he said.

Arab News quoted the Filipina as saying she was made to clean a threestory house, wash clothes and look after a baby.

She was picked up by police after she had a limousine driver drop her off at a Philippine school.

Before a Saudi crackdown on illegal workers, runaway Filipino household service workers sought help from the POLO, which provided them shelter and food.

Welfare officers would then get in touch with the employers to see if they were still interested in keeping their employee.

Employers who no longer want to keep the worker would then be asked to issue an exit visa. ■ Joel Locsin / LBG, GMA News / September 7, 2014 / 8:55 AM

2 Fil-Ams re-enlist in US Navy

TWO Filipino-Americans accepted an offer from the United States military to re-enlist and continue their service with a special task force.

Manila-born US Utilitiesman First Class Jessica C. San Roque and USborn Navy Special Warfare Operator Hermelito U. Rafol underwent their re-enlistment ceremony with the Joint Special Operations Task Force (JSOPTF) at the US Embassy in Manila last September 10.

A statement from the US embassy in Manila said the two wanted the reenlistment ceremony to be held in the Philippines, citing their close ties with the country.

US Ambassador Philip S. Goldberg said the two service members were “an inspiration to others, role models for dedicated service, and a representation of the commitment that our two countries share for one another.”

The Philippines and the US have long

been military allies. Early this year, US President Barack Obama vowed to back the Philippines against China, should the latter force military actions due to their dispute over the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines, which has one of the weakest militaries in the region, has repeatedly called on the US for help as China has increased military and diplomatic pressure to take control of the contested areas. ■ Rie Takumi / KBK, GMA News /

September 12, 2014 / 2:49 PM

Pinoy schoolboy hurt in knife attack in UAE A 14-year-old Filipino student studying at The Philippine School (TPS) in the United Arab Emirates was on Tuesday stabbed four times and seriously injured by a schoolmate.

The victim claimed that he had confronted a seventh grader who had flashed him the finger, UAE news site Gulf News reported.

The row deteriorated fight in which the victim was stabbed with what was described as either a camping or military knife.

The 14-year-old was taken to the

Rashid Hospital, and was in stable condition and under observation.

Meanwhile, the alleged attacker was taken to the Rashidiya police station.

School principal Jocelyn Sollano said she could not disclose anything further, “because it’s under investigation by the police.”

Sollano also denied a supposed lack of security in the school.

“We have all the security guards.

Everyone is safe,” she explained. ■

Joel Locsin / DVM, GMA News / September 10, 2014 / 5:01AM

US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg (left) congratulates US Navy Utilitiesman First Class Jessica San Roque and Special Warfare Operator Hermelito Rafol during reenlistment ceremony for their membership in the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines held at the US Embassy in Manila on Wednesday September 10. Photo by Danny Pata.

Talk Home NEW Hello Philippines 500_289x380_CS4.ai 1 26/07/2014 10:11:21

pay as you go SIM closer than you think

PILIPINAS AT UK

Mga mobile at landline minutes at mga text

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

£20 lang!

Kunin ang bundle, i-text 006329 to 579

2000 LIBRENG

minutes at texts kapag TALK HOME to TALK HOME*

i-collect na ang LIBRENG SIM online: talkhomemobile.com Top Ups are available at: Customers of TALK HOME Mobile may not bre able to use Electronic Top-Up at all locations where green top-up logo appears.

Terms & Conditions: Pricing/Offers correct as at 25.07.2014 on the ‘Your Rates’ plan. UK Calls and UK texts: applies to calls/texts to mobile numbers allocated to H3G, O2, Orange, EE and Vodafone in the UK only and calls made in the UK to fixed line numbers starting 01, 02 or 03. The country rate advertised only includes calls made a) to fixed line geographic numbers and b) mobile numbers, in each case from the UK to such numbers in the country advertised. Excluded from all pricing/offers are all other types of call/text such as calls/texts to premium, reverse charge and revenue share numbers and those calls/texts made/sent or received when roaming. *Free Calls and Texts Offer: 2,000 minutes and 2,000 texts Talk Home mobile to Talk Home mobile. Available on topping up a minimum amount of £5; expires 31st day after last top up. The Philippines £20 country bundle lasts for 30 days from activation, is for non-commercial use only and any unused allowance expires automatically at the end of that period. Activation is normally on the date on which you purchase the bundle. Calls to any other numbers and calls made when roaming are charged at our standard rate as set out on our website. Where you use more than your bundle allowance you will be charged for your excess use at the standard rate published on our website. Pricing and offers can be varied or withdrawn at any time. These terms are in addition to our standard terms and conditions; www.talkhomemobile.com for full terms and conditions and for variations and/or withdrawals.

12

IMMIGRATION / OFNEWS

www.hello-philippines.com

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

Pinoy peacekeeping official in Golan Heights back in PHL THE controversial Filipino official in the peacekeeping force in Golan Heights has returned to the Philippines weeks after the standoff there that pitted him with his superior.

Col. James Ezra Enriquez arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Wednesday afternoon, ahead of the more than 300 Filipino peacekeepers who are due for repatriation in October.

“He has been repatriated,” said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Maj. Gen. Domingo Tutaan. “He arrived this afternoon.”

Enriquez, who served as chief of staff of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), earned controversy after he defied his commander’s order at the height of the standoff with Syrian rebels.

Following his disagreement with

UNDOF commander Lt. Gen. Iqbal Singh Singha, Enriquez offered to resign, but this was rejected by his superiors who instead put him under leave of absence.

Singha reportedly ordered the Filipino peacekeepers to lay down their weapons and raise the white flag to ensure the safety of the Fijian peacekeepers captured by the rebels.

The Filipino troops defied the order and were able to escape eventually.

The Philippine military said the troops defied the order as there was no guarantee that the rebels would release the Fijian hostages.

Singha, for his part, described the Filipino troops’ action as an act of cowardice.

Enriquez is expected to report to AFP chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang on Thursday, Tutaan said. ■ KBK, GMA News / September 10, 2014 / 7:41 PM

OFWs in South Korea looking at possible wage hike SOUTH Korea’s wage council has approved a 7.1-percent minimum wage increase that will be implemented next year and is expected to benefit over 35,000 Filipino workers once the Korean Minister of Employment and Labor approves it.

According to Philippine Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, workers under the Employment Permit System (EPS) will receive 5,580 Korean won

(US$5.5) starting next year, higher than the 2014 minimum wage of 5,210 Korean won per hour (US$5.14).

“The minimum wage increase is set to apply from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015,” Baldoz said in a statement Tuesday.

EPS is the scheme adopted by the Korean government to introduce non-professional foreign workers in its small and medium industries

under a transparent and efficient process of selecting, sending, and receiving foreign workers through a government-to-government arrangement.

The Philippines is one of the original six countries that signed a memorandum of agreement with South Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor regarding the EPS. The minimum wage increase was

It’s Your Chance!

Are you one of a select few? Are you tired of having to

work more and more hours just to pay the bills? Are you sending money back home? Did you ever think about having your own business and becoming successful? We are open in the USA, Canada, Puerto Rico, and just opened the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Dominican Republic, and we will open the Philippines, Germany, Malaysia, and Mexico this year.

We have already created 2 Filipino OFW’s as Ambassadors in the company, one in Canada and one in California. The business is in the Top 100 Direct Sales Companies in the World! We have experienced a 400% growth rate in the last 2 years and expect to hit $100 Million in sales this year. The question is, “Will you be part of it?”

This business is something that you can do part time. Just a few hours a week can get you on the way to creating the life you dreamed of.

We will be interviewing people over the next few weeks to get you qualified. If we feel that you are teachable and willing to learn, we will let you join us on the worldwide expansion.

We have over 200 Filipinos already joined our team and we are now looking for special people, that have a dream and are willing to do what it takes to achieve it. Go to www.clbglobal. com and fill out the information box and we will be calling you.

reported to Baldoz by Seoul-based Labor Attaché Felicitas Bay, after it was passed by Chairman Park Jun-sung during the 7th Plenary Session of the Minimum Wage Council.

“The voting was participated in by 27 councilors, with nine councilors with public interest and nine worker councilors voting in favor. Only nine councilors abstained,” Bay said in her report.

She said the wage hike was determined based on average wage hikes by collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and income distribution improvement rates, which indicate the wage level of workers in the same category.

The increase, which translates to a monthly salary of 1,166,220 won (US$1,150.18) for people working 40 hours a week, or 209 hours a month, including paid weekly holidays, covers all workers as defined by the Labor Standards Act. Foreign workers, including those working under the EPS, are also covered by the wage increase.

Those who are not covered by the

salary adjustment are those working in their family business and living in the same residence, domestic workers, seafarers governed by the Seafarers Act, and those whose ability to work is apparently low due to physical or mental disabilities, as long as their exclusion from coverage is permitted by their Minister of Employment and Labor.

Bay noted that the Council has yet to submit the minimum wage proposal to the Minister of Employment and Labor for public announcement and to give workers’ and employers’ representatives at least 10 days to raise their objection.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration reported that as of the first quarter of 2014, a total of 319 newly hired OFWs have been deployed to South Korea. Of the number, 307 were skilled workers and 12 were domestic helpers.

As of March 31, 2014, the number of Filipino workers who have been deployed to Korea is at 35,936, POEA records show. ■ KBK, GMA News / September 9, 2014 / 2:09 PM

Pinoy passport applicants in Malaysia can check status online FILIPINOS who applied for a new passport or a passport renewal in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia can now check their application status online, according to the Philippine Embassy.

“Using the Passport Application Number provided by the encoders towards the end of the passport processing, the applicant can check the status of his passport by entering the application number in the space provided and clicking submit,” it said.

The embassy said the page will display the applicant’s full name, application number and passport status. However, it said the system is

presently available for those who applied for passports at the chancery in Kuala Lumpur.

Those who applied at the Embassy’s consular mission in Sabah may call the trunkline at +603 2148 4233 extension 103 or email klpe_malaysia@yahoo.com two months after applying for a passport.

The embassy also noted that it may take two to three months before passports from Manila arrive in Kuala Lumpur.

Meanwhile, the embassy said the application list is updated every time a new batch of passports is received from Manila. ■ Joel Locsin

/ KBK, GMA News / September 9, 2014 / 5:33 PM

0203 393 2568 Call & speak to our Philippine Experts in Tagalog!

T RAVEL CO UK

Long Live Philippines

Visit the beautiful

Alona Ext 6080 Melissa Ext 6081

Philippines for pretty amazing offers from us!

Manila £449 £506 £699 £754 £725 £705 £499 £720 £635 £711 £690 £650 £675

KALIBO LAOAG LEGAZPI MALAY NAGA OZAMIZ PUERTO PRINCESA ROXAS TACLOBAN TAGBILARAN TUGUEGARAO ZAMBOANGA

BOND LY 35 17

ED

FUL

ANGELES BACOLOD BUSUANGA BUTUAN CAGAYAN DE ORO CEBU COTABATO DAVAO DIPOLOG DUMAGUETE GENERAL SANTOS ILOILO

cted P rote

More than 65,000 hotels

£599 £688 £674 £721 £715 £771 £669 £675 £694 £687 £722 £715

Flights & holidays booked through Mabuhay Travel are fully bonded

with ATOL which means your

money is 100% PROTECTED

Car Hire &Transfers

Website : www.mabuhaytravel.co.uk | Email : info@mabuhaytravel.co.uk Mabuhay Travel assures you the best quality of service available; all advertised fares are of real time itineraries during the issue of publication For more details on the terms and conditions please visit us at http://www.mabuhaytravel.co.uk/terms-conditions. Fares are highly subjected to availability and changes without any prior notice. Conditions apply. Please be informed these fares are including taxes.

Over 150 airlines

3517

www.hello-philippines.com

14

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

FREE LISTING of events in HELLO PHILIPPINES newspaper. pape Please contact us to include your event on events@hellllo-philippines.com rry listing does not constitute or imply lly its endorsement, recommendation or favouring by DISCLAIMER: The Events Diary HELLO PHILIPPINES newspaper. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily l state or refl ly fflect those ’ of Hello Philippines newspaper and/or the Publisher. What s On is a Filipino Events Diary rry y listing for UK and Europe.

2014 CALENDAR OF EVENTS – UK & EUROPE DATE / TIME

EVENT

20 September 2014 Saturday

Mrs Philippines UK

21 September 2014 Sunday

Penafrancia Mass

Friday 26th September 2014, 7.30pm until late

Love and Hope charity Dinner Dance

Saturday 27th September 2014 6:00pm - midnight

Ms Igorot UK 2014

27th - 28th September 2014 3:00 PM until 10:00 PM 29 November 2014 Saturday

P FEST UK

Miss Pearl of Asia UK

VENUE

ORGANISER

CONTACTS / REMARKS

Baden Powell House, 65 – 67 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5JS Carmelites Church, Kensington 41 Kensington Church St London W8 4BB Willow Centre, 1-13 1 Willowcroft Way, Cringleford, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7XF Pentagon Hall, Globe Venue (part of Globe Academy), Harper Road Southwark, South London SE1 6AG 27 Sept 2014 Leeds 02 Academy Leeds LS2 3AW

Aguman Kapampangan UK

Zanie Del Mundo 07886 881 432 / zendel22@hotmail.co.uk

Bicol Association UK LTD

Rick 07900204428 Adel 07854114330 bauksecretariat@gmail.com camsur_uk@yahoo.co.uk 01603 455 923/ 07723604584

Camden Centre Jude Street, King's Cross London WC1H 9JE

Destiny Duo and Pinoy London Olympic Volunteers Igorot UK

igo_ukcharity@hotmail.co.uk or on 07861877655.

Plus Pinoy Local Talents in UK

www.finestworkers.com or call 07889171595

MPOAUK

07547 985 508 enquiries@misspearlofasia.com www.MissPearlOfAsia.com

FREE LISTING of your events on the HELLO PHILIPPINES newspaper and if you know of any n Events please contact us and submit ny your event via email to the following at INFO@HELLO-PHILIPPINES.COM DISCLAIMER: The Events Diary ry r Listing does not necessarily l constitute or imply ly ly l its endorsement, recommendation, or fa fav avouring by Hello Philippines newspaper. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily ly l state or refl fl f ect those of Hell o Philippines newspaper. This is merely l an Events Diary ly ry r Listing of what is happening within the Filipino Communities in Europe.

This is for general information only ly l .

MONTHLY FILIPINO COMMUNITY MASSES IN GREATER LONDON 1st Saturday

5:00pm

1st Sunday

2:00pm

1st Sunday

5:00pm

2nd Saturday

4:00pm

2nd Sunday

2:00pm

2nd Sunday

2:00pm

2nd Sunday

4:00pm

3rd Sunday

3:00pm

3rd Sunday

3:00pm

Last Saturday

6:00pm

Last Sunday

12:00pm

Last Sunday

2:00pm

Every Sunday

5:00pm

First Wednesdays

6:30pm

Devotion in Honour of Our Lady of Fatima (Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament / Rosary / Benediction / Mass) St Pius X Catholic Church, 108 Orme Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 3SB – Oliver Abasolo – 07782 661 922 Five Precious Wounds Parish, Brentfield Road, Stonebridge Park, London NW10 8ER Mervic Monocillo – 07894 636 140 Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Friary Road, Peckham, London SE15 1RH Allen Abeleda – 07713 625 888 St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 103 Woolwich New Road, London SE18 6EF Moises Espanola – 07894 648 639 English Martyrs Church, Chalkhill Road, Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 9EW Becky Sarinas – 07949 857 699 / 07425 761 519 / Lina B – 07579 418 510 St Dominic Catholic Church, 243 Violet Lane, Waddon, Croydon CR0 4HN Merlie Mirto – 07722 216 462 St. Anselm and St. Cecilia, 70 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3JA Feliciano Ramirez – 07733 680 748 Sacred Heart of Jesus, New Priory, Quex Road, Kilburn, London NW6 4PS Sheidrick de Leon – 07738 210 202 Blessed Sacrament Parish, 157 Copenhagen Street, Islington N1 0SR Christy Sangalang – 07709 119 969 Our Lady of Dolours, Servite Parish Church, 264 Fulham Road, London SW10 4EL Fr Allan Satur – 020 7352 6965 / fulhamroad@rcdow.org.uk / Roland Adap – r_adap@hotmail.com St Pius X Catholic Church, 108 Orme Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 3SB Oliver Abasolo – 07782 661 922 St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 218 Roehampton Lane, London SW15 4LE Rafael Santiago – 07795 254 451 Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 20 Brixton Road, Oval, London SW9 6BU Ben Ortiz – 07723 318 486 Filipino Mass and Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Farm Street Church of the Immaculate Conception (Jesuit House Chapel), access on 114 Mount Street, London W1K 3AY – Josie Ramos – 07723 024 591

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

IMMIGRATION / OFNEWS

Search on for latest batch of outstanding kids of OFWs THE search is on once again for this year’s top 10 outstanding children of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) sponsored by a local bank.

“We recognize the significant roles and sacrifices of our OFWs,” said Natividad Alejo, Bank of the Philippines (BPI) executive vice president, in a statement Friday announcing the opening of the nationwide search.

“We extend this recognition to their families as we continue to honor their children who excel in their studies despite being distant from their parents.”

According to BPI, prospective applicants must: • be a college student not more than 21 years old • have parents with current work contract abroad • have no failing grades Qualified students may then fill out the application form online, which requires personal information and contains an essay-writing portion.

The 10 students will be awarded in various categories — Ibang Klaseng Talino, Ibang Klaseng Community Leader, Ibang Klaseng Entrepreneur, and Ibang Klaseng Artist/Athlete.

BPI’s Search for the Ten Outstanding Expat Pinoy Children is now on its eighth year. ■ Rie Takumi / KBK, GMA News / September 12,

2014 / 4:32 PM

www.hello-philippines.com

15

Pinoy, 2 others held in Malaysia for Sabah claim bid –report

Photo from 2013

A Filipino and two others were arrested in Malaysia for allegedly trying to recruit new members to their bid to claim Sabah, a Malaysian news site reported Thursday.

Malaysia’s police Inspector General Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the three were arrested as early as July 22 under the Prevention of Crime Act, Malaysia’s The Star Online reported.

He identified the three as Abu Bakar Jayari, Zainuddin Mislani and Kassim Ibrahim.

According to Khalid, Kassim is a Filipino “believed to have entered the country illegally” while the other two are of “Sulu and Bajau ethnicity.”

“It is supposed to be a starting phase in their bid to claim Sabah for the selfproclaimed Sulu Sultan,” he said.

Khalid said the three men were

detained under Section 19A of the Act, which allows detention for up to two years.

In February 2013, armed followers of the late Sultan Jamalul Kiram III of Sulu managed to enter Lahad Datu’s coastal village of Tanduo, supposedly to claim Sabah. This triggered a series of bloody clashes with Malaysian security forces, killing dozens.

The Sulu sultanate once controlled parts of Borneo, including Sabah. The sultanate’s heirs have been receiving a nominal yearly compensation package from Malaysia under a long-standing agreement for possession of Sabah.

Kiram died last year but ordered his followers to continue efforts to reclaim Sabah. ■ Joel Locsin / KBK, GMA News / September

11, 2014 / 2:23 PM

16

www.hello-philippines.com

Jeane Napoles will return to PHL to face charges – lawyer JEANE Catherine Napoles, daughter of alleged pork barrel scam brains Janet Lim Napoles, will return to the country to face the tax evasion charges to be be filed against her, lawyer Stephen David said Friday.

In an interview with reporters, David said Jeane will go back to the Philippines should the legal remedies available to them prove futile.

“Syempre kung may kaso siya, kailangan niya talagang humarap.

Kung kakailanganin, kung hindi tayo magiging successful sa exhaustion of legal remedies syempre yun yon, magta-trial ka, sana wag naman,” he told reporters.

The younger Napoles is studying in California.

But David said they have yet to get a copy of the resolution.

“Hindi ko pa masiguro kung ano ang direksyon kasi wala pa kaming natatanggap na resolution, sa media lang namin nalaman yun. Pag natanggap, pag-aaralan namin kung may grave abuse of discretion, iaakyat namin sa Supreme Court,” he said.

Earlier, the Department of Justice ordered the filing of tax evasion charges against the younger Napoles for failure to pay more than ₱17 million taxes for the pieces of properties in the United States and Philippines under her name.

In an eight-page resolution, Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Edna Valenzuela said an analysis of the evidence presented to her showed there is probable cause to charge Jeane for violation of Sections 254 and 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997.

The two sections pertain to attempts to evade or defeat tax, and failure to return, supply correct and accurate information, pay tax, withold and remit tax and refund excess taxes witheld on compensation.

‘Leave everything to God’. For her part, Napoles said she was surprised with the DOJ resolution.

“Nakakagulat yan. Sana ako na lang (ang kasuhan),” she told reporters before the start of her bail hearing at the Sandiganbayan Third Division.

She added that she will just leave everything to God. Asked if she has talked with her daughter, Napoles replied in the negative. “Wala namang phone sa loob (ng kulungan) e. Sa Daddy nya siguro nakipag-usap na siya pero sa akin wala pa.”

Napoles is currently detained at Camp Bagong Diwa over plunder and graft charges in connection with the alleged pork barrel scam. She is also facing serious illegal detention charges filed by principal pork barrel scam whistleblower Benhur Luy. David lawyer maintained there was no reason to file tax evasion charges against the younger Napoles as she was still in her teens or early 20s when the properties were supposedly registered under her name.

“Ang pina-file sa kanya hindi daw siya nagfile ng income tax return at hindi raw siya nagbabayad ng tamang tax. Di ba pag sinabi mong magbayad ka ng tax dapat may income ka. E si Jeane Catherine estudyante yun, nagaaral sa California. Ang visa niya dun ay F1, student visa. Hindi ka pwedeng magtrabaho pag holder ng student visa,” he said.

He said the properties were just put under the name of Jeane Catherine by her parents as admitted by Napoles herself.

“Kasalanan ba ng bata kung ipinangalan sa kanya yun. Sabi nila e (sa kanya nakapangalan). Kung ipinangalan sa kanya yun ng mga magulang niya o ng kung sinumang tao, ibig bang sabihin kinita niya yun?

Ibig bang sabihin, merong siyang income na kinita para ipambili dun.

Hindi naman lahat ng properties e nakukuha sa trabaho o sweldo, yung iba naman dinodonate yan,” he added.

■ Amita Legaspi / RSJ, GMA News / September 12, 2014

/ 3:11 PM

NEWS

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

SMART Pinoy partners with iREMIT providing affordable remittance to Filipinos in UK GLOBAL Filipinos far away from home will always find ways to have their presence felt among their families and friends. While regular communication with loved ones is vital, sending them remittance is also one of the ways to express support in their endeavours in the Philippines.

IREMIT, one of the pioneering global remittance companies in the UK in partnership with PLDT UK’s SMART Pinoy—the leading Pay-As-You-Go SIM service has joined forces to provide the best remittance offer to Filipinos in the UK.

Filipinos who purchase SMART Pinoy SIM cards and top-up vouchers will automatically get up to £5 off on remittance fees with IREMIT. SMART Pinoy subscribers can expect exciting offers in the coming months such as Pasa

load and a grand gadget raffle promo.

Topping-up your SMART Pinoy has never been this rewarding. Visit your nearest IREMIT and SMART Pinoy reseller for more information on remittance fee discounts and freebies. ■

Consul General Mario De Leon poses with the morning participants of the Leadership and Mentoring Seminar. ©PHL Consulate photo.

Leadership seminar for Fil-Am youth launched in NY IN an effort to cultivate the Filipino-American youth’s potential and leadership skills for community engagement, the Philippine Consulate General recently launched a Leadership and Mentoring Seminar (LMS) for second-generation Fil- Ams. Entitled “Empowerment for the Emerging Generation,” the seminar was held last September 6 at the Philippine Center in New York.

Consul General Mario De Leon said during his opening remarks that the idea of an LMS for the youth came about after the successful leadership seminars held last year for the first-generation leaders.

“It is time to repurpose the Filipino organizations,” he said, “and we are looking at you, young Fil-Ams to transition leadership to; after all, you are the future of the Filipino community.”

De Leon also recognized the initiatives that the student organizations and young professionals’ groups have already been accomplished in the recent years, and expressed his enthusiasm in reaching out and working more closely with them.

Published writer and educator Prof.

Luis Francia gave the participants a historical background on the Philippines

and shared his insights on the Filipino immigrant story in the “Understanding the Filipino” module.

His lecture framed the mindset of the young leaders on the situation of the Filipino community in the US and suggested that “it’s time to register ourselves as a cultural force.”

Management consultant and life coach Jeffrey Stern shared more transferrable skills to the students. He first gave a lesson on how to properly project oneself through “Effective Public Speaking” where some of the participants practiced their skills in delivering speeches.

Stern then imparted success strategies to the young ones, in his “Leadership and Motivation” session, where he shared techniques in targetsetting and attaining one’s goals, some from personal experiences with his family, especially his national athlete children.

More practicable tips and lessons were the topics for the afternoon session that followed lunch.

Certified Public Accountant and active community member from Connecticut Ms Jocelyn Santiago tried

to increase the participants’ knowledge in accounting and bookkeeping for nonprofit organization during her lecture.

Restaurateur and innovator of Filipino food Nicole Ponseca gave valuable guidelines and planning secrets during the “Events Management” module, where she drew most of her tips from daily operations of Maharlika and Jeepney as well as the annual Evening in Manila and Balut-Eating Contest at the Hester Street Fair, both of which she organizes.

To process and digest the lessons of the day, a panel discussion followed.

In closing, Vice Consul Khrystina Corpuz, who works closely with the second-gen sector, said, “Your involvement as Filipino-Americans do not end when you graduate college and leave your Filipino student clubs,” and encouraged the participants to find their interest and seek community organizations that will help them in their personal goals and increase their affiliation with their heritage.

Similar seminars are planned for other cities in the US Northeast with significant young Filipino-American populations. ■ KBK, GMA News / September 12, 2014

/ 8:08 PM

18

www.hello-philippines.com

NEWS

Bus o tren? : DOST’s road train rolls off to vehicle test THE Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Hybrid Electric Road Train will hit the road at the Clark Airbase in Angeles City, Pampanga this September for road worthiness tests before rolling out in Metro Manila’s major highways.

Designed by Filipino engineers and made with locally available parts, the 40-meter long train-like bus is an alternative means of transportation and one of DOST’s answer to the mass transportation dilemma in metro roads.

The road train is composed of five interconnected fully air-conditioned coaches, four of which can accommodate 60 passengers each for a total of 240 commuters per ride. The last one is the power coach.

DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo estimates that the road train can serve 650,000 commuters when fully implemented. “This will happen after its testing phase which will take two to three years,” he said.

Launched last August 22, 2014 the road train can run with a maximum speed of 50kph. It is mainly powered by hybrid diesel fuel and electric-powered battery. Moreover, the train is designed to be energy-efficient, which means it does not need electricity and suspended cables to operate. This newest Filipino innovation also produces less smoke emission compared with existing mass transport vehicles, making it an ecofriendly mode of transport. (S&T Media Service, DOST-STII) ■ InterAksyon.com /

THE NEW BAND WAGON. Meet the Department of Science and Technology’s Hybrid Electric Road Train – a 40-meter-long train-like bus composed of four interconnected coaches that can accommodate up to 60 passengers and run up to 50 kph. It is set to hit the roads of Clark Airbase in Angeles City, Pampanga for initial testing this September.

PINOY-MADE, ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY.Using local materials, the Department of Science and Technology develops a solution to Metro Manila commuters’ daily ordeal – the Hybrid Electric Road Train. Designed by Filipino engineers, the road train is powered by hybrid diesel fuel and electric-powered battery.

September 12, 2014 / 10:56 PM

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

DOST hiring 32 managers for IT projects THE Department of Science and Technology-Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICT) is now hiring 32 project managers for the implementation of various information technology- (IT) related projects.

In a statement Friday, the DOSTICT said hiring additional project managers aims to fast-track the implementation of government’s various IT projects in line with the eGovernment Masterplan (eGMP) and the Medium-Term ICT Harmonization Initiative (MITHI).

“With eGovernment, more government services will be available online and will minimize the tedious need to queue for government services that usually take hours of citizen’s valuable time,” the DOST-ICT Office said.

According to the DOST-ICT website, the eGMP aims to integrate the IT systems of all government agencies.

Among the e-government projects to be implemented by the project managers include development and setting up of infrastructure, systems and applications, and shared services especially those under the Integrated Government Philippines (iGovPhil).

Specifically, the projects include fiber optic network, data centers, cloud computing, government email, public key infrastructure, forms generator, online payment system,

document and record management system, government web hosting, and project tracking and management.

The DOST-ICT said some other projects outside the iGovPhil will also be implemented by the project managers such as the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), the National Payroll System, and the Human Resources Asset Management and Procurement.

“These project managers shall form part of the corps of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) who will be deployed in frontline government agencies managing vital eGovernment services,” the DOSTICT said.

According to DOST, the applicants should be college graduates and should have a minimum of three years of experience in managing medium- to large-scale ICT projects in the public or private sector.

Applicants must be willing to be assigned to government agencies other than the DOST- ICT Office.

For more details, visit the ICT Office website or call 9200101 local 1021, 3103 and 2611. ■ Elizabeth Marcelo / VS, GMA News / September 12, 2014 / 4:08 PM

PNoy urges allies to defend ‘gains of daang matuwid’ in ‘agenda-setting’ meeting MANILA – President Benigno Aquino III met his allies in what was billed as an “agenda-setting” dialogue on Friday and called on them to defend and banner the gains of his administration’s “tuwid na daan (straight path)” thrust.

“Let us remind the people of the gains of the tuwid na daan. I am sure you will not have a hard time convincing our people because the results of our reforms can easily be seen,” Aquino he said in his speech at the opening of the meeting.

“If there are those who doubt us, be the ones to explain to them. If there are people who spread lies against us, fight back with the truth,” he urged.

“Let us lead in bannering our gains, lest the tuwid na daan gets drowned in the political noise,” Aquino added.

Aquino lauded the attendance, saying: “Alam po ninyo, hindi madalas ang mga pangyayaring ganito na nagtitipon ang puwersa ng reporma sa loob ng iisang bulwagan (You know, instances like this are are when the forces of reform are gathered in one hall).”

He also boasted of his administration’s success in surmounting the major problems he inherited.

“Ang mga suliraning tila imposibleng

matugunan, hindi lang natin natugunan; nalampasan pa natin ang inaasahan (The problems that seemed impossible to address, we not only addressed; we exceeded expectations),” he said.

At the same time, Aquino once more took a swipe at critics, saying: “Natatawa lang tayo sa mga nagpapaulan ng batikos: Kung may alam silang magic, bakit po ‘di nila ipaalam sa atin nang makatulong sila (We laught at those who rain criticism on us: If they know of any magic, why dont they let us now so they can help)?”

‘Not me’. He also urged those at the meeting to”impress on the people that the straight path is the only way to achieving our dreams” and to work to ensure that whoever succeeds him in 2016 “will continue our straight path.”

At the same time, he said, “I hope it isn’t me,” referring to suggestions earlier floated by his allies and supporters to seek a second term.

Nevertheless, he continued to play with the idea, saying: “Some people have said it is my obligation to look for my successor and prepare him. There are some people who said that I should be the one to continue leading the country.

I cannot disregard the opinion of our people.”

“But perhaps the question should not be who should continue. Because there is no other answer to that question but that it should be all of us who would continue the reforms,” Aquino said.

Uninvited. “To those who are not here, perhaps they are opposed to the reforms we have initiated,” he said of those who had not been invited to the meeting.

Notably absent was Vice President Jejomar Binay, whose spokesman, Jonvic Remulla, said was not invited because the event was exclusively for “coalition partners.”

But Binay’s daughter, Mar-Len Abigail, who represents Makati and is a member of the majority coalition in the House, was present.

Marching orders. Aquino also issued several marching orders on current problems: On Energy - “We will ask both Houses of Congress to pass a joint resolution under Section 71 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act to give us the authority to contract additional generation capacity.

“We are doing all schemes to prevent brownouts. I have tasked Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla to ensure we are prepared, so that we can perhaps avoid the scenario of brownouts during the summer months next year.”

On Port Congestion - “I have tasked Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras to focus on this issue. We are aware that imports will go up as the Christmas period comes in.”

On the MRT - “I am one with you in wishing that we had solved this problem even before. But the past administration did not leave a plan, so we had to undertake our own study. I appeal to the public to understand that the upgrades will take time.”

In his speech, Aquino defended Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima, who is being urged to quit in the wake of the EDSA “hulidap” incident involving rogue policemen and, at the same time, lashed at media for “downplaying” the PNP’s gains against criminality.

“They want General Purisima to resign because there are scalawag cops. But tell me, is it only now that we have scalawag cops?” he said.

As for media, he said: “It is disappointing that when there is a crime, newspapers would headline the story. But when a crime is solved, our media do not give it attention. We will have to look for the very short story on Page 20.”

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

leads the members of the House from majority coalition members Liberal Party, Nationalist People’s Coalition, Nacionalista Party, National Unity Party, Centrist Democratic Party and some party-lists.

Senate President Franklin Drilon, in his speech, said the marching orders to members of the LP is to protect the gains initiated by Aquino in the last two years of his term.

“Our mission now is safeguard reforms which the President has painstakingly put in place so that neither force nor certain personalities can reverse this come 2016,” Drilon said in his speech aired over state-run Radyo ng Bayan on Friday.

“We will make sure the next leadership will continue our reforms,” Drilon added. ■ Dexter San Pedro and Lira Dalangin-Fernandez / InterAksyon.com / September 12, 2014 / 10:22 AM

20

www.hello-philippines.com

INTERNATIONAL / GLOBAL NEWS

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

UN begins food aid to Ukraine’s war-torn east GENEVA – The UN’s World Food Programme announced Friday the launch of its first food aid operation in Ukraine, saying it had begun distributing rations in the country’s conflict-torn east.

“In its first operation in Ukraine, the United Nations World Food Programme is rolling out food assistance for vulnerable people affected by the conflict, distributing food in transit centres and public shelters in Donetsk and Lugansk in East Ukraine,” WFP said in a statement.

The UN agency said it was responding to a request for assistance from the Ukraine government and that it aimed to help feed as many as 120,000 people over the next six months at a cost of $15 million.

“The fighting in the last few months primarily in the cities of Lugansk and Donetsk and surrounding areas has significantly disrupted access to food and basic services,” explained Carlo Scaramella, WFP deputy regional director in eastern Europe.

“While many have remained,

thousand of other families have fled their homes at short notice, often without anything even for the journey,” he said in the statement.

Since the beginning of September, WFP and its partners have already distributed 10,000 daily food rations, or enough to feed 2,000 people for five days, it said.

The organisation aims to rapidly increase its reach, and said it expects by the end of the month to be able to deliver 90,000 daily rations, or enough to feed 18,000 people for five days.

WFP said it was mainly helping people displaced from their homes suffering from serious medical conditions, along with pregnant women, nursing mothers, the elderly and large, vulnerable families.

More than 310,000 people have been internally displaced inside Ukraine since the conflict erupted in April, WFP said, citing official numbers from the UN refugee agency, and stressing that the actual number “may be at least double that”. ■ AFP /

September 12, 2014

Ukrainian residents in Lysychansk received food aid as part of a Russian-backed humanitarian aid mission.

Israel, not suicide, behind inmate’s death: Palestinians

US war planes to fly from Iraqi air base: Pentagon WASHINGTON - US combat aircraft will soon start flying out of a base in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq as part of a “more aggressive” air campaign against Islamic State jihadists, the Pentagon said Thursday.

The use of Arbil air base reflects the broadening US offensive against the IS militants, though attack helicopters already have been flying out of bases in Iraq.

Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby confirmed “armed and manned” US aircraft would fly from Arbil, capital of Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region, but declined to provide more details.

American fighter jets and other war planes bombing IS militants in Iraq previously have been flying out of bases and from aircraft carriers in the region outside Iraq.

The airfield in Arbil would allow fighter jets easier access to the battlefront, a defense official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Fighters have a shorter range than bombers or surveillance planes, and using a nearby base allows for more time over a target while reducing the need to frequently refuel, the official said.

The Pentagon did not say what type of “manned” aircraft were involved or how many aircraft will deploy to Arbil.

“There are still some decisions that have yet to be made on exact

sourcing solutions,” Kirby told reporters.

But he indicated that US bombing raids in Iraq—which started on August 8—would expand in support of Iraqi government and Kurdish forces battling the IS militants.

“The kind of support we’re going to be giving to Iraqi forces will be more aggressive from the air,” Kirby said, without providing details.

His comments came a day after President Barack Obama’s vow to wage a “relentless” war against IS in Iraq and Syria, under a plan that relies on US air power while arming and training local forces battling the jihadists.

Since August 8, US aircraft have carried out 156 bombing raids in Iraq, with most of the strikes targeting IS militants threatening Mosul dam.

American war planes went after IS fighters near the dam again on Wednesday and Thursday, destroying two machine gun emplacements and a bunker, according to US Central Command, which oversees American forces in the Middle East.

Obama’s strategy calls for more assistance for local forces in Iraq and “moderate” rebel fighters in Syria, with an additional 475 troops to serve as “advisers” to Iraqi troops or in support roles.

The additional troops, which will bring the total number of US forces in Iraq to 1,600, will start arriving in Iraq “next week,” Kirby said.

About 125 of the additional forces will include air crews and maintenance workers for aircraft operating out of Arbil, he said.

Unlike the US military’s war in Iraq from 2003 to 2011, the American troops now in the country are devoted to providing security for American diplomats or assisting Iraqi forces, officials said.

No soldier will be involved in combat missions, Kirby said.

“The level at which they will be providing advice and assistance is at the brigade or higher headquarters level,” Kirby said. “There’s no intention to have them to engage in combat, on foot patrols—that kind of thing.” ■ AFP / September 12, 2014

HEBRON (Palestinian Territories) - A Palestinian official said Thursday the results of an autopsy prove that a Palestinian prisoner Israel said had committed suicide actually died of a blow to the head.

“We deny it was suicide,” said Issa Qaraqe, head of the Palestinian committee for prisoners in a press conference on the fate of Raed Abdel Salam al-Jaabari, 35.

The Israel Prisons Service (IPS) had said Tuesday that Jaabari hanged himself in a bathroom at Eshel prison in southern Israel and died en route to hospital.

But Palestinian officials and Jaabari’s family rejected that claim and demanded an investigation.

Jaabari’s body was taken for autopsies by both Israel and the Palestinians, with Israel not yet

publishing its findings.

Speaking in the presence of Jaabari family members as well as the Hebron governor, Qaraqe said the central cause of death was “a strong blow to the head” that resulted in internal bleeding.

“We blame Israel,” he said, reiterating similar remarks he made prior to publishing the autopsy results, while warning of legal action against the Jewish state.

Israel has appointed a judge to investigate the death.

An Israeli official told AFP that Jaabari’s cellmate had told lawyers Thursday that Jaabari had indeed committed suicide.

IPS figures show that as of July 31 there were 5,383 Palestinians being held by Israel for security offences. ■

AFP / September 12, 2014

The village of Wadi Naam near the southern Israeli city of Beersheva in the Negev desert.

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

INTERNATIONAL / GLOBAL NEWS

www.hello-philippines.com

21

Three condemned to die for ‘China’s 9/11’ mass stabbing BEIJING - Three men were condemned to death Friday and a pregnant woman given life in prison for a mass stabbing that killed 31 people in China, a court said, an attack authorities blamed on separatists from largely Muslim Xinjiang.

The three men were convicted of “leading a terrorist group” which planned and carried out the attack, the Intermediate People’s Court in Kunming said in a statement.

The March 1 carnage at a train station in Kunming, in the southwestern province of Yunnan, also saw more than 140 people wounded and was dubbed “China’s 9/11” by state-run media.

Beijing blamed it on “separatists” from the resource-rich far western region of Xinjiang, where at least 200 have died in attacks and clashes between locals and security forces over the last year.

Four armed guards in helmets and dark clothing, and holding automatic weapons, were positioned inside the courtroom opposite the accused—the three men with their heads shaved— state broadcaster CCTV showed.

The suspects, whose names appear to identify them as members of the Uighur minority, wore prison clothes, and each had a separate dock, with two police officers sitting behind.

The woman, named as Patigul Tohti, took part in the attack along with at least

four other assailants whom police shot dead at the scene, prosecutors said, and she was convicted of “participating” in the group.

She had “carried out exceedingly serious criminal acts” the court said in the statement posted on its verified Sina Weibo microblog, but added: “She was already pregnant when taken into custody, so the death penalty is not legally appropriate.”

State prosecutors said three of the suspects—whose names were transliterated as Iskandar Ehet, Turgun Tohtunyaz and Hasayn Muhammad by the official news agency Xinhua— were arrested while attempting to cross China’s border, according to the court.

Militants from Xinjiang were accused of organising an explosive attack in the regional capital Urumqi which killed 31 people in May, and a suicide car crash in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square last year.

The Kunming mass knifing was the biggest-ever violent incident against civilians outside the region.

Authorities had previously given the toll as 29, but the change indicated that two of the wounded had later died of their injuries.

More than 300 members of the public were present in court, Xinhua said, including some victims and their relatives.

Weibo users welcomed the death sentences. “Even if she is pregnant, life

Chinese police stand guard outside the Kunming’s Intermediate Court in Yunnan province.

A child lays flowers at the scene of a terror attack at the main train station in Kunming.

Chinese police patrol the entrance to the Kunming’s Intermediate Court in Yunnan province.

in prison is too light a sentence,” one commenter wrote about Tohti. “She was able to slash so many people while carrying her own baby – scum.”

Death penalty. China’s courts have a near-100 percent conviction rate and the death penalty is regularly handed down in terrorism cases.

China last month announced the executions of eight people for “terrorist attacks”, including three it described as “masterminding” the car crash in Tiananmen Square. That came after 13 people were executed in June for attacks in Xinjiang.

In a statement Thursday, China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate urged prosecutors—particularly those in Xinjiang—to fast-track terror-related cases and “deliver exemplary penalties”.

The procuratorate “emphasised that these cases must be handled without discrimination and under the principle

of tempering justice with mercy”, according to Xinhua.

Xinjiang, a resource-rich region which abuts Central Asia, is home to several ethnic minorities with strong cultural ties to neighbouring states such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

Uighurs, who are mostly Muslim, are its largest ethnic group but many resent decades of immigration by China’s Han majority.

They say it has brought economic inequality and discrimination, as well as cultural repression such as a campaign to stop the Islamic practice of women covering their faces.

Dilxat Raxit, a spokesman for the World Uyghur Congress exile group, accused China’s government of “aggressive declarations and discriminative incitement” and said “Chinese people assist the armed forces to suppress Uighurs”.

As a result, “many Uighurs can not differ Chinese people from Chinese armed forces, they desperately believe they are all the same,” he told AFP in an email.

“China should take the responsibility for the incidents caused by their policies,” Raxit added.

China says it plays a positive role and has brought about development and improvements to health and living standards.

Beijing regularly accuses what it says are exiled Uighur separatist groups such as the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and the Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP) as being behind terrorism.

But overseas experts doubt the strength of the groups and their links to global terrorism, with some arguing China exaggerates the threat to justify tough security measures in Xinjiang. ■ AFP / September 12, 2014

22

www.hello-philippines.com

HEALTH and Lifestyle

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

Eye health tips for older people BECAUSE our eyesight changes as we get older, almost all of us will need to wear glasses or contact lenses by the time we’re 65.

If you have regular eye tests, wear the right lenses and look after your eyes, there’s a better chance your sight will remain clear.

Have regular eye tests. An eye test is not just good for checking whether your glasses are up to date. It’s also a vital check on the health of your eyes.

An eye test can pick up eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts, as well as general health problems, including diabetes and high blood pressure.

The good news is that if you’re 60 or over, you can have a free NHS eye test every two years. You can have a free test every year if you’re 70 or over.

However, a 2011 survey from Age UK showed that nearly 2 million people over 60 did not take advantage of free eye tests in the previous two years.

Helena Herklots, services director at Age UK, said: “It’s worrying that such a high number of older people have not had a sight test recently. Going for regular sight tests and wearing the right glasses will not only improve balance, co-ordination and mobility but will help to maintain general eye health.”

If you can’t leave your home because of illness or disability, you can have an NHS eye test at home. Contact your usual optician to find out if they can visit you at home. Otherwise, NHS England will have a list of opticians in your area that do home visits. Contact NHS England

on 0300 311 22 3 or emailengland. contactus@nhs.net 0845.

Wear the right lenses. An eye test will establish whether you need a different prescription for your glasses or contact lenses.

It’s important to wear the correct prescription lenses. This will improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of accidents such as falls.

According to Age UK’s research, poor vision was a factor in 270,000 falls in people over the age of 60 in the previous two years.

You may be entitled to help with the cost of NHS glasses or contact lenses, so ask your optician about this.

How to keep your eyes healthy. As well as having regular eye tests and wearing the correct glasses, you can do several things to keep your eyes as healthy as

Living with low vision NEARLY 2 million people in the UK are affected by low vision, but you can maximise poor eyesight if it’s dealt with properly.

Sonal Rughani is an optometrist and senior adviser at the RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People). She explains what low vision is, and how it can be managed properly.

What is low vision? Low vision is when a person’s sight can’t necessarily be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Low vision doesn’t develop just because of old age. Your vision can get worse as a result of cataracts, age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.

According to the RNIB, around 2 million people have significant sight loss in the UK. Very few people have complete ‘black’ blindness, so any residual vision (remaining eyesight) needs to be maximised. People often go to a clinic hoping that a pair of glasses will fix their vision, but this may not always be possible. Low vision is treated by maximising the patient’s eyesight beyond what glasses or contact lenses can achieve.

When should you visit the optician?

Any decline in your sight should be

possible: •Eat well. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is important for your eyes. Eating plenty of vegetables and fruit will benefit your overall health and may help protect against some conditions such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD, see below).

• Wear sunglasses. Strong sunlight can damage your eyes and may increase your risk of cataracts. Wear sunglasses or contact lenses with a built-in UV filter to protect your eyes from harmful rays.

• Quit smoking. Smoking can increase your chances of developing conditions such as cataracts and AMD. • Stay a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk of diabetes, which can lead to sight loss.

• Use good lighting. To see well, your eyes need three times as much

light when you’re 60 as they did when you were 20. Increase the daylight in your home by keeping windows clean and curtains pulled back. Make sure you have good electric lighting too, especially at the top and bottom of stairs so you can see the steps clearly. For reading or close work, use a direct light from a flexible table lamp, positioned so the light is not reflected by the page and causing glare.

• Exercise. Good circulation and oxygen intake are important for our eye health. Both of these are stimulated by regular exercise.

• Sleep well. As you sleep, your eyes are continuously lubricated and irritants, such as dust or smoke,that may have accumulated during the day are cleared out. Here are 10 tips to beat insomnia.

Eye problems as you get older. As you get older, you become more likely to get certain eye problems: • Difficulty reading. Eye muscles start to weaken from the age of 45. It’s a natural ageing process of the eye that happens to us all. By the time you’re 60, you’ll probably need separate reading glasses or an addition to your prescription lenses (bifocals or varifocals).

• Floaters. These tiny specks or spots that float across your vision are normally harmless. If they persist, see an optician as they may be a sign of an underlying health condition.

• Cataracts. Easily detected in an eye test, this gradual clouding of the eye’s lens is extremely common in over-60s.

A simple operation can restore sight.

• Glaucoma. This is related to an increase in pressure in the eye that leads to damage of the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain.

Left untreated, glaucoma leads to tunnel vision and, ultimately, blindness.

However, if it’s detected early enough, these complications can usually be avoided with eye drops.

• Macular degeneration. This is a disease of the retina caused by ageing.

The retina is the nerve tissue lining the back of your eye. There are two types of macular degeneration. The first type, called dry macular degeneration, gets worse very slowly. The other type gets worse very quickly. This needs to be seen as an emergency in a hospital eye unit for prompt treatment. ■ NHS Choices

What is a low-vision aid? During a lowvision assessment, your optometrist will try different magnifiers to see what works for you. For example, they will work out if you need help for sewing, reading music, doing a crossword or reading the headlines in a newspaper.

This certificate documents your eye condition and the extent of your vision loss. It will also state whether you need additional support, for example, because you are living alone.

After you and your doctor sign the form, copies of it will be sent to you, your GP, social services and the National Census. One copy will also be kept in your medical records.

Social services can then register you before getting in touch to offer support.

The benefits of registering as partially sighted may include a 50% reduction on your TV licence fee and an extra personal tax allowance.

What can the RNIB do? The RNIB can support you in lots of different ways. These include offering advice about your eye condition, advice about daily living skills, and information about welfare rights and benefits. The charity also has information about leisure activities, holidays, befriending services and emotional support services, as well as advice on low-vision aids and where you can get them.

The RNIB’s helpline number is 0303 123 9999. Calls cost no more than a standard rate call to an 01 or 02 number.

If you need to speak to someone in a language other than English, there are 80 languages available. ■ NHS Choices

checked by an optician. Signs that you need to seek help include: It’s important not to simply wait for these signs to appear. They’re not just a part of getting older, they’re telling you that something is wrong.

Everyone should visit their optician every two years. Lots of people are entitled to free eye tests, so find out if you’re eligible for free eye care.

What NHS support is available for low vision? A visit to your optician is a good place to start. If a problem is detected, you’ll be referred to the hospital to see an ophthalmologist (eye doctor). Your GP will be kept informed, and will give you extra support and advice if you need it.

If the eye doctor finds that your vision can’t be improved by medical or surgical treatment, you may be referred to a low-vision clinic. At the clinic, an optometrist can advise you about lighting and low-vision aids. They will also assess you to see if you are eligible to be certified as partially sighted or blind.

Being told you can’t see (and that glasses or surgery can’t improve your vision) can be a shock. It can be difficult to get used to that level of sight loss, but support is available from your clinic, GP and organisations like the RNIB.

How do I become registered as partially sighted? If your vision can’t be improved beyond a certain point, you can register as partially sighted or blind. Your eye doctor will fill out a certificate for you. In England and Wales this is called a Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI). In Scotland it’s called a BP1, while in Northern Ireland it’s an AP655.

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

HEALTH and Lifestyle food

www.hello-philippines.com

23

‘Planning our meals was key to saving’ ROB Finch thought he was running a pretty tight ship until he did the Eat4Cheap challenge and shaved nearly 20% off the family’s weekly shopping bill.

Eat4Cheap is more than just a money-saving challenge, it’s an attempt to demonstrate that eating healthily is cheaper than you think.

The week-long challenge was an opportunity for Rob and wife Lisa to review their eating habits to see where they could improve their diet.

Adding to the challenge of eating healthily as a family was planning their meals around the comings and goings of their five-year-old daughter, Tilly.

The keys to saving money in the Finch household were writing a weekly meal plan, cooking from scratch, eating

less meat, buying cheaper cuts of meat and eating leftovers for lunch.

From an average weekly spend of about £130, the family managed to reduce their shopping bill to £106, “without making too many sacrifices” says Rob. “We were never hungry and we never felt like we were particularly compromising,” he says.

Sitting down to plan their meals for a whole week was an opportunity for the couple to delve into their ample collection of cookery books that had been gathering dust on a kitchen shelf.

“We have our favourite meals that we tend to stick to week in week out, which means we don’t get as much variety as we could,” says Rob. “The planning prompted us to flick

through recipe books we don’t normally look at and try something new.

“We made sure that all the ingredients we bought would be used in the meals we planned to cook so there was no waste, which also saves money.”

‘Unhealthy habits’. Comparing their regular shopping list with their Eat4Cheap list revealed some unhealthy habits that Rob had not fully appreciated until then.

“We realised how much salty and sugary food we were eating,” he says.

“Also, we ate a lot of biscuits, didn’t drink enough water and we had a slab of meat every evening.

“It’s not uncommon for us to use up 500g of minced beef in a spaghetti bolognese for the three of us. Do we

really need to eat that much meat?

Probably not.”

Instead of the usual ready-cut beef chunks, the couple opted for a 375g shin of beef for £2.35, which they used in a stew with vegetables, such as mushrooms, and suet dumplings.

A cheaper cut of beef, shin tends to be tough and sinewy and is ideal for stewing so the connective tissue melts during cooking, adding extra flavour and richness.

“We were worried the shin wouldn’t stretch far enough to feed three,” says Rob. “But with all the veg and the dumplings, there was more than enough for dinner and lunch the next day.”

Sunday roast was chicken but instead of piling the plate with meat, the couple used the advice on the eatwell plate and added an extra portion of veg.

Rob says: “This meant we had plenty of chicken left over for sandwiches in the week, to be added to pasta sauce and for a chicken and leek pie.”

One of the healthiest changes the family made during the challenge, which also saved money, was the switch from crumpets and branded breakfast cereals to porridge with blueberries.

“Porridge is simple to make and ridiculously cheap compared to most breakfast cereals,” says Rob. Adding fruit to their porridge was an easy way of increasing their fruit and vegetable intake to meet the recommended target of at least 5 A DAY. “We’d have two or three portions of vegetables at dinner time and we

generally had fruit for dessert and as a snack,” says Rob. For the last few months the couple have been paying for a weekly delivery of a fruit and veg box, which has helped them get their 5 A DAY on most days.

“The fruit and veg box isn’t cheap but it has really made a difference to the amount of fruit and veg we eat each week. To compensate for the extra cost, we now buy less meat.”

For the Finch household, the Eat4Cheap challenge was less about how much they could save and more about how they could add more variety to their diet to make it more balanced.

“We were eating the same things over and over again,” says Rob. “This was an opportunity to review our eating habits and see where we could make improvements.

“We thought it would be hard to save any more than we already did on our food shop, but to save 20% far exceeded our expectations.”

Dietitian Azmina Govindji says: “One of the nicest observations here is Rob’s comment that they ‘were never hungry’. Often people feel spending less on food means eating less and consequently going hungry, but that needn’t be the case.

“Flicking through their old recipe books in search of creative ideas meant that they were having more variety, which helps them get a wider range of nutrients. They’ve cut down on meat and invested in fruit and veg boxes – a convenient way to eat better.” ■ NHS Choices

“We would easily spend £30 on a takeaway,” says Tori. “We always ordered too much and any leftovers would be munched on the next day as a snack instead of a main meal.

“We found that by being sensible and not over-ordering, cutting out extras such as poppadoms and naan bread, and making rice at home, we could easily save money while still enjoying a treat.”

The couple’s aim during the Eat4Cheap challenge was to try to save 25% on their weekly food spend. After doing their sums at the end of the week, they had more than exceeded their target.

“We set out to save 25% but we actually saved 40%,” says Tori. “It just goes to show how much you can save with a bit of planning.

“We didn’t feel like we were making sacrifices or cutting down on taste. We were eating homemade and healthier food while still enjoying the occasional treat.

“It had been a shock to realise we were

spending £500 a month on food, and that’s not counting special occasions like birthday meals or Christmas.

“Despite the extra challenge of making sure we ate a balanced diet and 5 A DAY, we could still save £200 a month on food if we stuck to the eat4cheap principles.”

Dietitian Azmina Govindji says: “We often don’t realise how much we spend on buying lunch, as it’s usually just a habit that we don’t question. Tori discovered that her home-prepared lunch made from leftovers cost her about a third of her standard bought lunch – that can amount to big savings over a month.

“Cutting out the extra accompaniments from her weekly takeaway is a sensible tip, especially since those side dishes can often be high in fat and calories.

“The Eat4Cheap challenge seems to have helped Tori to eat more fruit and veg, proving it needn’t be more expensive to eat healthily; it just requires more careful planning.” ■ NHS Choices

‘We saved money and still got our 5 A DAY’ A seven-day meal plan and eating leftovers for lunch helped Tori Hunt and husband Ron cut their weekly shopping bill by 40% while still managing to eat more fruit and vegetables.

The couple, from south London, reduced their spending on food from an average of £115 a week to £70, meaning that each meal came to about £1.66 per person.

They were taking part in the NHS Choices Eat4Cheap challenge, which aims to show that eating healthily doesn’t have to cost more – in fact you can even save money.

Tori says despite cutting costs, they managed to have a healthy balanced diet as shown by the eatwell plate and eat five portions of fruit and veg every day of the week.

The savings were achieved mainly by sticking to a weekly meal plan, opting for value products, eating leftovers for lunch and buying fresh fruit and veg at a street market.

There was still plenty of scope for treats and Tori got creative by making a “cookies and cream”-style dessert with home-baked choc chip cookies and an 89p, 2 litre tub of vanilla ice-cream.

“It’s all in the planning,” says Tori.

“We realised that buying food from convenience stores and going out for lunch was the biggest drain on our food budget.”

For their Eat4Cheap week, Tori and Ron drew up a list of meals to cover lunch and dinner for seven days and wrote down a shopping list of ingredients.

“We did our main weekly shop at a big supermarket and I bought fresh fruit and vegetables during the week at a street market near my office, which was a lot cheaper,” says Tori.

“Having a shopping list makes it easier to stick to your budget. Every item we bought got used, which is cost effective and reduces waste.

“Typically, we used to do a big supermarket shop once a month and buy a lot of food. Not all of it got used. We’d forget about what we had in and we’d end up wasting food.”

More expensive. The couple would also top up their monthly shop with trips to a mini-supermarket, which tend to be more expensive than the larger supermarkets.

“We found that doing a weekly shop made it easier for us to keep control of costs and reduce the amount of waste,” says Tori.

During their Eat4Cheap week, they cooked larger portions for dinner, which would leave them enough to have for lunch at work the next day.

“Buying lunch at my work canteen would typically come to about £5, whereas by eating leftovers for lunch, we had effectively reduced the cost of each meal

to £1.66,” says Tori.

Breakfast in Eat4Cheap week generally comprised of a fruit smoothie and some whole fruit, which helped them to meet their5 A DAY target every day of the week.

“We increased our portions of fruit and veg from an average of three portions a day to five, which was very satisfying,” says Tori.

“Before doing the challenge, we thought we were getting our 5 A DAY but we were well short. That was an eyeopener. Getting your 5 A DAY isn’t hard but it does require a little planning.”

By sticking to the advice of the eatwell plate, which shows how to get the correct balance between different food groups to achieve a healthy diet, Tori says they cut down on fat.

“Our dinner plate had much more vegetables on it than usual and red meat was no longer the main feature,” she says.

The couple chose value items almost exclusively, such as tinned tomatoes, rice, baked beans and minced beef, and said they “didn’t notice any difference in taste”.

“We made a chilli from two 500g packs of value minced beef, which cost only £2.92, and that provided us with three meals during the week,” says Tori.

The couple also applied some moneysaving savvy to their customary end of week takeaway treat from their local curry house and saved £10.

&

www.hello-philippines.com

24

Scoop

ENTERTAINMENT CELEBRITY

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

Japan Prize Finalists: Titser and Reel Time

GMA News TV makes it to the finals of the prestigious Japan Prize with two of its programs – the original series Titser and the documentary program Reel Time. Titser and Reel Time are the only finalists from the Philippines.

The Japan Prize was established in 1965 by the NHK as an International Educational Program Contest with the aim of improving the quality of educational programs around the world. This year, Japan Prize received 320 entries from 62 different countries.

Titser is one of 7 finalists chosen under the Creative Frontier Category and is a candidate for a special award, the Maeda Prize (for excellent work dealing with issues in a producer’s country or region) while Reel Time’s “Nibulaysir” documentary is also a candidate for the Maeda Prize.

Titser is a dramatic series about a high school valedictorian from a poor barrio school (played by GMA actress Lovi Poe) who dreams of becoming a teacher but whose only option after graduation is to work as a housemaid.

The series also discusses Philippine educational issues: lack of books and chairs and classrooms, corruption in the procurement process of schools and how majority of the population has only reached a high school level – or less – of education.

Reel Time’s Nibulaysir episode documents the fascinating story of 25year old Maribel, who decides to enroll in Grade 1 upon being called ignorant by her 7-year old daughter. She ends up as a classmate of her own daughter.

Through Maribel’s experiences, the program presents a vivid picture of how basic literacy can change a person’s life.

Titser previously aired on GMA Pinoy TV, the flagship international channel of GMA. Meanwhile, Reel Time airs worldwide on GMA News TV International.

Learn more about GMA’s programs and international events through the website, www.gmanetwork.com/ international, Facebook page, www. facebook.com/GMAPinoyTV and follow GMA Pinoy TV on Twitter and Instagram via @gmapinoytv. ■ Lovi Poe with a co-star in Titser.

GMA Network awakens dreamer inside us via ‘Strawberry Lane’ BEGINNING September 16, GMA Network will give new life to every viewers’ hopes and dreams in its newest family drama, Strawberry Lane.

Following the success of the toprating primetime series, Niño, GMA Network brings another top of the line drama series featuring an original and heartwarming story of four girls, who remain optimistic in the midst of life’s challenges.

Chanda Romero

Christian Bautista

Rita de Guzman

Sheryl Cruz

Kim Rodriguez

TJ Trinidad

Sunshine Dizon

Bea Binene

Joyce Ching

Joanna Marie Tan

Jake Vargas and Bea Binene

This newest primetime series brings together some of the brightest Kapuso stars in the industry and marks Bea Binene and Jake Vargas’ love team’s reunion on Philippine TV. Bea Binene as Clarissa will be joined by Kapuso Network’s talented teen actresses Kim Rodriguez, Joyce Ching, Joanna Marie Tan, and Rita De Guzmanwho are set to breathe life to the endearing characters of Jack, Dorine, Lupe, and Lavinia, respectively.

Also joining the cast are promising Kapuso teen stars Kiko Estrada, Jeric Gonzales, and Jake Vargas.

Sunshine Dizon, Christian Bautista, TJ Trinidad, Ms. Chanda Romero, and Sheryl Cruz meanwhile play equally important roles in the newest primetime series.

The story revolves around the lives of Clarissa, Jack, Dorine, and Lupe who are accused of juvenile delinquency.

Fate brings them together at Angel’s Haven, a reformation center for girls, with Ms. Digna (Chanda Romero) as the strict head.

Despite having different personalities, these four girls share the same hope of fulfilling their dreams. In Strawberry Lane, Lane their favorite place in Angel’s Haven, they find purpose in finding a new beginning.

Dorine (Joyce Ching) is a softspoken girl who is weak in nature. At a very young age, she is separated from her parents Jonathan (TJ Trinidad) and Elaine (Sunshine Dizon) due to a saddening incident.

Elaine’s sister Monique (Sheryl Cruz) is pleased when this happened because she hates Elaine and promises to make her life miserable. Their younger brother Richard (Christian Bautista) will do everything to restore

harmony in their family.

Dorine grows up to become a housemaid and will eventually be accused of committing theft, leading her to Angel’s Haven.

Bea’s character, Clarissa, was raised by her adoptive mother. To make ends meet, she will resort to stealing. Her heart’s greatest desire is to meet her father in the belief that her biological mother already died. She will eventually meet Gabo (Jake Vargas) who will become her guy best friend and will secretly fall in love with her.

Meanwhile, Jack (Kim Rodriguez) is a boyish girl who is accused of arson in the factory where she is working. She does not believe in the idea of romantic love. But her world will turn upside down when she meets Paulino (Kiko Estrada), the boyfriend of Monique’s daughter Lavinia (Rita De Guzman).

Lupe (Joanna Marie Tan) is the most ambitious among the four girls.

Her dream is to be rich, believing that money is the most important thing.

Despite her selfishness, her three friends will still accept her for who she is.

Together, these four girls will inspire each other to pursue their dreams and to remain hopeful no matter what life has in store for them. Witness how their lives eventually turn out to be intertwined as the story progresses.

Don’t miss the much-anticipated premiere of Strawberry Lane on GMA Pinoy TV, GMA’s flagship international channel. Learn more about the program through the website, www. gmanet work.com /international, Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ GMAPinoyTV and follow GMA Pinoy TV on Twitter and Instagram via @ gmapinoytv. ■

Scoop & Dating sexy star na si Katya Santos, September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

www.hello-philippines.com

ENTERTAINMENT CELEBRITY

25

pinangarap noon na maging madre APAT-NA-TAONG-GULANG lang nang unang nasilayan sa mga television commercial ang isa sa mga sikat na miyembro ng Viva Hot babes noon na si Katrina Santos, na mas nakilala bilang si Katya Santos.

Sa isang episode kamakailan ng GMA’s Tunay na Buhay kung saan host si Rhea Santos, sinabing lumalaki pa lamang noon si Katya ay nakikita na ng mga magulang nito ang kaniyang potensiyal na maging artista.

Kwento ng ina ni Katya na si Gng. Marichu Santos, “Nung maliit pa lang siya, napapansin na siya ng father niya, na after niya maligo, ganyan, hindi siya makababa nang hindi siya nagli-lipstick, lagi siyang nakaharap sa mirror. Umaarte-arte siya, kumakanta-kanta rin siya. So naisipan ng father niya na bakit hindi na lang daw na bakit hinid na lang daw namin siya ipasok sa mga audition.”

Nagsilbing unang break sa showbiz ng aktres ang mapabilang sa kiddie gag show na Ang TV noong 1993.

Bukod dito, gumanap din si Katya bilang isang kontrabida sa soap opera na Anna Karenina noong 15-taong-gulang na siya.

Matapos ang ilang taon sa showbiz, itinuon ni Katya ang kanyang atensiyon

sa pag-aaral, hanggang sa matapos niya ang kursong Business Management noong 2003.

Binalak ng aktres na tumigil nang tuluyan sa pag-aartista pero hindi niya ito nagawa matapos dumating ang alok na tuluyang nagpabago sa kaniyang showbiz career.

From child star to sexy actress. Taong 2003 nang ilabas ang launching movie ni Katya na pinamagatang Sukdulan, kung saan ipinakilala siya sa sambayanan bilang isang ganap na sexy star. Tumabo ito sa takilya ng halos ₱6 milyon sa unang araw pa lamang.

“At first, medyo kabado pa rin ako, motivation ko na ‘Eto na ‘to eh. This is it.

Gagawin ko ‘to. This is fame. Eto yung launching ko. I have to be great in this movie. Kailangan matalo ko yung mga pelikula bago ito,” ani Katya.

Dahil sa mainit na pagtanggap sa kaniya ng mga manonood, nasundan pa ito ng ilan pang pelikula gaya ng Sex Drive, Keka at Boso.

Ayon kay Katya, hindi niya nilimitahan ang sarili noon.

“Wala akong limitasyon noon. That’s how palaban I am that time,” giit ng aktres.

Naging isa sa mga orihinal na miyembro ng all-female sexy group

na Viva Hot Babes si Katya, kung saan nagpasikat sila ng mga kanta tulad ng “Bulaklak,” “Basketbol” at “Kikay.”

Bumida rin sila sa mga pelikula gaya ng Masamang Ugat, Ilusyon at Torotot.

Gayunpaman, inamin ni Katya na hindi maiiwasan na magkaroon ng alitan sa kanilang grupo.

“Kompetisyon sa mga babae. Normal, may mga magkakaaway, may mga nagpapa-primadonna, may mga nagiinarte,” pagbahagi niya.

Pero sa kabila ng lahat, nananatili naman daw matatag ang kanilang pagkakaibigan sa grupo. Katunayan, kasa-kasama niya ngayon sa pagre-relax at pagsasagawa ng “mommy duties” ang dating ka-grupo na si Maui Taylor, isa na ring ina ngayon.

Masaya man ang naging takbo ng career ni Katya, hindi pa rin maiiwasan ang mga panghuhusga sa pagiging sexy actress niya.

Aniya, “Hindi natin maiiwasan talaga yung stereotype. ‘Ay bold star yan.’

Syempre masakit din sa amin kasi for us, hindi naman ganun yung title. I mean, maybe naghubad kami, but we’re still actresses.”

Sa isang bahagi ng panayam, inilahad din ni Katya na minsan niyang pinangarap

na maging madre.

Aniya, “Pangarap kong maging isang madre, kasi yun ang lagi kong napapanood sa TV tsaka nakikita ko sa simbahan.”

Graduate

na

sa

pagpapa-sexy.

Sampung taon matapos makilala bilang isang sexy actress, larawan na ngayon si Katya Santos ng isang ganap na ina at maybahay.

Noong nakaraang taon, ikinasal ang aktres sa non-showbiz boyfriend nito na si Antonio delos Reyes.

Nang taon ding iyon, isinilang ni Katya ang panganay na anak na si Tala Marie.

Nang tanungin ang pakiramdam ng pagiging isang ina, ani Katya, “It’s very rewarding. Everyday, I am so excited to wake up seeing my daughter with me. Masasabi ko na mas nagkaroon ng direksyon ang buhay ko nung nagkaanak ako.”

Sa mga proyekto sa telebisyon, gumaganap na rin siya bilang isang ina, kagaya na lamang sa remake ng teleseryeng Villa Quintana.

Inaasikaso rin ni Katya ang negosyo ng kanilang pamilya na na isang family water station.

Naglalaan pa rin naman daw si Katya ng oras para sa sarili. Lumalabas pa rin sila ng mga kaibigan at dating ka-grupo mula sa Viva Hot Babes.

Marami man ang nagulat sa tinahak niyang landas sa showbiz, wala umanong pinagsisisihan si Katya dahil kinapulutan niya ito ng mga aral at karanasan na siyang humubog sa kung sino at anoman siya ngayon Payo niya, “Take it easy. Siguro malaking factor na hindi ako nakapagasawa agad at inuna ko yung pag-aaral ko at nakapagtrabaho ako, nakapag-ipon ako. Sinunod ko yung payo ng aking mga magulang and naging madasalin (ako). Every decision I make, talagang ipinagpapasa-Diyos ko palagi.”

Nang tanungin kung papaano kung dumating na ang panahon at magshowbiz din ang kaniyang anak tahakin din ang pagpapa-sexy, tugon ni Katya, “Siguro papayagan ko siya, at the right age. ‘Pag natapos rin niya ang pag-aaral niya katulad ng ginawa ko.” ■ Bianca Rose Dabu / FRJ, GMA News / September 10, 2014 / 11:27 PM

26

www.hello-philippines.com

&

Scoop

ENTERTAINMENT CELEBRITY

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

‘Metro Manila’ to represent UK in Cine Europa fest SEAN Ellis’ acclaimed heist drama set amid the impoverished backdrop of the Philippine capital will represent the United Kingdom in the kickoff screenings of this year’s Cine Europa film festival scheduled from September 11 to 21 at the Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City.

Produced by Ellis himself together with fellow Brit Mathilde Charpentier and Filipinos Enrique Y. Gonzalez and Celine Lopez, the film has been honored by several award-giving bodies and international film festivals since it premiered last year at Sundance.

Spoken in Tagalog throughout the film, “Metro Manila” also featured an

all-Filipino cast led by Jake Macapagal, Althea Vega and John Arcilla.

The story of a down-and-out man who resorts to desperate measures to provide a better life for his wife and children, “Metro Manila” ties in perfectly with Cine Europa’s focus on the essence of family as this year’s unifying theme.

Among the other 22 noteworthy and equally acclaimed films to be screened in the festival are Denmark’s “The Hunt”, the 2014 Oscar nominee for Best Foreign Language Film about how one small lie changed a man’s life; Italy’s “Easy”, a comedy about a melancholy professor who

discovers that the rebellious teenager he’s tutoring is actually his son; and Romania’s “The Godmother” which highlights an American mother and wife in Bucharest who discovers that her husband is laundering money for a local mobster.

Other films in the line-up are Austria’s “Two-Seater Rocket”, Belgium’s “Everybody Famous”, Bulgaria’s “Journey to Jerusalem”, Czech Republic’s “Identity Card”, France’s “Chinese Puzzle”, Germany’s “Broken Glass Park” and “Home from Home”, Hungary’s “Thorn Castle”, Italy’s “A Second Childhood”, the Netherlands’ “Bon Voyage” and “Mister

Althea Vega and Jake Macapagal in a scene from ‘Metro Manila’.

Twister-Class of Fun”, Norway’s “Vegas”, Romania’s “Child Pose”, Slovakia’s “Love”, Spain’s “A Gun in Each Hand” and “The Missing Link”, Sweden’s “Ice Dragon”, Switzerland and France’s “Planet Ocean” and Switzerland’s “Sister”.

Three Filipino films will also be screened during the festival.

Scheduled are “Magnifico” and “Ang

Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros” on September 12, and “Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan” on September 20.

For more information, visit the Shangri-La Plaza’s official Facebook page at www.facebook. com/shangrilaplazaofficialfanpage.

Follow Shang on Instagram: @ shangrilaplazaofficial. ■ Edwin P. Sallan / InterAksyon.com / September 10, 2014 / 11:11 PM

Alden Richards transforms to play Jose Rizal in ‘Ilustrado’

Before

After

AFTER gaining popularity as heartthrob because of mestizo good looks, Alden Richards underwent a transformation to take on the role of his life: playing national hero Dr. Jose Rizal in his latest project “Ilustrado.”

The photo taken by Bochic Estrada of GMANetwork.com showed just how much Alden’s look has changed for the role.

In an interview with Michelle Caligan of GMANetwork.com, Alden said the role required more than just a physical change, “Excited ako for this project and I’ve never been so hands-on in any of my

projects, ngayon lang for Ilustrado. Kung nag-e-effort ako before sa soaps ko, doble effort for this,” he said.

Alden watched films on the national hero and underwent intense workshops with co-star Kylie Padilla to prepare for the role.

“The production team gave me a few pointers kung ano ang puwede kong pag-aralan. Binigyan nila ako ng CDs, ng documentaries about Rizal, movies before like Cesar Montano’s Jose Rizal. Pinanood ko ‘yun. I did a lot of workshops with Kylie, with our director, with my acting coach.

Andami eh, it’s very different from doing a

soap na you’re going to create your own character.”

Alden said the role is different from any role he has had in the past.

“The difference between Ilustrado and other soaps or primetime teleserye is kapag soap, you create something different, you create on your own. In doing this bayani serye, mayroong basis from history. You create it in line with what was listed in history. Hindi puwedeng ikaw lang ‘to kasi Jose Rizal ‘to eh. It’s still 70 percent Jose Rizal, 30 percent of Alden.” ■ JST, GMA News / September 8, 2014 / 10:28 PM

Thea Tolentino, na-insecure ba kay Barbie Forteza?

SA ginanap na The Half Sisters live chat noong September 2, lakas loob na inamin ni Thea Tolentino kay Barbie Forteza na insecure siya sa Afternoon Prime soap co-star noon.

Nag-umpisa ito nang may chatter na nagtanong kay Thea kung nagkaroon ba ng time na naging insecure siya sa ibang Kapuso girls.

“Oo, kay Barbie,” sagot ni Thea sa chatter.

Hindi sa The Half Sisters unang nagkatrabaho sina Barbie at Thea.

Bago pa ito ay nagkasama na sila sa successful remake ng Anna KarenNina last year. Dito pala nangyari ang pagiging insecure ni Thea sa co-star.

“Insecure [ako] sa inyo nila Joyce [Ching] noong Anna KarenNina kasi sobrang nahihiya ako noon,” saad ni Thea.

Depensa naman ni Barbie, lagi raw nilang nilalapitan si Thea noong mga unang araw ng taping niya. Bandang huli na lang din kasi pumasok ang character ni Thea sa show kaya’t na-feel niyang hindi na siya belong sa grupo.

“Actually pinapakiramdaman ka naming tatlo nina Krystal [Reyes] at Joyce. Kasi ‘di ba noong unang taping mo, gabi ‘yon naalala ko. Super kuwento, super ganyan. Sinasama ka pa naming mag-tooth brush. Tapos hanggang sa mga sumunod na taping, parang hindi ka na nakikisama sa ‘min,” bahagi ni Barbie.

Dagdag pa ni Barbie, “So akala namin, nag-iisip kami, mayroon ba tayong nasabing hindi tama? Mayroon ba tayong nagawa? Masyado ba tayong naging wild? Masyado ba siyang naculture shock sa ‘tin?”

Inamin naman ni Thea na totoo ngang na-culture shock siya sa tatlong bida ng show na sina Barbie, Krystal

at Joyce. Masyado kasi silang close sa isa’t-isa kaya’t na-a-out of place si Thea. “‘Yung feeling ko noon, nahirapan akong makipag-usap. Parang hindi ako maka-enter,” pahayag ni Thea.

Ayon naman kay Barbie, natural sa kanilang tatlo ang pagiging madaldal.

Sa katunayan nga raw ay goal nila ni Joyce noon na gawing maingay si Krystal tulad nilang dalawa. Mag-best friends na kasi sila bago pa ang Anna KarenNina.

Ani Barbie, “Sa ‘yo kami nahirapan.

Pero kasi hindi ka na rin namin nakasama nang matagal. Siguro kung nagtagal-tagal ka roon, magiging close rin tayo agad. Kaya lang kasi ‘di ba nagkaroon ka na ng Pyra [Babaeng Apoy] kaya umalis ka na rin.”

Nagtataka nga rin daw si Thea dahil kung kailan tapos na ang show, saka sila nagkaroon ng time na magbonding. “Actually pagkatapos ng Anna KarenNina tapos nakakasama ko na kayo sa ibang shows like sa SAS [Sunday All Stars], parang doon ko kayo mas nakausap nang maayos.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit. (laughs),” saad ni Thea.

“Siguro nakainom kami ng pampakalma noon,” pabirong sagot ni Barbie. ■ Al Kendrick Noguera and Elisa Aquino /

GMANetwork.com / September 11, 2014 / 3:24 PM

Enzo Pineda, sinagot ang intrigang kumukuwestiyon sa kaniyang pagkalalaki

KAHIT ilang relationship issues na ang pinagdaanan ni Enzo Pineda patungkol sa kanila ng ex-girlfriend na si Louise delos Reyes at ang kanyang special non-showbiz girl, hindi pa rin nawawala ang mga intriga patungkol sa sexual preference ng aktor.

Kahit na umiikot ang gay rumors, matapang na sinagot ni Enzo na kaya niyang gumanap ng isang gay role. Aniya, “Para sa akin, for me I would accept. Kasi it’s part of being an actor. Para sa akin ang guy na actor magaling mag-portray ng gay”.

Sa usaping kissing scene, mukhang hindi pa sigurado ang aktor kung kaya niya ito.

“Tingnan natin,” maikling pahayag ni Enzo.

Ipinahayag ng StarStruck alumnus na hindi siya nababahala kahit maraming naghihinala sa kanyang kasarian.

Saad ni Enzo, “Hindi naman ako bothered kasi I know myself. Wala naman akong kailangang patunayan”.

Ibinigay rin ni Enzo ang mga posibleng dahilan kung bakit patuloy na nagsi-circulate ang gay rumors.

“Siguro people see me as someone nice, prim and proper, refined. So they would think it’s too girly or not manly.

Pero para sa akin kasi ganito naman ako pinalaki,” paliwanag ng aktor.

“Para sa akin, I just do whatever I want to do,” pagtatapos ni Enzo. ■ Ann Charmaine Aquino and Bochic Estrada / GMANetwork. com / September 11, 2014 / 7:36 PM

ADVERTISE WITH MIKE McCARTHY

TEL. NO.: +44 (0) 1708 550 398 E-MAIL: mmccarthy@mshareltd.com MOBILE NO: +44 (0) 7538 201 870 E-MAIL: enquiries@hello-philippines.com WEBSITE:

www.hello-philippines.com

&

Scoop ‘Norte’ actor Sid Lucero appreciates Lav Diaz’s collaborative approach 28

www.hello-philippines.com

WITH lengthy films that often feel like an eternity of storytelling, not a few people have wondered how Lav Diaz manages to put his best known works together. What exactly is the method to the mercurial filmmaker’s genius, as his fans would like to refer to his body of work?

As it turns out, Direk Lav does not work in a vacuum. At least “Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan” was a collaborative effort between the filmmaker and his actors.

“The way he directs you is he makes you feel like, you can do everything you want, anything you want, as long as it’s the point that he wants to come out. You know the scary thing is, he gives you so much freedom that you start doubting yourself,” Sid Lucero, who plays the film’s lead character, Fabian, recalled in a recent interview with InterAksyon columnist Jessica Zafra.

After literally getting away with murder when an innocent man is convicted for his own crime, Fabian himself becomes a prisoner of his

ENTERTAINMENT CELEBRITY

own tormented conscience. Like his character, Lucero admitted without further elaborating that there are at least two scenes in the film that gave him nightmares.

In one scene that kept repeating in his head, the actor admitted some hesitation in executing his own idea only to be told

by Diaz that he should have followed his instinct.

“After the cut I was like, ‘Direk, what are you asking for ba? I really wanted to do this.’ And then he was like, ‘Bakit di mo ginawa?’ Then you feel like an idiot.

(Laughs) Feeling ko nga—Ugh, I want to do it again!,” he confessed.

“Norte” was the second time Lucero worked with Diaz. The first was “Heremias: Unang Aklat-Ang Alamat ng Prinsesang Bayawak” that was shot way back in 2006.

“Compared to ‘Norte’, ‘Heremias’ for me was scarier, because it was my first movie and it felt like a play, the way he shot it. Tapos I wasn’t comfortable with myself but I wasn’t really there to notice his style,” he recalled.

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

Sid Lucero as Fabian in a scene from ‘Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan’.

Actor Sid Lucero is all smiles on the set of ‘Norte’, in stark contrast to his role as Fabian, a brooding, murderous law student.

He does now. According to Lucero, another of Direk Lav’s trademark work habits is that he doesn’t really follow his own scripts to the letter.

“It’s very Lav. He changes the script according to what he gets from his cast. That’s what I love about him. I feel

that’s his genius. He’ll make you read the script with a disclaimer saying, ‘This is basically how it goes, but let’s just be open to whatever’. Instead of asking questions, he just makes kuwento. He made this history as if it was his own history,” he noted.

As for his own personal interpretation of Fabian which had the blessings of his director, Lucero said it wasn’t really that hard for him to play an unsavory role.

“I try not to think about what I’m doing when I’m doing a movie. Fabian kind of reminded me of my friend. Ganun siya, sabog lang siya sa knowledge.”

He does, however, rely on feedback to know if his performance is spot-on or at least on the right track.

“There are some performances that only work because the actor was that character. If anybody else did it, it

would never have worked. So you get feedback from really good friends who can tell you the truth about what they saw, as they were kind of like chewing over it. And then you realize that your performance has to be palatable before the audience will allow you to play with their emotions,” he added.

As for regrets about the project, the actor said he has none. Well, he’s still upset about not being able to go to Cannes for the film’s world premiere last May. He was doing a teleserye at the time so his network didn’t allow him to leave.

“Now I remember! You know what they told me? ‘Ok lang yan, magaling ka naman, next year ulit.’ Everybody (else) was like, ‘Hey you did it!’ I had three movies in Cannes! When will that happen again?” he lamented. ■ Edwin P. Sallan / InterAksyon.com / September 11, 2014 / 1:35 PM

‘Trenderas’ stars overwhelmed to act alongside Nora Aunor

James Yap, nag-propose na kaya kay Michela habang nasa Italy?

BALIK-BANSA na sina James Yap at nobyang si Michela Cazzola matapos ang mahabang bakasyon sa Italy. Dahil marami ngayon ang celebrities ang nagiging engaged, inalok na rin kaya ni James ng kasal ang kasintahan?

Sa “Chika Minute” report ng GMA news 24 Oras nitong Huwebes, nagkuwento ang magkasintahan sa mahigit isang buwan nilang pagrerelax sa iba’t ibang lugar sa Italya gaya ng Sicily.

Bukod sa pamamasyal at food trip, napanood din daw nina James at Michela ang laban ng Gilas Pilipinas sa Spain.

Proud daw ang basketbolista sa

narating ng koponan ng Pilipinas.

Ngayon na abala ang anak niyang si Bimby Aquino-Yap sa isang pelikula, handa raw si James na bantayan ang anak sa set.

Napapalapit na nga raw ang loob ni Bimby kay Michela at nagpaluto pa ito ng carbonara.

Pero dahil marami ngayong engagement na nagaganap sa mga celebrity, nag-propose na rin ba si James sa nobya?

“Wala, wala pa. Basta ini-enjoy lang namin ‘yon...kain lang kami ng kain, taba nga namin e,” ani James. ■ FRJ, GMA News / September 11, 2014 / 10:43 PM

WHEN “Trenderas” lead stars Isabelle de Leon, Katrina Velarde and Lara Maigue first learned that one of their earliest scenes in the series was going to be with no less than Ms. Nora Aunor, the three admitted that they were quite nervous and were concerned about not impressing her.

As it turns out, they had nothing to worry about as Ate Guy immediately made them feel at ease. In fact, the country’s one and only Superstar was very welcoming to the three young newcomers.

“Grabe, nakakatuwa at sobrang bait ni Ms. Nora Aunor. Superstar na siya tapos ganun pa siya mag-welcome sa amin. Hindi namin na-feel na baguhan lang kami sa industry nung kasama namin siya. Yung mga advice niya, mas lalo kaming napupush na gawin pa namin ito,” exclaimed Katrina, the former “X-Factor Philippines” finalist who is also known as Suklay Diva to her YouTube fans.

“Goose bumps, mixed emotions, overwhelming feeling, lahat na naramdaman naming tatlo sa eksenang yun,” recalled Lara, the lovely singersongwriter who first made a name for herself with the 2013 PhilPop entry and now big hit, “Sa Yo Na Lang Ako”.

“Yun kilig naming tatlo, nilabas na naming lahat kasi yun naman ang emosyon na hinihingi,” added Isabelle, the former child star turned singer-songwriter best remembered for her role as Duday in the Vic Sotto sitcom “Da De Di Do Du”.

Appearing in a special role in the weekly musical comedy series, Ate Guy plays a former singer who will serve as both inspiration and mentor to the three “Trenderas”—tinderas (street vendors)

who aspire to become famous singers.

Out to thwart their dreams are their arch-rivals, the Tres Malditas played by K Brosas, Cacai Bautista and Kitkat. Isabelle, Lara and Katrina are all one in saying that like La Aunor, the three sought after comediennes were very supportive to them aside from adding an element of fun during their tapings.

“On and off camera, ang saya-saya po nilang kasama. Wala pong dead moments sa kanila, tawa lang kami ng tawa,” Lara enthused.

“Siguro kung wala sila, parang wala lang, nganga, tulog,” Katrina chimed in.

And then there are the other veteran cast members of the show that include Ara Mina, Dingdong Avanzado, Leo Martinez, Arnell Ignacio, Tina Paner and Francine Prieto as well as guest stars that will also include Ogie Alcasid and Raimund Marasigan, Isabelle said that being in the company of seasoned actors and singers have further boosted their confidence in addition to always keeping them on their toes.

“Marami kaming natutunan and of course, we also get to watch them sing so iba ring feeling yun para sa amin,” Katrina noted.

Speaking of singing, Lara said that since the show is designed to promote Original Pilipino Music, viewers will hear a lot of familiar OPM hits in the course of the series.

“From the songs of the Eraserheads to Itchyworms to Apo Hiking Society to Aegis to Kuh Ledesma, there’s something for everyone. Lahat makaka-relate,” Isabelle promised.

“Pang-pamilyang serye talaga ang ‘Trenderas’. It’s about family, friendship and even about love. May kantahan, tawanan at meron ding drama. It’s something different and all three of us are just happy to be a part of it,” Lara concluded.

Also starring Carl Guevarra and Edward Mendez, “Trenderas” premieres on TV, September 13, at 9PM. ■ Edwin P. Sallan

/ InterAksyon.com / September 10, 2014 / 2:16 PM

‘Trenderas’ stars Isabelle de Leon, Katrina Velarde and Lara Maigue. Photos by Paul Mata, ©TV5.

Scoop & Eraserheads release new songs September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

ENTERTAINMENT CELEBRITY

www.hello-philippines.com

29

with Esquire PH’s latest issue ESQUIRE Philippines editor-inchief Erwin Romulo describes the new Eraserheads CD as “a piece of Pinoy pop culture history”.

“The first new songs composed and recorded by the Eraserheads since their breakup over a decade ago, specially commissioned by Esquire,” Romulo wrote in his foreword to the magazine’s latest “Travel Issue”.

Pressed on CD format, these new songs, “Sabado” and “1995”, were both co-written by Romulo, who tagged along with the band on their recent reunion concert in London and wrote about it in the magazine. The band’s now-famous Abbey Road photo shot by Jake Verzosa is featured on the cover.

“Exclusive to the magazine, they don’t constitute a comeback so much as an experiment, brought about by a question that was first asked while we were abroad together. That question being: What would the band sound like today?” he wrote in a separate piece.

The answer? Pretty much the same, actually. As musicians, Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Marcus Adoro and Buddy Zabala are a lot more technically proficient now than when they first

started. Years of writing and playing music has only made them better and sharper.

Yet, no one would mistake these songs for anything by Pupil, Sandwich or any other band these guys were or are now associated with since they went their separate ways in 2002. This is the same Eraserheads fans have all come to love.

“Sabado”, a song about weekend cheap thrills written by Marasigan, Zabala, Adoro and Romulo, recalls the engaging hooks that characterized “Pare Ko” and “Ligaya”. The intriguingly titled “1995” written by Buendia and Romulo, on the other hand, has an edgier sound reminiscent of the quirky vibe of underrated favorites like “Combo on the Run”, “Tikman ang Langit” and “Kaliwete”.

Romulo further wrote that while the band has no problem playing together for that occasional reunion gig outside the country, getting them to write and record new material was an entirely different matter.

“Days and nights were spent in cajoling, negotiation, scheduling, and drinking, aside from the many hours in

rehearsals and in the studio, when the songs came to life,” he further wrote.

While it’s still too early to tell how these new tunes would stack up against the classic hits the band is known for, what is quite certain is that Esquire is pulling out all the stops to promote them.

During the special issue’s launch at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati last Thursday, videos of the two new songs directed by acclaimed filmmaker Erik Matti were premiered. Not surprisingly, the Eraserheads were the event’s guests of honor and as expected (okay, hoped) treated invited overjoyed guests to performances of “Magasin”, “Sembreak” and “Alapaap” with Romelito “Sancho” Sanchez on guitars and Mike Dizon of Sandwich on drums.

Among the celebrities that graced the star-studded affair were Anne Curtis with beau Erwan Heussaff, John Lloyd Cruz, Ellen Adarna, Benjamin Alves, Andrea Torres, Beauty Gonzales, Bangs Garcia, Divine Lee, Rajo Laurel,Leeroy

Marcus Adoro, Ely Buendia, Buddy Zabala, Raymund Marasigan, and Erwin Romulo at the Esquire launch event at the Dusit Thani Hotel last Thursday. (Inset) The CD containing the two new Eraserheads songs,‘Sabado’ and ‘1995’. Photo by Edwin P. Sallan, ©InterAksyon.

New, Pauline S u a c o Juan, Ben Chan, Quark Henares, Senator Bam Aquino, Secretary Alberto Romulo, Atom Araullo, Teddy Boy Locsin, Ricky Carandang, and Ces Drilon.

Other performers that night included bands Ourselves The Elves and Cheats as well as Sandwich’s Diego Castillo, Pedicab’s Diego Mapa, Callilly’s Kean Cipriano, Stereodeal’s Adrian Arcega and Moonstar 88’s Maychelle Baay.

As to whether or not there will be more new material or even perhaps an entire new album by the Eraserheads in the near future, there seems to be a

strong likelihood for that as Romulo did refer to “Sabado” and “1995” as “the first new songs” in his editor’s notes.

In a feature story posted on Myxph. com last year, Adoro also confirmed the existence of new recordings. “We did record some songs, which could be good material to release in the future,” the band’s guitarist was quoted as saying.

The September “Travel Issue” of Esquire Philippines, which include a CD copy of the Eraserheads’ “Sabado” and “1995”, is available in newsstands and bookstores nationwide while a digital edition is also downloadable via Summit Newsstand. ■ Edwin P. Sallan / InterAksyon.com / September 8, 2014 / 8:38 PM

Scoop & Dingdong, may surpresa pa rin kay 30

www.hello-philippines.com

ENTERTAINMENT CELEBRITY

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

Marian sa araw mismo ng kanilang kasal MADADAGDAGAN pa ang principal sponsors sa kasal nina Marian Rivera at Dingdong Dantes. Ang latest na magiging ninong sa kasal ng Kapuso royal couple, ang dalawang big boss ng GMA Network.

Sa “Chika Minute” report ni Aubrey Carampel sa GMA news 24 Oras, sinabi nito na magkasamang nagtungo sina Dingdong at Marian sa GMA Network Center nitong Miyerkules para kuning ninong sa kanilang kasal sina GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon at GMA President and COO Gilberto Duavit Jr.

“Mahalaga yung nakuha namin yung blessing nila. Sa amin ni ‘Yan sila yung tumatayong mga ama namin dito sa GMA, and fortunately nag-oo sila,” ani Dingdong.

Tiniyak nina Dingdong at Marian na pupuntahan nila ang kanilang principal sponsors pati na ang mga magiging miyembro ng entourage.

Hands on nga raw sila sa pagpaplano ng kanilang wedding sa December 30. ito’y kahit pa kapwa sila busy sa kanikanilang tv shows at pelikula.

Noong Linggo, nakipag-meeting na

ang engaged couple sa first batch ng kanilang principal sponsors kabilang ang “Master Showman” na si German Moreno Sunod na raw nilang pupuntahan sina Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos, Dra. Vicki Belo at ang iba pang ninang at ninong.

Kabilang din daw sa entourage si Ai Ai Delas Alas na malapit na kabigan ni Marian.

Marami pa raw silang dapat na asikasuhin pero tinitiyak nina Marian at Dingdong na may element of surprise pa rin sa mismong wedding day.

Kabilang daw sa magiging surpresa

kay Marian ay ang awitin na patutugtugin sa kanilang kasal dahil si Dingdong daw ang nag-aasikaso nito.

“Sa paglakad ko talaga sa aislee hindi ko alam kung anong sounds ang maririnig ko bilang si Dong ang balaha

doon. Sabi niya, ‘gusto kong gawin ‘tong mas espesyal para sa’yo.’ So nakakakilig lang na kahit sa mga ganung detalye gusto niya sa araw na ‘yon may sikreto talaga siya sa akin,” natutuwang pagbahagi ni Marian. ■ FRJ, GMA News / September 10, 2014 / 9:25 PM

Edu Manzano blames ‘Ricketts cronies’ for death threats Alden Richards TV5 actor and host Edu Manzano believes the death threats he has been receiving since Sunday come from associates of actor and Optical Media Board chairman Ronnie Ricketts who blame him for the suspension meted on Ricketts last week by the Office of the Ombudsman.

Manzano — who became the first OMB chairman in 2004 — shared one such death threat to his Twitter followers on Sunday and again on Monday.

The “Face The People” and “Good Morning Club” co-host pointed out that his anonymous tormentors were misguided because he had not been involved with the operations of the OMB since he left OMB in August 2009.

Manzano also noted that Ricketts’ appointment had already expired in March 2013 and the latter was only keeping his office on a holdover capacity. He shared

a copy of a memorandum from the Legal Affairs Office in Malacanang to prove this.

Ricketts was suspended by the Ombudsman for “neglect of duty” in connection with the unauthorized release of DVDs confiscated during a 2010 raid in Quiapo, Manila.

■

InterAksyon.com

/

September 10, 2014 / 4:14 PM

TV5 inks pact to air mini-series based on popular online books

TV5, represented by chief entertainment content officer Wilma V. Galvante (third from right), recently inked a partnership with Life is Beautiful Printing Corp, represented by general manager Segundo Matias (center), a publishing house that owns the rights to the most-read and well-loved stories from the online writing community.

This arrangement has made it possible for the Kapatid network to bring to television some of these popular stories that have been making the rounds online and are now certified best-selling pocketbooks, via a mini-series that will soon air on the network’s weeknight primetime block.

TV5 talents like Jasmine Curtis Smith, Eula Caballero, Chanel Morales, Shaira Mae, Mark Neumann, Akihiro Blanco and among others will topbill this daily mini-series.

Shown in the picture are, from left: Jenny Bigcas, author of “Dyepni”; Jeraldine Layson, author of “Game of Love”; Anjanette Bernales, author of “My Tag Boyfriend”; Mr. Segundo Matias, general manager of Life is Beautiful Printing Corp; TV5’s chief entertainment content officer, Ms. Wilma Galvante; Maxine Lat Calibuso, author of “Poser”; and Pinky Jhewelii, author of “Mr Popular Meets Ms Nobody”. ■ September 11, 2014 / 1:57 PM

kahit nasa ibang propesyon: ‘I would still be an actor by heart’

THE journey to success is different for each person. This has been proven by many people, including Kapuso heartthrob Alden Richards.

He didn’t make it through the final call of auditions in various reality shows and talent searches but he emerges as one of the most promising actors of today.

Before he scored leading roles in soap operas, he was rejected several times, he doubted the path he is taking and he almost chose to entirely abandon his hopes of being in show business.

However, one call changed everything and affirmed that show business is where he should be.

Today, he admits to have fallen in love with the industry that once closed its doors on him. He knows that this love isn’t transient. He knows that he would work his way into staying the longest as he can.

“Ten years from now, gusto ko pa ring umarte. Kung hindi man po sa telebisyon, umaarte po [siguro] ako sa teatro o sa

pelikula o sa mga indie film. Ganun ko po kamahal ‘yung trabaho ko ngayon,” he said.

To contribute to his longevity in the business, he strives to bring something new to the table and show that there are many sides to him. In fact, he is set to co-host the reality talent search Bet ng Bayan beginning this September.

With the ever changing times, he knows that this being in showbiz is something that he wants to remain a constant. If life brings him to another place, he knows that what he’s doing now will always hold a special place in him.

“Kahit siguro meron akong ibang profession, I would still be an actor by heart,” he declared. ■ Mary Louise Ligunas and Elisa Aquino / GMANetwork.com / September 10, 2014 / 4:38 PM

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

COMMUNITY FOCUS

BAUK LTD staged Charity Pageant as part of Penafrancia Festival 2014

By Junart Kim S. Nieva THE Bicol Association UK Ltd (BAUK), now on its 28th year, held its annual ‘Search for Mr and Ms Bicolandia UK’ charity pageant on 23rd of August, at Conway Hall in Holborn. The pageant is one of the main events of the Peñafrancia Festival 2014, the others of which are the Peñafrancia fluvial procession at River Thames and the Holy Mass on the third Sunday of September.

The powerhouse panel of judges for the evening were Corinne TuddenhamTrett, a model and lifestyle writer; Evian Cafun, a travel blogger and presenter; Rebeca Riofrio, fashion model; Elija Paul Villanueva, professional photographer and; Renee Montemayor, an actress and producer. Elvijs Plugis and Vincent Lamusao who are both actors and models, and Zanie del Mundo, president of Aguman Kapampangan UK, were the adjudicators.

In a post-event statement, Renee Montemayor, chair of the panel of judges, said, “I loved learning more about the different provinces within Bicol as well as witnessing the creativity and flair of the Filipinos who contributed to this event. I loved the costumes that were not only environmentally friendly, but also very creative and beautiful!”

The UK-based film and theatre actress, who is also an assistant director and producer, further stated, “It was truly an enjoyable and entertaining night for all, and I was so charmed by all the contestants and all the very friendly and professional members of the Bicol Association UK headed by Mr Julius Maristela. I hope that a lot of funds were raised for this worthy cause. I am so proud to be a Filipina!”

The new Mr Bicolandia UK is Kristoffer Favor, replacing last year’s Reymart Dasco, while the new Ms Bicolandia UK is Angeli Dahab, succeeding Margie Cater.

Kristoffer Favor, whose father is from Pili, Camarines Sur, is currently a personal trainer, basketball player and

coach, and a kids’ club coordinator. He wants to be a sports teacher and dreams of having his own holiday club for kids in the future.

Angeli Dahab, whose parents are from Masbate, is on her last year in A-levels, and is yet to decide on what field of study to take at the university. She often performs as a singer in Filipino events, and also ventured into theatre acting.

According to Jess Magdaong, Vice President of BAUK, “This event is not only to raise funds but also to discover talents, promote Bikolnon culture, heritage and tourism. To promote our native products, the candidates showcased costumes made of bamboo, shells, abaca, and anahaw leaves among others. To further promote our culture and identity, our dance troupe performed the ‘Pantomina’

folk dance, and sang ‘Sarung Banggi’, the widely-recognized song of Bikolanos.”

“Our tourism in the region has recently seen a revival in its industry,” Mr Magdaong shared. “The popularity of Mayon Volcano in Albay, Caramoan Islands in Camarines Sur, whale sharks and subic bay resort in Sorsogon, beautiful beaches and fantastic resorts of Camarines Norte, Catanduanes and Masbate – these make Bicol region as the number one tourist destination in the Philippines, with a fast growing economy. Hopefully, the opening of Bicol International Airport which is under construction will make further improvements,” he added.

As part of the prize, the winners of the pageant will donate to Philippine-based charities of their choice. ■

www.hello-philippines.com

31

32

www.hello-philippines.com

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY NEWS AROUND THE WORLD

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

PHL Embassy Leads ASEAN Committee in Prague in 47th ASEAN Day Rites THE Philippine Embassy in Prague led the Embassies of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam in celebrating the 47th Anniversary of the Establishment of ASEAN on August 27 at the Music Museum in Mala Strana, Prague 1. Along with the Heads of Mission and personnel of the resident ASEAN Member Embassies, about 120 participants composed of representatives from the Diplomatic Corps in Prague, Czech government officials, and members of the Czech business sector and academe, attended the celebration.

As the current Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, the Philippine Embassy hosted the ASEAN Day celebration by holding a simple program and reception. The program primarily consisted of the ASEAN

flag ceremony and a statement from Philippine Ambassador to the Czech Republic Vic Lecaros. On the other hand, the reception that followed showcased various cuisines from each of the five ASEAN Embassies.

In his remarks, Ambassador Lecaros traced the origin of ASEAN to “47 years ago… 3 republics and 2 constitutional monarchies… formed a fledgling regional organization that… excluded no one, despite apparent differences in cultures, historical colonial experience[s] and systems of government.” Ambassador Lecaros added that “ASEAN has since achieved its dream of an organization that binds all 10 Southeast Asian nations into One Vision, One Identity and One Community.”

Echoing Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario, Ambassador

Lecaros said that, indeed, this year’s ASEAN theme of Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community is almost about to be fulfilled because “ASEAN is already an active contributor towards developing more equitable norms and practices in the conduct of international relations in Southeast Asia… by 2015, ASEAN member economies will be mostly integrated, with a combined market of about 500 million… and ASEAN members are likewise actively engaged in looking after the safety and welfare of all their citizens.”

In concluding his remarks, Ambassador Lecaros propitiously declared, “One Vision; One Identity; One Community. The future beckons – and it is bright.” ■ Philippine Embassy

Philippines / September 11, 2014

Philippine Ambassador to the Czech Republic Vic Lecaros (center) joins hands with Indonesian Ambassador Siregar (2nd from left), Thai Ambassador Srivihok (4th from left), Vietnamese Ambassador Son (rightmost), and Malaysian Chargé d’affaires Daud (leftmost) for the customary ASEAN handshake. At the back is First Secretary and Consul Juan E. Dayang, Jr.

Special Kapihan ng Mamamayan on the West Philippine Sea Issue Launched in Olongapo City

Statement of Foreign Secretary Albert F. del Rosario on the Signing of the Ceasefire Protocol on Ukraine on 5 September 2014 THE Philippine Government welcomes the signing of the protocol on ceasefire between the representatives of Ukraine, Russia, and other parties concerned on 5 September 2014 in Minsk, Belarus.

The ceasefire is a first step towards resolving the crisis in Ukraine, and achieving durable peace and stability.

The Philippine Government, therefore, urges all parties to the conflict to abide by the terms of the ceasefire.

The Philippine Government has consistently supported the holding of dialogue among the parties involved with a view to achieving peaceful resolution in accordance with international law. ■ Philippine Embassy

THE Spokesperson of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Assistant Secretary Charles C. Jose, was the guest speaker at the first-ever Special Kapihan ng Mamamayan on the West Philippine Sea Issue held today, September 12, at Subic Bay Freeport in Olongapo City, Zambales.

The Special Kapihan was jointly organized by the DFA and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), through its Regional Office in Central Luzon. A series of Special Kapihans will be held throughout the rest of the year and in 2015 as part of the DFA’s

DFA Spokesperson Charles C. Jose answers a question from the media during the first-ever Special Kapihan ng Mamamayan on the West Philippine Sea issue on September 12, 2014 in Olongapo City. Joining him in the panel are Olongapo City Mayor Rolen C. Paulino (left) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Regional Director for Central Luzon William Beltran (right).

PHL Consulate General in Milan Conducts Financial Literacy Seminar in Genova

THE Philippine Consulate General in Milan in partnership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) sponsored a seminar on financial literacy in Genova on September 7 attended by Filipinos from various organizations in the area.

The theme of the seminar was “Samasama sa Pag-ahon ng Bayan.”

Vice Consul Maria Rosanna O. Josue expressed her appreciation for the presence of the participants stating that this was an important opportunity for them to gain knowledge on how to manage their finances.

The resource speakers were Ms. Cynthia Q. Lamban, Acting Labor Attaché, and Mr. Randy Lamsen, Area Director of Filinvest International.

Mr. Lamsen started his presentation on the reasons why Filipinos go abroad, inviting the participants to also share their goals. He summarized that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are not always successful in pursuing their goals, so they must avoid returning home with no savings at all. He emphasized the importance of following the formula: “earnings minus savings

equals expenses.” Mr. Lamsen gave an overview on the various types of investment opportunities which include insurance, mutual fund, variable unit linked (VUL), stocks and real estate.

Ms. Lamban spoke about loan facilities and investment schemes especially on agribusiness offered by the Philippine government to OFWs. The seminar ended successfully, and as this was the first time in Genova, it was well appreciated by the participants. ■ Philippine Embassy Philippines / September 11, 2014

nationwide campaign to bring the West Philippine Sea Issue to the grassroots of Philippine society.

Conducted largely in the vernacular language, the Special Kapihan aims to explain the West Philippine Sea Issue to ordinary Filipinos and gain their support for the measures being undertaken by the Philippine Government to address it.

“Ang sitwasyon sa West Philippine ay isang isyung may mga implikasyon sa seguridad at ekonomiya ng ating bansa. Makakaapekto ito sa kasulukuyan at sa mga susunod na henerasyon ng mga Pilipino,” Assistant Secretary Jose stressed.

Around 40 people attended the Special Kapihan in Olongapo City.

The participants were mostly local media representatives and officials of the local government down to the baranggay.

While in Olongapo City, the DFA Spokesperson also talked about the West Philippine Sea Issue on radio shows Mayor’s Report, which is aired over DWHL Apo Radyo 756 and hosted

by Olongapo Mayor Rolen C. Paulino; Usapang Bayan, which also airs on DWHL Apo Radyo 756; and Bay All Hitz

Program over Bay Radio FM 89.5.

Olongapo City is located in the province of Zambales, under which the Municipality of Masinloc is administered. Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal, which is a part of the Municipality of Masinloc, has become one of the hotly contested areas in the West Philippine Sea since the standoff between the Philippines and China in April 2012.

“Una naming pinuntahan ang Zambales dahil alam namin na kayo ang nasa ‘frontline’ ng usaping ito,” Assistant Secretary Jose said, directly referring to the challenges facing the fisherfolk in the province whose livelihood has been hit by the ongoing maritime disputes. “Nais po naming siguruhin sa inyo na patuloy na may ginagawa ang pamahalaan upang maresolba ang mga pagtatalo sa West Philippine Sea at matulungan ang ating mga kababayan na makabalik sa kanilang hanapbuhay,” he added.

The next Special Kapihan ng Mamamayan on the West Philippine Sea Issue will be held in Palawan, another “frontline” province in the maritime disputes. ■ Philippine Embassy

Philippines / September 12, 2014

ORIGINAL CREATION & COPYRIGHT RESERVED BY © HELLO PHILIPPINES 2014

34

www.hello-philippines.com

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY NEWS AROUND THE WORLD

APEC National Secretariat Gears Up for APEC 2015 IN preparation for the Philippines’ APEC Hosting in 2015, the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Office of the Undersecretary for International Economic Relations (OUIER), as the APEC National Secretariat, attended the Third Senior Officials’ Meeting and Related Meetings (SOM 3) from August 06 to 21 in Beijing, China. Two earlier meetings were held on 15-28 February 2014 (SOM 1) in Ningbo and 05-15 May 2014 (SOM 2) in Qingdao.

The Senior Officials’ Meeting or SOM is the main policy-making body within APEC. The SOM receives and implements directives emanating from the APEC Economic Leaders.

Proposals for APEC Ministers and the ongoing programs of the various APEC Committees and technical

working groups are discussed at the SOM. In SOM 3, the Senior Official for the Philippines led the Philippine delegation in the 55 related meetings and workshops on various topics such as trade and investment, product standards, trade security, structural reform, urbanization and the internet economy.

This year, the Philippines also served as the Chair of SOM Steering Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation (SCE).

Under the Philippines’ chairmanship, the SCE re-assessed the future direction of economic and technical cooperation in APEC. Operationally, this translates into linking mediumterm priorities to capacity-building

initiatives, longer-term programs, and the development of a system which evaluates the effectiveness of APEC’s capacity-building programs.

In November, the Philippines will participate in the Concluding Senior Officials’ Meeting (CSOM), which will then be followed by the joint Trade and Foreign Affairs Ministerial Meeting.

APEC 2014 will culminate in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM), drawing China’s APEC Host Year to a close.

Part of the Philippines’ task as Host Economy in 2015 is to carry forward the initiatives of the APEC Leaders in Beijing under the APEC 2014 theme Shaping the Future through AsiaPacific Partnership and priorities: (1) Advancing regional economic

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

integration; (2) Promoting innovative development, economic reform and growth; and (3) Strengthening comprehensive connectivity and infrastructure development.

The first Philippines-hosted APEC meeting is the Informal Senior Officials Meeting (ISOM) in December 2014 in Legazpi City. ■ Philippine Embassy Philippines / September 11, 2014

Overseas Voter Registration Increases

by More than Fifty Percent in August

DFA chief meets with Pope while preparing for papal visit DEPARTMENT of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario met with no less than Pope Francis while preparing for the pontiff’s visit to the Philippines this coming January.

A photo release posted on the DFA website Wednesday showed del Rosario shaking hands with the Pope at the Vatican last September 3.

The DFA said the meeting occurred during a general audience.

It added del Rosario was at the Vatican September 1 to 3 to meet with Vatican Foreign Minister Archbishop Dominique Memberti, “as part of the

preparations for the papal visit to the Philippines in January 2015.”

They also sought to “further enhance relations between the Catholic Church and the Philippine government.”

Pope Francis, known for his simplicity, is scheduled to visit the Philippines Jan. 15 to 19.

He is expected to visit areas hit by super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), which left more than 6,000 dead when it pounded the Visayas and parts of Southern Luzon in November 2013. ■ Joel Locsin / LBG, GMA News / September 10, 2014 / 2:11 PM

THE Overseas Voting Secretariat (DFA-OVS) announced on September 5 that for the month of August 2014, overseas voter registration increased by more than fifty percent from 24,366 to 37,479 over the July 2014 monthly tally.

This is the highest rate of increase so far in overseas voters registration (OVR), since it started last May 6 for the 2016 Presidential election cycle. Last month’s tally sets a new milestone for this period by bringing the four month total (18,670 in May; 20,836 in June) of new overseas voter registrants to 101,351.

Last June, for the first time in the eleven year electoral history of Philippine overseas voting, OVR breached the one million mark. As of September 5, total overseas voter stocks stands at 1,076,524.

“At the current pace of registration, we could have an overseas voter stock of over two million for the 2016 Presidential elections. Attaining this goal can definitely be a game changer,” Office of Civil Security and Consular Concerns Undersecretary Rafael E. Seguis, who is concurrently Chairman of DFA-OVS, said.

The August tally broken down by region is as follows: the Foreign Service Posts (FSPs) in the Middle East and Africa (MENA) processed 20,079 new overseas voter registrants, 7,242 from

the Americas, the European FSPs with 4,278, and 3,540 from the Asia Pacific (2,340 from Philippine OVRCs). The top ten FSPs are Riyadh (7,916), Abu Dhabi (3,420), Dubai (2,805), Jeddah (2,332), San Francisco (1,655), Singapore (1,193), New York (1,076), Los Angeles (1,034), London (887), and Toronto (813).

Almost fifty four percent (54%) of last month’s production came from the FSPs in MENA. They attribute their success and enhanced performance to the DFA’s issuance of Foreign Service Circular (FSC) No. 160-2014. FSC 160-2014 integrates overseas voters registration with the passport renewal process.

“The preparations by the Department and the Commission on Elections led to a successful start for the registration process,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said in a letter.

The Foreign Service continues to outperform itself with their record breaking pace despite the suspension of overseas voter registration activities at the various hotspots which includes Libya, Syria, Iraq, Ukraine, and the Gaza strip in view of the deteriorating security situation thereat.

Another challenge confronting the FSPs is aging voter registration equipment which constantly malfunctions.

The equipment was provided by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)

during the previous election cycles.

DFA-OVS is closely coordinating with the COMELEC on how to address the situation. Both the Secretariat and the Commission are confident that a solution is at hand, despite the meager resources available to the COMELEC for overseas voter activities since it is not an election year.

“The challenge for OV registration is to maintain the momentum by keeping the overseas Filipinos interested and engaged in this democratic process,” Sec. del Rosario added.

All Filipino citizens who expect to be abroad during the thirty day (April 9 – May 9, 2016) overseas voting period for the 2016 Presidential Elections, at least 18 years old on 9 May 2016, and not otherwise disqualified by law, may register as an overseas voter, at all Philippine Foreign Service Posts including the three (3) Manila Economic and Cultural Offices (MECO), Office of Consular Affairs, Macapagal Ave., ASEANA Business Park, Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), 1345 Pres. Quirino Ave., Paco, Manila and at other COMELEC approved registration centers outside of the FSPs or in the Philippines. (for an updated list please go to www.dfa-oavs.gov.ph or www. comelec.gov.ph) ■ Philippine Embassy Philippines

/ September 09, 2014

PHL Consulate General in Manado Holds Panel Discussion on Women’s Health IN line with the thrust for Gender Dr. Nelly Mayulu of the University of to share their experiences and raised and Development (GAD) initiatives, the Philippine Consulate General in Manado held a panel discussion on women’s health on September 4.

In the opening remarks, Philippine Consul General Jose D.R. Burgos expressed his support for this GAD activity, which aimed to provide important information on women’s health. The first resource speaker was the spouse of Consul General Burgos, Dra. Blesilda M. Burgos, who discussed concerns related to the eyes such as understanding when children show signs of needing eyeglasses to discussing cataracts that affect the elderly. The second Speaker,

Sam Ratulangi, presented ideas and resource materials on good nutrition and its importance from child bearing years to dealing with osteoporosis. She also gave guidelines on foods and their limits and espoused the habit of eating right, balancing calories with activities.

Finally, Dr. Maya Esther Mewengkang, an obstetrician gynecologist from Siloam Hospital in Manado discussed problems that can be encountered by women such as ovarian cysts as well as dealing with menopause.

After the speakers had delivered their talks, an open forum followed which enabled the audience/participants

questions. The panelists provided invaluable support and contributions, which resulted immensely to the success and fruitful interaction among the panelists and participants. In addition, representatives from the management of Siloam Hospital attended the activity and also provided information kits on the services available for women at the said hospital.

After the panel discussion, a merienda cena was provided, which gave the opportunity to all the participants to have further interaction and discussion with the speakers/panelists. ■ Philippine Embassy Philippines / September 11, 2014

(Clockwise from top left) Resource speakers Dr. Maya Esther Mewengkang, Dra. Blesilda M. Burgos and Dr. Nelly Mayulu engage in open forum with audience; Consul General Burgos provides the opening remarks; Philippine Consul General Jose D. R. Burgos (center with the panelists and female participants of the GAD activity.

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

NEWS

www.hello-philippines.com

35

Binay left out of Aquino’s Palace event for allies VICE President Jejomar Binay was left out of a big Palace event where President Benigno Aquino III called for support for his reform agenda during the remaining months of his term.

This was confirmed by Navotas Representative Tobias Tiangco, secretary-general of the opposition coalition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA). Binay is UNA’s prospective standard-bearer for the 2016 polls.

While Binay is the leader of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance, he is also a member of the Aquino Cabinet as housing czar and presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers.

Binay’s spokesman, Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla, said the Vice President “understands” Malacañang’s decision to exclude Binay from the event.

“He is not part of the coalition. They (Binay family) understand that it was a political coalition meeting,” Remulla said in a text message.

“But although they aren’t in the same coalition, the Vice President and his family continue to embrace the President’s reform agenda,” Remulla added.

Tiangco, nevertheless, pointed out that the Vice President’s daughter, Deputy Majority Leader and Makati Representative Abigail Binay, attended the Palace event.

In a speech at the so-called “agenda setting dialogue,” Aquino said those present during the event were his partners in reform, while those absent represent forces who are against his programs.

“Ang mga kontra sa atin, magtutulak ng sarili nilang kandidato. Sa kanila nga po, na hindi natin kasama ngayon dahil kontra ang prinsipyo nila sa atin, ‘di ba’t natural lang din na kokontra sila sa lahat ng nagawa natin?” Aquino said.

Senators and members of House of Representatives from the majority coalition attended the event. Cabinet officials and civil society groups supporting the administration were also present.

Vice President Binay, who has been topping surveys on possible presidential candidates in the 2016 elections, is facing a plunder complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman for alleged irregularities in the construction of the ₱2.5-billion Makati City Hall Building II. The controversial building was built in 2007, when the vice president was still Makati mayor.

During a Senate probe on Thursday, former Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado accused of Vice President of receiving a 13-percent kickback from every project by the Makati City government during his incumbency as mayor.

The Vice President has repeatedly denied involvement in any wrongdoing, describing allegations against him as politically motivated. ■ Andreo Calonzo with a report from Elizabeth Marcelo / NB, GMA News / September 12, 2014 / 2:52 PM

Roxanne Cabañero, umatras 2014 Miss World Philippines pageant MATAPOS makapasok sa “short list,” umatras at hindi na sasali sa 2014 Miss World Philippines si Roxanne Cabañero, ang isa sa mga babaeng nag-akusa ng panghahalay sa TV host-actor na si Vhong Navarro.

Sa “Chika Minute” report ni Nelson Canlas sa GMA news 24 Oras nitong Biyernes, sinabing mahigit sa 20 kababaihan ang dumating sa second screening ng patimpalak na ginanap sa Taguig City kamakailan.

Ang ilan sa kanila ay first time pageant contestants. Mayroon ding mga modelo at baguhang artista.

Ayon sa pamunuan ng Miss World Philippines, malinaw sa kanila ang katangian ng mga babaeng hinahanap nila ngayon para kumatawan sa ating bansa.

Pero hindi naman daw nila ibabase at isusunod ang mga ito sa

characteristics ni Miss World 2013 Megan Young.

Nitong Huwebes, iniulat na hangad ni Roxanne na masundan niya ang nagawa ni Megan sa pagsabak niya sa nasabing kompetisyon.

Magsisilbing adbokasiya raw ni Roxanne na ipaglaban ang karapatan ng mga kababaihan.

Pero nagbago ang isip ng dalaga at nag-backout sa kompetisyon.

“Kailangan e para maging fair naman sa ibang candidates and mafocus ko rin yung sarili ko dun sa kaso ko,” paliwanag niya Gaganapin ang Miss World Philippines sa SM Mall of Asia sa October 12, at ang Miss World naman ay gaganapin sa United Kingdom sa Disyembre. ■ FRJ, GMA News / September 12,

2014 / 8:31 PM

Devotees flock to Our Lady of Peñafrancia fiesta in Naga 52 Pembroke Road, London W8 6NX Tel.: 020 7602 7171 Email: lakbayasia@btconnect.com Web: www.lakbayasiapilgrimages.co.uk

WEEKEND TO GERMANY CHRISTMAS MARKET Knechtsteden Monastery & more 28 -30 NOVEMBER 2014 PR E - C H R I S T M A S weekend SOUTHWEST OF England: hotel & entries 6-7 DECEMBER 2014

OUR LADY OF K N OCK & IRELAND Pilgrimage and Tour FEBRUARY 2015

THE

PHILIPPINES

17 FEB- 5 MAR 2015 -Hurry few seats left!

LUZON, VISAYAS & MINDANAO Devotees join the Traslacion at the start of Our Lady of Peñafrancia fiesta in Naga City on Friday, September 12. Thousands of pilgrims, devotees, and tourists arrive in Naga — also known as the Pilgrim City and the Queen City of the Bicol region — every September for the nine-day festivities. Photo by Hero Peewee Bacuño.

New destinations for 201 5 !

ORIGINAL CREATION & COPYRIGHT RESERVED BY © HELLO PHILIPPINES 2014

D U S S E L D O R F,

www.l a k b a y a s i a p i l g r i m a g e s . c o . u k

36

www.hello-philippines.com

NEWS

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

With Binay absent in Palace meeting, Aquino draws line between allies and foes PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III talks to Theng Kiat Lee, president of Temasek International and Temasek Foundation during a courtesy call in Malacañang on Thursday, September 11. Temasek is an investment company based in Singapore.

Gil Nartea More than a year before the 2016 polls, President Benigno Aquino III sought to separate his allies from his foes during a Palace event attended on Friday by members of his Cabinet, administration lawmakers and pro-government civil society groups.

In a speech at the “agenda setting dialogue,” Aquino said those present were his partners in reform, while those absent represented forces who were against his programs.

Vice President Jejomar Binay was not invited to the event, although he is part of Aquino’s official family. Binay is a prospective presidential candidate of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) in 2016.

“Alam po ninyo, hindi madalas ang mga pangyayaring ganito, na talaga namang nagtitipon ang puwersa ng reporma sa loob ng iisang bulwagan.

Para na rin itong reunion: Napakarami sa inyo, matagal nang lumalaban para sa tama at makatwiran,” the President said.

“Ang mga kontra sa atin, magtutulak ng sarili nilang kandidato. Sa kanila nga po, na hindi natin kasama ngayon dahil kontra ang prinsipyo nila sa atin, ‘di ba’t natural lang din na kokontra sila sa lahat ng nagawa natin?” he said.

Aquino, however, said he was not assembling a “tactical alliance,” but was

only gathering “like-minded” individuals.

“Lahat po tayo ay binibigkis hindi ng personalidad, hindi ng kulay ng tsaleko sa kampanya, hindi ng slogan—kundi ng prinsipyo. Iisa ang ating paninindigan,” he said.

Binay left out. Binay didn’t receive an invitation to the Palace event, where Aquino called for support for his reform agenda during the remaining months of his term.

This was confirmed by Navotas Representative Tobias Tiangco, secretarygeneral of the opposition coalition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA). Binay is UNA’s prospective standard-bearer for the 2016 polls.

While Binay is the leader of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance, he is also a member of the Aquino Cabinet as housing czar and presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers.

Binay’s spokesman, Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla, said the Vice President understood Malacañang’s decision to exclude Binay from the event.

“He is not part of the coalition. They (Binay family) understand that it was a political coalition meeting,” Remulla said in a text message.

“But although they aren’t in the same coalition, the Vice President and his family continue to embrace the President’s reform agenda,” Remulla added.

Tiangco, however, pointed out that the Vice President’s daughter, Deputy Majority Leader and Makati Representative Abigail Binay, attended the dialogue.

Binay and son, Makati Mayor Junjun Binay, are facing plunder charges in

connection with the allegedly overpriced ₱2.7-billion Makati City Hall Building II. They are also the subject of a Senate Blue Ribbon Sub-Committee investigation on the allegedly padded construction cost.

The Binays have denied any wrongdoing in conducting government affairs in the city. The Vice President is also scheduled to address the public on Monday to answer the allegations against him.

‘Show of force’. Albay Governor Joey Salceda, a member of the ruling Liberal Party (LP), described the event as a “show of force.”

Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras meanwhile said that the dialogue was only meant to “refocus” administration allies for the remaining months of Aquino’s term.

Almost all members of Aquino’s Cabinet were seated right in front of the

Two cops in Caloocan City abduction presented for inquest TWO Bulacan policemen linked to a kidnapping incident in Caloocan City last Monday covered their faces as they were brought to the Caloocan Hall of Justice Friday afternoon to undergo inquest proceedings.

Photos posted by radio dzBB’s Allan Gatus on Twitter showed the two wearing

T-shirts, with pieces of cloth concealing their faces.

One wore a red shirt and denim pants, with what appeared to be a shirt around his head. The other wore a T-shirt and short pants, with a piece of cloth also covering his face.

The other photos showed the two

at the Hall of Justice waiting for the proceedings.

An earlier report identified the two as PO1 Danilo Sytamco Jr. and PO2 Xerxes Martin, who surrendered to the Caloocan police.

Police are tracking down a possible third police suspect in the abduction of the Chinese in Caloocan City last Monday.

Investigation showed the Chinese was abducted near the Light Rail Transit station in the Monumento area in Caloocan on Monday afternoon.

At the time, the Chinese was riding a passenger jeep and had come from a Moon Festival activity.

But the suspects blocked the jeep’s path, and forced the Chinese to board their vehicle.

They then sped toward Bulacan via the North Luzon Expressway.

The suspects allegedly demanded an initial P10 million ransom but agreed to P3.5 million.

But when the vehicle reached Bulacan, the suspects allegedly fell asleep and the Chinese took this chance to escape and seek help from police. Joel Locsin / NB, GMA News / September 12, 2014 / 7:13 PM

President during his speech. Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas, the presumptive standard-bearer of the LP in 2016, was tasked to introduce Aquino.

Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. led Congress’ delegation to the event, which was not limited to LP members.

Other lawmakers whose names are being floated for the presidency in 2016, such as Senator Grace Poe and Francis Escudero, were also present during the event.

In his opening remarks, Belmonte called on his fellow legislators to ensure the success of Aquino’s administration up until its end.

“Ito ay isang pagkakataon para sa ating lahat na makita natin kung ano ang posisyon ng ating bansa within the remaining years at para tayong lahat maintindihan natin, magkaisa tayo, at

malutas natin at mag-succeed tayo sa lahat ng ating gagawin,” the House leader said.

Drilon, meanwhile, urged administration allies to ensure no personality “[could] reverse” Aquino’s achievements.

“We will make sure that the next leadership will continue these reforms so that their fruits will be enjoyed by this generation and the generation yet unborn. Thank you very much and a pleasant good morning to all,” the Senate President said.

Still no anointed one. Aquino made no announcement as regards his pick for the 2016 presidential polls.

The President said he trusted that the public would know the candidate who would continue his reforms.

“Tiwala po ako. Maski anong panlilinlang o pagpostura, makikita ng ating mga Boss kung sino ang ampaw at nais silang pagsamantalahan; masusuri nila kung sino ang talagang handa silang ipaglaban,” Aquino said.

Aquino made no specific request to Congress as regards his reform agenda, apart from mentioning his intention to seek emergency powers to avert a possible power crisis next year.

He also gave the audience an update on the administration’s measures to address current issues, particularly those related to port congestion and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT)’s glitches.

Attendees were also given the chance to ask questions to the President during the dialogue, but no one did. ■ Andreo Calonzo / NB, GMA News / September 12, 2014 / 1:19 PM

Dalagitang biktima umano ng rape, nakatakbo bitbit ang shorts ng suspek

NAHAHARAP sa reklamong rape ang isang opisyal ng barangay sa Laguindingan sa Misamis Oriental dahil paghahalay umano sa kaniya misyong pamangkin na 17-anyos. Ang biktima, may problema rin daw sa pagiisip.

Sa ulat ni Jeik Compo ng GMANorthern Mindanao sa GMA News TV’s Balita Pilipinas Ngayon nitong Biyernes, sinabi ng magulang ng biktima na posibleng sinamantala ng suspek ang karamdaman ng kanilang anak sa pagiisip.

Nangyari raw ang pang-aabuso sa biktima habang mag-isa ang dalagita sa bahay. Nakita na lang daw ng mga kapitbahay na tumatakbo ang biktima na dala ang shorts ng suspek na tiyuhin.

Bagaman inamin ng suspek na sa kaniya nga ang shorts na dala ng pamangkin, itinanggi nito na ginahasa niya ang biktima.

Kwento ng suspek, tanghali nang magpunta siya sa bahay ng pamangkin at ang biktima uamano ang nagpapasok sa kaniya sa sala.

Pinahubad din umano ng pamangkin ang kaniyang shorts para tahiin. Pero nang makuha na ang kaniyang shorts, nagtatakbo ito palabas ng bahay.

“Nagtatakbo siya papunta sa kaniyang tiyahin tapos sinabing nirape ko siya,” anang suspek.

Hinala ng ina ng dalagita, maaaring may ilang taon nang ginagawa ng suspek ang pang-aabuso sa kaniyang anak base na rin sa kuwento umano ng anak.

Hindi lang daw makapagsumbong sa kaniya ang anak dahil sa takot sa biktima, at binibigyan din daw ng ₱5 ng suspek ang biktima matapos halayin. ■ FRJ, GMA News / September 12, 2014 /

10:26 PM

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

NEWS

www.hello-philippines.com

Amid reports of Pinoys killed fighting in Syria, Palace urged to create body to monitor recruitment MANILA – Malacanang has been urged to create a body to monitor the recruitment of Filipinos to fight with jihadist groups in the Middle East after two Filipinos were reportedly killed in Syria.

This was learned from a confidential memorandum dated July 14 obtained from sources in Camp Crame, headquarters of the Philippine National Police.

The memo from retired police director Felizardo Serapio Jr., executive director of the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime, asked Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. to “consider the creation of a Technical Working Group that will create a database on monitoring and profiling foreign fighters, as a significant contribution to manage and inhibit further presence of Filipinos, as reported, in conflict-stricken areas.”

Serapio also heads the Law Enforcement Integrated Office, which is under Ochoa.

Ochoa, who also chairs the AntiTerrorism Council, signed approval of Serapio’s recommendation.

The memo cited a March 20 memorandum from the Department of Foreign Affairs to President Benigno Aquino III on the deaths of two Filipinos “allegedly fighting alongside the opposition group in Syria.”

It also referred to a report by the DFA to a March 20 meeting of the Regional AntiTerrorism Council Convergence Group for the National Capital Region that “100 Filipinos who traveled to Iran had undergone military training and were deployed to Syria.”

While there have been recent reports that Filipinos are being recruited to be among the thousands of foreigners fighting for the Islamic State, which has established a “Caliphate” after taking control of vast swathes of Iraq and Syria, the DFA memo and report cited by Serapio appears to be the first confirmation of Filipinos actually fighting and dying in the Syrian civil war.

The memo also noted other reports of “a gradual increase of foreign fighters

heading off to Syria with contentious movements of threat groups from their home states.”

“To note, a new group has been established in Malaysia. Indonesia, Xinjiang in the People’s Republic of China, Thailand, and the southern Philippines are also observing radical mobilizations,” it added.

Recently, news reports said the Abu Sayyaf and the Bangsamoro Islamic

Freedom Movement have aligned themselves with the IS. Serapio said the international community has already undertaken measures to stem of foreign fighters to the Middle East, who could prove to be security threats when they return to their home countries, and an initiative by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, which has created a “committee

37

on monitoring foreign nationals.”

The memo proposed that the technical working group be placed under the ATC’s Program Management Center. ■ Thom Andrade / InterAksyon.com / September 12, 2014 / 9:10 AM

French President to visit PHL in 2015

At a media briefing in Manila on Thursday, September 11, Provincial Press Clubs of the Philippines president Allan Sison (left) and lawyer Ferdinand Topacio (right) examine the gunshot scar of Dagupan City broadcaster Orly Navarro, who was shot by an unidentified assailant on August 26.

Navarro is asking the DOJ to conduct a thorough investigation on the matter. Danny Pata

De Lima orders probe on Dagupan radioman’s shooting JUSTICE Secretary Leila de Lima has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe the shooting of a radio commentator who survived an ambush in Dagupan, Pangasinan, last month.

De Lima’s order came a day after Orlando Navarro, a radio commentator and OIC station manager of dwIZ radio in Pangasinan, asked her to task the NBI to help the Philippine National Police in the investigation.

“In light of the foregoing and pursuant to this Department’s continuing commitment to eradicate media killings and other forms of violence and threats to the security and life of media practitioners, the National Bureau of Investigation is hereby directed to immediately conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, towards identifying the perpetrators, including the masterminds, if any, behind said attack and filing appropriate charges,” said De Lima in her memo issued Friday.

She ordered the NBI to submit a report on the actions it would be taking within 15 days from receipt of the memo.

The NBI, the investigating arm of the Department of Justice (DOJ), will also have to submit periodic progress reports until the case is resolved Navarro was shot by an unidentified gunman in the early hours of August 26 near his home in Dagupan City.

The Pangasinan police have already arrested Rolando Lim Jr., a.k.a. Ronnie/ Oning, hours after the shooting of Navarro. Lawmen claimed the suspect was linked to illegal drug activities in Dagupan City.

The PNP said it filed a case of frustrated murder against Lim before the City Prosecutor’s Office Wednesday.

Lim has denied participation in the crime, according to a report by GMA Dagupan.

In an affidavit he executed last Monday, Navarro said right after the shooting, he immediately asked his daughter to put on record in his cellphone the names of the people “who has the intention to commit the crime.” ■

FRENCH President Francois Hollande may visit the Philippines next year to promote economic and political ties between the two countries.

In a statement on Friday, French Ambassador to the Philippines Gilles Garachon said he “could see” Hollande reciprocating President Benigno Aquino III’s visit to France, which is scheduled next week. “[Aquino’s] visit is expected to reap economic, political, and cultural gains for both our countries, which we hope would lead to greater opportunities for bilateral cooperation,” Gilles said.

In October 2012, then-French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault visited Manila—the first time a French government head paid an official visit to the Philippines.

Aquino, the first Philippine leader to visit Fance since 1994, is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Hollande at the Elysée Palace in Paris on September 17.

The two leaders will also witness the signing of agreements in the areas of culture, education, transportation, and communications, the French Embassy in Manila said.

The Philippine president is likewise set to address leaders of 4,000 French companies during his visit to France.

Over 51,700 Filipinos are working in France as of December 2012, according to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas.

Aside from France, Aquino will also visit Spain, Belgium, and Germany next week. He is expected to promote trade relations with these countries, and introduce their leaders to the Philippines’

plans to address its territorial row with China over parts of the South China Sea. ■ Andreo Calonzo / NB, GMA News / September 12, 2014

/ 7:24 PM

18-year-old Korean abducted in Zamboanga Sibugay–police AN 18-year-old Korean national was abducted in Kabasalan town in Zamboanga Sibugay on Thursday evening by four still unidentified men, authorities said Friday.

The victim, who was a businessman, was seized by four suspects armed with high-powered firearms at 6:25 p.m. in

Barangay Poblacion, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The military, on the other hand, said the victim was Chinese.

The PNP said the suspects proceeded to Sitio Mangahas in Barangay Timuay Tanda, also in Kabasalan town, where the victim was transferred to a waiting

Mark Merueñas / KBK, GMA News / September 12, 2014

motorized pump boat that fled toward Limono Island.

Authorities found the minivan believed to used by the suspects in abducting the victim burning in Barangay Danda, Kabasalan, less than an hour later.

“The Kabasalan Police Station and other local authorities are now conducting a hot pursuit operation against the kidnappers,” the PNP Region 9 said in a statement.

Military operations are also underway to rescue the victim, said Capt. Franco Suelto, spokesman of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division.

Suelto could not immediately say if the suspects belong to the Abu Sayyaf bandit group, which is notorious for kidnapping, bombing and beheading activities.

“As of now, we are calling them as members of a lawless group,” he said of the suspects. “We cannot still say if they are from the Abu Sayyaf.” ■ Elizabeth Marcelo /

/ 7:00 PM

KBK, GMA News / September 12, 2014 / 3:50 PM

38

www.hello-philippines.com

SPORTS

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

FOOTBALL

Azkals lose Peace Cup as Myanmar steals crown

THE Philippine national men’s football team failed to retain its title for the third straight time as a pesky Myanmar squad prevailed in extra time, 3-2, to win the Philippine Football Peace Cup on Saturday night at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Myanmar lost an early 1-nil lead and allowed the Azkals to take the driver’s seat, but the visitors scored a goal in injury time and buried a crucial one in extra time to steal the crown.

The Azkals were stunned by smaller Myanmar early when Kyaw Ko Ko blasted a goal which hit the crossbar but made its way to the back of the net that gave the visitors a 1-nil lead.

The Filipinos tried to even the score

Photo by Ver Marquez, ©InterAksyon.com

BOXING

Floyd Mayweather denies negotiations with Manny Pacquiao

FLOYD Mayweather has denied recent claims made by the camp of Filipino fight icon Manny Pacquiao for a fight between the two champions.

Mayweather who fights this Saturday (Sunday PHL time) against the hard-hitting Marcos Maidana, suggests that the comments made by Pacquiao and Top Rank promoter Bob Arum were nothing but attempts to promote the Filipino fighter’s matchup with Chris Algieri in November.

“Not true. I can’t say what the future holds. I think right now Arum and Pacquiao are trying to sell tickets for the other guy Algieri,” Mayweather told Boxingscene.com. “They are trying to sell tickets for that fight. I don’t know where they’re fighting at. I don’t know anything about that.

“But everybody is connected to Floyd.

Like I said before, I’m relevant. Everybody always wants to be connected to me.

Somehow, some way, in a negative way

The Azkals looked on their way to their third Peace Cup win, but Myanmar had other ideas as Min Min Thu buried a shot in injury time to tie the match at 2-all and send the match to extra time.

Myanmar then regained the lead at the 100th minute after turning a rebound into a goal for a 3-2 advantage.

The Azkals tried to force the match to a penalty shootout, but shots by Mark Hartmann and Misagh Bahadoran failed to find the mark as the Myanmar goalkeeper held his own between the sticks.

Challenge Cup champion Palestine went home with the third place trophy after beating Chinese Taipei earlier in the day. ■ InterAksyon.com / September 6, 2014 /10:12 PM

FOOTBALL

Azkals yield Peace Cup to Myanmar in extra-time heartbreaker

or a positive way, everybody wants to be connected to Floyd.”

Earlier, Arum said that his first priority for Pacquiao after Algieri is a much-awaited fight against Mayweather.

Pacquiao also said that he was aware of negotiations between the two camps.

But Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach was cool to the idea of another round of negotiations with Mayweather, saying he’d want a fight against junior welterweight champion Danny Garcia instead. ■ JM Siasat / JST, GMA News / September 11, 2014 / 12:45 PM

THE Philippines lost the Philippines Football Peace Cup after a 3-2 loss to Myanmar in the finals on Saturday night at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Soe Min Oo took advantage of an unguarded goal with Azkals keeper Roland Mueller out of the box to score at the 100th minute to give the Burmese the marginal score.

The Azkals were gunning for a threepeat after taking the championship in the first two editions of the Peace Cup. Myanmar took an early lead at the eighth minute after Kyaw Ko Ko shot a long ball that hit the pole and ricocheted into the goal, 1-0.

Chris Greatwich saw a chance to equalize immediately after, but his shot was saved by the keeper. The Azkals attacked aggressively with attempts from Phil Younghusband, Misagh Bahadoran, and James Younghusband, but all were thwarted by the Myanmar squad.

Mark Hartmann entered the game in the second half and attacked from the get-go off a cross from Phil, but his shot

BASKETBALL

Marc Pingris explains why he cried during Gilas Pilipinas-Puerto Rico game

WHEN the Philippines lost to Puerto Rico in the group stage of the FIBA Basketball World Cup, Marc Pingris was caught on camera crying on the bench and covering half of his face with a towel.

It was an important match as it was Gilas’ last chance to stay allive after dropping their first three matches to Croatia, Greece, and Argentina. Pingris could not help but get emotional with the crucial loss.

“Nanghinayang lang ako kasi gusto ko lang manalo, gusto naming pumasok

quickly but their attacks failed to produce a goal.

Myanmar suffered a huge blow right before the first half ended when coach Raddy Avramovic was sent off from the field for excessive complaining to the officials.

The Azkals then woke up at the start of the second half as defender Daisuke Sato scored his first international goal from outside the box to tie the game at 1-1.

Patrick Reichelt then drew contact inside the box after being hacked by a Myanmar player which resulted to a yellow card to the visitors. That also awarded the Azkals a penalty kick, which Phil Younghusband sank to put the Azkals ahead, 2-1, at the 71st minute.

second round,” Pingris told Jessica Soho in an interview on State of the Nation.

“Nakakalungkot lang.”

Had the team won the against the Puerto Ricans, they would have stayed in the hunt for a berth in the round of 16.

True to their motto, however, Gilas Pilipinas’ fighting heart remained strong until the end of the group stage. They posted the national team’s first win in the World Cup in 40 years, outlasting Senegal 81-79 in a game that stretched into overtime.

“Binigay na namin talaga lahat para at least manalo tayo kahit isa lang,” Pingris said.

Pingris, who is one of the best defenders in the country, has been lauded by fans for his fearlessness in suiting up with the giants of international basketball.

“Sa akin naman hindi naman ako

natatakot kahit sinong iharap sa akin kahit matangkad man, o kahit NBA player man,” Pingris said. “’Yun ang binigay ni Lord sa akin na talent so kailangang patunayan ko sa kanila na kahit na maliit man ako, may malaki akong puso sa basketball.”

After his crying episode, Pingris trended on Twitter as Pinoy supporters offered words of sympathy and comfort.

The defender said he was grateful for the support of the fans throughout the team’s World Cup campaign and dedicated his performance to his countrymen.

“Gusto ko rin palang magpasalamat sa mga Pilipinong sumuporta sa amin.

Talagang sinasalubong kami, talagang sumisigaw sila ng ‘puso.’ Para sa kanila ‘yun,” Pingris said. ■ Marisse Panaligan/JST, GMA News/Photo courtesy of FIBA.com

was blocked at the goal.

Shortly after, defender Daisuke Sato scored his first international goal at the 49th minute as he sent a long ball straight into the net to tie the game, 1-1.

The Azkals had the chance to take the lead at the 59th minute with a header from Phil off a cross from Patrick Reichelt, but the attempt was blocked by the goalkeeper.

Phil finally pushed the Azkals ahead in the 70th minute after converting a penalty kick. A header from Simone Rota in the 85th minute could have stretched the lead for the Philippines, but the goal was not counted due to an offside call.

The Azkals managed to protect the lead down the wire and came close to getting their third championship, but Min Min Thu scored the equalizer in injury time.

Disaster struck then for the Philippines as Myanmar took the upper hand in extra time.

The Azkals turned up the heat in the dying minutes to try to stay in the

game, including a header from Amani Aguinaldo that went over the goal.

Sato went for another long shot for the Philippines’ last offense, but the ball was deflected by the keeper.

In the third place match, Palestine trounced Chinese Taipei, 7-3. Regulation ended with a 3-3 deadlock, before Palestine hauled goals in extra time. ■ Marisse Panaligan / JST, GMA News / September 6, 2014 / 10:57 PM

GOLF

Pinoy golfer at Taipei golf tourney

Antonio Lascuna of the Philippines hits a shot during the second day of the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship at the Linkou International Golf and Country Club in Taipei on Friday, September 12. The $500,000 event is taking place from September 11 to 14.

September 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition

www.hello-philippines.com

39

BASKETBALL

MORE SPORTS

Confident after FIBA World Cup, Gilas Pilipinas eyes gold medal in Asian Games

Sonny Angara opens 8th Asian 12U Baseball games Senator Sonny Angara pitches the ball at the formal opening of the 8th Asian 12U Baseball Championship at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium on Wednesday, August 27. Japan, South Korea, Chinese Taipei, Singapore, Indonesia, and host Philippines are among the competing teams.

BASKETBALL

SPORTS

AFTER gaining the admiration of the world with their fighting heart in the FIBA Basketball World Cup, Gilas Pilipinas will once again show their “puso” for the upcoming Asian Games.

Gabe Norwood said he liked the team’s chances in the Asiad after the team’s World Cup performance.

“There’s definitely a big target on our backs now after our performance last year and how we performed in the World Cup,” Norwood told Jessica Soho in an interview with State of the Nation.

“I think we have a lot of confidence, not just in ourselves, individually, but as a team.”

Gilas Pilipinas failed to advance to the round of 16 in the World Cup, but the team made a tremendous exit with a victory over Senegal in overtime. The squad went home

with a 1-4 card with three heartbreaking close games out of four losses.

“Even only winning one game I think we gained a lot of respect,” said Norwood, whose poster dunk over Luis Scola of Argentina in the World Cup became one of the iconic images of the Philippine campaign. “I think teams are gonna come out and attack us really hard.”

“Hopefully we’ll take what we learned in Spain and use that in Korea.”

The Philippines qualified for the world stage for the first time in 36 years after a silver-medal finish in the FIBA Asia Championships last year. The team is looking to top that performance, aiming for the gold medal in the Asian Games.

“We definitely want to build on our performance last year and the only opportunity to do that is to win gold,”

Norwood said.

Stepping up for Blatche. The team is now hard-pressed to prepare for the Asiad without naturalized center Andray Blatche, who was disqualified due to residency rules of the Asian Games.

Another naturalized center, Marcus Douthit took Blatche’s position on the team, while Jimmy Alapag decided to postpone his retirement and play one last time for the team.

“Andray has been a great asset to our team and to our country. And I think it’s gonna take the whole team to kinda step up and fill his shoes,” Norwood said.

Blatched played for the country in the World Cup, averaging 21.2 points per game to rank second in scoring just behind Jose Barea of Puerto Rico. ■ Marisse Panaligan / JST, GMA News

Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes responds to detractor: ‘You want my job?’

GILAS Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes steered the national team to its first appearance on the world basketball stage after 36 years, but he still had his fair share of critics during the FIBA Basketball World Cup. Things got a little testy on Thursday after Reyes decided to respond with one detractor.

A certain Karlo Ong tweeted that Reyes should be replaced with another coach to call the shots for Gilas, to which he replied with, “Sure, you want my job?”

Ong, who uses the handle @ongkarlo, deleted his Twitter account as Pinoy fans rallied to support and defend Reyes in the face of criticism.

Another user with the handle @ mytwocents30 said that Tab Baldwin, who served as consultant to Gilas, is a better coach than Reyes.

The user, however, mistyped the name as “Tab Williams.” Reyes and other users poked fun on the error, which was corrected in later tweets.

Reyes led Gilas Pilipinas to a 1-4 record

in the World Cup, losing heartbreakers to Croatia, Greece, Argentina, and Puerto Rico before finally posting a win against Senegal for their last game in Spain.

That was the first victory for the national team on the world stage in 40 years.

The coach also steered the team to a silver finish in the FIBA Asia Championships last year to book the ticket to the World Cup. Earlier this year, Gilas Pilipinas bagged the bronze in the FIBA Asia Cup also under Reyes’ leadership. ■ Marisse Panaligan / JST, GMA News

sport Azkals lose Peace Cup as Myanmar steals crown

Story on page 38

Floyd Mayweather denies negotiations with Manny Pacquiao Story on page 38

Marc Pingris explains why he cried during Gilas Pilipinas-Puerto Rico game Story on page 38

Sonny Angara opens 8th Asian 12U Baseball games Story on page 39

Algieri’s gameplan: Dominate Manny Pacquiao BOXING

UNBEATEN WBO junior welterweight champion Chris Algieri wants nothing but a dominant and convincing win when he faces Manny Pacquiao at Cotai Arena in Macau on November 23.

“I plan on dominating my fights. I’m coming with the same game plan for this fight,” Algieri told Boxingscene.com.

Already a 16-to-1 underdog, Algieri is also facing concerns about whether he could eke out a decision win in the Chinese territory, which is only a few hours away by plane from Manila.

“People always ask about that- if I’m worried about fighting there or getting a decision. I don’t think like that.

I’m a positive guy. It happens in the sport, but if it happens it happen,” said Algieri, who said he wants there to be no question about the outcome.

“I don’t ever plan on having close fights.” ■ JM Siasat / JST, GMA News / September 11, 2014 / 7:14 PM