...the pianist

Pianist Cecile Licad makes history in Russian debut

By Pablo. A. Tariman, V

ERA Files | The Inbox  

Thu, Apr 7, 2011

Celebrated  Filipino pianist Cecile Licad makes history in Russian soil when she becomes the first Filipino soloist to perform with the Russian State Symphony Orchestra on April 15  at the highly revered Tchaikovsky Hall at Triumfalnay Square in Moscow. She will perform Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 under the baton of People's Artist of Russia Mark Gorenstein.

It is also the first time she will set foot in the famous Tchaikovsky Hall where the likes of Otto Klemperer, Artur Rubenstein, Yasha Heifetz, Marian Anderson,  Artur Honegger, Bela Bartok, David Oystrakh, and Emil Gilels have performed.

Founded in 1936, the Russian State Symphony Orchestra  has been led by some of the finest conductors and composers in music history, notably Igor Stravinsky, Konstantin Ivanov, Evgeniy Svetlanov, Otto Klemperer, Erich Kleiber, Yehudi Menuhin, Charles Munch, Mstislav Rostropovich, Kurt Masur, and Valery Gergiev, among others.

The April 15 engagement is also her first team-up with conductor and National Artist of Russia Mark Gorenstein, who is considered one of the most famous and distinguished conductors  in contemporary Russia. Gorenstein's name is closely associated with traditions of the Russian conductor's school, brilliant performance, depth and "innovative-ness" of interpretation, filigree technique, and strong personality.

Steve Smith of the New York Times has this to say about Gorenstein's credential: "The best measure of Mr. Gorenstein's work came in an urgent, imaginatively shaded account of Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra. Beginning at a whisper, the cellos rose to a magnificently throaty sound. Woodwinds were ribald, and brasses took on a warm glow."

"It would be hard to imagine a more phantasmagorical rendition of the closing pages in the Giuoco Delle Coppie, or a more desolate introduction to the Elegia," he wrote.

Before Licad, Gorenstein has worked with such distinguished soloists as violinist Viktor Tretyakov,  cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, pianists Nikolai Petrov,  Denis Matsuev, Lazar Berman and singers Elena Obraztsova, Roberto Alagnia, Angela Gheorghiu and  Kathleen Battle, among others.

Violinist Tretyakov said after performing with Gorenstein: "He is an excellent musician, a perfect partner in music-making. It is a real joy to perform with him."

Meanwhile, Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay congratulated Licad on her Russian debut, saying she remains a big inspiration for Filipino musicians all over the world.

Before her Russian debut, Licad stunned Philadelphia music lovers with a seldom heard program under the auspices of the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society. She opened the  program with a rarely played repertoire (Scriabin's  Impromptu in F-sharp Minor, Op. 12, No. 1 and  Impromptu in B-flat Minor, Op. 12, No. 2, Janacek's In the Mist, "Im Nebel" and Schumann's Sonata in F Minor, Op. 14) and closing with Chopin's 24 Preludes, Op. 28.

Licad struck deep into the heart of the musical sensibility of Philadelphia's most discriminating audiences and got a standing ovation. The audiences couldn't have enough of Licad, who ended  up playing four encore pieces.

Philadelphia Inquirer critic David Patrick Stearns wrote: "Clearly, she has embodied the music-before-personality ethos of her Curtis Institute mentors, Rudolf Serkin, Seymour Lipkin, and Mieczyslaw Horszowski."

Other Filipino artists who made news in Russian soil were: the late Redentor Romero, who became the first Filipino conductor to lead the Moscow Symphony; and pianist Rowena Arrieta, the first Filipino laureate (fifth place) of the Tchaikovsky Competition in the early 1980s --- the same year Brazilian cellist Antonio Meneses (Licad's ex-husband) won the gold medal in the same competition.

...the city down south

Cebu as seen by a young French artist


C'EST CEBU By Honey Jarque Loop
(The Philippine Star)
 April 07, 2011

Honorary Consul of France Michel Lhuillier and French artist Arno Rocher| Zoom

Twenty-five-year-old Niña Mancao simply loves to travel. She enjoys experiencing new customs, discovering different values and what this wonderful world has to offer.

In her desire and quest for discovery and adventure, this petite lady found herself in Laos two years ago. She communed with nature, wandered through the narrow city streets and village paths, mingled with people while exploring the temples, admiring the colonial architecture, savoring the distinct local cuisine, and trekking to the many hills where tribes of mixed ethno-cultural heritage lived.

While English has become increasingly spoken in recent years, the official and dominant language is Lao. Understandably this was a problem for Niña. She then searched for some foreign-looking tourists whom she hoped could speak English. One pleasant day she met the young French artist Arno Rocher, who first became her guide and eventually her friend.

Louie Thevenin, Niña Mancao, and Arno Rocher

Upon her invitation, he visited Cebu. During his two-month stay, he painted and sketched several local scenes and landmarks. As a gesture of gratitude, Arno shared his works at two intimate art shows attended by friends and art enthusiasts.

Impressed with his watercolor paintings and ink-and-paper drawings and sketches, restaurateur Deena Pages and daughter Krista graciously hosted the first of two exhibits at their newly renovated, family-owned Kaona Grill restaurant. Among the guests of honor was Louie Thevenin, director of Alliance Française Cebu.

Melody and Dennis Nordine

Club Vudu, the popular watering hole for the city’s party people, was the venue of choice for Arno’s second exhibit. Honorary Consul of France Michel Lhuillier, together with Mary Mancao and Joy Climaco, did the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

His exhibits in Cebu, which focused on black-and-white drawings and sketches, emphasized light and shade, which made the art pieces more dramatic.

Sophie Hussenet and Anton Quisumbing

Arno Rocher is recognized as a young, talented artist in his hometown of Nantes, France. After his studies at the Institute Saint-Luc in Brussels, he began working with transparency and mixed media, capturing his art by using layers of paint on canvas.

Cebu, as seen through the eyes of a young, skilled artist who came to visit, was truly a celebration of friendship and sharing.

...the poverty alleviation scheme

MCC notes Phl progress in reducing poverty

 

PhilStar – Thu, Apr 7, 2011

MANILA, Philippines - The Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC) of the United States has noted the country’s progress in mobilizing the $434-million grant aimed at reducing poverty in the Philippines.
Signed in September last year in New York and witnessed by President Aquino and US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, the grant demonstrates the Philippine and US government’s joint commitment to fighting poverty in the Philippines.

Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said the compact grant is completely aligned with the development agenda of the Aquino Administration to reduce poverty through sustainable economic growth and good governance.

“I am pleased all project preparation activities are on track and I look forward to seeing the momentum maintained in order to deliver results the Filipino people deserve,” Purisima said.

MCC’s resident country director Matthew Bohn also noted the progress made. “I am confident that Millennium Challenge Account-Philippines (MCA-P) will achieve the compact’s objectives and desired results under the watchful eye of such a capable board,” Bohn said.

The MCA-P Board of Trustees is composed of members from different government agencies and non-government organizations. MCA-P acts as the entity responsible for overseeing the implementation of the MCC compact grant. The compact supports the priorities of the Philippine government to reduce poverty by promoting sustainable economic growth.

These include the Revenue Administration Reform Project (RARP), under the auspices of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS).

The project aims to raise tax revenues and reduce tax evasion and corruption through reforms at BIR and modernization of the revenue collection system.

Another project is the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan- Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
This project aims to improve community-level infrastructure and social services for the poor and strengthen the capacity of local communities to lift themselves out of poverty.

The Secondary National Roads Development Project (SNRDP), meanwhile, is a project in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

It aims to reduce transportation costs and improve access to markets and social services through the rehabilitation of an existing 220-kilometer road segment on Samar Island.

Purisima assured that projects under the compact grant will be implemented with transparency and accountability by following strict guidelines for financial management, procurement, and environmental and social impact assessment.

The MCC is a US government corporation designed to work with developing countries and is based on the principle that aid is most effective when it reinforces sound political, economic, and social policies that promote poverty reduction through economic growth. - By Iris C. Gonzales (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

...the Union

Western Union eyes project harnessing OFW money for community development

By Doris Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer
04/06/2011


MANILA, Philippines—Global remittance giant Western Union has bankrolled a pioneering project that seeks to channel collective funds from overseas Filipinos for local development, picking the province of Ilocos Norte and the city of Taguig as its two pilot sites.

The two-year project was launched as a partnership among the United Nations Development Program, the Philippine government and Western Union Foundation (WUF), drawing lessons from similar diaspora projects successfully executed in Africa and Mexico by Western Union, which provided the seed money of $250,000 to jumpstart this project.

The project will test a mechanism to facilitate and direct overseas remittances toward savings and investment in livelihood improvement and entrepreneurship for the poor, ultimately creating jobs and reducing poverty in the Philippines, the world's fourth- largest recipient of overseas remittances after India, China and Mexico.

"The program intends to efficiently and accountably link hard monies from overseas to create sustainable small businesses that generate jobs and economic opportunity back home in the Philippines. Upon success, the model will be replicated in different parts of the world," said WUF president Luella Chavez D' Angelo, who flew in from Colorado USA, to launch the project.

The six-pronged project will involve facilitating governmental support for public policy inclusion of collective remittances, building awareness for the concept, organizing overseas Filipinos to pool funds, giving people at home the skills and capabilities to identify and carry out projects, promoting the concept and mobilizing funds and matching private funds with private funds.

Ilocos Norte and Taguig were picked as pilot sites not because of the number of migrant workers but because WUF believes these territories have a greater likelihood of embracing this concept.

In an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, D'Angelo explained that this Philippine project could draw lessons from the successes of an earlier project rolled out by her foundation in Africa whereby a competition was launched targeting African diaspora in Washington, D.C., and New York to come up with business plans that would help development in the proponent's hometown. In that project, proponents were required to bring in their share of capital worth around $10,000 to $15,000 and the best proposals were chosen and WUF helped raise funds for the projects.

What WUF was hoping to accomplish in the Philippines, she said, would be to harness collective remittances among overseas Filipinos and hopefully get its agents and local government units to contribute cash to the pot and WUF would match the amount raised. In the African pilot, she said what was originally targeted to be a $500,000 project ended up leveraging $1.8 million.

WUF did not seek equity from local governments in Africa but in another project in Mexico, she said there was some contribution from the local leadership. But apart from equity, she said the program would need support from local governments by promoting awareness as well as making sure that local regulations would not get in the way of developmental objectives.

During the launch, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos and Taguig City councilor Aurelio Bartolome expressed support for the project. Likewise present was Commission on Filipinos Overseas Secretary Imelda Nicolas, who said: "The objective of harnessing remittances for local development is the next frontier for development banking."

"In our dealings with community leaders, we find that a lot of Filipinos that are well settled abroad are always looking for means to help the communities they left behind," Western Union senior vice president for Pacific and Indochina Patricia Riingen said.

That's where this project could help, Riingen said, noting for instance that if there's a certain town wishing to set up a “balut”-making industry, collective funds from abroad could be channeled to such activities.

"At Western Union, we believe that leaving home to work overseas should be a choice, not a necessity borne of lack of options. We share the dream that someday, people in the Philippines and in developing countries everywhere will have the option to stay with their families, that jobs and opportunities at home will provide a choice and that going overseas will be but one way to make a better life," Riingen said.

D' Angelo said WUF would measure the success of this project partly in terms of growth in collective remittances and increase in local businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises. A deeper assessment could be done with the help of the National Economic and Development Authority, she said.

...the lady pilot

Filipina pilot soars above gender barrier

 

By CECIL MORELLA

April 6, 2011

 

MANILA, Philippines -- On the ground, Brooke Castillo is a classical pianist, a rock band manager, an elite sportswoman, and a teacher, but it is high in the sky where she truly excels.

Castillo is the country's first female commercial jet captain, and from the cockpit of Cebu Pacific airline's Airbus A319s and A320s, she says she has the best job in the world.

''I think I was destined to be here,'' the tall and eloquent 41-year-old told Agence France Presse (AFP) in an interview, explaining that she realized her many other talents would take a back seat immediately after she got into aviation school.

''I just took up the challenge and I realized it was something that I would love to do, and that was it.''

Castillo grew up in a wealthy Manila household -- her father was a banker and her mother managed a casino -- alongside three brothers who helped instill in her a love for sports and competition.

Many hours of her childhood were spent with her family in ten-pin bowling alleys, and she ended up representing the country's junior team in the sport.

She was also a member of the Philippines' youth basketball team, and won a silver medal for her country as an adult at the Southeast Asian taekwondo championships.

Among her other hobbies and talents, Castillo plays classical piano, manages a local alternative rock band and has a business administration degree from the elite University of the Philippines.

Castillo said she never aspired to be a pilot, but fell into the aviation industry soon after her college days when she accompanied a friend to a testing session for a pilot's scholarship with national carrier Philippines Airlines.
Castillo took the tests as well and, while her friend failed, she aced them.

''When I went to aviation school, I realized everything that I learned from music, from my other endeavors in school and from sports -- all of it -- I was able to apply more than in my college subjects,'' she said.

Her love of flying and her skills saw her become the first woman in the country to fly a commercial jet in 1996, with Philippine Airlines.

After crossing to rival Cebu Pacific, Castillo in 2003 became the first woman in the Philippines to captain a jet.

Throughout her career she has blazed a trail for other women in the industry, with Cebu Pacific now boasting 14 other female pilots.

''Hopefully there will be more,'' she said.

Castillo, who is now also an instructor for Cebu Pacific's younger pilots, said she had earned her success on her merits, pointing out airline chiefs could not compromise when choosing captains for their jets.

''In our profession there are no double standards because you cannot afford to put anyone's life in danger,'' she said.

Castillo suggested women had an advantage because they tended to pay closer attention to the smallest details. A pilot needs to check more than 200 items before an actual flight.

''They say that women are more meticulous and more into multi-tasking. Probably that's true. In some instances I see it,'' she said.

Be they Piper Tomahawk trainers or Airbus jets, Castillo said the hardest aspect of flying was deciding when to take off and land or abort, because the tiniest hesitation could swiftly lead to life or death situations.

Her most dangerous moment was as a DC-9 co-pilot nine years ago when the cabin lost compression in mid-flight. She said her professional training took over and the plane landed safely.

''The thing that I learned from that was that you don't feel the fear until it's over,'' she said.

''After you land and everything, that's when you catch the fear.''

Castillo's remaining professional ambition is to captain larger, wide-bodied Airbus aircraft, a dream she will likely fulfill as her employers, now the country's biggest airline, push aggressively into international markets.

She said also she wanted to marry and have a child someday. But she has had trouble finding the time for such personal matters and sees herself flying and instructing until she turns 65, Cebu Pacific's retirement age for pilots.

''I hope, I wish, but I really can't see how,'' she said when asked about marriage and a family.
''Honestly I'm enjoying my flying career and I am enjoying teaching. Being an instructor, in a way, is fulfilling to me, and in a way it's making me think, 'Should I give it up for anything else?'' (AFP)

...the hub

Cebu eyed as Asia's hub for armored vehicles

April 6, 2011

Manila Bulletin

 

 

MACTAN, Cebu, Philippines — A British company specializing in the manufacture of armored vehicles here for export to conflict areas worldwide is determined to position Cebu as Asia's hub for armored vehicles, with the firm investing $3 million to expand its existing site at the Mactan Export Processing Zone.

"The market for armoring business is growing dramatically,” said Finn T. Wattenberg, chief executive officer of British Armour Manufacturing International Inc. “Because of the pressing issues on terrorism and war conflicts, more institutions are having their cars armored.”

Wattenberg said after having successfully operating the company since 2005, it will be expanding its adjacent lot this year, which will bring in additional 8,000 square meters for operations to include test and research and development (R&D) facilities for the development and conceptualization of more designs and armored car products.

Currently, the firm sends finished vehicles to Germany where the existing testing facility is located to check on their quality before delivering them to customers.

In his talk with media, Wattenberg also discussed other expansion plans such as a showroom facility in Makati City in Manila which the firm shall utilize to showcase its products to foreign business travelers.

...the Telly awardee

Balitang America production bags prestigious TV award

 

By Balitang America

04/06/2011

CALIFORNIA - Bayaning Pilipino 2010, a special awards show produced by Balitang America, bagged a prestigious Telly Award in the documentary category. 

The Telly Awards honor the very best local, regional, and cable television commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions, and work created for the Web.

 

The entry, “Little Manila Foundation,” was given the bronze medal in the 32nd Telly Awards. It was selected over thousands of entries from all 50 states and 5 continents. 

 

The winning short documentary featured a nonprofit organization that has been struggling to preserve the historical legacy of the first Filipino immigrants in Stockton, California.

 

The segment was written and produced by Pia Lopezbanos Carrion, who also heads ABS-CBN International’s Creative Communications Group, filmed by Balitang America news videographer Jeremiah Ysip, and edited by Balitang America news master editor Danny Manansala.

 

It was aired as part of Bayaning Pilipino 2010, ABS-CBN Global’s award show that honors outstanding individuals and organizations that make a difference in the Filipino community in America.

 

Bayaning Pilipino 2010 was produced by ABS-CBN Global’s News Production Head and Executive Producer, Vivian Zalvidea Araullo and directed by ABS-CBN’s MPEG Chief John Lazatin. 

 

Bayaning Pilipino 2010’s overall in charge of production and Chair was then North America News Bureau Chief, Ging Reyes, who is now Senior Vice President of ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs.

...the positive forecast

ADB raises PH growth forecast to 5%

 

abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 04/06/2011

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE) - The Asian Development Bank has upgraded its growth forecast for the Philippines this year, mainly on expectations of sustained investment inflows and private consumption.

In its annual Asian Development Outlook released Tuesday, the Manila-based multilateral lender said Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) may grow 5% in 2011, higher than the 4.6% projection it gave in September last year.

This is in line with the projections of most economists. On the contrary, the government is still projecting a 7% to 8% growth.

ADB said key to growth are the Aquino administration's efforts to improve governance and its fiscal position, and the progress in the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program—all of which would boost business confidence.

"The forecast is for solid economic growth this year and next, and sustained increases in investment now appear achievable, provided that the government pushes through with policy and governance reforms," it said.
Next year, the local economy is seen to expand by 5.3%.

ADB-Forecast	Philippine Growth
2011	5% (raised from 4.6%)
2012	5.30%

ADB said its forecasts assumed that the political turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as the disasters in Japan, do not affect the inflow of remittances from overseas Filipino workers. Remittances, which drive consumption, grew 8.2% to $18.8 billion in 2010.

Export growth is expected to pull back from last year's levels to about 11% this year, ADB said. It noted the twin Japan earthquake and tsunami disasters could dent exports as the main electronics and semiconductors industries "depend heavily on components from Japan."

Government spending, meanwhile, would be less stimulative to the economy this year, but the private sector is expected to pick up the slack with its participation in major infrastructure projects.
Five projects that include expressways and privatization of railways would be up for bidding by mid-year under the PPP program.

Inflation

Inflation is seen to average 4.9% in 2011, at the high-end of the government's official target range of 3% to 5%.

"This projection reflects, besides higher prices for imported oil, hikes for utility charges and public transport fares. Higher global food prices will also put upward pressure on inflation."

ADB warned that higher-than-forecast increases in global food and oil prices as well as weaker global recovery might affect growth.

Developing Asia

ADB forecasts for 2011	as of 4/2011	as of 9/2010
Asia	7.8%	7.3%
Southeast Asia	5.5%	5.4%
China	9.6%	9.1%

The bank raised its growth forecast for all of developing Asia to 7.8% from 7.3%. The forecast does not include Japan.

ADB said the disasters in Japan could have "substantial" effect on its growth in the near term but long-term effects will be limited. It predicted Japan's economy will grow 1.5% this year, about the same as it projected in September.

The forecast for Southeast Asia, where the Philippines belongs, was hiked to 5.5% from 5.4%. - With a report from Coco Alcuaz, ANC

..the best beaches

Provo, Boracay ranked as top beach resorts

 

Reuters/

abs-cnnews.com

04/06/2011

NEW YORK - The tiny island of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos has been voted the top beach destination in the world, according to the travel website TripAdvisor.

It ranked above such renowned beach destinations as Honolulu and Miami Beach in the report based on travelers' reviews and ratings to select the best destinations around the world.

Myrtle Beach in South Carolina was the only US destination to make the top five.

"A number of factors make these beach destinations stand out as wonderful choices," said TripAdvisor spokesman Brooke Ferencsik. "In addition to featuring remarkable stretches of sand, these hotspots offer a wide variety of quality hotels, restaurants and activities to accommodate virtually any vacation budget, and appeal to any traveler type."

Providenciales, which has experienced a boom in high-end resorts with total visitors tripling since the mid-1990s, was praised for its pristine white-sand beaches, calm, clear water and a healthy barrier reef appealing to snorkelers and divers.

Many reviewers called its Grace Bay Beach the world's best.

Rounding out the top five were Boracay, in the Philippines, Aruba's Palm/Eagle beach, Negril in Jamaica and Tulum, Mexico.

Boracay beach in Aklan. File photo

The quaint, Victorian-tinged Cape May, at the southern tip of New Jersey, was the only other US beach among the top 10.

Grand Cayman's famous Seven Mile Beach and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic placed seventh and eighth respectively.

Ayia Napra in Cyprus was the top-rated European beach destination, followed by Skiathos, Greece.

Despite its glamorous, starry reputation, the French Riviera didn't even place among Europe's top 25.

In the South Pacific, synonymous with exotic beach travel for many, Bora Bora topped the list.
The top choice in Central and South America was Santa Teresa in Costa Rica, a country that has developed a reputation for eco-travel.

Other highly rated beach destinations included the Maldives, Panama City, Florida, Miami Beach, Isla Mujeres, Mexico, Florida's Sanibel Island and Playa del Carmen on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

Nearly 70% of US respondents said they were planning a beach vacation in 2011, and just over half were opting for a US destination and about one-quarter were planning to visit the Caribbean or Mexico, according to recent TripAdvisor survey.

Full results including top beach destinations in Italy, Germany, Spain and Canada can be found at www.tripadvisor.com/TCbeaches.

...the school's extension

CHEd cites 14 higher education institutions

By INA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

April 6, 2011
Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – A total of 14 higher education institutions (HEIs) from both public and private sectors were recently recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) for their outstanding extension programs.

Through the conduct of the 2010 Outstanding HEI Extension Program Award, these HEIs were awarded for offering programs that enhance productivity, generating employment and reducing poverty.

CHEd Chairperson Patricia Licuanan said that the award aims to recognize and reward both the implementer and the higher education institutions for their outstanding extension programs. “We also want to encourage conduct of extension work that is relevant and responsive to the needs of the community and society and to promote appreciation of the importance of the extension functions of HEIs,” she explained.

The 14 regional winners received P300,000.00 cash prize and plaque of recognition. The extension program “UPLB Bee Program” of the University of the Philippines in Los Baños has been identified as the national winner.

“The National Winner was identified from the roster of regional winners and received a trophy and cash prize of one million pesos from the agency,” Licuanan said.

The following HEIs that have been chosen as regional winners for their extension programs include Mariano Marcos State University (Region 1) for its “Achieving Food Sovereignty through Sustainable Entrepreneural Development (Food SSEnD) Program for Rural Household”; Isabela State University (Region II) for its “Rural Enterprise Development Through Innovative Goat Production Systems: The case of Cagayan Valley Small Ruminants Research Center’s Extension Program”; Central Luzon State University (Region III) for its “Renewable Energy Extension Program: Capacity Building and Poverty Alleviation Strategies for Regional and National Development”; University of the Philippines Los Baños (Region IV-A) for its “UPLB Bee Program”; Universidad de Sta. Isabel (Region V) for its “BUHAI-CES Program- Building Communities Through Unified Efforts and Holistic Approach in the Implementation of Community Extension Service”; Aklan State University (Region VI) for its “Isla Kapispisan Mangrove Reforestation, Aquasilbi Culture and Eco-Tourism Program”; Silliman University (Region VII) for its “Alternative Lifestyles for Women in Negros (ALL for WIN)”; Jose Rizal Memorial State University (Region IX) “Rubber-Based Farming System Towards a Secure Tampilisan”; Mindanao State University (Region X) for its ICT Integration in Education – IIT; Davao del Norte State College (Region XI) for its “Development Interventions in the Island Garden City of Samal: DNSC-DED Project Cooperation” University of Southern Mindanao (Region XII) for its “Asset-based, Co-existence Driven and Friendly (A2F) Extension Program”; Benguet State University (CAR) for its “Increasing Strawberry Productivity Through Tissue-Cultures Runners (TCR)”; Surigao del Sur State University (CARAGA) for its “Coastal Resource Management (CRM) in Lianga Bay: The Surigao del Sur State University – Lianga Campus Extension Program” and Technological University of the Philippines (NCR) for its “Technology Promotion on the Use of Renewable Energy, Clean Technologies and Energy Efficient System.”

The Outstanding HEI Extension Program Award was established in 2008 to recognize the role that extension contributes to the fulfillment of the national thrust to mobilize knowledge and technology towards enhancing productivity, generating employment and reducing poverty.

“The HEIs have been actively conducting extension programs/projects, particularly transfer and/or application of technology/knowledge that contributes to the attainment of the country’s development goals,” Licuanan ended.

...the credit rating

Fitch can at least revise outlook to positive -- Palace

BusinessWorld Online
April 5, 2011

 

MALACAÑANG is hopeful that Fitch Ratings will issue an upgrade for the Philippines or at least change its outlook to positive following a review of the country’s fiscal situation.

"It’s reasonable to expect a positive outlook," Sec. Ricky A. Carandang of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office said.


"[T]he fiscal prudence, the improvements in tax collections ... based on that alone ... I would think that there would be reason for an upgrade, or at least the outlook," he added.


President Benigno S.C. Aquino III earlier in the day declined to comment extensively on the country’s ratings prospects. He did say, however, that "a very good development" could be announced "by next week".


A Fitch team visited Manila last week for talks with economic managers, central bankers, revenue officials and private sector representatives as part of a ratings review. Ahead of the visit, officials said they were optimistic that Fitch would revise its current ‘BB’ rating, with a stable outlook, for the Philippines.


Finance officials last week said the Fitch team had raised concerns about the government’s revenue assumptions. Yesterday, Mr. Carandang said prudent spending would continue to allow the government to achieve fiscal consolidation.


"The main concern of the credit ratings agencies has always been the sustainability of the fiscal gains and we can see that the prudence in spending is not something that’s one-off. Every month, we’re seeing that," he said.


"[A]s far as fiscal management is concerned, we’ve shown concrete, sustainable improvements," he claimed.
"If you judge it based on solely internal performance, then I think there would be reason to be optimistic. But then you do not know what the impact will be fiscally of all of these things happening outside. That would probably factor into Fitch’s decision as well."

...the short film

Pinoy short film gets top honors in US contest

 

abs-cbnNEWS.com

04/05/2011

MANILA, Philippines - A short film done in 24 hours by a Filipino filmmaker recently won the top award at the US National 24-Hour Film Racing Tour 2010.

"Creative License," directed by filmmaker and commercial director Paolo Dy, represented the borough of Brooklyn and was named the Best Overall Film.

'Creative License', winner of the 2010 US National Film Racing Tour, stars Christopher Fabregas as a Pinoy immigrant struggling to make it in the big city.

It won over entries from Chicago, Vancouver, Minneapolis, and New York City.

The film, which was shot in New York and written in Filipino, also won awards for Best Direction, Best Sound Design and Audience’s Choice.

"Creative License" is about "a young Filipino immigrant struggling to make it in the big city."

“The film was inspired by conversations we had with Pinoy friends living in New York and elsewhere,” said Cathy Azanza, who wrote the screenplay. “Like most immigrants, they are very willing to give up certain luxuries and make sacrifices to build a life for themselves. But, of course, their families back home worry. Out of love, they find that at times they have to get ‘creative’– just like the character, played by Christopher in the film – to stop their families from worrying.”

Paolo Dy (right), director of the 2010 US National Film Racing winner 'Creative License', with Film Racing co-founder Charlie Weisman in New York City

 Dy explained why they wrote the film in Filipino: “We were very conscious about making the film, about what was close and real to us, which is why we chose to write it in Filipino. At the heart of it, we just hoped we could tell a story people could relate to and a character people could feel for – no matter what language we used. More than a Filipino story, we hoped to tell a very human one.”

Aside from Azanza, theater actor Christopher Fabregas assisted Dy in making the film.

As the name implies, the 24-Hour Film Racing Tour competition calls on filmmakers from the US and Canada to write, shoot, and complete a short film in 24 hours. Filmmakers have to follow a theme and include a surprise element.

“At 10 o’clock in the evening, the night prior to the deadline, we received our assigned theme,” said Dy. “The theme was ‘Exaggeration’. And our surprise element: Pizza.”

Dy and Azanza received their prize package in New York: cash prize, a one-year scholarship with Writers Boot Camp, and professional film and audio editing software from Sony Creative Software. Film Racing co-founder Charlie Weisman awarded the prizes.

Photos courtesy of 'Creative License' team

...the supermodels

Pinay Ford Supermodels Danica Magpantay, Chat Almarvez, Charo Ronquillo walk for Levi's show in NY

 

SPOT – Tue, Apr 5, 2011

Danica Magpantay and Charo Ronquillo. Screencap from Nitrolicious.com.

(SPOT.ph) Ford Supermodel of the World 2010 winner Danica Magpantay and runners-up Charlene "Chat" Almarvez and Charo Ronquillo walked for the Levi's Fall/Winter Fashion Collection Preview in New York last week, reports ABS-CBN News. The Filipino models were three of the 24 who were chosen to showcase the Levi's lines.

Magpantay said it was the first time they all worked together. "It's Levi's; it's big!" She added, "I've been with her (Chat) in some presentations and shows which is fun kasi makikita mo talaga na certain designers really like our look and hindi na mahirap makapasok ang Filipino ngayon (because it shows that certain designers really like our look and it's not difficult for Filipinos to break into the fashion scene now)."

ABS-CBN News quoted Levi's Jeans publicist Melissa Ladines: "I think most brands are going global. We sell Levi's all over the world so we want to cast all models from different kinds of ethnicities just so we have a lot of representation."

Filipino-American head makeup artist for the Levi's preview Albee Franson told ABS-CBN News he was "in awe" when he found out that three of the models were Filipinos. "I actually had to come up and ask them, 'What are you?' because I didn't believe they were Filipinos. I love that they bring a different kind of look to the set. So pretty."

...the painting

Pinoy artist Ronald Ventura's painting sells for nearly P47 million at Sotheby's auction

SPOT – Mon, Apr 4, 2011

 

Ventura's painting titled "Grayground"

(SPOT.ph) Renowned Filipino artist Ronald Ventura's painting "Grayground" has sold for HK$ 8,420,000 or  P46,995,832.65 at the Sotheby's Modern and Contemporary Southeast Asian Paintings auction held on April 4 in Hong Kong.

The graphite, oil, and acrylic on canvas piece, which measures 60 inches by 155 3/4 inches (nearly four meters long), set a new auction record and beat Filipina artist Geraldine Javier's oil-on-canvas Ella Amo' Apasionadamente y Fue Correspondida (For She Loved Fiercely, And She is Well Loved), which raked in HK$1,460,000 in an auction last year.

With more than 10 awards to his name, the University of Santo Tomas fine arts graduate is currently the country's top-selling Filipino artist. Venturas have been selling for five to six dollar digits in auction houses abroad.

Other Filipino artists whose work was sold at the auction inlcude Ronald Caringal, Lynard Paras, Kiko Escora, Janet Balbarona, Rodel Tapaya, Andres Barrioquinto, Marina Cruz, Arturo Sanchez, Nona Garcia, Jon Jaylo, Danilo E. Dalena, MM Yu, Wawi Navarroza, Onib Olmedo, among others.

...the waste renewal program

UN cites Villars’ rivers’, wastes’ renewal program

By Miko L. Morelos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
04/03/2011

MANILA, Philippines—The cleanup of Las Piñas City’s river system did not just resuscitate the Las Piñas and Zapote Rivers. The wastes collected also provided residents a means of livelihood.

The two-pronged approach of the river rehabilitation program called Sagip Ilog, implemented by the Villar Foundation, was recognized as best water management practice by the United Nations on World Water Day last month.

The UN cited the foundation “for its outstanding contribution toward improving the living environment and its demonstrable and tangible impact on people’s quality of life within a metropolitan river basin.” The citation was received by former Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar and her husband, Sen. Manuel Villar, during the awarding ceremony in Zaragoza, Spain, on March 22.

For Cynthia Villar, the success of the program hinged on two factors—the people’s support and a close collaboration between the private and public sectors.

“It has to be a combination,” Mrs. Villar told the Inquirer in an interview on Friday. “For example, if you don’t have the support of the local government, the agencies under it won’t follow easily. It will be hard to be on your own.”

Wonder husks

She mentioned as a case in point the throwaway coconut husks that Las Piñas Mayor Vergel Aguilar, her brother, found so irritating that he urged the city council to pass an ordinance outlawing the husks’ improper disposal in the river system.

The former lawmaker had come across an inventor, Dr. Justino Arboleda, who developed a decorticating machine that processes coconut husks into fiber and peat that, in turn, make for a cheaper, sturdier alternative to concrete rip-rapping and a fertilizer additive, respectively.

When spun and woven properly, coconut fiber becomes coir, which may be placed on slopes along a riverbank to protect it from erosion and siltation, according to Villar.

Bamboo seedlings may also be planted along a riverbank to strengthen it.

On the other hand, peat is mixed with wet garbage before it is ground and processed for five days to turn into organic compost.

Biodegradable stuff

At least 70 percent of Las Piñas barangays have machines that produce compost. Food wastes are collected by “bio-men” (from “biodegradable”), who turn over wet garbage to the compost processing centers.

The barangays produce 60 tons of organic compost in a month, which is sold in the provinces for P100 per sack, Villar said.

Dry biodegradable garbage is decomposed using worms called African night crawlers to produce another type of organic fertilizer, she said.

Every two days, Las Piñas’ women weavers produce a 50-meter-long coconut coir mat that retails for about P950, Villar said.

Among the weavers’ clients in Barangay Aldana is the Villar-owned Vista Land, she said.

She recalled with a chuckle an instance when her husband asked one of the company engineers to “justify their non-use of coconut coir in some of their project’s requirements.”

After all, she said, “it is a cost-effective alternative to concrete rip-rapping.”

Hyacinth harvest

Villar said the filth that used to swamp the Las Piñas and Zapote Rivers allowed water hyacinths (lilies) to thrive, rendering the waterways impassable to water transport and dredging equipment.

As cleaning operations commenced on the rivers, the weavers harvested the hyacinths and, after sun-drying, made these into bags and other handicraft.

“Sometimes, the weavers have to buy water lilies from Taguig City because the ones that grow along our rivers are now shorter than what they required,” Villar said.

“The lilies here don’t grow longer than a foot anymore, probably because the rivers are cleaner now,” she said.

“But the weavers still make do with our lilies because you can never go wrong with free raw material,” she added, explaining that a sun-dried water lily stalk from Taguig cost 25 centavos.

Tourist attractions

Villar said the cleanup of the Las Piñas and Zapote Rivers was assisted in no small measure by her nine-year stint in Congress.

She said her being a lawmaker helped get the river rehabilitation program over the hump, so to speak, with improper garbage disposal now the only recurring problem.

Villar envisions the rivers to become tourist attractions like Bohol’s Loboc River. Or they can serve as a faster alternative route to the city, considering that the major thoroughfare, the Alabang-Zapote Road, is congested most, if not all, of the time.

“We should have been okay by now, but probably after three years, we’ll be much better,” Villar said.

“I’d still do it on my own, anyway,” she said, adding that with her son Mark as the incumbent representative and her brother as the mayor, “I think there would not be as many problems ahead.”

...the aided gives back

PH town that knows disaster gives back ‘big’ to Japan


By Jani Arnaiz
Inquirer Visayas
04/03/2011

MAASIN CITY, Philippines—Mai Sasaki, a Japanese aid worker, was so touched she cried.

Sasaki, a Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) community development worker based in Malitbog town in Southern Leyte, witnessed the counting of money collected for a fund drive for Japan at the nearby St. Bernard municipal hall on Friday.

The total amount was not much—P21,574.50—but coming from the residents of Barangay New Guinsaugon, St. Bernard and at least 10 establishments in the municipality, the donation was priceless.

Guinsaugon, the original barangay, was buried by a landslide on Feb. 17, 2006, and about 1,000 people were killed.

St. Bernard town was returning the gesture for the aid it had received then from Japan.

Sasaki was deeply moved by the gesture of the residents of the town, a fourth-class municipality with a population of 23,100.

“She knew the people of St. Bernard were also facing economic difficulties,” said Jane Araneta, St. Bernard’s Municipal Risk Reduction Management Council (MRRMC) information officer.

The MRRMC headed by Mayor Rico Rentuza started a fund drive dubbed “Guinsaugon St. Bernard Gives Back to Japan” on March 15, three days after the devastating earthquake and tsunami hit the northeast portion of that country.

“I know that parting with a P100 bill would take a toll on most of the townsfolk’s pockets. And yet I am here, so moved, witnessing such a sincere humane gesture to help my people,” Araneta quoted Sasaki as saying in an email to the Inquirer.

New Guinsaugon Barangay Captain Beauty Cabacungan said the village conducted a fund drive to express its appreciation for the help extended by Japan in 2006.

Japan sent rescue teams to Guinsaugon immediately after the landslide. Later, Jica built more than 50 duplexes in New Guinsaugon for around 100 families.

Araneta said they would hold another round of collections and turn the money over in 15 days.
Municipal Treasurer Inovencio P. Carbonilla Sr. will deposit the initial collection, which was mostly in coins, to the Japanese Red Cross account as advised by the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

...the mountain

4 international agencies study Mindanao mountain By Rudy A. Fernandez (The Philippine Star) April 03, 2011

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna , Philippines  — Four international agencies have joined hand to undertake a study on the biodiversity of Mt. Malindang in Misamis Occidental.

Started last February, the two-year research and development (R&D) project is titled “Ridge to Reef: An Ecosystem-based Approach to Biodiversity Conservation and Development in the Philippines.

It is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the Los Baños-based, Philippine government-hosted Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization-Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEAMEO SEARCA), Malaysia-based WorldFish Center (WFC), and Kenya-based World Agroforestry Center (WAC).

The project addresses key issues affecting Mt. Malindang and its environs, which are regarded as among the country’s “biodiversity hotspots” and a priority national protected area.

Also tagged as “extremely high priority” under the National Biodiversity Study Action Plan (NBSAP) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the mountain is traversed by two rivers (Jangaran and Layawan) that connect its watersheds to the coastal systems.

Langaran River supplies irrigation water to adjacent farmlands but is threatened owing to prevalent quarrying and illegal fishing. In contrast, Layawan River is regarded as the “cleanest and greenest river” both at the national and regional levels.

“The unique features and status of Mt. Malindang make it a strategic site for piloting and modifying biodiversity measures,” SEARCA said.

SEARCA, headed by Director Gil C. Saguiguit Jr., is one of the 20 “centers of excellence” of SEAMEO, an intergovernment treaty organization founded in 1965 to foster cooperation among Southeast Asian nations in the fields of education, science, and culture.

The center had earlier been involved in the “Biodiversity for Research Program Focus on Mt. Malindang” done in 2001-2005 with funding support from the Netherlands government and in partnership with various institutions in the area.

The “Ridge to Reef” project has eight components, including watersheds, effects of agriculture and forestry on coastal aquatic ecosystem, management of critical coastal habitats, capture fisheries, alternative livelihoods for coastal people, resource use and mapping, and capacity building in biodiversity.

“Mt. Malindang is viewed to serve as a model site of a complex environment integrated in one framework for a more sustainable biodiversity conservation,” SEARCA said.

...the wizzards

MANILA, Philippines—A total of 191 young math aces from over 100 public and private elementary and high schools nationwide will represent the Philippines in at least 12 international mathematics competitions this year.

This was announced on Thursday by Dr. Simon Chua, president of the Mathematics Trainers' Guild-Philippines, which held early this week the 2011 Young Mathematicians' In-House Training Program in Naga City.

More than 1,400 primary and secondary school students took part in the tough MTG qualifying tests.

Those who qualified are set to participate in MTG's Math Olympiad Summer Training Program to prepare them for this year's foreign math contests, according to Chua.

Chua was referring to the Primary Math World Contest in Hong Kong; Indonesia International Math Contest; Hua Bei Sai Math Contest for the Youth, Southeast Math Olympiad, China Girls' Math Olympiad, China Primary Level Math Contest, China Junior High School Math Contest, Nan Fang Math Cup, and China Western Math Olympiad, all in China; International Math Invitational Contest in Singapore; Wizards at Mathematics International Competition in India; and the Asian Inter-Cities Math Olympiad in Nepal.

For the second year in a row, St. Jude Catholic School in Manila topped the list of qualifiers with 21 students, followed by Xavier School and Grace Christian College, with 20 and 10 qualifiers, respectively.

St. Stephen's High School had seven qualifiers; Zamboanga Chong Hua High School, Philippine Cultural College, Philippine Science High School-Main, Jubilee Christian Academy, and Makati Science High School had six qualifiers each, while Chiang Kai Shek had five.

San Beda College-Alabang had four qualifiers while Colegio San Agustin-Makati, St. John Institute and Pasig Catholic College had three each.

Qualifiers from St. Jude Catholic School include Adrian Reginald Sy, Abigail Laureen Sy, Andrew Lawrence Sy, Cary Albert Chan, Ma. Czarina Angela Lao, Audrey Celine Lao, Keefe Collin Tan and Austin Edrick Chua.

Those from Xavier School include Ethan Zachary Chua, Jarred Go, Adrian Nathaniel Chua, Brendan Coseto, Vince Andrew Lee, Mark Christopher Uy, Kyle Lee Uy, and Aldrich Aldwin Mayoralgo.

Qualifiers from Grace Christian College include Kaye Janelle Yao, Deany Hendrick Cheng, Lu Christian Ong, Sean Timothy Cheng, Adam Christopher Chan, Shaquille Wyan Que, and Jason Carlo Carranceja.

The following also made the cut: national Sudoku champion James Timothy Tan from Trinity Christian School in Bacolod City; James Daniel Cordon, Lara Andrea Montales and Michael Brodeth, all from Philippine Science High School-Main; Farrell Eldrian Wu from MGC New Life Christian Academy in Taguig City; Jonn Angel Aranas from Makati Science High School; Ethan Riley Chan and Steve Ng, both from Zamboanga Chong Hua High School; and Trisha Nicole Aman from the Naga Hope Christian School in Naga City.

Last year, a total of 227 young math wizards represented the country in eight foreign math competitions, where they bagged more than 200 medals.

Chua cited the country's numbers aces for "a job well done," noting "MTG's efforts are paying off."

Founded in 1995, MTG aims to "institutionalize excellence in math education and training and upgrade the disciplines to international standards."

Next September, MTG and the Naga City government will jointly host the 8th International Mathematics and Science Olympiad.

At least 30 countries are expected to compete in this year's IMSO, which was held last year in Bali, Indonesia.

...the pool David

PHL's David slays Taiwanese Goliath in pool championship

REY JOBLE, GMA News

04/02/2011

The Philippines’ latest version of David has slain a Goliath in former World Pool Championship runner-up Pei Wei Chang.

Renemar David, twice a representative of the country in the World Junior Championship, wielded the upset ax on his more illustrious opponent to win the Qualifier 5 of the Philippine Open Pool Championship on Saturday at the Star Billiards Center.

David stunned Pei, 9-5, to advance to the next phase of the tournament.

David is the third Filipino player to make it to the main draw via the qualifying stage. On Friday, Jundel Mazon and Roberto Gomez clinched a berth in the Stage 2 of this event where current and former world champions are already seeded and set to see action from April 7 to 11 at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

The 21-year-old pride of Candon, Ilocos Sur, dictated the tempo of the match early, racing to a 3-0 lead. He had a chance to make it four in a row, but his last attempt on ball No. 10 in the fourth rack went out of the table.

That enabled Pei, runner-up to eventual champion Alex Pagulayan in the 2004 World Pool Championship, to make it to the scoring column. The Taiwanese cue artist made a fitting follow-up to stay within striking distance, 2-3.

Then came another big run from David.

The player regarded as one of the only few young players to deal legendary pool player Efren “Bata" Reyes a sound beating, won the next five racks to move comfortably ahead, 7-3.

David had a dry break in the 11th rack then both players got contented in safety exchanges. A miscalculated safety shot by the Filipino exposed ball No.4 for Pei, who cleaned up the table.

Pei had a dry break in the next rack, but got another chance when David missed the No. 6 at the corner, allowing his opponent to get back to the table. The Taiwanese bet wasted no time and closed in at 5-7.

But Pei bungled two crucial easy shots that could have pushed him back into the game. A missed on the No.3 at the corner allowed David to take his turn and clean up the table for an 8-5 lead.

David sank ball No.1 off a break in the 14th rack. He miscalculated the cue ball while preparing for the No.6 and needed to take a jump shot. Luckily, the No.6 went partially covered by No.9 and Pei was forced to take a bank shot for a 6 and 10 combo. The shot went unsuccessful and the Filipino dispatched the remaining ball and formalized his entry to the Stage 2 event.

"Suwerte lang ako dahil naunahan ko siya. Kung naging dikit yung laban, mahihirapan ako," said David. "Medyo masama rin yung laro niya dahil marami siyang sinablay na tira."

David's road to winning the Qualifier No. 5 didn't come easy as he needed to hurdle five foreign competitors. He beat Indonesian Sahroni, crack Chinese player Wang Ming, Lim Leng of Vietnam and Johari of Indonesia. - GMA News

...the base

Subic: School for sustainable tourism and economic growth driver

Empowering the Filipino People

By Former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos

April 2, 2011

“People empowerment leads to a culture of excellence and results in global competitiveness. Excellence simply means being ‘better than the others.’” — FVR

MANILA, Philippines – Last 23 March, FVR launched the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) in Subic upon invitation of its President, Dr. Mina Gabor, former Tourism Secretary. Mina is one character who really knows how to get attention. Three weeks ago, when she came to our Ramos Peace and Development Foundation (RPDEV) in Makati to invite us for the inauguration of ISST (her latest “baby”), we had 83 things calendared on the chosen date. But, when she dropped the word “ECO-TOURISM,” right then and there, we cancelled everything and agreed to go.

UN World Tourism Organization ‘Musts’

Sustainable tourism is the acknowledged key to ensuring that there is an adequate supply of quality tourism products/services, while minimizing/ avoiding negative impacts of tourism on our natural environment and socio-cultural assets.

Many actions need to be done to prepare venues for the enjoyment of local and foreign tourists, the most essential listed by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) being:

Research: Engage leading industry experts and research institutions to generate cutting-edge knowledge on sustainable policies and tools.

Capacity Building: Conduct seminars and training camps using practical/hands-on methods.

Dissemination: Organize international conferences/forums for the exchange of “best practices.”

Networking: Collaborate with regional/national tourism administrations, UN agencies, and tourism operators regularly.

Pilot/Technical Applications: Carry out pilot projects to “test” new approaches and techniques.

Bringing stakeholders together

Late last year, the first Eco-Guiding Course ever done in the Philippines was held at ISST in partnership with the Department of Tourism.

Our country badly needs Eco-Guides since we have only a limited number of well-trained park rangers.
Taking care of at least 2,000 hectares of forest is the job of just one park ranger.

An Eco-Guide is someone who connects tourists with the natural and cultural values of the places visited.

Guides do this by interpreting each venue’s special features, sharing their passion for nature with visitors, while minimizing people’s impact on the environment. They are responsible not only for the safety and enlightenment of tourists – but equally, for environmental protection.

Ecotour Guides are employed on cruise ships, walking/bus tours, wildlife adventures, and at historic sites.

Maximizing opportunities in sustainable tourism

RPDEV completed last year a series of “EcoMismo” seminars where partners in government and the private sector discussed doable solutions to challenges, both in policy and operations.

These sharing workshops were held in MetroManila, Cebu, Bohol, Sarangani, South Cotabato, GenSan, and CamSur.

With the theme “Ecotourism and Eco-Productivity: Best Practices and Challenges,” EcoMismo aimed to highlight the Philippines as among the top Asia-Pacific clusters in eco-tourism, and a pioneer in eco-productivity.

FVR also keynoted the 4th Philippine Real Estate Festival (PREF) Excellence Awards last 31 July when achievers in both real estate and tourism development were properly recognized, and where retirement/healthcare communities for foreigners were identified.

Only the best is good enough

Emphasized to EcoMismo and PREF audiences was the importance of EXCELLENCE as the yardstick for successful tourism packages.

During FVR’s Presidency (and up to now) among the recurring themes in his speeches, writings and interactions with other stakeholders is the virtue of striving for excellence in everything we do – if Filipinos are to become globally competitive as a nation.

Among our tourism crown jewels, it is in Subic Bay (being an international gateway) where tourism development, environmental conservation, and human behavior synergistically converge, and where nothing less than excellence works.

Many talk about increasing global opportunities in our time. As modern technology brings far-flung or untapped markets closer to our doorsteps, we may think the chances for global business automatically increase. Well, not really – because excellence in the global marketplace is the principal yardstick.
Best practices in eco-tourism

In 1991, the DoT – in collaboration with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the UNWTO – prepared a Philippine Tourism Master Plan, the key objective of which was to position the Philippines as a world-class tourism destination under the guiding concept of sustainable development.

The Ramos Administration adopted that blueprint in 1992 as our basic roadmap, which includes real estate and property development. That official policy of sustainable tourism was further deepened and broadened thru regional seminars-workshops among stakeholders.

Sustainable tourism demands sustainable business practices. Clearly, the task of sustainable tourism has no universal solution -- it has only universal intent. Solutions are always location-specific. What works in Bohol may not work in Caramoan, CamSur. Practices in Cebu City may not apply in Lake Sebu.

The intent in sharing best practices is not the “who,” but the “why” and “how.” It is not to imitate but to learn from each other’s experiences -- and be inspired by them.

Nurturing a culture of excellence

In “winner” tourism models, decision-makers don’t settle for what is easy and convenient, or what is contrived or merely improvised. They study, analyze, plan and test until what they wish to achieve is clearly configured and understood in the minds of stakeholders who must help bring about the intended outcome.

Such is the “Culture of Excellence” that has enabled many nations, some smaller than ours, or whose natural resources are more limited than our own, to achieve much, much more than we have done – in terms of sustainable development and, consequently, their people’s quality of life.

If we persist in incorporating a “Culture of Excellence” in our lives, and encourage others in the community to aspire for nothing but the best, it is likely that the overall improvement of the Filipino future will become reality and not just an impossible dream.

Successful developers and operators forego small comforts and instant gratification because only the best is good enough. They keep track of what the competition does and are humble enough to accept where they fall short. They constantly search for ways to do better next time.

Tourism with a conscience

Many seem to forget that the Earth is humankind’s only home, and that millenniums of consistent abuse have pushed our Planet to the brink of no-return.

If our children – and all others after them – are to enjoy a decent future, we must change the way we treat food, water, air, vegetation, trees, energy, land, rivers and seas, and Earth’s other bounties.

We work hard every day so that our families may have three healthy meals and a roof over their heads. But, all that work will be for nothing if our Planet becomes uninhabitable.

Eco-tourism requires community participation in protecting and managing natural resources, traditional culture, and indigenous wisdom.

Eco-tourism fosters environmental ethics while promoting economic benefits for host communities and cultural enrichment for visitors.

Subic as growth engine

Subic Central News (February, 2011) reports: “The total exports in 2010 from Subic Freeport hit an all-time high with freight-on-board value of U$1.34 billion, surpassing the 2009 export value of U$1.08 billion by 24.6 percent year-on-year.”

The biggest exporters were led by Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp-Philippines, which exported a total of U$725.8 million in FOB value. In 2010, Hanjin completed two oil tankers – the M/T Leyla K and its twin M/T Eser K, for delivery to the Turkish Kaptanoglu Shipping Line.

The two vessels were the very first large tankers built in the Philippines, each valued at U$68 million, and measuring 114,000 deadweight tons, 241 meters long, 44 meters wide, and 21 meters deep.

Imports by Subic-registered firms also showed strong performance, jumping by 55.3 percent to $3.48 billion in 2010 from $2.24 billion in 2009.

Subic Administrator Armando Arreza (“Triple-A”) claims these export-import achievements indicate Subic’s economic power and increased competitiveness as a manufacturing/logistics hub.

Subic Bay is an ideal tourism gateway to what FVR in 1994 designated as the “Manila Bay Doughnut” in terms of economic growth and tourism potential that encompasses Bataan, Corregidor, Cavite, Tagaytay, Batangas, Quezon, Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, and Zambales.

Nobody describes Subic Bay better than Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim, citing it as a “perfect model of sustainable and quality tourism attractive to a diversity of foreign and local visitors.”

The fundamental principle

The tourism industry provides great opportunities for dealing with the persistent threat of climate change in a way that not only nurtures the environment, but boosts businesses as well.

In a word, eco-tourism is tourism with a conscience – because it advocates protection of natural resources and establishes mechanisms that are environmentally sustainable, economically rewarding, and socially equitable.

In his message at ISST (read by Secretary Bertie Lim), President Aquino III firmly committed: “Our policy is first and foremost anchored on the principle of sustainable tourism... that is environmentally and socio-culturally manageable.”

WE DON’T HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN “GROWTH” AND “GREEN.” THE PHILIPPINES CAN BE BOTH GREEN AND GROWING.

...the writer/comedian

Pinoy creates Meryl Streep play

By Steve Angeles

ABS-CBN North America News Bureau

04/02/2011

LOS ANGELES – Sold out since 2009, the popular play “Streep Tease” is a tribute to actress Meryl Streep.

The brains behind the show is Filipino Roy Cruz.

Cruz, a former writer for ASAP, Martin Nievera, and Tessie Tomas back in the Philippines, came up with the idea of “Streep Tease” during his stand-up routine.

“When I do the ‘Devil Wears Prada’ with a Filipino accent, which is my real accent, to a lot of non-Filipino audience, to them it’s funny so I took it as a cue and 'oh ok, I got something going on here,' so I decided to expand that idea,” recalled Cruz.

From “Silkwood” to “Out of Africa”, “Doubt” and “Mama Mia”, “Streep Tease” features an all-male cast playing Meryl Streep roles, but it’s not a drag show.

“There’s a time and place for drag. Sometimes it waters down the sincerity of your tribute if it’s in drag,” he said.

“We’re using her words and the roles she’s made famous and doing our own spin on them,” explained actor Ron Morehouse.

The current run of “Streep Tease” will continue until May at Bang Studios.

...he Twitter's shorty

Pinoy nurse, teen win Twitter Shorty Awards

 

abs-cbnNEWS.com

04/02/2011

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos were among the winners in the 3rd annual Shorty Awards, said to be the "Oscars" of Twitter, according to The New York Times.

The Shorty Awards gives recognition to people and organizations doing short-form and real time social media content.

The winners are chosen based on the number of votes garnered on Twitter and the votes cast by members of the Real-time Academy of Short Form Arts and Sciences.

In the new "Nurse" category this year, the Nurse of the Year Award was to be given to someone they said is "making a difference through social media."

Two winners were picked for this category. One is Matthew Browning, chief executive officer of yournurseison.com

The other winner is Filipino nurse Ronivin Pagtakhan, an educator.

This year's Shorty Awards' Nurse of the Year Ronivin Pagtakhan

Pagtakhan, who teaches nursing at Mapua, uses Twitter to help other people.

"Para sa akin, sa tingin ko, kaya ako napili kasi nakakatulong talaga ako sa nursing profession," he said.

Pagtakhan is happy about the international award as it can help uplift the image of the Pinoy nurse.

"Sana sa pagkapanalo ko na ito ay makatulong ako sa image ng Pinoy nurses para naman makakuha pa tayo ng mas maraming mga job opportunities kasi alam kong marami tayong nurses na walang trabaho," he said.

Aside from Pagtakhan, Ann Li of "PBB Teen Clash" also won a Shorty Award.
The teen won in the fashion category. -- Report from TJ Manotoc, ABS-CBN News

...the trained ex-OFW

Former OFW earns more while working in hometown

By JENNY F. MANONGDO

April 2, 2011

Manila Bulletn

MANILA, Philippines — A former overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who worked abroad for 14 years is now contributing largely to her community, earning twice more than what she earned in the past after establishing a modern birthing home under the assistance of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Dolores Batchanicha is one of the five women who benefitted from USAID’s program targeting the enhancement of technical and business skills of public and private midwives in the country.

The five Filipino women who made a difference in their provinces through the improvement of pregnancy-related services in their provinces were honored by USAID recently during the celebration of the International Women’s Day.

Batchanicha practiced midwifery at a local hospital in Davao City before she worked in Saudi Arabia for another 14 years.

From 1989 to 2002, Batchanicha spent years helping mothers give birth at the Saudi Naval Base Hospital, where she received further training under British midwives.

But soon after her three children finished school, this 59-year-old mother wasted no time and came back home to reunite with her family.

Finding no fulfillment in running their family business, Batchanicha underwent a training program of the USAID in assisting women give birth.

She said she learned about the program through her colleagues in the Integrated Midwives’ Association of the Philippines.

Funded by the USAID, her birthing home was launched in early 2006 in General Santos City, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has already accredited three beds in her facility.

“It’s hard being an OFW. It’s hard to live far from your family, so when I learned about the USAID program, I immediately joined it,” she said.

Batchanicha’s birthing clinic is one of only two clinics operating in Barangay Calumpang in General Santos City.

Like Batchanicha, Corazon Paras and Olive Vergara also sought to provide comfort and quality care to mothers who are giving birth to their babies through birthing homes.

Paras successfully established a home-like birthing clinic in her province in Bohol through the help of USAID.
“It is not like a hospital, but more like a home. It is a small place that can provide quality services,” she said, describing her PhilHealth-accredited birthing home.

Meanwhile, the USAID helped midwife and birthing home owner Olive Vergara of Pampanga to secure PhilHealth accreditation.

Her birthing home has been awarded by the PhilHealth over 625 accredited health providers during the 2010 PhilHealth awards for excellence in health services.

The absence of doctors in the past was one of the main reasons there were many cases of bleeding after delivery in the town of Lamitan in Basilan.

But things changed when Virgie Cadano joined the USAID program “Caring for Mothers and Newborns in the Community (CMNC).”

Cadano was trained to practice new techniques of near-delivery labor management including the administration of Oxytocin, a drug injected to prevent post-delivery bleeding.

Cadano was also able to convince local government executives to build a birthing center in the area.

“There is a big difference when we practice the techniques that we learned from USAID. We can see that there is less bleeding and after two days, the mothers are already able to do household chores like washing their clothes,” she said.

It was learned that there are now 18 midwives who are also learning the new techniques from USAID.
She said mothers in her hometown are now more open to hire the services of a midwife when giving birth.
“In the past, they prefer the ‘hilot’ (traditional birth attendants) because they feel ashamed when midwives see their private parts. But this has changed,” she said.

...the woman of the year

Filipina named California district’s ‘Woman of the Year’

By Ed Yra
INQUIRER.net
04/02/2011

SACRAMENTO, California—Vallejo resident Belle Santos was selected 2011 “Woman of the Year” for Assembly District 7, which covers all of Napa County and parts of Sonoma and Solano Counties.

 

In ceremonies at the State Capitol last March 21, 7th District Assemblyman Michael Allen presented Santos with the plaque of recognition, honoring her, according to the biography read on the Assembly floor, as “a driving force for various activities in Vallejo and the Bay Area — as Vallejo Pilipino Youth Coalition (PYC) advisor; as a former Field Representative of former State Senator Wes Chesbro; and currently as a Planned Parenthood manager in Concord, California.”

Santos was honored along with women awardees from each of California’s 79 other Assembly districts. She is the second Filipina to be named “Woman of the Year” for District 7. Last year, Lilibeth Pinpin, a biotechnology teacher at Vallejo’s Hogan High School, received the award, nominated by then Assemblywoman now State Senator Noreen Evans.

Created in 1987, the “Woman of the Year” program recognizes the month of March as Women’s History Month, and honors the accomplishments of women in each of the 80 California Assembly districts. This year’s awarding is doubly significant as 2011 marks the centennial anniversary of the granting of women’s suffrage to California women.

The Filipino community, especially in Solano County where the City of Vallejo counts Filipinos as among the largest ethnic groups there, is elated over Santos receiving the award, saying she deserves nothing less.

“Belle serves as a role model for our local Filipino youth, a great mentor,” Rozzana Verder-Aliga, Ph.D., member of the Solano County Board of Education, told FilAm Star. “She has worked tirelessly with them for the past 15 years. She is very passionate about serving the community, a selfless individual. I am honored to be named with her as ‘2009-2010 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S.’”

Those with whom Santos has worked in youth mentorship and who call her ‘Aunt Belle,’ found it hard to contain their excitement over the news of the award, and harnessed the power of the internet to make public their feelings immediately.

“Auntie Belle, you are the most deserving person for the award!” read the Facebook message posted by Maricar Pascual, former PYC member and now a UC Davis student.

Another former mainstay of PYC, Rey Campones, provides a glimpse into the character of Santos, when he said: “Aunt Belle always prefers to be on the background …. she does not make waves, or seek the limelight for herself. But her dedication, passion, and commitment is so strong, it is contagious.”

Campones said that Santos is omnipresent in Vallejo, using just about every community event as an opportunity to help and get others to lend a hand as well.

“On Thanksgiving Day, at the Christian Help Center, she’s there to help in distributing the turkey giveaways,” Campones said. “On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, she leads in cleaning up the yard of the Global Center for Success. Also, the ‘Pista sa Nayon’ in Vallejo seems not complete without her serving in whatever capacity.”

Santos also serves in the boards of Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum and SafeQuest, a shelter for battered women in Solano. This month, she will also be helping in the fundraising drive for Filipinos Advocates for Justice, formerly Filipinos for Affirmative Action in Oakland, California. FilAm Star