kapehan with pedrokomentaryo

Who you should NOT vote in the Philippines Presidential Election 2016

2016-03-21T06:53:00.000-07:00

The Marikina Valley Fault Line: are you ready ?......, Philippine Festival......, The beauty of the Philippines PDAF SCAM......, OFW: How the Filipinos are distributed around the world......, Tsunami preparedness information for Cebuanos...

Once again, it is election time in the Philippines. The Presidential aspirants are now busy winding up the Filipino people just to win their votes. I'm writing this not to tell you who to vote for, but I'm writing this to tell you who NOT to vote for.

Don't vote for a politician who said that he is not running and yet after several months he is campaigning. How can we trust this person if he is not being clear and honest from the start of his intention. If he said that he is just testing the water of politics if it is in favor to him or not, then he is just testing himself if he is able to run the Philippines or not. He is not even sure to himself.

We must realize that DAVAO is not the Philippines. That running a city is different from running the whole country. Here's another thing he said, if he is going to be elected as President, he will increase the wages of the police officers up to 50,000 to 100,000 per month. The question is where he will get the money? And if he will increase the wages of the police officers he should also increase the wages of our Navy, Army and the Air Force. They also bet their lives to defend our country, they are also capable of corruptions or doing criminal acts and not only the police. Even worse this branches of our armed forces is capable of destabilizing our democratic form of government, we have a history of that.

He also said that, within three to six months he will clean the country from corruptions, criminals, drugs, and other lawlessness. Three to six months is so ambitious and not in line with reality, unless he is John Anderton the pre crime chief of the sci-fi movie Minority Report played by Tom Cruise. Or he will psychologically read the behavior of every Filipino.

The reality is, the biggest problem of Mayor Duterte if in case he is being elected as President in our small republic is, whom he will appoint as his first lady. Because I'm quite sure those women in his side will fight each other for that seat in Malacanang. So my conclusion is, Mayor Duterte is full of crap.

We should consider that our country is aiming to increase it's market value worldwide from BPO to productions, and etc. If we elect a President that is smeared with corruption allegations though it is "not proven yet" as they say, it will affect our government's trustworthy rating. The result is that the value of our pesos currency will decline. This is good for the Filipino working abroad but worst for the ordinary Filipinos who are struggling to survive. "Mag didildil na naman tayo ng asin nito".

The Cebuanos is rude to the Vice President during the Sinulog, but I think they acted the right way. " KUNG EPAL KA DAPAT KA NGANG BASTOSIN". If Vice President Binay will be elected as President, those people who throw corruption allegations against him should hide themselves wherever they can hide because I'm pretty sure that they will have the biggest problem of their entire lives. If a person smeared with corruption allegations then that person is not worthy to be our next President. Those allegations will be silenced or worst washed out and the party will go on. For me, the trust worthy of Mr Binay as a President is rock bottom. " Sabi ng mga matatanda kung may USOK may APOY ".

But here are some good things that I should say. We live in a free and developed country. To improve our lives, we should not vote for these kind of politicians. For me, we should elect a President that has the true capability to encourage the Filipino people to work and work harder and not just watching unrealistic, day dreaming teleserye everyday. "Kasi walang Forever lalo na kung gutom ka!".

A president that has the idea to make a "lasengerong pinoy" to work. We should depend on ourselves. We can do something to ourselves. We should feel free to find a job and fight for it by dedicating ourselves to the things that we are asked to do, and stop complaining that we only have a small salary. That our salary is like a woman's monthly period. " ISANG BUWAN MONG HINTAYIN, DALAWA o TATLONG ARAW MONG GAGASTOSIN". To those who does not know, our country is already a developed country. If you don't believe me, then count how many MALLS we have in our country. Businessmen are not day dreamer.

So Filipinos don't vote for a President whom you think can make your life easier, but vote for a President that can push yourself to make your life easier.

This should be on the head of every Filipino

2014-01-06T11:25:00.003-08:00

Philippine Documentary - The Definitions of Lower, Middle, and Upper Class

''Filipinos should work hard to improve his living status, Filipinos should not depend to the government''

I LOVE THIS LADY !

2013-12-04T13:48:00.002-08:00

Miriam for President on 2016

The beauty of the Philippines PDAF SCAM

2013-09-08T14:08:00.004-07:00

September 8 2013
The HISTORY

The term "pork barrel" in politics usually refer to spending which is intended to benefit constituents of a politician in return for their political support, either in the form of campaign contributions or votes. The term was made popular by the Americans in the late 19th century. The term pork barrel was used as a Homely metaphor for any form of public spending.

The Americans introduced this to the Philippines during the Colonial era and was abolished by President Marcos. This was reintroduced during the administration of President Corazon Aquino with the creation of the Countryside Development Fund (CDF) in 1990. The CDF has Php 2.3 billion as an initial funding which was designed to allow legislators to fund small-scale infrastructure or community projects which fell outside the scope of the national infrastructure program, and which was often restricted to large infrastructure items. In 2000 during the administration of President Joseph Estrada, the CDF was later renamed the Public Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

The ALLOCATIONS

PDAF allocation has gradually increased over the years. For example,for the year 2010 the allocated PDAF was Php 10.86 billion, it is before President Gloria Arroyo stepped down. But during President Benigno Aquino III administration, they passed first budget for 2011 and the allocation was Php 24.62 billion which was more than doubled than the previous year. The amount was divided into Php 70.0 M for each of the Congressmen and Php 200.0 M for each of the Senators beginning the year 2006.

During the regime of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the PDAF became the biggest source of corruption among the legislators. "Kickbacks" were common and became syndicated using pre-identified project implementers including government agencies, contractors and bogus non-government organizations.

The FACT

Firstly, we should open our minds with this facts.

Transparency International is a global movement sharing one vision:" A world in which government, business, civil society and the daily lives of people are free of corruption". Now, the movement is present in more than 100 countries and works relentlessly to stir the world’s collective conscience and bring about changes.

Our country (the Philippines) ranks 105 in their corruption index which is one of the worst performers in East Asia. The Philippines have a score of 34 while Somalia ranked 174 with the score of 8, and Denmark rank as number 1 with the score of 90. (Note: The score of 0 means that a country is perceived as highly corrupt and score of 100 means it is perceived as very clean).

The BEAUTY OF THE SCAM

First we should remember the fertilizer fund maintained by the Department of Agriculture, around Php 900 million in royalties earned from the Malampaya gas field were also lost to the scam.

The PDAF scam involved the funding of "ghost projects" that were funded using the PDAF funds of participating lawmakers. These projects were "implemented" through using Napoles' companies wherein the projects produced no tangible output. According to the testimony provided by Benhur Luy's brother, Arthur, that funds would be processed through fake foundations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)which was established under the wing of the JLN Group of Companies, the holding company of Janet Lim-Napoles. In Napoles' company, employees 'even a nanny' named as incorporators or directors. Each foundation or the NGO served as an official recipient of a particular legislator's PDAF funds. And each organization had a number of bank accounts where PDAF funds would be deposited for the implementation of these projects.

Napoles, who specialized in trading agricultural products, frequently used the procurement of agricultural inputs in the propagation of the scam. Either her employees would write to legislators requesting for funds for the implementation of a particular project (e.g. farm inputs) or a legislator would indicate to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) a particular recipient agency for his or her PDAF funds that would be pre-selected by Napoles. Once it is received then this will be forwarded to the DBM wherein Special Allotment Release Order (SARO)was issued indicating the amount deducted from the legislator's PDAF allocation, and later a Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) given to the recipient agency. The NCA would then be deposited in one of the foundation's accounts and the funds wii be withdrawn in favor of the JLN Group of Companies.The funds would then be split between Napoles, the lawmaker, the official of the Department of Agriculture (DA) who is responsible for facilitating the transfer of funds, and for good measure, the local mayor or governor.The JLN Group of Companies offered a commission of 10-15% against funds released to local government units and recipient agencies of PDAF funds, while a legislator would receive a commission of between 40-50% against the total value of his/her PDAF.

The LAWMAKERS

Bong Revilla Php 1.015 billion

Juan Ponce Enrile Php 641.65 million

Jinggoy Estrada Php 585 million

Rizalina Seachon-Lanete Php 137.29 million

Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. Php 100 million

Conrado Estrella III Php 97 million

Edgar L. Valdez Php 85 million

Rodolfo Plaza Php 81.5 million

Erwin Chiongbian Php 65.35 million

Samuel Dangwa Php 62 million

Robert Raymund Estrella Php 41 million

Gregorio Honasan Php 15 million

TOTAL Php 2.928 billion

The OPINION

Senator Bong Revilla being the topnatcher, who allows this dummy NGO's to access his PDAF for up to Php 1.015 billion. And yet he denies that he didn't know that it is a fake NGO. If he did knew about it, then we can question his honesty or we might think that he could possibly had a share. Senator Revilla still had the guts to face the Filipino constituents.

How we can trust him as a leader in our country when he cannot even look after his own table. How he can guide the 100 million Filipinos for a good future wherein he cannot even knew the difference between a true and fake non-government organization. It is clear as a crystal that he is not qualified for the job. He won the position not because he knew about the job but because he is a member of a Political Dynasty and uses their money and popularity to wag the nose of the poor ordinary Filipinos. The best thing that we can do is to solemnly pray that this issue will not be white-washed. That fair judgement will be done. And at least one if not all will be punished. Sad to say that only in the Philippines that politicians are described as "thickened skin".

Canada will create skilled worker immigration pool

2012-11-22T01:37:00.001-08:00

A Skilled worker, is any worker who has "some special skill", "knowledge", or (usually acquired) ability in their work. A skilled worker may have attended a college, university or technical school. Or, a skilled worker may have learned their skills on the job. An example of a skilled labor job is game making and computer manufacturing.

The Canadian Government, in agreement with provincial Immigration Ministers, will establish a pool of skilled-worker candidates by the end of 2014 from which employers will be able to select potential immigrants to fill Canada’s regional labour shortages. Canada’s Immigration Minister, Jason Kenney, announced last week that he will work with his provincial counterparts to implement the Expression of Interest (EOI) system, whereby employers will be able to screen and assess potential migrant workers from a pool of applicants. “We’ve had very fruitful discussions about the future of immigration in Canada,” Kenney said after the annual federal-provincial immigration conference in Toronto. Provincial government representatives, apart from the absent Quebec Immigration Minister, agreed the immigration system should be quick and responsive to employer and regional economic needs. Kenney was cautious on Ontario’s immigration plan to substantially increase the number of skilled immigrants the province to 2,000 next year, and to 5,000 in 2014. Ontario only gets a 5 per cent of the 20,000 provincial nominees accepted across Canada each year. “The concern for Ontario is that the number of immigrants coming to Canada is going down … Moving forward, we do have to find a way to co-operate and collaborate to rectify the situation,” said Ontario Immigration Minister Michael Chan. “All provinces want their provincial nominee programs expanded because immigrants coming in are successful in getting jobs that match their skills.” Full details of the EOI system, based on a system used in New Zealand and Australia, are not yet available. But Kenney said a formula will be developed to decide the “distribution of skilled immigrants across the country.” The total number of economic migrants admitted to Canada in 2013 will be between 240,000 and 265,000, but the government wants to expand its “Canadian Experience Class” scheme, which gives permanent residency to international students and workers in the country for two years on temporary visas.

why we should stop political dynasty

2012-11-05T14:47:00.000-08:00

Political dynasty means, a succession of rulers from the same family or line. It also means a family or group that maintains power for several generations. Members of political dynasties may have greater political power due to various observed and unobserved characteristics of the family such as wealth, talent, popularity or looks that correlate with political success and can be transmitted across generations. we can find evidence of a causal effect of entering politics on the probability of having relatives in office in the future. Using a regression discontinuity design based on close elections we can see that individuals who win their first race by a small margin and have access to office are four times more likely to have relatives in office in the future, than individuals who run but lose by a narrow margin and never serve. This suggests that the political system is an important source of dynastic persistence and concentrates disproportionate political power in a few families..

Why we should stop the dynastic type of politics in our country?

Political dynasties can "undermine" the quality of democracy and "economic development" of our country in the long growth. Scholars agreed that the dynastic nature of Philippine politics has lead to a personalised style of politics that undermines the creation of a strong state and the adoption of country wide policies. As a consequence, the reform of important economic institutions is often blocked by members of dynasties who benefit from the status-quo. This has also prevented the emergence and consolidation of political parties that address the demands of broader constituencies. Others claim that the resiliency of dynasties is associated with rent-seeking and the allocation of state resources to further private interests. The concentration of political power in a small set of families also increases the risk of political capture and the adoption of policies and institutions that benefit a very narrow set of interests. Finally, mean reversion in talent over time, makes it unlikely that a society that draws its leaders from a narrow pool of families will choose the individuals best fitted for public office. We should practice the "one politician in a family " system... please help to "STOP POLITICAL DYNASTY".... vote wisely.

Philippines Dynasty

2012-10-16T00:52:00.005-07:00

Sila na naman ba ?... wala na bang iba.?

When I went home to my town back in the Philippines , I am surprised that one of our neighbor, which bloodline is not native from our barangay, became an elected barangay captain, and that is not the worst part, even his wife, and two sons are members of his council. Is there any other person? at least a native of the place, which is intelligent enough to lead. Is it really necessary that this once lovely island became a family business. Well we can see these trend not only in the Local level, but even in the National arena. Did you know that politics in our country is controlled by only 83 families?, from Batanes to Zamboanga. Our beloved country Philippines is under the rule of these families. The Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPeg) said, “Membership in a political dynasty is a guarantee to its preservation. Whether in the national or local level, membership provides a political clout to amass more wealth, hence, to secure enduring political power,”..

If you have noticed most senatorial candidates in this midterm election, came from political families, either on both side LP or UNA. Bloodline from former Presidents. Ramon Magsaysay Jr. and Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, both running under the Liberal Party (LP). Mitos Magsaysay and JV Ejercito of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA). If elected, they will increase the number of senators who are blood relatives of former presidents, to seven from the current three Sergio Osmeña III, Jinggoy Estrada, and Bongbong Marcos,”.

Senatorial bets who came from political families, Cagayan Rep. Juan Ponce “Jack” Enrile Jr., son of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile; former Tarlac governor Margarita Cojuangco, maternal aunt of President Aquino, and former senators Juan Miguel Zubiri, Ernesto Maceda and Richard Gordon; and Nancy Binay, eldest daughter of Vice President Jejomar Binay, all of UNA, and former Las Piñas representative Cynthia Villar, wife of last termer Sen. Manny Villar; re-electionist Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano; Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara, son of last termer Sen. Edgardo Angara, all of LP; and re-electionist Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III of PDP-Laban.

Our government currently passed the Cyber Crime Law, which for me inhibit some of our freedom to express our opinions on the net, which I think is the last frontier of complete freedom for the ordinary Filipinos to express of what they felt and voice out their opinion. I don't care if they are aiming to chase those hackers and criminal minded people who are using the web for their crimes. But for God sake , why they inserted these Libel law in an eleventh hour. Instead in concentrating on these cyber crime law, why they didn't turn their faces to the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, Article II, Declaration of Principles and State Policies, Section 26."The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law". Maybe this is the time that we should consider this small section of our constitution. In a study of a political scientist, the elites of Philippine politics from 1946 to 1963 lists 169 prominent families. These families have produced 584 public officials, including seven Presidents, two Vice Presidents, 42 Senators, and 147 Representatives. In the 14th Congress of the Philippines (from July 23, 2007 to June 4, 2010), it was surveyed that more than 75% of the lawmakers are members of the old political families. And who can stop these big problem in our country?.. no other than but YOU !... FILIPINO VOTERS.

It's still about PHILHEALTH for OFWs

2012-09-08T09:18:00.016-07:00

In the Middle East, which most of my critics are based, there is a group called "Migrante" who are appealing to OFWs around the world to join their campaign by signing the petition to “Scrap Philippine Health Circular No. 022 " this is about the increase of PhilHealth annual premium contribution from Php 900 to Php 2,400 which took effect last July 1, 2012.

Note: I am not from Philhealth or paid by Philhealth agency.

I am LIKE YOU, an OFW who is struggling to work abroad for a living, away from home and my family. I offered this information to you because I do believe for PROGRESS through POSITIVE THINKING for THE PHILIPPINES because I don’t want my children to work abroad, to earn a living just like us today, who suffered from emotional and psychological burden. Even some of us were been abused or discriminated.

Presently, we have a good President compared to the past administrations (we are still hoping for the better and the best). Why do we not give him a chance to prove himself. But, we should also remember that he is not superman that can change everything in a blink of an eye. We cannot feel progress in an instant, it takes time to wait, so that we can enjoy the fruits of our labor working abroad through good leadership of our current president. We all witnessed the past administrations during and after Marcos, the development of our country is worse. ( BAKIT HINDI MUNA NATIN PAGBIGYAN pag walang e-pek SAKA NATIN BATIKUSIN......)

"Learn to accept in silence the minor aggravations, cultivate the gift of taciturnity, and consume your own smoke with an extra draft of hard work." ~William Osler

What is this Philppine Health Circular No.22:

In Line with the implementation of the Universal Health Care Program, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) aims to support the attainment of universal health care by eventually having all Filipinos assigned and taken care by a Primary Care Provider and members and their qualified dependents are given the option to avail of no balance billing health care services. Furthermore, the Corporation will support the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) health targets by 2015. To implement enhancements in the NHIP benefit packages.

“The happiest people I have known have been those who gave themselves no concern about their own souls, but did their uttermost to mitigate the miseries of others.”

The premium contribution of all National Household Targeting System, for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR.) identified poor families of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Under the Sponsored Program shall be Two Thousand Four Hundred Peso (PhP2,400.00) per year, effective 01 January 2012. The Sponsored Program identification card that will be issued to the intended NHTS-PR beneficiaries shall hare a two-year validity period. This is with the expectation for the National Government to sustain its subsidy until CY 2013.

For Individually Paying and Overseas Filipino Workers Programs:

Self-employed individuals under the Individually Paying and Overseas Workers Programs shall pay the minimum annual premium contribution of Two Thousand Four Hundred Pesos (PhP2,400.00).

Provided that:

1.For members who pay their contributions within the First Semester of CY 2012, the annual premium contribution shall be computed at an annual premium contribution of One Thousand Two Hundred Pesos (PhP 1,200.00).

2.For members who sign a policy contract within the First Semester of CY 2012 and commit to pay their contributions for two (2) consecutive years, the annual premium contribution shall be computed at One Thousand Two Hundred Pesos (PhP 1,200.00).

and

3.Self-employed professionals earning an average monthly income of more Than Twenty-Five Thousand Pesos (PhP25,000.00) shall continue to pay thier annual premium contribution of Three Thousand Six Hundred Pesos (PhP3,600)

In response to the thrust of the Aquino Administration for kalusugang Pangkalahatan (KP) to provide universal health care to all Filipinos and in line with the attainment of the 2015 health targets under the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealrh) shall provide enhanced benefits to improve financial risk protection of its members. Further, PhilHealth shall also provide all Filipinos with Primary Care Benefit (PCB) Package and an option to avail of the No Balance Billing (NBB) policy on health care services. To efficiently implement product improvements and sustain the provision of National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) benefit packages, increasing investment in health care through the adjustment of current premium contribution rates for all members is essential. Thus, through PhilHealth Board Resolution No. 1571, series of 2011, the PhilHealth Board and Management approved the increase in premium contributions of those enrolled or to be enrolled under the Individually Paying Program to Two Thousand Four Hundred Pesos (PhP 2,400) per year effective last July 1, 2012. Further, to ensure continuous coverage of members in the Informal Sector, PhilHealth shall issue a policy contract which provides financial risk protection to the members and their dependents.

No Balance Billing (NBB) policy

Pertaining to the availment of benefits under the new case rates is applicale to Sponsored

Program members and / or their dependents admitted in accredited government

hospitals due to any of the following medical conditions and surgical procedures:

MEDICAL CASES

Dengue I P8,000.00

Dengue II P16,000.00

Pneumonia I P15,000.00

Pneumonia II P32,000.00

Essential Hypertension P9,000.00

Cerebral Infarction P28,000.00

Cerebro-vascular accident with hemorrhage P38,000.00

Acute Gastroenteritis P6,000.00

Typhoid Fever P14,000.00

Asthma P9,000.00

Newborn Care Package P1,750.00

SURGICAL PROCEDURES

Radiotherapy P3,000.00

Hemodialysis P4,000.00

Maternity Care Package P8,000.00

NSD, Level 1 P8,000.00

NSD, Levels 2-4 P6,500.00

Caesarean Section P19,000.00

Appendectomy P24,000.00

Cholecystectomy P31,000.00

Dilatation and curettage P11,000.00

Thyroidectomy P31,000.00

Herniorrhaphy P21,000.00

Mastectomy P22,000.00

Hysterectomy P30,000.00

Cataract surgery P16,000.00

The NBB policy also applies when the Sponsored Program members avail themselves of outpatient surgeries, hemodialysis and radiotherapy in accredited non-hospital facilities that includes free-standing dialysis centers (FSDCs) and ambulatory surgical clinics (ASCs). It also applies when they are availing themselves of their existing outpatient packages for TB-DOTS, Malaria

and HIV/AIDS. At the same time, all other member-types are entitled to the NBB policy when availing themselves of the Maternity Care Package (MCP) and the Newborn Care Package (NCP) in accredited MCP (non-hospital) providers.

A VIDEO THAT global ofw voices "KUNO" REFRAIN YOU TO VIEW.

2012-09-07T14:39:00.001-07:00

This is all about PhilHealth for OFW

2012-09-04T14:53:00.056-07:00

When I opened my FB account, the first thing that I saw is the post from PEBA,INC (Pinoy Expat / OFW blog awards) shared by the GLOBAL OFW Voices, about PhilHealth giving benefits of only 100 pesos worth of medicine. There are at least considerable numbers of comments, reactions expressing their disappointments. WHY is that only 100 pesos? They said.

Well either these people are misinformed or ignorant. The only 100 pesos news from Philhealth is the increase of its contributions, from a previous of 100 pesos of Philhealth contribution, it was increased to 200 pesos, it is a 100% increased. This is to cover the Philhealth expansions (services) but the member will had to pay this for two years. In short the Philhealth member will pay just 1,200 annually.

All I can say is that this GLOBAL OFW Voices are peddling wrong information to the public, especially to the OFWs who are giving sacrifices to work abroad, away from their families and loved ones. ( "Kawawa naman ang OFW na binigyan ninyo ng maling information, malayo pa sa pamilya, lolokohin nyo pa" ). As a result for this crab mentality attitude, the OFWs can lost their sense of security, to its self and to his / her family.

To the GLOBAL OFW VOICES or whoever person peddling these wrong information by posting this to FB page is IGNORANT and have a TOTAL CRAB MENTALITY. You better check the source of your NONSENSE information, before you shout your untune VOICES. (Kung ganyan tayo ng ganyan kailan man hindi aasenso ang Pilipinas, puro negative ang nasa utak.). MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES.

NOTE: I am not Pro-Politician, I am Pro-FILIPINO. and I am NOT from PhilHealth.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) was created in 1995 to create an universal health coverage for the Philippines. It is a tax-exempt, government-owned and government-controlled corporation (GOCC) of the Philippines, and is attached to the Department of Health. It states its goal as insuring a sustainable national health insurance program for all. In 2010, it claimed to have achieved "universal" coverage with 86% of the population, although the 2008 National Demographic Health Survey showed that only 38 percent of respondents were aware of at least one household member being enrolled in PhilHealth. Nevertheless, this social insurance program provides a means for the healthy to pay for the care of the sick and for those who can afford medical care to subsidize those who cannot. Both local and national government allocate funds to subsidize the indigent.

There are five PHILHEALTH patient groups, the FORMAL, INDIGENT, RETIREE, NON-POOR and others, and OFW.

In the FORMAL groups, the premium is in the employer and worker each will pay half, up to 2.5% of income of up to 30,000 pesos. The enrollment is as of the hiring date. The payment date is up to 3 months.

For the INDIGENT the premium is 1,200 pesos annually. The local government will handles the enrollment annually.

For the RETIREES the premium is free, and for the age of 60 the enrollment of premium payments is on 10 years.

For the NON POOR there are no subsidy for the Premium.

For the OFW we have 1,200 pesos annual premiums or 2,400 pesos every two years. The enrollment is the date of your emigration and we have no subsidy from the government.

For the OFWs can be a Qualified Member if he/she is an Active land-based Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who underwent the normal process of registration as an OFW at Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Offices. IF the OFWs is currently abroad but are not yet registered with PhilHealth. Sea-based (SEAMEN) OFWs are considered locally Employed Members so must apply as Employee under FORMAL GROUP.

Who Are Qualified As OFW PHILHEALTH Dependents

You are qualified as PHILHEALTH OFW DEPENDENTS that can enjoy PhilHealth coverage without addition premiums if you are a Legal spouse (non-member or whose membership is inactive). If you are Child or children legitimate, legitimated, acknowledged and illegitimate (as appearing in birth certificate) adopted or stepchild or stepchildren below 21 years of age, unmarried and unemployed. Child or children 21 years old or above but suffering from congenital disability, either physical or mental, or any disability acquired that renders them totally dependent on the member for support. If you are Parents (non-members or membership is inactive) who are 60 years old and above, including stepparents (biological parents already deceased) and adoptive parents (with adoption papers). A Qualified dependents shall be entitled to a separate coverage of up to 45 days per calendar year. However, the 45 days allowance shall be shared among them. A Qualified dependents must be declared by the principal member. Their names must be listed under the principal member's Member Data Record (MDR) to ensure hassle-free benefits availment.

Benefit Availment Conditions.

If you have the Eligibility Requirements mentioned above. Availment must be within the validity period as stated in the OFW's PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF) or in the payment receipt. The OFW-member's 45 days allowance per year for hospital room and board and the separate 45 days allowance shared among the dependents have not been consumed yet.

Post Availment Reminders.

After the automatic deduction or reimbursement of benefits, PhilHealth will send the Benefit Payment Notice or BPN to the address indicated in the member's claim form. The BPN is a report of actual payments made by PhilHealth relative to the member's the confinement/availment. Should there be discrepancies between the amounts reflected in the BPN and in the member's final billing statement issued by the hospital, or if the member has other concerns pertaining to benefit availment, he may contact PhilHealth or the health care provider. The member must bring the BPN as reference document.

Benefit Availment Procedures VERY EASY and SIMPLE.

Outright/Automatic Deduction Of Benefits need to be Submited to the billing section prior to discharge from the hospital. Requirements are the Duly accomplished PhilHealth Claim Form 1 (original) and Clear copy of Member Data Record (MDR). If MDR is not available, submit official receipt of applicable premium payment. If qualified dependent is not listed in the MDR, submit applicable proof of dependency. The Agreed payment for your attending physicians on how much is left to be paid for their services over the professional fee (PF) benefit. Upon submission of all applicable documents, the billing section will compute and deduct your benefits from your total hospital bill.

For Direct Filing/Reimbursement.

Submit the following to PhilHealth or through the hospital in addition to the documents mentioned earlier within 60 calendar days after discharge.The PhilHealth Claim Form 2 (to be filled up by the hospital and attending physicians).The Official receipts or hospital and doctor's waiver.The Operative record for surgical procedures performed.

If you are Confine Abroad.

Submit the following within 180 days after discharge. The Overseas confinements shall be paid based on Level 3 hospital benefit rates. The PhilHealth Claim Form 1, The MDR or supporting documents, The Proof of applicable premium payments, The Original official receipt or detailed statement of account (written in English),The Medical certificate (written in English) indicating the final diagnosis, confinement period and services rendered. You can ask for help in you embassy.

IF THESE QUESTIONS IS IN YOU HEAD RIGHT NOW

Why do you have to renew your PhilHealth membership every time you leave the country and work as an OFW? It is not actually renewal of the membership but an updating of your premiums, which shall be equivalent to the length (in years) of your fresh contract. It will also ensure your continuous eligibility to PhilHealth benefits.

If you are already an immigrant in the US,UK,CANADA or any other countries, you can still continue paying for your PhilHealth coverage as an Individually Paying Member and not as an Overseas Worker Member.

If you are currently abroad and your coverage is about to expire. How can you continue paying for my PhilHealth in case that there are no available payment centers of where you are. You may ask your relatives in the Philippines to pay your premiums on your behalf to avoid any lapses or delays. They only need to present a valid ID & an authorization letter from you as the member and any document that would attest that you are still an active OFW.

OWWA Contributions and PhilHealth Premiums are different. OWWA contributions serve as a life insurance of the OFW abroad, while PhilHealth premiums ensure the health benefits of the OFW and his/her dependents in case of illness or injury requiring hospitalization.

The Premium Contribution of OFW members are required to pay the one-year premium of Php1,200.00 for CY 2012. However, they may pay more than one year depending on the number of years provided in their contract.

In the absence of the MDR, there are substitute document that your family back in the Philippines could use if someone gets sick?

In case the Member Data Record ( MDR) is not available or not yet updated and someone among of your dependents gets sick, the following documents must be submitted. E-Receipt as proof of applicable premium payment. (You can ask this from PhilHealth Office ask for a print copy). Clear copy of the following. Spouse - Marriage Contract/Certificate, Child/children - Birth Certificate, Parents Birth Certificate of Member (YOUR) and any proof of the parents' date of birth.

If you are scheduled for confinement abroad for an operation, this confinement covered by PhilHealth. Confinement due to sickness or for an operation is compensable with PhilHealth even if it is done abroad. You have 180 days or 6 months within which to file your claim for reimbursement at any PhilHealth office near your local residence. The following documents must be submitted for your claim processing. PhilHealth Claim Form 1 accomplished and signed by the member or his authorized representatives, Photocopy of MDR or latest receipt, Medical certificate with complete diagnosis, period of confinement and services rendered, Statement of Account and/or Official Receipts with itemized charges; and other supporting documents. (these should be translated in ENGLISH). If you were not given an official receipt for the payment you made for the hospital bill and professional fee, you may submit instead a copy of your Statement of Account. It must contain the breakdown of charges for room and board, medical supplies, laboratory procedures, operating room fee and professional fee.

To avail of PhilHealth benefits if you or my dependents are confined in the Philippines. PhilHealth benefits can be availed of through outright/automatic deduction from hospital bills. Submit the following documents to the hospital, PhilHealth Claim Form 1 accomplished and signed by the member or its immediate family member, Photocopy of MDR or latest receipt and other supporting document if the patient is not reflected as dependent in the MDR.

If you are currently working abroad, who can sign in your behalf on PhilHealth Claim Forms? If you are noy available to sign the forms when reimbursing with PhilHealth, a married member may let his/her spouse sign in his/her behalf or his/her children as long as they are at least 18 years old or the parents in the absence of his/her spouse and children. Meanwhile a member who is single can let his/her parents sign in his/her behalf, or any authorized representative as long as the representative has an authorization letter from the member and a photocopy of his/her 2 valid IDs as well as 2 valid IDs of the member.

How can you avail the Out-Patient Benefit Package (OPB) for OFWs? Simply present a photocopy of your Member Data Record (MDR) or latest receipts and supporting documents (for dependents who are not listed in the MDR) to any of the 42 participating DOH hospitals in the Philippines.

MY VIEW

I make this post to stop people directing other people which are more worthy specially the OFWs into a ravine of disappointments and discouragements which make them more worried for their families BACK HOME?
I did experienced the benefits of Philhealth on the first hand when a member of my family was admitted to the hospital. Because I have PHILHEALTH I enjoyed the nearly fifty percent discount of the TOTAL HOSPITALIZATION COST.

NATIONAL KARMA

2012-08-24T13:59:00.005-07:00

Way back in December 1991 the Philippine senate voted for the withdrawal of the United States Naval Base in Subic Bay, Zambales by the end of 1992, which ended a vast American military presence that began with the capture of the islands from Spain in 1898.. Senators namely the late Senate President Jovito Salonga, Senator. Wigberto Tanada, Teofisto Guingona, Rene Saguisag, Victor Ziga, Sotero Laurel, Ernesto Maceda, and Agapito Aquino who stood firm, in signing a resolution calling for the rejection of the US military presence in our country. For the reasons of that the old bases treaty was forged after World War II and covered the Clark Air Base, Subic Naval Base and several other smaller ones(that to include Panatag Shoal or Scarborough Shoal which the Chinese now Claiming ) and being a storage facilities for its weapons of mass destruction, even possibly nuclear weapons ( which we can selectively disallow).

The late President Corazon C. Aquino has called a new treaty to be hammered between the Philippines and the United States. And called her supporters to join a march on the Senate to convince the lawmakers of the possibilities of political and national risks might our country is facing by voting against the American bases presence in our country. President Aquino even threatened to invoke Republic Act 6735, also known as the Initiatives and Referendum Law. This act empowers the people to oppose directly, enact, approve or reject any law passed by any legislative body through a referendum if 10% of the country’s registered voters petitioned to do so.

The benefits that our country can enjoys if the American bases remains in the Philippines are aside from the Military security against foreign threats like what the Chinese are doing now is the $203 million in annual payments under the lease agreement that the US is paying, the Subic naval base is worth additional hundreds of millions of dollars through product import each year to the Philippine economy and thousands of jobs (that to include postitution in Olangapo, well thats their choice) . The Subic Naval base was well documented how important these military bases in the Philippines as for the U.S. defense and military strategy in the Asia Pacific. They served as refueling stations of U.S. warplanes and warships ( which was been proven during the Vietnam war). It also serves as a launching pads for attacks in the Middle East and other areas of the world, training centers for American troops. The Navy Exchange had the largest volume of sales of any exchange in the world, and the Naval Supply Depot handled the largest volume of fuel oil of any navy facility in the world. The naval base was the largest overseas military installation of the United States Armed Forces after Clark Air Base in Angeles City Pampanga.

At one time, because of the need to confront the Soviet Union and China, the American military presence in the Philippines was deemed vital to American strategic interests. But even so the American bases presence in our country was expelled, even there is a clear and present danger, that one day our country will be threatened by other countries such as China. Before the US bases was expelled, China is very silent on their claim in Spratly island and in Scarborough shoal. There are no noticeable issues in the region. China knows that the Philippines is incapable of defending its territory.

Forget it !.. if you think that, what if we can still reconsider those mistakes, because we cannot. Just 20 years ago, the Philippines was the centerpiece of U.S. military strategy in the Asia Pacific. After the Philippine Senate's decision to jettison U.S. forces from the country, altered the geostrategic military calculus for the U.S., and dramatically impacted the perceived importance of the Philippines for the U.S. military. Since then, Guam has become a focal point, as have the military bases elsewhere in Asia. The former Defense Secretary Dick Cheney said, "We obviously cannot stay where we are not wanted, and we won't." The reconsideration means more money. So I called these territorial security problem that our country is facing now against China and with other countries who are claiming our national territories is our National Karma.

China and US hidden war

2012-08-06T13:00:00.009-07:00

The number speaks for themselves, one out of five world inhabitants is a Chinese. Today China is the second largest consumer of oil, just after the United states, but have the highest growth in the planet. Its energy needs are increasing seven times faster, while its reserves is seven times depleting. China is unable to produce the oil that he needs of today, and need to import half of it. In the next three years these numbers will increase by 2/3, if not its whole economy will collapse. It is imperative to find new countries to provide oil to China. To secure these supplies in this increasingly unstable world. On their crusade of the black gold, China is already in a direct conflict with the greatest consumer of the world's oil, the United States. The battle for oil has began.

The face of Chinese capital reflects the country's profound economic changes. In the last 20 years the number of cars in the country has been multiplied by 90. At this rate in 2030 China would produce more cars than the United States. With such growth a country which is not yet organized to face its needs, energy shortages are frequent. Electricity blackouts are common and petrol stocks disrupted the daily lives and running companies. Taxi drivers have a long grown custom to queue up early morning to a gas station. To begin their work at eight o'clock they should begin to queue at six.

CNPC building

As a military wing to the Chinese state, three major oil companies are created with the target of providing the country's sufficient financial cloud to penetrate the international oil market. The China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), China Petrochemical Corporation, and the largest among them is the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). All together these companies employed tens of thousands of people across the globe and hundreds of traders in London, New York and Singapore markets to acquire the astronomic quantities needed by the country.

Forced to find external sources, China had lunched a world conquest for oil . Every country that has oil resources are in it's line of fire, and in the front row is the continent of Africa. Nearly 10% of the world's oil production comes from the African continent, but above all it is there where the latest discoveries had been made. China's president went to every corner of Africa to search for a new contract and carries what it takes to temp the continent leaders. Chinese companies are now very active in Africa. In addition from the oil deals they also promised to build infrastructures ( railroads, port, roads etc) just to close the deals, which other western companies such as TOTAL or BP cannot do. In reality, companies that are multi national which are transparent and that abide the law found themselves playing a very different enemy, against company that plays to a very different set of rules, as a result they lost every deal.

The country of Chad which entered the club of oil production four years ago is one of the playing ground for the rivalry between the two empires (China and United States). With the rise of oil barrel cost the country enjoyed a vast profit wind fall, only a billion dollars profit for a year (none of less the population remains the poorest in the planet). A consortium of western companies primarily American exploits the countries subterrain oil reserves.

But now China making its present felt. Contract recently signed between Chad and China featured the increasingly familiar bonuses of major projects and road building. But China offers another advantages which their western competitors cannot match. The absolute guarantee of no interference of its internal political affairs . The aid office of western world, the World Bank is tied in some certain requirements including respect of transparency and democracy or the use of oil revenue to alleviate poverty before a country can have the financial loan. But China operates different strategies, loan and infrastructure projects came without tradeoffs and come in a highly competitive rates.

The Chinese have a form of cooperation they call it win-win. It means mutually advantageous without conditions and respecting states sovereignty, As for western countries obviously, it's linked to political conditions and demands for good governance. As a result a large part of Chad's oil is now flowing to China. CNPC has been prospecting a large scale oil mining in the west of Chad, but in reality there are no signs that the local population of Chad are benefiting from the promise of China. Even this country is surrounded by oil wells and crisscrossed with oil pipelines the country remain the poorest in the world.

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REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH BILL... in layman's view...

2012-07-29T04:37:00.000-07:00

One of the hottest political issue and highly divisive, with religious institutions, and major political figures before, and the center of topic after the SONA of President Aquino is the RH BILL or the so called the REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH BILL.

What is this BILL ?,
What are the benefits that every Filipino can enjoys if this bill is pass ?
and Why the religious sector specially the Catholic church vocally opposed this bill ?
These are the questions that we should know so that we can understand this bill in a layman's view.

So what is this BILL ?

Actually there are two RH Bills that are Introduced. First and the most controversial bill the House Bill No. 4244 (An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Policy on Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health, and Population and Development, and For Other Purposes) introduced by Albay 1st district Representative Edcel Lagman. And why this is the most controversial ? Because it is the widely debated.
Second the Senate Bill No. 2378 (An Act Providing For a National Policy on Reproductive Health and Population and Development) introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. why this is less controversial...well ! who have the guts to debate Sen Santaigo.

In this post we will focus our attention to the House Bill No.4244, because this is the most controversial today.

The Bill Declaration policies state that the government recognizes and guarantees the exercise of the universal basic human right to reproductive health by all persons, particularly of parents, couples and women, consistent with their religious convictions, cultural beliefs and the demands of responsible parenthood. There shall be no discrimination against any person on grounds of sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, disabilities, political affiliation and ethnicity.

The government also recognizes and guarantees the promotion of gender equality, equity and women’s empowerment as a health and human rights concern. The advancement and protection of women’s human rights shall be central to the efforts of the State to address reproductive health care. The government also recognizes and guarantees the promotion of the welfare and rights of children. It also guarantees universal access to medically-safe, legal, affordable, effective and quality reproductive health care services, methods, devices, supplies and relevant information and education thereon even as it sorts the needs of women and children, among other underprivileged sectors.

The government will eradicate discriminatory practices, laws and policies that infringe on a person’s exercise of reproductive health rights.

What are the benefits that every Filipino can enjoy if this bill is pass ?

1.The Local Government Units (LGUs) with the assistance of the DOH, shall employ an adequate number of fulltime skilled birth attendant one for every one hundred fifty (150) deliveries per year.

2. Province and City, with the DOH, will upgrade hospitals to have adequate and qualified personnel, equipment and supplies to be able to provide emergency obstetric and neonatal care. For every 500,000 population, there shall be at least one (1) hospital with comprehensive emergency obstetric and neonatal care and four (4) hospitals or other health facilities with basic emergency obstetric and neonatal care.

3. All accredited health facilities shall provide a full range of modern family planning methods. For poor patients, such services shall be fully covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and/or government financial assistance on a no balance billing.

After the use of any Phil Health benefit involving childbirth and all other pregnancy-related services, if the beneficiary wishes to space or prevent her next pregnancy, Phil Health shall pay for the full cost of family planning.

4. The LGUs and the DOH shall ensure that a Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) for reproductive health, including maternal and neonatal health care kits and services as defined by the DOH, will be given proper attention in crisis situations such as disasters and humanitarian crises.

5. All LGUs, national and local government hospitals, and other public health units shall conduct annual maternal death or maternal mortality rate review in accordance with the guidelines set by the DOH.

Maternal mortality rate (MMR) is the annual number of female deaths per 100,000 live births from any cause related to or aggravated by pregnancy or its management (excluding accidental or incidental causes). The MMR includes deaths during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, for a specified year. "The mortality rate for Filipino mothers has increased to 221 per 100,000 live births in 2011 from 162 per 100,000 live births in 2009."

6. Products and supplies for modern family planning methods shall be part of the National Drug Formulary and the same shall be included in the regular purchase of essential medicines and supplies of all national and local hospitals and other government health units.

7. The DOH shall spearhead the efficient procurement, distribution to LGUs and usage-monitoring of family planning supplies for the whole country. The supply and budget allotment shall be based on number of women of reproductive age and couples who want to space or limit their children. The contraceptive prevalence rate, by type of method used. and the cost of family planning supplies.

8. A multi-dimensional approach shall be adopted in the implementation of policies and programs to fight poverty. The DOH shall endeavor to integrate a responsible parenthood and family planning component into all antipoverty and other sustainable human development programs of government.

9. The LGUs shall ensure that poor families receive preferential access to services, commodities and programs for family planning. The role of Population Officers at municipal, city and barangay levels in the family planning effort shall be strengthened.

10. All serious and life threatening reproductive health conditions such as HIV and AIDS, breast and reproductive tract cancers, obstetric complications, menopausal and post-menopausal related conditions shall be given the maximum benefits as provided by PhilHealth programs.

11. Each Congressional District may be provided with at least one (1) Mobile Health Care Service (MHCS) in the form of a van or other means of transportation appropriate to coastal or mountainous areas. The MHCS delivers health care supplies and services to constituents, more particularly to the poor and needy, and shall be used to disseminate knowledge and information on reproductive health. The purchase of the MHCS may be funded from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of each congressional district.

12. Age-appropriate Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education shall be taught by adequately trained teachers in formal and non-formal educational system starting from Grade Five up to Fourth Year High School using life skills and other approaches.

13. Each Local Population Officer or the family planning officer of every city and municipality shall furnish free instructions and information on responsible parenthood, family planning, breastfeeding, infant nutrition to all applicants for marriage license.

14 . Barangay Health Workers and other community-based health workers shall undergo training on the promotion of reproductive health and shall receive at least 10% increase in honoraria, upon successful completion of training.

15. The government will assist couples, parents and individuals to achieve their desired family size within the context of responsible parenthood for sustainable development and encourage them to have two children as the ideal family size. Attaining the ideal family size is neither mandatory nor compulsory.

16 . The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) shall ensure that employers respect the reproductive rights of workers. Employers with more than two hundred (200) employees shall provide reproductive health services to all employees in their own respective health facilities. Those with less than two hundred (200) workers shall enter into partnerships with hospitals, health facilities, or health professionals in their areas for the delivery of reproductive health services. Employers are obliged to monitor pregnant working employees among their workforce and ensure that they are provided paid half-day prenatal medical leaves for each month of the pregnancy period that the pregnant employee is employed in their company or organization. These paid pre-natal medical leaves shall be reimbursable from the Social Security System (SSS) or the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

17 . Private and non-government reproductive health care service providers, including but not limited to gynecologists and obstetricians, are mandated to provide at least forty-eight (48) hours annually of reproductive health services.

18. The cities and municipalities must ensure that barriers to reproductive health services are obliterated by providing physical access, and resolving transportation and proximity issues to clinics, hospitals and places where public health education is provided.

19. The government shall guarantee the right of any person to provide or receive non-fraudulent information about the availability of reproductive health care services, including family planning, and prenatal care.

20. This Act recognizes that abortion is illegal and punishable by law, the government shall ensure that all women needing care for post-abortion complications shall be treated and counseled in a humane, non-judgmental and compassionate manner.

Penalties. Any violation of this Act or commission of the foregoing prohibited acts shall be penalized by imprisonment ranging from one (1) month to six (6) months or a fine of Ten Thousand (P 10,000.00) to Fifty Thousand Pesos (P 50,000.00) or both such fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the competent court; Provided That, if the offender is a public official or employee, he or she shall suffer the accessory penalty of dismissal from the government service and forfeiture of retirement benefits. If the offender is a juridical person, the penalty shall be imposed upon the president or any responsible officer. An offender who is an alien shall, after service of sentence, be deported immediately without further proceedings by the Bureau of Immigration.

Why the religiuos sectors specially the Catholic church vocally opposed this bill ?

The religious sector sited eight points why they opposed.

1. The Reproductive Health Bill undermines the human rights it seeks to advance.

The Bill cannot, guarantee the universal basic human right to reproductive health "the right to make free and informed decisions,”

2. Maternal Health requires access to healthcare facilities and reproductive health education, not contraceptives.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) states that three-fourths (¾) of all maternal deaths could be averted by the presence of skilled birth attendants. By contrast, family planning is likely to reduce maternal deaths only by one-third.

3. It does not protect the rights of conscience of those that will be responsible for implementing new measure.

This bill does not include measures that protect conscientious objections for healthcare workers or institutions that refuse to provide services due to religious or cultural beliefs and practices. In addition, through state-imposed reproductive health curriculum in schools, this bill undermines the rights of parents to be the primary educators of their children. Likewise, denying couples the right to marry without first receiving “adequate instruction” on family planning and responsible parenthood violates their individual freedom conscience and discriminates against those who would refuse such training in religious or cultural grounds.

4. It violates freedom of expression.

The bill’s criminalization of speech that “maliciously engages in misinformation” (an undefined category) about the substance or even potential motives behind the RH bill violates the constitutional right to free speech and expression. The provision should be eliminated in its entirety.

5. Increase in Contraceptive use leads to higher abortion rate.

First, contraceptives fail a certain percentage of the time. A 5% failure rate means that 5% of the couples using a certain method will be pregnant at the end of the year. Second, the use of contraceptives gives a false sense of security that leads to risky sexual behavior. The result is more “unplanned” pregnancies and hence more abortions.

6. It fails to reaffirm the Philippines’s protection of the unborn.

Filipino law has long defended the right to life of all persons, whether born or unborn. The Reproductive Health Bill makes only an ambiguous statement of principle (“While nothing in this Act changes the law against abortion...”) as part of a care provision for post-abortion complications. Additionally, the bill’s guarantee of “reproductive health care services,” as opposed to the defined term “reproductive health care,” as well as a “universal basic human right to reproductive health” according to international legal custom, could eventually open the door to undermining Philippines national law protecting unborn persons.

7. family planning programs that fail to meet the needs of the poorest populations.

“Strategies that seek to increase contraceptive use rapidly by improving services and access in convenient or well-resourced areas are likely to increase observed inequities in contraceptive use.” Maternal mortality and general reproductive health problems also remain high because the unique issues facing poor populations are not addressed. In this way family planning programs, by focusing on contraceptive use rather than an integrated, comprehensive approach to population development, fail to address the needs of the poor.

8. There has never been a direct link connecting high population with high poverty rates.

Population control, as an economic policy, has proven to be unsustainable. Across Europe and Asia, countries that saw steep declines in fertility in the past generation are now bracing themselves for the future consequences of an aging population, when a large number of elderly can no longer be supported by the smaller and younger working class. During the 1970s and 1980s, Singapore instituted an aggressive two-child policy, which led to a situation of labor shortages and the difficulty of supporting an aging population. In an effort to recover, Singapore now pursues a pro-fertility policy.

My VIEW

The Philippines population is way up high with the census number of 103,775,002 as of July 2011 in a land area of just 300,000 km2. We have a population growth rate of 2% per annum, meaning there are at least 2,075,500 people added to our population each year. We should not be surprise that with in 10 years time our population will reach 120 million plus. The Demographics study shows that the Philippines have the age structure distribution of 0 to 14 years 34.6% ( with a figure of Male 17,999.279/ female 17,285.040), 15-64 years 61% ( male 31,103,967/female 31,097,203) and 65 years and over: 4.3% (male 1,876,805/female 2,471,644). As of this point the Philippines population is concentrated in the productive age group, so we do not have to worry about an aging population in near future.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Philippines is among the countries with the highest incidences of maternal and children’s deaths around the world. Some 4,500 pregnant women (an estimated 221 maternal deaths in every 100,000 live births in2011) die each year due to childbirth complications such as hypertension, hemorrhage, and sepsis, among others. Insufficient information on pregnancy care and the inaccessibility of health services, especially in the rural areas, were indicated as factors. Experts believe as well that pregnant women’s reliance on childbirth attendants such as the hilot and the comadrona (midwife) also contribute to the rate of maternal and infant deaths. While the government has put health reforms in place and continues to campaign for better health facilities to help address the lack of awareness with regard to maternal care and health services, they are still way below their targets on maternal mortality rates. The UN Millennium Development Goal aims to reduce these to 75 percent by 2015. Family members, particularly daughters carry the burden in the case of a mother passing away due to childbirth, since their education is usually put on hold to look after the younger siblings. Losing the privilege to proper schooling exacerbates poverty and maternal death rates. Mentioned in a UNICEF report: “If a girl is educated six years or more, as an adult her prenatal care, postnatal care and childbirth survival rates will dramatically and consistently improve."

The Philippines One Billion Dollars Plan.

2012-06-26T02:31:00.011-07:00

One of the most interesting topic today aside from the Manny Pacqiao controversial fight against Timothy Bradley (which I think is a scripted and fixed fight to earn more) is the report of the Aquino government plan to contribute $1-billion loan to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help Euro zone countries which is stuck in a financial crisis. The funds provided by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) were reportedly sourced from the dollar reserves that increased due to high remittance from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Is this a good idea for our government ?
What do you think my friends ?

Before you will answer these questions we need to have an insight about EU. And what are the advantages and the disadvantages that can give to a country that joins, and what are the impacts to ASEAN economy on its instability.

The EU
The European Union is an economic and political union established in 1993 after the ratification of the Maastricht Treaty by members of the European Community and since expanded to include numerous Central and Eastern European nations. The establishment of the European Union expanded the political scope of the European Economic Community, especially in the area of foreign and security policy, and provided for the creation of a central European bank and the adoption of a common currency, the euro. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and the European Economic Community (EEC), formed by six countries in 1958 (Belgium, France ,Germany, Italy ,Luxembourg, Netherlands).

In the intervening years the EU has grown in size by the accession of new member states and in power by the addition of policy areas to its remit. Currently the EU have 27 member states which are located primarily in Europe with a combined population of over 500 million inhabitants, or 7.3% of the world population. The EU in 2011 generated a nominal GDP of 17.6 trillion US dollars (larger than any single country in the world), representing approximately. 20% of the global GDP when measured in terms of purchasing power parity. To join the EU, member states had to qualify by meeting the terms of the treaty in terms of budget deficits, inflation, interest rates and other monetary requirements. Of course there are also advantages and the disadvantages if a country in Europe will join the EU.

Countries of the European Union

Austria 1995, Belgium Founder, Bulgaria 2007, Cyprus 2004, Czech Republic 2004, Denmark 1973, Estonia 2004, Finland 1995, France Founder Germany Founder, Greece 1981, Hungary 2004, Ireland 1973 Italy Founder Latvia 2004 Lithuania 2004 Luxembourg Founder Malta 2004 Netherlands Founder Poland 2004 Portugal 1986 Romania 2007 Slovakia 2004 Slovenia 2004 Spain 1986 Sweden 1995 United Kingdom 1973

Advantages of being a part of the European Union.
1. Membership of the Single Market: The Single Market of the EU has meant that companies going about their business in EU member states have been forced to lower the prices of their products to become more competitive.
2. Free Movement of Citizens: European citizens have the freedom to live, work, study, and travel in any other EU country.
3. More Jobs
4. Money for Development: The EU is working to develop regions of Europe. Such areas might for example have a high numbers of people unemployed, or be rural areas without many facilities, like good roads. This development is carried out using 'European Structural Funds.
5. A Louder International Voice: By working together in the EU member countries can ensure their concerns are heard, and taken more seriously, on the international stage. When the EU speaks it represents about 400 million people (this will be 500m after enlargement). This is more than the combined population of the United States & Russia.
6. Greater Protection for Workers: The European Working Time Directive is an EU initiative designed to protect workers from exploitation by employers.
7. Protection of the Environment: The Environment knows no border and so the only effective way to tackle environmental pollution is through international co-operation and action. Britain has a cleaner water, cleaner air and cleaner beaches because of action at the EU level
8. Greater Co-operation in Law Enforcement: EU co-operation is helping to crack down on terrorism, drug trafficking and organized crime.

Disadvantages of being a part of the EU
1.Too Many Rules and Regulations: There are a great deal of rules and regulation, some of which do not seem sensible. These can make the EU inefficient and excessively bureaucratic.
2. Unaccountable to its Citizens: Decisions are taken a long way from the people, making it a poor example of democracy. People who are affected by EU decisions have little chance to make their voices heard.
3. Concentration of Power: EU institutions have too much power. They have taken away the right of individual countries to make their own decisions about economic and political matters.
4. Speed of Integration: The EU is moving towards more and more integration at a phenomenal rate with out enough thought or debate on the issues. Any country joining the EU have risks of being swept by this tide of integration without plotting and following its own course in the interest of its own citizens.
5. Loss of country's Sovereignty: Membership of the EU has led a state to lose its sovereignty. As a result a state is no longer free to develop its own policies, make its own laws, or control its own economy in response to its own needs.

Crisis of the EU
The crisis in the European Union came up close by the series of events. From late 2009, fears of a sovereign debt crisis developed among investors as a result of the rising private and government debt levels around the world together with a wave of downgrading of government debt in some European states. Causes of the crisis varied by country. In several countries, private debts arising from a property bubble were transferred to sovereign debt as a result of banking system bailouts and government responses to slowing economies post-bubble. In Greece, unsustainable public sector wage and pension commitments drove the debt increase. The structure of the Euro zone as a monetary union (i.e., one currency) without fiscal union (e.g., different tax and public pension rules) contributed to the crisis and impacted the ability of European leaders to respond. European banks own a significant amount of sovereign debt, such that concerns regarding the solvency of banking systems or sovereigns are negatively reinforcing.

Concerns intensified in early 2010 and thereafter leading Europe's finance ministers on 9 May 2010 to approve a rescue package worth €750 billion aimed at ensuring financial stability across Europe by creating the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF).

In October 2011 and February 2012, the Euro zone leaders agreed on more measures designed to prevent the collapse of member economies. This included an agreement whereby banks would accept a 53.5% write-off of Greek debt owed to private creditors, increasing the EFSF to about €1 trillion, and requiring European banks to achieve 9% capitalization. To restore confidence in Europe, EU leaders also agreed to create a European Fiscal Compact including the commitment of each participating country to introduce a balanced budget amendment.

The G20's Firewall Fund
The multi billion dollar crisis fund, also known as the “firewall fund,” is aimed at helping the financial agency responds to the Euro Zone debt crisis. Portugal, Ireland, Greece and Spain have asked the IMF for assistance after being locked out of debt markets. The total pledges announced at the G20 Summit in Los Cabos, Mexico, amounted to $456 billion.

The EU and ASEAN trade relation
The European Economic Community (EEC) was the first dialogue partner to establish informal relations with ASEAN in 1972 through the Special Coordinating Committee of ASEAN (SCCAN). On May 7 1975, an ASEAN-EEC Joint Study Group (JSG) was formed to look into collaborative endeavour between the two regions. In February 1977, the Special Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers in Manila proposed that ASEAN establish ties with the Council of Ministers of the EEC and the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) through which ASEAN could make representations against the growing protectionism of the EEC countries. ASEANs relationship with the EEC was also formalized in that year.

At present ASEAN as a whole represents the EU's 3rd largest trading partner outside Europe (after the US and China) with more than €206 billion of trade in goods and services in 2011. The EU is ASEAN's 2nd largest trading partner after China, accounting for around 11% of ASEAN trade. The EU is by far the largest investor in ASEAN countries. EU companies have invested around €9.1 billion annually on average (2000-2009). The total stock of mutual investments between the EU and ASEAN exceeds €125 billion. The EU's main exports to ASEAN are chemical products, machinery and transport equipment, agricultural products as well as textiles and clothing.

The Impact of EU instability in ASEAN
The eurozone crisis is expected to have only a limited impact on the Paific region. The latest issue of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Pacific Economic Monitor says. The region may feel some indirect impacts through trade and investment links between the European Union and the Pacific’s economic partners, declining values of the Pacific’s trust funds, and declines in tourism. Governments in the Pacific should make sure that their finances are in good shape in case they need to act to counter the impact of slower global growth in the future.

As the case of 2008 crisis when there was a freeze in the global banking system. But the risk of a credit crunch and the consequent impact on trade and finance from the European crisis is much lower than during the global financial crisis in 2008, according David Carbon, chief economist at DBS ( Development Bank of Singapore) in Singapore, speaking during a panel debate.

"In 2008, the crisis was driven by derivatives and off-balance-sheet exposures where nobody knew how much of it was and was not on balance sheet. Today, most of the bad exposures are sovereign bonds and it is easy to get an idea of the exposure as they are on the balance sheet. Therefore there is more transparency now than in 2008. Also the US dollar funding is much more important to global trade finance and this is primarily an eurozone issue" he said.

POINTS OF VIEWS
pedro:
In our country's current situation we should not be too much to be a show off to the world that we have a stable economy because we don't have. We still do not have enough jobs in our country that is why many Filipinos aiming to work abroad. As the BSP said that the source of funds will be taken from our dollar reserves, which is currently increased due to high remittance from overseas Filipino workers. In our country's recent situation there are no such things as extra penny. Yes we can contribute some (maybe half or a third of billion dollars) to cover up our responsibility to the world, but we should also remember our needs.
If the EU will collapse, and our economy is still standing and going strong, then we can show to the world that we are serious in improving our country's economy and the life of every Filipino. In that time we open the flood gate of foreign investment that can help our economy much much more stronger.

One billion dollars is only a pocket money for the rest of the members of the G20 like the US,UK CANADA, JAPAN,SAUDI ARABIA,FRANCE, GERMANY,AUSTRALIA but not our country. Surely they can gather the $456 billion for the IMF. We should invest that one billion dollars to our education system for the future of our own economy, so that these children will have jobs and not aiming to work abroad. If you ask a nursing student today why they took the course, they will answer you to work abroad and to have a good life.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada:
“Charity must begin at home. The government should prioritize the needs of the country rather than infuse funds to those struggling economically. We have more than enough problems needing those funds,”
“it would have been more acceptable if the government has already been able to provide for the basic needs of the people and can finance all infrastructure projects and other programs needing immediate implementation.”
There remain some perennial problems such as lack of schools, infrastructure, not to mention the continuing poverty issue in the country today. While it’s laudable for the government to extend assistance to ailing nations.

Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III
Sotto expressed his strong objection to the move.The Philippines is being made to appear as financially stable when in fact it is not. “We’re a poor country, let’s not pretend that we are rich,” he was quoted as saying in Filipino.There are a number of people living below the poverty line who need not only the attention of the government but also financial assistance.

What about your POINT of VIEW

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The Marikina Valley Fault Line: are you ready ?

2012-06-23T13:51:00.004-07:00

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said that the Marikina Valley Fault Line, the country’s main fault line which is capable of triggering a 7.2-magnitude earthquake, “is now ripe for movement.” During a Senate hearing, Phivolcs Deputy Director Bartolome Bautista said the Philippines should expect the Marikina Fault line to move “anytime from now.” The Marikina fault line runs from Sierra Madre to Tagaytay City the fault line moves every 200 to 400 years. It moved 200 years ago. The Earthquakes and Megacities Initiative (EMI) report published in 2004 predicts that an earthquake with a high magnitude will surely occur. The United Nations is advising the Philippines to be ready for an upcoming big earthquake.

A quake with a magnitude of 7.2 or higher on the Richter scale is sure to hit Metro Manila, but the bigger question is when exactly this will happen, no one knows. According to the estimated report, the death toll may reach about 35,000, some 145,000 people may be injured while around 175,000 buildings will be damaged.

Apparently the lack of awareness and preparation of local communities in the event of a massive earthquake and tsunami is the United Nation's main concern.

Earthquakes can not be predicted prior it will happen. Even the most advance countries in the world can not predict earthquakes. Apparently there are signs and precursors that we can observe hours or even days before the earthquake happens.

Some of these are:

Thermal precursor:

A few months before the occurrence of an earthquake the average temperature of the area keeps increasing. Weather report bulletins refer to temperatures above or below average by so many degrees. It is seen that in case the area is heading for an earthquake, the average temperature goes on increasing. On the day of the earthquake it is about 5 to 9 degrees Celsius above the average normal temperature for that day. This could be monitored by the meteorology department and also by thermometers inside homes. So it is wise to have a atmospheric thermometer inside our house and to monitor and record the temperature everyday.

Water precursor:

There is a sudden rise or fall in water level in the wells. It could be as high as one meter. Sometimes the well water may turn muddy. At times a fountain appears inside the well. All these changes happen about one or three days before the earthquake. Sometimes a fountain appears in the ground. This normally happens a few hours before the quake.

Another form of water precursor is seen in the flow of riverwater. There is a sudden and rapid increase or decrease of water flow in the river or nallah. This happens about one to two days before the quake. In wells, the well water may begin to bubble.

Seismo-electromagnetic precursor:

This is a very reliable precursor. It occurs and is exhibited about 10 to 20 hours before the quake. Before the occurrence of an earthquake the subsurface temperature rises. As a result of this the geomagnetic field is reduced. The reduction in geomagnetic field adversely affects the propagation of electromagnetic waves. This is experienced abundantly on the radio, television and telephone.

If one is tuning the radio at 1000 kHz, then the same station will be received in the potential epicenter area, about 10 to 30 hours before the quake, at higher frequencies. Maybe 1100, 1200, 1300, 1800, 1900, 2000 kHz or so.

Similarly, reception on television is affected by audio, visual and spectral disturbances. The telephone's reception is also adversely affected and there is a continuous disturbance that you can hear.

Apart from this, a recent reliable precursor is the mobile telephone. It has been found that about 100 to 150 minutes before the occurrence of an earthquake, mobile telephones start non functioning or malfunctioning. The time span indicated is sufficient to take all necessary mitigatory measures.

Animal precursor:

It is seen that 10 to 20 hours before the occurrence of an earthquake, the entire animal kingdom becomes highly disturbed and restless. They move in a directionless manner and in fear. Birds do not sit on trees but move about at a low height, emitting a shrill noise. Rodents like rats are in a panic. Domestic animals like cows, dogs, cats etc struggle against being tied up, and even turn on the owner.

Human precursor:

Doctors and nurses observe that some sensitive patients in hospitals become highly disturbed. They exhibit a sudden rise in blood pressure, heart trouble, headache, migraine, respiratory disorders etc. Further, these psychosomatic signs are manifested without any provocation. It is also seen that the number of patients in the out-patient department increases by five to seven times, some 10 to 20 hours before the quake.

The best indicator is the number of child deliveries in any hospital. On the penultimate day of the earthquake the number of deliveries goes up about three to five times, while on the day of the earthquake it is as high as seven to eight times the normal.

All the above precursors are valid only when seen and manifested extensively. Failure of one or two instruments should not be taken as a seismic precursor.

What to do when it comes ?

Here are some earthquake safety tips to remember.

Before the Earthquake

Arrange your home for safety, Store heavy objects on lower shelves and store breakable objects in cabinets with latched doors. Don’t hang heavy mirrors or pictures above where people frequently sit or sleep. Store flammable liquids away from potential ignition sources. Stock up on emergency supplies. These include: battery operated radio (and extra batteries), flashlights (and extra batteries), first aid kit, bottled water, two weeks food and medical supplies, blankets, cooking fuel, tools needed to turn off your gas, water and electric utilities.

During the Earthquake (you must learn this by heart)

If outdoors, move to an open area where falling objects are unlikely to strike you. If driving, slow down smoothly and stop on the side of the road. Avoid stopping on or under bridges and overpasses, or under power lines, trees and large signs. If indoors, quickly move to a safe location in the room such as under a strong desk, a strong table, or along an interior wall. The goal is to protect yourself from falling objects and be located near the structural strong points of the room.

After the Earthquake

Check for injuries and attend to people who may need help. If the power is out, unplug appliances to prevent possible damage when the power is turned back on. If you smell or hear a gas leak, get everyone outside and open windows and doors. If you can do it safely, turn off the gas at the meter. If the building is badly damaged, evacuate immediately.

Read also Philippines earthquake History

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The Philippines Earthquake History

2012-06-16T07:46:00.004-07:00

One of the most frightening and destructive phenomena of nature is a severe earthquake and its terrible after effects. An earthquake is the sudden, rapid shaking of the earth, caused by the breaking and shifting of subterranean rock as it releases strain that has accumulated over a long time.

For hundreds of millions of years, the forces of plate tectonics have shaped the earth, as the huge plates that form the earth’s surface slowly move over, under and past each other. Sometimes, the movement is gradual. At other times, the plates are locked together, unable to release accumulated energy.

When the accumulated energy grows strong enough, the plates break free. If the earthquake occurs in a populated area, it may cause many deaths and injuries and extensive property damage.

Earthquakes Volcanic in origin

Earthquakes related to volcanic activity may produce hazards which include ground cracks, ground deformation, and damage to man made structures. People living near an erupting volcano are very aware of volcanic earthquakes. Their houses will shake and windows rattle from the numerous earthquakes that occur each day before and during a volcanic eruption. Residents in Pompeii felt earthquakes daily before Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79 but continued to go about their daily routines. When Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991, nerves were rattled as much as windows by volcanic earthquakes.

Earthquakes exhibiting volcanic tremor warn of an impending eruption so that people can be evacuated to areas of safety. The volcanic tremor signal has been used successfully to predict the 1980 eruptions Mount St. Helens and the 1991 eruption of Pinatubo. To prevent damage from being done, structures should be built according to earthquake standards, building foundations should be constructed on firm ground and not unconsolidated material which may amplify earthquake intensity, and buildings should be constructed on stable slopes in areas of low hazard potential. There are two general categories of earthquakes that can occur at a volcano: 1. volcano-tectonic earthquakes and 2. long period earthquakes.

Volcano-Tectonic Earthquakes:

Earthquakes produced by stress changes in solid rock due to the injection or withdrawal of magma (molton rock). These earthquakes can cause land to subside and can produce large ground cracks. These earthquakes can occur as rock is moving to fill in spaces where magma is no longer present. Volcano-tectonic earthquakes don't indicate that the volcano will be erupting but can occur at anytime.

Long period earthquakes:

Are produced by the injection of magma into surrounding rock these earthquakes are a result of pressure changes during the unsteady transport of the magma. When magma injection is sustained a lot of earthquakes are produced. This type of activity indicates that a volcano is about to erupt. Scientists use seismographs to record the signal from these earthquakes. This signal is known as volcanic tremor.

Earthquakes Tectonic in origin

Tectonic earthquakes occur anywhere in the earth where there is sufficient stored elastic strain energy to drive fracture propagation along a fault plane. The sides of a fault move past each other smoothly and aseismically only if there are no irregularities or asperities along the fault surface that increase the frictional resistance. Most fault surfaces do have such asperities and this leads to a form of stick-slip behaviour. Once the fault has locked, continued relative motion between the plates leads to increasing stress and therefore, stored strain energy in the volume around the fault surface. This continues until the stress has risen sufficiently to break through the asperity, suddenly allowing sliding over the locked portion of the fault, releasing the stored energy. This energy is released as a combination of radiated elastic strain seismic waves, frictional heating of the fault surface, and cracking of the rock, thus causing an earthquake. This process of gradual build-up of strain and stress punctuated by occasional sudden earthquake failure is referred to as the elastic-rebound theory. It is estimated that only 10 percent or less of an earthquake's total energy is radiated as seismic energy. Most of the earthquake's energy is used to power the earthquake fracture growth or is converted into heat generated by friction. Therefore, earthquakes lower the Earth's available elastic potential energy and raise its temperature, though these changes are negligible compared to the conductive and convective flow of heat out from the Earth's deep interior.

What is an epicenter ?

The epicenter is the point where an earthquake or underground explosion originates. The word derives from the New Latin noun epicentrum, the latinisation of the ancient Greek adjective epikentros, meaning "occupying a cardinal point, situated on a centre", from Epi "on, upon, at", and Kentron meaning "centre".The epicenter is directly above the earthquake's focus (hypocenter). In the case of earthquakes, the epicenter is directly above the point where the fault begins to rupture, and in most cases, it is the area of greatest damage. However, in larger events, the length of the fault rupture is much longer, and damage can be spread across the rupture zone. For example, in the magnitude 7.9, 2002 Denali earthquake in Alaska, the epicenter was at the western end of the rupture, but the greatest damage occurred about 330 km away at the eastern end of the rupture zone.

What is a Magnitude (Richter Magnitude scale) ?

The expression Magnitude Scale refers to a number of ways to assign a single number to quantify the energy released in an earthquake.

Earthquakes are also classified in categories ranging from minor to great, depending on their magnitude.

What is an Intensity ( Mercalli intensity scale) ?

The Intensity scale is a seismic scale used for measuring the intensity of an earthquake. It measures the effects of an earthquake.The scale quantifies the effects of an earthquake on the Earth's surface, humans, objects of nature, and man-made structures on a scale from I (not felt) to XII (total destruction). Values depend upon the distance to the earthquake, with the highest intensities being around the epicentral area. Data gathered from people who have experienced the quake are used to determine an intensity value for their location.

Philippine earthquakes

The Philippines sits on several microplates between two convergent plates, the Philippine Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Tectonic activity in the country includes both earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Because of subduction of the Eurasian Plate to the west, volcanic activity occurs along the Manila Trench and the Sulu Trench, often with powerful caliber. 13 percent of recorded eruptions in the Philippines have been deadly, as the country is responsible for the world's most deaths in volcanic eruptions. Seismicity as well has been powerful in the last 50 years, more than half of the country's major earthquakes have reached magnitude 7.0 or greater. The earliest known major shock was in 1976, killing some 8,000 people.

Luzon earthquake in 1645

The 1645 Luzon earthquake was one of the most destructive earthquakes to hit the Philippines. It occurred on a Monday, November 30, 1645 at about 08:00 PM local time on Luzon Island in the northern part of the country. The island was struck by a 7.5 Ms (surface wave magnitude) tremor produced by the San Manuel and Gabaldon Faults (Nueva Ecija) in the central section of the island. Aftershocks continued a few days after the quake then on December 4, 1645, a strong earthquake allegedly equal or stronger than the November 30 shaking hit the same area, causing further death and destruction. Its meizoseismal area was not less than 490 kilometres (300 mi) from north to south, that is, from the southern coast of Batangas and Quezon provinces to Cagayan in the northeasternmost part of the island. On the western coast, it seems to have been of less intensity; at least the chronicles of the time are silent about its effects in these parts. They dealt very much with the destruction caused in Manila and neighboring provinces to the south, east, and north, the tremendous effects produced in the eastern part of the Central Cordillera Mountains, and as far north as in Lal-Lo in the Cagayan Valley where large fissures opened in the earth and many large landslides occurred in the hills.

In Manila, damage was entirely severe almost all the city laid in ruins. It ruined the Manila Cathedral and other churches in the capital, public buildings and residential villas. An estimated number of 600 Spanish people were killed, and about 3,000 Spanish were injured. Only the Spaniards, who perished during the earthquake, were counted by the ruling Spanish government, while other persons were disregarded.

Luzon earthquakes in1880

The earthquakes of July 1880 in Luzon, the largest island of the Philippines, was one of the most destructive tremors on record in the history of our country. The shocks continued, with greater or less interruption, from the 14th to the 25th of the month, highlighted by three violent shaking events, which destroyed churches and other buildings, producing loss of life. Coinciding with the tectonic activity was an increased in volcanic activity in Taal Volcano in southwestern Luzon.

The Luzon provinces of Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Laguna, Pampanga, and Nueva Ecija, were the chief victims from the terrible convulsions with Manila and Laguna receiving the most damages. In many places, buildings were converted into shapeless heaps of ruins, and the materials of their prosperity buried beneath the rubbish.

The vibrations began during the months of April and May, in the northern provinces of Luzon. The center of oscillation, as indicated by the directions registered at Manila, appears to coincide with a volcano, which has been long extinct, situated between Lepanto (now part of Kalinga) and Abra provinces, in the Central Cordillera of Luzon, in latitude 16° 22' N and longitude 127° E, according to the Spanish Observatory of San Fernando. At first the movements were weak and little frequent, but in the month of June they became quite intense, and extended from north to south over a large zone. This direction never changed; and the few discordances recorded appear to have been a result of haste or want of care in the method of taking the observations, exactness being hardly attainable without special instruments for the purpose. Taal Volcano was observed to start showing increase in activity from the 8th of June and sometimes at night the crater is covered with glare. Early in July some vibrations were felt, but from the 5th to the 14th none were recorded at Manila or any point on the island. On the July 14 at 12:53 p.m., as a storm from the northeast of Luzon was threatening as indicated by an extraordinary fall of the barometer, the first shock occurred. After this first tremor, there were two more shocks at the end of an hour and a half. On the 15th and 16th no perceptible shocks occurred; and on the 17th, only two small shocks.

Strange phenomenon in Cavite

On the occasion of the earthquake, the people in Cavite across the bay saw Manila enveloped in a dense cloud of dust, and thought that Manila was completely destroyed. A very interesting phenomenon was also observed in Cavite. During the intensity of the earthquake, in the anchorage of Cavite, columns of black mud were seen to burst up, with a strong smell of sulphur. The very interesting phenomenon was also observed in Manila a few days previous to the destructive earthquake of 1863, in front of the Colgante suspension bridge on Pasig River. A column of blackish water was seen to burst up, which attracted the attention of the people. In 1869, the same phenomenon occurred in Manila, then also previous to an earthquake.

Casiguran earthquake in 1968

The Casiguran earthquake occurred on August 2, 1968 at a magnitude of 7.3 on the Richter scale. The earthquake's epicenter was located in Casiguran, Quezon (now part of Aurora province). This was deemed the most destructive earthquake in the Philippines prior to the 1990 Luzon earthquake, and generated a tsunami that reached as far as Japan.

The city of Manila was the hardest hit with 268 people were killed and 261 more were injured. Many structures that suffered severe damage were built near the mouth of the Pasig River on huge alluvial deposits. A number of buildings were damaged beyond repair while others only suffered cosmetic damage. Two hundred and sixty people died during the collapse of the 6-story Ruby Tower, located in the district of Binondo. The entire building, save for a portion of the first and second floors at its northern end, was destroyed. Allegations of poor design and construction, as well as use of low-quality building materials, arose. In the District of Santa Ana, one person was injured by debris from a damaged apartment building. Two more people from Aurora sub province and Pampanga died as a direct result of the quake. Around the town of Casiguran, there were several reports of landslides, the most destructive one at Casiguran Bay.

Moro Gulf earthquake in 1976

The 1976 Moro Gulf earthquake and tsunami took place on August 16, 1976, near the islands of Mindanao and Sulu, in the Philippines. Its magnitude was calculated as being as high as 8.0 on the moment magnitude scale. The epicenter was in the Celebes Sea between the islands of Mindanao and Borneo. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center's preliminary magnitude was given as 8.0 on the Richter scale and as 7.9 by other sources. There were many aftershocks following the main earthquake. A major aftershock on August 17 had a magnitude of 6.8. It was proceeded by at least fifteen smaller aftershocks. According to reports, the earthquake was recorded around 16:10.

The initial earthquake was widespread and was felt as far as the central Philippine islands of the Visayas. A massive tsunami devastated 700 kilometers of coastline bordering the Moro Gulf in the North Celebes Sea, resulting in destruction and death in the coastal communities of the Sulu Archipelago and southern Mindanao, including Zamboanga City and Pagadian City. At least 5,000 people died during the earthquake and tsunami, with thousands more remaining missing. Some reports say that as many as 8,000 people lost their lives in total, with ninety percent of all deaths the result of the following tsunami.

Initially over 8,000 people were officially counted as killed or missing, 10,000 injured, and 90,000 homeless, making the 1976 Moro Earthquake and Tsunami one of the most devastating disasters in the history of the Philippine Islands.After the initial earthquake the people were unaware of the need to move to higher ground; when the tsunami hit it sucked most of the victims out to sea. Based on the investigation on the affected region it was confirmed that the waves reached up to 4.0 to 5.0 meters (14-15 feet) when they hit the areas. There were reports of weak tsunami activity as far as Japan, as well as Indonesian Hydrographic Office reports of unusual wave activity affecting the islands of Sulawesi (Celebes Island) and Borneo.

Luzon earthquake in 1990

The Luzon earthquake occurred on Monday, July 16, 1990, at 4:26 PM local time in the Philippines. The densely populated island of Luzon was struck by an earthquake with a 7.8 Ms (surface-wave magnitude). The earthquake produced a 125 km-long ground rupture that stretched from Dingalan, Aurora to Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija as a result of strike-slip movements along the Philippine Fault and the Digdig Fault within the Philippine Fault System. The earthquake epicenter was placed at 15° 42' N and 121° 7' E near the town of Rizal, Nueva Ecija, northeast of Cabanatuan City.

An estimated 1,621 people were killed in the earthquake, most of the fatalities located in Central Luzon and the Cordillera region

The earthquake caused damage within an area of about 20,000 square kilometers, stretching from the mountains of the Cordillera Administrative Region and through the Central Luzon region. The earthquake was strongly felt in Metropolitan Manila, Destroying many buildings and leading to panic and stampedes and ultimately three deaths in the National Capital Region,one of the lowest fatalities recorded in the wake of the tremor. The Southern Tagalog (nowadays Regions 4A and 4B) and Bicol Regions also felt the quake, but with low casualty figures.

Mindoro earthquake in 1994

The earthquake occurred on November 15, 1994 at 03:15 local time near Mindoro. It had a magnitude of 7.1. 78 people were reported dead. 7566 houses were damaged. There were landslides in the Verde Island. The epicenter of this earthquake was located in the Verde Island Passage, a strait separating Luzon and Mindoro. The earthquake generated a tsunami, which affected Mindoro, the Verde Island, the Baco Islands, and Luzon. Some concrete structures also suffered moderate damage in the tsunami. In Baco Islands, the vertical run-up reached 8.5 m. The tsunami was also recorded in Lobo. The tsunami was larger than expected considering the magnitude of the earthquake.

Mindanao earthquake in 2002

The 2002 Mindanao earthquake struck the Philippines on March 5, 2002. The sixth most powerful earthquake of the year, it registered a magnitude of 7.5 and was a megathrust earthquake. It originated near the Cotabato Trench, a zone of deformation situated between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Sunda Plate. The entire country is characterized by a high level of volcanic and seismic activity.

The earthquake was responsible for 15 deaths and roughly 100 injuries. Up to 800 buildings were damaged as a result, many from a flood generated by landslides and falling debris. A tsunami followed the earthquake.The epicenter of the earthquake was located near the Cotobato Trench. The magnitude of this megathrust earthquake was 7.5, the sixth strongest of the year. It occurred in a zone of geologic deformation along the Sunda and Philippine Sea Plates, which converge at a rate of 6 centimeters (2 in) each year.

Philippine Sea Plate and the Sunda Plate.

Mindanao earthquakes in 2010

The 2010 Mindanao earthquakes were a series of powerful earthquakes that occurred in the Southern Philippines in the Moro Gulf. There were no reports of damage or casualties as the shocks are deep-focus earthquakes occurring far too deep over 500 kilometres (310 mi) to pose any serious threat.

The southern part of the Philippines lies above the complex collisional zone between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Sunda Plate. The convergence between these two plates of between 6–11 cm per year is accommodated by a series of smaller plates. One of these, the Molucca Sea Plate, is currently being subducted beneath both the Philippine Sea Plate and the Sangihe Microplate, causing it to have an inverted U-shape seismic zone. The earthquakes were caused by the continuing distortion of the Molucca Sea Plate. The initial M7.3 event is the foreshock of the M7.6 while the M7.4 is an aftershock of the M7.6.

Areas affected

These earthquakes occurred in Moro Gulf, off the island of Mindanao. The Mw 7.6 earthquake were felt in Philippines, Taiwan, and Malaysia. The Mw 7.4 earthquake were felt in Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Visayas earthquake in 2012

A magnitude 6.7 (Mw) undersea blind thrust earthquake occurred off the coast of Negros Oriental, Philippines, on Monday, February 6, 2012 at 11:49 PST. The epicenter approximately 72 kilometres (45 mi) north of Dumaguete, Negros Oriental. According to the PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS) were VII in Dumaguete and V (PEIS) in Cebu. The earthquake was felt as far as Mindanao in the provinces of Misamis and Lanao and as far as Iligan. In Cebu, the earthquake was the strongest so far of 2012. The strongest earthquake to hit Negros happened in 1948, but did not cause massive damage.According to PHIVOLCS, the earthquake was caused by movement on a previously undiscovered fault. However, according to an Environmental Sciences professor, this fault was already known to private geologists hired by the Negros Occidental government to create a land use map for the province.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) gave a level two tsunami alert, indicating that the public should be on watch for "unusual waves", but did not call for any evacuation. Despite this, in Cebu City, panic ensued and many residents fled towards higher ground due to rumors that a tsunami had hit the coastal villages of Ermita, Mambaling and Pasil. Residents of Dumaguete also scrambled to the mountain town of Valencia because of the scare. These rumors were later confirmed to be false. PHIVOLCS announced the tsunami alert at 14:30 PST.

The degree and extent of damage caused by the earthquake were significant, with most of the damage sustained during the initial earthquake. The hardest hit were the towns of Tayasan, Jimalalud, La Libertad, and the city of Guihulngan, in Negros Oriental. Several houses and buildings collapsed, while others sustained damages. The earthquake also triggered numerous landslides which buried houses and people. Reported places where landslides occurred are Barangay Solongon, La Libertad and Planas, Guihulngan.

Philippine Earthquakes in History

1600s

An intensity VI quake struck Manila on June 25, 1599. The quake had damaged many private buildings and the city and ruined the roof of Sto. Domingo Church.
An intensity VIII quake struck Manila on January 2, 1600.
A quake struck Manila on January 16, 1601. Earthquake duration lasted about 7 minutes, and aftershocks were experienced the whole year.
An intensity VII quake struck Dulag Island and Palo Island, Leyte in December 3, 1608.
An intensity IX quake struck Manila on November 1610. It was a terrible quake that progressed from east to west.
An intensity IX quake struck Panay Island on 1620. A great casualties numbered in Capiz and Iloilo provinces. The earthquake changed the course of Aklan River and damaged stone churches and facades in Passi, Iloilo.
An intensity X quake struck Northern Luzon on 1627. Convulsions were experienced along Cagayan and Ilocos Norte provinces, Bontoc, Lepanto and central Cordillera Central. Other sources claimed that Caraballo Mountains somewhat subsided.
An intensity IX quake struck Albay and Camarines[1] on 1628. The quake caused avalanche of ashes, lapilli, water and sand that swept away Albay and Camarines towns.
An intensity IX quake struck Illana Bay, Western Mindanao on December 21, 1636. Landslides reported along Illana Bay, Sibuguey Bay and Point Flechas.
An intensity X quake struck Northern Luzon on January 4, 1641. The quake occurred after the 1641 eruption of Parker Volcano. Landslides and mudflow destroyed villages in Ilocos provinces, Cagayan and Cordillera Central.
A magnitude 7.5 quake struck Luzon on November 30, 1645. It was dubbed as the "most terrible earthquake" in the annals of the Philippines. It had greatly damaged ten newly-constructed cathedrals in Manila, residential villas and buildings in the city and nearby provinces. Provinces in the north reported several alteration of the ground, disappearances of small villages, changes in the river course, sand eruptions, etc. Small tsunamis were reported in southern Luzon. 600 were reported dead, and at least 3,000 were injured.
An intensity VIII quake struck Luzon on December 5, 1645. It was a major aftershock of the November 30, 1645 Luzon earthquake, and it had further destroyed remaining buildings in Manila and nearby towns. Aftershocks ceased around March 1646.
An intensity IX quake struck Southern Luzon on 1648. It was a very violent earthquake that wrecked many buildings.
An intensity VI quake struck Manila on May 1, 1653.
An intensity IX quake struck Southern Luzon on August 20, 1658. It was comparable to the 1645 Luzon earthquake, but had caused less damages on building and was less proximity from the epicenter. It had destroyed the Monastery of Santa Clara, several monasteries of the Dominicans and Recollects, Jesuit College and episcopal palaces.
An intensity VIII struck Manila on June 19, 1665. Only a Jesuit church experienced great damage. 19 were reported dead.
An intensity VIII struck Isla Verde Passage on February 1675. The quake destroyed many buildings in northern Oriental Mindoro and southern Batangas provinces. This led to occurrences of landslides, opening of ground fissures and subsidence of beaches along Mindoro coast.
An intensity VII struck Manila on August 24, 1683.

1700s

An intensity VII struck Lake Bombon (now known as Taal Lake) on September 24, 1716. It was connected with the eruption of Taal volcano; the constant volcanic activity in the area of Taal caused seismic movements.
An intensity IX struck Tayabas (now known as Quezon) on 1730. It had ruined the churches and convent in Mauban and several other churches in the province of Tayabas and Laguna.

1800s

An intensity X struck Luzon on July 14–24, 1880.The quake caused severe damage to these major cities in Luzon, most significantly in Manila where a lot of buildings collapsed. Number of casualties are unknown.
A quake struck Lucban, Quezon on October 26, 1884. It destroyed churches in Lucban town in Quezon province and Cavinti town in Laguna province.

1900s

A magnitude 7.5 quake struck Northeastern Mindanao on July 11, 1912. Damage and high intensity were experienced by towns of La Paz, Bunauan, Veruela and Talacogon in the Agusan Valley area where intense ground shaking, liquefaction, widespread landslides and river/lake seiches occurred.
An intensity VII earthquake struck Luzon, mainly Isabela on December 29, 1949. Starting at 11:05 a.m., it lasted for 2 and a half minutes. The damage was moderately destructive, causing landslides and sea waves capsizing boats. It also caused fissures that spit out black water. The intensity ranged from IV to VII throughout Luzon.
A magnitude of 7.3 quake struck Casiguran, Aurora on August 2, 1968 at the depth of approximately 31km. It was considered the most severe and destructive earthquake experienced in the Philippines during the last 20 years. 270 people were reported dead and 261 were injured.
A magnitude 7.0 quake struck Ragay Gulf on March 17, 1973. Calauag, Quezon was the worst hit, as the quake caused 98 houses totally destroyed, and 270 more were partially damaged.
A magnitude 7.9 quake struck Mindanao on August 16, 1976. The quake caused a devastating tsunami that had hit the 700 km coastline of the island of Mindanao bordering Moro Gulf in the North Celebes Sea. An estimated 5,000 - 8,000 people died. The major cause of the great number of casualties during the event could be attributed to the fact that the quake happened just after midnight when most people were sleeping; and a great tsunami was spawned, struck the coasts from different directions and caught the people unaware.
A magnitude 6.5 quake struck Laoag on August 17, 1983 at a depth of 42km. The quake has caused death of 16 people and injured 47 persons.
A magnitude 6.8 quake struck Bohol on February 08, 1990. Six fatalities were reported and more than 200 were injured in the event. About 46,000 people were displaced by the event and at least 7,000 among them were rendered homeless. Estimated damage to properties is amounting to 154 million pesos.
A magnitude 7.1 quake struck Panay Island on June 14, 1990 at a depth of 15km. 7 persons perished and 31 others were injured.
A magnitude 7.8 quake struck Luzon on July 16, 1990. It caused severe damage to major cities in Luzon: Dagupan City (soil liquefaction), Baguio City, and Cabanatuan City; Hyatt Terraces Baguio collapsed. 1,621 were reported dead. Damage to buildings, infrastructures, and properties amounted to at least P 10 Billion, a part of which was caused by ground rupturing. However, some houses within 1-2 m on either side of the ground rupture survived owing to their light-weight construction while those built of reinforced concrete within this zone suffered partial damage. Damages beyond 2m depended mainly on the structural integrity of the building and effects of local topography and ground conditions.
A magnitude 7.1 quake struck Mindoro on November 15, 1994 at depth of 15km. The quake caused a tsunami killed 41 persons and destroyed 1530 houses.
A magnitude 5.6 quake struck Bohol on May 27, 1996 at a depth of 4km. The earthquake did not cause major damages to properties. Damages were confined to poorly built structures and/or old wooden, masonry, limestone walls of houses and buildings, generally due to ground shaking.
A magnitude of 5.1 struck Bayugan, Agusan del Sur on June 7 and 9, 1999. The towns of Bayugan and Talacogon were the most devastated.

2000s

A magnitude of 7.5 quake struck Mindanao on January 1, 2001 at a depth of 33km.
A magnitude of 7.5 quake struck Central and Southern Mindanao on March 5, 2002 at a depth of 31km.[17] At least 15 people were killed, 100 injured and 800 buildings were damaged or destroyed.
A magnitude of 6.1 quake struck Sultan Kudarat on March 6, 2002. Office of Civil Defense (OCD) records show that 8 people had died and 41 were injured due to the earthquake. It affected 7,684 families in the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and South Cotabato including four cities and 17 municipalities.
A magnitude of 6.2 quake struck Masbate on February 15, 2003 at a depth of 22km. The quake damaged major infrastructures in Masbate.
A magnitude of 6.5 quake struck Samar on November 18, 2003. 1 person was reported dead.
A magnitude of 6.5 quake struck Mindoro on October 8, 2004.
A magnitude of 6.6 quake struck Moro Gulf on October 4, 2009.
A series of quakes with the main quake's magnitude of 7.3 struck Moro Gulf on July 23–24, 2010.
A magnitude of 6.4 quake struck Ilocos Region on March 20, 2011.
A magnitude of 5.2 quake struck Valencia City, Bukidnon on November 8, 2011 at a depth of 1km. 39 people were injured, and several establishments were damaged.
A magnitude of 6.9 quake struck Negros, the rest of Central Visayas, and some parts of Mindanao on February 6, 2012 at a depth of 20km. The quake killed people, caused major damage on infrastructures, and buildings. A tsunami alert level 2 was raised due to the quake. The quake also caused a landslide, burying a barangay. More than a thousand of aftershocks were recorded by PHIVOLCS within 2 days since the quake occurred. According to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, as of February 18, 2012, the death toll have risen to 51 with 62 people still missing, and injuring 112 people. Most deaths came from the city of Guihulngan and La Libertad where landslides occurred. 63, 697 from provinces in Region VII were affected by the quake. 15, 483 houses were partially or totally damaged, and a total of P383 million cost of damages to buildings, roads and bridges, and other infrastructures were recorded.
A magnitude of 5.9 quake struck Surigao City on March 16, 2012. Many were injured in the city for that certain day was the grand opening of Gaisano Capital Surigao. An estimated 6,000 people were in Gaisano when the earthquake happened. The earthquake caused a stampede which injured people.

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Southeast Asian countries : Literacy,Health,Drugs,Corruption

2012-06-11T12:32:00.002-07:00

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The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is a geo-political and economic organization of ten countries located in Southeast Asia, which was formed on 8 August 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Since then, membership has expanded to include Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. The total land area of ASEAN is 4,479,210.5 km2 with the estimated population 601 million and with the Gross Domestic Product estimate of US$ 3.084 trillion. Its aims include accelerating economic growth, social progress, cultural development among its members, protection of regional peace and stability, and opportunities for member countries to discuss differences peacefully.

The future of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has recently been the subject of considerable speculations. To predict the future of ASEAN we should know four things on each member states. The level of literacy, corruptions, the Illecit drugs and the population health level.

Education

Education is the basis of the development of any nation. A country can spend money and time on touristic, infrastructural or any other short-term projects, but nothing would change if the citizen does not have a central role in the society. And this starts at school, this starts by giving the student/citizen responsibility and ability to make his or her own opinion.

Literacy rate, adult total % of people ages 15 and above

Adult literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15 and above who can, with understanding, read and write a short, simple statement on their everyday life. Generally, ‘literacy’ also encompasses ‘numeracy’, the ability to make simple arithmetic calculations. This indicator is calculated by dividing the number of literates aged 15 years and over by the corresponding age group population and multiplying the result by 100.

Source WorldBank Development Indicators database

Philippines 95.6%

Singapore 95 %

Brunei 95%

Indonesia 95%

Thailand 93.51%

Vietman 93%

Malaysia 92%

Burma 92%

Cambodia 73.61%

Laos 68.73%

Corruption

Transparency, accountability, and corruption in the public sector assess the extent to which the executive can be held accountable for its use of funds and for the results of its actions by the electorate and by the legislature and judiciary, and the extent to which public employees within the executive are required to account for administrative decisions, use of resources, and results obtained.

The three main dimensions assessed here are the accountability of the executive to oversight institutions and of public employees for their performance, access of civil society to information on public affairs, and state capture by narrow vested interests

Transparency international world corruption index scales from 1 to 10 ( rank 1=least corrupt, score 10 = most corrupt)

The Index, which is closely watched by investors, economists, and civil society campaigners, is based on expert assessments and data from 17 surveys from 13 independent institutions, covering issues such as access to information, bribery of public officials, kickbacks in public procurement, and the enforcement of anti-corruption laws. While critics note that measuring perceptions of corruption is not the same as measuring corruption itself, the latter is almost impossible to do - as the corrupt are usually keen to cover up their tracks, hard data on graft and bribery is notoriously difficult to come by.

World Corruption Index

rank score

Singapore 5 9.2

Brunei 44 5.2

malaysia 60 4.3

Thailand 80 3.4

Indonesia 100 3.0

Vietman 112 2.9

Philippines 129 2.6

Laos 154 2.2

Cambodia 164 2.1

Myanmar 180 1.5

Illicit Drugs and narcotics

Are drugs which are controlled by the government and are illegal in certain situations (a person is not allowed to have them). A drug is any chemical designed to affect the human body.

Narcotics. The term narcotic originally referred medically to any psychoactive compound with any sleep-inducing properties. In the United States of America it has since become associated with opioids, commonly morphine and heroin and their derivatives, such as hydrocodone. The term is, today, imprecisely defined and typically has negative connotations. When used in a legal context in the US, a narcotic drug is simply one that is totally prohibited, or one that is used in violation of strict governmental regulation, such as heroin or morphine.

From a pharmacological standpoint it is not a useful term, as is evidenced by the historically varied usage of the word.

Cambodia : Narcotics-related corruption reportedly involving some in the government, military, and police; limited methamphetamine production; vulnerable to money laundering due to its cash-based economy and porous borders.

Laos: Estimated opium poppy cultivation in 2008 was 1,900 hectares, about a 73% increase from 2007; estimated potential opium production in 2008 more than tripled to 17 metric tons; unsubstantiated reports of domestic methamphetamine production; growing domestic methamphetamine problem

Burma: Remains world's second-largest producer of illicit opium with an estimated production in 2008 of 340 metric tons, an increase of 26%, and cultivation in 2008 was 22,500 hectares, a 4% increase from 2007; production in the United Wa State Army's areas of greatest control remains low; Shan state is the source of 94% of poppy cultivation; lack of government will to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort; major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption; currently under Financial Action Task Force countermeasures due to continued failure to address its inadequate money-laundering controls.

Thailand: A minor producer of opium, heroin, and marijuana, transit point for illicit heroin en route to the international drug market from Burma and Laos. Eradication efforts have reduced the area of cannabis cultivation and shifted some production to neighboring countries. Opium poppy cultivation has been reduced by eradication efforts, also a drug money-laundering center, Have a minor role in methamphetamine production for regional consumption. A major consumer of methamphetamine since the 1990s despite a series of government crackdowns.

Vietman: Minor producer of opium poppy, probable minor transit point for Southeast Asian heroin. The government continues to face domestic opium/heroin/methamphetamine addiction problems despite longstanding crackdowns

Philippines: Domestic methamphetamine production has been a growing problem in recent years despite government crackdowns, major consumer of amphetamines, longstanding marijuana producer mainly in rural areas where Manila's control is limited.

Brunei: Drug trafficking and illegally importing controlled substances are serious offenses in Brunei and carry a mandatory death penalty.

Malaysia: Drug trafficking prosecuted vigorously and carries severe penalties; heroin still primary drug of abuse, but synthetic drug demand remains strong; continued ecstasy and methamphetamine producer for domestic users and, to a lesser extent, the regional drug market

Indonesia: Illicit producer of cannabis largely for domestic use; producer of methamphetamine and ecstasy.

Singapore: Drug abuse limited because of aggressive law enforcement efforts; as a transportation and financial services hub, Singapore is vulnerable, despite strict laws and enforcement, as a venue for money laundering

source : CIA data from 18 December 2003 to 28 March 2011

Health

Infant mortality rate

In the field of public health, infant mortality is a commonly used statistical measure that is defined as the ratio of infant deaths to live births. Traditionally, the most common cause worldwide was dehydration from diarrhea, however a variety of programs combating this problem have decreased the rate of children dying from dehydration. As a result, the most common cause is now pneumonia. Other major causes of infant mortality include: malnutrition, malaria, congenital malformation, infection and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

The number of deaths of infants under one year old in a given year per 1,000 live births in the same year. This rate is often used as an indicator of the level of health in a country.

Laos 87.06 rank 21

Cambodia 73.67 rank 30

Burma 68.67 rank 38

East Timor 48.86 rank 54

Indonesia 36.82 rank 61

Philippines 24.24 rank 84

Malaysia 18.35 rank 99

Brunei 13.05 rank 114

Weighted average: 36.0

Source CIA world factbook

Top Beaches in Southeast Asia

2012-06-02T13:47:00.003-07:00

1) Phuket Island

Phuket, which is approximately the size of Singapore, is Thailand’s largest island. The island is connected to mainland Thailand by two bridges. It is situated off the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. Phuket formerly derived its wealth from tin and rubber, and enjoys a rich and colorful history. The island was on one of the major trading routes between India and China, and was frequently mentioned in foreign ship logs of Portuguese, French, Dutch and English traders. The region now derives much of its income from tourism.

In the 17th century, the Dutch, English, and after the 1680s the French, competed for the opportunity to trade with the island of Phuket (then known as Junkseilon), which was a very rich source of tin. In September 1680, a ship of the French East India Company visited Phuket and left with a full cargo of tin. A year or two later, the Siamese King Narai, seeking to reduce Dutch and English influence, named as governor of Phuket a French medical missionary, Brother René Charbonneau, a member of the Siam mission of the Société des Missions Etrangères. Charbonneau remained as governor until 1685.

In 1685, King Narai confirmed the French tin monopoly in Phuket to their ambassador, the Chevalier de Chaumont. Chaumont's former maître d'hôtel, Sieur de Billy, was named governor of the island. However, the French were expelled from Siam after the 1688 Siamese revolution. On April 10, 1689, Desfarges led an expedition to re-capture Phuket to restore some French control in Siam. His occupation of the island led to nothing, and Desfarges returned to Pondicherry in January 1690.

The Burmese attacked Phuket in 1785. Francis Light, a British East India Company captain passing by the island, notified the local administration that he had observed Burmese forces preparing to attack. Than Phu Ying Chan, the wife of the recently deceased governor, and her sister Mook (คุณมุก) assembled what local forces they could. After a month-long siege of the capital city, the Burmese were forced to retreat March 13, 1785. The women became local heroines, receiving the royal titles Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Si Sunthon from a grateful King Rama I. During the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), Phuket became the administrative center of the tin-producing southern provinces. In 1933 Monthon Phuket was dissolved and Phuket became a province by itself. Old names of the island include Ko Thalang.

Patong Beach click to visit

Patong beach is one of the most accommodating beaches on Phuket Island. You can head west from downtown Phuket and travel about 12 km to this crescent-shaped beach. If you're the quiet type, you can opt to sit out in the sun, in a little quiet corner – take out your favorite book, have a Thai massage or play with your braids. If you're the active type, you can ride jet skis or inflatable boats, sail, play beach volleyball or dive. The beach is lined with hotels, shopping malls, and a variety of entertainment and water sports centers. Of course, there are also big-name restaurants, seafood palaces and outdoor bars lining Phuket Island. The Phuket lobster are recommended as they are fresh, juicy, and a total seafood delight.

2) Boracay Island

Boracay is a small island of the Philippines located approximately 315 km (196 mi) south of Manila and 2 km off the northwest tip of Panay Island in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Boracay Island and its beaches have received awards for their world-class attractiveness to visitors. The name Boracay is attributed to different origins. One story says that it is derived from the local word "borac" which means white cotton with characteristics close to the color and texture of Boracay's white sugary and powdery sand. Another credits the name to local words "bora," meaning bubbles, and "bocay," meaning white. Yet another version dating back to the Spanish era says the name is derived from "sagay," the word for shell, and "boray," the word for seed. The island comprises the barangays of Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak (3 of the 17 barangays which make up the municipality of Malay), and is under the administrative control of the Philippine Tourism Authority in coordination with the Provincial Government of Aklan.

Boracay was originally home to the Ati tribe. Boracay is part of Aklan Province, which became an independent province on April 25, 1956.

Sofia Gonzales Tirol and her husband Lamberto Hontiveros Tirol, a town judge on nearby Panay island, took ownership of substantial properties on the island around 1900 and planted coconuts, fruit trees, and greenery on the island. Others followed the Tirols, and cultivation and development of the island gradually spread from this initial beginning. Tourism came to the island beginning in about the 1970s. The movie Too Late the Hero was filmed in 1970 on locations in Boracay and Caticlan. In the 1980s, the island became popular as a budget destination for backpackers, By the 1990s, Boracay's beaches were being acclaimed as the best in the world. In 2012, the Philippine Department of Tourism reported that Boracay had been named the world's second best beach after Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Boracay Island click to visit

Boracay Island was named one of the world's seven most beautiful island beaches and is located in Aklan Province in the Philippines. Boracay Island stretches long and slender and is home to many of the world's best tropical beaches. Clusters of bars and recreation facilities make Boracay an ideal spot to socialize and network with locals and tourists alike. At the same time, the fine-grain sand and the clear blue waters make this place the most serene paradise on Earth. Boracay also offers all the excitements of water sports and wild night life, coupled with blue seas and skies, white sand, and coconut trees as far as the eye can see. When in Boracay, there is enough to keep you entertained for hours on end.

3) Trang

Trang is one of the southern provinces Changwat of Thailand, on the western side of the Malay Peninsula facing the Andaman Sea. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Satun. Trang was formerly a port involved in foreign trade. It was the first place where rubber was planted in Thailand. Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi brought rubber saplings from Malaysia and planted them here in 1899, and rubber is now an important export of the country. The Trang River flows through the province from its origin in the Khao Luang mountain range, and the Palian River flows from the Banthat mountains. The province of Trang has an area of approximately 5,000 square km.

Trang was an important sea port of southern Thailand. Legend says the ships always arrived in the morning, which led to the town's name - Trang derives from the Malay word for "light' (Terang). The province was once a part of the ancient Kedah Tua Kingdom - A Kedahan-Malay kingdom.

According to cultural records Trang was be one of 12 satellite towns that existed about 900 years ago, but it was during the reign of King Rama II that the province got its first governor. The first Westerner to arrive in Trang was Captain James Low, who came in 1838 to negotiate commercial benefits.

The original town was located in Khuanthani (now a tambon in district Kantang). In 1893, the governor, Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi, also known as Khaw Sim Bee na Ranong, decided to make Trang an important seaport and relocated the town to Kantang district on the Trang River delta. It was moved again to its present location 26 km inland in 1916 by King Rama VI dbecause of repeated floodings.

Trang was the first area of Thailand where rubber trees were planted, brought there by governor Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi from British Malaya in 1899.

Ko Kradan Beach click to visit

Located in Thailand's southwest province of Trang, Ko Kradan Island can be reached by boat in about 40 minutes from the main peninsula. Ko Kradan is one of the most beautiful beaches near Trang. Most of the island is managed by local national park authorities, and they oversee the rubber and coconut tree plantations, as well as the native flora that surrounds the island. Ko Kradan beach has the beautiful white sand along the shore to compliment the deep blue waters – coral reefs and tropical fishes dance just beneath. The beach is also a popular spot for couples looking to get married underwater.

4) Ko Samui
Ko Samui island of Surat Thani Province or often, simply Samui as it is referred to by locals, is an island off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus in Thailand, close to the mainland Surat Thani town and in Surat Thani Province. It is Thailand's second largest island after Phuket, with an area of 228.7 km2 and a population of over 50,000 (2008) attracting 1.5 million tourists per year. It is rich with natural resources, white sandy beaches, coral reefs and coconut trees.

The island was probably first inhabited about 15 centuries ago, settled by fishermen from the Malay Peninsula and Southern China. It appears on Chinese maps dating back to 1687, under the name Pulo Cornam. The name Samui is mysterious in itself. Perhaps it is an extension of the name of one of the native trees, mui, or from the Malay word Saboey, meaning "safe haven"[citation needed]. Ko is the Thai word for "island".
Until the late 20th century, Ko Samui was an isolated self-sufficient community, having little connection with the mainland of Thailand. The island was even without roads until the early 1970s, and the 15 km journey from one side of the island to the other involved a whole-day trek through the mountainous central jungles.
Ko Samui has a population of about fifty-five thousand (source: Samui Mayor's Office) and is based primarily on a successful tourist industry, as well as exports of coconut and rubber. It even has its own international airport, Samui Airport, with flights daily to Bangkok and other major airports in Southeast Asia such as Hong Kong and Singapore. Whilst the island presents an unspoiled image to the public perception, economic growth has brought not only prosperity, but changes to the island's environment and culture, a source of conflict between local residents and migrants from other parts of Thailand and other countries. Reflecting Samui's growth as a tourist destination, the Cunard ship MS Queen Victoria (a 2000-plus passenger ship) docked at Samui during its 2008 world cruise.

Chaweng Beach, click to visit
Chaweng beach, a crescent-shaped beach stretching 4 km, is located on the third largest island of Thailand, the Samui Island. There are numerous scenic spots and water sports centers renting wind-sailing and diving equipments here. Because the beach stretches for a good 4 km, you won't feel the least crowded, even with the large number of tourists present; the meandering shore, silver-white sand, and the serene blues of the water are all elements of the perfect resorting spot you seek. Hotels and other recreation centers are built right by the seaside scenery choices range from luxurious hotels to economical huts and inns.

5)Bali
Bali is an Indonesian island located in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of the country's 33 provinces with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island. The province covers a few small neighbouring islands as well as the isle of Bali.
With a population recorded as 3,891,428 in the 2010 census, the island is home to most of Indonesia's Hindu minority. In the 2000 census about 92.29% of Bali's population adhered to Balinese Hinduism while most of the remainder follow Islam. It is also the largest tourist destination in the country and is renowned for its highly developed arts, including traditional and modern dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking, and music. Bali, a tourist haven for decades, has seen a further surge in tourist numbers in recent years.

Bali was inhabited by around 2000 BC by Austronesian peoples who migrated originally from Taiwan through Maritime Southeast Asia. Culturally and linguistically, the Balinese are thus closely related to the peoples of the Indonesian archipelago, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Oceania. Stone tools dating from this time have been found near the village of Cekik in the island's west. In ancient Bali, nine Hindu sects existed, namely Pasupata, Bhairawa, Siwa Shidanta, Waisnawa, Bodha, Brahma, Resi, Sora and Ganapatya. Each sect revered a specific deity as its personal Godhead.

Balinese culture was strongly influenced by Indian, Chinese, and particularly Hindu culture, beginning around the 1st century AD. The name Bali dwipa ("Bali island") has been discovered from various inscriptions, including the Blanjong pillar inscription written by Sri Kesari Warmadewa in 914 AD and mentioning "Walidwipa". It was during this time that the complex irrigation system subak was developed to grow rice. Some religious and cultural traditions still in existence today can be traced back to this period. The Hindu Majapahit Empire (1293–1520 AD) on eastern Java founded a Balinese colony in 1343. When the empire declined, there was an exodus of intellectuals, artists, priests, and musicians from Java to Bali in the 15th century.

Tanah Lot, one of the major temples in Bali

The first European contact with Bali is thought to have been made in 1585 when a Portuguese ship foundered off the Bukit Peninsula and left a few Portuguese in the service of Dewa Agung. In 1597 the Dutch explorer Cornelis de Houtman arrived at Bali and, with the establishment of the Dutch East India Company in 1602, the stage was set for colonial control two and a half centuries later when Dutch control expanded across the Indonesian archipelago throughout the second half of the nineteenth century (see Dutch East Indies). Dutch political and economic control over Bali began in the 1840s on the island's north coast, when the Dutch pitted various distrustful Balinese realms against each other. In the late 1890s, struggles between Balinese kingdoms in the island's south were exploited by the Dutch to increase their control.
The Dutch mounted large naval and ground assaults at the Sanur region in 1906 and were met by the thousands of members of the royal family and their followers who fought against the superior Dutch force in a suicidal puputan defensive assault rather than face the humiliation of surrender. Despite Dutch demands for surrender, an estimated 1,000 Balinese marched to their death against the invaders. In the Dutch intervention in Bali (1908), a similar massacre occurred in the face of a Dutch assault in Klungkung. Afterwards the Dutch governors were able to exercise administrative control over the island, but local control over religion and culture generally remained intact. Dutch rule over Bali came later and was never as well established as in other parts of Indonesia such as Java and Maluku.
In the 1930s, anthropologists Margaret Mead and Gregory Bateson, and artists Miguel Covarrubias and Walter Spies, and musicologist Colin McPhee created a western image of Bali as "an enchanted land of aesthetes at peace with themselves and nature", and western tourism first developed on the island.

Balinese dancers show for tourists, in Ubud.

Imperial Japan occupied Bali during World War II. Bali Island was not originally a target in their Netherlands East Indies Campaign, but as the airfields on Borneo were inoperative due to heavy rains the Imperial Japanese Army decided to occupy Bali, which did not suffer from comparable weather. The island had no regular Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL) troops. There was only a Native Auxiliary Corps Prajoda (Korps Prajoda) consisting of about 600 native soldiers and several Dutch KNIL officers under command of KNIL Lieutenant Colonel W.P. Roodenburg. On 19 February 1942 the Japanese forces landed near the town of Senoer. The island was quickly captured.
During the Japanese occupation a Balinese military officer, Gusti Ngurah Rai, formed a Balinese 'freedom army'. The lack of institutional changes from the time of Dutch rule however, and the harshness of war requisitions made Japanese rule little better than the Dutch one. Following Japan's Pacific surrender in August 1945, the Dutch promptly returned to Indonesia, including Bali, immediately to reinstate their pre-war colonial administration. This was resisted by the Balinese rebels now using Japanese weapons. On 20 November 1946, the Battle of Marga was fought in Tabanan in central Bali. Colonel I Gusti Ngurah Rai, by then 29 years old, finally rallied his forces in east Bali at Marga Rana, where they made a suicide attack on the heavily armed Dutch. The Balinese battalion was entirely wiped out, breaking the last thread of Balinese military resistance. In 1946 the Dutch constituted Bali as one of the 13 administrative districts of the newly proclaimed State of East Indonesia, a rival state to the Republic of Indonesia which was proclaimed and headed by Sukarno and Hatta. Bali was included in the "Republic of the United States of Indonesia" when the Netherlands recognised Indonesian independence on 29 December 1949.

The 1963 eruption of Mount Agung killed thousands, created economic havoc and forced many displaced Balinese to be transmigrated to other parts of Indonesia. Mirroring the widening of social divisions across Indonesia in the 1950s and early 1960s, Bali saw conflict between supporters of the traditional caste system, and those rejecting these traditional values. Politically, this was represented by opposing supporters of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) and the Indonesian Nationalist Party (PNI), with tensions and ill-feeling further increased by the PKI's land reform programs. An attempted coup in Jakarta was put down by forces led by General Suharto. The army became the dominant power as it instigated a violent anti-communist purge, in which the army blamed the PKI for the coup. Most estimates suggest that at least 500,000 people were killed across Indonesia, with an estimated 80,000 killed in Bali, equivalent to 5% of the island's population. With no Islamic forces involved as in Java and Sumatra, upper-caste PNI landlords led the extermination of PKI members.
As a result of the 1965/66 upheavals, Suharto was able to manoeuvre Sukarno out of the presidency, and his "New Order" government reestablished relations with western countries. The pre-War Bali as "paradise" was revived in a modern form, and the resulting large growth in tourism has led to a dramatic increase in Balinese standards of living and significant foreign exchange earned for the country. A bombing in 2002 by militant Islamists in the tourist area of Kuta killed 202 people, mostly foreigners. This attack, and another in 2005, severely affected tourism, bringing much economic hardship to the island, although tourist numbers have now returned to levels before the bombings.

Jimbaran Beach, Indonesia click to visit
Jimbaran Beach is located on the beautiful island resort of Bali in Indonesia. It is one of the most hospitable and cozy beaches on the island famous for its beautiful sunsets and preserved livelihood and culture of the local fishermen. Acts of commercialization did not dampen the spirit and old ways of the local villagers the least bit, instead they brought their generosity and hospitality with them whenever and wherever they encounter tourists. There are also rows of restaurants and hotels to accommodate vacationers from all over the globe. the seafood stand set up on the beach every night is one of the main attractions for tourists visiting Jimbaran Beach. You can sit and watch the beautiful sunset while listening to folk songs with the light breeze on your back, the flickering candlelight in front, and the beautiful starry skies above. What could be a more perfect dining setting than that? And most importantly, crates and crates full of fish, lobster, oysters, crabs, and squids line up in front of grills by the stands – delicious scent of saucy grilled seafood filled your nostrils and tantalize your appetite.

6) Kuta

Kuta is administratively a district (kecamatan) and subdistrict/village (kelurahan) in southern Bali, Indonesia. A former fishing village, it was one of the first towns on Bali to see substantial tourist development, and as a beach resort remains one of Indonesia's major tourist destinations. It is known internationally for its long sandy beach, varied accommodation, many restaurants and bars, and many renowned surfers who visit from Australia. It is located near Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport. Kuta was the site of the October 12, 2002 1st Bali bombing (202 killed) and the October 1, 2005 2nd Bali bombing (26 killed).

The Balinese Provincial Government have taken the view that the preservation of the Balinese culture, natural resources and wildlife are of primary importance in the development of the island. To this end they have limited tourist development to the peninsula on the extreme southern aspect of the island; Kuta beach is on the western side of this peninsula and Sanur is on the east. To the north of the peninsula no new tourist development is supposedly permitted.

Bali bombing memorial

After the first Bali Bombing in 2002 at Kuta, a permanent memorial was built on the site of the destroyed Paddy's Pub on Legian Street. (A new bar, named "Paddy's: Reloaded", was reopened further along Legian Street.) The memorial is made of intricately carved stone, set with a large marble plaque, which bears the names and nationalities of each of those killed. It is flanked by the national flags of the victims. The monument is well-maintained and illuminated at night.

The memorial was dedicated on 12 October 2004, the second anniversary of the attack. The dedication included a Balinese Hindu ceremony and the opportunity for mourners to lay flowers and other offerings. The Australian ambassador and Indonesian officials attended the ceremony as most of the victims were Australians.

The Balinese mark their commitment in a nine-day long event. After major cleansing ceremonies, establishing a memorial for the lost lives, and paying respect to those who left loved ones behind, the people of Kuta look forward to restoring Bali’s image through an event named "Kuta Karnival A Celebration of Life”. The community event consists of traditional art performances such as Balinese Sunset Dances, sports on the beach as well as in the water for young and old plus rows and rows of culinary displays along the one kilometre of sandy beach.

In line with the return of tourism to Kuta, Kuta Karnival has grown into a tourism promotional event with major coverage from television and newspapers from across the globe. Companies, embassies, Non-Government Organizations, associations and even individuals come forth to get involved in the various events such as a Balinese dance competition presented by a surf-wear company, an environment exhibition presented by an embassy, a fun cycle presented by a group of individuals, a seminar presented by an association and a parade on the streets presented by an NGO. Tourists and locals alike, more than ninety thousand people participates in the numerous events, year after year.

A repeated tragedy in Bali in 2005 did not reduce the Kuta community’s determination to carry out this annual event. Kuta Karnival is conducted to commemorate and give respect to the victims of human violence and show the world the true spirit of local community survival despite terrorism attacks.

To the south, Kuta Beach extends beyond the airport into Jimbaran. Other nearby towns and villages include Seseh (6.4 nm), Denpasar (4.5 nm), Ujung (1.8 nm), Pesanggaran (2.0 nm), Kedonganan (2.9 nm) and Tuban (1.0 nm)

Kuta District (Indonesian:Kecamatan Kuta) covers subdistricts/villages (Indonesian:Kelurahan/Desa) of Kuta Village, Legian, Seminyak, Kedonganan, and Tuban. Furthermore Badung Regency has 3 districts with the name Kuta: Kuta, Kuta South District Kecamatan Kuta Selatan (Jimbaran and the whole Nusa Dua peninsula), and Kuta North District Kecamatan Kuta Utara (villages of Kerobokan Klod, Kerobokan, Kerobokan Kaja, Tibu Beneng, Canggu and Dalung).

Kuta is now the center of an extensive tourist-oriented urban area that merges into the neighboring towns. Legian, to the north, is the commercial hub of Kuta and the site of many restaurants and entertainment spots. Most of the area's big beachfront hotels are in the southern section of Tuban.

Legian and Seminyak are northern extensions of Kuta along Jl. Legian and Jl. Basangkasa. They are somewhat quieter suburbs with cottage-style accommodations, where many of the expat crowd live. Also to the north are Petitenget, Berawa, Canggu, and Seseh new and quieter continuations of Kuta's beach. They are easy to reach through Abian Timbul or Denpasar and Kerobokan. Several large hotels are located in this area: the Oberoi Bali, Hard Rock Hotel Bali, the Intan Bali Village, the Legian in Petitenget, the Dewata Beach and the Bali Sani Suites in Berawa.

Kuta Beach click to visit

This is one of the hot spots for tourists traveling to Bali. Kuta Island used to be a little remote village but is now one of the major attractions in Indonesia. Kuta is also said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali. Here the waves are high and the wind is fierce, attracting surfers from afar. There is also a busy commercial street lining the beach, offering an array of Bali traditional craft and culture products. Attracted by money and the tourist commerce, sex and prostitution also permeate in Kuta amongst all the merry-making.

7) Sanur,

Sanur Indonesian is a coastal stretch of beach of Denpasar city of southeast Bali, about 30 minutes drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport, which has grown into a little town in its own right. The northern part of Sanur beach was used as the landing site for the Dutch invasion troops during the Dutch intervention in Bali (1906). During World War II, Sanur was again the entry point through which the Japanese forces landed to occupy the island of Bali. Today Sanur contains a number of resorts such as the Medina and Bali Hyatt (not to be confused with the Grand Hyatt in Nusa Dua) and is a popular tourist destination.

Sanur Beach click to visit

Sanur beach was one of the earliest developed resort beaches on Bali and is located 7 km to the east of Denpasar city. Sanur also used to be a remote village, but was selected for its natural scenic beauty and quickly developed into one of the three largest resorting beaches near Denpasar city. For those looking for a quiet downtime, Sanur is the spot for you. There is also an array of five-star hotels and garden inns for first-class relaxation here. In Sanur, you can observe the noises over in Kuta and also watch your beautiful sunset in peace. Nightlife in Sanur comes with its own varieties, local disco dance halls and live concerts in pubs offer all the speaker noise and moving lights you need. If you prefer exciting water sports, Sanur also offers water motorcycles and banana boats for rental, and is one of the better places for snorkeling and underwater diving because of the cleaner waters. If you like to golf, there is also a Bali Beach Golf Course to the north side, offering beautiful greens at equally attractive low prices.

8)Langkawi

Langkawi, officially known as Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah (Malay: Langkawi Permata Kedah) is an archipelago of 104 islands in the Andaman Sea, some 30 km off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia. The islands are a part of the state of Kedah, which is adjacent to the Thai border. On July 15, 2008, Sultan Abdul Halim of Kedah had consented to the change of name to Langkawi Permata Kedah in conjunction with his Golden Jubilee Celebration. By far the largest of the islands is the eponymous Pulau Langkawi with a population of some 64,792, the only other inhabited island being nearby Pulau Tuba. Langkawi is also an administrative district with the town of Kuah as largest town. Langkawi is a duty-free island. Langkawi was traditionally thought to be cursed. However, in 1986 then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad decided to transform it into a tourist resort, helping to plan many of the islands buildings himself.

Pantai Chenang Beach, click to visit

Pantai Chenang is one of the most beautiful beaches on Langkawi Island in Malaysia, attracting numerous vacationing Europeans each year. Pentai Chenang also comes with clear blue waters and tropical seaside scenery – modern accommodations and recreation centers renting motorboats and speedboats can also be found here. The beach also offers a variety of luxury hotels and local huts for your choice of room and board. Of course, Malaysian restaurants offering seafood delicacies and delights are not to be missed.

9)Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville also known as Kampong Saom, is a province (khaet) of Cambodia on the Gulf of Thailand. This port city is a growing Cambodian urban center, located 185 kilometres (115 mi) southwest of the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh. The province is named after King Father Norodom Sihanouk and grew up around the construction of Sihanoukville Port. Construction on the port began in June 1955 and it was the only deep water port in Cambodia. The port was built in part due to the waning power of the French leading to the Vietnamese tightening their control over the Mekong Delta and hence restricting river access to Cambodia. Sihanoukville's beaches have made it a popular tourist destination.

The province is served by Sihanoukville International Airport, 18 kilometres (11 mi) from downtown, although it has a limited commercial operation. The planned flights between Sihanoukville and Siem Reap may encourage visitors to Angkor temples in Siem Reap to extend their stay, though the crash of a charter flight in Phnom Damrey on 25 June 2007 from Siem Riep, has caused concerns. The flights are scheduled to start on December 14, 2011.

Sihanoukville attracts tourists with its relaxed beach atmosphere when compared to Thailand's more developed ones. However, the city has attracted not only tourists, but several NGOs and foreign and national investors in the last years in order to develop not only the growing tourist industry, but its capacity as an international sea port and other sectors like textile and real estate. In Sihanoukville is also located the main factory of Angkor Beer, the Cambodian national beer.

Sihanoukville was the place of the last official battle of the United States army in the Vietnam War, although the incident took place outside Vietnam. It is known as the Mayagüez incident on May 12–15, 1975 between the US forces and the Khmer Rouge. Currently, visitors dive in Koh Tang, one of the Sihanoukville islands where the major battle to free the SS Mayagüez took place. Divers can see two shipwrecks 40 metres (130 ft) down. On 22 December 2008, King Norodom Sihamoni signed a Royal Decree that changed the municipalities of Kep, Pailin and Sihanoukville into provinces, as well as adjusting several provincial borders.

As the newest Cambodian city, Sihanoukville doesn't have a long history like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. It was founded in 1960 after independence from France as a port, in order to communicate the city with international trade. The project was overseen by the government of Norodom Sihanouk. The construction of the port began in 1955 and most of the families of the builders remained near the port, effectively becoming the first inhabitants.

During the Vietnam War, it became an intensive military port first in the service of National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam and after 1970, with the regime of General Lon Nol, at the service of the United States. With the success of the Khmer Rouge guerrillas in April 1975, the port was the last place to be evacuated by the US army. The SS Mayagüez was captured by militants of the new regime on 12 May. The US claimed that the ship was on international sea lanes, but the Khmer Rouge said that it was on Cambodian territory. It is known as the Mayagüez incident. After the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979, the port of Sihanoukville recovered a great importance in the development of the country. With the opening of markets in 1999, the port became one of the main spots of economical growing of Cambodia. In December 1999, Formosa Plastics bribed Cambodian officials and dumped 3000 tons of mercury laden waste into Sihanoukville, killing 3 people. Formosa Plastics also tried to dump the waste in the Nevada, USA.

Otres Beach click to visit

Easily one of the prettiest beaches in the Sihanoukville area, Otres Beach is perfect for those on a tight budget. Guesthouses and local restaurants line the unspoilt beach, with rooms starting from $10 per night. Otres Beach is still the quiet, hard to get to beach, but it's started to boom this season. Otres Nautica has a restaurant and all kinds of boats for rent (you drive, sail, paddle, or captain yourself).

Hurricane Windsurfing has a selection of bodyboards, windsurfing boards and other water sports equipment. Otres is quite quiet now, and the best beach for relaxation, but this won't last forever. You can walk about 20 to 30 minutes from Ocheteaul Beach along the ocean, or take a motorcycle in back of the "Golf Course" and back to the ocean. By car and Tuk Tuk is possible, but the route is longer. Best to get back before nighttime if you're not staying at night, as there are no lights on the road.

10) Pulau Pangkor

Pulau Pangkor is an island off the coast of Perak in north-west peninsular Malaysia, reached by ferry from Lumut (a small coastal town that links to Ipoh, or from Sitiawan). It has a land area of only 8 square kilometers, and a population of approximately 25,000 islanders. It is heavily promoted as a low-key tourist destination by the Malaysian government, but fishing and fish products remain major industries.

Historically, Pangkor was a refuge for local fishermen, merchants and pirates. In the 17th century, the Dutch built a fort in an effort to control the Perak tin trade. In 1874, it was the location of a historic treaty between the British government and a contender for the Perak throne (The Pangkor Treaty), which began the British colonial domination of the Malay Peninsula.

Pangkor is famous for its fine beaches and a mix of low budget to 5 star accommodations. Teluk Nipah and Coral Bay on the north west of the island is extremely popular with travellers from Europe. The quality of sand in the Pasir Bogak Beach is far superior to that elsewhere on the island. The sand is golden brown, quite similar to most leading prime beaches. There are a few resorts in Teluk Nipah or Nipah Bay.

Since the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in Indonesia, Thailand and to a lesser extent the West Coast of Malaysia in December 2004, there have been fewer local tourists visiting Pangkor.

In 2006, a biotechnology centre, a joint venture of Global Hi-Q Malaysia S/B and Hi-Q Bio-Tech International (Taiwan) Ltd began operations with initial investments of RM100million (USD30m). Their operations include fish farming and aquaculture, and the first harvest is expected in 2009. Just next to island of Pangkor, there is a smaller island called Pangkor Laut Island.

Teluk Nipah click to visit

Teluk Nipah is one of the most popular beaches on Pangkor Island. The pristine setting offers beautiful corals for snorkeling and stunning sunsets. This beautiful beach is located some 20 minutes from Pangkor main jetty. Taxi van ride will cost your about RM10-RM15 per van. From Pangkor Island Beach Resort, the journey takes about 10 minutes. Nipah Bay to be the cleanest beach in Pangkor. Pasir Bogak might be the most famous stretch of beach but it is crowded and can be murky. The waters around Nipah Bay are fairly clear. Although I do feel that Golden Sands Beach offers more privacy due its more secluded location. Some 20 minutes of kayaking shall bring you to the smaller islands of Giam and Mentagor fronting the beach. Giam Island also has a decent beach for picnicking and relaxing. There are plenty of food stalls by the beach in Nipah Bay, hence finding something to eat should not be a problem.

FILIPINO IDOLS WORLDWIDE (Bida ang dugong Filipino)

2012-05-24T07:24:00.005-07:00

American Idol contestants

Jordan Segundo

season 2

Seventy-Five Thousand singers from across the nation auditioned in 2003 and Jordan was the First Singer from Hawaii selected as a Semi-Finalist in Season Two.

Jordan’s popularity has skyrocketed since his “American Idol” appearance. He has performed for President Bush at a prestigious banquet in Hawaii , as a featured performer in “Wowowee” (The Number One Television Show in the Philippines which filmed in Hawaii for thousands at Aloha Stadium), In Hawaii’s First Annual “Pacific Rim Jazz Festival” and many more performances locally and nationally.

In 2006, Jordan played a leading role of “Lun Tha” in The Hawaii Opera Theatre’s production of “The King and I” with Richard Chamberlain in the role of The King, in six sold-out shows. He continues to perform throughout the nation and the Hawaiian Islands in concerts, festivals and special events. The twenty-six year old singer has been featured on the covers of numerous magazines and publications. He has been interviewed on international television shows like “Balitang America” and “Probe Team” and national shows like “Stir T.V.” and local shows such as “Emme’s Island Moments” and her Christmas Show, “American Idol” specials, “Dining Out with Chai”, “Living Local With The Baraquios” and more.

In recent years, Jordan has branched out into on-camera hosting and acting. During “American Idol” season, Jordan does commentary on the Number One morning news show, “KHON2 Morning News”. He also had principal roles in commercials for “Subway” and “Hawaiian Telcom” and was selected as the Spokesperson for the “Storm Water Management Program” sponsored by the Hawaii State Department of Transportation, which featured Jordan in television and radio PSA’s. In 2007, Jordan co-hosted a televised dance competition called “Destination: Groove Dance Hawaii” on KHNL-8 (NBC) with Yasmin Dar (Professional Actress/Model) for twelve episodes. In 2010, Jordan did the lead voice-over for a puppet character in a short film (musical production) called “The Green Tie Affair”, which premiered at the 2010 Hawaii International Film Festival.

Jordan is also the Spokesperson for “Adult Friends for Youth”, a non-profit organization that assists students throughout the State of Hawaii and helps at-risk youth. In addition, Jordan participates in the D.A.R.E. Tour for Hawaii students encouraging them to be drug-free. Jordan does motivational speaking for both programs and shares his message to thousands of students to stay in school, remain drug-free, and to never give-up in striving to reach their goals. In recognition for his years of community service, Jordan received the prestigious “Ola Pono Award” in 2007 and the “Outstanding Young Persons Award” from the Hawaii Jaycees in 2010.

Camile Velasco

season 3

Ciara-Camile Roque Velasco came in ninth place on the third season of the American Idol. She is one-fourth Irish, one-fourth Spanish, and half Filipino

Born in Makati City, Philippines, on September 1, 1985. Camile Velasco's family later moved to Haiku, Maui located in the islands of Hawaii. Prior to American Idol, Velasco was a struggling songwriter/composer who worked at her parents' IHOP Restaurant in Kahului. She has since released a single with Universal/Motown, headlined events in California, Hawaii, and elsewhere, and is currently working with Up Above Records to complete an album.

In 2003, Velasco auditioned for American Idol in Honolulu, Oahu and was unanimously accepted by the judges for her rendition of the chorus and bridge of Ready or Not a Delfonics-sampled classic by the Fugees. Simon Cowell remarked that “you’re actually very good,” assuring Velasco that she had “no need to be nervous.” Randy Jackson added that, “I love the sound of your voice. I love the kind of dark kinda quality of it.” Finally, Paula Abdul stated that “you have a real interesting tone. You’re a beautiful, beautiful girl.” She encouraged Velasco not to be afraid to “let go” and to “know and own the fact that you’re really good.”

Jasmine Trias

season 3

Jasmine Trias (born November 3, 1986) is an American singer-entertainer who was the third place finalist on the third season of American Idol. She has released one album to date, Jasmine Trias.

Trias was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and raised in Mililani Town, Hawaii. She is the eldest daughter of Filipino immigrants to the state of Hawaii from Tanza, Cavite. Trias attended Maryknoll School, a Roman Catholic preparatory school of the Diocese of Honolulu. As a representative of Maryknoll School, she won the Brown Bags to Stardom 2001 state singing competition and the Road to Fame 2003 youth talent competition. Trias graduated from Maryknoll School in June 2004.

Trias first gained recognition on the third season of American Idol. She auditioned in her home state of Hawaii. She made it to the top twelve performers. She received praises on her rendition of "Inseparable" on Top 12 night, with Simon Cowell replying, "Jasmine, it was just superb". Paula Abdul even threw a rose to her on the stage and, together with Randy Jackson, praised her maturity in that performance.

Melinda Lira

season 4

Age: 19. Hometown: Hanford, CA. Audition City: San Francisco

was placing in the top 12 female vocalists on American Idol Season 4,

Melinda Lira is a native to the Central Valley residing in Hanford, CA where she was born and raised. Melinda’s vocal talent was recognized at an early age by Motown Records and various agents and producers. Even though she had made great connections in the industry, Melinda chose to finish school

before pursuing her career in music. Melinda graduated with honors from Hanford West High School, where she participated in choir and on various sports teams. She was the team captain on her volleyball team

as well. Melinda has had the awesome opportunity to sing in many venues large and small and has made quite a name for herself this past year alone. Melinda has won vocal competitions and her most recent achievement was placing in the top 12 female vocalists on FOX’s American Idol Season 4, where she beat out over 100,000 other contestants across the country. Noticing her talent and potential, producers and

labels are vying for her attention including Arista Records, RCA Records, American Idol’s Randy Jackson and even Oscar-winner Jaime Foxx who was wowed by her performance at his home in early April and has asked if she would consider working with him on his projects.

Melinda enjoys performing for the Valley and is very proud of her roots as well as representing her Mexican-Filipino heritage. “Never give up on your dreams, always keep the Faith and never let anyone bring you down. God will give you the strength to overcome, so keep your head up high and press on.” This is Melinda’s motto.

Jose "Sway" Penala

season 5

Jose Galang "Sway" Penala was a contestant on the fifth season of American Idol. He was born in 1977 in the Philippines, attended La Salle Greenhills, in Mandaluyong, Philippines before his family migrated to the United States, in 1989, settling down in South San Francisco, California.

He started singing at the age of seven, in 1984. Penala auditioned in San Francisco with "Superstar" and advanced to the consequent Hollywood round, receiving positive feedback from all three judges. Sway made it into the Top 24.

AJ Tabaldo

Season 6

AJ Tabaldo born on January 3, 1985, playfully refers to himself as an “ethnic mutt,” having been born of Filipino, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Chinese and French blood. AJ is 23 years old from Santa Maria, California. He has been singing since he was 5 years old but has not received any formal training in music. After auditioning for season 6 of American Idol in Los Angeles, he became one of the Top 24 competing to be voted into the Final 12. Before every performance, AJ prays and tries to keep relaxed. He cites all of the judges as his favorite and his parents as his heroes and American Idols. He enjoys listening to Justin Timberlake, Brian McKnight, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, Christina Aguilera and American Idol season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson .

AJ Tabaldo delivered an entertaining rendition of "Never Too Much" by Luther Vandross on the sixth season of American Idol and was surprised when he was eliminated on March 1, especially since he had received positive comments from the judges the night before. He sealed his American Idol stint with his last song “Feeling Good,” by Nina Simone.

Nevertheless, he quickly recovered from the harsh blow of reality that not enough votes were cast for him and that he had to settle for the 18th place on American Idol. Since then, he welcomed various interviews and television appearances arranged by FOX's publicists who were keeping tabs on him until his contract with the network ends in August 2007. At present, AJ Tabaldo is working on an album and plans to start performing and promoting in the near future.

Ramiele Malubay

Season 7

Ramiele Macrohon Malubay (born September 6, 1987), also known as Ramiele, is a Filipino-American singer and the ninth place finalist on the seventh season of the American Idol. Ramiele Macrohon Malubay was born in Dammam, Saudi Arabia to Filipino parents Roger Malubay and Alicia Macrohon. When the Gulf War broke out, Malubay's parents sent her to the Philippines; the family then moved to the United States and currently reside in Miramar, Florida. She graduated from Charles W. Flanagan High School and is currently a nursing student at Broward College. She is of Ilocano heritage. Malubay started Polynesian Dancing when she was in the first grade and started singing at the age of twelve. At an early age Malubay started singing for various Filipino-American functions around Florida, as well as opening for Filipino acts such as Kuh Ledesma and Martin Nievera during American tours. She was the subject of a minor controversy when a number of personal pictures came to light featuring Malubay and several female friends touching each other's breasts. Malubay successfully auditioned for American Idol in August 2007 when she sang Aretha Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman". She received rave reviews after her performance of "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" in the first week of the voting rounds. Judge Randy Jackson called her performance "classy, almost like a pro," while Simon Cowell proclaimed that she "outsang every single person" that night. Cowell also named her "one of the top three singers in the competition" after her performance of "Don't Leave Me This Way" and also noted that she was "probably the most consistently good singer" during the Hollywood rounds. She finished in ninth place and is believed to be the shortest contestant in Idol history, standing only 4 feet 11 inches tall. Malubay was eliminated from American Idol on April 2, 2008 during Dolly Parton week. After an emotional farewell, she performed "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind" one final time following her elimination. Malubay had never been in the Bottom 3 prior to her elimination. During American Idol, she was roommates with Syesha Mercado and Brooke White. It was frequently shown that a friendship formed between Malubay and fellow Idol contestants Danny Noriega, Kady Malloy and third-place finisher Syesha Mercado. Malubay also mentioned during her pre-performance video interview for Top 11 week that she had formed close bonds with fifth place finalist Brooke White and eventual winner David Cook. Her musical influences are Aretha Franklin, Jackson 5, Mariah Carey, Lani Misalucha and Regine Velasquez, citing the latter as her favorite performer.

Thia Megia

Season 10

"It feels amazing!" she exclaimed when asked about being included in the top 13 of television's most popular talent show. The 15-year-old, the youngest finalist ever in the history of "American Idol," is as Filipino as can be.

Thia Megia (born Thialorei Lising Megia; January 30, 1995) is an American singer from Mountain House, San Joaquin County, California. Megia finished in the top 11 of the tenth season of American Idol.

Megia was born in Hayward, California, to Cynthia and Loreto Megia. Her parents, originally from Angeles, Pampanga, Philippines, emigrated to the United States in 1968 and changed their name from Mejia to Megia. She attended Eden Gardens Elementary School in Hayward through the sixth grade, but was cyber-schooled online at California Virtual Academy, when the family moved to Mountain House, California.

She has won singing competitions in San Jose and Saratoga and has sung the national anthem at San Jose Giants, Stanford football and San Francisco 49ers games. She also appeared on the TV show Showtime at the Apollo as the Kid Star of Tomorrow in 2008 when she was 13.

Prior to Idol, however, Megia was best known for her appearance on the fourth season of America's Got Talent in 2009. She made it to the quarterfinals, but was cut in the Top 40 round. That same year, she was invited to sing at the David Foster and Friends concert in California. She is the first America's Got Talent contestant to advance to voting rounds on American Idol, followed by Jessica Sanchez, who previously appeared in the first season the America's Got Talent.

Megia was one of the singers in Lisa Lavie's February 20, 2010, collaboration video "We Are the World 25 for Haiti (YouTube Edition)" for charity relief for victims of the January 12, 2010 Haiti earthquake, along with earlier America's Got Talent contestant and later American Idol finalist Jessica Sanchez from the succeeding season. The video's participants were collectively recognized as "Persons of the Week" on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer on Friday, March 19, 2010.

She had her debut concert at Le Petit Trianon Theatre in San Jose, California, on March 27, 2010.

Megia auditioned for the tenth season of American Idol in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with the song "Chasing Pavements" by Adele.

On March 31, 2011, Megia and Naima Adedapo were eliminated from American Idol.

As of season 10, Megia is the youngest finalist to ever appear on Idol after they changed the minimum age limit to 15 years.

Jesica sanches

Season 11

Jessica Sanchez (born August 4, 1995) is an American singer from Chula Vista, California. She was the runner-up on the eleventh season of American Idol. Prior to appearing on Idol, Sanchez competed in the first season of America's Got Talent at the age of 11

Jessica Sanchez was born in Chula Vista, California on August 4, 1995 to parents Gilbert and Editha Sanchez (née Bugay). She was raised in Eastlake, Chula Vista, along with two younger brothers. Her father, a Mexican American originally from Texas, is a U.S. Navy veteran who fought in the Iraq War[specify], served in Afghanistan and, as of April 2012, was expected to soon be deployed to Singapore. Her mother is a Filipino originally from Bataan province in the Philippines. Her maternal grandfather, Eddie Bugay, is a retired U.S. Navy sailor. Inspired by her Roman Catholic grandmother, Sanchez carries a rosary everywhere and prays quietly before going on stage.

Canadian Idol

Mikey Bustos

Mikey Bustos (born June 23, 1981) is a Filipino Canadian singer who has appeared on the reality television show Canadian Idol. Bustos is from the Weston neighbourhood of Toronto. Before Canadian Idol, he worked as a temp at the Bank of Montreal

Bustos placed seventh runner-up in the finals of Canadian Idol Season One in August 2003, despite Chart magazine's prediction: "If we were to lay our bets today, ChartAttack’s money would be on Toronto contestant Mikey Bustos, a slightly strange looking young man with a shaved head and the voice of an angel." From his very first audition where he floored the four judges, he established the largest fan base early in the competition, and made headlines all over the country.

Bustos recorded with BMG Canada/Vik Recordings for the Canadian Idol compilation album, which was certified Gold on the Soundscan Billboard charts on second day of release, and ranked in the Top 5 best selling Canadian albums in its debut week, selling over 60,000 units nationwide.

Denmark Idol

Cristian Mendoza

winner search for an idol in denmark

Christian Mendoza (born 1987 in the Philippines, now living in Copenhagen, Denmark) is a singer who rose to popularity as the winner of Idols Denmark, the Danish version of Pop Idol. Christian won with 57% of the total vote against Mirza Radonjica.

SWITZERLAND

Lica de Guzman

Lica de Guzman, Pinay Trained by Phil Collins, Making Waves in Switzerland

While Charice is now a familiar name, Lica is only “getting there,” not yet known in the Philippines but already making waves in Switzerland.

Only 14, Lica will soon be recognized outside of Switzerland. She’s touted as the newest Pinay singing child sensation to hit Geneva. She was born in Geneva on March 8, 1997, to Filipino migrant workers Nicanor “Bong” de Guzman and Waonhor “Joy” Pangulima.

Grammy award-winning producer-singer Collins has taken Lica under his wings. He handpicked Lica to be part of a select group to join his “Little Dreams Foundation” where she is trained. Because of that, she has been invited to sing before the Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey at the “Les coups de Coeur d’Alain Morisod” in 2007 where she sang Prendre un enfant par la main as well as various UN gatherings like the annual United Nations Women’s Guild bazaar, Filipino events, and even church activities.

Britian Got Talent

Charlie Green

Green was born on 16 February 1997 in Droitwich, Worcestershire to Roger Green who is English and Cecilia Sumargo who is Filipino Spanish. He first performed in front of an audience at the age of 2 on a cruise ship. He asked for the microphone, got on stage and sang New York, New York and when he was 5, he performed at the Royal Opera House. When Green was 8, he was invited, by the ‘Not Forgotten’ Association for ex-servicemen, to perform at their annual concert at St James’ Palace. The highlight of his day was being presented to HRH The Princess Royal. In fall 2007, Cedric Whitehouse produced the song "Hands Around the World" for Green which was used to raise money and increase awareness of muscular dystrophy. The song topped the chart of iTunes during the Christmas holidays, and is also featured on his debut album.

Madonna Decena

Madonna Decena is a Filipina performer and club singer in U.K who landed a spot in the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent. She had captivated both judges and the audience with her emotional renditions of popular love songs and her story, which is common among overseas foreign workers. She was one of the few non-Britons who made it to the semi-finals.

Decena already showed promise with her talent in singing. She began training at age seven. At age eleven, she began joining singing contests. By the time she became 16, she already made it a profession by singing with bands in several music lounges. Despite being a singer, she managed to do well in school, consistently being one of the students at the top of her class. She graduated high school from AMA Computer College. While she was finishing her degree in communications arts at Miriam College, she worked part-time to augment her parent's income.

Madonna has reached the semi-finals of the judges’ auditions for “Britain’s Got Talent.” If she makes it to the voting round, she will compete in live telecast of the final round on May 31, 2008. Madonna has become a crowd favorite in the ongoing search, especially after the three judges – Simon Cowell, actress Amanda Holden and journalist Piers Morgan (who is also a judge in America’s Got Talent) – picked her for the semi-finals during the live audition at Manchester theatre. When interviewed by Piers during the first round of audition, Madonna said she joined the show to be able to provide for her two young daughters, then cried uncontrollably before the gallery crowd. The female judge, Amanda Holden, cried in sympathy which turned into awe as Madonna sang Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” and belted the last line with such emotion and conviction that knocked the audience off their feet. After her semi-finals stint at Britain’s Got Talent, Decena decided to leave UK for home. With the help of legendary Filipino boxing world champion, Manny Pacquiao, she had come back to the Philippines where she is expected to join the local entertainment industry.

Awesome

Reynaldo Lapuz

Renaldo (Reynaldo) Lapuz (born December 18, 1962) is a Filipino-American who auditioned on the seventh season of the television series American Idol, singing the self-written song "We're Brothers Forever."

Lapuz is a native of the Philippines. His mother is of German descent and lives in Wisconsin. Lapuz immigrated to the United States in 2004, and worked as a janitor at Greyhound and Wal-mart. Lapuz regularly sang as a member of the Filipino Choir at Immaculate Conception Church in Reno, Nevada.

In 2007 Renaldo Lapuz auditioned for American Idol in Dallas, Texas. For his audition, he sang his own original song, "We're Brothers Forever", while wearing a handsome wide-brimmed, winged, marabou feather-covered white hat with the word "SIMON" printed on it and a metallic silver cape. During his audition, which aired in January, judge Simon Cowell complimented him but gently rejected him by saying of his performance "I'm going to make a prediction here. I have a horrible feeling that it's going to be a hit record. You're very entertaining. I actually like you... but it's going to be a no." (Due to his age he was also ineligible.) Lapuz returned to the show to sing his song during the finale of American Idol Season 7 in May 2008, this time supported instrumentally by the University of Southern California marching band.

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MADE in CHINA: a challenge of Quality

2012-05-14T07:09:00.028-07:00

The global shift in levers of competitive advantage, manufacturing industries have been moving from one part of the world to another. Over the years, industries such as automotive, chemicals, steel, textiles, and semiconductors have almost disappeared in some countries while flourishing in others. With the trend towards being “green”, western society tends to look down on manufacturing and does not seem perturbed by the departure of such industries from the western shores.As long as prices are low, consumers do not mind where the products they buy come from. At the same time, the western world preaches to the newly industrializing nations about the importance of reducing emissions and greenhouse gases.

In the western world, Science and Technology have taken a back-seat to business, finance, political science etc., and fewer and fewer people want to major in fields such as manufacturing. People in the west want to pursue careers in Consulting, Marketing, Finance, Private Equity, Venture Capital etc. Somehow, we have created the perception that technology and hence, manufacturing is an “inferior” career to pursue.

But once the western world did just fine without China and it became the lowest possible wage labor supplier and moron manufacturers flocked there to take advantage of the slave labor. The Made in China label is one of the most recognizable labels in the world today due to the China's rapidly developing large manufacturing industry. China today is the largest exporter in the world and the Made in China label can be seen on a large range of goods from clothing to electronics.

The Industry produced 53.7 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2005. Industry (including mining, manufacturing, construction, and power) contributed 46.8 percent of GDP in 2010 and occupied 27 percent of the workforce in 2007. The manufacturing sector produced 44.1 percent of GDP in 2004 and accounted for 11.3 percent of total employment in 2006. China is the world’s leading manufacturer of chemical fertilizers, cement, and steel. Before 1978, most output was produced by state-owned enterprises. China manufactured everything in the world and along with it is the unimaginable pollution. With all the press about lead paint in toys, industrial chemicals in food. Clearly with the low cost of China-made goods comes a great challenge in quality management.

A series of highly publicized quality scandals in exports from China in the late 2000s has harmed the "Made in China" brand abroad, during which time 40% of product recalls in the United States were of imports from China.It is LONG passed time that we woke up and stopped doing business with China. The only opportunity there is a loosing proposition where short term gains are quickly offset by long term political and intellectual larceny.

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Philippines economy in the next 40 years

2012-05-06T09:05:00.007-07:00

HSBC's global research department has released a reports last January 11 2012 predicting the rise and fall of the world's economies in the next 40 years

Surprisingly our country (Philippines) is on the list of the fastest growing economy in 2050 prediction. In fact our country is on the 16th rank on HSBC's 2050 list of top economies surpassing Australia 18th, Saudi Arabia 22nd, Netherlands 24th and Switzerland 29th . With a leapfrog 27 places to become the world’s 16th largest economy from the 43rd in 2010. Well that was HSBC's prediction in world economy.

What makes economies grow

If we step away from the cyclicality, there are two ways economies can grow; either add more people to the production line via growth in the working population, or make each individual more productive. Our country had both, With an annual projected growth of 7% in 2010 the GDP or Gross Domestic Product of our country is $112 billion with these data they project that the GDP of the Philippines in 2050 is $1.688 trillion.

Population and economy

As one of the fastest-growing populations in Asia, our country's population will set to jump by almost 70 percent over the next 40 years, and HSBC believes the combination of its powerful demographics and strong fundamentals will drive the economy to become the world’s 16th largest by 2050.

Our country is one of the world’s largest exporters of labor, with over 11 million Filipinos working abroad, according to the latest data from the Commission of Filipinos Overseas. In 2010, almost $19 billion was sent back to the Philippines as remittances from Filipinos working abroad.

Ring for economic change

More recently, the country’s fast-developing Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry has helped keep some of the workforce from leaving the country. The Philippines is also considered as location of choice due to it's less expensive operational and labor. In 2007, it remains as a top BPO destination for the estimated $150-billion business process outsourcing industry. Already we have estimated 400,000 Filipinos to work in call centers, compared with 330,000 Indians, according to the Contact Center Association of the Philippines. According to the Call Center Directory of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), the Philippines now has 788 call centers over 20 cities key locations The industry is projected to provide more than one million jobs within next two years. The economy’s also focuses on the services sector (such as medical transcription and offshoring) and domestic consumption . As well as a lowered exposure to global financial markets, it helped escaped the recession following the 2008 global financial crisis.
1) China (+2)

2) U.S. (-1)

3) India (+5)

4) Japan (-2)

5) Germany (-1)

6) UK (-1)

7) Brazil (+2)

8) Mexico (+5)

9) France (-3)

10) Canada (same)

11) Italy (-4)

12) Turkey (+6)

13) S. Korea (-2)

14) Spain (-2)

15) Russia (+2)

16) Philippines (+27)

17) Indonesia (+4)

18) Australia (-2)

19) Argentina (2)

20) Egypt (+15)

21) Malaysia (+17)

22) Saudi Arabia (+1)

23) Thailand (+6)

24) Netherlands (-9)

25) Poland (-1)

26) Peru (+20)

27) Iran (+7)

28) Colombia (+12)

29) Switzerland (-9)

30) Pakistan (+14)

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The Philippines,China, the Scharborough Shoal and the UNCLOS

2012-04-30T11:41:00.006-07:00

April 10th 2012 11:30AM (Philippine time ) the Philippines and China are locked in an impasse over the Scarborough shoal. When the Philippine navy warship BRP Gregorio del Pilar, was deployed there to arrest the Chinese fishermen for illegal poaching, but China sent three civilian surveillance vessels and took turns blocking the ship which sparked the standoff. Both countries are claiming that this part of South China Sea or recently called West Philippine Sea are their territories.

What is Scarborough Shoal?

First we should know that Scarborough Shoal is different from Spratly Islands. Scarborough Shoal is located about 123 miles (198 km) west of Subic bay, the nearest landmass is Palauig, Zambales and at least 500 nautical miles from Hainan Island ( in 1988 this island became part of the newly created Hainan Province now home to China’s nuclear submarine base). While Spartly Islands is near Palawan with the farthest feature being just 100miles (161 km) away.

Scarborough Shoal or Scarborough Reef, Philippine name: Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc,Chinese name: Huangyan Island. It was named after a tea-trade ship Scarborough which was wrecked on the rock with everyone perishing on board in the late 18th century. It is correctly described as a group of islands and reefs in an atoll shape than a shoal,it is located between the Macclesfield Bank (Zhongsha Islands)we will talk macclesfield bank later and Luzon Island of Philippines in the South China Sea. To the east, the 5,000 - 6,000 meter deep Manila Trench separates the shoal from Philippine Archipelago. The shoal forms a triangle-shaped chain of reefs and islands,but mostly rocks 55 kilometres (34 mi) around with an of area 150 square kilometers. It has a lagoon with area of 130 km² and depth of about 15 metres (49 ft). The shoal is a protrusion from a 3,500 m deep abyssal plain. several of the islands including "South Rock" are 1/2 m to 3 m high and many of the reefs are just below water at high tide. Near the mouth of the lagoon are the

ruins of an iron tower, 8.3 m high.

Start of Claims
After the Chinese Civil War in1950 , the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China (Taiwan) both lay claim to the shoal. Starting in 1997, Philippines joined in this dispute, making its claim to the shoal.

Claims

The People's Republic of China and the Republic of China (Taiwan) claim that the shoal was first discovered and drawn in a map in the Yuan Dynasty as early as 1279 and was historically used by Chinese fishermen. In 1279, Guo Shoujing, a Chinese astronomer, performed surveying of the South China Sea, and the surveying point was reported to be the Scarborough Shoal. In 1935, China regarded the shoal as part of the Zhongsha Islands. In 1947, the shoal was given the name Minzhu Jiao. In 1983, it was renamed Huangyan Island with Minzhu Jiao reserved as a second name.

The Philippines claims that as early as the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, Filipino fishermen were already using the area as a traditional fishing ground and shelter during bad weather. In 1957, The Philippine government conducted an oceanographic survey of the area and together with the US Navy force based in then U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay in Zambales, used the area as an impact range for defence purposes. An 8.3 meter high flag pole flying a Philippine flag was raised in 1965. A small lighthouse was also built and operated the same year. In 1992, the Philippine Navy rehabilitated the lighthouse and reported it to the International Maritime Organization for publication in the List of Lights. As of 2009, the military-maintained lighthouse is non-operational. Several Official Philippines maps published by Spain and United States in 18th and 20th century show Scarborough Shoal as Philippine territory.

The 18th-century map "Carta hydrographica y chorographica de las Islas Filipinas" (1734) shows the Scarborough Shoal then was named as Panacot Shoal. The map also shows the shape of the shoal as consistent with the current maps available as today. During the 1900s Mapa General. Islas Filipinas, Observatorio de Manila and US Coast and Geodetic Survey Map includes the Scarborough Shoal named as "Baju De Masinloc". In 1792, another map drawn by the Malaspina expedition and published in 1808 in Madrid, Spain also showed Bajo de Masinloc as part of Philippine territory. The map showed the route of the Malaspina expedition to and around the shoal. It was reproduced in the Atlas of the 1939 Philippine Census, which was published in Manila a year later and predates the controversial 1947 Chinese South China Sea Claim Map that shows no chinese name on it . Another topographic map drawn in 1820 shows the shoal, named there as "Bajo Scarburo", as a constituent part of Sambalez (Zambales province).

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

Also called the Law of the Sea Convention or the Law of the Sea treaty. Is the international agreement that resulted from the third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III), which took place from 1973 through 1982.The convention was opened for signature on December 10, 1982 and entered into force on November 16, 1994 upon deposition of the 60th instrument of ratification.The convention is ratified by 162 states including the PHILIPPINES the 11th state who ratified on May 8 1984 and CHINA the 92nd state who ratified on June 7 1996 click here. The Law of the Sea Convention defines the rights and responsibilities of nations in their use of the world's oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses,the environment, and the management of marine natural resources.The Convention, concluded in 1982, replaced four 1958 treaties. UNCLOS came into force in 1994, To date, 162 countries and the European Community have joined in the Convention. However, it is uncertain as to what extent the Convention codifies customary international law. While the Secretary General of the United Nations receives instruments of ratification and accession and the UN provides support for meetings of states party to the Convention,the UN has no direct operational role in the implementation of the Convention.There is, however, a role played by organizations such as the International Maritime Organization,the International Whaling Commission, and the International Seabed Authority(the latter being established by the UN Convention).

The convention introduced a number of provisions.The most significant issues covered were setting limits, navigation, archipelagic status and transit regimes, exclusive economic zones(EEZs), continental shelf jurisdiction, deep seabed mining,the exploitation regime, protection of the marine environment, scientific research, and settlement of disputes.
The convention set the limit of various areas, measured from a carefully defined baseline. A sea baseline follows the low-water line, but when the coastline is deeply indented, has fringing islands or is highly unstable, straight baselines may be used.

Internal waters

According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS Internal waters covers all water and waterways on the landward side of the baseline.The coastal state is free to set laws, regulate use, and use any resource. Foreign vessels have no right of passage within internal waters.

Territorial waters
Out to 12 nautical miles (22 kilometres; 14 miles) from the baseline,the coastal state is free to set laws, regulate use, and use any resource. Vessels were given the right of innocent passage through any territorial waters,with strategic straits allowing the passage of military craft as transit passage, in that naval vessels are allowed to maintain postures that would be illegal in territorial waters. "Innocent passage"is defined by the convention as passing through waters in an expeditious and continuous manner, which is not "prejudicial to the peace, good order or the security" of the coastal state. Fishing, polluting, weapons practice, and spying are not "innocent", and submarines and other underwater vehicles are required to navigate on the surface and to show their flag. Nations can also temporarily suspend innocent passage in specific areas of their territorial seas, if doing so is essential for the protection of its security.

Archipelagic waters
The convention set the definition of Archipelagic States in Part IV, which also defines how the state can draw its territorial borders. A baseline is drawn between the outermost points of the outermost islands, subject to these points being sufficiently close to one another. All waters inside this baseline are designated Archipelagic Waters.The state has full sovereignty over these waters (like internal waters), but foreign vessels have right of
innocent passage through archipelagic waters (like territorial waters).

Contiguous zone
Beyond the 12 nautical mile limit,there is a further 12 nautical miles from the territorial sea baselines limit,the contiguous zone, in which a state can continue to enforce laws in four specific areas: customs, taxation, immigration and pollution, if the infringement started with in the state's territory or territorial waters, or if this infringement is about to occur within the state's territory or territorial waters.This makes the contiguous zone a hot pursuit area.

Exclusive economic zones (EEZs)
These extend from the edge of the territorial sea out to 200 nautical miles (370 kilometres; 230 miles) from the baseline.Within this area,the coastal nation has sole exploitation rights over all natural resources. In casual use,the term may include the territorial sea and even the continental shelf.The EEZs were introduced to halt the increasingly heated clashes over fishing rights, although oil was also becoming important.The success of an offshore oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico in 1947 was soon repeated elsewhere in the world, and by 1970 it was technically feasible to operate in waters 4000 metres deep. Foreign nations have the freedom of navigation and overflight, subject to the regulation of the coastal states. Foreign states may also lay submarine pipes and cables.

Continental shelf
The continental shelf is defined as the natural prolongation of the land territory to the continental margin’s outer edge, or 200 nautical miles from the coastal state’s baseline, which ever is greater. A state’s continental shelf may exceed 200 nautical miles until the natural prolongation ends. However, it may never exceed 350 nautical miles (650 kilometres; 400 miles) from the baseline; or it may never exceed 100 nautical miles (190 kilometres; 120 miles) beyond the 2,500 meter iso bath (the line connecting the depth of 2,500 meters). Coastal states have the right to harvest mineral and non-living material in the subsoil of its continental shelf, to the exclusion of others. Coastal states also have exclusive control over living resources "attached" to the continental shelf, but not to creatures living in the water column beyond the exclusive economic zone.
Aside from its provisions defining ocean boundaries,the convention establishes general obligations for safeguarding the marine environment and protecting freedom of scientific research on the high seas, and also creates an innovative legal regime for controlling
mineral resource exploitation in deep seabed areas beyond national jurisdiction, through an International Seabed Authority and the Common heritage of mankind principle.
Landlocked states are given a right of access to and from the sea,without taxation of traffic through transit states.

View Point
The tension in Scarborough shoal is resembling a tag of war between the ancient history references and the present day international law agreement between these two countries. As the 92nd country who ratified the UNCLOS, China knows what they are doing that is why they are not willing to discuss this matter in the UN tribunal. As their population growth is uncontrollable they will require more resources and the bottom line is, the Chinese want their share of fish, oil and natural gas which these islands can offer. As of the Philippines they should make their military strong enough to prevent any intrusions from other countries, they should not depend on the Americans on protecting their territories. What if America will not be on the Philippines side, as China and America have a high value of economic trade.China is reclaiming their ancient territories, from Tibet to India down to the West Philippine Sea.

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Pinoy Disgrace

2012-04-25T15:14:00.000-07:00

Pinoy caregiver in the UK, a registered nurse in the PHILIPPINES was sentenced to 18 months in prison for abuse and maltreatment of elderly.

Corrupt government Institutions of the Philippines.

2012-04-23T15:33:00.017-07:00

Last year Febuary 24 to March 6 2011 The Pulse Asia conducted a survey of what is the most corrupt government Institution in the Philippines. Pulse Asia is a public opinion polling body in the Philippines. It was launched by professional academics recognized as experts in their respective fields of study. It monitors salient socio-economic, political and cultural issues in the minds of the Filipino public..

They interviewed 1,200 representative adults in the different sector aging 18years old and above. The survey shows that about one in every two Filipinos about 48.9% percieved that the AFP is the most corrupt government institution. The Pulse Asia survey results also showed a high level of public awareness of instances of alleged corruption in the military such as WELCOME and SEND-OFF GIFTS given to military top officers. The second most corrupt institution according to the survey is the Philippine National Police with the result of 26.6%. The third place is the Depertment of Public Works and Highways 18.2% followed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue with the score of 7.8%. And the last is the Land Transportation Office with the score of 7.2% .

Last Nov. 22 2011, the Philippine Senate approved the P1.816 trillion ($41 billion) proposed national budget for the year 2012. This budget is higher by 10.4 percent than of 2011 budget of P1.645 trillion. The P1.816-trillion proposed Budget for 2012 represents 16.5 percent of the country’s GDP.

The Debt Burden share has been reduced by 3.0 percentage points to 19.6 percent or P356.1 billion from 22.6 percent or P372.1 billion. Ultimately, our country’s debt profile has to be improved to reduce our vulnerability to market fluctuations.

The Social Services sector continues to receive the share of 31.7 percent or P575.8 billion of the National Budget. Meanwhile, the Economic Services sector will receive the second biggest share of 24.2 percent or P438.9 billion. The General Public Services and Defense sectors receive shares of 18.3 percent or P332.1 billion. Fiscal consolidation also requires to reduce the share of the Debt Burden on the National Budget. In the 2012 Budget, the Debt Burden’s share has been reduced by 3.0 percentage points to 19.6 percent or P356.1 billion from 22.6 percent or P372.1 billion. Of the total Personal Services, P53.6 billion is included to provide for the pension requirements of the military, uniformed and civilian personnel which are indexed by law to current base pay and salaries. The increase in the pension requirements for 2012 of military (13 percent), uniformed (23 percent) and civilian personnel (12 percent) is due to the indexation of pension benefits to wage increases and the increasing number of beneficiaries..

DepEd will remain at the top, with another significant budgetary increase of 15.2 percent to P238.8 billion from its budget of P207.3 billion this year. From the 12.6 percent increase in 2011, the largest in over a decade, the increase for 2012 is even larger.

DPWH, meanwhile, will remain in second place with yet another significant increase of 13.5 percent to P125.5 billion, from P110.6 billion this year. After DPWH has revised cost structures and increased transparency in its procurement processes.

The DND, is the third, it will receive P107.9 billion, slightly higher by 3.1 percent than its current year’s allocation. To fund unfilled positions, P989.3 million is provided for DND. The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), at fourth, will receive P101.4 billion, which is an increase of 15.1 percent. Part of this amount is P5.2 billion under the MPBF to fund unfilled positions in the PNP, Bureau of Jail and Management Penology (BJMP) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Department of Agriculture, at fifth, gets the largest budgetary increase of 53.6 percent to P54.1 billion, from P35.2 billion in 2011.

Funding for the fight against corruption and to pursue the closure of large-scale and notorious cases of corruption that have been left unresolved. To attain this goal, the government increased the budget of the Sandiganbayan to P357.3 million. Of this amount, P254.0 million is set aside to help the primary graft court to fast track the disposition of 3,546 pending cases of corruption.

For 2012, the Philippine Government have focused 20.3 percent of the total budget, or P368.8 billion towards direct poverty reduction and empowerment of the poor, the highest among the key areas of expenditure and 15.8 percent higher than its 2011 level at P318.5 billion.

For this year sy2012 the allocated budget for the alleged most corrupt institutions of our government are as follows.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) had the budget of P 35,413,537,000

Philippine National Police (PNP) had the budget of P 73,217,682,000

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had the budget of .P 109,833,405,000
Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) had the budget of P 6,303,848,000

So guys as a FILIPINO and a tax payer, we will see and observe if this Budget is well spend by these Institutions this year.

source: DBM, Official Gazette, POC.net

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Ideas how to earn money from the internet for dummies.

2012-03-05T01:29:00.006-08:00

There are lots of ways to earn money in the internet, but most of these ideas are for people who knows the computer and skillfull in the net. Ideas such as Search engine optimization, Domain name flipping etc. But for most of us which are not so expert in the computer and in the internet we have no chance to earn extra income while enjoying the web. Most of us touches the keyboard if we would like to log in in facebook and chatting with our friends or relative that will ask money from us, well thats a waste of time. Instead if we only use that time making extra income while chatting our friends in facebook, that's a good idea. So I make a little research on how to earn extra in the internet while chatting our friends and relatives back home. I rated these from 1 to 10 and its up to you what idea thats fit.

So here's the number 10

10. Get cashback

If you use your day off to buy essentials, make sure you get paid to do it. Shop around first to find the best deals, then look on cashback sites to see if you could get money back by buying through them. Start with sites that give you instant cash just by signing up, such as Rpoints, which gives you £5, Cashback Shopper, which gives you £5, and ecashback, which gives you £2.50 immediately.

9. Answer text questions

If you're a bit of a trivia king or queen you could make money by answering people's text questions. It is flexible work and you just have to be a bit knowledgeable and quick at searching the net . On average, question answerers make about £10 an hour. The questions vary enormously: you could get anything from "Where's the nearest pizza place?" to "Who won the 1962 world cup?" and "Will I ever find love?". Visit ansanow or Textperts to see if you are quick enough to be part of their teams of knowledge hunters.

8.Complain to gain

We don't complain enough in our country, which is one of the reasons why service can be so bad. However, those who complain constructively have worked out they can even make money through it. A well crafted, reasonable letter including a request for financial compensation can make you money. Write to a company's CEO explaining the problem and set out the amount you feel you should receive in compensation. If it is refused write again, and even write a third time if necessary. Usually by the second or third letter they cave in and give you about half of what you were asking for.

7. Rent out your stuff

Everyone knows about selling stuff on eBay, but how about renting it and making money over and over again? Sites like RentNotBuy.co.uk a will let you advertise anything from a baby bath to a ball gown. It is a new phenomenon, so it could be a while before anyone rents your power tools or your DVD player, but if you have a spare minute upload your details and later on you could make some regular cash.

6: Designing and Selling T-shirts

If you are a little bit artistic then you can use your talent, when you walk around passing most high school and college campuses, you're likely to come into contact with lots of words. But it won't be material from textbooks or term papers -- those are probably in backpacks or sitting unfinished at home. Instead, they're the simple phrases or logos -- most of which are ironic or amusing -- printed on the T-shirts on the backs of the students. Usually, the more unique and offbeat the design is, the more desirable the T-shirt is. The growth of the Internet has made it possible for vendors to sell T-shirts all over the world. In fact, sites like CafePress.com and SpreadShirt.com allows you to set up your own store, create your own designs and sell them yourself. If you can create your own shirt design with a clever catchphrase or come up with your own unique statement and people like it, you can start making money.

5. Sell adverts on your blog

If you are a regular blogger and have built up a bit of a following, you could make money selling advertising around your posts. You can make cash quickly by putting Google Adsense on it. If you get enough traffic you make money every time people click on the ads. Blogs are also great for selling any products you have, promoting your services (it could be anything from sales training to web development or maternity care) and selling eBooks you have created yourself.

4. Recycle your mobile

Have you got a useless old mobile in your desk drawer? Most of us have at least one hanging around the office or house, so make money from yours. Send it to Mopay and make between £2.50 and £200 depending on its make and condition. Even rubbishy old battered models can be worth a few quid if they can be sold on for spare parts.

3. Get paid for social networking

You can make money by keeping in touch with friends, and making more friends, on social networking site Yuwie.com Set up a profile, write a blog, upload photos and videos and do what you usually do with any networking site. The difference with Yuwie is that it pays you to do all these things using advertising revenue. The amount you get paid depends on the number of times you and your friends view your pages. If you have lots of friends the views mount up and you can make some worthwhile cash.

2. Take part in online surveys

Again, this is pocket money while you're on the internet, but it can be fun too. It is simply a case of answering questions about a particular product or company, or about your shopping habits. Be careful which surveys you use – some are fraudulent. Among the best of the genuine ones is panelbase.net, which will pay between 50p and £3 a survey, Valued Opinions, which pays between £1 and £5 a survey, and Ciao-surveys.co.uk, which pays up to £5.

1. Get paid to surf the net

You surf the net all the time so why not make money every time you click on "search"? Yahoo powers searches which pay a small amount every time you run one it is willing to do so because it wants to break down Google's domination. There is a search at Moneymagpiesearch.com. If you recommend your friends you will also make commission on their searches. The payments are small but we know people who have made around £30 in two months by searching regularly. You can choose whether you receive your money through PayPal or by bank transfer.