...the emerging Asean training hub

RP emerging ASEAN training hub

In tourism management in region

By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT

November 6, 2011

 

 

MANILA, Philippines — Franchising guru and tourism stalwart Samie Lim said that Filipinos are expected to be the executives of choice and the Philippines to be training hub in the region for tourism in ten years.

Lim, president of Franchise Investment Holding Inc. (FIHI), told reporters in an interview at the inauguration of the Canadian Tourism and Hospitality Institute (CTHI) through a franchising agreement with the Canadian Tourism College. CTHI is the first international franchise of CTC.

Through the establishment of CTHI, Lim said the country would be able to professionalize and further hone the skills of Filipino workers in the tourism and hospitality sector to world-class standards.

This franchise agreement has made FIHI the first holder of a master franchise of Canadian Tourism College in the Philippines and in ASEAN. According to Lim, they have so far received 40 franchise applications for the CTHI to be established in various tourist locations in the country.

FIHI intends to open three company-owned CTHI. The first pilot project, which was inaugurated on Friday is located at the Paragon building along EDSA Shaw and the two others are going to be established in Boracay by end this year to be followed by the Cebu school.

Its pilot school along EDSA already opened in June this year.

“We are doing trial classes already,” he said.

For the ASEAN region, including India, he expects to put up 100 CTHIs. There have been interests from Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore.

For its franchises, Lim said the requirements would be four classrooms, two laboratories, a restaurant, a hotel and a library.

According to Lim, they spent big money to get the franchise but refused to say the exact amount. For the local franchises, however, he said the franchise fee would be between $25,000 to $35,000 depending on the potential student population of the school.

FIHI would get a percentage on the number of students enrolled.

“The key point is for the Philippines to be put on a world map because tourism is a top dollar earner,” he said.

The establishment of CTHI, he said, will equip, mold and mentor students for immediate employment and progression into leadership positions in the global tourism and hospitality industry.

“The long-term goal is to make Filipinos the executives of choice and for the Philippines to become hub of tourism training all over the region,”Lim said.

With its 30 years of providing real-world quality tourism education, CTC is now a multi-awarded and globally recognized leader in this field.

As the CTC brand guarantees an extensive, current and industry-validated curriculum, it has established itself as a premier source of highly-trained tourism and hospitality staff for a number of the world’s top tourism enterprises, with its graduates enjoying more than 90 percent employment rate.

Recognizing that the Filipinos are the ideal tourism workers with their innate hospitality, instinctive service orientation and high adaptability, CTC is bringing its professional training expertise to the Philippines as it envisions CTHI to be the premier tourism academic hub in Asia.

...the local tourism

Patrio-tourism: ‘Only in the Philippines’

By Willy E. Arcilla Contributor
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Saturday, November 5th, 2011

 

 

MT. Pulag

While the potential is boundless for the tourism industry to become a growth engine for the Philippines as it provides valuable foreign exchange earnings and employment opportunities, and acts as a catalyst for direct income redistribution to the countryside, it remains sadly underoptimized.

We salute the accomplishments of all past Tourism Czars and support the Honorable Secretary Ramon Jimenez and his dedicated team in their ambitious aspirations to attract as many as 10 million tourists by 2016 and generate billions in revenues, but we lament the fact that present statistics continue to lag far behind Asian neighbors.

China has long surpassed 50 million while Malaysia has drawn more than 20 million.  What can we all do to dramatically improve our travel and tourism industry?

Patrio-tourism
The answer does not lie in foreigners, but in us.  We will never achieve a quantum leap of growth in foreign tourists or dollar receipts without first achieving a quantum leap in our patriotism and love for our countrymen.  We cannot expect to attract foreign visitors to our country if we ourselves continue to leave our country in droves.

Before we expect others to fall in love with our country, we must first rekindle our love for her.  This is a must to the success of any human endeavor.  No one can sell what he or she does not love.

We need to engender a sense of patriotism among our ourselves, our families and our own countrymen.  Patriotism will motivate us to invest in the “HEARTS” of successful tourism – Hospitality and Hotels + Enjoyable Experiences + Airports and Airplanes + Roads and RORO Bridges + Tour Packages and clean Toilets + Safety and Security.

“Only in the Philippines”
It is a familiar line often quoted by locals and foreigners alike to capture the unbelievable sense of exasperation and frustration over a country that has been blessed with abundant beauty and a people imbued with nobility, yet shamelessly exploited by dynasties of “trapos” and greedy oligarchs.  Yet perhaps it is also the best line to use to at once drive ocal and foreign tourism, rekindle patriotism and unify a divided nation.


 It can be argued and it cannot be denied there is also so much natural beauty and goodness that can be found Only in the Philippines.”

Mayon Volcano

The same line arouses curiosity among new prospects (there are 1 billion tourists globally) most of whom have never been to our shores. “What can be found ‘Only in the Philippines’”?  It reinforces the experience of past visitors who can attest to our uniqueness, while presenting new, varied experiences.

It is simple and memorable, specific and unique.  It is already a popular throwaway line among Filipinos and foreigners alike who are both delighted at our hospitality and aghast at our idiosyncrasies.

It is colloquial “tourist expression” that can be adapted in foreign languages for marketing.  Importantly, it is campaignable even for domestic tourism because the normal  course of tourism development is for locals to explore domestic travel destinations before venturing overseas.

Sadly, Filipinos aspire to fly overseas before even appreciating the beauty of our own land and the nobility of our fellow Filipinos.

Synergy of domestic and foreign tourism
“Only in the Philippines” lends itself to widespread adoption by all regions and provinces offering unique travel destinations and tourist attractions.  The line creates synergy where the whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts.  The international and local campaigns will be seamlessly integrated as one, and shall mutually reinforce each other to attract both foreign and domestic tourists.

“Only in Ilocos-Only in the Philippines” showcases Vigan, in Ilocos Sur, Pagudpud Beach and Fort Ilocandia in Laoag. The Banaue Rice Terraces, Mt. Pulag and La Trinidad Valley beckon with “Only in Benguet-Only in the Philippines.”  In promoting the majestic Mayon Volcano, CamSur wakeboarding, pristine Caramoan, Pacific Ocean surfing in Daet’s Bagasbas Beach, we promote “Only in Bicol-Only in the Philippines.”  “Only in Panay” can you experience the “Ati-Atihan” and indulge on the paradise island of Boracay.  “Only in Palawan” do you find world-renowned Tubbataha Reef and the world’s longest Subterranean River. “Only in Mindanao” can you find Mt. Apo, domicile of the majestic Philippine eagle.

Unity in diversity
All local government units can now leverage on the national and international tourism campaigns in promoting their respective local destinations.  In the process, we recognize and celebrate the uniqueness of each region, but within the context of one country.  “Only in the Philippines” also dovetails into the “One Town-One Product” (OTOP) program created by the Office of the President to promote entrepreneurship, identifying products which small towns can produce at a comparative advantage vs other neighboring towns.  “Christmas Lanterns-Only in Pampanga.” “Strawberries-Only in Benguet.”

Sola en las Filipinas!
The real excitement is in its global application across multiple languages beyond English-speaking nations like the US and Canada, the UK and Australia.

In Mandarin Chinese, the line is “Jin Zai Fei Lu Bin.”  In Cantonese, “Gan Zoi Fei Lud Ban.”  In Japanese, it’s “Filipin Dah-Keh.”  And in Korean, “Filipin Esoman.”  The Russians would say, “Tolko V Filipine”.  In Spain, our slogan is “Sola en las Filipinas,” which can also be used for most of South America.  The French will say, “Seulement dans le Philippines” while the Germans will say, “Nur in der Philippinen” and the Italians, “Soltanto nelle Filipine.”

A land as beautiful as her people; a people as warm as her climate.

Where else can you find a land as beautiful as its people, a people as warm as its climate?  Only in the Philippines. Where else can you find a nation as rich as its history, a culture as colorful as her transport (vintas and jeepneys)?  Only in the Philippines. Where else can you find a workforce as talented as her artists, an economy as vibrant as her freedoms?  Only in the Philippines. Where else can you find fruits as delicious as her hillsides (Bohol Chocolate Hills), a nightlife as breathtaking as her sunset? Only in the Philippines.  Finally, where else can you find a people with pride in her past, a passion for her present, and faith in her future?  All these and more “Only in the Philippines.”

God-Made Wonders, Man-Made Warmth
In promoting the Philippines overseas, we must remain humble and avoid boasting that we are better than other countries (because we are not), — but rather that we are different. In what area are we unique and different? Not in manmade, but in Godmade wonders. While the whole world marvels at all forms of manmade memorials and mausoleums, arches  and statues, towers and walls, recreation and amusement parks, monuments and skyscrapers, the Philippines remains endowed with natural beauty we can boast as Godmade, not manmade wonders. And while we have no major manmade structures, we do have manmade warmth, manifested in our world-renowned hospitality and friendship.

Visualize a campaign that juxtaposes Egypt’s manmade pyramids vis-à-vis our own Mayon Volcano crowned with a headline, “While man can shape pyramids, only God can shape volcanoes.” Travelers who have gone to Egypt and admired the pyramids of Gaza can now train their sights on the “natural pyramid” of Mayon shaped by God like a perfect cone.  Another billboard or print ad execution can compare the Arc de Triomphe in Champs Elysees with our very own Nakabuang Arch in Sabtang, Batanes.  To project the nobility of our people, we can show killer whales kept in captivity to perform tricks in San Diego’s Seaworld compared with the world-renowned whale sharks (butanding) which swim freely and watch us swim alongside them in Donsol, Sorsogon.  Finally, imagine an ad comparing the golden crown jewels with our golden sunset in Manila Bay, captioned, “Only a king can wear a golden crown, but many can share a golden sunset.”

What makes the Philippines unique? It must be the beauty of our land and the nobility of our people – a land simply beautiful; a people beautifully simple—Only in the Philippines!

(Willy Arcilla is the founder and president of Business Mentors Inc., whose mission is to help Filipino companies grow and Filipino brands compete in an increasingly competitive global economy. He has a 30-year experience in marketing and sales, advertising and media throughout Asia-Pacific and he is recipient of the Philippine Marketing Association’s Agora Award for Marketing Excellence in the Asia-Pacific region.  He is the author of a new book, “Marketing and Advertising with a Conscience.”)

...the young and the restless

10 youth groups receive awards

 

By SARAH HILOMEN-VELASCO

November 5, 2011

Manila Bulletin

 

 

MANILA, Philippines — At least 10 youth organizations in the country received awards for exceptional achievements in their communities during the 9th Search for Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO).

Two of the organizations came from the National Capital Region (NCR) – the Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA) and Indak Kabataan Youth Organization. Two are from Luzon – the University of the Cordilleras - HapiyohMi Cultural Group and AUL-STAGE (Sama-samang Tinig ng mga Aktor na Gumagalaw sa Entablado).

Receiving appreciation were the Industrial Engineering Council of Cebu Institute of Technology University, Alyansang mga Kristyanong Mag-aaral – Responsible nga Balikatanhan mga Kabataan (AKMA-RESBAK), and Aklan Catholic College Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants from the Visayas, and Youth Solidarity for Peace-Peace Advocates Zamboanga, Association of Locally -Empowered Youth in Northern Mindanao, and Young Mindanawans Peace Builders from Mindanao.

The organizations received their awards from President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Heroes Hall in Malacañang.

Also at the awarding ceremony were Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan; Paolo Benigno Aquino “Bam” Aquino of the TAYO Awards Foundation; Leon Flores III, chairman and CEO of the National Youth Commission; Guillermo Aponte, president and general manager of the Coca-Cola Export Corporation; Koh Kong Meng, general manager and executive director of Lenovo ASEAN; and Hermino “Sonny” Coloma, secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office.

Co-presented by Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, the 9th TAYO Awards showcases organizations that have a deep commitment in addressing social concerns such as alleviating the need for community healthcare by using herbal medicines, teaching accounting to marginalized cooperatives, promoting and preserving cultural heritage and the arts, and environmental conservation.

Each organization received a TAYO trophy sculpted by artist Toym de Leon Imao, and a P50,000 cash grant from Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines.

Special recognitions given were the Coke Barkada Award from Coca-Cola Foundation, and the Lenovo Young Do-ers IT Award from Lenovo Philippines.

The organizers said the winners were chosen based on the impact of their projects to the community, the capability to bind the spirit of volunteerism and citizenship, creativity and innovation, and the sustainability of the project and their effective use of resources.

...the ultimate goal

PNoy's ultimate goal: Bring OFWs back to PH

by Maria Aleta Nishimori,

abs-cbnNEWS.com

11/05/2011

 

 

MANILA, Philippines – The Aquino government is finding ways to bring back overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and encourage potential ones to stay in the country.

“That is the ultimate goal--that we have 10 million OFWs and we want them to be back here and the way to be able to do that is with the jobs that are available here,” President Benigno Aquino III said in the live interview on the YouTube Worldview series Friday.

The first question raised in the interview was by Rey Ambler. He asked, “Mr. President, what can you do so that Filipinos will start to work here and for our country instead of migrating and working abroad?”

“We’re trying to attract investors both domestic and international,” Aquino said, adding that his government is likewise tapping the outsourcing industry as one of its sources to be able to create more local jobs.

“Every time I go abroad, for instance, perhaps two-thirds of the entire mission is spent trying to get investors to come in. And we have had successes,” Aquino said.

China visit windfall

Among the accomplishments that Aquino cited was his recent trip to China, where he got billions of dollars in investments for the Philippines.

“The most recent is the state visit to China wherein we got about 1.2 or 1.8 billion dollars worth of new investments that conceivably can become about 11 to 12 billion,” he said.

The president said he was able to secure pledges from Chinese businessmen. “US$1.2 [billion] that are finished items already; $3.2 [billion] that need one or two details that have to be tackled; and $7.9 billion that is forthcoming. They are really, seriously, interested in investing and they are at the exploratory stage,” he said.

“The BPO industry will reach about 640,000 direct jobs this year, produces between 2-and-a-half to 5 jobs for every direct job, and they are venturing into areas in the countryside which have schools, which have the talent that they do need. It’s not a dream, but rather something that is already a reality.
Areas are opening up because of these industries that we’re hoping to nurture,” he said.

Skills mismatch

At the same time, the government is also instituting reforms in the educational system and with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

“Our DOLE has a website called phil-job.net that has something like 50,000 to 60,000 jobs available but are not being met because of skills mismatch.

Aquino said he already tasked the Department of Education (DepEd) and the DOLE to coordinate in order to prepare students for jobs that would be available upon graduation.

He explained that the trend is that students aim for jobs that are currently hot but are no longer in demand when they graduate.

“So we want to end that mismatch between the skills and job opportunities,” he said.

Aquino said there are other industries that can be a source of future growth for jobs aside from the outsourcing industry.

“One thing that has been a dream is also the manufacturing side and we're hoping to get that back. Again, we want to go everywhere where there are prospects for our people to have jobs in this country.

...the great Hope

Editorial

‘Deluge of hope’

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Friday, November 4th, 2011

His name may not ring as loudly as boxing champ Manny Pacquiao’s or Miss Universe Pageant third runner-up Shamcey Supsup’s but, young as he is, his is definitely an achievement that offers more promise for the country’s future, although it has been much, much less appreciated by his fellow Filipinos.

Adrian Reginald Sy, 14, a first year high school student of St. Jude Catholic School in Manila, scored 100 percent in the 2011 Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC). He was among the 27 students from nine countries—Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Bulgaria, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, China and the Philippines—who garnered a perfect score in the annual contest that was participated in by more than 300,000 students from around the world. And it is not the first time he accomplished the feat in an international competition. In July 2010, then 13 years old, he also aced the 14-nation 13th Primary Mathematics World Contest (PMWC).

Even more heartening, Sy is not the only Filipino youngster excelling in such events. In the same 2011 AMC, 10 other Filipino math wizards won Prize awards, and 60 more placed among the top 2 percent of the more than 300,000 participants. In last year’s AMC, Sy was given a Prize award for being among the top 1 percent of over 400,000 participants; four other Filipinos, with identical scores of 9.7 percent, were among the 65 contestants from different countries who topped the event.

“The Philippines continues to do so well in the AMC,” Andrew Byrne, deputy head of mission of the Australian Embassy in Makati City, noted, and commended the awardees for their “mastery of math, the language of modern life.”

However, AMC is not the only international math competition where our numbers aces have stood out. Last month, students from Metro Manila won 14 medals, six of them golds, in the Wizards at Mathematics International Competition (Wizmic) held in Lucknow, India. Earlier, in September, Filipino students bagged 56 medals in the 12-nation 8th International Mathematics and Science Olympiad (Imso), sharing top honors with Singapore and Thailand.

This continuing series of achievements in an international arena is obviously not a trend of recent origin. Early last year, the Department of Science and Technology recognized 303 elementary and high school students who, all together, won 450 medals in more than a dozen international math and science competitions in 2009, for bringing honor to the country and exemplary achievement, awarding each of them the YES (Youth Excellence for Science) medal and installing them in the “roster of honorable young men and women.” Then Science and Technology Secretary Estrella Alabastro hailed them as an “overflowing deluge of hope for the Philippines.”

Sy and company’s medals show this deluge surges on to this day. “More and more Filipino math students are getting competitive. We hope they would inspire other kids to do the same, especially those in public schools,” Dr. Simon Chua, president of Mathematics Trainers’ Guild-Phils. (MTG), enthused on their AMC awards.

Ironically, the achievements of our numbers aces look more like an exception and all the more stand out because the performance of our students in the Trends in International Math and Science Study (TIMSS) test, which is held every four years by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) and conducted by the US-based National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), has been mostly “dismal” and has become “a cause for national shame,” to borrow the words of Butch Hernandez, the executive director of the Eggie Apostol Foundation, whose main advocacy is education reform.

It is noteworthy that the same schools, more or less—like St. Jude Catholic School in Manila, Philippine Science High School in Quezon City, Chiang Kai Shek College, Xavier School, Jubilee Christian Academy, Paref-Southridge, among other schools—are the source of our numbers aces, many of whom are also wards of MTG. This clearly tells us that an effective, quality method of teaching Math is not beyond our reach. The question is, what is keeping our education officials from adopting this model for all our schools?

...the economic prospect

Business Matters

Growth prospects for PH economy

By: Dr. Bernardo M. Villegas
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Friday, November 4th, 2011

 

 

Once again, the Philippine economy may be one of the few in East Asia that will post a respectable GDP growth of 5 to 6 percent in 2011, despite the double-dip recession that is threatening most of the developed countries. While its exports may come to a standstill, the Philippines has a sufficiently large domestic market—like Indonesia and Vietnam—to continue fueling its growth with domestic consumption and investment. At no other time in the last 20 years is the Philippines awash with local capital and enjoying relatively low rates of inflation and interest.

To further sweeten the pot, the Philippine government is also in the best position to lower the interest rate on its debt as the three credit rating agencies—Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s Investor Service and Fitch Ratings—have complimented the country’s economic managers for “the favorable developments in the country, like on the monetary policy side.” Representatives of the credit rating agencies in late September 2011 recognized the resilience of the banking system; the significant improvement in the fiscal position (budget deficit in the first eight months was only P34.5 billion compared to the P300-billion ceiling set for the whole year); and the very visible efforts of the government to improve governance, particularly with the passage of the Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCC) Governance Act of 2011. All these favorable developments could earn the Philippines an investment grade rating in the near future. Another feather in the cap for the Philippine economy was the recent awarding by the Emerging Markets magazine of the Euromoney group of the “Finance Minister of the Year for Asia 2011” title to Philippine Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima.

With all these favorable developments, Philippine GDP can still rise by 8 percent in the second semester, making a 6 percent growth for the whole year of 2011 still within reach. A close cooperation between the private sector and the government can make a strong recovery from the 3.4 percent growth in the second quarter of this year possible as investments take off in the last quarter.

The second quarter of 2010 was an abnormally bullish period for the national economy because there were three extraordinary forces that converged then: the billions of pesos spent by the candidates for the May 2010 elections, the peaking of the pump-priming that was a responsible response of the last administration to the Great Recession, and a surge in exports that were the short-term results of a 7 percent growth in the US GDP in the last quarter of 2009, a seeming recovery that was clearly a flash in the pan considering the double-dip recession that is staring the Americans in the face today. The second semester of 2010 saw things returning to normal, with political spending reduced to zero, the beginning of belt-tightening of the Aquino administration, and the rapid deceleration in the growth of export. Thus, with a lower base from which to grow, the possibility of an 8 percent growth in the second semester of 2011 is not an impossibility.

Those who have downgraded their forecasts for 2011 are basing their pessimism on the delays in the implementation of the big-ticket projects under the public-private partnership (PPP) initiative. There are, however, a good number of non-PPP projects that a revitalized Department of Public Works and Highways under the leadership of Secretary Rogelio Singson started to aggressively implement by July 2011.

Besides, there are numerous smaller infrastructure projects at the level of the local government units that are being undertaken. Through the Center for Research and Communication, I work closely with a team of economists, management specialists, urban planners and public administration professors in helping develop and implement economic programs for municipalities and provinces all over the Philippines. Everywhere I see numerous versions of PPP projects that do not attract the same attention as the big-ticket items (e.g. MRTs, LRTs, airports, power plants, etc) that are regularly monitored by the press.

The LGU heads are keenly aware that they have a short window of opportunity to implement projects like farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, public markets, school buildings, mini-dams and innovative renewable energy projects, etc. They are in a rush to implement these projects because they know that they only have some 18 months before January 2013 when it would be too late to show to their respective constituents that they deserve reelection because of concrete accomplishments. That is why I believe that LGUs will contribute significantly to the increase in investments for the next 18 months. Therefore, I am bullish not only for the rest of the year but also for the whole of 2012 during which I see a 7 percent growth of GDP as attainable.

Dr. Bernardo M. Villegas is senior vice president of the University of Asia and the Pacific. His email address is bernardo.villegas@uap.asia

...the beauty of the Filipinas to the world

One Miss World, 3 Filipinas

Philippine Daily Inquirer

04November 2011

Three women of Filipino ancestry are competing in the Miss World pageant in London this year. French-Filipina Gwendoline Ruias (right) is representing her mother’s native Philippines, while Canada sent Riza Santos (left), who was born to Filipino parents. Denmark’s bet is Maya Celeste Padillo Olesen whose mother is from Bohol. No Filipino woman has captured the title in the pageant’s 60-year history. The highest placement for the Philippines was Evangeline Pascual’s first runner-up finish in 1973. The Miss World finals will take place on Nov. 6 (Nov. 7 Manila time). CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY OPMB WORLDWIDE

3 Pinays vie for Ms. World title

by Rose Eclarinal,

ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

05 November 2011

LONDON - Miss World has returned to its home for its 60th anniversary with the UK tour culminating in London’s Earls Court on November 6 for the coronation night. 


A total of 113 candidates are vying for the coveted Miss World crown, including three Filipina beauties.
Ms. Philippines’ bet is Gwen Ruais who is determined to bring home the first Miss World crown for the Philippines. Former PBB (Pinoy Big Brother) housemate Riza Santos was Canada’s bet to the Miss Earth 2006. She is Filipino-Canadian and is representing Canada for the second time in an international beauty pageant. Half-Filipino and half-Danish Maya Celeste Padillo Olesen is Denmark’s bet for Miss World 2011.

This year’s candidates are composed of a good mix of diverse backgrounds. Over half of Miss World candidates are said to be in full time education, one in four are already graduates and over a half speak three of more languages.

The Miss World 2011 UK tour started in Scotland with the visit to the Stirling Castle, where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned in 1543, and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Edinburgh Castle.

The tour moved to the University of Cambridge for a guided tour of the famous university. The Miss World participants also debated at the Cambridge Union on the issue of social responsibility. In London, participants enjoyed a Thames boat cruise to Greenwich and a tour of The Tower of London.

Then there was the Miss World Charity Gala on Monday at The London Hilton Ballroom in a fundraising efforts to support sick and disadvantaged children across the world through the Beauty with a Purpose program of Miss World. The shortlisted candidates also showcased their talents during the event.

In a rare opportunity during the Miss World tour, Ms. Canada, Ms. Denmark and Ms. Philippines granted an interview with ABS-CBN inside the iconic city landmark of London—the London Eye.


Below are the excerpts of the interview:

Ms. Philippines Gwendoline Ruais

You are keen to bring home the elusive Ms. World crown for the Philippines. How do you feel now with the most awaited coronation night only a few days away?
It is very exciting. It’s pressure but not in a bad sense. I really want to make my country proud.  As you said, we never got that crown and it will be a great honor for me and for the whole country  if for once, we would get that Miss world crown. I’m really excited and I am going to do my best to make us all proud at sana makuha natin ang koronang ‘yan kasi kayang-kayang nating makuha yan, di ba,  ang galing nating Pinoy?

Who is your role model?
Ang nanay ko. Ang galing galing niya. She also worked very hard. She also went abroad and did her best there where she really made me proud and other Filipinos are proud of her also. Sana maging kapareho rin ako niya, kapareho ni Manny Pacquiao that Filipinos can look up to them and be proud of what they do. They show the world, not only the Philippines na ang galing natin.

What does it mean for you to represent the Philippines in an international stage?
It means a lot. It’s a great honor. When you are here people don’t know me as Gwendoline. They know me as Philippines. Every time they call me that, I am very, very happy.  It makes me really smile because I’m very proud to carry the name of this country. I’m so proud of it.

What is the best part of representing the Philippines?
The best part is you exemplify the qualities of the typical Filipino beauty. Every time they see me they’re like ‘ah Filipino, Filipino!’ Every time they see me, they think of all the good qualities of Filipinos and that is such a great honor. I am proud that this is my country and I get to show the world how Filipinos are in an international stage.

What are your impressions of UK? Is this your first time here? 
I have been to England before when I was really young so I don’t remember much. This is my first time in London. I have been excited and happy. This has been a good experience.

Tell us about the Miss World tour in Scotland.
It was pretty cold up in Scotland but you learn more about the Scottish and English culture. We had fun with the girls. Apart from the cold, it was a great time.

Ms. Universe third runner up Shamcey Supsup is indentified with the tsunami walk. What is your signature walk?
Yung sa akin po, I just try to stay true to myself. I don’t try to study a walk po. Yung sa akin, kung ano ang feel ko. Kung maganda ako diyan, kung maganda ang stage at ako pinakamaganda d’yan, ako ang Pinay, ako ang magaling. Yun ang walk ko. Walang pangalan dyan.

Any thoughts of entering showbiz in the future?
I want to focus muna on my duties as Ms. World Philippines because when I come home we have a lot of work to do. We have to find the next in line, train her for the next Miss World. Of course, I will never say no to opportunity. You never know what might happen pero very interested po ako mag-host.

What would you like to tell our kababayans back home?
Para sa tagumpay ng Pilipinas, ipakita natin sa buong mundo na ang galing ng Pinoy at makukuha natin ang koronang yan.

Ms. Canada Riza Santos

How does it feel wearing two hats – representing Canada while tracing your roots in the Philippines?
I was born and raised in Canada and I did live in the Philippines for 2 years. Very fortunately, I am blessed to live in Canada where it is very multicultural, the most multicultural country in the world and I am proud of my Filipino-Canadian heritage. I’m honored to be representing Canada and come from a Filipino background.

You have a lot of fans in the Philippines because you joined Big Brother. You also represented Canada in the Miss Earth competition. Do you see yourself going back to the Philippines after Miss World to live or work?
 I was working as an actress before. I also hosted a TV show in Macau. Going back to the Philippines is a possibility. But I am also pursuing my career in Canada. I’m almost done with my university degree. So I would like to finish that and get into the work force and gain work experience. But I do love the Philippine very much. It’s a beautiful country.

What about the possibility of going back to showbiz?
 Showbiz? I am not too sure. It’s always something at the back of my mind. I love showbiz, it’s a great business. I am very passionate about acting and singing but I do enjoy working as an engineer. I was working as an engineer in environmental health and safety and I’m almost done with my engineering degree so I would like to pursue that as well. Hopefully, I can do it in parallel in the future.

What is the best experience of being part of the Miss World competition?  How was the earlier tour in Scotland and Cambridge? 
I love the experience as whole, it’s my first time in Europe so I am just enjoying the sights and it’s a lot of fun meeting the girls from all countries. I meet a lot of new friends and it’s always fun to enjoy it with other people. It’s a little bit lonely if you are travelling by yourself and I hadn’t really planned on backpacking so I thought this was just an absolutely time to see London in style and Scotland.

How would you describe your bonding and friendship with fellow Filipino candidates?
It’s really great because you have that instant bond just knowing that they are part Filipino but everybody is just wonderful no matter what background we come from. Everybody has been really great. It has been such a nice experience. It’s a lot of fun.

Few days from now is the coronation night, how do you feel now?
I am just really excited. I couldn’t wait. I love the stage. I’m excited to see the entire event and I can’t believe a billion people are going to be watching it. I’m very honored to be part of it, very much looking forward to it.

What would you like to tell your fans and the Filipinos around the world rooting for you?
 I really appreciate support from the Filipino community, from the Philippines, from Canada and there are Filipinos living around the world and Canadians alike. I’m very honored. Support from any background, I’d really appreciate it.

What do you miss most about the Philippines?
 Pinaka nami-miss ko sa Pilipinas siguro and pagkain at saka ang mga tao who are very easy going, very easy loving, very endearing. So that’s what I miss most about the Philippines. It is such a beautiful country, beautiful people. But there are Filipinos around the world and there are a lot of Filipinos in Canada so it has been great there as well.

Ms. Denmark Maya Celeste Padillo Olesen
Being half-Danish and half-Filipino, what does it feel like representing Denmark?
I’m so proud of my Filipino roots but I’m also proud of representing Denmark.  But yeah, even though I don’t really speak the Filipino language, I feel like one. My mother makes a lot of Filipino food and we have a lot of Filipino parties at home like karaoke (party) and stuff like that. I have a lot of the Filipino culture with me even though I don’t speak the language.

Tell us about your best experience in the Ms. World tour in England and Scotland?
I think it was at Sofitel. They had an amazing breakfast. I just love food. But Everything has been an experience. This is my first time in England and my first time in Scotland as well.  I love to travel so I am just so excited that I can put X in 2 countries.

You grew up in Denmark but you were born in the Philippines. How much of you is Filipino?
I’m 50 percent Filipino blooded and I was born there. My roots come from the Philippines.

If you win the Miss World, to whom would you dedicate the crown?
To my parents. I am just like half of them it will be to the Filipino and Danish world.

You are very beautiful. You must be getting a lot of attention in Denmark now and also in the Philippines. Would you consider a career in showbiz after joining Miss World?
I don’t know really because I was always terrified of standing on the stage but being at Ms. World I’ve really tried to be more open. Maybe, I will never say never to an opportunity if it comes along. 

Are you studying now?
 I became a student last year but I will start my education as nurse next year .

So what is life like for you after Miss World?
For me, I would like to start having education before doing anything else because I want a solid ground for the future but if an acting career came along I would not say no to that.

What is your message to some of your Filipino fans?
 I have got a lot of support from Filipinos. They have written to me and they tell me how proud they are that I am Filipino so I am going to do my best to make them proud.

...the Miss World PH contender

Gwendoline Ruais wins 3 ‘fast-track’ competitions in Miss World 2011

BEA CUPIN, GMA News

11/03/2011

Miles away in the cold, foggy streets of London, a Filipina is making waves.

Miss World Philippines Gwendoline Ruais has been winning left and right in the competitions leading up to the Miss World 2011 pageant.

Ruais is a finalist of the Miss World’s “Top 20 Beach Beauty," “Beauty With A Purpose," and “Top Model" fast-track competitions. The other fast-track competitions are for Sports and Talent.

The winners of the competitions will be announced on November 6 (November 7 in the Philippines), guaranteeing them a slot in the semifinal round of the pageant.

The "Top 20 Beach Beauty" is the pageant’s swimsuit fast-track competition while the "Top Model" is a modeling fast-track competition.

The “Beauty With A Purpose" competition, meanwhile, focuses on the charities from all over the world and selects finalists based on causes the contestants have supported. The name of the competition takes from the pageant’s overall theme.

According to her profile on the Miss World website, the 5’11" Ruais is part of the Model United Nations Assembly, an academic simulation of the United Nations. Ruais subsequently chose to join the Human Rights Council, where she was elected best debater.

She is 15th in pageant-ranking site Missosology’s “Hot Picks" for the week of October 20.

The 21-year-old Ruais, who is half-Filipino and half-French, graduated with a Business management degree last year and was crowned Miss World Philippines on Sept. 18, 2011. — RSJ, GMA News

...the 2nd most liveable city in the world

Negros city is world’s 2nd ‘most livable’

By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Inquirer Visayas

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

ILOILO CITY—A Negros Occidental city is the second most livable city in the world for a population not exceeding 150,000.

During awarding rites held in South Korea on Oct. 31, San Carlos City was cited as the second most livable among cities with a population of 75,000-150,000.

The most livable city with that kind of population was Tongyeong in South Korea, where the awarding rites were held for the UN-backed International Awards for Liveable Communities (LivCom).

The third most livable city in that category was Namown, also in South Korea, according to the LivCom website.

The annual awards recognize cities based on their performance in several criteria, including environmental practices, healthy lifestyle of citizens, community involvement, arts and cultural heritage.

San Carlos was the only Philippine city which won in the “whole city awards.” It also won the “Special Whole City Award.”

The contest for cities has five categories based on their average daytime population  of 20,000 to those with over 400,000.

This year’s awards had 77 finalist cities from 26 countries, the largest so far in the awards’ 15-year history, according to a LivCom statement.

...the countries with least gender gap

Philippines on Top 10 list of countries with least gender gap

By Michelle V. Remo
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines, where women enjoy the same access to education as men, remains on the Top 10 countries with the least “gender gap,” according to the 2011 Global Gender Gap rankings by the World Economic Forum.

From the 9th spot in the 2010 survey,  the Philippines ranked higher to 8th in 2011, with a score of 0.7685, among 135 countries. It performed favorably in the four categories that determine gender gap: (1) educational attainment, (2) health and survival, (3) economic participation and opportunity, and (4) political empowerment.

The Philippines got the perfect score of 1 in the first two categories.

In the first category, the Philippines shares the top rank with 21 other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Australia, among others.

The Philippines’ favorable performance in the first category comes amid official reports showing that women attending primary, secondary and tertiary education number about the same as, if not more than the men.

The country’s top rank in the second category showed that women in the Philippines have just about the same life expectancy as that of men. Life expectancy is affected by various factors such as disease, malnutrition and violence.

For the second category, the Philippines shares the top rank with 37 other countries, including Finland, Lesotho, Latvia, Bahamas and Argentina.

In the third category of “economic participation and opportunity,” the Philippines ranked 15th with a score of 0.7632. In this category, countries are evaluated based on gaps between men and women in terms of work participation, remuneration and advancement opportunities.

In the fourth category of “political empowerment,” the Philippines ranked 16th with a score of 0.3314. In this category, countries are evaluated based on gap between men and women in terms of women-to-men ratio in  government positions.

According to the WEF, the world ranking in terms of gender gap is aimed at increasing the awareness of countries on the importance of closing the gender gap.

“The rankings are designed to create greater awareness among a global audience of the challenges posed by gender gaps and the opportunities created by reducing them,” the WEF said in the Global Gender Gap Index report.

Global efforts to close the gap between men and women in various aspects, including access to education and employment, are supported by economists who say that promoting gender equality helps achieve developmental objectives of economies.

This is because tapping the skills of women helps increase an economy’s overall productivity.

On the contrary, they say, economies have been missing out on growth opportunities if women were not tapped to contribute their skills and talents.

“The rankings are designed to create greater awareness among a global audience of the challenges posed by gender gaps and the opportunities created by reducing them,” WEF said in the report.

...the host for eco-friendly energy

Philippines to host one of P59-B world eco-friendly energy projects

 

 

By MARK ANTHONY N. MANUEL

November 2, 2011

Manila Bulletin

 

 

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines – The Philippines will become one of the symbolic homes for a one-billion-euro (P59 billion) environmental projects by an international company that builds bio green power plants around the world.

Other countries included in the projects are the United States, South Korea, and China.

Officers from True Green Energy Group (TGEG), a US-based company that promotes world power and green technologies, revealed that the multifaceted agreement between them and international building corporation CJ consortium finalized the one-billion-euro line of credit to fund TGEG bio green power plants around the world.

The agreement will fund the expansion projects of the TGEG around the world, including its materials recovery facilities (MRF) in the Philippines.

Under the new agreement, TGEG will exclusively build a new factory in the Philippines for the construction of eco-friendly low-cost houses in places where TGEG's Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) and Biomass systems will be deployed.

On Nov. 5, shareholders from the two companies will attend a meeting here and will be able to visit the first $25 million green energy power plant site in San Fernando City, Pampanga.

TGEG said its material recycling facility system, shredder, and pelletizer in San Fernando make fuel from garbage. This fuel is then used to create electric energy on the grid by the gasification process.

The company added that by Nov. 10, the city and TGEG will begin to staff the green energy power plant.

“Once the TGEG bio systems specialists have been hired and fully trained to run the system, the Bio Green gasification system will be deployed creating electric energy from the fuel facility made from the MSW (municipal solid waste) from the landfill site,” it said.

Under the agreement, TGEG will also continue to contract and build MRF and biomass gasification systems for universal deployment throughout the globe.

TGEG’s corporate office in Asia is located inside this Freeport.

Ronald Flynn, founder and chairman of the board, said in a statement, “With the combination of TGEG viable renewable energy resources and landfill sites, coupled with energy efficiency, conservation and smart grid development for low-cost housing, we could lead the world in energy independence and a cleaner, more sustainable energy infrastructure — but also to what will soon prove to be the greatest investment opportunity of the 21st Century.”

“We spent five years working three shifts 24 hours a day in building our operation. Today you can find gasification systems and companies all over the globe who turn garbage into power. However, the key to success in this business is much like drilling for oil. You see, there are many ways to get oil out of the ground, but you must first find the oil before you can make money at it. In our business you can buy 101 different types of equipment to turn trash into energy. I admit, five years ago it was very tough, but today it is no big secret, everyone has this technology," Flynn explained.

Because of the many land fill sites now owned by TGEG both locally and internationally it will also announce on Nov. 5 three major biomass gasification companies from America, Korea and China which have awarded TGEG with a license to supply and deploy biomass gasification systems around the world.

...the strong Asian banks

16 PH banks in Asia's 500 list

 

By Ted P. Torres,

The Philippine Star

 11/02/2011

 

MANILA, Philippines - Sixteen Philippine banks have made it to the list of 500 strongest banks in the region, based on a study by The Asian Banker.

 

Of the 16 Philippine banks, 13 are commercial banks and three are thrift banks.

The Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) has been adjudged the strongest bank in the Philippines, and the Philippine Savings Bank (PSbank) the strongest among the three thrift banks.
Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. (BDO) has been classified as the largest Philippine bank – at 186th among the top 500 banks in the region.

East West Banking Corp. (EastWest Bank) has been recognized as the largest gainer, with its reported 191-percent increase in net profit.

The study recognizes Security Banking Corp. (Security Bank) as having the highest return on assets among regional banks. It has the highest return-on-equity among Philippine banks.

As the biggest Philippine bank, BDO has been ranked 186th from 195th in 2010. Metrobank kept its ranking at 197th.

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has improved to 200th spot from 211th while Land Bank of the Philippines is at 264th down from 251st in 2010.

The Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) has been ranked 317th from last year’s 310th.
The Philippine National Bank (PNB) placed 324th from 313th, while China Banking Corp. has settled at 338th from 340th.

Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) landed on the 343rd slot from 331st a year ago. Allied Banking Corp. has been ranked 384th from 366th, while United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) has settled at 387th from 406th.

Meanwhile, Security Bank made it to the list for the first time at 398th. Also making its debut in the list was BPI Family Savings Bank at 415th.

Bank of Commerce is at 449th from 420th, while PSBank is at 452nd from 426th. EastWest Bank is at 466th, the first time it has made it to the list. RCBC Savings Bank has also made it to the list for the first time at 497th.

The top two banks in the region, based on the list, are Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group of Japan (assets worth $2 trillion), and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China or ICBC (assets worth $2 trillion). Of the top 10, four are from mainland China, three from Japan, two from Australia and one from Hong Kong.

Curiously, no Philippine bank has made it to the list of top 50 banks with the largest profit, largest growth in loans, largest growth in deposits, lowest cost to income ratio, highest non-interest income to total operating income ratio, lowest gross NPL ratio, and highest capital adequacy ratio.

Of the top 50 banks in South and Southeast Asia, BDO has been ranked 36th; Metrobank, 40th; and BPI, 43rd.

The State Bank of India with assets worth $321 billion and the DBS Group (Singapore) with assets worth $220 billion are the top two banks in South and Southeast Asia.

Among the top 50 banks in South Asia and Southeast Asia, 23 are Indian banks, four are from Singapore, nine from Malaysia, seven from Thailand, and four from Indonesia.

The next three leading Indian banks are ICICI Bank, Punjab National Bank and Bank of Baroda.
Maybank, with $103 billion in assets, is the top Malaysian bank. The next is CIMB Group Holdings with $87 billion in assets. The top three Thai banks are Bangkok Bank, Krung Thai Bank, and Kasikornbank.

Aside from DBS Group, the other top Singaporean banks are Overseas Chinese Banking Corp. and United Overseas Bank.


 

...the Romania FIlm Fest Best Picture

'Pinoy Sunday' wins Romania filmfest

By JECELYN V. MACAHINDOG

November 1, 2011
Manila Bulletin

A scene from ‘Pinoy Sunday’

 
 
MANILA, Philippines -- Malaysian director Wi-ding Ho’s “Pinoy Sunday” bagged the Best Picture award at the recent Comedy Cluj Film Festival in Romania.
 
The internationally acclaimed film, starring Bayani Agbayani, Epi Quizon, Meryll Soriano and Alessandra de Rossi, served as the opening film of the 2nd Taiwan Film Festival held at Shangri-la Plaza cinemas from Oct. 20 to 26.

“Pinoy Sunday” tells the story of two Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs, played by Quizon and Agbayani) in Taiwan who discover a couch left behind the sidewalk and decide to bring it all the way to their dormitory.

In a previous Bulletin Entertainment online report, Quizon related the film’s story to the Filipinos’ concept of unity or “bayanihan.”

“Yung pagbuhat namin kung nakita niyo, bayanihan system ‘yan eh, na binuhat namin ‘yung pangarap namin. Kumbaga, dinaanan namin ‘yung hirap na maski hindi naman namin alam kung maabot ‘yun, pero kami susubukan at susubukan namin. Parang, bawat Pilipino, di ba, binibigyan tayo ng mga problema pero susubukan at susubukan natin,” he said.

...the math wizzards at Aussie Math contest

Filipino teen gets perfect score in 2011 Aussie math contest

By Jerry E. Esplanada
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

Adrian Reginald Sy (second from left) shows off his certificate of recognition for being one of 27 who got a perfect score in the 2011 Australian math contest. With him are (from left to right): Professor Peter Taylor, executive director of the Australian Mathematics Trust; Andrew Byrne, Australian embassy deputy head of mission; Filma Brawner, director of the DOST's Science Education Institute; and Dr. Simon Chua, president of Mathematics Trainers' Guild-Phils.

MANILA, Philippines – By garnering a perfect score, Adrian Reginald Sy, a high school freshman from St. Jude Catholic School in Manila, has aced the 2011 Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC).

This was announced on Monday night by Prof. Peter Taylor, executive director of the Australian Math Trust, which runs the annual contest, during the AMC awarding rites at the Century Park hotel, also in Manila.
Sy, 14, was one of only 27 students worldwide who scored 100 percent in this year’s AMC, according to Taylor.

The other perfect scorers are from Singapore, 8; Taiwan and Hong Kong, 5 each; Bulgaria, 3; Indonesia, 2; and Malaysia, Australia and China, one each.

For his feat, Sy won an AMC medal and a Peter O’Halloran certificate.

In 2010, Sy won a Prize award for scoring 99.7 percent in the same correspondence-type contest.

When interviewed, Sy described the AMC as “tough,” noting “on a scale of one to 10, with 10 being the toughest, it’s a 7.5.”

Aside from Sy, 10 other young Filipino numbers aces are Prize awardees this year: Audrey Sy, Jinger Chong, Matthew Angelo Isidro, Andrea Jaba, and Seanne Daphne Ng, all from St. Jude Catholic School; Andrew Lawrence Sy from Xavier School; Miguel Lorenzo Ildesa from Paref-Westbridge School; Justin Yturzaeta from Jubilee Christian Academy; Sterling Alvin Tiu from St. Stephen’s High School; and Henry Jefferson Morco from Chiang Kai Shek College.

Sixty other Filipino students were among the “Top 2 Percent” of over 300,000 students in 40 countries who took part in the competition.

They include, among others, Clyde Wesley Ang from Chiang Kai Shek College; Dion Stephan Ong from Ateneo de Manila University; Belinda Corinne So, Austin Edrich Chua, Matthew Ryan Tan and Hans Leighton Liu, all  from St. Jude Catholic School; Mario Antonio Ongkiko, Ryan Shao and Ethan Chua, all from Xavier School; Jesse Yu Gaw from UNO High School; Juan Pablo Abola from Paref-Southridge School; Miguel Bradford Lao from Philippine Cultural College; Rajo Christian Cadorna from Puerto Princesa Pilot Elementary School; Jasper John Segismundo from Pasig Catholic School; Manuel Vito Ortiz from Solomon Integrated School-Iloilo; and Jose Ignacio Locsin from St. John’s Institute.

Neil Joshua Patiag from SPED Center for the Gifted-Olongapo; John Thomas Chuatak, Gabriel Joseph Pua and Shamira Liao, all from St. Stephen’s High School; Patrick Niño Policarpio from Greenpark Montessori; Jan Joshua Cruz from Pasig Catholic School; Farrell Eldrian Wu from MGC New Life Christian Academy; Xavier Jefferson Go from Zamboanga Chong Hua High School; Raphael Villaluz, Joan Lyn Fadri and Gabriel Estampador, both from San Beda College-Alabang; and Allen Cedrick Domingo, Emilio Paul Nogales, Miguel Sebastian Santos, Niel Benjamin Kho, Kenneth Co, and Marco Vincenzo Karaan, all from Philippine Science High School-Main.

Some 3,650 primary and secondary students nationwide participated in the competition, held simultaneously on August 4.

The contest was conducted here by AMC representatives in coordination with the DOST’s Science Education Institute and the non-government Mathematics Trainers’ Guild-Phils. (MTG).

Dr. Simon Chua, MTG president, described as “encouraging” the country’s performance in this year’s AMC.
“More and more Filipino math students are getting competitive. We hope they would inspire other kids to do the same, especially those in public schools,” Chua said. Most of the local AMC contestants are wards of MTG.

Andrew Byrne, deputy head of mission of the Australian Embassy in Makati City, cited the Filipino awardees for their “mastery of math, the language of modern life.”

Byrne observed that “the Philippines continues to do so well in the AMC.”

The University of Canberra-based AMT limited the first AMC, held in 1976, to Australian students. Two years later, students from New Zealand were allowed to join the contest.

Since 2005, the AMC has spread to 40 nations worldwide.

The contest paper consists of 30 multiple choice questions, which are ordered in increasing difficulty. In the AMC, students are given 75 minutes to solve the problems, which cover arithmetic, algebra, geometry and problem solving.

...the iBUS

Pinay's iBus invention wins in London

by Rose Eclarinal,

ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

LONDON - After long, arduous eight years of self-funded research and project, Elma Arboleras received a reward she did not expect.

Her invention dubbed as the iBUS won a gold medal for the consumer category at the British Invention Show. The BIS is on its 11th year of bringing together inventors, innovators and designers in a platform that will enable them to promote and advance their ideas.

From hundreds of participants, the entries were narrowed down to semi-finalists, finalists and winners per category, plus special awards and citations.

Arboleras said that in her experience, being an inventor has nothing to do with being a geek or a genius. But it definitely takes a lot of research, passion and back-breaking work.

“It’s about faith. Faith in ourselves, faith in our God who can make all things possible. The reason why I participated is to inspire our kababayan. Mine started with just a dream--a dream that maybe we can help ease the traffic problem,” she said.

Arboleras, a BS in Customs Administration graduate from Iloilo, developed the iBUS concept with Rodel De Guzman, her co-inventor. They joined the invention show on their own, without the backing from government or any private companies. Arboleras pooled her own resources to be able to fly to the UK when the entry was shortlisted.

In front of 25 judges from corporate and specialist fields, she was given 3 minutes to discuss the invention.

That moment, she felt the need to shine and bring honor and pride to her country. She summed up 8 years dogmatic resilience, passion and dedication in an eloquent presentation.

“When I was given that medal, I was like ‘Oh! Finally, a recognition!’ But I didn’t really feel that it was for me. It was for the Philippines. I really felt I was there for the Philippines even when I came on my own. What made me stronger to go for it was the thought that with it is a kind of solution that might help our country,” she explained.

‘It’s my gift to Philippines’

Arboleras said the solution for the traffic problem in the Philippines is a daunting task that cannot be done by a mere introduction of technology. However, having a technology that will solve it is a good start.

She urged the government to give iBUS a chance.

While she already received offers to buy the patent of the iBUS to be implemented abroad, she turned down the offer. She wanted Philippines to be the first to benefit from it.

“What I have done or got here is my gift for the Philippines. What our government is going to do about it is the Philippines' gift to the world,” said Arboleras.

Kane Kramer, the inventor of iPod and president of The British Invention Show is impressed with the iBUS.


“Elma’s application of technology was really directing at a problem which affects the majority of society rather than just one little specialist area and that it can make a difference to people’s daily lives,” said Kramer.

He also encouraged the Philippine government to do more for young innovators and inventors for them to be able to participate in platforms like the British Invention Show and similar platforms in the world which would allow them to showcase their inventions.

“It’s important that both companies, corporate and government get behind the innovators and the inventors. I am not talking big money necessary in big business. We are talking about here the seedbed, the very seeds when they are sprouting and nurturing those seeds and giving the seeds the chance to root properly and by doing this with innovation and technology, you have the scope to completely change the outlook for an entire country by both manufacturing and exports,” he said.

He added: “A single invention has a capability to transform the wealth of a nation. And it’s common that great inventions and great innovations actually can go unnoticed. Sometimes, sitting on university desk with talented professors and these could be world changing and yet they don’t get out, they don’t escape and don’t see the light of day.”

The iBUS


iBUS or Intelligent BUS Utility System will work by using machine readable tags to digitally identify a vehicle for it to be part of a database. Its daily operation will be managed through computers.

“Our system offers a level playing field for everyone involved because we kept in mind everyone involved in our traffic problem: the bus drivers, the enforcers, the operators, the commuters,” said Arboleras.

She added: “It’s the first patented bus monitoring and management system in the Philippines so this would make the buses load and unload passengers in the proper designated areas only.”

The iBUS system can organize the buses based on the machine readable tags. It can group the buses and allocate designated stop or pick up points. It will also impose a time limit on a bus stop usage. The bus will be programmed to stop and open its doors at allocated areas only. It also prides on the Real Time Location System (RTLS) to track the buses and project the exact arrival of buses in the designated loading and unloading areas.

...the Asia's sexiest

Medium Rare

Asia's Sexiest

 

By JULLIE YAP DAZA

October 31, 201

Manila Bulletin

Opinion Section

 

 

 

 

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino men are the sexiest in Asia in one aspect and only one aspect: They expect a second rising to the occasion within moments.

In all other indicators, their average – in terms of performance, degree of satisfaction, expectations –matches the regional (Asian) average. Pfizer’s “ideal sex survey” of Asians was presented by an Australian sex therapist, Dr. Rosie King, on the eve before Halloween, the day before today’s day of the dead. Such a life-and-death discussion it was, how sex makes life come alive, or go limp.

Does size matter? “Width more than length,” is the doctor’s prescription.

Here comes the sales pitch: Viagra is so safe that babies with pulmonary hypertension take it three times a day. As a matter of fact, Viagra – the world’s second most recognized brand after Coca-Cola – was invented as a pill for high blood pressure. “It actually protects the heart muscle from a heart attack,” said Dr. King. Mountain climbers and vertigo sufferers, don’t leave home without it – it combats high-altitude dizziness.

Still, men with health problems need clearance from their doctor before they swallow their first blue pill. Dr. King’s own test is a one-km walk completed in 15 minutes, then climbing one flight of stairs. If you don’t drop dead, you’re okay for Code Blue Diamond.

...the Godfather

Pacquiao on cover of Newsweek

 

abs-cbnNEWS.com

10/31/2011

 

 

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino boxing icon and pound-for-pound king Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao is featured on the cover of Newsweek magazine's Philippine and Latin America editions this week.

 

Manny Pacquiao on the cover of Newsweek.

Newsweek International editor Tunku Varadarajan tweeted a picture of the cover, featuring Pacquiao and the words: "Pacquiao the Godfather."

The story, written by Lawrence Osborne, traces Pacquiao's rise to the top of his sport, from his first important victory against Lehlohonolo Ledwaba in 2001, his star-making performance against Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera, and his landmark defeat of Oscar dela Hoya in 2008.

"To call Manny Pacquiao a 'boxer' is one of those descriptions that don't quite fly," Osborne wrote, comparing it to calling Mahatma Gandhi a "Hindu lawyer."

"The pound-for-pound greatest fighter on earth has begun to move beyond his bloody sport in increasingly unpredictable ways," he added.

The writer also talked about Pacquiao's rise to politics, as well as the efforts that Pacquiao has been doing to improve his home province of Sarangani.

"It seems likely that Pacquiao will run for governor of Mindanao and enter the Senate, as he says, by 2016. I asked him if he would run for President. Laughter and slapping of thighs, but a twinkle in the eye that suggested, why not?" Osborne wrote.

Pacquiao will face rival Juan Manuel Marquez on November 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, in what will be the third meeting between the two fighters.

...the "Wrecking Machine"

'Filipino Wrecking Machine' headlines UFC 138

abs-cbnNEWS.com

10/31/2011

MANILA, Philippines - Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight contender Mark Muñoz, known as "The Filipino Wrecking Machine," will headline UFC 138 on November 5, in what will be the first ever 5-round non-title fight in the history of the promotion.

The event, held at the LG Arena in Birmingham, England, will pit Muñoz against UFC veteran Chris Leben in the main event.

"Chris Leben... is a great fighter. I don't think anybody dislikes him at all. People love his fighting style," Muñoz said in an interview with UFC.com.

Muñoz understands that Leben prefers to fight "standing in front, coming forward and throwing haymakers with both hands," and the former 2-time All American is prepared to whether the onslaught from the hard-hitting Leben.

"I feel like my style matches up with his very well. He tends to have a hard time against wrestlers, and I'm a wrestler," Muñoz said. "He has a hard time with people that can put him on his back and not just fight in one position."

But Muñoz plans to showcase an improved stand-up and submission game in the main event as well.

"You're gonna see the whole mixed martial artist come out. It's gonna be an awesome fight for sure," he said.

Muñoz is coming off a unanimous decision victory against Demian Maia at UFC 131, and has been awarded "Fight of the Night" honors for his knockout victory against Kendall Grove at UFC 112.

He is hoping to put on an equally exciting show at UFC 138.

"You're gonna see guns firing, fireworks blowing up in the air. You're gonna see an exciting fight," Muñoz said.

...the Asian election body board member

PHL elected to Asian election body board

10/31/2011

GMA News

 

The Philippines was elected to the Association of Asian Election Authorities (AAEA)'s executive board during its General Assembly in Seoul, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said over the weekend.

Philippine Commission on Elections Commissioner Christian Robert Lim represented the Philippines at the general assembly.

In a blog post, the Comelec said the National Election Commission of the Republic of Korea hosted this year's General Assembly last Oct. 26 to 28.

"Also elected during the AAEA General Assembly was the Republic of Korea as Chairperson, India as Vice-Chairperson and Kazakhstan and the Republic of China (Taiwan) as Members of the Executive Board," it said.

AAEA was formed to promote:

transparent elections, independent and impartial election authorities,

professionalization of Asian election authorities,

citizen participation in the electoral and civic process,

information sharing, and

development of resources for election-related information and research.

The Philippines is one of the founding members of the AAEA, which now has 17 member states in Asia including Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

Former Comelec Commissioner and Justice Teresita Dy-Liaco Flores, a founding member of the AAEA, is now a consultant of the body. - VVP, GMA

News

...the new Broadway 'Queen'

Marcos kin new 'Queen' of Broadway

 

By Don Tagala,

ABS-CBN North America Bureau

10/31/2011

 

 

 

Filipino American actress J. Elaine Marcos. File Photo

NEW YORK—“Priscilla Queen of the Desert” is said to be the current queen of Broadway and a Filipino American actress related to the Marcos family is its star.

The hyperactive musical follows the story of a Filipina mail order bride. Played by J. Elaine Marcos, her character delivers some lines in Tagalog—some of which are cuss words in the vernacular.

The actress admitted that she is a distant relative of the late Philippine strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

She quipped that playing Cynthia is a dream come true. One of her memorable numbers showed her firing ping-pong balls between her legs.

“I love comedy and I love to speak in my native tongue. Most of my lines are with a little bit of accent and I do go into little bit of Filipino,” said Marcos.

Adapted from the 1994 movie, “Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert” is a story about three Australian drag queens on an epic road trip.

With over 500 costumes, 200 head dresses, 72 wigs, and more than 100,000 Swarovski crystals, the show is almost always sold out.

Marcos herself is no stranger to show business. She has been seen on a number of television shows like “Rescue Me,” “30 Rock,” and in films “Farm Girl in New York” and “Morning Glory.”

...the Olympic shoot camp bidder

Philippines bids for Olympic shoot camp hosting

By Marc Anthony Reyes
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Sunday, October 30th, 2011

MANILA, Philippines—The country is bidding to host next year’s Youth Olympic Shooting Camp, an event that is expected to draw at least 43 nations, according to Philippine National Shooting Association president Mikee Romero.

Romero, the popular sports patron who also supports basketball, baseball and cycling, said the event will help promote shooting, particularly the shotgun events where Filipinos have a strong chance of winning internationally.

The camp, for which Malaysia and Singapore have also placed bids, is scheduled in June.

“We need this kind of activity to promote the sport of shotgun in the country,” said Romero, who is also president of port services firm Harbour Centre.

“We will learn a lot from this two-week shooting camp because current and former Olympians and coaches from all over the world will be taking part to teach young shooters.”

The PNSA is hoping to qualify as many as four shooters to the London Olympics.

Romero and PNSA executive director Larry Paredes have already informed Asian Shooting Confederation president H. E. Sheil Salman Al Sabah of Kuwait about the country’s intention to stage the camp.

The two officials attended the recent ASC congress where Al Sabah, a member of Kuwait’s royal family, vowed to help the Philippines promote the sport.

“The Sheik promised to help us, so I hope we will win the right to host the event,” said Romero.

Meanwhile, former PNSA president and Olympian Art Macapagal was reelected to the executive board of the ASC. Macapagal was one of the two Southeast Asian delegates who made it to the powerful board.

...the best Asian-Middle Eastern Film in Tokyo

‘Bisperas’ awarded Best Asian-Middle Eastern Film at Tokyo International Film Festival

INQUIRER.net

October 30, 2011

 

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine entry “Bisperas (Trespassers)” won the Best Asian-Middle Eastern Film Award at the 24th Tokyo International Film Festival.

The cast of ‘Bisperas,’ winner of Best Asian-Middle Eastern Film Award at the Tokyo International Film Festival on Sunday, October 30, 2011. PHOTO FROM 2011.TIFF-JP.NET

The complete set of winners was announced Sunday at the TIFF website.

Bisperas earlier won as the Best Film at the Cinemalaya Film Festival in Manila this year.

Directed by Jeffrey Jeturian, the film is about a family whose house is burglarized on Christmas Eve and amid the tension brought about by the burglary, the members of the family realize how treasured sentiments have been lost and relationships have evolved.

The Winds of Asia-Middle competition within the TIFF was established to assist the development of Asian cinema. The winner in this section is awarded a cash prize of US$10,000.

...the Island of Survivors

How Caramoan wowed "Survivor India"

By ANSELMO V. TALAGTAG,JR

October 30,2011

Manila Bulletin

Matukad Island (Photo by TEDDY L. PELAEZ)

No other country can boast of that many returning productions. Such is the appeal of the islands of Caramoan.


MANILA, Philippines -- India is the latest country with the “Survivor” franchise to be dazzled by the beauty of the Caramoan islands.

Coming after France, Israel, Bulgaria, Serbia and the Strix group (made up of Norway, Holland, Belgium and Sweden), the Miditech group, the contracted entity of showbiz giant Star Plus India that owns the “Survivor” franchise, is already thinking of returning to Caramoan for its next series.

“We all fell in love with the place when we visited last March,” said Niret Alva, who together with brother, Nikhil, are the executive producers of Miditech. Nikhil is also a member of India’s National Tourism Promotions Board and is keen on promoting the Philippines to the Indian market, especially after being impressed with Caramoan.


How it all began

Caramoan’s popularity with the “Survivor” franchises in Europe started with the first French production in Palawan.

According to Nikolo Juvan of the Philippine Film Studios Incorporated (PFSI), the event handling company, the French wanted to film again in the Philippines but on a more secluded group of islands because El Nido, Palawan is crawling with tourists.

PFSI was then introduced to Caramoan by the son of Governor Lray Villafuerte; and after seeing the islands’ great potential, the French were informed and then it was their turn to be awed.

“There was, however, a condition by the French that housing facilities should be built on the main island to accommodate all its crew, contestants and VIPs. The French producers promised Gov. Villafuerte that they will do the series if there will be facilities built on the main island that was still bare at the time,” Juvan said.

The rest, of course, is history for Caramoan tourism. Facilities were built in what was to be called Gota Village. The French filmed the series, which was shown all over Europe, and the other franchise holders followed suit.

“The French series is the second largest franchise after the United States; so even if we didn’t make any marketing programs to follow it up, the inquiries came,” Juvan revealed.

The latest, of course, is India, whose producers, just midway in the competition, have already signified their intention of returning for their second season, expecting a big slice of the Indian viewers. The first season was a celebrity edition, with 10 celebrities competing against 10 other contestants from corporate to man-on-the-street.


An Economic Opportunity

The “Survivor” series provides jobs, not just for local labor, but also for Manila based personnel. Juvan revealed that every production brings with them a large international crew with various needs from technical expertise to manual labor. It has also provided an opportunity to showcase Filipino talent, skills and friendly disposition that leave a positive mark with each visiting country.

Juvan related that on the first edition of the Israeli series, the producers brought their own carpenters and labor force; but when they saw the ability of the Filipino counterparts, they didn’t bring any of their labor force the next time.

For their part, Miditech Indian managers are pleased with how the Filipino crew handle pressure. “ We usually shout and feel pressured, but the Filipinos just smile and tell us not to worry because things will be done on time.”


Win some, lose some

Juvan and some of his staff have been living in Gota Village for the last four years to handle all the various “Survivor” productions that have returned, time and again, to do their series in Caramoan.

“One thing that stands out is because the islands, numbering around 20 ( only seven are being used regularly because of proximity to Gota) have so much variety. They come in different shapes and sizes, different characters and topography. Some are forested, there’s one with a sandbar, some with rice fields that add a dramatic appeal,” he said.

Definitely an inviting description that will appeal to tourists, domestic and foreign; but, for now, Caramoan may be losing some tourism revenue because it is an exclusive playground of the “Survivor” franchise with Gota village and its nearby islands being opened to the public just two months in a year at least (November and December). But, it more than makes up for it by showing our country’s beautiful islands to the rest of the world.

No other country can boast of that many returning productions. Such is the appeal of the islands of Caramoan.