...the world's most positive people

Pinoys among world's most positive people

 

 

By Kim Arveen Patria

Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Fri, Dec 21, 2012

Zamboanga city is marketed as Asia's Latin city. One of the highlights of the Hermosa Festival is the street dance competition participated by different schools, held a day before the actual fiesta, October …more 12. Dancers are dressed in the traditional Hispanic costumes; they are seen in Flamenco dresses, Fallera dresses, ruffled skirts, butterfly sleeve, mantilla, peineta comb, barong, and sombrero cordobés. (Photo by Gael Hilotin) 

Pinoys may not be the richest based on "traditional economic indicators," but they didn't have to be rich at all to be counted among the world's most positive people, results of a new poll showed.

The Philippines was ranked 7th out of 148 countries in terms of "highest positive emotions worldwide" in a list put out by U.S. pollster Gallup.

Results of the survey, which Gallup said showed that "higher income does not necessarily mean higher well-being," are based on telephone and face-to-face interviews conducted in 2011 with 1,000 adults globally

Respondents were asked "whether they experienced a lot of enjoyment the day before the survey and whether they felt respected, well-rested, laughed and smiled a lot, and did or learned something interesting."

Despite their penchant for melancholic soap opera, the percentage of Pinoy respondents who admitted experiencing positive emotions is higher than the global average according to the survey.

This, even as Gallup noted a "relatively upbeat world," with results showing that 85 percent of total respondents worldwide felt treated with respect, 72 percent smiled and laughed a lot, 73 percent felt enjoyment and 72 percent felt well-rested.

"The only emotion that less than half of people worldwide reported experiencing was getting to learn or do something interesting the previous day, at 43 percent," Gallup said.

"Despite many global challenges, people worldwide are experiencing many positive emotions," it noted.

Latin Americans are found to be the most positive people in the world, with eight countries in the region landing in the top 10 of the list.

Panama and Paraguay shared the top spot with 85 percent of respondents admitting feeling positive emotions.

They were followed by El Salvador and Venezuela, tied at 84 percent; as well as Trinidad and Tobago and Thailand, 83 percent.

The Philippines shared the 7th spot with Guatemala.

Rounding out the top 10 in the list are Ecuador and Costa Rica, which both posted positivity scores of 81 percent.

"These data may surprise analysts and leaders who solely focus on traditional economic indicators," Gallup said.

It noted that Panama, which topped the list of countries with positive emotions, ranks 90th in the world with respect to gross domestic product per capita.

Residents of Singapore, on the other hand, which ranks 5th in the world in terms of GDP per capita, are the least likely to report positive emotions.

Singapore emerged as the country with the "least positive emotions worldwide," with less than half (46 percent) of respondents saying they experienced positive emotions.

It was followed by Armenia at 49 percent; Iraq, 50 percent; Georgia, Yemen and Serbia, 52 percent; Belarus, 53 percent; as well as Lithuania and Madagascar, 54 percent.

Sharing the 10th spot in terms of being least positive are Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Togo and Macedonia, all at 55 percent.

Gallup said the survey showed that "leaders who are looking for ways to further improve the human condition in their… need to do more to incorporate wellbeing into their leadership strategies."

...the S & P outlook on PH

S&P raises outlook on PH

 

by Kathleen A. Martin,

ABS-CBNnews.com

12/20/2012

 

 

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE) - Standard & Poor's on Thursday upgraded its outlook on the Philippines' credit rating to positive.

In a statement, the debt watcher revised the outlook and affirmed the country's BB+ rating, which is one notch below investment grade.

A positive outlook means a country's rating may be raised within the next year.

"We revised the outlook to positive to reflect our reappraisal of the political and institutional factors underlying the ratings," analyst Agost Benard said in the statement.

"In our view, the current administration possesses a level of legitimacy, support, and stability that reduces political uncertainty and allows for improved legislative efficiency. This conducive political setting enables the administration to focus on its key policy objectives of fiscal consolidation, increased infrastructure provision, and poverty reduction."

S&P on July 4 upgraded the Philippines' credit rating to BB+ from the BB assigned in November 2010.

The country's revised outlook already takes into consideration its low income, weak fiscal profile and high but improving public debt and interest burden, the debt watcher said. Such were weighed against the Philippines' strong economic growth and robust external profile.

"The positive outlook reflects our more favorable assessment of the prevailing political conditions and of the administration's improved capacity to pursue its reform agenda," S&P said.

"We may raise the ratings next year on an improved government revenue structure, a continued diminished reliance on foreign currency government debt financing, or a lower government debt burden," it added.

The debt watcher also noted that the country's rating may be raised if reforms result in improved investment environment and better growth potential.

But S&P warned "we may revise the outlook back to stable if the Philippines' commitment to fiscal consolidation weakens or if the country's external liquidity position deteriorates significantly."

After the outlook on the sovereign credit rating was upgraded, S&P also revised the ratings outlook on four Philippine firms: Power Sector Assets & Liabilities Management Corp. (rated BB+); National Power Corp. (rated BB+); Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (rated BBB-), and Development Bank of the Philippines (rated BB+/B).

Credit ratings of the four companies were affirmed by the debt watcher.

The country is also rated a notch below investment grade by Fitch Ratings, which last June 19 maintained its BB+ rating for the Philippines with a stable outlook.

Moody's Investors Service, meanwhile, rates the country Ba2, two notches below investment grade, although it raised its outlook to positive from stable last May 29.

...the happiest countries

Philippines among 10 'happiest' countries

(philstar.com)

December 20, 2012

 

 

 

 

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is among the 10 happiest countries in the world, according to a recent survey by a US-based polling firm.

 

US based polling firm Gallup Inc. said that the nation with "highest positive emotions worldwide" were Panama and Paraguay with 85 percent answering YES to the questions: Did you feel well-respected yesterday? Were you treated with respect all day yesterday? Did you laugh or smile a lot yesterday? Did you learn or do something interesting yesterday? Did you experience the following feelings during a lot of the day yesterday? How about enjoyment?

 

Next to Panama and Paraguay were El Salvador and Venezuela with 84 percent and on third place were Trinidad and Tobago and Thailand with 83 percent.

 

The Philippines shared the 4th place with Guatemala, where 82 percent of the surveyed persons answered YES to the six questions.

 

The last pair on 5th place was Ecuador and Costa Rica, which both got 81 percent.

 

An Associated Press news article quoted one of the surveyed Filipinos: a 35-year-old security guard named Felicio Sayat.

 

Sayat commented in the survey: "Just being with my family makes me happy ... We have fun together as a family. ... We have bonding time and we say prayers together. ... They are my inspiration. As long as we are all healthy, I am happy. There is nothing better than that."

 

Sayat works as a security guard at a parking lot in Manila.

 

Gallup Inc. said that the surveys were conducted in 148 countries in 2011.

 

"Results are based on telephone and face-to-face interviews with 1,000 adults, aged 15 and older, conducted in 2011 in 148 countries and areas," it said.

 

Meanwhile, the polling firm reported that the country with the "lowest positive emotions worldwide" was Singapore, where only 46 percent answered YES to the six questions.

 

Following Singapore was Armenia with 49 percent; Iraq with 50 percent; Georgia, Yemen and Serbia, with 52 percent; Belarus with 53 percent; Lithuania and Madagascar, both with 54 percent; Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Haiti, Togo and Macedonia with 55 percent.

...the Miss Universe 2012

Janine Tugonon is Miss Universe 2012 first runner-up

 

ABS-CBNnews.com

12/20/2012

 

 

MANILA, Philippines - Just like her predecessors Shamcey Supsup and Venus Raj, Binibining Pilipinas-Universe Janine Tugonon almost clinched this year's Miss Universe title, placing first runner-up.

 

 

Miss Universe 1st Runner-up Janine Tugonon

 

 

The coronation night, held at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on Wednesday night (Thursday morning in Manila), was hosted by Andy Cohen, Bravo's executive vice president of development and talent, and entertainment journalist and fashion and beauty expert Giuliana Rancic.

 

Olivia Culpo of the United States was crowned Miss Universe 2012.

 

 

 

 

The other candidates include:

• Second runner-up -- Irene Sofía Esser Quintero of Venezuela

• Third runner-up -- Renae Ayris of Australia

            

 
 

 

• Fourth runner-up -- Gabriela Markus of Brazil

The Filipina beauty was given a Twitter question from judge Nigel Barker: "As an international ambassador, do you believe that speaking English should be a prerequisite to being Miss Universe? Why or why not?"

She answered: "For me, being Miss Universe is not just about knowing how to speak a specific language. It's being able to influence and inspire other people. As long as your heart wants to serve and you have a strong mind to show people, then you can be Miss Universe."

Dubbed as an "early favorite," Tugonon has appeared in several pre-pageant activities such as TV guestings on talk shows.

Tugonon's predecessors almost clinched the Miss Universe title, with Shamcey Supsup and Venus Raj placing third and fourth, respectively.

...the PH growth outlook 2012, 2013 (World Bank)

WB hikes 2012, 2013 growth outlook for PH

 

ABS-CBNnews.com

12/19/2012

 

MANILA, Philippines - The World Bank has upgraded its 2012 and 2013 growth projections for the Philippines, saying the country's economic performance so far can be sustained through more reforms and additional revenues.

 

In its East Asia and Pacific Economic Update released Wednesday, World Bank raised its 2012 forecast for the Philippine economy to 6% from the 5% announced in October.

World Bank also hiked its 2013 outlook for the country's gross domestic product (GDP) growth to 6.2% from 5%.

"Going forward, the country's high growth could be sustained and made more inclusive provided that economic reforms are aggressively pursued to create more and better jobs and reduce poverty at a faster rate; more revenues are raised to finance higher spending in physical and human capital; and global growth is supportive and rebalancing in the region continues," World Bank said.

The new 2012 projection is now equivalent to the high-end of the government's 5% to 6% target, but the 2013 outlook hovers near the low-end of government's 6% to 7% goal next year.

The economy expanded by a faster-than-expected 7.1% in the third quarter, bringing GDP growth to 6.5% in the nine months to September.

World Bank said that consumer spending, which accounts for 75% of GDP, will continue to drive growth this year until the next, as remittances from overseas Filipinos are expected to remain strong.

The main risks for the country's growth path, World Bank said, are the weak economic activity in the US, the European Union and Japan; the looming US fiscal cliff; and the slowing Chinese economy.

"With further structural reforms, especially in areas which will have more impact on the lives of the poor, along with investments in infrastructure, education, and health, the Philippines can take advantage of new opportunities arising from the global economic rebalancing and the strong growth prospects of the East Asia region," World Bank said.

"By building on its previous and current successes and by ensuring that it is prepared to take advantage of the opportunities that are coming its way, the government stands to make a significant difference in the lives of Filipinos."

World Bank sees the Philippine economy further expanding by 6.4% in 2014.

...the Filipino design and craftmanship

2012: Filipino design and craftsmanship continue to wow the world

By Marge C. Enriquez
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Wednesday, December 19th, 2012

DESIGN icon Giulio Cappellini and Suyen Corp. chair Ben Chan at the new Cappellini store on Bonifacio High Street.

 

 

The world continues to look at the Philippines as a gold mine of talent and craftsmanship. And big international names see the country as an attractive place to forge business partnerships.

1. Cebuano designer Kenneth Cobonpue continues to reap international prizes. The Cabaret Collection has won two awards: Best of the Year Award in Outdoor Furniture Seating Category from the prestigious Interior Design Magazine. It won Top Pick Award for Innovation by the American Society of Interior Designers during the Architectural Digest Home Design Show, a four-day trade show in New York.

 

 

 

The Cabaret Collection is made of fabric tubes woven on steel framework, resulting in a web pattern.
 

“Outdoor furniture is usually made of woven plastic. The Cabaret Collection is different because it uses acrylic and outdoor foam. This one is a soft material and has a tactile feel,” says Cobonpue.

Cobonpue was one of the “game-changing” entrepreneurs who represented the Philippines in the global campaign of the whisky company John Walker & Sons. The online video series “City Portraits” showed celebrities in their milieu and what drove them to be forward-thinking.

BAGWIS Malacca by Tony Gonzales for Locsin International wins the Katha Award.

2. Design icon Giulio Cappellini launched the first mono brand store in Asia. The Italian designer with a knack for spotting talent graced the opening of the Cappellini store in partnership with Ben Chan’s Suyen Corp. on Bonifacio High Street.
 

On opening week, the designer pieces (with prices ranging from P50,000 to P1.2 million) were snapped up by style-centric buyers. Marcel Wanders’ Antiques Chair (from P70,000 to P120,000) was the most popular.
 

3. Local developer taps major designers. The world’s first branded Missoni Home will rise in the Philippines. Real estate firm Century Properties is collaborating with top designers to design public spaces for the towers in Acqua Private Residences, the residential condominium development in Mandaluyong.
 

Vittorio Missoni, scion of the knitwear fashion family and head of Missoni Home, liked the riverfront concept. Missoni Home will work on the 52-story Acqua Livingstone.

ITO Kish’s Gregoria chair,made of turned balusters, wins the Katha Award.

British celebrity developer John Hitchcox and co-founder of Yoo design firm, was attracted to the gentrification of Barangay Hulo in Mandaluyong, where Acqua is located. His partner, design icon Philippe Starck, gave his inputs for designing Iguazu, Acqua’s tallest residential tower.
 

4. Designer Tony Gonzales’ residential project and installation lands on the December cover of Habitus Living Magazine. Gonzales worked on the interiors of the designer-driven residence of architect-exporter Renato Vidal. The cover features Gonzales’ famous suspended rock garden, originally made for Yuchengco Museum. Habitus’ online edition also features some of the works of sculpture Impy Pilapil. Her “Bloom” collection is one of the focal points in Vidal’s house.
 

5. Going green. Sustainability and eco-friendliness are the latest criteria in evaluating design. This year, Manila FAME honored companies that used sustainable or recyclable materials. Katha Award winners Milo Naval’s Coco Lamp, made of coconut husks, Kinks and Curls rattan lamp made by Accessoria Inc., and Bagwis Malacca Daybed by Locsin International, used discarded materials and rapid-growing wood in their works, which injected a touch of humor and whimsy.
 

Another Katha winner, Ito Kish’s Gregoria two-seater, is made of balusters of different heights and a cane-seater. It is a reference to the architecture and airiness of ancestral homes. Kish’s chair uses Malay beech wood (Gmelina arborea) which is known for its rapid regeneration.

KENNETH Cobonpue’s Phoenix automobile of natural materialsmade it to the top picks of the American Society of Interior Designers.

Likewise, Kenneth Cobonpue’s Phoenix Car, touted as the World’s First Biodegradable Car, was chosen by the China-based Modern Decoration Magazine as Best in Design. Made of bamboo and rattan, the car is shaped like a leaf. It challenges the conventional car design using heavy industrial materials.
 

The owner has the option to replace the outer shell while the inner structure remains intact.

Cobonpue says the engine is being installed and a German factory is working on the car.
 

6. Dedon chair wins the Wallpaper* Design Award 2012. French designer Jean Marie Massaud’s SeaX chair got the nod from the judges, staffers and contributors of the London-based Wallpaper* Magazine.
 

Winner in the Best Backyard category, the SeaX collection was inspired by the director’s chair and racing sailboats. It uses innovative weather-resistant materials. The Dedon furniture company is based in Cebu.
 

7. Opening of Dedon Island in Siargao. It was once called Pansukian, the resort owned by Frenchman Nicolas Rambeau. Bobby Dekeyser, the Belgian-German founder of Dedon furniture company, bought it and transformed it into Dedon Island.
 

French designers Daniel Pouzet, Jean Marie Massaud and their local counterpart, Maritess Lampert, worked on the modern tropical interiors.
 

“The designers wanted to preserve our culture and designs. We used all local things such as handwoven fabrics from Baguio, iron wood, carved headboards made in Cebu and tinalak pillows from Davao,” says Lampert. The launch of this exclusive resort made a splash in the international press.
 

8. Architect Lorenzo Calma and his son Eduardo held a retrospective exhibit at LRI Plaza. The older Calma showed his minimalist sculpture and jewelry designs while Ed showed models and photographs of his works. Ed’s recent public space, Mind Museum, which opened in March, embodies the organic architecture trend.
 

9. Design duo Tony Gonzales and Tes Pasola refurbished the Jiyuan tea house in Shenzhen, China. The project was a renovation of an old building. Gonzales worked carefully to preserve its architecture while infusing modern elements. “The interior is ornate. It bridges the old and the new.”

GIANT paper lanterns designed by Gonzales dominate Jiyuan’s
dining area.

He worked on everything, from the logo to the menus, furniture and lighting.
 

10. Architect Calvin Tsao and celebrity events planner David Monn graced the Manila FAME. Two of the most influential names in design visited the Philippines upon the invitation of designer Josie Natori.
 

Tsao designed Mercer Hotel in New York, Joyce Boutique in Hong Kong and Suntec City in Singapore, among others. Monn has done big events for celebrities and White House state dinners.

He is the planner of choice of America’s billionaires. After seeing the Manila FAME show, they were impressed with Filipino design and craftsmanship works that celebrate Filipino ingenuity.
 

“Here I find playfulness and exploratory quality,” said Tsao in an interview.

...the PH banking outlook

Moody's upgrades outlook on PH banking system to positive

 

ABS-CBNnews.com

12/18/2012

 

 

Moody's Investors Service has hiked its outlook for the Philippine banking system to positive from stable amid a buoyant economy seen to drive growth in the credit market, the debt watcher said in a statement.

 

"The robust and evolving state of the domestic economy will continue to offset any potential weakness in exports," analyst Simon Chen said in the statement.

"In particular, household consumption and steady government-led infrastructure spending will support a stable GDP growth rate of above 5%, which will in turn buttress the earnings growth of banks without raising concerns about overheating."

Moody's foresees annual credit growth to reach 11% to 13% in the next 12 to 18 months.

Moreover, the credit rater said banks are well-positioned to meet the new Basel III requirements by 2014.

"[E]ven if they maintain their current asset growth and profitability levels over the next 12 months, seven of the eight rated banks would still show Tier 1 capital ratios of 10% or more at end-2014," the statement read.

The banks are expected to maintain excess and stable liquidity in the next 12 to 18 months, as profitability is also seen to be maintained in the same period.

...the World Memory Championship

PH team bags bronze at World Memory Championships

 

By Edward Lao,

ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

12/18/2012

 

 

LONDON - The Philippine memory team won bronze at the 2012 World Memory Championships (WMC) recently held in London.

 

The team of six males and five females, ranging from the ages of 11 to 39, finished third overall against 24 other nations including the USA, China, Poland, Norway, Indonesia, Singapore and Australia.

Nearly 80 competitors signed up for the tournament's 21st outing, which ran from December 14-16 at the Lilian Baylis Technology School in Vauxhall.

They faced ten tests focussing on different aspects like names and faces, abstract images, historic dates and numbers.

Among the Philippines' stand-out performers were 24-year-old pair Mark Castañeda, Erwin Balines, and 11-year-old Jamyla Domingo Lambunao.

Balines and Castañeda, both from Manduluyong, Manila, notched ninth and tenth respectively in the final individual rankings for adults.

Castañeda claimed gold in the Spoken Numbers discipline, whilst in the speed cards round, both he and Balines successfully memorized the order of 52 playing cards in under 55 seconds.

Additionally, both have now earned the title of international grandmaster of memory after satisfying three key requirements: one thousand random digit numbers in an hour, the order of 10 decks of cards in an hour and the order of one deck of cards in under two minutes.

Lambunao is the youngest member of the Philippine team. The kid from Marikina scooped seven awards in the children's category, which had four entrants this year.

She won two golds, three silvers and two bronze.

In the hour cards events, where Lambunao bagged one of her gold medals, she memorized seven decks of playing cards (364) in one hour.

It was the third time the Philippines sent a team to compete at the WMC.

Although they were unable to better last year's feat of winning second, team captain Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. was proud of their achievements considering the tough opposition.

"Very proud ako kase last year sa Guangzhou, China, we finished 2nd place pero mga ibang player na hindi kasali kase medjo magastos, pero this year, nandito lahat ng best," Bernardino Jnr said.

"Naglaro ang USA, last year walang USA, then nag-improve yung Sweden, Germany," he added.

Roberto Racasa founded the team in 2008 and coaches its members.

"[It's a] great sense of pride for the Filipino people because once again we showed the world that Filipinos are at par with the world's best in terms of mind and memory," he said.

"Considering that we belong to a third world country, defeating the G4s, it's really challenging and exciting," said Christopher Carandang, who is two steps away from becoming a fully fledged grandmaster after memorizing 1,000 numbers in an hour.

Anne Bernadette Bonita added: "We feel so great and very happy for the Philippines, for getting the bronze."

The team from Germany, who favorites going into the tournament, finished first whilst Sweden claimed second.

Germany's Johannes Mallow was crowned this year's World Memory Champion.

Seven countries are currently bidding to host next year's WMC.

The Philippines has expressed an interest, but first it needs to conduct its own national memory championships as a requirement.

...the PH economy and forecast

Philippines tips 2012 GDP growth to beat forecasts

 

AFP News

18 December 2012

 

 

The Philippines economy will likely grow more than government forecasts this year and pick up over the next two years, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said Tuesday.

 

He told a year-end economic briefing that gross domestic product would exceed 6.0 percent for 2012, well above the 5.0-6.0 percent expansion tipped by officials in Manila.

People can be seen shopping at Divisoria Market in Manila on October 29, 2012. The Philippines economy will likely grow more than government forecasts this year and pick up over the next two years, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said Tuesday

The foundation was set with growth of 6.5 percent in the first nine months of the year, Balisacan said, adding: "We forecast growth in 2013 to be between 6.0 to 7.0 percent and in 2014, between 6.5 to 7.5 percent."

He said the stronger outlook should help the government create more jobs, which has long been a drag on the economy.

Despite having nine million Filipinos or more than 10 percent of its citizens working abroad, 6.8 percent of its labour force was unemployed in October, the National Census Office said Tuesday in a statement.

A further 19 percent had just part-time jobs of less than 40 hours a week, it added.

"Given the latest labour and employment figures, generating employment and ensuring that these are of good quality remain our greatest challenge," Balisacan said.

Next year should see an improved electronics industry, which accounts for more than half of the country's exports, thanks to an expected pick-up in the global economy, he added.

Construction, growing demand for power, water and gas, the expansion of business process outsourcing, tourism, and financial services would also help drive growth, he said.

...the PH office spaces

Demand for PH office space breaks record

By Daxim L. Lucas
Philippine Daily Inquirer

The office space market in the Philippines is setting new records, led by demand from business process outsourcing (BPO) companies and multinationals, indicating growing business confidence, according to one of the country’s largest property consulting firms.

 

In a briefing on Monday, Jones Lang LaSalle Leechiu’s (JLLL) director for project leasing, Sheila Lobien, said that from January to November 2012, demand for office space rose to a total 425,000 square meters, and may rise further by yearend.

This level is at least 18 percent higher than the annual average demand of 360,000 sqm recorded in 2011.

Non-BPO firms consisting of multinational and local companies accounted for 100,000 sqm, or 25 percent of current demand, she said.

More importantly, companies are already committing to take up space even before office buildings are completed, indicating strong optimism and higher business activity projected for 2013.

Pre-commitments are backed up by signed lease agreements between parties, and advanced rent and security deposits are paid by the lessee.

Lobien said pre-commitments more than doubled in January to November 2012 as compared to the same period last year.

“In the 11 months of 2011, we recorded pre-commitments of 68,358 square meters,” said Lobien. “In 2012, the figure over the same period shot up to 175,922 square meters.”

JLLL studies also noted that a number of companies pre-committed to office space that would be completed as far forward as 2014.

The consulting firm’s findings confirmed a recent study of 22 cities in the Asia-Pacific region conducted by the Urban Land Institute entitled “2013 Emerging Trends in Real Estate.”

The study noted the increased attractiveness of Manila in terms of both investment and development prospects vis-a-vis investors, developers, property company representatives, lenders, brokers and consultants.

...the PH biggest asset

Filipinos are PH's biggest asset - ILO chief

 

By Niña Corpuz,

ABS-CBN News

12/17/2012

 

 

ILO Director General Guy Ryder (L). Photo courtesy of ILO

MANILA, Philippines – The head of the International Labor Organization believes the Philippines' best asset is none other than the Filipino people.

“I think the biggest potential of the Philippines is its people, not only here in the Philippines but (around the world). Wherever I've lived I've always met Filipinos working, contributing to society's progress, and I think that dynamism is your best asset,” ILO Director General Guy Ryder said in an interview.

Ryder's visit to the Philippines is his first since he was elected as ILO Director General last October 2012. The last visit of ILO's highest official to the country was 17 years ago, in 1995.

Ryder extended his sympathies and help to the victims of typhoon Pablo in the southern Philippines.

The ILO estimates about 2.3 million workers, mostly in the Davao region, have been directly affected by the typhoon.

Most of the victims are women aged 15 to 24, and vulnerable family workers like farmers, fisherfolk or street vendors.

Ryder said the ILO has set aside initial funding of US$50,000 or 2 million pesos to jumpstart a livelihood program in partnership with the government.

“We try to help people get back to work with cash-for-work schemes. We try to help in the reconstruction process for infrastructure and also local economic development, to get communities together, to give them a new livelihood prospect. I think we have a big responsibility and a really helpful role to play,” he said.

Protection of domestic workers

Ryder's visit was also timely as the president was about to sign into law the Domestic Workers or Kasambahay bill that was finally ratified by Congress after 15 years.

Ryder hopes the bill will finally recognize this workforce he described as "invisible".

“People somehow think that because (domestic workers) work in private homes, they're not part of public policy. The first step is to make people aware that (domestic workers) are workers like every other worker in the world. They make great contributions, (and) if they stop working the world comes to a stop,” he said.

Danger of jobless growth

On the country's economic growth, Ryder said the 7.5 percent increase in this year's third quarter was respectable. But he also agreed with the notion that it's a jobless growth not felt by ordinary workers.

“I think what really matters is not simply the numbers of jobs created but the quality of jobs created. We see a lot of what we call vulnerable jobs in the Philippines, jobs which don't really provide a sure and stable livelihood for people in the long term. You see a lot of poor people, they're working but they remain poor. The whole purpose of (the ILO’s) decent work agenda is to get people into decent quality employment that renders a good standard of living and good social protection,” he said.

This reality is even more apparent as Christmas approaches. Children flock the streets begging and working to help earn a living. A 2011 survey by the National Statistics Office shows that there are 5.5 million working children aged 5 to 7 years old.

“Providing decent work alternatives for people whose kids go to work is extraordinarily important.

We have to do provide social protection for families, so that work doesn't appear as a social obligation and that there are alternatives for young people,” he said.

Decline in trade unions

Another area of concern for the ILO is the decline in trade union membership in the country. He said trade unions are necessary to fight for the rights of workers.

Ryder said the decline in trade union membership is not unique to the Philippines.

“We are seeing in many countries around the world a decline in trade union membership, and it’s got many factors to it. I think the ILO’s job is to provide an enabling environment, an encouraging environment (for workers to organize) and also to make the case to governments and businesses that an organized workforce is actually an advantage,” he said.

...the global shipping prez

Filipino elected president of global shipping group

By Marlon C. Magtira
Manila Standard
Dec. 16, 2012

Gerardo Borromeo

Philippine Transmarine Carriers Inc. vice chairman and chief executive Gerardo Borromeo was elected as the new president of InterManager, an international ship management trade association of 91 shipping companies running about 5,000 vessels and some 250,000 crew members.

Borromeo is the first Filipino to be elected unopposed for the top post and will serve a two-year term. He succeeded Alastair Evitt, the managing director of UK-based Meridian Marine Management.

With this development, InterManager has joined the ranks of shipping industry organizations that recognize Asia’s growing maritime influence and have looked east for leaders.

The decision follows other high-profile appointments of Asian executives with Japanese Koji Sekimizu leading the International Maritime Organization since January and Masamichi Morooka taking over as chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping since May.

Borromeo says in an interview with Manila Standard he brings the value of his Asian roots to InterManager. “I am honored to be the first Filipino to be appointed InterManager president, given that Asia now supplies more than half of the world’s seafarers and nearly half of the world fleet is under Asian control. I will be able to interact with Asia more closely but at the same time I will be expected to retain a global focus,” Borromeo says.

He says PTC, one of the largest crew management companies in the country, deploys more than 33,000 seafarers annually.

Borromeo believes his crewing experience was another key factor in his appointment. “The human element is a key driver. We are at an interesting crossroads between ship management and crew management. Ship management is not just about safe shipping, but also about pushing the management capability on board ships,” Borromeo says.

Borromeo says one of his main priorities will be the development of young maritime professionals.

“InterManager must lay the groundwork for the future. And a key part of that is being able to attract people to a career not just at sea but in shipping. You can build a ship in a year, but it takes 10 years to build a cadet into a master. We need to balance out the cyclicality between building ships and having capable people to manage them,” Borromeo says.

He says given the economic climate with about 90 percent of global trade being undertaken in the shipping industry, it will be challenging to push the development of global maritime professionals, as he prefers to call seafarers.

Borromeo says more than 6,000 new vessels in the shipping industry will be moving world trade in the next three years. This will bring new opportunities for Filipino global maritime professionals who are widely known for their service-oriented traits, loyalty, flexibility, fluency in English language and commitment to serve.

“Times are difficult. It’s all a question of how we maximize the return on investment in assets and people. We all need to think long term and ship managers must work with owners to allocate resources properly. InterManager will continue to engage with all the necessary stakeholders to ensure the safe operation of ships,” Borromeo says.

Borromeo’s appointment was formalized during the association’s annual general meeting where four new vice presidents were also elected to focus on specific areas of InterManager business. They are Albertini of Marfin Management (Monaco), treasurer; Peter Curtis of Seaspan Ship Management (Canada), secretariat; Wim Van Noortvijk of ISSA, membership; and Ian MacLean of Hill Dickinson, general counsel.

Borromeo has been responsible for the development and implementation of the PTC Group’s strategic initiatives and business development activities engaged in crew management, education and training; medical diagnostics; chartering and logistics; agency and freight forwarding; real estate development; and international professional placement.

Borromeo also serves as vice chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping, member of the board of trustees for the Filipino Shipowners Association and a private sector representative on the board of the Maritime Industry Authority.

Borromeo earned his bachelor and Master’s degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

...the Asia-Pacific best actor

Eddie Garcia wins best actor at Asia Pacific fest

By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

December 17, 2012

Eddie Garcia

Filipino actor Eddie Garcia won best actor for Jun Robles Lana’s “Bwakaw” at the 55th Asia Pacific Film Festival held at the Venetian Resort Hotel in Macau on Saturday.

The screen legend received a standing ovation from the foreign audience on winning his first international acting award at age 83, according to his wife Lilibeth who attended the festival with him.

The report reached the Philippine Daily Inquirer through line producer Tonee Acejo and producer Ferdinand Lapuz, who were told about the victory by Garcia’s wife.

Garcia was one of 10 actors honored by the Inquirer at the 3rd Indie Bravo! Tribute held at the newspaper’s office in Makati last Monday.

“Eddie Garcia’s staying power in the industry is primarily due to real talent, hard work and professionalism. Today’s young stars have a lot to learn from him,” director Lana, one of 10 filmmakers in the 3rd Indie Bravo! honor roll, told the Inquirer.

Garcia, who arrived in Manila Sunday, said he was happy for the international recognition, no matter how long it took.

“I don’t really mind the long wait. I’ve always believed—if it comes, thank you; if not, I’ll be fine too. As I always say, it’s a nice bonus for a job well done.”

He said the recognition was sweeter because it came “from peers from all over Asia.”

Garcia is the only Filipino actor elevated to the Famas Hall of Fame for his achievements as a supporting actor, actor and director.

Another Filipino, Nora Aunor, was nominated for best actress in this year’s Asia Pacific fest for Brillante Ma. Mendoza’s “Thy Womb.” The prize went to Taiwan’s Gwai Lun-mei for “Gf*Bf.”

The other awards were: best film, Johnnie To’s “Life Without Principle” of Hong Kong; best director, Hirokazu Koreeda’s “I Wish” of Japan; best supporting actor, Hoi-pang Lo for “Life Without Principle,” and best supporting actress, Makiko Watanabe for “Capturing Dad” of Japan.

Garcia said one of the earlier films he directed, 1963’s “Historia de un Amor,” was entered in the Asia Film Festival by its producer, Sampaguita Pictures. “Mga Anak sa Pagkakasala,” a 1962 Sampaguita drama that he directed, was also entered in the Cairo film fest, he said.

“Unfortunately, we were not able to provide subtitles for Mga Anak sa Pagkakasala. The foreigners didn’t understand the movie,” he recalled.

According to online reports, the Asia Pacific Film Festival (then called Asia Film Festival) was the same event where National Artist Lamberto Avellana’s “Anak Dalita” won for best picture in 1956. In the same year, two other Filipinos won—Gregorio Fernandez was best director and Rogelio de la Rosa was best actor, both for “Higit sa Lahat.”

Other Filipinos who topped the Asia Film Fest in the past were Avellana as best director, with his team bringing home individual citations for “Badjao” in 1957; Rebecca del Rio as best supporting actress for “Malvarosa” in 1958; Leroy Salvador as best supporting actor for “Biyaya ng Lupa” in 1960; Charito Solis as best actress for “Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak” in 1967, and Charo Santos as best actress and Mike de Leon as best director for “Itim” in 1978.

“Bwakaw” was chosen by the Film Academy of the Philippines as the country’s entry to the best foreign language film category of the Academy Awards to be held in Hollywood next year.

“It would be great to be chosen among the top five, but my only hope is that the Oscars people will have the chance to see our film,” Garcia said.

...the PH growth 2012

Economy headed for 7% GDP growth

Trade execs forecast robust expansion in Q4

 

By Riza T. Olchondra
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Monday, December 17th, 2012

Spectators become excited during the inaugural switch-on of lights decorating a giant Christmas tree at Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City in mid-November 2012. Christmas buying spree, along with increased investments and public and private spending, is seen to drive growth in the last three months so that the economy could grow 6.7 to 6.8 percent in terms of GDP this year, according to Trade Undersecretary Cristino Panlilio. AUGUST DELA CRUZ/CONTRIBUTOR

The Philippine economy could expand at just below the minimum yearly average needed to curb poverty as it builds momentum for future years, according to trade leaders.

Trade Undersecretary Cristino Panlilio said in an interview that the economy could grow 6.7 to 6.8 percent in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) this year. That would make the Philippines the second or third in Asia, with China expected to top, he said.

“We did 6.5-percent (GDP growth) as of September. So if we do 6.7, 6.8 percent (in the fourth quarter), we should average at 6.7,” Panlilio said.

“Increased investments as well as public and private spending are seen to drive growth. Normally the last three months are big months because of the Christmas buying spree,” Panlilio said.

As of October, trade officials have entertained 25 investment missions composed of several firms each. “I am sure we will end the year with something like 32 in-bound missions,” Panlilio said.

On exports, Panlilio said electronics was “flat out” but non-electronic merchandise could pull up exports such that it could break the all-time high of $51.4 billion hit in 2010 because of agricultural products.

Government and consumer spending would more likely boost the economy but exports might not perform as strongly as the strong peso tended to benefit heavy importers yet weakened exporters’ revenue, said Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. president Sergio Ortiz-Luis and Federation of Philippine Industries chairman Jesus Lim Arranza.

The impact of typhoon “Pablo” on this year’s agricultural output was seen to be “minimal” and might be more felt early next year but the restoration efforts in affected areas in Mindanao could even help boost GDP through public spending, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said in a phone interview.

The inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) has lowered its target for exports growth to 8 percent (from the original 10 percent) and imports to 7 percent (from 12 percent).

The Philippines beat expectations in the third quarter with its 7.1-percent GDP growth, ahead of other economies within Asean. China registered a 7.7-percent GDP growth in the same period.

The third-quarter performance of the Philippines was way above the market’s media forecast of 5.4 percent, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said, adding that full-year growth would likely beat the target of 5 to 6 percent and move toward the previously “aspirational” 7- to 8-percent range needed every year to spur employment and curb poverty. The country’s top economist said this was expected to translate to more jobs and better incomes for Filipinos.

...the Filipino language

Filipino language is going global

Hawaii-based poet and teacher Ruth Mabanglo has made it her mission to promote the Filipino language and culture worldwide

By Anna Leah Sarabia
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Sunday, December 16th, 2012

RUTH Elynia Mabanglo of the University of Hawaii (right) received a plaque of recognition from President Aquino, with Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario and CFO chair Imelda Nicolas looking on. MALACAÑANG PHOTO

In this age of globalization, nothing could be more difficult for a Filipino living abroad than to work for the preservation of one’s own language and culture. But Dr. Ruth Elynia S. Mabanglo is not so easily discouraged.

As a multiawarded poet and playwright, her love for the Filipino language has found meaning and it remains a calling. The first woman to join the Hall of Fame of the Don Carlos Palanca Awards for Literature, Ruth has made it her mission to promote Filipino worldwide.

Ruth was in Manila recently to pick up a plaque from President Aquino as a 2012 Presidential Awardee for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas, in the “Pamana ng Pilipino” category. It is conferred on Filipinos overseas who have brought the country honor and recognition through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession.

She has published six books of poetry and several scholarly works included in anthologies and often cited in scholarly journals. In 2008, the De La Salle University Filipino Department convened critics and scholars for a monthly forum on her works, the “Ruth Elynia Mabanglo Lecture Series.” Her poems were among those highlighted in the 2012 Aliw award-winning film by Alvin Yapan, “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa.”

Ruth’s latest crusade is to nurture Filipino as a global language. Several years ago, when then President Gloria Arroyo pushed for Spanish to be taught in high schools and for prioritizing English so Filipinos could better serve global business, Ruth mobilized a protest petition.

“I encouraged my students all over the United States to sign a petition to fight the killing of Filipino in high school and college, which was part of the Gullas Bill that Arroyo favored. Later on, I organized the ‘Filipino as a Global Language’ conference as a professor of Filipino language and Philippine literature at the University of Hawaii,” she said.

Courses around the world

Through the conference, Ruth began to identify all the Filipino language programs in the world.

“I was able to identify, for instance, that in Sorbonne University in France, there is a Filipino named Marina Pattiere who is teaching Filipino. I found out that in the University of London, there is a Philippine Studies course and students there are asked to go to learn the Filipino language in the Philippine Embassy. I was looking for courses, programs and people teaching Filipino. I am in correspondence with some high school teachers in Melbourne, Australia who are teaching Filipino there.

“I also found out that there are Filipinos teaching Filipino in Malaysia, Brunei and Beijing. In Beijing, there is a masters’ degree program in Filipino. In Gaida University in Osaka, Japan, there is a Philippine Studies program, major in Filipino, and it sends students to take higher level courses in Filipino to the University of the Philippines.

“In the University of Hawaii, I have a government-funded Fulbright program that sends Fil-Am students to study advanced-level Filipino in Manila for 10 weeks.”

Teaching materials

Apart from identifying these programs and creating a global network of specialists in Filipino, Ruth and her conference colleagues agreed to help each other with materials for teaching courses on Filipino.

Right now, she said, there is a Consortium for the Advancement of Filipino started by Dr. Teresita Ramos; there is a newsletter that informs and updates members about developments and conferences.

 “In my case, I started an organization called the Global Consortium for the Advancement of Filipino Language and Culture, which is another network.

People want to study the Filipino language for different reasons. “In Germany and France, the interest would be mainly for the children of women who married Germans or French. I met some of them in 1997. There are volunteers who were teaching Filipino as a church-based activity. The idea was to connect the children to the culture of their mothers, as sometimes the mothers can’t speak German so well and the children need to have conversations with their mothers.”

In Osaka, the interest in Filipino could be related to being able to use it in business and work places where there are Filipinos. Maybe some Japanese students also take up Philippine Studies in connection with their history. “We are part of the World War II story of Japan, so they opt to learn Filipino, too,” she added.

2nd generation Filipinos

In Hawaii, Filipino is taught mainly for two reasons. One is for the younger ones to learn the language of their fathers or grandfathers. “Before, children of immigrants were not allowed to speak (any other language besides English) so they want to correct this. The third-generation Filipinos want to learn to speak with their lolas and lolos.”

The other reason has to do with the history of immigrants in Hawaii. “The American sugar barons who brought in Filipinos workers to the sugar plantations 1906 were required to hire only those who could not read or write. This was to prevent the workers from applying for jobs with other companies, since the working conditions in the plantations were very oppressive. They were treated almost like slaves,” she said.

“There are a few Filipinos in Hawaii who are saying that Tagalog is marginalizing the other languages in the Philippines. Which is untrue—historically or anthropologically,” she argued.

“In the past, others claimed that there were more Cebuano or Ilocano speakers. But today, Filipino is really the dominant language. My job is to find out how globalized Filipino is at the secondary and tertiary levels.”



Language and culture

At the basic level, overseas Filipinos have found the means to teach Filipino language and culture. In Boston, for instance, the doctors and nurses have established church-based programs including a children’s rondalla that has released a DVD. But all the teachers are volunteers, and there are no learning levels.

“However, in San Diego, California, would you believe there are 70 high schools that teach Filipino as a ‘world language’? California even has an accreditation system for those who would like to teach Filipino in high schools. I would like to bring that system to Hawaii so that Filipino majors can earn credits to teach in high schools. I am working on that now. I am also trying to standardize the curriculum so that high school students can have at least basic knowledge of Philippine culture, and a basic literacy of Philippine literature in Filipino. For instance, one basic canon of Philippine Literature is Florante at Laura by Balagtas. Students must be able to pass basic exams on this Tagalog work.

“You cannot learn a language without understanding its culture so I have developed many courses. I have a course on Philippine films… on Filipino food, music and rituals. Language and culture: they are like twins.”

...the Best Asia Model

Filipina farmer is Best Asia Model

The Philippine Star

December 17, 2012

 

 

MANILA, Philippines - Joy Marie Gangan (photo, left), the 18-year-old corn farmer from Ilagan City, Isabela, was named Best Asia Model, besting 25 other aspirants from Asia at the just-concluded Best Model of the World Pageant in Istanbul won by the Turkish bet Berk Atan (photo, above right).

More than 80 contestants (including 25 from Asia) competed. Discovered and mentored by fashion designer Mitch Membrere, Joy was also trained by model Joy Castillo, assisted by Francis Calubaquib, one of Funfare’s ‘beauty experts.’

...the global culture trendsetter

Psy, Charice help push global culture

 

By Vladimir Bunoan,

ABS-CBNnews.com

12/16/2012

 

 

SINGAPORE – Internet celebrities from Asia such as Korean pop star Psy and Filipino belter Charice are helping create a truly global culture through their online videos, executives from tech giant Google Inc. said.

 

As it prepares to welcome “the next billion” of new online users, Google predicts that the Internet will evolve into a more visual web that can be easily understood by a global audience.

Google executives said more visually oriented content will be vital in making the Internet more relevant across language and cultural barriers.

Lalit Katragadda, Google’s country head for India, noted that 80% of emerging market users spend their life within 10 miles of where they live. That's why a lot of content from the west are irrelevant in their daily lives.

“If there was one product that I would put in front of users with no explanation for the next billion, it would be YouTube. It is extremely powerful and it is changing the word as we speak,” he said.
Adam Smith, the head of YouTube for Asia Pacific, noted that when the Internet was first evolving, there was a lot of concern that American culture would overwhelm local cultures.

“But what we're really seeing is that the Internet is turning out to be one of the best tools for really preserving and nurturing local cultures. And nowhere is this more evident than online video,” he said.
“One important insight is that YouTube can basically support an unlimited number of channels.

There's no scarcity and that means we at YouTube do not need to choose what content gets created,” Smith pointed out.

“Content created for a million dollars by a global star often sits right beside content created for nothing in a basement. It's an open playing field. The question whether a certain kind of programming gets created is not up to us but up to the creators. And different creators from around the world naturally want to tell their story,” he said.

Jamich and Charice

YouTube has changed the media landscape in a major way since it debuted in 2005. With the video-sharing site, anyone with a camcorder, a camera phone or a webcam can create a video that can be potentially viewed by millions of people around the world.

Charice

Smith singled out Filipinos Jamvhille Sebastian and Michelle Liggayu—more popularly known as Jamich—as among the many young creators making short films to build both local and global audiences. Jamich’s videos about their relationship have already registered over 40 million views on a global basis, Smith noted.

“If you think back even 10 years ago it's hard to imagine any of these folks getting a meeting with producers,” he said, adding that these video makers can now directly reach out and build global audiences. “And you can see from their fast rise that people just love these videos.”

“What's interesting is that YouTube isn’t just a pathway to success in traditional media. It’s creating self-sustaining and flourishing communities in its own right. By just empowering these communities to have a visible voice, it inspires and creates other folks from that community to jump in and participate as well,” Smith said.

“And as much as YouTube is about connecting cultures with each other, what we love is that YouTube is helping global culture become truly more global,” he added.

Smith said he is also proud that in Southeast Asia, a number of local celebrities have used YouTube as a platform to build audiences worldwide.

He cited the success of Filipino singer Charice, who has “gone from travelling around in the Philippines doing local festivals to uploading and building an audience in YouTube to being on ‘Oprah’ where Oprah (Winfrey) called her the most talented girl in the world.”

Psy dances in front

Of course, no discussion about YouTube these days would be complete without mentioning Korean pop star Psy, whose phenomenal video “Gangnam Style” has nearly 1 billion views on the video-sharing site.

Smith pointed out that even before “Gangnam Style,” Psy was already a big star in his home country of South Korea, although no one outside that country has heard of him.

“And nor was he even really trying (to make it globally) like a lot of his contemporaries in K-pop.

And so in July he released his song ‘Gangnam Style’ and uploaded it to YouTube and it was really just a song he thought was for his fans in Korea. But now he has nearly 1 billion views and has truly become a global phenomenon. Everyone has seen his video,” Smith said.

“It's an amazing era we live in when a song and a musician from Korea can become the No. 1 most-talked about musician in the world and do it in just a mere matter of months,” he said.

The success of “Gangnam Style,” which only has a sprinkling of English words in the lyrics, speaks to the growing diversity in today’s global culture, according to Smith.

“Ten years ago it’s hard to imagine how anyone living in France or Germany could have been exposed to the breadth and depth of Filipino and other Southeast Asian stars as they are able to do today,” he said.

“But at the same time, the act of being recognized globally helps these local acts actually become larger on a local basis. So in essence you don't have to be one or the other anymore. You can be both local and global at the same time. Psy is arguably the largest musician in current pop culture and he’s also equally larger than he's even been in Korea at the same time,” he said.

“No one cares anymore where culture comes from just that it is good,” Smith declared.

...the Filipino Flash

Donaire KOs Arce in 3rd round

By Mark Giongco
Agence France-Presse, INQUIRER.net

Sunday, December 16th, 2012

Nonito Donaire, left, hits Jorge Arce during their WBO junior featherweight title boxing match Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, in Houston. Donaire knocked Arce out in the third round. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

MANILA, Philippines – Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. vowed a knockout win and he delivered Sunday (Manila time).

Donaire (31-1, 20 KOs) floored Mexican warrior Jorge Arce (61-7-2, 46 KOs) with a counter left hook as the referee stopped the fight at the 2:59 mark of the third round. The pro-Arce crowd at the Toyota Center in Houston Texas was left stunned.

The 30-year-old Donaire, who retained his WBO super bantamweight title, dropped Arce for the first time in the second round with a short right hand but the Mexican was able to get back to his feet.

Arce showed fight in round three as he was able to close the distance to land blows to the body but that was it as Donaire outclassed him.

Donaire, who was greeted with a chorus of boos on his way to the ring, chalked up his fourth win this year alone and his 30th straight victory overall.

Both fighters sized each other up in the opening round with Donaire getting his points with his crisp jabs.
“I went out and pretty much timed him,” Donaire said. “We wanted to slow him down and get him thinking he could get in there. We knew he would open up.”

“I’ve never really gone and hit with the left hook, but I knew I was going to go out there and give it everything, no matter what.”

Donaire improved to 31-1 with his 20th career knockout. He has not lost since the second fight of his career back in 2001.

The victory brought some joy for Filipino fight fans still stunned at Manny Pacquiao’s knockout loss a week ago to Mexico’s Juan Manuel Marquez.

“There were a lot of fans who were like, ‘You have got to get him. This is for the Philippines.’ I hope they can be proud of what I did,” Donaire said.

Arce, 33, fell to 61-7 with two drawn bouts, in what he said was the final fight of his career.

“My career is over. I’m leaving after losing to the best man,” Arce said. “He is very good. He has power. He can finish the fight at any moment.

“I promised my family if I lost I would leave. I retire to go home and watch the fights on TV.”

Donaire scored a knockdown of Arce with a powerful straight right hand about a minute into the second round, forcing the challenger to touch his gloves and a knee to the canvas.

Donaire, 30, again knocked Arce to the canvas with a pair of left hooks late in the second round and, in the third, landed the knockout blow to end it.
“I got him with a straight right and the counter hook came in after that,” Donaire said.

Donaire had beaten South African Jeffrey Mathebula last July and Japan’s Toshiaki Nishioka in October in prior title defenses after taking the vacant crown with a split decision last February over Puerto Rico’s Wilfredo Vazquez.

Arce had nine wins and a draw since last being beaten, by South African Simphiwe Nongqayi in 2009.

...the Azkals in Lions' eyes

Phl Azkals make impact in Suzuki Cup

By Olmin Leyba

The Philippine Star

December 15, 2012

 

 

 

 

 “I think it’s already shown from two years ago (when the Azkals made a surprise semis appearance), that they’re a much stronger team (now) and it’s getting harder and harder to beat them. They’re big, they’re physical and you can see that they’re not giving up, they have that attitude and spirit. They’re gonna do well in the future,” - Daniel Bennett, SG Lions

 

 

MANILA, Philippines - The Azkals may have fallen short of their quest to become the region’s new alpha dog but they did earn the respect of opponents as an emerging power.

 

After playing the Pinoy booters in two hard-fought matches in the semifinals of the AFF Suzuki Cup, veteran defender Daniel Bennett of finalist Singapore described the Azkals as a tough customer and expects them to be serious contenders in future Suzuki Cup stagings.

 

“You know they just have to keep on going,” Bennett said after the Lions eked out a 1-0 win over Phl XI Wednesday night at the Jalan Besar Stadium to secure their entry into the finals and spoil the Pinoys’ championship dreams.

 

“They have a good side and they missed a couple of players as well in the Suzuki Cup (goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and midfielder Stephan Schrock) but I can see in years to come that Phl will be very, very hard to beat,” he added.

 

Bennett and the Lions were held to a 0-0 draw by the Azkals in the first leg at Rizal Memorial, but they got the better of the Pinoys in the critical return leg at home, gaining from Khairul Amri’s 19th minute volley.

 

“That game (return leg) could have gone either way, honestly. I mean they came in probably with a slight advantage as we haven’t scored an away goal so it was tough for us. But getting that first goal was key to our game really,” he said.

A member of the Singapore side that ruled the Asean tourney in 2004 and 2007, 34-year-old Bennett has seen the Azkals progress over the last few years. The current team, he said, is far better from the one he made his debut against in 2002.

 

“I think it’s already shown from two years ago (when the Azkals made a surprise semis appearance), that they’re a much stronger team (now) and it’s getting harder and harder to beat them. They’re big, they’re physical and you can see that they’re not giving up, they have that attitude and spirit. They’re gonna do well in the future,” the English-born fullback said.

 

Singapore, a three-time Asean titlist, has had a first-hand view of the Azkals’ improvement. In the 2010 Suzuki Cup group stages, they were forced to a 1-1 draw by the resilient Pinoys on the way to the latter’s breakthrough Last-4 stint. The following year, they scored a 2-0 win in a friendly but in 2012, the Azkals handed the Lions a 0-2 defeat at home and 0-1 setback in Cebu in the buildup to the Suzuki Cup.

 

Bennett said the pair of pre-tournament friendlies helped them get familiar with the Azkals, a helpful thing come semis.

 

“It definitely helped us. It was an absolute blessing that we played them two games and sometimes it’s better to lose to them in those friendlies because we learned that they’re catching us on the counter attack a few times. We changed our game slightly because we conceded those goals in Singapore and Cebu on the counter attack. Especially on my part, I stayed back a little bit more and we didn’t commit so many people forward,” he said.

 

The Lions will be gunning for a record fourth title against Thailand, which ousted 2010 winner Malaysia, 3-1, on aggregate. It will be a rematch of the 2007 finals which Singapore won, a duel marred by walkout by the Thais over officiating.