friends InternatIonal MagazIne DeCeMBer 2008

Transcription

friends International Magazine DECemBER 2008
1
editor’s note
Greetings to all readers !
Published by
Smart Way International Ltd
Success Brighter Co. Ltd
5D Sun King Building
580 Queen’s Road West
Hong Kong
Tel: 2541 2510 / 9010 9183
Email: [email protected]
INTERNET
www.friends-intl-mag.com
PUBLISHER / EDITOR
Capt. Rosendo C. Herrera
MANAGING EDITOR
Arnold P. Grospe
ART DIRECTOR
Willy Castañar
COLUMNS
Bro. Eddie Villanueva
Bro. Rolly Estrella
Barrister Ody Lai
Noel Asinas
Cora Carsola
Dra. Gertrude P. Chan, FPDS
Ruel Y. Quezon
PHOTOGRAPHY
Bobby Campus
Jo Mabalot
Nery/Leo Jimena
Rodel Concha
Letty Romero
CONTRIBUTORS
Adelaida Mogol
Bernadette Benitez
April Joy
Remely Valdez
Violy Pascual
Noemi Paniza
Terry Buen
Lucida Maingpis
My dela Roca
Riza Guevarra
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
The Christmas season is upon us once again and it’s
a wonderful time of year. We can relax and be with
our loved ones, celebrate our faith, reflect on our good
fortune to live in our home land, the Philippines.
Of all the joys of the season, perhaps none is more
satisfying than the joy of giving. Not just the gifts
exchanged between family and friends, but the gifts
of time, money and effort many give to people less
fortunate than ourselves. That spirit of generosity is one of the things that defines
us, as Filipinos. Different OFW associations in Hong Kong and around the world
has prepared their Christmas gifts to various charitable institutions to donate and
share the blessings to the less fortunate and needy community in the Philippines.
During the Christmas season, our thoughts turn to the source of joy and hope
born in a humble manger on a holy night more than 2,000 years ago. Each
year, Christians everywhere celebrate this single life that changed the world and
continues to change hearts today. The simple and inspiring story of the birth of
Jesus fills our souls with gratitude for the many blessings in our lives and promises
that God’s purpose is Love and Peace for every one.
At this special time of year, we give thanks for Christ’s message of love and mercy,
and we are reminded of our responsibility to serve. The Philippines is blessed to
have fine citizens who reach out with a compassionate hand to help brothers and
sisters in need. We also remember our brave OFW community here in Hong Kong
who have sacrificed their time to work abroad for the welfare of their family and
for their children’s future. Many of those who have answered the call of duty
will spend Christmas far from home and separated from family. We honor their
sacrifices, ask God to watch over them and their families, and pray for their safe
return.
There are lot of ways in expressing your thought in these Yuletide Season.
Whether it is by means of poems or through the quotes from the Bible. Messages
appearing on the Christmas cards bear a special significance during the festive
season, because the words that are imprinted on the cards are more than just
words, they are the means to wish our dear ones well in the holiday and the festive
season. In our modern style or fashion, text messages and phone calls are common
ways to communicate and greet our family this Christmas . Of course, being
together with our family is the happiest moment that everybody is dreaming and
preparing of. Aside from a time of break from our work, it is also a traditional
celebration around a great religious festival and one of the most important in the
Christian year.
Our unity, solidarity and feelings of tolerance and brotherhood are virtues that
have made our OFW’s in Hong Kong strong despite of the recession and global
economic downturn that the world is facing.
Christmas is a time to rejoice and remember the birth of Jesus Christ. Friends
International editorial staff and I pray that your Christmas will be blessed with
family and fellowship, and we wish you a day of glad tidings.
I also take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to all our readers,
advertisers, regular columnists, volunteer contributors, Luzon Federation, Novo
Ecijanos, Association of Filipino Leaders and different associations in Hong
Kong for the support you have given us for the last 37 months. Rest assured that
we will continue to provide you with the best reading material that will ease your
boredom and loneliness while working abroad in the coming year.
Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to all.
Happy reading!
Arnold P. Grospe
Managing Editor
3
friends Co mm uni t y B oa r d
Got an announcement to make ? Let everyone know. Have your upcoming association activities published here for FREE !
Call us on 254I –25I0 during office hours or email details to [email protected] or sms 9010 9183
To all Association Leaders in Hong Kong. You are all invited
to join the newly formed Council of Filipino Leaders (CFL)
for more info pls call Gen Secretary Medy Borlaza at 6773
1021.
FREE CANTONESE CLASS
every 2nd & 4th SATURDAY of the month
Island Evangelical Community Church
New address: 8/F 633 King’s Road Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
(Quarry Bay MTR Exit C)
Contact Person: Riza Guevarra, 2864 9337
FLOR-HK 2nd Anniversary. Livelihood Graduation ceremony
and the Search for 3 Shining Stars of the Orient. This event
is designed for gays, lesbians and ladies. To be held on Feb.
08, 2009 at Chater Road, Central. For more details, please
contact Bunso at 60995932.
What : 1st Sinulog Festival in Hong Kong and mutya ng
Visayas
When : Feb 01 2008
Where : Chater Garden Central
Organized by Sinulog Committee Hong Kong in Cooperation
with LOVA HK and AFL.
For more info and registration pls contact Marites Elvinia at
9617 1806
What : Bohol Federation 16th Anniversary and Christmas
Party
When : Dec 21 2008 12- 5Pm
Where : Flamingo Cafe Newton Hotel North Point
Special Guest : Cesar Montano and Sunshine Cruz
For more info pls contact Flor Virtudazo 61405875 or Raquil
Dagamac 94320818
What : Christmas and Send off Party to Congen Al Vicente
When : Dec 14 2008 ( Sunday ) 12:00 to 5:00 PM
Where : 5/F Bayanihan Kennedy Town Center
Organized by : Association of Filipino Leaders in HK (AFL)
and the INFAH
For more info, please contact : Medy Borlaza at 6773 1021
What : Oriental Mindoro Society Sportsfest
When : December 14, 2008
Where : Bayanihan Kennedy Town Centre
For more info, please contact : Raffy Esteleydes
What : Black Panther Christmas Party
When : December 14, 2008
For more info, please contact : Joseph Bautista
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
4
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
... Txt from the Heart continued
Hi I’m Nica looking for txt mate and friends mob
68941571
Hi I’m Connie looking for male or T-Bird textmate in their
40’s mob: 94473213
Hi I’m Berna 26 looking for txtmate mob: 94486182
Hi I’m Jhenica 30 yrs old looking for txt mate email [email protected]
mob 94477440
Hello Im Shiela 33 yrs old Single and available looking for a guy mob
97186343
Hi Im Lina 36 yrs old looking for txtmate 64956483
Hi I’m Judy looking for male txtmate and friend mob 96164724
Hi I’m Rose 29 yrs old looking 4 txt mate 61653019
Hi I’m Chaina looking for txt mate 94387691 or 95162280
Hi I’m Malou 34 yrs old looking for txt mate 93442906
Hi Im Marissa looking for txt mate 61692846
Hi Im Ellen , Separated 35 yrs old looking for txt mate 94465142
Contents
December 2008 issue 37
3Editor’s Note
6
Christmas & Santa Claus
7Tinig Ng Masa
8
DOMOHK 3rd Anniversary
9ODWU 1st General Assembly
10At Your Service
11
IMAP Anniversary
12
PAHK Activities
13
Hello Mama
14Oras ng Himala
15Legal Matters
17
Kuwentong OFW
18
Snapshots
20Notes from POLO - Vancouver
22
Christmas Lessons
23Appreciating Appreciation
24
Balitang Showbiz
28
Community News
29
featured Poems
30Laugh Lines
31
FIM Outlets
32Gebyar Ul-Tah Ck’funky Dancer Yang Ke-2
33
Horoscope and Mind Games
34
Birthday Corner / Just 4 Kids / Text From The Heart
5
The History ofChristmas and Santa Claus
In the Western world, the birthday of
Jesus Christ has been celebrated on December
25th since AD 354, replacing an earlier
date of January 6th. The Christians had by
then appropriated many pagan festivals and
traditions of the season, that were practiced in
many parts of the Middle East and Europe, as
a means of stamping them out.
There were mid-winter festivals in ancient
Babylon and Egypt, and Germanic fertility
festivals also took place at this time. The birth
of the ancient sun-god Attis in Phrygia was
celebrated on December 25th, as was the birth
of the Persian sun-god, Mithras. The Romans
celebrated Saturnalia, a festival dedicated to
Saturn, the god of peace and plenty, that ran
from the 17th to 24th of December. Public
gathering places were decorated with flowers,
gifts and candles were exchanged and the
population, slaves and masters alike, celebrated
the occasion with great enthusiasm.
In Scandinavia, a period of festivities
known as Yule contributed another impetus
to celebration, as opposed to spirituality.
As Winter ended the growing season, the
opportunity of enjoying the Summer’s bounty
encouraged much feasting and merriment.
The Celtic culture of the British Isles revered
all green plants, but particularly mistletoe
and holly. These were important symbols of
fertility and were used for decorating their
homes and altars.
New Christmas customs appeared in the
Middle Ages. The most prominent contribution
was the carol, which by the 14th century
had become associated with the religious
observance of the birth of Christ.
In Italy, a tradition developed for reenacting the birth of Christ and the construction
of scenes of the nativity. This is said to have
been introduced by Saint Francis as part of
his efforts to bring spiritual knowledge to the
laity.
Saints Days have also contributed to our
Christmas celebrations. A prominent figure
in today’s Christmas is Saint Nicholas who
for centuries has been honored on December
6th. He was one of the forerunners of Santa
Claus.
Another popular ritual was the burning
of the Yule Log, which is strongly embedded
in the pagan worship of vegetation and fire,
as well as being associated with magical and
spiritual powers.
Celebrating
Christmas
has
been
controversial since its inception. Since
numerous festivities found their roots in pagan
practices, they were greatly frowned upon by
conservatives within the Church. The feasting,
6
gift-giving and frequent excesses presented
a drastic contrast with the simplicity of the
Nativity, and many people throughout the
centuries and into the present, condemn such
practices as being contrary to the true spirit of
Christmas.
The earliest English reference to December
25th as Christmas Day did not come until
1043.
The History of Santa Claus
Santa Claus hasn’t always looked like the
jolly old fellow we know today. Like so many
other American traditions, he’s a product
of the great American melting pot - a blend
of many different cultures and customs. His
earliest ancestors date back to pre-Christian
days, when sky-riding gods ruled the earth.
The mythological characters Odin, Thor, and
Saturn gave us the basis for many of Santa’s
distinctive characteristics.
But the most influential figure in the
shaping of today’s generous as loving Santa
Claus was a real man. St. Nicholas of Myra
(now Turkey), a fourth century bishop. As a
champion of children and the needy, he was
legendary for his kindness and generosity.
Patron Saint
Because of his wisdom and sensitivity,
many groups claimed St. Nicholas as their
patron saint. Children, orphans, sailors, and
even thieves often prayed to the compassionate
saint for guidance and protection. Entire
countries, including Russia and Greece, also
adopted him as their patron saint, as well as
students and pawnbrokers.
Throughout his life, St. Nicholas tried to
help others while inspiring the to imitate his
virtues. Legends of his unselfish giving spread
all over Northern Europe, and accounts of his
heroic deeds blended with regional folklore.
Eventually, the image of the stately saint
was transformed onto an almost mystical
being, one known for rewarding the good and
punishing the bad.
The date of his death, December 6th, was
commemorated with an annual feast, which
gradually came to mark the beginning of the
medieval Christmas season. On St. Nicholas’
Eve, youngsters would set out food for the
saint, straw for his horses and schnapps for
his attendant. The next morning, obedient
children awoke to find their gifts replaced
with sweets and toys, found their offering
untouched , along with a rod or a bundle of
switched. St. Nicholas’ Day is still observed
in many countries, and gifts are exchanged in
honor of the spirit of brotherhood and charity
that he embodied.
sixteenth century, the feasting and veneration
of Catholic saints were banned. But people
had become accustomed to the annual visit
from their gift-giving saint and didn’t want to
forget the purpose of the holiday. So in some
countries, the festivities of St. Nicholas’ Day
were merged with Christmas celebrations, and
although the gift-bearer took on new, nonreligious forms, he still reflected the saints
generous spirit.
In
Germany,
he
appeared
as
Weihnachtsmann, in England as Father
Christmas, and in France, as Pèrè Noël, who
left small gifts in the children’s shoes.
In the areas where St. Nicholas was still
portrayed as the gift-bearer, a host of other
characters developed to be his assistants. Two
of his most well-known helpers were Knecht
Ruprecht and the Belsnickle. Depending on
the local tradition, they were either attendants
to St. Nicholas or gift-bears themselves, but
in all cases, both were fearsome characters,
brandishing rods and switches. It was not only
their dusty to reward good children but also
to reprove children who were naughty and
couldn’t recite their prayers.
Knecht Ruprecht (meaning Servant
Rupert) was also by other names such as
Black Peter (so called because he delivered the
presents down the chimney for St. Nicholas
and became blackened with soot).
Tinig Ng
Masa
ni Adelaida C. Mogol
S
imula nang tayo ay
maglakbay
upang
maghanapbuhay
sa malayo bilang dayuhang manggagawa
nakararanas tayo nang sari-saring pagsubok at
karanasan araw araw.
Sa panahon nang kapaskuhan may mga alaala
tayong di makalilimutan. May lungkot at saya.
Ngunit anuman ang mga ito iyan ay bahagi
nang migration. Our life journey as an ocw
is complicated and yet we tried our best to
cope with everything because of our dream for
our children.
I can still remember my first Christmas here
in Hong Kong, I was at Star Ferry, Tsim Tsa
Tsui when I heard the song “I Have A Blue
Christmas Without You, I’ll Be So Blue Thingking
About You. Decoration Of Red On The Green
Christmas Tree. Would Not Be The Same If You Are
Not With Me.” Hindi ko mapigilang tumulo ang
luha at nang tumawag ako sa aking mga mahal sa
buhay ay hindi na rin mapigilan ang humagulgol
nang malakas, hindi ko alintana na maraming tao
sa aking paligid. Habang nagdaraan ang panahon
ay natutuhan ko na ring ma-adjust ang sarili sa
malayo sa tulong nang MAYKAPAL.
Habang nasa malayo rin tayo hindi natin
makalilimutan ang kaugaliang Filipino tuwing
darating ang kapaskuhan. Kaya nagpasya ang
Friends na alamin sa ating mga kababayan kung
ang anung karanasan nila sa araw nang Pasko
at ano ang kanilang kahilingan sa Paskong
darating.
Terry Laurio
Siu Sai Wan
Malungkot at walang Christmas sa aking
pinaglilingkurang pamilya. Miss na miss ko ang
aking pamilya at ayaw kong marinig ang mga
awiting pamasko kasi lalo akong malulungkot.
Wish ko lang na makaraos ako at ang aking
pamilya sa financial na pangangailan. Ang
ginagawa kong sakripisyo ay alang alang sa mga
anak ko. Bilang isang single mother ako kasi ang
tumatayong ina at ama para sa aking mga anak.
Hilda Geron Hong Kong Place
Wala. Kasi pakiramdam ko pareho lang dahil
parang Christmas palagi. Wish ko makatapos ang
mga anak at ito ang pinakamahalagang pamasko
na ipagkakaluob ni Lord sa akin.
Celeste Ocampo
The Peak
Simula nung dumating at magstart magtrabaho
dito wala akong serious boyfriend relationship
at para sa akin ang lahat ay mga kalokohan
tulad nang mga maririnig ko sa ating mga
kababayan. Hiling ko sa daratiing na kapaskuhan
ay matagpuan ko na ang isang tunay at serious
relationship na at makapagsimulang pagisipan
ang pagkakaruon nang pamilya. Makasama ang
serious boyfriend ko sa Paskong darating.
Adel Logmao
Shouson Hills
Ang pasko ay mararanasan natin araw araw
kung tayo ay nagtataglay nang pagibig sa ating
kapwa, masaya tayo kahit may dumarating na
mga pagsubok. Wish ko sa paskong darating na
sana ito na ang serious relationship for me and
my boyfiernd for us to start planing of having a
new happy family and children of our own.
Rose Perido
Shatin
Ang pinakamalungkot ay nang mamatay
ang tatay ko. Ang pinakamasaya sa bawat
pamilya ay ang magkasama-sama ang bawat
pamilya. Hindi lang sa pera at karangyaan
ang diwa nang pasko. Ito ay nasa puso at
pagmamahalan nang bawat tao. Ang wish ko sa
paskong darating ay manumbalik ang masaganang
pamumuhay at malinis ang pagpalakad sa ating
bansa lalo na ang mga namumuno.
Mercy Nazareno
South Horizon
Masaya at malungkot lalo na kung di ka makauwi
sa pamilya. Wish ko sana pagbigyan ako nang
amo ko na makauwi ngayong paskong darating
upang magkasamasama kami ng aking pamilya.
Cris Agarin
Tsuen Wan
Masaya, malungkot ang pasko lalo na kung
malayo ka sa pamilya. Saan ka man naruruon
may saya at lungkot tayong madarama. Kahit
na tayo ay magkaproblema ating hilingin sa ating
Panginoong Hesus na lunasan niya ang bawat
problema nating nararanasan. Siya lang ang
ating sandigan sa lahat nang oras. Anuman ang
nararanasan natin araw-araw ito ay kalooban ng
Maykapal at Siya rin ang makapagbibigay lunas
sa ating problema. To God be the Glory and thy
will be done Lord.
In some places, the images, of Knecht
Ruprecht and St. Nicholas merged to form
Ru Klaus (meaning Rough Nicholas - so
named because of his rugged appearance),
Aschen Klaus (meaning Ash Nicholas because he carried a sack of ashes as well as a
bundle of switches), and Pelznickle (meaning
Furry Nicholas - referring to his fur clad
appearance).
Not all of St. Nicholas’ companions were
frightening. In fact, the Christkindl (meaning
Christ Child) was thought to accompany
him in many countries. Often portrayed by a
fair-haired young girl, this angelic figure was
sometimes the gift-bearer too.
The Making Of Santa Claus
After the Protestant Reformation in the
7
DOMOHK Celebrates 3rd anniversary; Inducts Officers
by Fely Rose Pulmones
Overseas Domestic Worker’s Union - HK
1st General Assembly
by Julia Buen Terry
Punctual, Mr. Popularity 1st runner up and
Mr. Suaveng Jologs. Arnel Carrera of Stanley
Filipino association was Named Mr. Suaveng
Henyo, Mr. Popularity 2nd runner up, Mr.
Suaveng Simpatiko, And Mr. Photogenic.
counseling on labor, immigration, and
employment problems faced by distressed
migrant worker.
“We will fight and rally for anti- migrant
workers policies set for us. The Union will
protect and serve its membership as well as
those other Foreign Domestic Workers in
Hong Kong.” Said ODWU General Secretary,
Chloe Belle D. Dogeno.
Other winners were Mr. Raul Feliciano of Balungao Overseas Workers Association who was
named Mr. Suaveng Kilabot ng Hong Kong
and Barkadahan sa Smartone Users Club’s
Mr. Roger Payos was the Mr. Suaveng Bibo.
Despite the initial difficulties in finding the
candidates for the show, DOMOHK had to
pursue seven courageous and talented gentlemen to compete for The second search for Mr.
suave.
Indeed, it wasn’t easy to convince a guy to go
up stage and present himself in front of hundreds of people composed mostly of women.
Some would say it’s a “girl thing” as we are
used to watching beauty contests week after
week. Some thought it was embarrassing to
do. Some guys say it’s not worth their time.
and members of different associations, friends
and guests. She also wished the seven candidates good luck and hoped that everyone
would enjoy the whole afternoon.
The show kicked off with the opening number from DOMOHK members known as the
“Metro Bank Angels” joined by two former
Mr. Suave Candidates. The afternoon fun and
entertainment also showcased DOMOHK’s
talent in dancing as group members performed
three times throughout the show.
Guest speaker Hon. Labatt Romy Salud delivered his message and congratulated the group
for its success. Later, he swore into office the
new set of officers.
Oriental Mindoro HK Society’s Mr. Arnel Dimapilis bagged the title for Mr. Suave 2008,
he was also named Mr. Suaveng Maginoo,
Mr. Suaveng Performer, Most Friendship, Mr.
Popularity 2008, Darling of the Crowd and
Mr. Suaveng Romantiko.
In her welcome address, DOMOHK President Remedios Borlaza said “three years na
po kami at sana’y madagdagan pa, salamat
sa mga kasama ko sa DOMOHK, to the officers and members who stood by me in times
of problems and difficulties and showed their
true love and dedication to our group, I owe
you a million thanks. three years of existence
in the Filipino community was a great opportunity and at the same time a big responsibility, a very challenging and full of excitement
service.
1st runner up was Mr. Mel Penira of Love
Peace and Unity Pinoy HK Group. He also
won the title of Mr. Suaveng Rugged and Mr.
Suaveng Japorms.
Mr. Alejandro Bautista of OWWA Migrants
Cantonese Association was the 2nd Runner
up, Mr.
Suaveng Maporma And Mr. Suaveng Karinyoso.
Mr. Enrique Lizo of Sai Kung Filipino association won the Ambassador of goodwill, Most
Adding to the list of Foreign Workers Unions
in Hong Kong is the Overseas Domestic
Workers Union.
List of officers
President
: Remedios Borlaza
Vice President
: Marilyn Tadeo
Secretary
: Fely Rose Pulmones
Asst. Secretary
: Rosita Andrada
Treasurer
: Mercedes Moncayo
Asst.Treasurer
: Marietta Cerenio
Auditor
: Jesusa Sayas
Asst. Auditor
: Josefina Mabalot
P. R. O.
: Alma Aquileña
: Juliet Garsano
: Marilyn Nefulda
Business Managers: Marilyn Rodriguez
: Emma Dales
: Rowena Veluz
Coordinators
Events & Program : Alma Milano
: Helen Selvestre
: Florenda De Los Santos
Livelihood, Seminars & Training
: Josefina Manjares
: Ofelia Baquirin
: Evangeline Mundo
Sports
: Lourdes Salongsongan
: Leah Amorante
: Amada Dujali
Advisers
: Corazon Carsola
: Adelaida Mogol
: Flora Virtudazo
Established to serve and protect the interest
of Foreign Domestic Helpers in the territory,
ODWU-HK marked its 1st General Assembly
with the election of its first set of officers.
The gathering with the theme “Unity and
Unionism for the interest and service of
Foreign Domestic Workers in Hong Kong”
was held at the Conference Room of the Jesus
Is Lord Church, Yuen Long, New Territories
on November 09, 2008.
ODWU with License Registration # 1175 is
a registered Trade Union under the Registry
of Trade Union of the Hong Kong Labor
Department. It will organize educational
seminars, trainings, and activities deemed
for the betterment of its members. It offers
The Unions Executive Committee for 20082009 were; Chairman: Sheila Grace Estrada,
Vice- Chairman: Aida Alvarez, General
Secretary: Chloe Belle D. Dogeno, Asst. Sec.:
Rowena Borja, Treasurer: Wilma Aque, Asst.
Treas.: Mercedes Opena, P. R. O.S: Cynthia
Talamor, Wanda Ramirez, and Lita Draguin.
Miss Rosalinda Mendoza was appointed as
ODWU’s Auditor.
ODWU’s Committee Chairmans were;
Education and Welfare: Corazon Eustaquir,
Organizing and Campaign: Flordiliza Liban,
and Finance and Socio: Louelyn Villanueva.
Special Guest during the event were; Miss
Rosalinda Mendoza, Mr. Jerry Noot, and Ma.
Cecilia Barrientos.
Borlaza also thanked all the sponsors and donors, as well as the guest performers, leaders
8
9
At
Your Service
By: Rolando E. Estrella
MAGTANONG PO KAYO
The author has been in the public service of the Filipino Overseas Workers in Hong Kong for the past 20 years. He gives free advice and
counsel, as well as practical solutions on employment-related problems, family matters, etc. Mr. Estrella or Brother Rolly, as most people
call him, is currently the Vice President of INSURANCE OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS CO., INC. For free counseling, please send
your letters/inquiries to: AT YOUR SERVICE COLUMN, c/o Friends International Magazine, Rm 1102, 11/F Sunny House,
12-16 Li Yuen Street West, Central, Hong Kong. (Attention to Bro. Rolly)
MORE THAN A SISTER
I went to Hong Kong in 2003 to work as
domestic helper and one year thereafter my
husband was fortunate to land a job in Dubai as an
electrical engineer. We left the custody of our two
children to my older sister and for the past five (5)
years she has been looking after their needs while
we send money for their expenses regularly every
month.
It was before Christmas of 2007 when my sister
informed me of an impending problem involving
our two children. I just shrugged it off as I felt
it wasn’t true. It was a big mistake that I did not
take immediate step because such problem has now
blown out of proportion. May I therefore seek your
advice to once and for all find a solution to such
problem.
I almost died due to complications in my
pregnancy when I gave birth to my only child, a
boy, in 1988 and so my doctor advised me that I
cannot give birth anymore as it will endanger my
life.
When my son turned two in 1990, my
husband and I decided to adopt a 2-month old
baby girl. Our adopted daughter turned out to be a
pretty mestiza and as she reached her teen years her
beauty became even more prominent.
We treat her like our real daughter and give
her genuine love and care as we do to our own son.
However we decided to keep the adoption matter as
a sacred secret between me and my husband and
among our close relatives.
As they grew up together, they share the same
bedroom, play together, attend the same school
together and they are practically inseparable.
But for whatever reason, they both fell in love
with each other. And even worst, she became
pregnant and gave birth to a baby girl August of
this year.
I took a one-month leave last month and noticed
how they suffered mentally. They have both lost
weight, sad and worried from the persecution
of people around them who detest such “illicit”
relationship between a brother and a sister.
I am almost tempted to tell them the real truth
that they do not have any blood relationship at all
to end their suffering as well as to arrange their
subsequent marriage.
Brother Rolly, please counsel me as I face the
toughest problem in my life.
Rheena, Causeway Bay
Dear Rheena,
In my 24 years of counseling, there
have been three problems of incestuous
relationship I handled.
In a poor family setting where children
are forced to stay and sleep together in a small
crowded bedroom and share the same bed or
“banig” incestuous affairs may happen.
Your problem has been aggravated further
by the fact that both you and your husband
10
are away from your children , and your sister
who takes care of them obviously could not
give genuine parental guidance like you could
to your children. That is why I have always
admonished in this column that parents
should avoid the situation where both of them
are working abroad leaving their children
behind in exchange for money. The results
such as the above and many more problems
could be expected.
You cannot discipline your children by
“long distance call” or exercise “love by
remittance”. Growing children need the
physical presence of at least one parent,
preferably the mother, who can direct and
guide them in their growing years.
I would agree with you to tell them
the truth and reality about your adopted
daughter and that they do not have any blood
relationship at all. This will relieve them of
their anxieties, worries and depression and
enjoy a normal life. The saying “the truth
shall set you free” holds true every time.
Unfortunately your desire to marry them
is impossible under the Family Code of the
Philippines which prohibits the marriage
between an adopted child and a legitimate
child of the adopter. Marriage of such nature
is considered void from the beginning.
Acceptance of realities is very important
especially in this situation your family is
facing now. You have to live and adapt with
it.
As it is now, such relationship is the
equivalent of a common-law relationship
which means your son and your adopted
daughter are mere “live-in” partners as far
as the law is concern. Technically each one
of them could marry another person in the
future if they so desire without violation of
law.
However no law could stop them from
loving each other genuinely. It is how they
live this life in the absence of a lawful marital
bond that will determine their future and
happiness as a family. Everyone knows how
many relationships bonded by legal marriages
have been broken. In other words being
legally married cannot guarantee a happy and
successful marital relationship; only genuine
and uncompromising love can, especially one
where the center of such relationship is the
Lord Himself.
Bro. Rolly
religious belief between me and my husband.
I am a religious free-thinker as I attend
Catholic Mass and sometimes I do attend BornAgain Christian Sunday service. My husband on
the other hand is a member of a religious group
in Cavite which promotes talisman and power of
mind to control things though believing in one God.
What I detest about is he is forcing my three
children, aged 11, 14 and 17 to attend to the church
he belongs to even as they have been baptized as
Catholics. According to my oldest son, they were
beaten up by their father for quite a number of
times when they refused to go to his church. Several
times in the past their father would lock them up
inside the house so that they cannot leave for church
mass on Sundays.
I also learned recently that he is seeing another
woman and I learned that he spends his salary
with that woman. He used to share the domestic
expenses with me but for the past three months our
electricity were almost cut off due to non-payment
of bill if not for my timely rescue.
I want to end our relationship and file a legal
separation case but I do not know on what grounds
and if I will be successful.
I will appreciate your advice.
Rita, Chai Wan
FORCED RELIGION
To All Readers & Suki of this
column,
I will be finishing my two-year contract as
helper at the end of this month and before resuming
my new contract with my employer, I will take my
home leave to spend at least one month with my
children and face a seeming unsolvable problem.
Our problem is brought about by differences in
Dear Rita,
I would advise that you discuss these
problems first with him seriously before
you take the unpleasant decision of legal
separation. Both of you should do your
best to come up with possible solutions
even a compromise. The family is always
worth saving especially if it is in the brink of
collapse.
But if everything fails, you may file for
legal separation based on the following
grounds:
1) Repeated physical violence or grossly
abusive conduct directed against your
children; 2) Physical violence or moral
pressure for compelling you or your children
to change religious affiliation; 3) His sexual
infidelity – this must be substantiated and
proven.
Both of you have to consider custody of
your children and their financial support.
Remember too that if legal separation is
granted by court, neither of you could
remarry.
Bro. Rolly
Bro. Rolly Wishes You A
Merry Christmas And A
Blessful New Year!
Imap - Hk Celebrates Midwifery Week With Election Of
New Officers
by Julia Buen Terry
Continuing to pursue the Midwifery Profession
and its goal, the Integrated Midwives
Association of the Philippines. Inc. Hong
Kong Chapter celebrated its Midwifery Week
with the election of its new set of Officers for
2009- 2010 and the Search for Miss IMAPHK 2008.
The gathering held at Admiralty, Hong Kong
was attended by IMAP-HK members, friends,
and invited guests from other migrant groups
in HK. Special Guest during the occasion was
Miss Lorna Pagaduan of the Philippine Nurses
Association, Hong Kong.
Miss Amabelle Raganda won the title Miss
IMAP-HK besting four other candidates
during the contest.
“IMAP-HK will spearhead its bid for the hosting
of the Midwifery Licensure Examination here
in Hong Kong. We will continue to work for
it until its materialization. ”Said IMAP- HK
President Brenda Atrero.
Concurrently, IMAP-HK is conducting a
Refreshers Course for Midwifery Graduates
interested to take the Licensure Board
Examination. It is coordinating with IMAP
National in Philippines for a possible Review
Course to be held in the territory early next
year.
The highlight of the affair was the election
of IMAP-HK new set of officers for 20092010. They are as follows: President: Brenda
Atrero, 1st Vice- President: Maricel Sauza;
2nd Vice- President: Nelly Navarro; Secretary:
Faith Campillanos; Asst. Sec.: Rachel Abella;
Treasurer: Fatima Pina; Asst. Treasurer: Agnes
Ardan; Auditor: Edithe Pipo; P. R. O.: Neneth
Bermudes
For Committee Heads, Committee for
Membership: Evelyn Magno; Legislation and
Appointment: Ethel Ramos; Education: Jhona
Bernabe; External Affair: Helen Bacarce;
Internal Affairs: Aeolie Ada Rosimo; and
for Grievances and Midwifery Ethics: Lina
Asuncion.
IMAP-HK Advisers are: Patricia Gomez,
Babes Mercado; Dr. Angel Ramos; Joel
Almeda; Ericson Sim and Arnold Grospe.
11
Philippine Association of Hong Kong Activities
2009 Board
Election
The Philippine Association of Hong Kong held
the election of the 2009 Board last November
27, 2008 and the Annual General Meeting at
the Grappas Cellar in Central
Ms. Dina Mae Flores, Country Manager of
Philippine Airlines, topped the new Board of
Directors for the term year 2009.
Below are the other winners.
1.
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Dina May Flores
Joel Almeda
Val Miquiabas
Jay Martinez
Arnold P. Grospe
Voltaire Medina
Jhell Palomaria
Ody Lai
Ning Espiritu
Al Panlilio
Eric Goyena
Jaypee De Guzman
Rex Caldez
Chato Carlos
Richard Del Valle
ConGen’s Cup
PAHK had an exciting year 2008, filled with
events and activities that brought members
fun-filled and memorable moments which
were shared with each other.
It was also a despedida party for him for he is
scheduled to leave Hong Kong to take up his
new post as Ambassador to Libya.
The said activity was organized by Sports
Committee Chairman Arnold P. Grospe
and Ms. Chato Carlos which was held at the
Olympian City Super Fu Bowl in Shop 148, 1st
Floor, Olympian City Mall Olympic Station,
Kowloon on Nov. 22, 2008.
Participating Teams and their members
were: BPI - Gary Flores, Eric, Danny Cruz.
Anthony Cruz and Iris Chan
Brastel - Joel Almeda, Vince Gonda, Eric
Goyena, Ody Lai and Gina
Cashsense - Jun Carlos, Benray Francisco,
Jon Suarez, Stephen Chan and Chato Carlos
Friends/Builders - Arnold Grospe, Jimmy
Mackay, Edwin, Roland and Myra Ma
Metro Bank - Val Miquiabas, Fred, Joseph,
Reese and Baes Mercado
PAL - Dina Mae Flores, Rita, Sacki, Marky,
Wilson
PNB - Jimmy Balios, Rodel, Cora, Lani,
Emily
San Miguel - Arnel Villaroza, Victor
Amisola, Onie Lorenzo and Beng W
Team Prizes
Team High Series (Total Pin fall for 3 games) - Cashsense total 1,608 pins
High Game (Highest Pin fall o nay games) - Metro Bank total 555 pins
Individual Prizes High Series Man (Total pin fall for 3 games) - Reese of Metro Bank 622 pins
High Game Man (Best out of 3 Games)
- Reese of Metro Bank 247
High Series for Ladies - Myra Ma of Friends Int’l Mag/Builders
High Game for Ladies - Myra Ma of Friends Int’l Mag
The seminar started at 10:30 am and ended
at 5:30 pm. In part I, the topic was about the
legality in making of wills on inheritance.
While in part 2, the topic circulated on
leadership, values, commitment and the
behavior of a leader in tackling the issues
behind the association.
Barrister Ody Lai and Barrister Eugenia from
Open University of HK discussed the topic on
making wills, the important provisions and
ordinance.
According to Barrister Lai, a will is a piece of
paper that contains your wishes but making
a will is entirely voluntary especially if you
have children. If you don’t have a will, there
are some rules to follow on how to divide
assets and inheritance. Sometimes it is a cause
of troubles and misunderstanding among
the members of the family. That’s why every
person with family responsibilites should make
a will. In some cases, it is advisable to make a
will in the presence of a lawyer and to be kept
in a safe place.
panahon” hinaing ng ina.
Nobela ni Cora P. Carsola
Ang Nakaraan:
Iniuwi ni Victor ang anak
nila ni Monaliza na si Vimo
pagkatapos ng civil wedding
sa Liborno at binyag ng bata.
Sinalubong sila sa airport nina nanay Esther at
ang dating katipang si Vesta. Tanggap man ng huli
ang pagtalikod sa kanilang relasyon, nasaktan din
siya nang makitang napalitan na ng wedding ring
ang kanilang engagement ring. Ipinakita rin niya
kay Victor ang giliw sa inuwing sanggol.
Nagpasya si Victor na lisanin ang Dumaguete
upang hindi na madagdagan pa ang pasakit
na dulot niya sa dating katipan. Nagpatayo siya
ng bahay sa Quezon City, bilang paghahanda
sa pagdating ng asawa sa oras na magdecide na
siyang uwi-an sila.
Lumaki ng lumaki si Vimo na hindi pa rin
sila nagkikitang mag-ina. Pero hindi naman
nagkulang si Monaliza sa pakikipag-usap sa anak
at pagpapadala ng mga materyal na bagay.
Ang kay nanay Esther naman, kalinga ng ina ang
kailangan ng isang anak. Nag-aalinlangan talaga
siya sa katapatan ni Monaliza kay Victor.
IKA-11 KABANATA:
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa pagtatagpo ng
landas ninyo ni Monaliza, anak sapagkat
meron tayong munting anghel na nagsisilbing
inspirasyon natin araw araw.. Siguro nga
kaloob ng Diyos ang batang bibo upang
pamunas sa lahat na nararamdaman lalo
na sa ‘yo. Bakit hindi mo na lang ibaling
ang pag-ibig mo sa iba. Nariyan si Vesta
na hanggang ngayo’y wala pang asawa. Isa
kang inhinyero na may matatag na hanap
buhay. Nararapat sa ‘yo ang isang masayang
pamilya. Sayang anak, anak saying ang
The main topic about leadership commenced
on valuing and commitment. As leader of a
group, commitment is very important. If the
leader is committed, there will be a greater
chance for the followers to be committed as
well. As a committed leader, you must also
know your member’s innermost thoughts
and predicaments, and you must take time to
understand the talents, strength and potentials
that they acquired. If the members had no
more interest in your group, must have to take
to them and solve the problem. Being a leader,
you have to inspire your members to create
new things for the benefit of the group.
12
Hindi nakasagot si Victor. Mahal nga ba siya
ni Monaliza?
“Bakit hindi mo na lang siya iwaksi sa iyong
isipan? Alam mo ba na nahihirapan din ako
kapag nakikita ko kayong mag-ama?” patuloy
ni nanay Ester.
“Sorry ‘nay. Pero papaano ko iwaksi ang
ina ng aking anak at taong nagbigay sa
akin ng pangalawang buhay? Sa bawat
hakbang ng tao ay may pagkakamali. Puso’y
nagkakamali. Ngunit ang pagkakamaling yon
ang siya ring nagiging daan ng pagwawasto.”
“Paano mo maiwasto ang mali? Ano ka ba
Victor?”
“Papa, I want to go to bed na’, tawag ni
Vimo.
“Sorry anak, napahaba kasi ang kuwentuhan
namin ng papa mo” sabat ng lola.
“Is it about my mama?”
Nagtinginan ang mag-ina.
“Sabi sa ‘yo Victor, mahaba ang tenga ng
anak mo,eh!”
Before the seminar ended, the directors of
PAHK handed certificates to all attendees.
The notable directors/officers of PAHK who
joined in the whole day seminar were Scylla
Kwong of Prime Credit, Dina May Flores of
PAL, Arnold Grospe of Friends Int’l Mag,
Joel Almeda of BDO, Voltaire Medina of
BPI, Vinson Gonda of Gen-Ex Cargo, Val
Miquiabas of First Metro, Jhell Palomaria of
Jollibee, Barrister Ody Lai.
Sa wakas, napatawa rin si Victor.
“Sige na anak, susunod na ako. Don’t forget
to…
“Alam ko na po ang sasabihin niyo. Don’t
forget to brush your teeth, wear pajamas and
pray to Mama Mary” pangunguna ni Vimo sa
kanyang ama.
Pagpasok ni Victor sa kuwarto, himbing
na himbing na si Vimo. Nakatagilid ang
posisyon nito kaya kinabig niya ito upang
ilagay sa tamang posisyon.
“Ha?” nakapa niya ang kuwadro ng larawan
ng ina na yakap yakap pa.
by Remely Valdez
The Philippine Association of Hong Kong
conducted a whole day presentation of
learning and motivation through its 4th Legal
Workshop and 1st Leadership Workshop held
at Grappas Cellar, Jardine House Central last
October 12, 2008.
“Alam ko! Pero mahal ka rin naman kaya?
“Sa paglingon sa pinanggalingan… ang
nakaraan, inay. Hindi ba’t sa pagtahak natin
sa mundong ating kinagagalawan ay kaakibat
natin ang mga pagsubok. Ang paglingon sa
mga ito ang magdadala sa atin ng pagtutuwid
ng kamalian. Magsisilbi silang aral. Biyaya
rin ang pagsubok. Si Vimo ay biyaya sa atin di
po ba?” pilit niyang pagpapaliwanag sa ina.
4th Legal Workshop And
1st Leadership Workshop
Before the year end PAHK organized another
exciting event for bowling enthusiasts which
was called the “Con Gen’s Cup” PAHK Open
Bowling Tournament 2008 in honor of the
Hon. Alejandrino Vicente, Consul General of
the Philippine Consulate Hong Kong
“Kalimutan na natin si Vesta inay. Nakaraang
kabanata na yon, please. Mahal ko si Mona,
ng higit pa sa aking buhay. Utang ko ang
aking buhay sa kanya, alam niyo ‘yon.”
“Pobreng bata!” bulong ng habag na ama.
The sponsors of the seminar are PLDT and
PNB who gave away bags to lucky participants.
Some lucky participants also received prizes
from PAL.
Dahan-dahang hinugot ni Victor ang
kuwadro at ipinatong sa headboard. Tinitigan
ang larawan ng asawa nang matagal.
. . . sundan sa pahina 16
13
The Tremendous Outpouring of God’s Glory
and Revelations During the Ministry’s 19th Year
Anniversary
by Apostle Renato D. Carillo
God blessed His people as His precious
revelations and mighty miracles lavishly
divulged during the 19th year anniversary of
Jesus Is Our Shield Worldwide Ministries with
theme, “I am with You Always” last October
15-17 & 19, 2008. The 3-day anointed services
were held at the ministry’s main church
while on the last day, it was held at Marikina
Gymnasium, Marikina City, just one ride from
the ministry’s main church.
was so great. Amidst their song presentation,
the lights were turned off and everyone
participated in lighting candles as the Pastors
continued to sing.
As the Man of God stepped on the platform,
the wave of God’s glory came down and filled
each one. In the midst of worship, the Man of
God declared, “God is healing the sick right
now!” and the healing wave of God descended
and flowed the sick and afflicted.
The final day was a whole day celebration,
consisted of 2 services. In the morning, it was
just a celebration of praise. Prior to the morning
service, there was a caravan from the ministry’s
main church to Marikina Gymnasium,
Marikina City, escorted by a police mobile
patrol car. In support of the grand episode of
the “Mission of Love”, several barangay of
Quezon City lent their barangay patrol vehicle,
as a transportation of the people in their
community to the service’s venue.
Mighty healing testimonies included:
• An elderly woman who couldn’t walk for
2 years due to paralysis was gloriously healed!
By the healing power of the Lord, her wheel
chair was emptied as she can now walk! Her
daughter shed tears for joy and gratefulness at
what God did to her mother. Praise God!
• Those who suffered from kidney problem,
blurred eyesight, cyst, migraine, heart problem,
asthma, painful arthritis, high blood, and lung
problem were all healed by God! Praise His
holy name!
Right after the testimonies of the people
were heard, the Man of God shared a very
powerful truth entitled, “The Wealth from
Heaven” which truly blessed the people of
God. He instilled to all to live a life of giving,
educating the people to prosper amidst the
worldwide crisis. He then declared again a
number of prophecies and promises of God
and this reminded and boosted the faith of
God’s people.
Subsequently, there was a “Mission of
Love”. After the needy people were saved,
healed, and set free, they were then blessed.
Goods were gladly distributed to them.
Even in the morning, the venue was already
jam-packed with a capacity of people who
came from different places all over our country
and those who were the fruits of the ongoing
“Mission of Love”, specifically residents of
Marikina and Quezon City depressed areas.
And these indigent people received free lunch
after the morning service.
In the afternoon, more attendees arrived,
overflowing the aisles and hallway of the
venue. After the praise and worship, the
people enjoyed viewing a few wonderful, Godglorifying presentations, though the heat could
be felt due to a congested environment.
14
The presentation of the ministry’s Pastors
• A woman who couldn’t walk without
crutches was healed by God! She thanked
God for the miracle as she can now walk with
crutches off! Glory to God!
• Another woman who couldn’t walk and
even stand without any support was healed by
the Lord! Praise Him!
As interviewed, they cheerfully testified
how blessed they were by the service. And
needless to say, their lives will never be the same.
And the Man of God culminated the service
with a prayer of thanksgiving to the goodness
of God for making the ministry’s anniversary
a successful one and touching countless of
precious souls. To God be the glory!
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.
Support the Victims of Spouse Abuse - Part 1
I am a Filipina married to a local Chinese. I am
physically and verbally assaulted by my husband
for the last 8 years. I cannot leave him because
we have 3 young children ages 7, 5 and 2. I am
a housewife and fully dependent on the financial
support of my husband. Please help me. Mrs.
Chan of North Point.
Mrs. Chan, I applaud you for coming forward
and asking help for your domestic problems.
You are stronger than most housewives who
prefer to remain quiet regarding the abuse
they constantly experience and pretending
there is nothing wrong with their marriage.
Spouse battering is a complicated social
problem involving the very intimate
relationships between husband and wife and
well as their children. It is a reality of most
marriages across different economic and
social levels of any society, be it in developed
or undeveloped countries, irrespective
of religion or educational attainment. It
comes in various forms and guises. There
is the more blatant physical attack and the
constant verbal abuses left unchecked for
prolonged period of time. The victims, be it
the spouse or the children suffer silently and
the problem is swept through the carpet.
This is mainly due to lack of understanding
of the nature of violence/abuse inflicted
and the lack of information how to deal
with it and the consequences.
Recently, Hong Kong government has
implemented public campaigns and
awareness to effectively prevent the problem
and offer solutions to protect the abused
spouse and children, at the same time
encouraging harmonious reconciliation of
families. The Social Welfare Department
(SWD) has published information kit on
the various services available for the victims
of Spouse Battering, training the frontline
workers who deal with the issues and
educational kit for the children of spouse
abuse. Please contact your nearest SWD in
your district. You can also ask assistance
from the Medical Social Workers (MSWs)
or social workers of other agencies. The
Family and Child Protective Services Units
(FCPSU) as well as the Integrated Family
Service Centres (IFSC) in North Point can
be reached by phone at 2231-5859.
I reckon you are still living with your
spouse. The first thing is to assess the safety
of the young children and yourself. If the
risk is high, you must protect the children
and yourself. If danger is imminent, you
must immediately seek the protection of
the police. If not, call the centre in North
Point and ask for admission to a temporary
shelter. I encourage you to discuss with the
social worker assigned to help you about
the safety plan and other services you need
before you make the move. But do not wait
till you or your children are already in the
hospital, it is too late.
There are various factors that need to be
considered such as the timing of the move,
which route to take: call the police, engage
the social service centre, hire lawyers,
approach the religious and charitable
associations, etc. A safe destination for the
children and the spouse should be high in
the list especially where the abusive spouse
threatens further violence. The address of
the refuge house should not be revealed.
Pack lightly and bring only the essential
belongings such as basic clothing, identity
cards, medications, and telephone book of
important numbers.
There are currently 4 refuge centres for
women in the territory that serves as
temporary accommodation for providing
safety, providing counselling and treatment
and regaining the self-confidence lost due
to the threat of violence or abuse suffered.
These houses provide 24 hour admission
and you can call anytime at 25220434,
27876865, 28908330, and 27930223. The
addresses are kept confidential to protect the
victims of harassment.
If the marriage is falling apart, you and
the children may have to consider looking
for a long-term accommodation. You can
rent a private property or apply for a public
housing. In case you cannot solve the housing
problem, you approach the social workers
who will give you advice. You can apply for
government assistance for rental allowance
under the Comprehensive Social Security
Assistance Scheme (CSSA). You can also
apply for Compassionate Re-housing which
is a form of housing assistance aimed at
individuals and families who have genuine
and imminent housing needs but cannot
meet the needs by themselves. There is a
Conditional Tenancy Scheme available for
those undergoing divorce proceedings and
those awaiting court decisions regarding
custody of young children. Starting
November 2001, this Scheme has extended
its services to cover victims of domestic
violence having petitioned for divorce who
have no offspring or have not brought along
their dependent children when leaving their
matrimonial homes.
The husband can be the abused spouse. This
is not common but it happens. It may not
be physical abuse but verbal harassment,
by the constant nagging, complaining
of the wife. Husbands can contact those
stated above or approach urban hostels for
single persons through the referral of social
workers. These hostels will provide short
term accommodation and counselling. The
social workers will also provide you details
of long-term accommodation if necessary.
The SWD hotline is 23432255.
Short term financial assistance is available
for emergency purposes and there are many
charitable organizations with trust funds
that will cater to this need. For real financial
difficulty, apply for assistance under the
CSSA scheme. There will be eligibility
requirements under this scheme such as
residency in Hong Kong, financial means
test that include income and other assets of
value, and additional criteria for able-bodied
adults ages 15 to 59. Those below 15 and
above 60 are not subject to the able-bodied
test.
Any injury suffered as a result of a crime
of violence could claim compensation
under the Criminal and Law Enforcement
Injuries Compensation Scheme (CLEIC).
This scheme is non-contributory and nonmeans tested. The payments come from
public funds. There are strict criteria and
time limitations when to make the claim for
compensation. Ask further details from the
social worker.
My prayer to all readers of Friends
International Magazine is for you to enjoy
each day as it comes. In God, there is no
financial crisis, only financial abundance.
Claim the blessings this Christmas season
and for the year 2009.
15
... mula sa pahina 13
niya sa asawa.
“I’m tired lola.”
“Hanggang kailan kaya ang pagtitiis na ito?”
Itinaob ang kuwadro. Lalong naglaro sa
kanyang isipan ang mukha ni Monaliza.
Kinaumagahan, habang binibihisan niya ng
uniporme si Vimo,
“Papa, when is my mama coming home?”
Hindi siya kumibo. Malayo ang narating ng
kanyang isipan. Mahigpit pa ring bilanggo ng
kanyang palad ang kinusot na liham.
Napikon si Victor sa tanong ng anak.
“Vimo, wala ka na bang alam na itanong
kundi tungkol sa mama mo?”
Nabigla si Vimo. Sa isang batang apat na
taong gulang, walang ibang maisagot kundi…
“Hindi kita bati papa’, you’re naughty.”
“Talaga Papa, peks man?”
“Ngayon at magaling na si Mama Martina
mo, kaya mo na rin sigurong ipagtapat ang
katotohanan?”
“Oo, kaunting panahon na lang friend,
patotoo ni Monaliza.”
Upang malibang si Monaliza, niyakag niya
ang kaibigan upang mag-shopping para sa
anak.
Hindi na naman sinagot ang anak.
“May pirma na ako sa assignment book mo,
anak. Pakisabi sa teacher mo na pupunta ako
ss school niyo bukas.”
“Tired ka lang naman sa paghalungkat sa box
di ba?”
“Lola, I want my mama.”
“Dadating si papa mo anak. Hintayin natin
siya at makakasama natin siyang mag
decorate sa Christmas tree.”
“Ang mama ko po, wait din natin?”
“Mahal ko ang mag-ama ko. Oo na-miss ng
anak ko ang kalinga ng isang ina during the
past years pero sa kabila naman non, hindi
ako nagkulang sa pagpapadala ng kanyang
pangangailangan.”
Niyakap ni Victor ang anak
“Sorry anak, lambing ko lang yon. Di ba I
told you, darating si mama sa Pasko?
ni Violy C. Pascual
Nalungkot si Monaliza.
“Cheer up friend..Harapin mo na kasi ang
katotohanan. Huwag mo nang patagalin at
baka mahuli ka na sa pagluha.’ payo ni Pacita
sa kaibigan.
“Tuwang-tuwa si Vimo, habang isa-isa niyang
inilalabas ang laman ng door-to door box
mula sa kanyang ina.
Hindi nakasagot ang lola.
“Lola, sagot!. Yes or No?”
“Ubusin mo na ang pagkain mo. Mamaya,
bago ka matulog, pray to mama Mary.’
“Sana dadating ang Papa at Mama ko sa
Pasko mama Mary. Kase po makulit si Miss
Valencia. Lagi pong tinatanong ang mama ko.
Si Rene rin po, lagi akong tinutukso, taimtim
na hiling ng bata.
“Ma’am, fried chicken po ang donation ko
sa Christmas party, pag-aalok ng kaklaseng si
Rene.
“Ano naman sa ‘yo Vimo?” tanong ni Miss
Valencia.
…Mmm from my ninang Pacita..”
“Batam-bata pa pala ang papa mo Vimo?”
Mga Kwentong OFW
Purnadang Boracay
Oktubre pa lang, masayang masaya si
Angel nang sabihan siya ng amo na sa
Boracay sila magpapasko. Kahit papaano
ay maipagmamalalaki niyang nagustuhan
ng amo ang kanyang lugar. Lalo pang
natuwa sa pamasko sa kanya na isasama
siya doon. Uuwi muna si Angel sa Manila
at susunduin ang kanyang asawa’t dalawang
anak upang makasama ang mag-asawang
amo at ang baby sa tatlong araw at dalawang
gabi. Sagot lahat ang gastos ng amo na taga
Germany at nakatira sa South Island.
ang mga tao sa gulo sa Thailand. Itutuloy
na rin ang pagpunta sapagkat hindi pala sila
lalapag sa main airport.
Dinadasal-dasal ni Angel na magkakalakas
loob din na itutuloy ang pagpunta sa Boracay
sa mga darating na bakasyon upang matupad
ang pangarap na marating dahil hanggang
Luzon lang ang naabot niya. UMELA offers different programs for OFWs
like Food Processing, Beadscraft Making,
Ribbon Cutting/Folding, Card Making and
Soap Carving led by trainiors Fely Baquirin,
Au Ramirez, Sherlie Sadang, Regie Ahig and
Marites Ancajas.
Food Processing with basic and advanceed
courses, include many kinds of longganiza,
chorizzo de bilbao, meat loaf, corned beef,
chicken ham, soimai, fishballs, kikiam etc.
Beadscraft Making basics produces simple vases
& baskets, while advanced can have designs of
Hello Kitty & other animal characters.
Ribbon cutting/folding may be a good business
for bridal accessories from hair dressers to
coursages.
Cardmaking is available for any occasion
with the help of cartolina and patience of the
trainee.
Biglang gumuho ang hinihintay-hintay ni
Angel ng malathala sa pangunahing pahayagan
na may gulo sa Boracay. Magkasunod-sunod
sa tatlong araw na ang balitang hindi maganda
kaya’t napilitan magpalit ng destinasyon ang
mga amo niya. Nakabili na ng tiket patungong
Thailand, kalagitnaan ng Nobyembre matapos
tanungin si Angel kung gusto pa nitong
sumama. Ang asawa ni Angel ang hindi
sumang-ayon kaya tiket papuntang Manila na
lang ang binili kay Angel. Nagkagulo din sa
Airport sa Thailand kaya nagkibit balikat na
lang ang mag-asawa. UMELA Opening
Ika 13 ng Disyembre ang alis at pabalik sa 20
kaya pinag-iisipan pa kung tutuloy o hindi.
Laking pasalamat ni Angel nang mahawi na
Co-founder and adviser Fely Baquirin, and
President Connie Malsi led the training
sesssions.
For those interested to join, call Fely 94385782,
Connie 93027765.
United Migrants Entrepreneur and Livelihood
Association (UMELA) started different
livelihood trainings on November 2, 2008
at Sai Ying Pun Park near the UMELA
headquarters.
“Itatanong ko muna po sa lola ko.”
“Wow Lola! Ang laki ng Teddy Bear, ye hey!”
“At saka mabait po siya at mapagmahal. Di
ba Papa? Pero minsan po makulit siya.”
“Lola meron ka rin po!”
Napatawa ang ama, ganun din si Miss
Valencia.
“Teddy Bear?” tanong ng lolang kasalukuyang
nasa kusina.
“Bibo ang anak niyo Engr. Asuncion at may
angking talino.”
“Lola naman, ano ka po baby?”
“Ako po, Spaghetti”, sabat ng isa.
“Ice cream po sa akin” pangako pa rin ng isa.
“Ayaw kong pumasok Lola. Ayaw ko sa
Christmas Party. Kayo na lang magdala sa
hotdog at sa regalo ng mama ko para kay
Miss Valencia.”
“E di baby lola?”
“Ano ang ibig sabihin ng bibo papa?” tanong
na pabulong ni Vimo
Binuhat niya ang regalo para sa Lola.
“Smart ka daw anak.”
“From my mama Lola.”
Natuwa si Vimo at nangislap ang ngiti sa
kanyang mukha.
“Salamat Vimo at sa mama mo.”
Natuwa rin si Victor sa mga narinig mula sa
guro. Subalit sa kabila ng pagkatuwang yon,
Lumbay ang nadama ni nanay Ester noong
mga sandaling yon na pilit niyang ikinubli sa
apo.
nadama niya ang lungkot sapagkat kung
naroon si Monaliza, natuwa rin sana.
Pasko na naman. Darating na nga kaya ang
kanyang manugang?
Sumakay na muli si Victor sa barko
pagkatapos ng dalawang buwang bakasyon.
“Kain na Vimo. Bakit bigla kang tameme, e
paborito mo itong ulam?”
Malapit na sila noon sa Sembauang Port ng
Singapore ng masumpungan niyang sulatan
si Monaliza upang hikayating umuwi ito sa
pasko.
“Hinahintulad ko ang isang parang Mona..
naghihintay sa pagsikat ng araw, pagbagsak
ng ulan at paghampas ng hangin. Is there any
hope for any grass to grow?” bahagi ng sulat
16
“Kung hindi ka a-attend sa Christmas party,
malulungkot ang mama mo. Hindi mo rin
mai-susuot ang damit na bigay sa yo ng
ninang Pacita mo. Ikaw din, wala tayong
maikukuwento sa mama mo. At saka,
dadalhin natin si Teddy Bear para makipa
party rin siya” pamukaw sigla ng lola.
“Ang laki-laki lola?”
“Eh ano? Hindi tayo sasakay sa school bus,
magpapahatid tayo kay tito Manuel mo,
pangungumbinsi pa rin ng mahal an lola.
ITUTULOY
Advertise with
Friends International Magazine
For inquiries, call 2541 2510
17
Do you want your photos on this page? Group pictures, special gatherings, association activities are most welcome. Send them to us by post or email and you just might find
yourself in our next issue.
18
. . . friends snapshots
19
Notes from
POLO
Vancouver
By: Labatt Bernie B. Julve
Part One: The Beginnings
Greetings to all of you there in Hong Kong, my beloved second
home. I’ve been here in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
for almost 6 months and it may please you to have an update
of what I’ve been doing.
1.
I left Manila on 10 May 2008 for Toronto for some
orientation with my colleague Atty. Frank Luna of POLOToronto. After a couple of days, I drove to Ottawa (a good
5-hour drive of beautiful scenery) and made a courtesy call
on our Ambassador, the Honorable Jose S. Brilliantes (who
incidentally was my former boss at the DOLE in 1994-1998
when he was Undersecretary and later, Acting Secretary).
I stayed there for a couple of days where we had a series
of strategy meetings on how to approach and manage the
western Canada labor market, my area of responsibility.
2.
I drove back to Toronto and stayed for a couple of days
more, this time meeting with a number of Filipino communities
and getting insights from them as well as exploring the city
itself and its surroundings including the world- famous wonder
that is Niagara Falls.
3.
I left Toronto for Vancouver on 16 May and reported
immediately for work at our Consulate. After a late lunch with
Consul General Ruth Morales-Prado, she called for a general
staff meeting and introduced me. In the same meeting, I
outlined before the general staff my plans and programs for
the western Canada labor market and emphasized the need
for all of us to work together as a team to achieve our mission.
In Vancouver-PCG, I noticed a familiar figure and I’m sure his
name is also familiar to you. I refer to Deputy Consul General
Raul Hernandez who was, in the mid to late-90s, the Consul
there in HK-PCG. He has been promoted and transferred to
Xiamen as Consul General commencing September this year.
(In Ottawa, I also noticed a familiar figure, that of Consul
Shirley Banquicio who also was Vice-Consul in Hong Kong in
the late 90’s).
4.
Then came the hardest part: looking for an apartment
to stay while at the same time canvassing and buying office
equipments, furniture and the like for the office, negotiating
with utility companies and opening bank accounts. I stayed
at Sheraton Hotel for a good 2 weeks before I was able to
find an appropriate condo unit in the downtown area, just a
block away from the Consulate. It was really hard looking
for an apartment because Vancouver is a lessor market and
the prices are high. At one time during the search I almost
fell into a scam where I was told to remit my advance rental
and deposit to the “lesssor” because he was still in Africa
doing humanitarian work for the U.N. I was about to do so
when wisdom and prudence set in and told me not to as
it was likely a scam. It turned out to be and a week later,
the Vancouver police arrested a number of people deceiving
would-be tenants.
20
5.
Realizing that I was all alone doing all these things,
some former DOLE staff who migrated to Canada came to my
help and did volunteer work for me. Their presence gave me
enough confidence to finally open the POLO to the public on 2
June.
6.
Again it was pure hard work. In between attending to
people who immediately came in droves, answering countless
queries through email, phone calls and acting on a good
number of documents, I had to meet with Canadian officials
to discuss our rules and regulations in relation to theirs. In
particular, with the Province of British Columbia, I had to
discuss with concerned officials the guidelines implementing
the Memorandum of Agreement ( MOU) which was signed
earlier in the year and with the Province of Alberta, I had to
iron out with them some wrinkles in the proposed MOU whose
signing was delayed precisely because of disagreement on a
number of provisions particularly those which call for Alberta
and/or its employers to invest in training and human resource
development in the Philippines.
7.
POLO was housed at the PCG-Vancouver for a little
over 2 months, from 16 May to 31 July. On 1 August, we
decided to move to a building a block from the PCG given
the limited space we had at the Consulate. It is now located
in one of the so-called “heritage” buildings in Vancouver, the
Royal Bank of Canada building specifically at 814-675 West
Hastings Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6B 1N2. The new
office was officially opened last 10 September with DOLE
Undersecretary Minda G. Padilla (who flew in from Manila) and
Consul General Ruth Morales-Prado doing the ribbon cutting.
After the blessings by Fr. Mario, the guests were treated to a
sumptuous lunch catered by Sandy Daza of Sandy Cuisine, a
favotite hang-out of Filipino expats and professionals. Sandy
is the son of the famous culinary diva, Nora Daza, who can
also be seen on Sunday television in “Cooking with Sandy”
8.
After a couple of months, I’ve slowly adjusted to
both work and environment and plunged deeper into work of
laying a solid and strong foundation for our workers on the
western Canada labor market.
[On the next issue: Part 2: Canadian Labor Market
Assessment]
Strategy meeting at the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa with
Ambassador Jose S. Brilliantes, Consul Shirley Banquicio,
Labatt Frank Luna of POLO-Toronto and Labatt Bernie Julve
of POLO-Vancouver.
21
Christmas Lessons
Christmas is just
around the corner.
And whenever this
particular
season
comes, it especially
evokes
wonderful
feelings from people.
In fact, even marketing gurus believe that
people who do not usually spend tend to
splurge during this time of the year. Hence
the frills of the Christmas preparations and the
thrills of hunting for gifts, wrangling for prices,
and hopping from one bazaar to another for
bargains and sale goods that have all become
part of the lavish Paskong Pinoy tradition.
Lest we miss the whole essence why there is
Christmas and why we celebrate it, in the first
place, it is essential that we take a quick look
back at the lessons to be learned from the first
Christmas ever! The word points us to the
truths:
C
hrist is the reason for the season. “For
God so loved the world that he gave his one
and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not
perish but have eternal life. For God did not send
his Son into the world to condemn the world, but
to save the world through him” (John 3:16-17,
NIV). Yes. “God showed how much he loved us by
sending his one and only Son into the world so that
we might have eternal life through him” (1 John
4:9, NLT). To celebrate Christmas therefore,
minus a personal relationship with Christ, is
nothing but a charade. If we take Him out of
the picture, we will be left with nothing but
trimmings without meaning.
H
onor the truth of His Word. “...For I am
a King. [Certainly I am a King!] This is why
I was born, and for this I have come into the world,
to bear witness to the Truth. Everyone who is of the
Truth [who is a friend of the Truth, who belongs
to the Truth] hears and listens to My voice” (John
18:37, Amplified). Surely Jesus is the Way,
the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the
Father except through Him (John 14:6). “Only
Jesus has the power to save! His name is the only
one in all the world that can save anyone” (Acts
4:12, CEV).
Lucida C. Maingpis
by Bishop. Eddie Villanueva
gift of salvation from one of the sinners who
was crucified with Jesus that day on Calvary
~ he acknowledged his guilt and his need for
Jesus (Luke 23:39-43).
I
nvest your life in matters of eternal
significance. This is the benchmark for
genuine living: That you exist for things that
would outlive you. “What good will it be for a
man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his
soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his
soul?” (Matthew 16:26, NIV).
S
eek Him first at all times. Christmas
promises not only eternal salvation, but
even blessings unto overflow. All we have to
do is to always put Him first, over and above
all. “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and
live righteously, and he will give you everything you
need” (Matthew 6:33, NLT). For Jesus came
into the world that we may have and enjoy life,
and have it in abundance ~ to the full, till it
overflows (John 10:10b, Amplified).
T
rust His sovereignty. Life is hard, should
we make it harder? Of course not! We
must remember that one of the blessings
of Christmas is the guarantee of the Lord’s
absolute sovereignty. All we have to do is to
trust Him. “The LORD All-Powerful has made
this promise: Everything I have planned will happen
just as I said” (Isaiah 14:24, CEV).
M
aster the heart of humility. The manger
says it all, and compels us to “Think
of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of
himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t
think so much of himself that he had to cling to the
advantages of that status no matter what. Not at
all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges
of deity and took on the status of a slave, became
human! Having become human, he stayed human.
It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t
claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless,
obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient
death—and the worst kind of death at that—a
crucifixion” (Philippians 6:5-8, The Message).
A
lways pay it forward. “The Son of Man
did not come to be a slave master, but a slave
who will give his life to rescue many people” (Mark
10:45, CEV). At the heart of Christmas is the
heart of giving. May it become a personal
lifestyle, not a hypocritical seasonal trend.
S
ubmit to Him in worship and holy
reverence. The distinction of being wise
was given to the first group of people that
intentionally went on a mission to seek the
prophesied Messiah from Bethlehem. They
came to Him in reverence, with gifts in their
hands and worship in their hearts (Matthew
2:1-12). The lesson they carved in history rings
true to this day: The wise submit to the King.
The manger of the Messiah was cradle to
Heaven’s many mysteries. Yet they are not
secret to the real seeker. This Christmas season,
go beyond tradition and get to really know
Christ ~ the sinners’ only Savior (1 Timothy
1:15).
Looking for Gowns to wear? Party dress?
For Tailor-made costumes or for gown/dress rentals... call Rutchie.
2512 0677 or 9018 0120 or email [email protected]
Philippines Products, Internet, MP3 downloads, Phone cards also available
22
Through pain, you learn something. It is
when you were hurting that you realize many
things that in the past you just took it for
granted. This occured to me recently. I went
through some sort of physical and emotional
pain that taught me a very valuable lesson - the
value of appreciation.
How many of us readily expressed
our appreciation - in words and in action?
Appreciation is one thing that is seldom
expressed by many people and I am no
exemption. I used to believe that I don’t need
to always express my appreciation in words
because like others may say it, “It’s already
understood”. Besides, the Bible also teaches
that when we do good, we shouldn’t expect
anything in return. So I thought, why expect
appreciation? Until a circumstance in my life
made me realize that appreciation really needs
to be expressed.
Last November 30, the Benguet Federation
- HK organized Adivay di Kabenguetan, a
celebration that commemorates our home
Province’ foundation day. I was one of the 13
candidates for the Search for Ms. Benguet- HK
‘08.
important lesson I’ve learned this year.
Appreciation is as appreciation does: in
order to be a truly appreciative person, you
must learn to verbalize, to voice out your
appreciation. Thinking or merely showing it
isn’t enough because others may fail to get the
message. I may have been appreciated by our
group but maybe I just failed to notice.
From now on, I promise myself to express
my appreciation whenever it’s needed. Let
me start through this article. I’ll take this
oppurtunity to express my appreciation to my
family, friends, teachers, those I’ve worked
with and all people I’ve encountered that
made impact on my life. I may not have been
very vocal about my appreciation but let me
tell all of you now that I deeply appreciate all
your good deeds.
More importantly, I’d like to thank those
who didn’t express their appreciation to me
and those who were late in congratulating me.
Should they had expressed their appreciation
earlier, I wouldn’t have learned a lesson
because I would have been overfilled with joy.
My gratitude also goes to the Publisher
and the Editorial staff of this magazine for
welcoming my articles. I believe that this is
the most read magazine for OFW’S because
it contains valuable information, amusing and
entertaining write ups also photography.
As we celebrate the Christmas season, let’s
get busy. Our family and friends need all the
appreciation that they can get from us. For
those who worry about what gift they can
give this Christmas, sincere words and acts of
appreciation will do. We shouldn’t think that
gifts need to be something material, though
giving material things isn’t at all bad.
I wish everyone a Christmas filled with
joy.
Halfway through the program, I was already
feeling cold because we’re only wearing our
tapis, our native costume. I had also muscle
cramps on my legs and feet but I’ve managed
to do my part till the end of the program. I
ended up winning the Miss Faith award.
Honestly, I was a bit disappointed with myself.
When I went home that evening, I started
having chills, my eyes were also feeling hot and
puffy, my head was throbbing and my joints
were aching. This was when sad emotions
came rushing to me and I’m not ashame to
admit that I cried.
I was hurting physically because of flu and
hurt emotionally because I was disappointed
and more so because I felt that I wasn’t at
all appreciated. I could barely count on my
fingers those who expressed their appreciation
to me after the contest ended. I don’t know
but that night I’ve been waiting for calls or at
least text messages that (you know would say,
Congrats you did your best!) so as to at least
ease my pain. I didn’t get any.
From there, I started to ponder my feelings.
Where is this sad feeling coming from? How
come that I’m looking for appreciation from
others when I wasn’t an expert at expressing
my own appreciation? Why do I feeI
disappointment when I knew about the value
of humility.
R
espond to the call of the Cross. Jesus
stretched forth His arms on the cross to
bridge the gap between the Holy God and the
sinful world. This was the culmination of the
plan of salvation that was birthed upon the
birth of Jesus, the Messiah, in a manger. Let
us learn how to correctly respond to this free
Appreciating APPRECIATION
visit us at
Friendshoppe
Shop 78B, Ground Floor, City Garden, 233 Electric Road, North Point
I remember one author who said that, “
We need to balance humility with confidence
- confidence that oftentimes comes from
appreciation”. Perhaps its because of the flu
that I grew a bit sentimental. But that very
night, I’ve learned a lesson - it’s the most
23
Balitang Showbiz
ni Noel Asinas
Aljur Abrenica: Balitang gusto rin
makuha ng kabilang network
NAKINIG kami sa isang interview kay Aljur Abrenica na dito’y may nagtanong na alam
ba niya na gusto rin siyang “kunin” ng kabilang network para gawing siyang star ng
kanilang mga programa. Tulad nang ginawa kina Angel Locsin at Cristine Reyes ngayon.
Tanging nasabi lang ni Aljur sa isyu: “May nagsabi sa akin na ganoong nga.
Pero, wala pa akong formal na alok na tinatanggap sa kabilang network.”
Identified si Aljur sa GMA 7 dahil produkto siya ng StarStruck batch 4. Bale
ang grupo ni Aljur ang pinakahuling batch so far. Sa taong 2008 ay walang StarStruck
Search ang GMA 7. Pero, balita sa aming ng isang reliable source na early 2009 ay
muling magse-search ang StarStruck.
Si Aljur ngayon ay kinukonsider ng mga nag-aalaga sa kanya sa GMA 7 na isa sa
most talented stars nila. Marunong siyang kumanta, sumayaw at umarte sa mga teleserye.
In fact, ang nilabasan niyang episode ng Dear Diary, ang afternoon drama anthology ng Siyete tuwing Sunday
pagkatapos ng SOP, ay malakas sa ratings game.
Ogie Alcasid, halos malapnos ang
balat dahil sa costume niya sa
Desperadas 2; most awarded actor
recently si Ogie, nakatanggap ng
tatlong awards na sunud-sunod.
HANGGANG ngayon ay hindi malimutan ni Ogie Alcasid ang mga hirap na dinanas
niya sa shooting ng Desperadas 2 na kung saan ay nagsuot babae siya sa buong
pelikula. Babaing-babae ang role niya kaya may eksena ritong naka-wedding
gown siya na sa palagay niya’y pinakamahirap na costume na isinuot niya dahil
nagkasugat-sugat ang dibdib niya. Bunga ito ng sobrang higpit ng gown sa
katawan niya. Tuloy nalapnos ang balat niya sa upper torso niya.
Ani Ogie: “Di lang costume na mahirap isuot, ang make-up ko ay tatlong oras
ginagawa ng special make-up aritist. Bukod sa mukha ko, all over my body ay may
make-up. Kasi, ginawa akong maitim sa pelikula. Eh, may beach scene pa man din
ako.
“Saka, mahirap kapag nakasuot na ang costume ko. Hindi ka puedeng umihi. Mahirap ilabas ang “armas” ko.
Kailangan bago ka magsuot ng costume ay nakapagbanyo ka na.”
Walang regrets si Ogie sa kanyang role sa pelikulang idinirek ni Joel Lamanga. Kasi, malaking honor na sa kanya
na maidirek ni direk Joel. Ibang director, kasi ipagagawa sa iyo ang inaarte niya sa eksenang kukunan. So, naiiba talaga ng
acting ni Ogie sa movie.
Comedy ang movie, pero may touch of drama rin ang ilang eksena. Sabi’y isa ito sa pinaka-hilarious comedy
movie ng Regal at GMA Films. Sinulat ang script ni Roy Iglesia.
Samantala, tuwing Sunday ay balik-singer si Ogie Alcasid dahil pangunahing star siya ng PMPC best musical show of the
year. Kasama niyang host ditto ang kanyang “mahal” na si Regine Velasquez, Jaya at Janno Gibbs.
Most Awarded ngayong taon si Ogie, bukod sa Star Award for TV best comedy actor, nahirang siya sa Aliw Award
bilang Hall of Famer ng Entertainer of the Year category. Ang pangatlong award recently ni Ogie ay sa FAMAS. Tinanggap
niya ang award na Best Theme Song of the Year.
24
Marian Rivera, kaya nang makaafford ng mamahaling clothes at
accessories
IBINUKING ni Ruffa Gutierrez sa presscon ng Desperadas 2 na si Marian ay can
afford na ng mamahaling damit at accessories ngayon. Successful na nga ang
actress ngayon dahil nga’y star na siya at maraming endorsement buhat nang
nag-hit ang Marimar at Dyesebel.
Nang unang nagshooting sila ng Desperadas 1, wala pang stylist si
Marian. Pero, sa Desperadas 2, asensado na rin Marian. May sariling wardrobe
staff na siya.
Hindi naman daw nagpapatalbugan ang apat na actress sa wardrobe
nila sa Desperadas 2. May kanya-kanyang taste naman sa pananamit sina
Ruffa, Rufa Mae Quinto, at Iza Calzado.
Sa kanilang samahan, walang yabangan, kuwento pa ni Ruffa, bagkus,
nagging magkakaibigan silang apat. Napaiba lang si Ogie Alcasdi dahil lalaki
siya. Kaya lang naging close si Ogie sa set kay Iza. Madalas naman nagkikita na
kasi sina Ogie at Rufa Mae sa set ng Bubble Gang
Pang-Metro Manila Film Festival ang Desperadas 2. Ipalalabas na sa
December 25. Isa namang obra maestro ito ni Joel Lamangan at screenplay ni
Roy Iglesia.
Paolo Bediones, malayo pa sa vocabulary ang
salitang pag-aasawa FAITHFUL si Paolo Bediones sa Survivor Philippines . Kung papipiliin siya ng bagong programa sa GMA 7, eto pa rin ang
Survivor Philippines ang kanyang gagawin. Breaking the record ang idinulot ng programa sa network. Kasi, nadaig pa ng
show ang top ratings primetime program ng GMA 7 nang kasagsagan ng pagpapalabas ng reality show.
Gusto naman ni Paolo na maganap ang ikalawang Survivor sa mas malayong lugar. Tulad ng Madagascar sa
continent ng Africa .
Ani Paolo: “Kahit marami na akong shows na nagawa sa GMA 7, gusto ko pa rin ang iba pang trabaho. Gusto ko
pa ring ibang challenges. Kaya wala pa akong balak mag-asawa sa ngayon kahit ako’y over 30s na.
“Pareho naman kami ni Abby na marami pang ibig marating sa buhay. Gusto kong ma-accomplish lahat ang mga
ito bago ako lumagay sa buhay may-asawa. “
Kahit pa raw dumating si Paolo sa edad na 40, hindi pa rin siya magmamadaling pakasal. Katwiran niya’y kahit
anong edad ang isang lalaki ay puedeng mag-asawa.
Ipinagdiriwang ngayong taon ni Paolo ang kanyang ika-10 anibersaryo sa showbiz bilang TV host, anchorman at
actor.Sa haba ng pinagdaanan niya sa showbiz napanatili niyang malinis ang kanyang pangalan. Pinagpipitaganang TV
host.
Sa kabila ng tagumpay ng kanyang mga TV shows, tulad ng Exta Challenge, Tok Tok Tok at ang recently top rating
Survivor Philippines na malapit nang magtapos sa December 12, gusto pa rin niyang matupad ang kanyang iba pang
pangarap..
25
Joel Lamangan: Mas riot sa katatawanan ang
Desperadas 2 ng Regal at GMA 7 Films
Lea Salonga: Walang pang
balak sundan ang baby Nicole
niya kahit dalawang taon at
kalahati na ngayon TAKOT pang mabuntis ni Lea Salonga sa taong 2009. Naka-schedule na ang
kanyang mga commitment sa susunod na taon. Hindi pa masusundan ang
baby Nicole nila ng asawang si Robert Shien. Kasama sa plano next year
ni Lea ay maisingit ang comeback movie nila ni Aga Muhlach. Balitang ang
Star Cinema ang nag-alok kay Lea ng project na pagsasamahan muli nila ni
Aga.
Nakausap namin si Lea sa presscon ng Metro Manila Film Festival
entry entitled Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia na ipalalabas sa December
25. Isang full length animation film na produced ng local production, ang
Cutting Edge. Ginastusan ito ng US$ 3 million. Bale si Lea ang umawit ng
theme song, ang Lipad.
Ani Lea: “ Bagong baby, not now. Happy na muna ako kay Nicole.
Siya’y 21/2 years old na ngayon. Gustong kumanta at sumayaw na. Bibo
talaga! Pero, hindi ko alam kung kailan magiging sa tono ang kanyang pagkanta. Mahilig siya kumanta talaga!
AYON kay Direk Joel Lamangan, mas riot sa katatawanan ang Desperadas 2 kaysa sa naunang serye. Kasi, mas pinalawak
ang character ng bawat isang bidang nagsisiganap.
Tampok muli ang original cast Desparadas 1 na sina Ruffa Gutierrez, Rufa Mae Quinto, Iza Calzado at Marian
Rivera. Nadagdagan ng isa pang character, kasama pa ang pan-limang kapatid, si Ogie Alcasid. Tiyak na mag-e-enjoy
ang lahat sa get-together nila na mas pinaganda at pinabongga at mas lalo pang pinakwela ang istorya at karakter
nilang Desperadas.
Ipapakita ng Desperadas 2 ang mga naging pagbabago sa buhay nina Ruffa Gutierrez (Isabella), Rufa Mae
Quinto (Patricia), Iza Calzado (Stephanie), Marian Rivera (Courtney) at Ogie Alcasid (Luga Luda) na nakuha pa ring
magsama-sama at magkita-kita dala ng pagmamahal nila sa isa’t isa. Sa kabila ng kanilang pagkaka-iba ng pag-uugali at
karakter, hindi maikukubli na sa silang lima ay pare-pareho ang naisin sa buhay, ang maging masaya sa piling ng kanilang
minamahal.
“Ako, I carry a note when I was three years old. Ganyan naman ang bata, habang tumatanda ay nade-develop din
ang boses. Kung hilig at wholehearted niyang papasukin ang pag-awit at pag-arte ay hindi ko pipigilan. Kung hobby lang
niya ito ay hindi. Dapat buong concentration ang ibinigay niya sa ganitong trabaho.”
Sa ngayong, bukod sa acting ay puring-puri niya ang asawa na bukod sa guwapo ay very shrewd sa negosyo. Sa
ngayong ay magbusiness partner na si Robert at ang kapatid ni Lea na si Gerard Salonga.
Si Gerard din ang conductor ng FilhamoniKA na sumaliw sa awitin ni Lea sa theme song ng Dayo, ang Lipad, na
composed ni Jessie Lasaten at Temi Abad Jr.
Soon, ire-release ng Sony-BMG ang soundtract ng Dayo Sa Mundo ng Elementalia.
I-Witness, nakatanggap
ng 2008 ABU CASBAA
UNICEF Child Rights Award
Si Ruffa ay si Isabella, na ngayon ay isa nang matagumpay na entrepreneur ng mga beauty products. Dahil sa
kanyang pinasok na propesyon, naipit si Isabella sa isang malaking eskandalo na babago sa kanyang buhay.
Si Rufa Mae ay si Patricia na may boyfriend na politician sa katauhan ni Christian Vasquez. Sa kabila ng kanilang
masayang pagsasama, matutuklasan niyang corrupt pala ang kanyang nobyo.
Si Iza ay magbibigay-buhay sa katauhan ni Stephanie, na matapos magkaroon ng anak ay dumaraan sa postpartum blues. Sa lahat ng pinagdadaanan niyang mga problema, tumatakbo si Stephanie sa kanyang mga kapatid upang
humingi ng payo at suporta.
Si Marian naman ay si Courtney na isa nang successful na fashion designer at ikinasal na kay Patrick (Will
Devaughn). Lingid sa kaalaman ni Courtney may stalker siya sa katauhan ni Alex Castro.
At si Ogie ay si Luga Luda, ang Kwelali Princess na nawawalang kapatid pala nina Isabella, Patricia, Stephanie at
Courtney. Kahit matagal nawalay sa apat, nagawa pa rin ni Luga Luda na maging close at maging ate sa kanilang lahat.
Ihahandog ng Desperadas 2 ang ilan sa mga sikat at mahuhusay na showbiz personalities sa bansa ngayon
kabilang sina Ruffa Gutierrez, Rufa Mae Quinto, Iza Calzado, Marian Rivera at Ogie Alcasid sa iba’t ibang karakter na
hahasa sa kanilang talento at galing sa pag-arte. Si Roy Iglesias ang scriptwriter ng pelikula sa ilalim ng direksyon ng
award-winning director Joel Lamangan.
Ang Desperadas 2 ay isa sa official entries ng Regal Entertainment sa Metro Manila Film Festival. Mas pinalaki,
mas pinaganda at mas pinasaya ang Desperadas 2 kasama ang masayang barkada nina Ruffa, Rufa Mae, Iza, Marian at
Ogie.
26
NAKAMIT ng I-Witness team ni Jay Taruc ang coveted title
na 2008 ABU CASBAA UNICEF Child Rights Award para taong
2008.
Mula sa 69 entries ng 10 bansa sa Asya, ang
dokumentaryong “Batang Kalabaw” ang napiling gawaran ng
parangal na “best television programming on children’s rights
produced in the Asia-Pacific region.” Nakadadagdag pa sa
ningning ng parangal ang malamang isang awardee lang ang
pinipili kada taon para tumanggap ng ABU CASBAA UNICEF
Child Rights Award.
Inilahad ng “Batang Kalabaw” ang kuwento ni Cherilyn, 14 taong gulang, at ang mga kaibigan niyang akyat–
baba sa mga bundok ng Agusan del Sur ng anim na oras para magbuhat ng mabibigat na troso. Tinitiis ni Cherilyn ang
pagbubuhat ng 15 kilong troso araw-araw para buhayin ang limang kapatid na umaasa sa kaniya.
Ito ang ikalawang dokumentaryo ng I-Witness na ginawaran ng award na ito kasunod ng “Selda Inosente” ni
Kara David na nanalo noong 2003.
Ilang karangalan na rin ang natanggap ng “Batang Kalabaw” ngayong taon tulad ng Certificate for Creative
Excellence sa 2008 US International Film and Video Festival at sa 2008 Catholic Mass Media Awards.
Ginanap ang awarding ceremony noong Nobyembre 24 sa Westin Resort sa Bali , Indonesia .
27
Sai Kung Filipino
Association Basketball
Tournment 2008
the presence of the majority of the church
members, as one way of recreation. They are
bonded as a happy family sharing thoughts
and ideas which serves as encouragement to
every individual.
Filipinos in Sai Kung gathers in Wai Man
Basketball Court to witness the “ Saikung
Filipino Association ( SAFILA ) Basketball
Tournament 2008 “ openning ceremonies held
on November 23, 2008.
Life Way will celebrate its 6th year anniversay
on November 30, 2008. They are located at 6B
Booman House, 37U Jordan Road,Yau Ma
Tei or call 22648748 for more info.
by Violy C. Pascual
Parading with manager, coach, asst. coach
and muse, to judge the Best in Uniform that
goes to LOLA team and Best Muse to Teams
to compete includes; Angus Angel ( UTOL ),
Samahang Ilocano, Eagles Quest, Xplosion,
Clear Water Bay Equestrian and LOLA.
Filipino Community in Hong Kong launched
its First Cyber Parish lead by Father Robert
Reyes last October 26, 2008 at Chater Road,
Central.
Cuyapo Women’s Society
bids it President Adieu
The web, www.Parokyasaweb.org is a
community borne out of Kubol Pagasa’s forty
four days (July 10, 2008 to August 22, 2008)
of prayer, fasting and discernment. It was
first launched at ISKO, Ang Kompyuteran
ng Iskolar ng Bayan, UP Shopping Center in
Manila last September 21, 2008.
Parokyasaweb
comes
alive, moving, flowing,
flying,
journeying,
running, clicking, surfing,
and spreading the Good
News of Salvation. Its
theme song, “ Parokya
ng Mundo” was sung by
Dong “ Yano” Albay.
Members and officers of Cuyapo Women’s
Society of Hong Kong gathered in City Hall
on October 26 for a despedida party for their
President Lucena Dumandan.
It is hosted by Father
Robert Reyes known as the Running Priest
and an Outstanding Critic of the Arroyo
Administration. Currently, Father Reyes
is working with the Asian Human Rights
Commission in Hong Kong.
Medy Borlaza, latest adviser of SAFILA
leads the program and represents in behalf of
POLO and OWWA. Rannie Huinda, SAFILA
President supported by officers and members
to make the event sucessful.
Lola Team easily beat Xplosion, 87-84 with
the highest 20 points by Cezar Atienza during
the 1st game. Only one point lead, Samahang
Ilocano with the good score done by Rady
Balanag, win over Angus Angel, 86-85. On
the other hand, Eagle Quest didn’t allow Clear
Water Bay Equestrian to lead specially Manny
Gazmin who contributes many baskets, 8374.
Life Way Celebrates 6th
Anniversary
by Emalyn Beltran
Dumandan who has been their leader for the
past three years since the group was formally
organized in 2005, came to work in Hong
Kong in 1981 and for over 27 years as OFW,
she has returned to their home town for good
on November 2.
Manang “Lucing” to many has full hope and
aspiration that the leadership she has left will
continued by the officers in full support of all
the members, that every project they planned
will be done and shared to kababayans who
are in need.
The group has awarded her a certificate of
appreciation for the leadership she has shown
in the presence of their adviser Arnold Grospe
and some friends they invited. Cuyapo is one
of the municipalities in Nueva Ecija, and the
group has at least 50 active members.
Di ko na inisip ang aking kahihiyan,
basta’t pag-ibig ko sayo’y maiparamdam,
subalit ito’y iyong sinuklian,
ng pagkukunwari’t puro kasinungalingan.
Kayhirap tanggapin pasakit na dulot mo,
labis mong sinaktan ang aba kong puso,
ano bang kasalanan ang nagawa ko sayo,
at pinaglaruan puso’t damdamin ko.
Subalit sinaktan mo na ako’t lahat,
itong baliw kong puso ikaw pa rin ang hanap,
kailan ko ba lubusang matatanggap,
na sa pag-ibig ko’y di ka karapat-dapat,
Ang kabiguan ko’y kayhirap tanggapin,
parang di ko kayang ikaw ay limutin,
kahit alam kong mayro’n ka ng iba,
puso ko’y umaasang balang araw sa akin magbalik
ka.
You left me without saying goodbye
And I don’t know the reasons why
I was clueless why you just gone away
And never told me that you can’t stay.
I thought I was just dreaming
That it wasn’t really happening
But why tears kept falling
And my eyes were swelling.
You broke my heart into pieces
And life became worthless and meaningless
Dreams shattered and turned ashes
Every new day comes seemed hopeless.
Why u needed to left and moved away
Without saying any words that I wanted to hear
You left me unprepared and why it happened
that way
So painful inside knowing you weren’t here.
It felt everything stopped when you gone
Feeling so lost,so empty and so alone
It was hard to accept that we were really done
Coz I was hoping that you were the one.
by Julia Buen Terry
28
Ang tanong nagawa ko b ang tama?
buong buhay ko sayo ipinagkatiwala,
kahit para sa sarili ko di ako nagtira,
ganyan kawagas ang pag-ibig ko sinta..
The Past
by Rowie
Parokya sa Web Launched
in Hong Kong
From the streets to the parish, from the parish
to the streets, from the streets to the Internet,
from the Internet to the world, from the world
to the cosmos…. To the Kingdom of GOD…
Thus, the spirit moves towards freedom from
anything that undermines and destroys the
dignity of persons, preventing them to grow
into the fullness of the daughters and sons of
God.
Akala ko noon pag naibigay ko ang lahat,
susuklian mo ng pag-ibig na tapat,
sayo natuon buong panahon ko’t oras,
pagkat akala ko pag-ibig mo’y wagas.
Di ko alam kung kailan kita makakalimutan,
panahon na lang siguro ang nakakaalam,
sa ngayon hayaan mo munang ibigin kita,
hanggat hibang kong puso’y kusa ng magsawa.........
by Riza B. Acosta
Life Way a full Gospel Church has been in
existence for five years now serving OFWs.
Pastor Wendell S. Aquino leads in giving Holy
service during Saturday and Sunday.
BALIW NA PAG-IBIG
ni Edelina Daligcon
With the joint effort of his wife Leonor, they
managed as well to give and share their untiring
service to all members of the church.Serving as
advisers and motivators, their deepest concern
is the spiritual life of people.
During statutory holidays they spare their time
going to beautiful places in Hong Kong with
Members of NOVO ECIJANO Association of HK
packed two boxes courtesy of GEN EX CARGO
on December 7 as their “Pamaskong Handog
2008”.The recipient of the goods is the Home
for Girls in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija. More than
70 kids will benefit from the said project. NEAHK
would like to thank all members and friends
who donated items/goods for the children.
I tried to kept going and moving forward
To live my life without you being around
Years gone by and I’m glad I surpassed
The past that didn’t lasted.
IKAW
ni Pines Noble
Sa pangalawang pagkakataon
ako ay lumigaya
Pag-ibig na tunay
sa’yo nadama,
Ipinalasap mo sa pusong
nangungulila
Pagmamahal Ikaw lamang
makapagbibigay sinta.
Puno ng lungkot
ang buhay ko noon
Hapdi’t pighati nadama ng pusong sawi,
Salamat sa buhay ko
Ikaw’ydumating
Binigyang kulay
Mundo kong madilim.
Hiling ng pusong nagmamahal
Kaligayahan magpakailanman
Na tanging ikaw lamang
Makapagbibigay katuparan,
Nawa’y mga pangako’t pangarap
Sa pagdating ng tamang panahon
makamtan.
KAHON
ni Sheryl Salazar
Nakakamangha, nakakalito,
Linggo-linggo sila’y nagkakagulo
Sige...balot dito, balot doon,
ParkNshop,wellcome,pricemart, paroo’t parito
Hinalughog mula Tsimshatsui hanggang Shamshuipo
Makapaghagilap lang ng murang baratilyo
Lumang sapatos, damit ni amo
Lahat ilalagay, para kahon ay mapuno
Heto pa, kumapit ka...DVD, Hi-Fi, PSP
Kahit hulugan sapilitang binili
Binalot ng mainam, langkap ay ngiti.
Kasiyahan ng mga mahal, pinangarap nang
gumabi.
Listahan inisa-isa, tanong nya, “lahat meron na
ba?”
Shampoo, toothpaste, hanggang sabong panlaba
“Ay syanga pala!”, gulat na sambit nya
Ang pahabol ni byenan, kape at saka krema
Kahon...iba’t iba ang laki...jumbo, regular, bulilit
Hapo man sa pagbabalot, ibayong tuwa ang kapalit
Said ang bulsa...tiis na lang bulong niya
Sa susunod na day-off, biscuit at kape, pwede na
Sa laki ng kahon na iyong padala...Pinoy, bayani
ka
Ilan kaya ang nakakabatid, hirap mong dinadala
Sino’ng nakakaalam ng malungkot mong gabi
Sa mga luha ng pag-iisa na pilit ikinukubli
Pinoy dakila ka, sa mga imported mong bigay
Puso mo sa kahon, di magkasya kung ilalagay
Ikaw na ang puhunan sa kahong ipinadala
Ay sakit at dusa na mawalay sa kanila
featured Poems
ANG PASKO
ni Tutzicle
Kay sarap samyuhin ng ihip ng hangin,
Aliwalas ng paligid ay ating damhin,
Nagkikislapang bituin waring nakabitin,
Parang nag-aanyaya na sila’y sungkitin.
Bakit nga ba ang pasko’y kay sarap gunitain,
Mga tao sa paligid wari’y kay lalambing,
Ngiti dito, ngiti duon pagsalubong sa atin,
Kay sarap ng pakiramdam pag pasko’y padating.
Septyembre pa lamang ay nasasabik na,
Sa kostumbreng kinagisnan, mula pa nuong una,
Wala yatang taong di makapupuna,
Sa di mapigilang paghahanda ng balana.
Ang lahat ng tao ay abalang abala,
Sa okasyong darating lahat natataranta,
Paglilinis ng paligid kabahayan inuuna,
Paghahanda ng kalooban, saka na!
Bili dito, bili duon, balot dito balot duon,
Panay gasta, panay labas sa perang ipon,
Waring nalilibang sa pagiisip lasa ng hamon,
At ano pa ba ang maihahanda sa araw na yaon.
Tunay na diwa ng pasko’y ano nga ba?
Ang kahulugan nito’y tila nakalimutan na,
Nababase ba sa kapal ng sobreng iyong makukuha?
O sa laki ng regalong iyong ipadadala.
Sa mga taong maraming pera ang pasko’y di
problema,
Sapagkat umaapaw ang kanilang mga bulsa,
Kahit anong uri ng pagkain maihahain sa mesa,
At maraming tao ang sa kanila’y makakaalala.
Pero paano kaya ang pag-gunita ng mga taong
maralita?
Ang mga batang kumakalam sa gutom ang sikmura?
Ang mga pamilyang di ginustong maging dukha,
Mahirap tanggapin, masakit maging paksa!
Bato-bato sa langit tamaan wag pong magagalit,
Sa mga nasabi ko pag-ibig ang kapalit,
Sa mga salita kong pasingit-singit,
Mismong sarili ko ay nabibingit.
Dalangin ko po lamang sa paskong darating,
KAPAYAPAAN at PAG-IBIG ang maghari sa
atin,
Pagtalikod?Kalimutan?masasamang gawain,
Pagsilang ni Hesus atin pong gunitain.
(alay ko sa mga bayaning Filipino ng Hong Kong)
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
Laugh Lines . . .
Crowded ang Heaven
May Magnanakaw, Guro at Abogado
ang namatay. Napunta sila sa langit pero
sabi ni St. Peter dahil sa masyadong
puno na ang langit, may tanong na
dapat sagutin. Kung mali, bagsak sila sa
Impyerno.
Tanong sa Titser: Ano ang pangalan ng
malaking Barko na lumubog dahil sa
nabangga ang Iceberg.
Titser: Titanic Po. Lusot ang Titser, akyat
siya sa langit.
Tanong sa Magnanakaw: Ilang tao ang
sakay ng Titanic?
Magnanakaw: Naku medyo mahirap
‘yon pero napanood ko ang Movie
at 1500 ang nalunod. Lusot din ang
Magnanakaw.
Tanong sa Abogado: Sabihin mo nga ang
mga pangalan ng mga nalunod!
Erap, Cory, FVR hostaged!
One day, Cory, Erap and FVR were
hostaged by the Abu Sayaff. Before they
were about to be executed, they were
permitted to eat. While eating, FVR
thought of a clever idea. If they were
to think of a calamity before they were
shot, they would scare the Abu Sayaff
and they would have a chance to escape.
First to be shot was FVR:
The Abu Sayaff counted. 1,2,..
Before he was shot he shouted,
“Typhoon, typhoon!!”
Then the Abu Sayaff ran into cover
letting FVR to Escape.
Second was Cory:
The Abu Sayaff counted. 1,2..
Before she was shot she shouted,
“Tornado, tornado!!”
Then the Abu Sayaff ran for cover letting
Cory escape.
Then came Erap’s turn:
The Abu Sayaff counted. 1,2..
Then Erap said, “Fire, fire!!”
Erap was shot dead while the other two
escaped.
Juan sa eskwelahan
Titser: Juan san maki2ta ang bulkang
mayon
30
Juan: aba’y ewan ko,kinakalat-kalat nyo
kc tapos skn nyo hahanapin!!!
NAKUPOOO!
JOE: Nay, may ulam ba tayo??
NANAY: Tingnan mo lang dyan sa ref,
anak!
JOE: Eh wala naman tayong ref,di ba?
NANAY: O, e di wala tayong ulam!!
Konting common sense naman dyan,
‘nak!
Takutin
ANAK:Tay, may manok sa bigasan
niyo!!
TATAY:Paalisin mo anak paalisin mo
dali..
ANAK:Shooo manOk! alis dyan shOo!!
Tay ayaw umalis eh..
TATAY:Takutin mo anak para umalis!!!
ANAK:Awoooooohh!! Manok may moo
moo dyan!!
CHOOSY MEN
Men have split personalities.
They hate CATS but they like PUSSIES.
Other hate DOGS but they like their
STYLE!
Anak: Itay, good news po!
Itay: Bakit, pasado ka?
Anak: Hindi po. Hindi po kayo gagastos!
BATMAN
A black baby was given a pair of wings
by a fairy....
Baby: does this mean im an angel??
Fairy laughs....
Fairy: Of course not! negrang ‘to,
ambisyosa! Paniki ka!
Bigo sa pag-ibig??
Maghanap na lang ng....
KUBA - mapagkumbaba
PILAY - di ka tatakbuhan
BULAG - la paki sa looks
PIPI - di nagbibitiw ng bad words.
at eto the best....
DULING - di ka hahayaan mag-isa!
PALAMAN
Magkaibigan kumakain....
Pedro: Anong palaman ng tinapay mo?
Juan: Kiso!
Pedro: Kiso? Ano ka ba nakakahiya ka!
Hindi yan kiso!
Chess yan.. CHESS!!
GUTOM NA
Sa isang beerhouse…
GRO: Pogi, umorder ka na. Nagugutom
na ako!
Anthony: Waiter!
Waiter: Ano’ng order n’yo, Sir?
Anthony: Palitan mo ang babaeng ‘to!
Nagugutom daw s’ya!
BAHALA NA
Nasa bubong ang sakristan namboboso
sa pari at madre.....
Madre: pano pag nabuntis ako??
Pari: bahala na ang nasa itaas!
Sakristan: Putcha, bakit ako? Nanonood
lang naman ako dito.
MAG-ASAWANG ULYANIN
Habang nasa mall ang mag-asawa…
Misis: Hon, nalimutan ko palang bunutin
ang plantsa sa saksakan!
Mister: Hindi naman siguro masusunog
ang bahay natin.
Misis: Bakit naman?
Mister: Kasi, nalimutan kong isara ‘yung
gripo sa kusina!
Laughter is the best
medicine!..
MAHILIG SA GATAS
Jack: Pare, kumusta ka na? ang tagal
nating hindi nagkita, ah?
William: Oo nga. Naospital kasi ako
kakainom ng gatas!
Jack: Bakit, nalason ka ba?
William: Hindi. Naupuan kasi ako ng
baka!
MAGTIPID AY DI BIRO
Anak: Itay, ‘di ba, sabi mo, bibigyan
mo ‘ko ng P500 kapag pumasa ako sa
exams?
Itay: Oo naman, anak! Gagastos ako
para sa ‘yo para pumasa ka.
Available at the following outlets
Worldwide House Outlets
Shop 128 1/F Your Shoppe
Shop 134- 136 1/F Victory Shop
Shop 138 1/F Sun Fung Trading
Shop 125-126 Philippine Product Store
Shop 241- 2/F Royal Ventures
Shop 262 2/ F Little Divisoria
Shop 245 2/F Santiagos Alteration
Shop 246 2/F Annies Shop
Shop 369 3/F Kabayan Remittance
Shop 363 3/F Nelias Store
Shop 366-368 LBC Mabuhay Hkg.
Shop 350 3/F Mang Ambo
Shop 358 3/F Elegant Collections
Bayanihan Kennedy Town Centre
55 Victoria Road
Kennedy Town
Benzon Wine
Shop 3 G/F Yee Fat Mansion
Shim Woo Road, Happy Valley
Filipino Trading Co.
5/F Fai Man Bldg.
9- 13 Li Yuen St. West Central
Uniwide Tsuen Wan
Shop 1/F Liksang Plaza
Tsuen Wan N. T
Sikatz Philippine Product Store 1 & 2
1/F Liksang Plaza, Tsuen Wan, N.T.
and Mei Foo Sun Chuen
Macau
Asia Pac Cargo Macau
42 Rua Da Alfandega
San Malou Macau S.A.R
Tel. 932610, 930443
Tel True Ltd.
1/F Lap Fai Bldg
Pottinger St. Central
Uniwide Hang Hau
Novo Ecijano Macau
Heidi – 6616 5191
Super Ace Cargo Macau
82 Rua Da Alfandega, Edificio Veng Leong Macau
Tel 2893 9473
Tseung Kwan O
Tel. 3194 5366
Uniwide Hunghom
Planet Square
Uniwide Laguna Arcade Kowloon City
Tel. 2772 1829
Uniwide Maon Shan
Tel: 2631 5977
Uniwide Shatin
Tel. 2362 7925
Uniwide Tai Po
Tel. 2650- 1283
NOPT Celebrates 8th Year Anniversary
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
Share your Jokes
JEM Merchandise
15, 4/F Li Yuen St. West
2nd Alley-alley, Central
and put a smile on
LBC Hunghom
Planet Square Hunghom Kowloon
someone’s face today!
Ndrei’s Crossing Ground Bar & Lounge
Shop 13 B G/F Kwan Yick Bldg.
444-452 Des Vouex Road West
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
The National Organization of Professional Teachers (NOPT) celebrated it’s 8th year
anniversary on November 16 at Grappas Cellar restaurant in Central with the theme
“Teachers Matter”.
The highlight of the program was the OnThe-Spot Search for Ms.NOPT 2008 and the
induction of the new officers including the
adviser.
More than a hundred and sixty members attended the said affair. Crowned Ms. NOPT
2008 was Juanita Soreta from region VI, and
awarded best in costume was region III for
representing Japan and best in presentation was given to region VI (Brazil).
Among the guests who attended the said affair were; Consul General Alejandrino Vicente, Labor Attache Romulo Salud,Vice Consul Val Simon Roque, OWWA Board of
Trustee Carazon Carsola, SSS Representative
Bobby Roldan, Cultural Officer Severina dela
Cruz, Trade Service and Investment Representative Carmela Panes, NOPT advisers and
community leaders and friends.
Manong & Manang Store
Shop 5 G/F Kwan Yick Bldg.
444-452 Des Vouex Road West
Invited guest emcee was Jay Martinez. For
any inquiries regarding Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) on April 2009, you
may call NOPT hotline @ 51397843 or email
@ [email protected].
31
Gebyar Ul-Tah Ck’funky Dancer Yang Ke-2
by Adepunk
cukup panjang, dewan juri memutuskan siapa
sajakah yang berhasil membawa pulang piala
sebagai tanda kemenangan diacara lomba
Gebyar Ultah CK’Funky Dancer Yang Ke-2.
Pemenang Lomba Duet Karaoke:
1. Amy & Honey
2. Nita & Jane
3. Awin & Hellu
Juara Harapan:
1. Shinta & Dhina
2. Rangga & Egi
Dalam memeriahkan hari ulang tahunnya
yang ke-2, CK’Funky Dancer menggelar acara
dan berbagai perlombaan. Acara digelar di
Causeway Bay, Ho Tung School pada Minggu,
(30/11/08). Digelarnya acara tersebut selain
bertujuan untuk menjalin persahabatan antara
grup dan bertujuan untuk menggali potensi
para BMI yang selama ini terpendam. Adapun
acara lomba dibagi dalam tiga kategori yaitu:
Lomba duet karaoke, Lomba tari tradisional
dan Lomba tari modern.
Acara dimulai tepat pukul 10.30
dan diawali oleh doa yang langsung
dipimpin oleh pembawa acara yaitu Amellia.
Setelah doa bersama, langsung disambung
sambutan oleh ketua CK’Funky Dancer yaitu
Adepunk. Dalam sambutannya, Adepunk
mengungkapkan rasa bangga dan bahagia
atas terlaksananya acara yang telah lama
dinantikannya yaitu hari jadi grup CK’Funky
dancer yang ke-2 tahun. Sebelum acara lomba
dimulai, acara pembukaan diisi dengan
tarian kolaborasi antara CK, DIF dan Terali
Dancer. Tarian modern lagu dari Mulan
Jamella dengan judul Makhluk Tuhan Paling
Seksi menjadi acara pembuka yang menarik
dan mempesona, penari meliuk bergoyang
sesuai irama lagunya dengan gaya khas yang
membuat decak kagum penonton.
Acara Gebyar Ulang Tahun
CK’Funky Dancer Yang Ke-2 dengan tema
“Tunjukkan Seni Kreasimu, Untuk Menjadi
Sosok Yang Kreatif Dan Percaya Diri”.
Gedung yang berkapasitas 400-500 orang
itu telihat penuh sesak. Para peserta dan
pendukung hadir penuh semangat mengikuti
jalannya acara. Terlihat kesibukan para
panitia yang terdiri dari CK’Funky Dancer
32
juga dibantu oleh panitia dari Terali Dancer,
Borneo Dancer dan DIF Dancer.
Para tamu undangan juga hadir
ikut memeriahkan acara tersebut, tepuk
tangan meriah membahana memenuhi
ruangan gedung Hotung School disaat acara
lomba dimulai. Peserta berlomba-lomba
menunjukkan kebolehannya dalam bernyanyi,
menari tradisional bahkan menari hip-hop
ala modern dancer. Dewan juri yang didaulat
untuk menilai para peserta lomba adalah,
untuk kategori lomba duet karaoke: Mrs.Milk
Leung, Mr.Ammad, Mr.Toyo, Mr.Bambang,
untuk kategori lomba tradisional dancer: Mrs.
Jenny Tjio, Mr.Li Ping Chao, Ms.Aspi, dan
untuk kategori modern dancer: Mr.Calum
Ogg, Ms.Patricia, Ms.Rebecca Low.
Dewan
juri
sengaja
dipilih
dari orang-orang yang berpengalaman
dibidangnya masing-masing, karena tidak
ingin mengecewakan para peserta lomba.
Acara berjalan lancar tanpa hambatan,
ucapan syukur tak henti-hentinya terucap dari
para panitia yang mengatur jalannya acara.
Kekhawatiran sempat muncul dari benak
panitia dan juga pembawa acara, karena
banyaknya peserta lomba dan waktunya yang
sangat terbatas. Namun kekhawatiran tersebut
seakan sirna setelah acara berjalan lancar,
itupun tak lepas dari kerja keras para panitia
untuk mengatur peserta lomba dan pembawa
acara yang berhasil membagi waktu dengan
baik.
Selain
para
peserta
menunjukkan
kebolehannya dalam berlomba, acara juga
diisi oleh penampilan dari grup CK’Funky
Dancer sendiri yaitu tari jaipong juga modern
dancer. Setelah melewati penilaian yang
Pemenang Tradisional Dancer:
1. Balinese Dancer
2. Shine Dancer
3. NBF Dancer
Juara harapan:
1. Terali Dancer
2. Alexa Dancer
Pemenang Modern Dancer:
1. DIF Dancer
2. Terali Dancer
3. I M Dancer
Juara Harapan:
1. K.J Dancer
2. Nongkrong Bareng Fans Dancer
H ORO S C O P E
Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22) Today it might be a good
idea to adopt a more analytical attitude, especially when
it comes to dealing with people you don’t like. If they rub
you the wrong way, so what? They don’t have an impact
on your life, so skip past them and never look back. If
you pay any attention to folks who have nothing nice to
say, you are giving them more power than they deserve
over your life. Your time and energy should be devoted to
the people who bring out the best in you. Lucky Number:
1,13,3,6,28. and 19; Lucky Color: Red
Virgo (Aug 2 – Sep 22) Your social energy is
slower today, and you might find it difficult to
communicate with people who don’t already know
you inside and out. In conversations with newer
acquaintances, you might start to feel like you are
waist-deep in mud, immobile and incapable of
making any forward progress. Lucky Numbers:
3,8,22, 38,12,& 4; Lucky Color: Orange
Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 22) You are learning to appreciate
the fact that when a goal is too easy to attain, it is
not as valuable as something that takes your sweat
and toil to reach. So don’t hesitate to take a more
difficult route than everyone else is taking. They
might get there faster or more easily, but they are
not going to learn as much from the experience.
Lucky Numbers: 18, 37, 29 11, 6, 20, & 12; Lucky
Color: Blue
Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22) Your wonderful generosity
is legendary, and it’s going to come into play in a
big way, today. You are going to utilize it to help
lots of people before you even get to your lunch
break! But putting smiles on faces will make your
day. Lucky Numbers: 30, 20, 12, 44, 27 & 6 ; Lucky
Color: Green
Taurus (Apr 19 – May 20) You are feeling awfully
good this morning, which bodes well for your
entire day! Add a little bit more flirtation and
Mind Games
flattery to a few serious conversations and watch
what happens. There will be a lot of fun loving
people hanging around you today, and they like
your style so much that they want in to your social
circle! Lucky Numbers: 25,22, 14, 34, 29 & 35 ;
Lucky Color: Brown.
Libra (Sep 23-Oct 23) Despite the fact that you
always try to seek equality in your life, you know
that the world can be an unfair place. So if someone
you care about gets the short end of the stick today,
you should focus more on consoling them than on
getting righteously indignant about their situation.
Lucky Numbers: 13, 6, 28, 11,15 and 1 8 Lucky
Color: Yellow
Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19) Try to be the person who
takes on the more passive role in today’s activities.
This is not the greatest time for heavy action for
you -- in fact, it is quite the opposite! Let someone
else call the shots for a while and see how it feels.
You might find that you like it quite a bit! You
shouldn’t let anyone boss you around, but there is
no reason to feel threatened if someone else has
better ideas than you do. Your ego can handle it,
and your energy level will be invigorated by it.
Lucky Numbers: 36, 45, 9 , 34 , 17 & 43. Lucky
Color: Green
Christmas & Santa
_____ _____
2
I tilt some (Parasitic Plant)
_________
Santa Claus
North Pole
Reindeer
3in red ere (Animal with Antlers)
________
Elves
Last Month’s Answers:
Toys
1. Central Park 2. Niagara Falls 3. Pyramids of Egypt
K
A
T
U
A
L
A
S
P
A
L
A
I
G
I
S
A
N
N
G
I
A
L
I
I
A
S
N
P
A
L
R
C
V
L
N
T
N
R
N
D
E
T
E
M
O
C
D
U
R
A
S
E
L
E
M
S
E
V
X
E
R
O
R
P
R
E
R
A
C
D
H
R
T
F
I
R
R
H
A
I
T
R
E
C
N
A
D
I
I
E
V
T
T
A
C
D
A
R
H
A
M
T
U
O
X
X
O
O
C
E
S
R
E
E
N
E
P
N
A
P
N
D
R
R
S
D
R
N
L
T
M
L
U
H
O
C
R
D
E
D
T
E
T
E
R
D
L
E
E
D
Y
S
L
E
E
S
C
R
F
L
R
L
N
I
R
M
E
R
Z
A
E
R
L
E
R
D
T
O
I
C
D
S
E
R
I
S
U
D
F
B
H
E
N
N
C
E
S
R
A
E
L
V
E
S
N
L
E
O
N
B
A
E
E
L
I
N
L
E
P
R
D
I
O
T
D
E
A
A
E
U
N
D
Z
O
S
Y
O
T
E
D
Y
P
D
U
Z
N
R
D
I
P
B
R
I
Z
I
R
U
L
O
E
S
A
S
E
X
S
O
R
E
L
O
S
R
S
F
A
Dasher
H
L
Dancer
N
I
D
N
C
U
C
V
I
N
O
O
T
Z
E
C
N
E
N
R
E
D
A
P
T
R
D
E
E
A
R
C
E
M
D
S
A
N
O
U
O
A
I
N
T
R
I
C
D
I
L
U
Prancer
A
L
I
Vixen
S
T
H
Contest Guidelines
Comet
A
A
L
M
A
Submit your answers. Winners will receive one year FREE membership and subscription of Friends International Magazine.
N
O
O
N
A
T
N
N
S
L
I
I
I
E
I
I
O
A
A
N
P
L
A
E
A
A
N
L
S
N
H
P
A
A
G
A
H
L
H
N
A
P
O
A
A
G
Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18) Changes in life are
inevitable. How you deal with them determines
your level of stress. When you are flexible with
unexpected obstacles it’s easier to deal with what
fate has in store. Take a deep breath and move
forward with confidence. Lucky Numbers: 16, 21,
18, 9, 23, & 29.: Lucky Color: Brown
Word Search
1a class a nut (Jolly Old Fellow)
Capricorn (Dec 21 – Jan 19) The new people you
meet today hold a lot of opportunities for you, but
keep in mind that there is more to them than meets
the eye. People are very different on the inside
than their appearances may lead you to believe,
especially right now, when they are on their best
behavior. If you make any assumptions about
their beliefs, you should keep them to yourself,
or risk offending someone. For safety’s sake, wait
until you know them better before sharing your
opinions. Lucky Numbers: 1, 31 , 23, 37, 24, & 44;
Lucky Color: Peach
Sagitarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21) The smallest details
of this day will be like blinking neon signs for you --
Rearrange the letters to form the correct
word(s) or phrase. The (clues) will help
you guess the correct answers.
Anagrams
that’s how powerful your observation skills will be.
This means it’s a great day for negotiations! You’ll
be able to read the other person’s body language
like it’s an open book. And you’ll be able to sense
how close their offer is to what they are really
capable of giving you. Lucky Numbers : 1,26, 28,
11, 24, 9. Lucky Color: Peach
Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20) The most powerful
motivator for you right now isn’t your ambition -it’s your emotions. So trust them and follow them
wherever they take you today! Good or bad, they
are genuine and honest. So if you want to spill your
guts to someone who you’re seriously crushing
on, do it -- whatever the result, it will make you
stronger and remind you how powerful you are.
Being direct in your communication might be
hard, but it will save you time and help you grow.
Lucky Numbers: 12, 35, 11, 36, 23, & 43: Lucky
Color: Blue Green.
Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21) Music is likely to play a
more important role for you this Sunday morning.
Some of you have the music writing talent--why
not give it a try? There is tremendous psychological
growth--which can lead to great personal success
this Monday; if you follow through with it. You
might also find that you will put on the pounds if
you are not careful. Lucky Numbers: 34 , 18, 3, 22,
12, & 46. Lucky Color: Maroon
Find the words hidden within the grid.
Words can be found
horizontally, vertically,
diagonally, backwards
or forwards.
by Kuya Willy
Masing-masing pemenang berhak membawa
piala, piagam, dan hadiah lainnya dari para
sponsor. Para sponsor yang mendukung dalam
acara tersebut adalah, Tabloid Apakabar,
Indonews, Liberty, Asia Telecom, Smartone,
H.K TKI POWC Agency, PJTKI Nuraini
Indah Perkasa, PJTKI Assanatama Karya
Mandiri (AKM), Globe Shine Agency, Dragon
Star Grup dan PRISMA. Wajah puas dan
bangga terlihat dari para pemenang, acarapun
berakhir dengan foto bersama panitia dan
para pemenang. Tak lupa Adepunk sebagai
penyelenggara acara mengucapkan banyak
terima kasih kepada para sponsor yang
telah mendukung, kepada para panitia yang
telah banyak membantu jalannya acara
dan Adepunk juga minta maaf, jika acara
tersebut masih banyak kekurangan dan kurang
berkenan dihati para penonton, peserta dan
tamu undangan. Semoga kedepannya kami
akan lebih baik dari yang sekarang. Salam
Kayau & Peace!!!!
... alamin ang iyong kapalaran
T
A
A
Y
R
E
G
L
O
I
B
A
O
N
N
A
N
A
K
Cupid
Donder
O
1
Blitzen
2
3
Rudolf
4
Last Month’s Winner: Ms. Adela Mata of Kingswood Villa, Tinshuiwai, NT
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.
33
Birthday Corner
... our best wishes
/ Just for Kids
Mila Agtrarap, Dec 23
Jaypee de Guzman, Oct 3
Marites Elvinia, Nov 17
Grace Pahos, Nov 24, Rowena Dating, Sep
17, Cela Pahos, Sep 11
Jean Guererro, Nov 13, Pete, Jan 18
Ronnie Padasas, Oct 22
Vinzon Gonda, Nov 29
Yara Gubguban & cousin Nov 5
Abcede Balaweg, Nov 3
Ofelia Baguirin, Nov. 2
Marlet B. Merez, Nov 17
Jesusa Sayos, Dec 25
Se Won Park, Nov 18
Airla Fan, Nov 29
Jayson & Sarah Jessica
Francis Marc Garcia, Dec 13, Christine
Jaye, Dec 25, Jodie Chan, Oct 16
Text From The Heart
Looking for a TXT mate? Send SMS to 852 9010 9183 if you wish to
include your number here.
Hi I’m Bliz looking for male txt mate mob : 67150924
Hi I’m Thess 34 years old single looking for male txt mate
mob 69761114
Hi I’m Beth looking for a friend thru txt my mobile # 68945195
Hi I’m Jean 45 yrs old widow looking for male txt mate mob: 64498095
Hi I’m Dhang looking for txt mate 65767052 or email milanrose15@yahoo.
com
Hi I’m Reia looking for male txt mate age 27 up mob 94509499
34
Hi I’m Lovely 26 yrs old looking for male txt mate 69383634
Hi I’m Rose Ann 29 yrs old looking for male lifetime partner or txt mate
98542116
Hi I’m Bebs 32 years old looking for txtmate 96695814
Hi I’m Angela 30 yrs old looking for txt mate and friend 68958116
Hi I’m Janett 26 yrs old looking for txt mate and lifetime partner mobile
61653856
Hi I’m josie 32 yrs old sweet and pretty but don’t have a boyfriend mob
69706243
Hi I’m Russel 24 yrs old looking for textmate +639208622950 mob
94597976
35
36

friends InternatIonal MagazIne DeCeMBer 2008

Transcription

Similar documents

Students are challenged to apply science concepts and skills to

k i k o s a n c h e z

Mga Pagbati Tawag ng Pagsamba Mga Awit ng Papuri at

celebration - St Paul`s School Website

photo documentation gathered by romelito i. fenix on august 13

ABAKADA 2010 Summer issue (pp. 25-30)

Lasallian Core Value: SERVICE

76-020 USAF 76-0020 F-15A c/n 199/A172 Built 1976 by McDonnell

Lasallian Core Value: FAITH

Porac execs lead river clean-up drive