friends InternatIonal MagazIne MaY 2009

Transcription

friends InternatIonal MagazIne MaY 2009
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
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friends International Magazine MAY 2009
editor’s note
Published by
Smart Way International Ltd
5D Sun King Building
580 Queen’s Road West
Hong Kong
Tel: 2541 2510 / 5182 5569
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
Julia Buen Terry
Lucida Maingpis
My dela Roca
Riza Acosta
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.
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 MAY 2009
Filipinos in Hong Kong and all over the world gathered
and united to celebrate 111th years of freedom and
independence of our great nation. It is a celebration
of a “day of unity … freedom and liberation”. It is an
occasion of commemorating the great sacrifices and
heroism of our forebears. Our heroes of the revolution
and the founders of our nation had a vision of faith and
hope and we must sustain it for all time as we march to
the ranks of the first world in the years to come
Indeed, the birth of our nation was marked by great
sacrifices of Filipinos. Those who fought for our freedom risked their fortune, their
families and their lives on the shrine of freedom. Inspired by their ardent vision of a
free and independent nation, propelled by their love for country and strengthened by
faith in the Filipino people, our ancestors proclaimed to the world the Philippines, a
nation born. With freedom in our hearts and strength of spirit and a diverse people
united.
As we Filipinos successfully won the struggle for national independence more than
a century ago, let us be reminded that it is only one of the many freedoms that
we continue to aspire for as a people in these modern times. Our country and our
people would like to attain an independence that would allow us to live in prosperity
and in harmony, free from fear, free from bondage of poverty.
As united Filipinos, we have shown our resilience and remained unwavering in our
efforts to advance the welfare of our people. In uplifting the lives of our poor and
nurturing our children for a brighter future. We remain steadfast in advancing the
interests of the Philippines and the Filipino people in the world community.
Filipino workers in Hong Kong and all over the world are the heart and soul of
the Philippine nation. We also pay tribute to the heroic contributions of our fellow
OFWs to whom our country owes so much. Considered as the best in the world,
the Filipino worker is the Philippines’ single biggest comparative advantage for local
and global productivity and competitiveness.
We appreciate the many contributions workers continue to make in our country,
and the role they play in ensuring our nation’s strength, prosperity and wellbeing.
We trust in the ingenuity and creativity of the Filipinos in Hong Kong, and we are
confident that together, our country will survive the global economic crisis and the
AH1N1 epidemic.
We also recognize the important role of our fathers in their great contribution and
sacrifices in building our nation and creating a good and united family which is a
great foundation of our country. Father’s Day is a day to remember and celebrates
the great importance of our Dad - the special man in our life.
Many of us often forget the sacrifice of our fathers and the roles they have played
in shaping our lives and Father’s Day gives us the opportunity to show and express
our love and care to them. It is the day to honor not only our father, but all men who
have acted as a father figure in our life - whether as Stepfathers, Uncles, Grandfathers
or “Big Brothers.”
The word ‘Father’ is often used as respect and honor to our spiritual leaders,
inventors and originator of an idea. It is so, that fathers have always been associated
with guidance and protection, as the person who can be loved, respected and looked
up to. Let’s use Father’s Day to let these special men know what place they have in
our lives and what influence they have on us. Father’s Day will be celebrated on 21st
June 2009 and don’t forget to make this special day more special!
Happy Father’s day to all
MABUHAY ANG MALAYANG LAHING PILIPINO.
Arnold P. Grospe
Managing Editor
3
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
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 69740836
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 Sec Medy Borlaza at 6773 1021.
Announcement
Open to all fellow OFW’s, The La union Federation of Hong
Kong (LUFOH), will organize a LIVELIHOOD TRAINING PROGRAM
for Hand Weaving, Soap Carving, Food Processing, Baking, etc.
Interested parties, please call:
Ms. Sylvia Minao - 61240865 / 25803741 (Treasurer);
Ms. Kathlyn Caccam – 66275012 (Secretary);
Ms. Tess Andrada – 91836216 (Asst. Secretary)
What : Luzon Federation’s Flores de Mayo 2009
Where : Admiralty Garden
When : May 24 , 2009
For more info pls call pres. Medy Borlaza – 67731021
All associations from Luzon is invited to join the parade and
application for affiliation for Luzon Federations is available.
The Island Evangelical Community Church is offering free
Cantonese class every Saturday (except the 3rd), at 10:00
a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at its church located at 8/F 633 King’s
Road Quarry Bay (MTR Quarry Bay Station Exit C). For more
information, contact 2864 9337, 2864 9360 and look for Riza
Guevarra.
All residents of Balawan are welcome to join the Balawanian
of La Union Association. For more info please call Mila Agtarap
at 6970751 or 95370801.
Calling the attention of the residents of Bangar La Union
Those who are willing to join the group may call Maritess at
9581880.
Nurses who are interested in taking the National Licensing
Examination in Hong Kong are urged to attend the refresher
courses by the FNA-HK. Getting the approval to have the
examination here will depend on the number of examinees.
For more information please call 95180835 for registration.
In celebration of our 3rd LAWA anniversary, we are inviting
everyone to join our Search 4 Champions 09 Competition in
Modern, Ballroom, Show Dance, and Singing (Duet) contest
which will be held in Oct. For more details, call Menard at 6335
2837.
The Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines (IMAPHK) is calling all underboard midwives to join its review for the
upcoming midwifery board examination to be held in Hong
Kong. The review will be held every Sunday from 9:00 a.m.
to noon at First Metro, United Centre, Admiralty. For details,
contact 94397853 and 68966517.
There will be a team building workshop to be held on June 21
from 10 am to 5 pm in Bayanihan Center organized by National
Organization of Professional Teachers. None NOPT members
are invited to join for more details please call NOPT hotline @
5139 7843.
UMELA-HK 1st anniversary and 2nd recognition rites July 12
from 11am to 7pm,Leighton Hill Community Hall, 133 Wong
Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley. Contact no. Connie 930 27765
FLOR-HK Graduation Ceremony, 2nd Induction Of Officers and
Summer Festival 2009. Singing Competition (solo-amateur),
(solo-Professional), (Duet), Dance Competition (Hip-hop Solo),
(Hip-hop-Group), (Modern), (Ballroom, Jive Pairs)
Venue 2nd High Street, Sai Ying Pun Community Complex
Date: 26th July,2009; Time: 11:00- 19:00. For more details Pls
4
ISS - HK Opens New Center for OFWs
by APG
The International Social Service headed by
Adrielle Panares has opened its new office in
Wan Chai to extend more services and skills
training for ethnic minority groups on May
31, 2009.
Contact Fely “Bunso” Naoe 6099 5932; Precy Ranay 9229 5146;
Lady Rhenevil De Leon 90178597; Rosario Joaquin 94511150
To all darts game lovers we invite you to join us every Friday
and Saturday nights. 9 Dart Pins Bulls-eye, 3 dart pins 101.
Medals await the winner and a little cash price. Those who
want to join upcoming season III, Blind Draw Bracketing
2 knock-out games, Single In Double Finish 501/Bulls
Master/101 Master, you are very welcome. Please don’t
hesitate to contact Kyud groups organizer Mr. Mhiro Fajardo at
9038-9581 and Mr. Apple Serzo at 6712-9863 / 9539-7940.
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
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
Contents
JUNE 2009 issue 43
3Editor’s Note
5
ISS-HK Opens New Center for OFWs
6
Cover Story
7
Bagong Pilipinas Bagong Pilipino Movement
8
PCIAHK Extend Projects to Passi City Folks
9LuzFed holds Flores de Mayo
10At Your Service
11A History of our Independence
12AIA Stages Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo
13
KYUD Groupd Darts Tournament Season 2
14Oras ng Himala
15Legal Matters
16
PAHK Independence Day Ball
17
Prime Excel Card
18
Snapshots
20Nation of the Free, Nation of Freedom
21
PCG Marks 111 years of Philippine Independece
22On Improving the Helping Hand
23
Beach Party for MinMa’s 3rd Anniversary
24
Balitang Showbiz
29
featured Poems
30Laugh Lines
31
FIM Outlets
33
Horoscope and Mind Games
34
Birthday Corner / Just 4 Kids / Text From The Heart
grace the opening of the center.
Wanchai Hong Kong.
According to Ms. Sook Yee Chan, the center’s
head officer, the ISS-HK was one of the four
non-government organizations selected to
receive a funding to provide interpretation
services and integration activities to ethnic
minorities last April. The others were Hong
Kong Christian Service in Kwun Tong,
Christian Action in Tuen Mun, and Yuen
Long Town Hall Management Committee
Limited in Yuen Long.
For inquiries on ISS services, contact its hotline
at 62938332, telephone number at 28363598
or email [email protected].
The government-funded training center is
located on the third floor of the Sincere
Insurance Building, 4-6 Hennesy Road,
More than a hundred Filipinos and other
nationalities visited and enrolled in the new
program that ISS has offered. Almost all of
the courses were fully booked because of the
inexpensive rates and flexible time schedules
for the trainees.
ISS centre is offering computer tutorial lessons,
language training in English and Cantonese,
as well as courses in financial management,
vocational assistance and training, counseling
and personality development. These are
scheduled to run for the whole week, except
Mondays. Each class costs only $100 for 50
hours.
The aim and vision of the program is to
support and enhance the integration of ethnic
minorities in the Hong Kong society to create
an inclusive community with cultural diversity,
racial harmony and equality for all.
The centre works under the banner of HOPE
which stands for “Harnessing Opportunities
and Potentials for Ethnic Minorities.”
The centre will also provide orientation on
Hong Kong laws and services, access to Hong
Kong public services that will enable ethnic
minorities to seek assistance from the relevant
departments such as schools, hospitals, social
welfare department and especially those
that help with the integration of the ethnic
minorities such as the Race Discrimination
Ordinance and the Employment Ordinance.
ISS-HK’s chief executive Stephen Yau and
Shirley Chan of the Constitutional and
Mainland Affairs Bureau were also present to
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
5
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
How Father’s Day Came To Be
It would be interesting to know how Father’s
Day came into practice and celebrated
worldwide with an equal sincerity and respect
as any other significant holidays.
Here’s a short history on the holiday, and
meaning of the different colors of roses to be
worn that Day.
2004 presidential candidate and Jesus is
Lord Movement reverend pastor Bro. Eddie
Villanueva hosted a symposium and Press
Conference with the Filipino community
leaders, members of different media and
publications in Hong Kong with the group of
JIL pastors at the Empire Hotel function room
on June 13 in Wanchai.
to our country by surrendering their arms and
cooperate with the program of the government
to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao.
System and support for the less fortunate
Filipino people who were not given a chance
to finish their education.
He vows to eliminate corruption and will
make it his number one program if he will be
given a chance to serve the Filipino people.
He even mentioned that he was offered to be a
corruption czar with the current administration
but didn’t materialize, when he laid down all
his requirements and demanded full authority
and transparency for the position, which may
have been the deal breaker for the offer.
As of June 10, Villanueva got 335 SMS (short
message system) votes for 41 percent of 809
total SMS votes. Villanueva was followed by
former president Joseph Estrada who collected
219 votes or 27 percent.
Second to his priority was the Education
Villanueva was in Hong Kong in line with his
Asian Summit of the JIL pastors which was
held Hong Kong. Jesus is Lord Movement has
more than ten thousand (10,000) churches and
about seven (7) million coalition members.
Despite his popularity and good performance
in the presidential survey, wherein he leads in
the Pambato Mo, itext mo! poll, he said he
is still undecided to run and will wait for the
nomination of the Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong
Pilipino Movement Party. He also mentioned
that he is open to any party alliance who
is sincere and has the same vision of good
governance.
The Countries, where the Catholic Church
were of significant influence on the culture of
the society, Father’s Day is celebrated on St.
Joseph’s Day (March 19). However, a more
secular celebration which is not associated
with any religion is followed in recent times to
highlight the increased diversity among people
from all over the globe coexisting together in
one place.
He stated that the Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong
Pilipino Movement will give alternatives to our
fellow Filipinos. He mentioned that he wants
to have national peace for Muslim Mindanao
and will challenge the rebels to show patriotism
Father’s Day is celebrated popularly on 3rd
Sunday in June in many parts of the world. The
idea for creating a day for children to honor
their fathers began in Spokane, Washington.
man.
In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed
the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day.
President Nixon, in 1972, established a
permanent national observance of Father’s
Day to be held on the third Sunday of June.
normal English punctuation guidelines be
spelled “Fathers’ Day”, the most common
spelling is “Father’s Day”, as if it were a
singular possessive (i.e. “day belonging to
Father”). Dodd used the “Fathers’ Day”
spelling on her original petition for the holiday,
but the spelling “Father’s Day” was already
used in 1913 when a bill was introduced to the
US Congress as the first attempt to establish
the holiday, and it was still spelled the same
way when its creator was commended in 2008
by the U.S. Congress.
Although the name of the event is usually
understood as a plural possessive (i.e. “day
belonging to fathers”), which would under
So Father’s Day was born as a token of love
and gratitude that a daughter cherishes for her
beloved father.
Sonora’s father was born in June, so she chose
to hold the first Father’s Day celebration in
Spokane, Washington on the 19th of June,
1910.
6
by apg
The topic of discussions was his stand on the
House Resolution 1109, which was passed by
the Congress recently. He said that the said
resolution is clearly a shameless display of
arrogance, greed for power and a complete
disregard for our basic sentiments.
About 4,000 years ago a young boy named
Elmusu wished his Babylonian father good
health and a long life by carving a Father’s
Day message on a card made out of clay. No
one knows what happened to Elmesu or his
father, but the tradition of having a special day
honoring fathers has continued through the
years in countries across the world.
A woman by the name of Sonora Smart
Dodd thought of the idea for Father’s Day
while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon in
1909. Having been raised by her father, Henry
Jackson Smart, after her mother died, Sonora
wanted her father to know how special he
was to her. It was her father that made all the
parental sacrifices and was, in the eyes of his
daughter, a courageous, selfless, and loving
Bagong Pilipinas Bagong Pilipino Movement
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
7
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
PCIAHK Extend Projects to
Passi City Folks
LuzFed holds Flores de Mayo Hong Kong
by ARG
mostly cultural performances by different
invited groups. Vice Consul Joy Banagodos
was also spotted during the last part of the
program.
by Julia Buen Terry
Organizations, and friends of PCIAHK.
Consul General Claro S. Cristobal amazed
the audience especially the Ilonggos by his
fluency in speaking the dialect, which was
according to him; due to his stay in Iloilo for
two years during his work in the 1970’s.
The new consulate official humbly said, “I
will bring the Consulate close to you because
I want you to feel that we are a part of you.”
Notwithstanding the bad and stormy weather
on May 24, the Flores de Mayo celebration
organized by Luzon Federation of Hong Kong
was held at Harcourt Garden Admiralty.
The affair was full of entertainment especially
when the table turned against the Sponsors
who were gamely enthusiastic dancing for
the crowd.
Barely a year since its initial Bigay Bigas
Project for the people of Passi City that was
devastated by Typhoon Frank in June last
year, the Passi City (Iloilo) Association Hong
Kong again launched a series of projects for
its city folks.
The Community and Divine Projects of
PCIAHK were formally announced on its
5th Anniversary celebration held at Grappas
Wine Cellar Restaurant last 24 May 2009.
The deed was spearheaded by its President
Wilma Padura, who started initiating the
community cause last year by personally
distributing the rice to affected areas ravaged
by Frank. According to Padura, PCIAHK
started their Beautification Projects in some
Barangays in their city, has given aids to Day
Care Centers and started collecting support
for their church.
“Thru the Day Care Centers, na- touch natin
ang buhay ng mga tao sa atin. It is a nice
feeling to share to
others our time and
blessings here in
Hong Kong. It’s a
sense of gratitude
na hindi kayang
bilhin ng pera.”
Padura added.
The Special Guest
Speaker of
the
anniversary was Dr. Raymundo A. Lapating,
Phd., School Division Superintendent,
Division of Iloilo, Dep Ed Region IV who
reiterated on his speech the importance of
education as a tool in fighting poverty. He
encouraged OFWs to finish their studies
through the Dep Ed Alternative Learning
8
System. He also talked about the corruption
in Philippines that resulted to the bumpy
roads from the city proper of Iloilo going to
Passi City.
“You as a concerned citizen of Passi have a
lot of roles to play. We need change, not only
for our governance, but as well as change
within ourselves. We as Passinhons, will
share for nation building.” Superintendent
Lapating told to fellow Passinhons.
PCIAHK was founded in 2003 and it has
Passi I Cenral School Alumni HK Chapter,
Passi City Medical Team, and Passi City
Pretty Boyz under its wing. The association
is best known for supporting and recognizing
the rights of lesbians thru its yearly search of
Pretty Boyz that had gained recognition in
the Filipino Community in Hong Kong.
He also praised the leadership of Padura and
PCIAHK’s noble projects for benefiting the
people of Passi City. He advised the group to
train the people how to earn a living and to
help them to become productive in life.
The occasion was well attended by Consulate
Officials headed by the new Philippine
Consul General to Hong Kong Hon. Claro
S. Cristobal, Vice Consul Val Simon Roque
and Labbatt Romulo Salud; Ms.Carmela
Panes, Trade Assistant PCG- Phil. Trade
& Investment Center, Sponsors, Filipino
countries like Hong Kong where OFWS are
of great number. Labatt Romy Salud enjoyed
watching the preparation of the parade and
He congratulated LUZFED for the affair.
Cultural officer Severina Dela Cruz was able
to show up in the middle of the program and
was entertained by the intermission numbers,
According to the organizers headed by Medie
Borlaza and Petra Regua, the show must go on
come rain or shine because all the preparations
were all done. It would have been difficult
to book another venue if the program was
rescheduled. “It was really overwhelming to see
associations and reynas give their full support for
the show, although we were not lucky to experience
a perfect weather that day” Borlaza, LUZFED
President.
The event was sponsored by iRemit Hong
Kong, Prime Credit and Prime Gold,
KATINKO, TLC Cargo, Cash Sense, PNB,
BPI, BDO, Afreight, Gen Ex Cargo, Jollibee
and Friends Int’l Magazine.
Tents were used to keep the program in flow,
muses and reynas were also in their best gowns
to manifest the season. The mass started at 11
in the morning with Rev. Father Peter King
officiating. After the mass, lunch was served
followed right after by the parade of the officers,
organizations affiliated under LUZFED, their
muses and 12 reynas with their escorts holding
aloft their creative arches. Rosalyn Pascua of
Candonians HK was the center of attraction
for being the Reyna Elena 2009.
Aside from the present projects of PCIAHK
in Passi, the group wishes to fulfill its grandest
dream of building a Central Public Library
and an OFW Community Center in Passi
City in the years to come.
The Flores de Mayo parade set off from the
foot bridge down to Harcourt Garden. Each
Reyna was given a chair to sit on under the
tent. Part of the program was the selection of
best arch in which La Union Federation of HK
(Reyna Ezperanza) took home the prize for its
uniqueness and most artistic design, followed
by Dole-Owwa Microsoft Organisation
(Reyna Sheba) and Sualinians Association
HK (Reyna Fe) as first and second runners-up
respectively.
Consul General Claro M. Cristobal in his
short speech, said that it is really good to
see a celebration like the Flores de Mayo in
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
9
At
Your Service
By: Rolando E. Estrella
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
MAGTANONG PO KAYO
A History Of Our Independence
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, 5D Sun King Building,
580 Queen’s Road West, Hong Kong. (Attention to Bro. Rolly)
Dear Bro. Rolly,
I have completed a 2-year contract with my
previous employer and upon our mutual agreement
she agreed for me to transfer to a new employer
because of some financial difficulties her family is
encountering.
During the interview with my new employer I
was made to understand that I will only be doing
domestic chores including picking up her son from
school in the afternoon. However towards the end of
March, 2009 she told me that I have to sign a new
contract which she termed “Side Agreement” where
it is stated that I am willing to work in her small
company as a janitor for an additional monthly
salary of HK$1,000.00 which she said her company
will shoulder.
I know such arrangement is not right but
because of the additional pay, I was tempted to sign
the Side Agreement. When I started working in her
company, it was then I realized that I will not be
able to cope up with that additional job because my
household chores alone take away my strength. As
a matter of fact on my second week working in her
company, I got sick for two days because I need to do
the tiring job of travelling long distance from her flat
in Wanchai to the New Territories where her office is
located.
A few days ago, I told her frankly that my
janitorial job in her company is taking a toll in my
health and that I want to quit that additional job
and just do my household chores in the flat as per
contract. She was mad hearing that and threatened
to terminate my contract if I refused.
I do not want to lose my job but I do not want
my health to suffer. I will appreciate to receive your
advice as I do not know what action I will have to
take.
Rina, Wanchai
Dear Rina,
The standard Employ-ment Contract
which is commonly known as Form ID 407
is the only official and approved employment
contract for all foreign domestic helpers in
Hong Kong. Beside that there is no other
employment contract duly recognized by
the Hong Kong government as enforceable
contract.
Such employment contract cannot be
altered, changed or modified by the employer.
Any endorsement or side agreement attached
to it is deemed illegal and unenforceable.
10
Therefore the side agreement you signed
upon the instruction of your employer is void
from the beginning. However that document
can now be used against your employer as
proof that indeed your employer is forcing you
to commit an act of illegal employment by
working as janitor in her company.
Bear in mind that foreign domestic helpers
are permitted to do only domestic duties/
chores in the residence of the employer
appearing in the contract, no more, no less.
You may report your employer’s
violation to the Immigration Department –
Investigation Division and seek permission to
transfer to another employer on the strength of
the document (Side Agreement) which your
employer compelled you to sign. I personally
believe you will be permitted to transfer to
another employer as special consideration.
Bro. Rolly
A BROKEN PROMISE
I have completed my two-year contract with
my present employer and upon mutual agreement,
we signed up for a new contract which will run for
another two years.
At the end of March she asked me to process my
new contract as she does not have time nor money
to pay the agency for processing it. When I asked for
money to pay for the authentication fees and other
processing charges, she asked me to pay such fees
first because she has not yet received her salary, but
she promised she will pay me back.
Believing her, I did pay in advance all the
processing charges and my new contract was
completed and my visa stamped on my passport.
But when I received my salary for the month of
April, she did not include those charges and when
I approached her she just told me that it’s a small
matter and I should thank her because she decided
to re-hire me.
A SMALL FAVOR
Dear Bro. Rolly,
I have recently transferred to a new employer in
the New Territories. My job is to look after a 7-year
old boy including sending him to a primary school
near our flat.
While I have no difficulty in attending to my
daily duties because their flat is small and there
are only three family members, what I find not
acceptable is my employer requiring me to wash his
car every other day.
Divine, Tai Po
Dear Divine,
While washing the car of your employer
may not be considered part of your domestic
duties, I honestly believe that doing such extra
job could certainly establish a good relationship
between you and your employer.
There are some duties not stated in the
contract, such as watering plants, feeding
the dog, etc. and yet doing it without being
compelled by the employer could build that
much sought after almost perfect employeremployee relationship especially since your
work at home is light considering the small
size of their flat and family as mentioned in
your letter.
Bro. Rolly
Is washing the car part of my domestic duties?
Please advise.
Dear Bro. Rolly,
Bro. Rolly
What should I do to recover my money?
Bing, North Point
Dear Bing,
Your employer is a shrewd person. She
knew that you will not be able to produce
any proof that it was your own money that
was used to pay those charges, because it is
a common knowledge that such expenses are
supposed to be borne by the employer.
On July 4, 1946, representatives of the United
States and the Republic of the Philippines
signed a treaty of general relations between the
two governments. The treaty provided for the
recognition of the independence of the Republic
of the Philippines and the relinquishment
of American sovereignty over the Philippine
Islands.
In the absence of any proof, it may be
difficult for you to file recovery claim against
your employer and it may be even a reason for
her to take revenge on you.
I would advise that you continue your
job with her and do it well so that you may
finish the 2-year term; and after that transfer to
another employer.
HONG KONG
SIDE AGREEMENT
Act of 1934 established the Commonwealth of
the Philippines and in 1935, a plebiscite on the
constitution for the new Republic was approved.
Filipinos have had a long history of struggle
before gaining freedom and independence. The
Philippines was under the colonial rule of Spain
for almost 200 years. Insurrections led by our
brave national heroes broke out because of the
authoritarian and abusive Spanish rule. It only
came to an end accidentally as a result of the
United States’ involvement with Cuba, another
Spanish colony.
The United States declared war on Spain in 1898.
The Battle of Manila Bay was the first hostile
engagement of the Spanish-American War.
US gained the support of the Filipinos through
the help of Aguinaldo who went back to the
Philippines after being exiled in Hongkong. He
then gathered his rebel forces and re-established
a revolutionary government and declared
Philippine Independence from Spain on June 12,
1898 at his ancestral home in Kawit Cavite.
Commission and gave it authority over the
civilian government. It eliminated three centuries
of Spanish governance, established the laws and
institutions of a modern civil state, constituted
a code of law, a judicial system and an elective
municipal and provincial governments.
In July 1907, the Nacionalista Party of Manuel
Quezon and Sergio Osmena won the first elections
to the Philippine Assembly and continued to
reign until World War II.
In 1916, an elected Philippine Senate replaced
the appointed Philippine Commission and the
former Philippine Assembly was renamed the
House of Representatives. The Tydings-McDuffie
Manuel Roxas became the first President of the
Republic of the Philippines on July 4, 1946.
He was succeeded by Elpidio Quirino in 1948,
Ramon Magsaysay in 1953, Carlos Garcia in
1957 and Diosdado Macapagal in 1961.
Soon after taking office, President Macapagal
signed Republic Act No. 4166 and proclaimed
June 12 a national holiday in celebration of
Philippine Independence. General Emilio
Aguinaldo, who first proclaimed Philippine
Independence on June 12, 1898, was the guest of
honor at the first Independence Day celebrations
held on June 12, 1962.
Since then, every 12th of June, Filipino
communities worldwide never fail to celebrate
this momentous event known as the Philippine
Independence Day.
The flag of the Philippines was first flown in that
event. It was made in Hong Kong by Marcela
Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo and Delfina
Herbosa de Natividad. It is also where the
Philippine National Anthem was first played by
the San Francisco de Malabon band, composed
by Julian Felipe, The song was played under the
name Marcha Filipina Magdalo, later renamed
as Marcha Nacional Filipina. This declaration
however was not recognized because on
December 10, 1898 at the Treaty of Paris, Spain
ceded the Philippines to the United States.
The US did not intend to recognize Philippine
Independence, which forced Aguinaldo to move
his capital from Cavite to Malolos. Aguinaldo
and his advisers were eager to prove that the
Filipinos could govern themselves and started to
organize the Philippine Republic. He proclaimed
the Malolos Constitution on January 23, 1899
and two days later, the Philippine Republic was
inaugurated in Malolos Bulacan.
Hostilities between the Americans and the
Filipinos began on February 4, 1899 which led to
the collapse of the Philippine-American alliance
and continued on for two years. It took the lives of
many Filipinos. Aguinaldo and his government
escaped the capture of Malolos on March 31,
1899, disbanded his forces in November and were
captured on March 23, 1901. He was forced to
swear allegiance to the United States, called on
his soldiers to put down their arms and on July
4, 1901, the United States declared an end to
military rule.
President McKinley noticed the determination
of the Filipino people to gain their independence
and recommended the establishment of a civilian
domestic government. He appointed the Taft
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
11
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
AIA Stages Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo
by Ms. Remely Valdez
Founding Chairman of the AIA is barrister
Ody A. Lai who is also an Ilocana from
Tarlac. She congratulated her fellow Ilocanos
for their unity, friendship, camaraderie and
harmonious relationship with each other.
A newly formed Ilocano group, the Assembly
of Ilocano Associations in Hong Kong,
or AIA held its first activity by staging a
Santacruzan and parade of Ilocano beauties
last May 31 at Chater Road.
Kong, Claro S. Cristobal. In his speech he
congratulated the group in showcasing the
Filipino customs and traditions. He also
invited the group to attend the Independence
Day Celebration on June 14 which was to
be held also in Chater Road.
KYUD Group Darts Tournament Season 2
The Kyud Group successfully concluded
season 2 of their regular darts tournament last
June 7, 2009.
Organizers breathed a sigh of relief as the
tournament was finally over. The event started
around 12:30 pm with players being briefed
on rules for the game. The games then went
underway at 3:00 pm until 12:00 midnight.
Chosen as Reyna Elena was Melanie
Racinez of Dingras Group while Maricel
Medina of Santol Association was hailed as
the Queen of Flowers.
Guests, sponsors and other invited groups were
on hand to support the players. Proceeds of
the tournament will go to Tahanang Walang
Hagdan.
The officers of AIA-HK inducted into
office apart from Chairman Ody Lai were
President Petra Regua, Internal VicePresident Rizalina Acosta; External VicePresident Magdalena Purugganan; General
Secretary Lorna S. Pagadua; Secretary
Johanna Perez; Treasurer Laarni Felipe;
Auditors Lloyde Saday; Jerry Root; and
Assistant Auditor Anne Galdones.
Kyud Vice President Edgar Cortez pointed out
in his message that in a short period of time,
the group has established a mark in the society
of Filipino migrant and overseas workers.
Their aim is to help fellow Filipinos, may it be
in Hong Kong or in the Philippines to make a
little difference in life in any simple way they
can.
Official tournament results:
Class A Champion
Boyet Butuang
1st Place
Dexter Iregayen
2nd Place Bobot Yumang
3rd Place Apple Serzo.
Class B Champion 1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place Ding Alfaro
Carlie Balungaya
Nestor Arriola
Warlie Padawang.
More than 20 association beauties in their
long gowns paraded from Ice House Street
to Chater Road as “Reynas” of different
groups.
There were performances from the invited
associations to complete the excitement
and fun of the audience. The Cordilleran
males dressed in their traditional loincloth
or bahag became the center of attraction and
received more applause from the guests and
audience.
The whole day event was filled with songs
and dances performed in Ilocano. Even the
messages and introductions were done in the
Ilocano dialect. Honorable Guest Speaker
was the new Consul General of Hong
12
The group would like to express their gratitude
to everyone who supported the event and
invites interested parties to be a part of the
upcoming season 3.
For more information, call of visit the following branches
BPI Remittance Center (H.K.) Ltd
WORLDWIDE 115 BRANCH
Tel: (852) 2521 5366 / 2522 7105
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
BPI Remittance Center (H.K.) Ltd
HUNGHOM BRANCH
Tel: (852) 2954 4833 / 2735 2380
BPI Remittance Center (H.K.) Ltd
YUEN LONG BRANCH
Tel: (852) 2443 5377
13
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
God’s Mighty Visitation in
Urdaneta City
by Apostle Renato D. Carillo / ORAS NG HIMALA staff
A
s the heavy rain
dropped to the
ground,
the
heavy outpouring of God’s anointing and glory
were poured out to God’s people at Maharlika
Hall, Cultural Center, Urdaneta City last April
22, 2009.
Urdaneta City is located in eastern part of the
Province of Pangasinan. Traverse by the Manila
North Road virtually bisecting the locality into
the west and east side. The city is approximately
186 km. from Metro Manila. Urdaneta City is
a 2nd class city in the province of Pangasinan,
Philippines. The city has been identified by the
Province of Pangasinan as a growth pole, thereby
making the surrounding localities as its satellite.
The Man of God, Apostle Renato D. Carillo with
his staff felt the warm welcome among God’s
people in Urdaneta City as welcome streamers
were visible within the vicinity of the venue.
Anticipating a mighty move of God, the people
of God came earlier before the actual service
had started. The said venue was filled with a
capacity of God’s people from different parts of
Pangasinan and nearby towns with their Pastors.
Congregation and Pastors from other fellowship
in Pangasinan also attended the conference.
Wonderful praise and worship commenced the
service. Recognition of brethren from different
chapters in Pangasinan followed. Then, edifying
testimonies of God to His people were then
heard.
Indeed, God swept His people with a mighty
visitation as the Man of God stepped at the
platform and led an awesome worship. As he
stood, he acknowledged God’s faithfulness and
goodness by expressing his gratitude saying,
“Father, thank you for Your abounding grace to us.
Who are we that you have entrusted us this great task
to reach out countless lives and souls to be ushered into
Your kingdom? Thus, we love you and worship you.”
As the Man of God began to speak, he
encouraged everyone to have a part in bringing
the gospel to every corner of the world especially
through ORAS NG HIMALA TV program
that has continuously touches countless of
lives nationwide and even abroad on its daily
broadcasting.
“All the sign of Christ’s coming are so evident, and
because of this absolute truth, we have to keep moving
on, and your giving for the works of God is so vital”,
the Man of God boldly declared as he moved
on with his message. And God’s people warmly
responded by clapping their hands and shouted
Amen.
As he continued, he began to reveal the precious
powerful revelation truth pertaining to end-times.
He then shared the importance of yielding to
the Holy Spirit as Simon was moved to go to the
temple, so he was able to see the Messiah. The
Man of God instilled the truth that we must be
sensitive to the Holy Spirit for He will bear witness
in our spirits what God is doing. He stressed it
out that being spiritual, holy, and righteous are
14
necessary so we can see the fulfillment of God’s
promises and prophecies because God will not
use anyone who is carnal. As he went on further
with his message, he also shared some revelation
truth pertaining to wealth transfer and blessing
testimonies that truly edified God’s people. He
then emphasized the urgency to preach Christ
anywhere and everywhere, especially now that
the Lord Jesus is coming. He then encouraged
everyone to support the ways and means that
God uses to bring the gospel everywhere for the
salvation of souls. Moving forward, he opened
the word of God in the book of Luke 15: 7.
Overwhelmed with joy, he shared the truth that
the heavens rejoice with just one soul being saved.
As he was about to close the message, he boldly
declared that the Holy Spirit invasion has already
began in Pangasinan just like what God had told
him on that day.
As soon as the word of the Lord was spoken, the
mighty wave of God’s glory was poured out upon
God’s people. God’s glory and anointing was
poured out more intensely. And the people of
God wept, travailed, shaken and trembled. Others
could not almost contained the heavy outpouring,
so they kneeled down in great reverence to God.
As the Spirit of God moved mightily, all the sick
and afflicted were ministered to.
Mighty healing testimonies included:
A woman who suffered from five years abdominal
tumor was gloriously healed by God. She was
slain in the Holy Spirit during the altar call. As
she stood up, she testified that the abdominal
tumor as big an egg was instantly dissolved by the
power of God. Glory to God!
A woman who suffered from blurred eyesight
for three years was able to see clearly even before
the Man of God prayed over. She gladly testified
that as the Man of God stood at the pulpit, she
was able to see clearly even without wearing her
eyeglasses. Hallelujah!
A woman from nearby town came to the service
expecting a miracle. According to her, she
suffered from hypertension for so long. As she
rushed forward, the spirit of the Lord that moved
mightily touched her and she was slain in the
Holy Spirit. When she stood up, she experienced
a great relief. She testified that she is really healed.
Praise God!
And all those who suffered from other sicknesses
and diseases such as arthritis,migraine, abdominal
pain and eye problem were all healed by God!
Afterwards, the Man of God challenged everyone
to open each heart through giving for the works
of God. As the anointing to prosper flowed, he
challenged all to write a pledge and give more
for the said event. He himself wrote a specific
amount and pledged to give it as soon as possible.
And the people of God also responded cheerfully
to the call. Then, he prayed for the offering and
spoke overflowing blessings to the livelihood of
God’s people.
He then culminated the service with a prayer of
thanksgiving and pronounced blessings to God’s
people in Pangasinan.
Truly, the visitation of the Man of God is the
visitation of God. And the impact of God’s
mighty visitation and the unlimited outpouring
of His power, glory and anointing engraved in
everyone’s heart and sealed by the Holy Spirit.
Certainly, Urdaneta City and its people will
never be the same. To God be the glory now and
forevermore! AMEN.
*****
DO YOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE
MIRACLE IN YOUR LIFE?
Why not come to the LordJesus Christ and invite
Him into your life? He is willing to do all things for
you because NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE with Him
if you will only believe.
Receive JESUS as your Personal Savior and Lord now,
John 14: 6; Acts 4: 12 Jesus is the true bread of life John 6:
35 In HIM, you will find true PEACE. John 14: 27 He
is your great Physician I Peter 2: 24 He is the key to a
blessed and a Prosperous life 2 Corinthian 8: 9 He is the
light of your path and the light of the world. John 1: 9
He is the good shepherd of your soul John 10: 11 He is
the life and the resurrection. John 11: 25
You ought to have a right relationship with our Lord
Jesus Christ so that you will be saved, be blessed and
enjoy a peaceful life because APART FROM HIM,
YOU CAN DO NOTHING. John 15: 4
Say this prayer:
Father God, I don’t want to go to hell, I want to enter heaven.
Now, I confess my sins; please forgive me for all my sins and also
the sins of my forefathers. Please forgive us for worshipping,
bowing, praying and asking help from idols and carved images.
It was wrong and it is a great sin against you. Please, forgive us
also for gambling, smoking, committing adultery, fornication,
telling lies, deceiving people, taking prohibited drugs. Forgive
me also for negative thoughts, words and deeds. Forgive me too
for watching pornographic films, viewing pornographic posters
and magazines. Forgive us also for getting counterfeit power
from satan through hypnotism, witchcraft, sorcery, black
magic. Forgive me too for hatred, resentment, self-pity, envy,
loneliness, weariness and being proud. I now forgive those who
trespassed against me, including my parents, brothers, sisters,
relatives and even myself. I want to be changed.
“Father God, I admit that I am a sinner. I have sinned
against You in thoughts, words and deeds. Please forgive me
for all my sins such as pride, hatred, 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 more info, log on to: www.miraclehour.com
e-mail: [email protected]
Tel nos. 25915644 or text 09213608074 / 09074137735
For prayer and counseling, you may write to:
Apostle Renato D. Carillo
P.O. Box 40, Araneta Center,
1135 Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines
Watch! ORAS NG HIMALA
Hong Kong Dream Cable Channel 3 & TFC Channel 2
12:00 m.n.-1:00 a.m. daily; 6:30 a.m.- 7:30 a.m.
(Saturday)
We invite you to our services
every SATURDAY: 10 am- 2pm &
SUNDAY service 9 am – 1pm
Flat 1- A,14/F,# 30-30A
Vincent House, Jordan Road
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Legal Matters
by Barrister Ody A. Lai
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.
Rehabilitation of Offenders Ordinance
I was imprisoned for 3 months and now I am back
to the society. It is very difficult for me to face my
family, friends and community. I am trying to look
for a job but my self confidence is very low. I need
help.
Lizzie of Kennedy Town
There is a Rehabilitation of Offenders
Ordinance, Cap 297, section 2 that states: (1)
Where- (a) an individual has been convicted
in Hong Kong 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(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.
So, Lizzie, if the conviction was 3 years ago
and you did not re-offend, by virtue of the
above, when you look for a new job, you
do not have a duty to disclose about your
criminal record. If your employer finds out,
the company cannot use it as a ground to
prejudice or terminate your employment.
I suggest, you go and find a job without
disclosing your past record. If you only got
your conviction recently, and the application
forms do not require you to disclose your past
criminal record, then, you do not have the
duty to disclose. But if it is asked, then you
have to provide an honest answer.
I assume that you are a resident of Hong Kong
thus you are not faced with possible removal
from the territory. If you are a domestic
helper with a conviction, be prepared for the
worst. After your visa expires, it would not be
renewed and you will not have another chance
to work in Hong Kong as a domestic helper.
You may consider going back to Philippines
armed with plans to start again or try other
countries to work.
I can sense your despair on what happened
to you but I assure you that you are going
through normal process of dealing with
human failings and weaknesses which is
inherent in all of us. It is easier said than
done but stop blaming others or yourself and
start taking responsibility for your actions
and decisions from this day forward. Do
not repeat the same mistake instead learn
from it; keep the lesson and the wisdom of
the blunder. I do not expect you will never
fail again because we will fail over and over,
hopefully not on the same errors but new
ones which will ultimately lead to progress.
Despite this grim reality of life, keep a very
positive attitude that life is better tomorrow.
Do not let the conviction imprison your mind
and soul, start taking new opportunities and
with it comes risks. If something did not work,
do not quit, start another and persevere.
There are many success stories but what is
common to all is that these people reached
that elusive triumph on the foundation of
multiple errors, mistakes and failures. They
did not give up; they become stronger with
every failing until they arrive at the top.
Success is a process; it is not a single event.
Only if you quit that you are considered total
failure. So habang may buhay, may pag-asa,
kaya action ka agad.
The Hong Kong government has many
rehabilitation programmes for offenders in
order to integrate them into the society as
smoothly as possible in the shortest period
of time. I assume that you are physically
healthy and that you do not need medical
treatment. The foremost programme for you
is education and training for a skill, vocation
or profession. I suggest you get information
on various short term courses like computer
lessons, designing, hair-cutting, secretarial
course and many more. You can contact
the Vocational Institute. The Bayanihan at
Kennedy Town offers various lessons that you
will find useful. There are many charitable
and non-governmental organizations that
can assist you. Check the Christian churches
and institutions for various supports. You
need to enhance your ability and develop
your potentials in collaboration with various
sectors of the Hong Kong and Philippine
Communities. You can surely find an
environment where you can widen your
prospects and enjoy equal employment
opportunities. Depending on which province
in Philippines you originate, you can join a
matching association to socially empower
you and in the process appreciate your
culture, traditions and thus understanding
your individuality.
I leave you with this story. A ceramics teacher
announced at the start of his class that he will
divide the class into 2 groups. At the end of 3
months, Group A will be given marks solely
on the quantity of ceramics they produced
with 10 kilos or more getting A, 5 kilos and
more a B, 3 kilos and more a C; while Group
B will be given marks solely on the quality
of their work and one perfect pot is all that
is required to get an A. After 3 months, the
teacher brought his weighing scale to give
the appropriate marks. Of course Group A
churned in the heaviest pots thus getting an
A grade. As for the perfect and most beautiful
pot, none was given an A grade from Group
B. The most beautiful, perfect pots were all
found in Group A where quality is not even
required. Lesson: Group A was busy making
all sorts of pots in different designs not
bothered whether the pot is perfect or most
beautiful while Group B was busy planning,
analyzing, theorizing, and designing on paper
the most beautiful, perfect pot and in the end
had little more to show for their efforts than
grand theories and a pile of dead clay.
The lesson of the story is that it does not
matter what you do. The only way you can
get ahead in life is to fail early, fail as often
without fear and keep on doing what you
think is best. The biggest enemy is yourself
and lies within. Get over the past and move
forward.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank
all those who supported the Assembly of
Ilocano Associations of Hong Kong during
the 31st May 2009, Santacruzan and Flores
de Mayo. Your assistance, big and small,
monetary or otherwise made possible the
successful promotion of the Filipino and
Ilocano culture and traditions in Hong Kong.
Maraming Salamat po sa inyong lahat.
COME, BE BLESSED! BE SAVED! BE HEALED
AND EXPERIENCE MIRACLE!
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
15
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
PAHK’s Beauty and Magic celebrates
111 Years of Philippine Independence
by apg
were lucky winners as well, as most of the
major prizes came from their table.
Some of the prizes were bottles of wine,
a Magic Sing Karaoke Microphone, hotel
accommodations with breakfast, spa gift
certificates and a round trip business class
ticket to Boracay on Philippine Airlines.
The H20 band, one of the hottest Hong Kong
based Filipino band provided the disco and
ballroom music for the crowd who stayed and
danced until past 12:00 midnight.
The Philippine Association of Hong Kong
(PAHK) headed by its Chairman Ms. Dina
May Flores, Country Manager of Philippine
Airlines for Hong Kong and Macau, hosted the
traditional annual Gala dinner in celebration
of the 111th year of Philippine independence
at the Grand Ballroom of the Conrad Hotel in
Admiralty on June 13 with the theme “ Beauty
and Magic “
Brastel manager Eric Goyena as press relation
officer and Barrister Ody A. Lai as legal adviser.
Other members of the board were: Cash Sense
Manager Chato Carlos, Prime Credit Manager
John Dennis A. Borbolla, ISS project assistant,
Jay Martinez, Owtel Manager Richard del
Valle and PLDT Global president and CEO,
Al Panlilio.
The program commenced with the traditional
cocktail party at 6:00 PM for the guests to
mingle and chat with each other before the
formal opening and ribbon cutting ceremony
which was led by the Consul General and
PAHK Board of Directors for 2009.
16
Richard Poon, dubbed as the Philippines’
hottest crooner, did not fail to leave the
audience with awe every time he grabbed the
microphone and rendered his own rendition
of all time favorite standards and classic love
songs.
The program started with a holy mass in the
morning at the Harcourt Garden followed
by the Independence Day parade which was
participated by more than a hundred Filipino
associations, starting from Admiralty walking
along Des Vouex Road to Chater Road in
Central. It was first time that the parade was
participated in by majority of the associations
and took almost an hour of walk wearing their
Filipiniana and association costumes.
A video presentation of this year’s chosen
beneficiary, Gawad Kalinga Foundation, was
also shown, which cares for the less fortunate
families in the Philippines. Proceeds of the
said event will go to the foundation.
Again, the honorable Consul General led
the parade along with the PAHK directors
marching towards Chater Road wherein a
ribbon cutting ceremony was also done to
mark the start of day-long activities for the
Filipino community.
There were lots of prizes drawn for the raffle
during the event. Mr. Ven Maloto was the
Grand Prize winner. Members of his group
Different flags were raised during the singing
of the national anthem to signal the start of
the program. Also part of the program was
Excel Card
Prime
Bigger and better in 2009 with more exclusive offers
After the Consul General’s welcome message,
honest Pinay Mildred Perez was given special
honor and was proudly presented on the stage
by Cristobal. Perez was recently reported in
most of the newspapers in Hong Kong for
honestly returning to the police authorities
money she found while on her way home in
the street.
Jay-R and Jonalyn Viray again performed in
the Sulong Pa rin ang Pinoy concert and was
applauded so much when she made a surprise
duet with an OFW who volunteered to sing
from the crowd.
1528 smart hosted the afternoon event with
the Philippines’ most talented and well-liked
actress-comedienne Ms. Ai Ai Alas. She was
the star of hit movies Tanging Ina and Best
Friends Forever (BFF).
Sumptuous dinner was served while multiawarded singer and the first ever Pinoy Pop
Superstar Grand Champion Ms. Jonalyn Viray,
rendered beautiful music to the delight of the
guests. She was then followed by the serenade
of the prince of R&B, the ever talented and
good looking Jay R. They were applauded
when they sang together and prompted the
crowd to dance with their partners and feel the
mood in dancing with their sweet music.
After the ribbon cutting, all the guests were
requested to come inside for the program proper.
Chairman Flores welcomed all the guests and
visitors while Vice Chairman, Joel C. Almeda
the current assistant Vice President and Asia
Pacifiic Head for Banco de Oro in Hong Kong
acknowledged the sponsors and and donors.
He also Introduced his fellow Directors for
2009 namely Mr. Jaypee de Guzman as board
secretary and Marketing Ofiicer of BDO,
Jollibee Hong Kong Manager, Jhell Palomaria
as assistant secretary, BPI Managing Director
Voltaire Medina as treasurer, PNB account
manager Rex Ambrocio L. Caldez as treasuer,
During the program, Labatt Romulo Salud
of the Philippine Labor Office read the
Independence message of Secretary Marianito
Roque, while Consul Vic Dimagiba read the
message of DFA Secretary Alberto Romulo
and Deputy Consul General Kira Danganan
Azucena read the message of her Excellency
Madamme Gloria Macapagal Arroyo,
president of the republic of the Philippines.
Sponsors of the event were: 1528 Smart,
Prime Credit and Prime Gold, Banco De Oro
Hong Kong , Philippine Airlines, Bank of
the Philippine Island, Public Finance, Metro
Bank, San Miguel Hong Kong, PNB, Creba
and GMA Pinoy TV and the media partners
were, Friends International Magazine, The
Sun, Filipino Globe, Hong Kong News, PTS
and GEK. The program was directed by Jong
Inocencio of Voice Image Production.
The festivities did not end there. PAHK in
cooperation with the Philippine Consulate
General presented a free Kalayaan concert
dubbed as “Sulong pa rin ang Pinoy” at the
Chater Road on June 14.
The new Consul General, Honorable Claro S.
Cristobal, along with the Philippine diplomatic
corps in Hong Kong, was the special guest of
honor in the said celebration.
the selected cultural presentations of the
different associations in Hong Kong from
Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Ai Ai made the afternoon complete for the
OFWs with her famous comedy lines and
comic singing. Co-hosting with her was hunk
actor TJ Trinidad, who made the Filipinas
giggle with joy and admiration with his good
voice and handsome look.
Also present in the concert was Ms Annabelle
Rama who watched the performance of the
two alongside the Filipino community and
PAHK directors. PLDT Hong Kong president
and CEO Al Panliliio along with GM Biboy
Genuino were also present and gave away
prizes for the audience during the day.
Luzon Federation headed by Remedios
Boralaza, Black Panther of master Joseph
Baustista and Batangas varsitarian of Erwin
Marquezes served as crowd control volunteers
and marshals in the event. While the Filipino
Nurses Group and the Integrated Midwife
Association of the Philippines were medical
volunteers. Jollibee Hong Kong provided
the refreshments for the guest performers and
volunteers.
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
On May 2008, PrimeCredit Limited launched a benefit
card for Overseas Filipino Workers called the Prime Excel
Card. Selected clients of PrimeCredit who become Prime
Excel members are given a membership card that can be
presented to 50 partner merchants in Hong Kong and in the
Philippines.
Prime Excel Card holders are entitled to a great number of
discounts and privileges in dining, shopping, finance and
investment, health and beauty, travel, and short courses in
Hong Kong. In the Philippines, there are partner merchants
that offer special packages and discounts in transportation,
accommodations, and well-living.
As a customer-centric company, PrimeCredit also offers
seminars and self-enriching workshop exclusive to Prime
Excel members. No registration/entrance fees are charged,
and members just need to present their Prime Excel card to
join!
To avail of the Prime Excel card benefits, simply present the
Prime Excel card to the merchant before any purchase.
For more information on application requirements and
partner merchants, please contact the Prime Excel Customer
Service Hotline at 28100255.
17
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
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 International Magazine MAY 2009
. . . friends snapshots
19
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
Nation of The Free, Nation of
Freedom
Philippine Consulate General Marks 111th Year of
Philippine Independence with Festivities
by Bishop. Eddie Villanueva
“It is a useless life
that is not consecrated
to a great ideal.
It is like a stone wasted on the field without
becoming a part of any edifice.”
-
Jose P. Rizal
One hundred and eleven years have gone
by since the Philippines finally declared her
independence from more than 300 years of
Spanish colonization. And as one grateful
nation enjoys the blessings of this freedom
that was brought by her courageous
forebears’ own sweat and blood, due tribute
is given out to the heroes of the revolution
while today’s generation faces up with
the lessons on nationhood that they so
patriotically left behind.
*******
It was the execution by then ruling
Spaniards of the three Filipino priests,
Father Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and
Jacinto Zamora on February 17, 1872
that ignited the passion of the subdued
race to reclaim their long lost freedom.
It opened the eyes of the illustrado or the
rich and learned Filipinos, such as Jose
Rizal, Graciano Lopez Jaena, and Marcelo
H. Del Pilar, to use their education and
wisdom to enlarge the mind of the people
that was dwarfed by their deeply-rooted
culture of subservience. Their message
was clear: change in the ruling system
that would grant equality among Filipinos
and Spaniards and regard for the Filipino
people’s human rights.
But the quest for change, even then, was
elusive; its price was sky high. History
tells us how Rizal’s noble fight ended in his
cold-blooded execution at Bagumbayan.
*******
Meanwhile, the explosive writings of
Rizal and his peers caught the imagination
of the common folks and stirred them
up to finally do something about their
subjugation. It was their expositions that
cradled the thoughts of Andress Bonifacio,
the Father of the historically regarded first
revolution in Asia that is the Philippine
Revolution.
It is saddening how even Katipunan, the
revolutionary group founded by Bonifacio,
was rocked by in-fighting between him and
Emilio Aguinaldo. Sadder still is how his
20
fight and life ended in his execution at the
hands of fellow Filipinos.
Despite this, the fight for freedom
continued. And after a long period of
revolutionary struggle, the Philippines was
finally declared independent from Spain
on June 12, 1898. Only a year after, the
Malolos Republic was established – the first
ever republic in Asia.
*******
One hundred and eleven years after
the glorious declaration of Philippine
independence, how are we measuring up
to, even paying back, the great sacrifices
of our heroes? The challenge, really, is to
make sure that we do not let this liberty
be taken away from us ever again – not
by domineering foreign powers or abusive
forces from home. As it was then, it is
important now to be as relentless and
vigilant in our commitment to fight for
our nation’s freedom. We do this by
empowering our people, emancipating
them, educating them, energizing our
economy for them, elevating their living
standards, eradicating our bad governance,
and establishing peace in our land.
We can be heroes too, if we would only do
our part to make our nation a better one.
Now.
The Philippine Consulate General in Hong
Kong hosted the celebration of the 1111th year
of declaration of Philippine Independence,
with a well-attended diplomatic reception at
the Grand Ballroom of the Shangri-la Hotel
in Admiralty on 12 June 2009.
of the independence day celebration for
the information of the foreign guests
present in the said celebration and proudly
acknowledged the heroic contributions and
honor that the Filipino people is giving in the
Philippines. He also cited special mention to
our Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao,
Journey lead Vocalist Arnel Pineda, Charice
Pempenco and the Filipino musicians in
Hong Kong.
While the Financial Secretary congratulated
the Filipinos in celebration of the 111th year
of our national day, he started his message
in greeting the Filipinos with “Magandang
Gabi” and said that the diplomatic relations
with China and the Philippines is going
stronger and stable.
The new Consul General to Hong Kong,
Honorable Claro S. Cristobal led the
celebrations. The event was honored by the
presence of Hong Kong Financial Secretary,
Mr John Tsang and other dignitaries from
the Hong Kong government.
Also in attendance was the Philippine
Diplomatic Corps led by deputy Consul
General Kira Danganan Azucena together
with the head of the Philippine labor office
in Hong Kong led by Honorable Romulo
Salud and other officers of the Philippine
Consulate in Hong Kong.
After the speeches, the flags of each country
were raised during the singing of the
Chinese national anthem followed by the
Philippines’.
The cocktail reception was complemented
by several Filipino dishes such as chicken
adobo, lechon, salads, kilawin, and others
that were relished by the guests as they
enjoyed presentation of Filipino folk dances
and native songs.
Earlier in the day, the Consulate also hosted
a celebration with the Filipino community
leaders and business sectors,
which
culminated with a hearty Filipino breakfast
of sinangag, tapa, chicken tocino and eggs.
The Consulate also hosted a Filipino fiesta
and a free concert with the theme “Sulong Pa
Rin Ang Pinoy” organized by the Philippine
Association of Hong Kong at the Chater
Road on 14 June 2009 featuring Filipino
artists from the Philippines. Dances, games
and songs were prepared by the Filipino
community in Hong Kong.
by Arnold P. Grospe
Among the other guests were: members of
the business community, bankers, Filipino
leaders and media personalities in Hong
Kong.
The simple ceremony started at 7:00 in the
evening witha speeches from the Philippine
Consul General andh later on replied by
Secretary Tsang.
The Consul General gave a brief story
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
21
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
Beach Party for MinMa’s 3rd Anniversary
by APG
The Mindanao Migrant Alliance headed
by Engr. Nazzer Ampang held its 3rd year
anniversary with a BBQ party and beach fun
games at the Chung Hom Kok Beach on May
28, 2009.
elections next year.
Also present in the said celebration were:
OWWA welfare officer Manuela Pena,
The Sun publisher Leo Deocadiz, who was
requested on the spot to become one of the
advisers of MinMA, Friends International
Magazine Managing Editor Arnold P. Grospe,
BDO Gen Manager Joel C. Almeda and The
Sun editor Daisy Mandap.
Marites Nuval, Jo Mabalot and other
community leaders of different associations
were also present to greet the group.
Luzon Federation president Remedios Borlaza,
Candonians HK president Rechilda Cortez,
and VP Emmy Ganado, La Union Federations
Despite heavy rains that day, Consul General
Claro S. Cristobal in his beach attire, surprised
the members of the Mindanao Migrant
Alliance or MinMA when he showed up and
stayed with the group in celebrating its third
anniversary.
He congratulated the group in being united
and strong for the past 3 years. He also
reminded MinMa members to register for the
overseas absentee voting or OAV so that they
can participate in the presidential and national
22
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
23
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
Balitang Showbiz
ni Noel Asinas
Ryza, teacher na ngayon pagdating
sa kissing scenes
SA Bakasyunista, ang leading lady ni Chris Cayzer ay si Ryza Cenon. Kasamahan niya si
Ryza sa SOP tuwing Sunday. Hanggang hi and hello lang silang dalawa ni Ryza noon.
Buhat nang nagkasama sila sa Bakasyonista, madalas na silang magbidahan sa set ng
SOP. Bukod pa sa nagti-text sila kung minsan. Nadevelop ang kanilang friendship.
Dahil baguhan sa acting si Chris, maraming natutunan si lalaki kay Ryza.
Mismo si Chris ang nagsabi sa amin na si Ryza ang nagturo sa kanya kung ano ang
kanilang gagawin sa kanilang kissing scenes.Siyemre, may guide din ang kanilang director.
Samantala, ipinagtapat naman ni Ryza sa amin na nanginig nang husto ang katawan
ng kanyang partner nang makahalikan niya sa episode ng Bakasyonista, na si Chris, ang
singer na regular mainstay ng SOP at member ng all male Brodband group ng show.
Ani Ryza: ”Kasi, first time niyang nagkaroon ng screen kiss. Sobrang kabado si Chris sa
eksenang ginawa namin. Kaya hayun nanginig ang katawan.”
Samantala, si Chris naman ay di ikinakaila ang naging karanasan niya sa unang kissing scene para sa mini soap.Totoong
kinabahan siya at nanginig ang kalamnan.
Ani Chris: ”Magandang experience naman, kasi, ibang kahalikan si Ryza. Super sweet ang lips niya. Lasang strawberry.”
Buhat nang nagkasama sina Ryza at Chris, naging magkaibigan na silang dalawa. Dati nang nagkikita sila sa backstage
ng SOP tuwing Sunday, hanggang hi and hello lang sila. Pero, ngayon ay magkatsika na silang dalawa.
Kasama rin sa cast ng Bakasyonista sina Mark Herras, Sheena Halili, Rainier Castillo at Isabel Oli. Ipalalabas ito next
Sunday sa Dear Friend na hosted nina Jolina Magdangal at Marvin Agustin.
Jolo may bagong pagseselosan kay Lovi
WALANG dapat ipagselos si Jolo Revilla kay Chris Cayzer kay Lovi Poe . Kahit madalas magkasama
ngayon sina Chris at Lovi sa mga concert scene sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa. Recently lang,
magkasama ang dalawa sa isang successful concert sa Lucena City. Magkapartner silang dalawa
sa mga bar tour na may kay kaugnayan na rin sa pagpu-promote ni Lovi ng kanyang album na
Bloom, under Sony-BMG Records.
Nang na-interview namin si Chris sa pocket presscon para sa Bakasyonistan episode ng Dear
Friend, nasabi niyang sister ang turing niya kay Lovi. Iisa kasi ang manager nila ni Lovi si Leo
Dominguez.
Madalas silang magkakasama sa mga lakaran. Si Jolo, turing ni Chris ay kaibigan. Kabarda rin sa
mga lakad kung minsan.
Aminado si Chris na loveless siya ngayoh. Kabi-break l lang niya sa kanyang ex-gf. Gusto nyang
mag-concentrate sa kanyang bumubonggang singing at acting career.
Di raw matutulad si Chris kay Prince Stefan na balitang pinagselosan ni Jolo. May nangyari
pang insidente sa set noon ng soap ni Lovi, Ang Babaing Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang. Sa set at
pinagsabihan daw ni Jolo si Prince na huwag magdadala ng pagkain sa set para sa kanila ni Lovi.
24
Andrew Miguel, certified hunk na ngayon
MASARAP kausapin ang bagong hunk na kababaliwan ng mga kolehiyala at mga
bading, si Andrew Miguel. Kasi, di siya ang ordinary hunk na basta lang nakuha
sa gay bar. Bagkus, produkto siya ng talent search, ang Mr. Pogi contest ng Eat
Bulaga.
Siya’y estudyante ngayon ng University of Asia and the Pacific. Kumukuha na
siya ng kanyang second course ngayon, ang Computer Engineering.
Hilig niyang kumanta’t sumayaw. Pero, priority niya ang acting.
Ayon kay Andrew, stepping stone lang niya ang pagpapaseksi para madaling
makilala sa showbiz. Gusto naman niyang ipakita sa susunod niyang project ang
kanyang acting.
Recently lang siya nakipaghiwalay sa kanyang girffriend for 6 years dahil pinili
ng girl na mag-aral sa America ng kursong Nursing. Ayaw ni Andrew ng long
distance relationship. Kaya binigyan laya niya ang dating katipan. Kung sila pa
rin sa pagbabalik ni babae sa bansa, panahon na lang ang makapagsasabi.
Sa FreshMan video ni Andrew, hindi siya nahihiyang ipakita ito sa kanyagn parents. Kasi, sa paningin ni Andrew ay wala
siyang ginawang malaswa sa video.
Sa totoo lang, sabi ng Ivory Records, tatlong beses itong na-Rated X ng MTRCB bago ito na-approved. Para mapanood
ninyo ang mga sexy scenes ni Andrew, buy na kayo ng FreshMan. Kapag nakabili ng DVD ng Freshman, may chance
kayong maka-date si Andrew. Bibigyan kayo ng coupon na mismong nasa DVD package. Pagnabunot ang pangalan ninyo
ay may dinner date na libre lahat.
Revelation, may sariling
debut album na!
SUPER talented ang magkakapatid na bumubuo ng grupong
Revelation na ngayo’y may nairelease nang album, ang
Amor Y Sueño, na release ng Zone 7 ng Candid Records
Philippines.
Di kami nanghinayang na pumunta sa launching ng album
sa Ratsky’s Morato kahit sa kasagsagan ng malakas na ulan.
Kasi, napakasarap pakinggan ang music ng Revelation, na
ayon sa publicist nilang si Oliver Oliveros ay fusion of music
ang kanilang album. Kasi, pinaghalo-halos musical genre,
may pop, ballads, classical, R and B at iba pa ang kanilang
repertoire .
Dahil magkakapatid ang bumubuo ng banda, may kani-kanilang assignment sila. Pero, lahat sila’ynagtataglay ng talents
sa music. May pagmamanahan at huhubog sa kanila, ang kanilang parents. Parehong umaawit ang kanilang tatay at
nanay. Ang mother ay magaling din sa piano.Kaya ang mga anak ay nakaiintindi ng music lahat.
Nagsimula silang kumanta at tumugtog ng individual musical instrument sa kanilang church na ikanaaniban. Pawang
Christian ang buong pamilya na tubong Zamboanga City. Kilalang-kilala sila sa Zamboanga City, bago sila nakilala sa
Manila. Nanalo na sila ng international award noong 2007 World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA). Nakopo
nila ang 2007 Champion of The World sa kategoryang jazz cover, original work at solo guitar rock instrumental.
May 12 cuts ang album nila, pawing composition ng magkakapatid ang nilalaman ng album.Lahat ng awitin ay may
kaugnayan sa kanilang buhay. Binubuo ang grupo ng magkakapatid na sina Jimboy, Shalmai, Nuel, Isaac na pawang
Calisang ang apelyido. Lahat sila’y degree holder ng iba’t ibang field, may nurse, may engineer, may seaman, may
teacher,at ang isa’y may master of music mula sa UP.
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
25
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
Cristine Reyes, nagbabalikGMA 7dahil gustong bantayan si
Dennis Trillo
GAANO katotoo kaya ang balita namin mula sa reliable source, na malapit
na matatawag kina Ara Mina at Cristine Reyes, na ang tunay na dahilan kung
bakit gustong umalis sa ABS-CBN para lumipat muli sa GMA 7, ay dahil kay
Dennis Trillo?
Sabi ng aming source, di raw totoong wala nang relasyon sina Dennis at
Cristine. Balitang napagkikita pa rin silang dalawa sa mga lakaran. Kaya
sekreto lang talaga ito.
Iyan din ang naririnig at nababasa namin sa paligid-ligid. Tumaas ang mga
kilay ng mga reporter tuloy na nakarinig kay Dennis na loveless siya ngayon
sa presscon ng Adik sa ’Yo. Anyway, right naman ni Dennis na mag-deny, ano?
Confirmed
nang hiwalay
sina Aleck
Bovick at Carlo
Maceda
CONFIRMED nang hiwalay na sina
Aleck Bovick at Carlo Maceda.
Nakausap naming sa premiere
night ng Dalaw (June 1) si Carlo. Dumalo siya premiere na may bagong girlfriend na
bitbit-bitbit na tipong non-showbiz ito. Pero, sexy at maganda ito.
Ani Carlo: “One year na kaming hiwalay ni Alex. Mutual agreement naming ito na
bigyan ng space ang bawat isa. Sumang-ayon siya. Kaya ganito na kami ngayon. Pero,
friends pa rin kaming dalawa. Nakapag-uusap pa rin nang matuwid dahil sa aming
mga anak.”
Hindi na-confirmed ni Carlo kung talagang may ka-relasyon ngayong bago si Aleck.
Alam niya ay may kaibigan lang itong madalas kasama.
May planong bigyan ng sariling negosyo ni Carlo si Aleck para maging normal ang
buhay at makakilos ng may sariling kayod. Kahit di na nga aktibo ang dating sexy
actress sa showbiz.
Katrina Halili, ayaw payagan ng
lawyer niyang lumabas sa showbiz
affair para sa kanyang security
Maaari raw natatakot si Cristine na maagaw sa kanya si Dennis lalo’t pabata
nang pabata ngayon ang leading lady ng actor. Di ba si Jenica Garcia ang
leading lady ni Dennis sa Adik Sa ’Yo na magsisimula na sa Monday ang airing
(June 8). Kasama ring bida sa soap sina Jolina Magdangal at Marvin Agustin.
Kung maraming nagsasabi na silang dalawa ( Dennis at Cristine) pa rin, ibig
sabihin noon ay may ”usok” pa rin ang balita,ano?
Samantala, may nagbulong naman sa amin na source din na kabado rin si
Cristine kay Heart Evangelista. Kasi, minsan nang nagpahayag si Dennis na
crush niya si Heart, mahilig sa tsinita at maputi.
Hindi na-offened si Dennis nang minsan nang tanggihan siya ni Heart bilang
leading man sa isang soap. Nagbackout si Heart.
Nagpahayag si Dennis na may ibang project pa silang pagsasamahan.
Nagsabi naman si Heart na di pa panahon para sila magkasama ni Dennis.
Maybe isang taon pa raw maghihintay si Dennis.
May tsika naman nagsabi sa amin, na nagpahayag na raw si Cristine sa mga
kaibigan na huwag daw lalapit si Heart kay Dennis. Tapos, ito raw ang tunay
na dahilan ng pababalik GMA 7 niya.
26
MARAMING fans ni Katrina Halili ang matiyagang
nag-intay sa lobby ng Cinema 10 ng SM Megamall
last Monday night na nag-aakalang masilayan ang
sexy actress sa premiere night ng indie film na Dalaw.
Ang controversial star ay di nakasipot. Diumano’y
pinagbabawalan siya ng lawyer niya ngayon na
lumabas-labas sa showbiz gatherings. May kaugnayan
ito sa kasong isinampa niya laban kay Dr. Hayden Kho.
Maaaring for security reason din.
Pero, kahit wala si Katrina sa premiere night, halos
mapuno ang sinehang pinagtanghalan. Dumating
ang mga kasamang stars niyang sina Kristel Fulgar,
Glydel Mercado, Mon Confiado, Matet de Leon, Alvin
Patrimonio at ang nitong si Cristine Patrimonio.
Lumabas si Katrina bilang TV host na gumagawa ng
report sa iba’t ibang subject. Nang ginawa niya ang
report na Dalaw, dito na siya nagkaroon ng kakaibang
takbo ng buhay.
Ang batang namatay dahil sa unang dalaw (menstruation period) ay minumulto
ang mga babaing first time din nagkakaroong ng menstruation. Super suspense ng
movie, maganda ng photography dahil kay Joe Vitug. Malinis ang pagkadirection ni
Jove Tan. Magaling din siya sa horror suspense at di lang sa mga full lenght drama.
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
Manny Pacquiao, kinukumbinsi
ni Sec. Lito Atienza na huwag
munang pumasok sa pulitika
IBA talaga itong
Manny Pacquiao,
maraming taong
nagmamahal sa
kanya. Kabilang
dito ang kaibigan
niyang si Secretary
ng DENR na si
Lito Atienza.
Kasi, recently,
sabi ni Lolit
Solis, nagpayo si
Sec. Atienza kay
Manny na huwag
munang ituloy
ang pagkandidatura sa 2010 elections. Bagkus igugol na lang ang panahon sa
larong boxing, kung saan maraming umiidilo kay Manny, di lang sa Pilipinas,
kundi pati sa buong mundo.
Sa tingin ni Sec. Atienza, mukhang makikinig sa kanya si Manny.
Anyway, malapit nang magtaping si Manny ng kanyang sitcom sa GMA 7.
Pero, this week ay magkakaroon si Manny ang final meeting sa production
people ng GMA para papiliin si Manny kung anong plot ang gusto niya sa
sitcom, kung saan mag-e-enjoy siya sa character na kanyang lalabasan.
Bukod dito, malalaman din kay Manny kung sino ang maa-approved niyang
leading lady niya sa sitcom. Balitang gusto ng network na makapartner ni
Manny ay ang kanilang young superstar ngayon.
Patuloy din maghu-host si Manny ang Pinoy Records na kasama si Chris Tiu.
Pauleen Luna, adik pa rin sa ex-bf na si Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian
KUNG mayroong boyfriend na masasabihan si Pauleen Luna ng katawagang,
“Adik sa ‘Yo,” walang iba ito kung hindi ang ex-bf niyang si Mayor Sherwin
Gatchalian ng Valenzuela City.
Nakausap namin si Pauleen sa presss launch ng Adik Sa “Yo last Wednesday
night(June 3). Ipinagtapat niya sa press na totoong minahal niya si Mayor
Sherwin, masasabi pa niyang True Love niya ang mayor. Kasi, nang panahong
sila ay nadama nang husto ni Pauleen ang pagmamahal ng binatang mayor.,
Ani Pauleen: “Di lang kami nagtagal nang husto dahil sa personal differences.
Si Mayor ay mahilig sa gimmick, ako home buddy lang. Dapat siguro, may
mag-give in sa amin para magkasundo kami sa isang bagay na ito.
“Maipagmamalaki ko na naghiwalay kami na walang third party na involved,
bagkus hanggang ngayon ay wala pa rin siyang ipinapalit sa akin, Ako naman
ay gayundin. Talagang gusto ko muna magbuhay single, yung bang career lang
ang inaatupag. Wala nang ibang aalalahanin.
“Nagkahiwalay kami ni Mayor, na magkaibigan. Minsan nagti-text lang kami.
Talagang kaibigan na lang.”
27
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
Heart walang balak umalis
sa network na nagbigay
muli ng sigla sa career niya;
nakipaghiwalay na sa nonshowbiz boyfriend
LALONG gumanda ang
beauty ni Heart Evangelista
nang mabakasyon din ng
dalawang buwan. Inamin ni
Heart sa presscon ng Ngayon
at Kailanman na buhat nang
siya’y pumirma ng two years
contract sa GMA 7, sunudsunod ang naging trabaho
niya. Unang soap niya ay Code
Name Asero, nasundan agad
ito ng Luna Mystika.
Ani Heart: “Masaya ako
sa GMA dahil iba’t ibang
emosyon ang naipapakita ko sa
tao sa dalawang magkasunod
kong soap. Proud ako sa mga
nilabasan ko dahil pawang top
rating soap ang ang nasalihan
ko. May time na nagging no.1
ang Luna Mystika sa ratings
game.”
Dahil sa magandang ipinakita
ng network na nagbigay buhay
muli ng career ni Heart, nasabi niya noon na never siyang lilipat pa ng ibang
network. Tapos,ngayon okay na okay sa kanya ang ginawang project sa kanila
ni JC, ang Ngayon at Kailanman.
Kahit may issue ngayon sa pagitan ng manager ni Heart at ng namumuno ng
production department ng GMA, feeling ni Heart ay di siya apektado. Kasi,
may ginagawa siyang soap na talagang napakanda sa kanya.
SAMANTALA, nasabi ni Heart Evangelista na loveless siya ngayon. Talagang
nagkahiwalay nasila ng landas ng kababata at non-showbiz boyfriend niyang
si Francisco Delgado. Balitang si Francisco ay paborito ngparentsni Heart na
sana’y ibig nilang makatuluyang ng kanilang anak. Kasi, kilala na nilanglubos
ang binata at family friends pa.
Pero, sa presscon ay pinangalandakan ni Heart sa press na single na
siya. Masaya siya ngayon at career lang niya ang kanyang inaatupag at
pinagkakaabalahan.
Nang tanunginng press kung mayroon na siyang nagging Ngayon at
Kailanaman, di ipinagkailan ni Heart nagkaroon na siya ng dalawang serious
relationship.
Obvious pa bang sabihin na ito’y sina Jericho Rosales at Francisco.
28
JC gusto pa
ring mag stay
sa GMA 7
WILLING
pa ring
magtrabaho
ni JC de Vera
sa GMA
Network,
ang TV
network na
nagpasikat
at nagbigay
sa kanya
ng magandang career sa showbiz,
kapag natapos na ang extention
contract niya sa early 2010.
Nasabi ni JC sa press launch ng bago
niyang soap sa network, ang Ngayon
at Kailanman, na ang contract niya
ngayon sa GMA ay one year option
ng network sa kanya pagkatapos
mag-expire ang contract niya early
2009.
Sa pagsasabi na ganito ni JC, willing
pa rin siyang magtrabaho sa GMA.
Kasi, buhat nang dumating siya sa
Siyete, never siyang napabayaan.
Sunud-sunod na project ang ibinigay
sa kanya. Tanging ang two months
break niya bago magtaping ng
Ngayon at Kailanman ang nagging
mahabang bakasyon niya. Ginugol
naman niya ang oras ditto sa
pag-aaral ng horse back riding na
kailangan niyang matutunan dahil
sa role niya sa NAK.
Tapos, nakasama niya ang parents,
kaibigan sa mga out of town trip
niya. May panahon din siyang
magpapayat at magpaganda ng
katawan. Hinihingi sa role niya
na nakahubad siya kung minsan
habang nangangabayo.
Nagworkshop din siya under direk
Michael Tuviera para ma-guide siya
sa tamang emosyon na ipakikita
niya sa soap na na NAK.
Kapartner ni JC for the first time si
Heart Evangelista.
SAKRIPISYO
by Fe Raguindin
Perlas ng Silanganan, taguri sa
aking inang bayan
Tubong pinoy man, may
angking katalinuhan
Ngunit ang masakit, serbisyo
ko’y tinatawaran
Bagay na di sapat sa pang
araw-araw na pangangailangan.
Dahil sa ang pangarap ko,
pamilya ay guminhawa
Aking nilisan ang sariling bayan
Mga mahal sa buhay ay lumuhang
tunay, damdamin ko’y nabagabag
di napigilang luha ay pumatak.
Ako ngayon ay narito sa
bansang banyaga
Tinitiis ang lahat, kumita lang ng dolyar
Tunay na paghihirap ang
aking tinatamasa
Katawang pagal na, pahinga’y
halos di magawa.
Bakit kaya may mga among
ubod ng lupit
Sa kaunting pagkakamali,
galit ang nakakamit
Mapalad ang nagsisilbi sa
among mabait
Marunong umunawa at hindi
nanggigipit.
Bakit dito ngayon, ako’y
nagpapakaalipin
Ibayong pagsisikap, makamit
lang ang mithiin
Tatawag ang pamilya, kailangan
ay salapi
Sweldong pinaghirapan, lilipad
na namang muli.
Ngunit kung minsan, ako’y lubos
na nasisiyahan
Pamilya at kamag-anak aking
natutulungan
Krisis sa ekonomiya, sa bansang
sinilangan
Mga mahal sa buhay aking naaagapan.
Hirap at pighati sa kanila’y di
nais maranasan
Kundi hangad ko, kaluwalhatian
magpakailanman
Pangakong binitawan, aking
isasakatuparan
Upang ang pagsasakripisyo ko’y
mabigyan ng kabuluhan.
Mga Munting Anghel
by Marivic R. Bueno
Mga munting anghel ang aking iniwan
Sa bansa ng mga tsino dito nanilbihan
Hirap ng kalooban pilit kong nilabanan
Makamtan lang pangarap sa kanila ilalaan
Tanging mga larawan di mapigil pagmasdan
Sa isang sulok di malirip ng aking isipan
Mga kataga ni bunso kanyang binitawan
“Ina bakit kaylangan ako ay iyong iwan
Dito ka lang sana at akoy alagaan.”
Bikig sa lalamunan ang kanyang tinuran
Hungkag ang puso luhay di ko namalayan
Kay hirap ipaliwanag di pa niya maunawaan
Tanging lakas ng loob ang magiging sandigan
Nang lahat ng pagsubok ay malalampasan
Huwag mag-alala mga munting anghel ko
Pangako ng ina babalik ako
Bitbit ang pangarap laan para sa inyo
Balang araw magsasama muli tayo
Walang imposible sa DIYOS lahat ng
itoy magkakatotoo...
Remembering You
by Fely “Bunso” S. Naoe
Having y and me in my life
Is beyond my expectations
Yes,i have loved and lost
Over and over again
But i never gave up the fight
For i know destiny will lead me
To a world of true happiness and endless love
Then,suddenly.........you just came out
Of nowhere and gave me that feelings
Of the second chance.......
A chance i never rejected but rather
Open-arms,embraced
It was amazing though so strange
That we met and fall in love...........
Fate?maybe yes!maybe no!
Yes,because the truth in our hearts revealed
Mo,for i know,you could never be mine forever
I know our love remains
But the situation will change
I can’t find enough answers on how
We will seperate ways in the future
It’s hard,it’s hurting,it’s heartbreaking!
Oh! How complicated life is!
Full of questions, full of wonders!
How can we face this reality!?......
ANG PAGLALAKBAY
by Cristy Lopez
dedicated by Abby to Guilbert
Sa bansang Israel na Hudyo ang bida
Duon nagtrabaho, malayo sa pamilya
Pangarap sa anak bitbit kong sandata
Dahil hindi tiyak kung saan pupunta.
Kahirapan ang nagtulak upang ako’y lumayo
Loob ko’y nilakasan upang makatayo,
Sari-saring pagsubok sa aki’y dumapo
Pilit pinaglabanan upang di mabigo.
Kabog ng dibdib di ko maparam
Nagtatanong nagiisip kay daming agam agam
Sa bansang pinuntahan ito ang katotohanan
Di na isang panaginip mga anak koy iniwan
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
featured Poems
Bawat isang ina’y maraming pangarap
Para sa kanyang anak upang maging ganap,
Ano mang pasakit kanyang matatanggap,
Upang buhay nila ay di rin maghirap.
Sa aking paglayo maraming natutunan,
Mga aral ng buhay na di malilimutan,
Iba’t ibang tao naging kasamahan,
Nagbigay sa aking buhay ng kaalaman.
Subalit sa lahat ay may natatangi,
Na sa aking puso’y naging kabahagi
Ligaya niyang dulot di ko kayang itanggi,
Sa pag-ibig niyang ako ang nagwagi.
Tunay niyang binago aking pagkatao
Nagmula sa luma ngayo’y bagong bago,
Kaligayang dulot sa puso ko’y nakatago
Walang pagsisisi sa naging pagbabago.
Buwan ng Agosto ng magkakilala,
Di mawawala sa aking ala-ala
Mula pa sa simula ako na’y natulala
Sa karismang taglay niya akoy namulala.
Bawat kataga niya na binibitawan
Nagbibigay liwanag at kaalaman
Sa buhay ko noon na nasa kadiliman
Siya ang nagturong bumango’t lumaban.
Lumipas ang mga araw, linggo at buwan,
Nagdaan ang taon may pagsusunuran
Sa lahat ng sandali ng pinagsamahan,
Puspos ng ligaya at kapayapaan,
Subalit kung minsan mapagbiro ang tadhana
Pilit susubukin kung hanggang saan ka,
Pag-ibig naming binuo iningatan sa twina,
Sa isip ko’y nakakintal at kasakasama.
Maraming pagsubok sa ami’y nagdaan,
Maraming pasakit aming pinagdaanan,
Naghiwalay man kami sa lupang katawan,
Ngunit magkasama sa puso’t isipan.
Ang Diyos sa amin ay pumapatnubay
Ginawa siyang sentro sa aming buhay
Na sa araw-araw ay tumutugaygay,
Nagpapaalala sa wastong pamumuhay.
Bagong yugto ng buhay aming tinatahak,
Mga pagsubok na animo’y tabak,
Subalit sa puso lagi ng may galak,
Dahil sa pagibig na di mawawasak..
Ano mang pagsubok sa ami’y dumating,
At sa buhay namin ay bumabatingting,
Diyos at pagibig ang pag-asa naming....
Na sa balang araw kami na’y magkapiling.
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]
29
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
Laugh Lines . . .
KASABIHAN DAW
HINDI lahat ng lasenggo ay gustong
tikman ang lasa ng alak.
‘Yung iba d’yan, gustong tikman ang lasa
ng kainuman
Ang taong hindi maru­nong lumingon sa
pinanggalingan… malamang, ako ang
nasa harapan!
Kapag mahal mo ang isang tao, ipapasok
mo! Ipasagad mo!
Huwag kang matakot masaktan.
Dahil ang true love… mainit at masarap
habang nakabaon sa puso’t isipan!
Sa buhay ko, maraming dumaan…
Problema, pagsubok, kawalan, pero nang
dumaan ka… napangiti ako at natawa.
Kasi, ‘yung pabango mo… Vicks! Hanep!
Ginhawa sa pakiramdam!
Hindi lahat ng hinihimas ay umaamo.
May nagagalit din.
SiKAT aKHO
T: Bakit hindi na puwedeng gawing
endorser ng Belo Medical Group si Dr.
Hayden Kho Jr.?
S: Kasi, hindi niya puwedeng sabihin ang
linyang, “Only Belo touches my skin!”
T: Anong mineral water ang ibinuhos kay
Hayden?
S: Hayden Spring.
Kaya pala pinaliguan si Hayden ng tubig,
ang sabi kasi ni Katrina, “Ang kapal ng
dandruff mo, nahawa aKHO!”
Aral sa Pambansang Sex Video:
Kapag kayo ay nasa KATRI-NA, si­
guraduhing walang HAYDEN ca­mera!
MANNY . . .
REPORTER: Ngayong nanalo ka,
Manny… ano ang pasalubong mo kay
Jinkee?
MANNY: Ibon siyempre. Mahilig siya
ru’n, eh.
REPORTER: Ibon? Anong klaseng ibon?
MANNY: ‘Yung mga lepstek, pangmikap… basta mga Ibon products!
MARVIN: Sikat na ta­laga si Pacquiao,
‘no?
JACOB: Bakit naman?
MARVIN: Bumili kasi ako ng bagong
cellphone. May option na ‘SEND TO
30
MANY’!
JACOB: Tanga nito! Matagal na ‘yun!
Hindi naman nagte-text back ‘yun, eh!
Nakaka-SCORE
GIRLFRIEND: Sweetie, ba’t mo ‘ko
love?
BOYFRIEND: Kasi, maganda’t sexy ka
kaya sikat ako sa barkada. Parang trophy
na nga kita! Tapos, lagi akong nakakascore sa ‘yo. Pag wala akong magawa,
nand’yan ka.
GIRLFRIEND: Ganu’n?
BOYFRIEND: Oo. Eh ikaw, ba’t mo ‘ko
mahal?
GIRLFRIEND: Kasi, kahit pangit
ka, mayaman ka! May alalay ako at
tagabayad pag nagsa-shopping. May
tagahatid kami ng friends ko. Pag nakakascore ka, may napagtatawanan kami…
ang liit-liit kasi! So, ayun.
Pwedeng Magpahula?
MONICA: Madam, magpapahula po
ako.
MADAM ROCHA: Huwag kang
magtaka kung bakit pangit ang mga
manliligaw mo. Kasi, ang mga guwapo,
sila-sila ang nagliligawan ngayon!
ILONAH: Madam, mag­­papahula po ako!
MADAM ROCHA: Makikita mo sa
mall ang ex-boyfriend mo na kasama ang
bago niyang niyang girlfriend. Pangit din
siya, mataba at pandak, gaya mo. Pero
mas mabait siya sa ‘yo! Talo ka pa rin!
Nagmamaganda ka pa kasi!
Akala ko
DALAGA: Ano’ng tinitingnan-tingnan
mo d’yan?!
BINATA: Sorry. Akala ko kasi, maganda
ka. Hindi pala!
Saan nagkakatulad ang sex
at pangungulangot?
Inusisa ni Totoy ang kanyang tatay…
TOTOY: Bakit po masarap ang sex?
TATAY: Kasi, may kiliti o sensation ‘yon
na katu­lad ng nararamdaman mo pag
nangungulangot ka.
TOTOY: Bakit po mas nasasarapan ang
mga babae kaysa sa mga lalaki sa sex?
TATAY: Gaya ng nasa­bi ko, ang sex ay
parang pa­ngungulangot. Kapag na­ngu­­
ngulangot ka, mas nag-e-enjoy ang iyong
ilong kesa sa iyong daliri.
TOTOY: Bakit po ayaw ng mga babae na
ginagahasa sila?
TATAY: ‘Yang panggagahasa eh
maihahalintulad sa naglalakad ka sa
kalye, tapos, may lumapit sa ‘yo at
kinalikot ang iyong ilong. Magugustuhan
mo ba ‘yon?
TOTOY: Bakit po ayaw ng mga babae na
makipag-sex sila pag nireregla sila?
TATAY: Anak, kapag dinudugo ang ilong
mo, nangungulangot ka ba?
TOTOY: Bakit ayaw po ng mga lalaki na
mag-condom kapag nakikipag-sex sila?
TATAY: Ikaw ba eh gusto mong
mangulangot na may guwantes ka sa
daliri?
TOTOY: Bakit po sa pribadong lugar
ginagawa ang pakikipag-sex?
TATAY: Mangungula­ngot ka ba sa
harapan ng buong klase mo?
Sa isang radio station…
HOST: Mananawagan ba kayo lolo?
LOLO: Opo.
HOST: Ilang taon na ho kayo?
LOLO: 98 na po ako.
HOST: Wow! Ang tanda n’yo na po pala!
Sige po, manawagan na kayo…
LOLO: Kuya, umuwi ka na… hindi na
galit sa ‘yo si Daddy!
NENE: Nanay, mahalaga pala ang
punctuation mark. Nakakalungkot kapag
nawala.
NANAY: Aba, oo, anak! Mahalaga ‘yun.
Pero bakit nakakalungkot?
NENE: Kasi, si ate, iyak nang iyak…
Dalawan­g buwan na raw siyang walang
period.
Ingat sa lalaking ‘Uy-Ay’!
Uy! Amporma… Ay! Tambay pala!
Uy! May motor… Ay! Hindi kanya!
Uy! Gwapo… Ay! Bakla pala!
Hinalik-halikan ni mister nang buong
lambing ang balikat ni misis…
MISTER: Hon, sige na…
MISIS: Bumabagyo!
MISTER: Ayaw mo ‘yun, malamig?!
MISIS: Tanga! Hindi ka na nahiya?!
Maraming tao dito sa evacuation center!
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
Shop 13 B G/F Kwan Yick Bldg.
444-452 Des Vouex Road West
Uniwide Tai Po
Tel. 2650- 1283
Sikatz Philippine Product Store 1 & 2
1/F Liksang Plaza, Tsuen Wan, N.T.
and Mei Foo Sun Chuen
Uniwide Tsuen Wan
Shop 1/F Liksang Plaza
Tsuen Wan N. T
Tel True Ltd.
1/F Lap Fai Bldg
Pottinger St. Central
Uniwide Hang Hau
Macau
Asia Pac Cargo Macau
42 Rua Da Alfandega
San Malou Macau S.A.R
Tel. 932610, 930443
Tseung Kwan O
Tel. 3194 5366
Uniwide Hunghom
Planet Square
Uniwide Laguna Arcade Kowloon City
Tel. 2772 1829
Novo Ecijano Macau
Heidi – 6616 5191
Super Ace Cargo Macau
82 Rua Da Alfandega, Edificio Veng Leong Macau
Tel 2893 9473
Uniwide Maon Shan
Tel: 2631 5977
Uniwide Shatin
Tel. 2362 7925
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
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
31
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
H ORO S C O P E
Cancer (Jun 22 - Jul 22) Avoid hasty commitments, as
you may not want to be held accountable for something illconsidered or not fully thought out later. Try to be thoughtful,
deliberate, and measured in your efforts and you’ll really
notice the rewards of this as time passes. It’s a great time
for planning or rearranging the way you look at things.
Emotions: Good ~ Money: Good ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 9, 48, 35, 8, 26, 14
Gemini (May 21 - Jun 21) You may feel a profound
interest in working with groups of people. They
can provide the backdrop for such hobbies as
astrology, computer clubs, or building model
airplanes. Convention is going out the door as
the romance department takes on a new coloring.
Emotions: Fair ~ Money: Fair ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 7, 40, 39, 43, 33, 35
Taurus (Apr 19 - May 20) Patience. Patience.
Patience. Today is not a favorable time to make bold
moves or confront those causing you problems. Solid
planning of your future path will serve you much
better. Indeed, having a sound plan and sticking to
it may well make the bigger bumps in your road
disappear without any extra effort on our part at all.
Emotions: Fair ~ Money: Good ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 22, 35, 38, 25, 14, 3
Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19) Emotional intensity is very
appealing to you now. Relationships can deepen and
grow as well as penetrate to a very personal level. This
process is sometimes initiated by you and sometimes
initiated by the other person, but in either case it leads
to a much deeper understanding and bond between
you. Emotions: Fair ~ Money: Fair ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 35, 37, 36, 13, 24, 6
Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18) Sex, power, and
money are far more attractive to you than normal.
Your focus at this time is toward getting down
to the bottom of issues and dramas and starting
Mind Games
by Kuya Willy
Cryptograms
... alamin ang iyong kapalaran
over from scratch. Be cautious you don’t get too
carried away with what bridges you burn today.
Emotions: Good ~ Money: Good ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 1, 40, 42, 20, 36, 29
Capricorn (Dec 21 - Jan 19) Feel like a little change
to make life interesting? In the mood to break out
of the tried and true and boring? Maybe a longing
for the new, the different, the unique is where
your focus is wanting to go. If you’re involved
with someone this could be a great time to change
a routine, try a new routine or surprise them with
something special. If you’re looking to be involved,
then it’s a good day to take that risk and ask
someone out. Things seem pretty tough for you right
now -- but you don’t have all the information you
need to evaluate it properly! Keep slogging along
hopelessly until you see what’s really happening.
Emotions: Fair ~ Money: Fair ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 12, 39, 37, 17, 1, 2
Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 22 ) If something just isn’t working
for you in your relationships, don’t give the situation
or this person ‘just one more’ chance. It’s time to show
them the door or at least tell them how you really feel.
Backing down from what your intuition tells you is not
what today is about. You know what’s best for you.
Emotions: Good ~ Money: Good ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 26, 34, 17, 9, 37, 29
Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 23) The everyday care of the
smaller necessities in life are highlighted during this
period. First, you may feel you are not getting your
daily due and proper attention -- but then you may
discover it is because you haven’t really asked for what
you truly want. Learning new and more satisfying
ways to address your personal habits and those
of others will refresh once you take a closer look.
Emotions: Good ~ Money: Fair ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 45, 43, 3, 18, 18, 9
Scorpio (Oct 24 - Nov 22) Sharing time with
those close to you is likely to be very attractive to
you at this time. Quality time spent with your
family will reenergize you and reaffirm much
of your sense of purpose. Renewing your sense
of belonging to something good is sure to put
smile on your face and a little snap in your walk.
Emotions: Good ~ Money: Fair ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 40, 19, 45, 42, 29, 34
Sagitarius (Nov 23 - Dec 21) Today may be a
bit challenging to your personal relationships.
Differences are likely to be difficult to resolve.
Shared goals may appear nebulous, distant and
somewhat unrealistic. You may find yourself
unable to express your true feelings about anything.
Try to keep things light during this period. Soon
the path before you will become clearer and you
will feel far more connected to those you love.
Emotions: Good ~ Money: Good ~ Wellness: Good
Power Numbers: 48, 29, 16, 45, 46, 24
Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22) Creativity and the more
enjoyable side of life are going to be a central
feature for you for awhile. Let details take care
of themselves and take the time to enjoy yourself
and stretch out both at work and play. When
something feels right, whether it be a new idea
or the opportunity to just have a good time, roll
with the feeling and don’t put on the brakes.
Emotions: Good ~ Money: Good ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 6, 5, 8, 34, 3, 24
Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20) Your ambition for personal
power, achievement, or control over your life is very
strong at this time. Also, you can be unmerciful and
unforgiving with yourself and your own weaknesses.
You are likely to push yourself too hard at this
time, try to step back and get some self control.
Emotions: Good ~ Money: Fair ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 46, 2, 17, 23, 27, 40
Scrabble
Can you guess the
highest scoring word?
(enter row and column place of first tile)
Decode the quote using substitution cipher. Replace each letter in the message
with a different letter of the alphabet.
Some letters are revealed as clues.
VM OKK XSY XSDEAP D’BY KVPX, D LDPP
LQ LDEC XSY LVPX
Row
Column
Enter as many high scoring
words as you can.
1
Original Quote
_F A__ THE TH____ I’_E ___T, I _I__
__ _I__ THE ____.
Mark Twain
Last Month’s Answers
Row
Column
Row
Column
Row
Column
Row
Column
Row
Column
2
3
1. Labour Day 2. Mothers Day 3. Flowers of May
Other high scoring
words
4
1
COURTESY CALL
Members of the elite International Marshal
Society (IMASO) & Black Panther Consolidated
Martial Arts International (BPCMAI) headed
by GK Commander Joseph L. Bautista paid a
courtesy call to Consul General Claro S. Cristobal
at his office last 07 June 2009.
From left, SK Norberto Cajada, GKC Joseph
Bautista, SK Gerardo Bautista, DKC Joey
Narciso, SK Daniel Domingo, SK Geronimo
Guda, Consul General Claro S. Cristobal, Deputy
Consul General Kira Christianne R. DangananAzucena, SK Nicki Flores, DKC Cesar Daguasi,
SK Louie Mabuyo, SK Eddie Cabutaje & DKC
Roldan Visperas.
32
PEREION (74 pts)
Row 8 Column D
2
OPENER (22 pts)
Row 8 Column C
3
PEREON (22 pts)
Row 8
4
5
Column C
PRION (20 pts)
Contest Guidelines
Submit your answers. Winners will receive one year FREE membership and subscription of
Friends International Magazine.
1
Row 8 Column D
P
I
O
N
E
E
R
Row 8 Column D (74 pts)
5
PRONE (20 pts)
Row 8 Column D
Last Month’s Winner: Ms. Julie Delpino, Sai Ying Pun
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.
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
33
friends International Magazine MAY 2009
Birthday Corner / Just for Kids / Parties
Father Emil Lim May 24
Petra Regua Jun 7
James 7th bday Jun 13
Denise Lawrence Mabalot Jun 9
Myrna Alcanza May 11
Kenneth Dales May 3, Emma Dales May 23
Sisters Belen May, 28 Myrna Jul 1
Mhay Cristobal May 1, Celeste Sotelo May 19
Andrea Mae Sotelo May 26; Jun Jun
Edward May 16;
Paul & Leony’s 16th Anniversary
Volatire Medina Jun 10;
Eric Goyena Jun 18
Chary Talar
Edgar Marollano with BDO family
Marietta Crenio Jun5
Bella Marantan
Text From The Heart
Looking for a TXT mate? Send SMS to 852 5182 5569 if you
wish to include your number here.
Hi Im Lhoraine Buenavista looking for a nice person
who wants to be his / her friends my mob # +852
61498201
Hello Im Lyka 29 years old looking for male txt mate who wants to be a
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friends International Magazine MAY 2009
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friends International Magazine MAY 2009
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