friends InternatIonal MagazIne noveMBer 2008

Transcription

friends InternatIonal MagazIne noveMBer 2008
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
1
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
editor’s note
Dear FIM readers,
Published by
Smart Way International Ltd
Success Brighter Co. Ltd
5D Sun King Building
580 Queen’s Road West
Hong Kong
Tel: 2541 2510 / 9010 9183
Email: [email protected]
INTERNET
www.friends-intl-mag.com
PUBLISHER / EDITOR
Capt. Rosendo C. Herrera
MANAGING EDITOR
Arnold P. Grospe
ART DIRECTOR
Willy Castañar
COLUMNS
Bro. Eddie Villanueva
Bro. Rolly Estrella
Barrister Ody Lai
Noel Asinas
Cora Carsola
Dra. Gertrude P. Chan, FPDS
Ruel Y. Quezon
PHOTOGRAPHY
Bobby Campus
Jo Mabalot
Nery/Leo Jimena
Rodel Concha
Letty Romero
CONTRIBUTORS
Adelaida Mogol
Bernadette Benitez
April Joy
Remely Valdez
Violy Pascual
Noemi Paniza
Terry Buen
Lucida Maingpis
My dela Roca
Fellie Feniza
PRINTING
Smart Way International Ltd
No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole
or in part without the prior writtent consent of the
publisher. Opinions and comments of writers, columnists
and contributors do not necessarily reflect those of
the management’s or any staff of Friends International
Magazine.
The month of November is one of the very important
months for us, because this is the month wherein we
remember our dearly departed love ones.
Halloween celebration is a big deal to every Filipino.
Most of them look forward to this occasion. Those
who are working far away and even from abroad
would go back to their hometown to be with their family. This is the time to
commemorate their loved ones who passed away. The memorial parks and
other public cemeteries all over the country are fully packed with people visiting
the graves of their deceased loved ones.
I could just imagine the queue of vehicles on the road going to memorial parks.
I remember doing a volunteer work monitoring the commuters with our radio
group in Nueva Ecija during this holiday celebration. In cooperation with
the highway patrol, people would have 24 hours duty to make the road clear
and convenient for people to pass by. Along the roadside going to the public
cemetery and memorial parks are full of busy people walking, selling flowers,
candles, food and drinks.
I also paid my respects to my late father last All Souls’ Day and spent a whole
day in the cemetery with family and friends. Family members really take the
time to prepare and spend their holidays together. Even those who are working
abroad go back just to be with their family, making it look like a big reunion.
There is a great feast in the cemetery. People bring food, drinks, music, others
have their board games and more to have fun while staying there that long.
In this month’s issue, we also feature some activities of associations and some
relevant issues concerning the Overseas Filipino Workers and the Filipino
community in Hong Kong. We also have additional columns regarding business
matters and how to start your own business. We have articles of a good place to
visit and a fine restaurant to dine in while you are on holiday in the Philippines.
To extend more services to our readers and client we have just opened our new
branch in City Garden Shopping Center, North Point.
We are also proud to announce and congratulate our fellow Filipinos
in the United States. Senior Sen. Stephen C. Austria was elected to
the US Congress in last November 4 elections, becoming one of two
Filipino-Americans to win in the elections across the United States.
The other member of the US Congress to claim Filipino parentage is AfricanAmerican congressman Robert “Bobby” C. Scott (Democrat, Virginia), whose
mother is a daughter of Filipino Valentin Cortez Hamlin.
Together with President elect Barack Obama, the first black American President,
our fellow Filipinos in the United States are also creating history around the
globe.
Thank you very much and Happy Halloween to all.
Mabuhay po ang Lahing Pilipino !!!
Happy reading.
Arnold P. Grospe
Managing Editor
We welcome editorial articles, photographs and illustrations
for publication. Please send all communications and
materials to: Friends International Magazine, 5D Sun King
Building, 580 Queen’s Road West, Hong Kong.
2
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
3
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
friends Co mm uni t y B oa r d
Got an announcement to make ? Let everyone know. Have your upcoming association activities published here for FREE !
Call us on 254I –25I0 during office hours or email details to [email protected] or sms 9010 9183
To all Association Leaders in Hong Kong. You are all invited to join the
newly formed Council of Filipino Leaders (CFL) for more info pls call Gen
Secretary Medy Borlaza at 6773 1021.
All Association leaders of Luzon in Hong Kong to join the newly formed
Luzon Federation (LUZFED). For more info, please contact Medi Borlaza
– Tel 6773-1021. Search for Mutya ng Luzon, August 31, 2008 at Bayanihan Kennedy Town Centre. 1 - 6 PM.
FREE CANTONESE CLASS
every 2nd & 4th SATURDAY of the month
Island Evangelical Community Church
New address: 8/F 633 King’s Road Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
(Quarry Bay MTR Exit C)
Contact Person: Riza Guevarra, 2864 9337
Candonians Hong Kong Association 12th year Anniversary. Coronation
and Search for Ms Candonians HK 2008. Everyone is invited. Newly
arrived OFWs from Candon City are invited to attend and be a part of
the association. For more details, please contact Candonians President
Rechilda at 61516502 or Johanna at 25487838.
Love, Peace and Unity Pinoy HK Group 1st Anniversary and Induction
ceremony on 16th November 2008. There will be a Karaoke King or
Queen Singing contest. For OFWs who are gifted with a powerful voice
and are interested to join, please contact Juliet at 92479220, Czarina at
91356300 or Maribeth at 98534275.
FLOR-HK 2nd Anniversary. Livelihood Graduation ceremony and the
Search for 3 Shining Stars of the Orient. This event is designed for gays,
lesbians and ladies. To be held on Feb. 08, 2009 at Chater Road, Central. For more details, please contact Bunso at 60995932.
Balikatan sa Kaunlaran - Hong Kong (BSK-HK) 13th Annual Convention &
14th Anniversary on Nov. 16, 2008, 1:00 - 6:00 pm at Bayanihan Kennedy
Town Centre Auditorium. “ON THE SPOT - BEADS MAKING CONTEST”.
Contact: Raquel 9145 7719, Aida 6227 7285, Ching 9855 9878.
NOPT’s 8th Anniversary
Nov 16, 11:30- 5:30 PM Grappas Cellar Restaurant
Organizer: National Organization of Professional Teachers
For more info email [email protected]
3rd Anniversary and Search for Mr. Suave 2008
Nov 30, 2008 from 1:00 - 6:00 PM Bayanihan Center
Organizer: Dole Owwa Microsoft Organization HK (DOMOHK)
Contact Medie 6773 1021 Rose 92033539, Josie 96065140.
Adivay 2008 (Benguet Day in HK). Nov 30, 2008 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Belcher’s Park, Kennedy Town. Organizer: Benguet Federation.Contact:
Donnie Allan at 6147 7358.
Kalilang and Search for Mutya ng Mindanao
Nov 23 1-7pm Caritas Hall, Caine Road
Organizer: Mindanao (HK) Migrant Alliance
Contact Lito: 9687 5201 or lanie 68555811
PAHK Annual General Meeting and Election of new board for 2009.
November 27, 2008. 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Grappa’s Cellar, Jardine House,
Central. For more info contact Chairman Scylla 9436 2424.
PAHK Open Bowling Tournament 2008. Olympian City Bowl. November
22, 2008 from 3 - 6 pm. For details contact Arnold Grospe 9010 9183.
The Management and staff of Friends International Magazine wish to thank the following
volunteer contributors and distributors for sharing their talent and support to the Magazine.
Gina Montero
Gie Ignacio
Mayvie Acosta
Olive Lasat
Juvy Aldea
Fely Bunso S. Naoe
Mario de los Reyes
Distribution Team
IMAP-HK
LOFM
BOWA
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CFCB
DOMOHK
Black Eagle
Calabarzon
Novo Ecijano Association
OFWIE
GOAL
LOFWA
MIGA
WOMED
FILCOMSIN
FILREFLEX
PMS
FNA
Mindanao Alliance
KUSOG
LEBAK
BENGFED
ANIBA-HK
Oriental Mindoro Society
Damayan
LUZFED
BSK-HK
MMWA
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Contents
November 2008 issue 36
3Editor’s Note
6
Halloween
7Tinig Ng Masa
8LAWA Anniversary
9LOFWA Inducts New Officers
10At Your Service
11
Charius Voltaire Medina
12Entrepreneur, Pagnenegosyo at Pagpapayaman
13
Hello Mama
14Oras ng Himala
15Legal Matters
17
Community News
18
Snapshots
20
Mabuhay Ka Kabayan
22God is in Control
23
Food Trip
24
Balitang Showbiz
28
Sports News
29
featured Poems
30Laugh Lines
31
FIM Outlets
32Rayakan Lebaran, Pilar-Atki Menggelar Berbagai Perlombaan Untuk Bmi
33
Horoscope and Mind Games
Birthday Corner / Just 4 Kids / Text From The Heart
34
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
5
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
Halloween
a brief history and how Filipinos celebrate it
Halloween is one of the World’s oldest
holidays. The name Halloween is a
Scottish contraction, derived from the
proper name “All Hallow’s Eve.” It was
named such because it falls on the night
before the Catholic “All Hallows” day,
or, “All Hallowed Souls” day. Halloween
is also known as the Day of the Dead.
Throughout the world, many countries
celebrate Halloween, each in their own
unique ways.
History of Halloween, like any other
festival’s history is inspired through
traditions that have transpired through
ages from one generation to another. We
follow them mostly as did our dads and
grandpas. And as this process goes on,
much of their originality get distorted
with newer additions and alterations.
It happens so gradually, spanning over
so many ages, that we hardly come to
know about these distortions. At one
point of time it leaves us puzzled, with its
multicolored faces. Digging into its history
helps sieve out the facts from the fantasies
which caught us unaware. Yet, doubts still
lurk deep in our soul, especially when
the reality differs from what has taken a
deep seated root into our beliefs. In Hong
Kong, Halloween celebration is also very
colorful and scary.
The history of Halloween Day, as culled
from the net, is being depicted here in this
light. This is to help out those who are
interested in washing off the superficial
hues to reach the core and know things as
they truly are. ‘Trick or treat’ may be an
innocent fun to relish on the Halloween
Day. But just think about a bunch of
frightening fantasies and the scary stories
featuring ghosts, witches, monsters, evil
elves and animal sacrifices associated
with it.
Halloween celebration is a great deal to
most of the Filipinos, we normally call
it as All Saints’ Day on November 1 and
All Souls’ Day on November 2. There
are great preparations they will do for
that occasion. A special holiday for all to
pay respect to departed loved ones and
friends.
In preparation for the 2-day halloween
celebration, people usually start to travel
to visit their loved ones on October 31st.
Most schools will declare no class and no
work for other establishments.
People will visit the cemetery on the 31st
of October to clean the grave of their
loved ones, clearing the area for they will
stay there in the next couple days. On
the same day, they would be busy buying
food, grocery items, candles, flowers, etc.
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for the celebration.
On the 1st day of November, they would
be busy cooking food, preparing flowers
and candles to be brought to the cemetery
on the night of November 1.
While others are preparing food, some
members of the family would start to pitch
their tents in the cemetery near the grave
of their loved ones. Most of them spend
the night in there to show that they really
care for them believing that the souls of
their dead are with them.
In the afternoon of Nov. 1, the cemetery
will be full of people bringing their food,
candles and flowers to be offered to the
grave. Police and other authorities are
there to maintain peace and order. Most
of them would stay there 24 hours. There
are also lots of volunteer groups, young
and old to assist in the peaceful and
orderly celebration.
People bringing food, drinks, music,
others have their board games, card games,
karaoke and others to enjoy themselves
while staying there till next day.
Tinig Ng
Masa
ni Adelaida C. Mogol
M
akatarungan ba
o karapatdapat
na tanggalin sa
merkado (pamilihang bayan) ang NFA rice
at ang papayagan lang na makabili ay ang
makakakuha nang ID? Oo o Hindi at bakit?
Isang nakawiwindang at nakalulungkot
isipin ang balitang ang bigas mula sa NFA
ay aalisiin sa pamilihang pang publiko at ang
papayagan lamang makabi ay yong may mga
ID mula sa NFA. Ang ating katanungan po
ay malaking bakit bakit at bakit, maraming
bakit nagkaganoon?
Hindi po ba kaya naiisip nila na lubhang
napakarami ang apektato nang sistema
nilang ito. Alam naman natin na napakarami
ang pangkaraniwang pamilya at yong
mga naghihikahos na mamamayan. Ito
lamang ang kayang bilihin upang may
maisaing, katunayan nga nito kahit na
pinapalitan nang mga ganid na negosyante
nang mababang klase nang bigas ay pinag
tatayaan nila itong isaing makaraos lang araw
araw. Ang magandang klaseng NFA rice
ay ginagawang commercial para malaki ang
tubo nila.
Ang tanong din po natin ay bakit kailangan
pa nang ID para lamang makabili nang bigas.
Para ano? Para ba ma track ang bilang ng
mga kaalyado? Para sa aking pananaw hindi
tayo kukulangin kung hindi tinatago ang
bigas natin at hindi minamanipula ng
mga humahawak nito at negosyante. Sila
lang ba ang may karapatan sa magandang
klaseng bigas? Ano ba naman yan. Hayaan
naman sana nila na matikman naman
nang pangkaraniwang mamamayan ang
magandang klase nang bigas.
Ang Friends nangalap ng damdamin at
pananaw sa ating katanungan at ito ang
kanilang tugon.
Alicia Sucayan
tubong Iloilo
Happy Valley
Hindi dapat alisin sa market, unfair yon sa
mga mamamayan, lalo pa kung ang makabibili
lang ay ang merong id. Papaano yong
wala? Isa pa apektado ang mga mahihirap
niyan. Ang makabibili lang nang commercial
rice ay ang mga mayayaman. Ano ba yan?
Ching Baltazar
BSK Trustee
Hindi dapat alisin sa market yan kasi yan lang
ang inaasahan ng mga mahihirap,papaano
na sila kung makabibili lang ay ang mga
id. Hindi ba dapat palawakin pa ng NFA
ang distributioon ng bigas upang marami
ang makinabang na pangkaraniwang
mamamayan at lalo na ang mga mahihirap.
Hindi ba nila naisip na mayayaman lamang
ang kayang bumili ng commercial rice, huwag
naman silang ganyan ah. Yong maraming
pera di problema yan eh yoong isang
kahig isang tuka papaano na sila kawawa
naman.
Merlita Teopaco
tubong Pampanga
Midlevels
Hindi dapat dahil apektado ang mga
pangkaraniwang mamamayan at bakit
kailangan pa ang id para makabili
ng bigas. Bakit di na lang ang gawin ay
makabibili ang bawat pamilya ng 5 kilo
arawaraw para makabili lahat.
Grace Torres
tubong Dipolog City
Shatin
Hindi, kawawanama yong mga walang id at
hwag alisin sa public market mahihirapan ang
mga tao. Baka naman iyan ay para sa kanilang
sarilleng interest lamang di ba. Bakit di nila
ilagay ang kanilang mga sarile sa kalagayan
ng ibang tao. Isuot nila ang tsinelasd ng
mahihirap upang maramdaman nila ang
kalagayn ng mga ito. Huwag namn silang
ganyan ah.
Vendors also are all around the place
selling candles, flowers and food etc.
Halloween is a great celebration to most
Filipinos and a day to make money also
for the vendors.
Finally they will go home and relax the
next day and some of them would not
report to work and some kids would
not go to school because they are tired,
exhausted of the activity. They will be
lucky if long holiday will be declared for
those days if it will fall on a week end.
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
7
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
LAWA Anniversary and Dance Contest, a Success
Leyte Association Celebrates Anniversary
with New Officers
by Julia Buen Terry
by Julia Buen Terry
during the program to LOFWA members for
their invaluable support and contribution to
the association. Birthday celebrants were also
recognized and greeted, as birthday party
is one of the association’s regular way of
socialization.
True to its goal of discovering new talents
among migrant workers in Hong Kong, the
Laguna Achievers Workers Association
triumphantly held its Search For Champions
2004 in celebration of the Associations 2nd
Year Anniversary.
“LAWA will continue to foster the spirit
of camaraderie not only among our members
but also to our Kababayans in Hong Kong. It
will continue its mission for the enlistment and
development of our talents. Our group also
aims to raise funds for LAWA Foundation for
the benefit of its members and others in need.”
Said Menardo A. Reyes, LAWA President,
and Founder.
The contest participated by different
Filipino migrants organization and two
Indonesian groups in the territory was held at
the Harcourt Garden, Admiralty on October
9, 2006.
There were four categories during the
competition namely the; Modern Dance,
Ballroom Dance, Cultural Dance and the Show
Dance. Each category has the Champion and
Best in Costume Award.
In the Modern Dance competition, the
Edil’s Migrant Dancers from Edil’s Migrant
Dance Club championed over other four
contestants. They also bagged the Best
In Costume award on the same category.
Garnering the First runner- up is the Iloilo
Dancers from Migrant Iloilo Association, and
2nd runner- up is Filguys Girls Dancers from
the Filguys Association Hong Kong.
Winning in the Championship Award in
Ballroom Category were Leonides Ma.Ubaldo
and Alily Imeson from the Best Int’l Overseas
Workers Association Hong Kong. They also
won the Best in Costume award in the same
category. Next in place was the pair of Nora
Tabada and Elvie Geminano from the Journey
Dance Club Hong Kong. Then followed by
Lee De Robles and Loida Ebrada from Edil’s
Migrant Dance Club for the 2nd Runner- up.
Meanwhile Babes Villanueva from
Barkadahan Simcard User’s Club bested four
contestants in the Show Dance Category with
8
her Shakira like dance. She also got the
Best in Costume Award with her Belly
Dancing inspired costume. Josephine
Arellano from Freelancer Fil- Indo Group
was 1st runner- up with her winning punky
dance. And 2nd runner- up on the same
category, was Marie Velarde from PCDAE
(Tinikling Chapter).
On the Cultural Category, the
Federation of Eastern Samar Overseas
Workers Dancers from FESOW was
announced the winner but later the B’
Laan Dancers from South Cotabato
Overseas Workers Association was also
then announced as winners. Thus making
both dance groups as Champions on the
Cultural Category. Moreover, the B’ Laan
Dancers also won the Best in Costume
award on the said category. The first
runner- up on the dance competition was
the Kalinga Dance Troupe from Kalinga
Province Hong Kong Workers and Second
runner- up is the MSP Dance Troupe of
Naguillan Isabela- Sub Chapter.
The event was graced by Luzon
Federation Chairperson Remedios Borlaza,
Bohol Association President Flor Vertudazo,
League of Overseas Visayan Association VicePresident Marites Elbena also from Stanley
Filipino Community, Balikatan sa Kaunlaran
Treasurer Aida Jayme, Regional Overseas
Filipino Workers Society Riza, Miss Beng
Woolf of Afreight, and Mr. Val Miquiabas
from Metro Bank.
Gearing as one of the Filipino migrant
group in Hong Kong, the Leyte Overseas
Filipino Workers Association celebrates its 2nd
Year Anniversary with the induction of its new
set of officers held at Deep Water Bay Beach
on October 19, 2008.
OWWA Officer Miss Isa Olgado
inducted LOFWA new officers headed by
its President Edmund C. Somosot. The
ceremony was witnessed by OWWA Land
Based Representative Miss Corazon Carsola,
LOFWA members, and invited guest from
different Filipino migrant organizations in
Hong Kong.
The highlight of the event was the
canvassing and coronation of Miss LOFWA
2008. Loreta Orag from Bontoc-P. Burgos won
the title garnering the highest cash amount to
win the Search for Miss LOFWA 2008 besting
six other candidates. The contest is part of
the organizations fund raising drive for its
forthcoming projects.
LOFWA new set of officers were as
follows; President Edmund C. Somosot, VicePresident Tresany L. Recopelacion, Secretary
Evelyn L. Lastra, Asst. Secretary Rosita
A. Obida, Treasurer Estrella J. Carbonilla,
Asst. Treasurer Ma. Isabel C. Orito, Auditor
Rosita L. Awayan, Asst. Auditor Visitacion C.
Ramos, P. R. Os. Yolanda D. Cerro, Ma. Slome
L. Granada, Imelda B. Becerro, Loreta Orag,
Herminia E. Paraon, Natividad P. Penas, and
Alma C. Dator.
Certificates of Appreciation were given
“LAWA has gone through a lot of
disappointments, failures and pains. But
with the strong desire and strength of its
faithful members and some officers, who
through thick and thin stood together
and defended our association, LAWA
persevere to continue its mission.” Reyes
added.
The Laguna Achievers Workers
Association was established in 2006. To
date it has 170 registered members and
110 of them are actively participating on
its activities. The association was behind
the success of the Beauty Fat Dancers that
all started on its last year’s Miss Beauty
Fat 2007 contest commemorating the
association’s first anniversary.
It was acknowledged there was an error
on the announcement. However, LAWA
President Menardo Reyes was quick to
address the matter and apologized for the
mistake.
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
9
At
Your Service
By: Rolando E. Estrella
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
MAGTANONG PO KAYO
The author has been in the public service of the Filipino Overseas Workers in Hong Kong for the past 20 years. He gives free advice and
counsel, as well as practical solutions on employment-related problems, family matters, etc. Mr. Estrella or Brother Rolly, as most people
call him, is currently the Vice President of INSURANCE OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS CO., INC. For free counseling, please send
your letters/inquiries to: AT YOUR SERVICE COLUMN, c/o Friends International Magazine, Rm 1102, 11/F Sunny House,
12-16 Li Yuen Street West, Central, Hong Kong. (Attention to Bro. Rolly)
A Case of Envy
Dear Bro. Rolly,
A Chinese couple hired me four years ago and
my contract with them was renewed for another
two years which started 1st of March this
year. My relationship with them has always
been smooth and almost perfect until my lady
employer gave birth to their first child, a baby
boy, last April 11, 2008.
On May 2, 2008 they hired Linda, an exnurse from the Philippines, specifically to look
after the baby as nanny. They feel that I will not
be able to do household chores as efficiently as I
could if I were also to take care of the baby.
What I am angry about is that Linda does
not help me at all in doing household chores.
All she does is just to feed the baby and take
care of his needs while our lady employer is
not at home. This is totally unfair because my
domestic job of cleaning, cooking, washing,
ironing and other chores are more difficult than
babysitting and yet we receive the same amount
of salary.
I want to impress upon my employer
that without me, they will not be able to eat
anything, they will have nothing to wear and
their flat will be dirty. I honestly feel that I
should be paid more.
Please advise me as to what I should do to
get what I want.
Api, Apleichau
Dear Ms. Api,
In the first place you should not
compare yourself with another person
because you become judgmental and then
feel either superior or inferior and on this
particular case, you feel you have been
treated unfairly.
Every one has his own strength and
weakness. Consider this – while Linda
the nanny is expert in child-care as she is
a nurse, she is not expert in cooking like
you are. And while you may be good in
cooking and other chores, you are not an
expert in baby sitting and nursing. That
makes it even. What happens is that
10
each one of you is complimentary to one
another. In other words what you cannot
do well, she does well; and what she
cannot do well, you do well.
In fact you should count your blessing,
my friend. In these hard times of
onomic turmoil you are lucky that your
employer is able to hire another worker
to look after her baby – or else you could
be doing both babysitting and household
chores all together at the same time for
the same amount of salary, and I am
pretty sure you will not like that.
Will you still complain?
Bro. Rolly
VISUALLY MOLESTED
Dear Bro. Rolly,
About four months ago, I finished my two
year contract with a European family and while
I would have preferred to renew my contract as
they are an excellent employer, they decided to
return to Europe at the end of my contract.
While I was with them, I have been
accustomed to their habits at home including
eating only bread, salad and oven-cooked meals.
Everyone in their flat wore shorts without
inhibition and so did I.
My problem started when I transferred to a
new employer, a childless Chinese couple. Both
of them are working but most of the time my
lady employer spends more time outside as she
works as a flight attendant.
As a result I spend most evenings in the flat
with my male employer. He would return to the
flat from work at around seven in the evening
and would go to bed before midnight and so I
am exposed to his teasing and bad jokes for that
long period of time almost every night.
While I can tolerate his bad jokes and
ridicules, I just cannot stand his staring at my
chest as if he has x-ray eyes that he could see my
breasts. There was even a time when he touched
my behind but told me it was just an accident.
He frequently jokes and tells me that he finds me
seductive especially with my shorts and sleeveless
shirt and that if his wife dies in an airplane
crash, he would marry me.
One time he told me that he wants to have
sex with me only if I consented because he said
once I tasted his love, I will be craving for it
for the rest of my life. This is really an insult
especially I love my husband and my family.
Charius Voltaire Medina
Managing Director, Bpi
“Believe and have faith in yourself.”
An adage which has inspired Voltaire Medina to attain
and achieve his dreams no matter how many obstacles
hindered his way to reach the pedestal of success.
His dreams came to reality because he believes and
has faith in himself. Everything in this world is
imminent, based on knowledge and abilities, nothing
is impossible. Tenacity, extreme determination,
patience, perseverance were qualities he had in him to
achieve his goals in life.
Some OFWs may not know him because he just
arrived in Hong Kong about a year ago. However, he
is well-known to some associations due to his affable
manner and willingness to accept invitations from
various Filipino organizations. He always possesses
a gesture of friendliness and a vibrant smile, giving
handshakes and embracing anybody who approaches
him. I came to know this amiable person, a year ago
when one of the bankers introduced him to me as the
new managing director of BPI.
by Remely Valdez
children, Gabriel Alfonso who is 9 years old and is
studying in Ateneo and Kristin Nicole who is 7 years
old and studying in St. Paul Pasig.
In his 17 years in the banking industry, it is a challenge
for him to strive and contribute his very best in his
chosen field. As he said, nothing is impossible in this
world as long as you have the ability, faith, knowledge
and the goals you want to achieve in life. If you have
a goal, no matter what happens, do your best to
reach that goal. Don’t be afraid to commit mistakes.
Committing mistakes is a challenge to improve one’s
self. Every person needs courage to defeat every
trial in life. That kind of courage takes persistence
to keep believing in yourself and resilience to keep
picking yourself up after every loss, every stumble
and every fall. Follow through with your plans, your
commitments, your dreams even when everyone else
is saying we can’t do it.
As I interviewed
Voltaire, I asked him
a few questions and
here are some of his
answers.
“Ano ang pinakamasayang moment mo dito
sa Hong Kong?”
My happiest moment
ay nung nadala ko
ang pamilya ko dito.
Madalas silang nandito unlike sa Dubai mahirap
dalhin ang pamilya doon.
“How do you encourage our kababayans to save money for
their future?
By example. Yun experience ko kase OFW din ako.
Hindi ko alam kung kailan din ako pauuwiin, so
kailangang mag-save for your own and not send all
to your family. Kailangan maging handa tayo sa lahat
ng sandali. Dahil pansamantala lamang ang pagtira
natin dito, babalik din tayo sa ating bansa. Before it’s
too late save for your future.
In reality, who then is Voltaire Medina?
I will appreciate your counsel.
Visually Molested, Kowloon
Dear Ms. Visually Molested,
I have always advised OFWs in this
column against wearing shorts and
seductive clothes in the house of their
employers especially in situations where
the female helper is left alone in the flat
in the presence of the male employer.
Sexual molestations are not far from
happening in a situation where the male
employer is alone in the flat constantly
for a long period of time in the presence
of a careless female employee who wears
shorts and seductive t-shirts without
wearing a bra. Your employer teasing
you is just the start of more insinuations
that he wants to have sex with you. The
next time, he will offer you money and
promises of a better life if you consented
to his desire. And while you continue
to practice your habit of wearing shorts
and sporting light shirt without bra
where the outline of your breasts is clear
to his naked eyes, you will continue to
arouse his lust and sexual desire and your
problem will continue to persist.
The solution is clear – decency is
required even at home. Wear simple but
decent skirt and blouse or shirt and put on
your bra as well and see his desire for you
naturally dies. Respetuhin mo naman ang
sarili mo, magsuot ka ng marangal para
hindi sabihin ng employer mo nilalako mo
ang sarili mo.
Bro. Rolly
His full name is Charius Voltaire Medina. He was
born and raised in Quezon City on June 10, 1969. He
is the sixth among the 9 children of the late Conrado
Medina and Alejandra Medina.
Sometimes, unexpected circumstances deterred
his vision to reality. But that didn’t stop him from
reaching his dreams. In order to finish his studies,
he worked as crew at McDonald’s Cubao branch.
In 1990, he graduated from the Central Colleges
of the Philippines with a degree in BS Computer
Science. In that same year, he was also promoted as
Branch Manager of McDonald’s Katipunan branch.
In 1991, with his determination, he applied at BPI
Family Bank Cubao. With luck on his side, he was
instantly hired as new accounts clerk. From 1991 to
1993, he was promoted as distributing clerk. And in
1994, was promoted as Accounting Clerk and due
to his virtuosity, was recommended for the OTP or
Officership Training Program for 6 months in the
Head Office.
After the OTP graduation, he was promoted as
Asst. Manager and was assigned to different BPI-FB
branches. From 1995 to 1997, he was at BPI Family
Bank Cordillera. From 1997 to 2000 at BPI Family
Bank Diliman, Isadora. In 2000, he was promoted as
the Manager of BPI Family Bank Proj.8 Shorthorn.
After a year, he was transferred to BPI Family Bank
Edsa Kamuning as the Branch Head from 2001 to
2002. And from 2002 to 2004, he was transferred
again to BPI Family Bank P. Tuazon. At that time,
BPI Head Management instructed Human Resources
Division to select 10 officers to be deployed for other
countries. Based on his excellent performance, he was
interviewed and was chosen to be deployed to another
country.
On Nov. 2004, he was deployed to Dubai. It was the
first time he experienced working in a foreign land. It
was difficult for him to be apart from his family. The
occidental culture and beliefs were so unquestionably
unique because Dubai has its hierarchy of acceptance,
reluctance, interest and amour. He felt the usual
loneliness and homesickness that people feel when
working overseas. He experienced celebrating
Christmas without the presence of his family.
Nonetheless, the decision of going to another country
morphed his existence but finally outlined the path of
his life.
In 2006, while still in Dubai, he was promoted as
Senior Manager and on April 2007, he went back to
Philippines in preparation for his next destination.
In June 2007, he was assigned to Hong Kong as the
Managing Director of BPI-Hong Kong.
Voltaire Medina is married to Alfa Justia, also an
officer of BPI and were blessed with 2 adorable
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
11
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
ANG ENTREPRENEUR, ANG
PAGNENEGOSYO AT PAGPAPAYAMAN
Sinulat Ni Ruel Y. Quezon
Iisa lang ang dahilan ng karamihan sa atin kaya
tayo nangingibang bayan at nagsisilbi sa mga
dayuhan…Kahirapan. Lahat tayo ay naghahangad
na maiahon sa kahirapan ang mga mahal natin
sa buhay at mabigyan sila ng mabuti, disente at
magandang kinabukasan.. Mga anak at pamilya
natin na umaasa sa ating lakas paggawa. Kaya
naman di tayo tumitigil upang matupad natin
ang mga adhikaing ito. Mga adhikain na nagiging
dahilan din ng walang kapagurang pagsusumikap
at pagsuporta na kadalasan ay nagiging dahilan
upang tayo ay masadlak sa walang katapusang
pagbabayad ng utang, pagpirma sa mga kolateral ng
ahensiya ng sanlaan at pag aalala na kung sa mga
susunod na buwan ay may ipapadala pa. Ngunit
teka lang, hanggang kailan tayo magtatrabaho at
magsisipag? Hanggang kailan kakayanin ng ating
mga katawan ang pagod at kailan titiisin ng ating
mga puso ang pangungulila sa mga mahal nating
iniwan natin sa pi’nas na kay tagal bago natin
makapiling? Nakakasiguro ba tayo na sa pag uwi
natin sa Pilipinas ay masagana na ang buhay natin o
nangangamba na baka bumalik ulit tayo sa pagsisilbi
sa mga employers hanggang kaya pa?
Sabi nga ng kanta ng ASIN… “ Kaysarap ng umaga
kung ika’y gising, sa tanghali’y masaya lalo na’t
may makakain… Sa gabi ay mapayapa kung mahal
sa buhay ay kapiling…Kaysarap ng buhay lalo na’t
alam mo kung saan papunta…..
Sa talaan ng mga OFW’s na Naghanap buhay dito
sa Hongkong, 95 % ay may bayarin sa bangko,
sanlaan at iba’t ibang credit institutions, bukod pa
sa mga agency sa Pilipinas na naging dahilan kung
bakit tayo nakarating dito. Kung susuriing mabuti,
humigit kumulang anim na buwan ang kailangang
bunuin upang makabayad sa mga ito bago tayo
makahinga ng maluwag. Kung di pa natin hihigpitan
ang sinturon, malamang sa alamang, kukulangin
pa ang ating ipapadala sa Pilipinas na pantustos sa
kanilang mga gastusin at bayarin upang makapag
aral, at kahit papaano ay makapamuhay ng disente.
Marami sa atin ang nagsasabi…”Kailan kaya
ako yayaman? Kailan kaya kami makakaahon
sa kahirapan? Kailan kaya ako titigil sa pagiging
Kunyang?” At kung anu ano pa…Ngunit ang lahat
ng ito ay magiging pangarap na lang at nakatala
sa tubig kung hindi tayo kikilos. May malaking
oportunidad na naghihintay sa atin sa pagiging
matalino at mapagmasid. Kilalanin natin ang
ating mga sarili. Gisingin natin ang tulog nating
kagalingan! Gamitin natin ang ating kaalaman
upang mapahusay ang mga sarili at ang mga mahal
natin sa buhay. Mag isip ng mga paraan upang
madagdagan ang pagkakakitaan at turuan ang mga
kamag- anak natin na huwag maging palaasa sa atin.
Ano ang tinutukoy ko? Turuan silang magnegosyo!
Maging entrepreneur! Maging mga produktibong
indibidwal upang sa gayon ay di masayang ang ating
mga pinagpaguran!
Ang mga sumusunod ay ilan lamang mga mungkahi
upang tayo ay magsimulang maging entrepreneur,
magnegosyo at magpayaman!;
ANG PAGIGING ISANG
ENTREPRENEUR
Sino ba ang mga dapat maging Entrepreneur?
• May tiwala ka ba sa sarili mo?
• Masaya ka ba pag nakakaisip ka ng isang ideya
at nae-excite ka na gawin ito upang Makita mo
agad ang resulta?
• Masigasig ka ba at nakahandang humarap sa
problema at hindi umuurong sa anumang laban
sa buhay at di ganoon kadaling madismaya?
• Mahusay ka bang makiharap sa lahat ng klase
12
ng tao? Nakahandang tumulong upang maibigay
ang pangangailangan ng iba?
• Nakahanda ka bang magtrabaho ng mahabang
oras para sa isang negosyo at inienjoy mo ang
gawaing ito?
• Naniniwala ka bang ang pagnenegosyo ang
pinakamadaling paraan upang guminhawa ang
buhay?
• Nasubukan mo na bang magtinda nag pandesal
o ng palamig o ice candy kaya noong bata ka
pa? o naalala mo pa ba kung papaano kang nag
isip na madagdagan ang baon mo noong nasa
primaryang grado ka pa lang?
Kung karamihan sa mga tanong sa itaas ay “oo” ang
sagot mo, nasa unang hakbang ka na sa pagiging
matagumpay na entrepreneur. Pero di ko naman
sinasabi na kung di mo masagot ang mga ito ay
di ka na pwede…Halimbawa, maraming bilang
ng mga naging matagumpay na entrepreneur ay di
nag isip na magiging isa silang entrepreneur. Ito ay
yung mga taong natanggal sa trabaho, o di kaya ay
nagsawa na sa pagiging empleyado lamang. Sila
yung mga sumubok na paghusayin ang kanilang
mga kaalaman at naging matapang na sumugod sa
mundo ng pagnenegosyo.
business plan ).
4. Financing your Business… ( o ng kapamilya
mo sa pilipinas ) Ilan sa mga pinagkukunan ng
capital o puhunan sa negosyo ay sa pamamagitan
ng panghihiram o pagloloan. Siguruhin lamang
na ang hihiramin ay sa negosyo mapupunta
at hindi sa mga hindi kumikitang gastusin.(
halimbawa, pambili ng damit o panggastos sa
bahay.) pero mas maganda kung ang capital
para sa negosyo ay manggagaling sa isang
kooperatiba kung saan ay kasapi ka. Upang sa
panahon na ma-charge ka ng interes ay kahati
ka rin sa kita. Maari rin na maghiram ng
puhunan sa bangko o anu mang pang pinansiyal
na institution ngunit piliin ang may mababang
interes. Pero pinakamainam pa rin ang galing sa
inimpok na pera ( savings ) Kaya matutong mag
impok!
5. Let’s Make it Work! Mag create ng isang
mindset na ikaw ay yayaman. Kung sissimulan
mong sabihin sa sarili mo na ikaw ay isa nang
entrepreneur! Tandaan na kung ano ang iniisip
mo, siyang mangyayari sa iyo. Magsimula ka at
humakbang. Tandaan na walang yumayaman
sa panay plano lang. Kumilos!
Sino ang mga hindi pwedeng maging
entrepreneur?
Hindi lamang ang kagustuhang kumita ng
maraming salapi at magpayaman ang magiging
dahilan upang magsimula ng isang negosyo,.
There is a lot more to being successful than that
- long hours, pagtitiyaga commitment, etc. Sa
pagnenegosyo, kailangang tukuyin kung ano ang
gustong gawin. Dapat ay gusto mo ang ginagawa
mo. Ang batayan ng pagiging matagumpay ay di
lamang sa dami ng kikitain kundi sa kaligayahang
madarama na napapatunayan mo sa sarili na
mahusay ka. Money is a minor part.
Tips, cautions, and information
• Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Don’t
invest all your assets in one deal. No matter how
good it sounds, there are enough unexpected
and uncontrollable events to make it unwise.
• Get a good adviser on business ventures. Mag
aral ng mga simpleng kurso katulad ng simple
book keeping, entrepreneurship, etc.
• Whether you realize it or not if you go into
business you are operating under a legal
structure. If you own the business yourself,
it is an Individual Proprietorship. If you are
operating with a couple of other people, it is
an Ordinary Partnership. Give a great deal of
consideration about going into partnership with
other people. Kilalaning mabuti ang magiging
kasosyo mo. Dapat ay nakatakta ang mga
Gawain ng bawat isa sa negosyo. The failure
rate of partnerships is very high. Sometimes it
is because of poor planning, or lack of capital,
but most often it is because the partners can
not get along. When there is a clear division
of duties with skills to match assignments,
magkakasundo kayo. But when partners, even
very good friends, of similar interests and
talents try to make decision on the same matters,
problems frequently arise, especially in times of
trouble when emotions enter the picture. “Oh,
we won’t have problems. We’ve been friends all
our lives.” This is not necessarily so.
• Laging magtala ng mga paninda. Maglibro.
Kailangang may magandang rekorder ng mga
datos ng pangyayari sa negosyo. Itala ang
pinansyal na mga dokumento. Balance Sheet,
Cash Flow, Inventory Reports, at Income
Statements. Make a monthly profit and loss
statement. Again, the entrepreneur is so busy
promoting he doesn’t take time for the proper
bookkeeping and he may wake up and find he
is in real trouble which might have been headed
off!
• Higit sa lahat, tumutok sa susunod pang mga
issues ng Friends International Magazine
upang maipagpatuloy natin ang pagpapalago
ng kaalaman tungkol sa pangkabuhayan at
pagpapayaman!
Paano paghuhusayin ang sarili upang maging
matagumpay na Entrepreneur?
1. Attend lectures. Read books. Plow through
magazines. Magmasid sa ginagawa ng ibang
negosyante. Matutong tukuyin ang mga
oportunidad at baguhin ang mindset. Laging
tumutok sa solusyon at di sa problema.Makipag
usap sa mga negosyante at makipagkwentuhan
kung papaano sila nagsimula.
2. Do your Research. Mag aral mabuti sa
papasuking negosyo. Alamin kung saan ka mag
e- enjoy na venture. Mahusay ka bang magluto?
O gusto mo bang magluto? Gusto mo bang
magtinda o gusto mong magsilbi? Tingnan mo
rin kung ano ang patok o naayon sa panlasa
ng mga tao.Visit your competitors’ stores,
talk to people in similar businesses, get books
from the library. Kung may mga nakahandang
magbigay ng pag aaral o assistance na grupo o
institusyon sa pagsisimula at pagpapalago ng
negosyo, ummattend, at magtanong ng tungkol
sa negosyong papasukin, look for ways in which
you might get information. Do everything
possible to be knowledgeable before you plunge
in. Hindi mo kailangang maging mahiyain o
maging tamad when you have so much at stake.
3. Write a business plan.- Kailangang nakaplano
lahat ng gagawin mo o ng pamilya mo tungkol
sa negosyo. Simple lang naman. What is the
business? What is the plan of operation? What is
the competition? Who are the principals? Who
will operate the business? What is the budget
for capital equipment ? What is the budget for
operations? At marami pang iba…( maari ka rin
magtanong sa akin o tumawag sa OFW Center
for Entrepreneurial Development sa numerong
62995179 sa hongkong o +639183925987 sa
pilipinas upang maidetalye ang laman ng isang
“I’m sick and tired!”
“What’s eating you up my dear?” usisa ng
gulat na asawa.
Nobela ni Cora P. Carsola
Ang Nakaraan:
Salamin ng pagmamapuring
ama ang nabanaag sa
katauhan ni Victor sa
mga sandaling nakita niya sa kaununahang
pagkakataon ang kanilang baby ni Monaliza.
Nag-usap ang dalawa nang masinsinan… ang
pagtupad ni Victor na siya’y pakakasalan pero sa
civil muna sa Livorno upang sa ganun, maging
legitimate ang status niya, ganun din ang bata.
Habang nagpapalakpakan ang kanilang mga
panauhin, binuhat ni Victor ang basket na
kung saan naroon ang tulog na munting
anghel, na walang kamalay-malay sa mga
nagaganap noong mga sandaling yaon.
Tumuloy ang tropa sa Ciesa di Santa Maria
Novela para naman sa binyag ng sanggol.
Masayang masaya ang lahat, lalo na ang
bagong ama na si Victor.
Hiniling din niyang mabinyagan muna si Vimo
upang isa na siyang Kristiyano sa araw ng
kanilang pag-uwi sa ‘pinas.
Ngunit kay Monaliza, mas dama niya ang
kalumbayan sapagkat ilang araw na lang,
maiiwan na siya ng kanyang mag-ama.
IKA-SAMPUNG KABANATA:
Kinagabihan…
“Ora siete marito e moglie,
Congratulatione!” (I now pronounce you as
husband and wife, Congratulations) bati ng
judge na nag-officiate sa kasal nina Victor at
Monaliza, sa Sindaco di Livorno(Mayor’s
Office)
“Mas masaya sana kung tayong tatlo na ang
uuwi Mona”, samo ni Victor.
Biglang tumaas ang presyon ng dugo ni
Monaliza ng marinig ang pasaring ng asawa
at napasigaw.
Nilapitan niya ang humahagulgol , at sa
mahinahong boses…
“Mona come on. Let the genie out of the
bottle.”
“I’m sorry Vic. But I think I’m not living
my life the way I like it to be. Iba ang
nararamdaman ko. I was dragged a long
long way from where I was. Sa napakaikling
panahon, nagbuntis ako, nanganak, ikinasal
at ang masaklap , walang pagkakataon na
nadamayan ako ng mga magulang ko dahil
naglihim ako sa kanila. Hindi ko sila kayang
saktan lalo na ang mama Martina ko. Oras na
malaman niya ang sinapit ko, baka katapusan
na ng kanyang buhay. At si Vesta.. God
forgive me, sabay sa pagpatong ng kanang
kamay sa kanyang noo. Hindi ko sila kayang
harapin!”
“Ako ang haharap sa kanila Mona, don’t
worry, tungkulin ko yon,” paconsuelo ng
asawa.
And please don’t feel guilty friend, dahil
hindi dapat. Huwag mong takbuhan ang
katotohanan, bagkus harapin mo!” sabat ng
kaibigan si Pacita.
“Hindi ko magagawa yan Pacita!”
“So, ibig mong sabihin magtatago kang
parang pagong?”
“Unawain niyo naman ako” pakiusap ni
Monaliza
“Okey, the ball is in your court, Mona.
Anong antas ng pang-unawa ang nais mong
gawin ko? “ tanong no Victor
“Ewan ko!”
“Please listen ‘pangga’ and bear this in
mind. Hanggang hindi mo natatanggap ang
kabanatang ito ng iyong buhay, na lagi mo na
lang isinisiksik sa isip mo ang pag-alala kay
mama Martina at awa mo kay Vesta, natitiyak
kong uuwi tayo sa walang saysay na relasyon.
I am very sorry kung nakaladkad man kita,
pero marahil ay guhit yon ng tadhana. Mahal
kita Monaliza!”
“Mahal din kita Vic, pero parang hindi pa
ako handang iwanan ang trabaho ko. Nais
kong makaipon upang makaganti sa mga
magulang ko. Kailangan din ni Edwin ang
suporta ko sa kanyang pag-aaral at ang pang
chemo ni mama Martina. Maaari bang
hayaan natin na panahon ang magdesisyon
para sa atin?”
“Anong klaseng desisyon ang nais mong
ihusga sa ‘yo ng panahon habang nagtatago
ka’t nagkukunwari?” mula muli sa kaibigang
si Pacita
“Ano man ang sabihin niyo sa akin ngayon,
tatangaapin ko. Nangangamba talaga ako
sa mangyayari kay mama Martina,. once
na malaman niya ito. Ipinagtapat ko sa ‘yo
noon Vic na gusto niyang kami ni Edwin
ang magpakasal. Pero hindi namin itong
tinatanggap na dalawa dahil turing namin
ang magkapatid. Kaya please, unawain mo
ako. Darating ang panahon na magsasama rin
(Sa ilanpang mga katanungan sa pagnenegosyo
o pag attend sa mga seminars tungkol sa negosyo,
kooperatiba atbp, mangyari po lamang na makipag
ugnayan sa Friends International Magazine o
tumawag telepono bilang 2541-2510 or 2512-0677.
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
13
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
“Come To Me Those Who Are
Weary and Burdened And I Will
Give You Rest”
by Apostle Renato D. Carillo
“Come to me, all you who are weary and
burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke
and learn from me for I am gentle and humble and
you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy
and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
When you come to the Lord Jesus, He
will never cast you away because He loves you
and He cares for you. He welcomes everyone.
He wants to help you, to do pleasant things
for you, and arrange all things in your behalf
because He wants you to enjoy life. It is the
reason why He is inviting all those who are
sick, weary, and troubled to come to Him. So,
believe that the Lord can do it for you.
The Lord is always willing to listen to you
no matter how many times you call unto Him.
He is always available to help you when you
are in need, to forgive you when you ask for
forgiveness, to give you peace when you are in
trouble, to give you joy when you are depress
and lonely, to heal you when you are sick, and
to do all kinds of miracle for you. And He
even promised to be with us forever…
When our Lord Jesus Christ was nailed
at the cross of Calvary, there were two other
men who were also nailed on his left and right
side. Both were criminals. The other one asked
the Jesus to remember him when the Lord
would be in Paradise, immediately the Lord
responded a word of hope and forgiveness.
He did not say a single word of accusation.
The message is that the Lord is always willing
to accept everyone who comes to Him. And
those who come to the Lord Jesus will never be
put to shame because He will not cast anyone
away from Him. He is always ready to help.
He is not only available for a certain date or
time but He is always available all the time to
those who are in need and to those who will
come unto him. Anyone who comes to him
will never be rejected nor be disappointed.
Politicians, wealthy and famous people,
relatives and friends maybe willing to help
when you are in need but they might not always
be available for you. You may ask assistance to
anyone but you will never find anyone like the
Lord Jesus because He is not just willing but
He is always able and available. So, when you
come to Him, always expect that He is able to
help you and He will never turn you down. He
is able to fulfill what He has spoken. He always
tells the truth. This is the reason why Jesus is
so much confident when He said, “Come to
me all those who are weary …” simply because
He has all the power to make all impossible
things possible for all of us who believe in
Him.
Jesus never rejects anyone who comes to
Him. Isn’t it amazing to know that countless
of people who come to Him with faith will
14
never go disappointed no matter how many
times you come to Him. It doesn’t matter how
miserable your situations in your life is as long
as you come to Jesus, He will give you rest.
Remember a criminal who came to Jesus
was not rejected, but He responded with an
open heart saying, “Today, you will be with me
in Paradise”.
•
•
•
•
•
A leper also came to Jesus and asked
Him for healing, Jesus touched him
and healed him.
A centurion also came to Jesus and
asked healing for his servant who was
sick, his servant was healed.
A prostitute whose name is Mary
Magdalene who came to Jesus was
delivered and became a changed
person.
A blind man, Bartimeus came shouting
to catch the attention of Jesus was able
to see.
Mary and Martha pleaded Jesus about
Lazarus, and Jesus was able to raise
him from the dead.
In fact, Jesus doesn’t only want to help us
but He is eager to be with us. He is only waiting
for us to invite Him. So, let us not only come
to Jesus when we are in need, when we are in
trouble, lonely, depressed or when sick.
Beloved, we need to understand that
when we come to Him, we must be eager to
stay where He is and decide not to be apart
from Him anymore because He is not only the
solution of all problem, the healer of all kinds
of sicknesses and diseases, the provider to all
needs but HE IS THE SOURCE OF ALL
THINGS.
It’s about time to live a worry free life. We
don’t have to worry anymore when we came to
Jesus. Are you tried of your life now? Are you
troubled? Are you lonely? Are you sick? Are
you hopeless? Are disappointed after many
failures and frustrations in life? Then, come to
Jesus today. He wants to put an end to all your
miseries for He said it, “Come unto me all of you
who are weary and burdened and I will give you
rest.” Believe His word. And you will never go
disappointed. Why not come unto Him now?
Jesus is only waiting for us to come to Him
and ask Him for help. He wants us all to be
with Him forever. He wants you to leave your
miserable life, your loneliness, your sicknesses
and diseases, and He wants you to begin to
enjoy the life that He has designed for you.
Open your mouth and say this prayer, “Father
God, I come to You today through your Son,
our precious Lord Jesus Christ who died at the
cross for me and paid the price. I admit that
I am a sinner. , I believe in You and in Your
word. I believe that You are so powerful and
you can do all things for me. I admit that I
am a sinner. Please forgive me for all my sins
such as pride, hatred, immorality, adultery,
fornication, homosexuality and all the sins I
have committed. I should be the one who must
die at the Cross of Calvary but you took my
place and paid the price for me. Lord, Jesus,
please come into my life and enter into my
heart. I now accept You as the Lord and Savior
of my life. I trust in You and I believe in You.
Thank you for saving my soul. In the name of
your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
For prayer and counseling, log on to: www.
miraclehour.com / e-mail:apostle_carillo@
hotmail.com. Call us at: +85267984041 or
write to: Apostle Renato D. Carillo, P.O. Box
40, Araneta Center, 1135 Cubao, Quezon
City , Philippines
Legal Matters
Got questions regarding legal matters? Write us and we’ll get your
queries answered by our knowledgable columnist. Send all correspondence to Friends International Magazine by post or email.
Theft conviction, Prospect of Immigration to America
I picked up a mobile phone on the street
sometime 1994. I brought it for repair. The police
arrested me when the shop owner informed them
that the phone was found on the street. I pleaded
guilty to theft by finding and was fined, ordered
to pay restitution to owner of the phone; and pay
court costs. I am now immigrating to America.
Please advice. Mr. Wong of Jordan
Theft Ordinance, Section 9, Cap 210:
There are various types of theft with different
sentences attached. It could be general theft,
robbery, burglary, etc and sentenced to
maximum of 10 years.
General Theft: Terms of imprisonment
are generally imposed for general theft,
although the length of sentence varies
enormously from case to case, depending on
the aggravating factors such as the amount or
value stolen, previous criminal convictions,
breach of trust, prevalence of the theft and
need for deterrence, restitutions to the victim,
and other mitigating factors.
Theft by Pick Pocketing: Theft by pick
pocketing is normally within the range of
12 to 15 months imprisonment after trial
even for a first time offender. In Hong Kong,
early plea of will get a normal 1/3 discount
of the sentence and if full restitution is paid,
1/2 discount of the sentence. There could
be aggravation if there is use of weapon, the
public is at risk, involvement of organized and
professional gang of thieves, repeat offenders
and prevalence of pick pocketing is proved. Is
so, the court will impose harsher sentence for
deterrence purposes.
Theft by Shop Lifting: Shop Theft is
usually dealt with by fine. This crime is
of comparative simplicity but needs to be
deterred. It is only when organized criminals
are involved that imprisonment may be
unavoidable and for repeat offenders who
were previously dealt with by other noncustodial sentences were not deterred.
The Leyte Achivers Club International headed by Lonie Bagaipo in celebration of their 5th
year anniversary held the Ms. Petite and Ms. Popularity pageant. Janelle K. Draug was declared winner. Anna Carla Prata was 1st runner-up and Jenny Villanueva was 2nd runnerup. Also shown in photo are the other candidates.
by Barrister Ody A. Lai
Theft by Finding: Theft by Finding is
a crime in Hong Kong. Anything thrown
away could be subject to a theft charge. Theft
by Finding, albeit a crime in Hong Kong,
belongs to the lowest category of culpability
and criminality. It is normally dealt with by
fine.
The criminality is neither the finding nor
the safekeeping of the property but the failure
to re-unite the property to its rightful owner.
Treating the property as the finder’s own is
tantamount to appropriating the property that
belongs to another by permanently depriving
the owner of it. If the intention is to return it
at the next available opportunity, then there is
no dishonesty in keeping it in the meantime.
Honest finders will normally make a
report to a police and the police will facilitate
the return of the property to the true owner.
If the item found has identifications of the
rightful owner, then the Finder can notify
the owner through phone, mail, email, SMS
or even directly post the item to the address
of the owner be it his home or office. The
Finder can also put a public notice through
advertisements. These will strongly suggest
that the Finder had no intention to keep the
property and treat it as his own.
There is no legal obligation to hand the
actual property to the police or to others
save the real owner. Nobody has the right to
demand it from the Finder except the real
owner. In the interim, the Finder can keep it
until the owner comes forward to claim. But
after a reasonable period of time, the real
owner does not come forward, in law; the
Finder is the next in line to claim it. Many
years later, someone could come forward
to legally claim it. But once the statute of
limitations has run, the Finder could validly
establish his claim over the property, thus
Finder’s Keeper.
Some people will run the risk of keeping
quiet about their find for a considerable period
of time. This is dishonest and a permanent
appropriation of the property from its rightful
owner. Still others may realize, sell or pawn
the items and if the items were in fact reported
lost, the Finder could be charged with more
serious charges.
Mr. Wong’s Plea of Guilty: Mr. Wong
should have notified the police about his find.
But without negating his guilty plea, Mr.
Wong probably thought that since the mobile
phone is not working properly, that he brought
the mobile phone to the repair shop. For legal
intent and purposes, Mr. Wong treated the
mobile phone as his own and thus did not
appreciate that he committed an offence.
Mr. Wong pleaded guilty. This very much
shows his remorse and admittance of guilt.
His clear record is now tarnished due to his
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
foolishness and accidental greed.
Rehabilitation of Offenders Ordinance,
S2, Cap 297: If Mr. Wong never re-offended
then Section 2 provides legal protection to an
individual who was previously convicted of a
crime and is considered rehabilitated after the
lapse of a certain period.
Section 2 states that:(1) Where - (a) an
individual has been convicted in Hong Kong (before
or after the commencement of this Ordinance) of
an offence in respect of which he was not sentenced
to imprisonment exceeding 3 months or to a fine
exceeding $10000;(b) he has not been convicted in
Hong Kong on any earlier day of an offence; and
(c) a period of 3 years has elapsed without that
individual being again convicted in Hong Kong of
an offence, then - (i) subject to section (3) and (4),
no evidence shall be admissible in any proceedings
which tends to show that that individual was so
convicted in Hong Kong; (ii) any question asked
of that individual or any other person relating to,
or any obligation imposed on that individual or any
other person to disclose, that individual’s previous
convictions, offences, conduct or circumstances
shall be treated as not referring to that conviction;
and (iii) that conviction, or any failure to disclose
it shall not be a lawful or proper ground for
dismissing or excluding that individual from any
office, profession, occupation or employment or for
prejudicing him in any way in that office,profession,
occupation or employment.
Mr. Wong was charged and convicted
of a crime and was sentenced to a fine of
HK$ 2,500. He has not re-offended since
1994, almost 15 years ago. By virtue of this
ordinance, Mr. Wong is now completely
rehabilitated and accorded the protection as
set forth above.
Conclusion: Mr. Wong pleaded guilty to
an offence of Theft by Finding; an offence
that belongs to the lowest end of criminality
and is not a serious offence. He committed
the offence out of his foolishness and greed
by chance. He was of clear record before
this incident. He was fined HK$ 2,500, paid
restitution of HK$ 1,500 and contributed
to court cost of HK$ 2,000. He has not reoffended since 1994. By virtue of section 2
of Rehabilitation of Offenders Ordinance,
Mr. Wong is now rehabilitated. Mr. Wong
pose no threat, be it security, legal, social, and
economic, should he immigrate to United
States of America.
15
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
tayo. Meanwhile, please be patient,” hiling ng
asawa.
“Nauunawaan kita. Pero bakit ka
magpapaalipin sa pangamba?”
“Please Victor, tama na” sabay sa pagyakap
sa asawa.
Pagtapik ang katugon ng pakiusap na yon.
Na-realize din niya na kung baga sa bulaklak
na namumukadkad pa, kinitil niya si
Monaliza.
“Sige, hindi kita mapipilit. Pagbibigyan
kita sa kahilingan mo. Go on, follow your
feelings. Makakapaghintay naman kami ng
anak natin.”
“Victor, Anak!’ masayang bati ng kanyang
ina paglabas nilang mag-ama sa paliparan ng
Dumaguete.
Buong sayang itinaas ni Victor ang baby
basket na kinaroonan ng kanyang apo.
Nasilayan niya ang isang anino sa di kalayuan
ng kinaroroonan nig ina.
pangangalaga ni nanay Ester. Apat na taon
na siya, wala pa ring nakakapiling na ina.
Lagi siyang pinadadalhan ni Monaliza ng
mga material na pangailangan pero ang kay
Victor, kalinga ng isang ina ang kailangan ng
kanilang anak.
Dumating ang puntong nasasaktan na si
Victor. Tila ba hindi na niya nararamdaman
ang sinasabi ng asawa na mahal silang
mag-ama. Ganun pa man, sinikap niyang
makapagpatayo ng bahay sa Quezon City
bilang paghahanda sakaling dumating pa si
Monaliza. Kinumbinsi rin niya si nanay Ester
na sa maynila na sila manirahan. Sa ganitong
paraan, maiwasan na rin ang pagpapangita
nila ni Vesta kada nagbabakasyon siya.
Minsan, itinaon ni Victor na pasukan sa
eskuwela ang kanyang pagbabakasyon.
Excited si Vimo lalo na ang ama at lola.
“Vimo, huwag mong kakalimutan ang mga
itinuro ko sa ‘yo na pagpapkilala ha?”
“Opo, papa.”
Habang yakap siya ng kanyang ina,
nagbulong ito…
“Lagi rin po akong makikinig sa teacher at
huwag na huwag akong makipag-away sa
classmates ko, di ba papa?”
“Inay, bakit naririto si Vesta?”
“Very good, anak. Aasahan ko ‘yan.”
“Relax ka lang anak, kaya mong harapin
ang sitwasyon, alam ko. Pinasukan mo ang
probkema, puwes, lusutan mo.”
“Good morning teacher, good morning
classmates. I am Vimo Asuncion. I’m 4 years
old. My father is Victor Asuncion and my
mother is Monaliza Acosta.”
Hindi lumapit si Vesta sa kanilang
kinaroroonan. Pinagmamasdan lamang silang
mag-ina at natutok ang kanyang mga mata sa
baby basket na tangan-tangan ni Victor.
“Teacher,teacher,” sabat ng isang kaklase.
“Yes Rene?”
Lukso ng pinagsamahang matagal ang
nagtulak kay Victor upang lapitan ang dating
katipan.
“Kapitbahay po namin si Vimo. Wala naman
pong mama yan sa kanilang bahay. Papa lang
po niya at lola.”
“Hi Ves! I am very sorry sa mga pangyayari”,
mula sa kakaba-kabang boses.
“Belat, ‘wawang bata,” tukso ng ibang
kaklase.
“It’s alright Victor. Hindi ka pa nagkakasala
sa relasyon natin, napatawad na kita.
Welcome back with your baby.”
Para sa isang musmos na katulad ni Vimo,
maaring isang iyak o pagtatanggol ang
katugon ng panunuksong yon. Subalit
nakatanim sa kanyang isipan ang mga
pangaral ng kanyang ama. Sa kanyang sarili,
sinabi niyang”may mama yata ako!”.
“Salamat, sabay sa pag-abot sa kamay na
pinapawisan.
Parehong nanibago ang dalawa. Dati-rati,
halik at yakap ang nagmumula sa bawat isa
tuwing dumarating si Victor. Ngayon’y tila
hinahanap ni Vesta ang kakulangang yon.
Napuna ng dalaga na hindi na suot ni Victor
ang kanilang engagement ring, bagkus, ang
suot ay isang wedding ring. Halos hindi
siya makapagsalita. Tanggap man niya ang
pangyayari, may luha pa rin ang kanyang
puso.
Bigla siyang kinabig ni Victor sa balikat.
“Halika Ves, tignan mo ang baby.”
Tila hindi niya maihakbang ang mga paa
“Napaka-cute na baby. Congratulations.
Nasaan ang kanyang…(di naituloy)
“A.. e.. naiwan pa siya sa Italy.
Lumaki nang lumaki si Vimo sa
16
Nakaguhit sa isipan ni Vimo ang mukha ng
kanyang mahal na ina. Sa pamamagitan ng
larawang naka-display sa kanyang kuwarto.
Pag-uwi sa bahay mula sa paaralan, tuloytuloy siya sa kanyang silid…Niyakap ang
larawan ng kanyang ina.
“Mama…mama ko..”
“Vimo” tawag ng ama. Handa na ang
merienda anak.’
“Coming Papa! Malakas niyang sagot.
“Paglabas ko, pwede ba, close your eyes
papa?”
“At bakit naman po?” birong tanong ng ama.
“Basta , sige na, pikit na!”
Dahan-dahan siyang lumabas at binulaga ang
ama, sabay sa pagpahalik ng larawan ng ina
sa kanyang ama.
Napahalakhak si Victor.
“Ikaw talaga. At anong nakain mo?”
“Kasi po kanina, tinukso ako ng classmate
kong si Rene. Ang sabi po niya, wala naman
daw akong mama kundi lolo at pap lang.
“Ano naman ang isinagot mo?’
LBC opens new Branch in
Worldwide
of League of Visayan Association, Mindanao
group and others.
LBC Mabuhay Hong Kong Ltd. opened an
additional branch in World Wide House. LBC
now has 7 branches operating in Hong Kong.
Citi Express Remittance
opens in Worldwide House
The said opening ceremony and blessing
was officiated by Father Emil Lim while the
traditional ribbon cutting was led by Hon.
Joy Banagodos, Vice Consul of the Philippine
Consulate office in Hong Kong.
“Wala po. Di ba you told me, na huwag ako
makikipag-away?”
Citi express remittance will open its new office
in Central at Shop 312, 3/F Worldwide House
# 19 Des Vouex Road Central Hong Kong on
Nov 15, 2008.
FriendShoppe offers services such as distributor
of Fern C and other health products, Philippine
products, gift items, internet service, MP3 sales
and downloads, retail and wholesale of phone
cards, scans, printing and typing jobs.
Napangiti ang ama.
“Good boy! Bukas, tell them na dadating si
mama sa pasko ha?”
“Opo Papa. Totoo pong dadating na ang
mama ko? Yehey! Sabay pagyakap sa ama.
association event costumes, made -to-order
trophies, medals, certificates and T-Shirt
printing. FriendShoppe is owned and managed
by Ms. Ruth Grospe. For more info please
contact 2512 0677.
They also offer dance tutorials, gown rentals,
Grand opening surprises and promo will
be given away on that day. Kindly bring this
magazine or cut this page to avail of free bag
on its opening day.
Citi Express will operate on its service tagline
“Mababang presyo, Angat ang serbisyo.”
Narinig ni aling Ester ang pag-uusap ng magama. Habag na habag ito sa apo.
“ Bakit mo pinaasa si biik.Sigurado ka ba sa
sinabi mo sa mga sinabi mo sa anak mo?”
“May awa ang Diyos inay. Hindi ako
nawawalan ng pag-asa na magkikita muli ang
mag-ina ko. Hindi ako nawawalan ng pag-asa.
Alam kong mahal ni Monaliza ang kanyang
anak.”
“Naroon na tayo pero ikaw kaya mahal
naman ni Monaliza? Tumatanda ka na.. umaasa na walang inaasahan.”
Also present in the said event were: Mr. Ruel
Cruz, Country Manager of LBC Hong Kong,
Dave Salazar, operations supervisor for LBC
Asia, Mr. & Mrs Bob Waterfield of FilGlobe,
Ms. Arlene Rico, Leony Bailey, guests,
customers and the LBC HK Staff.
PNB relocates TST branch
PNB Remittance Center HK Ltd. relocated its
Star House branch in Tsim Sha Tsui to its new
home in Hung Hom at # 90 Baker St.
“Meron po ‘nay.”
“Sino si Mona pa rin? Kung talagang mahal
kayo, hindi niya matitis na di kayo mskitang
mag-ama. Sapat na ba ang telepono at
pagpapadala kay Vimo ng mga material na
bagay?
Kung talagang mahal kayo, hindi niya matitiis
na di kayo nakikita ng matagal. Sapat na
ba na mag-usap lang kayo at mag-usap sila
ni Vimo sa telepono? Sapat na ba ang mga
padala niyang mga materyal na bagay sa anak
niya? Nasaan siya pag may nararamdaman
ang bata aber? Kailangan ng isang bata ang
yakap at kalinga ng ina lalo na ‘pag musmos
pa! Kausapin mo siya ng masinsinan. Bigyan
mo ng ultimatum. Kung nag-aalala siya sa
taong pinagkautangan niya ng loob, dapat
alalahanin din naman kayo!” sermon ng
mahal na ina.
Tumagos sa puso ni Victor ang mga binitiwan
ng kanyang ina. Hindi siya nakasagot
sapagkat tama si nanay Ester. Bagkus tinawag
ang kanyang ‘angel’
“Anak, tapos ka na sa assignment mo?”
“Malapit na po papa. Nasa letter ‘M’ na po as
in ‘ma-ma’.”
“Very good. Kiss ka muna sa lolo anak.”
“Kita mo na, ma-ma na naman ang binigkas?’
As usual, alam ni Victor na ang mga halik at
yapos ni Vimo ang nakakapagdulot ng gang
at ligaya sa kanyang ina.
ITUTULOY
The office blessing was officiated by Father
Midas. Ms. Rita Bautista, Country Head of
PNB Hong Kong led the blessing and opening
ceremony assisted by GM Rolando Cruz,
Willie Domingo and other PNB Hong Kong
Staff.
Also present in the said blessing were PNB
tie up and partners, media group, friends,
customers and PNB Hong Kong staff. The
said branch will be managed by Ms. Fely Ip.
FriendShoppe opens in North
Point
Friends International Magazine opened its
new branch office in North Point at 78 B City
Garden Road, City Garden Shopping Center
on Oct 25, 2008.
Father Emil Lim officiated the opening and
blessing ceremony for FriendShoppe which
was attended by different association leaders
in Hong Kong, namely the Luzon Federation
headed by Ms. Medy Borlaza, Marites Elvinia
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
17
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
Do you want your photos on this page? Group pictures, special gatherings, association activities are most welcome. Send them to us by post or email and you just might find
yourself in our next issue.
18
. . . friends snapshots
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
19
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
Mabuhay Ka Kabayan!
by: Julia Buen Terry
Mabuhay Ka Kabayan is a column on OFWs who has exemplary
works, outstanding service to their fellows, has given pride to our
country, serves as a role model and an inspiration to Filipinos in
Hong Kong.
Spending almost half of her life
in Hong Kong, petite and popular
Remedios P. Borlaza finds a new
chance in life after being operated.
She joggles between organizations
every Sunday as she talks to Julia
Buen Terry about the real him in
her, as a community leader, and
having a close family ties.
I just celebrated my fifty fourth
birthday last September 28. I am
from Liliw, Laguna, a province
south of Metro Manila.
I have been working here for 24 years now, but still struggling
to earn a living as I am sending my nephews and nieces to school.
As of now, I am supporting three in elementary, three in high
school and a third year nursing student.
I am now reborn. Four years ago, I had an operation. Both my
ovaries were removed due to Myoma.
I am already active helping organizations as early as 1986 but
I never stick to one organization. Beauty Pageants were held in
hotels that time that we wore tuxedos during the contest.
It is only when my Girlfriend for nine years went with
her employer to London for work that I started joining the
organizations. I do not want to be idle and wanted to pass my
time. Then I decided to study computer programming offered by
the Dole- OWWA Microsoft Tuloy Aral Program. I belong to the
first batch of graduates.
After two months from graduation, we formed the DOLEOWWA Microsoft Organization- Hong Kong. Since October
2005, my life was not the same again. I became very busy since
then until now.
I manage my time well as a leader of three organizations.
Concurrently, I am the Chairman of DOMO- HK. I was also
elected as the President of Luzon Federation and Secretary of
Council Of Leaders with almost sixty members all officers coming
from different Filipino migrant organization in Hong Kong.
Our father always reiterated to us that education is very
important. Although we are poor, our parents were able to send us
all ten siblings in the university to have a degree. I helped sending
three engineers, two nurses, and a priest in San Pablo, Laguna in
school. I am happy I was able to help them on their education. It
felt so good helping my family and love ones.
We have a very religious family and we go to church regularly.
We were too close that we live in one compound in Laguna.
Life is like a wheel, sometimes you are up, and sometimes you
are down. However, no matter what downfall you have, spend
your life for the good. I believe that if you sow well, you will reap
well.
I am fond of charity works ever since. I always want to help the
needy. My dream is to help those charitable institutions, especially
orphanages in Philippines. For me, do what is good and the Lord
will take care of you.
I studied Bachelor of Science Major in Psychology and had
worked at the National Mental Hospital for apprenticeship then
as a Personal Assistant in Escolta, Manila in the 1970’s.
After working for four years as a cashier, I came to Hong Kong
in 1984. My sister wanted me to join her in USA but I enjoyed
working here. There is freedom for me in Hong Kong.
I have been working with my British employer for 22 years. I
love them and very proud of my wards, a fine young man of 22
years old who just graduated from the university, and a twin who
are now both lady bankers.
Communication plays a lot in our work. Honesty and dedication
too is needed on our job. Sometimes I found it difficult, but I still
persevere to do my best.
With God’s grace, I was able to survive all the family problems I
encountered. Only with my love life, I got troubles. I was a happy
go lucky person, having piles of girlfriends around me. I am single
in a different way. Those who knew me call me “ Tito Meds”.
20
I treat everyone in the organization as my brothers and sisters.
We are like a big happy family. Sometimes, I even forgot to call
my family because I am spending more time with them.
To my fellow leaders, we should not use our position take
advantage of our members. We have to be a good example to
them to be followed.
Good service is working hard and doing things in your own
free will without expecting something in return. You are not
rendering service for a name or popularity but for the welfare of
the organization and the members.
We are here to work and earn. We should not lose the
opportunity to save for the future of our love ones. I wish OFWs
will help, cooperate, and give support to each other. We must not
to forget to do well as Christians.
I have plans of going home for good but not now. I wanted to
leave a legacy here.
I will do voluntary works when I retire. If I have the money and
resources, I want to put up a Day Care Center for kids because I
love children even though I do not have one of my own.
I have a modest and well- furnished house together with my
partner, a Van, savings, and insurances. I hope when I retire, I will
just sit down and wait for my pension every end of the month.
I want to travel and enjoy life because I work hard for it.
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
21
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
God is in Control
The world is in
a spin right now
due to the current
financial
crisis
that continues to
assail, even the
known biggest and
staunchest global economies. Giant financial
institutions fold up. Established business
firms shut down. And as employers close
shop, employees close their eyes in despair
and desolation as they fear for their lives,
their families, and their future.
The International Labor Organization
reported that the global financial crisis may
result in 20 million people losing their jobs
between now and the end of next year, raising
the total number of people unemployed
globally to 210 million.
Consequentially,
economists
in
the
Philippines fear that one of the sectors that
might be directly hit by this global financial
crunch is the Filipino migrant sector.
Currently, the Philippines is regarded as
one of the world’s top exporters of labor
(together with Mexico, India, Indonesia, Sri
Lanka, and Pakistan) with more than eight
million Filipino workers overseas.
United Nations Secretary General’s
Special Representative on Migration,
Peter Sutherland, however said there is no
evidence yet that the global financial crisis
has threatened the jobs of the millions
of migrant workers, but that is a very real
prospect.
In the face of this disquietingly “very real
prospect,” the Global Forum on Migration
and Development, a UN-funded conference
recently held in Manila, somehow provides
glimmer of hope to our Overseas Filipino
Workers and their families as the forum
aimed to come up with coherent policies for
the protection of migrant workers.
by Bishop. Eddie Villanueva
divine enablement.
Among the countless positive things that
we may do when calamity strikes us, I will
propose three basic counsels from the Bible:
First, pray. “This is God’s Message, the God
who made earth, made it livable and lasting,
known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will
answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous
things that you could never figure out on your
own’” (Jeremiah 33:2-3, The Message Bible).
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the
Lord. “They are plans for good and not for
disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those
days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for
me wholeheartedly, you will find me’” (Jeremiah
2:11-13, The New Living Translation).
Second, trust God. “Trust God from the bottom
of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on
your own. Listen to God’s voice in everything you
do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep
you on track” (Proverbs 3:5-6, The Message
Bible). “‘As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who
trusts in Him will never be disgraced’” (Romans
10:11, English Standard Version).
Third, fully obey Him. In Deuteronomy
28:1-14, the Lord lists the blessings found
in obeying His commands: “If you fully obey
the LORD your God and carefully follow all His
commands I give you today, the LORD your
God will set you high above all the nations on
earth. All these blessings will come upon you and
accompany you if you obey the LORD your God:
You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the
country. The fruit of your womb will be blessed,
and the crops of your land and the young of your
livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs
of your flocks. Your basket and your kneading
trough will be blessed. You will be blessed when
you come in and blessed when you go out. The
LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up
against you will be defeated before you. They will
come at you from one direction but flee from you
in seven. The LORD will send a blessing on your
barns and on everything you put your hand to.
The LORD your God will bless you in the land
He is giving you. The LORD will establish you
as His holy people, as He promised you on oath,
if you keep the commands of the LORD your
God and walk in his ways. Then all the peoples
on earth will see that you are called by the name
of the LORD, and they will fear you. The LORD
will grant you abundant prosperity—in the fruit
of your womb, the young of your livestock and
the crops of your ground—in the land He swore
to your forefathers to give you. The LORD will
open the heavens, the storehouse of His bounty,
to send rain on your land in season and to bless
all the work of your hands. You will lend to
many nations but will borrow from none. The
LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If
you pay attention to the commands of the LORD
your God that I give you this day and carefully
follow them, you will always be at the top, never
at the bottom. Do not turn aside from any of the
commands I give you today, to the right or to the
left, following other gods and serving them.”
If we will only follow the Lord and His
commands, we will realize that nothing
that happens on earth is beyond His power.
Indeed, at a time when the world economy
is whirling in a spin, God sits sovereign on
His throne, working in behalf of those who
diligently seek Him.
Looking for Gowns to wear? Party dress?
22
I
n Germany, Gasthof means a guest
house or a special place to relax,
eat drink and have fun. It is a place
where one can feel the warm, comfortable
feeling from the pleasant surroundings
and friendly atmosphere.
Inspired by these experience with her
20 years of stay in Germany that owner
Marina Manuel-Gersbach thought of
bringing an authentic German cuisine
here in her native land - the Philippines.
Married to a German Chef Wolfgang,
they first established Gasthof in Mimosa
1n 1996. When politics struck the business
atmosphere in Clark, Bot, as the owner
is fondly called by her peers, transferred
the business in Boracay. Thereon, it
established a niche of its own as “The
Home of Boracay’s Famous Back Ribs”.
The Seafood Island
What is the best way to treat your friends?
“Enjoy seafood and Go drinking” can
well be an illustration to the wonderful
moment while they are in The Global
City Paradise - Philippines
2512 0677 or 9018 0120 or email [email protected]
Philippines Products, Internet, MP3 downloads, Phone cards also available
* * * **
visit us at
Friendshoppe
Shop 78B, Ground Floor, City Garden, 233 Electric Road, North Point
of its branches. Of course, don’t forget to
grab a bite of its famous back ribs.
munch on these . . .
For Tailor-made costumes or for gown/dress rentals... call Rutchie.
Let us just pray that the supposed “coherent
policies” be turned into comprehensive
plans and concrete programs for the
constant protection of the Filipino migrants
worldwide and the conscientious promotion
of their plight wherever they may be.
While efforts are being exerted by nations
and organizations of the world to overall
mitigate the brunt of the current global
financial crisis, we must never leave God out
of the picture. For even the best of human
efforts mean nothing without the Lord’s
Food Trip
Seafoods Island ( Seafood Grill and
Barbeque House) Restaurant is definitely
the best choice to host your dinner event.
Located at Market Market Global City
Taguig, Philippines, a famous shopping
arcade, Seafood Island is one of the
restaurants that offer delicious and fresh
Seafoods in Market Market!, Taguig City.
With a seating capacity of up to 200, we
serve a wide variety of seafoods and pinoy
Now the business flourished and branches
out in the cities of Legazpi & Naga in
Bicol and Makati in Metro Manila. In
all three (3) branches located in the cities,
Gasthof have a typical German inspired
rustic ambiance. Food are all crafted by
Wolfgang who had himself gained more
than 40 years of culinary experience from
various 5 star hotels in Europe.
Gasthof also has a deli shop where one
can find wide-range items imported
groceries, wines, beers & other items from
Europe. It also has various processed
meats like homemade German ham,
sausages, lyoners, salami, etc. Enjoy a cup
of freshly brewed coffee with its gourmet
cakes & sandwiches. So next time you
visit the Philippines, come visit the
place – Gasthof. A truly different dining
experience. For beverages, try Gasthof ’s
concoctions of 7 flaming drinks.
Thus, everyone can savour authentic
German cuisines like different kinds
of schnitzels, goulasch, spaetzle, pig
knuckles, and of course – authentic
sausages! Hmmm…imagine huge chunky
Hungarian of Bavarian or Frankurter
sausages grilled or broiled the way you
want it served with freshly cooked mashed
potato with mustard Dijon or curry tomato
dressing! It’s really something that you
can look forward to when you visit any
specialties at moderate prices. For those
who enjoy fine wines and beers, there are
lots of selections to choose from.
Indulge yourself to the unforgettable
experience of eating with the pirates thru
our Boodle feast sets which is really a
mouth watering thrill!Visit and discover
the Filipino foods especialties which
will definitely fit your platelets. It is an
unforgettable experience whether you are
with friends, officemates, and families. A
sure treat to everybody after an exiting day
of malling at the Market Market!,after a
long day at the office or simply bar and
restaurant hopping!
Crab Groups, the restaurant has more
than delicious, fresh seafoods and Filipino
delicacies to offer, we want to be known
as a house of brands- a house of world
class concepts.
Seafood Island Restaurant’s top selling
branch is in Market Market managed by
no other than Moises Sj. Pascual, (sir
King to his colleagues) a well dedicated
and fine man, developed to his craft and
an experienced manager.
Owned by Raymund Magdaluyo of Red
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
Reservation and caterings welcomed!
For inquiry and Reservations, please call
8897321, 8867692 and bring this magazine
to avail of discounts and freebies. Look
for Moises (King) Pascual.
23
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
Balitang Showbiz
ni Noel Asinas
Nadia Montenegro: ‘Hindi ko na
kailangang manglalaki pa, walo
na ang anak ko’
NAKAHUNTAHAN namin si Nadia Montenegro sa set
ng Family Feud t recently kung saan nag-iintay siya
ng oras kung saan isasalang na sila bilang showbiz
family. Ang katunggaling pamilya ni Nadia ay ang
kay Tirso Cruz III. Once a week ay nagpi-feature ng
showbiz family ang game show na ito na hosted ni
Richard Gomez.
Sa pakikipag-usap namin kay Nadia, nakuwento
niya sa amin na tuloy ang pagdedemanda niya laban
sa entertainment columnist na si Cristy Fermin.
Kinakalap muna raw niya ang lahat ng columns
ni Cristy na nasulat na laban sa kanya. Dito raw ibabase lahat ng kanyang lawyer ang
kasong isasampa niya. Malapit na raw ito dahil makukumpleto na niya lahat ang write
ups na laban sa kanya.
Ani Nadia: “ Ako ba na may walong anak na ngayon ay magkaka-interest pa sa mga
lalaki? Gaya ng mga nasulat na inili-ink ako kina Baron Geisler at Wendell Ramos.”
Family Feud sa
Pilipinas, no.1
early evening
game show
TUWANG-TUWA ang program manager
ng Family Feud na si Ms. Ali Nokom
Dedicatoria sa lakas ng hatak ng show
niya sa masa. Buhat nang nagbigay
ang show ng more than P300,000 cash
sa isang pamilya, aba, lalong dumami
ang pumila sa audition ng programa.
Bukod pa rito’y tumaas na nang husto
ang ratings ng show. Aba, ang highest
na naabot ng show ay 25% rating.
Super taas na nito sa pinakamalapit ng
kalabang programa.
Nasabi pa ni Nadia na nagtataka lang siya kung bakit na-iintriga siya ngayon, eh, wala
naman siyang soap or regular show. Kaya naman siya sumasagot sa interview at talk
show program ay dahil naiintriga siya at dapag ipagtanggol niya ang kanyang sarili.
NAGKAROON kami ng pagkakataon na makausap ang Playboy November issue cover girl
na si Cassandra Ponti, ang Pinoy Big Brother candidate noon, ngayo’y member na ng Kool
Chx at lumalabas na regular sa Wowawee at ASAP,
Bago pala naging modelo at sexy siren si Cassandra, nagtapos muna siya sa kolehiyo sa
St. Mary’s College ng Davao City. Tapos siya ng kursong Bachelor of Arts in Economics.
Hilig lang nya talaga ang showbiz, kaya naunawaan siya ng kanyang mother at nagiisang brother. Ipinagmamalaki pa nga siya ng kanyang kapatid dahil nasa showbiz siya.
Nang muling dumalaw siya sa Davao City, nagkataon na ang tutuluya nila’y ang bahay
ng mga madre sa St. Mary’s College. Kasama siya noon ni Vina Morales para tumulong
sa isang politician sa Davao City para pangangampanya last elections.Di naman siya
tinanong o unirirat ng madre na kilala siyang nag-aral sa school na pinamamahalaan
nila.
Maipagmamalaki naman ni Cassandra na kahit sexy image siya, wala namang private
parts niya ang na-expose. Conservative pa rin ang pagpapaseksi niya. Tulad na lang nang
ginawa niya sa latest edisiton ng Playboy magazine. Walang nipples at pubic hair na
lumitaw sa pictorial.
Chris Tiu, faithful sa Kapuso network, di lilipat
sa Kapamilya station; mas pinili ang basketball,
kaysa maging top executive agad
ng kanilang family business
Dalawang anak na babae ni Nadia ay pareho nang nasa kolehiyo. Sila’y sina Yssa, 18,
at si Ynna , 17. Parehong nag-aaral ang dalawa sa Centro Escular University. Si Yssa ay
kumukuha ng Dentistry, samanalang si Ynna ay Mass Communications. Ang ibang anak
ni Nadia ay sina Yanna, 14, Samantha, 5, Ynaykka,13, Xander, 11, (only boy), Ysha, 3 ½, at
Sophia, 2.
Ang anak niyang nag-aaral sa high scholl at elementary ay lahat pumapasok sa Quezon
City Montessory School. Samantalang, ang mga nasa nursery at kindergarten ay nasa
Blueridge Creative Center.
Cassandra Ponti, ayaw pang
magpasilip ng kanyang nipples
at pubic hair sa Playboy
Philippiine Edition magazine
Anyway, abangan sa show kung kayang
magwagi ng Macapagal family ng more
than P900,000 sa susunod na episode ng
show. Ganyan, kabilis ang mananalo sa
show. Di ka naman luhaan pagnaglaro ka
sa final game. Matalo ka man, mag-uuwi
ka ng P50,000 cash.
Rufa Mae Quinto, ayaw nang
makipagbalikan sa boyfriend na
taga-Hong Kong
NANG pumasyal naman kami sa set ng Bubble Gang, nasabi sa amin ni Rufa Mae
Quinto na muli namang nanunuyo sa kanya ang dating boyfriend na si Bobby Lopez,
na recently ay nakipagkalas sa kanya via email. Nasabi ni Rufa Mae, muli namang
nag-email sa kanya si Bobby, nagsasabing nabigla lang siya sa kanyang mga isinulat sa
email.
NASABI na ni Chris Tiu sa isang staff ng Pinoy Records na hindinghindi niya iiwan ang Kapuso Network na nagbigay sa kanya ng big
break sa paghu-host ng show sa national television. Mahal niya
ang mga taong nagmamalasakit sa career niya sa GMA 7 bilang TV
host.
May lumabas kasing issue sa kanya na gusto raw kunin din ang
serbisyon niya ng isang network para gawan din siya ng show
at siya ng kanilang host. Hindi matatawaran ang naging link ng
network na kumukumbinsi kay Chris, spiritual adviser pa raw ito ng
basketball star turned TV host din ng Ripley’s Believe it Or Not.
Anyway, nagmamabilis naman si Chris sa taping ng dalawa niyang
show. May schedule trip na naman ang family niya sa Japan
ngayong buwan ng November.
PUMIRMA na ng kontrata si Chris Tiu sa koponan ng Happee ng
Philippine Basketball League (PBL). Ibig bang sabihin noon ay hindi
muna siya papasok bilang executive ng kanilang family business?.
Mas pinili ni Chris ang basketball. Dapat naman dahil hit siya sa
larong ito at lalo pa siyang nagiging popular.
Ani Rufa Mae: “ Pag-iisipan ko munang mabuti. Gusto ko naman ngayong maging malaya. Walang commitment. Trabaho muna at
pamilya ko. In fact, nga, eh, kalilipat ko lang sa bahay ng lola ko at mga kapatid. Kasi, naibenta ko na ang bahay ko kay Iza (Calzado). Ang
bahay kong nabenta ay sa Acropolis. Takot naman akong mag-isa ngayon. “
Kailangan din si Chris ng Philippine Team ng basketball. Malay
natin na makuha siya .Asset si Chris ng Pilipinas sa larong
basketball. Remember, captain ball siya ng Ateneo Blue Eagle nang
nag-champion sa UAAP ngayong taon.
Aasikasuhin muna niya ang kanyang sobrang daming trabaho ngayon. May dalawang pelikula siyang tatapusin, ang Desperadas 2 at ang
Civil Status: Single. Bukod pa sa may tatlong shows pa siya sa GMA 7, ang SOP, Bubble Gang at Showbiz Central. Wala muna raw soap
para sa kanya.
Napili ni Chris at mga kasamahan niya sa Blue Eagle Team ang
Happee dahil nag-support din ang company sa kanilang team
noong nakaraang UAAP basketball championship.
24
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
Sabi ng source,
maglalaro si Chris
sa December pa this
year sa PBL. Sadyang
iniintay ang paglalaro
ni Chris sa koponan
dahil balita nang
crowd drawer ang
binata na siya ring
host ng Pinoy Records
at Ripley’s Believe It
Or Not ng GMA 7.
Dahil sa popularity
ni Chris, dumami
ang mga bagong
commercial ng basketbolista turned TV host. Sa pagkakaalam
naming ay apat na commercials ito na ipalalabas ngayong
Christmas season.
Aalis this week si Chris papuntang Japan. Kasama niya ang buong
pamilya niya para sa isang advance Christmas vacation.
Sa Monday Nov.10, may taping si Chris ng Pinoy Records, Tuesday
naman ay sa Ripley’s. Nag-a-advance taping ang binatang host
dahil ang balik ng buong pamilya nya sa Manila ay last week of
November. Tapos, sa December ay pupunta siya sa America para
magtaping ng Pinoy Records at makapanood din ang laban ni
Manny Pacquiao kay Oscar dela Joya sa Dec. 7 sa Las Vegas.
25
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
SOP, gagamitin na ang Studio 7 ng GMA 7, ang
state-of-the-art studio sa Pilipinas na worth P1
Billion
Polo Ravales, gustong balikan si Jean Garcia
PINABULAANAN ni Polo Ravales na isa sa pinag-awayan nila ni Jean Garcia ay ang
pagpayag niya sa role bilang gay lover sa movie na Walang Kawala. Nakausap nami
si Polo recently ay nagsabi na hindi ang paglabas bilang gay ang pinagtalunan nila
ni Jean. Bagkus, may malalim na dahilan pa ang kanilang hindi pagkakaunawaan sa
ngayon at dahilan ng kanilang cool off daw.
Nang nakita namin si Polo sa premiere night ng Walang Kawala sa UP Film Center ay
mukha siyang di masaya Di pa rin nakakarecover sa cool off or break-up nila ni Jean. . Inamin sa press ni Polo na so far sa mga nakarelasyon niya, tanging si Jean lang
kanyang ibig balikan. Di tulad noong kapag nagkahiwalay, hiwalay na talaga.
Naniniwala si Polo na hindi lang sila nagkaunawaan nang husto ni Jean. Kaya naputol
ang kanilang “matamis” na relasyon.
Mali ang balitang nagkagalit sila ni Jean dahil sa paglabas niya ng gay role sa Walang Kawala. Ayon kay Polo, very supportive
si Jean sa anumang career move na
kanyang ginagawa.
May romantic scenes sila rito ni Joseph Bitangcol. Hindi lang isa, kundi may limang batt
ezposure si Polo sa movie.
Bukod pa rito’y, may tatlong love scenes sila ni Joseph na talagang may mainip na
halikan.
SIMULA ngayong Sunday, Nov. 9, ay mapapanood na ang SOP mula sa state- of- the- art Studio 7 ng GMA Network Center sa Edsa.Super
laking studio ang mapapanood ninyo sa TV screen. Bukod pa sa high tech lahat ang gamit na puro digital lahat.
Suerte rin si Polo sa movie, may love scenes din silang dalawa ng baguhang si Althea
Vega na lumabas na asawa niya sa movie. Sizzling bedscenes talaga ang kanilang
romansa ditto.
Ang Studio 7 ng GMA ay pinakamalaking TV studio sa Pilipinas ngayon. Iyan ang handog ng GMA sa kanilang mga tagasubaybay para
mas maganda ng kanilang manood sa kanilang mga programa. Ang limang palapag na building ay matatagpuan sa tabi mismo ng main
building ng GMA 7 sa EDSA. Nagkakahalaga ang building at equipments ng studios na over P1 billion.
Pasado raw ang mga love scenes ang pelikula sa censors, naka-rated R. Kaya tiyak
maraming bading at matrona ang pupunta sa sinehan Pati na rin ang mga kalalakihan
dahil sa seksing katawan ni Athea. Ipalalabas sa Nov. 12 sa Galleria, Robinsons Ermita,
Gateway, Cinerama Isettan at New Cinema Cebu.
Ipinagmamalaki ni Chairman/CEO na si Atty. Felipe Gozon na ang ipinagpagawa ng building ay galing sa kita ng network. Hindi nag-loan
ng GMA sa anumang bangko para mapatapos ang proyekto. Mismo si Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang nag-inaugurate ng building
noong October 17. Kasama ni Pres. Arroyo na pumutol ng ribbon si Vice President Noli de Castro.
Lani Mercado, mas
piniling maging
actress, kaysa
maging executive ng
government agency
AYON kay Lani Mercado nang na-meet namin sa taping
ng Saan Darating ang Umaga?, gusto ng husbang
niyang si Sen. Bong Revilla na tanggapin ang offer
bilang maging top officer ng isang government agency
na may kinalaman sa product exhibition.
Pero, mas nanaig kay Lani ang pagiging alagad ng sining. Ayaw niyang ma jeorpadize ang
time niya sa taping ng Moms ng QTV 11 at excited siya sa bagong project niya sa GMA,
ang soap na directed by Maryo J. delos Reyes. Ani Lani: “Di ko talaga matatanggihan si
direk Maryo. Matagal ko nang hinihintay ang ganitong role. Bakti ko pa ipagpapalita sa
iba. Naunawaan naman ako ni Bong. Supportive din naman siya sa akin.”
Anyway, si Bong ay may isan TV show, ang Kap’s Amazing Stories na mapapanood tuwing
Sunday pagkatapos ng Showbiz Central. Abangan ang mga nakakakilabot na experience
ng tao na maliligtasan si kamatayan. Sasagutin ni Bong sa Kap’s ang mga katanungang
sumusunod sa kanyang programa:
26
Jennylyn Mercado, bukas ang
pintuan kay Mark Herras kung
liligawan siyang muli ng binata
BUKAS ang pintuan ni
Jennylyn Mercado kung gusto
muling mangligaw si Mark
Herras sa kanya. Tutal naman
ay magkaibigan silang dalawa
ngayon. Walang hadlang
dahil burado na sa isip niya si
Patrick Garcia.
Pero, sa parte ni Jen, mas gusto niyang atupagin ngayon ang pagbabalik-aktibo niya sa showbiz.
Marami siyang na-miss. Tulad na lang nang nagtaping sila ni Mark ng episode ng Dear Friend na huling linggo ngayong Sunday mapapanood, ay nagkakahiyaan pa sila ni Mark sa kanilang love
scenes.
Polo Ravales, huling gay movie
ang pelikuang Walang Kawala
TUWIRANG ipinahayag ni Polo Ravales pagkatapos ng
premiere night ng Walang Kawala sa UP Film Center
na huling gay role na niya itong gagawin. Kasi, bago
niya tinanggap ang project ay kinausap muna niya ang
kanyang mga kapatid at parents.
Ani Polo: “Ginawa ko ang movie dahil sa nagandahan
ako sa script, bukod pa na si Joel Lamangan ang
director ng movie. Alam ko namang mapapabuti ang
acting ko sa movie kapag si direk Joel ang humawak.
Parang hamon na rin sa akin ang role. Ngayon ko lang
kasi gagawin ito.”
Medyo, nanibago rin si Jen sa pag-arte. Kaya naman super alalay nang husto si Mark sa kanya.
May limang butt exposure si Polo sa movie, bukod pa sa may kissing scenes siya kina
Joseph Bitangcol at Emilio Garcia. Malinis ang pagkakagawa ng pelikula. Talagang
may mensahe ito na mauunawaan ng lahat. Kahit indie film ito, pang-award ang
pagkakagawa ni direk Joel.
Maganda ang love story ng Puntod episode ng Dear Friend. Parehong namatayan silang dalawa na
nagkita sa sementeryo. This week episode ay lalabas si Ryza Cenon. Ang makakarelason ni Mark sa
istorya habang cool off sila ni Jen.
Kasama rin sa movie sina Jean Garcia at baguhang si Althea Vega. Mapapanood ang
movie sa simula sa November 12 sa Robinson’s Galleria at Ermita, Gateway at Isettan
Recto Cinemas.
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
27
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
Hong Kong Overseas Filipino
Tennis Association (HOFTA)
1st Anniversary
by Violy C. Pascual
spread unity, true essence of sportsmanship in
and out of the court and the association. For the last 5 months, HOFTA was able
to organize 6 tournaments. All players
Surviving a year of trials, HOFTA
family with friends cheerfully had a blast during their 1st anniversary celebration on October
26, at Wong Nai Chung Gap Tennis Court.
are winners as the game itself already is a
healthy exercise. It’s aim is to foster friendly
competition, binding among the members is
to strengthen their teamwork as a group. The Anniversary Cup Tournament was
held earlier at Bowen Tennis Court wherein
Choy Elvinia and Gina Aviles were named
champions, while Rey Flores and Janine
Salonga were runners-up for the mixed
doubles. The group acknowledged and were
very thankful to SIKAP group, headed by Rey
Vital, for the full support given to them.
The next target of HOFTA is to share tennis
to other OFWs in Hong Kong. The idea that
tennis is only for the rich and famous makes
Bong smile, as he believes it’s for everyone. This notion is accepted as a challenge which
pushes the group to move on, stronger and
firm, Melanie Casas mentioned.
Bong Arzadon, HOFTA President is being
more aggressive to promote their objectives; to
For anyone interested to join, please contact:
Bong 60550319, Melanie 92258504, Gigi
Alejandro, Maribel Octa, Orlando Abalos. notes from Vancouver, Canada
Labatt Bernie Julve
Bacolod kampeon sa paliga
ng Bayanihan
ni April Joy
Sa halos tatlong buwang paglalalaro na
inorganisa ng Bayanihan ay tinanghal na
kampeon ang Bacolod
team sa larong
basketball sa ginanap na awarding ceremony
noong Oktubre 19 dahil sa nakuha nilang 12
panalo at walang talo, laban sa anim pang
mga grupong lumahok sa nasabing palaro.
Pumangalawa naman ang New York Life na
nagtala ng 7 panalo at 5 talo na sinundan ng
Corpsun CPL.
Ang mythical 5 ay binubuo nila: Nadz Lozada
(Bacolod), Grace Aguillon (MG Dribblres),
Erwin Rasonabe (New York life), Shane Atluna
(Corpsun) at ni Shalyn Abay (Bacolod).Ang
mga mahuhusay na manlalaro naman ay nag
uwi rin ng kanilang medalya at sila ay sina:Vic
Igamen (Astig), Pilar Rara (Bacolod), Beskie
Lacapen (7-Pares), Miles Luga (Corpsun)
Andy Cadiente (MG Dribblers) at Malicia
Mok (New York Life).
Ang iba pang mga awards na ibinahagi ay ang
mga sumusunod: Malicia Mok - best in assist,
Miles Luga - best in 3 points, Gemma Elumba
- top scorer, Grace Aguillon - best blocker, Lett
Jandug - defensive player, Gemma Mabalod sports woman of the year, at si Jynnz Sabando
ang tinanghal na best player sa ginanap na
friendship game noong Setyembre 28 na kung
saan ang mga “bench warmers” ay nabigyan
ng pagkakataong ipakita ang kanilang galing
sa paglalaro ng basketball. Ang pambato ng
Bacolod na si Nadz lozada ang nag uwi ng
medalya para sa MVP.
World Wide Basketball
Tournament / HK
Cageballers Liga ng mga
(pa) Star
Results:
Meeeting with the Filipino community in
Winnipeg, Manitoba
With Consul Shirley Banquicio during
our meeting in Ottawa. Shirley used to be
consul in Hong Kong
Green 99 - 88 Gray
Green 95 - 87 Red - BB Bros
Yellow 95 - 94 Black - Warriors
Blue - Western 111 - 88 White - PCG HK
Gray 101 - 100 Red - BB Bros
Yellow 81 - 78 Green (Game stopped)
White - PCG-HK 96 vs. 86 Black Warriors
Blue - Western Boys 67 vs. 63 Red - BB Bros
Official Team Standings as of Nov 5, 2008
Meeting with Filipino nurses in Montreal
28
Opening of POLO-Vancouver with Fr.
Mario doing the blessings
Team
Blue - Western
Green
Yellow
White - PCG HK
Gray
Black
Red - BB Bros
W
3
2
1
1
1
0
0
L
0
0
0
1
2
2
3
PCT
1.000
1.000
0.500
0.500
0.000
0.000
0.000
featured Poems
Ink
by Ruel Y. Quezon
My heart is a purple eggplant
It sits deep and dark
Pulsating like a dream you can hold in your
hand
Smooth, warm, and whispering
Look deep enough and you can see
My blood is streaked with ribbons of lime and
patchouli
And the purest black ink
And if you look even deeper
When the sun hits me in just the right way . . .
I am completely transparent
And devoid of all that is tangible and able to be
contained
For that moment
Even if you can’t hold me
I can hold you
A heartbeat later I am whole and solid
My thoughts now opaque
Already the memory is only wisps of song
Kissing my ears and encircling my head
Parang Kailan Lang...
ni Marleth from TITA
Jean kung tawagin ka sa paaralan
Jing-Jing naman kung tawagin ka ng karamihan
Taba tsing-tsing ka nuon kung ika’y turingan
Dahil sa mg taba mong naglalawitan,
Sadyang nakatutuwa kang pagmasdan.
Nuon ngipin mo’y bungi-bungi
Ilong mo’y laging madumi
Kilay mo’y ubod ng lago
Pisngi mo’y tila lobo
Leeg mong doble-doble,nag-aalugan
Sa tuwing ika’y tumatakbo.
Subali’t ngayo’y marami ng nagbago
Sa anyo mo’t pagkatao
Mukha mo ngayo’y ubod ng ganda
Naglaho rin lahat ng mga taba nya
Mga kilay mo ngayo’y hinaharvest mo na
At ngipin mo ngayo’y may bakal pa
Pati labi mo’y laging mapupula.
Naglaho man ngayon ang dati mong itsura
Maganda mong ugali di naman nabura
Malambing, mapagmahal,masunurin
Mabait at sa kapwa’y matulungin
Lalo na sa sariling pamilya
Kaya buong angkan “mahal ka”.
Nakakatuwang isipin na ang
Batang musmos nuon na aking inalagaan
Na palaging nauuntog sa kalikutan
Kaya ako madalas napapagalitan
Ay lalaki ng ganyan-ganyan na lamang
Hay..buhay nga naman..parang kailan lang.
Maligayang kaarawan Borge!!!
PINOY, TAO KA BA?
ni Analiza D.Cagampang
Saan ka man mapalingon?
Mapakanan o mapakaliwa,
Mapaharap o sa likuran
Makikita mo Pino’y paro’ot parito.
kahit saan sulok ng Hongkong.
Ngunit nakapagtataka, pinoy ka ba/
Di mo alintana na kapwa Pilipino
Ay di magkaturingan, walang galak na makikita
May iba nagsusuplada, minsan nakataas pa ang
kilay.
PInoy, tao ka ba?
Kapag baguhan ka, maraming babala!
mag-ingat sa kapwa Pinoy.
Huwag magpagamit, huwag magpaloko.
Ganito na ba kapangit ang ugaling Pinoy?
Kanino ka pa magtiwala?
Pinoy! makinig ka sa kapwa mo,
Bahay at lupa isinanla,utang doon, utang dito,,
Pangulila sa ama’t ina,,sa asawat’ anak..
Gutom at pagod inaabot...
Paghihirap ay di alintana..
Hangad lamang mabigyan katuparan ang
pangrap.
Pero mas nakapangit pakinggan
kamag-anak mo na narito, di mo mahagilap.
Nagtatago, do mo matawagan.
Natatakot madamay sa oras ng kagitpitan.
Hiling mo lang ay makita at magkamustahan.
Residence Filipino daw kung tawagin dito sa
Hongkong.
Pag kumikilos daig pa ang dugong bughaw.
Kamag-anak ay turing alipin,
Inaapi, nilalait, pinagdadamutan,
Sapat na sahod ay di pa maibigay.
Pinoy, tao ka ba?
Mababang lipad pangoverseas na!
Mabini sa Pinas, sa Wancahi matatagpuan.
Amerikano, British, Chinese at iba pa,
Tinging sa Pinoy ay putik, mababang uri,
Masisisi mo ba sila?
Kabayan, kapatid, kapuso, kapamilya!
Huwag ipawalang bahala pangaral ni Ina,
Sikaping mabuhay ng tama sa mata ng tao
at higit sa lahat sa mata ng Diyos.
Lagi mong isipin may nakamasid.
Sabi nga sa kanta,
God is watching us from a distance.
A Poem for Myrine...
by Sheryl
I wonder where it started all
I wonder when I could hardly recall
Ang recepi ng friendship nating dalawa
Parang kailan lang, kaytagal na pala
We started with a pinch of smile
A slice of hello then we chat for a while
Isang drop ng kindness we’ve added it then
The we cooked our friendship, there we become
friends
We don’t care if sometimes life would taste bitter
Or if good chances will passed and melt like a
butter
Sa recepi ng friendship di man always good ang
timpla
Just blend it whole heartedly, sumasarap ang lasa
Add it with spice, wag lang sobrang anghang
Or even it would be, milk of love idagdag lang
Kung mapaalat man, or too sweet it will taste
Don’t throw our friendship, nothing we should
waste
Medium rare, overdone
Orserve it raw
Masarap pa rin yan,
Kahit anong ihain mo
It’s the thought of Friendship that really matters,
You shake it, you beat it, it will not shatter
Cause we know that our friendship is cook for real
Tastes may differ, but we’ll treasure it, that’s a deal!
The Forex Broker
by Ruel Y. Quezon
it sings it laughs it cries when stocks not on rise
it blows it shows when graph is not nice
it drinks it eats but do not sleep
it absorbs it creates when forex has good rates
some should call it him or her
respect should be thrown into them
but never treated good when bad things happen
always treated as a thing when loosing begin
Want to get your poems published? Share it with us.
You just might see your literary creation on this page. Send
all your poems by email to [email protected]
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
29
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
Laugh Lines . . .
KALABAW SA PUNO
(na siege ang malacanang ng mga
sundalo na nag kudeta, kaya kailangan
tumakas ni GMA,FVR at siyempre ni
ERAP)
GMA:tara takbo na bilis bago nila tayo
makita.
FVR:ayun! doon tayu sa rooftop.bilis!
ERAP:tara!
(nang makarating na sa roof top)
GMA:eto ang gagawin natin, tatalon
tayu doon sa puno at dahan2x bababa at
tatakas.
FVR:cge wala na tayong choice.
ERAP:cge isa isa lang.
(tumalon si GMA sa puno at gumalaw
ang mga dahon)
MGA SUNDALO: ano yun!?
GMA: meoooow, meoooow..
MGA SUNDALO: ah..pusa lang pala..
(sumunod si FVR at gumalaw ang mga
dahon)
MGA SUNDALO: ano yun!?
FVR: tweet, tweet, tweet ,tweet..
MGA SUNDALO: ah ibon, ibon lang
pala..
(sumesenyas na sila GMA at FVR kay
ERAP na tumalon na)
(tumalon si ERAP nang mabilis sabay
galaw ng mga dahon)
MGA SUNDALO: ano yun?!
ERAP:MOOO, MOOO, MOOOO
MGA SUNDALO: kalabaw?sa taas nang
puno? paputukan!!!
ASENSADO NA
LOLA: Palimos po.
GIRL: uhm.. lola bkit po dalawa lata
nyo.?
LOLA: Ineng, umaasenso din nman
tayo.... awa ng Dyos, eto nakapagbukas
na ako ng isa pang branch.
WHITE PAPER
Nagpasa si Sonny ng blangkong papel sa
Art teacher niya…
Titser: Bakit blangko ang ipinasa mo?
Sonny: Nag-drawing po ako ng baka at
damo.
Titser: (tiningnan ang papel) Nasaan ang
damo?
Sonny: Naubos na po. Kinain ng baka.
Titser: (napakamot sa ulo) Eh, nasaan
30
ang baka?
Sonny: Ano pa po ang gagawin ng baka
d’yan eh wala nang damo? Siyempre,
umalis na po. Common sense po,
Ma’am!
USE IN A SENTENCE
TITSER: Use ANYHOW and
ANYONE in a sentence.
PACMAN: Huy, Pidru! Bakit mo kinain
ang ANYHOW na manuk na ANYONE
ko d’yan sa misa para kay Jengkeh?!
5 YEARS NA ANG NAKALIPAS
Misis: Walanghiya ka! Nabalitaan ko na
meron kang kulasisi na 18 anyos!
Mister: Ah, ‘yun ba? Sobrang luma na
ang balita mo.
Misis: Bakit?!
Mister: 23 na siya ngayon!
DOKTOR AT PASYENTE
Pasyente visit a doctor for a check up.
Doctor: anong problema?
Pasyente:paki-check lang po itong “ari”
ko.
Doctor: Ok,hubo’ para makita..
Nang makita “ito” ng doctor,napatawa
ng malakas ang doctor,dahil singlaki lang
ito ng
AAA size na battery.
Pasyente:nasaan po yong code of
ethics nyo.di dapat pagtawan ang isang
pasyente.
Doctor(try to recover):Sori,di na maulit.
Anong problema?
Pasyente: Ito nga po,”namamaga”
STRANDED
May isang lalaking na-stranded sa isla.
Isang araw, may nakita siyang barko na
palapit sa isla. Maya-maya, may umahon
na seksing babaeng naka suot ng Scuba/
Wet Suit. Lapit agad ang lalaki kaya
nagtanong ang bebot.
Babae: Ilang taon na ba na walang kang
sigarilyo dito sa isla?
Lalaki: “Mahigit na 10 taon.” Binuksan
ng babae ang kaliwang pocket ng Suit,
kinuha ang 1 kahang yosi at binigay
ito sa lalaki. Ang bilis magsindi at ang
sabi: “Naku ang sarap talaga!” Biro mo,
mahigit na 10 taon na rin ako na walang
sigarilyo!”
Babae: Ilang taon na di ka uminom ng
alak?”
Lalaki: Mga 10 taon na rin. Ilang
saglit lang, binuksan ng Babae ang
kanang bulsa ng Suit. Inalis ang isang
mamahaling alak at inabot sa lalaki. Ang
bilis uminom ng lalaki at halos maubos
ang laman ng botelya.
Lalaki: “Ang sarap, lalung-lalo na pag
di ka nakatikim ng isang bagay ng
matagal!” Lumipas ang ilang minuto,
nakita niyang binukbuksan ng babae ang
mahabang zipper sa harapan ng wet suit
at sabay na pabulong sa teynga ng lalaki,
“Ilang taon na bang di ka nagkaroon ng
kaligayahan?”
Lalaki: “Naku po, huwag mong sabihin
na may dala kang Golf Club diyan sa
wet suit!”
CHOCOLATE
Isang pasaherong matandang babae
ang tumapik sa likod ng driver at saka
inaabot ang limang pirasong almond,
na kinuha ng driver at malugod niyang
kinain.
Makalipas ang 15 minuto, muli ay
tinapik ang driver ng matandang babae at
iniabot ang 10 piraso ng almond.
Muli, tinanggap ang mga iyon ng driver
at malugod niyang kinain.
Hindi nakatiis ang driver na magtanong
sa matandang babae, “Bakit ninyo
ibinibigay sa akin ang mga almond?
Bakit hindi ninyo kainin?”
“Wala kasi akong ngipin,” sagot ng
matandang babae.
“Eh bakit pa kayo bumili niyan?”
nagtatakang tanong muli ng driver.
Sumagot ang matandang babae, “Iyong
chocolate lang naman ang gusto ko.
Madali naman ‘yung sipsipin.”
Laughter is the best
medicine!..
Share your Jokes
and put a smile on
someone’s face today!
Available at the following outlets
Worldwide House Outlets
Shop 128 1/F Your Shoppe
Shop 134- 136 1/F Victory Shop
Shop 138 1/F Sun Fung Trading
Shop 125-126 Philippine Product Store
Shop 241- 2/F Royal Ventures
Shop 262 2/ F Little Divisoria
Shop 245 2/F Santiagos Alteration
Shop 246 2/F Annies Shop
Shop 369 3/F Kabayan Remittance
Shop 363 3/F Nelias Store
Shop 366-368 LBC Mabuhay Hkg.
Shop 350 3/F Mang Ambo
Shop 358 3/F Elegant Collections
Bayanihan Kennedy Town Centre
55 Victoria Road
Kennedy Town
Benzon Wine
Shop 3 G/F Yee Fat Mansion
Shim Woo Road, Happy Valley
Filipino Trading Co.
5/F Fai Man Bldg.
9- 13 Li Yuen St. West Central
Filmart 1
G 52 G/F, 7 Seas Shopping Center
121 King Road, Fortress Hill
Filmart 2
Shop 69 A,B,& C G/F
City Garden, Shopping Center
Blk 13 , 231- 233 Electric Road,
North Point
Filipino Mart
C1 G/F Garland House
14A 14C North Point
H & I Philippine Product Store
Shop 179-B Nan Fung Plaza
Tseung Kwan O, N.T.
JEM Employment Agency
Room 802 8/F Yat Fat Bldg.
44-46 Des Vouex Road Central
JEM Merchandise
15, 4/F Li Yuen St. West
2nd Alley-alley, Central
LBC Hunghom
Planet Square Hunghom Kowloon
LBC Tsuen Wan
Liksang Plaza Tseun Wan N.T
LEE Trading Co.
Shop 279, 2/F Liksang Plaza
Tsuen Wan, N.T.
Loy & Day Shop
Room 2013 2/F United Center
Admiralty
Lydias Store Kennedy Town
Shop 17 G/F Blk A Hoi Tao Bldg.
7-11 Belchers St. Kennedy Town
Manong & Manang Store
Shop 5 G/F Kwan Yick Bldg.
444-452 Des Vouex Road West
Ndrei’s Crossing Ground Bar & Lounge
Shop 13 B G/F Kwan Yick Bldg.
444-452 Des Vouex Road West
Uniwide Tsuen Wan
Shop 1/F Liksang Plaza
Tsuen Wan N. T
Sikatz Philippine Product Store 1 & 2
1/F Liksang Plaza, Tsuen Wan, N.T.
and Mei Foo Sun Chuen
Macau
Asia Pac Cargo Macau
42 Rua Da Alfandega
San Malou Macau S.A.R
Tel. 932610, 930443
Tel True Ltd.
1/F Lap Fai Bldg
Pottinger St. Central
Uniwide Hang Hau
Tseung Kwan O
Tel. 3194 5366
Uniwide Hunghom
Planet Square
Novo Ecijano Macau
Heidi – 6616 5191
Super Ace Cargo Macau
82 Rua Da Alfandega, Edificio Veng Leong Macau
Tel 2893 9473
Uniwide Laguna Arcade Kowloon City
Tel. 2772 1829
Uniwide Maon Shan
Tel: 2631 5977
Uniwide Shatin
Tel. 2362 7925
Uniwide Tai Po
Tel. 2650- 1283
Nopt-Hk Elects New Set of
Officers
by April Joy
The National Organization of Professional Teachers (NOPT) has elected
it’s new set of offficers for 2008.
The top three officers from each region were qualified to vote for the
Executive positions on September 21, 2008 at the Bayanihan Kennedy
Town Center. Those elected teachers will serve NOPT-HK for two years.
The elected officers were:
President
Vice President
Internal Secretary
Tresurer Asst.Treasurer
Auditor
Sports Coordinator
Asst.Sports Coordinators
Secretariats
Assistant
Coordinator
Assistant
Lolit Brana
Susie Calaycay
Venus Orgil
Litty Abuan
Asteria Timoguing
Maureen Tegui-in
Celeste Ocampo
Emma Reyes
Gemma Berunio
Gemma Lauraya
Minerva Corpuz
Josie Manjares
Analisa Aquino
Antonio Mendoza
Loralyn Cea
NOPT-HK will celebrate it’s 8th year anniversary on November16, 2008
at Grappas Cellar restaurant. For more inquiries about NOPT, please
email [email protected].
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
31
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
Rayakan Lebaran, Pilar-Atki Menggelar Berbagai Perlombaan Untuk Bmi by Adepunk
menggelar berbagai perlombaan. Setelah
melewati penilaian yang sangat panjang dan
melelahkan, akhirnya dewan juri memutuskan
siapakah para pemenangnya.
LOMBA MERIAS TENDA:
Juara 1. ALEXA Dancer
Juara 2. Majelis Muslim Meifoo (M3)
Juara 3. Wanodya
LOMBA BUSANA ADAT:
Juara 1. TERALI Dancer
Juara 2. BALINES Dancer
Juara 3. DIF Dancer
Bertempat dilapangan rumput Viktoria
Causeway Bay, PILAR (Persatuan BMI Tolak
Over Charging) yang tergabung dalam ATKI
(Association Tenaga Kerja Indonesia) pada
Minggu, (12/10/08) menggelar berbagai
perlombaan. Diantaranya, lomba merias tenda,
lomba peragaan busana muslim dan busana
adat. Bahkan dari sponsor Western Union, juga
mengadakan lomba gubahan lagu ala Western
Union. Acara tersebut diadakan dengan tujuan
PCADE “Tinikling
Chapter”
The Philippine Cultural Academy Dance
Ensemble (PCADE) has existed for quite some
few years now. It is spearheaded by Mr. Pieter
Nootenboom. Sir Pieter, as they called him is not
a Filipino by blood but truly a Filipino by heart,
he’s the founder of the “PCADE and co founder
Philippine Cultural Academy (PCA) in 2003.”
The PCADE main objective is to “Uplift The
Image Of The Filipino People Through The
Community At Large.” Its purpose is to preserve
the Originality of the traditional Philippine Folk
Dances and Music. They are also allowed to
perform some modern dances in dignify way.
Different associations from all over the
Philippines comprise the PCADE. “We may
come from different regions, speak in different
tongues, different practices and beliefs but we
all have one in common; we are all Filipino
by blood and by heart and we’re here in Hong
Kong for different reasons, to earn and to make
life worth living while we’re apart from our dear
love ones.” In PCADE we only not discovered
32
memperingati Hari Raya Idul Fitri, 14219 H yang
jatuh pada tgl 1 Oktober 2008. Dari berbagai
grup BMI yang mengikuti acara perlombaan
tersebut berjumlah 25 grup. Masing-masing grup
juga mengirimkan anggotanya untuk mengikuti
lomba busana muslim dan adat. Dan untuk
Western Union sendiri mengambil 10 grup untuk
mengikuti lomba gubahan lagu.
Suasana lapangan rumput viktorya penuh
sesak dengan para BMI yang juga memperingati
hari raya Idul Fitri yang kebetulan jatuh pada
hari libur para Buruh Migran Indonesia. Terlihat
kebahagiaan terpancar jelas dari para BMI
yang mengikuti lomba bahkan para penonton
yang datang dan menyaksilkan para BMI unjuk
kebolehan.
Tenda-tenda ditengah lapangan rumput yang
semula hanya berbentuk tenda biasa, ditangan
para BMI kreatif disulap menjadi tenda yang
indah dan penuh pernik-pernik. Nuansa lebaran
sangat terasa jika berada ditengah-tengah para
BMI yang sedang merayakan Idul Fitri dengan
LOMBA BUSANA MUSLIM:
Juara 1. Majelis Muslim Meifoo (M3)
Juara 2. Zaqiya
Juara 3. CK’Funky Dancer
Pemenang Favorit: Majelis Muslim
Meifoo (M3)
LOMBA GUBAHAN LAGU:
Juara 1. ATKI
Juara 2. DIF Dancer
Juara 3. CK’Funky Dancer
the beauty of friendship but the real beauty of
our Cultural Heritage presented by different
ethnic minority from the Philippines, a country
of warm and vivacious smile and the most caring
and friendliest people in South East Asia. Well
known as the “Pearl of the Orient.”
Aside from Folk dances, the group can also do
modern dances. Being cultural doesn’t mean they
can’t do the rave. Modern Filipino and so are
they are flexible, smart and strong-willed but with
dignity, at the same time soft-spoken and refined.
Fabulous! A truly Modern Day Maria Clara.
The ”PCADE Tinikling Chapter” Headed by
the ever-energetic Marie Velarde is one of the
many sub-chapters under PCADE. The members
despite their differences indulge their time to
learn and perform different dances together
during their Sunday’s off. “We are just like sisters
here, we all mingle”, one of the members said.
The group has graced many different programs
and they actively participate in the Hong Kong
Flower Show held every March. The PCADE
Chapter will also perform on the “Knights of
Rizal” Booth in the 2009 LCSD annual Hong
Kong Flower Show in Causeway Bay.
As the name ”PCADE Tinikling Chapter”
implies, the group performs the famous bamboo
dance “Tinikling” (Philippine’s national dance)
where the dancers are in their baro’t-saya, would
gleefully skip with profound grace and care
preventing the feet not to be caught in between
the bamboo poles being held at both ends and
clapped together. Performing the Tinikling looks
easy, but it never is. Especially for the first few
tries but once you have mastered your skipping
skills, you’ll be fine and you’ll be jumping your
heart out. It is one dance that will always be
alive and everyone must brave and try. The pains
taking effort would be worthwhile.
H ORO S C O P E
Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22) You may be moved to appreciate
and discover the beauty in your life and in those around you.
At the same time, everything could take on added value. Be
careful that you do not overspend or indulge too much just
now. Travel and other contacts with faraway people come
to your attention and have possibilities this winter. Such
things bring love and gain in one way or another. Higher
education or philosophical/religious contacts could have a
part in making good things happen. Family, home, relatives
and real estate will all be a part of the positive changes in
your life. You have a keen interest in what makes things tick
and who, or what pulls the strings. With your knowledge
and skills, you figure out ways to make your nest egg grow.
Lucky Number: 11, 12, 36, 8 and 9; Lucky Color: Orange
give you the resources and encouragement you need.
Consider a long term volunteer opportunity: It might
finally be time to take that step. Lucky Numbers: 40,
28, 32, 34, 17 & 6 ; Lucky Color: Blue
not careful. Lucky Numbers : 34 , 18, 3, 22, 12 & 46.
Lucky Color: Maroon
Taurus: (Apr 19- May 20)Slowing down might not
feel comfortable right now, but it is the right thing to
do. The intense energy you put out today shouldn’t
be directed at solving problems or putting out fires.
Instead, direct it solely at reducing the level of
commitment in your life! Lucky Numbers: 15, 2, 24,
34, 39 & 5 ; Lucky Color: Yellow
Sagitarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21) The smallest details
of this day will be like blinking neon signs for you
-- that’s how powerful your observation skills will be.
This means it’s a great day for negotiations! You’ll be
able to read the other person’s body language like it’s
an open book. And you’ll be able to sense how close
their offer is to what they are really capable of giving
you. Lucky Numbers : 1, 26, 28, 11, 24, 9. Lucky
Color: Peach
Virgo (Aug 23 – Sep 22) This is a good day to get
things done. Good eye-hand coordination and a
sustained effort make almost any task run well.
Today you will be able to tackle tasks that require real
discipline or organization. You find yourself in a very
practical mood and working with, instead of against,
yourself. You have a yearning to move toward the
more challenging issues now. Lucky Numbers: 13, 8,
27, 18, 2 & 14; Lucky Color: Red
Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 23) Today will have its fair share
of drama going on, and you are probably going to be
a featured player -- luckily, it’s likely that you will be
the hero in the story, not the suffering and helpless
victim! Someone will trust you with a very valuable
secret, and while keeping it might not be easy, it will
be a blast knowing that you know something no one
else knows! Tonight, you’ll find a neutral person -share your secret in this one-on-one conversation only
if you know it’s safe! Lucky Numbers : 3, 16, 23, 21,
35 & 8 Lucky Color: Pink
Capricorn (Dec 21 – Jan 19) The new people you
meet today hold a lot of opportunities for you, but
keep in mind that there is more to them than meets
the eye. People are very different on the inside than
their appearances may lead you to believe, especially
right now, when they are on their best behavior. If you
make any assumptions about their beliefs, you should
keep them to yourself, or risk offending someone. For
safety’s sake, wait until you know them better before
sharing your opinions. Lucky Numbers: 1, 31 , 23, 37,
24, & 44; Lucky Color: Peach
Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 22) People will be projecting their
own issues onto you, today -- so don’t listen to those
people who are pointing out your faults. They’re
either jealous of you or worried that they themselves
are failing. It seems like everyone has issues right
now, and their insecurities could start to get on your
nerves. Before you lose your temper and tell them off,
it’s best to go off by yourself and be alone. You can’t
let yourself get caught up in feeding the egos of other
people. Lucky Numbers: 8, 17, 19 1, 46, 20, & 32;
Lucky Color: Green
Aries: (Mar 21 – Apr 19) Try to be the person who
takes on the more passive role in today’s activities.
This is not the greatest time for heavy action for you
-- in fact, it is quite the opposite! Let someone else
call the shots for a while and see how it feels. You
might find that you like it quite a bit! You shouldn’t let
anyone boss you around, but there is no reason to feel
threatened if someone else has better ideas than you
do. Your ego can handle it, and your energy level will
be invigorated by it. Lucky Numbers: 36, 45, 9 , 34 ,
17 & 43. Lucky Color: Green
Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18) Changes in life are
inevitable. How you deal with them determines your
level of stress. When you are flexible with unexpected
obstacles it’s easier to deal with what fate has in
store. Take a deep breath and move forward with
confidence. Lucky Numbers: 16, 21, 18, 9, 23, & 29.:
Lucky Color: Brown
Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22) Help yourself today by
helping others! Not only will the gratitude you receive
from the people you aid lift your spirits, but it will
inspire you to do bigger and even better things for
the world at large! Now is the right time to move
forward with big plans. People who have power will
be receptive to your ideas, and they will be willing to
Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21) Music is likely to play a
more important role for you this Sunday morning.
Some of you have the music writing talent--why
not give it a try? There is tremendous psychological
growth--which can lead to great personal success this
Monday; if you follow through with it. You might
also find that you will put on the pounds if you are
Mind Games
Krosword
by Kuya Willy
Anagrams
Rearrange the letters to reveal famous
landmarks. The (clues) - where they are
located - will help you guess the correct
answers.
1
LACK PARTNER (New York)
________ ____
2
SAGA RAINFALL (Canada)
______ _____
3
MYSTIFY PAGE DROP (Egypt)
________ __ _____
Last Month’s Answers:
1. Shakespeare 2. Michelangelo 3. Bonaparte
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B
C
D
E
F
A
G
E
H
I
F
O
J
K
L
E
M
X
N
O
P
R
Q
T
N
D
T
A
D
L
S
R
2
L
R
R
H
N
O
T
N
I
L
C
L
L
I
B
T
P
3
E
E
O
S
E
W
H
W
D
G
I
Y
C
R
E
H
H
B
N
U
1
For those who would like to join the PCADE
Tinikling Chapter, please contact: Marie Velarde
9334-4721. Warlita Poecelain 6441-7201.
... alamin ang iyong kapalaran
D
4
V
T
F
N
O
R
G
L
N
R
N
G
O
E
5
E
R
D
G
A
T
J
Y
E
D
M
W
O
A
R
N
A
6
S
A
L
L
R
L
R
S
O
D
R
R
E
B
E
E
N
7
O
C
A
L
B
R
D
N
R
L
W
A
L
I
N
J
A
8
O
Y
R
A
C
T
J
R
G
W
E
A
S
I
T
O
L
G
W
9
R
M
E
E
O
R
G
E
H
B
U
H
H
U
10
N
M
G
U
H
G
B
N
W
A
O
I
O
Y
L
N
N
11
I
I
N
N
N
D
W
L
B
I
G
D
R
E
R
K
S
U
H
12
L
J
S
X
A
R
L
G
M
A
F
K
13
K
O
N
W
C
E
W
H
S
R
N
I
N
H
A
N
R
14
N
O
X
I
N
D
R
A
H
C
I
R
H
E
U
N
M
15
A
H
A
R
R
Y
T
R
U
M
A
N
Y
I
M
E
M
16
R
E
W
O
H
N
E
S
I
E
T
H
G
I
W
D
T
17
F
L
Y
D
D
D
E
U
N
H
L
O
E
G
H
Y
J
18
D
S
A
N
O
U
O
A
I
N
T
R
I
C
D
I
L
(I4, S) George W Bush
(O2, W) Bill Clinton
(D9, E) George HW Bush
(B2, SE) Ronald Reagan
A
S
(B12, N) Jimmy Carter
(C10, N) Gerald Ford
(L14, W) Richard Nixon
(M2, SW) Lyndon Johnson
E
E
(P7, S) John Kennedy
(P16, W) Dwight Eisenhower
(B15, E) Harry Truman
(A17, N) Franklin Roosevelt
1
2
3
Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20) The most powerful
motivator for you right now isn’t your ambition -it’s your emotions. So trust them and follow them
wherever they take you today! Good or bad, they are
genuine and honest. So if you want to spill your guts
to someone who you’re seriously crushing on, do it
-- whatever the result, it will make you stronger and
remind you how powerful you are. Being direct in
your communication might be hard, but it will save
you time and help you grow. Lucky Numbers: 12, 35,
11, 36, 23, & 43: Lucky Color: Blue Green.
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5
6
7
8
PAHALANG
1
9
10
11
12
13
16
17
19
20
22
25
27
28
29
33
34
36
37
kalaban
unang baraha
ugali
suwertihin
inam
tikman
hiling
ilahok
super tramp
nota
papalag
kerubin
nakalipas
alcoholics anonymous
ayos
itanim
takas
ibinigay
sarili
PABABA
1 kasamahan
2 aruga
3 malalim na salita
4 hayop
5 titulo ng lalaki
6 suwail
7 international school
8 antipalo
13 palayaw ng Elizabeth
14 pantukoy
15 aluminum
18 tawag sa babae
21 animo
23 tatay ng tatay
24 buwan
26 sambit ng nagtaka
32 tax identification number
34 tayo
35 sambit ng nagulat
9
10
11
12
13
16
17
18
20
25
14
15
23
24
19
21
22
26
27
28
29
32
30
31
33
34
36
35
37
Contest Guidelines
Submit your answers. Winners will receive one year FREE membership and subscription of Friends International Magazine.
1
2
3
4
Always remember to include your complete name, contact
number and address for entries to be considered valid
Write legibly
Mail entries (cut this half page) to Friends International
Magazine
Mark “Mind Games” on envelope
Names of winners will be published in the next issue.
Last Month’s Winner: Ms. Elsie Casinas of Richland Garden, Kowloon Bay
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
33
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
Birthday Corner
... our best wishes
/ Just for Kids
Mary Jane Someros, Oct 27
Birthday with FNA HK
Yolly - Nov 9, Kulet - Nov 15
with Leth and Aileen
Mommy Naty
Nimfa of LBC Manila, Nov 10
Grace de Guzman, Nov 12
Joel Almeda with Bankers group
Nov 5
Aurlene Grospe, Nov 24
Pangyao Andy and Ateng - HK Visit
Baby Shane, Allenson, Maron Jay, Ivy, Ivan
and Tita Percy
Ruth Grospe, Nov 22
Walter Brian Serafin - Nov 18
Wally - Nov 20
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friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
35
friends International Magazine novemBER 2008
36