June 2012 issue

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December 2010 U.K. Edition

GLOBAL NEWS

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HELLO PH I LI PPI N ES © 2010 UNIVERSAL INFINITY LIMITED

Connecting Global News & Views For The Community

United Kingdom Edition

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Local News • Buhay Abroad • Special Report • Environment • Focus • Business and Finance • Sport News • Don’t have a QR Scanner?

Law and Social Issue • Health and Download at: www.hello-philippines.com/qrcode Science • Showbiz and Entertainment June 2011 Issue

Volume 2 - Number 06

www.hello-philippines.com

Sizing up the

AQUINO administration

Page 4

Independence Day: June 12 or July 4?

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Page 22

Day of the Purple Ribbon for RH: The Saga of the “Reproductive Health Bill” debate continues Page 16

Surviving the rainy season

Sandara Park and Etude House: The next Korean craze

Page 38

Page 12

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HELLO

Cover Story

PHILIPPINES

June 2011• United Kingdom Edition

A year of the Aquino administration Vittorio Hernandez

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hen June ends, it would be exactly one year that Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III took his oath of office as the 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines.

All eyes were focused on Aquino when he succeeded Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as Philippine President because of a promise of change in government radically different from the perceived rampant corruption in past administration.

Aquino was voted into office on the strength of his surname and the legacy left behind by his parents – former Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and former Philippine President Corazon Aquino.

After 12 months under an Aquino administration, many Filipinos are

asking if Cory’s unico hijo made a difference in the lives of almost 90 million Pinoys.

The answer would be as varied and diverse as the number of dialects in the Philippines.

Pro-administration and Noynoy admirers would surely defend the president. They would likely say that he has managed to keep the government relatively clean and free from corruption compared to the GMA administration.

The opposition and leftist groups would likely be critical of the president for failure to keep all his campaign promises. They could always back up their claims with results of different surveys that many Filipinos still experience hunger, the unemployment continues to go up, criminality is still rampant and the life of Juan de la Cruz has not improved after 12 months under Aquino’s stewardship.

They could also likely point to yesfm.com.ph

balita.ph

Filipinos are largely divided where President Noynoy is concerned. Aquino loyalists argue that his administration is relatively clean while oppositionists believe that PNoy failed to deliver on his campaign promises.

several blunders under the Aquino administration during the first few months of office such as: • The August 23 Hong Kong tourist bus hostage crisis • Several controversial decisions by the judiciary such as the acquittal of convicted criminals • Bus bombing incidents • A rift with the Catholic Church over reproductive health • Poor handling of the expatriation of overseas Filipino workers for troubled North African and Middle Eastern nations, and • The Palace’s differences with the Supreme Court as examples of a weak presidency.

One indicator that a growing number of Filipinos are becoming more and more disenchanted with the Aquino administration is that rallyists, during major political events such as the president’s State of the Nation Address, no longer burn the effigy of Arroyo, but that of Aquino.

It has not helped the president’s image that he bought an expensive Porsche, while the rest of Filipinos could not even buy a second or thirdhand sedan or even have enough money on their pockets for daily public transportation fare.

There too have been criticisms of Aquino prioritizing his love life over matters of the state because of media accounts of his dates with Valenzuela Councillor Shalani Soledad, stylist Liz Uy and a host of other single women who have become instant celebrities after being photographed dining with the president.

First 100 Days

After 12 months in office, the President’s trust ratings went down by 13 per cent, indicating the disenchantment of Filipinos with his perforrmance.

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When Aquino reached his first 100 days in office in mid October 2010, prominent political analyst Ramon Casiple observed that the president, at that time, has made

key initial steps to battle corruption and poverty by appointing trusted people to key position, although there had been some criticisms over some appointments.

One of the appointees often questioned is acting Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, who was criticized for his poor handling of the August 23 bus hostage crisis. Aquino himself had acknowledged that Robredo is on an acting capacity only because the president is still deciding if he will make Robredo’s appointment permanent or not.

Another black mark on the Aquino administration is the government’s handling of the political crisis in the Middle East and North Africa. OFWs had to be evacuated and repatriated from strife-torn nations such as Egypt, Libya, Yemen and Syria, and the migrant Filipino workers complained about the inability of the Philippine embassy staff in these nations to respond to their needs.

Early this year, another crisis that the government had to handle because of the delicate situation was the execution of three Filipino drug mules convicted in China.

Although Manila’s hands were tied because the cases involved a foreign government’s jurisdiction over Filipinos who committed crimes overseas, the failure of the Philippine government to have the death sentences commuted to life sentences is seen by some Filipinos as failure by the government to protect the rights of Filipinos when overseas.

Survey says Despite these negative issues being raised against the Aquino administration, the president generally continues to enjoy the trust

of the Filipino people. The basis of that is his satisfaction rating in polls, which is in the 70s range, while his predecessor, GMA, had much lower satisfaction ratings when she left office.

However, in March, pollster Social Weather Station, released its latest survey which showed that Aquino’s satisfaction ratings went down by 13 per cent. But SWS pointed out that even if Aquino’s most recent rating of +51 per cent is lower compared to the highest rating of past presidents – with Cory Aquino scoring +69 per cent and Joseph Estrada getting +67 per cent – Noynoy’s rating is definitely several notches above the +30 per cent highest rating achieved

by Arroyo.

Along with the dip in Aquino’s rating was a rise in Vice President Jejomar Binay’s satisfaction rating to +74 per cent to overtake the president as having the highest rating among Philippine officials.

SWS attributed the fast decline to Aquino’s purchase of the Porsche and the absence of concrete programs and solutions to achieve the “matuwid na daan” vision of his administration.

With the fast decline in satisfaction ratings, a growing number of Filipinos are started to become disenchanted with the Aquino administration, which began its term on a very high note. With five more years left to the president’s term, those who voted Aquino to the presidency are now asking if they made the right decision in casting their ballots for him.

Definitely, the honeymoon period between the president and his constituency is over. The question now is, will Aquino recover or improve, not only in satisfaction ratings, but more importantly in serving the 90 million Filipinos as President of the republic? ■

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HELLO

Local News

PHILIPPINES

June 2011• United Kingdom Edition

Pinoy in Norwich celebrates Santacruzan Carol Panday

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he concerted effort of Pinoy in Norwich Aksyon Samahan or PINAS and Global Filipino Catholic Community pave way to the success of their Santacruzan 2011.

Having matured and adult ladies as their “sagala” gained popularity among the people who took part in the event. Started at the Holy Trinity Church, they had their procession towards the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, where the thanksgiving mass was held.

The Reyna Elena or Queen Helena was represented with six other queens as children offered flowers in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Lorna Warnes, one of the queens, said: “I am very thankful to the Global Filipino Community here in Norwich and for PINAS for giving us the old ladies a chance to be able share with this Santacruzan. This is

my first time in 52 years, so, I am very thankful to the close community here in Norwich and long live the Filipinos. Mabuhay!”

The celebration continued for the coronation of the queens with the powerful and enigmatic performances of the local talents in Norwich.

The money that has been raised will sustain the organisers’ various projects for the community. Jerome Albano, President of PINAS was grateful for the support shown by the members of the organisation that adds to the success of the event.

They aim to strengthen not only the camaraderie of the people but to build a well-rounded community bounded by a strong spiritual guidance.

In the Philippines, Santacruzan is celebrated along with the Flores De Mayo Festival in the whole month of May. This has been part of our tradition that Filipinos around the globe celebrate and commemorate even they when were out of the country. ■

The Santacruzan is a long-held Pinoy tradition that Filipinos celebrate wherever they may be in the world.

“Mudak” entertains Pinoys in UK at the launching of Comedy Central

By Carol Panday

Standup comedian delighted London-based Pinoy audiences with his comic skills.

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verwhelming support was gained by the launching of Comedy Central during its premier comedy show in London, UK. The show featured Mudak, a Filipino standup comedian who brought fun to the venue at Greycoat Place in Victoria, London. The organizers of the event were successful in providing entertainment to the Pinoy community and discovered that such a show earned satisfied and happy audience.

Jiancarlo Mejia, of Vista Land, the head organizer, thought that aside from parties, they will treat their Kababayans with a different

genre of entertainment. They were surprised but happy to find out how amused their fellow Filipinos were with the show. “Wow! Hindi namin iniexpect na sa maliit na space meron kaming 150 tao na nasisiyahan, (we didn’t expect that in a small space we can fit in 150 people who are having fun)” exclaimed Mejia.

Talented standup comedians led

by Greg Mirabona, who played the character “Mudak,” displayed their talent and skills in entertaining the audience. They amused not only fellow Pinoys but also the locals and other foreigners who joined the cheering crowd. How they enjoyed and entertained was obvious in their reactions and laughter which filled the room from start to finish.

“It’s really, really good. He is a natural comedian. I think that is

his real forte, he’s got potential, definitely!” said Philip Crelin of London, commenting on Mudak’s performance. Metin Mahmutoglu who is from Cyprus added, “The show was great tonight. The comedian was talented. I have a nice time here as everybody else.

He tried his best to make us laugh and enjoy the night. I am very happy about it. Filipino people are very friendly and very kind.”

Greg Mirabona who chose the name Mudak, said that they did this show as a trial, as a way to entertain people but because of the good feedback they got from the audience, they are already planning for another show which is “more fun.” He added, “hopefully, we could get more stand up comedians para ma-organise naming ang comedy bar dito (set up a comedy bar here in the UK).”

He made a special mention of Pooh, a popular comedian way back home, whom he admires.

They admire the comedians of the Philippines who inspired them to gather and organize potential stand up comedians in the UK. Their group, called the Comedy Central, aspires to gain more patrons, and audience (and eventually fans) so that their success in their initial launch of the show will continue as they entertain more fun loving Kababayans. ■

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HELLO

Buhay Abroad

PHILIPPINES

June 2011• United Kingdom Edition

Shopping malls, like SM’s Mall of Asia, are frequented by OFW families.

Nasaan na ang perang pinadala?

Vittorio Hernandez

T

he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas bended its currency trading regulations when the political crisis erupted in the Middle East and North Africa earlier this year to help returning Overseas Filipinos Workers. The central bank allowed OFWs who fled Libya to exchange their dinars for pesos even if existing rules limit foreign currency trading to 16 currencies.

Because of the limited time that the fleeing migrant workers had left to exchange their dinars for other international currencies, a number of them were at a loss because of the double whammy that hit them when civil unrest broke in Libya.

On top of losing their high-paying jobs, many of the OFWs who left Libya and Egypt on a moment’s notice were worried about their financial future because some of them did not have enough savings to tide their families over until they could return to Libya and Egypt or find another job overseas. Many of the OFWs did not anticipate the political crisis in the troubled region which spread like a contagion and thought they could work in the country’s oilfields, hospitals and offices for a longer period.

Many of the migrant Filipino

workers had actually been working abroad for years that it is surprising that after years of employment overseas, their savings are not sufficient to cover their family expenses during an emergency since most of them regularly remit to their families in the Philippines.

Despite various political crisis and natural calamities to hit host nations of OFWs, their total remittances had been growing over the past decades.

According to the latest BSP report in mid-May, money sent home by the Filipino migrant workers for the first quarter of 2011 reached $4.6 billion.

It was a 5.9 per cent rise compared to the same quarter in 2010.

The central bank attributed the healthy state of OFW remittances to higher cash transfers from sea-based and land-based Filipino migrant workers.

So the question that continues to bug many observers of the OFW phenomenon is – Where did the remittances go?

An analysis and weekend observation of OFW family behavior will yield some clues where the money went.

1. Shopping Galore – Try visiting major malls in Metro Manila and other urban centers and the first thing you will notice is the long lines of Pinoys in the foreign exchange counter. They are mostly families of OFWs who just got their remittances in foreign

currency and need to convert it to pesos for their spending money.

Needless to say, after exchanging the hard-earned money of the OFW, family members left behind in the Philippines head for the department store and go on a shopping spree. After the purchases of clothes, cellphones, electronic gadgets and other items, it’s time to dine at the nearby fastfood and later watch movies in the same SM or Robinsons’ complex. At the end of the day, a substantial amount of the remittance had gone to conspicuous consumption, while the poor OFW continues to labor in a foreign land, sometimes amid danger to his or her life.

2. Kamaganak Incorporated – Another characteristic of OFW families is the discovery of longlost relatives whenever a member of the family leaves to work for abroad. Kin who used to ignore your family when you were dirt

poor suddenly sprout upon hearing news of kuya or ate’s work abroad. Tales of woe about an aunt or grandparent needing surgery or money for maintenance medicine are shared, as well as pleas for help to finance the education of a cousin, niece or even an inaanak.

Some relatives even live with the OFW family and help use the resources sent home by the poor overseas based workers.

3. Pyramid – I am not referring to Charice Pempengo’s hit song with Iyaz, but to pyramiding schemes and other fraudulent investment schemes that OFW families fall for whenever they get a windfall from remittances. News of a Kababayan making it abroad travels fast that the plane the OFW rode has hardly touched the tarmac when smooth operators lure the unknowing OFW family into investing into their Ponzi-like scheme which is guaranteed to suck dry the hard-

earned money of the migrant Pinoy worker. The schemes are not limited to business ventures that promise large returns in exchange for a small investment, but include sale of real estate properties in non-existent subdivisions or purchase of fake jewelry which turns out to be just puwet ng baso.

But not all OFW families are careless with the money sent home by their loved ones abroad. Some of the wiser ones check government and private agencies for veracity of business investment offers and succeed.

Others are content with investing in smaller enterprises such as sarisari stores and carinderias which they themselves manage and grow, while keeping the rest of the remittance safely in bank accounts or other forms of legitimate instruments such as bonds.

Some OFW families invest in real estate, which explains the boom in condominium constructions in the national capital region and other Philippine urban centers.

Before the crash of PET and CAP, some families with school-age children bought college education plans for their kids in anticipation of escalating cost of education in the coming years. However, the bankruptcy of these two major educational firms made college plans a poor investment tool, both for foreign and local-based workers.

Families of OFWs who have learned their lessons the hard way have become wiser and more selective in picking options where to park their remittances. Most of them are now believers of the saying that “When it rains, it pours.”

Having experienced dry seasons as well, many OFW families have become wiser in managing their finances upon realization of the truth behind what the government and private recruitment agencies have long been warning to their loved ones that overseas work is not a permanent thing. ■

PUBLISHER

Universal Infinity Limited Mike McCarthy Sales Director Tel. No.: +44 20 3086 7702 ext. 15 Email: mmccarthy@mshareltd.com Roselle Collado Operations & Marketing Director Tel. No.: +44 7577 813 104 Hello Philippines is published monthly by Universal Infinity Limited.

This publication is copyrighted and all rights reserved.

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planetphilippines.com

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have varied ways of spending their hard-earned salaries.

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HELLO PHILIPPINES

Business & Finance

June 2011• United Kingdom Edition

Dependable “Bossing” Vic Sotto embodies and lives the Western Union spirit

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ANILA, Philippines – Unfailing celebrity icon Vic Sotto is the face of Western Union’s newest branding campaign in the Philippines and across the world which stresses the reliability of the Western Union® Money TransferSM services wherever and whenever it is sent.

The new brand campaign was rolled out earlier this year in the Philippines and overseas including the U.S., Canada and countries in the Middle East, Europe and Asia where most Filipinos live and work.

For veteran comedic host and actor Vic Sotto, the show doesn’t stop off camera. His years of being in the entertainment industry has begotten him the title of Bossing, a name he casually, yet wholeheartedly, lives up to even in between takes.

“Sa showbiz, hindi palaging tawanan at lokohan lang (In showbiz,

it’s not all fun and games). There’s a big responsibility on my part to be a good role model to others.” says Vic. “I am very excited and honored to represent Western Union, a company that has grown together with Filipinos here and abroad. Sa tulong nito, hindi lang napauunlad ng mga Pilipino ang ating ekonomiya, nakapagbibigay-sigla pa sila sa taong-bayan. Hanga ako sa layunin ng Western Union, hanga ako sa katatagan ng Pilipino (With its help, Filipinos are not only able to help our economy, they are even able to serve as inspirations to others.

I admire the purpose and goals of Western Union, I admire the resilience of Filipinos),” he adds.

“Vic Sotto’s approachable demeanor paired with a desire to be there for others is what Western Union was looking to emulate – someone who embodies the Pinoy trait of being dependable, just as Western Union has been trusted by consumers worldwide for over

160 years.” says Patricia Riingen, Senior Vice President, Pacific and Indochina, Western Union. “We are delighted to have Vic Sotto, someone who truly lives the Western Union spirit, to represent our brand. Willingly, Vic has accepted the role of the steady, unfailing celebrity icon, who does what he can to always live up to his reputation.”

“So many things have happened since our fellow Filipinos began to leave their home place to live and work in hopes of building better futures for their families.

Our commitment to consumers – Kampante ka sa Western Union, however remains steadfast,” she adds.

“We have bridged geographical gaps, created economic and educational opportunities, and we are where our consumers need us to be. We will continue to work with, for and alongside Filipino migrants and their families, whenever and wherever they need us.”

Vic Sotto (in the photo series) is a popular Pinoy host and comedian who understands the plight of his kababayans working abroad.

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About Western Union The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a leader in global payment services. Together with its Vigo, Orlandi Valuta, Pago Facil and Western Union Business Solutions branded payment services, Western Union provides consumers and businesses with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, to send payments and to purchase money orders. The Western Union, Vigo and Orlandi Valuta branded services are offered through a combined network of approximately 455,000 agent locations in 200 countries and territories. In 2010, The Western Union Company completed 214 million consumer-to-consumer transactions worldwide, moving $76 billion of principal between consumers, and 405 million business payments. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com.

“We are delighted to have Vic Sotto, someone who truly lives the Western Union spirit, to represent our brand.”

Vic Sotto confesses that his daily program Eat Bulaga, the longest running noontime variety show in the Philippines, largely took part in molding him to be who he is today. “Dito, maraming umaasa sa ‘yo e. Everyday, may lalapit sa ‘yo. May mga nagaabot ng reseta at naghahanap ng trabaho. Meron pang nagbibigay ng resibo sa punerarya (In this program, you encounter many kinds of people who ask for your help financially. There are those who show you their prescription for their medicine and others who ask for a job. There are even some who ask you for help with funeral expenses).” Vic candidly shares.

“You don’t get to help all of

them, but you do what you can do.

Hangga’t may laman ang bulsa ko, aabutan ko sila ng kahit konti (As long as there is something in my pocket, I will give what I can offer, no matter how small).”

After 30 years, Eat Bulaga still manages to amuse its loyal fans, old and new. But Vic shares that the team’s faithfulness to their viewers is what has kept the program running so strongly. “They see us everyday, they watch us everyday. We’ve been with them for the last 30 years. We are part of their families already. Kids grew up with us and lolas and the lolos have become our part of our homes.

Kaya pag meron silang kailangan o kung may problema sila, makakalapit sila. (That’s why when they need help or they have a problem, they can approach us).” ■

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HELLO

Environment

PHILIPPINES

June 2011• United Kingdom Edition

Surviving the rainy season Vittorio Hernandez

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arly this year, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration forecast a short, but wet summer for the country.

Pagasa’s predict appears to be quite accurate.

In early May, the Philippine was hit by a storm. Two weeks later, although typhoon Songda (Chedeng) spared the Philippines and instead headed for Japan, parts of the country experienced rain showers before summer officially ended.

Traditionally, summer ends last week of May or sometimes extends up to the first or second week of June. Thus, when the academic year starts on the first or second week of June, classes are often suspended within the first few weeks of the school year because of storms hitting the country and the subsequent flood the heavy rains bring.

Many Filipinos, used to this weather pattern, have learned how to adapt to this situation and have put in place several measures to cope with the wet situation. Quite good at surviving the rainy season are employees and students who have to wade through inundated streets or go home soaking wet because of the heavy rainfall.

In preparation for the downpour in June, here are some tips for Pinoys – particularly regular commuters – to survive the 2011 rainy season: 1. Be informed – The best way to avoid being caught up in a flooded street or being drenched to the bones is to know the weather forecast. With the advent of technology, Filipinos no longer have to rely on newspaper reports –

which may be too late because by the time the paper is delivered or available the average commuter had already left home – but other forms of media. There are the websites of different weather forecasting agencies here and abroad, text messaging services and of course, the ever reliable AM radio news to learn if there is a storm or weather disturbance about to hit your area.

1. Be prepared – If you are aware that a storm or rains are due today, then bring an umbrella or raincoat every time you leave the house. Line your bags with plastic to protect your books and other personal stuff from getting wet.

If the streets you will be passing are often flood-prone, you may consider bringing a pair of rubber slippers or cheap rubber shoes so your expensive leather shoes would be spared of early damage from flood water.

2. Be armed – Next to umbrellas, jackets and raincoats, bring also a small bottle of alcohol or hand sanitizer so you could clean your feet and legs after passing flooded areas. Carry also a small towel to wipe dry your feet, legs and limbs. You may also consider bringing a small pack of biscuits, sandwich or other snacks so that in case public transport becomes scarce because of the bad weather and you may need to walk home for several hours, you would have some physical strength to sustain you throughout the ordeal.

3. Be loaded – This refers to both electronic load for your mobile phones and cash. A flood is often considered an emergency situation which may require you to make some phone calls to family members that you may be delayed in going home or to seek for emergency assistance if you are

stranded or need other forms of help from the police, fire station, safety and rescue officials or the barangay tanods. E-load stations may not be available when you need them the most, so make sure you are connected to key people by having sufficient load on your hand held unit. Likewise, may sure you have sufficient cash to cover your fare – if there is any public transport still available – and extra money to buy food or drinks, if needed. Remember, there may be no ATMs along the way or the cash dispensing machines could be shuttered because of power failure or floods.

4. Be alert – This refers to emergency situations you may encounter while on the way to the office or school or on your way back home. Watch out for falling tree limbs, stalled vehicles, open manholes, dangling electric wires and even people who take advantage of floods and other natural catastrophes to gain financially or materially. Also be on the lookout for people who may need help and listen to other warning signs such as dark clouds and frequent thunderstorms that indicate impending rainfall.

One more reminder: never panic when faced with a dangerous situation. Your best weapons in such situations are to be ready for any eventuality, stay calm to be able to analyze the situation and think of a solution and to trust God that He will protect you from harm and danger.

Weather disturbances are a part of life. It is something people have to learn to adapt to whether they face blizzards in cold countries like the United Kingdom or the United States or have to wade through knee or waist-deep waters in the frequently flooded streets of Metro Manila, in the Philippines. ■

burdenforbrazil.com

It doesn’t hurt to be prepared especially during the rainy season in the Philippines which officially starts in June, coinciding with school opening. oxfamblogs.org

fjsanchez.wordpress.com

Many office workers and students in the Philippines have grown used to going home through flooded streets during the rainy season.

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Disasters, like Ondoy which hit Manila severely in 2009, wreak havoc not only on property but on lives as well.

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Original Creation and Copyright Reserved By: Hello Philippines 2011

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HELLO

Events Diary

PHILIPPINES

DATE / TIME

2011 CALENDAR OF EVENTS EVENT

VENUE

ORGANISER

June 2011• United Kingdom Edition CONTACTS / REMARKS

2 to 4 June 2011 (Thursday to Saturday) 5:30pm

“Filipinism” – What makes Art Filipino – Art Exhibit by Kunst Gallery Artists

Chelsea Library Gallery, Chelsea Old Town Hall, King’s Road, London SW3 5EZ

Ver Cuizon in collaboration with Batangas Association UK and supported by the Philippine Embassy, London

4 June 2011 – (Saturday) 3:00pm

Annual Philippine Independence Day Mass and Salo-Salo of the Filipino Community in the United Kingdom (UK) FWA-UK 23rd Philippine National Day Dinner & Dance

Church of Our Lady of Victories, 16 Abingdon Road, High Street Kensington, London W8 6AF

Philippine Embassy in cooperation with the different Filipino communities and organizations

Mass Main Celebrant: The Right Reverend Alan Hopes, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster

Radisson Blu Portman Hotel, 22 Portman Square, London W1H 7BG

Filipino Women’s Association (FWA-UK)

Nene Martin 020 8997 2146 / nenemartin@hotmail.co.uk

113th Philippine Independence Day Party

St Peter’s Church Hall, Ardrossan KA22 8DU

Phil-Scot Trust

Fiesta ng Kalayaan – 113th Philippine Independence Day

Morden Park, London Road, Morden, Surrey SM4 5DX

Bayanihan UK

4 June 2011 – (Saturday) 6:00pm to Midnight

4 June 2011 – (Saturday) 7:00pm to Midnight 4 to 5 June 2011 (Saturday & Sunday) 9:00am to 6:00pm

Velly Cattermole 07928 368 400 / manilacrafts@aol.com Nally 01294 461 709 Marilyn 01475 522 459 Sponsorships and Stalls: Teresita Valencia-Juval 020 7341 7431 / 07956 593 236 / juvaltravel@btconnect.com Gil Zarcilla 07802 761 446 / indangvillage@aol.com

6 June 2011 – (Monday) 7:00pm

The Storytelling Tradition of the Philippines

Chalk Farm Library, Sharpleshall Street, London NW1 8YL

9 June 2011 – (Thursday) 8:00pm 11 June 2011 – (Saturday) 9:00am to 6:00pm

East Meets West for Ooberfuse London Concert 3rd Pistahan sa Newcastle 2011

Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BX Blaydon Rugby Club Field (Car Boot Area), Hexham Road, Swalwell, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE16 3BN

11 June 2011 – (Saturday) 9:30am to 7:30pm 11 June 2011 – (Saturday) 10:00am 11 to 12 June 2011 (Saturday & Sunday) 9:00am 12 June 2011 – (Sunday) 9:00am 12 June 2011 – (Sunday) 12:00pm 12 June 2011 – (Sunday) 12:00pm to 6:00pm

8th Filipino Day 2011

Philippine Independence Day World Cup

St Anne’s Park & Rose Gardens, Mount Prospect Avenue, Dublin, Ireland 100 Preston’s Road, Wood Wharf, London E14 9SB

BFAB Sports Fest – 1st BFAB Tennis Open

North Cliffe Park, Shipley BD18 3DE

Flag Raising and Singing of Philippine National Anthem Chapter of the Knights of Rizal Meeting

Embassy of the Philippines, 6 – 8 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HG Hinsley Room, Morpeth Terrace, London SW1P 1QW

Philippine Embassy, London

Knights of Rizal - Westminster Chapter

Allen Aloysius Reilly 07801 811 859 / reilly113@aol.com

BBQ to Celebrate the Philippines Independence Day

Dalkeith Country Park, Dalkeith Country Estate, Dalkeith, Edinburgh EH22 2NJ Tredegar Park, Newport, Gwent NP10 9TG

The Scottish Filipino Charity

Freda 07954 359 143 / info@scottishfilipinocharity.org

Filipino-British Association of South Wales

Trina Diaz Levien-Wynne 07854 009 875 / 01291 674 901

John Radcliffe Hospital, Tingewick Hall, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU Woodgate Valley Country Park, Clapgate Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham B32 3DS

Filipino Community of Oxfordshire

Jose Ariel Lanada chairman@filcomoxford.org.uk

Filipino Association of Birmingham (FAB)

Sponsorships and Stalls: 07531 022 269 / 07985 159 203

Stockport Masonic Guildhall, 169 – 171 Wellington Road South, Stockport SK1 3UA Campbell Park, Central Milton Keynes MK9 3HR

United Filipinos of Stockport (UFoS)

Stallholders & Sponsorships: Ann Nazario 07988 624 905

Filipino British Society

Merald Yates 07909 957 313 / 01908 282 773

18 June 2011 – (Saturday) 8:00am to 8:30pm 18 June 2011 – (Saturday) 9:00am to 6:00pm

Festival / Independence Day 2011

18 June 2011 – (Saturday) 10:00am to 8:00pm

4th Fiesta sa Birmingham-Midlands 2011

19 June 2011 – (Sunday) 9:00am to 6:00pm 19 June 2011 – (Sunday) 10:00am to 5:00pm 25 to 26 June 2011 (Saturday & Sunday) 9:00am to 7:00pm

Filipino Independence Day 2011

UFoS Philippine Independence Day Celebration 2011 Fiesta sa Milton Keynes 2011

Monday Book Evening of the Friends of the Chalk Farm Library Tickets - £10.00 www.leicestersquaretheatre.com Filipino Community Association of Newcastle Upon Tyne (FILCAN)

Sponsorships, Stalls and Performers: Sally Sellars 07886 742 417 / 0191 273 6779 - Bong Bangayan 07824 338 251 / filcan.2007@yahoo.co.uk

The Filipino Cultural Team

Philippine Generations

philippinegenerations@googlemail.com

Miss Teen, Battle of the Bands, Santacruzan and Any Performances: 07810 377 208 / 07985 159 203

Maria Davis 07737 676 850 / 01908 542 915

26 June 2011 – (Sunday) 10:00am to 5:00pm

Yorkshire Barrio Fiesta 2011

Hull Road Park, Alcuin Avenue, York, North Yorkshire YO10 3TQ

Yorkshire Maharlika Filipino Club in association with York City Council

Lolita Boddy 07973 469 450 / 01765 607 619

30 June 2011 – (Thursday) 7.30pm – Evening Show

East Meets West featuring Ballet Manila and Prima Ballerina of the Philippines Lisa Macuja-Elizalde

Shaw Theatre 100 – 110 Euston Road, Euston, London NW1 2AJ

The show is presented by the Philippine Embassy, London with the Inter-Cultural Society of London

For more information, please visit www.balletmanila.co.uk

1 July 2011 – (Friday) 8:00pm – Gala Night

2 July 2011 – (Saturday) 2.30pm – Matinee 7.30pm – Evening Show

Book tickets at: www.ticketmaster.co.uk or 0844 248 5075. Booking & transaction fees apply.

Ticket Prices: £22 and £25 and £35 for the Gala Night Note: To be a Patron, for the price of only £45.00, one can have premium seating, his/her name in the souvenir program and in the Ballet Manila websites both in the UK and in the Philippines, and at the end of the show, a chance to meet, greet & have photo taken with Ms Lisa Macuja and the entire Ballet Manila company.

2 July 2011 – (Saturday) 1:00pm to 9:00pm

Tacloban Fiesta in East London 2011

Custom House Hotel, Function Room, 272 – 283 Victoria Dock Road, London E16 3BY

Leyte-Samar Organization in the United Kingdom

Tickets and Inquiries: Eric Go 07919 348 827 / 020 7473 2715 / Maria Lydia Creer 07786 246 096 / Ken Mendoza 07889 370 248 / Lanley Marmita 07967 555 689 / Thelma Montano 07894 708 263

3 July 2011 – (Sunday) 8:00am to 6:00pm

3rd Bradford Barrio Fiesta 2011

British-Filipino Association of Bradford

07882 099 306 / 01274 818 681

5 to 15 July 2011

An Actor’s Art Exhibition

by Rebecca Grant

Lady Hill Park, Allerton, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD15 7TS Embassy of the Philippines, 6 – 8 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HG

16 to 17 July 2011 (Saturday & Sunday) 10:00am to 7:00pm

27th Barrio Fiesta sa London 2011

Lampton Park, Lampton Road, Hounslow, Middlesex TW3 4DN

An Event Organised by ABSCBN Europe Limited in cooperation with The Philippine Centre

24 July 2011 – (Sunday) 8:00am to 5:00pm

Barrio Fiesta sa Mitcham 2011

Three Kings Piece, Commonside West Road, Mitcham, Surrey CR4 4HA

30 July 2011 – (Saturday) 10:00am to 6:00pm

Fiesta sa Nayon 2011 at East Grinstead

30 July 2011 – (Saturday) 4:00pm 31 July 2011 – (Sunday)

UFCScot Battle of the Band 2011

King George’s Field, Olympus, Kings Leisure Centre, Moat Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 3LN Adelaide’s Conference Centre, 209 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4HZ Stanley Park, Sports Arena, West Park Drive, Blackpool FY3 9HQ

Fiesta in Blackpool 2011

Rebecca Grant – Filipina-British Actress and West End Performer Stalls and Further Information Please Contact: Roselle Collado, Events Coordinator on behalf of ABS-CBN Europe Limited 07577 813 104 / londonbarriofiesta2011@yahoo.com Andrea Colquhoun 020 8646 4181 Jess Magdaong 07894 824 512 Filipino-British Association of East Grinstead

United Filipino Communities of Scotland (UFCScot)

Alex Pullan 07766 656 856

Far Eastern Voluntary Group

Yolanda Cabasal 07737 088 253 Zai Martin 07818 043 006

10:00am to 6:00pm 13 to 14 August 2011 (Saturday & Sunday) 10:00am to 6:00pm

Welsh Filipino Fiesta 2011

13 to 14 August 2011 (Saturday & Sunday) 10:00am to 6:00pm

UFCScot Barrio Fiesta sa Glasgow

17 September 2011 (Saturday) 6:00pm to 12:00am

Miss Philippines UK and Mr Philippines UK 2011

Margam Country Park, Margam, Port Talbot, Wales SA13 2TJ (Between Cardiff and Swansea) Kelvingrove Park, Otago Street, Glasgow G3 6BY

Camden Centre, Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, London WC1H 9JE

Robin Easling 07891 215 097

United Filipino Communities of Scotland (UFCScot) / Brought to you by GMA-KAPUSO in cooperation with Gen Ashley Eva Macadangdang 07983 593 914 Marlowe Macadangdang 07956 944 520 / mp_uk@yahoo.com

FREE LISTING of your events on the Hello Philippines newspaper and if you know of any Events do not hesitate to contact us at all. Please kindly contact us and submit your event via email or text to the following at kccmedia8@yahoo.com / 07577 813 104.

-

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Date of the Event / Time of the Event Title of Event Venue Address (please kindly provide complete address with postcode) Organiser Contact Details Remarks: any other information you want added and we will endevour to include it if possible depending on space

6/3/11 2:10 AM

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6/2/11 11:48 PM

Original Creation and Copyright Reserved By: Hello Philippines 2011

16

HELLO

Law & Social Issue News

PHILIPPINES

June 2011• United Kingdom Edition

Day of the Purple Ribbon for RH: The Saga of the “Reproductive Health Bill” debate continues Gazelle Anne Ngotianhe

I

f there’s one controversy that has put the country in turmoil for many months and is now at the center of a national debate, it’s the issue on Reproductive Health and Population Development Bill or “RH Bill No. 4244,” a bill intending access for birth control and family planning methods, and which is currently awaiting passage to become a law.

Unknown to many, the bill has already been filed almost a decade ago with consolidating bills, yet no resolution has been made on whether it should be passed into law or not. Among topics covered in the bill includes access to family planning, family planning supplies, medicines and information end services, education and counseling on sexuality and on reproductive health, maternal, infant and child health and nutrition, etc. In short, every aspect of reproductive health from pregnancy to family planning, to sex education among the youth is being tackled in this bill.

Media attention has since escalated regarding the issue with various causeoriented groups and even the biggest names in showbiz joining forces to either show support, or opposition, towards this bill. Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who wanted to push through with it, even had a heated exchange of words with Congressman Manny Pacquiao, who is against the RH Bill.

Among the biggest movements reported in media was the “Day of the Purple Ribbon for RH,” with a gathering of leaders, artists and public figures launching a campaign that supports

the RH Bill. Hundreds of supporters gathered together for this event to wage all-out war against those who oppose the RH Bill.

The launch, held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Ortigas Center last May 11, had a number of high-profile supporters like former President Fidel Ramos, former DOH Secretary Esperanza Cabral, and current DOH Secretary Enrique Ona. Celebrities Leah Salonga and Jim Paredes were also present during the launch. In his speech, Ramos had asked President Aquino to “certify the RH bill as urgent.”

Meanwhile, Rep. Edcel Lagman and Rep. Janette Garin (co-authors of the bill), had unveiled the Purple Ribbon, a symbol of the fight for the RH Bill.

Pro RH Bill Over the past weeks, news networks have tackled this hot topic and have organized heated and talked about debates. Both parties laid down their respective stands on the issue. The PRO and the ANTI rallies escalate as the bill remains argued about in the senate.

And while the Catholic group is clearly against the bill, other religious groups support it, namely: the Iglesia ni Cristo and the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC), both of whom have since released statements supporting the RH Bill.

According to those who support the bill, women, particularly those in slum areas, have no idea that contraceptives and other methods are readily available for family planning. The poor are the ones who are largely affected mainly because they lack the knowledge about family planning.

mbbcintl.com

donboscopasil.blogspot.com

Anti RH Bill groups argue that every child has the right to be born.

Anti RH Bill

philippinenewsdaily.com

Supporters of the RH Bill believe that the proposed law aims to fight the expanding population problem in the Philippines.

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The Anti RH Bill or pro-life, pro-family, pro-God groups are the main opponents of the RH Bill. Contraceptives and family planning methods for them are dangerous and intentionally kill a life.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines or CBCP is amongst those who reject the RH Bill, saying it is immoral. There were also reports of failure in IUDs and contraceptive pills. There were also reports that these methods were unsafe and could result in an abortion.

One of the major personalities against the bill is boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, who openly expressed his dismay over the RH Bill. Being a devout Catholic, Pacquiao constantly informed the public of his disagreements toward the approval of the bill, mentioning that

he condones the use of contraceptives.

Apparently, his wife Jinkee was quoted in past interview admitting that she uses birth control pills. This contradiction has shown disparity between the husband and wife, which according to many, has shown lack of concern to women.

According to the Anti, moral principle is lacking in the RH Bill. The bible said to “Go forth and multiply” and not to have a certain number of children. This basis is in reference to their faith. Their stand points out that education is the ultimate solution to address poverty.

Contraceptives are said to be unhealthy and that the bill is useless since these are currently already available.

The church stands against artificial contraceptives, and believes only in natural family planning as acceptable mean of birth control method.

According to cpcpforlife.com, a website launched wherein contents pertains to issues about life and family, the RH Bill is not only a Catholic, but a universal issue which affects every individual. The site aims to “enlighten the supporters of the RH Bill”.

Today, the nation still remains divided on the issue of the RH Bill; for those who support it, the fight goes on, and they’d continue to lobby for the bill until it gets passed into law. Those who oppose it, meanwhile, continue to the find loopholes in the RH Bill and would readily transmit it through the media when given the chance.

We may not end all arguments with this issue, but we must make it a point to put only one goal in our minds – that is, to eventually stop poverty and make everybody happy. ■

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HELLO

Inspirational

PHILIPPINES

June 2011• United Kingdom Edition

Trabahador sa umaga, estudyante sa gabi Vittorio Hernandez

C

ollege education has gone beyond the reach of many Filipino families. The high cost of education is what drives many Filipinos to seek work abroad to ensure that their children would have a good future ahead of them.

However, not all applicants for work abroad get accepted. Some are overqualified or underqualified.

Others prefer to work locally because of the separation of family members that working overseas often lead to.

Since salaries of local employment are often not sufficient to cover one semester of tuition fee in a decent private university, many Filipino youths end up finishing high school and no longer pursue a college degree.

Although a university degree is no guarantee of success, it helps a person get better employment, which provides higher salaries than what a high school or elementary graduate receives as construction worker, waitress or housemaid.

One alternative that young Filipinos and their parents could explore once a son or daughter finishes high school and wants to pursue college education – but lack money – is for the youth to become a working student.

Working students in the Philippines were a rarity until the 1980s. What helped change the situation was the rise of fastfood chains that needed young people to serve as crew.

Of course, office jobs were already available for some lucky youth who passed the rigid preemployment tests, but offices then generally required a college degree even for clerical positions.

Call centers and business process outsourcing offices which accept non-college graduates were unheard of at that time.

However, with the establishment of fastfood chains such as McDonald’s and Jollibee, the doors of employment opened to many young Pinoys who needed to find part-time day employment while pursuing college education at night. For instance, one of the famous alumni of such an arrangement is British Broadcasting Corporation news presenter Rico Hizon – a Pinoy journalist – who once worked as a McDonald’s crew while he was pursuing his communication arts degree from De La Salle University.

Combining work, while studying, is not an easy challenge. It involves discipline, hard work, determination and physical strength. It means giving up some precious sleeping hours and weekend gimmicks with the barkada or family bonding time to leave the working student some time to study and do school assignments and projects.

It also involves time and resource management because being a worker by daytime and a student at night requires adhering to a schedule and giving your best to both work and school. Study time should not be sacrificed in favor of overtime or extracurricular school activities should give way to punctuality and regular attendance at work. A working student, often, has to make the sacrifice of not joining friends on a weekend out-oftown trip because of the demands of his daytime job.

One secret to succeeding in this temporary double life is making the most of free time, breaks or vacant periods to finish office or school work. Most employees enjoy a one-hour break, which is often more than enough. One can finish http://chicandcheaps.blogspot.com/

Fast food chains have provided employment opportunities for working students.

a meal in 20 minutes and use the remaining 40 minutes to finish a school assignment. A school vacant period equivalent to one subject could be utilized to make a quick call to clients who are still available for some business talk at night.

The working student who successfully combines work with studies usually ends up a multi-tasker – a skill greatly appreciated in these times by employers who need to cut costs and maximize use of their workers’ many talents and skills.

Working, while pursuing a college degree, also provides the youth an edge when compared to his peers upon finishing university.

At 21 or 22, the working student who has a college diploma is no longer classified as a fresh graduate because he or she has a few years of

work experience in his or her resume.

That gives him or her an advantage in terms of hiring by being considered for a higher position and not mere entry-level posts.

Although working while pursuing an education was quite rare in the Philippines before the 1980s, in other nations such as the United States, it was then common for university students to have part-time jobs while pursuing a bachelor’s or associate’s degree.

There are different jobs available for young people who want to be employed while studying, such as working as fast food crew, being a student assistant or a librarian within the same campus. Others become newspaper delivery boys or messengers or even office janitors to fund their studies.

Such a form of employment often gives the young working student good work ethics because they not only learn about the value of earning one’s keep, but also the fact that manual labor is decent and something to be proud of.

I dare write this piece because I was once a working student in the late 1970s until the early 1980s. I attribute my strong work ethics and healthy and thriving career path partly to my four-year stint as a government employee then and an Economics student at a major Philippine university.

Looking back, I can say that given an opportunity to return to my youth, I would still opt to become a working student anytime over being a regular college student. ■

bookwarepublishing.com

Working students have high regard for education and should be emulated.

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These young people know a thing or two about the importance of working for one’s own keep at an early age.

6/2/11 11:49 PM

CANADA IMMIGRATION AND WORK PERMIT SERVICES

Original Creation and Copyright Reserved By: Hello Philippines 2011

UK RESIDENTS WHO WANTS TO IMMIGRATE TO CANADA AND WORKERS / STUDENT PERMIT HOLDERS IS ABOUT TO EXPIRE. WE CAN HELP YOU.

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WILL HELP YOU TO START YOUR NEW FUTURE. SEND RESUME FOR A FREE ASSESSMENT. Authorized UK International Agents: Zenaida Alonzo Magsino 07403 438 124 / zenned2008@yahoo.co.uk Faye Elgogary 07951 100 000 / ahmedelgogary@hotmail.com Authorized Canada International Agent: Jerome P. Alonzo 1 (403) 714 6251 / jerome_alonzo06@yahoo.com www.intentioncanada.com

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HELLO

Health & Science

PHILIPPINES

June 2011• United Kingdom Edition

Night Owls Vittorio Hernandez

N

ight jobs used to be limited to few positions such as doctors, nurses and other health care workers, security guards and transport workers.

However, with globalization and the high cost of labor in western countries, night time employment became a feature of work in some Asian countries as U.S. and European companies outsourced some tasks to the Philippines, India and other nations where workers are good English speakers and willing to perform the same tasks done by western workers for a lesser amount.

The rise of the business process outsourcing industry led to more Filipino and other Asian workers sacrificing sleep in favor of earning their keep. Of course, these employees eventually get to sleep at daytime, but there is a question of the impact of the reverse sleeping pattern on the long-term for night shift employees.

The phenomenon of night employment is no longer limited to call center agents, transcriptionists and other BPO workers. With thousands of night workers, commercial establishment such as fast food chains and convenience stores near where these night owls work expanded their business hours to cater to the needs of these employees.

Thus, employees of McDonald’s and Jollibee, 7-Eleven and Mini Stop have been added to the list of night workers as these establishments provide 24/7 services to their customers, particularly in commercial business districts such as Makati, Eastwood, the newly opened Techno Hub in Diliman, Quezon City and other urban centers where BPOs are located.

Even overseas, some manufacturing companies such as carmakers run on three shifts to meet production deadlines, thus expanding the list of night time workers to plant employees.

Circadian rhythm Medical experts, however, warn that employees assigned to night shift are prone to ailments such as the shift work sleep disorder.

The disorder, known also as circadian rhythm sleep disorders, is characterized by insomnia and excessive sleepiness. It affects people whose work hours are the same as the typical sleep period, which is at night. These symptoms are caused by the daily sleep time of workers shortened by several hours from the recommended eight hours of regular sleep.

Those who are suffering from SWSD often have a desire to nap, take intended dozing, have impaired mental acuity, are irritable, suffer from reduced job performance and are more accident prone than employees who sleep at night at work at daytime.

To worsen the situation for night time workers who attempt to sleep during their off hours – which is at day – their rest could be interrupted by noise, social obligations and other factors because the rest of their surroundings are wide awake.

SWSD-related ailments A 2007 study by the International Agency for Research in Cancer linked shiftwork with cancer. Other studies identified heart diseases, digestive disorders and menstrual irregularities as among the physical risks of long-term night work.

Since globalization and other requirements by industries necessitate

As BPO companies sprouted in key urban centers, commercial establishments like KFC expanded their business hours to meet the needs of night time workers.

that some workers sacrifice more by foregoing night time sleep, experts have come up with treatments on how to help employees affected by their employment conditions.

One treatment is to rotate shifts every two weeks in a delaying direction.

By gradually delaying sleep by one hour per day, the body’s circadian system is nudged back. However, the method is considered impractical for most night jobs.

Another treatment is to allow night workers to take naps during breaks.

To help the workers, some industries such as the BPOs provide for sleeping facilities. But the naps should not exceed 30 minutes; otherwise the night worker runs the risk of suffering from sleep inertia, which is the groggy feeling after awakening that can affect job performance.

A third treatment is the use of

larawan.merphix.net

BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) workers go through a battery of exams and orientation before they are deemed fit to tackle the job.

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larawan.merphix.net

The emergence of the call center industry helped lessen the large unemployment rate in the Philippines.

bright artificial light to improve circadian adaption for night employees. The method involves bright light exposure in the evening or first part of the night.

Workers who ended their night shift are advised to wear dark welder’s goggles while on their way home to improve circadian adaption. But it is not recommended for night employees who have to drive back home.

A fourth treatment is taking melatonin, which resets the body clock in the opposite direction from light exposure. Melatonin is a hormone released by the pineal gland for about 12 hours at night. It provides night workers an additional direct sleep promoting mechanism.

Dealing with sleep problems associated with night work is a reality the world has to face because roundthe-clock work is a part of the modern lifestyle. Unless a solution is found, night shift workers run the risk of being involved in accidents – whether it involves just the worker or the environment they operate in.

Lack of sleep among workers is believed to be the culprit behind the 1979

Three Mile Island nuclear power plant meltdown, the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster and the 1986 Columbia space shuttle fatal launch. Recently, air tower control workers in some U.S. airports were caught napping on the job, which led to the revamp of their rest day regulations.

According to a 1988 study, about $70 billion is lost yearly due to productivity slump and errors caused by tired night shift workers.

Despite the risks involved in night shift work, many employees agree to this arrangement for monetary reasons and to keep their jobs. Night workers enjoy a 10 per cent night differential whenever they work from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. of the following day. Travel too is lighter because the streets and public transportation facilities are less congested at night and early morning.

Job applicants who are offered night shift work should carefully weigh the pros and cons of working at night before they sign a contract. They should also first check their lifestyle if they could efficiently work when the sun is down and sleep when the sun is up before signing on the dotted lines. ■

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HELLO

Special Report

PHILIPPINES

June 2011• United Kingdom Edition

pinasv.com

In the United Kingdom where there are approximately 200,000 Pinoy workers, Independence Day is celebrated for a full month.

homerjajalla.blog.friendster.com

Schools mark Independence Day in the Philippines with a program that commemorates our country’s long struggle for freedom.

Independence Day: June 12 or July 4?

Estee Misa

T

his coming June 12, the Philippines will celebrate its 113th Year of State Independence.

Filipino communities around the world plan and line up activities to commemorate this yearly event.

In the United Kingdom, where an estimated 200,000 Pinoy workers have been reported, Independence Day is a month-long celebration.

Dinner and dances are organised, while others stage a Santacruzan.

Local Philippine artists and performers fly to the United Kingdom to entertain Filipinos based in this part of the world.

Other Filipino communities around the UK put on art exhibits, stage plays, fashion shows and festival parades – all depicting the unique flavour and pageantry of Philippine culture.

In some other foreign countries like Singapore, Filipinos will stage an Oratorical Contest to highlight this year’s Independence Day rites. In New York City, USA, there will be a parade, mass, street fair and cultural shows.

All suffice to say that wherever they may be, Filipinos remember and pay homage to the country’s independence every June 12th.

But did you know that historians find and still argue until now that this declared date of independence is flawed?

As we all know, General Emilio Aguinaldo, the country’s first President, had proclaimed the independence of the Philippines in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898. A huge crowd witnessed the unfurling of the Philippine National Flag for the very first time, while a band played, also for the first time, the Philippine national anthem, known today as the “Lupang Hinirang.” All these took place at the balcony of General Aguinaldo’s residence.

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Even then, a number of our national heroes had argued on this supposed date of liberation. Sublime Paralytic Apolinario Mabini, the Brains of the Philippine Revolution and the then key adviser to General Aguinaldo, disputed that the original proclamation was only a declaration of independence from Spain and not total independence. After which, the same decree essentially placed the Philippines under the protection of the United States.

History books also have it that while General Aguinaldo was staging his production show of Philippine Independence, the Spaniards still controlled a number of cities such as Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Legazpi, Zamboanga, Vigan and their adjacent towns as of June 12, 1898.

This, while the Americans also controlled the walled Intramuros City in Manila, after their May 1, 1898 naval victory at the Manila Bay. The June 12 declaration of Philippine independence was un-acknowledged neither by the countries of Spain nor the United States of America. What apparently happened was that the Spanish government only conceded to transfer the control of the Philippines to the United States by virtue of the 1898 Treaty of Paris.

Signed on December 10, 1898, the treaty effectively ended the rule of the Spaniards in America and the Pacific Ocean, and thus began the age of United States colonial power.

Expectedly, the First Philippine Republic Government under General Aguinaldo did not recognize the treaty. Ultimately, General Aguinaldo declared war against the United States. The conflict ended in 1902 with the capture of General Aguinaldo in 1901.

The Filipino leaders accepted that the Americans won, but hostilities continued and only began to decline in 1913, leaving a total number of casualties on the Filipino side of more than one million dead, many of which were civilians.

On July 1, 1901, the United States paved the way for the inauguration of the civil government in the country. An elected Philippine assembly convened in 1907.

Eventually, Commonwealth was established in 1935, of which Manuel L. Quezon was the President.

This government was preparatory to the planned full independence of the Philippines from the United States in 1946.

But the Japanese occupation that occurred between 1942 and 1945 interrupted the country’s aspirations for full autonomy. World War II erupted.

At the end of the World War II, the United States of America signed the Treaty of Manila with the Philippines on July 4, 1946. This treaty provided for the recognition of the independence of the country and the relinquishment of American sovereignty over the Philippine Islands.

Suffice to say, the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in 1941 and World War II delayed Philippine Independence until July 4, 1946.

From 1946 to 1964, the Philippines observed its Independence Day every July 4th of the year. However, historians and nationalist urged Diosdado Macapagal, 7th Philippine President under the Third Republic, to sign into law the Republic Act No. 4166 designating June 12 as the country’s freedom day. According to history books, June 12 had been observed as Flag Day and many government buildings display the Philippine Flag in their offices.

On July 4, 1946, 5th Philippine President Manuel A. Roxas asserted the freedom of the Filipino people and proclaimed the Republic of the Philippines. During this 1946 Independence Day in rites held in Luneta, the stars and stripes flag was lowered while the Philippine flag was being raised.

Over the years, Filipinos around the world differ in their opinions

about June 12, 1898 and July 4, 1946. As was debated over and over in Philippine history, many have approved that June 12 should be the Independence Day. “Americans declared July 4 for the Philippines, while June 12 was declared by Filipinos for their mother land. Independence is something that is not given but was fought for,” says Renato Dela Cruz, a history professor in one of the leading universities in the Philippines.

“It was a hard-fought battle for us to win independence from the Spaniards so it should be June 12 and not July 4 which was just handed down to us by the Americans,” declares Robert Adrian Pacino, Dela Cruz’s student.

“Technically, we are independent of the United States, but they still exercise control over us but in a more subtle way. As for the celebration of Independence Day, it would be

more beneficial for us to continue to celebrate it on the 12th of June instead of July 4th - for obvious reasons.” says another student of Dela Cruz.

“June 12 was about our nation’s liberty. Hence, it is the appropriate day to celebrate Filipino freedom because it was on this day in 1898 that our founding fathers solemnly proclaimed that the Philippines was already a free and independent nation with its own flag, national anthem, and government.” reasoned another student.

In discrediting June 12 as the true Independence Day, we might as well dis-credit Aguinaldo as the first president of the Republic of the Philippines, and the Malolos Constitution as the first drafted constitution of the Philippines.

Ikaw, Pilipino, kailan nga ba ang tunay na kalayaan ng bansa para sa iyo? ■

letsgopinas.wordpress.com

The Philippine Flag is a national symbol for independence.

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HELLO PHILIPPINES

Special Report

June 2011• United Kingdom Edition

6/2/11 11:52 PM

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E FRESION!!!

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6/2/11 11:57 PM

Taytay

Club Noah

Spanish Fort Isabelle

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in the resort town of Taytay, Palawan, located in Poblacion The sea view property is overlooking the old Spanish Fort Isabelle and the famous Club Noah, Island of Apulit.

Original Creation and Copyright Reserved By: Hello Philippines 2011

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Asian Grocery Super Store – Better Food, Better Life 1. About H Mart H Mart is one of the largest Asian Supermarket chains in the US and Canada with 47 stores and 3 enormous logistic and distribution centres.

H Mart supplies the Asian and native communities with a marvellous food shopping experience as well as working with smaller businesses and restaurants in the wholesale markets. With almost 30 years of experience in providing the freshest and tastiest Asian produce.

Our Korean business partner, HeeChang Trading Co Ltd, and our US partner, Seoul Trading, have been proving agricultural, fishery and processed food products to more than 30 countries since 1980, and will be supplying us with a wide range of authentic items.

2. Handling Goods A very wide selection of Korean, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Thai, Malaysian and all other oriental food products.

3. Local Business Our new store in New Malden which is over 12,000 sq ft is the first step into Europe, and we are already preparing for the next step.

We will offer one of the largest Korean and Asian oriented food shopping outlets with up to 5000 different product lines and we are aiming to satisfy your needs in Asian food experience.

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H Mart has already employed a lot of local residents in the various area and we will continue in employing people both for full time and part time.

In addition, H Mart has excelerated to build up businesses with local suppliers and this will certainly have a great impact on the local community and will contribute to make the community and local businesses more prosperous, especially in New Malden and Kingston area.

4. Prize Draw Event A Prize Draw Event was held on Tuesday, 31 May 2011 at 11:00am at H Mart, Unit 1, Leigh Close, New Malden, Surrey KT3 3NW with a Rio Car as the Grand Prize.

It was attended by the Deputy MayorCouncillor Geoff Austin and his wife Deputy Mayoress Shelia Austin from The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Mr. Dick Fair (British Korean War Veterans), Mr. Michael Griffin (British Korean War Veterans), Mr. John Jones (British Korean War Veterans) and with their wives.

5. Reference Further information about H Mart can be found at www.hmart.co.uk See you at the 113th Philippine Independence Day Celebration 2011 at Morden Park on Saturday, 4th and Sunday, 5th June 2011.

6/2/11 11:57 PM

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Focus

PHILIPPINES

June 2011• United Kingdom Edition

Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK for a Cause

D

ilag ng Pilipinas-UK is a Filipino-British charitable and cultural minority organisation based in Leicester, England committed to serving and helping the unfortunate children and Filipinos in the Philippines through the charity works being done by the Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK and by the proclaimed or appointed ambassador of goodwill by the Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK beauty pageant.

The organisation, named the Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK, is a sociocivic and promotes Filipino cultural heritage in the United Kingdom.

Traditions in terms of clothing, fashion, regional culture, dialects, Filipino values and diversity in the Philippines are being promoted as well. Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK is a beauty and talent competition which organises an annual pageant and talent search. Auditions normally take place before the final competition.

Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK is a foreign word derived from Filipino language. “DILAG” means splendid, magnificent, very impressive & excellent. The word “DILAG” is a pronoun commonly used to refer to a lady regardless of her age.

“DILAG” also refers to of being exquisite, of great beauty, delicacy,

highly refined and intensely felt. The tagalong word “NG” means “of” in English, while the word “PILIPINAS” means Philippines.

The Objectives of the Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK • To select or appoint the FilipinoBritish representative for the International Beauty Pageant such as “Queen of Friends of the Commonwealth International” and other local and international pageants in the UK or abroad chosen by the judges and proclaimed winner or appointed delegate by the Pageant Director of Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK. • Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK is a pageant that aims to help the unfortunate children and Filipinos in the Philippines by sending donations in the form of material or financial aid. It also aims to help to fulfil the objectives of Miss Commonwealth International, a pageant based in the UK to help charitable institution locally or abroad.

• To help poor children in the Philippines who struggle to go to school due to poverty by finding any sponsor who could partially or fully support their studies.

• To promote Filipino culture in both British and Filipino communities and to educate the second or younger Filipino generations in the UK about the culture.

Some of the candidates who have passed the earlier auditions - Abbie Messenger (18 years old) of Halifax, Yorkshire, CY Taylor (18 years old) of Leicester and Nisza Rowainne Sia (17 years old) of Derby

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• To help develop talents and full potentials of the candidates or participants through training, enhancing their skills and different communities for them to get recognised.

• To promote camaraderie amongst Filipino, British, multi-ethnic communities in the multicultural society in the UK. Mrs. Marilou Casayuran, Pageant Director and Founder of Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK with the reigning beauty queens, Miss Teen Philippines Krizia Kaye Martin of Leicester who was crowned also Teen Queen of Friends of The Commonwealth International, Mrs. Philippines Vevienne Havenhand of Leicester who was also crowned Corporate Queen of Friends of The Commonwealth International and Miss Philippines Zandra Flores of Manchester who was also crowned Queen of Friends of The Commonwealth International. As part of the Queen’s duties, they were organising and helping charity events to gather donations in cash or in kind to send to their own or pageant’s chosen beneficiaries in the Philippines.

On the 24th April 2011, the Queens have organised their own charity events in Leicester. It was a tremendous success and its great doing the events for a cause according to the Queen’s. People who have attended the event brought used clothes, shoes, books and toys.

Volunteers have made some Filipino food and delicacies to sell in the event to raise money.

Some of the items collected from the organised charity event.

The items have been sent to some of the charitable institutions and foundations in the Philippines and they are the following: • St. Joseph Foundation located at San Juan Evangelista St. Payatas B. Quezon City, Philippines • St. Luigi Orione Foundation care of Rev.Fr.Orlando Noriella, Parish Priest, Mother of Divine Providence, located at San Juan Evangelista St. Payatas A. Quezon City, Philippines Throne of Grace and Mercy Learning Centre in Maribohoc Bohol will be one of the next beneficiaries of Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK. We are keen to support the works of our great Kababayans who have dedicated their lives to serve these children in the rural areas.

These children are from indigent

Krizia Kaye Martin, Mrs Marilou Casayuran, Vevienne Havenhand and Zandra Flores

Two of the Judges of Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK pageant on the 17th June 2011 will be (from the left) Mrs. Jayne Taylor of England, Mrs.Commonwealth Eternal, Mrs. Universe and host of Model Search UK TV and Miss Haley Mac of England (4th from the left) Miss Galaxy 2010 and Miss Commonwealth International 2011

families who cannot afford to support their studies. It will cost at least P500.00 (Five Hundred Pesos) equivalent to £7.15 per month to be able to support a child to go to school. That will include their transportation expenses, food and other expenses in pre-school. If you would like to support a child, please contact Mrs. Marilou Casayuran, Pageant Director of Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK at 07809 837 450 or 01162 871 083, you can select a child you would like to sponsor and you can choose whether you would like to send your financial support directly to the beneficiary.

Your support can make the dreams of these children come into reality. Let us make a difference and support these children who are the future of the nation.

Foundation of Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK was founded on the 31st July 2010 by Mrs. Marilou Sumalia Casayuran who is currently the Pageant Director. Queen of Friends of the Commonwealth International Pageant is a charity pageant for all non-commonwealth countries and never had a representative from the

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30

HELLO

Philippines since the pageant began in 2004, while Miss Commonwealth International is the other division of the pageant for all commonwealth countries. Dr. Phil Patricks and Dr. Shola Fawehinmi, both Founders of Miss Commonwealth International have recognised and accredited Mrs. Marilou Casayuran as Pageant Director of Dilag ng PilipinasUK to send Philippine delegates to compete for an annual “Teen Queen, Corporate Queen for Mrs and Queen of Friends of The Commonwealth for Miss” of Miss Commonwealth International Charity Pageant. Dilag ng PilipinasUK is a pageant linked to and accredited by Miss Commonwealth International and Queen of Friends of the Commonwealth International Charity Pageants and is helping Miss Commonwealth to promote their objectives to help charity organisations here in the UK and/ or to help any chosen beneficiary/ charitable institution in the Philippines particularly the less fortunate children in the Philippines whom parents struggles to send them in school because of poverty or because these children were abandoned.

This year’s Dilag ng PilipinasUK have included Little Girls to participate in the pageant. The Little Miss Philippines or Munting Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK is the newest among 4 divisions. The following are the Qualifications and Requirements: • Little Miss Philippines (Munting Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK) from 5 to 12 years old • Miss Teen Philippines (Dalagitang Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK) from 16 to 19 years old, single, never gave birth and never been married • Miss Philippines (Dalagang Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK) from 20 years old and above, single, never gave birth and never been married • Mrs. Philippines (Ginang Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK) from 25 years old and above and legally married.

Applicants must be of Good Moral Character, Filipino or British Citizen with Filipino lineage.

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Focus

PHILIPPINES

Among 25 auditionees, there were only total of 16 official candidates from all divisions who managed to continue in the final competition of Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK on the 17th June 2011 in Leicester.

The winners of the Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK will represent the Philippines and compete in the following International Pageant.

• Miss Teen Philippines (Dalagitang Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK) – will compete at the “Teen Queen Of Friends Of The Commonwealth International” • Miss Philippines (Dalagang Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK) – will compete at the “Queen Of Friends Of The Commonwealth International” • Mrs Philippines (Ginang Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK) – will compete at the “Corporate Queen Of Friends Of The Commonwealth International” • Little Miss Philippines (Munting Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK) – there is no current international competition unless one has come up, then she will also be sent

One of the earlier auditionee who have now advanced to the finals in the Mrs. Philippines category is Gayleene Fernandez of London

June 2011• United Kingdom Edition

Lycah Seanelle Allasco (7 years old) from Wolverhampton is one of the 5 finalists in Little Miss Philippines (Munting Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK) division

Sponsorships To be able to continue the objectives and to cover all the expenses of the Dilag ng PilipinasUK pageant, any amount from any source of financial support will be greatly appreciated. If you own or manage a business or a company and you would like to participate for sponsorship to support the event for a good cause and help promote your product and business, please contact Mrs. Marilou Casayuran, Pageant Director and Founder of Dilag ng Pilipinas-UK at 07809 837 450 or 01162 871 083 or email at dilagngpilipinas@yahoo.co.uk or mscasayuran@yahoo.co.uk.

Coronation Night The 16 lovely girls and ladies are the finalists and will be competing for the crowns on the Friday, 17 June 2011 at 7:00pm at The Braunstone District WMC, 2 Braunstone Close Narborough Road, Leicester LE3 2GE. For tickets please call 07809 837 450 or 01162 871 083. ■

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6/3/11 3:10 PM

Original Creation and Copyright Reserved By: Hello Philippines 2011

32

HELLO PHILIPPINES

Personal Finance

invest-money-stocks.com

June 2011• United Kingdom Edition

zuvehoya.blog.com

Hirap ka ba sa pagbayad ng utang?— Debt Management Program may be for you Jun Prieto

I

f you are overburdened by debts and struggling with your monthly payments, then there are several solutions available to help reorganise debts and reduce the overall burden.

There are ways to reduce the monthly payments and potentially freeze interest indefinitely. It may even be possible to write-off most of the total debt. This could in some cases be as high as 70%.

Sa tulong ng isang Debt Management or IVA Company, pwede niyong bayaran ang inyong mga personal loans and credit card balances sa pamamagitan ng isang maliit na monthly payment lamang hangang sa mabayaran ang utang niyo.

Ang DMP or IVA ay pareho ban g bankruptcy? Hindi po. To help you understand more what a DMP and an IVA is, permit me to make a definition of each.

DMP (Debt Management Program) With a debt management program a reduced monthly payment is negotiated with the possibility of interest frozen or reduced. This could be a short to medium term solution to your debt problems. For example if your circumstances have changed recently (loss of overtime, redundancy…) and you need some breathing space to sort out your finances.

The disadvantage is that your credit record will be adversely affected (if it is not already)

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and this may have negative implications in obtaining further credit in the short to medium term.

There may also be a possibility further down the line to negotiate a reduction in the total debt if you have the ability to make a lump sum payment.

This is called a full and final settlement.

IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) An IVA is a formal / legal arrangement (organised by a licensed practitioner). If you have debts over £10,000 or more and:

house_and_lot.prepys.com

• Your assets are smaller than you liabilities • Your income is less than your outgoings (outgoings includes debt repayments)

With this arrangement you will pay around 20% to 25% of your debt typically over 5 years with interests frozen to 0% and the balance written-off thereafter.

There are costs involved but these are included in the reduced monthly payments over the 5 year period.

The disadvantages with an IVA are adverse effect at your credit file and therefore your credit rating plus a record of the arrangement on the insolvency register.

An IVA is a formal agreement with a structured regime of payments therefore you must maintain regular payments.

Kung kayo po ay may mga katanungan sa mga bagay na ito, please feel free to keep in touch sa 0121 471 3334 or 07832 221 004, o di kaya pwede din kayong mag email sa aprieto@canaryclaims.co.uk. ■

6/3/11 12:19 AM

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6/3/11 12:19 AM

Breathing Spaces in today’s vertical communities

A

s METRO Manila and other urban centers become more congested, the only way to go is to build up. At the same time, as the lack of available land space grows, developers now face the dilemma of providing sustainable living spaces to the young urban family in search of eco-friendly living areas.

Now the question is: How can “green living,” specifically natural air and light flow, be incorporated into the design of condo units in an era where cramped and overcrowded living spaces are the norm?

In an article that appeared on cooperator.com entitled, Beating “Sick Building Syndrome” by Keith Loria, it was discussed that, “sick building syndrome (SBS) can be summarized as all the situations associated within a building’s ventilation system which leads to acute health problems or comfort effects, as experienced by the occupants of that building.”

The article also stressed that sometimes, unit owners experience various health concerns due to the poor quality of the air they are breathing. This type of air usually contains contaminants like dust, molds, bacteria, and other small particles that are transmitted through inadequate or little airflow.

This situation is especially rampant in cramped residential spaces lacking regular maintenance or poorly planned living spaces.

Taking on the task of

continually providing the young urban family with options to alleviate the deteriorating standards of in-city condo living, design engineers of DMCI Homes have long been tweaking with the idea of implementing a building design that worked with the basic but often overlooked concept of the duality of seasons in the Philippine tropics. The Northeast monsoon, which occurs generally during the first half of the year, brings cool and dry winds (amihan) from Siberia and China, while the Southeast monsoon brings moisture laden winds (habagat) from the West Pacific Ocean and South China Sea during the second half.

To add to their already successful implementation of the single-loaded corridors and using information on the Philippines’ prevailing weather conditions, DMCI Homes has designed another architectural innovation that integrates natural light and ventilation in their building design features. Called Lumiventt, with lumen referring to light and ventus to wind, this system allows the free flow of natural light and ventilation around and into their high-rise structures. First introduced in Tivoli Garden Residences in Mandaluyong, this breakthrough technology in home engineering is now benefiting almost 200 families residing in the said development.

With three-storey high openings called Sky Patios at the front and back of every five floor levels, and through openings at the ends of each level, natural light and air

The Sky Patio – 3-storey high landscaped openings at both sides of the building where natural light and air enters and stale or hot air is sucked out

The Makati Skyline at dusk, only at the Observatory

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The Observatory at the Tivoli Garden Residences Iris Tower – Another green living innovation from DMCI Homes. Enjoy the unobstructed views of Makati and Ortigas through a landscaped roofdeck with walkways, observation decks, seating and floor-to-ceiling glass walls.

Single Loaded Corridors and Breezeways at the ends of each floor

permeates through the building and all the unit spaces. Winds passing through and around the structures create areas of positive and negative pressure. Employing the basic principles of airflow, the introduction of the central landscaped atriums and large openings of the Sky Patios provide channels through which air can move. Fresh air flows in while stale or hot air is displaced or sucked out.

“On all four sides, there are big openings and air passages in the buildings. Even with different prevailing wind directions, the wind enters. And even though it’s a condo, the fact that there is cross ventilation and natural lighting on all sides, residents get the feeling of

The Central Atrium – provides both visual relief and a relaxing ambience to residents

an innately natural home setting as opposed to living in damp and cramped concrete structures. Also, through this design technology, homeowners will be able to manage the high cost of energy consumption while doing their part in caring for the environment.

Our commitment is to design products that are sustainable while addressing and anticipating the needs of young families,” Alfredo Austria, DMCI Homes’ President explains. “We want them to know and feel that there’s no place like DMCI Homes.”

No doubt, well-planned and sustainable living spaces provide condo residents the much-needed respite from heat, pollution, and dreary concrete scenes. Apart from considering layout and amenities, prospective buyers should also do the math. Does the developer anticipate my requirements in the present but also my living conditions in the future? Do they take into consideration not only my personal needs but also of my family? Home buyers should have an option to purchase “green” homes, which are not only energyefficient, environmentally-friendly and durable, but most importantly, cost-efficient.

The Lumiventt design technology of DMCI Homes is also offered in La Verti Residences, the newly launched resort condominium village located along Taft Avenue in Pasay City. It’s the only residential development in the Buendia-Taft area offering young families with well-crafted, well-balanced urban dwellings that address their need for comfort and relaxation in this urban jungle.

DMCI Homes is the country’s premier triple A builder-developer that brings serviced, themed communities within reach of urban families who once had limited residential options, but still aspire to achieve a comfortable, enriching quality of life proximate to their place of interest. It is also a company of innovative builders and engineering experts who develop modern day living solutions for urban families. With over 50 years of experience, DMCI Homes offers its customers the highest level of expertise and strict adherence to global standards. With its feature-rich and ideally located developments, Filipinos can finally enjoy a more comfortable, cost-efficient and meaningful way of life. ■

6/3/11 12:19 AM

For inquiries, please contact: DMCI HOMES UK - LONDON

www.dmciinternational.com

Gordon A. Geraldo - Mobile: (+44) 07803 177 595 Landline: (+44) 01923 661 155 Jean M. Cerbas - Mobile: (+44) 07754 028 775 Landline: (+44) 020 3556 8737

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6/3/11 12:20 AM

36

HELLO

Showbiz & Entertainment

PHILIPPINES

June 2011• United Kingdom Edition

Some stars still value education starmometer.com

Boy Abunda rook up his Master’s Degree at the Philippine Women’s University.

house_and_lot.prepys.com

Prominent alumni of the 400year old University of Santo Tomas are beauty queens and actresses Miriam Quiambao and Charlene Gonzales. The latter was even made the model of UST’s quadricentennial statue, together with hunk Piolo Pascual, who dropped out of UST on his first year in college at the Faculty of Arts and Letters.

However, talk show hosts Ali Sotto (then known as Aloha Carag) and Butch Francisco got their A.B. degrees from the same faculty sometime in the early 1980s.

Some stars even go one step further and enroll in film making courses to enhance their careers as well. Actors who had done that include 1980s hunks Richard Gomez and Albert Martinez. The former Rustom Padilla, now known as Bb Gandanghari, also took up film making courses in New York. Because of their film making courses, these actors have successfully crossed from acting to directing.

Others have used their college education to shift careers out of personal preference or when their careers took a rest. Singer Richard Reynoso and former model Hans

Montenegro are now working in call centers. Reynoso has a B.S. Business Administration Degree from the Philippine Christian University, while Montenegro – who figured a few years ago in a prominent sex video scandal – took up a master’s degree at the Santa Clara University in California.

Intelligent actress and Ateneo de Manila University graduate Dina Bonnevie works as Vice President of an IT firm, while still dabbling in acting.

However, while there is a growing list of educated stars, it is also an alarming trend that some child actors neglect their schooling because of their extremely long hours of shooting. Reports said that Marian’s favorite sidekick, Buboy Villar, has stopped studying elementary because of his very hectic schedule.

The alarming report had some showbiz industry observers, such as noted movie critic Nestor Torre, calling for strict implementation of Department of Labor and Employment laws that limit the number of child performers’ working hours to give them enough time to finish school. ■

Even before she joined showbiz, Charlene finished her studies at the University of Santo Tomas. fashionmediaph.blogspot.com

Vittorio Hernandez

O

ne downside to young people becoming actors and actresses at a young age is that they often set aside education in favor of a budding, but well-paying career.

The number of Filipino actresses and actors with college degrees – or who finished high school – are few, while the number of school dropouts among their ranks is greater in number. Many of the dropouts justify their decision to “temporarily” leave school because opportunity only knocks once. They also argue that the aim of acquiring education is to get a good-paying job, and they already achieved that despite their lack of a diploma.

Some celebrities, however, still have their priorities in the right place. While they did not give up their blossoming acting careers, they successfully combined work with study.

One of them is Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition grand winner, Kim Chiu, who acquired her high school diploma in March 2011 after she passed the Department of Education’s alternative learning system test. Kim, despite her busy schedule shooting movies, taping teleseryes, appearing in live TV shows and modeling for print and TV ads, managed to finish high school.

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To mark her high school graduation, Kim who was made to deliver the commencement exercises address, admitted it was not easy combining work with study. During dinner breaks while taping, she studied her school lessons. After memorizing her script, she returns to her school work.

The half-Chinese actress disclosed that her finishing high school was part of her commitment to her grandmother – who raised her – before she entered show business.

A similar routine is now being done by TV 5 actress and talk show host Alex Gonzaga, who is also enrolled in a home study scheme.

Some big stars have finished their college education. It helped that some of them entered showbiz after acquiring their college degree. The list includes GMA beauties Marian Rivera and Carla Abellana.

Marian, known for her portrayal of the title character in Philippine remakes of Mexican telenovelas, has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the De La Salle University in Dasmarinas, Cavite.

Fellow GMA leading lady Carla Abellana is also a DLSU alumnus. Like Marian, Carla has a B.S. Psychology Degree and is even a summa cum laude. Carla, similar to Marian and known for their mestiza features, was also introduced to televiewers by starring in a GMA 7 remake of a Mexican teleserye.

On the ABS-CBN side of the

fence, stars with degrees include host and singer Nikki Gil, who graduated valedictorian in 2005 at Shekinah Christian Training Center. There is also diminutive dancer and actor John Pratts, who finished high school with honors in 2001 at the ABS-CBN Distance Learning Center.

Some movie stars went back to school at a much later stage in their career. Sexy actress Techie Agbayani acquired a B.S. Psychology Degree from St. Joseph’s College in Quezon City when she was already in her mid 40s. Former 1979 Miss International, supermodel and actress Melanie Marquez – despite her broken English – has a business administration degree from the International Academy of Management and Economics. Mutli-awarded dramatic actress Hilda Koronel pursued and finished her International Studies Degree at then Maryknoll College (now Miriam College).

Showbiz talk show host and celebrity manager Boy Abunda recently acquired a college degree from Philippine Women’s University.

It is the same education institution where comedienne Giselle Sanchez acquired her Communication Arts Degree.

Showbiz talk show and newspaper columnist Dolly Carvajal has a European Languages Degree from the University of the Philippines.

It is the same university where fellow comedian Roderick Paulate got a Mass Communications Degree.

Kim Chiu promised her grandmother that she would finish high school - a promise that she fulfilled in 2011.

6/3/11 2:30 PM

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6/3/11 5:37 AM

Original Creation and Copyright Reserved By: Hello Philippines 2011

38

HELLO

Showbiz & Entertainment

PHILIPPINES

June 2011• United Kingdom Edition

Sandara Park and Etude House:

The next Korean craze

Before she made a name in her native Korea, Sandara Park joined a Philippine reality star search in 2004 and went on to star in local TV shows and films.

Gazelle Anne Ngotianhe

K

oreans are fast-becoming the newest foreign imports to invade the Philippines. They flock the country mainly to learn and study English. No wonder, they are the number one tourists in terms of visitor count today.

Their lifestyle was embraced

by Filipinos. Everywhere you look there’s a Korean community, restaurant, salon, churches and shops. Even Filipinos grew to love Korean television dramas, Korean food, Korean hairstyle and Korean fashion. K-Pop suddenly became part of the music hit list. More so, celebrities with Korean descent have made a mark in the showbiz industry. One of them was Sandara Park.

Does the name sound familiar to you? Of course, because Sandara Park used to be an ABS-CBN talent.

She used to be the love interest of actor Joseph Bitangcol. When she was still here in the Philippines, she was also a popular movie personality and TV actress.

Sandara first became a household name when she joined the original batch of the Star Circle Quest, a star-search show on the ABS-CBN network in 2004, placing

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2nd among thousands who joined the competition. She eventually caught the hearts of Filipino viewers with her charming good looks, slang Tagalog accent and cute, “wave-of-the-hand” antics. Despite not winning the grand prize, she was able to land several TV shows, commercial deals and movies. After a few years in the showbiz limelight, Sandara eventually decided to go back to her roots and try her luck in Korea.

And it was just the beginning.

Sandara, now known as Dara, is currently part of the Korean group, 2NE1, a four-member all girl singing group. Popular in Korea and Asia, the group adds several famous hit tunes in their portfolio. Their song genre includes pop, hip hop, electronic and R&B. Now one of the hottest K-pop sensations, 2NE1 was launched in 2008 and debuted with their first single in 2009. Well received in their native land, the group is currently trying to expand in the international music scene through collaborations with international artist like Will.I.Am of Black Eyed Peas. They’re now also planning to release a Japanese single.

Etude House, a popular Korean brand of cosmetics, opened its first store in the Philippines in 2009.

Established in 1995 as a specialty cosmetics brand, Etude House

offers a wide variety of high quality makeup products which targets the hip, young and trendy market. Its affordability and extensive line of cosmetics make it an ideal brand for young, trendy women looking for the ultimate in make-up.

So what’s the relation of Sandara Park and Etude House? It’s simply because both names are of Korean descent, and they are joining together in one huge advertising tieup. Etude House’s newest celebrity endorser, in short, is no other than Sandara Park.

The beauty brand has since released several commercials and print ads of the pop star. Her endorsement deal led the brand to excellent brand recall and had reflected large sales figures.

According to reports from Etude House, one of Sandara’s photos has helped them sell over 40,000 pink umbrellas - not really a makeup – which is a mere “prop” in her photo. It only goes to show that indeed, Sandara has since emerge to become a truly effective brand model.

Sandara’s advertising campaign currently includes TV commercials for the Precious Miracle BB Cream brand (BB is short for Blemish Balm), Miss Tangerine cosmetics line and their new summer line called Aloha Girl. Her teaser ads were talked about and her much awaited commercials were also well watched. Print media campaign was also released to add more exposure for these brands.

The commercials are fun and playful; they tend to give a sunny disposition and vibrant feel. There were no complicated story lines, no hard to understand ideas. Sandara would only model the make-up, with a Korean song playing in the background. More like a music video with lots of cute dancing.

For the BB cream commercial, the setting was more comedic and funny. Sandara is very natural, full of energy and warmth. The tagline – “Wanna be sweet? Play Etude” is well fitted for the ad campaign because it’s simple yet charming.

Surely, the fans of Sandara will be excited to know that her band 2NE1 is set to do a concert in the Philippines. A beautiful face, an upbeat attitude and a fresh personality, Etude House has definitely found for themselves the perfect model through Sandara Park.

No wonder, because Filipinos from all over the world have since come to love Sandara, the once sweet and talented young star on ABS-CBN who is now ready to take the world by storm. ■

ifahisablackjack.wordpress.com

As part of the Korean all-girls group 2NE1, Sandara, rechristened as Dara Park, recently won an endorsement deal with Etude cosmetics.

Sandara’s natural spunk proved to be a big hit with her felow Koreans.

6/3/11 12:25 AM

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6/3/11 3:02 PM

Original Creation and Copyright Reserved By: Hello Philippines 2011

40

HELLO PHILIPPINES

Music Entertainment

June 2011• United Kingdom Edition

F

or your top 10 countdowns here are 2 current hits from Myx Channel {music cable channel of ABS-CBN] and Tambayan 101.9 [FM Radio of ABS-CBN] Here’s the latest OPM Myx Chart Pinoy MYX Countdown [2011.5.28] Effective dates: May 28-June 3, 2011

1. BBS feat. Kean Cipriano & Eunice Wala na Tayo 2. Somedaydream Hey Daydreamer 3. Parokya ni Edgar feat. Happee Sy Pangarap Lang Kita 4. Karylle OMG 5. Gloc-9 feat. Jaq Dionisio & Jomal Linao Elmer 6. Sandwich Pera Pera 7. Kyla Don’t Tie Me Down 8. Pupil TNT 9. Sponge Cola Tambay 10. Rico Blanco Kahit Walang Sabihin 11. Jericho Rosales Bumuhos Man ang Ulan 12. Ney Dimaculangan Ligaw 13. Young JV Kaibigan Lang (Remix) 14. Chelo Aestrid Pinays Rise 15. Maldita Porque 16. General Luna Tila 17. Princess Lonely Night 18. Anton Alvarez feat. Sarah Geronimo Wish 19. Taken by Cars This Is Our City 20. Soundvent Tayo Pick of the Week Pocket Full Of by PIO

Tambayan 101.9 Top 20 May 26, 2011 1. Mula Sa Puso - Jovit 2. Porque - Maldita 3. Patuloy Ang Pangarap - Angeline Quinto 4. Nang Dahil Sa Pag-ibig - Bugoy 5. Marry Me -Train 6. Wag Mo Ako Iwan Mag-isa - Angeline Quinto 7. Bumuhos Man Ang Ulan (Green Rose Theme) - Jericho Rosales 8. Sometimes When We Touch - Manny Pacquiao 9. I Lilly Lilly Like It - Ryan Bang 10. Kung Siya Ang Mahal - Sarah Geronimo 11. Price Tag - Jessie J. feat. B.O.B 12. Lazy Song - Bruno Mars 13. God Gave Me You - Bryan White 14. All By Myself - Charice 15. Umalab Ka - Sesa featuring Yeng Constantino 16. Dahil Mahal Kita - Jovit 17. Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal - Itchyworms 18. Gawing Langit Ang Mundo - Siakol 19. Wala Na Tayo - BBS featuring Kean of Callalily 20. On The Floor - J. Lo feat. Pitbull

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6/3/11 12:26 AM

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HELLO

Sports

PHILIPPINES

June 2011• United Kingdom Edition

Azkal na Half-Brit Vittorio Hernandez

T

he team name, Azkal, is a misnomer for national football player Phil Younghusband. The hunk of the football fields, the 24 year old player is not a local mutt, but in fact a half-breed.

Phil is half-British, halfFilipino by virtue of his Filipina mother, Susan Placer’s marriage to Englishman Philip Younghusband Sr. Azkal is a Philippine street

term for asong kalye or a local dog with no pedigree. It is the type of dog that drunkards love to butcher and eat as pulutan, the type of will cause victims of its bite to die of rabies.

Phil is definitely far from being a runt or someone people will shirk away from. In fact, wherever Phil and his equally handsome and older brother James go, girls and gays have a heyday enjoying the mestizo features of the brothers who are considered star players of the Philippine football team, more known as Azkals.

Because the basketball crazy

Filipinos are still in the process of beginning to appreciate football – thanks to Phil and James and the Azkals fine performance at international matches – it is no secret that the two players started their career in their father’s country.

Phil was born in Ashford, Middlesex, England. He became part of the Chelsea team when he was nine and played as a striker. At such a young age, he showed his prowess in the football fields of England by becoming the youth team’s top scorer in the 2003-04 season.

He kept the title the following year and in the 2005-06 season, Phil made 21 appearances in the Chelsea reserve team, including 18 starts and give goals.

Phil turned professional in 2005 and signed a contract with the Danish top league club Esbjerg fB for whom he played for the rest of the 2007-08 season. He returned to Chelsea during the January transfer window. It was during his play for the Chelsea reserves team that Phil made nine goals in 41 appearances for two seasons.

Move to the Philippines After Phil’s contract with Chelsea lapsed in the summer of 2008, he moved to the Philippines where he played.

He and James joined the San Beda Football Club in 2011 for that year’s National Club Championship.

As members of the national team, the Younghusbands had competed in the 2007 ASEAN Football Championship, the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, 2010 Long Teng Cup, 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup and the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup.

Showbiz Career

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With his good looks and wellbuilt physique, Phil was enticed to give Philippine show business a try when he joined the second season of GMA-7’s Celebrity Duets, which is a franchise of the U.S. show with the same title.

Phil was the 4th to be eliminated in a field of eight contestants. He bowed out of the reality show teary eyed, indicating how he has learned to love being in the limelight.

Prior to Phil’s elimination – done through text votes and judges’ scores – beauty queen Melanie Marquez, wellness guru Cory Quirino and chef JL Cang were given the boot.

The contest was won by

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Many Fillipinas would love to see the handsome footballer become their young husband forever.

then Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando, who aside from his tenor voice, was known as the scourge of Philippine sidewalk vendors. Fernando, however, was not as lucky in his subsequent political career because he later lost his bid to become vice president of the country, in tandem with former Subic Bay Chairman Richard Gordon in 2010.

Phil had a few guesting stints in some GMA shows before he concentrated on football again.

He is back in the limelight because of his public courtship of actress Angel Locsin, which he initially made through a Twitter post.

The handsome footballer was accused by some people of using Angel to gain press mileage.

Phil’s high profile courtship of Angel – who just broke up with showbiz boyfriend Luis Manzano – elicited a Twitter comment from another actress named Angel Panganiban that Phil was apparently trying to make a showbiz comeback.

A Phil female fan engaged Panganiban in a Twitter war which reached a point that the

latter wanted to file a lawsuit against Phil’s follower.

Fortunately for Phil, Angel Locsin did not see Phil as a user, but is reportedly falling in love with the half-Brit, half-Pinoy footballer.

Like other half-breeds, Phil continues to attract fans because of his good looks. He is movie star material, but like other FilAms and half-blooded Pinoys who have given the celluloid world a try such as Sam Milby, Troy Montero and other movie star wannabees, Phil would have to shed the stiff upper lip British accent and learn to speak Pilipino.

Otherwise, he would likely be relegated to balikbayan roles which are far and few in-between for the gasping Philippine cinema. Television is another option, but the Pilipino language requirement is also there.

Whether Phil will be another matinee idol or just the poster boy of Philippine football remains to be seen in the coming years. One role, though, that many Filipinas would love to see him play permanently is that Phil would become their young husband forever. ■

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