Waiter: "What kind of coffee would you like, regular or decaf?"
Pinoy: "No... Big cup! Big cup!"
Waiter: "What would you like for your breakfast?"
Pinoy: "Hameneggs."
Waiter: "And how do you like your eggs, sir?"
Pinoy: "Yes, tenkyu, I like dem beri much."
Waiter: "No sir, I mean how would you like them cooked?"
Pinoy: "Yes, tenkyu, I wud like dem cooked."
Waiter (with increasing impatience): "Would you like your eggs... fried? poached? hard boiled or soft boiled?"
Pinoy (with increasing uneasiness): "Yes, one fried en one hard boiled or sop boiled."
Waiter: "And what bread would you like?"
Pinoy: "Begyurpardon?"
Waiter: "What kind of bread would you like... white? rye? whole wheat? toast?"
Pinoy: "Pan Amercano..."
Waiter: "We don't have that..."
Pinoy: "Okey. Gib me Taystee..."
Waiter: "We don't have that either, sir..."
Pinoy: "Do you heb pan de lemon or bonete?"
Waiter: "Sir, you are wasting my time... I shall ask for the last time, what would you like for breakfast?"
Pinoy: "Donut plis..."
By: CyberLounge
http://www.asianjoke.com/Filipino/pinoy_at_coffee_shop.htm
Friday, July 3, 2009
Red Ribbon: a Recipe for Success
Among of the first bakeries in the Philippines that sold some of the most unique collection of cakes is the Red Ribbon Bakery. Red Ribbon is a bakery that started in the Philippines, down the old streets of Quezon City along Timog Avenue in 1979. Since then, it became the largest known bakery in the Philippines, stretching its reaches across the world.
Red Ribbon Bakery is a popular fast-food chain and bakery in the Philippines and the United States, offering a wide range of cakes and pastries. The chain first served us with their scrumptious cakes in 1979 in Quezon City along Timog Avenue and started franchising in 1999.
But aside from providing cakes in the Philippines, Red Ribbon Bakery also serves cake in foreign lands when it first served its cakes in its US branch in West Covina, California in 1984.
Red Ribbon became more popular a few years back when the largest food corporation in the Philippines, Jollibee Food Corporation, had taken over its control in 2005. This take over became Red Ribbon’s key for success.
By: Christine Layug
http://www.articlesbase.com/online-business-articles/red-ribbon-a-recipe-for-success-644980.html
Red Ribbon Bakery is a popular fast-food chain and bakery in the Philippines and the United States, offering a wide range of cakes and pastries. The chain first served us with their scrumptious cakes in 1979 in Quezon City along Timog Avenue and started franchising in 1999.
But aside from providing cakes in the Philippines, Red Ribbon Bakery also serves cake in foreign lands when it first served its cakes in its US branch in West Covina, California in 1984.
Red Ribbon became more popular a few years back when the largest food corporation in the Philippines, Jollibee Food Corporation, had taken over its control in 2005. This take over became Red Ribbon’s key for success.
By: Christine Layug
http://www.articlesbase.com/online-business-articles/red-ribbon-a-recipe-for-success-644980.html
BINAGOONGANG PATA
Mga Sangkap
1 pata pa chopped ng tamang laki
1 tasang alamang (shrimp paste)
1 sibuyas hiwaing panggisa
5 butil na bawang pitpitin
2 kamatis hiwaing panggisa
2 kutsarang suka
3 tasang 7UP o Sprite
3 kutsarang mantika
Paraan ng Pagluluto:
Pakuluin ang mantika. Igisa ang bawang, sibuyas, kamatis. Lutuing mabuti ang kamatis bago idagdag ang alamang. Kapag naluto na ang alamang idagdag ang suka. Pagkulo isunod na idagdag ang hiniwang pata. Hayaang magisa ng 20 minuto, haluin paminsan minsan para di manikit. Idagdag ang sprite sapat na singdami ng pata. Pag kulo ng niluluto hinaan ang apoy at hayaang maluto hanggang sa gustong lambot ng pata.
Tip : Anumang lutuin na may suka huwag hahaluin ang niluluto hanggat di kumukulo para di mahilaw ang suka.
1 pata pa chopped ng tamang laki
1 tasang alamang (shrimp paste)
1 sibuyas hiwaing panggisa
5 butil na bawang pitpitin
2 kamatis hiwaing panggisa
2 kutsarang suka
3 tasang 7UP o Sprite
3 kutsarang mantika
Paraan ng Pagluluto:
Pakuluin ang mantika. Igisa ang bawang, sibuyas, kamatis. Lutuing mabuti ang kamatis bago idagdag ang alamang. Kapag naluto na ang alamang idagdag ang suka. Pagkulo isunod na idagdag ang hiniwang pata. Hayaang magisa ng 20 minuto, haluin paminsan minsan para di manikit. Idagdag ang sprite sapat na singdami ng pata. Pag kulo ng niluluto hinaan ang apoy at hayaang maluto hanggang sa gustong lambot ng pata.
Tip : Anumang lutuin na may suka huwag hahaluin ang niluluto hanggat di kumukulo para di mahilaw ang suka.
OPM Stands For Original Pilipino Music
Traditional Filipino Music is generally a confluence of Western styles and our own ethnic music. In modern times, however, Filipino music is similar to modern music that is heard in any part of the world.
Original musical works by Filipino artists is usually referred to as "Original Pilipino Music" or OPM. Many song and music artists of the Philippines usually use Tagalog and English for the lyrics of their songs. Thus, if you listen to any local FM radio station, it would not be a surprise to hear OPM songs with English lyrics and titles.
One of the best contemporary artists that have made a lot of Filipino music is Mr. Ryan Cayabyab. Ryan is a professor of the University of the Philippines conservatory if music and is currently the head and conductor of the San Miguel Philharmonic orchestra.
Ryan has been an internationally acclaimed musical artist and has received numerous awards on the International level. His most popular composition is "Kay ganda ng ating musika" which literally means "How beautiful is our music", which he composed during the first Metropop song festival in the early 80s. The Metropop song festival was then the most prestigious avenue for original Filipino music competitions. Ryan still continuous to produce albums with his Orchestra. He also arranges for many singers and song writers.
If you want to hear ethnic Filipino music, you just have to hear the music of Joey Ayala. Joey Ayala makes use of indigenous instruments for his music. One characteristic of Joey Ayala's music is that you hear the sound of nature as accompaniment for his songs, like a stream that is flowing or birds chirping. Nowadays however, Joey Ayala's songs are not played on FM radio. Simply go to any CD music store on any mall if you want to grab an album of Joey Ayala.
Like in any part of the world, FM stations usually play pop music so it is unlikely that you hear ethnic music when you tune in to FM stations. If you are more of the rocker type of musician or listener, all you have to do is tune in to the "Alternative music" FM stations. The most popular of these FM rock stations is the Manila-based FM station NU 107.1. In the Philippine, the world "Alternative music" refers to the heavy metal, or rock music done by Filipino artists. This type of wave in Filipino music started during the early 90's.
Some of most popular alternative music bands are "Eraserheads", "Parokya ni Edgar" and "Wolfgang". Other popular alternative bands are "MYMP", "Hale", and "Orange and Lemons". Popular female alternative song artists are Kitchie Nadal and Barbie Almadi. These two ladies have very good voices that sound like Alanis Morisette (if you still remember this artist from the mid 90's).
By: Elmer Anthony Olaer
http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/opm-stands-for-original-pilipino-music-319321.html
Original musical works by Filipino artists is usually referred to as "Original Pilipino Music" or OPM. Many song and music artists of the Philippines usually use Tagalog and English for the lyrics of their songs. Thus, if you listen to any local FM radio station, it would not be a surprise to hear OPM songs with English lyrics and titles.
One of the best contemporary artists that have made a lot of Filipino music is Mr. Ryan Cayabyab. Ryan is a professor of the University of the Philippines conservatory if music and is currently the head and conductor of the San Miguel Philharmonic orchestra.
Ryan has been an internationally acclaimed musical artist and has received numerous awards on the International level. His most popular composition is "Kay ganda ng ating musika" which literally means "How beautiful is our music", which he composed during the first Metropop song festival in the early 80s. The Metropop song festival was then the most prestigious avenue for original Filipino music competitions. Ryan still continuous to produce albums with his Orchestra. He also arranges for many singers and song writers.
If you want to hear ethnic Filipino music, you just have to hear the music of Joey Ayala. Joey Ayala makes use of indigenous instruments for his music. One characteristic of Joey Ayala's music is that you hear the sound of nature as accompaniment for his songs, like a stream that is flowing or birds chirping. Nowadays however, Joey Ayala's songs are not played on FM radio. Simply go to any CD music store on any mall if you want to grab an album of Joey Ayala.
Like in any part of the world, FM stations usually play pop music so it is unlikely that you hear ethnic music when you tune in to FM stations. If you are more of the rocker type of musician or listener, all you have to do is tune in to the "Alternative music" FM stations. The most popular of these FM rock stations is the Manila-based FM station NU 107.1. In the Philippine, the world "Alternative music" refers to the heavy metal, or rock music done by Filipino artists. This type of wave in Filipino music started during the early 90's.
Some of most popular alternative music bands are "Eraserheads", "Parokya ni Edgar" and "Wolfgang". Other popular alternative bands are "MYMP", "Hale", and "Orange and Lemons". Popular female alternative song artists are Kitchie Nadal and Barbie Almadi. These two ladies have very good voices that sound like Alanis Morisette (if you still remember this artist from the mid 90's).
By: Elmer Anthony Olaer
http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/opm-stands-for-original-pilipino-music-319321.html
The Origin and Growth of Music
From the Living Room to the office, from raucous Raon Street in Quiapo Manila, to lonesome valleys, and from the cradle to the grave around the world, we hear it. For music the art of pleasing and expressive combinations of tones, is as free as the air we breathe. Well, not always, since it can sometimes not only be deafening but also very expensive.
The origin of music accidentally occurred when an ogre stepped on embers that had burned some animals for food. The searing pain his feet got from the embers made him to stump around and repeatedly scream something like "Ag, aggg, aggguuuuy!"
Among the trumpets of mastodons and the screeches of large primitive birds sweeping down from the sky, the sound- now known as "rhythm" - was something new because it had a beautiful lilt. A lilt is a gently pleasing, rising and falling rhythm in songs.
The ogre's colleagues noticed that sound from the movements of the different parts of his body, like the hands in walking and the feet in running.
The poor fellow got a powerful clubbing from an Amazon who mistook him for a hungry wolf approaching her for a bite. The additional pain the ogre got form his head form the clubbing increased the lilt in his voice and made music a howling success.
The growth of music from that incident started century later with the coming out of "melody"and "harmony". With the invention and use of instruments, music evolved from purely voice to vocal with instruments and, later, to purely instrumental or abstract.
The last transition came when a musician felt embarrassed by his neighing instead of continuing the regular sound- so he stopped his voice as he continued using his instrument.
It evoked a lot of horselaugh because the musician made a mute out of himself that resulted in the scandalization of the conservative. However, the innovation was accepted in the course of time.
The earliest instrumental piece was Pythic Nome (585 B.C. ) ,a composition by a Greek about the fight of Apollo with a dragon.
In ancient times, people used music as medium of sorcery, exorcism and incantation, but it was mainly a manifestation of the divine. Some tribes in many places around the world still carry on this practice.
Among them are the people in Northern Luzon where the extensive Philippine rice terraces became world famous.
The Ifugaos, Igorots, and other tribes started to build those terraces more than two millennia ago during which they held rituals that involved dancing, singing, and making incantations to the accompaniment of instruments.
Carmel Mabuhay Sr.
The origin of music accidentally occurred when an ogre stepped on embers that had burned some animals for food. The searing pain his feet got from the embers made him to stump around and repeatedly scream something like "Ag, aggg, aggguuuuy!"
Among the trumpets of mastodons and the screeches of large primitive birds sweeping down from the sky, the sound- now known as "rhythm" - was something new because it had a beautiful lilt. A lilt is a gently pleasing, rising and falling rhythm in songs.
The ogre's colleagues noticed that sound from the movements of the different parts of his body, like the hands in walking and the feet in running.
The poor fellow got a powerful clubbing from an Amazon who mistook him for a hungry wolf approaching her for a bite. The additional pain the ogre got form his head form the clubbing increased the lilt in his voice and made music a howling success.
The growth of music from that incident started century later with the coming out of "melody"and "harmony". With the invention and use of instruments, music evolved from purely voice to vocal with instruments and, later, to purely instrumental or abstract.
The last transition came when a musician felt embarrassed by his neighing instead of continuing the regular sound- so he stopped his voice as he continued using his instrument.
It evoked a lot of horselaugh because the musician made a mute out of himself that resulted in the scandalization of the conservative. However, the innovation was accepted in the course of time.
The earliest instrumental piece was Pythic Nome (585 B.C. ) ,a composition by a Greek about the fight of Apollo with a dragon.
In ancient times, people used music as medium of sorcery, exorcism and incantation, but it was mainly a manifestation of the divine. Some tribes in many places around the world still carry on this practice.
Among them are the people in Northern Luzon where the extensive Philippine rice terraces became world famous.
The Ifugaos, Igorots, and other tribes started to build those terraces more than two millennia ago during which they held rituals that involved dancing, singing, and making incantations to the accompaniment of instruments.
Carmel Mabuhay Sr.
Wowowee in Dubai
Philippines' favourite noontime show comes to town.
He has managed to bring joy to millions of Filipinos around the world as host of the entertaining variety television show Wowowee. News is out that Willie Revillame is all set to stage the show on January 30 at the Dubai Festival City.
Last year was quite a ride for Revillame. From controversies to health issues, the TV star had his share of worries. And yet he continues to entertain his fans the world over. A favourite noontime show telecast on the TFC channel in the Philippines, Wowowee is coming to Dubai as part of its Wowowee World Tour which has reached the US, Canada and Australia. This will be the show's first time in the Middle East.
Audiences in Dubai can expect more exciting and out of the ordinary performances and surprises from Wowowee as it will celebrate four significant events: the kick-off of the Wowowee World Tours for 2009, the opening salvo of TFC Middle East for the 15th anniversary of The Filipino Channel, the 4th anniversary of Wowowee and Revillame's birthday.
Fans will get to sing to Revillame's Ah Doo Doo Doo, Araw-Araw Ay Pasko, Boom Tarat Tarat, Igiling-giling, Joke Joke Lang, Buksan Mo Papasukin Ako and Mamamasko Po. They will also get to enjoy the spectacular performances of Filipino artistes and dancers, as well as games such as Bigat-10, Ituro Mo, Big Time Pera o Bayong, Willie of Fortune, Tanong Ko, Sagutin Mo and Pasalog.
The fun does not stop here. Al Hedaya Travel, the official travel partner for Wowowee in Dubai 2009, will be offering special packages (airfare, hotel, visa and concert tickets) for fans outside the UAE. All you have to do is contact Al Hedaya Travel for the best travel packages.
By: Staff Report
http://gulfnews.com/eplus/Events/10277171.html
He has managed to bring joy to millions of Filipinos around the world as host of the entertaining variety television show Wowowee. News is out that Willie Revillame is all set to stage the show on January 30 at the Dubai Festival City.
Last year was quite a ride for Revillame. From controversies to health issues, the TV star had his share of worries. And yet he continues to entertain his fans the world over. A favourite noontime show telecast on the TFC channel in the Philippines, Wowowee is coming to Dubai as part of its Wowowee World Tour which has reached the US, Canada and Australia. This will be the show's first time in the Middle East.
Audiences in Dubai can expect more exciting and out of the ordinary performances and surprises from Wowowee as it will celebrate four significant events: the kick-off of the Wowowee World Tours for 2009, the opening salvo of TFC Middle East for the 15th anniversary of The Filipino Channel, the 4th anniversary of Wowowee and Revillame's birthday.
Fans will get to sing to Revillame's Ah Doo Doo Doo, Araw-Araw Ay Pasko, Boom Tarat Tarat, Igiling-giling, Joke Joke Lang, Buksan Mo Papasukin Ako and Mamamasko Po. They will also get to enjoy the spectacular performances of Filipino artistes and dancers, as well as games such as Bigat-10, Ituro Mo, Big Time Pera o Bayong, Willie of Fortune, Tanong Ko, Sagutin Mo and Pasalog.
The fun does not stop here. Al Hedaya Travel, the official travel partner for Wowowee in Dubai 2009, will be offering special packages (airfare, hotel, visa and concert tickets) for fans outside the UAE. All you have to do is contact Al Hedaya Travel for the best travel packages.
By: Staff Report
http://gulfnews.com/eplus/Events/10277171.html
May Bukas Pa’ on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida
Zaijan Jaramilla will make televiewers cry in the upcoming drama series on ABS-CBN, May Bukas Pa.
May Bukas Pa, formerly titled Marcelino, is a new show under the primetime bida block of ABS-CBN which aims to give hope and inspiration amid the current crisis. It will star Zaijan Jaramilla as Santino.
Included in the cast is Dina Bonnevie marking her comeback in the kapamilya network after her appearance on the GMA soap Babangon Ako’t Dudurugin Kita. The rumored stars of the local version of Twilight, Rayver Cruz and Shaina Magdayao, will also star in the said series.
The strong supporting cast of May Bukas Pa includes Albert Martinez, Maja Salvador, Jaime Fabregas, Tonton Guttierez, Precious Lara Quigaman, Ogie Diaz, Desiree del Valle, Dominic Ochoa, Sunshine Cruz, Tuesday Vargas, Lito Pimentel and Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity winner Ruben Gonzaga.
May Bukas Pa will start airing on February 2, 2009 right after TV Patrol World. According to Deo Endrinal, Business Unit Head of ABS-CBN, May Bukas Pa is not replacing any of the four existing shows on their primetime line-up.
By:abscbn primetime bida
http://www.starmometer.com/2009/01/28/may-bukas-pa-on-abs-cbn-primetime-bida/
May Bukas Pa, formerly titled Marcelino, is a new show under the primetime bida block of ABS-CBN which aims to give hope and inspiration amid the current crisis. It will star Zaijan Jaramilla as Santino.
Included in the cast is Dina Bonnevie marking her comeback in the kapamilya network after her appearance on the GMA soap Babangon Ako’t Dudurugin Kita. The rumored stars of the local version of Twilight, Rayver Cruz and Shaina Magdayao, will also star in the said series.
The strong supporting cast of May Bukas Pa includes Albert Martinez, Maja Salvador, Jaime Fabregas, Tonton Guttierez, Precious Lara Quigaman, Ogie Diaz, Desiree del Valle, Dominic Ochoa, Sunshine Cruz, Tuesday Vargas, Lito Pimentel and Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity winner Ruben Gonzaga.
May Bukas Pa will start airing on February 2, 2009 right after TV Patrol World. According to Deo Endrinal, Business Unit Head of ABS-CBN, May Bukas Pa is not replacing any of the four existing shows on their primetime line-up.
By:abscbn primetime bida
http://www.starmometer.com/2009/01/28/may-bukas-pa-on-abs-cbn-primetime-bida/
Hello World
Welcome to the Online Press Room of RCD Global - a Division of RCD Land.
Stay tuned because we will be posting press releases by RCD Land, Inc. about its projects and happenings that will impact the real estate industry in the Philippines.
Stay tuned because we will be posting press releases by RCD Land, Inc. about its projects and happenings that will impact the real estate industry in the Philippines.
Hello World !!!
Welcome to The Best of Filipino News.
Stay tuned by always coming back to this blog because I will be posting a lot of Filipino news that will surely make you feel good and proud to be a Filipino.
Stay tuned by always coming back to this blog because I will be posting a lot of Filipino news that will surely make you feel good and proud to be a Filipino.
Bohol distributes P 1 million to 10 coops as support fund
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol - Gov. Erico Aumentado recently distributed some P 1 million, in checks of P 100,000 each, to 10 cooperatives in Bohol to infuse fresh funds and pump the economy in the countryside.
Aumentado distributed the checks during the convocation following the Monday flag - raising ceremony sponsored for the month by the Sangguniang Panllalawigan.
He said the amount is part of a lump sum the provincial government under hs watch allocates annually to support livelihood projects, as part of Bohol' s poverty reduction program.
The Bohol Poverty Reduction Management Office (BPRMO) under Antonieto Pernia organizes loose farmers' of fishermen associations into cooperatives, trains the members in the different aspects of cooperativism and as soon as they are capacitated of empowered, provides funds for project proposals that are feasible and viable.
This has been part of Aumentado's formula to pluck Bohol out of Club 20 - the country's 20 poorest provinces when the first assumed as governor in 2001 and when insurgency was still a major problem.
Using a multi-prolonged approach, the military, the civilian government, the police, the church and the private sector in the province - in what the governor likes to refer to as Team Bohol - soon deprived the rebels of their mass base and supporters, and reduced the insurgents into a mere ragtag band on the run.
Thus, in his second term as governor, the United Nation Development Program (UNDP) 2005 Human Development Report indicated that Bohol has berthed 41st among 79 provinces.
A year later, Aumentado took the province to 52nd place - 11 notches higher - according to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) of the National Economic and Development Authority(NEDA).
"With peace and order comes development," the government said.
The recipients and their projects are Pagsa , Dimiao town - consumer store; Golden MPC in Bulawan, Mabini town - copra trading; Fatima Inabanga Bohol MPC in Fatima, Inaabanga town and Candaigan, Loon town - consumer stores;
Ubojan Sagbayan Progressive MPC in Ubojan, Sagbayan town and San Roque Wavers MPC in San Roque, Sagbayan town - basic food commodities trading; Fatima Cortes livelihood MPC in Fatima town - agricultural farm products trading.
By June S, Blanco, Manila Bulletin
Aumentado distributed the checks during the convocation following the Monday flag - raising ceremony sponsored for the month by the Sangguniang Panllalawigan.
He said the amount is part of a lump sum the provincial government under hs watch allocates annually to support livelihood projects, as part of Bohol' s poverty reduction program.
The Bohol Poverty Reduction Management Office (BPRMO) under Antonieto Pernia organizes loose farmers' of fishermen associations into cooperatives, trains the members in the different aspects of cooperativism and as soon as they are capacitated of empowered, provides funds for project proposals that are feasible and viable.
This has been part of Aumentado's formula to pluck Bohol out of Club 20 - the country's 20 poorest provinces when the first assumed as governor in 2001 and when insurgency was still a major problem.
Using a multi-prolonged approach, the military, the civilian government, the police, the church and the private sector in the province - in what the governor likes to refer to as Team Bohol - soon deprived the rebels of their mass base and supporters, and reduced the insurgents into a mere ragtag band on the run.
Thus, in his second term as governor, the United Nation Development Program (UNDP) 2005 Human Development Report indicated that Bohol has berthed 41st among 79 provinces.
A year later, Aumentado took the province to 52nd place - 11 notches higher - according to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) of the National Economic and Development Authority(NEDA).
"With peace and order comes development," the government said.
The recipients and their projects are Pagsa , Dimiao town - consumer store; Golden MPC in Bulawan, Mabini town - copra trading; Fatima Inabanga Bohol MPC in Fatima, Inaabanga town and Candaigan, Loon town - consumer stores;
Ubojan Sagbayan Progressive MPC in Ubojan, Sagbayan town and San Roque Wavers MPC in San Roque, Sagbayan town - basic food commodities trading; Fatima Cortes livelihood MPC in Fatima town - agricultural farm products trading.
By June S, Blanco, Manila Bulletin
Biliran launches job assistance program
NAVAL, Biliran - A newly launched job-generating intervention program by the provincial government here that is bearing tangible results is the Overseas Workers Assistance Program (OWAP).
Emmanuel V. Sibayan, Cooperative Development Specialist, disclosed this saying that this assistance program launched last June 2008 is a livelihood enhancement in addition to the "Dagdag Puhunan Pangkabuhayan" program that Biliran Gov. Rogelio J Espina is pushing, and it has already sent 19 migrant workers abroad.
Sibayan said that OWAP was conceptualized by Espina to help Biliranons, who are ready to go out and work abroad - but are hindered by financial difficulties, so that they would not fall prey to loan sharks.
"Usually, most problems of those about to go and work abroad is the money to be left with their family for sustenance, while they (breadwinners) take chances in foreign lands," said Sibayan.
The amount extended to each applicant or person depends on their respective needs - but it ranges from P30,0000 to P50,000 per applicant.
Sibayan said it was started with a capital infusion of P350.000, due to a remarkable repayment of 90 percent, the amount has grown to P660, 000.
For this year the amount available for loans is P500,000. The loan has an interest of 10 percent per annum on diminishing balance, said Sibayan, which means that for the good payers, the interest gets lesser and lesser every payment.
by Jack Gaidangan, Manila Bulletin
Emmanuel V. Sibayan, Cooperative Development Specialist, disclosed this saying that this assistance program launched last June 2008 is a livelihood enhancement in addition to the "Dagdag Puhunan Pangkabuhayan" program that Biliran Gov. Rogelio J Espina is pushing, and it has already sent 19 migrant workers abroad.
Sibayan said that OWAP was conceptualized by Espina to help Biliranons, who are ready to go out and work abroad - but are hindered by financial difficulties, so that they would not fall prey to loan sharks.
"Usually, most problems of those about to go and work abroad is the money to be left with their family for sustenance, while they (breadwinners) take chances in foreign lands," said Sibayan.
The amount extended to each applicant or person depends on their respective needs - but it ranges from P30,0000 to P50,000 per applicant.
Sibayan said it was started with a capital infusion of P350.000, due to a remarkable repayment of 90 percent, the amount has grown to P660, 000.
For this year the amount available for loans is P500,000. The loan has an interest of 10 percent per annum on diminishing balance, said Sibayan, which means that for the good payers, the interest gets lesser and lesser every payment.
by Jack Gaidangan, Manila Bulletin
Incentives for companies hiring retrenched Overseas Filipino workers sought
Sen. Estrada sought yesterday special fiscal and non fiscal incentives for all companies that would retrain and hire retrenched overseas Filipino workers.
Estrada, chairman of the senate committee on labor and employment and human resources development and the joint congressional oversight committee on labor and employment, said the incentives could be though "tax credits, tax exemptions, income tax holidays, duty free importation of raw materials and equipment" or a combination of these.
"With these incentives, local companies - even those that had otherwise decided to freeze their hiring of employees due to the economic slowdown, would be able to absorb additional personnel from among the ranks of the retrenched Overseas Filipino Workers. This measure could help retrenched Overseas Filipino Workers find new jobs, and on the other hand, help our local enterprises weather the effects of the crisis," Estrada said.
Estrada cited reports from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration that
3,567 Filipinos from Macau, China have been laid off due to the global crisis.
He said the bulk of the laid off OFWs - 3,321 - were from Taiwan's electronic metal works and semi-conductor companies while some were from Macau's casino and construction firms; South Korea's electronics ; Brunei's electrical and communications; Australia's shipbuilding; United Kingdom's garments; the United Arab Emirates' own industries; and from foreign vessels around the globe.
The county's largest labor group, meantime, urged yesterday displaced Overseas Filipino Workers to focus their efforts on putting up small businesses.
by Jose Rodel Clapano, Manila Bulletin
Estrada, chairman of the senate committee on labor and employment and human resources development and the joint congressional oversight committee on labor and employment, said the incentives could be though "tax credits, tax exemptions, income tax holidays, duty free importation of raw materials and equipment" or a combination of these.
"With these incentives, local companies - even those that had otherwise decided to freeze their hiring of employees due to the economic slowdown, would be able to absorb additional personnel from among the ranks of the retrenched Overseas Filipino Workers. This measure could help retrenched Overseas Filipino Workers find new jobs, and on the other hand, help our local enterprises weather the effects of the crisis," Estrada said.
Estrada cited reports from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration that
3,567 Filipinos from Macau, China have been laid off due to the global crisis.
He said the bulk of the laid off OFWs - 3,321 - were from Taiwan's electronic metal works and semi-conductor companies while some were from Macau's casino and construction firms; South Korea's electronics ; Brunei's electrical and communications; Australia's shipbuilding; United Kingdom's garments; the United Arab Emirates' own industries; and from foreign vessels around the globe.
The county's largest labor group, meantime, urged yesterday displaced Overseas Filipino Workers to focus their efforts on putting up small businesses.
by Jose Rodel Clapano, Manila Bulletin
British aircraft company eyes Mindanao for $40-M project
DAVAO CITY- BRITISH AEROSPACE (BAE) has trained sight on the Philippines and included Southern Mindanao in the short list of areas in Asia being considered as possible site for its $40-million manufacturing facility, an investment official said Tuesday.
BAE is a UK-based aircraft manufacturing and solution company. Gil Dureza, chief of the Board of Investment (BOI) in Southern Mindanao said BAE officials had already asked the British Embassy in Manila about the region.
Dureza said he was informed of this development by British embassy officials and his counterpart in Manila.
The company, he said specially wanted to find out the system of conveyances in the region - road network, airports, seaports, available support facilities, as well as shipping costs.
Dureza said BAE also inquired about specific companies operating in the region that manufacture parts, fabricated metal parts, loom and harnesses, electrical cable, plastics vacuum formed and composite and injection molding.
He said his office had recommended the HIJO international port in Madaum, Tagum City as one of the possible sites for the company's subject.
The port, which is owned by HIJO Resources Corp. has two operating berths with a total area of 25 hectares.
The other possible locations that the BOI had recommended, Dureza said, were Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur, which is home to San Miguel Brewery and Digos City, where Japanese tile-maker Nakayama Technology Corp. has built a plant.
BAE is among the major player in the European air defense system. It manufactures aircrafts, including longest passenger aircraft-Airbus A380.
"They might have known Davao from the (sales) hype we conducted in Europe. Last year, we had a lot of European visitors," he said.
As this developed, Dureza said the region continued to receive investment proposals, as foreign companies that had put up their facilities here had been successful.
He cited the case of the Dutch robotics company, HGG Profiling BV, which manufacture steel cutting robots in its mini plant in Bajada here.
Dureza said the company had finish two machines due for testing anytime and had already received 12 orders from the Middle East and South America.
The machines, he said, were intended for use oil drilling and ship building.Dureza said there were also other investment leads for the region, including a motorcycle assembly project and a paper manufacturing venture.
Rizalene P. Acac and Judy Quiros, Philippine Daily Inquirer
BAE is a UK-based aircraft manufacturing and solution company. Gil Dureza, chief of the Board of Investment (BOI) in Southern Mindanao said BAE officials had already asked the British Embassy in Manila about the region.
Dureza said he was informed of this development by British embassy officials and his counterpart in Manila.
The company, he said specially wanted to find out the system of conveyances in the region - road network, airports, seaports, available support facilities, as well as shipping costs.
Dureza said BAE also inquired about specific companies operating in the region that manufacture parts, fabricated metal parts, loom and harnesses, electrical cable, plastics vacuum formed and composite and injection molding.
He said his office had recommended the HIJO international port in Madaum, Tagum City as one of the possible sites for the company's subject.
The port, which is owned by HIJO Resources Corp. has two operating berths with a total area of 25 hectares.
The other possible locations that the BOI had recommended, Dureza said, were Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur, which is home to San Miguel Brewery and Digos City, where Japanese tile-maker Nakayama Technology Corp. has built a plant.
BAE is among the major player in the European air defense system. It manufactures aircrafts, including longest passenger aircraft-Airbus A380.
"They might have known Davao from the (sales) hype we conducted in Europe. Last year, we had a lot of European visitors," he said.
As this developed, Dureza said the region continued to receive investment proposals, as foreign companies that had put up their facilities here had been successful.
He cited the case of the Dutch robotics company, HGG Profiling BV, which manufacture steel cutting robots in its mini plant in Bajada here.
Dureza said the company had finish two machines due for testing anytime and had already received 12 orders from the Middle East and South America.
The machines, he said, were intended for use oil drilling and ship building.Dureza said there were also other investment leads for the region, including a motorcycle assembly project and a paper manufacturing venture.
Rizalene P. Acac and Judy Quiros, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Roach sees another KO victory for Pacquiao
Freddie Roach didn't waste his time laying out his plan for the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton fight on May 2 in Las Vegas.
ADVERTISEMENT "Knockout," he told The STAR which caught today's hottest trainer by phone yesterday noon (Friday evening in Los Angeles).
Roach said that like everybody else, he felt great that the fight, after all the negotiations and some useless debates, is pushing through.
"It's great. Of course," Roach said as he walked back to his apartment after closing the doors to his Wild Card Gym in Hollywood.
It's time to do the homework.
"We'll open up training camp on March 1. We'll get ready, be in shape and take care of this guy," said Roach.
And probably fight Antonio Margarito later on.
Roach still hasn't talked to Pacquiao despite persistent attempts on his part. Over the last two weeks he's been trying.
"Manny hasn't talked to me yet. I wanted him to know I'm on his side, not like some crooks," he said without elaborating.
The Pacquiao-Hatton fight, which could be the biggest this year, almost didn't push through due to disputes on the purse.
Now there's a deal, and Pacquiao stands to earn as much as $20 million or close to a billion pesos. Hatton will get just a little less.
"Manny had a problem with one thing in the deal but we worked it out," Bob Arum told ESPN.com. "I massaged something in the deal, which I"m not going to tell you about, but it didn't cost me anything. We got it done."
Insiders say that "massage" was worth at least $1 million, giving Pacquiao a guaranteed purse of $13 million and a 52-48 share of everything else.
Roach said the impasse was all part of the game.
"You negotiate first and that's how it is. It only becomes a deal when everybody is happy," said Roach.
Pacquiao has won his last nine fights, including great ones against Oscar dela Hoya, David Diaz, Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales.
"And Hatton is the best fight for him right now," said Roach, who sees Pacquiao catching Hatton in the later rounds..
"Nine is my favorite number," he said, hinting of a stoppage inside nine rounds.
"Hatton is made for Manny. He's a tough guy who comes forward. He's a game guy looking to mug you. That's the perfect style for Manny," Roach told The Sweet Science.
"You don't have to chase Hatton. You don't have to look for Ricky. You know where he's going to be. He's right there in front of you, which is what Manny likes. He likes a guy who wants to try and make it a fight."
That's half the job done for Roach.
- By Abac Cordero (Philstar News Service, http://www.philstar.com/)
ADVERTISEMENT "Knockout," he told The STAR which caught today's hottest trainer by phone yesterday noon (Friday evening in Los Angeles).
Roach said that like everybody else, he felt great that the fight, after all the negotiations and some useless debates, is pushing through.
"It's great. Of course," Roach said as he walked back to his apartment after closing the doors to his Wild Card Gym in Hollywood.
It's time to do the homework.
"We'll open up training camp on March 1. We'll get ready, be in shape and take care of this guy," said Roach.
And probably fight Antonio Margarito later on.
Roach still hasn't talked to Pacquiao despite persistent attempts on his part. Over the last two weeks he's been trying.
"Manny hasn't talked to me yet. I wanted him to know I'm on his side, not like some crooks," he said without elaborating.
The Pacquiao-Hatton fight, which could be the biggest this year, almost didn't push through due to disputes on the purse.
Now there's a deal, and Pacquiao stands to earn as much as $20 million or close to a billion pesos. Hatton will get just a little less.
"Manny had a problem with one thing in the deal but we worked it out," Bob Arum told ESPN.com. "I massaged something in the deal, which I"m not going to tell you about, but it didn't cost me anything. We got it done."
Insiders say that "massage" was worth at least $1 million, giving Pacquiao a guaranteed purse of $13 million and a 52-48 share of everything else.
Roach said the impasse was all part of the game.
"You negotiate first and that's how it is. It only becomes a deal when everybody is happy," said Roach.
Pacquiao has won his last nine fights, including great ones against Oscar dela Hoya, David Diaz, Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales.
"And Hatton is the best fight for him right now," said Roach, who sees Pacquiao catching Hatton in the later rounds..
"Nine is my favorite number," he said, hinting of a stoppage inside nine rounds.
"Hatton is made for Manny. He's a tough guy who comes forward. He's a game guy looking to mug you. That's the perfect style for Manny," Roach told The Sweet Science.
"You don't have to chase Hatton. You don't have to look for Ricky. You know where he's going to be. He's right there in front of you, which is what Manny likes. He likes a guy who wants to try and make it a fight."
That's half the job done for Roach.
- By Abac Cordero (Philstar News Service, http://www.philstar.com/)
The Business of Beauty: Every time is a good time
By Dr. Rosalinda Ang-Hortaleza, HBC Inc., Chairman and CEO
The Storm Ahead: When Everybody says 2009 is a Doom Year
Last December 10 in Mandarin Hotel, during my eldest daughter's awarding as a Kotler Certified Marketing Professional, sitting and listening to the European Chamber of Commerce's HR Survey of 2009's economic outlook, 3 viewpoints were presented to us - that of a pessimist, a realist and an optimist.
The results of the qualitative discussion revealed that the overall mood is bordering between "wait and see" the positive outlook, considering the resiliency of the Filipinos. It was at this point that I began to smile because I knew that the balance between optimism and realism was secret of our success.
Why it pays to Be Optimistic: I have been through worst times
The year was 1985 and the country was in transition politically and going through a tough time - the economy was in a tailspin and foreign investors were leaving the country. Business prospects were likewise dim … to me, what is happening right now is like a Business Deva ju … and yet this same economic climate was the cradle that nurtured our group of companies - World Partners, Splash and HBC, which I fondly call a collective term named WSH, to where it is right now, multibillion companies and major players in their respective industries.
Yes, I know, the situation right now is different - the crisis is global, and our country, heavily dependent on exports and remittances of our OFWs will be having a harder time. To this, I answer a Chinese maxim that my father used during our humble beginnings:
"We see crisis as the Chinese did: a time of great danger and a time of great opportunity."
It is this same positive mindset that I impart to my team. My leadership instinct moves me to reassure my people that what looms before us, like all storms - will pass, and what happen right now is only temporary.
After all, Hope is all that you have when you are surrounded by darkness and frightening thunder. Hope is free, often understated, yet very powerful in strengthening employee morale to produce more, through a crisis. And so when there is a "brownout" due to a storm, it always helps to light a candle in the darkness.
Never Cross the sea when you are not Ready: Think Optimistic, Plan Realistic
When you know a storm is brewing, you prepare flashlights, canned goods, battery operated radios and candles. It is also a time to read a good book, gather together as one family to catch up and tell stories.
The same is with your business. You stay positive that the storm will pass but you stay grounded and realistic in execution by foregoing on the unnecessary and sticking to the basics. Logistics are prepared for realistic projections or in our business planning scenarios - the good - better - best scheme.
Overall expenses are spent for conservatively good scenarios, supply forecast are for better while targets are communicated to sales at best scenarios. This way, the organization stay positive but does not waste according to sale demand.
It is easy to get lost with a myriad of things to do during a crisis. Strategies are reviewed, so many activities are outlined and it seems that your managers easily get lost in all the activities.
I make it a point that my people focus on their major Key Result Area and that each area has a specific Key Performance Indicator to help us reach our goals. Also, it helps to always remind your team leaders of the Company's Vision – and your reason for existence.
Refreshing each other with reminders of your BRAND identity will help avoid unnecessary reactions to competition that will only be waste of your company's money.
Come to think of it, the blue ocean strategy that we are currently employing which is finding an uncontested area - a sustainable oil field which for HBC is the total exclusive experience offer, is very relevant in this time and age. This will help us find our own market, without directly hitting competition head on which can be really expensive especially in a crisis.
We have recently launched our "Tatak Exclusibo" 5 points because I greatly feel that when all the others are cutting ad budgets, the more that we should be visible to increase our share of voice. This will make us the preferred brand of choice once the dark skies clear and consumers start to gain confidence to spend more.
Through it all, I have personally crafted HBC's own leadership brand: our 7 Star Guiding principles that should serve as beacon of light wherever we feel lost or confused: Speed, Simplicity, Self-Confidence, Straightforwardness, Selflessness, Stewardship and Servanthood is emulating Jesus as leader who sacrifices himself for his people.
These are the personal leadership attributes, when combined with our core values will steer our ship to success, and maybe our country to success.
This month, HBC is celebrating it's 16th Year Anniversary. And looking back through those years, I am confident that based on my experience, it helps to focus on the silver lining of the clouds. After all, when the storm calms, there is always a promise of a rainbow - and I believe that there is no other time to get beautiful but now.
The Storm Ahead: When Everybody says 2009 is a Doom Year
Last December 10 in Mandarin Hotel, during my eldest daughter's awarding as a Kotler Certified Marketing Professional, sitting and listening to the European Chamber of Commerce's HR Survey of 2009's economic outlook, 3 viewpoints were presented to us - that of a pessimist, a realist and an optimist.
The results of the qualitative discussion revealed that the overall mood is bordering between "wait and see" the positive outlook, considering the resiliency of the Filipinos. It was at this point that I began to smile because I knew that the balance between optimism and realism was secret of our success.
Why it pays to Be Optimistic: I have been through worst times
The year was 1985 and the country was in transition politically and going through a tough time - the economy was in a tailspin and foreign investors were leaving the country. Business prospects were likewise dim … to me, what is happening right now is like a Business Deva ju … and yet this same economic climate was the cradle that nurtured our group of companies - World Partners, Splash and HBC, which I fondly call a collective term named WSH, to where it is right now, multibillion companies and major players in their respective industries.
Yes, I know, the situation right now is different - the crisis is global, and our country, heavily dependent on exports and remittances of our OFWs will be having a harder time. To this, I answer a Chinese maxim that my father used during our humble beginnings:
"We see crisis as the Chinese did: a time of great danger and a time of great opportunity."
It is this same positive mindset that I impart to my team. My leadership instinct moves me to reassure my people that what looms before us, like all storms - will pass, and what happen right now is only temporary.
After all, Hope is all that you have when you are surrounded by darkness and frightening thunder. Hope is free, often understated, yet very powerful in strengthening employee morale to produce more, through a crisis. And so when there is a "brownout" due to a storm, it always helps to light a candle in the darkness.
Never Cross the sea when you are not Ready: Think Optimistic, Plan Realistic
When you know a storm is brewing, you prepare flashlights, canned goods, battery operated radios and candles. It is also a time to read a good book, gather together as one family to catch up and tell stories.
The same is with your business. You stay positive that the storm will pass but you stay grounded and realistic in execution by foregoing on the unnecessary and sticking to the basics. Logistics are prepared for realistic projections or in our business planning scenarios - the good - better - best scheme.
Overall expenses are spent for conservatively good scenarios, supply forecast are for better while targets are communicated to sales at best scenarios. This way, the organization stay positive but does not waste according to sale demand.
It is easy to get lost with a myriad of things to do during a crisis. Strategies are reviewed, so many activities are outlined and it seems that your managers easily get lost in all the activities.
I make it a point that my people focus on their major Key Result Area and that each area has a specific Key Performance Indicator to help us reach our goals. Also, it helps to always remind your team leaders of the Company's Vision – and your reason for existence.
Refreshing each other with reminders of your BRAND identity will help avoid unnecessary reactions to competition that will only be waste of your company's money.
Come to think of it, the blue ocean strategy that we are currently employing which is finding an uncontested area - a sustainable oil field which for HBC is the total exclusive experience offer, is very relevant in this time and age. This will help us find our own market, without directly hitting competition head on which can be really expensive especially in a crisis.
We have recently launched our "Tatak Exclusibo" 5 points because I greatly feel that when all the others are cutting ad budgets, the more that we should be visible to increase our share of voice. This will make us the preferred brand of choice once the dark skies clear and consumers start to gain confidence to spend more.
Through it all, I have personally crafted HBC's own leadership brand: our 7 Star Guiding principles that should serve as beacon of light wherever we feel lost or confused: Speed, Simplicity, Self-Confidence, Straightforwardness, Selflessness, Stewardship and Servanthood is emulating Jesus as leader who sacrifices himself for his people.
These are the personal leadership attributes, when combined with our core values will steer our ship to success, and maybe our country to success.
This month, HBC is celebrating it's 16th Year Anniversary. And looking back through those years, I am confident that based on my experience, it helps to focus on the silver lining of the clouds. After all, when the storm calms, there is always a promise of a rainbow - and I believe that there is no other time to get beautiful but now.
Pinoy teen wins Aussie Grand Slam title
Tennis wunderkind Francis Casey "Nino" Alcantara, who made history as the first Filipino to win a Grand Slam title, dedicated his victory in the Australian Open Saturday to his late father.
The power-hitting Alcantara, who arrived yesterday from Melbourne, teamed up with Chinese-Taipei's Cheng Peng Hsieh for the Aussie Open junior boys doubles crown, beating Mikhal Biryukov of Russia and Yasutaka Uchiyama of Japan, 6-4, 6-2, in the finals.
The 5-foot-7 Filipino ace lost his father Francis when he was only 10 seven years ago. It was a painful blow. Alcantara, the oldest of three boys, learned the game at the age of five playing doubles with his father at the Nazareth Lawn Tennis Club across the street from their home in Cagayan de Oro.
Alcantara's father was 37 when he succumbed to a heart attack. His mother Sarah, a Social Security System employee, took over as the family's sole provider.
"I dedicate the victory to my dad who's watching over me up there," said Alcantara who turns 17 on Wednesday. "I'm really proud to be a Filipino. I'm also dedicating the championship to all our countrymen."
The seventh-seeded Alcantara and Hsieh mowed down five pairs to bag the title. First to fall were Toni Androic of Croatia and Sudarwa Sitaram of India, 6-3, 6-4. Then came James Chaudry of England and John Morissey of Ireland, 6-0, 6-3.
In the quarterfinals, Alcantara and Hsieh crushed Germany's Kevin Krawietz and Dominik Schultz, 6-4, 7-6. They disposed of Austria's Maximilian Neuchrist and Tristan Samuel Weissborn, 7-6, 6-4, before trouncing Biryukov and Uchiyama for the crown.
"I like playing with Hsieh," said Alcantara who leaves today for Cagayan de Oro to catch up with his Xavier high school studies in time for graduation next month. "His serve, return and volley are exceptional. His defense is also very good. He gives me a lot of chances to poach."
Alcantara said he felt Biryukov and Uchiyama were nervous in the finals. "We were relaxed but they were pressured," he noted. "Our chemistry was perfect. It was our fourth doubles competition together and third championship after winning in China and Thailand."
Alcantara admitted being awed by the presence of his heroes, particularly Argentina's 6-6 Juan Martin del Potro, at the Australian Open. But he didn't allow himself to be distracted when it came to winning time.
"I was really excited to see (Rafael) Nadal, del Potro and Serena (Williams)," he said. "I took pictures with all of them."
Alcantara's mother, former Xavier of Cagayan de Oro president Fr. Antonio Samson and tennis supporter Oscar Hilado watched the finals at courtside. Two other tennis benefactors Jean Henri Lhuillier and Rommie Chan were in Melbourne for Alcantara's previous matches.
"It was a great feeling to see a Filipino win a Grand Slam title," said Hilado, chairman of Philippine Investment Management Consultants, Inc. (Phinma).
"Nino was very poised out there. The age range of 16 to 18 is critical in the development of junior players and while his education is important, we're hoping to be a bit flexible in his schedule. Exposure is vital and we want Nino to play in more Grand Slam tournaments but he has to earn his spot in the main draw. He was the lightest player on the court (he weighs only about 130 pounds) so he needs to build his body strength. He makes up for his lack of bulk with skill and his mind. He has absolutely no sense of inferiority playing against bigger foreign stars."
Chan said he will take up Alcantara's school schedule with Xavier of Cagayan de Oro president Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin to discuss adjustments because of conflicts in the tournament calendar.
"There are at least three Grade 1 level junior tournaments before Manila hosts one and we hope Nino is able to complete the tour," said Chan. "His graduation is in March but the first Grade 1 level competition is scheduled in late February. This is a turning point in Nino's life and we realize he's in a kind of dilemma."
Chan said to prepare for the Australian Open, he sent coach Jun Toledo and national players Toto Joven and Rolito Litang to train Alcantara in Cagayan de Oro.
"Nino didn't want to miss classes," said Chan. "I don't think he was warmed up enough for his first singles match and lost it to Sweden's Daniel Berta. That's because he arrived in Australia later than the others. He's the only junior player in the world's top 30 still in school. While Nino was in class, the other world-ranked junior players were playing in the US, Mexico and South America to warm up for Melbourne. As Nino played more games in doubles, he got better. He was aggressive in looking to volley, his returns were crisp and he was very composed. If he had more preparation, Nino would've gone far in the singles."
Chan said the goal is for Alcantara, now the world's No. 29 junior player, to make it to the top four this year.
"If he falls below 50, it'll be impossible to book a slot in the main draw for the next Grand Slam events," explained Chan. "We want him to be actively competing so he can improve his ranking and move closer to the top. Nino's the future of Philippine tennis. For Nino, the sky's the limit."
Hsieh, 17, invited Alcantara to team up via e-mail a month before because his former partner Liang Chi Huang decided to pair with India's Yuki Bhambri. Alcantara used to play doubles with Bhambri and welcomed Hsieh's offer. The top-seeded Huang and Bhambri were bundled out in the semis.
"Hsieh's a showman and has a tendency to grandstand," said Chan. "No doubt, he's very talented but he sometimes loses focus to excite the crowd. In the semis, they nearly lost the first set and barely won, 7-6, because of Hsieh's antics but he got serious after his sister (Shuai Peng), who plays on the women's pro tour, showed up in the stands and told him to start playing hard. Hsieh doesn't get along with a lot of players but he has a lot of respect for Niño."
- By Joaquin Henson http://www.philstar.com
The power-hitting Alcantara, who arrived yesterday from Melbourne, teamed up with Chinese-Taipei's Cheng Peng Hsieh for the Aussie Open junior boys doubles crown, beating Mikhal Biryukov of Russia and Yasutaka Uchiyama of Japan, 6-4, 6-2, in the finals.
The 5-foot-7 Filipino ace lost his father Francis when he was only 10 seven years ago. It was a painful blow. Alcantara, the oldest of three boys, learned the game at the age of five playing doubles with his father at the Nazareth Lawn Tennis Club across the street from their home in Cagayan de Oro.
Alcantara's father was 37 when he succumbed to a heart attack. His mother Sarah, a Social Security System employee, took over as the family's sole provider.
"I dedicate the victory to my dad who's watching over me up there," said Alcantara who turns 17 on Wednesday. "I'm really proud to be a Filipino. I'm also dedicating the championship to all our countrymen."
The seventh-seeded Alcantara and Hsieh mowed down five pairs to bag the title. First to fall were Toni Androic of Croatia and Sudarwa Sitaram of India, 6-3, 6-4. Then came James Chaudry of England and John Morissey of Ireland, 6-0, 6-3.
In the quarterfinals, Alcantara and Hsieh crushed Germany's Kevin Krawietz and Dominik Schultz, 6-4, 7-6. They disposed of Austria's Maximilian Neuchrist and Tristan Samuel Weissborn, 7-6, 6-4, before trouncing Biryukov and Uchiyama for the crown.
"I like playing with Hsieh," said Alcantara who leaves today for Cagayan de Oro to catch up with his Xavier high school studies in time for graduation next month. "His serve, return and volley are exceptional. His defense is also very good. He gives me a lot of chances to poach."
Alcantara said he felt Biryukov and Uchiyama were nervous in the finals. "We were relaxed but they were pressured," he noted. "Our chemistry was perfect. It was our fourth doubles competition together and third championship after winning in China and Thailand."
Alcantara admitted being awed by the presence of his heroes, particularly Argentina's 6-6 Juan Martin del Potro, at the Australian Open. But he didn't allow himself to be distracted when it came to winning time.
"I was really excited to see (Rafael) Nadal, del Potro and Serena (Williams)," he said. "I took pictures with all of them."
Alcantara's mother, former Xavier of Cagayan de Oro president Fr. Antonio Samson and tennis supporter Oscar Hilado watched the finals at courtside. Two other tennis benefactors Jean Henri Lhuillier and Rommie Chan were in Melbourne for Alcantara's previous matches.
"It was a great feeling to see a Filipino win a Grand Slam title," said Hilado, chairman of Philippine Investment Management Consultants, Inc. (Phinma).
"Nino was very poised out there. The age range of 16 to 18 is critical in the development of junior players and while his education is important, we're hoping to be a bit flexible in his schedule. Exposure is vital and we want Nino to play in more Grand Slam tournaments but he has to earn his spot in the main draw. He was the lightest player on the court (he weighs only about 130 pounds) so he needs to build his body strength. He makes up for his lack of bulk with skill and his mind. He has absolutely no sense of inferiority playing against bigger foreign stars."
Chan said he will take up Alcantara's school schedule with Xavier of Cagayan de Oro president Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin to discuss adjustments because of conflicts in the tournament calendar.
"There are at least three Grade 1 level junior tournaments before Manila hosts one and we hope Nino is able to complete the tour," said Chan. "His graduation is in March but the first Grade 1 level competition is scheduled in late February. This is a turning point in Nino's life and we realize he's in a kind of dilemma."
Chan said to prepare for the Australian Open, he sent coach Jun Toledo and national players Toto Joven and Rolito Litang to train Alcantara in Cagayan de Oro.
"Nino didn't want to miss classes," said Chan. "I don't think he was warmed up enough for his first singles match and lost it to Sweden's Daniel Berta. That's because he arrived in Australia later than the others. He's the only junior player in the world's top 30 still in school. While Nino was in class, the other world-ranked junior players were playing in the US, Mexico and South America to warm up for Melbourne. As Nino played more games in doubles, he got better. He was aggressive in looking to volley, his returns were crisp and he was very composed. If he had more preparation, Nino would've gone far in the singles."
Chan said the goal is for Alcantara, now the world's No. 29 junior player, to make it to the top four this year.
"If he falls below 50, it'll be impossible to book a slot in the main draw for the next Grand Slam events," explained Chan. "We want him to be actively competing so he can improve his ranking and move closer to the top. Nino's the future of Philippine tennis. For Nino, the sky's the limit."
Hsieh, 17, invited Alcantara to team up via e-mail a month before because his former partner Liang Chi Huang decided to pair with India's Yuki Bhambri. Alcantara used to play doubles with Bhambri and welcomed Hsieh's offer. The top-seeded Huang and Bhambri were bundled out in the semis.
"Hsieh's a showman and has a tendency to grandstand," said Chan. "No doubt, he's very talented but he sometimes loses focus to excite the crowd. In the semis, they nearly lost the first set and barely won, 7-6, because of Hsieh's antics but he got serious after his sister (Shuai Peng), who plays on the women's pro tour, showed up in the stands and told him to start playing hard. Hsieh doesn't get along with a lot of players but he has a lot of respect for Niño."
- By Joaquin Henson http://www.philstar.com
OFWs benefit from expansion of New Zealand dairy industry
The rapid expansion of New Zealand's dairy industry continues to benefit Filipino workers flocking to that country in search of the proverbial "greener pasture".
No less than New Zealand's dairy farm owners and recruiters, through that country's mass media, have been reporting many vacancies.
Published reports furnished The Star by a Filipino now working in New Zealand showed that Filipinos have great promise in this island nation of 4.3 million people situated southeast of Australia.
One newspaper, The Southland Times, quoted NZ farmers and recruiters as saying that more than 3,000 workers are needed to fill the gap created by the rapid expansion of the dairy industry.
"Spurred by soaring milk prices that will result in the 11,600 dairy farmers grossing six-or seven-figure sums each this year (2008), the industry is growing so quickly employment recruiters cannot keep up", it stated.
Vacancies for dairy farm workers in Southland and Otago in NZ's southern region are expected to be filled by workers from other countries, among them the Philippines, said Peter Macfarlane, Director of the Southland agricultural recruitment company Greener Horizons.
The Straight Furrow also reported: "Filipino dairy workers to relieve the shortage on New Zealand farms were becoming a reality after Weimate man Hayden Creed interviewed about 1,000 applicants in the Philippines recently."
Creed had planned to bring 200 Filipino workers in 2008 but the number was unlikely to be enough. "Next year (2009) we may have to get triple that number to satisfy demand."
He noted that Filipino workers are generally liked by NZ farmers and many of them could go on to apply for residency and become New Zealand citizens.
"They are going to benefit New Zealand. These guys in five years time are going to be herd managers," Creed projected.
Another newspaper, Otago Southland Farmer, once headlined an article thus; "Filipinos find opportunity to progress."
The Southern Rural Life bannered: "Filipinos find opportunity to progress."
An agency also once advertised that Filipinos in its dairy farm staff are "experienced" with good English, hardworking, honest and reliable.
In it's Sept. 17, 2008 issue, The Southern Rural life featured Fabela and Elmer Maglaqui as among about 500 Filipinos now working in dairy farms in New Zealand's Southland. There are about 15,000 Filipinos in New Zealand.
"As the dairy industry expands, there is insufficient labor to meet its needs, so people like Mr. Maglaqui and Mr.Fabela are welcomed by farmers", article author Yvonne O’hara wrote.
Philippine Star
No less than New Zealand's dairy farm owners and recruiters, through that country's mass media, have been reporting many vacancies.
Published reports furnished The Star by a Filipino now working in New Zealand showed that Filipinos have great promise in this island nation of 4.3 million people situated southeast of Australia.
One newspaper, The Southland Times, quoted NZ farmers and recruiters as saying that more than 3,000 workers are needed to fill the gap created by the rapid expansion of the dairy industry.
"Spurred by soaring milk prices that will result in the 11,600 dairy farmers grossing six-or seven-figure sums each this year (2008), the industry is growing so quickly employment recruiters cannot keep up", it stated.
Vacancies for dairy farm workers in Southland and Otago in NZ's southern region are expected to be filled by workers from other countries, among them the Philippines, said Peter Macfarlane, Director of the Southland agricultural recruitment company Greener Horizons.
The Straight Furrow also reported: "Filipino dairy workers to relieve the shortage on New Zealand farms were becoming a reality after Weimate man Hayden Creed interviewed about 1,000 applicants in the Philippines recently."
Creed had planned to bring 200 Filipino workers in 2008 but the number was unlikely to be enough. "Next year (2009) we may have to get triple that number to satisfy demand."
He noted that Filipino workers are generally liked by NZ farmers and many of them could go on to apply for residency and become New Zealand citizens.
"They are going to benefit New Zealand. These guys in five years time are going to be herd managers," Creed projected.
Another newspaper, Otago Southland Farmer, once headlined an article thus; "Filipinos find opportunity to progress."
The Southern Rural Life bannered: "Filipinos find opportunity to progress."
An agency also once advertised that Filipinos in its dairy farm staff are "experienced" with good English, hardworking, honest and reliable.
In it's Sept. 17, 2008 issue, The Southern Rural life featured Fabela and Elmer Maglaqui as among about 500 Filipinos now working in dairy farms in New Zealand's Southland. There are about 15,000 Filipinos in New Zealand.
"As the dairy industry expands, there is insufficient labor to meet its needs, so people like Mr. Maglaqui and Mr.Fabela are welcomed by farmers", article author Yvonne O’hara wrote.
Philippine Star
Kultura Filipino Unveiling a new perspective on our lineage
To capture the divergent layers of culture that lay in our country's 7,107 islands one needs to look towards different avenues of history, art, music, dance and even food if someone is to say that it is step towards understanding it. However, anyone can capture the essence of our cultural distinctiveness through Kultura Filipino, a program launched by the Department of Tourism.
Kultura Filipino showcases performances that depict the life and ways of the Filipino through various exhibitions around Manila's history town, Intramuros.
One of its highlights includes several shows by Filipino artists, recognized here and abroad, that will be shown every Tuesday and Thursday at Barbara's Restaurant. The restaurant also served as the venue for it's launching last January 27.
"One of the main staples in a tourist's itinerary is cultural performance, and having one main venue to showcase our diverse artistic traditions to local and international audience helps to solidify our cultural identity," said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.
Barbara's was once again illuminated as performances from musical acts such as Sitti, the Mandaluyong Children's Choir and the Bayanihan Dance Company graced the stage of the famed restaurant.
Timeless tunes from yesteryears filled the walls as the Bossa Nova singer serenaded the guests with her own unique renditions of songs form the country's great composers. The Mandaluyong Children's Choir also proved why they bagged top honors in the 2004 World choir Olympics as they put together an amazing performance. A dance medley coming from the Bayanihan Dance troupe, demonstrating different folk and ethnic dances replicated a party which would commonly occur there a few hundred years ago.
Durano also added that Kultura Filipino should establish Manila; a city entrenched in history and culture, as a major destination in terms of cultural awareness as the project aims to be one of the highlights in their city tour packages. Interested groups are also urged to participate in the said campaign.
Kultura Filipino is planning to expand their repertoire to more than just music and dance. Other fields such as sculpture, painting, photography, printmaking, and cinema are also being considered to be added on. Other traditional activities such as theater plays and poetry readings are also eyed to be included in their future campaign.
Mounting these exhibitions in Intramuros should also serve as an incentive as its walls capture the historic coupled with an old world charm. This should provide another perspective as it transcend towards a unique cultural presentation.
Director Elizabeth F.Nelle, DOT Office of Product Research and Development sais,"With the country's different regions tapped to participate in Kultura Filipino, the audience can expect a colorful presentation from a whole spectrum of different traditions and performing arts."
For the month of March, the different dance groups slated to perform in Barbara's include the Bayanihan Dance Company, Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group Halili Cruz dDance Company,Lahing Bulakenyo,and Sining Kumintang Batangas,Philipine National University - Kislap Sining, Technological university of the Philippines-Kalinangan Dance Troupe, Sinukuan Performing Arts, Centro Escolar University Dance Troupe are also set to perform.
Barbara's is located at Plaza San Luis Complex, General Luna Street Intramuros Manila.
Kultura Filipino showcases performances that depict the life and ways of the Filipino through various exhibitions around Manila's history town, Intramuros.
One of its highlights includes several shows by Filipino artists, recognized here and abroad, that will be shown every Tuesday and Thursday at Barbara's Restaurant. The restaurant also served as the venue for it's launching last January 27.
"One of the main staples in a tourist's itinerary is cultural performance, and having one main venue to showcase our diverse artistic traditions to local and international audience helps to solidify our cultural identity," said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.
Barbara's was once again illuminated as performances from musical acts such as Sitti, the Mandaluyong Children's Choir and the Bayanihan Dance Company graced the stage of the famed restaurant.
Timeless tunes from yesteryears filled the walls as the Bossa Nova singer serenaded the guests with her own unique renditions of songs form the country's great composers. The Mandaluyong Children's Choir also proved why they bagged top honors in the 2004 World choir Olympics as they put together an amazing performance. A dance medley coming from the Bayanihan Dance troupe, demonstrating different folk and ethnic dances replicated a party which would commonly occur there a few hundred years ago.
Durano also added that Kultura Filipino should establish Manila; a city entrenched in history and culture, as a major destination in terms of cultural awareness as the project aims to be one of the highlights in their city tour packages. Interested groups are also urged to participate in the said campaign.
Kultura Filipino is planning to expand their repertoire to more than just music and dance. Other fields such as sculpture, painting, photography, printmaking, and cinema are also being considered to be added on. Other traditional activities such as theater plays and poetry readings are also eyed to be included in their future campaign.
Mounting these exhibitions in Intramuros should also serve as an incentive as its walls capture the historic coupled with an old world charm. This should provide another perspective as it transcend towards a unique cultural presentation.
Director Elizabeth F.Nelle, DOT Office of Product Research and Development sais,"With the country's different regions tapped to participate in Kultura Filipino, the audience can expect a colorful presentation from a whole spectrum of different traditions and performing arts."
For the month of March, the different dance groups slated to perform in Barbara's include the Bayanihan Dance Company, Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group Halili Cruz dDance Company,Lahing Bulakenyo,and Sining Kumintang Batangas,Philipine National University - Kislap Sining, Technological university of the Philippines-Kalinangan Dance Troupe, Sinukuan Performing Arts, Centro Escolar University Dance Troupe are also set to perform.
Barbara's is located at Plaza San Luis Complex, General Luna Street Intramuros Manila.
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