...the pipe drum record

Maynilad sets world record as ‘largest pipe drum ensemble’

INQUIRER.net
02/02/2011

MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos have another reason to be proud as the country’s own Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) made world history by setting a new Guinness World Records™ feat last January 31.

In a gathering of more than 2,000 guests, Maynilad employees rocked the SMX Convention Center by using water pipes to play out a rhythm of beats in unison, which earned them the record of “Largest Pipe Drum Ensemble”. London-based Guinness World Records™ adjudicator Kimberley Dennis witnessed the event.

The record-setting victory was among the highlights of Maynilad’s 2011 Customer Service Rally graced by the company’s Board of Directors headed by Maynilad Chairman Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan and Board Member Mr. Jorge A. Consunji, together with Maynilad’s top leaders led by Mr. Ricky P. Vargas, President and Mr. Herbert M. Consunji, Chief Operating Officer.

Mr. Vargas congratulated and encouraged everyone to continue to move together as one team as they bring safe, reliable, and affordable water to Filipino families. “We can do all of these if we have the correct mindset,” Vargas said. “We have to continue to put our customers first.”

According to Mr. Chris Lichauco, Head of Business Operations, the Guinness record that Maynilad has set was symbolic of how everyone’s participation, hard work, and dedication are key in achieving a common goal. “The last three years has been all about breaking records for Maynilad. This year is the most ambitious yet,” Lichauco added, as he shared the company’s various plans to further improve its services, such as infrastructure, service area expansion and customer service, among others.

Special guest and famed motivator Bo Sanchez also shared a few moving words that both inspired and delighted Maynilad employees while celebrity Ryan Agoncillo fired up the crowd with his hosting skills.
The event was conceptualized and organized with help from Y&R Philippines, Inc. (Y&R Phils.), a through-the-line agency that counts events management among its various services. “We are truly honored to have been part of this momentous occasion,” says Y&R Phils. COO Mary Buenaventura.

Maynilad Water Services, Inc. is owned and managed by DMCI-MPIC Water Company, Inc. (DMWCI), a joint venture between Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) and DMCI Holdings Inc. (DMCIHI).

Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) provides water and wastewater services to the cities of Manila (all but portions of San Andres & Sta. Ana), Quezon City (west of San Juan River, West Avenue, EDSA, Congressional, Mindanao Avenue, the northern part starting from the Districts of the Holy Spirit & Batasan Hills), Makati (west of South Super Hi-way), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon, all in Metro Manila; Cavite City, and the towns of Bacoor, Imus, Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario, all in the Cavite province.

...the tube

Pinoy invention causes sensation on YouTube

'Pure energy' vehicle draws attention of DoE, DoST

 

 

By ELLSON QUISMORIO

February 12, 2011

 

 

MANILA, Philippines — A little over three months ago, googling “Ismael Aviso” would have you come up with a couple of YouTube videos showing a stationary, skeletal-looking car with a running engine fed not with petroleum but with power apparently coming from a box of capacitors and a thick, horizontal antenna that collects and harnesses free-flowing energy.

Now, Ismael Aviso has his own gleaming feature page over free energy concepts-sharing website Pure Energy Systems Wiki (PESWiki) that practically hails the Filipino as the next big thing in green technology.

“When we hear of electric vehicles, we typically envision a trunk full of batteries. Not so with an electric vehicle prototype developed by Filipino inventor, Ismael Aviso. In his small prototype vehicle, one 12-volt battery is all that is needed, because his vehicle is not running from the storage capacity of the battery, but the battery is merely serving as the delivery point for the energy that is being harvested from unseen energy all around us through his special circuitry,” wrote Sterling Allan in Aviso’s PESWiki page.

Aviso, the 54-year-old mineral water business man and electric car inventor from Navotas City, is on his way to becoming a viral presence online, if he isn’t already.

His emergence over the Internet and on the pages of this daily could not have come at a better time for Filipinos, whose one enduring headache has been the high cost of domestic fuel.

Since November, when Aviso was still improving on his design, petroleum prices have climbed by R4 to R5 a liter, depending on fuel product.

“Nations all over the world are making a stake on electricity-powered cars,” Aviso bared. “Pinoy e-car technology is better, cheaper and more efficient. We should not be left out; instead of importing this technology, we must employ this know-how to build our own e-cars and sell it to the world.”

Both the Department of Energy (DoE) and Department of Science and Technology (DoST) have taken notice of his fuel-less car invention, which, when repackaged into a conversion kit, can turn petroleum-guzzling vehicles into electric ones.

The DoST will lead the conduct of a possible road test this month on Aviso’s car, to be witnessed by DoE’s Alternative Fuels and Energy Technology Division.

The spectacled and gray-haired Aviso remains hopeful that a successful test run would lead him to investors and venture capitalists, that is, if the government doesn’t help finance his endeavor.

“The Philippine government can help me gain an easy way to get a huge loan from a bank. From then on I’ll focus on producing conversion kits,” he said, simplifying his plan.

Aviso manages to send a powerful message in one of his YouTube videos wherein he drove around his impoverished town aboard his bare-bones prototype car, providing a first-person view of his neighborhood.

“Here’s the picture of where I’ve been living for the past 35 years, but I’m happy. Most people here have low salaries and cannot afford decent homes or nutritious food.”

“Maybe I can do something to uplift the living condition of my neighborhood once I get the right car manufacturer to mass-produce my conversion kit.” he said, even as the people whom he is referring to seem to ignore his strange-looking car as he passes by.

...the filmmaker's tale

How Filipino movies land in world's oldest tilt

ANN

Friday, February 11, 2011

Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - Paolo Bertolin, consultant for the Venice International Film Festival, has been a constant visitor to Manila since he first came here in 2007. However, he was quite familiar with local cinema even before that first time.

He had read books and essays by local critics and seen the works of Ishmael Bernal, Mario O'Hara, Mike de Leon and Tikoy Aguiluz. He says Lino Brocka's "Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag" is "one of my favorite films ever".

Renewed interest

And now he has caught up with the works of more current filmmakers Brillante Mendoza, Raya Martin, Khavn de la Cruz, John Torres and Mes de Guzman.

Lav Diaz's "Ebolusyon ng Isang Pamilyang Pilipino" sparked his renewed interest in Philippine movies, Bertolin related to Inquirer Entertainment in an exclusive interview.

Seeing Diaz's 10-hour epic in Rotterdam in 2005 was a turning point, he said. "It was an astounding epiphany. 'Ebolusyon' is monumental, a great work by an artist paying homage to his country, its history and its people. It touched me deeply."

Since then a string of Filipino movies has been included in the line-up of Venice, the world's oldest film festival. Bertolin championed Diaz's "Death in the Land of Encantos" and "Melancholia", which, along with Francis Xavier Pasion's "Jay" and Pepe Diokno's "Engkwentro", were shown in the Orizzonti section; and with Brillante Mendoza's "Lola" in the main competition.

Last year, Teng Mangansakan's "Limbunan", yet another Cinemalaya entry (after "Jay" and "Engkwentro"), made it to Venice--this time in the International Critics' Week. "It was the Philippines' first time to be included in that section," said Bertolin. "I find 'Limbunan' compelling."

Financing is key

Last month, the festival director was in Manila yet again. He met with directors and producers in search of documentaries for the Visions du Reel section of the Nyon International Film Festival in Switzerland. He also observed at the auditions for the forthcoming Cinemalaya fest.

How can Filipino filmmakers sustain the world's interest? "The main problem now is finding financial support apart from the usual sources of grants," Bertolin said. "As of now, the only Filipino filmmakers who can count on a solid source of financing are Brillante Mendoza and Raya Martin."

More grants and subsidies here and abroad should be explored, he asserted. "The [Filipino film] scene is very rich in terms of talent and stories, but not in terms of resources."

No formulas

Bertolin counseled young Filipino filmmakers to persevere. "Don't copy what someone else has done already," he said. "Be original. Be sincere and honest. There are no formulas. Paradoxically, going against formulas proves to be more successful sometimes."

Making political films is no guaranteed ticket, either, Bertolin added. He said he was impressed by "Engkwentro" because of its "audacity and creativity", and "Lola" because of its "deceptive simplicity". He said he was elated that an experienced director like Mario O'Hara had gone digital with his Cinemalaya entry "Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio".

Bertolin pointed out that he's drawn to "filmmakers who are not afraid to experiment and try new things".

...the poomsae artists

PH poomsae team eyes world crown

By WAYLON GALVEZ

February 11, 2011

 

 

MANILA, Philippines — With the recent success of the men’s and women’s teams the past two years, the Philippine poomsae team is determined to win both events in the 6th WTF World Poomsae Championships set July in Vladivostok, Russia.

According to PH team coach Igor Mella, they are now in the final process of selecting the composition of the squad and there is a possibility that the players who won gold medals for the country will be included anew.

“The possibility is there. The women’s team is intact and we are working on keeping the men’s team together,” said Mella during the SCOOP sa Kamayan  on Padre Faura, Manila Friday.

“We’re also bringing in some new players. We still don’t know on who will be included. But one thing is sure, other countries are preparing hard too so we have to really be prepared,” Mella added.

Two years ago in Cairo, Egypt, the poomsae women’s team of Camille Alarilla, Rani Ann Ortega and Janice Lagman captured the gold medal that earned them the PSA Athletes of the Year.

...the young Golfer

Young Pinay golf prodigy wins 'Best Swing in America'

 

By Balitang America staff

02/12/2011

 

 

RIVERSIDE, California - A young Filipina golf prodigy has been named Best Swing in America.

Six-year-old junior golf champion Amari Avery won the Little Linksters Best Pee Wee Golf Swing in America.

The online contest allowed young golfers to show videos of their golf swing.

The contest was judged by Professional Golf Association pro golfers, Annika Sorenstam, Hank Haney, and Kelly Sheehan.

They announced the winners late last month at the 2011 PGA Merchandise Show.

...the Lolas

Lola wins Best Film at Tehran Filmfest By Ricky Lo (The Philippine Star) February 12, 2011

Anita Linda and Rustica Carpio| Zoom

MANILA, Philippines - Anita Linda and Rustica Carpio tied as Best Actress(es) at the just-concluded Tehran International Film Festival in Iran for the indie film Lola which won Best Film.

In the movie directed by Dante Mendoza, Anita and Rustica play grandmothers, the former as that of a murder victim and the latter as that of the suspect.

Lola has won several other awards including Best Film at Dubai International Filmfest, Grand Knight Award at the Miami International Filmfest and Best Film at the Rome Asian Filmfest.

...the band

French musician says he’s really Filipino

Stars for others

Philippine Daily Inquirer
02/08/2011

THOSE WHO WERE there felt proud of these homegrown indie bands: Tek Templo; Julien Drolon Band; Manskee Music; Swissy; Jaycie and Honey; Flush and the Toilet (plus comic-“mentalist” Kel Fabie). The bands played in the benefit gig “We Love Lucas!” on January 29 at Last Home in Madison Square, Mandaluyong.

Interestingly, one of the musicians was not a Filipino, but a Philippines-loving Frenchman, Julien Drolon. With his all Filipino band—Enzo Queyquep, lead guitar; Joseph Duenas, bass; Leal Nanca, keyboard; Joven Palencia, drums—Drolon joined the fundraiser for 2-year-old Lucas Gallardo, who needs an urgent heart surgery. The Pinoy toddler, Drolon says, “needs our support now, but is going to be fine soon.”

Drolon, a former journalist, first came to the Philippines on a writing assignment in 2007. In 2008, he resigned from his job and came back here in 2009 “to sing and create music,” as he has written in Filipino in his blog, “talambuhay.” He has lived in the country since.

After forming his Pinoy band, he produced the No More Divisions and Peace Through Music videos viewable on http://www.youtube.com/.

Why has he picked the Philippines for a home? “Filipinos are always smiling,” is his simple reply. He has also written a song about the country, “Phils So Good,” and claims he is really Filipino.

The Julien Drolon Band is set to release its first album, “Time For Peace,” in March. Meanwhile, the band performs at Music Warehouse, Dagupan City, on February 12, and at the UP Fair on February 15. Diwa Lagura, Contributor

...the Azkals

Philippine Azkals beat Mongolia Blue Wolves, 2-0

abs-cbnNEWS.com

02/09/2011

MANILA, Philippines (2nd UPDATE) - The Philippine Azkals carved out a hard-earned 2-0 victory over the Mongolia Blue Wolves in the first leg of their Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup qualifying tie at the jampacked Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City on Wednesday night.

Emilio "Chieffy" Caligdong scored the Philippines’ opening goal in the 42nd minute.

Caligdong tricked a defender near the Mongolian goal and nutmegged the Blue Wolves' goalie to hit the back of the net.

The second goal was scored by Phil Younghusband in the 92nd minute, deep into injury time.

Following a sneaky pass from Jason Sabio, the Filipino-British midfielder muffed his attempt against a Mongolian defender.

Younghusband, however, followed this up with a curling shot that sent the Filipino spectators to jubilation.

He acknowledged the cheers coming from the crowd, even doing a cartwheel to celebrate their second goal.

The Azkals, not known for their offense, put up a solid attacking game against the Blue Wolves.

In the first half alone, the Filipinos had 7 goalscoring attempts against the Mongolians' 2 attempts.

Ecstatic

Caligdong was so ecstatic with the victory.

“Sobrang saya ko,” said the Ilongo booter. “Kung anong ibinigay na instructions ni Coach [Hans Michael Weiss], ginawa ko lang.”

Weiss said the win has effectively sent a message to other competitors in the Asian level.

“The Philippines is now in the competition,” said the German coach, who was tapped by the Azkals’ management after the team’s success in the 2010 Suzuki Cup.

The Azkals received a major morale boost from more than 18,000 Filipino fans who trooped to Panaad Stadium.

Weiss said the home crowd has certainly perked the Azkals’s confidence.

“They are wonderful,” the German said of the Filipino fans. “Fantastic, I can’t find the words.”

Big blow

The Mongolians said during the post game that the Filipino booters drew them into a tough battle.

One of their players recieved a red card in the first half after being slapped with 2 yellow cards, one for a foul and another for handball.

This, they said, was a big blow to them as this reduced their line up to just 10 players.

The Blue Wolves will seek their revenge on March 15 when the home-and-away cup tie resumes in Ulan Bator.

The Azkals, on the other hand, plan to spend 6 days of training and acclimatization in Baguio City to prepare themselves for Mongolia’s cold climate.

P3 million fund from PNoy

Meanwhile, Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano Araneta Jr. disclosed that President Benigno Aquino III released P3 million from his Social Fund for the organizational needs of the Azkals-Blue Wolves match.

"Although President Aquino earlier sent his regrets that he would be unable to grace the occasion, he, however, released P3 million to help us fund this big international football event," Araneta said.

"We are grateful for his support of the Azkals and Philippine football, which should inspire our boys to play their best in front of our countrymen," Araneta said of the event backed by the POC, PSC, Smart and Mizuno.

Araneta added that the Azkals’s emphatic victory served as a belated present for the President who celebrated his 51st birthday last Tuesday.

Among those who witnessed the match were Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Peping Cojuangco and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richie Garcia, whose sports agency helped install the additional light at Panaad so that the match could be televised.

Also present were ABS-CBN Chief Executive Officer Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III, ABS-CBN Vice-President for Sports Peter Musngi, Batangas Vice-Governor Mark Leviste, former Commission on Elections (COMELEC) commissioner Gregorio “Goyo” Larrazabal and Negros Occidental Congressman Carlos “Charlie” Cojuangco. – With reports from Ira Pedrasa, abs-cbnNews.com and TJ Manotoc, ABS-CBN News

...the Kapamilya and Kapuso

PHL bags 12 nods at the 2011 NY Festivals

By ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ

February 8, 2011

 

 

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines, as represented by network giants ABS-CBN and GMA-7, is once again among the finalists at the New York Festivals Television and Film Awards’ 54th edition.
Among the two, ABS-CBN garnered the most nominations tucking eight big ones under its belt as compared to GMA-7, which only has four. Notably, the number is a vast improvement from last year's combined six nominations.

ABS-CBN’s “Storyline,” as produced by Patricia Evangelista and Paolo Villaluna, earned nominations in three categories, namely, Biography/Profiles, Community Portraits, and Social Issues/Current Events.
“Storyline” is up against GMA-7’s “I-Witness: Paraisong Uhaw (A Parched Land)” ---apart from other entries from countries like Australia, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, and USA.

“TV Patrol's” coverage of the Aug. 23 hostage crisis involving 17 Hong Kong nationals titled “Bloodbath in Manila,” also earned a nod, having been nominated under the Coverage of Breaking News category.
Nominated in the Docudrama category is another ABS-CBN program, “I Survived,” as hosted by senior broadcast journalist Ces Drilon.

ABS-CBN’s “Altar” spot, meanwhile, is nominated in the Copywriting: Promotion spot category.
The Kapamilya network also dominated the list of nominees in one of the New York Festival’s newest categories Telenovelas, with both “Dahil May Isang Ikaw” and “Magkaribal,” making it to the prestigious list battling head-to-head with “El Clon” of the United States.

The Kapuso network’s nominations also include one for Special Reports-- “Biyaheng Totoo (Real Journeys).”

Listed in the Nature and Wildlife category, meanwhile, is the finale of GMA-7's “Born To Be Wild” mini-series dubbed “The Born Expeditions.”

GMA-7’s video for “Lupang Hinirang,” which features a dramatization of Philippine history, is among the Music Video finalists.

A total of 35 countries will compete at the festival, which aims to recognize the “World’s Best Work” in various categories in news, entertainment, and promotion.

The awards ceremony will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada from April 9 to 14.

Here is the full list of nominees from the Philippines:

Biography/Profiles: “Storyline,” ABS-CBN
Community Portraits: “Storyline,” ABS-CBN
Copywriting: Promotion Spot: “Altar,” ABS-CBN
Coverage of Breaking News: “TV Patrol” (“Bloodbath in Manila”), ABS-CBN
Docudrama: “I Survived,” ABS-CBN
Music Video: “Lupang Hinirang” (The Philippine National Anthem), GMA-7
Nature & Wildlife: “Born to be Wild: The Born Expeditions Finale,” GMA-7
Social Issues/Current Events: “I-Witness” ("Paraisong Uhaw"), GMA-7
Social Issues/Current Events: “Storyline,” ABS-CBN
Special Report: "Biyaheng Totoo,” GMA-7
Telenovelas: “Dahil May Isang Ikaw,” and “Magkaribal,” ABS-CBN

...the medium term goal

Philippines eyes $1.2 bln in infra investment in 2011

By Erik dela Cruz

Reuters

08February 2011

MANILA - The Philippines wants investors to commit to at least 50 billion pesos to help fund road, airport and railway projects this year, although limits on foreign ownership may be an obstacle to the fund-raising plans. Officials said Manila planned to start launching tenders from June for 73 infrastructure projects worth around 1 trillion pesos under its public-private partnership programme.

"We are conservatively targeting infusion of 50 billion pesos from PPP projects this year," Cristino Panlilio, managing head at Board of Investment, told reporters after a pitch to diplomats and heads of foreign business chambers on Tuesday.

The government wants to tap private investors, both foreign and local, to help it fund infrastructure upgrades while freeing up cash in the budget for its social programmes.

Panlilio said the government wanted to attract $3.5 billion in foreign direct investments this year, including foreign funding for PPP projects, triple the 2010 level.

The forum was one of a series of pitches to investors for the PPP programme, including one for local business groups to be held on Feb. 17. Last month, a roadshow was held in Japan, and another will be held in the Middle East this month.

John Forbes, a senior adviser for Investment Climate Improvement Project at the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, said a concern with many of the projects was that as public utilities, foreign ownership was limited to 40 percent.

"Most investors want to have a control of their investments. That's a concern of everybody, no matter what the nationality is," he said.

"We should allow flexibility because you need capital, you need billions and billions of capital to build these projects."

As well, problems of corruption, contract disputes and worries about protection of funds means investors have largely bypassed the Philippines. The government says it is changing the investment environment to create a level playing field, but is yet to spell out how it plans to protect foreign investors.

The Joint Foreign Chambers in the Philippines said it wanted transparency in project tenders.

"We believe that all priority projects should be solicited and awarded through public bidding. Global experience shows that PPP investment best occurs under open, competitive conditions," the JFC said.

...the essay

Re-imagine Pilipinas

THE RIGHT SIDE: Where do you think this country will be 25 years from now?

 

By EMANUEL D. BAGUAL

February 8, 2011, 3:27pm

 

 

MANILA, Philippines — No one can tell what will happen in the future. Neither can anybody tell what will happen to our country 25 years from now.

Yet as early as now, we can set a path to take the Philippines to transformation. This call for change is answered by the people who have recently emerged as changemakers.

More than 120 representatives from various fields such as government, business, health and medicine, religious, political parties and party-list, the military, environment, media, and civil society, gathered to plan and to envision the Philippines 25 years hence.

Present in this gathering were Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer, Capt. Ronald Alcudia, and Col. Galvez, Carlito from Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, Sen. Sergio Osmena, and Sen. TG Guingona, Fr. Jet Villarin and, Bishop Antonio Luis “Chito” Tagle and many more. Each of the participants shared how they see the Philippines and which areas they think our country needs to change.

No formula

The conference went against the formulaic talk meets and gatherings. Instead of having traditional speakers, discussions were jumpstarted with performances by some of the most insightful and provocative artists from different regions of the Philippines.

Part of this meeting was to relate the present with the past to achieve prosperity in the future. The organizers even served traditional street foods just to make participants feel the EDSA feeling, back in the days when rallyists opted to stay on the streets to express their dissatisfaction with the government. What really amazed me was the buffet which featured the food during the historical Malolos convention, when Aguinaldo declared the Philippines Independence.

Pilipinas 25 years hence

Participants envisioned the Philippines 25 years from now by considering each and everyone’s field of expertise. They then derived different visions for our country. Here are some of the participants’ visions:

• “25 years hence, I would like to see a Philippines that has lifted its poorest of the poor into a higher social level. I would like to see a country with no dropout rates in elementary schools, with rural health units that have doctors, nurses and medicines, with enough jobs so that Filipinos will no longer have to bear loneliness and discrimination when they work abroad. I would also like to see a Philippines that is prepared for any disasters and calamities through disaster risk reduction management and climate change adaptation. We are in the Pacific Ring of Fire and in the middle of the typhoon belt. We should be more prepared for natural calamities that cause flood or famine and loss of properties and lives.”

• “A peaceful and progressive nation nurtured by citizens’ strong sense of social capital, complemented by truly caring government officials and employees in genuine partnership with actively engaged private sector, where the rule of law reigns at all times, where there are equal opportunities for all in reaping socio-economic benefits from the optimum utilization of natural resources and effective conservation of the environment and what remains of wildlife habitat.”

• “A diverse and multi-cultural society that puts human dignity as the core of governance that promotes human rights, where citizens are claim holders, government are duty bearers and civil society organizations are rights engagers that ensure mutual trust, common vision, and a unified action towards sustainable development”

• “That everyone is proud to be Filipino, speak of the country and the people in spirit of honor and camaraderie. We engage in innovation every moment and consider this characteristic to be a pillar of culture. We are not like any other country, owing it to a greater depth and appreciation of who we are, and proceed according to how we want it; where we choose and have a say in the way we want to develop an environment that is clean and handed down to many more generations of Filipinos, a people empowered, nurturing and supportive, communities that are self-sustained, a culture that is extremely and furiously creative.
Our main drivers of growth would be service, innovation and culture. Our government, businesses, people work have integrity in all dealings. We are true to ourselves.”

• “A vision of peace for our country.”

The Philippines indeed needs a lot cof hanges — and these changes lie in each of us. But visions are of no value if we do not produce tangible results. We must realize that we all have responsibilities and accountability to our country. In the end, it is us who will benefit most from a country that has achieved prosperity.
Ask yourself this question — how do you envision the Philippines 25 years hence? Maybe it is time that you also do things, even one step at a time, to achieve your vision.

(Emanuel Bagual is a freshman college at UP Diliman taking up Community Development. He was nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize in 2009.)

...the northern Island's dream

Batanes bids for Unesco heritage site nod By Charlie Lagasca (philstar.com) February 08, 2011

Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – The country’s northernmost province of Batanes is again making a bid for inclusion in the list of world heritage sites of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco), the state-run Philippine Information Agency (PIA) said.

Purita Licas, PIA director for Cagayan Valley, said that despite failing for the past five years to achieve this goal, Batanes leaders believe that with the further awareness of the public in the importance of preserving the unique culture of the islands, the province will eventually earn the Unesco nod.

However, Dr. Florentino Hornedo, Philippine commissioner to Unesco, said that Unesco’s declaration of the tiny island province as a world heritage site will eventually depend on the high degree of commitment of its leaders and residents to help preserve its rich cultural heritage.

One of the region’s five provinces, Batanes, also the smallest in the country, both in population and land area, is inhabited by the Ivatan indigenous people. It comprises 10 islets located about 162 km north of the Luzon mainland in the Luzon Strait.

“No amount of inspirational messages from government leaders could (make) preservation of culture (a reality) without the (appreciation) and sincere awareness of the people concerned (for) their own culture,” said Hornedo, himself, an Ivatan and the first ethno-historian from Batanes.

Hornedo made this statement as provincial and town officials expressed desire to push for the province’s eventual inclusion in the list of Unesco heritage sites, soliciting commitments from the general public in a summit on Batanes’ natural and cultural heritage conservation.

...the videogame master

 Pinoy is videogame champ in California

By Henny Espinosa

ABS-CBN North America News Bureau

02/08/2011

 

 

SUNNYVALE, California - A Filipino is making a career out of playing video games in California.

Twenty-five year old Ryan Ramirez considers himself an athlete. He makes sure he's physically fit, focused and energized.

For 8 years now, Ramirez has played video games competitively and his forte-- Street Fighter.

"I always had this competitive feeling and for some reason I can’t get it in sports so I transferred it to video gaming," Ramirez said.

Because of his skill, Ramirez gets challenged all the time.

Ramirez is the Street Fighter king of California, winning 34 tournaments, the most for any player.

His biggest win was when he beat the world's most famous Street Fighter player--Japan's Daigo Umehera three times last year.

Because he's so good at the game and because he lost his job as an accounts manager 2 weeks ago, Ramirez has decided to play games for a living.

"In one tournament, I would earn $6,000. So it's not bad money," he said.

To train for Evolution World Finals, the biggest open competitive fighting game tournament to be held in July in Las Vegas, Ramirez plays for hours at the Sunnyvale Golf Land.

He's currently sponsored by Borderline Gaming for all his training needs.

Ramirez says videogaming is not necessarily a waste of time for kids and teenagers.

"Would they rather have their kids to actually play video games or do drugs or be in a gang and get in trouble all the time?” he said.

Ramirez said he does not see himself retiring 5, 10 years from now.

"I'll probably say I'll still play competitively but I think I'll try to get a real job,” he added.

..the director and the French actress

French actress lauds Mendoza, Pinoy artists

abs-cbnNEWS.com

 02/07/2011 7

MANILA, Philippines – French actress Isabelle Anne Madeleine Huppert was all praises for award-winning Filipino director Brillante Mendoza.

Huppert was cast in Mendoza’s newest film, “Prey,” an international production.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Huppert, who was known for her performance in the 1996 film La Cérémonie, said it was a nice experience working with Mendoza, who she described as an extraordinary director.

"It was not just working with the Filipinos directly. It was working with Brillante Mendoza who is very special. He is an extraordinary director and I had an extraordinary experience. Maybe, one of the most outstanding in my life as an actress," Huppert said.

The French actress also said she had a blast working with Filipino artists.

"Yes I enjoyed the whole thing you know. The movie was very special and where we shot was very special too because we shot in very, sometimes, remote places and in the forest and in the sea. Very physical shoot as well as a very emotional one," she said.

Huppert said she would leave the Philippines with a heavy heart because of the good experiences she had while working here. She hoped though that she will be able to attend the film's premiere.

"Well I hope to come back as soon as possible. It was too short, I feel so sad to leave. ... I hope I can come back for the premiere of the film," Huppert said.

Filipino actress Maria Isabel Lopez, who is also part of the film, said Huppert left Manila on Sunday.
“She went straight home to Paris,” Lopez said.

In an almost month-long shoot, though, the 2 stars built quite a lasting friendship. “She’s giving me a party in, would you believe, Paris?”

According to the Filipina beauty queen, Huppert was so unaffected when she was acting with Filipino stars, some of them veteran thespian Rustica Carpio and young actress Chanel Latorre.

“Pare-pareho kaming mga hostage ng Abu Sayyaf. Sila ni Rustica, mga missionaries. Ako, tourist. Ang madalas katabi ni Isabelle sa eksena si Rustica. But we were in the same boat,” Lopez recalled.

“We were always in huddle in between takes. Nagkukuwento sa akin si Isabelle, sabi niya, she’s unmarried but she’s got three kids,” she remembered.

“Makuwento siya. At saka, kalog. Like, no’ng nag-party kami sa set, she even danced ‘Spaghetti Pababa,’ you know. I’ll send you photos of her while dancing. Nakakatuwa siya. Para siyang hindi international celebrity,” said Maribel.

Before the cameras grinded for “Prey,” Maribel knew who Huppert was.

“Kilala ko na siya as an awarded French actress and she is very respected in the world,” she said.
“When we went to Cannes for ‘Kinatay,’ she was the chair of the jury but I didn’t see her. We didn’t have the luxury of meeting the judges personally. It was a closed door activity,” she explained.

“Although I don’t idolize Isabelle Huppert because I don’t idolize celebrities, I look up to her. She’s a nice person and a professional artist,” she quipped.

Lopez was also impressed by the “Prey” production.

“Grabe. Talagang international standard. Ngayon lang ako nakagawa ng pelikula na ganito ka-professional lahat. At everything was offered to us. They really spent very well for the production.

“May helicopter, may malalaking boats, lahat-lahat were offered to us. Nakakalula talaga.”

“It was very memorable and amazing experience acting with Isabelle Huppert and being directed again by Brillante Mendoza,” she added. –With Boy Villasanta, abs-cbnNEWS.com

...the reserve

PHL Jan. forex reserves hit record $63.6B

 

GMANews.tv

02/07/2011

 

 

The country's gross international reserves (GIR) expanded to a record $63.61 billion in January on the back of higher government borrowings, robust foreign exchange operations, and higher income from overseas investments of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

The GIR is the sum of all foreign exchange flowing into the country.

BSP Gov. Amando Tetangco Jr. said that last month's foreign exchange reserves was about 2 percent wider than the Dec. level of $62.371 billion and 39.5 percent more than the $45.591 billion booked in January last year.

“Foreign exchange inflows coming from the foreign currency deposits by the national government of proceeds from its peso-denominated global bonds issuance maturing in 2036, as well as the foreign exchange operations and income from investments abroad of the BSP, contributed to the appreciable increase in the reserves level," Tetangco stressed.

The national government early last month successfully raised about $1.25 billion from the sale of 25-year, peso-denominated global bonds due 2036. This is the second peso-denominated global bond sale of the Aquino administration, having successfully sold $1 billion in September last year.

Data showed that the BSP’s income from investments abroad zoomed 44.5 percent to $55.1 billion in January from $38.13 billion in the same month last year and 3.1 percent higher than the end-December level of $53.44 billion.

On the other hand, the value of the its gold holdings increased by 21.8 percent to $6.58 billion in January from a year-ago level of $5.4 billion but was 6.1 percent lower than the end-December level of $7.01 billion. Likewise, its income from foreign exchange operations plunged 44.2 percent to $443.78 million from $795.1 million.

Credit rating upgrade

Tetangco pointed out that the inflows were partially offset by payments for maturing foreign exchange obligations of the national government and revaluation losses on the BSP’s gold holdings given the decrease in the international market.

Furthermore, the BSP chief added that the end-January GIR could cover 10.5 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and income as well as 11.1 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 5.5 times based on residual maturity.

This year, the BSP sees the GIR hitting a new record level of $63 billion to $64 billion as foreign capital would continue to flood emerging market economies including the Philippines. Last year, the reserves surged 41 percent to a record $62.37 billion from $44.24 billion in 2009.

The BSP also sees the country's balance of payments (BOP) posting a surplus of about $2 billion this year from a record $14.4 billion in 2009 on the back of strong overseas Filipino workers’ (OFWs’) remittances, high earnings of the business process outsourcing sector, sustained export growth as well as surging capital flows.

The country's strong external payments position, he explained, helped the Philippines get a credit rating outlook upgrade from New York-based Moody’s Investors Service the other day as well as a credit rating upgrade from Standard and Poors last Nov. 12.

Moody's upgraded the country’s credit rating outlook to positive from stable while S&P raised the credit rating for the government’s long-term, foreign currency-denominated debt issuances by a notch, or from three to two notches below investment grade.

Moody’s, S&P, and London-based Fitch Ratings are closely watching the economic and fiscal developments in the Philippines.

However, Moody’s has yet to upgrade the country’s sovereign credit rating that is currently pegged at three notches below investment grade. S&P and Fitch, on the other hand, rate Philippine debt at two notches below investment grade with a stable outlook. – MRT, GMA News Online

...the life in the desert

Cultural exchange between Filipinos, Saudis

By Casiano Mayor Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

 02/07/2011

Filipinos gather at the Corniche Commercial Center in Jeddah, where money remittance centers are located.

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia—There’s a joke among us Filipinos in Jeddah that Balad, a commercial center in the southern side of the city, belongs to us, while the neighboring Sarafiya center belongs to the Indians: Sa inyo ang Sarafiya, amin ang Balad.

The joke was inspired by the Filipino movie “Sa Iyo ang Cavite, Akin ang Tondo (Cavite is yours, Tondo is mine).”

Within the Kingdom outside Jeddah, Balad has its counterparts—Batha in Riyadh and Al-Shoula in Al-Khobar. These places teem with Filipinos especially on Fridays, the rest day in Middle Eastern countries.
In central Jeddah, the Sarawat supermarket, a favorite shopping center of Filipinos who find Balad quite far and where a Jollibee fastfood outlet is located, is a hangout mostly for Filipino-Muslim migrants from Mindanao.

Cultural exchange

In the Kingdom, many Saudis as well as other nationals here have learned to speak the Filipino language. It has become common to hear people of other races call us pare (pal) or a storekeeper tell us that his wares are mura (cheap) and even poke fun: “Kuripot ka, Ilocano ka siguro (You’re penny pincher, you must be Ilocano)” when you try to strike a bargain.

In key trading centers where there are concentrations of Filipino expatriates, Filipino products are on the shelves of supermarkets or even in the baqalas or small neighborhood stores.

In turn, we have picked up a few Arabic words—not to mention those who have learned to speak the language fluently—and have learned to like a recipe or two of Arabic food.

We have become part of the Kingdom, its history and culture, as the Kingdom has become part of us, of our consciousness, our psyche. Many of us have learned to like the Kingdom, where all of us (except for those who have run away from their employers and are forced to stay outdoors) sleep in air-conditioned rooms.

We have learned to appreciate the landscape of wide streets and modern buildings—mostly painted white, light brown, and shades in between—framed against the Saudi sky. Many of us bought our first cars here, a thing that could have remained a pipe dream had we stayed in our own country.

But, despite all the good tidings, at the back of our minds there is that sense of disquiet that Saudi Arabia is just not our home. Sooner or later, we will have to go and the Kingdom will be just another memory for us.

For one thing, the country does not open its doors to non-Arabs, particularly those coming from Asia, to become permanent residents, much less to become citizens. And even if it does, the majority of the Filipinos, particularly the Christians, would not dream of staying here for good.

For many of us, Saudi Arabia is just a financial shelter from the economic storm that has battered our country. Those who dream of immigrating to some Western countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand find Saudi Arabia a convenient gateway to get where they want to go.

A temporary home

Although “Saudization”—the Kingdom’s program to eventually replace expatriates with Saudi nationals in jobs that the natives have learned to do—is proceeding at a snail’s pace, the writing on the wall is that sooner or later we will have to pack our bags.

The banks have already been taken over by Saudi professionals, except the position of tea boys (tea servers) because the Saudis don’t want to do menial work. The HR (Human Resources) departments and reception desks of many companies and hospitals are now being manned mostly by Saudis. There’s an anecdote going around here that expatriates are reluctant to train Saudis to do their jobs because it’s like putting nooses around their own necks.

The Filipino diaspora in Saudi Arabia consists of professionals and skilled blue-collar workers: engineers, accountants, nurses, IT specialists, teachers, a few journalists, storekeepers, mechanics, and building maintenance workers. The laborers have become less conspicuous after the construction boom slowed down. And so are the maids, whom you only hear of when they land in the news for being battered by their employers.

Over the years, the migration of Filipino workers, many of whom also brought their families along with them, has prompted some enterprising Saudis to open schools for Filipinos across the Kingdom, with the help of Filipino educators. In Jeddah alone, there are at least five schools for Filipino schoolchildren, many of whom are Saudi born. One is owned by a former Filipino nurse who married a Saudi.

Filipino restaurants have also sprung up, many of which are owned by former Filipino workers, backed by their Saudi sponsors. A popular restaurant in Balad, known as “Shawly,” is owned by a former Filipina maid married to a Saudi.

Despite the positive image back home of OFWs as financially well-off, the majority of the OFWs here don’t have enough savings to give them the courage to go home and set up their own businesses. This is the reason why many OFWs choose to immigrate to other countries or stay here until their contracts are no longer renewed due to old age.

According to government statistics, only about four to five percent of the more than one million OFWs in the Middle East countries are financially stable. I surmise that these are the ones whose families have put up businesses while they are working far away.

That reality makes most of us fret when we feel that the Kingdom’s Saudization program—if not old age—will one day catch up with us. Working overseas is not a picnic, as the cliché goes, but for many of us, particularly those who are still young, we will have to look for other work in other countries when the time comes for us to leave. For unlike the Americans, Britons, or other Westerners who came here for adventure or respite, we took the long, lonely road to Balad as a matter of survival.

..the investment haven

Philippines is an investment haven

 

Manila Bulletin

February 6, 2011

 

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines is the third best site for investments that bring down energy consumption and a study launched by the British Embassy last week revealed.

Moreover, the same study found out that the country can even attract a huge chunk of energy efficiency investments amounting to at least $790 million.

The embassy launched the study during a forum by the Makati City government with the special participation of the La Liga Policy Institute (La Liga).

Energy efficiency investors are considering six South East Asian countries, namely Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines.

The study also provides baseline information on the amount of business opportunities and identifies sectors that are expected to benefit the most from undertaking energy efficiency projects. (Marvyn Benaning)

...the strings that unite

Tagum City hosts 3rd International Strings of Unity Festival

By Antonio C. Hila
Philippine Daily Inquirer

02/07/2011

 

 

 

THE 3RD Cuerdas ng Pagkakaisa (Strings of Unity) international festival will be held in Tagum City, Feb. 12-19, and at the UP College of Music, Feb. 21-24.

Sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), through the Musicological Society of the Philippines, the City of Tagum’s Tourism Council and the UP College of Music, the festival will be a week-long musical event participated in by some 500 artists that comprise rondallas and plucked-string groups from all over the world.

Held every three years, the international festival is now on its third run. It fulfills the aspiration for unity through the instrumentality of music, said Ramon P. Santos, project director and president of the Musicological Society of the Philippines, in a press launch held recently at Barbara’s in Intramuros.

The global tradition of plucked string is shared by the country through the rondalla, Santos said, which has been ingrained in the psyche of the Filipino people, about survived three colonial epochs, and is now a glorious part of the present living tradition.

Santos was joined by Malou Jacob, executive director of NCCA; Vice Mayor Allan Rellon of Tagum City; and Alma Uy, chair of Tagum City’s Tourism Council, who took turns reading their statements before the press.

Shared musical tradition

The festival has drawn more participants, numbering about 30 than in the rondalla festivals in 2004 and 2007.

Participating countries include Russia, China, Singapore, Thailand, Mexico, Iran, India, Indonesia and Taiwan. The Unesco International Music Council will also attend.

The festival will feature concerts, exhibition, outreach performances, international conference, seminars, workshops and other special related activities.

It will be highlighted by the participation of indigenous groups from Mindanao giving one performance in every concert. They will be a major feature in the festival’s exhibit.

Cuerdas ng Pagkakaisa will activate and provide the initial energy to the World Rondalla Society which will sustain the development of an important musical patrimony and at the same time promote global peace and understanding through a shared musical tradition.

Coupling of East and West

In her welcome remarks, NCCA director Malou Jacob said the festival was a “musical coupling” of the East and the West, an instrument for promoting global peace, strongly endorsed by the Music Committee, headed by Joey Ayala.

Vice Mayor Rellon gave an update on the preparation Tagum had undertaken to achieve the best result, which would go beyond the city with its advocacy for international understanding through the sharing of a common musical root that is the plucked string.

Alma Uy, spouse of the mayor of Tagum, said all systems went for the festival and all roads would lead to Tagum, the City of Palm Trees and the new Home of Festivals.

The festival shows Mindanao, through Tagum City, as a venue of beauty and peace, a vibrant venue for international musical gathering promoting peace and understanding.

Different stylistics

To the enjoyment of everyone, the UP Rondalla under the direction of Elaine Cajucom superbly rendered finely voiced and nuanced selections. The rondalla showed its versatility to render selections scored in different stylistic vein, and add a non-plucked instrument such as the flute, from the traditional paso-doble and folk tunes to a classical standard and avant-garde pieces.

The playing reflected the growth and development of the rondalla from the colonial era to the present, following a script read by Chinggay Bernardo, who hosted the launch.

The pieces were Dominic Salustiano’s Paso-doble No. 3.; Alfredo Buenaventura’s, Philippine Medley No. 2; Tchaikovksy’s Serenade for Strings, arranged by Celso Espejo; and “Pagpipiko,” by Cristine Muyco.

...the patriots

Patriots to face Slammers for ABL crown

GMANews.tv

02/06/2011

It will be the Philippine Patriots versus the Thailand Slammers for this season’s ASEAN Basketball League best-of-three championship series.

The Slammers made sure of that when they tripped the Singapore Slingers, 73-62, in the third and deciding game of their semifinal series on Sunday at the Thai-Japanese Association gym in Bangkok.

Import Jason Dixon and ex-pro Ardy Larong finished with 17 points apiece for the Slammers. Dixon, who played for the Patriots last season, also had 12 rebounds and four blocks, while Cameroonian Chris Kuete and local cager Piyapong Piroon added 11 points each.

Leo Avenido and Marcus Skinner registered 21 and 18 points, respectively, for the Slingers’ losing effort.

Thailand won Game 1 with an 81-76 overtime victory on Jan. 24 in Bangkok, but Singapore tied the series on Feb. 1 with a convincing 90-76 rout at the Lion City.

On Sunday next week, the Slammers will host the defending champion Patriots at the start of their best-of-three title series.

The Slammers, who also beat the Patriots twice this season, earned the homecourt advantage by finishing the elimination round with a league-best 11-4 record.

The Patriots, who struggled for a 9-6 card for second spot in the elims, have been idle for the past 11 days, this after sweeping the Kuala Lumpur Dragons in the other semis series. - KY, RCJ, GMA News Online

...the engineered bamboo

Aklan’s engineered bamboo industry takes off

 

Manila Bulletin

February 6, 2011

 

KALIBO, Aklan, Philippines (PIA) — Aklan’s engineered bamboo industry is starting to take off, with one municipal production center focused on the versatile grass plant already operating, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here.

DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado Cadena said first to embark in the industry with great optimism is the town of Libacao, a hinterland municipality in Aklan known for its abundant bamboo.

Another town, Malinao, will soon follow suit, even as the DTI also eyes Balete, Altavas, Banga, Ibajay, Malay and other towns in Aklan as production centers in the future.

Cadena said Libacao has also began producing bamboo slats which can subsequently be manufactured into engineered bamboos, after the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) by the DTI and the local government of Libacao under Mayor Charito Navaro in mid-January, 2011.

The DTI also signed a MOA with Malinao through Mayor Ariel Igoy.

Libacao’s production center is located in Barangay Guadalupe.

Cadena said Libacao is expected to produce some 960,000 bamboo slats which, he said, is “worth millions of pesos and will certainly benefit bamboo farmers and workers in the municipality.”
He added, “The bamboo slats will be delivered in container vans to the Cottage Industry Technology Center (CITC) – which is an agency attached with DTI - in Manila”, Cadena said.

In turn, the CITC, which is a service-oriented agency attached to the DTI, will facilitate the selling of the bamboo slats to customers and, in the process, convert the material into cash.