Saturday, June 11, 2011

...the lakes beautiful

12 Most Beautiful Lakes in the World
By Beth Collins
Yahoo! Travel


These 12 lakes go to all the right extremes—highest, deepest, clearest—and showcase nature at its most spectacular. Soak up the views from a boat, a cable car, a trailhead, or a castle tower.

Lake Malawi

Home to 1,000 species of fish—estimated to be more than anyplace on earth—Lake Malawi (also called Lake Nyasa) is Africa's third largest lake at 363 miles long and up to about 50 miles wide in spots. Located in a depression 2,300 feet below sea level, it's positioned at the crossroads of Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania, and supports hundreds of local villages with its rich underwater stock (which is, unfortunately, gradually being depleted due to over-fishing). The lake's southern portion—as well as a bordering nub of wildlife-rich land, Cape Maclear—represents the world's first freshwater national park; it was also named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. A star of the waters here is the mbuna, a native freshwater fish known for eating directly from people's hands. Bring your snorkel gear—as beautiful as the scenery is, the best part about Lake Malawi is what's swimming beneath you in the crystal clear water.

Nearby: Cape Maclear, located within Lake Malawi National Park, is a perfect base for exploring the area.

Lake Malawi is positioend at the crossroads
of Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania and
supports hundreds of local villages with its
rich underwater stock.
Photo: Ian Cumming/age fotostock

Peyto Lake
Alberta's Lake Louise is the famous one, on all the postcards and posters. But Louise's sister lake 29 miles north along Icefields Parkway, a two-laner that winds 142 miles through the Canadian Rockies, is even more picturesque. Thanks to glacial rock flour that flows in when the ice and snow melt every summer, the waters of Banff National Park's Peyto Lake are a brilliant turquoise more often associated with warm-weather paradises like Antigua and Bora-Bora. For the most dramatic views of the 1.7-mile-long stunner, encircled with dense forest and craggy mountain peaks, pull into the lot at Bow Summit, the parkway's highest point, and follow the steep hike to the overlook.

Nearby: The town of Banff, the heart of the park, is 62 miles south of Peyto Lake.


In the Canadian province of Alberta, Peyto Lake lies amid the Canadian Rockies. Its waters pop with a brilliant turquoise more often associated with warm-weather paradises like Antigua and Bora-Bora.
Photo: Courtesy Travel Alberta

Oregon

Crater Lake

Thousands of years ago, the top of a 12,000-foot-high volcano in the Cascade Range exploded. The massive pit left behind became known as Crater Lake, the centerpiece of a national park in southern Oregon that displays nature at its rawest and most powerful. Forests of towering evergreens and 2,000-foot-high cliffs surround the lake, where extraordinarily deep waters—at 1,943 feet, it's the deepest lake in the United States—yield an intense sapphire-blue hue. If winter hiking and cross-country skiing aren't your thing, wait until early July to visit, when the roads have been plowed and the trails cleared. Rim Drive, a 33-mile road that encircles the lake, has picture-perfect views from all sides. For a closer look, follow the mile-long Cleetwood Cove Trail to the shore. Brace yourself before diving in: The water temperature rarely rises above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Nearby: The laid-back mountain town of Bend, 112 miles away, makes a nice home base for a Crater Lake day trip.

The extraordinarily deep waters of Crater Lake yield an intense sapphire-blue hue.
Photo: Tim McGuire/Corbis
Taal Lake
This dangerous beauty, situated just 37.28 miles south of Manila, has two distinct claims to fame: It is the deepest lake in the Philippines, with a depth of 564 feet. It is also home to one of the world's smallest but most active volcanoes, the Taal Volcano, which sits within its waters on the island of Luzon. The lake itself was formed when a larger volcanic crater here collapsed; now seismologists spend a lot of time monitoring this spot for tremors, and sending out frequent eruption warnings through the country's Department of Tourism. Plenty of tour groups offer trips to the natural wonder—in spite of the fact that it has been declared a permanent danger zone. A safer way to see the volcano is by taking a drive along the Tagaytay-Taal ridge in nearby Tagaytay City.
Nearby: Adjacent Tagaytay City offers some well-priced accommodations, in addition to the best views of the lake.

Taal Lake, situated just 37.28 miles south of Manila, has two claims to fame: It is the deepest lake in the Philippines at 564 feet deep, and it is home to one of the world's smallest, but most active, volcanoes.
Photo: Courtesy Luca Tettoni/Corbis
Lake Atitlán
Nearly a mile up in the highlands of Guatemala, Atitlán (Lago de Atitlán) rests at the foot of three massive conical volcanoes. Small Mayan villages line its shores, which are set off by steep hills draped with oak and pine trees and nearly 800 plant species. There's no single, must-see view of the lake, so try several vantage points: from up high on Highway 1; from the town of Panajachel, the buzzing market hub that juts out into the water; or aboard a lancha, one of the many small boats that ferry visitors from village to village. We're saddened to note that the lake has built up high levels of blue-green algae over the years (in October and November 2009, a film of green scum began briefly marring its surface; since then there have been ambitious efforts to solve the problem).

Nearby: Panajachel is about 2.5 hours by car from
Guatemala City.

A fisherman on Lake Atitlán, nearly a mile up in the highlands of Guatemala.
Photo: Frans Lemmens/Corbis
Scotland

Loch Lomond

With a backdrop of windswept rolling hills and medieval castles, Loch Lomond feels like it's straight out of a Victorian romance novel. The 24-mile-long lake is dotted with islands, some so small that they disappear when the water levels are high, and others large enough to be (sparsely) inhabited. Most ferries stop at the largest island, Inchmurrin (population 11), so visitors can get a look at the remains of a 7th-century monastery and the 14th century Lennox Castle, used often as a hunting lodge for kings.

Nearby: The lake is 24 miles north of Glasgow and 66 west of Edinburgh.



A broad view of Scotland's Loch Lomond, with Balloch Castle in the foreground.

Photo: Skyscan/Corbis



Italy

Lake Garda
If the shape of Italy is a couture boot, think of the imprint of Lake Garda as a design from the funky sister line—long and skinny at the top, opening up toward the bottom. Garda is the country's largest lake and one of the most popular vacation spots among Italians. The southern shore is home to hot springs, resort towns with pastel villas and terra-cotta-roofed hotels, and most of Garda's 28 miles of serene, pebbly beaches. To the north are the jagged peaks of the Dolomites, a magnet for hikers and bicyclists who want to test their endurance. In Malcesine, an adorable speck of a town with cobblestoned streets and a medieval castle, you can board a cable car up to Mount Baldo for one of the best aerial views of the lake.

Nearby: Lake Garda is about halfway between
Milan (89 miles away) and Venice (109 miles away), but to get the full, relaxing effect, stay in one of the south shore's many small towns.
Lake Garda is Italy's largest lake. The southern shore is home to hot springs and resort towns laced with pastel villas and terra-cotta-roofed hotels.
Photo: Svenja-Foto/Corbis
Lake Annecy
This alpine lake in the heart of the French Alps is a looker, but don't expect to spend your visit gazing over the water in quiet reflection. Lake Annecy is all about activity—particularly in August, when Paris shuts down and the French take extended holidays. Sailors, kayakers, and water-skiers crisscross the water; bikers and hikers hit surrounding nature trails; and refugees from the city fill the outdoor tables at the lakeside restaurants and bars. Repeat visitors know to plan their trip for the first Saturday of August, when a staggering, nearly two-hour-long fireworks display illuminates the water.

Nearby: The closest major city is
Geneva, 30 miles north, in Switzerland, but most people stay right on the lake.

Lake Annecy meanders past eight miles of nature reserves, waterfront villages, and soaring peaks in the heart of the French Alps.
Photo: A. Gerard/courtesy Annecy Tourisme
Plitvice Lakes
These 16 blue-green lakes, hidden by thick vegetation and connected by hundreds of waterfalls, could be the set for the next Jurassic Park. For adventure as well as killer views, start at one of the lower lakes and work your way up following the sturdy wooden planks that turn what could be a treacherous trek into a fun hike. Take a detour along the 10-minute loop that leads to the region's tallest fall, 230-foot-high Veliki Slap ("Big Waterfall"), a breadth of streaming white water that collects in turquoise pools. While hiking, keep your eyes peeled for deer, wildcats, boars, wolves, and bears—a more likely sighting than a T. rex.
Nearby: There are four hotels in Plitvice Lakes National Park, but most people drive in for the day from Zagreb, about 2 hours by car.
Croatia's 16 blue-green Plitvice Lakes are connected by hundreds of waterfalls. The waters are amazingly clear. Walk on well-maintained wooden planks to get to the edge.
Photo: 29cm/Flickr
Lake Nakuru
The water is blue enough, and the backdrop—grasslands and rocky hillsides—has the makings of a nice photo, but neither is what sets this lake in central Kenya apart. The real draw here is the mass of pink on Nakuru's edges. Flamingos are one of the few species that can withstand the lake's hostile conditions—the water has so much sodium carbonate that it burns nearly everything that touches it —and they flock to the lake en masse. There can be as many as a million birds feeding on algae in the shallows at one time, wading side by side.

Nearby: The lake is in the heart of Lake Nakuru National Park, a sanctuary for black-and-white rhinos, three hours by car from Nairobi.



An African buffalo wades along the shoreline of Kenya's Lake Nakuru. In the background, flamingos feed in the shallow lake.

Photo: Martin Harvey/Corbis
New Zealand
Lake Matheson
Alternately known as Mirror Lake, this South Island lake is famous for its reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Visiting just after dawn is ideal, when the water is at its calmest and mirror images are impossibly perfect. The lake itself is well worth exploring, too. Park near the Clearwater River suspension bridge and follow the 1-mile loop past kahikatea and rimu trees, which have extra-tall trunks and fanciful bushy tops and look like something from a Dr. Seuss book.

Nearby: Fox Glacier township, a village that serves as a base camp for trekkers, is three miles east of the lake.
Lake Matheson in New Zealand is also known as Mirror Lake—for good reason.
 
Lake Bled
Why not get to the good stuff right away? To take in this Slovenian lake's most breathtaking vista, head immediately to Bled Castle, at the edge of a sheer, 460-foot-high cliff. You'll see mountains in every direction—the Julian Alps and the Karavanke range—and below, the Alpine lake and its main attraction, Bled Island, a tiny forested circle that's home to the 17th-century Church of the Assumption and its prominent baroque clock tower. Down on the lake's shore, board a pletna boat (similar to a gondola) to the island. Be sure to ring the church bell and make a wish before returning to the mainland. Mountains shield the water from icy northern winds, so Lake Bled is warm, relatively speaking (79 degrees Fahrenheit). If that's still too chilly, head to the lake's northern section, where three hotels have built pools around natural thermal springs.

Nearby: The Slovenian capital of
Ljubljana is an easy 35 miles away.

At Slovenia's Lake Bled, you'll see mountains in every direction, including the Julian Alps and the Karavanke range.
Photo: Walter Bibikow/JAI/Corbis

...the statesman

12 Fil-Am elected officials honored in California


 
Filipino American elected officials pose with Oakland Mayor Jean Quan and San Francisco Board of Supervisors president David Chiu. DFA/Sandra Lim

SAN FRANCISCO, California—Twelve Filipino American elected officials were honored during ceremonies in celebration of Asian Pacific Heritage Month, the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco said.

The 12 were among 31 Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) elected officials honored on May 25 for their “unprecedented accomplishments… and the impact that they have made on promoting the political voice of Asian Americans and strengthening the leadership of the United States,” the consulate said in a statement.
The Filipino American elected officials are as follows:

• San Leandro Unified School District Board Trustee Hermie B. Almonte
• Vice Mayor Rob Bonta of the City of Alameda
• Daly City Council Member Ray Buenaventura
• New Haven Unified School District Board Member Rosalinda Canlas
• Alameda City Health Care District Board Member Stewart Chen
• Union City Council Member Pat Gacoscos
• Daly City Council Member Michael Guingona
• San Francisco Unified School District Board of Education President Hydra Mendoza
• Union City Vice Mayor Jim Navarro
• Vallejo City Council Member Hermie Sunga
• Hercules Vice Mayor Myrna de Vera
• Vallejo City School Board Director Cris Villanueva.

Oakland Mayor Jean Quan, the first woman and the first Asian American to be elected mayor of Oakland, led the honorees, who also included San Francisco Board of Supervisors President and candidate for San Francisco Mayor David Chiu.

Mona Pasquil, a Filipino American and currently the appointments secretary in the Office of California Governor Jerry Brown, emceed during the event, where guest speaker William “Bill” Wong, a distinguished Chinese American journalist, spoke of the struggle and recent emergence of Asian Americans as a political force in California.

...the English speaking finalist

Pinay pays tribute to 'a mother's love' in int'l. public speaking tilt

06/11/2011

LONDON, UK - Germaine Chuabio, a student of De La Salle University (DLSU), represented the Philippines in the annual International Public Speaking Competition of the English Speaking Union (ESU) held at the HSBC headquarters in Canary Wharf.

Chuabio competed against 81 national winners from 49 countries in a 2-day grueling competition.

The 82 competitors who were divided in 8 heats delivered their speeches on topics such as climate change, political oppression and overpopulation. This year’s theme was ‘Words are not enough.’

Chuabio chose to write about the subject closest to her heart. In her speech ‘A Mother’s Love,’ she talked about her twin sister Gillian and her mother’s love for a daughter who has special needs.

"I decided to write about this piece because I felt I wanted to write about my mother and my sister. By sharing the story, I wanted to inspire other families and other mothers with special children. And of course, I felt that the condition of my sister is in line with the theme--words are not enough," Chuabio told ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau.

She added: "I dedicate this piece to all the mothers with special children because I know that having a special child could be a challenge. But I admire them for their strength, for their love, courage and the faith they put in their child. [That] is really admirable."

Germaine Chuabio rehearsing her speech at the Philippine Embassy in London.
 The 82 contestants were whittled down to 24 semi-finalists, and then down to 6 finalists.

They were given 4 minutes to impress the judges and the audience on a range of topics.
The finalists were Jeon Kang from Korea, Germaine Chuabio from the Philippines, Luisa Cassar Pullicino from Malta, Sahil Sanjay Bhattad from India, Caleb Yaw Kudah from Ghana, and Xu Jiru from China.

After careful consideration by no less than 30 judges including 3 in the grand finals, they named Jeon Kang (Korea) the winner for his speech "Umm... I can’t teach?!" and Sahil Sanjay Bhattad (India) as the runner-up.

An all-expense paid trip to Buckingham Palace in November awaits the winner who will also receive the IPSC award from HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

The Philippines has been named champion twice in the IPSC with Patricia Evangelista and Gian Karlo Dapul representing the Philippines.

"I think the best part about representing the Philippines is that I get to show how Filipinos are, what the Filipino culture is, that we are a group of people that is very accommodating and very hospitable. A big part of this contest is also socializing (with other contestants). It is about really showing them what a Filipino is," Chuabio said.

Below is the speech delivered by Chuabio in the 30th IPSC held in London during the last week of May.

Mother’s Love
By Germaine Chuabio

When I was a child, I wanted to be a writer. So my mom bought me the first "Harry Potter" book and every single book after that. She told me that if I could read them all and learn a lot of words, then I might just be the next best selling author in the making. Well, 7 books later, I learned things like Wingardium Leviosa, but I'm still no J.K. Rowling. But at least, I won a free trip to London. And I think that's the closest I can get to a Man Booker Prize in my lifetime.

Truth is, whether you’re a writer or not, the number of words a person knows is important.

Psychologists say that an average educated adult should possess 20,000 words and a 3-year-old -- 50 words. For most people, achieving these milestones is as natural as breathing. But you know, I have a twin sister who cannot talk much. Her name is Gillian. And for her, learning enough words has always been a big, big problem. Mom learned from a doctor, when Gillian was 4, that she is mentally handicapped. She is a special child.

My mom cried for Gillian. It was the most painful time in her life. But she got up, wiped her tears, and sought the help of a speech therapist. Eventually, Mom studied special education to personally teach Gillian. Still, it was not good enough. At 7, Gillian couldn't read and count. This time, Mom took a huge leap of faith. She took out all of Dad's savings, with his permission of course, and put up a special school so Gillian could be assured of a place to learn.

Gillian is still the lucky one. She has access to therapy and school. In my country, it is heartbreaking to note that there are more than 5 million children with developmental disabilities but only about 4% receive appropriate educational services. The rest still live in poverty. Marginalized children will not think of school when their basic needs such as food are not met. It does not help that state special schools are concentrated in the city of Manila far from the children’s homes. Moreover, these schools do not provide necessary services like speech therapy. Worse, one teacher handles a class that reminds me of a bag of assorted biscuits. You see autistic children mixed together with dyslexic children when in fact these two conditions have totally different educational needs.

This picture is not exclusive to the Philippines. It is the same story in many Third World nations even as special children are growing in significant numbers.

But is there hope for special children in developing countries? One solution that can be done is mother empowerment. Programs can be set up that instruct mothers to teach their children. For example, the Autism Society of the Philippines is a charity organization founded by 11 mothers with autistic children. They train even more mothers, teachers, and health workers in far flung areas of the country where special education services are nonexistent. Teacher Mom is a practical solution to a pressing need. In some cases, it can even transform mothers to become advocates and leaders who make a difference in our world.

To this day, my mom continues to teach my sister. But she has accepted her for what she is and for what she cannot be. At the end of the day, Teacher Mom is not just about teaching words. It is also about showing love.

Many special children may never be a J.K. Rowling. They may never learn enough words. But not everything that counts in life can be counted with words. A mother's hug, kiss, smile, laugh can mean so much more to a special child. Words are important, yes. But they are not enough without something as powerful and as unconditional as a mother’s love.

..the fish breeders

Filipino fish breeders win awards

June 10, 2011
Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines -- A Belgian living in the Philippines and his Filipino wife were major winners in the Singapore Aquarama 2011 held recently.
 
Michel Capot and wife Marie took home the Grand Champion Discus Trophy and won five more category awards for their other discus varieties of fish.

Variety of Discus fishes
 
Another Filipino, Eric Tiu, also shone in the event, which is one of Asia’s biggest international ornamental fish and accessories exhibitions. Tiu won a trophy in one category, four first place awards and two silvers for his Betta entries.

Betta fish
 
The Capots live in Binangonan, Rizal. For the last seven years they have bred and developed strains of world-class discus.
 
Michel’s first love is the Japanese Koi. He runs a thriving business in Japan that breeds and exports Japanese Koi mostly to European countries.
 
Michel settled in the Philippines seven years ago, taking advantage of the lower labor costs.
 
He decided that the country was the best place to breed and develop exciting varieties of discus fish.
 
The Capots bought stock from all over the Southeast Asian countries in their quest to develop new and colorful strains of discus.
 
 They built a world-class facility in the heart of Metro Manila, investing in such technology as Reverse Osmosis equipment.
 
 Tiu is another avid discus breeder turned betta fancier and serious hobbyist.
 
He specializes in Betta Splendens, commonly known in the Philippines as “fighting fish.”
 
Filipinos had flocked to Aquarama primarily as principal buyers or distributors of both aquarium accessories and equipment or live fish of different species.

Friday, June 10, 2011

...the Arirang fantasy

Filipina cast in a Korean musical

10 June 2011


Arirang Fantasy (Official Poster)
Arirang Fantasy (Official Poster)

A Filipina has been cast in Arirang Fantasy, a musical touring 20 cities in Korea.
Thus reported Kring Elenzano of funnysexy.ph, who wrote that her childhood friend, Cherish Maningat-Bae, was cast in the musical's lead role.

Cherish plays a Filipina who falls in love with a Korean. Her love story is not a bed of roses, however, as her Korean husband dies early, leaving her to take responsibility for her daughter and mother-in-law. "Arirang Fantasy" aims to show the power of love amidst adversity and cultural differences.

Before landing the lead role, Cherish worked together with the show's costume designer. She didn't plan to do the musical since Cherish wanted to go to the United States. However, after just three hours with the staff and reading the tear-jerker script of "Arirang Fantasy", she felt a strong affinity towards the role and decided to join the cast. This role was indeed made for her as Cherish did not need to audition for it. This triumph in the field of theater is another testament to Filipino talent.

...the shortest man in history

Shortest living man in history a Filipino?

06/10/2011
MANILA, Philippines - Is the shortest living man in history living in the Philippines?

This is what the whole world will know on June 12 when Guinness World Records editor-in-chief Craig Glenday flies to the country to measure the height of Junrey Balawing in his hometown in Zamboanga del Norte.


Junrey Balawing

On June 12, Balawing will turn 18, making him eligible for the title.

Glenday will measure Balawing's height at the Sindangan Health Center in Zamboanga del Norte at 10 a.m. that day.

Following the official measurement is a press conference. Both Glenday and Balawing will be available for interviews, said Guinness World Records in a statement.

Balawing, now 17, reportedly currently stands tall at 22 inches.

The title of "Shortest Living Man" is presently held by Khagendra Thapa Magar of Nepal, who stands at 26.4 inches.


Khagendra Thapa Magar

Should Balawing's height prove shorter than Magar's, he will not only be the shortest living man on earth. He will also hold the title of "Shortest Living Man in History".

...the walled capital

Philippines' historic walled city to rise again

06/10/2011

MANILA - After enduring wars, earthquakes, fires and poverty-driven neglect, the walled city of Intramuros that makes up the Philippine capital's historic center may rise again as a tourist attraction.


Government planners see the UNESCO World Heritage listed but famously dilapidated site becoming one of Manila's biggest drawcards, similar to Singapore's Clarke Quay but with the added color of centuries of history.

"We're going to make this the 'in' place to be," said Intramuros Administration chief Jose Capistrano.
"It will be a living Intramuros with tabernas and tapas," he said, referring to Spanish-style restaurants and their signature finger snacks.
The Maestranza Wall in Intramuros will be a venue for cafes and art galleries. Photo from Department of Tourism
Eventually, the administration hopes to have fireworks displays and light shows projected on the structure's six-meter (20-foot) high walls at night, Capistrano told reporters.

The ambitious project will involve rehabilitating and reconstructing buildings, as well as developing a riverside area called the Maestranza Park into a mall for upmarket restaurants and shops.

But this endeavor will require tens of millions of dollars in investments which the cash-strapped government cannot afford, so it is hoping the private sector will sign up.

Administration officials have been meeting with some of the country's real estate giants to drum up their interest in investing in the project, and Capistrano said their reactions had been very favorable.


"They are interested in the projects. We feel confident that they will be coming in," he told AFP.

Capistrano said that, although a definitive cost estimate for the renovation had not yet been finalized, the potential investors were not intimidated by the large scope of the project.

"No one said it might cost too much. The reaction when we tell them what these projects are has been very good," he said, adding he hoped to start a bidding process by the end of the year.

The 64-hectare (158-acre) Intramuros area, whose name literally means 'within the walls', served as the heart of Manila's political, religious and cultural life from its founding by Spanish colonial rulers in 1571.

Its 4.2-kilometers (2.6 miles) of walls surrounded most of the government's offices as well as major churches, schools and trading centers during the three centuries the country was under Spanish rule, which ended in 1898.

It was designed with walls, gates and gun emplacements to protect the Spanish residents from the Filipino masses, as well as guard the mouth of Manila's main river, the Pasig.

Chinatown was also famously placed within cannonball distance of Intramuros so the Spanish could fire down on the Chinese traders whenever they became too troublesome.

But Intramuros started falling into decline after the Spanish left, with most of the damage occurring during World War II when US forces shelled Japanese troops hiding inside the walls.

Many historic buildings, including nine of the 10 churches within Intramuros, were destroyed in the war. Some of these derelict structures are still standing, a reminder of the area's lost grandeur.

Over the centuries, earthquakes and fires have also taken their toll.

And while Intramuros's value is in its history, modern pressures have continued to erode its structures.


Parts of Intramuros today include a busy commercial and government district, containing several government offices, four major universities and a variety of businesses.

All of this results in congestion, noise, frequent traffic jams and a chronic lack of parking space.

The area also houses more than 3,000 families of squatters who often can be seen asking tourists for alms while their shanties and graffiti mar the image of the walled city, according to Capistrano.

He said the administration had limited power to evict the squatters. Many of them are on private property and are protected by laws designed to help the urban poor.

Tourism professionals operating in the area look forward to the upgrade but question whether the government can deliver amid the deterioration, overcrowding and squalor that have become common in parts of Intramuros.

"We need restructuring of the buildings, getting rid of the slumdwellers, beautifying the place. There is so much garbage, there are eyesores," said Jose Mananzan, head of the Intramuros Tourism Council.

Nevertheless, even without private investors, the government has taken the first step, spending 150 million pesos ($3.5 million) to turn the ruined shell of a church into a museum housing religious artifacts, Capistrano said.

Portions of the old historic wall in Maestranza that were torn down in the 1900s have also already been reconstructed through a Japanese grant, he said.

This time, instead of housing gunpowder and cannon balls, the wall's vaulted inner chambers will hopefully house cafes and shops.

More restoration work is underway at the Intramuros's garrison of Fort Santiago, where workers trained under a Spanish government grant are pulling down cement walls and replacing them with more authentic adobe and lime.

Under the Spanish program, two masons from Mexico taught the Filipinos how to mix lime and shape stone to recreate the original look of the building, which will become the new Intramuros visitors' center.

"We replaced the old timber that had rotted but we are bringing it back to its original look," said the workers' foreman, Jose de Lara.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

...the charity bazaar

PHL Embassy in Belgium joins charity bazaar


Philippine officials in Belgium participated in the 2011 Charity Bazaar organized by the Asia Pacific Women's Association (APWA) in Brussels on June 4.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) cited a report from the Philippine Embassy in Belgium that the bazaar was held at the Woluwe Cultural Center in Brussels.

"Chargé d' Affaires, a.i. Marichu Mauro and Mrs. Pamela Manalo, wife of Ambassador Enrique A. Manalo, spearheaded the Embassy's participation in this event," the DFA said.

Aside from participating in the traditional "Parade of Nations," the Embassy put up a Philippine booth showcasing Filipino handicrafts and other products.

"APWA President Shaista Jilani, spouse of the Pakistani Ambassador in Belgium, had announced during the program that the proceeds of this year's Bazaar will benefit Al Mumainah Foundation in Indonesia (an orphanage), Ausi Alofa in Tuvalu (livelihood for people with disabilities) and L'Eglantier in Brussels (for women of domestic violence)," the DFA said.

The APWA, founded in 1987, consists of the spouses of the Asia-Pacific Ambassadors and Heads of Missions in Brussels. - VVP, GMA News

...the Portuguese museum

PHL takes spotlight in Portuguese museum


As it marks its 113rd Independence Day on June 12, the Philippines takes the spotlight at the Museu do Oriente, Portugal's principal museum for Asian art and culture.



Museu do Oriente, Lisboa

The Philippine Embassy in Lisbon said the Portuguese museum made June a "Festa das Filipinas" to mark the Philippine occasion.

"It is the first collaboration between the Embassy and the Fundação Oriente, under whose aegis the Museu do Oriente operates," the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

The "Festa das Filipinas" at the Museu do Oriente has a painting exhibition and workshops on ethnic traditions, indigenous shells, the yo-yo and traditional costumes.

On June 3, an exhibition by Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor was inaugurated with a "vernissage" hosted by the Embassy. At a vernissage," invited people can view paintings before they go on show to the public.

The vernissage was organized by Ambassador Teresita Barsana and by the Fundação Oriente led by its president Carlos Monjardino.

The attendees included members of the diplomatic corps, Portuguese Foreign Ministry officials including the Chief of Protocol José Serrano and representatives of the art community in Lisbon.

Former Labor Secretary Marianito Roque, who was in Lisbon as a resource speaker at a migration conference organized by the Migration Policy Institute, was also present.

Among the other month-long activities is a workshop on Philippine gastronomy to be conducted by Filipino chef René Sandoval.

"The Museu do Oriente promotes the Philippines as an exotic country and a bridge between the east and the west, blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, rich history and hospitable people and offers never-ending attractions for the traveler´s next visit to Asia," the DFA said. - VVP, GMA News

...the forest project

Philippine forest project gets carbon credits

By Karen Boncocan
INQUIRER.net


MANILA, Philippines—A breakthrough for the environment sector of the Philippines has recently come in the form of a local reforestation and agroforestry project that gained international recognition for providing “real, additional and permanent greenhouse gas emissions.”

The Quirino Forest Carbon Project (QFCP) of the Conservation International-Philippines has been acknowledged under the Verified Carbon Standards (VCS) program, a global standard and quality assurance system at the forefront of accounting greenhouse (GHG) emissions reductions in the voluntary carbon market.

The project was accepted in the VCS program after its standards were approved in June by a third party auditor, the Rainforest Alliance. Last year, it was also awarded a Gold-level under the Climate, Community and Biodiversity (CCB) Standards for including community and biodiversity benefits in implementing the project.

Implemented in a 175,943-hectare protected area in the province of Quirino called the Quirino Protected Landscape (QPL), the project sits amid a rich biodiversity—endemic and threatened flora and fauna. It supports the sustainable development of nearby provinces. The project envisions to produce long-term lessening of greenhouse gas emissions by restoring and protecting the QPL.

QFCP is the first forest carbon project in Asia to receive both VCS and CCB accreditations.

Romeo Trono, country executive director of Conservation International-Philippines, said that this was the first time that a project in the Philippines or in Asia has achieved a claim on carbon credits under VCS.

He said that with this development, agencies and companies in the country will be able to acquire carbon credits from local reforestation projects.

Trono said most carbon credits in the country came from the renewable energy sector.

Calling the project a “breakthrough for GHG removal,” Conservation International said that the forestry sector will not be the lone beneficiary of the project but local communities as well.

“It is a three-pronged approach to helping the country by providing communities with alternative livelihood from the reforestation and agroforestry efforts, while simultaneously contributing to mitigating climate change and protecting threatened biodiversity,” Trono said.

He explained that coordination is being done with local communities in implementing the project, “letting them enjoy livelihood benefits while also providing practical, affordable solutions to climate change concerns.”

Aside from proposing an alternative income and promoting the protection of plant and animal habitats, Trono said the project also helps ensure that a steady supply of water is available for the communities by maintaining the watershed.

Under the project, 177 hectares of agroforestry and reforestation parcels will be set up within Integrated Social Forestry (ISF) farms to be managed by volunteers from the local community. The volunteers are persons who agreed to have their land used in the project for the next 23 years.

The QFCP has planted fruit trees like lanzones, rambutan and citrus trees as well as indigenous trees like molave, kalantas, narra and balakat gubat in 41 hectares of land. Fruit trees will continuously be planted on 136 hectares of land in villages covered by the project this year.

The project expects to gather 31,771 in total carbon dioxide in the entire duration of the project while providing benefits to 96 households.

Conservation International has teamed up with Moretrees, a non-profit carbon offset provider. The project, according to Conservation International is a “very good example of invoking partnerships with the private sector in addressing simultaneously community development, biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation/adaptation for sustainability.”

...the sexy vegetarian celebrities

12 Pinoys in running for 'Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity'

 06/09/2011

 MANILA, Philippines – Twelve Filipinos were nominated for the "Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity" award of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia.

They are sexy cover girls Alicia Mayer, Geneva Cruz and Juliana Palermo, young actress Yasmien Kurdi, models Isabel Roces and Raya Mananquil, DeLara vocalist Lougee Basabas, actress Chin-Chin Gutierrez, Maricel Laxa, Lav Diaz and actors Carlos Agassi and Raymond Bagatsing.

Alicia Mayer


Geneva Cruz


Isabel Roces

Raya Mananquil

Yasmien Kurdi
Juliana Palermo


Chin-chin Gutierrez

Carlos Agassi

Raymond Bagatsing

A total of 300 contestants are in the running for the award. Among them are Red Hot Chili Peppers vocalist Anthony Kiedis, singer-songwriter Leona Lewis, actress Portia de Rossi, Hollywood stars Hayden Panettiere, Natalie Portman, Tobey Maguire and Milo Ventimiglia, and Asian star Barbie Hsu.

The public may vote for their favorites by visiting PETAAsiaPacific.com until June 23, but the winner will ultimately be selected by the animal rights group "in its sole and absolute discretion".

"When you look at the more than 300 gorgeous contestants in this year's poll, it's clear that there can be no bones about it -- a vegetarian diet makes you beautiful, inside and out," PETA Asia vice president for international operations Jason Baker said in a statement.

"After all, going vegetarian is the best thing that you can do for animals, the earth, and yourself. Plus, everyone knows that there's nothing sexier than someone who exudes both passion and compassion."

The "Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity" contest is part of PETA Asia's efforts to encourage people to stop eating meat.

The group said healthy vegetarian diets can help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer and stroke.

..the Heritage city

Dapitan City declared as ‘Heritage Zone’




Marlo Cueto/NPPA Images

Dapitan City in northern Mindanao was declared a Heritage Zone by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) in commemoration of the sesquicentennial or 150th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal on June 19.

"Because of its ancient beginning and Rizal's four-year exile in Dapitan, the district has become historically and culturally significant," NHCP said in its resolution.

Also known as the "Shrine City of the Philippines," this historic location in Zamboanga del Norte is where the national hero spent his years of exile from 1892 to 1896. During these years, Rizal acquired a 16-hectare sanctuary now the Rizal Shrine which is considered a major historical landmark in Dapitan.

"Every generation seeks and finds new meaning in the life and example of Rizal. His vision of nationhood continues to serve as an inspiration and challenge to all Filipinos who work to fight corruption and make inroads against poverty in our society," the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson said in its press statement.

...the PH independence experience in Korea

Festivals lined up for 'PHL month' in South Korea


Activities have been lined up this June in South Korea to mark the 113th Philippine Independence Day and the 150th birth anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.

"For Filipinos, the month of June is rife with meaning. Not only did we gain our freedom on 12 June 1898, but Dr. Jose Rizal-our national hero who galvanized the independence movement in the Philippines after it endured three centuries of colonization-was born on 19 June 1861," the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

For the whole month of June, the Millennium Seoul Hilton will feature Filipino cuisine and culture at the Orangerie Buffet Restaurant.

Renowned chefs from the Philippines will prepare favorites such as kare-kare (ox-tail in peanut sauce and sautéed shrimp) and mechado (Philippine beef stew).

As part of the Filipino food festival, Philippine artworks and cultural performances will also be featured at the hotel.

Philippine officials, including Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz and Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim are expected to take part in the month-long celebration, the DFA said.

"The Food Festival will likewise be the theme for the diplomatic reception on June 8, which will feature traditional songs and dances to be performed by professional cultural troupes from the Philippines," the DFA said.

The Philippine Embassy also handed out awards to Korean individuals and groups that contributed to the welfare of Filipino migrants.

For Filipino-Korean children, a special program introducing traditional Filipino games was one of the highlights of the afternoon activities.

Filipino Migrant Workers Day

"We also celebrate our Migrant Workers Day in honor of some eight million Filipinos who have found a second home abroad," Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Luis Cruz said.

Philippine Migrant Workers' Day was celebrated in Korea on May 29, the DFA said.

Filipino migrants from as far as Jeollanam-do gathered at the Yeouido Hanggang Park to take part in the celebration of Philippine Migrant Workers' Day, the DFA said.

"Dubbed 'Philippine Festival in Yeouido,' the day-long cultural fanfare included a housing fair by the Pag-IBIG Home Development and Mutual Fund, a medical mission and onsite services such as counseling for Filipino workers and spouses of Korean nationals," the DFA said.

Travel fair

Meanwhile, as part of ongoing efforts to promote the Philippine tourism market to South Koreans, the Embassy and the Department of Tourism took part in the Korea Travel Fair at the COEX from June 2 to 5.

"With South Korea retaining its position as the Philippines' top source of foreign tourists for five straight years, the Philippine booth highlighted the various sectors that had attracted faithful Korean patrons, from retirement packages to study tours and honeymoon getaways," the DFA said.

The Philippine tourism office coordinated meetings between resort companies from the Philippines and potential buyers from South Korea.

"The buying-and-selling mission at the Millennium Seoul Hilton on June 3 rode on the momentum created by similar missions in the past, all of which had been successful in generating greater tourist traffic and building relevant infrastructure in the Philippines," Ambassador Cruz said.

The Philippine Festival in Yeouido was arranged in partnership with the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the Human Resource Development of Korea, the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Seoul Global Center, and the Philippine Pag-IBIG Home Development and Mutual Fund.

On the other hand, the Filipino Food Festival is done in partnership with the Philippine Department of Tourism, the Millennium Seoul Hilton, Philippine Airlines, and Mama Sita's, a company specializing in food mixes. - VVP, GMA News