...the Earth Hour hero country

Philippines aims to be Earth Hour Hero Country for 5^th straight year!

 

Nikko Tuazon
Philippine Entertainment Portal
02 March 2013
 

Earth Hour Ambassadors Marc Nelson, Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski and Rovilson Fernandez with World Wide Fund for Nature mascot "Chichi the Panda."

Photo: Courtesy of WWF-Philippines

World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature Philippines, the local organizer of Earth Hour, is gunning for the country’s fifth straight win for the title Earth Hour Hero Country.

Earth Hour, which started in Sydney, Australia last 2007, aims to motivate people in reducing their energy consumption by switching off their lights for an hour. The Philippines joined this advocacy on March 28, 2008, at the CCP Open Grounds.
 

This year's nationwide "switch-off" is slated for March 23, at exactly 8:30 p.m. Many of the nation’s landmarks including Cebu and Davao are expected to participate in this event. Cities from Argentina to Zimbabwe are also expected to join in this worldwide call for action on climate change.

In a press conference held last February 27 in Makati City, WWF-Philippines Vice-chair and CEO Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan expressed his ambition for more Filipinos to join this stand against climate change.

“We’ve reached a point where the Philippines has not only come across as a leader in Earth Hour but a leader in many technologies and in many ways.

“When we are ahead, let’s stay ahead and when we make a difference let’s make that difference.”
“And we are allowed to make a difference but mainly because we are a democracy, like very few countries in Asia.

“Democracy is not merely freedom, it is participation and that’s the key behind Earth Hour.”

Earth Hour Philippines National director Atty. Gia Ibay also noted that they are now going to use the digital media to motivate Filipinos to participate in the event.

“[For] four straight years, we’ve actually been doing this and now we’re going digital. We are living in such a digital age that we want to capitalize [on] it.

“If Gangnam Style can galvanize other people, why not Earth Hour galvanize people in actually doing something for their planet.”

Atty. Ibay further explained the objectives of their "I Will If You Will" campaign: “We really want the people to not just think about what the challenge is in terms of the handle of ‘I Will If You Will’ but really dare yourself what can you do on a day to day basis?”
 
BEYOND 60+. Meanwhile, Filipina equestrienne and actress Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski joins Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez as the newest ambassador of WWF-Philippines for Earth Hour.

In an interview, Mikee emphasized how a small contribution by every person can make a difference.

She also challenged everyone to go beyond the 60-minute Earth Hour switch off by starting on their own environment-friendly activities.

“Every small contribution is a big deal not just when we add all up because when we put it all together, you know, it all adds up but for ourselves, I think [it’s] the fact that we try to challenge ourselves and no one’s telling us what to do and how we do it.

“It’s how we know ourselves... our strengths, our limitations, our weaknesses and what we think our effort is worth.

 

...the US ambassador

US ambassador lists why it’s more fun in the Philippines

By Jerry E. Esplanada
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Friday, March 1st, 2013

US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr.: Learning something new every day. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. continues to spread the good word about his host country.

In his remarks during the closing program of the just-concluded Second Global Summit of Filipinos in the Diaspora on Wednesday, Thomas said there were many reasons why it was “more fun in the Philippines.”

“I learn something new every day,” he said. Expatriates like him “just don’t know what to expect” during their stay here, the US envoy told an audience that included Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario and Imelda Nicolas, the chairperson of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, which organized the summit.

“I bet the secretaries did not know that many Filipinos play (American) football every day. And that is one reason why it’s more fun in the Philippines,” said Thomas.

The envoy recalled the recent visit of a “balikbayan that you may not have heard of.”

Eugene Amano has been playing since 2004 as both offensive and defensive lineman for the Tennessee Titans in the US National Football League.

“Born in Manila, he’s 100 percent Filipino,” Thomas said of Amano.

The 31-year-old Amano, who shuttles between Nashville, Tennessee, and San Diego, California, where his family lives, “came home with his parents and he promised that he’s gonna come home every year to help energize football in the Philippines because there is a football league here,” he said.

Thomas extolled the Philippines’ economic resurgence, the energized relations between Manila and Washington, the improved governance and rule of law in the country, as well as President Aquino’s anticorruption campaign.

“These efforts and others, such as what the Global Pinoys for Good Governance and so many others of you are doing bring about the best in our relationship and the best in the Philippine diaspora,” he said.

“I did not come here to tell you what to do. I did not come here to hector. You all know what to do to help the Philippines and the US. We’re very proud of your contributions to both our countries,” he told the summit participants.

Last year, the US market constituted 15.3 percent of the total 4.27 million inbound tourist traffic, bringing 652,626 visitors to the Philippines. The figure was up by 4.5 percent from 624,527 US tourists in 2011.

The Department of Tourism has expressed confidence that more US tourists would visit the country this year.

Early in his tour of duty, Thomas drew flak after he said that 40 percent of foreign male tourists come to the Philippines for commercial sex. He apologized for making the statement.


 

...the emerging Asia's stable economies

Moody's sees PHL, Emerging Asia credit rating stable in 2013

 

SIEGFRID O. ALEGADO

GMA News

March 1, 2013

 

The creditworthiness of emerging Asian markets, including the Philippines, is likely to remain stable this year while local currency debt will account for a chunk of financing needs indicating stability of state coffers, debt watcher Moody's Investors Service in its latest report on the region.
 

“The past decade has seen a mixed picture of creditworthiness among Emerging Asia ex. China sovereigns, although the overall trend suggests stability,” Moody's noted in the report “Emerging Asia 2013 Government Financing Needs” released Friday.

 

 

Emerging Asia, excluding China, comprises Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.

 

 

“Of the 10 countries that comprise the group, six have shown the same rating since the beginning of the decade or since the ratings were assigned during the last 10 years,” the report read.

 

 

Moody's upgraded the Philippines at Ba1 or one notch below investment grade last year on based on improved fiscal position.
 

The country underwent a deterioration in creditworthiness, moving three notches down to B1 in 2005 from Ba1 in 2002.

 

 

Moody's noted the region is becoming more reliant on local borrowing to meet financing needs.

 

 

“During this year, the 10 sovereigns will continue to fund themselves overwhelmingly from their domestic markets, using foreign currency debt for just 5 percent of their total gross financing needs,” the report read.
 

“This relatively low dependence on foreign-currency denominated external financing imparts stability to government finances,” it added.

 

 

The debt watcher estimates the gross financing needs for Emerging Asia sovereigns at $660 billion or equivalent to 13.8 percent of the region's gross domestic product in 2013, up from $629 billion estimated for 2012, but lower as a share of GDP at 14.5 percent last year.

 

 

Debt restructuring to borrow more locally alongside intensified revenue collection have been in the forefront of the Aquino administration's fiscal reforms.

 

 

Domestic debt is comprised mostly of Treasury bills and bonds, while external debt is mostly of sovereign bonds and direct loans availed by government agencies.

 

 

The Philippine government debt rose by 9.8 percent year-on-year to P5.437 trillion last year. Despite the increase, the end-2012 debt level is lower than the P5.52 trillion last year.

Moody's, however, warned that weak infrastructure and governance may continue to stunt any rating upgrade for the 10 countries.

 

 

“India, Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines all face credit constraints in the form of weak governance, while governance and transparency weakness were factors behind the downward pressure on Vietnam’s rating,” the report read.

 

 

“Almost all the group’s sovereigns face infrastructure constraints,” it read. “In this context, infrastructural improvements and the concomitant boost to potential growth are cited as potential ratings lifts for Bangladesh, India, and Indonesia.

 

 

“While most sovereigns in the group maintain favorably strong external payments positions, Pakistan’s position has been a key weakness and driver of its credit deterioration, while Sri Lanka’s and India’s remain monitored risks,” the report added. — VS, GMA News

 

 

...the growing PH gaming industry

PH gaming seen to surpass Singapore’s

Big population, spillover of VIPs to fuel growth

 

By Doris C. Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Thursday, February 28th, 2013

The Philippines’ burgeoning gaming industry may surpass Singapore’s $5.6-billion gaming market by 2018 on the back of favorable local demographics and a likely spillover of foreign high-rollers, foreign bank Credit Suisse said.

In a new equity research dated Feb. 27, Credit Suisse initiated coverage on the Philippine gaming sector with a rosy outlook of a 28-percent compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for the industry over the 2012-2018 period. The bank’s outlook, however, was less aggressive compared to the state-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.’s goal of attaining $10 billion in annual gaming revenues by 2017.

“We view the Philippines as having a potentially larger domestic market in the high-margin mass segment compared to other Asian gaming hubs on the back of favorable demographics,” the report said, noting that the Philippine population of 97 million was almost thrice that of Singapore, Malaysia and Macau combined.

Credit Suisse pointed out that the Philippines also had the fastest growing working-age population in emerging Asia, projected to grow by more than 2 percent annually over the next 10 years. Accelerating wage growth, signs of increased spending power and consumer confidence at near-record highs all pointed to favorable demand prospects, the research said.

It also noted that limited hotel capacity and the absence of new casinos elsewhere in the region until 2015 could result in a spillover of foreign VIPs (very important persons) into local shores.

Overall, the research sees a longer sustained growth for the Philippines compared to Singapore due to stronger junket participation and a protracted novelty effect.

“Note that the VIP market in Singapore is primarily in-house, heavily reliant on credit directly extended by the casino to VIP clients. We believe that this reliance on the in-house/direct VIP segment stems from the difficult operating environment for junkets in Singapore. As a result, Singapore casinos bear the brunt of the credit risk in running the VIP business, as opposed to sharing the risk with junket operators,” the research said.

“We believe that Philippine casinos will be able to draw stronger participation from junkets—and consequently provide a more stable supply of credit to VIP clients—as lower tax rates in the country will allow for higher commissions to be paid to junket operators. Moreover, based on our channel checks, the regulatory environment in the Philippines appears much more conducive to junket operations as compared to Singapore,” it said.

Given this gaming outlook, Credit Suisse initiated coverage on two listed gaming stocks, Bloomberry Resorts Corp. and Belle Corp., with “outperform” ratings and target prices of P17.50 and P6.50, respectively.

Credit Suisse projected a strong earnings CAGR of 38 percent for Bloomberry and 68 percent for Belle from 2013 through 2016, much like in the early years of Singapore casinos. The implied price-to-equity ratio for both stocks (2014 P/E multiple of 20x for Bloomberry and 30.8x for Belle) are below the 33.3x pre-operating P/E of Genting Singapore Plc, which the research said provided a better benchmark than more mature regional peers.

A P/E ratio of 20x means that investors are paying 20 times the amount of money they are expected to make for that year.

In the near- to medium-term, the research said the growth in Philippine gaming would be driven by the increase in capacity, with new casinos coming on stream through 2016. Bloomberry’s Solaire is expected to open by March this year while Belle Grande, a partnership between the SM group and Macau’s Melco Crown, is expected to open in the first half of 2014.

Credit Suisse said Bloomberry and Belle could start enjoying positive free cash flow by 2014 and attain a net cash position by 2015.

“We expect Philippine casinos to exhibit higher profitability than regional peers in non-Macau Asia on the back of a more favorable cost structure,” the report said. Although tax rates on gaming revenues are lower in Singapore than in the Philippines, the report noted that Singapore casinos are also taxed at the bottom-line whereas gaming profits of Philippine casinos are not, while Malaysia casinos are likewise taxed at the bottomline, on top of having a higher effective tax rate on gaming revenues compared to the Philippines.

 

 

...the Asian bizwomen

Sy, Gotianun daughters in Forbes list of top Asian bizwomen

 

ABS-CBNnews.com

03/01/2013

 

 

MANILA, Philippines - The daughters of Filipino-Chinese tycoons Henry Sy and Andrew Gotianun made it to Forbes magazine's 2013 list of top 50 businesswomen in Asia.

 

In its March issue, Forbes Asia released its list of "Asia's 50 Businesswomen In The Mix," which includes women who led top companies to higher profits and stellar accomplishments last year.

Teresita Sy-Coson, 62, is the vice chairman of SM Investments, the Sy family's holding company for its retail, mall, banking and property businesses. Sy-Coson, an Assumption College graduate, is also the chairman of BDO Unibank Inc., the country's largest bank in terms of assets. She is the daughter of Henry Sy, who was named the Philippines' richest man by Forbes magazine last year.

This is the second year in a row that Sy-Coson was in the list. Last year, she even landed on the cover of Forbes Asia magazine.

For Lourdes Josephine Gotianun-Yap, this was her first time on Forbes Asia's list of most powerful Asian businesswomen. She is the 57-year-old president and CEO of Filinvest Development Corp. and its property unit Filinvest Land. She is the third child of Andrew Gotianun Sr., founder of Filinvest who is 17th on the Forbes list of richest in the Philippines.

Aside from Sy-Coson and Gotianun-Yap, Forbes Asia's list includes Eva Chen, the co-founder and CEO of antivirus software firm Trend Micro and South Korean entrepreneur Kim Sung-Joo, who turned MCM into a rising luxury brand.

The full list can be found on the Forbes Asia website.

 

...the World's best performing markets

PSE is world's 3rd best performing market

ABS-CBNnews.com

02/26/2013

 

 

 

 

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Stock Exchange has been cited as the third best performing market in the world, according to the recent 2012 Market Highlights report released by the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE).

 

The WFE said the Philippine bourse was the third best among 50 of its member exchanges in 2012.
The PSE recorded a 38.9% expansion for its market capitalization in 2012, outpaced only by the stock exchanges in Turkey and Thailand.

"Ranking among the top markets around the world is a feat which I think all Filipinos can be proud of as we are pitted against the best of the best markets in these global rankings. This is a testament to what we have been saying that the Philippines is now indeed in the global radar for investments and these numbers prove our worth as a viable investment destination," PSE President and Chief Executive Officer Hans B. Sicat said in a statement.

The WFE report noted the 25.3% growth in value trading turnover at the PSE in 2012 was third best after Saudi Stock Exchange and Bermuda Stock Exchange.

The PSE was fourth in terms of expansion in number of trades; and had the fifth highest increase in broad market index for 2012.

This was the second year in a row that the Philippine bourse has been considered one of the fastest growing markets in the world.

In 2011, the PSE's growth rates of its broad market index, domestic market capitalization and trading turnover ranked first, third and fourth respectively out of 51 exchanges.

"For two consecutive years, our stock market has been recognized among the fastest growing markets. This just shows that our growth has been sustainable particularly as it founded on the increased economic activity in the country. We are excited about the outlook in 2013 as we also undertake new programs and introduce new products in our stock market to keep the growth momentum in the coming years," Sicat said.

The PSE index has been on a bull run, as investors were optimistic about the Philippine economy's prospects and expected upgrade to investment grade status this year.

On Monday, the main index breached the 6,700 level for the first time and notched its 21st record close for the year.

 

...the World's best beach hotels

World's best beach hotels

By Stirling Kelso

Travel+Leisur

26 February 2013 

 

How to explain the difference a beachfront hotel makes? “More than unobstructed views, it’s about the freedom of not having to look both ways to cross the street before feeling sand between your toes,” says Matt Thomson, founder of Wavecation.com, a surfing-focused vacation rental company.

That’s the thrilling sense of liberation that comes with a stay at beachfront hotel properties like Lizard Island Resort in Australia, where your suite’s private terrace overlooks the Great Barrier Reef.

Travel + Leisure readers were so taken that they voted Lizard Island Resort the No. 3 best beach hotel in the world, as part of our annual World’s Best survey. The top-scoring hotels and resorts all offer a captivating beach setting, and their interiors range from minimalist to cozy and traditional.

 

No. 1 Southern Ocean Lodge,

Kangaroo Island, Australia

 

 

(Photo: Courtesy of Southern Ocean Lodge)

Contemporary in design and green in attitude, this lodge sits on a wildlife-rich island 30 minutes from Adelaide. Each of the 21 suites offers limestone floors, an outdoor terrace, and works by local artisans. (Air conditioning is unnecessary; the property was constructed to take advantage of natural weather patterns.) For a spectacular ocean view from a hand-carved granite bath, book the glass-walled Osprey Pavilion suite, which also features a private plunge spa and sunken lounge.
 

No. 2 Discovery Shores Boracay,

Boracay, Philippines

 

 

 

(Photo: Courtesy of Discovery Shores)

The 2 1/2-mile stretch known as White Beach is often singled out for having the softest sand in the world—and it’s the setting for this resort and its 88 suites (some with private Jacuzzis). The water’s fine, whether you want to take a dip in the infinity pool or Jet Ski on the Sibuyan Sea. For people-watching, head to the Sandbar, where bartenders stir up lychee- and mango-infused mojitos.

 

No. 3 Lizard Island Resort,

Great Barrier Reef, Australia


(Photo: Courtesy of Lizard Island Resort)


With 24 beaches fringing the Great Barrier Reef and accommodations for just 40 couples, Lizard Island is in a category all its own. Open-plan suites are done in royal blue, turquoise, and stark white to mimic the Coral Sea below, with hammocks and decks discreetly hidden from view. Count on sunset cruises, torchlit beach dinners, and complimentary gourmet picnic baskets. Book an Anchor Bay Suite for a direct pathway to the beach and daybed sunbathing from a personal veranda.

 

 

No. 4 Hotel Santa Caterina,

Amalfi, Italy



(Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Santa Caterina)


Now in its fourth generation of Gambardella family management, this 1904 looker still reigns in Belle Époque splendor. Rooms are spread across the main building, two villas, and a triplet of honeymoon cottages and decorated with local antiques. An elevator descends to a private beach, saltwater pool, fitness center, and thatched-roof pizzeria and fish grill. As you stroll through the secluded terraced gardens and citrus orchards, it’s obvious why Liz Taylor and Richard Burton chose to hide out here.

 

 

No. 5 Live Aqua,

Cancún, Mexico

(Photo: Courtesy of Live Aqua Cancun)


For those seeking a calmer Cancún all-inclusive experience, Live Aqua delivers. An outdoor contemplation area uses eucalyptus and lavender aromatherapy to help you de-stress during the day, while mini-Japanese sand garden boxes are left in the room at turndown. All 371 rooms are done in neutral tones and natural materials, so your eyes are drawn straight to the hotel’s eight varying-temperature swimming pools. Book a corner suite for your own private Jacuzzi.

 

 

No. 6 Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort,

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

(Photo: Courtesy of Grand Velas)


Located inside an 80-acre mangrove and jungle reserve, this all-inclusive resort spreads across a white-sand beach and has an exotic, faraway feel even though it’s within an easy drive of Playa del Carmen. The resort features both adult-only and family areas, and the 89,000-square-foot spa is one of Mexico’s largest, with 40 treatment rooms, some with hydromassage tubs. After a day of pampering, dine at one of eight restaurants, including Sen Lin for Asian fusion and Cocina de Autor for molecular Mexican Caribbean cuisine.

 

 

No. 7 Four Seasons Resort,

Hualalai, Big Island, Hawaii


,(Photo: Don Riddle / Courtesy of Four Seasons)


All 228 rooms at this gorgeous, isolated resort are situated in low-rise bungalows with ocean views. The grounds border the dramatic volcanic rock coast with seawater and freshwater swimming pools; an open-air spa teems with tropical vegetation; and yoga, personal training, and a full menu of fitness classes are offered daily. The private 7,100-square-foot oceanfront Jack Nicklaus signature golf course is carved into the underlying black lava, which serves as a occasional bunker.



No. 8 Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora,
Bora-Bora, French Polynesia

,(Photo: John Sinal / Courtesy of Four Seasons)


Although overwater bungalows are the most enticing lodgings at the Four Seasons, the hotel has 107 different rooms scattered along the beachside and lagoon of its private motu (small islet). Walls are made of volcanic stone, and thatched-roofed spaces are decorated with teak and merbau-timber furnishings. All have extraordinary views over the turquoise-blue, coral-filled South Pacific, and some offer a glimpse of the majestic black-rock peaks of Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia.


No. 9 Palazzo Avino,
Ravello, Italy



(Photo: Genivs Loci)


From the gym to the underwater window in the heated pool, sea views abound at this ornate 12th-century palazzo along the Amalfi Coast (formerly known as Palazzo Sasso). For the finest panoramas, head to the rooftop solarium with its twin Jacuzzis. The rooms are layered in 17th- through 19th-century antiques, Vietri tile floors, and Frette and Bulgari appointments. Chef Pino Lavarra’s eclectic/nouvelle-Italian cuisine has garnered two Michelin stars for Rossellinis Restaurant (open April-October).


 No. 10 Lodge at Doonbeg,
County Clare, Ireland


(Photo: Patrick O'Brien, Kiawah Partners)


This grand manor is hidden along the Emerald Isle’s remote and rugged Atlantic shores. Inside, a peat-log fireplace illuminates the wood-beamed lobby; goose-feather duvets adorn guest beds; and teapots of piping Irish Breakfast tea are served each morning. Staff will arrange outings to County Clare attractions, from the Cliffs of Moher to St. Tola Goat Cheese farm and the world-renowned Burren Smokehouse. Fancy something more restful? Go for a seaweed scrub at the Clodagh-designed White Horse Spa.

 

...the barefoot marathoner

Pinoy to run barefoot in Antarctica for a cause

 

The Philippine Star

02/26/2013

 

 

MANILA, Philippines - A Filipino-American from North Carolina will run barefoot in Antarctica to help raise funds for Gawad Kalinga and seek a Guinness World Record.

 

Eddie Vilbar Vega will be the first man to run a full marathon barefoot in Antarctica.

The 2013 White Continent Marathon was scheduled to be held Feb. 25 at King George Island.

The first official marathon in Antarctica was held on Jan. 28, 1995 and since then there have been at least one or two full and half marathons every year.

Vega, 53, started running full marathons five years ago. His first run as member of GK’s Heroes Run Team in North Carolina was the City of Oaks Marathon in Raleigh in 2007.

Vega has run 66 full marathons using near-barefoot shoes with five toes or vibrams. He has set the goal of being the first person to run a full marathon barefoot in 50 US states.

An advocate of GK, Vega will continue running to help raise awareness and support the GK movement.

A Philippine-based nation-building movement, GK’s main goal is to mobilize and engage all sectors of society to work together to eradicate poverty.

It offers a concrete solution to the overwhelming problem of poverty through a community development template that has values-formation at its core and employs an integrated and holistic approach to empowerment, with special focus on restoring the dignity and productivity of the poor.

GK has built over 100,000 houses in over 2,000 communities in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

In the United States, GK is officially represented by GK USA, a non-profit organization registered in California (http://www.gk-usa.org/).

“I think it is fitting that I dedicate this run to GK, as my first marathon was for GK,” Vega said. – Edgar Allan Vilbar/Freeman

...the strong economy

Philippines economy to remain strong in next 2 years

 

 

By Nelson C. Bagaforo
Sunstar - Davao

Monday, February 25, 2013

GOVERNMENT economic planners have remained optimistic the Philippine economy will remain strong in the next two years, as the country is determined to maintain its sound macroeconomic fundamentals and continue improving its investment climate through policy and regulatory reforms and infrastructure development.

"For this year, we expect the economy to grow six to seven percent. For next year, the growth is expected to accelerate to 6.5 to 7.5 percent," Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in his speech, a copy of which was obtained by Sun.Star, during the recent economic briefing and general membership meeting of the Managers Association of the Philippines in Manila.

Amid some possible external risks, he said, the government is confident to meet these economic growth outlooks.

"Notwithstanding the positive economic outlook in the near-term, the government remains vigilant of the global and domestic risks to growth," he said in the same forum.

Global risks to growth, he said, include the uncertainty in the Euro zone and the fiscal problem in the US, which can adversely affect the global economy.

"We are also mindful of the possibility of oil price increases due to a higher global demand for petroleum products," said Balisacan, also director general of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

But given the fiscal space and business confidence the past year, Balisacan said 2013 opens opportunities to sustain the growth momentum and achieve inclusive growth.

"As we have underscored in the Philippine Development Forum, these two objectives need not contradict each other. Inclusive growth is not only a goal but a growth strategy. To sustain the growth of our economy, we must ensure that economic growth benefits everyone, regardless of location or social status," he said.

In 2012, the Philippines posted a 6.6 percent growth in real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), higher than that of Thailand (6.4 percent), Indonesia (6.2 percent), Vietnam (5.0 percent), and Singapore (1.2 percent).

For this year, economic growth target is expected to be driven by agriculture, industry and services sectors.

"Agriculture will be buoyed by the government's conscious efforts in pursuing programs and projects that will increase the efficiency of producing staples and high-value commodities and crops," Balisacan said.

He said the positive agriculture outlook benefits from improvements in infrastructure, logistics, and the reduction in price volatilities.

Balisacan said the industry is also set to expand faster in 2013 and beyond, mainly driven by manufacturing and construction.

"Construction is expected to grow robustly due to strategic public and private infrastructure projects. Likewise, manufacturing is expected to be more vibrant, particularly semiconductor and electronics, food manufacturing, and light manufacturing industries," he said.

The services sector is also expected to remain robust due to the upsurge in the number of domestic and local tourists, domestic trade, real estate, renting and business and BPOs.

"We need to create new drivers of growth which have the potential of creating high quality jobs, particularly manufacturing, BPO, tourism and agribusiness," he said.

"Our initial estimates suggest that US$3 billion in investments in these sectors will create 621,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly through multiplier effects. This represents an average investment of roughly about P200,000 per worker. The amount needed to create jobs would be much less in rural areas, particularly in agriculture," he added.

 

...the beauty queen's purpose

Dutch-Pinay beauty queen eager to help poor kids in PH

 

by Dheza Marie Aguilar

ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

02/25/2013

AMSTERDAM - Former Ms. Netherlands 2006 Sheryl Lynn Paderes Baas believes that her crown and scepter are tools to help improve the lives of children in far-flung areas in the Philippines.

With the help of the Miss Netherlands Foundation, Baas started the Sheryl Lynn Foundation (SLF) at age 23, an organization focused on helping children through education. Her initial projects were done in the province of Leyte where her mother Susan Baas-Paderes was born.

 

In addition to sending school supplies and granting scholarships, SLF raised funds for construction of school facilities like toilets, stage and function areas in St. Fe Iton, Tagos, San Isidro, Tab-ang and other schools in Leyte. Their biggest project yet is a three-classroom building in Hitoog Elementary School where children used to have lessons in a small hut under a bamboo tree.

Inspired by her mother

Baas said that her mission was inspired by the story of her mother Susan, herself a product of a family where children have to help their parents earn money by peddling wood on the street, sometimes skipping school to be able to afford a meal.

“My mother told me stories about how she and her 12 siblings would only have one egg and a little bit of rice to share during a meal. A lot of people also told her that she should not go to school but work instead. But despite their poverty she persevered and finished her studies, went abroad, became successful and helped her family have a better life,” she said during an interview at her parent’s house in Capelle a/d Ijssel.

Even in the Netherlands, Baas said that her mother is also very helpful to other Filipinos, from her neighbors to the church and even to strangers who only wrote her letters. She grew up in this environment of kindness and giving.

Unfortunately her mother suffered a stroke that almost killed her and left her in a wheelchair. Baas believes that it’s her mother’s kindness and the prayers of those people she helped that aided her miraculous survival.

Children and education

The story of her mother’s rise from poverty opened Baas’ eyes to the importance of education especially to young children. During her regular trips to the Philippines since she was three, she had also been exposed to the difficulties experienced by families from poor provinces.

“I wanted to do something about that (poverty). During my reign as Miss Netherlands, I got involved in a lot of charitable projects and I had a dream for the future. I saw that this is already an opportunity and thought I can already start something meaningful now even though I was still young so I grabbed the opportunity.”

Now 27, she is currently the reigning Mrs. Holland Globe and recently represented the Netherlands in Mrs. World Pageant 2012 in California, USA where she won second place.

She also juggles a modeling career, her studies and taking care of her mother. But this did not stop her from the cause which is nearest to her heart. She holds regular charity events to raise funds for the Sheryl Lynn Foundation with the support of her fellow beauty queens in the Netherlands and contacts that she makes as part of her functions as a beauty queen.

“It may sound as a cliche but children are the future and it is true. The story of my mother only proved what education can do for a child. They are the most vulnerable people in any developing country.”

Even though her foundation is still small, Sheryl hopes that in the future, she can also extend help to other provinces in the Philippines. This is also the reason why she took up a course in Anthropology and will go to the Northern Philippines to research problems with water management and how it affects the lives of the people in these areas.

 

...the Green Apple awardee

Filipino food brand gets Green Apple award

By MST Lifestyle
Feb. 24, 2013

Binalot Fiesta Foods Inc. took home a Green Apple Environment Award in the recently concluded search organized by The Green Organisation, an independent, non-profit environment group dedicated to find Britain’s greenest companies, councils and communities.

Binalot, the lone winner from the Philippines, competed with 500 other nominations and was presented with the Green Apple Award in the House of Commons late last year. The recognition named Binalot as one of the International Winners in the Far East Islands. Along with a gold status, Binalot received a plaque and certificate.

The winning entry focused on to the company’s corporate social responsibility campaign, the DAHON (Dangal At Hanapbuhay para sa Nayon) Program. Initiated at the start of 2007, DAHON helps farmers from Barangay Buhanginan and Barangay Liliw in Nagcarlan, Laguna earn more from growing and harvesting banana leaves which are directly purchased directly by Binalot Fiesta Foods to be used in all Binalot restaurants.

DAHON is Binalot’s long-term program to provide a sustainable source of income for Filipino farmers and ensure a steady supply of quality banana leaves at a low price. Binalot is heavily dependent on banana leaves because the meals are served wrapped in banana leaves, which locks in the food’s flavor (Binalot is a Filipino word which means wrapped). The practice helps preserve the environment by promoting the use of organic banana leaves rather than non-biodegradable styrofoam for food packaging.

The DAHON program has also been recognized by several award-giving bodies and has bagged the special prize in 2007’s Global UPS “Out of the Box” Small Business Contest. Binalot received US $10,000 for exemplifying “end-to-end customer service,” besting entries from China, Singapore and other countries in the Asia Pacific. Binalot is the first Filipino company to win the prestigious prize, shattering the myth that CSRs are only for the big multinational companies. The program also received the Intel-Asian Institute of Management Corporate Responsibility Award in Malaysia in 2010 and a Special Citation for Corporate Social Responsibility from Entrepreneur Magazine in 2011.

The Green Apple Awards began in 1994 and have become established as the Britain’s major recognition for environmental endeavor among companies, councils, communities and countries. Judges for the Green Apple Awards are drawn from the Environment Agency, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the Chartered Institution for Wastes Management and other independent bodies.

 

...the tourism campaign reaches Dubai

Philippines tourism slogan promoted at Global Village

Expats encouraged to visit the Philippines

 

 

 

By Carolina D’Souza, Staff Reporter

 February 23, 2013

 

 

Dubai: With folk dances and traditional performances, the tourism arm of the Philippines government began to promote the country at Global Village on Friday.
 

The aim was to market the tourism slogan -- It’s more fun in the Philippines.
 

The international slogan was rolled out in international markets by the Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT) in 2012, the year that the country attracted more than 4,272,811 million tourists.
 

Speaking to Gulf News, Vice Consul Geronimo Suliguin said, “We are hoping to exceed the number of tourists in 2013.”

Global Village, a premier outdoor cultural, shopping and entertainment venue in the UAE, is visited by more than five million people annually.

The Philippines’ Department of Tourism – Middle East Office, in cooperation with the Filipino community in Dubai and the northern emirates, hopes that the cultural event at Global Village will entice international tourists to visit the Philippines.
 

Targeted at non-Filipino expatriates, the series of performances at the World Cultural Stage highlight the tourism slogan and campaign and promote the Philippines as a top tourist destination, Suliguin said.
 

The performances, which involve 65 Filipino organisations and 15 performing groups, will end on March 1.
 

“These provide a window into the cultural history of the Philippines. We want to drum up awareness about our cultural history,” he said.
 

Some places like Manila, Bohol, Cebu and Davao are already popular tourist spots, he added.

The performances included Philippine folk dances, Pandanggo Sa Ilaw (dance with lights) and Cariñosa (courtship dance).
 

Angeline Rivera, Manager at the Philippine Department of Tourism - Middle East Office, told Gulf News, “We are making concerted efforts to push our tourism strategy. It is the first time we are hosting performances at Global Village.”
 

Gulf News spoke to a few Filipinos expatriates on the tourism strategy.
 

“Our hospitality is part of our nature. I would be proud to see expatriates from Dubai experience our hospitality and see our country that has much to offer,” said Arlyn Lansang, a Dubai-based professional in finance.
 

Another expatriate, John Samson, a client services professional in Dubai, added, “Given the large Filipino community here, most nationalities have interacted with us. It would be a privilege to show them our country.”

 

...the best supporting actress at the Asians on Film Festival

Fil-Am Eileen Soong named best supporting actress at Asians on Film Festival

 

 

GMA News

February 23, 2013

Filipino-American Eileen Soong was named Best Supporting Actress at the inaugural Asians on Film Festival held from February 15 to 17 in North Hollywood, California.

 

 

Soong won the award for portraying a devious role as #69, the antagonist of main character Joo Si in the short film Born to Dance This Way, according to a news release from its director, Filipino-American Jerell Rosales.

“This award will be a milestone that we can look back on along with our other accomplishments we've had so far and will receive in the future.” Soong was quoted as saying during her acceptance speech.

The film, a dance comedy also won awards such as Director's Spotlight and Best Editing has been shown in various countries especially in places in the US including New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Soong will be starring as “Chai” in The Broadcast Club, a web series which will be premiering on March 1.

The Broadcast Club is also directed by Rosales while Soong is a co-writer. This comedy revolves around the lives of a college group who unexpectedly formed a broadcast club.

The Asian on Films is an organization that recognizes Asian and Pacific islanders who are minorities in the film industry. - Andrei Medina, VVP, GMA News

 

 

...the anthem singer for World Youth Day in Brazil

Pinoy vocalist to sing World Youth Day anthem in Brazil

 

GMA News

February 23, 2013

 

 

Ooberfuse, a London-based electro-pop band fronted by a Filipino-British vocalist, has been chosen to record the English version of the official anthem for this year’s World Youth Day from July 23 to 28 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Composed of singer Cherrie Anderson, keyboardist Hal St. John, and guitarist Nico Cox, the band translated “Hope of the Dawn” from the original Portuguese composition “Esperanca do Amanhecer.”

“We are very happy, honored and humbled to have been given the opportunity to sing the official World Youth Day song in English,” Anderson said in an e-mail interview with GMA News Online.

Translating the song was “daunting,” Anderson said, because the band members are not fluent in Portuguese.

“[The song] is as much a tribute to a trans-Atlantic spirit of collaboration as it is to the power of the Internet and modern media,” said Cox.

“After multiple Twitter and e-mail messages recommending improvements and refinements, and numerous large music-data file downloads and uploads in Rio and London, ‘Hope of the Dawn’ was eventually born,” Cox added.

The result: a version that “remains loyal to the Portuguese original, but still reflects the style and ambience of the group,” said Phil Ross, national coordinator for the UK World Youth Day attendees.

Ooberfuse was formed in 2010 when its three members met at a church event, started to play music together, and joined the “Live and Unsigned” competition, where it was named Most Original Band and One of the Best Unsigned Live Musical Acts in the UK.

After singing the youth anthem for Pope Benedict’s UK visit in 2010, the band performed before an audience of 2 million at the 2011 World Youth Day in Madrid.

Now working on its third album, the band will be performing in Portugal, the US, Germany, and Italy this year.

Filipino influences

With one band member being Filipino—Anderson’s mom is from Leyte—it’s inevitable that Filipino influences would weave their way into Ooberfuse’s music.

“In some of our songs, we incorporate a Filipino instrument—the kulintang—which many of the UK people love,” said Anderson.

Anderson, who confesses to enjoying Filipino food like inihaw na baboy, tortang talong, pandesal, and taho, regularly visits the Philippines, where her parents are now based.

“I admire Filipinos’ love for God and family, love for all things musical, and their positive outlook in life,” Anderson said. - VVP, GMA News