MANILA, Philippines -- Another high-end vehicle stolen in Metro Manila last year was recovered in Iligan City, prompting the Philippine National.
Police (PNP) to submit a recommendation to Malacañang which urges President Aquino to revive the issuance of police clearance in all seaports nationwide to all vehicles being transported particularly to the Visayas and Mindanao.
No less than Director General Raul Bacalzo, PNP chief, expressed confidence that Aquino is likely to approve their recommendation which gives the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) to check on all vehicles for transport in seaports.
''We know that a President's directive is needed to revive that policy, that is actually our recommendation- for him to issue a directive on that,'' said Bacalzo in an interview.
Quoting field reports, Chief Supt. Leonardo Espina, director of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG), said Toyota Rav 4 (XEG-865) was initially apprehended by his men for sporting an expired commemorative plate along a national highway in Barangay Tubod, Iligan City.
''The driver of the vehicle failed to show original car documents and it was during the verification that our men found that the vehicle is included in the list of stolen vehicles,'' said Espina.
The car, Espina said, is registered to Juan Cruz Ramirez of Pasig City and was reported to have been carnapped on May 22 last year.
But Espina said that this is not the first time that it happened, stressing that almost 50 percent of the stolen vehicles they recovered in the Visayas and Mindanao since June last year were found to have been carnapped in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon.
The PNP recommended the revival of the policy after the discovery of the modus operandi wherein car thieves would proceed directly to the port right after the carnapping and transport it to their client in the province, mostly in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Aside from his all-out support to carnapping activities, Bacalzo said Aquino will also certainly approve the guidelines that they are planning to map out in order to ensure that the revival of clearance policy on vehicles for transport will not be abused.
''Our anti-carnapping operations are paying off, even the President is recognizing that when he mentioned in one of his speeches that there was a significant reduction in cases of carnapping activities for the last three months,'' said Bacalzo.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Kopi Talk Holy Week practices, rituals that never go out of style
MANILA, Philippines -- Holy Week tragedy: Three weeks before the country paused to mark another Holy Week, a bus full of religious pilgrims lost its breaks and rammed into a tree as it is made its descent along Marcos Highway in Pugo, La Union in 2010.
The tourists, travelling all the way to Sta. Rosa, Laguna, had just been through a series of church visitations, more popularly known as visita iglesia. They had chosen Baguio, known for its cool climate, convents and scenic views, as their religious destination.
Twelve pilgrims of varying ages, a good number of them woman senior citizens, died in that accident.
Stations of the cross: The incident calls to mind a warning frequently being announced in churches near and far about the proper time and manner of conducting the visita iglesia and for that matter, the Stations of the Cross.
At the Saint Paul parish in Laging Handa, Quezon City, Fr. Rudy Magbata constantly reminds mass-goers that the proper time to hold the visita iglesia and the Stations of the Cross is not on Maundy Thursday but not on the other days of Holy Week.
Filipinos have long ago grown accustomed to going on mass visits to at least seven churches each and every Maundy Thursday as if by religious tradition.
On Maundy Thursday, Catholic churches throughout the land bring out the Blessed Sacrament in the Altar of Repose for laymen to view and ponder. It is a time of great silence and contemplation, says Fr. Rudy. Not a time to be spent hopping from one of the 14 stations to the next or scurrying from one church to another like ants running around in circles.
Fr. Rudy says the common practice among Catholics who do the Stations of the Cross on Maundy Thursday can best be done on the other days of Holy Week, such as Good Friday.
Another practice among Catholics is the distribution of the 14 stations of the Cross equally among seven or more churches.
Visita Iglesia: The visita iglesia is a Filipino tradition that is not really a part of church law, states Fr. Gau Sustento, parish priest of Immaculate Heart of Mary in Maysilo, Malabon City.
It simply grew from a customary practice into a tradition, which has become richer and fuller through the years with embellishments here and there.
In some places, people would embark on long hauls, from Laguna to La Union, as in the case of those unfortunate pilgrims from Sta. Rosa. Others plan their visita iglesia by towns or entire provinces.
In an attempt to break monotony, many would step out of their comfort zones, their own parishes, to use the time bonding with friends and relatives as they purportedly visit churches near and far.
Shopping and worshipping: Those who live around Metro Manila usually prefer doing the rounds of churches in Laguna and Rizal, and even as far as Batangas, in search of the most authentic Gothic or Spanish churches.
Between stops, they shop for pasalubongs - panocha in Rosario, Batangas, slippers in Liliw, Laguna, espasol in Mabitac, also in Laguna, anahaw fans and summer hats in Antipolo.
Fr. Gau says the visita iglesia has assumed the personality of an extended field trip with no meaning whatsoever, especially among today's young people. People just run to and fro, as if they were on a picnic, with food and drinks in a cooler at the backs of their cars.
In their haste, they miss out on the one important activity of the day, the scene in the late afternoon of Maundy Thursday wherein Christ washes the feet of the 12 apostles.
Maundy Thursday, says Fr. Gau, is best spent praying or sitting quietly in church before the Blessed Sacrament. It is a time to pay homage to the Repository, one of a few times it is exposed to the public.
Family outing: I have my own confession to make.
Every year, for many Maundy Thursdays now, it has been a tradition in our family to go on a visita iglesia.
We set out in three or four vehicles, cramming each car or van with assorted family members except the dog, including children. We plan our trip according to the location of at least seven churches.
Starting out from Rosario town in Batangas, we journey through the Spanish churches of Ibaan and San Jose. Next stops are the smaller chapels of St. Benedict and Pinag-tungulan in Lipa, the imposing San Sebastian Basilica within the city and the serene Carmel convent off the city proper.
Doing the visita iglesia with family members is like going on an excursion, a way to bond and close ranks with. It is also a perfect way to expose the younger ones in the family to traditions that we feel must be preserved and continued through the next generations.
And so, as we drive from one church for chapel or shrine to another, we say a little prayer here and there. We launch the first two stations of the cross at the St. James Church in Ibaan, and then pray the rest of the stations in the succeeding churches.
Between stations, we share stories, food, drinks, remembrances. It wasn't this way before, when Holy Week celebrations were almost always solemn and serious.
Children, in my time, which was a long time ago, were not allowed to talk while TV and radio stations went off the air from Maundy Thursday to Black Saturday.
Times may have changed drastically with modern technology and all that, but they can't change what's inherent in one's heart. They can't alter one's faith, the desire to be one with Jesus Christ in His sufferings with the coming and going of each Holy Week.
(nescuar@yahoo.com)
The tourists, travelling all the way to Sta. Rosa, Laguna, had just been through a series of church visitations, more popularly known as visita iglesia. They had chosen Baguio, known for its cool climate, convents and scenic views, as their religious destination.
Twelve pilgrims of varying ages, a good number of them woman senior citizens, died in that accident.
Stations of the cross: The incident calls to mind a warning frequently being announced in churches near and far about the proper time and manner of conducting the visita iglesia and for that matter, the Stations of the Cross.
At the Saint Paul parish in Laging Handa, Quezon City, Fr. Rudy Magbata constantly reminds mass-goers that the proper time to hold the visita iglesia and the Stations of the Cross is not on Maundy Thursday but not on the other days of Holy Week.
Filipinos have long ago grown accustomed to going on mass visits to at least seven churches each and every Maundy Thursday as if by religious tradition.
On Maundy Thursday, Catholic churches throughout the land bring out the Blessed Sacrament in the Altar of Repose for laymen to view and ponder. It is a time of great silence and contemplation, says Fr. Rudy. Not a time to be spent hopping from one of the 14 stations to the next or scurrying from one church to another like ants running around in circles.
Fr. Rudy says the common practice among Catholics who do the Stations of the Cross on Maundy Thursday can best be done on the other days of Holy Week, such as Good Friday.
Another practice among Catholics is the distribution of the 14 stations of the Cross equally among seven or more churches.
Visita Iglesia: The visita iglesia is a Filipino tradition that is not really a part of church law, states Fr. Gau Sustento, parish priest of Immaculate Heart of Mary in Maysilo, Malabon City.
It simply grew from a customary practice into a tradition, which has become richer and fuller through the years with embellishments here and there.
In some places, people would embark on long hauls, from Laguna to La Union, as in the case of those unfortunate pilgrims from Sta. Rosa. Others plan their visita iglesia by towns or entire provinces.
In an attempt to break monotony, many would step out of their comfort zones, their own parishes, to use the time bonding with friends and relatives as they purportedly visit churches near and far.
Shopping and worshipping: Those who live around Metro Manila usually prefer doing the rounds of churches in Laguna and Rizal, and even as far as Batangas, in search of the most authentic Gothic or Spanish churches.
Between stops, they shop for pasalubongs - panocha in Rosario, Batangas, slippers in Liliw, Laguna, espasol in Mabitac, also in Laguna, anahaw fans and summer hats in Antipolo.
Fr. Gau says the visita iglesia has assumed the personality of an extended field trip with no meaning whatsoever, especially among today's young people. People just run to and fro, as if they were on a picnic, with food and drinks in a cooler at the backs of their cars.
In their haste, they miss out on the one important activity of the day, the scene in the late afternoon of Maundy Thursday wherein Christ washes the feet of the 12 apostles.
Maundy Thursday, says Fr. Gau, is best spent praying or sitting quietly in church before the Blessed Sacrament. It is a time to pay homage to the Repository, one of a few times it is exposed to the public.
Family outing: I have my own confession to make.
Every year, for many Maundy Thursdays now, it has been a tradition in our family to go on a visita iglesia.
We set out in three or four vehicles, cramming each car or van with assorted family members except the dog, including children. We plan our trip according to the location of at least seven churches.
Starting out from Rosario town in Batangas, we journey through the Spanish churches of Ibaan and San Jose. Next stops are the smaller chapels of St. Benedict and Pinag-tungulan in Lipa, the imposing San Sebastian Basilica within the city and the serene Carmel convent off the city proper.
Doing the visita iglesia with family members is like going on an excursion, a way to bond and close ranks with. It is also a perfect way to expose the younger ones in the family to traditions that we feel must be preserved and continued through the next generations.
And so, as we drive from one church for chapel or shrine to another, we say a little prayer here and there. We launch the first two stations of the cross at the St. James Church in Ibaan, and then pray the rest of the stations in the succeeding churches.
Between stations, we share stories, food, drinks, remembrances. It wasn't this way before, when Holy Week celebrations were almost always solemn and serious.
Children, in my time, which was a long time ago, were not allowed to talk while TV and radio stations went off the air from Maundy Thursday to Black Saturday.
Times may have changed drastically with modern technology and all that, but they can't change what's inherent in one's heart. They can't alter one's faith, the desire to be one with Jesus Christ in His sufferings with the coming and going of each Holy Week.
(nescuar@yahoo.com)
News Update BSP’s ceiling on foreign loans supportive of NG borrowing policy
MANILA, Philippines -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is reviewing the effectiveness of imposing annual ceilings on foreign loans and its impact on controlling the size of the country's external debt.
Sources said the BSP's foreign borrowing policy remains prudent, always an eye on sustainability of external obligations which it expects will rise from $60 billion in 2010 to $95 billion by 2016.
The Monetary Board has recently directed the concerned sectors within the central bank to study the BSP's foreign borrowing policy in the context of its ceilings on medium and long-term loans, which for 2011 is capped at $10.5 billion, almost the same amount in 2010.
After a board resolution, the BSP will review and assess the effectiveness of implementing a ceiling on the foreign loans of both the public and private sectors. The study, said sources, will determine if BSP should encourage or "be basically indifferent" or "slow down, or discourage foreign borrowings."
The BSP and the government sets internal annual debt ceiling to monitor foreign borrowings, either from commercial sources or from official development assistance funds or donor aids. These ceilings have so far proven effective in containing National Government debt.
From the 1970s to the early 1990s the International Monetary Fund imposed a debt ceiling for the government to keep in check the rising external debt. When the IMF program was terminated, the government maintained this internal cap for the purpose of debt management.
Last October, the Monetary Board instructed BSP concerned departments on instituting a pro-active policy response to impending reversals in foreign exchange (FX) flows by adapting a closer monitoring system to better capture FX transactions.
Sources said the International Operations Department has established a monitoring system to closely assess and review the effect of the revised rules on FX transactions approved last year.
The BSP has been reviewing FX forms and data sources to "institute measures that can enhance data capture and analysis and support a more pro-active policy response" such as in cases of capital flight.
Last year, the BSP approved amendments to the Manual of Regulations on Foreign Exchange Transactions to make FX policies more responsive to economic conditions and aligned with the policies of other Asian countries.
Key features of the amendments include the increase in FX purchases of up to $1 million to cover advance payment requirements for import transactions to encourage trade and stimulate business activities and allowing prepayment of BSP-registered foreign/foreign currency loans of the private sector for more flexibility in managing their FX obligations/exposures and finances.
In 2010, the central bank approved total foreign loans of $10.3 billion and 62.2 percent or $6.5 billion were charged against the ceiling.
Sources said the BSP's foreign borrowing policy remains prudent, always an eye on sustainability of external obligations which it expects will rise from $60 billion in 2010 to $95 billion by 2016.
The Monetary Board has recently directed the concerned sectors within the central bank to study the BSP's foreign borrowing policy in the context of its ceilings on medium and long-term loans, which for 2011 is capped at $10.5 billion, almost the same amount in 2010.
After a board resolution, the BSP will review and assess the effectiveness of implementing a ceiling on the foreign loans of both the public and private sectors. The study, said sources, will determine if BSP should encourage or "be basically indifferent" or "slow down, or discourage foreign borrowings."
The BSP and the government sets internal annual debt ceiling to monitor foreign borrowings, either from commercial sources or from official development assistance funds or donor aids. These ceilings have so far proven effective in containing National Government debt.
From the 1970s to the early 1990s the International Monetary Fund imposed a debt ceiling for the government to keep in check the rising external debt. When the IMF program was terminated, the government maintained this internal cap for the purpose of debt management.
Last October, the Monetary Board instructed BSP concerned departments on instituting a pro-active policy response to impending reversals in foreign exchange (FX) flows by adapting a closer monitoring system to better capture FX transactions.
Sources said the International Operations Department has established a monitoring system to closely assess and review the effect of the revised rules on FX transactions approved last year.
The BSP has been reviewing FX forms and data sources to "institute measures that can enhance data capture and analysis and support a more pro-active policy response" such as in cases of capital flight.
Last year, the BSP approved amendments to the Manual of Regulations on Foreign Exchange Transactions to make FX policies more responsive to economic conditions and aligned with the policies of other Asian countries.
Key features of the amendments include the increase in FX purchases of up to $1 million to cover advance payment requirements for import transactions to encourage trade and stimulate business activities and allowing prepayment of BSP-registered foreign/foreign currency loans of the private sector for more flexibility in managing their FX obligations/exposures and finances.
In 2010, the central bank approved total foreign loans of $10.3 billion and 62.2 percent or $6.5 billion were charged against the ceiling.
Kopi Talk Renewable energy
MANILA, Philippines -- The tapping of alternative and renewable energy sources takes center stage anew in the wake of the continual increases in fossil oil prices in the world market.
Time to act! Skyrocketing oil prices pushing up prices of basic commodities and services.
***
Pres. Aquino III issues the call for alternative energy sources in the wake of recent oil price adjustments and subsequent protests from the transport sector.
Runaway oil prices creating a big mess. Whew!
***
P-Noy cites the potential of alternative energy during a recent visit to a R46-million farm-based alternative power generation facilities being developed by Asia Bio-Gas Co., Ltd., in Gen. Santos City.
Turning farm waste into energy smells good for our economy. He-he.
***
The Department of Energy (DoE) also renews its call on investors and lending institutions to support the renewable energy sector to prevent surges in electricity costs and power outages.
The more players, the merrier.
Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras says that long-term financing of renewable energy projects by the World Bank, the USAID, and other friendly investors is "critical in not only making the projects viable but providing us the buffer zone to rationalize energy prizes."
Long-term financing would help lower energy rates.
***
Almendras laments that while renewable energy projects are more environment-friendly, the technology for solar , wind, ocean, bio-mass, and geothermal power cost more at present.
Improve technology and grant more incentives then.
***
However, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Philippine Solar Power Alliance (PSPA), the Aboitiz, Lopez, and other power groups vow to help tap alternative and renewable energy sources and eventually bring down their costs.
Time to power up! And do what is good for consumers and the country.
Time to act! Skyrocketing oil prices pushing up prices of basic commodities and services.
***
Pres. Aquino III issues the call for alternative energy sources in the wake of recent oil price adjustments and subsequent protests from the transport sector.
Runaway oil prices creating a big mess. Whew!
***
P-Noy cites the potential of alternative energy during a recent visit to a R46-million farm-based alternative power generation facilities being developed by Asia Bio-Gas Co., Ltd., in Gen. Santos City.
Turning farm waste into energy smells good for our economy. He-he.
***
The Department of Energy (DoE) also renews its call on investors and lending institutions to support the renewable energy sector to prevent surges in electricity costs and power outages.
The more players, the merrier.
Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras says that long-term financing of renewable energy projects by the World Bank, the USAID, and other friendly investors is "critical in not only making the projects viable but providing us the buffer zone to rationalize energy prizes."
Long-term financing would help lower energy rates.
***
Almendras laments that while renewable energy projects are more environment-friendly, the technology for solar , wind, ocean, bio-mass, and geothermal power cost more at present.
Improve technology and grant more incentives then.
***
However, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Philippine Solar Power Alliance (PSPA), the Aboitiz, Lopez, and other power groups vow to help tap alternative and renewable energy sources and eventually bring down their costs.
Time to power up! And do what is good for consumers and the country.
Kopi Talk International Mother Earth Day
MANILA, Philippines -- To remind each of us that Earth and its ecosystems provide us with life and sustenance and that it is imperative that we recognize our responsibility to promote harmony with nature to achieve a just balance for the needs of the present and future generations, World Earth Day is celebrated on April 22, 2011, in many parts of the world.
Our environments are an extension of ourselves and we feel better and function more efficiently when we are in harmony with our environment. Just as we have relationships with people, we also have a relationship with our environment. Clean are, pure water, and an uncontaminated environment are conducive to man's health and longevity. In some parts of the world, people significantly live to a hundred or more.
In the last 60 years, storm waves have been getting higher and have become dangerous to human lives. Storms are becoming more frequent even in the Arctic Ocean as the area that is free of ice continues to increase.
Global environment variation is increasingly causing storms, melting glaciers, eroding soil, and displacing people from communities to live in poverty in urban areas. The atmosphere has warmed up in the last several decades. Half of what is known as the lungs of the ecosystems, our tropical forests, are gone, with only 10 percent left standing. Oceans, lakes, rivers and streams are being polluted with an average of two million tons of sewage and industrial and agricultural wastes discharged into these waters.
We should all be living in harmony with nature on planet Earth. Man should always be morally concerned about the environment.
Our environments are an extension of ourselves and we feel better and function more efficiently when we are in harmony with our environment. Just as we have relationships with people, we also have a relationship with our environment. Clean are, pure water, and an uncontaminated environment are conducive to man's health and longevity. In some parts of the world, people significantly live to a hundred or more.
In the last 60 years, storm waves have been getting higher and have become dangerous to human lives. Storms are becoming more frequent even in the Arctic Ocean as the area that is free of ice continues to increase.
Global environment variation is increasingly causing storms, melting glaciers, eroding soil, and displacing people from communities to live in poverty in urban areas. The atmosphere has warmed up in the last several decades. Half of what is known as the lungs of the ecosystems, our tropical forests, are gone, with only 10 percent left standing. Oceans, lakes, rivers and streams are being polluted with an average of two million tons of sewage and industrial and agricultural wastes discharged into these waters.
We should all be living in harmony with nature on planet Earth. Man should always be morally concerned about the environment.
News Update Gunmen free kidnap victim in Philippines
Kidnappers have freed a man after more than two months of captivity in the southern Philippines. Kidnappings for ransom have flourished in the volatile region for years.
Regional police official Felicisimo Khu says Joel Indino Jr. was freed by his captors late Saturday in Payao town in Zamboanga Sibugay province and later underwent a medical checkup in a police camp.
Khu said Sunday ransom was reportedly paid but the victim's family has refused to comment.
Several people have been kidnapped so far this year in the south in abductions blamed mostly on al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf militants or kidnap gangs.
A confidential police report says 105 people were abducted in 67 kidnappings for ransom in the Philippines last year.
Regional police official Felicisimo Khu says Joel Indino Jr. was freed by his captors late Saturday in Payao town in Zamboanga Sibugay province and later underwent a medical checkup in a police camp.
Khu said Sunday ransom was reportedly paid but the victim's family has refused to comment.
Several people have been kidnapped so far this year in the south in abductions blamed mostly on al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf militants or kidnap gangs.
A confidential police report says 105 people were abducted in 67 kidnappings for ransom in the Philippines last year.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
DID YOU KNOW THAT ? Gun Maker in Philippine
Rice Not Guns - German Arms in the Philippines
by Roman Deckert
The Philippine democracy has been plagued by violent conflicts ever since the end of Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorship in 1986. Worst hit is the Southwest of the archipelagic nation where government troops fight against Muslim separatists and Communist rebels. All sides are blamed for gross violations of human rights. Amnesty International (AI) has documented an appalling number of extrajudicial killings, mainly of leftwing activists, by "security forces".[ 1 ] Special units of the army and the police now increase their fire power with modern G36 assault-rifles from the gun maker Heckler & Koch (H&K), as shown on photographs of parades and exercises.[ 2 ]
The Philippines have been a traditional customer of the German company which is based in Oberndorf, an idyllic town near the Black Forest. The highly respected information service "Jane’s Infantry Weapons" has found that the G3, the predecessor of the G36, is still one of the standard weapons of the Philippine army, along with the American M16 and the Israeli Galil.[ 3 ] The origin of those G3 is unknown, but a limited number may have been manufactured in the Philippines itself. According to Jürgen Grässlin, the chairman of the German "Armaments Information Office" (RIB) in Freiburg, it is "undisputed" amongst experts that Marcos’ regime received a licence for the production of G3-rifles, but very little is known about the details of the deal.[ 4 ] A document of the US-embassy from 1974 suggests that the administration in Washington succeeded in promoting the production of the M16 by gun maker Colt against the German competitors from Heckler & Koch.[ 5 ]
Furthermore, the Philippine government forces purchased H&K MP5 submachine guns from various sources. Amnesty International has reported that the "Pakistan Ordnance Factories" in 1999 announced deliveries from its own licence-production to the Philippines.[ 6 ] A meticulous article by the "Manila Standard" gives evidence on the purchase of MP5 from English production.[ 7 ] Heckler & Koch has been using this roundabout way systematically in order to evade German export restrictions.[ 8 ]
Due to corrupt elements within the Philippine army and police many of those arms have ended up in the black market. An investigative report of the "Manila Standard" from March 2007 addresses this worsening problem by highlighting the smuggling of MP5 from the depots of the "Metro Manila’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team" to Taiwan.[ 9 ] According to the Geneva based think-tank "Small Arms Survey" the Philippine government itself has estimated that there are hundreds of thousands of illegal guns in the country.[ 10 ]
Despite these alarming facts Germany has repeatedly issued licences for the export of small arms to the Philippines during recent years. The official reports by the German government show that it approved of the sale of handguns with a total value of DM 260.000 in 1999 [ 11 ] and of equipment for shooting exercises in 2002 to the Republika ng Pilipinas.[ 12 ] Between 2004 and 2006 it gave green light for the export of 61 rifles, apparently G36, and 67 submachine guns, possibly the MP5-successor MP7.[ 13 ] They may have been but sample weapons for testing purposes. With regard to the many G36 on public display (see link above) it is likely that the Philippines acquired larger numbers from its former colonial power Spain, for which the government in Manila is the closest ally in Southeastern Asia. Heckler & Koch produces the G36 not only in Oberndorf, but also in cooperation with the ordnance factory "General Dynamics Santa Bárbara Sistemas" in La Coruña.[ 14 ]
At the same time, neighbouring nations equip themselves with current H&K models too. Special units in Singapore [ 15 ] and Thailand [ 16 ] use the G36 as well as SWAT-teams in Malaysia [ 17 ] and Indonesia [ 18 ] which also rely on the brand new HK416. Since much of the region had been armed with G3 and the G3-derivative HK33 during the Cold War,[ 19 ] the proliferation now seems to continue with the "state of the art" Heckler guns. It has to be feared that the "elite" troops are just acting as the vanguard of this big business and that soon regular soldiers will be "upgraded" in the same fashion.
The German government supports those countries in their battle against terror, especially since the German family Wallert was kidnapped from their Malaysian holiday resort to the Philippine Jolo Island by the Islamist Abu-Sayyaf-rebels in 2000. However, with respect to the alarming state of human rights it must be considered utterly irresponsible to add to the escalation of those socio-political conflicts by transfers of small arms.
by Roman Deckert
The Philippine democracy has been plagued by violent conflicts ever since the end of Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorship in 1986. Worst hit is the Southwest of the archipelagic nation where government troops fight against Muslim separatists and Communist rebels. All sides are blamed for gross violations of human rights. Amnesty International (AI) has documented an appalling number of extrajudicial killings, mainly of leftwing activists, by "security forces".[ 1 ] Special units of the army and the police now increase their fire power with modern G36 assault-rifles from the gun maker Heckler & Koch (H&K), as shown on photographs of parades and exercises.[ 2 ]
The Philippines have been a traditional customer of the German company which is based in Oberndorf, an idyllic town near the Black Forest. The highly respected information service "Jane’s Infantry Weapons" has found that the G3, the predecessor of the G36, is still one of the standard weapons of the Philippine army, along with the American M16 and the Israeli Galil.[ 3 ] The origin of those G3 is unknown, but a limited number may have been manufactured in the Philippines itself. According to Jürgen Grässlin, the chairman of the German "Armaments Information Office" (RIB) in Freiburg, it is "undisputed" amongst experts that Marcos’ regime received a licence for the production of G3-rifles, but very little is known about the details of the deal.[ 4 ] A document of the US-embassy from 1974 suggests that the administration in Washington succeeded in promoting the production of the M16 by gun maker Colt against the German competitors from Heckler & Koch.[ 5 ]
Furthermore, the Philippine government forces purchased H&K MP5 submachine guns from various sources. Amnesty International has reported that the "Pakistan Ordnance Factories" in 1999 announced deliveries from its own licence-production to the Philippines.[ 6 ] A meticulous article by the "Manila Standard" gives evidence on the purchase of MP5 from English production.[ 7 ] Heckler & Koch has been using this roundabout way systematically in order to evade German export restrictions.[ 8 ]
Due to corrupt elements within the Philippine army and police many of those arms have ended up in the black market. An investigative report of the "Manila Standard" from March 2007 addresses this worsening problem by highlighting the smuggling of MP5 from the depots of the "Metro Manila’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team" to Taiwan.[ 9 ] According to the Geneva based think-tank "Small Arms Survey" the Philippine government itself has estimated that there are hundreds of thousands of illegal guns in the country.[ 10 ]
Despite these alarming facts Germany has repeatedly issued licences for the export of small arms to the Philippines during recent years. The official reports by the German government show that it approved of the sale of handguns with a total value of DM 260.000 in 1999 [ 11 ] and of equipment for shooting exercises in 2002 to the Republika ng Pilipinas.[ 12 ] Between 2004 and 2006 it gave green light for the export of 61 rifles, apparently G36, and 67 submachine guns, possibly the MP5-successor MP7.[ 13 ] They may have been but sample weapons for testing purposes. With regard to the many G36 on public display (see link above) it is likely that the Philippines acquired larger numbers from its former colonial power Spain, for which the government in Manila is the closest ally in Southeastern Asia. Heckler & Koch produces the G36 not only in Oberndorf, but also in cooperation with the ordnance factory "General Dynamics Santa Bárbara Sistemas" in La Coruña.[ 14 ]
At the same time, neighbouring nations equip themselves with current H&K models too. Special units in Singapore [ 15 ] and Thailand [ 16 ] use the G36 as well as SWAT-teams in Malaysia [ 17 ] and Indonesia [ 18 ] which also rely on the brand new HK416. Since much of the region had been armed with G3 and the G3-derivative HK33 during the Cold War,[ 19 ] the proliferation now seems to continue with the "state of the art" Heckler guns. It has to be feared that the "elite" troops are just acting as the vanguard of this big business and that soon regular soldiers will be "upgraded" in the same fashion.
The German government supports those countries in their battle against terror, especially since the German family Wallert was kidnapped from their Malaysian holiday resort to the Philippine Jolo Island by the Islamist Abu-Sayyaf-rebels in 2000. However, with respect to the alarming state of human rights it must be considered utterly irresponsible to add to the escalation of those socio-political conflicts by transfers of small arms.
News Update Pryce Gases Inc. introduces LPG-powered vehicles
PRYCE Gases Inc. launched Tuesday its answer to the seemingly "unstoppable and uncontrollable" prices of petroleum products, the LPG-powered vehicles.
In cooperation with David Motor Trading and Renewable Energy Development Corporation and the Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators Sa Pilipinas Inc. (LTOP), Pryce Gases made public a liquefied petroleum gas-powered engine for public utility vehicles.
Rafael Escaño, president of Pryce Gases, said the Hyundai Theta 2.4 brand new LPG engine (2.4L) helps drivers save up to 30 percent versus the traditional diesel-based engine consumption.
"This is 100 percent LPG-fueled engine. It can be guaranteed that drivers will definitely save a lot in using LPG of around P10.50 per liter against the diesel," Escaño said, as he introduces the foreign-made machine to local jeep body manufacturers.
In cooperation with David Motor Trading and Renewable Energy Development Corporation and the Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators Sa Pilipinas Inc. (LTOP), Pryce Gases made public a liquefied petroleum gas-powered engine for public utility vehicles.
Rafael Escaño, president of Pryce Gases, said the Hyundai Theta 2.4 brand new LPG engine (2.4L) helps drivers save up to 30 percent versus the traditional diesel-based engine consumption.
"This is 100 percent LPG-fueled engine. It can be guaranteed that drivers will definitely save a lot in using LPG of around P10.50 per liter against the diesel," Escaño said, as he introduces the foreign-made machine to local jeep body manufacturers.
News Update Plane crash kills 1, injures 5 in Philippine city
A small plane with six people on board has crashed in a popular northern Philippine mountain resort city. One of those on board was killed while five others were injured.
Jojo Valera of the Office of Civil Defense says the six-seater plane crashed Sunday in a horse-riding trail in Camp John Hay, a former U.S. military recreation area, shortly after taking off from Baguio city's airport.
Valera says one person on board was killed while five others were injured and taken to a hospital in Baguio, a popular tourist destination about 130 miles (210 kilometers) north of Manila. Baguio, known as the country's summer capital, is famous for its cool weather, pine trees and scenic mountain scenes.
Officials say the plane was bound for northern Bulacan province.
Jojo Valera of the Office of Civil Defense says the six-seater plane crashed Sunday in a horse-riding trail in Camp John Hay, a former U.S. military recreation area, shortly after taking off from Baguio city's airport.
Valera says one person on board was killed while five others were injured and taken to a hospital in Baguio, a popular tourist destination about 130 miles (210 kilometers) north of Manila. Baguio, known as the country's summer capital, is famous for its cool weather, pine trees and scenic mountain scenes.
Officials say the plane was bound for northern Bulacan province.
News Upate Philippine troops kill 2 militants in clash
A Philippine army commander says two al-Qaida-linked gunmen have been killed in a clash with soldiers on a southern island province where suspected militants bombed a lodging house last week.
Basilan provincial military commander Col. Alex Macario told DZBB radio in Manila that army Scout Rangers encountered about 15 Abu Sayyaf gunmen in a remote village of Al Barka township early Saturday. He said the clash also wounded three soldiers.
No one was injured last week when a homemade bomb destroyed a lodging house in Lamitan township, north of Al Barka.
Macario has said intelligence reports indicate that Abu Sayyaf has been planning to bomb a church, small hotels and gas stations on Basilan, about 550 miles (880 kilometers) south of Mainla.
Basilan provincial military commander Col. Alex Macario told DZBB radio in Manila that army Scout Rangers encountered about 15 Abu Sayyaf gunmen in a remote village of Al Barka township early Saturday. He said the clash also wounded three soldiers.
No one was injured last week when a homemade bomb destroyed a lodging house in Lamitan township, north of Al Barka.
Macario has said intelligence reports indicate that Abu Sayyaf has been planning to bomb a church, small hotels and gas stations on Basilan, about 550 miles (880 kilometers) south of Mainla.
News Update Calabarzon, Bicol top DepEd writing competition in Butuan
BUTUAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, Philippines - Southern Tagalog-A (Calabarzon) and Bicol emerged overall champions in the secondary and elementary individual writing competitions, respectively, during the 2011 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) staged in this city over the weekend by the Department of Education (DepEd).
This was learned from DepEd Bureau of Secondary Education officials who announced the top seven winning regions during the culminating program of the week-long NSPC hosted by the Caraga Region using the Father Urios University (high school) as the competition's venue.
Education Undersecretary for Programs and Projects Yolanda S. Quijano, who was the closing rites speaker, explained that the NSPC, participated in by some 4,000 leading campus journalists and their school paper advisers from 17 regions, is the mental counterpart of the Palarong Pambansa - the country's premier schools sports festival.
The annual event is a major DepEd program designed to upgrade the journalistic skills of basic education students and at the same time promote a balance between freedom of expression and responsible journalism.
The Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) Region, headed by DepEd Regional Director Paraluman R. Giron, sizzled in high school English (E) and Filipino (F) news writing, sports writing, copy reading and headline writing, editorial cartooning, and editorial writing.
While Bicol made good in elementary feature writing, copy reading and headline writing, editorial writing, news writing, and editorial cartooning.
The other top regional winners in the secondary level write fest are Central Luzon which placed overall second, Caraga - third, Southern Mindanao - fourth, Northern Mindanao - fifth, Ilocos - sixth, and Southern Tagalog-B (Mimaropa) is seventh.
In the elementary level, Central Luzon still ranked No. 2; Central Visayas - No. 3, National Capital Region - No. 4, Cagayan Valley - No. 5; Calabarzon - No. 6, and Central Mindanao - No. 7.
This was learned from DepEd Bureau of Secondary Education officials who announced the top seven winning regions during the culminating program of the week-long NSPC hosted by the Caraga Region using the Father Urios University (high school) as the competition's venue.
Education Undersecretary for Programs and Projects Yolanda S. Quijano, who was the closing rites speaker, explained that the NSPC, participated in by some 4,000 leading campus journalists and their school paper advisers from 17 regions, is the mental counterpart of the Palarong Pambansa - the country's premier schools sports festival.
The annual event is a major DepEd program designed to upgrade the journalistic skills of basic education students and at the same time promote a balance between freedom of expression and responsible journalism.
The Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) Region, headed by DepEd Regional Director Paraluman R. Giron, sizzled in high school English (E) and Filipino (F) news writing, sports writing, copy reading and headline writing, editorial cartooning, and editorial writing.
While Bicol made good in elementary feature writing, copy reading and headline writing, editorial writing, news writing, and editorial cartooning.
The other top regional winners in the secondary level write fest are Central Luzon which placed overall second, Caraga - third, Southern Mindanao - fourth, Northern Mindanao - fifth, Ilocos - sixth, and Southern Tagalog-B (Mimaropa) is seventh.
In the elementary level, Central Luzon still ranked No. 2; Central Visayas - No. 3, National Capital Region - No. 4, Cagayan Valley - No. 5; Calabarzon - No. 6, and Central Mindanao - No. 7.
News Upate Air fare 'war' heats up airline industry
MANILA, Philippines - The entry of budget airlines six years ago has changed the landscape of the domestic airline industry.
Local passenger traffic has increased as air fare rates become more affordable to more Filipinos.
The highly-competitive environment forced domestic airlines to cut fare rates, offering promos, valued-added services, expanding their network and pouring in millions of dollars to acquire more modern and efficient aircraft.
Cebu Pacific (CEB), the country's leading low-cost carrier, was the first local airline to challenge the dominance of Philippine Airlines (PAL).
CEB has recently increased its turbo-prop flights, strengthening its position further as the largest turbo-prop operator in the country.
The airline operates an average of 82 turbo-prop flights a day compared to Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Airphil Express' combined 64 flights.
"We utilize our ATR aircraft for 22 destinations and 25 routes, more than PAL and Airphil Express combined," said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.
"These inter-island flights serviced by our ATR turbo-prop aircraft allow passengers to connect from different provinces to main cities such as Davao, Cebu and Manila. The movement of travelers from one city to another within the country greatly stimulates the tourism and economy," Iyog said.
CEB operates 12 turbo-prop routes from Manila to Catarman, Tuguegarao and Virac. It also flies from Davao to Cagayan de Oro using an ATR aircraft.
To maintain its lead in the domestic market, Cebu Pacific has regularly offered passengers with promo tickets for advanced travels.
The airline has offered summer seat sale of P777 fare to all its 33 domestic destinations for travel from June 1 to July 31, 2011. It has launched seat sale to Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Kota Kinabalu, Taipei and from two domestic hubs for travel from June 1 to August 31, 2011.
Cebu Pacific has slashed its fares by 50 percent to all its destinations for travel from June 1 to August 31, 2011.
"This 50% off seat sale is our way of thanking our passengers for continuing to make us number one in the Philippines. We broke several records when it comes to the number of passengers carried in the 1st quarter of 2011, and we will continue to offer more opportunities for everyone to fly," said Iyog.
Last March 30, CEB flew 36,949 guests, breaking previous records for the most number of passengers flown in one day. The previous records were 36,893 passengers in March 28, 2011 and 34,871 passengers in January 2, 2011.
"With our brand-new aircraft fleet, extensive route network and on-time performance, we hope to break this record again during the peak summer months and help boost travel and tourism to and from the country," Iyog added.
Cebu Pacific bagged the Budget Friendliest LCC Award at the Low Cost Airlines World Asia-Pacific Conference held in Singapore, besting other contenders Air Arabia, Air Asia, Jetstar Asia, SpiceJet and Spring Airlines.
Voted on by aviation industry professionals and LCC executives in the Asia-Pacific region, the Friendliest LCC Award recognizes the low-cost carrier with the low fares and overall great service.
PAL offers exclusive promos, cuts fares
In response, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has unveiled exclusive promos to private or government-owned firms including multi-nationals.
Executives and staff who frequently travel by air can enjoy special perks and added convenience with PAL's special and customized promos and travel packages either individually or as a group, complemented by frequent flyer rewards program and world-class cabin service.
It is also offering "Buy One Take One" special promotional fares on Mabuhay (Business) class.
PAL's online booking features a fully automated facility called 'Calendar Pricing,' which immediately displays the lowest fare available over a seven-day range 'three days before and three days after the planned travel date "thus allowing travelers to decide quickly when it is most convenient and cheapest to fly."
With the recent tsunami and nuclear disaster in Japan, PAL has slashed its fares by more than 30 percent on inbound flights from Narita, Japan to help Filipino evacuees from Fukushima prefecture.
The price of a one-way ticket from Narita to Manila or Narita-Cebu has been reduced for a limited time to about US$335, against the regular rate of US$500.
The airline's latest airlift assistance is the company's modest contribution to the Philippine government in repatriating Filipino victims of the earthquake, tsunami and radiation leaks from the Fukushima nuclear reactor.
PAL has carried a 10-ton shipment of relief goods sent by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for Japan. The donated goods were contained in 500 boxes and sacks, consisting of blankets, ready-to-eat food, noodles, bottled water and others.
When the Libyan crisis erupted, PAL has flown Filipino evacuees through repatriation flights chartered by DoLE, securing necessary overfly and landing permits, including ground handling arrangement.
Threatened by the recent union strike, PAL had put in place contingency measures to minimize flight disruptions and avoid passenger inconvenience in case a threatened walkout by its ground workers.
Since its founding 70 years ago, PAL has been linked with the Filipino nation as the pioneer flag carrier, major air transport utility and partner in nation-building.
The flag carrier is bidding to replicate its past success in the more demanding operating and competitive landscape of the future.
As the pioneer national flag carrier, PAL had operated on many occasions special flights to evacuate Filipinos in troubled areas, including the 2008 social unrest in Bangkok, Thailand; the 1990 first Gulf War "the largest to date encompassing 30 flights and more than 10,000 evacuated Filipinos; the 1989 war in Lebanon; and the 1980 Iran-Iraq war that displaced more than a thousand Filipinos who fled to Jordan and Kuwait.
The airline has recently expanded its international network with a new direct service from Manila to New Delhi with six weekly flights, three non-stop flights between the two capitals and three flights routed via Bangkok.
The air fare rates 'war' could further heat up competition among the the low-cost carriers (LCC) with the entry this year of the AirAsia in partnership with the Cojuangco group.
Airphil Express continues network expansion
Not to be outdone, Airphil Express, a budget airline and a sister company of PAL, has continuously expanded its network with Singapore as its first international destination.
Airphil has rebranded into a full fledged low cost carrier with its new look, new management and a strong bias for customer benefit. It is the country's fastest growing low-cost carrier and a strong contender in the regional market.
With its planned additional investments of $250 million dollars, the airline is eyeing the acquisition of 20 more aircraft to service both domestic and the expanding international operations including improvement in technology and operational systems.
Joining the highly-competitive industry is Zest Air, owned by Amb. Alfredo Yao. The airline started operating in September 2008 and expanded to Southeast Asian countries the following year.
Leisure airline SEAIR airline operates in tourist destination from Clark and Manila to Caticlan and Borongan in Visayas; Basco and Clark in Northern Luzon; Baler and Tablas in Southern Luzon; Daet in Bicol; Busuanga in Palawan, and Jolo, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga in Mindanao. The airline flies direct service from Manila to El Nido in Palawan to Boracay, and Marinduque.
The airline has acquired more 32-seater Dornier 328's to meet its growing markets of Batanes, Caticlan, and Romblon.
Open skies policy
Domestic airlines have expressed concern on certain provisions of the open skies policy that would put local carriers at a disadvantage to foreign airlines.
"Executive Order (EO) 29 would afford foreign airlines benefits so critical that if they are not reciprocated by foreign governments the growth and even the survival of Philippine carriers are at risk," said Cebu Pacific.
It would allow foreign airlines to fly freely into and out of the country. On the other hand, domestic carriers are limited to flights specified in existing air agreements with other countries.
CEB has invested billions of dollars to expand air services within the country and serve Filipino public and tourists alike with low fares and brand new aircraft.
The airline employs 4,300 Filipinos and countless thousands more are indirectly benefited. "We want the same benefits from the governments of these foreign airlines. We want reciprocity which is fair and reasonable."
CEB has a strong record of supporting increased air traffic rights, and has fought hard for such increases. The airline has been a major driver of tourism growth in this country.
"We believe the push to increase tourism can be achieved, by allowing both foreign and Philippine carriers equal access to traffic rights. We do not believe it is fair to deny CEB the right to compete."
"If the Philippine government puts out the welcome mat for a foreign airline, CEB fully supports that, as long as that foreign airline's government grants Philippine carriers the same opportunity. All CEB asks for is reciprocity and a level playing field," the airline added
Local passenger traffic has increased as air fare rates become more affordable to more Filipinos.
The highly-competitive environment forced domestic airlines to cut fare rates, offering promos, valued-added services, expanding their network and pouring in millions of dollars to acquire more modern and efficient aircraft.
Cebu Pacific (CEB), the country's leading low-cost carrier, was the first local airline to challenge the dominance of Philippine Airlines (PAL).
CEB has recently increased its turbo-prop flights, strengthening its position further as the largest turbo-prop operator in the country.
The airline operates an average of 82 turbo-prop flights a day compared to Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Airphil Express' combined 64 flights.
"We utilize our ATR aircraft for 22 destinations and 25 routes, more than PAL and Airphil Express combined," said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.
"These inter-island flights serviced by our ATR turbo-prop aircraft allow passengers to connect from different provinces to main cities such as Davao, Cebu and Manila. The movement of travelers from one city to another within the country greatly stimulates the tourism and economy," Iyog said.
CEB operates 12 turbo-prop routes from Manila to Catarman, Tuguegarao and Virac. It also flies from Davao to Cagayan de Oro using an ATR aircraft.
To maintain its lead in the domestic market, Cebu Pacific has regularly offered passengers with promo tickets for advanced travels.
The airline has offered summer seat sale of P777 fare to all its 33 domestic destinations for travel from June 1 to July 31, 2011. It has launched seat sale to Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Kota Kinabalu, Taipei and from two domestic hubs for travel from June 1 to August 31, 2011.
Cebu Pacific has slashed its fares by 50 percent to all its destinations for travel from June 1 to August 31, 2011.
"This 50% off seat sale is our way of thanking our passengers for continuing to make us number one in the Philippines. We broke several records when it comes to the number of passengers carried in the 1st quarter of 2011, and we will continue to offer more opportunities for everyone to fly," said Iyog.
Last March 30, CEB flew 36,949 guests, breaking previous records for the most number of passengers flown in one day. The previous records were 36,893 passengers in March 28, 2011 and 34,871 passengers in January 2, 2011.
"With our brand-new aircraft fleet, extensive route network and on-time performance, we hope to break this record again during the peak summer months and help boost travel and tourism to and from the country," Iyog added.
Cebu Pacific bagged the Budget Friendliest LCC Award at the Low Cost Airlines World Asia-Pacific Conference held in Singapore, besting other contenders Air Arabia, Air Asia, Jetstar Asia, SpiceJet and Spring Airlines.
Voted on by aviation industry professionals and LCC executives in the Asia-Pacific region, the Friendliest LCC Award recognizes the low-cost carrier with the low fares and overall great service.
PAL offers exclusive promos, cuts fares
In response, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has unveiled exclusive promos to private or government-owned firms including multi-nationals.
Executives and staff who frequently travel by air can enjoy special perks and added convenience with PAL's special and customized promos and travel packages either individually or as a group, complemented by frequent flyer rewards program and world-class cabin service.
It is also offering "Buy One Take One" special promotional fares on Mabuhay (Business) class.
PAL's online booking features a fully automated facility called 'Calendar Pricing,' which immediately displays the lowest fare available over a seven-day range 'three days before and three days after the planned travel date "thus allowing travelers to decide quickly when it is most convenient and cheapest to fly."
With the recent tsunami and nuclear disaster in Japan, PAL has slashed its fares by more than 30 percent on inbound flights from Narita, Japan to help Filipino evacuees from Fukushima prefecture.
The price of a one-way ticket from Narita to Manila or Narita-Cebu has been reduced for a limited time to about US$335, against the regular rate of US$500.
The airline's latest airlift assistance is the company's modest contribution to the Philippine government in repatriating Filipino victims of the earthquake, tsunami and radiation leaks from the Fukushima nuclear reactor.
PAL has carried a 10-ton shipment of relief goods sent by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for Japan. The donated goods were contained in 500 boxes and sacks, consisting of blankets, ready-to-eat food, noodles, bottled water and others.
When the Libyan crisis erupted, PAL has flown Filipino evacuees through repatriation flights chartered by DoLE, securing necessary overfly and landing permits, including ground handling arrangement.
Threatened by the recent union strike, PAL had put in place contingency measures to minimize flight disruptions and avoid passenger inconvenience in case a threatened walkout by its ground workers.
Since its founding 70 years ago, PAL has been linked with the Filipino nation as the pioneer flag carrier, major air transport utility and partner in nation-building.
The flag carrier is bidding to replicate its past success in the more demanding operating and competitive landscape of the future.
As the pioneer national flag carrier, PAL had operated on many occasions special flights to evacuate Filipinos in troubled areas, including the 2008 social unrest in Bangkok, Thailand; the 1990 first Gulf War "the largest to date encompassing 30 flights and more than 10,000 evacuated Filipinos; the 1989 war in Lebanon; and the 1980 Iran-Iraq war that displaced more than a thousand Filipinos who fled to Jordan and Kuwait.
The airline has recently expanded its international network with a new direct service from Manila to New Delhi with six weekly flights, three non-stop flights between the two capitals and three flights routed via Bangkok.
The air fare rates 'war' could further heat up competition among the the low-cost carriers (LCC) with the entry this year of the AirAsia in partnership with the Cojuangco group.
Airphil Express continues network expansion
Not to be outdone, Airphil Express, a budget airline and a sister company of PAL, has continuously expanded its network with Singapore as its first international destination.
Airphil has rebranded into a full fledged low cost carrier with its new look, new management and a strong bias for customer benefit. It is the country's fastest growing low-cost carrier and a strong contender in the regional market.
With its planned additional investments of $250 million dollars, the airline is eyeing the acquisition of 20 more aircraft to service both domestic and the expanding international operations including improvement in technology and operational systems.
Joining the highly-competitive industry is Zest Air, owned by Amb. Alfredo Yao. The airline started operating in September 2008 and expanded to Southeast Asian countries the following year.
Leisure airline SEAIR airline operates in tourist destination from Clark and Manila to Caticlan and Borongan in Visayas; Basco and Clark in Northern Luzon; Baler and Tablas in Southern Luzon; Daet in Bicol; Busuanga in Palawan, and Jolo, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga in Mindanao. The airline flies direct service from Manila to El Nido in Palawan to Boracay, and Marinduque.
The airline has acquired more 32-seater Dornier 328's to meet its growing markets of Batanes, Caticlan, and Romblon.
Open skies policy
Domestic airlines have expressed concern on certain provisions of the open skies policy that would put local carriers at a disadvantage to foreign airlines.
"Executive Order (EO) 29 would afford foreign airlines benefits so critical that if they are not reciprocated by foreign governments the growth and even the survival of Philippine carriers are at risk," said Cebu Pacific.
It would allow foreign airlines to fly freely into and out of the country. On the other hand, domestic carriers are limited to flights specified in existing air agreements with other countries.
CEB has invested billions of dollars to expand air services within the country and serve Filipino public and tourists alike with low fares and brand new aircraft.
The airline employs 4,300 Filipinos and countless thousands more are indirectly benefited. "We want the same benefits from the governments of these foreign airlines. We want reciprocity which is fair and reasonable."
CEB has a strong record of supporting increased air traffic rights, and has fought hard for such increases. The airline has been a major driver of tourism growth in this country.
"We believe the push to increase tourism can be achieved, by allowing both foreign and Philippine carriers equal access to traffic rights. We do not believe it is fair to deny CEB the right to compete."
"If the Philippine government puts out the welcome mat for a foreign airline, CEB fully supports that, as long as that foreign airline's government grants Philippine carriers the same opportunity. All CEB asks for is reciprocity and a level playing field," the airline added
News Update Alabang turns back Batangas
BATANGAS CITY, Philippines - Alabang came back from a huge 9-1 deficit by exploding for nine runs in the fifth to stun the fancied Batangas squad, 11-9, in the first-ever out-of-town game of Baseball Philippines held Sunday in front of a festive crowd at the Libjo Field here.
The Tigers scattered all nine hits in that big fifth inning alone with Carlos Laurel leading the charge by hitting a two-out base hit off Romeo Jasmin's pitch that bounced beneath the legs of Bulls shortstop Kevin Ramos to score Inigo Olivares from second for a 10-9 lead.
Laurel, who started the run with a two-run single that brought home Carlos Munoz and Olivares with still no outs, also got some help from older brothers Matt and Jay Laurel and teammates Aries Oruga, Adrian Bernardo and veteran Leslie Suntay.
Matt gave the Tigers a two-run lead in the sixth with a solo home run before the 17-year old Muñoz held the Bulls to just four hits in a five-inning relief to win the game that was stopped after seven innings because of time constraints. -Jonas Terrado
Bullstag derby at WTJ sports
The first bullstag derby in Metro Manila this year kicks off at the WTJ Sports and Amusement Center in Makati City with the staging of the "Luzon Gamecock Breeders Association 5-Bullstag Derby".
The event features more than 100 fights. LGBA stalwarts Biboy Enriquez, Boy Diaz, Dr. Gil Nicolas, Alex Tang, Gerry Escalona, Edwin Jingco, Gerry Ramos, Honey Yu, Boy Tanyag, Raymond Burgos, Boy Marzo, Dax Ganzon, Jun Sevilla, Eddie Araneta, Pros Antonio, Mike and Pete Buendia, Baby Canillas, Celso Evangalista, Mauro Prieto, Aylwyn and Jeffrey Sy are expected to contest for the top plum. Due to the big number of fights, competition will start at 3 p.m.
Meantime, Plaza announced that members who joined the "LGBA Open 5-Stag Derby" last March 22, will get a rebate on entry fee as approved recently by the LGBA board. Up next at WTJ Center is the "ESM 110 K Big Event 6-Cock Derby" on April 28.
Bacolod turns back Ilo Ilo
In an intense battle between regional rivals and tournament favorites, it was Bacolod which emerged triumphant, beating Iloilo, 1-0, to take the pole position in the Visayas Regionals of the PFF Suzuki Under-23 Cup at Cimafranca Field in Dumaguete City.
Bacolod midfielder Jovin Bedic sent a low cross from the right wing that Iloilo keeper Wilson Muñoz was able to corral only to lose possession as the ball spiraled away from behind. Bedic's teammate Jay Baguioro quickly raced in before Muñoz could recover to slam home a shot in the 44th minute of the match.
It was a typical Bacolod-Iloilo match with elbows, nasty tackles, and harsh words thrown around as eight yellow cards were issued on top of one red card.
Run with masters results
Bernardo Desamito and Joan Banayag posted contrasting victories in the Run with the Masters inaugurals which started and ended at the Rizal Park Sunday. Desamito, a former Army serviceman, ran a tactical race before surging past Jojit de Asis in the last 5 kilometers to win the men's event.
He clocked one hour 13 minutes and 50 seconds. Banayag, 2009 Southeast Asian Games marathon gold medalist and 2005-06 National Milo Marathon champion, grabbed the lead as soon as the starting gun was fired and never relinquished it up to the tape.
She timed1:22:41 in the centerpiece event of the 3-in-1 run organized by the newly formed National Masters and Seniors Athletic Association of the Philippines in cooperation with Philippine Sports Commission with the support of the Philippine Olympic Committee.
Serbia wins
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) - Jelena Jankovic and Aleksandra Krunic saved two match points before rallying to win the decisive doubles match to give Serbia a 3-2 victory over Slovakia in the Fed Cup playoff series on Sunday.
Jankovic and Krunic, who teamed up for the first time in the Fed Cup, overcame Daniela Hantuchova and Magdalena Rybarikova 2-6, 7-5, 9-7 on the indoor clay court at Sibamac Arena in a match that lasted 3 hours, 17 minutes.
The Tigers scattered all nine hits in that big fifth inning alone with Carlos Laurel leading the charge by hitting a two-out base hit off Romeo Jasmin's pitch that bounced beneath the legs of Bulls shortstop Kevin Ramos to score Inigo Olivares from second for a 10-9 lead.
Laurel, who started the run with a two-run single that brought home Carlos Munoz and Olivares with still no outs, also got some help from older brothers Matt and Jay Laurel and teammates Aries Oruga, Adrian Bernardo and veteran Leslie Suntay.
Matt gave the Tigers a two-run lead in the sixth with a solo home run before the 17-year old Muñoz held the Bulls to just four hits in a five-inning relief to win the game that was stopped after seven innings because of time constraints. -Jonas Terrado
Bullstag derby at WTJ sports
The first bullstag derby in Metro Manila this year kicks off at the WTJ Sports and Amusement Center in Makati City with the staging of the "Luzon Gamecock Breeders Association 5-Bullstag Derby".
The event features more than 100 fights. LGBA stalwarts Biboy Enriquez, Boy Diaz, Dr. Gil Nicolas, Alex Tang, Gerry Escalona, Edwin Jingco, Gerry Ramos, Honey Yu, Boy Tanyag, Raymond Burgos, Boy Marzo, Dax Ganzon, Jun Sevilla, Eddie Araneta, Pros Antonio, Mike and Pete Buendia, Baby Canillas, Celso Evangalista, Mauro Prieto, Aylwyn and Jeffrey Sy are expected to contest for the top plum. Due to the big number of fights, competition will start at 3 p.m.
Meantime, Plaza announced that members who joined the "LGBA Open 5-Stag Derby" last March 22, will get a rebate on entry fee as approved recently by the LGBA board. Up next at WTJ Center is the "ESM 110 K Big Event 6-Cock Derby" on April 28.
Bacolod turns back Ilo Ilo
In an intense battle between regional rivals and tournament favorites, it was Bacolod which emerged triumphant, beating Iloilo, 1-0, to take the pole position in the Visayas Regionals of the PFF Suzuki Under-23 Cup at Cimafranca Field in Dumaguete City.
Bacolod midfielder Jovin Bedic sent a low cross from the right wing that Iloilo keeper Wilson Muñoz was able to corral only to lose possession as the ball spiraled away from behind. Bedic's teammate Jay Baguioro quickly raced in before Muñoz could recover to slam home a shot in the 44th minute of the match.
It was a typical Bacolod-Iloilo match with elbows, nasty tackles, and harsh words thrown around as eight yellow cards were issued on top of one red card.
Run with masters results
Bernardo Desamito and Joan Banayag posted contrasting victories in the Run with the Masters inaugurals which started and ended at the Rizal Park Sunday. Desamito, a former Army serviceman, ran a tactical race before surging past Jojit de Asis in the last 5 kilometers to win the men's event.
He clocked one hour 13 minutes and 50 seconds. Banayag, 2009 Southeast Asian Games marathon gold medalist and 2005-06 National Milo Marathon champion, grabbed the lead as soon as the starting gun was fired and never relinquished it up to the tape.
She timed1:22:41 in the centerpiece event of the 3-in-1 run organized by the newly formed National Masters and Seniors Athletic Association of the Philippines in cooperation with Philippine Sports Commission with the support of the Philippine Olympic Committee.
Serbia wins
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) - Jelena Jankovic and Aleksandra Krunic saved two match points before rallying to win the decisive doubles match to give Serbia a 3-2 victory over Slovakia in the Fed Cup playoff series on Sunday.
Jankovic and Krunic, who teamed up for the first time in the Fed Cup, overcame Daniela Hantuchova and Magdalena Rybarikova 2-6, 7-5, 9-7 on the indoor clay court at Sibamac Arena in a match that lasted 3 hours, 17 minutes.
News Update Why sugar, corn prices are up
MANILA, Philippines -- Sugar supply has been declining worldwide not because more people are consuming more sugar. As global demand is now outpacing sugar supply and productionworldwide, sugar prices have been rising to levels not seen since the historic highs of 1975 and 1982.
Since sugar and corn are now being used as raw materials for the production of ethanol - used to mix with gasoline to make clean "eco-fuel" - consumption of these two essential commodities is being diverted more and more for industrial use. As such, we're likely to see less and less sugar supply available for consumers worldwide.
That was why we're not surprised when investors from China and South Korea came scrambling over each other looking for huge farm areas to plant sugarcane in Northern Luzon and Central Visayas. These two countries are some of the world's biggest importers of sugar since Brazil, the world's top sugarproducer, is now using sugar to make ethanol.
As an ordinary consumer of table sugar for my breakfast coffee, I still find it so difficult to imagine car drivers using sugar alcohol to run their cars. But it's happening now all over the world amidst a global effort to find cleaner fuels to slow down the pace of global warming.
Even large producers of livestock like chicken and hogs have more reasons to worry about the future of corn feeds since a big chunk of global corn has been set aside to produce ethanol. This also explains why the price of yellow corn which is used to make feeds for livestock has become so expensive for the world's corn importers.
Way back in 2007, yellow corn No. 2 was offered for only 216 US dollars per metric ton C&F delivery to Iran by our Brazilian friend Denio Ayres, president of WRB Commercial Exportadora Ltda, to Iranian buyer Nasser Sohi who found the price "too high" for importers and distributors in Tehran, Iran.
Now, Iranian buyer have no choice but to get that yellow corn from Brazil for as high as 600 to 700 US dollars/MT - and all because the annual production for this commodity has been divided for both consumer and industrial use.
A few years back, I got a call from a big buyer in Greece who wants me to work out a good deal with Neville Rodriguez of Brazil-based Melliex International for a 5 million metric ton shipment of yellow corn to South Korea, to be guaranteed by a Korean government bank. The offer price was pegged at around 280 US dollars/MT ton C&F Seoul but the deal collapsed due to endless price haggling by the Greek. Now he'll never get that corn from Brazil even for 600 US dollars/MT.
It's easy to figure out that the high costs of corn feeds will end up with high cost of chickens and hogs. And the higher cost of sugar will even make that worse. This, in turn, will deprive people of these basic food items when they become too expensive.
There's no way you can fight global warming without coming face to face with the terrible reality of global hunger. (PNA)
Since sugar and corn are now being used as raw materials for the production of ethanol - used to mix with gasoline to make clean "eco-fuel" - consumption of these two essential commodities is being diverted more and more for industrial use. As such, we're likely to see less and less sugar supply available for consumers worldwide.
That was why we're not surprised when investors from China and South Korea came scrambling over each other looking for huge farm areas to plant sugarcane in Northern Luzon and Central Visayas. These two countries are some of the world's biggest importers of sugar since Brazil, the world's top sugarproducer, is now using sugar to make ethanol.
As an ordinary consumer of table sugar for my breakfast coffee, I still find it so difficult to imagine car drivers using sugar alcohol to run their cars. But it's happening now all over the world amidst a global effort to find cleaner fuels to slow down the pace of global warming.
Even large producers of livestock like chicken and hogs have more reasons to worry about the future of corn feeds since a big chunk of global corn has been set aside to produce ethanol. This also explains why the price of yellow corn which is used to make feeds for livestock has become so expensive for the world's corn importers.
Way back in 2007, yellow corn No. 2 was offered for only 216 US dollars per metric ton C&F delivery to Iran by our Brazilian friend Denio Ayres, president of WRB Commercial Exportadora Ltda, to Iranian buyer Nasser Sohi who found the price "too high" for importers and distributors in Tehran, Iran.
Now, Iranian buyer have no choice but to get that yellow corn from Brazil for as high as 600 to 700 US dollars/MT - and all because the annual production for this commodity has been divided for both consumer and industrial use.
A few years back, I got a call from a big buyer in Greece who wants me to work out a good deal with Neville Rodriguez of Brazil-based Melliex International for a 5 million metric ton shipment of yellow corn to South Korea, to be guaranteed by a Korean government bank. The offer price was pegged at around 280 US dollars/MT ton C&F Seoul but the deal collapsed due to endless price haggling by the Greek. Now he'll never get that corn from Brazil even for 600 US dollars/MT.
It's easy to figure out that the high costs of corn feeds will end up with high cost of chickens and hogs. And the higher cost of sugar will even make that worse. This, in turn, will deprive people of these basic food items when they become too expensive.
There's no way you can fight global warming without coming face to face with the terrible reality of global hunger. (PNA)
News Update Manila Water website hacked over weekend
The website of water concessionaire Manila Water was hacked early Sunday, with visitors to the site seeing a small window indicating the breach.
"Hacked by Blackrain!" read the message on the smaller window, which pops up when one logs on to the Manila Water site (www.manilawater.com).
As of the morning of Sunday, April 17, a popup window indicating a "hack" greets visitors to Manila Water's website. GMA News
Users could not access any part of the website until they click on the "Ok" button on the popup window.
Aside from the popup, the other parts of the site appeared normal. The website was fully restored sometime thereafter, with no official statement from Manila Water as to the possible origin of the attack.
Manila Water is one of two concessionaires of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, along with Maynilad Water. — TJD
"Hacked by Blackrain!" read the message on the smaller window, which pops up when one logs on to the Manila Water site (www.manilawater.com).
As of the morning of Sunday, April 17, a popup window indicating a "hack" greets visitors to Manila Water's website. GMA News
Users could not access any part of the website until they click on the "Ok" button on the popup window.
Aside from the popup, the other parts of the site appeared normal. The website was fully restored sometime thereafter, with no official statement from Manila Water as to the possible origin of the attack.
Manila Water is one of two concessionaires of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, along with Maynilad Water. — TJD
News Update Immigration bureau to step up anti-human trafficking efforts
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has vowed to continue its efforts to get the Philippines off the US Human Trafficking watchlist.
Even after the US State Department reported significant progress in combatting human trafficking cases from the Philippines, the BI is far from resting on its laurels.
Immigration commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said that the improvement of the country’s standing in the December 2010 human trafficking scorecard based on the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Interim Assessment is a clear and encouraging sign that the bureau’s relentless drive against trafficking has paid off.
According an April 2011 report, the Philippines has “demonstrated significant progress in combating trafficking in persons since the release of the 2010 TIP Report."
Statistics showed that, from August to December 2010 alone, immigration officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other airports stopped more than 27,000 passengers —most of them overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) disguised as tourists— from leaving.
David commended immigration personnel at the NAIA for doing a good job over the past several months in stopping the departure of thousands of undocumented OFWs who are victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking syndicates. Earlier this month, David had told immigration officers in NAIA to “step-up their vigilance" in the campaign against human trafficking.
He also recognized the accomplishments of former BI officer-in-charge Ronaldo Ledesma, who started the measures and policies that enabled the bureau to offload the biggest number of trafficking victims in the agency’s history.
According to the Blas F. Ople Policy Center, the Philippines has made ‘significant progress’ in its anti-human trafficking campaign since the release of the State Department’s 2010 report.
The combined efforts of all member agencies of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) resulted in the conviction of 21 human traffickers from July 2010 to March this year. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said that the 21 convictions during the past nine months were a far cry from the 25 convictions in the past seven years.
During the assessment period, nine sex traffickers were convicted, with prison sentences ranging from six years to life imprisonment. One immigration official was slapped with criminal charges, while 19 immigration personnel are facing administrative raps for trafficking-related activities.
Last June, the Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered prosecutors to make trafficking cases a priority. Later, the Supreme Court also issued a circular instructing courts to expedite the deposition of trafficking cases. In March, the IACAT launched a 24-hour hotline for human trafficking victims. Since its launch, over 750 emergency calls have been received.
The DOJ said that it expects the Philippines’ record to improve when the State Department releases its next report on human trafficking in June.
Even after the US State Department reported significant progress in combatting human trafficking cases from the Philippines, the BI is far from resting on its laurels.
Immigration commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said that the improvement of the country’s standing in the December 2010 human trafficking scorecard based on the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Interim Assessment is a clear and encouraging sign that the bureau’s relentless drive against trafficking has paid off.
According an April 2011 report, the Philippines has “demonstrated significant progress in combating trafficking in persons since the release of the 2010 TIP Report."
Statistics showed that, from August to December 2010 alone, immigration officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other airports stopped more than 27,000 passengers —most of them overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) disguised as tourists— from leaving.
David commended immigration personnel at the NAIA for doing a good job over the past several months in stopping the departure of thousands of undocumented OFWs who are victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking syndicates. Earlier this month, David had told immigration officers in NAIA to “step-up their vigilance" in the campaign against human trafficking.
He also recognized the accomplishments of former BI officer-in-charge Ronaldo Ledesma, who started the measures and policies that enabled the bureau to offload the biggest number of trafficking victims in the agency’s history.
According to the Blas F. Ople Policy Center, the Philippines has made ‘significant progress’ in its anti-human trafficking campaign since the release of the State Department’s 2010 report.
The combined efforts of all member agencies of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) resulted in the conviction of 21 human traffickers from July 2010 to March this year. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said that the 21 convictions during the past nine months were a far cry from the 25 convictions in the past seven years.
During the assessment period, nine sex traffickers were convicted, with prison sentences ranging from six years to life imprisonment. One immigration official was slapped with criminal charges, while 19 immigration personnel are facing administrative raps for trafficking-related activities.
Last June, the Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered prosecutors to make trafficking cases a priority. Later, the Supreme Court also issued a circular instructing courts to expedite the deposition of trafficking cases. In March, the IACAT launched a 24-hour hotline for human trafficking victims. Since its launch, over 750 emergency calls have been received.
The DOJ said that it expects the Philippines’ record to improve when the State Department releases its next report on human trafficking in June.
Kopi Talk Chiz: Leave us alone!
Chiz: Leave us alone!
That’s the appeal of Sen. Chiz Escudero, relayed to Funfareby his close friend, after he was swamped with calls and requests for interviews in the wake of Funfare’s ‘scoop’ yesterday that Chiz and his wife Tintin have separated.
It was somebody who loves both Chiz and Tintin dearly who told Funfare the real score between the un-couple, neither of whom answered calls and text messages for comment. Although Chiz and Tintin, reported to be living apart for five months now, neither confirmed nor denied the story, Funfare stands by the ‘scoop’ as 100 percent true. The couple are parents of fraternal twins.
* * * * * * * * * * *
We are almost there
Growing old must be terribly, terribly sad and lonely, especially if you grow old away from your family and in the company of strangers-turned-housemates. You see it on the faces of the residents of Luwalhati ng Maynila (Home For The Aged) in the outskirts of Marikina City which shares a sprawling compound with the Boys Town, the same place successful people like Leyte Rep. Gerry Espina, actor Dante Varona and movie director Jun Posadas spent their early childhood.
Last Sunday, I celebrated another milestone by visiting the Luwalhati and it brought back decades-old memories when I first visited a similar place, the Golden Acres (Home For the Aged), for a story I was doing as an apprentice for the old Manila Times. Then and now, I felt the same way — a fast-forward feeling of how Baby Boomers like me will be spending the days, maybe not in such a place but hopefully with their families, looking back misty-eyed at the beautiful yesteryear.
Led by Tita Angelina Sevilla and her fellow eightyish friends who have made it their mission to feed the residents every now and then, the visit was a joint project between me and other relatives celebrating their birthdays this month, including STAR’s L.A. correspondent Raymond de Asis Lo (April 16) and London-based nurse Joy Sevilla (April 19), and in memory of our dear departed mom Remedios Fua-Lo.
After the Mass said by Fr. Michael Francis, chaplain of Marist School, followed by a program enlivened by residents who danced and sang, and the early dinner, Leonila Borja, Luwalhati OIC, took us on a quick tour of the place.
We saw some residents sitting on concrete benches beneath the trees in the small gardens, lost in their thoughts, sometimes giving us empty glances, on their faces the traces of the years as faint and as sad as the shadows cast by the setting sun.
It was an eye-opening experience.
You know, you blink from your hectic diurnal working routine, often unmindful of the passage of time, and then you slow down a bit and reflect that, yes, we’re not getting any younger, that especially us Baby Boomers, we are almost there. (E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph or at entphilstar@yahoo.com. You may also send your questions to askrickylo@gmail.com. For more updates, photos and videos visitwww.philstar.com/funfare.)
That’s the appeal of Sen. Chiz Escudero, relayed to Funfareby his close friend, after he was swamped with calls and requests for interviews in the wake of Funfare’s ‘scoop’ yesterday that Chiz and his wife Tintin have separated.
It was somebody who loves both Chiz and Tintin dearly who told Funfare the real score between the un-couple, neither of whom answered calls and text messages for comment. Although Chiz and Tintin, reported to be living apart for five months now, neither confirmed nor denied the story, Funfare stands by the ‘scoop’ as 100 percent true. The couple are parents of fraternal twins.
* * * * * * * * * * *
We are almost there
Growing old must be terribly, terribly sad and lonely, especially if you grow old away from your family and in the company of strangers-turned-housemates. You see it on the faces of the residents of Luwalhati ng Maynila (Home For The Aged) in the outskirts of Marikina City which shares a sprawling compound with the Boys Town, the same place successful people like Leyte Rep. Gerry Espina, actor Dante Varona and movie director Jun Posadas spent their early childhood.
Last Sunday, I celebrated another milestone by visiting the Luwalhati and it brought back decades-old memories when I first visited a similar place, the Golden Acres (Home For the Aged), for a story I was doing as an apprentice for the old Manila Times. Then and now, I felt the same way — a fast-forward feeling of how Baby Boomers like me will be spending the days, maybe not in such a place but hopefully with their families, looking back misty-eyed at the beautiful yesteryear.
Led by Tita Angelina Sevilla and her fellow eightyish friends who have made it their mission to feed the residents every now and then, the visit was a joint project between me and other relatives celebrating their birthdays this month, including STAR’s L.A. correspondent Raymond de Asis Lo (April 16) and London-based nurse Joy Sevilla (April 19), and in memory of our dear departed mom Remedios Fua-Lo.
After the Mass said by Fr. Michael Francis, chaplain of Marist School, followed by a program enlivened by residents who danced and sang, and the early dinner, Leonila Borja, Luwalhati OIC, took us on a quick tour of the place.
We saw some residents sitting on concrete benches beneath the trees in the small gardens, lost in their thoughts, sometimes giving us empty glances, on their faces the traces of the years as faint and as sad as the shadows cast by the setting sun.
It was an eye-opening experience.
You know, you blink from your hectic diurnal working routine, often unmindful of the passage of time, and then you slow down a bit and reflect that, yes, we’re not getting any younger, that especially us Baby Boomers, we are almost there. (E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph or at entphilstar@yahoo.com. You may also send your questions to askrickylo@gmail.com. For more updates, photos and videos visitwww.philstar.com/funfare.)
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
News Update Centuries-old balete tree attracts tourists in Aurora town
By Marjorie Gorospe
MARIA AURORA, AURORA—A massive 600-year-old balete (banyan) tree, also called the “Millenium Tree”, is a popular attraction in this town.
It is estimated to be 60 meters tall; its roots have a diameter of 10 to 15 meters and are big enough for people to pass through.
In the Philippines, the balete tree is often associated with supernatural beings. This is also the reason development in the area surrounding the tree had to be delayed, according to Noel Dulay, tourism coordinator at Maria Aurora.
The old tree is located in a private lot, whose owner initially wanted to cut the tree due to superstitious beliefs.
When the family was about to cut it, a member of the family got sick as well as the driver of the bulldozer which was supposed to take down the tree. Since then, they just let the tree grow. The tree was later christened Millennium Tree.
The gigantic size of the tree really draws attention, and is now a tourist attraction,” Noel says.
My colleagues and I didn't miss the chance to get inside the trunk of the massive tree. It's dark inside so make sure you turn on your flash if you wish to take a photo. Walking under the roots is like being inside a tunnel and as you look up, you can see flashes of light.
According to Noel, plans are underway to measure the official height and width of the tree. He says they once tried to ask 60 students to surround the tree.
He adds that the tree’s canopy looked much better before the typhoons which hit Aurora in the past years. There are also plans to implement a few restrictions to protect the tree from visitors.
“While it is an attraction of our town, we still have to do our best to protect it,” Noel says.
MARIA AURORA, AURORA—A massive 600-year-old balete (banyan) tree, also called the “Millenium Tree”, is a popular attraction in this town.
It is estimated to be 60 meters tall; its roots have a diameter of 10 to 15 meters and are big enough for people to pass through.
In the Philippines, the balete tree is often associated with supernatural beings. This is also the reason development in the area surrounding the tree had to be delayed, according to Noel Dulay, tourism coordinator at Maria Aurora.
The old tree is located in a private lot, whose owner initially wanted to cut the tree due to superstitious beliefs.
When the family was about to cut it, a member of the family got sick as well as the driver of the bulldozer which was supposed to take down the tree. Since then, they just let the tree grow. The tree was later christened Millennium Tree.
The gigantic size of the tree really draws attention, and is now a tourist attraction,” Noel says.
My colleagues and I didn't miss the chance to get inside the trunk of the massive tree. It's dark inside so make sure you turn on your flash if you wish to take a photo. Walking under the roots is like being inside a tunnel and as you look up, you can see flashes of light.
According to Noel, plans are underway to measure the official height and width of the tree. He says they once tried to ask 60 students to surround the tree.
He adds that the tree’s canopy looked much better before the typhoons which hit Aurora in the past years. There are also plans to implement a few restrictions to protect the tree from visitors.
“While it is an attraction of our town, we still have to do our best to protect it,” Noel says.
News Update NCMF launches legal aid partnership with DoJ, DILG
MANILA, Philippines - Officials of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) will launch Friday the agency's legal aid partnership with the Department of Justice (DoJ) and other government agencies dubbed "Muslim Community Youth Paralegal Program."
NCMF Secretary Bai Omera D. Dianalan Lucman said the program is a fulfillment of part of the commission's mandate to addressing the well-being of Filipino Muslims and instilling in them their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
"Our people should be equally aware of their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Good and harmonious relations among Filipinos start with respect for each other," Lucman said.
NCMF Commissioner Edilwasif Baddiri said the program will start with a pilot project in Metro Manila.
"If this becomes successful, insha Allah (God willing), then the NCMF will try to implement it nationwide through the agency's various regional officers in Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao," said Baddiri.
The NCMF has for its partners the DoJ's Public Attorney's Office, National Prosecution Service, Ateneo Human Rights Center, and the University of the Philippines-Institute of Islamic Studies.
The program will be launched at a hotel in Quezon City at about 1:30 p.m. to give to the noon time Friday prayers, Baddiri said.
As this developed, NCMF-Visayas Region Director Malo Manonggiring, who is based in Cebu City, announced the winners of the 36th Visayas Area Al-Qur'an Reciters Assembly recently.
He said the two champions are Abdul Muhaimin (93.75 percent) in the male category and Aisa Musa Mamao (96.70 percent) in the female category.
Manonggiring said the two champions will represent the Visayas Region in the 37th NQRC in June this year. (Edd K. Usman)
NCMF Secretary Bai Omera D. Dianalan Lucman said the program is a fulfillment of part of the commission's mandate to addressing the well-being of Filipino Muslims and instilling in them their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
"Our people should be equally aware of their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Good and harmonious relations among Filipinos start with respect for each other," Lucman said.
NCMF Commissioner Edilwasif Baddiri said the program will start with a pilot project in Metro Manila.
"If this becomes successful, insha Allah (God willing), then the NCMF will try to implement it nationwide through the agency's various regional officers in Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao," said Baddiri.
The NCMF has for its partners the DoJ's Public Attorney's Office, National Prosecution Service, Ateneo Human Rights Center, and the University of the Philippines-Institute of Islamic Studies.
The program will be launched at a hotel in Quezon City at about 1:30 p.m. to give to the noon time Friday prayers, Baddiri said.
As this developed, NCMF-Visayas Region Director Malo Manonggiring, who is based in Cebu City, announced the winners of the 36th Visayas Area Al-Qur'an Reciters Assembly recently.
He said the two champions are Abdul Muhaimin (93.75 percent) in the male category and Aisa Musa Mamao (96.70 percent) in the female category.
Manonggiring said the two champions will represent the Visayas Region in the 37th NQRC in June this year. (Edd K. Usman)
News Update Alabang turns back Batangas
BATANGAS CITY, Philippines - Alabang came back from a huge 9-1 deficit by exploding for nine runs in the fifth to stun the fancied Batangas squad, 11-9, in the first-ever out-of-town game of Baseball Philippines held Sunday in front of a festive crowd at the Libjo Field here.
The Tigers scattered all nine hits in that big fifth inning alone with Carlos Laurel leading the charge by hitting a two-out base hit off Romeo Jasmin's pitch that bounced beneath the legs of Bulls shortstop Kevin Ramos to score Inigo Olivares from second for a 10-9 lead.
Laurel, who started the run with a two-run single that brought home Carlos Munoz and Olivares with still no outs, also got some help from older brothers Matt and Jay Laurel and teammates Aries Oruga, Adrian Bernardo and veteran Leslie Suntay.
Matt gave the Tigers a two-run lead in the sixth with a solo home run before the 17-year old Muñoz held the Bulls to just four hits in a five-inning relief to win the game that was stopped after seven innings because of time constraints. -Jonas Terrado
Bullstag derby at WTJ sports
The first bullstag derby in Metro Manila this year kicks off at the WTJ Sports and Amusement Center in Makati City with the staging of the "Luzon Gamecock Breeders Association 5-Bullstag Derby".
The event features more than 100 fights. LGBA stalwarts Biboy Enriquez, Boy Diaz, Dr. Gil Nicolas, Alex Tang, Gerry Escalona, Edwin Jingco, Gerry Ramos, Honey Yu, Boy Tanyag, Raymond Burgos, Boy Marzo, Dax Ganzon, Jun Sevilla, Eddie Araneta, Pros Antonio, Mike and Pete Buendia, Baby Canillas, Celso Evangalista, Mauro Prieto, Aylwyn and Jeffrey Sy are expected to contest for the top plum. Due to the big number of fights, competition will start at 3 p.m.
Meantime, Plaza announced that members who joined the "LGBA Open 5-Stag Derby" last March 22, will get a rebate on entry fee as approved recently by the LGBA board. Up next at WTJ Center is the "ESM 110 K Big Event 6-Cock Derby" on April 28.
Bacolod turns back Ilo Ilo
In an intense battle between regional rivals and tournament favorites, it was Bacolod which emerged triumphant, beating Iloilo, 1-0, to take the pole position in the Visayas Regionals of the PFF Suzuki Under-23 Cup at Cimafranca Field in Dumaguete City.
Bacolod midfielder Jovin Bedic sent a low cross from the right wing that Iloilo keeper Wilson Muñoz was able to corral only to lose possession as the ball spiraled away from behind. Bedic's teammate Jay Baguioro quickly raced in before Muñoz could recover to slam home a shot in the 44th minute of the match.
It was a typical Bacolod-Iloilo match with elbows, nasty tackles, and harsh words thrown around as eight yellow cards were issued on top of one red card.
Run with masters results
Bernardo Desamito and Joan Banayag posted contrasting victories in the Run with the Masters inaugurals which started and ended at the Rizal Park Sunday. Desamito, a former Army serviceman, ran a tactical race before surging past Jojit de Asis in the last 5 kilometers to win the men's event.
He clocked one hour 13 minutes and 50 seconds. Banayag, 2009 Southeast Asian Games marathon gold medalist and 2005-06 National Milo Marathon champion, grabbed the lead as soon as the starting gun was fired and never relinquished it up to the tape.
She timed1:22:41 in the centerpiece event of the 3-in-1 run organized by the newly formed National Masters and Seniors Athletic Association of the Philippines in cooperation with Philippine Sports Commission with the support of the Philippine Olympic Committee.
Serbia wins
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) - Jelena Jankovic and Aleksandra Krunic saved two match points before rallying to win the decisive doubles match to give Serbia a 3-2 victory over Slovakia in the Fed Cup playoff series on Sunday.
Jankovic and Krunic, who teamed up for the first time in the Fed Cup, overcame Daniela Hantuchova and Magdalena Rybarikova 2-6, 7-5, 9-7 on the indoor clay court at Sibamac Arena in a match that lasted 3 hours, 17 minutes.
The Tigers scattered all nine hits in that big fifth inning alone with Carlos Laurel leading the charge by hitting a two-out base hit off Romeo Jasmin's pitch that bounced beneath the legs of Bulls shortstop Kevin Ramos to score Inigo Olivares from second for a 10-9 lead.
Laurel, who started the run with a two-run single that brought home Carlos Munoz and Olivares with still no outs, also got some help from older brothers Matt and Jay Laurel and teammates Aries Oruga, Adrian Bernardo and veteran Leslie Suntay.
Matt gave the Tigers a two-run lead in the sixth with a solo home run before the 17-year old Muñoz held the Bulls to just four hits in a five-inning relief to win the game that was stopped after seven innings because of time constraints. -Jonas Terrado
Bullstag derby at WTJ sports
The first bullstag derby in Metro Manila this year kicks off at the WTJ Sports and Amusement Center in Makati City with the staging of the "Luzon Gamecock Breeders Association 5-Bullstag Derby".
The event features more than 100 fights. LGBA stalwarts Biboy Enriquez, Boy Diaz, Dr. Gil Nicolas, Alex Tang, Gerry Escalona, Edwin Jingco, Gerry Ramos, Honey Yu, Boy Tanyag, Raymond Burgos, Boy Marzo, Dax Ganzon, Jun Sevilla, Eddie Araneta, Pros Antonio, Mike and Pete Buendia, Baby Canillas, Celso Evangalista, Mauro Prieto, Aylwyn and Jeffrey Sy are expected to contest for the top plum. Due to the big number of fights, competition will start at 3 p.m.
Meantime, Plaza announced that members who joined the "LGBA Open 5-Stag Derby" last March 22, will get a rebate on entry fee as approved recently by the LGBA board. Up next at WTJ Center is the "ESM 110 K Big Event 6-Cock Derby" on April 28.
Bacolod turns back Ilo Ilo
In an intense battle between regional rivals and tournament favorites, it was Bacolod which emerged triumphant, beating Iloilo, 1-0, to take the pole position in the Visayas Regionals of the PFF Suzuki Under-23 Cup at Cimafranca Field in Dumaguete City.
Bacolod midfielder Jovin Bedic sent a low cross from the right wing that Iloilo keeper Wilson Muñoz was able to corral only to lose possession as the ball spiraled away from behind. Bedic's teammate Jay Baguioro quickly raced in before Muñoz could recover to slam home a shot in the 44th minute of the match.
It was a typical Bacolod-Iloilo match with elbows, nasty tackles, and harsh words thrown around as eight yellow cards were issued on top of one red card.
Run with masters results
Bernardo Desamito and Joan Banayag posted contrasting victories in the Run with the Masters inaugurals which started and ended at the Rizal Park Sunday. Desamito, a former Army serviceman, ran a tactical race before surging past Jojit de Asis in the last 5 kilometers to win the men's event.
He clocked one hour 13 minutes and 50 seconds. Banayag, 2009 Southeast Asian Games marathon gold medalist and 2005-06 National Milo Marathon champion, grabbed the lead as soon as the starting gun was fired and never relinquished it up to the tape.
She timed1:22:41 in the centerpiece event of the 3-in-1 run organized by the newly formed National Masters and Seniors Athletic Association of the Philippines in cooperation with Philippine Sports Commission with the support of the Philippine Olympic Committee.
Serbia wins
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) - Jelena Jankovic and Aleksandra Krunic saved two match points before rallying to win the decisive doubles match to give Serbia a 3-2 victory over Slovakia in the Fed Cup playoff series on Sunday.
Jankovic and Krunic, who teamed up for the first time in the Fed Cup, overcame Daniela Hantuchova and Magdalena Rybarikova 2-6, 7-5, 9-7 on the indoor clay court at Sibamac Arena in a match that lasted 3 hours, 17 minutes.
News Update Fire breaks out in Guadalupe
The Bureau of Fire Protection raised the “general alarm” over Guadalupe, Makati due to a fire.
As of 11:55 a.m. today, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), through their CCTV cameras, was monitoring the fire that broke out at the Laperal Compound in Barangay Guadalupe Viejo, Makati. Officials said fire trucks were immediately deployed to the affected area and traffic was redirected.
An MMDA official reported that the fire trucks initially faced obstructions due to jeepneys on the road. He said that the jeepneys had to be towed away to clear the roads for the fire trucks.
The Makati Command Control and Communications department said they are receiving reports of minor injuries due to the fire. No casualties have been confirmed.
As of this writing, there is still no confirmed cause of the fire, pending the investigation of the authorities. The “general alarm” status remained unchanged from up until 2 p.m. today.
Meanwhile, the MMDA advised motorists to take alternate routes, especially if they passing though the southbound lane of EDSA near Guadalupe.
As of 11:55 a.m. today, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), through their CCTV cameras, was monitoring the fire that broke out at the Laperal Compound in Barangay Guadalupe Viejo, Makati. Officials said fire trucks were immediately deployed to the affected area and traffic was redirected.
An MMDA official reported that the fire trucks initially faced obstructions due to jeepneys on the road. He said that the jeepneys had to be towed away to clear the roads for the fire trucks.
The Makati Command Control and Communications department said they are receiving reports of minor injuries due to the fire. No casualties have been confirmed.
As of this writing, there is still no confirmed cause of the fire, pending the investigation of the authorities. The “general alarm” status remained unchanged from up until 2 p.m. today.
Meanwhile, the MMDA advised motorists to take alternate routes, especially if they passing though the southbound lane of EDSA near Guadalupe.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)