World leaders hail People Power anniversary

     MANILA, Philippines - World leaders have praised Filipinos for the bloodless 1986 People Power revolution, which marked its 25th year yesterday, and which has been seen as inspiration for other peaceful pro-democracy revolts across the globe.
 
     In separate statements, leaders of Germany, South Korea, the Czech Republic and Chile extended their congratulations to Filipinos for fighting to regain their freedom through peaceful means.

     Chinese President Hu Jintao had also conveyed his warm wishes to the Philippines on the 25th anniversary of People Power when Vice President Jejomar Binay went to Beijing to seek a reprieve for three Filipinos on death row last week.

     German President Christian Wulff said the EDSA People Power had been a beacon for Germans’ struggle to unite for peace and freedom. “Only a few months later, the Berlin Wall came down and we Germans were able to make our unified state a reality in peace and freedom,” Wulff said, adding that recent developments in the Arab world “demonstrate that people’s desire for freedom is universal and remains as strong as ever.”
Chilean President Sebastian Piñera Echenique lauded the Filipinos for their solidarity in achieving democracy through peaceful means.

     Czech foreign affairs minister Karel Schwarzenberg said the February 1986 revolution “meant a historical landmark on the road to democracy of your country and inspiration for many others.”

      South Korean President Lee Myung-bak said the people power revolution of 1986 offered hope across Asia that true democracy could be realized despite hardships and adversity. “The revolution will continue to be remembered as an exemplary example for people around the world who crave freedom and democracy,” he added.

      The EDSA revolution was said to have sparked similar uprisings across the world. A year after EDSA, South Koreans challenged strongman former general Chun Doo-hwa which eventually led to democratic reforms; Chile’s Augusto Pinochet lost his iron grip on power in 1989.

     Poland’s own people power revolution inspired the Singing Revolutions in Estonia; Latvia and Lithuania in the Baltic States in 1989; as well as the East German democracy movement which ended in the tearing down of the Berlin Wall. The Velvet Revolution on Wenceslas Square contributed to the demise of one of the most powerful anti-democratic states in the world and returned democracy to the Czech Republic.

     Many more nations followed including those in Eastern Europe, spreading to central Europe where democracy lifted the Iron Curtain and swept away the Soviet Union on the heels of glasnost.

     Democracy and People Power inspired by the Filipinos under President Corazon Aquino indeed ended the Cold War, Malacañang said in a press statement.For his part, President Aquino said during a Eucharistic celebration at the Edsa Shrine on Thursday night that it was interesting to note that the celebration of 25 years of People Power in the country “coincides with the wave of democracy now sweeping parts of the Arab world.”

     “Even by just watching on TV, the emotion in Egypt and Tunisia was so palpable that it brought back memories of our own experience in 1986. While ours was less violent, the similarities between EDSA and Tahrir Square are uncanny,” Aquino said. “This shows that the human passion and thirst for freedom is so universal that no autocratic regime anywhere in the world could succeed in its attempt to stay in power forever,” Aquino said.

     Tunisians have ousted their president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali from power after violent protests. In Egypt, long-time leader Hosni Mubarak was likewise thrown out through a popular street uprising. The regime of Libyan strongman Muammar Gadhafi is on the brink as thousands of Libyans took to the streets to demand his ouster, despite attacks from loyalist militiamen. Street protests are also strengthening the regimes in Bahrain and Yemen.

     The assassination of Aquino’s father and namesake in August 1983 sparked massive street protests – almost on daily basis – that culminated in a military-backed civilian uprising in February 1986 that ended the Marcos dictatorship.

EDSA at 25: Noy leads people power silver anniversary rites today

      MANILA, Philippines –  President Aquino will lead various activities celebrating the 25th anniversary of the first EDSA People Power revolution today, acknowledging that much remains to be done because real democracy means freedom from corruption and poverty.

      In his message yesterday at the two-day “People-Powered Development,” a local government unit forum on integrating community-driven development in local governance practice at the Heroes Hall of Malacañang, Aquino said his mother, former President Corazon Aquino had said that the true meaning of people power got a different face –not the millions of Filipinos marching through EDSA nor the placards bearing former senator Benigno Aquino Jr.’s face nor the nuns holding rosaries but rather preparedness –“preparedness to fight corruption and preparedness to fight poverty.”

      Aquino’s mother was installed president during the EDSA revolution in 1986, which came three years after his father was assassinated in 1983 after long years of fighting the Marcos dictatorship.

The President said people power should not only happen when pushed against the wall and with no choice but to fight.

      Aquino thanked the local government officials in helping him in building the nation.“We are aware that not one person holds the solution to all our problems,” Aquino said.“This is one manifestation that the spirit of people power is alive in your hearts and minds,” he said. Aquino said instead of bickering, local government officials must lend a hand to one another, stressing that changes would begin at the local level especially in fighting corruption and poverty.

     Aquino said the true spirit of Edsa was people empowerment, which was very much alive in the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan (linked arms against poverty)-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services.

     The 33 mayors implementing KALAHI-CIDSS projects in their respective municipalities received commendation from the President for their good performance. “Thank you to these leaders. I will not have second thoughts in calling you heroes if you are indeed government’s partner in fighting corruption by not stealing from government coffers and by fighting poverty as well through your pro-poor projects,” said the President, who will attend today a wreath laying at his mother’s monument in Manila, unveil a historical marker at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration in Ortigas and partake in a boodle fight, among others.

     President Aquino will likewise lead today the unveiling of a marker on a spot at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration building where his mother addressed the people during the 1986 revolution.

Thursday Headlines: New Zealand earthquake leaves 400 dead, missing

      CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: HUNDREDS of rescuers swarmed over twisted and smoking buildings on Wednesday in a frantic search for survivors after New Zealand’s catastrophic earthquake left nearly 400 dead or missing.

      Emergency services cordoned off central Christchurch, which was devastated by Tuesday’s shallow, 6.3-magnitude tremor, to hunt for anyone still alive along with an unknown number of bodies buried in the rubble.

     Prime Minister John Key declared a national emergency as 75 bodies were recovered, while about 30 people were rescued overnight. About 300 people are still missing following New Zealand’s worst natural disaster in 80 years.

     Key said the quake had “wreaked death and destruction on a dreadful scale” in the country’s second biggest city, six months after a 7-magnitude quake shook buildings violently in Christchurch but miraculously caused no deaths.

     The latest tremor toppled many buildings and left central Christchurch strewn with debris. The city’s landmark cathedral lost its spire. Dozens of aftershocks rocked the city, much of which was without power and water.

     Rescuers had to amputate limbs to free some survivors, but abandoned hope for any victims trapped in the flattened CTV building, which housed a school for foreign English-language students.

     Twenty-four Japanese citizens were among the missing, including 11 students who were studying at the King’s Education College inside the six-story CTV building, along with a South Korean brother and sister in their early 20s.

     Police Supt. Russell Gibson warned that the toll was certain to rise as more than 500 emergency workers combed through shattered buildings, listening out for tapping, shouting and other signs of life. Some rescue efforts were frustrated by a two-block exclusion zone around the city’s tallest hotel, the Grand Chancellor, as the 26-story building leaned precariously and looked close to collapse.

     But there was applause when a woman wrapped in blankets emerged from the Pyne Gould Corp. building, some 24 hours after the quake rocked busy lunchtime streets at about 12:50 p.m. on Tuesday. The clock is ticking for those trapped, though, with New Zealand’s emergency management chief John Hamilton saying that rescuers may have just two or three days to pull out anyone still alive.

     The quake was the deadliest to hit New Zealand since 256 people died in a 1931 tremor, and Key’s declaration of a state of emergency will free up national resources to focus on Christchurch. Leading disaster modelling company AIR Worldwide said that the earthquake would cost the insurance industry up to NZ$11.5 billion ($8.6 billion).

      Specialist teams from Australia, Britain, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and the United States were due to join the rescue operation as an international effort swung into action. New Zealand sits on the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” a vast zone of seismic and volcanic activity stretching from Chile on one side to Japan and Indonesia on the other.

      Seismologists said that despite being smaller, the latest tremor was more destructive than the September quake because it was nearer to Christchurch’s center and much closer to the earth’s surface.

Another Pinay Talent Hits Youtube: Maria Aragon

      Like Charice Pempenco, another pinay talent is now famous over Youtube. Maria Aragon, 10-year old, who sang Lady Gaga's "Born This Way". Maria posted her video of her  own version of the song on Youtube and just for how many days was a totally hit of over 11 million viewers. Just 2 days after she posted her video, Lady Gaga shared her experience of watching the 10-year old girl from Winnipeg on her twitter : "Can't stop crying watching this. This is why I make music. She is the future.", Lady Gaga tweets. Lady Gaga even shared the link where to watch Maria Aragon's video on Youtube.

    The young pretty girl new Youtube sensation got the chance to talked to Lady Gaga over the phone during an interview on the radio.The latter even invited her to join her on stage for her coming concert. Maria even got the chance to be invited over a national TV program of Ellen De Generes.

    Here are some comments from those who watched the video:
   
       ana112828:
       wow! amazing voice! and listen when if you keep singing until 16 then please please please addition for
       American Idol and I will vote and go to the place if you make and please follow what I said and I really 
       know that you might be a really good super star:) by the way I am also filipino too hope you get this and
       again please follow this!

       janellefilipinogirl:

       go maria.....i think they're right that you're more talented than justine bieber....

       mariakorin:
       all i could say is wowowowowo!!!\

       Angela75ify: 

       your amazing. That's all I have to say. Simply amazing.

       She is indeed a Winnipeg's rising superstar and definitely Philippine's pride.

Wednesday Headlines: TAIWAN TO STOP HIRING PINOYS

 

     TAIPEI - Taiwan expressed anger over the Philippines’ refusal to apologize for deporting 14 Taiwanese to China and threatened to freeze the hiring of Filipino workers.

     “Taiwan’s government and people are strongly angered,” President Ma Ying-jeou said through an interpreter while meeting in Taipei with Manuel Roxas, an unofficial envoy of President Benigno Aquino.

     Mar reiterated Taiwan’s demand that the Philippines “take responsibility for its mistakes” and apologize, local television footage showed.

     Roxas, who arrived in Taiwan Monday in an attempt to cool the row, has so far only said “we deeply regret” the incident during talks with Ma and Taiwan’s foreign minister Timothy Yang, according to the foreign ministry.

     Roxas returned yesterday afternoon.

    His mission was however complicated by fresh comments made in Manila by Aquino’s spokesman, who insisted that the Philippines would not apologize for deporting the 14 suspected fraudsters to China against Taipei’s wishes.

    “The position of this government is that we have done everything legally and properly... The government acted based on an Interpol alert,” Edwin Lacierda said.

     The incident was now subject of a court case, and Manila would have to wait for the outcome first, Lacierda said without elaborating.

    “So to apologize right now would be implying that we have already committed a mistake,” he said, adding it was up to the courts to determine that.

     Taiwan is mulling a freeze on the hiring of Philippine workers in retaliation, although a final decision is yet to be made, labor minister Wang Ju-hsuan told reporters.

     A labor official told AFP that Taipei is “very likely” to impose the freeze after President Ma expressed fury over the deportations.

     But some analysts warned that such a move would lead to a no-win situation.

    “Taiwan doesn’t necessarily have an upper hand in this matter,” said Liu Bih-rong, an international relations expert in Soochow University.

     “It could backfire, and local factories might react if the government suddenly bars Philippine workers as that would affect their operations.”

     China and Taiwan have been ruled separately since the end of a civil war in 1949, although Beijing claims the island. The Philippines has formal ties with China only but maintains economic and cultural links with Taiwan.

    Taipei has already raised the screening period for Philippine workers to a maximum of four months.

    There are about 70,000 Philippine workers in Taiwan, sending home hundreds of millions of dollars a year.

History: Flashback on February 22

February 22 is the 53rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar

Oldest Historical Event: 1371 – Robert II became King of Scotland, beginning the Stuart dynasty.

       Robert II (early 1316 – 19 April 1390) became King of Scots in 1371 as the first monarch of the House of Stewart. He was the son of Walter Stewart, hereditary High Steward of Scotland and of Marjorie Bruce, daughter of Robert I and of his first wife Isabella of Mar. (The marriage of princess Marjorie took place in 1315, making Robert's probable birth date early in 1316.)

Recent Historical Event: 2006 – At least six men stage Britain's biggest robbery ever, stealing £53m (about $92.5 million or 78€ million) from a Securitas depot in Tonbridge, Kent.

       The Securitas depot robbery was the largest cash robbery in British history, that took place on the evening of 21 February 2006 from 18:30 UTC until the early hours of 22 February. Several men abducted and threatened the family of the manager, tied up fourteen staff members and stole £53,116,760 (about US$92.5 million at the time of the robbery) in bank notes from a Securitas Cash Management Ltd depot in Vale Road, Tonbridge, Kent.

Oldest Recorded Birth: 1040 – Rashi, French rabbi (d. 1105).

      Shlomo Yitzhaki (Hebrew: רבי שלמה יצחקי‎) (February 22, 1040 – July 13, 1105), better known by the acronym Rashi (Hebrew: רש"י‎, RAbbi SHlomo Itzhaki), was a medieval French rabbi famed as the author of the first comprehensive commentary on the Talmud, as well as a comprehensive commentary on the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible). He is considered the "father" of all commentaries that followed on the Talmud (i.e., the Baalei Tosafot) and the Tanakh (i.e., Ramban, Ibn Ezra, Ohr HaChaim, et al.).

^{Recent Recorded Birth:} 1990 – Luca Profeta, Italian footballer.
     
      Born in Milan, Lombardy, Profeta spent his youth career at Internazionale, as first as a midfielder. He played from Giovanissimi Regionali B Team to Allievi Nazionali Team (2006–07 season). In January 2008, he was loaned to Pro Sesto along with Fabio Perissinotto, rejoining Inter team-mate Andrea Bavena, Cristiano Biraghi, Samuele Beretta, Marco Buonanno, Nicolò De Cesare, Mattia Dell'Aera, Domenico Maiese, Marco Puntoriere and Davide Tremolada. He then spent 2 seasons with Serie D club Colognese. In 2009–10 season he played 27 times.

Oldest Recorded Death: 965 – Otto, Duke of Burgundy (b. 944)
    
       Otto of Paris (944 – February 22, 965) was duke of Burgundy from 956 to his death. Otto was son of Hugh the Great, count of Paris by his wife Hedwige of Saxony, sister of Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor, and was brother of king Hugh I of France. He became duke through his wife Liutgarde of Chalon, heiress of Burgundy. He had no known descendants.

Recent Recorded Death: 2007 – George Jellicoe, Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the House of Lords & Special Boat Service veteran
  
      George Patrick John Rushworth Jellicoe, 2nd Earl Jellicoe, KBE, DSO, MC, PC, FRS (4 April 1918 – 22 February 2007) was a British politician and statesman, diplomat and businessman. Jellicoe was the only son but sixth and youngest child of First World War naval commander, commander at the Battle of Jutland, Admiral of the Fleet Sir John Jellicoe, 1st Earl Jellicoe by his wife Florence Gwendoline (died 1964), second daughter of Sir Charles Cayzer, 1st Baronet of Gartmore, Perthshire. George Jellicoe was one of the longest-serving parliamentarians in the world, being a member of the House of Lords for 68 years (1939–2007).

Holidays and Observances:

     Celebrity Day (Church of Scientology): The Church of Scientology is an organization devoted to the practice and the promotion of the Scientology belief system. The Church of Scientology International is the Church of Scientology's parent organization, and is responsible for the overall ecclesiastical management, dissemination and propagation of Scientology. Every Church of Scientology is separately incorporated and has its own local board of directors and executives responsible for its own activities and well-being, both corporate and ecclesiastical. The first Scientology church was incorporated in December 1953 in Camden, New Jersey, by American science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard. The church has been the subject of much controversy. The church's world headquarters are located in the Gold Base, unincorporated Riverside County, California.

     Washington's Birthday: Titled Washington's Birthday, a federal h honoring George Washington was originally implemented by an Act of Congress in 1880 for government offices in the District of Columbia (20 Stat. 277) and expanded in 1885 to include all federal offices (23 Stat. 516). As the first federal holiday to honor an American citizen, the holiday was celebrated on Washington's actual birthday, February 22. On January 1, 1971, the federal holiday was shifted to the third Monday in February by the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. This date places it between February 15 and 21, which makes the name "Washington's Birthday" in some sense a misnomer, since it never lands on Washington's actual birthday, February 22.

      World Thinking Day: World Thinking Day, or just Thinking Day, is celebrated annually on February 22 by all Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world. It is a day when Girl Guides and Girl Scouts think about the meaning of Guiding and Scouting, its global impact and most importanly, about all of their "sisters" in all the countries of the world. Each year the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts sets a theme - an important international issue, as well as focus countries. The troops use it as an opportunity to study and appreciate other countries and cultures, and equally increase awareness and sensitivity on global concerns. Donations are collected for the Thinking Day Fund which supports projects to help Guides and Scouts around the world. February 22 was chosen as it was the birthday of Scouting founder Robert Baden-Powell and of Olave Baden-Powell, his wife and World Chief Guide.

      Independence Day: Representative government came about in 1924 (with universal suffrage from 1953). From 1958 to 1962 the island was a member of the Federation of the West Indies. Finally, on February 22, 1979, Saint Lucia became an independent state of the Commonwealth of Nations. The island nation celebrates this every year with a public holiday. It is also a member of La Francophonie.

News Flash: Deadly quake strikes New Zealand

     A 6.3-magnitude earthquake ripped through Christchurch, New Zealand, on Tuesday afternoon, causing multiple fatalities as it toppled buildings onto buses, buckled streets and damaged cathedrals, authorities said.

    New Zealand Police announced a large-scale evacuation of the central city was under way on the agency's website. According to the news release, the earthquake killed an undetermined number of people at various locations around the city, including passengers on two buses crushed by buildings that had fallen on them.
Laura Campbell told CNN she was at work at the bottom of a six-story building when the earthquake struck. She described seeing "windows blowing out, bricks falling down, people screaming, the whole nine yards."
"It was bloody serious," said Campbell, who was trying to walk home. "I'm worried about what I'm going to find down the road."

     The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake struck just before 1 p.m. Tuesday (7 p.m. Monday ET), and a 5.6-magnitude aftershock struck about 15 minutes later.

     The New Zealand Herald reported that phone lines in the area were out, roads were cracked -- in some cases lifted as much as a meter (1 yard) -- and water mains had burst, flooding several streets.

     New Zealand's transit authority told TVNZ that it had been unable to reach its staff in Christchurch and at the Lyttleton Tunnel, which is near the epicenter.

     Christchurch police told TVNZ that the city's 106-year-old Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament was badly damaged, and a Herald reporter said that half the building had collapsed.TVNZ reported that the 147-year-old Christchurch Cathedral's spire had toppled, Christchurch Hospital was being evacuated and the airport was closed.

     "The airport is currently closed until further notice," an airport employee told CNN.All planes headed for the airport were being diverted, and no planes are allowed to take off. No one was injured at the airport, he said. The employee did not give his name and wanted to clear the phone line to continue emergency work.
The quake caused significant damage to several older buildings, the Herald reporter said.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said he would attend an emergency Cabinet meeting in Wellington and then fly to Christchurch if conditions allow.

     Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker told Radio New Zealand that the rumbling tossed him across the room, that he knew of injuries in the city council building and has heard unconfirmed reports of serious injuries.
"That was, in the city central anyway, as violent as the one that happened on the 4th of September," he said.
Parker added that streets were jammed as people tried to get out of the city, and he urged people to avoid the water supply.

     "We've been through this before this once, we now need to think what we did at that time," he said.
Southern New Zealand has been plagued by a series of quakes since September, when the area was shaken by a 7.1-magnitude temblor that New Zealand authorities said was the most damaging quake to hit the region since 1931. The earthquake struck in the predawn hours of September 4. Authorities said the deserted streets at that time likely kept injuries to a minimum.

     There were no deaths from that earthquake.

     Both the Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament and the Anglican Christchurch Cathedral were undergoing repairs after being badly damaged by the September quake.The quake struck in the "worst possible location," Kevin Fenaughty, data center manager for GNS Science, told the Herald.

     "It's a nightmare," he said. "A lot of people were just getting back on their feet after the original quake."

TVNZ also reported that its newsroom in Christchurch was badly damaged.

Tuesday Headlines: Palace: No concessions to China for reprieve

     MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang clarified yesterday that no concessions were given to China for the latter’s grant of a reprieve to three overseas Filipino workers facing execution for drug trafficking.

    Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Vice President Jejomar Binay had categorically denied offering concessions to China after securing postponement of the execution of Ramon Credo, 42; Sally Ordinario-Villanueva, 32; and Elizabeth Batain, 38. The three were scheduled for execution this week.

Binay announced the development Friday after meeting with Dai Bongguo, state councilor; Wang Shengjun, president of the Supreme People’s Court; and Zhang Zhijun, executive vice minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

     Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Esteban Conejos, who was with Binay on his Beijing trip, said the meeting was not behind closed doors and no concession could have been given without the public getting the information. “We gave no concessions to them. It was a gesture of goodwill and friendship as also enunciated by their diplomatic officials here,” Lacierda said. For its part, the Chinese embassy in Manila said China only “gave consideration” to the Philippines’ request. “China received the request and as friendly neighbor the Chinese side gave consideration,” said Sun Yi, political officer and spokesman of the Chinese embassy.

Lacierda also downplayed concerns over the possibility of the Philippines becoming hostage to China as a result of the issue.

    “We have, again, stated that no concessions were made. In fact, that was a request from this government and based on the joint statement, they postponed the execution within the scope of Chinese laws. That is something that they would have to define, we are not familiar with Chinese laws. But definitely, again, we are saying categorically that no concessions were given to the Chinese government. It was a gesture of friendship,” Lacierda said.

     Lacierda also said the fact that the Philippines was able to secure a postponement of the execution should belie claims that the government was weak.

    “Since the Flor Contemplacion case, our policy has been to protect our overseas contract workers – that’s the policy that we have here in the Philippines and that’s a good policy because we have plenty of overseas contract workers who we are required to protect. Now, the diplomatic intervention can only come in once the sentence is issued. Before that, you cannot interfere in the judicial proceedings – that’s the same thing that happened in China,” Lacierda said.

    Contemplacion was a Filipina domestic helper executed in Singapore in 1995 for murder. Her execution strained relations between Singapore and the Philippines. The Ramos government also faced severe criticisms for failing to stop the execution.

Dia De Zamboanga 2011 Celebration

     ZAMBOANGA City will be bustling with activities this week as it gears up for the 74th Dia de Zamboanga (Charter Day) on Saturday.

    Dia de Zamboanga marks the day when the newly-appointed officials of the city, headed by Mayor Nicasio Valderroza, took their oath following the declaration of Zamboanga as a chartered city on October 12, 1937.

    The series of activities starts Monday with the open cheer dance competition at the City Coliseum. Public and private colleges and universities have enlisted for the competition, organized by the City Government through the City Tourism Division.

    The Sineng Pambansa: Zamboanga Film Festival 2011 will also be staged at the Mindpro Cinema from Wednesday until Friday. It will showcase the screening of 10 independent Filipino films.

    The Dia de Zamboanga celebration will kick off with the grand parade from N.S. Valderroza Street to Don Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex.\

    Other activities:

* Red Carpet Night at the National Museum Courtyard

* Search for the Señorito/Señorita de Salud

* Book launching dubbed as Peace Warriors: On Trial with Filipino soldiers, Wednesday

* Recognition Night at the La Vista del Mar, Thursday

* The Achievers' Night, Friday

* Fishing competition, Saturday

* 14th Celso Lobregat Cup Open Dart Tournament, Friday-Saturday

* Zamboanga Freedom Run

* Karate tournament

* Search for the Zamboanga Pop Idol (Bong Garcia)

Monday Headlines: 79 Pinoys on China death row

     MANILA, Philippines - Apart from the three whose execution has been deferred, there are 79 other Filipinos awaiting their fate on China’s death row, an overseas workers group said yesterday.

Migrante International said more than 120 other Filipino workers are also facing death sentences in other countries.

     The group lauded the efforts of President Aquino in successfully halting the execution of the three Filipino workers in China.

However, the government should not give its “best shot” at the last minute in saving the lives of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) on death row because “this is not a game,” Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona said.

   “The Aquino government should waste no time to start, as early as this time, appealing to the Chinese government the commutation of the other 79 OFWs on death row, and also the more than 120 others in other countries,” the group said.

     Monterona said Migrante is presently handling the cases of eight Filipinos on death row and 121 others in jail in the Middle East. He said 13 of the Filipino workers jailed face drug-related offenses. Since 2005, six Filipinos whose cases Migrante has handled have been executed, mostly in Saudi Arabia.

Monterona said every case of OFWs on death row must be treated with urgency by the Philippine government.

     “The case of the three OFWs, who were supposed to be executed on Monday and Tuesday, is a bitter reality to confront; efforts to save OFWs whose cases are punishable by death should start from the time a proper case has been filed and hiring the best legal defense team the government can provide,” Monterona said, noting that most were victims of international drug syndicates.

     Monterona suggested the launching of a national campaign involving all concerned government agencies to inform the public of the dangers of being victimized by international drug traffickers and syndicates.

“The foreign affairs department and various Philippine posts abroad must be ready to do their share in the campaign against drug trafficking and syndicates by swapping information and forging cooperation with the host government to combat this drug menace victimizing our dear OFWs,” Monterona said.

     Sen. Jinggoy Estrada also suggested going after the principal players of the international drug cartel.

Estrada blamed illegal recruiters behind the plight of unsuspecting Filipino workers, mostly women, who are enticed to become “drug mules” or couriers of international drug syndicates.

     The women are paid between $500 and $5,000 to swallow tubes containing the drugs, carry them hidden in their luggage or even dissolved and soaked into paper or books. The lack of jobs at home is a major reason why women in particular resort to smuggling drugs. Estrada said authorities must focus their attention on the personalities involved in enticing Filipino workers to transport illegal drugs.

     Estrada noted most of the suspected drug mules are not even OFWs registered at the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

A Good Leader at 19

 

 Michael L. Villaluz­ ­

      "A leader is a producer of leaders", a perspective of leadership coming from a young leader of the Kristiyanong Kabataan para sa Bayan, Zamboanga Chapter. He is called "Kel" by those people who knows him. He started his leadership of  the mentioned organization 3 years ago as a member of the core and eventually a year after he was entrusted by the chairman to lead the group. But his leadership did not just begin last year, infact he was an active student officer during his highschool days. To be a leader is really in his blood. Undoubtedly, maybe someday we can see him facilitating a larger group or perhaps serving the public.Who knows, right? KKB, is an organization that inspires the youth to live for Jesus Christ and to offer the prime years of their lives in service to God and country­. 

     Kel is currently on his third year at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, taking up BS Management Accounting. He dream of becoming a Certified Management Accountant someday. He loves to hear inspirational music from Hillsong. Eventhough he loves gospel songs, he is a rocker as well, he is a fan of Gloc-9. Huh!, I wonder if this man can rap, but I know for sure he can sing, infact he is a song leader at the church where he attends every sunday.

    Kel ususally introduced himself to you in thisway: "okay..I can say I'm a person with great sense of humor but a person who knows when to be serious. An outgoing, an easy going guy. I'm usually mistaken as a snob but ...as i have said, mistaken.. I TALK A LOT! I'm friendly. I'm silent when the mood is not on tract. I love hanging out with friends, and I treasure them so much!!".

    I was once a leader of this group. During my time we also had many activities for the youth to achieve its mission and vision. But my time is over, and now for many years, I got the chance to get acquainted to this guy in Cebu, where he,  together with other KKB's were attending a retreat and at the same time a seminar for leaders. Kel plans to have a lot of activities for KKB such as: ER (Encounter Retreat) for KKB's­ ­, KKB love drive, prayer walk, conquest­ ­ training­ ­, and leadership training­ ­.

  Good job Kel, and more good luck  to your leadership. Like "blue eagles", SOAR HIGH!!!

 

---

Former PAF is now a Registered Nurse

MARK CHRISTOPHER A. CORTEZ, RN

     When all of his classmates and friends are eager to check the results of the last December 2010 Nursing Board Exam, Mark Christoper was infront of his computer and surfing the internet with no plans of checking the results online. Maybe he is too confident that he will make it, because believe me this guy, a former Philippine Air Force is indeed damn genius. I know that because we were classmates in highschool. When asked him why not bothered to check the result online, he answered enthusiastically, "kasi antayin ko na lang na may magtext sakin... kung may magtext ibig sabihin pumasa ako... kapag wala meaning bagsak ako... e maraming nagtext at tumawag at nagcongrats sakin kaya un meaning pumasa ako".

   Sequence number 7953 of December 2010 Nursing Board Exam results belongs to this not just genius friend of mine but as well very talented. He is a good singer infact. He shared same feeling of happiness as soon as he was able to see his name online and on the list of those who passed the said board.  Currently, he is working as a volunteer at the Zamboanga Red Cross to gain medical experience for his profession. Now that he is already a Licensed Nurse, he plans to go abroad and practice his profession in the Middle East. 

    Mark  finished his first degree in Management Information System at Ateneo de Zamboanga Univeristy, after college he joined the Philippine Air Force for three years, but because of the request of his family to try the fate in Nursing, he left his well handled service and pursue a second degree in Nursing which he finished last 2010 at Western Mindanao State University.

    This newly registered nurse, Mark described himself in the saying: "To be loved, and to have loved, is to live life to the fullest".

    Congratulations! Macoy. Goodluck to you!

What A Boring Day!

    I remember one time that I have a friend who loves to send text messages and one of which that I can recall was a message that tells, "when boredom strikes..". I feel so boring this Sunday and for the past few days. I am not doing anything, there is nothing that I can think to make myself mobile and busy. I woke-up this morning with no energy, my mind is not working, my body feels like saggy and everything in me is totally blank.

   All day I was just inside the house, lying on my bed, check the internet with no interest at all just for the sake of having something to read, but it is not making me to stay long, as soon as I opened my facebook and checked who were online, I just immediately log-out and went back to the couch.

   I want to think a lot especially happy moments but my mind won't cooperate. I am really bored. Very bored. What a boring day indeed. :(

Donaire TKOs Montiel, bags bantamweight crowns

     MANILA, Philippines (2nd UPDATE) – Filipino bantamweight boxer Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire proved himself relentless after dethroning Mexican opponent Ferdinand Montiel in their headliner fight at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, Saturday night (Sunday morning in Manila).









   


   
    In a quick match, Donaire stopped Montiel via a technical knockout (KO) in the second round.

    In the first round, Montiel showed that he has experience and skills in the division by consistently evading Donaire's attacks.

   Donaire kept being aggressive but his punches failed to land on Montiel. In the second round, Donaire then played it down by accepting Montiel's attacks. The Filipino played with his improved defense and evaded the countering Montiel.

   A minute before the round concluded, an energetic Donaire then powered a left hook to Montiel's face knocking him down to victory. With the win, the 28-year-old bagged the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Organization bantamweight crowns.

   Donaire now ups his record to 26-1 with 18 KOs. Montiel, on the other hand, falls at 44-3-2.
Montiel cannot make the post-fight press conference as he was sent to the hospital. According to a tweet by Top Rank promotions, Montiel "was sent to the hospital to be checked due to the way he was knocked out."

Congratulations! Auraine

AURAINE V. QUINTOS, RN

THE NEWLY REGISTERED NURSE!!

    Just pass 5:00 in the afternoon of this day, Saturday (February 19, 2011) like any other hopefuls, Auraine V. Quintos was so excited even at the tremors of her nervousness to check the result of the December 2010 Nursing Board Exam. She was so excited to open the website www.coolbuster.com to see if her name is listed on those examinees who passed the said board exam. And it was a great day for her, because she got the spot.

    Auraine was a graduate of Western Mindanao State Univeristy in Zamboanga City. She just finished her degree last 2010. I know this lady for almost 5 years already because she is the long-time girlfriend of my brother. This lady is so dead serious about her studies, I remember one time that during her Highschool days, when she graduated with Honors. Not just that this lady is with brain alone , she has as well the beauty for she was a beauty queen of her alumni school during highschool days, she was crowned as Miss ICAS 2005. See, Auraine is a beauty and brain to be reckoned with.

   When she was asked how does she feel before going online to see the results or what does she feel before knowing the results?:" .,nah! kung alam kuya...grabe iyak ko nuh..murag bata..hahaha", she replied. But I must say that the tears kept on pouring from her eyes but this time with joy when she got the good news. "Mabuang ako kuya.,nde ako mapaniwala hahaha..parang nanalo ako sa lotto...hahaha", she expressed.

    Now that she already have the license as a Nurse, she wants to apply every single learning and trainings that she incurred from her studies to the public and that is to be of medical service. "Masasabi ko, go to the highest level..ang kumayod...hahaha, hanap na work..hehehe", she said.

    Congrats Auraine, we wish that you will continue to excel in your chosen craft.

SUN CTU25 or Globe Super25

 

OR

WHICH IS BETTER? WHICH HAS A BETTER SERVICE? WHICH IS CONVENIENT TO SUBSCRIBE?

    I have both sim cards from Sun Cellular and Globe, and therefore I own two different mobile numbers from both providers. I always asked myself which is really easy to use and very friendly. Both are offering call and text unlimited for 25.00 only. 

    Let us take a look on a brief description about its profile and let us see the difference.

  SUN Cellular     Digitel Mobile Philippines, Inc. (DMPI) is one of the Philippines’ leading mobile telecommunications company known by its corporate brand name SUN CELLULAR. Sun Cellular holds the distinction of being the fastest growing mobile network provider in the country with more than 15 million subscribers supported by its nearly 7,000 cell sites nationwide.

  Globe    is a leading telecommunications company in the Philippines. Our mission is to transform and enrich lives through communications by way of our vision of making great things possible. Globe Telecom has close to 12,000 base stations and over 6,500 cell sites to support its 2G, 3G and WiMAX services.

    Both telecommunication companies are claiming to be the leading mobile provider in the Philippines. But let us talk about the main argument on this article: which one is providing good service for the 25.00 amount spent by the end user inorder to have convenient unlimited service. 

    Based on my experience, as for Globe Unlimited service of their SUPER25 promo, I always subscribed and take advantage of it every single day, but most of the time if I'm having difficulty registering to their SUPER25 because they claim that there are lot of subscribers registered to the promo. I have tried a lot of times within the day but receiving no good results at all. If I failed within that day, I am still optimistic that by the next day I will successfully register to their promo, but still in no avail. I experienced this several times that for 5 days of trying, I can't still register to it.

   But for Sun Cellular CTU25, I never have had any experience of unsuccessful subscribing for the promo. Infact, there is no need to register to it unlike with Globe. With Sun Cellular CTU25, as soon as you load 25.00 from any store, you can immediately use your phone to call and text limitless, and there is more: there is 20 free text messages and a 30-minute free internet surfing using your phone.

    I just wonder why can't Globe use thesame strategy for call and text unlimited like what Sun Cellular company has. Is Sun Cellular really a better provider than Globe?

Saturday Star News

     MANILA, Philippines – Azkals heartthrob Phil Younghusband has publicly offered his apology to actress Angel Locsin after creating a big fuss when he invited the latter for a Valentine date over Twitter.

     In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Younghusband revealed that he did not really intend to publicize the matter that much.

    “I didn’t realize it at that time that it would become so public...I apologize for making it public to Angel because it pretty brought too much attention. I apologize,” he said.

     Furthermore, the football player said that he does not want things to be blown out of proportion and so he just wants to keep things down low.

    “There’s a lot publicity about Angel...I want to keep it down low. I respect Angel because she’s very talented and a great person so as like one says, I want to keep everything down and not make anything too much publicized,” he said.

Azkals reveal showbiz crushes
     Meanwhile, it seems that Younghusband is not the only Azkal who has a crush on Locsin.

     Younghusband’s older brother James and their teammate Reymark Palmes admitted they too have eyes for Locsin.

     But it seems both will be hands-off after Phil bared his intentions to date the actress.

    Also, midfielder Chieffy Caligdong wants to show off his football skills to his own crush, versatile actress Angelica Panganiban.

    He even jokingly challenged the Panganiban's boyfriend, actor Derek Ramsey.

    Jerry Barbaso, on the other hand, invited comedienne Melai Cantiveros for a date. "Melai, puwede ba tayo magkita,” he said.

    Azkals team captain Aly Borromeo, meantime, said his dream girl is Hollywood star Jessica Alba. - Report from Ginger Conejero, ABS-CBN News

Some good people I know part 8

 

     My Momay, my Amu, and my ex-housemate. She is Cristine Garcing. The "Dora" of our group. One of my good friend, infact it has been only a year that we are friends. We met at the Joaquin Enriquez Sports complex in Zamboanga. She is a teacher by profession but she chose to take a different path to make sure she would have a more stable job in the future.

    Aside from the above names that I mentioned, she is also my "Indah". "Indah", the sweetest name that my mouth and tongue agrees everytime I wanted to call her. At first we have the aloofness of establishing friendship between us, but as the journey goes on, we built the foundation get rid of the barriers, designed perfectly and beautifully, and "opened the touching closeness" we have. A bizarre statement though, ironic indeed. We have that telepathic sense, that it let us understand together by just mere looking to each other and that both of us knows what's going on...

   Expects that if everytime she is online on facebook and she is not chatting to you, she is seriously playing Farmville, Cityville and Typing Maniac. She loves reading, cooking and traveling.

    Be her friend, add her on facebook: xinit27@yahoo.com

Some good people I know part 7

     Pretty, smart, sexy, alluring, awe-awe-awe-awesome, that is Jackielyn C. Labasan. This gal is one of my closiest friend. I can tell to her everything with no secrets, because we have the same attitude. She might be "suplada", 'maldita" and "mata-pobre" as your frist impression, but you would definitely tell to yourself that you were wrong as soon as you got to know her deeper. I am a witnessed to that.

    We didn't start our friendship with good acquaintances, infact we were enemies then, but you know what, she has the heart to know what are her mistakes and she is ready to say sorry and cover everything up for you. I believe that one time where I am unaware of, she did cover my ass to the people who has nothing to do but tell ill-description about me. I don't care who are they as long as I have this pretty-sexy lady beside me, everything will be ok.

    Jacky, as what she is fondly called, is a registered nurse. She is a very talented lady. She could sing and dance very beautifully. She is as well a fighter individual but a very emotional one in terms of love. I will not give into details to that.

   She believes in the following sayings: "Before you can win, you have to believe you are worthy"..., "Doing the best at this m0ment puts you in the best place for the next moment"...," When you find true friendship, You find true love.", and "Life's a climb, but the view is great." (Travis of Hannah Montana the movie). If Angel Locsin will not give chance to James Younghusband, it is her lost because Jacky is ready to take him.

   This might be long, but Jackie described herself  thru this:

Aide toi, et le ciel t'aidera (Help yourself and heaven will help you)


I love to watch movies/music/travelling/shopping/jewelries/singing/dancing.
I love Muay Thai.

I'm loyal and faithful.
I'm generous in my own little way.
A candid and forthright immortal.
Artistic but extreme.
Ambitious but stubborn.
Charismatic but impulsive.
Insightful, independent but distant.
Energetic but impatient.
Thoughtful, inspiring but melodramatic.
Brilliant but obsessive.
Shrewd but overbearing.
Paranoid
A cowboy. I'm not choosy!
Moody.
I'm jealous, resentful and possessive!

*Simple/ambivalent/attractive/photogenic/loyal/faithful/Obsessive-Compulsive/adventurous/sweet/charming/candid/thrifty*thank God I already know how to use my money wisely*/moody/true friend/worst enemy/* *I almost forgot! I belong to a team that is so called a narci homo sapiens. :p


When problems and issues come my way it must be pretty rough to make me break. Whether it's a relationship problem or a family issue, I have ways to keep myself together. I go to my friends and family and talk about my frustrations before I completely break down. I focus on what I'm saying and keep myself upright and going.

    You can follow her at twitter: http://twitter.com/ladyjackie0501
    You can also add her on your list of friends at facebook: ladyjackie_0501@yahoo.com

    This is my very sexy and pretty bestfriend JACKIE!

Some good people I know part 6

    His name is Richard R. Martinez, 27 years of age and a very hardworking man. He is one of my many bestfriends, but I consider him more than a bestfriend but a brother. This best buddy of mine is not just a brother infact he is a true friend that is a gift from the heaven. I can say he is my spiritual adviser.

    Richard has been out of the country since 2008, he was working abroad for his family and for himself. He has this kind of religious views: "Jesus is the only way the truth and the life. No one comes to the father ... Jesus alone is the way". He is a religious person that is why he is getting a lot of blessings that he is not expecting to come. Even in political aspects, his God will still be the foundation of his knowledge. He believes that: "If there's no fear for God and for Country men, it's hard to change the political views". We have something in common, we like the movie "A Walk to Remember".

    Richard is a very good guy, infact I remember one time when one of our common friend told me that, if there is one friend that I should dispose, terminate everyone but not Richard. I hope you will have the same chance of having a true friend like my besfriend Richard.

    Add him as your friend on facebook: chard_mart107@yahoo.com

---

POWER OUTAGE in Zamboanga City very DISPLEASING

     February 19, 2011 was a day that was so displeasing towards the management and organization of ZAMCELCO, because of its intermittent power supply. ZAMCELCO (Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative) who generates power supply to the entire city of Zamboanga was established on February 23, 1974. This cooperative is actually facing a lot of controversies regarding its management.

     I was actually infront of my computer, ready to compose new article for my blogsite while seriously looking and visiting my favorite websites and doing some PTC (Paid To Click) job on the net, when suddenly the power outage came. Hence, everything that I was working on my computer were put in vain. So, I stopped and waited for the power to come back. After an hour of waiting, I was so glad that the power is back, immediately I opened my computer and went back to my work, as I was about to log-in to my account at www.criticsphilippines.blogspot.com, second power interruption disrupted my work. There's nothing I can do but to stop again and wait in vain. After long hours of waiting, the power turned on again, as I was enthusiastic to finish my work, I went infront of my computer and had it turned on eagerly and excited, but as I was about to open the browser, another power interruption put my patience to an end.

    It was very displeasing that the power supply in Zamboanga which is manage by ZAMCELCO is intermittently providing good service to the publlic, considering that technology are fast innovating from good to best, yet their equipments are still not upgraded.

    To the management of ZAMCELCO, there is 1 question for you: When are you going to change your management? and there is 1 favor for you: Please upgrade your system and not your lifestyle.

Morning News:China suspends execution of 3 Filipinos

China suspends execution of 3 Filipinos

    MANILA, Philippines (2nd UPDATE) - The Chinese government on Friday ordered a stay of execution for the three Filipinos convicted of drug trafficking.

    This came after Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay went to Beijing and held talks with Chinese officials to seek leniency for the three convicts.

     Ramon "Monchito" Credo, Sally Ordinario-Villanueva, and Elizabeth Batain have been convicted of drug trafficking in China.

     In a joint statement, the Philippines "expressed its sincere appreciation to China for the decision of the SPC (Supreme People's Court) to postpone the execution within the scope of Chinese law."The joint statement said the "Chinese side briefed the Vice President on the final verdict of the Supreme People's Court on the three (3) Filipinos sentenced to death for drug trafficking and the decision of the SPC to postpone the execution within the scope of Chinese law."

     Binay met with the following Chinese officials and members of their staff: H.E. Mr. Dai Bingguo, State Councillor, H.E. Mr. Wang Shengjun, President of the Supreme People's Court and H.E. Mr. Zhang Zhijun, Executive Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    The joint statement said, "The two sides exchanged views on a wide range of issues concerning bilateral relations, including judicial cooperation. The two sides expressed the determination to work together and make joint efforts in further strengthening the relationship of strategic cooperation."The two countries also said they "are determined to work together in the fight against transnational crimes, including drug trafficking."
Of the condemned Filipinos, a 42-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman were scheduled to be executed on Monday in the southeastern city of Xiamen. A 38-year-old woman was due to be put to death in Shenzhen on Tuesday.

     China had originally rejected Philippine requests for a visit by Binay on behalf of the three drug mules, but in a surprise move late Thursday, it softened its stance.Binay, who is due to leave Beijing Saturday, had said in a statement he respected the decisions of the Chinese courts but would argue during his trip that the three deserved a lighter penalty."We do not condone drug trafficking. However, we believe that these Filipinos were merely victims of international drug syndicates," he said.

    Aquino, meanwhile, said Friday he had sent a letter of appeal to his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao and called on all Filipinos "to unite ourselves in prayer beginning today at sundown.""All our prayers will storm the heavens to touch the heart of God, the God who will make a way when there seems to be no way," he said in a statement.All three Filipinos were convicted of smuggling heroin at separate trials in 2008, but Philippine officials say they were duped into their crimes and should face long prison sentences instead of execution.
Ties between the two countries were tested last year by the deaths in Manila of eight tourists from Hong Kong, who were killed in a bungled rescue bid by Philippine police after they had been taken hostage aboard a bus.

    Aquino sparked outrage in Hong Kong by later deciding to press only minor criminal charges against several police officials involved in the fiasco. -- With Agence France-Presse; Additional reports from Chiara Zambrano, ABS-CBN News

Old Filipino TV Commercials

  

Ford Fiera Jeep Classic Philippine TV Ad

    This An old Filipino TV Ad probably aired in the mid 70's with Rod Navarro bringing a clear product message with humor.

   Imagine 30 years ago, passenger jeepneys were being advertised on national TV. I just wonder how much was the fare 30 years ago, and how much does it cost to fill the fuel tank of this jeepney.

Aquino calls nation to unite in prayer for three Filipinos facing death in China

President Benigno S. Aquino III called on all Filipinos to unite in offering prayers in hopes that top officials of the People’s Republic of China (PROC) would grant clemency to the three Filipinos in the death row for drug-related cases.

 

In a media briefing at the Palace Friday, Presidential Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte expressed the appeal of the President to the nation in efforts to push for the reprieve of his countrymen facing death penalty in China.

 

“The entire Filipino nation is united in appealing for leniency before the top officials of the PROC, so that our countrymen meted out with the death penalty may be granted clemency”, the Chief Executive’s statement read.

 

“May I call on all Filipinos, led by our religious leaders of all faiths to unite ourselves in prayer beginning today at sundown, at the pealing of the bell for the Angelus or during the most quiet and meditative times consistent with our respective faiths”, it added.

 

President Aquino assured that the government is exerting all possible efforts – the latest of which was his appeal to the President of China and the trip of Vice President Jejomar Binay to personally make an appeal as the three Filipinos await a most desired action: Stay the execution.

 

The government’s hope stemmed from an earlier success when it incessantly appealed to the leadership of China that resulted to the reprieve of Filipinos Myrna San Pedro and Estela Capunong.

 

The government publicly thanked China’s leaders for tempering justice with mercy holding the belief that it has found a soft spot in the hearts of Chinese ranking officials.

 

The President expressed high hopes that consolidated prayers will soar to the heavens to touch the heart of God – the God who “will make a way where there seems to be no way”.

 

At seven this morning, Vice President Binay left for China onboard Philippine Airlines flight PR358 bound for Beijing in a last ditch effort to save the lives of the three Filipinos there.

The Vice President, upon instructions of the President, will formally make his plea with the Chinese government for the reprieve.

"As instructed by President Aquino, I leave this morning for Beijing to appeal for clemency for our three kababayans on death row." VP Binay said in his pre-departure statement.