...the queens of beauty

Bravo Shamcey, Eren, Brenna and Diana! Bonne chance, Gwedoline!

By Filipinos Abroad

October 7th, 2011

Jose D. Patao Jr. – Pageant Watch – Malaya Business Insight

Miss Universe Philippines 2011 Shamcey Supsup was given a rousing welcome when she arrived from her record-setting feat as 3rd runner-up at the 60th Miss Universe Pageant in Sao Paulo, Brazil last Sept. 12. She made it two in a row for the Philippines after Venus Raj’s 4th runner-up finish in Las Vegas last year, a feat unprecedented in the history of the pageant; there has been no other occasion where two Filipinas made it to the finals for two consecutive years. Congratulations Shamcey, may you inspire more Filipina beauties in their quest for more honors in the international pageant arena!

Meanwhile, Mrs. Philippines-Universe and bank executive Erilene Noche-Tumali won two special awards in the recently-concluded pageant for married women held in Sofia, Bulgaria. She was named Mrs. Sponsors and more significantly, Mrs. Universe Ltd., where she will serve as spokesperson for the Mrs. Universe organization’s advocacy "No to Violence". The 2011 pageant was won by Venezuela’s Moira Farmas and Erilene will travel to Caracas, Venezuela for next year’s Mrs. Universe pageant.

As we write, Brenna Cassandra Gamboa, a 21-year-old, 5’9" BS Nursing student from Cavite, is set to arrive from Fiji after emerging as first runner-up in the World Supermodel Pageant held in the tiny South Pacific island last Sept. 30. The title went to Lebanon’s Danielle Salamoungy with South Pacific’s Mikaela Swany winning the Miss Teen Supermodel title. Brenna was also voted as Best in Evening Gown. Australia’s Casey Newport was 2nd runner-up.

Last Oct. 3, Diana Sunshine Rademann was crowned as Sympatie Miss Princess of the World in Prague, Czech Republic, sharing the limelight with Miss Princess of the World 2011 winner Carmen Isabel Chavez of Mexico, 1st Vice Princess Michaela Karakova of Slovakia and 2nd Vice princess Yen Cao of Vietnam. A BS Biology student from Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Diana was also voted as Miss Friendship and was a top 3 finalist in the talent division where she did the "Pandanggo sa Ilaw" Filipino folk dance. Forty-one contestants worldwide competed.

Meanwhile all eyes are now on newly-crowned Miss World Philippines 2011Gwendoline Ramos Ruais (pronounced roo-wes), the 6-feet tall Filipino-French beauty who will vie for the country’s first Miss World crown in London, UK on November 6. Ruais threw a thanksgiving party at the Midas Hotel last Friday for all the people who supported her in her triumphant experience. Gwen intimated that if she wins as Miss World, it will be the proudest moment for her and the Philippines. Having the heart, passion and dedication to make the country proud, Gwen said that the Philippines should be recognized in the world’s oldest and longest running world beauty pageant.

Bravo Shamcey, Eren, Brenna and Diana! Bonne chance Gwendoline… bring home our first Miss World crown!

...the aspiring city dad in Vancouver

Fil-Canadian to run for city councilor in Vancouver

by Cecil Docto

ABS-CBN North America News Bureau

10/07/2011

VANCOUVER - A young Filipino-Canadian is slowly making his mark in local politics, after winning a bid to run as city councilor in November.

Rafael JR Aquino is running for city councilor under the Coalition of Progressive Electors or COPE.


Aquino won the nomination by a narrow margin, as he defeated 3-time COPE councilor David Cadman by 7 votes--316 to 309.

“It demonstrated the need for reinforcement for the Filipino community to mobilize and really understand the process if they want to nominate somebody within the community,” Aquino said.

Long-time COPE member and city councilor Ellen Woodsworth, who nominated Aquino for the position, said she believes the 30-year-old political newcomer will bring a fresh perspective to the Vancouver City Council.

“I think RJ is a great candidate. He's committed to the same issues I'm working on so I was happy to help him out and get him elected today,” she said.

Aquino has been a long time advocate of workers' rights and new Canadians. He used the power of technology to connect communities and foster relationships for social change.

In his speech, Aquino championed the need for affordable housing, public transit and child care in Vancouver. He also called on the youth to become more involved in the city's decision making process.

“I want them to know so they care; I want them to care so they take action; and I want them to take action so we can see change,” he said.

Woodsworth and former city councilor Tim Louis will join him in the COPE slate. If elected, Aquino will be the first city councilor of Filipino ancestry in Vancouver.

...the bigtime OFW

OFW quits job to open school in N. Ecija

 

 

abs-cbnNEWS.com

10/07/2011

 

 

MUSCAT, OMAN – Dr. Emmanuel San Juan quit a stable and high-paying job in Oman to return to the Philippines and open up a school in his hometown in Nueva Ecija.

“Ako ay nag desisyon na huwag nang mag-renew (contract) bagamat mayroon mga pagkukumbinsi na ipagpatuloy yung paglilingkod sa college na ito,” said San Juan.

San Juan has been in Oman for about 2 years but he has already achieved so much.

“Malayo talaga yung kinikita natin dito sa abroad o dito sa Oman kumpara sa kinikita natin sa Pilipinas,” he said.

A volunteer computer instructor of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (POLO-OWWA), San Juan is also a member of the College Board and Manager of the Center for Enterprise and Professional Development of the Gulf College in Oman.

He graduated with a PhD on Public Administration at the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology in 2009.

He initially had second thoughts about working abroad since he already had good job working at the provincial capitol.

“Naghahanap siguro ako ng pagkakataon na lalo ko pang malinang yung kakayahan ko. Gusto kong matuto ng iba-ibang kultura at mas magkaroon ng pagkakataon na makita pa ang education system hindi lamang sa Pilipinas,” said San Juan.

His colleagues in Oman speak highly of him.

“He presented a very good attitude and very cooperative personality. He was very active and the output of what he has done during the very short period, it was very distinguishable,” said Deputy Dean for Computing Department Dr. Mohanned Obaidy.

Khalod Abdulbaqi described San Juan as friendly and outstanding.

For her part, Dr. Wilma Serrano said San Juan has been an inspiration to many Filipinos.

“Hindi lang mga Pinoy napabilib din niya pati ibang lahi dahil sa quality ng pagta- trabaho niya,” said Serrano.

He decided to resign from his job to fulfill his dream of helping kababayans by putting up a school in the province.

“Nakapag-file na tayo ng letter of intent sa Department of Education para sa pagbubukas ng eskwelahan. Ang target nga natin na magsimula sa darating na pasukan sa June 2012,” he said.

Although many of his colleagues want him in Oman, they still expressed their support for him in his new endeavor.

“Ang mami-miss ko kay Dr. Eman ay he’s always smiling and a very approachable person,” said Carmie Cruz.

“He has been a very good colleague of mine, very supportive. Also, he’s a very hardworking person. I have always enjoyed working with him. I wish him all the best,” said Dr. Rizwan Ahmad, Associate Dean for Curriculum. Rowen Soldevilla, ABS-CBN Middle East News Bureau

...the Emmy nominee

Kapamilya drama gets Emmy nomination  (The Philippine Star)  October 06, 2011

From left: Sam Milby, Maja Salvador, Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco, stars of Impostor| Zoom

MANILA, Philippines - ABS-CBN earned another International Emmy Awards nomination for its drama series Precious Hearts Romances presents Impostor, a story about a provincial lass who was forced to take the persona of a well-known model.

According to the website of the award-giving body, Impostor will compete in the Best Telenovela category against Argentina’s Contra las Cuerdas, Brazil’s Destiny River and Portugal’s Lacos de Sangue.

“We are very thrilled. The nomination is an honor and a validation of our team’s efforts,” said Laurenti Dyogi, business unit head responsible for the TV series aired last year.

ABS-CBN is the only Philippine media company that bagged an International Emmy nomination. TV Patrol also earned a nomination this year in the Best News category for its coverage of the Manila hostage crisis in August 2010.

Impostor starred Maja Salvador, Melai Cantiveros, Jason Francisco and Sam Milby.  It was directed by Jerome Pabocan and Neal del Rosario.

Apart from the global recognition, Dyogi said the series has been picked up in other countries such as Russia and Ghana because of its appeal and concept that appeals to the international market.

Previously, ABS-CBN earned several International Emmy nominations for its shows and stars such as Dahil May Isang Ikaw (Best Telenovela, 2010), Sid Lucero for Dahil May Isang Ikaw (Best Actor, 2010), Kahit Isang Saglit (Best Telenovela, 2009), Angel Locsin for Lobo (Best Actress, 2009), and Bandila for its coverage of the Subic Rape Case (Best News, 2007).

The International Emmy Awards is given by the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (IATAS).  The awards will be held on Nov. 18 to 21.

...the helping hands in Middle East

Pinoys in Middle East helping typhoon victims in PHL

10/05/2011

 

Even if they’re miles away from home, Filipinos in the Middle East are helping their kababayans who were affected by the rage of typhoons "Pedring" and "Quiel."

In Kuwait, a Filipino community launched a massive in-kind donation drive, while several groups in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) pooled in thousands of Dirham to send to the Philippines.

Typhoon “Pedring" (internationally name: “Nesat") destroyed almost P9 billion in properties and killed 66 people, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Meanwhile, the NDRRMC has recorded 10 deaths and P115 million in damages courtesy of “Quiel" (international name: “Nalgae").

"Kindness in-kind"

Spearheaded by the Filipino Badminton Committee (FBC), the donation drive in Kuwait encourages donations not only among coordinating organizations, but also from other Pinoys and even foreigners.

“This is not exclusive for members—even non-members are welcome. In fact, we appeal for help from everybody," FBC chairman Dr. Chie Umandap told the Kuwait Times on Tuesday.

Umandap said they will not accept cash donations “because we are not from government agencies and cannot process such donations."

According to "Kuwait Times," the FBC and other cooperating groups would take in:

canned goods;

instant noodles;

medicines;

clothes, and

blankets.

Umandap asked Filipinos to consider their donation an early Christmas gift to our kababayans. "If there are other nationalities who wish to donate, you are most welcome and may God bless you," he said.

He also shared that a cargo company will shoulder “at least half of the forwarding expenses."

While pleased that the organizations started a donation drive for typhoon victims, Philippine embassy Vice Consul Rea Oreta encouraged Pinoys in Kuwait to send their help to Philippine agencies like the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC).

Oreta also urged Filipinos to donate only to legitimate organizations with proven track records.

Pooling ‘help cash’

On the other hand, Pinoy group leaders in UAE encouraged their members to donate money to charities, after they encountered problems with relief boxes in 2009.

“It’s better for us to send cash donations. From past experience, we’ve encountered lots of problems with relief goods either with the customs, safekeeping, [or] with distribution," Benito Valeriano, consul-general in Dubai, told "The National."

Bayanihan UAE, the umbrella group of all Pinoy organizations in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, said it is donating Dh10, 000 from its standing fund.

Bayanihan president Bal Junio also disclosed that they will ask their 68 constituent groups to raise more funds by October 14, after which they will send the donation to PNRC or to Caritas Manila.

Meanwhile, FilCom—the group’s counterpart in Dubai and Northern Emirates—met on Tuesday evening to discuss how they can help typhoon victims.

FilCom handles 99 community groups in the area.

Alan Bacason, the umbrella group’s governing council president, told The National that they are planning “a community-wide fund-raising campaign."

The fund-raising, however, would need the approval of the UAE Red Crescent Authority.

After “Ondoy" (international name: “Ketsana") swept Metro Manila and neighboring provinces, Pinoys in UAE also donated to typhoon victims.

According to Valeriano, they sent about 2, 000 boxes of relief goods and pooled in a total of Dh800, 000. - with Rose-An Jessica Dioquino, VVP, GMA News

...the leader in disaster preparedness

UN HABITAT CONFERENCE

Philippines hailed as model in disaster response

By Cynthia D. Balana
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Thursday, October 6th, 2011

FUKUOKA—The Philippines leads Japan and other countries prone to natural disasters in terms of system preparedness, governance and youth participation in mitigating the impact of climate change on people and property, a disaster risk specialist said here on Tuesday.

Addressing the United Nations Settlement Program (UN-Habitat)’s 6th Asian City Journalists Conference (ACJC), Professor Rajob Shaw of the International Environmental and Disaster Management Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies at the Kyoto University said the Philippine model on disaster response must be replicated in Japan and elsewhere in the world.

“The Philippines has a very good system, particularly in the governance system when it comes to disaster preparedness from the community to the national level, something that is lacking here in Japan and in other countries,” Shaw told a gathering of Asian journalists, UN regional officials, academicians, non-government organizations representatives in this oldest city in Japan.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer is one of the journalists-panelists in the conference which examines media’s role during a disaster and in making disaster-resilient cities.

Calamity fund

Shaw cited the calamity fund allocation, which is about five percent of the development budget, from the national down to the barangay (village) level.

He said the calamity fund had been in place for 20 years and can be used for preparedness measures.

“That’s a very, very important aspect. In Japan, we don’t have that one. We don’t have any specific amount of the city government budget that can be allocated for disaster preparedness,” he said.

Shaw said he had been examining the Philippines’ system of preparedness since he first came into the country in 1998 as an officer of the United Nations Center for Regional Development.

He had worked on several UN projects with officials of the Department of National Defense’s Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Coordinating Council, now the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

According to Shaw, a regular funding requirement was “a very important governance structure” that was absent in Japan and elsewhere.

Shaw also particularly cited the high visibility of the Philippine president during relief efforts which could ensure national and international assistance to pour in.

“In the Philippines, you can see the President on television at the forefront of relief efforts and this is very good in the sense that when a president is seen or has very high visibility, it gives hope to the people during a local calamity, it gives a lot of media coverage, and it gives a lot of money especially when it is covered by the press,” Shaw stressed.

“International money would surely come in that kind of situation and we call that the CNN (Cable News Network) syndrome. Unless it is covered by the press, international attention does not come,” he stressed.

Another plus in the Philippine model, he said, is the extent of youth participation in pre- and -post disaster relief operations, as in city planning and decision-making.

He said that Filipino youth belonging to the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in the villages has a seat in the city council and take part with the city mayor and other local officials in helping a community meet an emergency or make the city grow in the future.

Youth volunteers

Also, the presence of science clubs in Philippine high schools whose members can be tapped as volunteers in information dissemination during rescue efforts and in disseminating information before a disaster strikes was a good thing.

Shaw said the Japanese youth who went to the stricken areas as volunteers for relief operation when the 2011 Magnitude 9 earthquake off the Pacific coast of Tohoku struck Japan that triggered a tsunami, did that only for a week.

Then they went back to their homes, waiting for the next disaster to happen, making their participation in diaster relief efforts short-term, he said.

Also unlike their Filipino youth counterparts, young Japanese could not take part in the formal discussion on decision-making in the city.

On the minus side, Shaw noted the lack of specific mitigation projects in the Philippines in post-disaster setting and efforts to change the mindset of the people.

Like other nationals in Asia, he said Filipinos were “stubborn” and would refuse to leave their houses and belongings even in the face of death.

...the troupe

Bayanihan dance troupe wins in South Korea festival

INQUIRER.net

October 4, 2011

Ina Feleo (center), soloist of the Philippines' Bayanihan Dance Group, shows off her best female performer award at the Cheonan World Dance Festival.

Bayanihan, the national dance company of the Philippines, on Monday won over 100 other participants in this year’s Cheonan World Dance Festival in South Korea. The best female performer award went to Bayanihan’s solist, Ina Feleo.

The festival is held annually in Cheonan, in Chungcheong province, in celebration of Korea’s traditional dances, songs, and costumes.

Included in the Cheonan World Dance Festival program were street parades, local dance contests, dance classes, dance parties, Korean traditional dances and plays – with the international traditional dance contest highlighting the whole event.

Feleo, a daughter of film director Laurice Guillen and the late Johnny Delgado, is also a stage and film actress.

South Korea is divided into eight provinces, one special autonomous province , six metropolitan cities , and one special city.