...the future Economic Tiger

PH ‘A Future Economic Tiger’

 

By MIKE U. CRISMUNDO

August 4, 2012,

Manila Bulletin

 

 

BUTUAN CITY – An officer of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) said the Philippines is on its way to becoming a future economic tiger – with credit up and investors confidence surging.

The USAID officer, however, said key players in the Philippine government, along with the business community, must work hard to bring positive results on many levels.

Before the country’s top business leaders and government officials attending the 21st Mindanao Business Conference (21st MinBizCon), USAID Philippine Mission Director Reed Aeschliman emphasized several key economic issues that policymakers and business chambers working together can help champion.

One, he said is the efficiency of Philippine ports.

The Philippines has almost doubled its port capacity in recent years, but several ports are underutilized.

“For instance, the Port of Zamboanga has an impressive container yard, yet its products are largely still exported to neighboring Malaysia through Manila,” said Aeschliman, who was the guest speaker at the 21st MinBizCon.

“Mindanao’s ports should serve as economic drivers, linking this region to the international trade system via marine transport,” he said.

The official also noted the rapid expansion of “Roll-On, Roll-Off (RORO) ports, which has already provided an efficient stimulus, as he encouraged the business leaders to strengthen and utilize these ports.

Another vital factor, he said, to completely become an economic tiger is Partnership for Growth (PFG).

US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario recently initiated the US-Philippines Partnership for Growth, he said.

“Through the PFG, our governments jointly identified the most serious constraints to growth and are working together to help the Philippines achieve its goal of moving to a higher, sustained, and more inclusive growth trajectory in line with high-performing emerging economies,” he said.

The USAID official said the focus of this PFG is on regulatory quality, rule of law (including anti-corruption), fiscal transparency, and performance.

“The PFG seeks to boost trade and investment, and improve the overall competitiveness of the Philippines by lowering the cost of doing business, reducing red tape, easing barriers to market entry, facilitating trade, and improving other needs,” he said.

Cargo handlers, shipping agencies, and host city government officials and business chambers must join hands and frequently meet in an effort to tackle some vital concern to be more globally competitive, he added.

The officer also tackled the peace and security in Mindanao, which everybody must be involved in solving the problem.

The US government is fully supporting the peace and development effort of the administration, which is a key constraint to economic growth in the region, he said.

He said Mindanao has enormous human and natural potentials waiting to be tapped and developed.

“Together with the Philippines, the United States envisions a Mindanao that contributes significantly to improving the lives of its people – that is peaceful and a secure business hub, and that figures prominently among the country’s center of economic progress in a stronger and more prosperous Philippines,” the USAID officer said.

“We wish to see a vibrant partnership of government and the private sector in making Mindanao conducive to business,” he said, adding “We encourage business chambers to work constructively with government and pursue your role of advocacy to ensure that trade policy reforms conform with business developments in the economy – to create a healthy business climate where enterprises operate as catalysts to propel economy, generate employment, multiply the vast opportunities in Mindanao, and sustain inclusive economic growth.”

“We support President Aquino’s good governance not only a program goal, but also a prerequisite for partnership,” added Aeschliman.

The three-day 21st MinBizCon, which was hosted by the city government of Butuan, the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, Butuan Chamber and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry ended yesterday at a convention center in Butuan City.

...the ASEAN quiz winner

PH wins 5th ASEAN regional quiz

 

 

August 4, 2012

GMA NEWS

 

 

The Philippine team won the fifth Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Quiz Regional Competition in Cambodia last Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Saturday.

Members of the team beat 27 other contestants from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

"The Philippine team grabbed a total score of 71 points. Cambodia came close with 70 points while Thailand scored 68 points," the DFA said.

Members of the team included:

- Franchesca Anne Inacay of St. Albert the Great School in Dagupan City (Region I)
- Kristiyanne Paul de Pedro of Koronadal National Comprehensive High School (Region XII)
- Maria Angela Krizelle Rubin of San Joaquin National High School in Calbayog (Region VIII)

In the first round, the Philippine Team got a perfect score of 20 points. It got 19 in the second round, and 32 in the third.

The first round had true-or-false items, the second had multiple-choice items, while the third round consisted of the "Fill in the Blanks" items for 40 points.

According to the DFA, the Philippines has been consistent in winning the ASEAN Quiz Regional Competition.

In 2002, the Philippines won first and second places in the individual delegate category of the competition.

In 2004, the country got the first place while in 2006, the Philippines won the second place. The Philippines won the first place again in 2009.

Meanwhile, schools that wish to participate in the next ASEAN Quiz Competition may e-mail the Department of Foreign Affairs' ASEAN Secretariat at asean.philippines@dfa.gov.ph. — LBG, GMA

...the World's Hiphop placer

UP Streetdance Club bags bronze in World Hip Hop dance tilt in Las Vegas

 

August 4, 2012

GMA NEWS

 

 

The University of the Philippines Streetdance Club (UPSC) popped and locked their way to the third spot of the World Hip Hop Dance Championship in Las Vegas, USA Friday night (Saturday in Manila).

 

With a score of 7.43, the UPSC emerged as one of the top teams from a group of 15 competitors in the MegaCrew category, and was only edged out by US dance team GRV (7.62) and reigning champions New Zealand's Royal Family (7.91). A video of the medal ceremony may be viewed here.

During the preliminary round of the competition, the UPSC placed second and owed their victory to the Filipinos and God.

"It's such a big honor and blessing to be representing not only the Philippines but God as well. You saw in our prayer that we were thanking everyone," said one of the dancers interviewed by Pacific Rim Video Press.

The De Salle University's La Salle Dance Company Street also made it past the preliminary rounds, placing fourth but eventually failed to rank in the championship round.

Social media sites immediately went abuzz over the dance competition, with netizens extending their congratulations to the Philippine team.

Facebook user "Gfab Prince Alcazaren" in a comment on the official Hip Hop International FB page said: "kahit na bronze lang for us GOLD kayu gyeah pinaspataas!!"

Bulter Calub, also in an FB comment, meanwhile lauded the UPSC for placing in the dance competition on their debut year.

"Good job UPSDC for winning bronze on your first time!! You all made us proud! Pinas Pataas!!," Calub said.

Several other Philippine dance groups are scheduled to compete in other categories of the competition, including "A-Team" which scored 7.40 in the semis in the Varsity category (age 12 to 18) and will move on to the finals Sunday night (Monday morning in Manila) at the Orleans Arena.

"Hip hop is our passion. It's something that motivates us. It strengthens us. It's something that helps us express how we feel. It's been what we've been doing our whole lives since we were kids. And it's something that really means a lot to us," said one of the A-Team members.

"Something different we're going to be bringing to the stage is our uniqueness and we all think that everyone here hasn't seen something that we have, something that we've been training for. It's really something different. It's like a box of chocolates," she added.

Three Filipino groups, meanwhile, made it to the semis of the Adult category, namely The Crew, Philippine Allstars, and The Project. However, only The Crew advanced to the finals. — Mark D. Merueñas /LBG, GMA News

...the Fukuoka filmfest winner

Pinoy filmmaker Kidlat Tahimik wins 2012 Fukuoka Prize for Arts and Culture

 

 

August 3, 2012

GMA News

 

 

Multi-awarded Filipino filmmaker Eric de Guia, also known as Kidlat Tahimik, will be the recipient of the 2012 Fukuoka Prize for arts and culture.

 

De Guia will will be awarded 3,000,000 yen or P1.6 million for winning the arts and culture category of the 2012 Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize. The two other categories are the Grand Prize and Academic Prize.
 

The 2012 Fukuoka Prize for arts and culture is another addition to Kidlat Tahimik’s awards. In this 2009 photo, he performs an Igorot dance after receiving UP’s Gawad Plaridel. File photo by Roehl Niño Bautista, GMA News

"Mr. Kidlat Tahimik has...achieved many successes as a leading Asian independent filmmaker.  He has also been an inspiration to the young generation as well as working constantly on diverse artistic projects. For such a contribution, he deserves the Arts and Culture Prize of the Fukuoka Prize," said the award citation.

 

De Guia graduated from the University of the Philippines. He also studied at the Wharton School of Business and University of Pennsylvania, where he received an MBA.

 

He worked as a researcher for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris, France, after which he returned home to start his career as an independent filmmaker.

 

His first film, Perfumed Nightmare (1977) received the FIPRESCI Award (International Critics Award) at the Berlin International FIlm Festival. The film was followed by a series of idiosyncratic films.

 

At the screening of his films, De Guia performs sketches and dances with a company of Igorot people.

 

The 2012 Fukuoka Prize

 

According to the secretariat of the Fukuoka Prize Committee, the prize was established in 1990 to "honor outstanding achievements by individuals or groups/organizations in preserving and creating the unique and diverse culture of Asia."

 

"The aim is to foster and increase awareness of the value of Asian cultures as well as to establish a framework within which Asians can learn from, and share with, each other," it said.

 

The secretariat said there have been 88 prize recipients from almost every region in Asia in the last 22 years. — Kimberly Jane Tan/RSJ, GMA News

...the biggest gainer

Peso still Asia-Pacific’s biggest gainer vs US dollar in July

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Thursday, August 2nd, 2012

 

 

The peso continued to register the biggest gain against the dollar among major currencies in the Asia-Pacific region in July.

The local currency was buoyed by growing remittances, “hot money” inflows and foreign investments in the country’s business process outsourcing sector.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said the peso appreciated by 5.1 percent against the greenback from the start of the year to the end of July.

He said the pace of the peso’s rise in the first seven months was the fastest compared with the performance of other regional currencies—including the Indonesian rupiah, Thai baht, Malaysian ringgit and Singaporean dollars.

The peso closed at 41.72 to a dollar on July 31.

Tetangco also said there was a possibility that the peso would continue to appreciate in the months ahead given existing indicators.

The 5.1-percent year-to-date appreciation of the peso as of end-July followed the 4.33-percent gain as of the end of June, when the local currency was also named the region’s biggest gainer against the US dollar.

The remittances from overseas-based Filipinos had remained strong given the rising demand for Filipino workers by employers in various parts of the globe, officials said.

The BSP earlier reported that cash remittances from overseas-based Filipinos amounted to $8.32 billion in the first five months of the year, up by 5.3 percent from $7.9 billion in the same period last year.

The appreciation of the peso was also fueled by the growth of investments by foreign firms in the BPO sector.

Industry members said the Philippines remained an attractive site for foreign investors in the BPO sector because of its English-speaking and more affordable labor force.

“Hot money” inflows, or foreign investments in peso-denominated securities, also contributed to the peso’s strengthening against the dollar. Data from the BSP showed that foreign portfolio investments registered a net inflow of $871 million in July.

Economic officials said the rise in the net inflow of foreign portfolio investments was a result of the investment community’s favorable outlook on the Philippines.

Foreign exchange traders believe the rise of the peso in the first seven months could have been stronger if the BSP was not intervening. The central bank is believed to have been buying dollars from the market to help temper the rise of the peso and prevent too much volatility in the exchange rate.

The BSP said it was not biased for or against a strong peso. Its focus, the BSP said, was on preventing too much volatility in the exchange rate.

A sharp and sudden movement in the currency is bad for the economy, it added.

The peso’s strengthening is beneficial to companies engaged in importation, as this helps reduce the dollar value of imported goods, while the depreciation of the currency is advantageous to export-oriented firms and their employees.—Michelle V. Remo

...the bull-run

PSEi to hit 10,000 by 2018—COL Financial

By: Doris C. Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Wednesday, August 1st, 2012

 

 

 

MANILA, Philippines—The local stock market is still in the early stages of a bull run, with the main index likely to explore the 10,000 territory in 5 and a half years as much-improved domestic economic fundamentals will fuel earnings growth and investor optimism, according to leading online stock brokerage COL Financial.

But it would not be a smooth ride up given serious external problems, the expensive valuations of local stocks and numerous equity placements that have been sapping liquidity, COL Financial head of research April Lee-Tan said in a press briefing on Wednesday.

COL Financial chief technical analyst Juanis Barredo said in the same briefing that the Philippine Stock Exchange index might need to weigh out overbought levels first, noting that the market was asking for pullbacks to muster stronger support for fresh buying. He sees the PSEi having major support levels at 5,130 to 5,150.

Barredo saw a 15-20 percent risk that the correction might go as deep as 4,750, “if something (worse) happens to Europe and China.”

This year, the index has room to go up to a new record high at the 5,500 level, with a 30-percent chance of even exceeding this target, according to Barredo. As of Wednesday, the index closed at 5,298.72.

“The Philippine index proceeds to stand out and may be able to continue to outperform— but it too may need to present occasional corrections to short-term support,” he said.

The PSEi is still in wave three, out of five of Elliot’s bullish waves, according to Barredo. “Wave 3, however, is characterized by chopping swings as the uptrend may frequently swing in and out of overbought levels,” he said.

Over the long-term, Lee-Tan said the stock market should continue to do well due to its resilient consumers, the government’s ability and willingness to spend and the growing momentum of the public-private partnership in infrastructure-building.

“There are also no signs of a bubble yet given the absence of excessive borrowings and investments,” Lee-Tan said.

But Lee-Tan explained that local equities were currently trading at expensive levels not just relative to historical valuations but also relative to prices across regional markets.

The analyst said that COL Financial’s base case scenario of the index hitting 10,000 in 5.5 years assumes a sustained 12 percent per annum growth in corporate earnings and the market’s acceptance of a 16x forward-looking price-to-earnings ratio. This means that investors are willing to pay 16 times the amount of money that company will make for a given year.

“Fundamentals should eventually catch up with expensive valuations, allowing share prices to continue going up,” she said.

Under a best-case scenario, however, Lee-Tan said corporate earnings would be sustained at 15 percent and investors would tolerate a PE ratio of 18x. If this happened, she said, 10,000 might be reachable in 3.5 years.

The worst-case scenario is if earnings would grow by only 10 percent a year and the market would stick to trading at the historical PE ratio of 14x. In this case, she said, it would take eight years for the PSEi to climb to 10,000.

Given COL Financial’s favorable view, Lee-Tan said COL Financial’s recommended portfolio comprises mostly growth stocks: Metropolitan Bank, Banco de Oro Unibank, Metro Pacific Investments, Ayala Corp., Alliance Global Group Inc., Ayala Land Inc., EEI Corp., Puregold Price Club and SM Prime Holdings.

Also cited are three high-dividend-yielding stocks in its portfolio: Bank of the Philippine Islands, Robinsons Land Corp. and Manila Water Co. “These stocks will continue to be in favor given the low interest environment,” she said.

...the best tippers

Pinoys are Asia Pacific’s 2nd best tippers

ABS-CBNnews.com

08/01/2012

MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos are the second most consistent tippers in the Asia Pacific region, according to a survey from MasterCard Worldwide.

A P50 bill. File photo

The survey showed that tipping comes naturally to Filipinos, with 75% of them saying that they regularly give gratuities when visiting restaurants or bars.

Thais emerged on top, with 89% of them saying that they consistently tip, while Hong Kong consumers ranked third at 71%.

At the bottom of the list are the Japanese, with only 3% of them saying that they regularly give tips.


“The research indicates what a diverse set of markets make up the Asia Pacific region,” said Georgette Tan, vice president of communications of MasterCard Worldwide.

“It is a truly remarkable mix of cultures and understanding them is a big challenge for global businesses,” she added.

MasterCard Worldwide’s survey covered nearly 7,000 respondents aged 18 to 64 in 14 Asia Pacific countries.

Below is the full list of the region’s best and worst tippers:

1. Thailand, 89%
2. Philippines, 75%
3. Hong Kong, 71%
4. India, 61%
5. Australia, 55%
6. Malaysia/Indonesia, 40%
7. Singapore, 33%
8. Vietnam, 30%
9. China, 28%
10. New Zealand, 20%
11. Taiwan, 17%
12. South Korea, 13%
13. Japan, 3%

---

...the 2012 Olympic gold medalist

Fil-Am gymnast wins gold in London

By Steve Angeles,

ABS-CBN North America Bureau

08/01/2012

 

 

Kyla Ross of the U.S. poses with her gold medal during a ceremony after the women's gymnastics team final in the North Greenwich Arena at the London 2012 Olympic Games July 31, 2012./ REUTERS

COSTA MESA, Calif.--After a 16-year wait and three Olympics, the U.S. women's gymnastics team, fondly called the Fab Five, has captured Olympic gold.

On the winning team is 15-year-old Filipino-American Kyla Ross, the youngest member of the US women's gymnastics team.

Born in Hawaii to a Filipino-Puerto Rican mother and African American-Japanese father, Ross moved to Aliso Viejo, California.

Gym Max has become her training grounds.

Many of the gymnasts here have known her since 2007.

Many of the awards that decorate the gym are a result of Ross' hard work.

”She really deserves it because she works really hard and is probably the hardest worker out of all of us,” said Stacie Webb, who is Ross’ friend at the gym.

“She’s a kid with a lot of heart and a lot of conviction. She's the kind that does something, hangs on and keeps doing it until she gets it right,” said Lenny Liang, Ross’ assistant coach. “That’s something we try to teach to all our athletes and aspiring Olympians.”

As early as 2008, Ross has had her eye on the 2012 games in London.

The young women from the U.S. beat Russia that took silver. Romania took the bronze.

---

...the growth momentum

PHL economic chief hopes Q2 GDP took the cue from Q1's 6.4% growth

August 1, 2012

GMA News

The gross domestic product's 6.4% growth in the first quarter of 2012 set the bar for the rest of the year, and the country's Socioeconomic chief hopes the economy sustained the momentum for the April-June period.

“We’re hoping we get close to 6.4 percent in the second quarter,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said on the sidelines of the 2013 budget hearing at the House of Representatives.

“Real GDP growth is projected to grow by 5 percent to 6 percent. The 6.4 percent growth in the first quarter gives us a sense that GDP growth [for the whole year] would hit the higher end of the range,” he said in his presentation.

He said growth would be driven by better labor and employment opportunities, strong dollar remittances from overseas Filipinos and the country’s growing retail sector among other sectors.

Balisacan cited several bright spots in the economy which could help cushion the economy from global risks.

"The government has enough fiscal latitude…. Beyond government statistics, we have reinforcing indicators such as governance and competitiveness indicators, credit rating agencies, upbeat private sector, and high stock market indices,” he said.

In the first quarter of the year, GDP grew by 6.4 percent from the revised 4.9 percent a year earlier, thanks to the strong performance of the services and industry sectors which grew 8.5 percent and 4.9 percent, respectively.

The latest forecast of the the interagency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) is that the economy would grow 6-7 percent in 2013, 6.5-7.5 percent in 2014, 7-8 percent in 2015 and 7.5-8.5 percent in 2016.

During Wednesday's hearing, Balisacan said the country needs to develop its own industries for economic growth to hit the 7 percent to 8 percent range. — BM/VS, GMA News

...the amazing actor

A word from that ‘amazing’ Filipino actor in ‘Bourne Legacy’

By: Bayani San Diego Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

July 31, 2012

 

 

JOHN Arcilla, second from left, with his Hollywood “fans,” Rachel Weisz, Jeremy Renner and Tony Gilroy.

Stage and movie thespian John Arcilla couldn’t contain his excitement when he learned that Hollywood director Tony Gilroy had praised him and other local actors cast in the action thriller, “The Bourne Legacy.”

Arcilla told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that he received good feedback from Gilroy right on the set when the movie was shot in the country early this year.

After shooting one scene for eight hours, Arcilla said, Gilroy told him, “You’re amazing.”

Arcilla, who played the head security guard in a laboratory, recalled that they had been shooting the same scene repeatedly. “[Gilroy] took long shots, medium shots and closeups, from different angles.”


Professionalism


Gilroy praised Arcilla for keeping his portrayal fresh and interesting. “He was pleased that I never got bored and delivered the same intense performance in all those takes. He said that he was impressed by the professionalism of Filipino actors.”

JOHN ARCILLA ON THE SET His “small but significant” part was shot for eight hours.

Arcilla said he didn’t have the heart to explain that most of the bit players that the “Bourne” team had hired were theater-trained thespians. “I didn’t want to sound immodest. But that was our training in theater. Since we do a show several times for weeks, we have to keep our performances new and exciting every time.”

The other theater-trained Filipino actors who bagged small roles in the Hollywood film are Lou Veloso, Madeleine Nicolas, Ermie Concepcion, Archie Adamos, Ruby Ruiz, Anne Garcia, Bong Cabrera, Ruth Alferez, Andre Tiangco, Kathlyn Castillo and Joel Torre.

It also helped, Arcilla said, that Filipino actors were not as inhibited as foreigners. “We are very connected with our emotions.”

Like most Filipinos, he was thrilled to see the “Bourne” trailer in local cinemas. But he hasn’t decided whether or not he’d watch the film in a movie house when it opens on August 8.

Bigger star


“I’m nervous. I don’t want to disappoint people who may expect too much,” he explained. “They may think we have big roles in the movie. My role is small, though significant.”

Everywhere he goes in the country, he said, he is greeted, “You’re the ‘Bourne’ actor!” It’s embarrassing, he said. “We are not the lead stars in this movie.” Actually, he pointed out, the bigger star of “Bourne” is the country.

Arcilla explained: “It will be interesting to see how a foreign filmmaker has captured Manila onscreen,” he said. “We may get to see the country in a different light.”

It was not Arcilla’s first time to impress a Western director, truth to tell.

Impressed

He received plaudits from Oscar-nominated British filmmaker Sean Ellis, who shot the film “Metro Manila” also this year with a cast of Filipinos, including Jake Macapagal, Althea Vega and Leon Miguel.

“Sean used to be a photographer; he knew what he wanted, how to frame each scene,” Arcilla said, surmising that Ellis truly enjoyed the country because “he named his firstborn child Manila. The experience must have been really special to Sean.”

“Metro Manila” is being primed for a major international film festival, said the actor. “Sean told me that we got a top distributor in France as well.”

Arcilla hopes that “Bourne,” “Metro Manila” and other international productions shot in the country will lead to more projects and meatier parts for local actors.

“I’m very proud of our countrymen,” he said. “Maybe in the future we will land bigger roles. Even if we’re just the villain’s assistant… that would be great. We have what it takes to cross over.”

...the best airport freezone in the world

Clark 3rd best airport freezone in the world

 

ABS-CBNnews.com

07/31/2012

 

MANILA, Philippines - Clark International Airport in Pampanga was ranked third best airport freezone in the world according to a survey conducted by a magazine published by the Financial Times Business Group of London.

 

A Palace official welcomed the report, saying the government is working to improve the airport's facilities.

"We welcome the assessment made by the London Financial Times Group. Certainly, we are in the process of improving our airport facilities... That has been the commitment made by Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas to the President and, therefore, the said agency will exert all its best efforts to improve the facilities of not only Clark but also the other airports," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said.

FDi Magazine, a bi-monthly news and foreign direct investment publication, recently published its "Global Free Zones of the Future 2012/13" report. In the magazine's report, Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), which runs the airport, was named the third best freeport airport in the world.

The same magazine ranked Clark Freeport Zone as the 8th best freeport zone in the world, with Dubai Airport Free Zone being named the best. In 2010, Clark Freeport Zone was ranked 7th.

Earlier, the Department of Transportation and Communication said it is financing a P100-million study on the feasibility of turning Clark International Airport into the main international airport of the country.

...the boxer's hope

Olympics: Barriga punches through to final 16

 

RENEE FOPALAN,

GMA News

 

 

July 31, 2012 Filipino boxer Mark Barriga capitalized on a strong first round to emerge victorious against Italian foe Manuel Cappai of Italy, 17-7, to advance to the final 16 of Men's Light Fly 49 kgs in the 2012 London Olympic games, Tuesday.

Barriga was effective as a counter-puncher in the first round, forcing the referee to give Cappai a standing eight count in the final 15 seconds. With the knockdown, Barriga won the round, 5-2.

 



Philippines (Barriga, in red) vs. Italy (Cappai, in blue)

In the second round, Barriga defended well, even with Cappai hooking and locking the Filipino's right hand to win anew, 4-2.

The final round was all about Barriga, who scored on a combination late in the third to seal the win, 8-3.

Barriga now faces Kazakhstan's Birzhan Zhakypov, who won a close bout against Jeremy Baccu of France, 18-7.

The Filipino will meet his Kazakhstani foe on Saturday, 8:45 pm, Manila time.- AMD, GMA News

...the Sweet spot (by UBS)

Phl remains in sweet spot for investments - UBS

 

Philstar 

31 July 2012

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines remains in a sweet spot with a lot of room for investment and economic activities, the Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS) said in its latest report.

“The lack of excess suggests the Philippine economy is still in a sweet spot. Easy monetary policy settings and rich asset valuations can encourage excesses in domestic credit and investment activity, but these have yet to show up in a meaningful way,” UBS said in a report released last week following the 25-basis points reduction in key policy rates by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

On Thursday, the BSP reduced the overnight borrowing rate to a low of 3.75 percent and the lending rate to 5.75 percent on concerns over global growth risks.

In its report, UBS raised the question as to whether it was necessary for monetary authorities to raise rates.
It said that easing monetary policy may spur credit but this has yet to be seen.

UBS also said the Philippine economy is not immune to the global external risks such as the crisis in the euro zone.

“At the same time, the Philippine economy is not immune to global headwinds. In the context of international risks to the Philippine economy and low inflation, a reasonable case for policy easing can and has been made by the BSP,” UBS said.

It said that earlier BSP monetary policy should be good for asset prices.

UBS said it expects the policy rate to be at 3.75 percent for the overnight borrowing rate and the peso at 42 to the dollar by yearend.

The inflation rate dipped to 2.8 percent in June from 2.9 percent in May, according to latest data from the National Statistics Office.

The June inflation brought year-to-date inflation at three percent, falling at the lower end of the central bank’s three to five percent target for 2012. - By Iris C. Gonzales (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

 

...the Asians in NBA

Expect more Asian NBA players - Spoelstra

July 31, 2012

GMA News

 

 

 

"I don't see why there won't continue to be players from Asia...one of these days hopefully from the Philippines, but it is exciting" - Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat Coach

 

 

 

Singapore - NBA fans can expect more foreign players including Asians in the US professional league, Erik Spoelstra, the Filipino-American coach of NBA champions Miami Heat said Monday.

"The game of basketball... has become global and the NBA will search for players and talent in any country in any region of the world as long as that talent can help teams win," said Spoelstra.

"I don't see why there won't continue to be players from Asia, from Europe, from South America, one of these days hopefully from the Philippines, but it is exciting," he told journalists during a promotional visit to Singapore.

Spoelstra, who coached the Miami Heat to their second NBA title in June, hailed the achievements of former New York Knicks star Jeremy Lin, one of the few Asian Americans in NBA history.

Lin, who recently signed to join the Houston Rockets, rocketed to fame last season with the Knicks, thrilling New York fans with his clutch shooting and passing skills, sparking the "Linsanity" phenomenon.

"Hopefully we can break down barriers and ultimately players will be viewed for just that talent and not necessarily their race," he said of Lin, whose parents are from Taiwan.

"It really is a worldwide game and you are seeing some incredible stories come from different areas in the world," he said.

Spoelstra, whose mother is from the Philippines, is the first ever head coach of Asian descent to win an NBA title. - AFP

...the Pinoy talent

Pixar Co-Founder Ralph Guggenheim Lauds Filipino Talent

 

BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT EXCLUSIVE

By ANNIE S. ALEJO

July 30, 2012

 

 

 

Ralph Guggenheim notes the huge potential in the Philippine Creative Services sector (File Photo)

 
 
 MANILA, Philippines - Marking the maiden staging of the Film, Animation and Gaming Congress of the Department of Tourism on July 26 and 27 was the participation of acclaimed international film and animation professionals, among them Nickelodeon’s Eli Noyes, Cartoon Network Online creator Doug Barry and Pixar co-founder Ralph Guggenheim.
 
Guggenheim, who has served as the Vice President of Feature Animation for Pixar Studios and as lead producer for the 1997 animated hit “Toy Story,” and who has been executive producer for Electronic Arts, now runs Alligator Planet LLC. His current company is involved in projects that put him in business with various offshore production studios. While he is yet to work with a Filipino studio, he does know our rich history in the creative field.

“Philippines has a long history of animation that I know goes back at least… it’s 20 years that I’ve been involved in this sort of thing and I know that it goes further than that,” Guggenheim tells Bulletin Entertainment on the last day of the Congress. “And there’s a number of great studios that are here and a number of great young artists whose work we’ve seen over the last few days [that we’ve been in the country]. So we think there’s huge potential here.”

The Congress, with the theme “Made in the Philippines: From Storytelling to Storyselling,” coincided with the Cinemalaya Film Festival. It aimed to help filmmakers (producers/directors), original content creators, and various other people in Philippine Creative Industries to identify issues and challenges that face them, as well as the various opportunities open to them.

It had also planted the seed in the development of a globally competitive Creative Services in the country. In fact, according to a DTI press release, the Creative Services sector reported revenues in 2011 of about US$142 million for animation and US$7 million for game development. It employs almost 10,000 creative workers and support workers as well.

Of bigger and perhaps more worldwide opportunities for local artists, Guggenheim notes, “All of the studios that I know have started because a few artists came together and built something and it became larger and larger and they did better and better work as time went on. They weren’t all experts when they started but their expertise grew and their knowledge grew as they worked together. And it’s an industry where young talent is always appreciated and always desired, so there’s no question that this could happen.”

Perhaps his visit would become beneficial to both him and our local artists.  “We always do a lot of projects with overseas companies and we’re always looking for a new, young talent and companies that are capable of creating stuff and that can work together with us in ah… projects. So yeah, we are always in search for that and we think the Philippines will be a great place to work.”

Guggenheim and some fellow speakers planned to wrap up their second day of the Congress on the 27th by staying a few more hours at the CCP. “I will see my first film at Cinemalaya this afternoon. We’ve been busy with the conference,” he smiles. “We love independent films and I’ve heard Cinemalaya has great filmmakers and great films so I’m ready to relax and enjoy some films.”

As advice to young creators, Guggenheim closes the interview by offering, “I was once so young [boy] who had an interest in animation, got together with some people I knew and liked, and things grew and changed and our company became successful. But we didn’t start with anything more than a dream and an idea of what we wanted to do.”


Indeed, big dreams come true not just in the make-believe world of movies and animation but, as Guggenheim proves, also in real life.

...the upbeat market

PH stocks rally sharply on reports of good corporate earnings, upbeat markets

By: Doris C. Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Monday, July 30th, 2012

 

MANILA, Philippines—Most local stocks rallied sharply on Monday on the back of a good initial stream of local corporate earnings and upbeat global markets.

The main-share Philippine Stock Exchange index gained 58.35 points, or 1.12 percent, to finish at 5,277.90. The market was perked up by the earnings reports of several large-cap stocks alongside growing expectations across global markets of stimuli from the US Federal Reserve and European Central Bank.

All counters were up but the financial, property, holding firm and mining/oil counters boosted the main index the most, each rising by over 1 percent.

Among the day’s out-performers were Pepsi Philippines (+14.98 percent), SM Prime (+4.34 percent) and Ayala Corp. (+4 percent). SM Investments (+1.28 percent) even hit a new record high of P753 per share in intraday trade after SM Prime’s first-half results came in slightly ahead of market expectations.

Shares of BDO also surged by 1.94 percent after first-semester results were on track with the bank’s full-year guidance.

Meralco, Metro Pacific and PLDT shares were likewise up by 1.87 percent, 2.46 percent and 0.22 percent, respectively, after Meralco’s first-semester results prompted an upgrade of the utility firm’s earnings guidance for the full year.

Meanwhile, Pepsi’s shares surged and made it to the list of most actively traded stocks after the beverage firm reported a 436-percent jump in first-semester net profits as sales expanded while softer sugar prices tempered input costs.

Other stocks that contributed to the PSEi’s rise were Metrobank (+1.95 percent), ALI (+0.94 percent), URC (+0.86 percent), AGI (+0.87 percent), Globe (+0.59 percent) and DMCI (+0.88 percent).

GT Capital, Security Bank and Puregold also gained. Security Bank, for its part, estimated a hefty 29 percent growth in lending for the first semester.

On the other hand, shares of Semirara, FPH and Union Bank traded lower.

Union Bank grew its first-semester net profit by 42 percent to P4.07 billion but about 70 percent of the bank’s first-semester bottom line was chalked up during the first quarter. For the second quarter alone, Union Bank’s net profit declined by 43 percent to P1.22 billion year on year as trading gains fell (by 32 percent to P641.3 million) even as net interest income surged (by 16.3 percent to P1.89 billion). This was in line with market expectations of slower treasury gains in the second quarter.

“The market may continue base-building at 5,200. At this level, the market is trading at fair value of 15.5x, based on earnings growth of 19 percent. The rally will resume when the earnings outlook improves and/or price to earnings (ratio) is re-rated higher,” said Peter Raymond Lee, assistant vice president at IGC Securities Inc.

...the land of promises and more

Butuan City bullish on Mindanao business conference

 

July 30, 2012

GMA News

 

 

Butuan City eagerly anticipates the upcoming 21st Mindanao Business Conference as the city sees it as a means by which to draw attention to the investment potential of the city and its surrounding area.

 

The 21st Mindanao Business Conference, which will be held from Aug. 2 to 4 in Butuan City, is expected to draw 300 participants, including senior business leaders, members of chambers of commerce, government policymakers, investors and foreign trading partners.

 

The conference is the main multi-sectoral platform for fostering competitiveness and accelerating growth in Mindanao. 

 

“This is a good time for public-private investment. We are finalizing build-operate-transfer schemes for upgrading the ports in Nasipit and Masao, and have worked with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, other government agencies and the local private sector to open up 10,000 hectares of land for development,” said Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. in a statement.

 

Butuan City is considered the gateway to the resource-rich Caraga region of Northern Mindanao.

 

Amante also cited several on-going business developments in Butuan, including the construction of a mall and 150-room hotel by a nationwide chain, as well as a golf course.

 

In addition to its tourism and mining industries, the Caraga region also has strong competitive advantages in agriculture. 

 

“We are looking forward to hosting this event and drawing attention to investment in Butuan City and surrounding provinces,” said the mayor.

 

The 21st Mindanao Business Conference was organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with support from the Mindanao Development Authority and the U.S. Agency for International Development through its Growth with Equity in Mindanao Program.

 

The Mindanao business community is expected to present their business policy agenda to President Benigno Aquino III during conference. 

 

The agenda contains Mindanao businessmen’s recommendations on how to improve the economy and business climate in Mindanao as well as how to address the most pressing economic policy concerns in the region. — DVM, GMA News

...the proud country

What Filipinos can be proud of

By Andrea Chloe Wong
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Sunday, July 29th, 2012

 

 

CREATIVE MINDS, SPONTANEOUS HUMOR Filipinos all over the world contributed to the more-fun campaign of Tourism Secretary Mon Jimenez. Photo By Bryan Macabales/contributor

What is it that Filipinos can boast about the Philippines? Quite hard to figure especially when the country struggles with an image problem: excessive corruption, extreme poverty, and source of cheap manual labor.

These are some of the general impressions of the world about the Philippines that, while unpleasant, are undeniably true.

However, despite the many negative comments that quite often overshadow the positive, there are definitely so many things to be proud of. Chief of which is actually: ourselves. The Filipino is renowned all over the world for remarkable qualities, often downplayed or overlooked, but which nonetheless brings pride to the country.

Our caring ways

Essentially, we Filipinos can be proud of our humanity. We are a highly-relational people, proficient in emotionally and socially connecting with others.

Our innate humanity is very much apparent in the caring ways we interact with those close to us including others outside our kin circle. In fact, this trait is one of the distinct assets of millions of Filipino doctors, nurses, care givers, and nannies who work abroad. Generally, we are known for our heartfelt concern, nurturing spirit, and caring touch, which naturally make our workers in demand overseas. Though it may sometimes rub us the wrong way that our country is frequently associated with overseas labor (especially domestic help), we can always look at it in a more positive view. We can stand proud of those Filipino workers who give exceptional and genuine care to the rest of the world.

THAT CARING TOUCH Filipino doctors and nurses are world-renowned. Photo By Bryan Macabales/contributor

Hospitality even abroad

Also, our inherent humanity is also reflected in our world-famous hospitality that truly amazes anyone who has experienced it. Foreigners who come to visit the Philippines speak of Filipinos going out of their way to help them when lost, or the heartwarming generosity of a Filipino family hosting a visitor in their poverty-stricken home. Meanwhile, most foreigners who attend Filipino gatherings abroad (which are frequently organized for hundreds of reasons) testify to the warmth and friendliness of Filipinos as they experience that feeling of “belongingness.” Indeed, the legendary Filipino hospitality is not limited to the Philippines. It is everywhere wherever there are Filipinos.

Our intrinsic humanity is perhaps best exemplified in our compassion for others. The kind of compassion that, not only feels sympathy, but bothers the conscience to give help and relieve the suffering of others. Our compassion is eminently reflected in our personal capacity to assist others and in our collective spirit of volunteerism.

Pinoy creativity

Aside from our humanity, we Filipinos can be proud of our creativity. While being creative is not an exclusive trait possessed only by Filipinos, what makes ours distinct is the artistry, expressiveness, spontaneity, and humor that altogether define Filipino creativity. Aside from the abundance of world-renowned Filipino talents in music and the performing arts, our country is rich with visual artists, fashion designers, animators and many other artists. Filipinos are making waves in the international scene, particularly in the entertainment, creative, and design industries.

MAKING do with a little tub, kids have fun. Photo By Bryan Macabales/contributor

Filipino creativity, however, is not limited to the professional artists. The country’s tourism campaign “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” is a remarkable testimony to the creative minds and spontaneous wit that Filipinos generally share. This impromptu show of support to Philippine tourism merely proves that we can unite and use our collective ingenuity to rally behind a common cause for the benefit of the country.

Adaptability

Besides creativity, we Filipinos can be proud of our adaptability. We are highly adaptable to different people, cultures, and situations that generally make us well-rounded beings. While overseas, we not only connect with fellow Filipinos but we also adjust easily to different cultures and diverse people. We tend to make do with what little we have and find pleasure in the simple things. We adapt well in difficult situations that likewise showcase our resilience as a nation. Others may view this as a general acceptance of fate or a strange kind of coping mechanism. The Filipinos’ optimistic reaction to diversity, uncertainty and adversity truly baffles, or at most amazes.

How many times do foreigners get astounded with Filipinos after every storm? Aside from pictures of the Filipinos’ survival efforts, foreigners are astounded by images of children having fun swimming in the floodwaters or people in evacuation centers smiling and waving at the cameras. Truly, Filipinos reveal a positive spirit of adapting to distress and finding something pleasant amidst the misery.

AND FUN-LOVING Anywhere in the world. This spontaneous dance performance was in Guangzhou, China.Photo courtesy of the Philippine consulate

These are just some of the qualities (among many others) that can truly make us proud of who we are and where we come from. Though sometimes we tend to channel them in nonconstructive ways (like being “compassionate” to government crooks at the expense of justice), we should instead exemplify these traits for the benefit of others and our nation. By doing so, we continue to embody the best and the positive in us.

Oftentimes, we are constrained by our negativity that causes us to ridicule or think little of ourselves. And this somehow spills over to how we easily scorn our country. While the negative traits in us are admittedly real and contagious, these should not overpower us and define our overall identity.

Perhaps what better way to brag about the Philippines is to live out these legendary Filipino qualities the best way we can. After all, each one of us is the most convincing spokesperson of our country— the good and the bad we project ultimately impacts the country’s image. Hopefully we can reduce the tendency to disparage ourselves, and instead accentuate the good in us with confidence towards transforming our nation.

It is no small wonder that the most celebrated icons of the Philippines are actually its people: Lea Salonga, Manny Pacquiao, Cory Aquino, Jose Rizal, Kenneth Cobonpue, Efren Peñaflorida and so many others who all make us proud of our country. Not to mention some of the millions of Filipinos here and abroad who serve as living examples of the best of the Philippines. Truly, there is always something good in us that give us reasons to not give up on ourselves and to have hope in our home.

...the Pinoy in Indonesian Bulaga

Poor Filipino makes it in ‘Bulaga’ Indonesia

By: Gabriel Cardinoza
Inquirer Northern Luzon
July 29, 2012



BOLINAO, PANGASINAN—As a teenager in this northern coastal town, Leonardo Consul walked every day from a small rented house in Barangay Arnedo to Cape Bolinao High School to attend his classes.

He dreamed of becoming a news anchor someday.

To his schoolmates and teachers, he was Dhong, the choreographer, dancer, singer, emcee, campus journalist and school play actor and director. To his family, he was Dodong, a smart and active kid, who was so full of determination to succeed.

Today, he is Leo Consul, the only Filipino among the hosts of Eat Bulaga Indonesia, which has been getting good ratings in Indonesia since its debut on July 16 over Surya Citra Televisi (SCTV) in Jakarta.

The show has made Consul an instant celebrity, not only among Indonesians but also Filipinos.

“It’s overwhelming. The support and acceptance that I’m getting not only from Indonesians but from our kababayan is just amazing. I never expected it would go this far,” says Consul, 24, in an e-mail interview.

“Sometimes when I’m alone, I’d find myself taking a pause and catch myself staring blankly with my jaws dropped. I still can’t believe this is actually happening,” he says.

Consul’s journey to where he is now has not been smooth and easy.

Teofilo Corilla, principal of Cape Bolinao High School, says he almost cried when he learned on Saturday that Consul has made it big in Indonesia.

“I was very elated when I learned that Leo was already there, especially when many people texted me, asking about him. He was the talk in the church after the Mass last Sunday,” Corilla told the Inquirer.

But what made him teary-eyed, he says, was when he remembered all Consul had gone through because he belonged to a poor family. He says Consul often stayed in a corner during recess because he had no money to buy snacks.

“Life was very hard for them,” Corilla says.

Bright student

Despite this, Consul was active in school activities. When he graduated in 2004, he was fourth place in his class and one of only six students who passed the admission test to the country’s premier University of the Philippines.

He also received the school’s “Journalist of the Year” and “Emcee of the Year” awards.

Consul’s father, Ernesto, 69, says he could not contain his happiness when he was shown a video footage of his youngest son as one of the hosts of Eat Bulaga Indonesia.

To him, Consul’s success was more than any parent like him could ask for. “Study hard because I did not finish anything and I have nothing to give you,” Ernesto remembers always telling his son.

Ernesto says he first worked as a driver in Metro Manila hoping to send his five children to college.

“I drove taxi cabs, jeepneys, even cargo trucks. I wanted my children to attend even just two years of college,” Ernesto says. “I told them, ‘By attending college for two years, you would have at least a little educational background.’”

Of his five children, only Consul finished college.

His eldest son, Ernil, stays with him here. Two other sons work in Metro Manila and his only daughter, Nellie Grace, married an American and migrated to Indiana in 2005. His wife works in a laundry shop in Makati City.

Consul says his first television break was in a regional television show of the ABS-CBN network Baguio as one of the hosts of “Northern Catch Atin ’To,” a weekly TV magazine. He was then a Communications student at UP-Baguio.

Teacher in Jakarta

When he finished college, he says, he decided to visit Indonesia on the invitation of friends who were working as teachers in an International School there.

“Since I didn’t have a job in the Philippines back then, I decided to send my resume to several International Schools in Jakarta and luckily, I got hired. I taught for six months and then I quit because of some personal problems,” Consul says.

He was about to come home to the Philippines to look for another job when Sony BMG Indonesia invited him to audition for its boy band, XO-IX, which is one of the most successful boy bands in Indonesia.

Consul got in but after arduous months of training, things didn’t work out.

He was about to lose hope, he says, when Nada’s Records contacted him and asked him if he was interested in joining a vocal group named RiS3 (pronounced as Rise).

“I got in but didn’t expect too much because of my past experience. The group did quite well. We released our first single entitled, ‘Hidup Cuma Sekali’ (We Only Live Once) and our first music video,” Consul says.

Big break

Earlier this month, Consul says an agent whom he had worked with on several TV commercials in Indonesia asked him to audition as TV presenter on Surya Citra Televisi (SCTV) for an upcoming show.

“I tried my luck. When I came to the audition, I had no idea that it was for Eat Bulaga Indonesia. I thought it was just another music show, which sporadically airs here in Indonesia,” Consul says.

But when he got a copy of a script to memorize, Consul says he was thrilled.

“I just had a rough idea of what the show would be like because it was written in straight Bahasa Indonesia, but when I read ‘Eat Bulaga Indonesia,’ I was revved up,” he says.

“I got inside the screening room. They asked me to deliver the lines, although I messed up with my Bahasa because they asked me to do an impromptu. They also asked me to sing and dance,” he says.

After the audition, Consul says he didn’t expect too much. “I wasn’t sure if I’d get in because for you to become a TV host here, you have to speak fluent Bahasa … this is not really an English-speaking country,” he says.

But just five days after his audition, Consul says he received a call telling him that he had been chosen.

“I was surprised. I didn’t expect it. They told me that the character that they were looking for fitted me right.

After several days, we went through briefings, rehearsals and simulations. I was taken aback because things happened really fast. I thought it was going to run after a month or so, but we hit the airwaves on July 16, a week after the audition,” Consul says.

First foreign franchise

Tape Inc., Eat Bulaga’s Manila producers, provided SCTV with a production manual outlining the noontime show’s set design and game portions.

Malou Choa-Fagar, Tape Inc.’s senior vice president and chief operating officer, met Leo Consul and the other “Eat Bulaga Indonesia” hosts when the Filipinos visited the show’s set during its debut on July 16. “At first, I thought Leo was Indonesian because he spoke Bahasa. I was surprised to learn that he was from the Philippines.”

Fagar said Filipinos could “blend well in Indonesia.”

“We have a lot of similarities. Even some words in Bahasa sound the same as Filipino terms,” she said.

Bulagaan in Filipino is translated as “Bolagaan” in Indonesia.

Fagar said, “Leo seems to be doing well there. The Indonesian producers got a good mix of new and veteran hosts for the show.”

(One of the Philippines’ original core hosts, “Bossing” Vic Sotto has his Indonesian counterpart: Uya Kuya, who is called “Boss Uya.”)

Bolinao’s inspiration

Leo’s brother, Ernil, says he learned of his brother’s casting on Eat Bulaga Indonesia when they chatted via Facebook just a day before the show aired.

“I’m so happy for him,” Ernil says.

“Leo was so full of determination. He always told us that we should not allow poverty to defeat us,” Ernil says.

Consul says he can imagine his father’s excitement about his success. “He’s always been so proud of me. I’m doing all this for him actually. I haven’t seen him for like six years now and I miss him so much,” he says.

To residents of this small seaside town, Consul has become a new hero and inspiration. In his high school yearbook, Consul wrote: “Poverty is not a hindrance to success.” With a report from Bayani San Diego Jr

...the elderly-friendly city

Makati named 'most retirement-friendly' city

 

ABS-CBNnews.com

Posted at 07/28/2012

 

 

MANILA, Philippines – Makati City has been named by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) as the “most retirement and aging-friendly” city in the country based on criteria from the World Health Organization (WHO).

 

Makati has the most number of foreign retirees from China, Japan, Korea, Europe and US. Most of them are now Filipino citizens while others have acquired dual citizenship.

Under WHO’s criteria, a city is considered “age-friendly” based on the number of establishments, transportation services, social participation and health services that cater to the elderly.

WHO also recognizes the bi-annual allowances provided to Makati’s senior citizens every June and December.

Senior citizens in the city also get birthday cakes, free haircut and salon treatments, free massage, funeral benefits and free movie tickets.

PRA also awarded Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay the “Best of Radar 2012” for the city’s retirement programs. -- report from Henry Atuelan, dzMM

...the Math wizzards in Taipei

Philippines wins 2nd overall, 41 awards in Taiwan math contest

July 29, 2012

GMA News

Filipino students won 41 medals and awards and wound up second overall in the elementary division in the Taiwan International Mathematics Competition (TAIMC) 2012 held from July 23 to 28 in Taipei.

The competition had 588 contestants from 28 countries including US, China and Canada, according to Dr. Simon Chua, head of the Philippine delegation and president of the Mathematics Trainers Guild-Philippines (MTG).

The TAIMC had two divisions: the 2012 Elementary Mathematics International Competition (EMIC 2012) and 2012 Invitational World Youth Mathematics Intercity Competition (IWYMIC 2012) for high school.

Filipino math wizards together with DOST-SEI Director Dr. Filma Brawner and DepEd Assistant Sec. Dr. Elena Ruiz (center) show the medals and trophies that they won at the awarding ceremony of the Taiwan International Mathematics Competition (TAIMC) 2012 in Taipei.

In the EMIC, gold medalists for the Philippines are Farrell Eldrian Wu of MGC New Life Christian Academy in Taguig City, Clyde Wesley Ang of Chiang Kai Shek College and Andrea Jaba of Saint Jude Catholic School.

Bronze medalists are Matthew Uy of Xavier School, Christian Philip Gelera of UP Integrated School and Cristiana Marie Calderon of Falcon School.

Wu, Ang, Uy and Gelera of Philippine Team A were declared second overall in the elementary division by winning first runner-up in the team and group contests. China was declared champion while Singapore was second runner-up.

Merit awardees are:

• Albert Neil Dulay (Integrated Montessori Center-Taguig)
• Lorems Yrol Pedeglorio (Butuan City SPED Center)
• Christopher Banzon (Nemesio Yabut Elementary School)
• John Aries Ceazar Hingan (San Beda College Alabang)
• Justine John Serdoncillo (Elizabeth Seton School-South)
• Emmanuel Pablo Santos (Colegio San Agustin-Biñan)
• Hans Markson Tan (St. Stephen's High School)
• Alyssa Guevarra (De La Salle Santiago Zobel School)
• Angelika Tagupa (Colegio San Agustin-Makati)

Philippine Team A, composed of Hingan, Serdoncillo, Santos and Tan, won second runner-up in the team and group contests while Jaba, Guevara, Calderon and Tagupa won first and second runners-up in the team and group contests. In the IWYMIC, Filipinos won 2 gold, 2 silver, 9 bronze medals and 2 merit awards.

Gold medalists are Kelsey Lim Tiong Soon of Grace Christian College, and Ma. Czarina Lao of Saint Jude Catholic School, who was a member of the international team.

Winning silver medals are Jason Allan Tan of Jubilee Christian School and Deany Cheng of Grace Christian School.

Bronze medalists are:

• Andrew Lawrence Sy (Xavier School)
• Andrew Ong (Chiang Kai Shek College)
• Judy Ann Donato and Joshua Taguinod (Valenzuela City Science High School)
• Mario Antonio Ongkiko (Xavier School)
• Matthew Ryan Tan (Saint Jude Catholic School)
• Jonn Angel Aranas (Makati Science High School)
• Nathanael Joshua Balete and John Thomas Chuatak (St. Stephen's High School)

Merit awardees are Jason Joseph Fernandez of Philippine Science High School-Main and Francis Concepcion of Philippine Cultural College Manila.

Sy, Tan, Ong and Ramon Galvan III of Iloilo Central Commercial High School won second and first runners-up in the team and group contests. Lim Tiong Soon, Tan, Aranas and Balete of Philippine Team C won first runner-up, and Philippine Team D members Chuatak, Cheng, Taguinod and Ethan Riley Chan of Zamboanga Chong Hua High School won second runner-up in the group contest. Other participating Filipino contestant was Lou Irish Gonzales of Pasig Catholic College.

Dr. Filma Brawner, director of the Science Education Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-SEI), and Dr. Elena Ruiz, assistant secretary for programs and projects of the Department of Education, were invited to the Taipei contest as lecturers in the World Conference on the Mathematically Gifted Students--the Role of Educators and Parents, which was part of the TAIMC.

Team leaders and deputies of the Philippine team are Dr. Eduardo Dela Cruz, dean of the Arellano University's School of Education; Dr. Alma Bella Bautista, Arvie Ubarro, Roberto Degolacion, Eugenia Guerra, Joseph Wee, Carmela Antoinette Lao, Jonathan Glorial, Jonathan Hicap and Ronnie Apari.

Besides the Philippines, other participating countries in the TAIMC are Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Cyprus, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, US, Ukraine, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.