Saturday, June 18, 2011

...the non-smoking town

Agusan Sur town gets highest award for DOH drive vs smoking


BUTUAN CITY — For implementing 100 percent a policy on tobacco-free environment, the Department of Health has awarded the Veruela town in Agusan del Sur the “Red Orchid Award" – the highest award for the DOH anti-smoking campaign.

Also, Veruela received P100,000.00 worth of nicotine-replacement medicines and patches to aid smokers to quit

The trophy and other prizes were given to Veruela officials at the Crown Plaza Galleria in Ortigas, Pasig City in Metro Manila last month, during this year's observance of the World Tobacco Day.

Veruela is one of the river towns of Agusan del Sur, the biggest province of Caraga region in terms of land area, occupying almost one half of the region's total land area. — Ben Serrano/LBG, GMA News

...the PAC makes it at No.2

Pacquiao 2nd highest paid non-US athlete: CNNSI

06/17/2011
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) -- Filipino boxing superstar and reigning pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao is the second highest earning non-American athlete in the world.

Based on the list compiled by CNN Sports Illustrated.com (CNNSI), Pacquiao is second to Switzerland's Roger Federer in terms of earnings.

"Federer's enormous endorsement portfolio puts him at No. 1, but barely a quarter-million more than No. 2 Manny Pacquiao. The Filipino boxer and congressman earned more than $50 million for two bouts over the past 12 months," according to CNNSI's Jonah Freedman.

Pacquiao earned an estimated US$52,500,000 from his fights against Antonio Margarito and "Sugar" Shane Mosley.

He was ranked No. 5 last year.

Federer retained his No. 1 status by earning $52,781,940.

Other non-American athletes who made it on the list include:
  • 3. Fernando Alonso ($45,000,000)
  • 4. Lionel Messi ($3,800,000)
  • 5. Cristiano Ronaldo ($38,800,000)
  • 6. Yao Ming ($35,686,100)
  • 7. Rafael Nadal ($31,506,278)
  • 8. Valentino Rossi ($30,000,000)
  • 9. Wayne Rooney ($29,200,000)
  • 10. Kaka ($27,300,000)
Sports Illustrated has a separate list for top-earning US athletes.

Golf superstar Tiger Woods topped the list with $62,294,116 followed by Phil Mickelson with $61,185,933.

LeBron James is the third ranking American top earner with $44,500,000.

...the bringer of hope

Teachers bring hope to Aetas

By ELLSON A. QUISMORIO
June 17, 2011

BOTOLAN, Zambales, Philippines – Not all tales of children in deprived classrooms are meant to be sob stories.

Here at the Aeta resettlement site of Barangay Tumangan in Sitio San Juan, such scene of depravity has been the source of newfound hope for pupils, thanks to a group of volunteer teachers in the same province.

“Nakikita ko po sa mga bata na pursigido silang matuto (I can see in the children that they are determined to learn),” said Reynalyn Ramos, 18, a volunteer teacher, of Carael, Zambales.

Ramos is part of the initial batch of eight young educators from the United Group of Alternative Teachers (UGAT) that have been sent to the impoverished town through an outreach program hatched by St. Paul University in Manila.

“They are very interested to learn,” another UGAT member, 21-year-old Noel Clemente Jr., said of their pupils who are children from the indigenous tribe here. Clemente, of San Juan, also in this province, said that classes started last May.

A total of 21 Aeta children – eight in Grade One and 13 in Kindergarten – currently benefit from the five-day-per-week school sessions although adult tribesmen can be caught peeking as the volunteer teachers run their lessons.

“Plano rin po namin na magturo ng reading at writing sa mga matatanda (We’re also planning to teach reading and writing to adults),” bared Ramos.

Nipa hut classroom

Their “classroom” is far from the familiar enclosed space city-dwellers are used to, though.

An open nipa hut serves as the classroom itself, while a bench made of bamboo doubles as the Aeta pupils’ seat and table from which to write on. In front hangs a small blackboard, the kind that pre-schoolers use.



A nipa hut serves as a classroom for 21 Aeta school children at a resettlement site in Sitio San Juan, Barangay Tumangan, Botolan, Zambales. Volunteer teachers from the United Group of Alternative Teachers (UGAT) began holding school sessions earlier this month. (Photo by ALBERT GARCIA)


Recycled visual aids made from “Manila paper” cap off the school look.

But the energy and enthusiasm of the kids – evident in their “chorus” recitals and read along –make up for these poor conditions.

Donald Sta. Maria, tribe chieftain, thanked the volunteer teachers for imparting to the youngsters in his village that studying is still a worthwhile endeavor. As a gesture of appreciation, Sta. Maria said he is offering the use of the Tribal Hut as their new classroom.

Roughly twice the size of the current classroom hut, the Tribal Hut serves as meeting place for tribe officials and elders. With its cemented base, it is easily the most “luxurious” structure in Tumangan, which, sadly, is heavily dependent on outside assistance.

“Ito ang gagawin ko para mas marami pang batang matuto (I will do this so that more children would be able to learn),” said the chieftain.

Fulfilling job

The expansion of the outreach program ultimately depends on the entry of more volunteers like Ramos and Clemente, although both vowed that they would continue to teach for as long as the children to go classes.

“If others like us are willing to sacrifice, then all they need to do is attend a week-long seminar in Manila and then join our group in Zambales. But this is a fulfilling job,” Ramos said.

She stressed that teaching is its own reward.

“Masayang magturo sa mga bata at masayang makipaglaro sa kanila pagkatapos ng klase (Teaching the children and playing with them after class makes me happy).”

Friday, June 17, 2011

...the BPO expansion

TeleTech invests $15M to expand Philippine operations


By: Abigail L. Ho
Philippine Daily Inquirer





PHILIPPINE EXPANSION. Teletech Holdings is investing in two more sites in Metro Manila and a Career Hub that will serve as recruitment and training center.


Business process outsourcing firm TeleTech Holdings Inc. has invested around $15 million to put up two new sites in Mandaluyong City and Quezon City, as well as a Career Hub that will serve as a stand-alone recruitment and training center.

In a briefing on Thursday, TeleTech executive director for corporate real estate Dexter Cuizon said that the investment for each site amounted to around $4 million, excluding the cost of IT equipment.

The Career Hub will entail an investment of another $1 million, also just for the site infrastructure.

All in all, with the cost of IT equipment thrown in, the company’s overall investment for its expansion this year will reach around $15 million.

TeleTech recently opened a site in Mandaluyong City, its 13th in the country. By the end of the year, TeleTech vice president for human capital Tim Hinds said this 900-seat facility should employ more than 1,200 individuals.

The decision to locate to Mandaluyong City was part of the company’s overall strategy of bringing jobs to where the people are, he said.

While not at the heart of either the Makati or Ortigas Central Business Districts, this site was right in the middle of these two bustling areas and was less saturated.

TeleTech would also be opening its 14th facility in the country by September, he related. With more than 800 seats, the new site located within the University of the Philippines-Ayala Land TechnoHub should provide around the same number of jobs as the new Mandaluyong site.

“We’re extremely bullish on the market. We’re growing our employee base and expanding our footprint,” he said. “We’ll continue to invest heavily in our operations here.”

All of TeleTech’s existing sites are operating at 85-90 percent capacity, prompting the need to open more facilities, he said.

Apart from the two new sites, he said TeleTech was actively studying other locations to house the additional facilities that it planned to put up in the coming months.

The new sites could still be in Metro Manila, he said, but areas in other parts of Luzon, as well as Cebu and other provinces were also being explored.

Mall-based locations were also still being considered, but only if there were available spaces that were at least 2,000 square meters in size.

The company’s decision to put up a Career Hub to serve as a recruitment office and a training center away from the operating floor was also part of its expansion strategies.

Hinds cited the first Career Hub in Makati as a “good investment, with tremendous (return on investment)” for the company, as this gave TeleTech a presence within the Makati CBD even without having an actual operating site there.

...the hero (tribute to Pinay OFW in Hong Kong)

Hong Kong OFW dies to save boy

MANILA, Philippines - An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) died in Hong Kong after saving the life of her 6-year-old ward, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said.

Juanita Agustin Limbago and the boy under her care were knocked down by a tour bus in Hong Kong last June 10, according to an OWWA report.

"Without regard for her own safety, Juanita turned her back to the bus and used her arm to protect the boy. Both were pinned down but the boy got out of the unfortunate incident with only slight wounds," the agency said in a press statement.

Limbago's remains were brought home Friday. Her husband, Edwin, received her remains at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

She was working in Hong Kong for less than three months before she she was killed.

Her family will receive P220,000 in death and burial benefits from OWWA, according to the agency.

..the business challenger winner

Pinay wins business challenge award in Netherlands

06/17/2011

NETHERLANDS - For the second time, a Filipina took home the grand prize in the BiD Network Women in Business Challenge, a yearly competition for women entrepreneurs from around the world held here.

Hailing from Bukidnon, Philippines, Nathalie Arsonillo bested 140 businesswomen from Asia, Africa and South America with her organization Sustainable Growth for Rural Venture Inc. (SUGRUVI), which aims to better the lives and income of cassava farmers in her home province, particularly the Matinsalog-Manobo tribe.

Her goal to bring mobile cassava processing units to remote mountains in Bukidnon, in order to minimize spoilage and increase farmers' profits, earned the nod of judges from Dutch Bank ING, and business organizations United Success and iCCO.

“I’m very happy but this is just icing on the cake. My coming here and their efforts to connect me to future investors, I would not get it if I’m alone or if I’m just staying in the Philippines. I made a lot of contacts, I met a lot of people so the future looks great, not only for me but also for all the cassava farmers in the Philippines,” said Arsonillo in Tagalog.

The overwhelmed Arsonillo received 5,000 euros worth of business coaching from and membership to United Success, a women-only business network helping women entrepreneurs all over the world. She would also receive assistance in finding possible investors.

Advancing the lives of cassava farmers

A banker for 11 years, Arsonillo left her job at an international bank in the Philippines in 2008 to start SUGRUVI. Whenever she comes home to Bukidnon, she frequently sees cassava being grown in small patches in the province. She learned that cassava is not only for human consumption but for other productions as well. She thought of uniting cassava farmers into a community making cassava produce.

“Aside from being food on the table, cassava is also being made into noodles, one of the main components of glue, made into chalk, textile and many others. It has a lot of uses and now, one of the big markets for it is the production of ethanol. It’s like corn but only cheaper,” explained Arsonillo.

They partnered with a rural bank and sought other financing schemes to buy the good variety of cassava and distribute it to the farmers for free. She approached San Miguel Corporation to sell cassava chips but the company did not respond very early. For two years, the cassava farmers booked high costs, but no income. Because cassava rots in 48 to 72 hours, the farmers had little time to make them into something useful, thus lowering their income considerably.

“What we want is to make a transport unit that will go from the center to the mountains so the processing will take place there. This will avoid spoilage, lower transportation and labor costs and increase the productivity of the farmers and the organization,” she continued.

Fortunately, after two years of waiting, San Miguel started ordering from SUGRUVI. This inspired Arsonillo even more, as well as the farmers in her organization. She is proud of her kababayans' solidarity as they produce the amount of order that their clients demand.

SUGRUVI now has 278 members, 48% of whom are women and 23% are from the Matinsalog, Manobo tribe.

Social and environmental impact

The BiD Women in Business Challenge, now on its second year, was established to focus on women who are already in business but want to expand. According to Thierry Sanders, director and founder of BiD Network, 27% of all the business pitches they are receiving each year come from women entrepreneurs. Since there wasn't any international competition for these women, to help them assist in the expansion of their businesses, BiD Network pioneered one for them.

“There’s a lot of women entrepreneurs out there and they just need to put their business plans together, find a coach and get financed. They have great business ideas,” said Sanders.

Last year, it was Marianne Olano from Naga City who won the grand prize for her business Baycrafts Jewerly.

“The most important thing we are looking for is an entrepreneur who has growth ambitions. They must have social impact and we are looking for environmental businesses as well. So if you can have that combination of 20% of income growth, social impact and environmental impact you're in the right spot and you're looking for finance because we can help you look for finance,” continued Sanders.

According to Sanders, they do not entertain businesses which have lower that 20% predicted growth income in one year because these will not generate jobs that are needed in the community. He cited the statistics in the United States where 90% of jobs generated in the last 20 years were from companies which had start-up of $250,000 and more than 20% yearly growth.

All the five finalists, including four from Peru and Uganda, got business coaching from BiD and ING especially in areas like finance and investor match-making, marketing, women leadership, overcoming cultural barriers and finding export partners.

They were also advised to find business partners or investors who have solid background to build trust and track records, in addition to having perseverance.

Going International

SUGRUVI is currently only producing for domestic distribution but Arsonillo said that their end goal would be to go international. A few Dutch companies have already expressed interest in looking at their products and using tapioca starch instead of corn starch.

“The cassava chips are still on the starting level but starch is the end of the line. When the selling prices are high, the buying prices are also high so hopefully we can go and reach that goal (of going international),” said Arsonillo.

There is also a possibility of acquiring mobile units and other kinds of technology for their cassava processing. Some investors are also willing to buy SUGRUVI shares, prompting Arsonillo to turn the organization into a corporation.

“We waited for a long time but we didn’t think expect that it will this worth it,” she ended.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

...the balikbayan scientist

This 'balikbayan' hopes to lure fellow Filipino scientists back from abroad


MANILA CITY, METRO MANILA – One of the major reasons Filipino scientists are going abroad instead of working in the country is the lack of incentives, according to a scientist from the University of the Philippines (UP).

Dr. Raul Destura, facilitator of the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, National Institute of Health at UP Manila, also cited the lack of “reasonable compensation” as another reason why Filipino scientists choose to work abroad.

Destura said he is hoping to lure back Filipino scientists abroad through his own work on diagnostic technologies. He was a former infectious disease specialist in Virginia and worked as head of the Study Group on Enteric Diseases.

“I came back to the Philippines because I wanted to do something about the shortage of researchers here.

Regardless of the income I was getting abroad, I left those behind and took a chance here, because I firmly believe that someday things are going to change,” Destura said.

The Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology was started only three years ago but Destura said the facility continues to look for grants locally and abroad.

“It's difficult for a researcher to manage research in the country because of very problematic procurement processes within the university especially transactions related to equipment and all those things necessary for them to run their science,” he said, adding that scientists often become frustrated “when economic reality kicks in”.

Commonly discussed and debated in national forums is the funding for the treatment of illnesses. For Destura, government and investment funding must be equalized if not, channeled to pre-emptive health measures like diagnostic technologies and disease prevention.

While waiting for more grants, Destura said the institute is targeting to develop a total of 21 innovations for use in health research and development. They are currently on the last stage of Project One, which involves a device that cuts the days for diagnosis of dengue from a week to only 2 days from the onset of fever.

“The Biotek M Project Dengue involves the use of a device with which nucleic acid amplification technology is applied. You simply plug it into an AC port or a car battery which then emanates heat. On the device you simple mix a solution with the extracted blood sample and the change in color will tell you if you do or do not have dengue,” Destura said.

He added that in other countries it takes five to seven years to create this kind of diagnostic technology, but Filipino scientists did it in nine months.

Destura added that they are just waiting for the approval of the funding from the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) for the final clinical trial stage before the diagnostic tool is finally mass produced.

“These technologies are low-lying meaning these are easily achievable in a very short time-frame. If only there are people in the Philippines who can actually give the funding because now, the only way I could keep them from leaving is giving them the salary they deserve for their time and effort,” Destura said.

Destura said present and future projects are vital for the innovation of research and development in the country. All that is needed is for Filipino scientists to come back home and willingly fulfill their obligation to their fellowmen.

“There is something brewing here in the Philippines and I wish you all to be part of that history by coming back. As scientists, we should feel that it is our obligation to come home and help in any way we can, our country,” he said.

...the young chess whiz

PH woodpushers bag 23 medals in Indon chess tilt

06/16/2011

MANILA, Philippines – Young Filipino chess players bagged 23 medals, including 8 gold medals, in the blitz competition of 12th ASEAN age-group chess championships in Tarakan, Indonesia on Wednesday.

According to National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) executive director and Grandmaster (GM) Jayson Gonzales, the Philippine chess team won 8 gold medals, 7 silver and 8 bronzes.

The 5 individual gold medals were garnered by Dennis Gutierrez III (Open 8-under); Julius Gonzales (Open 10-under); Daryl Unix Samantila (Open 12-under); Mc Dominique Lagula (Open 16-under); and Mira Mirano (Girls 14-under).

Three team gold medals were delivered by Lagula, Patrick Dave Dulay and Jeazzir Kline Surposa in the Open 16-under; Mirano, Shaina Mae Mendoza and Ella Grace Moulic in Girls 14-under; and Janelle Mae Frayna, Woman FIDE master (WFM) Cherry Ann Mejia and Jean Karen Enriquez in Girls 16-under.

"We are proud of our RP age groupers performance in Tarakan,” said NCFP Chairman Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.

"Hopefully we could get more medals in the [tournament's] Standard and Rapid competition," he added.

Meanwhile, the 5 individual silver medals were won by Lennon Heart Salgados and Richilieu Salcedo in the Open 20-under; Irish Yngayo in the Girls 8-under; Samantha Glo Revita in the Girls 12-under; and Frayna in the Girls 16-under.

The 2 team silver medals were captured by Gutierrez III, Ronald Canino and Khulene Lord Agtarap-dela Cruz in the Open 8-under; and Salgados, Salcedo, Mari Joseph Turqueza in the Open 20-under. – By Marlon Bernardino

...the greener PH

Aquino vows PH to use 50% 'green' energy by 2030


President Benigno Aquino III inspects the solar-powered aerator project of Adamson University. During the launch of the National Renewable Energy Program, Aquino vowed the Philippines will increase its use of renewable energy sources.
President Benigno Aquino III inspects the solar-powered aerator project of Adamson University. During the launch of the National Renewable Energy Program, Aquino vowed the Philippines will increase its use of renewable energy sources.

By Anna Valmero

MAKATI CITY, METRO MANILA—Two decades from now, half of the Philippines' energy needs will rely on renewable energy as the country aims to increase by threefold power generated by “green” energy sources, President Benigno Aquino III said Tuesday.

“We aim to achieve 50 percent sustainable renewable energy by 2030 so that we will not be relying too much on coal and fossil fuels that have fluctuating prices and limited supply,” Aquino during the launch and turnover of the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) from the Department of Energy (DoE).

Aquino noted that his administration will prioritize the electrification of “off-grid” areas such as Kalinga and Bukidnon provinces, and other remote villages through renewable energy sources such as hydroelectric, biomass and geothermal plants.

“At this age, progress should be inclusive and there should be no child who cannot afford to study at home at night because there is no electricity in their community,” said Aquino.

In remote villages in Mindoro province, most families rely on bunker fuel for light and average cost of power is P25 per kilowatt house (kWh), which is significantly higher than prices from conventional electricity resources at P5 per kWh, based on statistics from the DoE.

To mitigate the impact of climate change and to curb the reliance on fossil fuels, it makes sense for the country to invest in renewable energy, costs of which are expected to decrease over time.

Present costs of renewable energy are as follows: P6 per kWh for mini hydro, P7 per kWh for biomass, P10.95 per kWh for wind, P17.95 per kWh for solar, and P17.65 per kWh for ocean resources. “Mature” renewable energy sources such as geothermal and large hydroelectric plants average at P6 to P7 per kWh.

Under the NREP, the Philippines is being groomed to become the top producer of geothermal energy, double the capacity of hydroelectric plants and expand the percentage of biomass, wind, ocean and solar resources, said DoE secretary Jose Rene Almendras.

Through the development of renewable energy, Almendras said the country can increase its energy sufficiency by threefold from the current 27.5 percent.

DoE will also implement a national database for solar, tidal and wind, which are intermittent resources that are not continuously available all throughout the day. For example, solar energy is at its peak during daytime but cannot be harnessed at night.

Wind, solar and ocean or tidal wave energy require huge capital outlay and are intermittent resources so they are eyed as secondary or complementary green energy sources by government and the private sector partners.

Under the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 9153 or the Renewable Energy Act, the country's renewable energy supply will have an incremental increase of one percent each year.

Presently, 34 percent or about 5,000 MW of the country's power supply is from renewable energy sources. This means it will take at least two decades for the country to use renewable energy for 54 percent (15,300MW) in the energy mix, according to Department of Energy undersecretary Jose Layug Jr.

“There is high interest among foreign and local investors given that DoE already processed 227 renewable energy, another 80 pending for approval by July and 150 more for further feasibility study,” Layug said in an interview.

The government strategy is to tap foreign and local investors to finance and build these renewable energy plants to offset huge capital outlay. The investors are eyed to pass on the feed-in tariffs for technology development to consumers via local distribution partners, said Layug.

There are pending petitions to the National Renewable Energy Board to set the feed-in tariffs for renewable energy consumers at P10.65 per kWh.

Over time, Layug said renewable energy will reach grid parity and will be as cheap, if not cheaper, as energy produced by coal-fired power plants.

...the choir reps in Prague

Bukidnon choir to represent PHL in Prague competition


The Bukidnon State University chorale in Mindanao will represent the Philippines at the Prague Quadrennial 2011 to be held from June 16 to 26, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

The DFA said the choir also participated in two celebrations marking the Philippines’ 113th Independence Day in the Czech Republic.

Philippine Ambassador Evelyn Austria-Garcia led the Embassy’s celebration with a diplomatic reception at the Hotel Hilton Celnice on June 10.

Some 200 guests including resident ambassadors, diplomatic officials, and representatives of the Czech government and business community attended the event.

High officials from the Czech government were present, including Director-General Vítězslav Grepl of the Section of Non-European Countries and Development Cooperation and Director Hana Mottlova of the Asia-Pacific Department represented the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the event.

In her remarks, Garcia cited the long-standing bilateral relations between the Philippines and the Czech Republic, at the same time underscoring opportunities to further expand bilateral ties in other areas including trade, investment, tourism, labor, culture, education, science, and sports.

On June 12, the choir performed again at a program at the courtyard of the Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague. This was preceded by a Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Lancy Lewis.

The program started with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by the traditional salu-salo where Filipino food was served.

“The Bukidnon State University Chorale also graced the occasion with a rendition of the ‘Lupang Hinirang’ and a live performance of classic Filipino songs," the DFA said.

During the program, Garcia and Consul Mersole Mellejor delivered the Independence Day messages of President Benigno Aquino III and DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario, respectively. - VVP, GMA News

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

..the earth artist

Fil-Am showcases passion for pottery at New York exhibit





MANILA, Philippines—A native of Mount Makiling in Laguna, Hadrian Mendoza found his home in Virginia but he felt so homesick, his only connection back home is his passion for pottery. Following the echo of the god’s creative spirit, he mounted his second solo exhibit at the Philippine Consulate General at 556 Fifth Avenue in New York with 15 of his latest creations, bulol , the god of harvest in the Philippines’ Northern Luzon.

Bulol, means mute. The artist derives inspiration from bulol’s essence of quietude, and happily yields to its energy guiding him to create the basic forms, leaving the potter’s hands reaching out to his native Philippine origin.

“If you look at all the pictures of bulol, the gesture of its face is minimal, its marks are minimal. You can’t tell what’s going on, from its shape, from the proportion of its head and body. For me, studying the faces of bulol has given me a good feeling,” explains Mendoza. The god symbolizes a positive energy in all things.

Making bulol in its traditional form means using very simple technique and minimal approach in making its eyes and nose. There were very subtle changes, but nothing radical. The artist is careful not to disrespect it.

“The feeling and emotion that you get from the minimal gestures that created bulol is a strong one. Its basic forms and basic emotions represent dull, muted, and subtle hope, but, more importantly, they are about a belief or confidence that something will come out. It’s a strong sculptural inspiration,” he assesses.

Indeed, his meditation on bulol has tempered an expressionistic style. It has made him unusually satisfied in shaping the fundamental nature of a “subtle breakthrough” on clay. In order to make his work take on an organic look, he tweaked the recipe of his new found clay: 70 percent ball clay and kaolin, 20 percent feldspar, and 10 percent silica.

He wanted the coarsest and chunkiest red clay with lots of iron, he researched until he found the quality of clay he was looking for. “It looked gritty and unrefined, like the clay of Quezon province that I used in the Philippines,” the artist recalls.

His restless spirit moves on to enhance that quality that he was once comfortable with.

...the blue businesses in the US

Filipino-owned US businesses thrive


By EDU LOPEZ
June 15, 2011

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-owned businesses are thriving in the US market, a testament that local entrepreneurs can compete globally. The Survey of Business Owners: Asian-Owned Businesses 2007 revealed that there were over 163,226 Filipino-owned business firms in the US, making it the fifth strongest Asian player in the US market next to Chinese (423,631), Indians (308,472), Vietnamese (229,139) and Koreans (192,502).
 

Filipino-owned businesses represent 10.5 percent of the Asian-owned businesses, one of the strongest segments of the US economy. Between 2002 and 2007, Asian-owned businesses grew by 40 percent to 1.5 million enterprises. The number of Philippine-owned businesses grew by 30.4 percent compared to Koreans (22.1%), Vietnamese (55.8%), Chinese (48.1%) and Indians (38.2%).


Among Filipino-owned US firms, nearly half were in the health care and social assistance sector, the professional, scientific and technical services sector, and the repair, maintenance, personal and laundry services sector. By comparison, 44.7 percent of Asian-owned businesses operated in repair and maintenance; personal and laundry services; professional, scientific and technical services; and retail trade.

About 55 percent of these Filipino-owned firms had one to four employees and nearly two percent had 50 or more employees.


More than a fifth had receipts of $10,000-$24,990 while 1.8 percent had receipts of $1 million or more. The largest number of Filipino-owned firms can be found in California, numbering around 81,348 or nearly 50 percent of total number of Filipino-owned firms.


They generated an income of $9.1 billion, 45 percent of all Filipino-owned receipts. The vast majority of Asian-owned businesses are also in California (509,097), followed by New York (196,852) and Texas (114,336). The cities with the largest number of Asian-owned businesses in were New York (153,885) and Los Angeles (61,607).

...the new chess grandmaster

PH has a new chess grandmaster

06/15/2011

MANILA, Philippines – June proved to be a merry month for Filipino chess players as Julio Catalino Sadorra was officially recognized as a grandmaster (GM), while Chardine Cheradee Camacho and Catherine Perena were recognized as women international masters (IM).



According to National Chess Federation of the Philippines president Prospero Pichay Jr., the members of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) met last June 4-7 and recognized the players' title status.

"I can't reduce my success to a formula, but it comes down to hard work and faith," said Sadorra, a sophomore majoring in applied mathematics at the University of Texas (UT)-Dallas.

The 25-year-old Sadorra achieved his third and final GM norm at the UT Dallas Grandmaster Invitational, where he beat GM Alexander Shabalov last March.

His Elo rating of 2508 breached the 2500 benchmark for a GM title, making Sadorra the 14th Filipino chess GM. His next tournament is the US Open set in August.

Other Filipino GMs are:
  • Wesley So,
  • Rogelio Antonio Jr.,
  • Mark Paragua,
  • Joseph Sanchez,
  • Roland Salvador,
  • John Paul Gomez,
  • Rogelio Barcenilla,
  • Darwin Laylo,
  • Eugene Torre,
  • Nelson Mariano,
  • Buenaventrua Villamayor,
  • Jayson Gonzales, and,
  • the late Rosendo Balinas, Jr.
Meanwhile, Camacho and Perena joined the Girmie Fontanilla, Cristine Rose Mariano, Beverly Mendoza and Fil-Australian Arianne Bo Caoli as women IMs. --By Marlon Bernardino

...the windy islands

Batanes in gray weather

Indoors is not a word that comes to mind when you see the lush rolling hills and the sea that stretches out, redefining your concept of blue.

But Batanes, being on the northernmost tip of the country, often gets cloudy and stormy weather. Whether you're prepared or not, bad weather means touring will be a bit difficult, and you can forget about island hopping.

Fortunately, there are indoor spots on the island that are worth a visit any time of year.

Local artists make this tiny art gallery worth a visit
1. Yaru nu artes Ivatan - The National Road is dotted with stores that sell groceries and hardware supplies. But a few meters away from the only gasoline station is a pleasant surprise - a tiny art gallery.

Far from the minimalist design of many galleries in Manila, this one is bright and colorful. The large window is tiled with stained glass, and the inside looks like a giant Care Bear went crazy with a box of crayons.

On display are works by members of the Yaru nu Artes Ivatan, an association of artists from Batanes whose mission is "to help make the arts an eco-friendly industry for sustainable livelihood that supports the indigenous culture and heritage of the islands."

2. Zantan canteen - "This place would be perfect, if there were a bookstore somewhere," my husband told me after seven days in Batanes. That night, we discovered Zantan Canteen, and Batanes indeed became perfect.

Although it isn't a bookstore, as its name correctly implies, the place has a very well-stocked shelf of books. The books are not for sale, and they can’t be borrowed either. But they can be read inside the canteen, and the cozy tables are just right for every couch potato's idea of multitasking: reading while snacking.

Like everywhere else on the island, the service at the canteen is great. Sunny days and the great outdoors, rainy afternoons with hot coffee and a good book. Batanes is perfect.

Xavier Mirabueno is a rocker who also makes this great pizza
3. Casa Napoli - Pizza is my serious answer to the question "What do you miss most about Batanes?"

Bluer than blue skies, sparkling seas, grass that is greenest on every side - this is all great, but Xavier Mirabueno's pizza is the stuff that makes Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles say "Awesome." The rock and roll musician turned chef only uses 100 percent mozzarella cheese, homemade dough and freshly picked herbs. Sometimes the ingredients run out before he can get the next batch delivered, so call in advance to find out if they're open.

4. Bunker Cafe - You've seen the lighthouse on postcards, and you'll surely see it if you go to Batanes as it's one of the staple stops for tours. But what you might not know is that the lighthouse is also beautiful at night, and it can only get better with a romantic meal at Bunker Cafe.

The charming spot overlooking the ocean is the perfect date place on the island. The food is fresh, tasty and affordable. On a clear night, you can stay outside on the windy hill, under the stars. If it gets too cold, you can go inside and still enjoy the view from the large glass windows. Watch out for the flying beetles, although it can be the perfect excuse to hold on tight to your date.

5. Vatang Grill - Located south of the main island of Basco, this restaurant is a little bit out of the way. But there's no traffic, and the food is definitely worth a trip.

Vatang grill has options for meat eaters as well as vegetarians

The place is modeled after the traditional Ivatan houses, but inside are the comforts of modern facilities. The tiled washroom is large and spotless, and diners can watch a documentary about Batanes on wide screen monitors while waiting for their order. All the food groups are well-represented on the menu, so meat eaters and all kinds of vegetarians will be happy here.

6. Honesty Cafe
- A must-visit spot right beside the port in Ivana, Honesty Cafe is the only place on the island where customers aren’t greeted with a smile. In fact, customers aren't greeted at all, because no one mans the small store. Instead, there is a box below a sign that says "Please pay here" and instructions posted on the wall. Customers must pay the exact amount, unless someone happens to be around to give them change. As a result, some customers end up buying more than they planned. Fortunately, the cafe offers everything from matches to souvenirs, so it's not difficult to find something worth your money.

Bring loose change when you visit Honesty Cafe

With the exception of the art gallery, all the spots mentioned here are eating places, meant to be stopovers for meals in between tours. But even without sightseeing, rainy days are best spent wrapped in blankets, or reading books. Gray weather reminds us that we need comfort - in a hug, a good story, inspiring art or a nice, hot meal. – GMA News

...the new mammal species

7 new mammal species found on Luzon


By Tarra Quismundo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
 
MANILA, Philippines—Filipino and American scientists have discovered seven new species of mammals in four locations on the island of Luzon, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources announced Wednesday.

All forest mice, the newly recognized species were discovered in four mountains in Luzon: Mt Tapulao in Zambales, Mt. Banahaw in Quezon, Mingan Mountains in Aurora and the Sierra Madre Mountain range in northeastern Luzon.



An account of the discovery, authored by nine biologists from the University of the Philippines, the Philippine National Museum, Conservation International-Philippines, the Utah Museum of Natural History and the Florida State University, was first published in last month’s issue of the Fieldiana, the journal of Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History.

“The international community has recognized that our country has among the highest rates of discovery in the world. Filipinos should be aware of such discoveries, to show a collective pride and give a more positive meaning to the expression, ‘only in the Philippines,’” said Environment Secretary Ramon Paje in a statement.
Describing the species in the Fieldiana, project leader Lawrence Heaney said the mammals were “wonderful little mice that live in forested regions high in the mountain… often abundant, [yet] they actively avoid humans and rarely cause any harm. They prefer to eat earthworms and seeds on the forest floor.”

...the Fil-Ams in Utah

Fil-Ams rediscover Pinoy culture

06/15/2011

SALT LAKE CITY- Philippine culture is coming to life in Utah through the art of dance.

Thanks to the Kulturang Pinoy Ensemble, a dance group created by Filipino families who were concerned that their children were losing their heritage.

Almost all of their dancers have lived in or visited the Philippines, but most of them learned more about their Pinoy roots by performing Filipino dances.

Ensemble member Josel Angeles said, “When I was in the Philippines I didn’t really know our culture; I didn’t dance the 'Tinikling,' but here, I’ve learned a lot.”

The dance troupe, which was created last September, started only with with 10 members. But today, it already has 50, and more want to join.

The ensemble’s vice president Teena Jensen said that although dance is the focus of the group, participants are taught much more than how to move to music. They are also taught Filipino.

Jensen added that as the group continues to grow, she expects more and more Filipinos to maintain their culture and share it with their friends and communities.

...the Moody's perception

Moody's upgrades Philippines, outlook stable

06/15/2011


MANILA, Philippines - Debt watcher Moody's Investors Service has upgraded the Philippines' sovereign rating, with a stable outlook, on progress made in fiscal consolidation, sustained macroeconomic stability and strength in external payment position.

Moody's said in a statement that it upgraded the country's Ba3 foreign and local currency long-term bond ratings by one notch to Ba2 from Ba3.

Ba2 is classified as non-investment grade speculative debt and still two notches below investment grade.
Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said the upgrade affirms the government's economic agenda, particularly efforts to trim the budget deficit.

"We are now one step closer to our goal of attaining investment grade rating, which is crucial in further lowering our borrowing costs and attracting more FDIs (foreign direct investments)," Purisima said in a text message to reporters. - With a report from Reuters

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

...the Food Network finalist (update)

Fil-Am woman restaurateur among Food Network finalists, leads online poll



By JULIEN MERCED C. MATABUENA
June 14, 2011
Manila Bulletin


Orchid Paulmeier
Orchid Paulmeier

MANILA, Philippines -- The show hasn’t even started yet, but Filipino-American “The Next Food Network Star” finalist Orchid Paulmeier is already ahead of the pack as she leads the reality show’s online Fan Vote poll.

“Orchid is leading our Fan Vote, but it's a tight race,” the Fan Vote portion of the show’s homepage read as of the afternoon of June 2, Manila time.

Orchid and 14 other contestants from all over the US will go head to head beginning Sunday, June 5 (US time) on the seventh season of “The Next Food Network Star,” where the winner will be awarded with his or her very own show on the Food Network.

According to an article published in islandpacket.com on June 1 titled “Orchid: The next Food Network single-name celebrity?,” taping for this season was done from January until March this year. The same story also mentioned that Orchid, a hotel and restaurant management graduate of the University of Illinois, had previously tried out for the show twice but failed to make it through the initial auditions.

As read on Orchid’s bio on “The Next Food Network Star” homepage, the 38-year-old mother of three and Chicago-native is “a first-generation American” who “started her culinary career as an ice cream scooper in high school.” Currently based in Bluffton, South Carolina, Orchid owns a restaurant called One Hot Mama’s, located at Hilton Head Island in the same state.

Orchid is said to have already established a good reputation in her town for her “wings and ribs,” and that she “prides herself on her Southern barbecue.”

...the mobile phone banking


Mongolian monetary officials in Phl

The Philippine Star
 June 14, 2011


MANILA, Philippines - Seventeen delegates from the Bank of Mongolia, the Finance Regulatory Board of Mongolia, the Information, Communications Technology, and Post Authority, along with other Mongolia government officials participated in the Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines (RBAP) International Visits Program last month.



This was to learn first-hand about the uses of mobile money and mobile phone banking in the Philippines. John Owens, chief of party of the RBAP-Microentrepreneurs Access to Banking Services (MABS) program, introduced the delegates to the uses of mobile money and mobile phone banking practiced by Philippine rural banks. Owens also shared the latest updates in the Philippine rural banking industry, how mobile money and mobile phone banking are helping in the expansion of banking services to reach far-flung areas in the country, and how the Philippines’ excellent regulatory system has helped in the success of mobile phone banking.

...the believer of Pinoy talents

Filipino Bill Gates: Invest now in Pinoy talents


MANILA, Philippines - Silicon Valley Filipino hero Diosdado “Dado” Banatao said investors should start tapping Filipino engineers and technology experts and start promoting their technology locally.



In an interview with ANC, the serial entrepreneur and engineer said it’s just “a matter of time” before the local business sector can grow, bolstered by technology that is locally-made.

“If we continue the way we do things, time would be forever. We have to change how we do things…how we put knowledge into the brains of talented students,” he said. “We should attack [the hang-ups]…that ‘it’s hard to do, we don’t know how to compete, etc.’”

He said there is a big break for Filipino talents especially in the telecommunications, energy and transport sectors.

While there is much government support, he noted that investors do not have the right attitude, business-wise.

“Timid is a kind word. They’re afraid of those risks because it is technology and it’s hard to truly understand the implications,” he said.

This is precisely why the quality of ideas is “not there right now.” He said it’s a combination of “too few engineers, too few entrepreneurs, too few risk-taking investors.”

While businesses understand being part of the global market, they tend to invest more in foreign technologies. “It’s much better if we start here because we already know the nuances of our culture,” he stressed.

He said local technology can tap foreign markets “but it’s a lot harder…Imagine yourself out against companies with Silicon Valley status, it’s not easy. I will say, focus on the local market…it’s a lot easier than going out.”

Born to a rice farmer and housekeeper, Banatao rose to fame for putting Ethernet controller on a single chip instead of big boards. According to millionairereacts.com, his discovery led to more entrepreneurial resources in technology.

A company that he put up developed the first system logic chip, which would later lower the cost of building personal computers.

Monday, June 13, 2011

...the Pinoy cellist at Carnegie

Pinoy cellist performs at famed Carnegie Hall in NY



Carnegie Hall in New York City is a performance venue graced by many legends in the music industry.

In its more than 100-year history, the concert hall has seen performances staged by historic acts such as Frank Sinatra, James Taylor and the Beatles.

Just recently, a renowned Filipino cellist joined their ranks when he performed before classical music aficionados and critics at the famed venue.

Wilfredo Pasamba, who grew up in Quezon province, is in Manila in preparation for a concert slated in July at the University of the Philippines — Diliman, where he once taught students how to play the cello for three years.

"I think there's a problem of [perceiving] classical music as being too elitist," Pasamba said in an interview aired over GMA News's Good News Sunday night.

"But, it's not, it's just a different music. To be able to appreciate it you have to listen very carefully," he added.



Pasamba said he started his love affair with the string instrument at the age of 16, when he won in the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA).

After that, Pasamba flew to Russia after being offered a full scholarship and studied at the Moscow Conservatory for five years.

His stint at Russia opened doors and opportunities to perform in different venues across the globe, including Pittsburgh, University of Missouri in Kansas, and the Moscow Conservatory in Russia.

"After that I went to the United States and then went to New York City and studied at Julliard School for two years," he said.

But Pasamba said he considers the time when a New York Times writer saw his concert and hailed his performance for its "audacity and brilliance" as one of the highlights of his career.

"He wrote an article about the concert and it was certainly very positive," he said.

Despite his many achievements, Pasamba remains a humble and meek musician who did not forget his roots.

For his fellow Filipino musicians aiming to make a name in the international scene, his advice is: "Without passion in any profession, you're not going anywhere. So, talent plus passion and hard work, I think those are the main ingredients." - JM Tuazon, KBK, GMA News

...the Moro Westpointer

A Moro Filipino shines at West Point


By Benjamin Pimentel
Philippine Daily Inquirer



Uzi Ibrahim, Filipino American, Moro, Filipino, Philippines, United States, history, war, US, West Point

A hundred years ago, Uzi Ibrahim’s forefathers were fighting for their lives, defending Mindanao against invading US forces led by Gen. John J. Pershing. Last month, Uzi, who was born in Mindanao, marched as a member of the graduating Class of 2011 of West Point, the military academy where Pershing trained to be a soldier and where he is still highly regarded as a distinguished alum.

Uzi even won an award named after Pershing.

“I was both in disbelief and hopeful,” he told me on receiving the honor given to graduating cadets.

“If a hundred years later the descendant of one of America’s fiercest opponents could enter the same halls as General Pershing to become a leader,” he added, “it gives me hope that a lot of things can change in the world.”

Unique odyssey

In 21-year-old Uzi Ibrahim, we find a unique odyssey.

It is a journey of a young man who proudly considers himself a Moro Filipino. He is a child of Sept. 11, who is eager to serve as a soldier of the United States, but also looking to give back to the country, to the island where his people fought bravely for their freedom a century ago.

In many ways, his story and his beliefs underscore the complexities of the US and the world after Sept. 11, which reached another turning point with the killing of Osama bin Laden.

Some may disagree with Uzi’s views. But he tells his story with sincerity and quiet conviction.

Pride and prejudice

Uzi was three years old when his family moved to the United States. He was 11 when terrorists hijacked the planes that slammed against the Twin Towers in New York on Sept. 11, 2001, killing nearly 3,000 people.

Two days after the attacks, he felt the sting of the tragedy. In a moment that he still recalls vividly, a close of friend of his yelled out in class, “I hate Muslims!”

“I was completely blown away by this, and very upset to the point that I left the classroom in tears,” he told me. “I remember that I went through a time of self-searching and I was wondering what I did wrong.”

But the outburst led to a teaching moment for him and his friend who later came up to him and apologized.

“The thing was that he never even knew that I was a Muslim, or really understood what being a Muslim was all about. It was then I realized that, it wasn’t them but it was my fault that events had led up to that point. I think this was a very defining moment in my life.”

Uzi moved on. Though prejudice against Muslims intensified in the US after Sept. 11, he says his identity has “never been an issue.”

Youth leadership

He became class president of his high school in West Virginia, a state known for its conservatism. He even became governor of Boy’s State, the West Virginia leadership academy.

“What this shows is you can dwell on the differences all you want,” he told me. “But at the end of the day is it making the situation any better? Am I being a wall or am I being a bridge?”

His parents—his father is Muslim, his mother, Catholic—stressed two important lessons, he said: “To be tolerant of other people and to fight for what you believe in.”

Moros don’t quit

With those values and an intensifying interest in leadership, Uzi set out for West Point.

It wasn’t easy.

His father, Oscar Ibrahim, recalled how there were times when the thought of quitting entered his son’s mind. Oscar encouraged him to keep going, joking with his son, “Well, where’s your Moro blood if you quit?”

At West Point, father and son even saw reminders of their forefathers’ struggles against the Americans. On display at the academy were weapons recovered from the Mindanao campaign, the US military’s first major war against a Muslim foe.

The kris and the Colt .45

Uzi remembers one particular item on display—a Moro sword of war, called kris.

“Time heals a lot of things and my reaction that day wasn’t anger or frustration, but amazement and a sense of pride. To me, the sword was a symbol of the fighting spirit of the Moro people, and the presentation of the sword was also a symbol of American respect for their adversary.”

That respect was even underscored in one of his classes on the history of the US military. It was during the Moro campaign that the Colt .45 was made standard issue for American troops. The reason: US forces needed more firepower to stop the Moro fighters.

It’s a fact Uzi reflects on with pride. “I come from a tough bunch of people, something that I have a lot of pride in. I mean, the Colt .45 is a really powerful weapon, and the fact that Moro warriors could take .38 cal. bullets and still have the determination and willpower to take down their enemy is nothing short of amazing. Ultimately, when I’m going through hard times, I like to reflect on stories such as this as it inspires me to attack problems or issues with the same amount of spirit, [to believe] that I can take pain and I can keep going.”

Remembering Mount Dajo

In fact, the war that the US waged in Mindanao and the rest of the Philippines was hardly an honorable campaign. There were atrocities. No less than Mark Twain, the great American writer, spoke out against one of the most vicious abuses, the mass killing of hundreds of Moros trapped in a crater on Mount Dajo in Jolo in 1906.

“The enemy numbered six hundred,” Twain wrote, “including women and children-and we abolished them utterly, leaving not even a baby alive to cry for its dead mother… Our uniformed assassins had not upheld the honor of the American flag… They had dishonored it.”

But Uzi said these should be viewed in its historical context. “It was a hundred years ago. It should be judged in that respect. The Americans back then had a very different world view, had very different assumptions and beliefs.”

Moving on

Despite the challenges of his early years at West Point, Uzi pushed on.

He studied engineering, majored in East Asian studies, and even became president of the West Point Asian Pacific Awareness Club. He learned Mandarin, adding to his knowledge of Spanish and Cebuano.

As in the past, he said, his Muslim identity never became an issue at West Point.

“It never was. People have bent over backward to help me out. There is a chapel here for Muslim services. People are very professional around here. I’m very proud of this organization.”

A military career awaits him after West Point. But Uzi is also considering other long-term plans that may not involve a military career. A recent visit to this family’s home province of Lanao made him more aware of the poverty in that part of the Philippines.

An officer and a scholar

His own scholarly work on the histories of other Asian countries has made him interested in development issues, specifically the question: How do poor nations eventually get out of poverty?

It’s a personal question, in many ways. For he has seen his own family back in Lanao struggling.

“You see the family in poor conditions and it makes you think: Why do you have to go to another country to send money back when you shouldn’t have to do that if the problems don’t exist?”



The road ahead

He has no set roadmap right now, he says. But whatever path he eventually takes, he knows his West Point training in leadership will come in handy when he does return to Mindanao.

“It’s a skill that I can take with me anywhere, that I can apply to any situation to make it better.”

He is aware that the situation in the Philippines, and in Mindanao in particular, is complex. And the reality of the Philippines is not even clear to some Filipino Americans.

He has even met Filipino Americans who were surprised to learn that there are Muslims in the Philippines.

With amusement he recalls being asked by FilAms, who apparently found it hard to imagine a non-pork-eating Filipino: “You’re Filipino, but you don’t eat lechon?”

...the Philippine All-Star

Philippine Allstars finishes 1st place at dance competition in Switzerland


By ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ
June 13, 2011
Manila Bulletin

The Allstars performing at the Dance2Dance competition in Zurich (Screen grab from YouTube)
The Allstars performing at the Dance2Dance competition in Zurich (Screen grab from YouTube)


MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Allstars did it again!

The premiere hip-hop dance group bagged first place at the annual Dance2Dance: The World Streetdance Showcase Competition held last June 11 at the Theater 11 in Zurich, Switzerland.

They outdid nine other groups from USA, Sweden, Poland Italy, and even Switzerland. It was no measly feat, as the jury who evaluated the performances consisted of dance experts such as Burim Jusufi (Rihanna’s dancer), Tiziana Cocca (Black Eyed Peas’ dancer), Kristin Lorello (from “America’s Best Dance Crew”) and Laushaun Price (from the Debbie Reynolds Studio).

Allstars' triumph came with a 5,000 CHF cash prize, or roughly over P250,000. But more than the money,  they are grateful for snagging yet another achievement.

“Thank you Lord for the blessings! Thank you Lord for our family! Thank you Lord for everything!!! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!

PHILIPPINE ALLSTARS, 1ST PLACE in Dance2Dance Competition in Zurich, Switzerland. Thank YOU! :)” read one of their Facebook shoutouts on June 12.

They also thanked their fans for their support.

“[T]hank you ALL for the Prayers =) GOD has given Philippines and ASIA another GOLD =) To GOD be the GLORY!!! WOOOHHHOOOO!! HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO ALL!” the Allstars also wrote.
 
As seen in the Dance2Dance official website, the competition featured “pre-selected professional dance teams from all over the world to see who’s got what it takes to stand alone, as the best of the best.”

Since their formation in 2005, the Allstars has already won in various prestigious dance contests outside the country. They were the first Asian group to strike back-to-back golds in the International Hip-Hop Open d’Italia (Turin, Italy) and World Hip-Hop Dance Championships (Los Angeles, California) in 2006.

The Allstars enjoyed a winning streak at the V.Ent’s First Annual Dance Awards (as Team of the Year) in 2007, as well as at the World Hip-Hop Dance Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2008 and the Malta Guiness Streetdance Africa in Kenya in 2009 (where they both received Gold).

...the MMA fighter

Filipino MMA fighter Mark Muñoz wins in UFC 131 bout


VANCOUVER, CANADA—Filipino mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Muñoz defeated Brazilian Demian Maia at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 131 held at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver on Sunday.

Fighting in the UFC middleweight division, Muñoz won a close, but unanimous decision against Maia in a thrilling back and forth, three-round match inside the octagon.

Muñoz used his superior grappling and wrestling skills to counter the submission attempts of Maia, a deadly Brazilian jiu jitsu specialist.

Maia dominated the first round after stunning Muñoz with accurate punches and almost submitting the Filipino with the crucifix, a jiu jitsu submission move.

But Muñoz found his rhythm in the second and third round, using takedown attempts and ground and pound to impress the judges.

Muñoz, one of the merging stars of the UFC, improved his record to 11 wins and only 2 losses with the victory.

Maia, known as one of the very few men to have lasted with UFC middle weight champion Anderson “The Spider” Silva, now has a record of 14 wins and 3 losses.

...the Philippines!

113 Reasons Why I Love My Country and Proud to be a Filipino

Repost from: goodnewspilipinas.com 
June 10th, 2011
Under Inspirational Views
  

In celebration of the Philippines’ 113th year of Independence, here’s a list of why I love my country and proud to be a Filipino. Its simple and straight forward, ranked and numbered in no particular order.


  1. My Family and Relatives
  2. Barkada
  3. Karaoke (Wired and Wireless)
  4. Karaoke
  5. Original Pilipino Music (Martin, Gary V, Zsa Zsa, Regine, APO Hiking Society, Ogie etc)
  6. Teleseryes/Telenovelas
  7. World-Class Beaches (Boracay, Palawan etc) 
  8. Boracay
  9. Tingi-Tingi (Candy, Cellphone load)
  10. Dirty Ice Cream (Cheese, Chocolate, Vanilla)
  11. Tele-Radyo Programs
  12. Historical Churches
  13. LRT Line from Baclaran to North Edsa
  14. LRT Line from Baclaran to Monumento
  15. Freedom of the Press (Print, TV, Online)
  16. Malling (SM and Ayala Malls)
  17. Tiangges, Bazaars and Ukay-ukay
  18. Barako Coffee and Jollibee Chicken Joy
  19. Jollibee Chicken
  20. Lechon and Lechon de Leche
  21. Lechon
  22. Pinoy Pride Shirts (C2 Collezione Shirts, Bench, Team Manila, Spoof)
  23. Folk Songs (Freddie Aquilar, Florante)
  24. Weekend Markets (Salcedo, Mercato Central etc)
  25. Barong Tagalog (Pina), Baro’t Saya and Polo Barong (Gusot Mayaman)
  26. Perla Soap
  27. Filipino Art and Galleries
  28. BenCab Art Museum (Baguio)
  29. San Miguel Beer
  30. Royal Tru Orange and Sarsi
  31. Milo (Olympic Energy Drink)
  32. Suman with Sugar
  33. Suman
  34. Kutsinta with dried coconut or sugar or both
  35. Puto Bumbong
  36. Dinuguan with Puto
  37. Rizal and Luneta Park
  38. Tex and Holen
  39. Jeepney
  40. Love Bus
  41. Sports World Champions (Manny Pacquiao, Paeng Nepomunceno)
  42. Indie Films
  43. Tricycle
  44. Ice Candy
  45. Hizon’s Ensaymada
  46. Jose Rizal, its his 150th birth anniversary
  47. Ninoy and Cory Aquino
  48. Faith in God
  49. Installment Plan (Gives or Cry Cry)
  50. Track and Field Stars (Lydia de Vega, Isidro del Prado, Elma Muros etc)
  51. Takal System
  52. Service with a Smile (Hospitality)
  53. The Pinoy Resilience
  54. Swimming Heroes (Akiko Thomson, Eric Buhain)
  55. Arnel Pineda, Lea Salonga, Charice Pempengco
  56. Max Fried Chicken
  57. Halo-Halo
  58. Maiz con Yelo
  59. Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Industry
  60. Pinoy Airlines (PAL, Cebu Pacific, Zest Air, SEA Air)
  61. Vibrant Tourism Industry
  62. Goldilocks Lumpia
  63. 7107 Islands from Batanes to Jolo
  64. NLEX (North Luzon Expressway)
  65. SCTEX (Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway)
  66. SLEX (South Luzon Expressway)
  67. The Fort (Malls and Restaurants)
  68. Greenhills (Virra Mall, Shoppesville, Unimart)
  69. Fishballs with Sweet & Brown Sauce
  70. Datu Puti Vinegar
  71. Chicken and Pork Adobo
  72. Adobo
  73. Sinigang na Baboy
  74. UFC Ketsup
  75. Mang Tomas Lechon Sauce
  76. La Salle vs Ateneo Rivalry
  77. Baguio City (The Philippines’ Summer Capital)
  78. Tagaytay’s Cool Weather
  79. Achievements of Pinoy Expatriates
  80. Filipino Children’s Books
  81. PBA Basketball Games
  82. Dried Mangoes
  83. Entertainment Industry/Showbiz Balit
  84. Game Shows
  85. Eat Bulaga
  86. Kultura Filipino, Tesoro’s
  87. Concerts of Gary V & Martin Nievera
  88. The Silogs (Bangus, Tapa, Longanissa)
  89. Philippine Azkals Football Team
  90. Pinoy mobile My Phone with local content
  91. Choc-Nut
  92. Dalandan Juice
  93. Twin Cow Dried Beef
  94. Piaya
  95. Making Mano to Parents, Titos & Titas
  96. Traffic believe it or not
  97. Class Suspension due to Typhoons
  98. Sisig with Calamansi
  99. Pancake House
  100. Churos con Tsokolate
  101. Bagger boys in supermarkets
  102. Cheap Haircut for 200 pesos
  103. Good-Ah!
  104. Sari-Sari Stores
  105. Barquillios
  106. People Power I and II
  107. Edsa 1
  108. Papemelroti
  109. Bagoong Balayan
  110. UP Academic Oval and the Oblation
  111. Baclaran, Quiapo, Divisoria
  112. Tapa King
  113. Baguio Oil
  114. Filipino antiques
  115. Philippine Biodiversity
  116. Pinoy Bands (Hotdog, Dawn, River Maya, Side A, Eraserheads)
  117. TFC and GMA Pinoy TV
  118. Enchanted Kingdom
  119. Beauty Queens (Aurora Pijuan, Gloria Diaz, Margie Moran, Precious Lara Quigaman)
  120. GoodNewsPilipinas.com