Live Life! Love Life!

I was there at iblog8

2012-05-28T00:00:00.000+08:00

Finally after years of signing-up and missing the summit I was able to make it last May 25-26, 2012. Yes I went there to represent and introduce my new blog about chocolate - http://pinoychocophile.blogspot.com

I had fun and learned a lot from the speakers and other bloggers. Congratulations to Ms. Janet Toral, Flow Galindez and the rest of officers and staff of the summit, Mabuhay!

Regina Brett's 45 life lessons and 5 to grow on

2012-04-02T23:31:00.000+08:00

I am re-posting a column (The Plain Dealer)Regina Brett's, 45 life lessons and 5 to grow on. The list is very interesting so I lifted the whole article here.

Published: Sunday, May 28, 2006, 10:13 AM Updated: Thursday, April 03, 2008, 10:17 AM

Source -http://www.cleveland.com/brett/blog/index.ssf/2006/05/regina_bretts_45_life_lessons.html

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

To reach this Plain Dealer columnist: rbrett@plaind.com, 216-999-6328

So which number do you like and agree from among the list?

Congratulations to all 8th TOPIK (EPS-KLT) Passers

2012-03-30T13:05:00.001+08:00

MABUHAY ! CONGRATULATIONS to all Passers!

According to the site of HRD-Korea (http://epsklt.hrdkorea.or.kr) the purpose of the test is:Promoting adaptation to Korean life by leading entrance of foreign worker who has basic understanding on Korea and evaluation of the level of Korean language skills of foreign job seekers and Korean society, It can be used as objective selection criteria for the list of foreign job seekers.

For those who successfully pass the exam, composed of listening and reading, they will have a chance for employment in Korea. So the exam serves as a qualifier in getting a job. In the Philippines it is now the 8th EPS- KLT since it was introduced in 2008. Korea and the Philippines signed a bilateral agreement on the sending and receiving of workers through the Employment Permit System (EPS).

TOTAL NUMBER OF 8TH KLT APPLICANTS: 24,021
For Manila alone the break down as follows:

MAPUA: 762 / ADAMSON: 2,400
CEU (MANILA): 2,684/ / SAN BEDA: 3,425

NATIONAL TEACHER COLLEGE: 998 / SAN SEBASTIAN COLLEGE: 2,722

Result of the Exam copied to Scribd:
8th KLT/TOPIK Passers

Scribd Link - http://www.scribd.com/doc/87296035

Link to google documents
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-o-Pno9b_1qNE81c2R5TUNTOEtmTVdGM1kxWGI3dw/edit?pli=1

The link of the results from POEA can be found here:
http://poea.gov.ph/eps/8thTopik%20Passers%20alpha.htm

For successful passers, to prepare you with your future life in Korea you are encouraged to check the following resources online:

A) The foremost and most important forum that should not be missed is - FEWA Forum or Sulyapinoy with the link below:

http://fewa.super-forum.net/

This is another article to read written in Filipino by Zack Robles with title -

Payo sa Mga Bagong Dating na EPS Worker

https://www.facebook.com/groups/247878200915/doc/10150250994170916/

http://filcomkorea.com/m/articles/view/Payo-sa-Mga-Bagong-Dating-na-EPS-Worker

Mula sa orihinal na artikulo ng Sulyapinoy Newsletter Oct. 2010 issue at post sa online forum

http://www.scribd.com/doc/41468999/Oct-2010-sulyapinoy-Issue

B) And for all other information about life in Korea, EPS, etc you might want to check these resources available at facebook:

Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA)

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Filipino-EPS-Workers-Association-FEWA/133267016692019

https://www.facebook.com/groups/155972096536/

EPS-EMPLOYMENT PERMIT SYSTEM (KOREA-PHILIPPINES)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/247878200915/

FILIPINO- KOREA EPS WORKERS ASSOCIATION

https://www.facebook.com/groups/226646034077399/

C) Sample articles published by FEWA through the Sulyapinoy newsletter in 2010-2011 (where I served as an editor can be read here):

http://www.scribd.com/my_document_collections/3104159

PEBA at the First Draw of SSS Raffle

2012-03-04T00:40:00.000+08:00

Nine overseas Filipino workers each won P10,000 as cash prize during 1st monthly raffle draw of the Social Security System’s (SSS) Member-Get-Member promo at the SSS corporate headquarters in Quezon City on February 29. OFWs can register for the promo at the agency’s local and foreign offices and through the SSS website (www.sss.gov.ph) until June 30. Photo shows Commissioner Daniel Edralin (3rd from left), head of the Social Security Commission’s Committee on OFWs, pick one of the winners with the help of SSS OFW Management Department Head Joy Villacorta (right). Also present were (from left) Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards (PEBA) Luzon and Metro Manila Coordinator Pete Rahon, Kabalikat ng Migranteng Pilipino President Luther Calderon, SSS Assistant Vice President for Internal Audit Service Antonette Fernandez and SSS Senior Vice President for International Operations Judy See.

TO JOIN, CLICK HERE https://www.sss.gov.ph/sss/index2.jsp?secid=2064&cat=6&pg=null

Blogging as an Expat/OFW Social Remittance

2011-12-04T13:07:00.001+08:00

Social remittance as a concept is not something new in the Filipino diaspora. In the 1800’s, considering the novels of Dr. Jose Rizal and the writings from the La Solidaridad by Filipino heroes, we see that their ideas paved the way for a revolution. In the 21^st century, blogging is the new form of social remittance of Filipinos working and living abroad. Through their blogs they are publishing their stories online to inspire others. They also advocate causes, help others and muster support from their readers to help effect change in their own little ways.

For more than 30 years Filipinos has been in constant motion for greener pastures due to poverty and limited job opportunities in the country. Today the unemployment rate is still high at 7.2%, not to dismiss that among those employed many considered themselves underemployed. Diaspora is more than a phenomenon; it is a necessity when Filipinos migrate to work or reside permanently in the West and other developed countries.

Social remittance was a term coined by sociologist Peggy Levitt in her book The Transnational Villagers, published in 2001. She describes it as the ideas, practices, identities and social capital that flow from receiving to sending country communities. She describes social remittances being transferred by migrants and refugees that are exchanged by letters or other forms of communication that includes phone, fax, the internet or video. She suggests that social remittance affects family relations, gender roles, class and race identity, and it has a substantial impact on political, economic and religious participation.

Levitt and Lamba Nieves in their work on Social Remittances Revisited criticize the failure of on-going researches on diaspora to recognize, “How social remittances are deployed collectively in organizational settings, and their impact on institution building and governance are not well understood. Moreover, much of the research on idea and skill transfers focuses on professional rather than labor migrant.”

With globalization, Filipino migrants are beginning to realize the power of harnessing the potential of social remittance. They are the students pursuing a higher education, professionals in white collar jobs or common and ordinary migrant workers doing blue collar jobs. Most of them are out of the country for some economic goals and aspirations. But they continue to think of contributing and giving back not only to their families but of making their motherland a better place to live.

This year the Pinoy Expat/OFW Blog Awards or PEBA 2011 is geared to recognize these plans and contributions of Filipino bloggers abroad. This year’s theme is dubbed as "Ako'y Magbabalik, Hatid Ko'y Pagbabago." (I Will Return; I Will Bring Change.) As Balikbayan, not only their monetary remittances are invested, but also their social remittance are put to use.

This year’s blog contest will look into narratives about how returning Expats/OFW will make use and share their social remittance or their talents, skills and fortunes to bring change to their families, communities and country. Expats/OFW bloggers who will be joining the contest will be required to write a blog entry on the said theme. There is also an ongoing blog contest for OFW supporters to blog about their memorable experiences gained from the homecoming or return of a Balik-bayan family member, relative or friend.

For this year, PEBA opens a new blog search called “PEBA’s Any Blogger, Anywhere” for all Filipinos who blogs on different topics in recognition of their global contribution for social change and phenomenal presence in blogosphere, be it on the field of advocacy and politics, health and well-being, finance, or travel among others.

Ayala Malls VIPinoy, a service and perks for overseas Filipinos and OFWs is the biggest sponsor of PEBA for 2011. Ayala Malls is providing Trinoma Activity Center as the venue for the awards nights on December 9, 2011. PEBA will exclusively invite some 200 guests. RSVP for invited guests can be made through VIPinoy Lounges in the different Ayala Malls.

PEBA is equally supported by one of its long time partners NOKIA and communication giant, Globe, through the auspices of its new product line, Globe Kababayan TipIDD Card.

The Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards 2011 believes that expats and OFWS should not only be recognized with the economic potential of their dollar remittances, PEBA also values the undervalued if not unvalued worth of their social remittances. This blog event is dedicated as a fitting tribute and appreciation of all expats and Filipino migrant workers of their social remittance through their blogs and photos.

Links :

http://www.pinoyblogawards.com/2011/11/peba-and-social-remittance.html

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/11/25/11/blogging-new-form-social-remittance-ofws

http://usnewslasvegas.asia/filipino-abroad/blogging-is-new-form-of-social-remittance-from-ofws/

http://www.filipinosabroad.com/ofw-news/blogging-form-social-remittance-ofws.html

Press Releases/Re-blog:

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/10/11/11/contest-ofw-bloggers-launched

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov2611/istayl05.htm

http://lionheartv.blogspot.com/2011/12/ofw-remittances-at-all-time-high-social.html

http://manilastay.blogspot.com/

http://www.ofwkablogs.com/

May 18 Memorial Foundation Recruiting Interns

2011-12-02T05:00:00.000+08:00

The May 18 Memorial Foundation is recruiting once again international interns. Below is their letter to their contacts, I was an intern myself beloging to the pioneer or first batch in 2005.

Greetings friends of The May 18 Memorial Foundation,

As 2012 is approaching, we would like to announce that we have opened
the annual internship program application. The internship program is
an imperative part of the Foundation’s mandate to promote
international solidarity and further the promotion of human rights
across the world. Through the internship program the Foundation aimsto
build concrete solidarity through the exchange of human resource and
also to nurture outstanding individuals to lead global civil society.

Thus we would like to request for your help to spread our call for the 2012
International Internship Program. Please click at the attached link to
find out more about our 2012 international internship program.

Best regards,

Solidarity Team,
The May 18 Memorial Foundation

Find out more information here:
http://www.518.org/eng/html/main.html?act=dtl&TM18MF=05010000&idx=701&page=1

Tribute to a dear friend - Antonio Salac Santos, 55

2011-12-01T13:27:00.001+08:00

Antonio Salac Santos, 55

He was a lecturer, creative consultant, actor, baritone, stylist, decorator, landscape artist, essayist, poet, culinary artist, editor and sage—the late Antonio Salac Santos couldn’t be pigeonholed.

To many, he was the perennial Peter Pan, playful, adventurous and idiosyncratic despite the thinning, salt-and-pepper hair at 55 years old.

Friends described him as “brilliant” and “genius.” Like a genie, he could do anything on the spot at your command.

Although Santos never completed his degree in AB Broadcast Communication, he was invited to lecture because of his experience in media.

He played Emilio Aguinaldo in Johnny Manahan’s epic TV series “Kasaysayan ng Lahi”; worked in the advertising sections of Business Day and Philippine Daily Express; edited Man, one of the early magazines in the ’90s catering to male readership; and joined big ad firms such as Hemisphere-Leo Burnett and J. Romero & Associates.

Since 1999, Santos has done pictorial direction for the fashion pages of the Inquirer Lifestyle section. He took the stiffness that was so common in other magazines then by creating mis en scènes for Inquirer’s spreads.

In 2003, he gave the now-defunct Elan section a younger look with bolder graphics. He produced dramatic and out-of-the-box pictorials with Jun de Leon, Nap Jamir, Wig Tysmans and Tom Epperson, and did digital imaging with Bobot Meru.

His aesthetics were distinct: saturated colors, natural lighting and maximalism. His theater background enabled him to teach his subjects how to pose or emote in front of the camera.

With his knack for artfully arranging objects and making subjects laugh, Santos handled many pictorials for Cocoon magazine.

Friends will miss Santos’ puckish humor; the help which he gave unconditionally; and his cryptic words of wisdom.

One of his last poems encapsulates his belief in life, death and rebirth. “In the winter of the soul/silent./Seemingly still./Spring awakening.” Marge C. Enriquez

International Blog Awards to honor the homecoming of OFWs & Filipino Expats

2011-10-13T23:10:00.000+08:00

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 10, 2011

International Blog Awards to honor the homecoming of OFWs & Filipino Expats

MANILA, 10 October 2011 – Pinoy Expats OFW Blog Awards, Inc., an international alliance of OFW & Pinoy Expatriate Bloggers will put to center stage the return of Philippines modern-day heroes as PEBA 2011 celebrates the “homecoming” of OFWs and Filipino Expatriates. Joining this year’s celebration are Ayala Malls, Nokia and Globe Telecoms.

PEBA is on its 4th year of recognizing Blogs written from all over the world by Filipino workers and expatriates. This year is unique from the previous awards night as it will also honor the talent of Filipinos abroad in the field of photography.

“We wanted to bring a message to the world that despite the hardship experienced by our fellow Filipinos working or residing abroad, we continuously think of returning to the Philippines with honor and our dignity intact.” according to Mr. Segre, Director of Global Affairs. The focus this year is to promote the beauty of the Philippines and declare that OFWs and Filipino expatriates are returning home to effect positives changes learned from their respective host countries. The theme, "Ako’y Magbabalik, Hatid Ko’y Pagbabago" (I Will Return, I Will Bring Change) brings to life the aspiration of Filipino workers abroad.

PEBA is going back to the basic; it will bring the advocacy to a wider audience by increasing PEBA’s visibility in the shopping malls. We want to come closer to the hearts of Filipino people, including to those who do not Blog, to the mall-going Filipinos and help us campaign for change and support the blogging Filipinos abroad.

We would like to promote the importance of Blogging because it enable and empower Filipinos in various parts of the world, encouraging them to express their thoughts, ideas and share their individual experiences.

The PEBA 2011 awards night will be held in Trinoma Activity Center on December 9, 2011 at 5PM. The winning entries of PEBA 2011 Photo Contest will be exhibited in Market Market Mall and will be attended by OFW advocates in the government, diplomatic corps and NGOs.

Contact Information:

Pete E. Rahon | PEBA 2011 Chairman

Mobile: +63917-733-7152 | Email: peterahon@pinoyblogawards.com

Mark Aethen Agana | Head of Public Relations and Media Affairs

Mobile: +63927.339.1454 | E-mail: mark.agana@pinoyblogawards.com

F. Jigs G. Segre | Director of Global Affairs & Strategic Initiatives

U.S. Contact No.: +1510.589.2950 | E-mail: jigsegre@pinoyblogawards.com

http://www.pinoyblogawards.com/2011/10/pr-international-blog-awards-to-honor.html

source links -

BALANCE SHEET OF LIFE

2011-07-24T18:41:00.007+08:00

Another beautiful email message forwarded by a friend.

Sharing it with the rest of you dear readers....

BALANCE SHEET OF LIFE

Our Birth is our Opening Balance!
Our Death is our Closing Balance!
Our Prejudiced Views are our Liabilities
Our Creative Ideas are our Assets

Heart is our Current Asset
Soul is our Fixed Asset
Brain is our Fixed Deposit
Thinking is our Current Account

Achievements are our Capital
Character & Morals, our Stock-in-Trade
Friends are our General Reserves
Values & Behaviour are our Goodwill

Patience is our Interest Earned
Love is our Dividend
Children are our Bonus Issues
Education is Brands / Patents

Knowledge is our Investment
Experience is our Premium Account
The Aim is to Tally the Balance Sheet Accurately.
The Goal is to get the Best Presented Accounts Award.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Some very Good and Very bad things ..
The most destructive habit....... ........ ......Worry
The greatest Joy......... ......... ......... ....Giving
The greatest loss..................Loss of self-respect

The most satisfying work......... ........Helping others
The ugliest personality trait....... .......Selfishness
The most endangered species..... ....Dedicated leaders
Our greatest natural resource.... ......... ......Our youth

The greatest 'shot in the arm'........ .Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome.... ......... ...Fear
The most effective sleeping pill....... Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease...... .......Excuses

The most powerful force in life........ ........... Love
The most dangerous act...... .A gossip
The world's most incredible computer.... ....The brain
The worst thing to be without..... ......... ..... Hope

The deadliest weapon...... ........ .........The tongue
The two most power-filled words....... .... 'I Can'
The greatest asset....... .......... ......... ...........Faith
The most worthless emotion.... .......... ....Self- pity

The most beautiful attire...... ......... .........SMILE!
The most prized possession.. ........ .....Integrity
The most powerful channel of communication. ..Prayer
The most contagious spirit...... ......... ......Enthusiasm

Life ends; when you stop Dreaming,
Hope ends; when you stop Believing,
Love ends; when you stop Caring,
And Friendship ends; when you stop Sharing...!!!

Compassion not Crackdown!

2011-05-14T14:36:00.001+08:00

Blog post for Blogger's Unite - International Day of Compassion in honor of Dr. Patch Adams

Sulyapinoy August 2010 Issue

CHURPCHURP and the Ombudsman

2011-03-22T00:22:00.000+08:00

Another historic event in the making in the Congress while I am doing this blog. Well I hope that signing up for this will not just be historical but also historic in economic returns, let see.

I saw at facebook's friends status update about churpchurp, so joining the bandwagon am reposting info about it here in my blog.

And the Ombudsman is impeached! Her case will now be sent to the Senate for trial!

Anyway going back...

This is from the blog of the company with the link here - http://ph.churpchurp.com/blog/2010/12/04/churpchurp-is-now-in-the-philippines/

CHURPCHURP IS NOW IN THE PHILIPPINES!

Hi Future Churpies!

ChurpChurp is now in the Philippines!

ChurpChurp is indeed a community of Social Media influencers and we’d like you to be part of it! Sign up now and be among the first among your peers to pick up the latest news, personalize it and share it to your friends and followers all over your social media networks.

As a community, we’ll be having events, contests, as well numerous giveaways on our network! Spread the word about ChurpChurp and really be a social media influencer!

Make sure you stay tuned to our blog for more announcements about campaigns, contests, events, and giveaways!

Bookmark us now!

Thanks Churpies!

And here goes the FAQ from the site.

How does ChurpChurp work?
ChurpChurp is your ultimate integrated social media solution that rewards you as ‘Influencer’ for sharing. There will be campaigns notifications provided to you from time to time.
Basically there are two main types of Churps available which are :
- A. SOCIAL SHARING
  There will be campaign briefs in your account for you to participate from time to time. Pick campaigns you’d like to share to your friends and followers and get rewarded from your clicks.
- B. SCHEDULED (USER-GENERATED) TWEETS
  If you are selected for a campaign, you will be notified via e-mail of new assignments and given a brief to compose your posts in any way you want with a few required keywords. Your tweets will go out on a schedule and after it does, earnings will be credited into your account.
- C. SOCIAL SEEDING
  If you are selected for a campaign, you will be notified via e-mail of new assignments and given a brief to compose your posts in selected platforms. The brief will describe the angles you should work on.
How do I start receiving assignments?
Social Sharing campaigns are available for you in your account from time to time. To maximize your rewards, do authorize your Twitter and/or Facebook account. Upon authorization, you will receive an activation link in your email. Click on the Twitter and Facebook icons underneath "Log Out" in your account. This will lead you to your Twitter and/or Facebook accounts and you will then have to grant access to proceed receiving exciting assignments!
Will I constantly get Scheduled Tweets and Seeding campaigns?
It varies from a couple of days to a week, you will be selected for campaigns based on the campaign quota and other demographics requirement. If you are assigned only under Scheduled Tweets, the Seeding tab will not be visible to you. Vice versa. If you’re assigned to these two types of campaigns within the same timeline, then only you will see both tabs.
So, you’re rewarding me to share?
Yeap! Authorize the Facebook and Twitter settings in your account and you are eligible to receive various social media campaigns from us! That easy!
What do I have to do?
There are only 3 basic steps that you have to follow to start getting rewarded:
- 1. Sign up with us.
- 2. Constantly check out on the latest Social Sharing Campaigns around for you to start sharing! Secondly, you could grant access to Twitter.com and Facebook.com so that we are able to get down to work. Note that we do not store your Twitter.com or Facebook.com password.
- 3. Choose your preferences for alcohol/tobacco related assignments, and disclaimers for scheduled tweets.
Will I get random assignments for Scheduled Tweets and Seeding?
Our Churps will be targeted to users with matching Twitter and Facebook contents and targetted demographics so that it remains relevant to your followers or friends as well as minimizing the awkwardness of generated Churps or campaigns assigned to you. In other words, we will assign to your campaigns that are suitable with your usual tweets and followers and friends’ type.
How often will I get these assignments?
Remember the max ad ratio setting we mentioned above? That is where you decide how often you are assigned Churps to be posted. 10 Churps per week is our default but you can choose to have one Churp per week or even max out your ad ratio by setting it to Unlimited. This will allow us to post as frequently as needed according to our system’s estimations.
Are you automatically posting updates on your behalf on my Facebook?
No we’re not. We are only assigning you to campaigns that require you to manually update or seed on your Facebook profile. The posting process is completely within your control.
Is ChurpChurp limited to any one region?
For now, ChurpChurp is open for registration for social media enthusiasts from Malaysia,Singapore, and The Philippines only.
Are there any requirements to joining ChurpChurp?
All you need is an active Twitter or Facebook account to sign up with us.
How much do I get rewarded?
Earnings credited to your ChurpChurp account vary depending on campaigns. For Social Sharing campaigns, earnings may vary from types of campaigns and earnings are based on the total clicks. Scheduled Tweets and some Seeding Campaigns credit you based on number of followers and friends you have.
When do I get my earnings?
You can track your earnings via your ChurpChurp account page shortly after accepting and posting Churps. A minimum earning of RM100 / SGD100 / PhP2,000 is required before you can cash out your earnings with ChurpChurp. We will process payments 30 days after the end of the month when you cashed out.
Are you affiliated with Twitter and Facebook?
ChurpChurp.com is in no way affiliated or associated with Twitter Inc and Facebook.com.
How do I add a disclaimer to my Scheduled Tweets?
All you have to do is login to your ChurpChurp account and access the "Dashboard" page to edit your own note as a disclaimer then save it. e.g : [ad] / [churp]
How do I stop Churping?
Once you start you can never stop! Ok we’re just kidding. Just click on the "Turn Off" button on your account dashboard and we will stop assigning Churps to you. To resume the ads, hit "Turn On" and we’ll know what to do!
What if I have more questions about ChurpChurp?
Kindly contact us at http://help.ph.churpchurp.com. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

(source - http://ph.churpchurp.com/faq-twitterer/)

Checking on the address of the company I came to find out the addresses below. So I was able to find out that the company is another of those that started in Malaysia/Singapore.

Company Address

Mabuhay ang Samahan ng mga Bloggers sa Pilipinas!

2011-03-16T09:00:00.001+08:00

I am joining a Bloggers Association here in the Philippines. The official name is still being finalized. Also, Filipino expats and OFWs find "national" (for a National Bloggers Assoc.) as limiting and may not encompass their global presence.

I previously worked for an NGO that emphasizes the importance of CO – community organizing. We help communities organize themselves, train leaders and identify issues in their community. Organizing is a form of empowerment especially among marginalized groups who are uneducated, poor, lacking of resources, does not have connections. The only leverage they have to be listened to and have their issue addressed is through their organized force in their effort to lobby, negotiate and meet face to face those who are in power.

I have seen urban poor leaders that we have trained consummate their community issues. Their initiative and effort of organizing their communities and effecting change in their lives and making their settlements more livable so remarkable.

Definitely there will always be power in an organized group and I like to see such collective voice consolidated from among bloggers as well.

Surfing the net I came across bloggers association in different parts of the world, many such groupings exist in other countries. In the Philippines alone there are several blog groups in the Visayas and Mindanao. So why not in Manila or the in the country that will also represents the global Filipino community?

I trust that the people who are initiating this kind of initiative are good with their intentions of forming such association. I admire their effort for taking leadership role in trying to bring together “individually-challenged-coming-together” – individual bloggers who are very challenging, fascinating and interesting people!

I have read blog posts about the ayes and nays of forming association among bloggers and respect all those ideas.

But I would like to be part and give this initiative a chance of bringing together bloggers, that I hope will keep its mission of upholding freedom of expression and being helpful to bloggers. And having join the group on my own volition, I can always disassociate myself if I don’t see that the organization is keeping up with the ideals it purportedly sets forth.

Mabuhay ang Samahan ng mga Bloggers sa Pilipinas!

If interested please follow this link:

http://tonyocruz.com/?p=3105

LP - Makulay, Kasing Kulay ng FILIPOS!

2010-12-22T23:15:00.002+08:00

Kasing kulay, ingay at saya ng mga musikero at sirkerong ito ang naging anim na buwan ng FILIPOS (Filipino Photographers in South Korea) mula nang ito'y maitatag.

Makulay sa mga parangal na natamo ng mga ilang kasapi sa mga photocontests, paglunsad ng ilang photowalk at iba. Gayundin ang pagkalimbag ng kauna-unahang photobook ng Club na may pamagat na Amateur.

At ito pa, video na gawa ni Rusl Lamiel ang isa pang patunay sa makulay na 6 na buwan ng FILIPOS, panoorin po natin:

Bisitahin ninyo ang aming Facebook page dito - http://on.fb.me/FILIPOS

Ito naman ang simpleng pabalat ng aming photobook:

Group picture ng aming photowalk sa Nami Island na kuha ni Sam Grado/Nads Concepcion na nanalo na Most LIKED sa 2010 PEBA Intnernational Photo Contest.

Blog Action 2010 - Respect for OFWS at Sulyapinoy

2010-11-11T05:42:00.000+08:00

Sulyapinoy Oct 2010 Issue

September 2010 Sulyapinoy Issue

Sulyapinoy August 2010 Issue

Ingay ng tambol

2010-10-28T00:29:00.000+08:00

Maingay na tinugtog ang gyobanggo isa sa mga uri ng buk (drum o tambol) ng Korea para pasimulan ang okasyon o seremonya para sa pagtatanghal para sa pagkilala sa ambag ni Kim Satgat sa literatura ng Korea.

Mula sa wikipedia:

Korean drums play an important part in traditional Korean music, ranging from folk music to royal court music. There are a wide variety of shapes and sizes, for use both in accompanying other instruments and in special drumming performances. In the traditional Korean classification of instruments, drums are grouped with the hyeokbu, or instruments made with leather.

During the Joseon period, many types of drums were used for the royal court music, including the janggu, jwago, yonggo, gyobanggo, jingo, jeolgo, nogo, and others. Among these, the janggu was also used for folk music, and later became the most commonly used drum used in Korean music.

PAANYAYA

Muli paanyaya para sa 2010 PEBA International Photo Contest:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/album.php?aid=250121&id=134794097973

Tahimik, atbp...

2010-10-21T01:00:00.032+08:00

Unang LP Entry sa taong 2010...

Tahimik, nagpapahinga at panandaliang nakaidlip si Zel Kim sa tabi ng malamig at banayad na umaagos na sapa ng Hwaseong Fortress mula sa mahaba at mataas na akyatan noong ikatlong Photowalk ng Filipino Photographers in South Korea (FILIPOS) nitong nakalipas na Linggo 17 ng Oktubre.

Siya ang kaunahang miyembro na Pilipinang nakapag-asawa ng Koreano dahil karamihan sa mga kasapi ay mga Pilipinong migrtanteng mangagagawang o di kaya mag-aaral.

Inaanyayahan ang mga Pilipino mahilig sa photography na nasa Korea na sumapi sa FILIPOS.

Paanyaya pa rin para sa patimpalak ng Philippine Expats/OFW Blog Awards (PEBA) Photo Contest. Ang mga detalye ay matatagpuan sa link na ito sa Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/peterahon?v=wall&ref=notif&notif_t=share_wall_create#!/notes/peba-inc-pinoy-expatsofw-blog-awards/peba-2010-international-photo-contest-entry-submission-until-nov-30/126735520713316

Sali po kayo!

Scholarship on NGO Studies at SungKongHoe University

2010-10-19T18:37:00.001+08:00

Master of Arts in Inter-Asia NGO Studies (MAINS)

The program of Master of Arts in Inter-Asia NGO Studies started in 2007. Its multidisciplinary curriculum, and combination of academic and practical teaching is unique in the field of studies on social changes, non-governmental organizations and civil society. MAINS is offered by SungKongHoe University in collaboration with such institutions as the ARENA. The curriculum covers a wide range of current issues from both regional and global perspectives, placing a special focus on the development of solidarity among civil society participants.

MAINS is intended for those who have been contributing, or have the potential to contribute, to more equitable social changes in Asia. Benefiting from both academic and practical resources in SungKongHoe University, MAINS offers intense and flexible preparation for those seeking leadership and development skills in civil societies in Asia.

More from this link - http://www.skhu.ac.kr/Main/Homepage/Eng/E05_01.aspx

MAINS Admission Guide2011

Application 2011

PEBA 2010 and Model OFW Family of the Year Awards

2010-10-16T12:26:00.002+08:00

I have been caught up with school work and good thing I can still engage with other extracurricular activities which we volunteers fondly call our real major and minor – that of writing for Sulyapinoy, the Filipino migrant workers (EPS – Employment Permit System) newsletter and as elected officer of the newly formed FILIPOS – Filipino Photographers in South Korea, our foto club which have been very active and even a chapter now established in the city of Busan.

So after several months of no blog post and what I have been doing the past of cutting and pasting from emails, today finaly, I have a new blog post.

This year’s nomination for the 2010 Pinoy Expat/OFW Blog Award (PEBA) is coming to an end. Only 14 days left as of writing and posting (16 October 2010). I have been wanting to post earlier having been requested to help advertise the event. It took me minutes to locate a previous draft now I can’t find it so I have to start from scratch.

I was definitely part of the first year when the blog award was started in 2008 by Kenji. I gave an all out support given that I am an advocate of blogging and wanting to listen and read to the voices of OFW and expat through their blogs. But I never imagined that it will be this big having a real physical awarding for the second time this year. We had the awarding online the first time.

Lot’s of people being involved. Sponsors requested to support it. I myself have to drag family members to mobilize for the award night last year. My sister and her friends are asking when will be the next. Since it is for them an opportunity and occasion to dress nicely, enjoy their fun pictorials, learn about OFWs life and also win raffle prizes from the generous supporters and sponsors of PEBA.

This year the theme is "Strengthening the OFW Families: Stronger Homes for a Stronger Nation" or in Filipino "Pagtibayin ang Pamilyang OFW: Mas Matibay na Tahanan Para sa Mas Matibay na Bayan".

The nominees entry for this year are very insightful, a lot very practical and realistic. Aided by technological advancement in the Information and Communications Technology there’s not much reason not to be in constant communication with family members. It is communication that keeps OFW family closer and stronger.

Almost gone are snail mails, today it is faster to email or send text message, post cards are now transformed as e-cards. Gone are the voice tapes recorded and played in cassettes/stereo recorders, today voice and video can be heard and seen through email or you tube. Gone are the long distance calls, these days it is a lot cheaper to chat by yahoo messenger, or call by mobile phones, even a roaming system for some other countries. And it seems for PEBA folks Nokia is the choice for mobile phone, for my parents as well they find NOKIA the most user-friendly mobile phone (indeed that’s plugging for one of our sponsors who have been supporting us two year in a row).

Tatay used to be a seaman. In the late 70’s we do not have such technology and devices then. But tatay was a constant letter writer. Through the years Nanay have collected all those letters and cards he would send us from different ports and cities around the globe. Aside from admiring the stamps in those envelopes, tatay’s message and constant advise continue to be a guiding principle for us children. One of those messages is “Matutong Makisama” or learn how to get along well and live well with others.

Indeed a maxim that prove very beneficial for me with work and living or sharing house with others as an expat or OFW myself or as a student now. A reason why former officemate would still want me to work with them. Or maintaining friendship with former colleagues and co-workers. But in the process you get to learn that it is not is easy to have “pakikisama”, it should be reinforced by other virtues and qualities such as humility, understanding, appreciation of common good, compassion, etc.

Indeed we siblings managed to have our own career and continue to explore and play those great role in life. A happiness that we gave back to our parents. Tatay although absent most of the time as migrant worker, we have uncles, aunties and other relative that help nanay to raise us five naughty and stubborn boys and a sister. Not a perfect family that have its own ups and downs but can be considered a regular and happy one blessed by eleven apos (grandchildren).

This year, nanay and tatay were blessed by another gift. In our town they were selected as OFW Model Family for sea-based worker category. Then they were again chosen in the provincial level (Ilocos Norte) and then again won the regional level (Ilocos Region). I am so happy for both of them. So my parents effort and sacrifices for keeping the family intact and having their children realized their dreams is also recognized by the government organized by OWWA. Indeed it is an honor and privilege for our family to be considered an OFW Model Family. Our family far from perfect, indeed, nanay and tatay made it happen to make the family one and strong and so doing contributing to making the nation stronger.

Tatay and Nanay with my brother Nom and his son and our barangay and town officials after the awarding of the 2010 Model OFW Family of the Year Awards (Sea based-category) in Pangasinan.

Tatay and nanay receiving award in Laoag City (Provincial Winner) with most apo and siblings and Barangay Darat officials on stage.

Nanay and Tatay after the ceremony for the Town (Municipality of Pinili, Ilocos Norte) Awarding of 2010 Model OFW Family Award.

This year the MOFYA 2010 is joint project of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and OWWA sponsored by SM Supermalls, Banco De Oro and Globe with the theme “Para sa Matatag na Pamilyang OFW.” It is very closely related to PEBA's theme this year.

Support PEBA, and nominate Expat/OFW Bloggers for 2010 PEBA. Few more days left.

la vida loca, la dolce vita

2010-06-10T12:49:00.000+08:00

Am now into reposting inspirational emails to my blog... but will post an original entry soon... too busy to write my own reflection these days...

"Here's sharing with you these pieces of advice on life and living. If we could only live and practice half of these then life will be beautiful as in living la vida loca, la dolce vita. Live life. love life." - Henry Yu

1. Pray.
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.

5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety.

If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.

16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19 Get organized so everything has its place.

20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot.

Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.

25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you Jesus'.
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29 Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).

31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33 Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.

'If God is for us, who can be against us?'

(Romans8:31)

My instructions were to send this to four people that I wanted God to bless and I picked you. I decided to send it to more than four, because I didn't want to limit blessings.

So I am posting it to this blog to be accessed by anyone who wants to appreciate life's wonder and beauty and so they may be inspired to LIVE LIFE and LOVE LIFE...

Blessings upon blessings to all!

You are not your Past

2010-04-26T14:59:00.000+08:00

by CHARLIE on AUGUST

You are not the choices you’ve made.

You are not the child you once were.

You are not your failed marriage.

You are not the setbacks of yesterday.

You are not the bad things that have happened to you.

You are not your past.

The Past Guides Our Choices – It Doesn’t Make Our Choices For Us

Your thoughts or feelings about the past don’t change it. That’s what makes it the past.

Your future is not your past. Your future, right now, is a nest of possibilities. It only looks like your past if your present choices continue the inertia of the past.

The past guides our choices; we have real constraints, opportunities, and experiences based off of the past. Right now, though, those constrains, opportunities, and experiences are what they are – wishing they would be different doesn’t make them different.

Whatever happened, you are here. But being here doesn’t mean you have to stay here or that you will stay here.

Life is but an endless chain of presents and choices. You have never been your past.

What If You Stop Attacking Yourself?

What if you stop beating yourself up about what you did or didn’t do? Perhaps you’d see what you can do.

What if you stop wishing that things were different than the way they are? Perhaps you’d see how to move toward the future you want by using the bounty of the present.

What if you didn’t assume that past failures are who you are? Perhaps you’d believe, just for a second, that you could be successful.

What if you choose to let the past be the past? Perhaps you’d see the ripe possibilities of the future.

Every ounce of energy that you spend attacking yourself is an ounce of energy that’s diverted from your growth. We are finite beings; use your resources wisely.

- -- ---

Thanks to Sonam for this posting at Facebook.

Indeed the past is past. Life is beautiful.
Make life as a present and live it at present.
Live Life! Love Life!

Monitoring 2010 Overseas Absentee Voting - Week 2 in Seoul, Korea

2010-04-18T22:50:00.001+08:00

After the mass at Hyewha Church, I met with Fides and showed her my first contribution to the SAMBAYANAN, a newsletter for the Filipino Catholic Migrants in Seoul Archdiocese. The newsletter can be read with this link below:

http://www.sambayanan.org/newsletter.php?id=4

Then I proceeded to the Embassy to monitor week 2 of the 2010 OAV. I was asked by Consul Talisayon if I wrote to Inquirer, what I remember was an email I sent previous night to globalnation to encourage COMELEC in approving the Embassy's request to conduct election in different cities here in Korea. Little did I know that it was made into an article and was showed to me by Embassy staff. The article can be found here:

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20100418-264961/Comelec%20asked:%20Allow%20mobile%20voting%20in%20Korea

I went to the Embassy today since they have a consular service and check whether more Filipinos will be going to vote. I learned that some Filipinos visiting the embassy for their passport and other consular service needs would also vote so the past weeks several cast their votes. Last nite I saw several groups who casts their votes. One of the groups, a Filipino organization came from Gasan, they rented a bus themselves so they can travel to Seoul, an hour drive. Then came the group and members Bro. Eddie Villanueva's Jesus Is Lord (JIL), in their black and white Sunday dress. They came to the voting area with their Bangon Pilipinas Party list of candidates. At least 50 of their members came past 6:00 pm to vote. The group also have two of their poll watchers at the Embassy today.

Below are set of fotos of the Sunday's afternoon's voting.

Also these fotos appeared here:

http://meme.yahoo.com/changepoliticsmovement_para_kay_noynoymar/

Job Opening for SM Supermarket

2010-04-14T17:18:00.000+08:00

My good friend Jojo circulated this info in our yahoogroup and per his request I am sharing the info through this blog.

Staff hiring for the following SM Supermarket Sites:

Legazpi
Calamba
San Pablo
Tarlac
Tuguegarao
Ilagan, Isabela
Baliwag, Bulacan
Bacolod
Cagayan De Oro
Malabon
Zapote
Sta Ana
Sucat
Novaliches
Tagaytay

Requirements - below 30 yrs old, college level or graduate.

Send resume or bio-data to jojo_tagbo@yahoo.com

Good luck sa mga applicants!

(The deadline was not mentioned so send now...)

VOTE LAO -Y asmin Busran-LAO for Senator

2010-04-12T01:00:00.001+08:00

Let us support Yasmin Busran-LAO to win a Senate seat. Please introduce her to your family, friends and relatives abroad. Below is a piece by Ms. Elena Masilungan on Yasmin.

Vote Yasmin Busran-Lao for Senator!

Yasmin Busran-LAO: Walking Her Talk by Running

By Elena Masilungan

MANILA — Yasmin Buran-Lao, peace activist, women’s rights advocate, community organizer, is walking her talk by running — that is, running for senator in this year’s election as a candidate of the Liberal party.

The 48-year old Lao has made public service her life’s mission. She works with disadvantaged communities and the women of Muslim Mindanao, having grown up amid its violent conflicts and grinding poverty. For her efforts, she was awarded the Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Fellowship for Professional Development. The award was given by the American embassy and the Benigno S. Aquino Foundation in 2005.

“Fighting for the rights of Muslim women and other marginalized groups is something personal for me. I get enough satisfaction helping people gain a certain control over their lives,” she said.

Reframing politics

Lao believes that ordinary people must be given opportunities to serve the country even if “they do not have the money and the clout that most politicians have.”

“There has to be new politics that can come in. This kind of new politics comes from ordinary people like us (who) have the capacity and the ability to serve this country…. It is time for the citizenry to be the spokesperson of its own agenda,” she said in a recent interview.

Running for any electoral post was not in Lao’s immediate future. She was all set to leave for Hawaii for an academic fellowship early this year. Her nomination to fill the 12th slot of the LP’s senatorial slate was a “shock” not only to her sisters in the women’s group PILIPINA and her fellow advocates in civil society but, more so, to her.

“For quite some time, the NoyMar campaign team had been headhunting for a Muslim candidate who would embody the reform-oriented politics of the team,” related Elizabeth Yang, national coordinator of PILIPINA, in her email to other PILIPINA members. Lao was one of those nominated, and eventually chosen, to represent Muslim Mindanao, grassroots leadership, and women in the LP’s senatorial slate.

“In our talks after she filed her (candidacy), Yasmin said she felt she had to accept the challenge to raise the bar for her (and our) advocacies on gender rights, peace and good governance,” Yang said. “We need to connect the dots of the struggle for democratic rights and good governance with meaningful engagement in electoral (partisan) politics.”

“I have been advocating for women seizing the center of power and reframing politics. And how can I go to the community of women and talk about women’s political participation when I was given the opportunity and I said “No?,” Lao added..

A woman, a Moro and a Muslim

Lao’s advocacies have been founded to a large extent on her being a woman, a Moro, and a Muslim. Moro is the collective term that ethnic groups living in southern Philippines who have separate local cultures and who belong to the Islamic faith use in referring to themselves. Lao, who hails from Lanao del Sur, is from the Maranao ethnic group.

“They impact my life in such sweeping, profound ways that my life’s work and purpose have become firmly grounded on them. On account of my being a woman, a Moro, and a Muslim, I came to know the meaning of violence, discrimination, injustice and inequality. I not only witnessed them as a regular occurrence within my family and community. I have been personally living through them ever since I was a child,” she explained.

As a woman and mother, the war in Muslim Mindanao, particularly, weighs heavily on Lao.

“Whenever war breaks out between the army and the Moro rebels, or between various clans, it is the civilians who are caught in the middle. They leave their homes and communities for the evacuation centers. But conditions in the evacuations centers are no better, especially for the women and children. They are not favorable to one’s peace of mind nor sense of dignity. When you live in an evacuation center, however temporary, your family does not have access to food, safe shelter, sanitation, education for the children, and income. This weighs heavily on the women who constantly worry about their families’ wellbeing and safety,” she said in describing the ordeal of women and children in evacuation centers.

A peacebuilder
As an NGO (nongovernment organization) worker, Lao has been focused on peacebuilding, the right of local communities to self-determination, and good governance in the Bangsamoro homeland.

“The war in Mindanao, which is a consequence of bad governance, has shortchanged not just the people of Mindanao but the rest of the country…. In 2008, government spent P50 billion of taxpayers' money on it, equivalent to the cost of building 50,000 public school classrooms. It costs the country P20 million a day, money that could instead go to creating livelihood opportunities to help our people live better, more productive lives,” she rued, connecting how what is happening in Muslim Mindanao is also affecting the rest of the country.

“Running for the Senate gives me a chance to translate my advocacies to a legislative agenda that is borne out of the experiences of marginalized people who have been confronting poverty and armed conflicts for most of their lives. I have the chance to bring my message of hope that we can achieve lasting peace, justice and equality among all Filipinos, regardless of gender, ethnicity, and religion, even in war-torn Muslim Mindanao. Our hope is to build a country that is inclusive and respectful of each other’s differences despite all the diversities that divide us,” she said.

Lao admits she faces a daunting run for the Senate, what with her limited campaign funds and her being a relative unknown to voters, except perhaps in the NGO community. But she shrugs this off. “I cannot disregard the opportunity the campaign provides to impart my message of hope to different sectors of Filipinos. And of course, it’s time for me to walk my talk,” Lao said with a confident smile. #

Sidebar:

Lao’s Legislative Agenda

·Peace in Mindanao and an end to its the 40-year armed conflict
·Gender equality and women’s rights

Lao is one of the 10 Filipina signatories from the Autonomus Region of Muslim Mindanao who signed the Win with Women Global Initiative to promote strategies for increasing women’s political leadership worldwide through a Global Action Plan. She developed a groundbreaking training on gender sensitivity for Muslim women that draws on the teachings of the Koran and the experiences and life lessons of real women. The training challenges traditional norms and expectations that foster inequality and discrimination among Muslim women. It also presents grassroots efforts on reproductive health, community participation, education, and livelihood.

·People-centered governance that harnesses the participation of an active citizenry to work for social and economic development

Story recap:

Yasmin Buran-Lao, peace activist, women’s rights advocate, community organizer, is walking her talk by running — that is, running for senator in this year’s election as a candidate of the Liberal party.

Lao believes that ordinary people must be given opportunities to serve the country even if “they do not have the money and the clout that most politicians have.” When presented with the opportunity, she accepted the challenge to “connect the dots of the struggle for democratic rights and good governance with meaningful engagement in electoral (partisan) politics.”

First Day of OAV in Korea

2010-04-11T02:00:00.001+08:00

As expected, there was a low turn out of the first day of the month long Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) at the Embassy of the Philippines in Korea. When I left at 1:00 pm I could count less than 15 persons who casted their votes. It was the media people who were there to cover the event that ended up voting themselves (they are duly registered voter).

Unlike the first election held in 2004 where ballots where sent by mail, this year it is personal voting where Overseas Filipinos have to go to the embassy to vote. Most of the ballots that were sent by mail returned back to the embassy since most OFW easily change their workplaces and places of domicile.

The embassy is still awaiting for the COMELEC’s approval to conduct the election in major cities here in Korea. A friend from Gwangju City (3hours and 40 minutes away from Seoul) mentioned that it will be hard for them to go and vote at the embassy. So they are still hoping that they will be given a chance to exercise their rights to vote.

In 2004 election, cast votes totaled to more than 500 out of more than 9,000. This year, 10,921 registered voters were recorded. The embassy is relying on the assistance of Filipino communities to help disseminate the information and educate their members on the election. They are conducting frequent phone brigades and emailing to these organizations.

Voting is open from Sunday to Friday from 9:00am to 6:00pm, officials at the Embassy said they are flexible for groups and even individuals who would like to vote on a Saturday. They are encouraging voters to vote early on and avoid the mad rush at the end of the voting period which is 6:00pm of May 10, 2010.

Philippine Embassy

Related Story:

First Voters in Seoul Different but Alike

By: Philippine Embassy

Seoul, South Korea – The first two overseas absentee voters of South Korea differ in several distinct respects but share common priorities when it comes to national consciousness: the need to exercise one’s right to suffrage, and to exercise it early.

How to find the New Philippine Embassy in Itaewon

2010-04-11T01:56:00.000+08:00

The first and most prominent landmark is the Grand Hyatt Hotel (GHH)on a hilly top of Itaewon where the Namsan Park/Seoul Tower is just a stone throw away. From the gate of GHH go down a bit at the Hoenamu gil where the Royal Norwegian Embassy is located. In that corner go down 30 meters and you will find at the first corner the Gabon’s Embassy, enter the street twisting to the right and few steps the gate to the Embassy. Actually there is another gate which is at the main street across Algeria’s Embassy but there’s a big notice (as of writing) for visitors to make use of the back door/gate. Fotos are provided below to help locate the place.

I went to the place by subway getting off at Noksapyeong Station (Line6), used exit No.1 then crossed the street. The bus stop for Bus No.3 is across the street under a foot bridge (Warning - do not take bus No. 3 just outside/few steps from exit No.1 which is the opposite route). Map below shows general location of the place so better figure it out where GHH is located for other commuters to access.

Address
#5-1 Itaewon-dong,
Yongsan-gu, Seoul
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Postal Code: 140-201
Website: www.philembassy-seoul.com

Contact Numbers

Telephone	(82+2) 796-7387
Hotline	010-9365-2312
ATN Direct Line	(82+2) 796-2403
Fax Number	(82+2) 796-0827
Primary E-Mail	seoulpe@philembassy-seoul.com

* Hotline numbers are available for emergency calls
during non-working holidays, weekends
and after-office hours.

Location Map of GHH

or refer to this link:

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Location%20map%20Grand%20Hyatt%20Hotel%2C%20Itaewon&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl

Live Life! Love Life!

I was there at iblog8

Regina Brett's 45 life lessons and 5 to grow on

Congratulations to all 8th TOPIK (EPS-KLT) Passers

Payo sa Mga Bagong Dating na EPS Worker

PEBA at the First Draw of SSS Raffle

Blogging as an Expat/OFW Social Remittance

May 18 Memorial Foundation Recruiting Interns

Tribute to a dear friend - Antonio Salac Santos, 55

International Blog Awards to honor the homecoming of OFWs & Filipino Expats

BALANCE SHEET OF LIFE

Compassion not Crackdown!

CHURPCHURP and the Ombudsman

CHURPCHURP IS NOW IN THE PHILIPPINES!

A. SOCIAL SHARING

B. SCHEDULED (USER-GENERATED) TWEETS

C. SOCIAL SEEDING

THE PHILIPPINES

MALAYSIA

SINGAPORE

Mabuhay ang Samahan ng mga Bloggers sa Pilipinas!

LP - Makulay, Kasing Kulay ng FILIPOS!

Blog Action 2010 - Respect for OFWS at Sulyapinoy

Sulyapinoy Oct 2010 Issue

Ingay ng tambol

Tahimik, atbp...

Scholarship on NGO Studies at SungKongHoe University

PEBA 2010 and Model OFW Family of the Year Awards

la vida loca, la dolce vita

You are not your Past

Monitoring 2010 Overseas Absentee Voting - Week 2 in Seoul, Korea

Job Opening for SM Supermarket

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First Day of OAV in Korea

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How to find the New Philippine Embassy in Itaewon