Awesome Pinoys: Disciples of Philippine Progress

Tourist Bus Tragedy--Another Wake-Up Call?

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 05:04:00 +0000

The aftermath of the tourist bus hostage drama loomed, and then gloomed the entire Philippines. The whole world was glued to their t.v. sets waiting for the culmination of this hostage drama for almost 11 hours. But then it did, tragically, costing the lives of innocent HongKong tourists who just came to our country to relax and enjoy. How sad! How disappointing! How...I don't know how else to describe what I feel because our country could be in the starting point to economic recovery and yet, here we go, again. Stocks are down, the peso tumbled, and the country black-listed as a tourist destination in HongKong.

This is not to point fingers at anyone but I feel that our police force need all the help they can get. We've watched so many foreign films about SWAT teams rescuing people and, by golly, our SWAT team come too far from the ones in the movies. Watching our own SWAT team take over that bus, I took pity on them. Some were wearing helmets and some were not, some were wearing bullet-proof vests and some were not (some of the bullet-proof vests were even so small not covering the entire front and back of the policemen, perhaps, because they've grown in their stomach portions). The take-over was not well-thought of and was too slow as many have commented already. They need equipments and rigid training for this kind of stuff and for hostage negotiations. And just a question from a concerned citizen, why did P-Noy allow this international incident to last for 11 hours without a high-ranking official negotiating there or a professional negotiator to handle the situation? Perhaps he has his reasons but this incident should not have lasted that long.

We had the Ondoy tragedy which was a wake-up call for us to do something about our flood gates, about regulations on the release of water from the dams, about the clogging of our water ways. Are we already doing something about this? And now, another wake-up call! What do we do with our police force? What kind of training do they have? What values do we need to instill in them? Is it to torture and to extort money from the innocent? Is it to receive bribes or to spearhead illicit activities like bank robberies and kidnapping? Why do we allow them to do these? Do we wipe them all out and replace them with new ones? Perhaps we should also ask "What is the root of this problem?" and "How can we address it?" These are all questions that we need to answer and our new government needs to address, now. Because now is the time for real change, and with it, a real commitment to change.

Our Prayer:

Father, we lift to You, again, our country and its leaders. Teach them and guide them what to do. We know that this situation will pass away and we thank You in advance for You would cause a full recovery and progress in our economy, unity amongst all Filipinos in the pursuit of progress for everyone with a patriotic duty to uphold the clean image of our nation. I declare that the Philippines is still a blessed nation and a prosperous land. In Jesus' name. Amen.

August is National Language Month

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:34:00 +0000

Oo, mga Kababayan, Agosto ay Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa (Yes, my fellow-Filipinos, August is National Language Month). August is the birth month of Manuel L. Quezon who is the Father of National Language, that is why it has also been made our National Language Month. And what is our national language? Filipino, which is basically Tagalog, mixed with other Philippine dialects or language. But throughout the 1,107 islands of our country, we have more than 170 dialects, however, some are already not being used today.

The use of Filipino has been on and off as a medium of instruction in our public schools. However, it had been noted that many Filipinos have deteriorated in communicating with the English language with special concerns on call center agents and OFWs. That was why former President GMA issued an order for English to be revived in schools as a medium of instruction in 2007. But in July 2009, the Department of Education implemented the Bilingual Policy using Filipino as the initial language as medium of instruction for entry level, then gradually introducing English in the 3rd and 4th grades. Also certain subjects that are for national interest such as "Araling Panlipunan", Filipino is used, and certain subjects like science and math, English is primarily being used. The principle behind is that of "first language" which means that in order for a child to understand more quickly, the medium of instruction must be his first language, if Tagalog, then Tagalog. Whereas, in other areas of the Philippines, the teachers use their native dialect and incorporate Filipino into the instruction.

In an article by Michael Tan posted in the Philippine Daily Inquirer posted Aug. 10, 2010, he said that Filipino has evolved throughout the years, incorporating languages of the times and has adapted itself to that language which is easily acceptable, understood and communicated by Filipinos. For example, he said, the U.P College of Social Science and Philosophy, once called "Dalubhasaan ng Agham Panlipunan at Pilosopiya" (which is really so deeply Tagalog) became "Kolehiyo ng Sosyal Sayans at Pilosopiya" but today is called "Kolehiyo ng Agham Panlipunan at Pilosopiya". Whew! Also, he mentioned that it is now acceptable to agencies concerned the retention of foreign words with established meanings. For example, X-ray or X-rated. We cannot spell this into Tagalog like "Eks-ray" because nobody would understand. Another good example which I think is really funny is "pizza"; spelled in Tagalog it would be "pitsa". He also cited that with the new "jejemon" language in texting and even in writing, how much more will Filipino evolve into something else. Mr. Tan said, "Languages are alive and dynamic. Filipino's evolution is made all the more complicated because it's become somewhat a cesspool, a place of convergence of many linguistic stream and brooks because we're so globalized".

I can understand what Mr. Tan is saying. But if the Japanese language can adapt saying "Birro" for beer, why not Filipino? It does not make the language complicated; in fact, it makes communication simpler. The only complication arise when the agencies and authorities that regulate them could not agree on the "terms" that make up the Filipino language.

Sources:         Wikipedia
             http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/views/20100810-286075/Filipino-Filipinos

Our Prayer:
Father, we thank You for another occasion to remind us that we have our very own Filipino language to nurture and to communicate with our fellow-Filipinos. We thank You, Lord, that we will treasure this language as part of our heritage as Filipinos as we prosper as a nation which is Your true and perfect will for us. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Another Tourism Wonder--Coron, Palawan

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 05:05:00 +0000

Much have been blogged about this tourist destination and I have been drawn to their photos. Therefore, it is fitting to include this place in our 'Awesome Philippines' category.

All photos courtesy of Photobucket

According to sources, Coron is a second-class municipality and the largest in the island of Busuanga in Palawan. Just like El Nido, it has limestone rock formations teeming with bird's nests called "balinsasayaw" which is a rare and expensive Chinese delicacy. But more than that, Coron has been establishing a name for itself worldwide as one of the top 10 best scuba diving sites in the world by Forbes Traveler magazine because of it's 26 sunken Japanese naval vessels in Sangat, Gutob, and Black Islands. Aside from these, Coron boasts of its Mt. Tapyas, 2,000 feet above sea level which gives a breathtaking view of Coron Islands; Maquinot Hot Spring located at Barangay Tagumpay, a 15-minute tricycle ride from the Poblacion; the Twin Lagoon which has towering rock formation with a hole; the Malcapuya Island which has very fine white sand beaches like that of Boracay without the construction and other white sand beaches in Coron's 219 islands and islets. Snorkeling is another fun activity in Coron especially with its underwater caves and rivers and great coral reefs because underwater visibility extends up to 80 feet. This goes to show how clear and clean their sea water is. And speaking of clean, another famous place to visit in Coron is the Kayangan Lake which is acclaimed the cleanest lake in the Philippines for it's pristine, clear water.

How to get there? By plane (PAL, Cebu Pacific, Zest Air), it takes 55 minutes to Busuanga Airport and another 45 minute jeepney ride to Coron. SuperFerry leaves Manila Friday at 4:15 pm and arrives in Coron at 5:30 am Saturday.

   I lived in the little island in Cuyo, Palawan before for 3 months, which is, geographically-speaking, quite near Coron. However, I've never been to this beautiful part of Palawan. If given the chance one day, I would explore these beautiful islands in the province of Palawan where you can find the natural beauty of our country which God so richly blessed us with, perhaps, even take my own photos.

Sources: Wikipedia
             http://www.coronphilippines.com/
           http://www.palawan.com/articles.php?article_id=58

Our Prayer:

Father, thank You that You have richly blessed our country with great natural beauty, the work of Your own hands. Indeed, the Philippines is a blessed and prosperous nation. In Jesus' name. Amen.

A View of P-Noy's Website

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:30:00 +0000

Just yesterday, the news was about P-Noy's new website and there were already 16,000 hits from 94 countries even before it was officially announced through the media. So just like any other excited Pinoy, I looked into P-Noy's website, http://www.president.gov.ph/. I took some photos of my computer so you would have an idea of what is in a president's website.

This is the home page which contain 3 main sections--My Cabinet, 'Panata sa Pagbabago' (Vow Towards Change), and Transparent Government. Basically, we know what's in the section My Cabinet. The 'Panata sa Pagbabago' or Vow Towards Change invokes your part as a citizen of this republic towards helping the country change for the better, whether you are an individual or a civic group. The section Transparent Government is the section where we can write to the president our views, woes, suggestions, reactions, whatever, under which is the sub-title "What the People Want". As of August 16, there are more than 10 pages of people's wants already. The best part is on the right side of this page, there is another sub-title, "What We Are Doing". Although this sub-title does not answer the woes and wants of the other sub-title, it basically contains what the government is doing, however, not as complete as it should be, most probably because the website is new and has not been updated as often as it should.

So, now, do you want to air something to the president? Go ahead. He said, "We are his boss", and he has provided a way for us to voice our opinions, our grievances, our suggestions, and to make him aware of what is happening in your area, where ever you are in the Philippines. Ain't that great?

Our Prayer:

Father, we pray for our president. Bless him even more and give him the wisdom to lead us into prosperity and peace. In every step that he makes, always guide him and be with him that he may always turn to what is right and beneficial to the people. The Philippines is a blessed and progressive nation. In Jesus' name. Amen.

2nd Batch of Links on 'A Teacher's Link Exchange Project'

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 05:06:00 +0000

And here's the second batch of links that joined 'A Teacher's Link Exchange Project' by Vernz. Hey, guys, let's really link to one another.

My Cooking Challenge & My Healthy Lifestyle Is On
Brew of the Day
GEORYL: Blogging With My Heart
Everything Has A Reason
RiA's wOrLd
Fickleinpink's Alter Ego
THE MISIS CHRONICLES
EVERYTHING NICE!
HEALTH AND BEAUTY GEEK
In Pursuit Of Success
Shy's Mixed Thoughts
Gossip & Shopping Corner
Life Mix
Milestones
Worth's World
Simple Happy Life
Tech-Revive
Thinking Out Loud
Rache Photography
Our Travels and More
One Day at a Time
Recaptured Moments
A Teacher's Online Portfolio
Farm Girl turns Blogger
Lourdes' Mia
Jh3riz24 TiPs
One Proud Momma
I HEART ADSENSE
PINOY HEART HEALTH
SKINNY DOLL
PINOY MAKING MONEY
PINOY BUSINESS BLOG
DroppingIn, DroppingOut
I Love Cupcakes! Yummy!
Okay Ukay!
BUILDING MY DREAM HOUSE
To Be, To Be. Tutubi.
Bookish Worm
MindFrames and Thoughts
Flowing Rhythms
Slogged Over Leisure
MAPEH
Babycoy
Lumad Basakanon
Pinoy Working Mom
Spanish Dreams
Sensational Mind
Travel and Explorations
Beauty, Fashions and Finds
Elai’s Precious Angels
Elai’s Haven
luckyzoan
The Miscellaneous Me
Things We Share
Used Stationary Bikes
Defying Gravity
My Thoughts, My Heart, My Turf
I am a Princess. All girls are
Lassdv

Links for 'A Teacher's Link Exchange Project' First Batch

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 03:19:00 +0000

Remember Vernz' "A Teacher's Link Exchange Project"? Well, it has come to an end before the intended deadline which is August 25 because of the lovable bloggers who have joined this project and included their links. So here are those which are included in the first batch:

Woman’s elan vital
Some Things Are Free
On This Side of Town
Table for Five
Anything Davao
Petty Things In Life
My Daily Notes
My Life & My Journey Online
Caffeinated Muse
Pinay SAHM
Our Kids Plus Us
A Woman's Nook
Easy Tasks Online
I Heart Them All
Blogger's Nook
Life's Digital Moments
Online Biz and Resources
The Woman from Home
Crayons and Pencils
A Journey Of Life
Pinoy Life Abroad
Secrets Behind Me
Love Is In The Air
Urbanite Mom
Mixed Thoughts
Blogaholic Mom
Jennyholic, Confession Of An Addict
iTravel
SOSYALERANG FROG
My Blogsense
My Mom's Best
Hugna: Jan’s Glimpse of the World
Deliciously Spicy Moments
Janz Crystalz Handcrafts
imriz
Elvz Online
Thoughts & Tales
It's All About the Latest, Future & Concept Cars
MyFrecious
It's Not Just A Blog!
The Traveler's Journey
Mga Kwentong Maalamat
The Three Chies
Unchained Thoughts
Chie's Camera Works
Chuchie's Hideaway
WhereAbouts
wishing her
Awesome Pinoys: Disciples of Pilippine Progress
Mom's Wish Lists
BeLikeWhat
Ruthilicious
Written In Your Heart
Kusina Ko
A Teacher's Blog
Everyday As It Comes
Everything Is There To See

Electrified by Another Increase in Electricity Bill

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 05:04:00 +0000

Just last month, I blogged about an increase in our electricity bill. Although the generation charges went down a little after that, just a few days ago, the news bares another generation charge increase from 44 centavos to P6 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). It's like a roller coaster ride but then it seems like the track is getting higher and higher. But Meralco claims it does not earn from the generation charges which comprise 60% of our bill. Owwws?

Please, this is an opinion of a plain housewife and not an expert. However, this plain housewife is trying to analyze this situation and wants some answers. I do understand that Meralco is a private electricity distribution company and that it sources power from various other generation companies like Napocor, other privately-owned power generating companies, and according to Yahoo news, from Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM). I understand that it needs to profit as a company. But I feel there's something wrong with this picture....

This is The Philippine Star business section headline dated July 27, 2010. The profit surge is in H1 or first half of the year, 2010.

Electricity is our basic utility, and together with water, we are entitled to this basic utility as a citizen of this country, I believe. Why do we have one of the most expensive electricity in the world? Don't you think it's time that our government look into this? Whereas Meralco is earning so much in billions and airing institutional ads which I don't think benefit us anyway, the majority of Filipinos can no longer pay the exorbitant cost of electricity. It's like a great burden that everyone needs to shoulder. What's our choice? To have electricity or no electricity at all. The irony of it is, with the high cost of electricity, we still experience brown-outs. I still remember that time when Sen. Enrile exposed the fact that we were paying Meralco's taxes that was why they reimbursed some money to us by deducting them from our bills. How could they do that to us? Just because electricity is a necessity does not mean that they could put all the burden into our shoulders.

Of course, Meralco is not the only problem; the power corporations are also the problem. Napocor has billions of dollars in debt and yet, PSALM which manages it has issues also which they defend in their own web page (http://www.psalm.gov.ph/) which headlines "Bonuses, Night Differentials and Consultancy Fees, Not Part of Universal Charge". What the....? What's wrong with this picture?

Please don't regard us as fools, but as your fellow citizens of this country. I pray our government would do something about this.

Our Prayer:

Father, I pray that whatever is true and whatever is right be in the hearts of those who lead our government and private companies entrusted to provide our basic utilities. Give them the anointing to produce ways and means to provide the Filipino people with basic utilities--water and electricity--at a fair cost. Stir up their conscience that they may always remember that their work is for the benefit of the Filipino people and not only for their own. Remove greed and iniquity among them and raise them up to integrity and honesty. The Philippines is a blessed and prosperous nation. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Accountability in Government

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 04:10:00 +0000

P-Noy's recent SONA began with expose's which, more or less, we already knew. It didn't seem to surprise anyone; all we needed to know is which ones in government did this and that. How sad that we, Pinoys, have accepted the fact that our public officials are corrupt. How sad to even think that we, Pinoys, have accepted the fact that we don't have a choice but to vote for people whose only goal is to enrich themselves and to add to the wealth of their clan the funds which are supposed to help their own constituents. Perhaps during the time we were voting for them, our hearts were filled with the hope that things will change, for the better, only to find out later that it is another cycle of disappointment and frustration, being succumbed into the same political routine, red tapes, nepotism, and web of corruption. What are we voting for, then? Is it just an act of futility or do we still hope?

This photo of former President GMA courtesy of Photobucket

Who is accountable to whom? Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution Article XI entitled "Accountability of Public Officers", Section 1 says, "Public office is a public trust. Public officers and employees must, at all times, be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives". Ouch! They are, supposedly, accountable, to us, the Filipino people. Yes, we have the Ombudsman, our own, supposedly, representatives (Congress) who should be airing our voice in Congress, and the judiciary. But it seems that they are in cahoots with one another in simply trying to fool us. What can we do? If they are accountable to us, and they did something wrong, they have to pay the consequences, but we're the ones who are paying their tumultuous corruption because the budget that is meant to benefit us goes into their own pockets. How sad!

Huhhhh....buntong-hininga! (deep breath!) But we never lose hope. Every time there is an election, we always hope that this time around, the people we're electing into office would put honest and efficient people in government positions and that true change would really happen for the benefit of all. This time around, let us hope for the best in this government and pray that, indeed, what we hoped for each time we vote, would really come to pass. It is our duty to pray that God would stir the conscience of our public officials that they may serve us with integrity and honor as they are accountable to us and we are accountable to them. Yes, we are. We need to stop being persuaded to bribe a public official, to use the people we know in government to expedite our papers or to award us unscrupulous government contracts, and the like, and we need not accept salaries in "ghost" positions in government. We are accountable to one another.

Our Prayer:
Father, we pray for President Noy and his cabinet and all the public officials who are now in government. We pray that they would serve with honesty and integrity and that You would bless them even more so that they won't be tempted to engage in corruption. I pray Your will be done in our present government. I continue to declare that the Philippines is a blessed and prosperous nation. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Many More Pinoys are Into Social Enterprise

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 09:02:00 +0000

As a follow-through on our previous topic "Rags2Riches, A Socially-Responsible Business", the article of Joey Concepcion on his "Tagumpay" column on The Philippine Star newspaper (Aug. 2, 2010 issue), has given me several other businesses in our country which assumed responsibility to help poor communities in our country.

Joey's article titled, "Time to Start a Social Enterprise", by which he refers to a "socially-responsible business" as "social enterprise" reveals to us that many more Pinoys have made it their business to help our Pinoy communities and groups to become self-sufficient by setting up businesses in these communities so that they could be productive and so that they could earn a living. Such businesses include GKonomics with Pinky Po heading, engaged in bag weaving using inside panels of aluminum foil packs; Microventures with Bam Aquino who is also part of Rags2Riches; My Shelter Foundation with Iliac Diaz, a social entrepreneur awardee; ECHOstore which was established by Chit Juan which represents products from small marginalized cultural communities, creative industries, women groups and foundations; and Gandang Kalikasan with its brand Human Nature which are natural and organic products that are 100% Philippine made, the fastest growing social enterprise in the Philippines, with it's entrepreneurs--Dylan Wilk, his wife Anna and their two daughters.

He also mentioned many others whom he also regarded as social entrepreneurs, such as Gov. LRay Villafuerte who set up the Camsur Water Sports Complex which now generates hundreds of millions in tourism revenues for his constituents and Mrs. Cynthia Villar for her livelihood and social enterprises benefiting the unemployed in the communities.

Joey Concepcion said, "There are a lot of enterprises that are engaged in helping solve a community or social problem...It can be a community-based bag-making or basket-weaving or food-processing project, or a hotel facility for transient OFWs or a pizza outlet that employs only out-of-school youth in the area....Can you imagine if every successful entrepreneur today would be able to start their own social enterprise? Imagine the impact it would have on Filipinos who are striving to beat poverty. As we help them win over poverty, they will increase consumer spending even more. Social enterprises are not meant to be dole-outs, but to empower Filipinos to be enterprising citizens of the Philippines".

So, what do you think? Is it also time for you too?

Our Prayer:

Father, I am truly blessed to know that there are many Filipinos who care for their fellow-Filipinos. I know that You, Yourself has blessed them and empowered them to be able to do what You called them to do. I pray, that they would prosper even more and that more will rise up to heed Your call to do the same. I declare that the Philippines is a blessed and prosperous nation. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Rags2Riches, a Socially-Responsible Pinoy Business

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 04:35:00 +0000

In this blog, we talked about the value of small to medium enterprises and cottage industries in Pinoy communities that help boost our economy. Many of these businesses have been spear-headed by various NGOs to help the urban and the rural poor to become self-sufficient and to be able to lift themselves from poverty, which we call today as "socially-responsible businesses". I believe, this simply means, that the goal of these businesses is not only to profit themselves but to use the business to also profit communities through a pool of responsible workers from that community working together as a team to uplift the lives of that neighborhood or community.

Such is the company Rags2Riches Inc. which is a business enterprise that creates high-end designer fashion masterpieces and home accessories that are ethical and eco-friendly by empowering women of poor communities. Composed of a pool of young professionals and headed by its president, Reese Fernandez, the company's main production people are the women of the Payatas dumpsite who started a cottage industry making foot rags from the "retazos" they get from the dumps but was duped by the unfair trade system. Now with Rags2Riches, these women have great testimonies to tell the world. Now these foot rugs have turned into designer bags and stuff and being sold at various boutique stores in Metro Manila. They use recycled scraps discarded by garment factories around the Philippines and indigenous materials and with the help of their designer partners like Rajo Laurel, they have turned these rags into great works of art with the recently launched "RIIR" line of products. Check out their website to see and buy their products here (http://www.rags2riches.ph/).

Owing to the success of Rags2Riches, Ms. Fernandez will speak on socially-oriented business at the Philippine Retailers Association's 19th National Retail Conference and Stores Asia in August 11 to 12 at the SMX Convention Center in SM Mall of Asia. Although there are other speakers there, but she may be able to encourage or inspire other retailers to eventually get rid of poverty in various areas of our country by simply engaging in a socially-responsible business.

Here's a video that featured Rags2Riches in BBC.

Our Prayer:

Father, I thank You for the great Pinoy men and women whose hearts are for those Pinoys who are in need. I thank You for great minds and great talents that continue to rise up to help the Pinoy communities to rise up from poverty. I pray that You would bless the work of their hands and that these businesses would prosper beyond their expectations. I do declare that the Philippines is a prosperous nation. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Discovering "KaBlogs" and PEBA

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 03:44:00 +0000

Continuing to talk about the "Pinoy Pride", I just want to share that when I started this blog, I had a fire in my heart to make the world know that Pinoys are good, disciplined, industrious, diligent, and are "doers" and not blabbers only. Such is the advocacy of this blog which I try to maintain with some posts that share on some negative issues that we need discipline on and some providing opinions that needs attention for positive change.
Very recently, I had an unction to make this blog a venue for O.F.W.s and other expat Pinoys to socialize through a forum. However, because of Pinay Expat Blogger (http://expatpinaybiz.blogspot.com/), I discovered a social networking facility for Pinoy expats called "KaBlogs", an acronym for "Kabayan" blogs. "KaBlogs" is committed to unite global Filipinos around the world in their phenomenal presence in the blogsphere into a single fellowship community for Filipino bloggers. It has an air of Pinoy "Bayanihan" culture such as friend's requests, discussion boards and links to job placements, assistance and reliefs in the event of emergencies or abusive situations, upholding the rights and welfare of the Filipino migrant workers. It is an aggregate and directory for more than 300 Pinoy expat bloggers and it's core is the PEBA, the Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards (http://www.pinoyblogawards.com/), founded by the same founder of "KaBlogs", Mr. Jebee Kenji Solis, an OFW in Saudi Arabia. What's even more amazing is the fact that Mr. Solis was able to tap the support of various Pinoy expats all over the world to help out in these endeavors--one in South Korea, Dubai, Qatar, Kuwait, even in Palau. "KaBlogs" and Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards have reached as far as Canada, America, Australia, Middle East, Europe, South East Asia, and, of course, the Philippines.

     This organization of Pinoy expat bloggers are a big inspiration to many Pinoys abroad who have made it a venue to air their grievances, to voice their opinions, to share good things to fellow-Pinoys here and abroad, and to be updated with what's happening everywhere. Under the umbrella of the "KaBlogs" are other sites which include "KaBlog Jobs", "KaBlog Station" and the "Kablog Journal". I recently joined the "KaBlog Station" which is a venue for Pinoys in 'Pinas and abroad with the hope of being able to post my blogs there as well.
     As of this moment PEBA is in the process of gathering nominees for the 2010 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards. Check out the blogs of the winners in 2009 and sample what they're talking about. It would definitely tickle you Pinoy Pride.

   http://isladenebz.blogspot.com/
     http://www.thepinktarha.com/
     http://www.francesainfrance.com/
     http://bonistation.wordpress.com/

Our Prayer:
    Father, I thank You for Pinoy ingenuity and ability to work together as a team, no matter the distance between them. I thank You that many more organizations such as these would rise up for the benefit of the many sectors of interests in our country. I do declare that the Philippines is a blessed and prosperous nation, indeed. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Pinoy "Complex" Versus Pinoy "Pride"

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:10:00 +0000

Reading this morning's (July 30, 2010) The Philippine Star newspaper, I came across the article titled, "Pinoy Pride and Prejudice" written by Paolo Lorenzana. As a former flight attendant of an international airline, I remembered feeling the same way as he described in his article, living abroad, flying from one country to another. In Mr. Lorenzana's words and I quote:

"I'm not a very good sport when it comes to visiting foreign countries; my international security should warrant its own box on a Customs declaration card: 'Are you bringing a great deal of emotional baggage in due to how low your country ranks on the global competitiveness list?' Check. This complex becomes more severe when entering countries nearer mine...."

This "complex" that he was talking about is the "inferiority complex" for being a Pinoy which he described in the first paragraph of his article, which he felt as he arrived in Singapore. However, underneath that inferiority complex was the Pinoy "pride" that regarded Singapore as a "robotic city that was efficient but cold". What's really going on in this Pinoy's heart?

As I have said earlier, I shared the same ill-fitting Pinoy "complex" when I traveled before, for which I had actually repented for. It was bad enough that I felt shame being called one but I also mocked my "kapuwa-Pinoys" and my own country. You know, the usual, "Wala nang pag-asa ang Pilipinas" (There's no more hope for the Philippines), etc. But when I became a Christian, I realized that it is not my "kapuwa-Pinoy's" fault, not even mine, and my complex won't do my country any good. Instead, I need to pray for good and righteous leaders for this nation and do my duty as a good citizen of this country, for this is my contribution as a Filipino.

Pinoy "pride" does not mean that we become so boastful as a Filipino, but it is simply counting the good things we still see in us as a nation, even the little progress which may not be comparable to other nations but at least, we have progress. One thing we, Pinoys, could be proud of is the fact that we can socialize with any foreigner because we have a good command of English and we can easily understand accents. Perhaps, really, sometimes we are too haughty for our own good especially when we're abroad. But the Pinoy gets too excitedly loud when in a new place, savoring each new experience like a real neophyte, and jumps to shout, "Kabayan!" (Fellow-Pinoy) when they see other Pinoys wherever they are abroad.

The Pinoy "complex" says you are ashamed to be a Pinoy. How about replacing it with Pinoy "humility" which means that we are willing to learn from the progress of other nations and accepting the fact that we need changes in our leadership to make it happen.

I believe that Mr. Lorenza is really proud to be a Pinoy, but his inferiority had been driven by the question, "Why? Why can't the Philippines progress as this country?"--a desperate cry for help from the very depths of his Filipino heart.

Our Prayer:

Father, I don't want to ask why, but I know that You have heard the outcry of the Filipino people. Let Your will be done to our nation as we declare that the Philippines is a blessed and prosperous land. In Jesus' name. Amen.

P-Noy's First SONA--Expose's and Solutions

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 03:27:00 +0000

Photos I took from my TV

Yesterday afternoon was a big day for the new Philippine government because Prez. Noy addressed the Congress--supposedly the representing body of the Filipino people. In his SONA (State of the Nation Address), the new president bared wasteful spending of the previous administration as well as leadership schemes that did not think of the majority of the people but only their own pockets that involved billions of pesos that caused the depletion of our budget. However, it did not surprise me at all but only expected to learn which government agencies did this and that. But the president gave solutions to these problems which he plans to undertake with his cabinet and promised to get into the "roots" of things so that they won't happen again--a great challenge to his presidency, I believe.

Everything remains to be seen. We need to give this president a chance to prove himself; in fact, we need to pray that this is the man who would really turn things around towards integrity and righteousness for our country's sake so we could start anew and move forward to real progress as a nation.

But what's with all the rallies again? The night before the SONA, we were driving from Eastwood in E. Rodriguez Jr. and to our surprise, we were pointed to a detour by the police because jeepney-loads of rallyists were trying to troop down to Batasan (Congress) with banners and all sorts of stuff before the SONA but police cars stopped them there after Eastwood. As a result, the traffic standstill was from Market! Market! at C5 all the way to Eastwood. Even during the SONA, there were rallyists who were advocating for something. What? Are you all forever oppositionists no matter who sits in the president's chair? Just asking!

Our Prayer:

Father, we continue to thank You for our new president. We thank You for wisdom that You pour into his life to lead this nation into righteousness and integrity. We thank You that he will have the political will to uphold his convictions and put them into action. We thank You that he will not be influenced by those whose purpose is only to enrich themselves. We declare that the Philippines is a blessed and prosperous nation. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Ostrich Farming in the Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 03:44:00 +0000

The only time I've seen an ostrich was in Manila Zoo when I was a kid. But since that time, many have discovered that this big bird has more to offer than just a bird to look at.

Ostrich farming is the fastest growing agricultural business in the world. This largest living bird in the world of the Ratite family (which means flightless bird) is a good source of eggs, meat, leather and plumage. In short, a farmer profits much from the entire bird. In the Philippines we have ostrich farms in Cagayan De Oro City--the Philippine Ostrich and Crocodile Farm--which is the pioneer one, in Misamis Oriental, in Bicol, and in other areas.

The ostrich egg is the largest of all the eggs but in proportion to the size of this bird which is 8 to 10 feet in height and weighs from 350 to 400 lbs., it is comparatively small. An ostrich egg weighs 1,600 gms. or 1.6 kilos equivalent to 2 dozen chicken eggs. An ostrich hen can lay from 40 to 100 eggs per year. Boiling an ostrich egg takes about an hour for soft-boiled and one and a half hours for hard-boiled. Empty egg shells sell from Php200 to 300 and classified into Class A to B often made into bowls or vases.

Ostrich meat is the primary product of ostrich farming and is mostly exported all over the world. It is low-fat, high protein, low-calorie and cholesterol. What more can you ask for in a meat? It looks and taste like beef but has the nutritional content similar to chicken and turkey. Ostrich meat is served as a gourmet food in various fine dining establishments in the U.S., Europe and Far East. The choice cut meat costs around Php500/kilo, and the ground meat, Php275/kilo.

Another product that a farmer can produce from ostrich is its leather. Ostrich produces world premiere exotic, unique quill patterned leather, universally renowned for its strength and suppleness.

I found so many websites that promote ostrich farming which is a great alternative agri-business in the Philippines. There are also websites that deals on the marketing side of ostrich farming products. However, starting a farm is a bit costly because you have to have a big parcel of land, fence it all around, and buy the chicks and start breeding. The chicks costs around Php11,000 to Php35,000 per chick depending on how old the chicks are. I believe that this is a great business for our country which could bring in big bucks as an export product. It would do our country good if the government could subsidize or manage the farms themselves.

Sources: http://www.ostrich.com/country/philippines.html
http://ostrich-philippines.blogspot.com/

Our Prayer:

Father, thank You for more and more business opportunities for our people. We know that You would provide the way for us to prosper in this agri-business. We declare that the Philippines is a blessed and prosperous nation. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Cam Sur Takes on Influx of International Tourists

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:34:00 +0000

Camarines Sur (Cam Sur, for short), is the largest among 6 provinces in Bicol Region. Its 2 main cities are Naga and Iriga. In the first 6 months of 2007, Cam Sur was visited by more than 57,000 foreign tourists. But according to philstar.com (http://philstar.com/) in their Feb. 22, 2010 web article, Camarines Sur has now become RP's to tourist destination, beside Cebu, surpassing Boracay. The Department of Tourism (DOT) said that there were a total of 1,566,477 foreign and domestic visitors to Camarines Sur in 2009. So why all the fuss about Cam Sur? What's their attraction?

The Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex (CWC) in Pili, Cam Sur, has become the largest wakeboarding complex in Asia and the destination for adventure-seekers and water sport enthusiasts. I believe this complex is man-made and what a great idea to attract visitors to the province. This provincial government-run water sports complex had been inviting investors to open hotels to accommodate the influx of foreign and domestic guests to the area. The complex is home to various sports activities and events as wakeboarding, wakeskiing and water skiing with its 6-point cable system. Recent events that drew thousands of visitors to the complex were: First Aqua Fest Celebrity Aqua Challenge, Ironman 70.3 Triathlon, International Dragon Boat Competition, and Bagasbas Summer Surf. Aside from this, the Lago Del Rey is also a cable water sport park which caters to the whole family with its giant water slides, aqua wall climbing, water polo, water volleyball, kayaking, paddle surfing, or simply pure swimming. They also have the Kid's Activity Center which is also offer water-oriented sports activities for children.
However, the CWC and Lago Del Rey are not the only attractions of Cam Sur. They also boast of the Caramoan Peninsula with its islands and white sand beaches and where the famous "Survivor" episodes were shot in 2009. They also have Lake Buhi where you can find the smallest commercially-harvested fish, "Sinarapan", and Mt. Asog in Iriga. They also have waterfalls and other wonders of nature.

To get there by bus, it takes 10-12 hours but only 45 minutes by plane--Zest Air, PAL or Cebu Pacific.

I salute the Pinoy or the man behind the CWC, an idea that became a reality, a reality that profits the Pinoys in the province of Camarines Sur and the entire Philippines.
For more photos and information about Cam Sur, visit this website: http://camsur.com/.

Other Sources: Wikipedia

: http://philippines-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/wakeboards-and-other-things-to-do-in-camarines-sur

: http://www.enjoyphilippines.com/destination/camsur-water-sports-complex.html

Our Prayer:
Father, I pray for more innovative ideas from the Pinoy mind and for provision that would make it a reality. I thank You that Your pour Your anointing to people so that through the ability that You give them, many Pinoys would benefit from it. I declare that the Philippines is a blessed and progressive nation. In Jesus' name. Amen.

A Teacher's Link Exchange Project

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:00:00 +0000

I know, I know, this is a blog with an advocacy. But joining my friend-blogger's link exchange project will promote her blog, as well as this blog. This is one thing I've learned within the 7 months I've been blogging: Bloggers help each other.

"A TEACHER'S LINK EXCHANGE PROJECT" is a project of my friend, Vernz, a teacher-blogger from Davao, better known for her blog, "On this Side of Town". So what are you waiting for? Join this link exchange project especially if your blog is new. The more, the merrier!!

Just click on the highlighted title above or on the badge below for more details.

Our Prayer:

Father, thank You for blessing me with friends in various places and that even through the internet, we are somehow connected and sharing our thoughts and ideas to one another. I thank You that You will always profit us in every endeavor that we undertake. I still and will declare that the Philippines is a delightful and prosperous land. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Biodiesel from Jatropha--Farming our Fuel Future

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 08:44:00 +0000

Photo by R.K. Henning, courtesy of Wikipedia

The Bible verse, "Everything has a purpose under the sun" has yet again proven that it is true. What seemed like an inedible, useless shrub has been discovered to be a vital source of biofuel. In the Philippines, we call the plant "Tuba-tuba" or "Tubang Bakod"; elsewhere it is called "Jatropha".

Photo courtesy of Jatropha Resource

Center

Jatropha has 178 species but the one that is being used as biodiesel in the Philippines and in India is the Jatropha carcus. Commonly known as physic nut or purging nut, this oil-yielding perennial shrub has been used for traditional medicine to treat fractures, various skin problems and as a purgative. This hardy Jatropha plant is resistant to drought and pests and produces seeds containing 27-40% oil (average 34.4%) and the remaining press cake of the seeds after oil extraction could also be considered for energy production.

Photo courtesy of Jatropha Resource Center

According to a web page, India is now the hotbed of Jatropha-based biodiesel. The railroad between Mumbai to Delhi is planted with these shrubs. But the Philippines was the first country to use coconut oil as a source or feedstock for biodiesel and is also now using jatropha also for biodiesel since 2006. The Philippine National Oil Company-Alternative Fuel Corp. (PNOC-AFC) has been the government body commissioned to oversee this biofuel project. So what's the big deal about this jatropha?

Biodiesel is a renewable and biodegradable fuel extracted from plant oils. It is a natural hydrocarbon with little sulfur content and can be used in diesel engines (in lower blends) without the need for engine modification. The benefits of jatropha biodiesel include the reduction of greenhouse emissions, as well as of the country's oil imports.

But in order to supply the demand, we've got to plant this shrub in abundance. At present, we have a total of 360 hectares of land planted with jatropha. Many farmers are being encouraged to plant this shrub in idle lands in order to increase our future production of biodiesel. Propagation is through seeds and cuttings and can grow almost anywhere. Jatropha starts to produce seeds within 14 months but it reaches its maximum productivity level after 4 to 5 years. The plant is, however, useful up to 30 to 40 years--really a feasible business if someone will do the math. The potential harvest could be 5 metric tons per hectare of seeds under favorable conditions and if pruning is done regularly.

So, do you want to become a Pinoy oil magnate? Farm jatropha.

Sources: Wikipedia

http://jatrophacentral.com/

http://www.mixph.com/2007/11/faqs-on-biofuel-and-jatropha.html

Our Prayer:

Father, I thank You for great discoveries like this. I know that You will pour Your anointing upon the people concerned so that this biofuel project will prosper in our country. I declare that the Philippines is a blessed and progressive nation. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Before and After the Storm

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 06:33:00 +0000

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

It's as if it was only yesterday that the Philippines was devastated by Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. Many Filipino mouths have opened to air their views, their cries, their suggestions, their know-how, etc., on how to prevent these things from happening again. Yet, again, here we go again. As if we haven't learned from experience and from our mistakes. As if those in positions do not care whether we should be warned or not so we could prepare.

Typhoon Basyang, international code name "Conson", according to Wikipedia, entered the country July 11 whereby PAG-ASA raised typhoon signal number 1 over Cagayan, Isabela and Aurora. Storm signal number 2 was raised in these areas the next day and additional areas from Quezon to Ilocos Sur was signal number 1. It was on July 13 that storm signal number 1 was raised in Metro Manila. It was just raining as usual during the night but nothing to be alarmed about because there was no urgent warnings from PAG-ASA. And suddenly, while everyone was asleep during the night towards the early morning hours, the storm slashed with windspeeds of up to 130 km. per hour (70 mph) waking everyone up to secure their homes or to evacuate. The strong winds only lasted only a few hours but it left a great trail of devastation that shocked everyone as they saw it in broad daylight that same morning. Even the president was shocked, or perhaps, furious.

As of July 17, Typhoon Basyang caused 65 deaths, 30 injuries, 87missing, with damage to infrastructure, fisheries, agriculture, and schools amounting to Php188 million, according to NDCC (Natl. Disaster Coordinating Council). PAG-ASA said, according to newspapers, that they don't have the necessary modern equipments to detect whether a storm would become strong or not. Okay, okay, they have old equipments but my gosh, the PAG-ASA people are supposedly our "watchmen" with regards to weather but I don't think they were watching this time. There are additional ways they could do to monitor the weather--use the internet or watch CNN--by which they can more or less discern whether to warn us or not.

Ahh, there is still hope; Prez Noy made immediate action to talk to PAG-ASA. What can we do? Let us pray for those who lost again--loved ones, properties, etc. Let us pray that Pinoys are truly learning from their mistakes and that there is a resolve never to go through the same mistake again.

Other Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/267443/basyang-deaths-now-65

Our Prayer:

Father, we lift to You those who have lost loved ones and properties. We ask for Your help in this time of need in their lives, that You would be their Comforter and Provider. We pray that there is hope for PAG-ASA and that their people would be diligent in their chosen jobs to watch the weather for us so we could be properly warned, protected, and so we could prepare. We thank You that the Philippines is a delightful and prosperous nation. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Affordable Good Quality Homes and Condo Units

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:00:00 +0000

CALLING All O.F.W.s, Balikbayans, Pinoy Investors, and Pinoys who Want a Home of their Own, and Foreigners who Want to Invest in Condo Units!!

Suntrust Properties, Inc. has the right home for your budget. We have a variety of affordable quality homes in various locations for you. We also have condominium units which could very well be your home in the heart of the city or an investment which you could rent out to expats and foreigners or Pinoy executives. Foreigners can also own condo units in the Philippines for their own use or as an investment with the issuance of Individual Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT).

So, what are you waiting for? Choose now the house or condo unit for you!!

I. CONDO UNITS

Adriatico Gardens

Located at the heart of Manila beside the Manila Zoo, this is composed of 3 towers (A, B, C) to be turned over last quarter of this year, next year, and 2012, respectively.

Sample Computations:

                                    Studio (Bldg A)    2 Bedroom (Bldg. B)
TCP (Total Contract Price)            P1,556,096.06             P2,222,994.38
30% DP (down payment) :              P   466,828.82                 P    666,898.31

Less Reservation : P 20,000.00 P 20,000.00

Net DP : P 446,828.82 P 646,898.31

Months to Pay : 21 27
Monthly DP : P 21,277.56/mo P 23,959.16/mo

70% Balance : P1,089,267.24 P1,556,959.06

Pag-Ibig (25 yrs to pay) : P 10,284.66/mo. P 14,692.37/mo
Bank (25 yrs to pay) : P 11,123.47/mo P 15,890.67/mo

Parkview Condos

Located behind Manila City Hall and right across SM Manila, this is composed of 6 clusters of condo buildings, the first turn-over of which will be in 4 years.
Sample Computations: Accacia Bldg.

Studio (24 sqm) 2 Bedrooms (30sqm)

TCP : P1,701.000.00 P2,356,725.00

40% DP                              : P   680,400.00                  P   942,690.00
Less Reservation                : P     15,000.00                  P    20,000.00
Net DP                              : P   665,400.00                   P 922,690.00
Months to Pay                    : 52                                    52

Monthly DP/52 : P12,796.15/mo. P 17,744.04/mo.

60% Balance : P1,020,600.00 P1,414,035.00

Pag-Ibig (25yrs to pay) : P 9.636.32/mo P 13,351.06/mo

Bank Fin (20 yrs to pay) : P 10,422.25/mo P 14,439.96/mo

II. House and Lot

Governor Hills

Gen. Trias, Cavite

Casa Verona

             P70,000 Move-in na!
             P7,000/ month

             RENT-TO-OWN
                  Triplex with provision for loft
                  Minimum lot area: 63sqm (inner unit)
                  74sqm (end unit)    Usable Flr Area :74.6 sqm (inner unit)
                             66sqm (end unit)

Jasmine Sophia

TCP: P3,566,220 P3,053,804.15

        Full 2-Storey single-detached homes
Min. Lot Area   : 154sqm 132 sqm.
Usable Flr. Area: 160sqm    115sqm
4 Bedrooms 4 Bedrooms
3 T/B 2 T/B

Katrina

Full 2-storey single triplex
    townhouse
Min. lot area:

88.5sqm (inner unit) 80.10 sqm (end unit)
3 bedrooms (inner)
2 bedrooms (end)

                                                                                                   Ysabella
                                                                                                                                    Full 2 storey single detached
                                                                                                                                    Minimum Lot Area: 120 sqm
                                                                                                                                    3 bedrooms

Mandara

Silang-Sta. Rosa

Hana

TCP :P2,334,740.00

          2-Storey Duplex unit
Minimum lot area: 88sqm
              Usable Floor Area: 60sqm (standard)
    : 91sqm (premium)
   3 Bedrooms; 1 T/B
   20% D/P

Balance Pag-Ibig: 25 yrs to pay (P16,481.64/mo)

Bank : 25 yrs to pay (P17,825.87/mo)

Niran P2,686,347.84 2-Storey,

Single-detached
176 min. lot area
115.08sqm usable
    flr. area
4 Bedrooms


                                             Chandra
                                                      50 sqm P1,745,170.00    80sqm P2.091,850.00

                                             Duplex unit         Minimum lot area: 80sqm

Amaya
P4,157,699.00
2-Storey Single-detached
   176sqm Min. Lot Area
   149.19sqm Usable Floor Area




Sta. Rosa Hills
Cerise                                                     Kali

P1,356,600.00 (2 bedroom duplex) P887,250.00 (One bedroom duplex)

Flr. Area: 51.90sqm Lot Area: 80sqm Flr. Area: 41.44sqm Lot Area: 60 sqm

The Gentri Heights

Governor's Drive, Cavite

Asmara P3.531.060.00
2-Storey Single-detached home
4 Bedrooms
4 T/B
Pag-Ibig: P18,294.79/ mo

Bank : P27,614.24/mo

Haila                  Kirana P3,203.460.00     P2,543,205.00
2 Storey 2 Storey
Single-detached      Single-detached
4 Bedrooms      3 Bedrooms
4 T/B     2 T/B

Pag-Ibig: Pag-Ibig:

P18,294.79/mo P17,724.72/mo

Bank: Bank:

P25,052.29/mo P19,787.34/mo

For more detailed information regarding the units (layout, location maps), please go to Suntrust Properties, Inc. website at http://www.suntrust.com.ph/.

For inquiries and computations according to your needs, here are my contact numbers:

CARMEN L. ARANETA

Tel. (00 63 2) 820 5698

Mobile (063) 917 898 3839

E mail carmenaraneta@yahoo.com

"Turo-Turo" (Point To What You Want)--The Real Pinoy Fast-food

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 05:09:00 +0000

Many of us are familiar with burgers, fried chicken, and pizzas as fast-food. But to us Pinoys, real fast-food is a variety of cooked dishes or Pinoy viands in "kalderos" or pots gracefully lined-up at a counter for us to point to whichever we food we liked, thus we call it "Turo-turo". Of course, these won't be complete without rice which many Filipinos cannot live without--breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This style of Pinoy fast-food originated from the simple "karinderia"--small food joint usually seen in wet markets or near industrial sites.

Ah, but today's "karinderia" have turned into more modern fast-food counters, serving a variety of Filipino food--from soup, to vegetable dishes to meat and fish (grilled or saucy), grilled sea food, and up to desserts. All these are mostly pre-cooked displayed in chafing dishes and heated when ordered. There are some which even sell fresh sea food which are grilled when ordered. The fiesta buffet-style is inviting to the palate and many are drawn to the wonderful colors and aromas that these fast-food counters display. Some stalls or counters cook foreign food like Mongolian barbecue, Korean, and some Japanese.

Many malls have their own fast-food area so that shoppers can choose from a variety of foods displayed in different stalls. One fast-food I recommend is the one at "Tiendesitas" at E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue in Pasig. Their barbecues are tender and their sauce, great. Also, the one in SM Hypermart, again in E. Rodriguez Jr., we've tried. They have there live "suwahe" shrimps which you can ask them to cook for you. Recently, we tried the fast-food at Market! Market! The area is large with lots of food stalls to choose from, plus they have the famous "Razon's Halo-Halo" for dessert. The photos here are from there.

I'm already becoming hungry just talking about these. If you know of another fast-food place where they serve good food, let me know.

Our Prayer:

Father, we continue to thank You for all the blessings that You pour into our life. We declare that the Philippines is a delightful and prosperous land. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Awesome Pinoy Chefs

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 09:19:00 +0000

The days when Pinoy chefs are "one-in-a-million" are gone because these days, more and more are rising up and becoming recognized. Through the Selecta ice-cream tv commercials, we see our very own Pinoy chefs with their very own creations. Even, in average restaurants, chefs are no longer confined in the kitchen but they proudly roam around the restaurants with their chef hats greeting the diners while they carry about managing their kitchen.

Globaly, Pinoy chefs are also being recognized. Chef Cristeta Comerford, the first woman executive chef in the White House kitchen is also a Filipino-American. Another famous Filipino chef is Chef Ron Bilaro who used to be Oprah Winfrey's chef. Ian Padilla is a Filipino chef at the Parisian restaurant "Taillevent", a Michelin 2-star establishment. Another one is Chef John Levi Reano, a sushi chef in the 5-star Ledra Marriott Hotel in Athens, Greece.

What's more awesome to me is the fact that there is a growing demand of Pinoy kitchen staff, chefs and cooks by foreign employers since 2007 up to present. In 2007, more than 8,400 Pinoy kitchen staff, 2/3 of which are chefs and cooks, were hired by 5-star restaurants, royal palaces, and presidential mansions abroad, mostly in England, Australia and the Middle East. A good chef could earn up to US. $4,000 a month abroad. And the demand continues to rise.

Whereas before, there were rarely any culinary schools in the country and the chef-aspirants need to study abroad which is truly very expensive. But in the year 2000 there were about 2 to 3 culinary schools of repute, one of them is the CCA Manila which pioneered the culinary arts education--one to two-year programs in Culinary Arts and Technology Management--in 1997. These days, there are about 300 culinary schools in the country and rising. This would definitely answer the global demand for chefs and cooks, another level of manpower export for the Philippines.
   Chef Ian Padilla said, "Chefs are the new rock stars. Everyone wants to be a chef".

Sources: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/265102/what-s-cooking
         : http://www.inter-ed.com/index.aspex?pid=new&category-id=2&centr=49
: http://circles.globe.com.ph/yokoramos/2009/06/24/a-filipino-chef-at-ledra-marriott-hotel-athens/

Our Prayer:
    Father, I thank You for such talents that You have blessed many Filipinos with. Thank You that this talent in the culinary arts will flourish and will truly be recognized worldwide. The Philippines is a blessed and a prosperous nation. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Watts Up Again with Our Electric Bills?

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 04:49:00 +0000

In the July 7 issue of The Philippine Star newspaper was written down under the small headliner "Meralco Hikes Rates". The shocking news said that Meralco will increase by about 6 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kwh) this month. The reason? They said that the cost of generation charge will be slightly higher this month because the cost of power sourced from Independent Power Producers is increasing by about 6 centavos per kwh. And the rest of the statements and articles made there were, to me, just a load of futile explanations to the Pinoy consumers who are already struggling with the 'now' high cost of electricity.

Our electric bill had been in the range of Php8,000 per month with two window-type air-cons which we just use in the evenings and another, once in a while at day time. But in our March, 2010 billing, Bulaga!!(Surprise!!), our bill suddenly became Php14,000 plus--a whopping Php6,000 increase which is 75% of our usual Php8,000 bill. Well, we thought it was because of the intense heat of the summer. Our bill went down little by little until this month, it became Php12,000 plus which is still high. How about yours? How can the average Pinoy pay for so high an electric bill when their earnings are so low?

I'm pretty sure that other Pinoy housewives out there are also burdened by this. This is not a thing to joke about because electricity is a basic need, just like water. Our basic needs are our basic rights which should be provided for by our government and should not be used by private companies to greatly profit from. Just as an example, when we went to Australia in 2004, my sisters mentioned that they pay Australian $30 for their electric bill every 3 months in Australia. Although their taxes are a lot higher than ours, Australians really are being taken cared of by their government. I pray we can do the same here or even just something a little bit similar to that.

And so, I appeal, rather, I cry to President Noy, as he promised that we are his "boss", to look into these basic needs--electricity and water--and to the operations of the private companies that handle them, so that the burdens of our citizens would be abated. Billions have been publicized of the earnings of these private companies which handle our basic needs. I pray that the government won't allow them to put their taxes, their luxuries, their overhead expenses, their great profits, etc., all into the shoulders of the Pinoy consumers. I also pray that they put a stop to this another increase and for wisdom to pave the way for a better power generation and distribution to benefit the Filipino people.

What ever happened to Senator Enrile's commotion about this issue before? I know you can pay your electric bill even if it's much higher than mine, but what made you stop to pursue this issue of the Meralco and Napocor? Just a question that anyone can speculate on.

Our Prayer:

Father, we cast our burdens, our cares, upon You for we know that what ever the devil meant for evil, You can turn into good. We expect that our new government would address this problem and find solutions. Thank You for Your intervention for You are our ever-present help in time of need. The Philippines is a delightful and prosperous nation. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Philippine Cottage Industry

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 05:10:00 +0000

When I was a kid, I used to see many housewives in our neighborhood play Bingo in the mid-afternoons while my mother was too busy making dresses. However, somebody from a manufacturing company came to our community and taught them how to do tatted laces for table linens, the materials of which were provided but they get paid for labor. Just two months after that, the housewives were the ones making the whole laced table linens and selling them to the company. That was the start of the cottage industry in our neighborhood.

Wiki Pilipinas defines a "cottage industry" (also called the Domestic system) as an industry, primarily manufacturing, which includes many producers working from their homes, typically part-time. In RA 3470 which is the Philippine law that created the government agency to oversee our cottage industry, the National Cottage Industries Development Authority(NACIDA), the term "cottage industry" means an economic activity in small scale which is carried out mainly in homes or in other places of profit and which is mainly done with the help of the members of the family.

The Philippine cottage industry may start small-scale but many of these industries have developed into huge exporting businesses which truly help bring dollars into our country. The bamboo and rattan furniture that we manufacture are world-class and many hotels all over the world order from us. We can also add our handicrafts like our shell products which are made into chandeliers and lamp stands and shades, our fine and fashion jewelries with exquisite designs, our Marikina shoes for export, our abaca hats which are worn by royalties, and of course, holiday decors which are all exported and sold in stores all over the world.
For the aspiring Pinoy small-scale entrepreneur, the CITC or Cottage Industry Technology Center located in SSS Village, Marikina, provides skills training, technical consultancy, and common facilities services to micro, small and medium enterprises. They offer technology transfer and skills training for fine jewelry making, footwear, furniture and builders woodwork with specialized courses on bamboo, wood and metal products, giftwares and holiday decors, handloom weaving, stuffed toy making, giveaways, artificial flower making, pottery, dyeing of indigenous fibers, basket weaving, basic dressmaking, food processing, among others.

As years have gone by, many more cottage industry products are out in our local market--scented candles, baked cookies and goodies, recycled art paper and notebooks, even local perfumes and aromatic soaps and lotions. Who knows what else can our creative Pinoys come up with. All these create jobs for the Pinoy, provide income for their family, and of course, these cottage industries help the Philippine economy.

Other Sources: http://www.etravelpilipinas.com/philippines_news/RP_Fashion_Jewelry_Business.htm

http://www.dti.gov.ph/dti/idex.php?p=173

Our Prayer:

Father, we worship You today. We thank You that You pour out Your anointing toward the Filipino people that they may become productive, effective, and profitable in their businesses and endeavors. I thank You that You will bless them even more as they take part in the prosperity of our nation. In Jesus' name. Amen.

To Ban or Not To Ban: Kidney and Organ Donations

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 07:48:00 +0000

     Together with the Philippines' medical tourism attraction is the boom on organ donations. According to the AFP in 2008, the Philippine Society of Nephrology calls the country a "world hotspot" for human organ trafficking at that time. That is why that same year, President GMA ordered the ban in the transplantation of kidneys from Filipino non-related donors of foreigners. The reason for this was the growing number of poor Pinoys selling their organs to foreigners risking their own health just to get money. The Department of Health (DOH) said that in 2006, there were around 620 kidney transplants on patients mostly from the Middle East and Europe. With that ban, foreigners and their accomplice could face up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of 2 million pesos or about 47,400 U.S. dollars.
     According to sources, organ transplantation is very expensive and has become a relatively lucrative medical business with some doctors charging up to U.S. $60,000 for the operation. This is probably the reason why even with the ban, it is still an on-going operation in certain hospitals in the country, due to the fact that the DOH's regulating body, the Bureau of Health Facilities and Services (BHFS), does not have the capability to check if hospitals really comply with the said ban.
    Now here's the new scenario that the new DOH Chief, Enrique Ona, has publicized recently: he is bent on lifting the total government ban on organ donations to foreigners. He said, "Our position here is it should be allowed through strict regulation system" and that he is open to giving gratuity package to donors which could go as high as P150,000. But Dr. Alberto Chua of the Phil. Society of Nephrology is opposed to the lifting of the ban and said he will go to President Noy about it. He emphasized that with the P150,000 gratuity for donors, more and more poor people will donate their organs, especially with that amount.
     What do you think? I think even the middle-class would be tempted to donate their organ for that much. But why should we resort to physically reducing our own body parts just so we could have extra money? Are we really that desperate that we put our own health into jeopardy not realizing that we could meet our Maker sooner than we ought to? What if we sold one of our kidneys and later in life, the one kidney you have left malfunctioned, or in the future, a member of your own family needs a kidney donor? Well, there are many Pinoys who really are desperate and would immediately grab that money in exchange for their organ. But, whatever Mr. Ona's intentions for "strict regulation system" remains to be seen. He deserves to be given the "benefit of the doubt".

Sources: http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/health/May-June-o8/The-Philippines-Restricts-Organ-Transplants-to-Foreigners.html
                 http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/special-report/o3/08/09/organ-trade-continues-despite-ban-transplantation-foreigners

Our Prayer:
    Father, give our leaders wisdom to run our government and to make policies that benefit the majority, not only a few. Make their hearts have compassion over the Filipino people and their welfare and prosperity as their priority. We thank You, Lord, that nothing is impossible to You. We declare the Philippines is a blessed and progressive land. In Jesus' name. Amen.

New President, New Promises--New Hope

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen A.) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 02:06:00 +0000

In almost all Philippine media, including the blogging world, as well as in international news, the inauguration of the new Philippine president Noynoy Aquino is mostly the headline or the topic since yesterday morning.

Watching the inauguration on television last June 30, I felt a sudden urge or unction to pray for this man during his oath taking. A sudden gush of tears which I could not explain stopped me from praying to analyze why. Perhaps because of his speech filled with many promises of hope for the future of our country? Or, perhaps because here is another president who just made another set of promises meant to be broken? I certainly hope not! But after the brief teary occurrence, I continued to pray that, indeed, he will be able to fulfill these promises that he made, that righteousness will prevail in his government, and for Divine intervention to help him carry out God's plan for our prosperity.

I took these photos from my t.v. as I watched the inauguration of P-Noy

"You are the boss, so I cannot ignore your orders. We will design and implement an interaction and feedback mechanism that can effectively respond to your needs and aspirations..." This is a portion of his address. The Philippine Star newspaper headlined it: "P-Noy to PInoys: You are my boss". Wow, this statement is really dramatic in a sense that it stirs the heart of the ordinary Pinoy with a new hope that his voice will be heard and that his opinions matter to the president. How true that it is important for all of us to be heard, but hopefully the voice that we will air to the president does not reek of our own selfish agenda. Yes, we have needs and many Pinoys are in poverty, but prosperity does not come from dole-outs and from mere asking for blessings; we need to work, which is what we should be asking for.

Our hope for a better future does not merely rest on this one man--President Noy--but we do hope and must pray that God will use him and help him to provide the means (more jobs, more investors and investment opportunities, less red tape) for us to prosper so that our country will also prosper as a nation.

Our Prayer for President Noy:

Father, we, the Filipino people, pray that You give President Noy the strength, the wisdom, the anointing to lead our country into righteousness, prosperity, and peace. Equip him with the necessary tools, bless him with the necessary help--whether men, finances or opportunities. Teach him always what to do for You are our Great Teacher and Helper. Keep him healthy and strong. We pray that he will uphold integrity above people who would influence him otherwise. We thank You that these are Your will for our new president for the benefit of our nation. In Jesus' name. Amen.