friends InternatIonal MagazIne JanUarY 2009
Transcription
friends InternatIonal MagazIne JanUarY 2009
friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 1 friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 editor’s note 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: editorial@friends-intl-mag.com 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 Acosta PRINTING Smart Way International Ltd No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior writtent consent of the publisher. Opinions and comments of writers, columnists and contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the management’s or any staff of Friends International Magazine. We welcome editorial articles, photographs and illustrations for publication. Please send all communications and materials to: Friends International Magazine, 5D Sun King Building, 580 Queen’s Road West, Hong Kong. 2 friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 Dear FIM readers, There is always something different about the ending of a year and the ushering in of a new one. That one week interval between Christmas day and New Year’s day somehow evokes feelings of nostalgia for the year just passed and at the same time a feeling of anticipation and excitement for what the new year will bring. New year has always been about new beginnings, new life. A time wherein we can hit the refresh buttons of our lives and start anew. Hence, the most popular graphic icon of the New Year is a baby in diapers symbolizing new life. As we say goodbye to the year just passed and look forward to the coming new year, let us take this opportunity to count our blessings inspite of a very tough year of 2008. There is still something more to rejoice as we are all here. Strong and ready to face the new year and new challenges that await us. We have to keep a positive mindset, list down our new year’s resolutions and follow it. People are ready to cherish the memories of 2008, learn from their mistakes and make resolutions of not repeating them in the coming year. You’re most probably going to commit to changing old worn-out habits and creating new good ones. Put on the top of your list: ‘I will have a positive mindset.’ This means that you will always think the best of others in spite of the circumstances. Cast aside any criticism, negativity, bitterness, and resentment and see things with fresh new eyes and a heart brimming with gratefulness. Find something wonderful, positive and pleasing about each one and focus on this and not on the bad. Do this with every person. God only allows you to pass through life once. Start now. Look with fresh, clear eyes at the people around you. Stare in awe at your family with new eyes and see how each of them fascinates you. The New Year is a wonderful opportunity to let go of the old and get on with the new. We have been miserable, negative, and critical for so long and oftentimes, the new isn’t as much about things, as it is about attitudes. The New Year starts in an atmosphere that is serious in many ways. violence has broken out in various parts of the world. The greatest cause for concern is the situation in Gaza. The spiralling violence should be severed and issues should be dealt with at the negotiation table. The world is also beset by difficult economic problems. The international economic crisis has triggered off a chain of events that is bound to have an effect also in Hong Kong and in the Philippines. Economic development has already slowed down considerably and employment rate has deteriorated. These circumstances highlight the importance of social responsibility. Many have undoubtedly predicted that recession will continue. Surveys show that it still casts its long shadows over some families. Sufficient attention must be paid in time to employment. We must take action to prevent the consequences of the slowdown in economic development coming down most heavily on people who are in the weakest position. An active government economic policy needs to be created and supported by effective education, employment and social policies. At the same time, we must invest in new expertise – technological and operational innovations. The aim must be the well-being of the entire population not only for Overseas Filipino Workers. The strength of our society is based on cooperation. International competition will remain tough even during bad economic times. In the global scale, the Philippines is still a good country to live in. We face challenging times, but together and with cooperation we will come through. As we are celebrating the beginning of the Year of the Ox, I wish everybody good health, happiness and prosperity in the year ahead. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Happy reading !!! Kung Hei Fat Choi !! Arnold P. Grospe Managing Editor 3 friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 friends Co mm uni t y B oa r d Got an announcement to make ? Let everyone know. Have your upcoming association activities published here for FREE ! Call us on 254I –25I0 during office hours or email details to editorial@friends-intl-mag.com 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 Sec Medy Borlaza at 6773 1021. Announcement : calling all Ilocano group in Hong Kong there will be a meeting on Jan 25 at the Bayanihan center for details call Petra Regua :93443929 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 What : ROFLW Anniversary celebration Where : 1/F Flamingo Cafe, Newton Hotel, North Point When : Jan 18, 2009 12- 6 PM For details call Riza Acosta at 68418078 La Union Federation of Hong Kong (LUFOH) Valentine’s Presentation and search for Ms.Valentine and Election day from 1:00 to 6:00 pm February 15, 2009, Bayanihan Center Contact nos. Kath 66275012 Tess 91836216 What : PAHK induction of Board of Director for 2009 Where : Red Bar IFC Bldg Central When : Jan 21. 2009 Registration : HKD 150 including free drinks and Canopes for details call the secretariat : 31738808 or email: phaohk@ gmail.com What : IMAP HK Anniversary When : Jan 18 1- 5 PM For details please call Brenda Atrero 94397853 What : Jesus is our Shield Hong Kong Convention Theme: I am with you Always When : Jan 27 2009 2-6 PM Jan 28 10- 4 PM Where : RM CR-! 7/F Backstage of Concert Hall HK Cultural Center TST (Near Star Ferry Terminal ) Contact Pastora JonieUnghiyon 94678565 or 67984041 Contents JANUARY 2009 issue 38 The 1st Sinulog Festival in Hong Kong Feb 1, 2009, Chater Garden (Sunday 9 am - 7 pm) brought to you by Sinulog Committee Hong Kong & League of Overseas Visayan Association for more info, please contact Arnold on 9010 9183 or Marites on 9617 1806 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 3Editor’s Note 6 Cover Story 7 Magic Friends and Bokod 8 Bileg Ti Ilocano 10th Anniversary 9 JLG 5th Anniversary 10At Your Service 11Adivay ti Kabengeutan ‘08 12 Candonians HK 12th Anniversary 13 Hello Mama 14Oras ng Himala 15Legal Matters 17 Kuwentong OFW 18 Snapshots 20 Mabuhay Ka Kabayan 22 Why Hoping in God Makes Sense 23 Midwifery Updates of LOFM 24 Balitang Showbiz 28 Kalilang ‘08 29 featured Poems 30Laugh Lines 31 FIM Outlets 32 Cesar Montano Graces Bohol Anniversary 33 Horoscope and Mind Games 34 Birthday Corner / Just 4 Kids / Text From The Heart friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 5 friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 Global Financial Crisis Takes Its Toll in 2008 . . . Better Times Ahead in 2009 Magic Friends and Bokod - HK Quest For Model of The Year by Bernadette M. Benitez by APG The problems of the financial markets have started affecting the real economy worldwide. Consensus estimates suggest that 2009 will be worse than 2008. The slowdown that begun in 2008 will carry through until next year is clear. Growth this year and next year could easily turn out the slowest in a decade. The jobless and underemployed will increase next year. Retrenchments and closures will be most immediately felt in the goods and services export sectors. The job situation has clearly started to worsen in 2008. Filipinos working overseas in distressed countries and sectors faced layoffs or at least lower incomes. This is not just in the US where the crisis first erupted but also wherever in the world they might be and no country is untouched by the tumult. Filipinos in Macau and some in Hong Kong were also affected by the mass lay offs. The global economic situation is expected to continue deteriorating until 2010 and even beyond, and the Philippines is going to be severely affected by the worsening crisis. Yet it is still possible to mitigate the effects on the country, and more importantly, to emerge from this period of crisis with a genuinely strengthening and forward-moving economy. Various factors will come into fuller play by next year and action must be taken as soon as possible. The economy has been deteriorating steadily in recent years despite government hype and, as it is, growth has been slowing since the start of the year. The onset of the global financial and economic turmoil however now pushes it into a deeper crisis that it is poorly equipped to deal with. One of the upsides of the current upheaval in the global financial system is that people are more careful about spending their money. Rightly so. With many people facing a clear and present danger of losing their jobs, the smartest move would be to stretch one’s money as much as possible. Because you’ll never know if tomorrow you will still have a job. In the US and other western countries, it is inevitable that a number of big and small businesses will go out and close shop due to the financial crisis, displacing thousands of workers. Many companies will also downsize their operations to ensure their long-term survival in the face of a slowing economy which will jack up the number of jobless people. That is why our OFWs are worried sick about their jobs. The government, through DOLE and the DFA, has in fact, started monitoring job losses of Filipinos worldwide. In Singapore, the employers of some of our domestic helpers are reportedly becoming more irritable because of their investment losses. If employers of our DHs in the Middle East, Europe, Singapore, Macau and Hong Kong were hit badly by the global financial storm they may no longer be able to afford the services of domestic helpers and we could be seeing a steady stream of distressed OFWs coming home to an uncertain future. Anxieties about job security are not just confined to OFWs. Even local employees have reason to worry about their jobs, especially those in companies which are largely dependent on foreign markets like the export industry and BPOs or Business Process Outsourcing. You really shouldn’t wait for a crisis to happen before you start to worry about your financial situation. Always remember that a lot of good things don’t last. Sooner or later the good times will end. You may be earning well now but there’s no guarantee that 5 or 10 years hence you will still be on easy street. You should be prepared all the time. Save as if there’s always a financial crisis looming in the horizon. Save as if your income would stop flowing anytime soon. With this kind of attitude towards saving you will be able to accumulate sufficient monetary resources that can tide you over when the next economic turmoil hits. Most, especially those who lost their jobs or saw their fortunes wiped out, would want to wake up tomorrow thinking that it had never happened. But it did. And as 2008 came to a close, people are fervently hoping that 2009 would be better or at least not as bad as 2008. The Philippines, fortunately, has not been as hard hit as other economies like the United States and Japan but most economists and policymakers feel that the full brunt of the global financial crisis will hurt the country in 2009. Last December 7, 2008 the Magic Friends Association of Hong Kong and Bokod Association - HK jointly staged two model search pageants - Model Dream Boy of The Year and Model Mother of The Year. There were eight candidates for Dream Boys and six for Model Mother. Prior to the stage competition, there was a popularity contest of the candidates wherein the candidate who raised the highest amount got the Mr. Dream Boy HK and Ms. Young at Heart title award. Clark Sabijon won the Mr. Dream Boy title while Ms. Olive Mojica got the Ms. Young at heart title award. In the stage competition for Dream Boys, the candidates modeled various attires- career, jeans, cowboy attire, formal and superheroes attire and had also talent portion. Ma. Victoria (Vickoy) Igamen bagged the Model Dream Boy -HK title. She also won Best in talent, Best in cowboy attire, and Best in Superhero attire. Jay- Ar Reyes was 1st runner up. Nick Delfin was awarded the Best in jeans attire; Patric Policarpio, the Best in career attire; Corazon (Chris) Puda, the Best in formal attire; and Zenia (Rhuzel) Pipit, the Face of the year. Candidates for the model mother showed their bests as they modeled Cordillera attire,maternity attire, career attire, and evening gown. They also displayed their own talent. Ms. Geralda Lormecio bested the 5 other candidates and was crowned the Model Mother of the year. She also garnered the Best in Cordillera attire, Best in career attire and Best in talent. Ms. Norma C. Capsula was 1st runner up and won the Best in maternity attire. She was also awarded the most favorable of the day as she garnered the highest votes of the attenders. Ms. Efigen Sia wowed the judges with her dazzling gown and got the Best in evening gown award. Atty. Roberto Basco who flew in from Benguet, Philippines was the event’s guest speaker. He delivered a great and moving message especially for OFW’s here in Hong Kong. He first expressed his appreciation and concern to all OFW’s, who he mentioned were the unsung heroes, and said that he has great respect for them. The promising lawyer and businessman who also had a humble beginning encouraged the crowd of OFW’s to save a big portion from their hard-earned money and have an ongoing income so as not to rot here as helpers. As one who have been a witness of poverty, he said, we can do two things - complain and die complaining or do something. We don’t have control over circumstances, we only have control over ourselves, he said. He left a compelling message when he said, “Don’t fall in love with your job as OFW’s”. Various intermission numbers from the guest performers including AFreight Dancers, Bohol Federation Int’l Dancers, Philippine Cultural Academy Dancers, Black Commando Judo Karate Association, and Kabatak Wild boys kept the crowd entertained as they waited for the presentation of the candidates in their different attires. Mr. Roy and company also amused the spectators with their ballroom dances. The search’ Board of judges were composed of the ff: Mr. Shabas Mohamad, Mr. Emeran Janjoah, Ms. Rodelia Angel, Mr. Tikboy Bano, Ms. Janet Ekid, Bhey Ramirez, Ms. Marlyn Manarang, Ms. Glenda Sinen and Ms. Bhabes Mercado. The tandem of Mr. Jess Camilon and Ms. Pinky Rivas served as masters of ceremony and made the program run smoothly, entertaining and enjoyable. The Chinese New Year Traditions by Remely Valdez The Chinese New Year celebrations are marked by visiting relatives and friends, a practice known as “new year visiting”. New clothing is usually worn to signify a new year. The color red is liberally used in all decorations. Red pockets are given to juniors and children by the married and elders. the New Year’s eve dinner. A dish consisting of fish will appear on the tables of Chinese families. It is for display for the New Year’s Eve dinner. In Northern China, it is also customary to have dumplings for this dinner. Dumplings symbolize wealth because their shape is like a Chinese gold nugget. On the 28th day of month 12, the Chinese families give their home a thorough cleaning. There is a Cantonese saying “wash away the dirt on nianyiba”, but the practice is not usually restricted on nianyiba, the 28th day of month 12. It is believed the cleaning sweeps away the bad luck of the preceeding year and makes their homes ready for good luck. The first day of Chinese New Year is the most important day for Chinese families because it is a time when families visit the oldest and most senior members of their extended family, usually their parents, grandparents or greatgrandparents. Some families may invite a lion dance troupe as a symbolic ritual to usher in the Lunar New Year as well as to evict bad spirits from the premises. People also give red pockets containing cash to junior members of the family, mostly children. Knives and scissors are put away on the first day so that luck cannot be swept away. On the 29th day of month 12, is the busiest day of the year because some people give their homes, doors and window panes a new coat of red paint. Homes are often decorated with paper cut-outs of Chinese auspicious phrases. The biggest event of any Chinese New Year is 6 The second day of the Chinese New Year is for married daughters to visit their parents. Traditionally, daughters who habe been married may not have the opportunity to visit their families frequently. The third day of the Chinese New Year is generally accepted as inappropriate days to visit relatives as it is known as “Chuk hou” meaning that it is easy to get into arguments. It is suggested that the cause could be the fried food and visiting during the first two days of the New Year celebration. friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 7 friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 Bileg Ti Ilocano Association Celebrates 10th Anniversary Jesus The Living God International Ministry Marks 5th Anniversary Celebration and Thanksgiving Day by Ms. Remely Valdez by Angel Soriano The Bileg ti Ilocano Association celebrated its 10th year of foundation at the Bayanihan Centre Kennedy Town last November 9, 2008. Their motto “Napateg ti Napudno a Kaddua” with a mixed Tagalog and English translation means “Mahalaga ang tunay na pakikisama, to see is to believe”, always indulges within the group that’s why they never expected that they will reach their first decade of memorable celebration. “It is heartwarming to know that the Bileg ti Ilocano Hongkong under my leadership with the untiring support of my co-officers and members is very much alive. Despite the critisms and bad feedbacks we have encountered, all this served as a challenge and inspiration for us to achieve our goals to promote Filipino moral values, cooperation, and commitment as we walk towards progress and unity not only to ourselves but also to our nation especially in our hometown, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.” said BTIA President Petra Regua. Honored guests Vice Consul Val Roque, Labor Attache Romy Salud, Mr. Rolly Cruz from PNB and other guests from the business sector also gave inspiring, remarkable and heartwarming messages for the group and to all OFW’s that were present on that day. The highlights of the festivity was the coronation of Miss BTIA 2008, the search for Ms. HK-Philippines 2008 and the grand finals of 1st Pinoy Idol HK 2008. It was also the Induction of BTIA’s new set of officers. Out of the 9 adoring and glamorous candidates who vied for the title, Candidate #4 Ms. Sia Efigen from Ormoc City garnered the highest score and was proclaimed Ms. Hongkong Philippines 2008. She also won Best in Talent, Best in Production and Ms. Punctual. She was followed by Ms. Barbie Ellescas from Bulacan who won 1st Runner-up and also got Best in Casual Wear, Best in Sports Wear, Best in Gown and Ms. Charming. 2nd Runner-up was Cherille Madriaga from Bucay, Abra. She also got Ms. Congeniality. In the Popularity category, the title Her Majesty Queen Ms. BTIA 2008 was won by Ms. Roselyn Tabutol from Sto. Domingo Ilocos Sur. She also won Ms. Ambassador of Goodwil, Most Active and Ms. Loyalty. She was followed by Ms. Melona Rosales from Masbate who won 1st Princess and Ms. Faith. 2nd Princess won by Ms. Laarni Felipe from Luna Apayao. She also got a recognition award as Ms. Love. The other candidates who received recognition awards were: Ms. Emilou Talaue from Cagayan Valley as Ms. Charity and also Best in Performance, Ms. Nerissa Hugo from Mindanao as Ms. Courageous and Ms. Sairah Viscarra from Nueva Ecija as Ms. Hope. In the Grand Finals for the Search of Pinoy 8 Hongkong Idol 2008, 7 gifted singers vied for the title and everyone showed off their singing prowess. Ms. Jenny Baco garnered the highest score and was proclaimed champion. Her performance dazzled the crowd and impressed the board of judges with her own rendition of the song “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me”. Ms. Josephine Turan who sang “I Who Have Nothing” was the 1st Runner-up and Ms. Vivien Yntas who sang “Iisang Lahi” was 2nd Runner-up. The Pinoy HK Idol winners received trophies and cash while the other participants received a recognition award and all of the contestants received medals. Talent scouts also received a trophy as a token of appreciation for their support and participation. A lucky draw was also held and the prizes were donated by K-Touch Phone and Rica Int’l Ltd. The program was hosted by the dynamic tandem of Mr. Arnold Grospe of Friends Int’l Magazine and Joel Almeda of Banco de Oro, who was given a surprise birthday celebration. The officers and members of BTIA rendered a birthday song together with friends and leaders of different associations. The following donors and sponsors who made the event a success were: PNB, First Metro, BPI, BDO, RCBC, Lucky Money, RFC, Cash Sense,LBC, I-Remit, Northern Union Remittance, Jollibee, A-Freight, Gen-Ex Cargo, Amazing Speed, Smart 1528, Friends Int’l Magazine, Asian Tours and Travel, Kayumanggi Magazine, Royal Business Club, Brastel, Emry’s Employment Agency, Public Finance Ltd., Dr. Smith, The Sun, DestinAsian Tours, Prime Credit, Prime Gold, Smartone Vodafone, Gold Miles Overseas Employment Company, Focus Forwarders, Kwela @ Saya, Powerline Asia Ltd., K-Touch Phone and Royal Dream Team. The Bileg ti Ilocano Association would like to express their profound gratitude to all those who extended their helping hands in making the event a resounding success, especially to all the candidates, valued supporters and friends, all the dancers who entertained the crowd and to all associations who always extend their moral support, to the donors and sponsors for their never ending generosity and uncountable assistance, to the board of judges, to the panel of adjudicators and to the energetic and enjoyable masters of ceremony who gave their best to provide the BTIA a successful show. The newly elected officers and coordinators sworn in and administered to office by Labor Attache Romy Salud are: President: Petra Regua; Vice President: Ann Galdones; General Secretary: Glenda Lazo; Secretary I: Jessie Agtang; Secretary II: Dina Labinicio; Treasurer: Teresita Cuaresma; Asst. Treasurer: Norma Perper; Auditor: Geraldine Regua Osalvo and Elvira Espinoza; PRO’s: Yolanda Dauz, Rowena Feria, Estrella Acosta, Jovyline Bolosan and Helen Pacis; Bus. Managers: Betty Madriaga, Elena Pescador, Marcelina Tabuno, Nerissa dela Cruz and Catalina Robinol; Livelihood Coordinators: Myrna Jimenez and Concordia Daleja; Sgt-at-Arms: Henry Macaranas and Laila Agoot; Zone Coordinators: Magdalena Purugganan (Zone 1), Lourdes Razonable (Zone 2), Josefina Madriaga (Zone 3), Joy Pigao (Zone 4), Lerio Lacaden (Zone 5), Percy Apilado (Zone 6) and Laarni Felipe (Zone 7). Livelihood Trainors: Edna Aboga, Catalina Robinol, Regina Kidatan, Teresita Cuaresma, Magdalena Purugganan, Jessie Agtang and Geraldine Regua. Consul General Alejandrino A. Vicente urges Filipinos to remember Rizal’s heroism and acknowledges Hong Kong’s role in Philippine history during the wreath laying ceremony at Rednaxela Terrace, where Dr. Jose Rizal and his family once lived from 1891-1892, as Philippine Consulate and OWWA staff listen. Some members of the Filipino community were also in attendance at the ceremony. Jesus The Living God Church (JLG) is a living testimony of a church that has morphed into a vibrant group of believers who have gone through a new concept of training for spiritual maturity which is necessary for dealing with the realities of life towards genuine transfromation. limit to Pastor Gerry, the head Pastor of JLG, because God permits him and gave him the wisdom and integrity to reach Filipinos in other parts of the globe. He expressed his profound gratitude to all JLG members, friends and visitors who joined their memorable occassion. He commended his members for their united effort, contribution and enthusiasm. The honorable guests who attended and savored the day with their presence were: Senator Manny Villar, Cong. Cynthia Villar, Sen. Peter Allan Cayetano, Vice Consul Val Roque, Bishop Fred Magbanua and Rev. Joel Quicho. On that particular day, a surprise birthday celebration was also offered to Hon. Senator Manny Villar who celebrated his natal day last Dec. 13, 2008. Bishop Fred Magbanua and his wife also celebrated their 51 fruitful years of marriage. Personal testimonies from the other members of JLG awakened the heart of the audience. They cited how the Lord moved and changed their lives. It was indeed a victorious and fruitful celebration of Jesus The Living God Church. JLG Family and all the people who took part on this blessed occassion are witnesses that with God, all things are possible not only today but everyday. God has given them a positive view of what a healthy church should be, a church where love, acceptance and forgiveness must be the prominent traits. Yet, a church that knows how to discern and overcome darkness with light, overruling the works of the enemy so that they can move in the greater glory of our Lord. JLG is God’s dear ministry with a sound doctrine and ably led by leaders whom God has matured in the battlefields of life and ministry. Indeed, they have a poignant history but they do not dwell on the past nor engross theirselves with bad memories. They move on with victories on their side, conquer, refreshed and strengthened by His power and love for the God whom they serve has promised them a great harvest of people and nations for His greater glory. Indeed, the goodness and greatness of God was proven during the glorious thanksgiving and anniversary celebration of Jesus The Living God International Ministry held last Nov. 30, 2008 at Grappas Cellar, Jardine House Central with the theme “The Year of God’s Favor.” On that blessed afternoon, the JLG Church marked its 5th anniversary celebration since it was founded last Oct. 2004 with 12 members. Yet, as JLG family reminisced the past prior to the birth of the church, it was not an easy journey, the struggles, the trials, criticisms, severe trails and persecutions that caused pain and dissappointment to many. But, through it all, God’s tremendous miracles poured. His loving kindness compelled the group to go on, continue and fulfill His given mandate, to spread the word and to impart to everyone the saving grace and knowledge of the only saviour, our Lord Jesus. The fire and zeal of the Holy Spirit keeps lighting their way, inspired our hearts with constant love, the compassion of bringing the story of Jesus whom God gave as a gift, for there is no long term gift we can give to people rather than the lifelong gift of salvation that leads everyone to eternity. Spreading the goodness of the Lord gives no friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 9 At Your Service By: Rolando E. Estrella friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 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, 5D Sun King Building, 580 Queen’s Road West, Hong Kong. (Attention to Bro. Rolly) STEPPED UPON BY A STEPFATHER I gave birth to a son in 1992 when I was only 17 years old but was never married to my boyfriend because he abandoned me right after I went home from the maternity clinic and never saw him since then. I lived as a single parent until my son turned four in 1996 when I met my husband who really loved me despite my status and we were married in the same year. Unfortunately during the first year of our marriage my doctor discovered that I had a huge tumor in my ovary which was surgically removed and I was advised I could never give birth again. My husband treated my son as his own and it was a wonderful relationship because as a step-father to my son he never failed to provide his needs. We lived a normal life full of love, care and respect. Notwithstanding his not-so-big income as he was employed as a supervisor in a plastic factory, we had no financial difficulties and in fact we were able to purchase a Pag-ibig-funded low cost house and lot property in Cavite. He never allowed me to work and so I had plenty of time looking after their needs and performing my job as a wife and parent. However in 2005 we both agreed that there has got to be another source of income to augment his salary and finance our growing needs especially as we enrolled my son in a private high school and as he also bought a slightly used car on installment basis. He permitted me to work as a domestic helper in Hong Kong as it was the quickest way to land a job abroad. In October, 2005 I left for Hong Kong leaving my son under his full custody. The first two years of my stay in Hong Kong until the end of 2007 was normal and uneventful as he took care of my son while I contribute to our family income out of my salary as a helper. But everything turned for the worst in 2008 when I learned from my son that earlier in February my husband hired a young housemaid. It turned out that the young girl is not a housemaid but his own girl friend. I would have wanted to return to the Philippines to confront them and kick out that girl from my house but I was not permitted by my employer to take a home leave then. And now I learned from my son that she is pregnant and is due to give birth in January of 2009. And adding insult to injury, he has been seriously and gravely maltreating my son. For 10 so many occasions he would tell his friends and his own relatives in front of my son that he is not related to him and that my son is “anak sa pagkakasala” (offspring out of a sinful relationship). And of late, he is beating my son physically for no reason at all and for so many times he and his girlfriend would scream at my son telling him to leave our house because he claims he owns it. Just a week ago, my son told me that my husband took our colored TV from the living room where my son used to watch and then placed it in our bedroom he is now sharing with his girlfriend. Obviously it is one of the ploys of my husband to annoy my son to force him to leave our house. I have been writing my husband for so many times but he never replied. I have been calling him almost everyday but he would just hang up his phone upon hearing my voice. I am totally hurt and I pity my son who is now suffering from mental and emotional anguish as well as physical pain due to the beatings from my husband. I was permitted by my employer to take a two-week leave during Chinese New Year and thank God cause then I will have the opportunity to take action against my husband to protect my and my son’s rights. May I seek your counsel as what actions I should take. Begging for mercy, Ms. Distressed, Fan Ling Dear Ms. Distressed, From the above evidences, it is obvious your husband has totally lost any interest in you as all his love and attention are now focused on his girlfriend especially as she is now pregnant and carries that child whom he can now proudly call his own. I feel strongly that your marriage bond has been damaged beyond repair and reconciliation is now an impossibility. But both your and your son’s rights must be protected. the act of CONCUBINAGE supported by strong evidences including their illicit sexual relationship resulting in the pregnancy of his girlfriend happening within your own home destroying its sanctity. Such act is punishable by law; 2) The actions of your husband and his girlfriend causing mental or emotional anguish, public ridicule or humiliation to your son, including but not limited to repeated verbal and emotional abuse, are considered actions of violence against children including your husband’s physical abuse to your son and deemed a public offense subject to legal prosecution and punish-ment under Philippine law; 3) Your husband cannot claim full ownership of your properties. The house and lot property including the slightly used car and other properties acquired by either or both of you at the time of the celebration of your marriage and thereafter are considered community (“conjugal”) property and as such each party has equal right of ownership to it. Neither of you could dispose of or sell any such conjugal property unless approved by both of you and with written consent. In the event that a Legal Separation decree is granted by the court and agreement to dispose of them has been reached, the net proceeds from the sale of such properties shall be divided equally between the two of you. I would advise that at this early stage, you prepare an inventory of all properties either or both of you acquired during your marriage which are considered community property, determine their monetary values and deduct therefrom any debts or liabilities incurred at the acquisition of such properties so that you will know beforehand the Net Value of such properties which shall be the basis of the equal partitioning between the two of you. I am sending you through a separate mail envelope the name and address of a family lawyer in Makati whom I strongly suggest you see during your Chinese New Year home leave. You are standing on solid ground as far as the legal merits of your case are concerned, based on the following facts: 1) Your husband has patently committed Bro. Rolly To All our Readers: This column extends to you our warmest greetings of a HAPPY & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR. Be rest assured that we are always AT YOUR SERVICE! Adivay Di Kabenguetan ‘08 - Benguet Day Celebration in Hong Kong by Bernadette M. Benitez The Belcher’s Park at Kennedy Town was seemingly a Benguet ground last November 30 as several OFW’S of Benguet, friends from other provinces and guests were gathered to celebrate a momentous occasion - Adivay di Kabenguetan ‘08 was organized by the Benguet Federation - HK officers to commemorate the 109th Foundation Day of Benguet Province. for the battle of the bands. Second place was Group B composed of Itogon, Sablan, and Tuba. All the bands made used of recycled and improvised musical instruments. Ms. Cynthia Tellez, Executive Director of Mission for Migrant Workers was the Guest Speaker. She delivered an inspirational message and commended the BengFed for putting up the event. One important point she mentioned was the purpose of an organization. She said that Associations should be organized not to be isolated from others but to relate or reach out to other organizations. Benguet is widely known as the country’s salad bowl and mining center with tracks of forestland, mineral deposits, fertile soil, rich culture and an industry-driven human resource. The event was well attended by the 13 municipalities of Benguet namely Atok, Bakun, Bokod, Buguias, Itogon, Kabayan, Kapangan, Kibungan, La Trinidad, Mankayan, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay. Also joining the celebration were some officers of different organizations here in Hong Kong including Luzon Federation. The first part of the program was devoted to community dance, parlor games and doxology. Participants were served a variety of food for lunch and they hadn’t missed the native food of Benguet like camote and gabi. It was after lunch that the program formally opened with the colorful parade of the members of the 13 municipal organizations of Benguet with their muse and banner. Completing the opening was the singing of “Kabenguetan” song and Benguet Hymn and the “Badiw”, a Benguet prayer chant. Ms. Donnie Allan, BengFed Vice-Chairman explained in her opening remarks the meaning of “Adivay” and it’s significance for the people of Benguet especially to those working here in a foreign land. “Adivay”, she explained is an Ibaloi (Benguet dialect) word which literally means gathering, sharing or coming together. She said that organizing such event shows the unity among people of Benguet. The highlights of the program were the Search for Ms. Benguet and the battle of the bands. Ms. Kristy Angel of La Trinidad bested 12 other candidates and won the Ms. Benguet title award. She also bagged the Best in native wear attire. Honeylet Catalino of Tuba and Rebecca Losnong of Sablan won first and second runner up respectively. The Group D composed of Atok, Bokod, and Kabayan was the champion members wore a mining costume and their banner was made up of dried mushrooms, palay, atis seeds, lettuce and some dried roots. Other awards given were Best in Parade and Best in Banner both won by UMWA (United Mankayan Workers Association). The UMWA Different performances from AFreight Dancers, RFC Dancers, Combat Arnis, Ubon di Malayad Cultural Group, Cordillera Men’s Club, Ma-eng tribe of Abra, BengFed and an Indonesian organization kept the crowd entertained all throughout the program. Misa de Aguinaldo held on Dec. 24, 2008 at Harcourt Garden, Admiralty Left: Fr. Lino Nicasio, SVD delivers his homily during the Misa de Aguinaldo in Harcourt Garden, Hong Kong. Co-celebrants Fr. Helmut Peter, SVD and Fr. Emil Lim, SVD are in the background. Right: Mass attendees listen attentively during the mass celebration. Left: Consul General Alejandrino A. Vicente gives his Christmas message at the Misa Aguinaldo at Harcourt Garden, Hong Kong. Right: Fr. Nicasio giving communion to the mass attendees. friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 11 friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 Candonians Hong Kong Association Marks Its 12th Founding Year by Remely Valdez There is always a personal and organizational cost of believing that leaders are born and they are blessed with enthusiasm, determination and natural leadership abilities. Thus, a successful and productive association would benefit from these qualities. In reality, leaders are made not born, they are developed and accomplished through a number of resources through selfstudy, education, training, experience and confidence in their own areas of values and beliefs. In Hongkong, where the making and breaking of an organization is radically rampant, it is of great achievement already of leaders if they have surpassed what they commonly called “baptism of fire” and maintain their association’s strength in the mainstream despite of some squabbling officers and members. This could be used to describe Candonians HK Association’s strength and sorority. It is one of the benevolent associations that was organized with unity, love and care, a characteristic of the qualities that Jesus Christ had taught us, would certainly received God’s bountiful blessings and success. The Candonians HK Assn was organized by City Administrator Hon. Grace G. Singson with CHKA Pres. Rechilda Cortez who served and devoted her time and effort for the betterment of Candonians folks. Six long years of selfless service and remarkable achievements and still counting, that’s how CHKA came to be as one of the most active civic associations in Hong Kong. The Candonians HK Association marked its 12 years of existence since it was organized in 1996. Despite many difficulties, struggles and trials they’ve encountered, the Candonians never expected they will reach 12 years. The unforgettable and joyous celebration was held in Bayanihan Centre, Kennedy Town last Nov. 23, 2008. In her welcome address, the energetic Pres. Rechilda Cortez, commended and praised her fellow Candonians as she cited the accomplishment of their projects was through the active participation, commitment, and excellent teamwork of all the officers and members, for the trust they extended to her thru thick and thin and always there supporting her vision and good mission to the association. The celebration was highlighted with the coronation of CHKA Popularity Queen 2008 and Search for Ms. Candonians HK 2008. Out 12 of the 9 stunning beauties who vied for the title, Ms Lea Luminga emerged and crowned as Ms. Candonian HK 2008 and was awarded Ms. Love. 1st Runner-up was Ms. Elsa Lapena and crowned as 3rd princess in the popularity category, and Ms. Harmony. 2nd Runner-up went to Ms. Maria Crisanta Carta and she also got 4th Princess, Best in Gown and Ms. Wisdom. Ms. Maricel Mendez bagged 3rd Runner-up, 1st princess, Ms. Punctual, Best in Mannequin Style and Ms Peace. 4th runnerup goes to Ms. Alicia Ayeras, she also got Ms. Darling of the Crowd, Best in Casual Wear, Most Intelligent and Ms. Charity. In the Popularity Category, Ms. Herosalima Naungayan got the title and was crowned as Ms. CHKA Popularity Queen 2008, Ms Ambassador of Goodwill and Ms. Generosity. The other candidates who received awards were: Ms. Emelia Sarita won 2nd Princess and Ms. Faith. Ms. Evelyn Asido won Ms. Photogenic and Ms. Friendship while Ms. Mensy Dorongan got Ms. Hope. Since the existence of CHKA, the implementation of their projects came into reality. As proof of these accomplished projects, during the momentous festivity of last year’s celebration, the CHKA received a Plaque of Appreciation from the Sangguniang Panlunsod, City of Candon, which stated in the written resolution expressing profound thanks and gratitude to all members of Candonians for their various donations extended to their beloved home city. Their last accomplished project was the construction of the waiting shed with lights located at City of Candon Hospital. And last Christmas, indigent families from 15 barangays of Candon City received 15 cavans of rice as a Christmas gift from Candonians HK Assn. During the celebration, as a token of appreciation to the energetic President Rechilda Cortez, the Honorable City Mayor Allen G. Singson handed down a gold necklace for her untiring dedication and good leadership to CHKA. A total of 25 local officials from Candon City headed by the City Mayor, Hon. Allen G. Singson, City Councilor George Valdez, COMELEC Officer Hon. Fidel Gines, Asst Sec. to the Mayor Mr. Francisco Toquero, Mr. Allen Frederic Singson and together with the Barangay Captains from different municipalities, savored the day in a lavish celebration that was attended by OFW sectors and friends in the Hongkong Filipino Community. City Mayor Hon. Allen Singson congratulated the CHKA and thanked the group for all the support and assistance they had offered that benefited the Candonians folks and also to other marginalized citizens and prayed that the group will grow more in maturity and in numbers with the hope that they can ably weather any challenges and difficulties that lies ahead. Special guests from the Philippine Consulate namely Labor Attache Romy Salud, Consul Vic Dimagiba, OWWA Officer Mdm Tess Olgado graced the affair and gave remarkable and inspiring messages that was instilled in the mind of the audience. The following sponsors and donors who made the event a resounding success were Friends Int’l Magazine, Gen-Ex Cargo, Prime Gold, PNB, BDO, BPI, Lucky Money, A-Freight, BHF, Metro Bank, Cash Sense and more. sigaw ng mga kaklase ni Vimo, pagpasok nito sa classroom. “Thank you, padala ito ng mama ko.” pagmamalaki niya. Nobela ni Cora P. Carsola ANG NAKARAAN Sa isa muling pagbabakasyon ni Victor, nakita niya kay Vimo ang pangungulila pagdating sa kanyang inang si Monaliza. Isang gabi, natulugan niya ang yakap-yakap pang larawan ng kanyang ina. Nagdulot ito ng habag ni Victor sa kanyang anak. Minsan napikon si Victor kay Vimo nang magtanong ito tungkol sa pag-uwi ng kanyang mahal na ina sa kapaskuhan. Maging ang kanyang lola ay tinatanong din subalit wala ring maibigay na tiyak na kasagutan sa kanyang mga tanong. Sumakay muli si Victor sa barko. At habang naglalayag sila patungong Malaysia, Sinulatan niya ang kanyang asawa.. Binanggit niya ang pangungulila ni Vimo sa kanya. Nakasaad din sa sulat na hinahintulad siya sa isang parang na naghihintay ng pagsikat ng araw, pagbagsak ng ulan, at paghampas ng hangin. Tinanong niya si Monaliza kung may pag-asa bang tumubo ang damo sa parang na ikinumpara sa sarili. Nalungkot si Mona sa nilalaman ng sulat. Pinayuhan siya ng kaibigang si Pacita na harapin na ang katotohanan baka mahuli na siya sa pagluha. Upang malibang, namili siya ng mga pamasko para kay Vimo at kay nanay Ester. Binilhan niya ang mahal na anak ng malaking Teddy Bear, bagay na nagpasigla sa nalulungkot na bata. Noong araw ng kanilang class Christmas Party, sinabi niya sa kanyang lola na ayaw niyang dumalo. Sinabi niya sa kanyang lola na siya na lang ang magdala ng kanyang donation na pagkain. Nakumbinsi siya ni nanay Ester noong sinabi niyang dadalhin nila sa Christmas Party ang Teddy Bear. Biglang sumaya ang kanina’y malungkot na bata. Sinalihan niya ang halos lahat na parlor games. Bigay na bigay siya sa pag-indak sa saliw ng tugtog sa larong “Trip to Jerusalem’. “We want Vimo! We want Vimo!” masayang sigaw ng mga nanonood na kaklase habang iniikot niya at ng isang kaklase ang iisa ng silya na natitira. Sa pagtigil ng tugtog, itinulak siya ng katunggaling kaklase. Bumagsak siya sa sahig kasama ang pinag-aagawang silya sa laro. Halos himatayin si nanay Ester nang makitang duguan ang kaliwang siko ng kanyang apo.. Ang sa isip niya’y pagsisi sa sarili sapagkat pinilit niya si Vimo sa pagdalo. “Huwag kang mabibigla Victor, anak” pakiusap niya. HULING KABANATA “Ano ang nangyari inay, sabihin niyo na!” “Wow, ang laking Teddy Bear!” sabay-sabay na “Naoperahan si Vimo sa Orthopedic Hospital. Malubha ang pagkapinsala ng mga litid at buto sa kanyang siko.” “Relax ka lang inay. Uuwi ako sa lalong madaling panahon. Huwag niyong pabayaan ang apo niyo please, pray inay, pray!” Kalumbayan ang naghari sa katauhan ni Victor. Tatawag na hindi kay Monaliza. Nag-alangan siya”t baka kabiguan na naman ang maisagot ng asawa. “Kailangang-kailangan ko ang umuwi Mona” mula sa malungkot na boses sa kabilang linya. “Kailangan ako ni Vimo, dahil… “Napaano ang anak ko Vic?” Sanay si Monaliza bilang isang nurse sa mga ganitong pangyayari ngunit nataranta siya dahil mismong anak niya ang biktima. Naramdaman ni Victor ang pag-alala ni Monaliza subalit hinabilin lang kay Victor na pangalagaan ang kanilang anak. Ni hindi nagbanggit tungkol sa kanyang pag-uwi. Kaya lalong nagdamdam ang asawa. The Candonians HK Association wish to convey their profound gratitude to all the special guests, association leaders and all who supported the event. The active officers of Candonians HK Association who are committed for the success of the association are: President: Ms. Rechilda Cortez; Vice President: Emie Ganado; Secretary: Johanna Perez; Treasurer: Mary Jane Valdez; Asst. Treasurer: Elizabeth Haduca; Auditor: Teresita Gadut; Business Managers: Leinie Cabay; Marie Jane Galanga and Marilou Tejada; PRO’s: Elvira Molina, Amy Gallano and Linda Ramirez; Peace Officers: Nora Fagarang, Armida Bajarin and Lima Naungayan; Coordinators: Mary Ann Galimba (Zone 1), Corazon Calibuso (Zone 2) and Elena Garlejo (Zone 3); Advisers: Oscar Naungayan and Thelma Sanchez; Founder/ Organizer: Hon. Madam Grace Singson, City Administrator of Candon City Ilocos Sur. Tumawag siya kaagad sa kanyang kinakapatid na si Edwin sa UST Hospital “Wha-a-a-t?” mula sa gulat na gulat na kinakapatid. “Bakit hindi mo sinabi na may anak ka pala?” “Oo Edwin and I’m sorry. Patawarin niyo ako. Pumunta ka ngayon din sa Orthopedic Hospital please” pakiusap niya.. Tumakbo ang huli sa Orthopedic na hindi niya kilala ang kanyang dadatnan “Ako po si Edwin, ang kinakapatid ni Monaliza” pagpapakilala niya kay nanay Ester. Tinitigan siya ng matanda. “Akala ko ba, hindi niyo alam ang lihim ni Monaliza?” . . . sundan sa pahina 16 friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 13 friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 What a wonderful Jesus! by Apostle Renato D. Carillo The Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior gave us an example to follow. He left all His comfort in heaven. He took the human likeness and lived His earthly life. He did not think about material things or personal belonging for Himself but He thought of you and me. He was wounded and was crucified for our sins. During His earthly ministry, He was alone most of the time but He was always rejoicing. Amidst trials, persecution and suffering, He remained steadfast. He invested His time in fulfilling the perfect will of the Father. He spent His life in saving the lost souls and in teaching the disciples to be like Him. He also wanted His disciples to do the same works that He did. And He is expecting everyone inside the church today to invest their precious time in reaching out others to be saved. Jesus gave Himself without reservation for the fulfillment of the Father’s perfect will. He was able to speak boldly in humility without selfcenteredness that everything that the Father owns also belongs to Him. He did not only claim that He loves the souls but He showed it through His deeds. His Disciples saw how He labored, how He prayed for their salvation and how He gave time for their needs. Despite of all unpleasant circumstances, He was always moved with compassion. On the other hand, Apostle Paul was right when he said, “To live is for Christ but to die is gain”. When you live for Christ, you do not lose anything even if you invest everything including your life. As far as the best investment is concerned, it is to invest everything that you have for the salvation of the lost souls. You will never suffer loss because it will surely gain more than what you have given. We ought to give for the benefit of others, because we are not created for the pleasure of anyone but God gave us life for His pleasure. Hence, we ought to give what we have for the fulfillment of God’s perfect will. It is God who taught us an example to give. He gave His only Son to die at the cross so that we will live. And He wants to make that life more abundantly. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 I have found out that God has a lot of promises more than commands. And behind each command are many rewards. Because of truth, it grieves God to see disobedient people because they show their unbelief when they disobey Him. So, they miss the privilege of living a worry-free life. Most of the time, unbelief is the reason why they don’t received the fulfillment of His promises, but when we believe and obey God, we will enjoy our lives here on earth. There is so much joy in following the example of Jesus even if you loss something for the sake of others. The more you think of others, the more you will attain real joy and the true meaning of life. It is the secret of living a joyful life. Do you want to experience a joyful life? then say this prayer; “Father God, I believe in You and in Your word. I believe that You are so powerful and you can do all things for me. I believe in Your Son Jesus Christ who died at the cross for me and paid the price. I admit that I am a sinner. I have sinned against You in thoughts, words and deeds. Please forgive me for all my sins such as pride, hatred, immorality, adultery, fornication, homosexuality and all the sins I have committed. I should be the one who must die at the Cross of Calvary but you took my place and paid the price for me. Forgive me for doubts, unbelief, fear, disobedience and for worrying many things in life. I surrender it all to you. Lord, Jesus, please come into my life and enter into my heart. I now accept You as the Lord and Savior of my life. I trust in You and I believe in You. Thank you for saving my soul. In the name of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen. For prayer and counseling, log on to: www. miraclehour.com / e-mail: apostle_carillo@ hotmail.com Legal Matters Got questions regarding legal matters? Write us and we’ll get your queries answered by our knowledgable columnist. Send all correspondence to Friends International Magazine by post or email. Support the Victims of Spouse Abuse - Part 2 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 can take advantage of the various legislations protecting the victims of domestic violence. She can proceed to criminal legislation and or civil legislation if intervention of the various social agencies and NGOs previously discussed in Part-1 of this article fail. The civil route invokes civil remedies under the Domestic Violence Ordinance (Cap 189), The Protection of Children and Juveniles Ordinance (Cap 213) and The Mental Health Ordinance (Cap 136). The criminal route is through The Offences Against the Person Ordinance (Cap 212) and The Crimes Ordinance (Cap 200) which involves filing police reports with consequent investigations. This framework is wider in scope as it seeks to sanction any acts of violence including strangers as against the civil remedies that limit protection to family members and those in co-habitation relationships. The Domestic Violence Ordinance confers power to District Court and Court of First Instance to grant injuction, relief, redress or remedy or combination of remedies, either absolute or conditional. Ms. Chan can seek protection by a nonmolestation order for herself, a nonmolestation order for her children, an ouster order and an entry order. Molestation includes any attack to harm someone and violence or threat of violence is necessary. Aside from physical threat, verbal harassment that causes psychological or social damage and abuse can also justify court intervention. Non-molestation order may not be sufficient prevention depending on the circumstances as the husband is still living with the family in the same household. An injunction order where the husband of Mrs. Chan may be prohibited entry into 14 by Barrister Ody A. Lai the matrimonial home or other specified locations such as school, workplace, playgrounds, etc., may last for 3 months with the court having discretion to extend the period to a maximum of 6 months. It is possible that the injunction order is granted with a power of arrest attached so police officer can be called and arrest the husband in breaching the said order. But this additional power of arrest is only possible where the court is satisfied that the husband has caused actual bodily harm to Mrs. Chan or the children concerned. Evidential matters such as statements of witnesses to the assault, medical report of the physical injury, police report if any, as well as other useful evidence of physical abuse such as photographs will be required. An injunction order can be applied at anytime during the marriage including before, during, after divorce proceedings. There are rare circumstances that an injunction is granted ex-parte i.e. without the other party present, when exceptional circumstances so require. In most cases, the husband will be given the opportunity to appear in court to oppose the granting of such an order. If the injunction is for a prolonged period of time, Mrs. Chan should consider instituting a summons for financial maintenance, which is a separate procedure. Injunction can only protect the family from possible harm physical and psychological, but not the daily expenses required in running a family. Injunction may sometimes cause more bitter conflicts when a husband decides to move out, set another home and bring with him house furniture and appliances. The Protection of Children and Juveniles Ordinance empowers the court to grant a supervision order or appoint a legal guardian in respect of a child under the age of 14 or a juvenile between the age of 14 to 18 who is in need of care and protection. This is made through the Social Welfare Department or the Police. In the particulars of Mrs. Chan, this protection is not required as she is very able to take care of her won children. The Mental Health Ordinance empowers friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 the court to grant an order that a mentally incapacitated person be received into guardianship. This is not applicable for Mrs. Chan. In 1998, there were over 1,000 reported cases of spouse battering. In 2003, there were over 3,300 cases. In contrast, there are only 23 applicants under the Domestic Violence Ordinance, less than 1% of the reported cases. The advantage of the civil route as opposed to the criminal route is that a criminal conviction is not recorded against the offending spouse. It could be an effective warning call to the spouse. On the other hand, it is also a prelude to very probable divorce proceedings. But by itself, it does not provide solution to the financial needs of Mrs. Chan. Mrs. Chan needs to enlist a lawyer’s advice before submitting an application to the court under the Domestic Violence Ordinance. There are required documents such as writ or originating summons and not just simple summons, affidavits and other evidence. If Mrs. Chan has difficulty to finance her legal costs, she must seek assistance from the Legal Aid Department. Mrs. Chan should be able to pass the means test as she is a full time housewife with no source of income and the merits test of protection from the eminent physical abuse of the husband. Please call 2537 7661, hotline of the Legal Aid Department at Admiralty, Queensway. * * * * * To all the readers of Friends International: Maraming Salamat sa suporta niyo sa Magazine. Lahat kami ay handang tumulong sa inyong mga problema sa buhay. Kaya ituloy niyo and suporta ninyo sa amin. Ako ay pumupugay ng MASAGANANG BAGONG TAON / PROSPEROUS LUNAR NEW YEAR sa inyong lahat. Sana lahat tayong mga Pilipino sa Hong Kong ay mag-kaisa sa ating layunin na umunlad ang Hong Kong at China sa gitna ng Financial Tsunami. Ang mayaman at payapang Hong Kong ay para na rin sa ating matagumpay na pangkabuhayan. Tulong- tulong lahat para sa kaunlaran. Mabuhay ang Pilipino! 15 friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 . . . mula sa pahina 13 “Nagtapat po siya sa akin kani-kanina lamang.” Hinaplos niya ang tulog na tulog sa anaesthesia na pasyente. Nais niya itong hagkan at yakapin. Hindi siya makapaniwalang naikubli ni Monaliza sa kanila ang mga kaganapan sa kanyang buhay. “Napakagandang bata, kahawig ni Monaliza” usap niya sa sarili. Napapa-iling si nanay Ester, pahiwatig ng panlalamig. “Si Monaliza ang higit na kailangan namin” usap ng kanyang mga mata. Nahalata ni Edwin ang panlalamig na yon na pilit niyang inunawa, sapagkat hindi nga naman siya kilala. Ganun pa man, ginawa niya ang lahat na kaya niyang maitulong. Pina-aralan niya ang medical record ni Vimo Kinausap niya ang Surgeon ng itinuring na pamangkin.Noong pangalawang araw, binantayan niya si Vimo. Dumating din si Victor. Dumeretcho siya sa hospital mula NAIA. “Victor, anak!” tuwang bungad ni nanay Ester. “Kamusta ang anak ko doctor?” “Hindi siya ang doctor ni Vimo anak. Siya si Edwin, ang kinakapatid daw ni Monaliza” pagpapaliwanag ni nanay Ester. Napamulagat si Victor. “Hi Edwin. Sorry sa mga pangyayari. Paano mo nalaman na anak namin ni Monaliza ang pasyente. Dito ka ba intern?” “Hindi po ako intern dito. Tinawagan ako ni Mona kahapon.” “Maraming salamat sa pag-asikaso mo sa anak ko, Edwin.” “Obligasyon ko po kuya.” “Vimo, wake up, papa is here.” Idinilat ni Vimo ang mga mata at nagpakita ng tuwa sa kanyang ama. “Papa, where’s my mama?” mula sa mahinang boses. Walang maisagot ang ama kundi…. nangyari kay Vimo ang maaring paraan upang wagas ko nang harapin ang katotohanan. It’s a driving force. Dahan dahan kong kakausapin si mama Martina. Alam kong mahal niya ako. At oras na makita niya si Vimo, tiyak na maaaliw yon. “At paano mo naman haharapin ang inay at itay mo?” “Si itay lang ang problema. Di ba naipagtapat ko naman kay inay noong nagdadalantao pa lang ako? Pag nakita niya si Vimo, mabubura na lahat ang kanyang sama ng loob kung meron man. Kaya please, sumama ka sa paguwi. I am facing another cricis sa buhay ko.” “Kailangan kita friend. You were a shoulder to cry on for so many years, lubus-lubusin mo na” pakiusap ni Monaliza. “Ay salamat!” buntong hininga ni Pacita. Gaya ni Victor, dumeretcho rin silang dalawa sa hospital. Hindi makapaniwala si Victor sa kanyang nakikita mula sa lobby ng ospital na kung saan masinsinan silang nag-uusap ni Edwin. “Edwin, si Mona ang nasa loob ng airport taxi ah!” Tumakbong papalabas si Edwin. Nag-alangan si Victor sa kanyang gagawin. Habang tinitignan sila sa pagbaba ng mga daladala, tumulo ang kanyang luha. “Welcome back Mona.” Humalik sa kanya si Mona. At sa pagdampi ng kanyang pisngi, naramdaman nito ang tumulong luha. Naunang pumasok sina Edwin at Pacita sa ward na kinaroroonan ni Vimo. “Ako po ang ninang Pacita ni Vimo nanay” pagpapakilala kay nanay Ester. ”Oh Pacita!” sabay pagyakap sa dalaga. “Nasa labas po si Mona, nanay.” Nagtinginan sina Victor at Edwin. Yakap na walang katapusan ang naganap. Samantala sa Italy… Magkaakbay silang tatlo nila Victor sa paglakad. “I mean it friend. Sa buhay natin, ang mga pangyayaring hindi maganda ay nagiging daan ng isang makulay na kahihinatnan. Ang 16 “HELLO MAMA!!!” masaya niyang bati. Niyakap siya ng napakahigpit ng kanyang ina. “You’re so big na anak!” “Kase, lola gives me milk. Why are you crying?” “With papa and lola?” “Nanay, narito na po ako!” “Idinawit mo pa ang Diyos.” “Yes anak, mama’s here na.” sagot ni Victor “Hindi. Hindi ako nagbanggit dahil takot akong mangako. Pero napag-isip-isip ko na para que pa na nurse ako kung sarili kong anak,di ko maalagaan?” “But I want my mama.” “It must be God’s plan, friend.” “Mama?” “Because I’m happy, at kapiling na kita.” Tumakbo ang luhaang matanda papalabas. “Kung hindi pa nadisgrasya ang inaanak ko.” “Vimo, anak!” malakas na tawag ng ina. “Alam na ba ni Victor na uuwi ka?” “You’ll be alright anak. I know you’re brave.” “Ay salamat!’ bulalas ni Pacita nang makita niya sa mga nakasalansang damit sa tabi ng isang maleta. Pagpasok nila sa ward, nakasandal sa pinata na kama si Vimo at hawak-hawak ang pasalubong ng kanyang ninang Pacita na Lego. “Yes.” “Salamat sa lahat ‘nay.” “Ang ginampanan ko’y para sa inyo ni Victor, anak. Huwag mo nang iwanan ang anak mo” pakiusap ni nanay Ester. “I heard that lola?” “Promise mama?” “Promise darling!” sagot ng ina Tumatagos sa puso ni Victor ang kasiyahan sa kanyang mga narinig mula sa kanyang magina. Sa wakas, dumating din ang araw na kanyang pinakahihintay. Dumating na ang ilaw ng tahanan na kanyang ipinundar. May ipagmamalaki na si Vimo na ina sa kanyang mga kaklase. Bukas, handa na si Monaliza na harapin sina mama Martina, ang kanyang mga magulang na si tatay Miguel at nanay Celia. Ipapakilala ni Monaliza si Pacita kay mama Martina. May mamumuong relasyon sina Edwin at Pacita. Si Vimo ang magiging ‘apple of the eye’ nilang lahat! Masaya na rin si Vesta sa piling ng kanyang nakitang bagong pag-ibig WAKAS Nagpapasalamat ang pamunuan ng Friends International Magazine at ang may-akda sa lahat nang sumubaybay sa nobelang ito. Nawa’y nakapagdulot ito ng kasiyahan at inspirasyon sa inyong lahat! Advertise with Friends International Magazine For inquiries, call 2541 2510 Mga Kwentong OFW ni Violy C. Pascual Dalawang Mukha ng OFW Bagong taon, bagong pag-asa, bagong pagkakataon ipagpatuloy ang gawing mabuti at baguhin ang masama. Paulit ulit na pananaw tuwing sasapit ang bagong taon. Dito sa Hong Kong o saan man mapadpad si Juan at Maria, daladala ang ganitong asal. Si Tessie, edad mahigit 40, dalaga at dumating sa Hong Kong sa unang pagkakataon noong katapusan ng Nobyembre. Sa Tai Tam ang mga amo at may alagang aso. Sa loob ng isang buwan, napakaraming samaritanong kababayan ang umaagapay sa kanya. May nagkusang nagbigay ng mga gamit na wala siya, gaya ng mga pangginaw na damit. Isinasama siya sa kani-kanilang grupo, church o tambayan. Aliw na aliw si Tessie dahil hindi niya halos malaman kung kanino siya sasama sa kanyang day-off. Ang isang kapitbahay ay sinamahan siyang bumili ng telepono upang makasigurong hindi ito maloloko. May bumili ng kanyang simcard upang diumano ay makatawag agad sa kanyang pamilyang iniwan. Ika-4 ng Enero, sa malaking budha sa Lantao naman daw ang papasyalan upang makita ni Tessie. Maswerte si Tessie, “damayang pinoy” ang nadarama niya. Ganitong sitwasyon makikita ang dakilang puso, ginintuang malasakit sa kapwa at katakatakang kusang lumalabas sa asal ng mababait na pinoy. Sa kabilang banda, ang paulit-ulit na mga kwentong napakasama. Bagong salta, pinakitaan ng maganda, inalalayan kaya may utang na loob at nang hingan ito ng pabor, “pahiram ng passport o ipangutang mo naman ako sa bangko, ako naman ang magbabayad, huwag kang mag-alala at iba pang linya ng pambobola”. Lumuha ka man ng dugo, maghabol ka sa tambol mayor, wala akong pakialam sa iyo. Si Maria na sobrang bait, nabigyan minsan ng barya ay walang katapusang utang na loob na tinatanaw. Nang hilingin ipanghiram niya ang kanyang pasaporte sa banko upang magamit ng sa pagpunta sa Canada at pagdating doon ay dodoblehin pa ang ibabayad, walang gatol ang pagpayag dahil mala-anghel ang mga pananalita ng tusong estapadora. Nang makaalis at nakarating na sa Canada, pobreng Maria, walang magawa kundi ang unahin bayaran ang hulog sa bangko kundi siya rin ang kawawa. Sa Filipino Community dito sa Hong Kong, napakaraming liders na may ginintuang adhikain makatulong. Pinangungunahan ang ano man paraan upang makalikom ng ipamumudmod sa mga nangangailangan sa bansa natin. Sa Panahon ng anumang klaseng sakuna gaya ng bagyo, lindol, landslide, baha, gutom o trahedya, mabilis kumilos ang mga taga-Hong Kong. Napakagandang tanawin sa pahayagan pan telebisyon, radyo o dyaryo, ang sama-samang pagkilos at maagap na saklolo na ginagampanang ganap. Pinakamagandang parte ng isang tunay na lider ay ang hindi pinangangalandakan at ipinagyayabang ang kanyang mga nagagawang kabutihan. Respeto sa sarili at kasiyahan makagawa ng ikabubuti ng iba ay tahimik na ninanamnam. Mas masaya pa ang nararamdaman kaysa sa napasayang natulungan. Sa kabilang panig, nakakalungkot isipin na may mga mapagsamantala na nakamaskarang matulungin kuno. Panay ang pangingilak, kaya lang hindi lahat ay mapupunta sa dapat puntahan kundi siya na ang bahala kung saan man niya gustong iparating, sa kanyang sarili o sa kanyang mga kaibigan. Ginagamit ang posisyon upang magawa ang pansariling interes. Malala ang corruption sa mga grupo, kung saan umaabot sa Konsulado o sa pulis ang hidwaan patungkol sa pera o pwesto, kung meron nakakaamoy sa masamang gawain ng mga lider kuno. Kasikatan minsan ang habol at dahilan ng ilan lider kaya mistulang nakikipagpaligsahan at pagalingan ang estilo, masagasaan na ang masagasaan. Kapara ng talangka, may mga pinoy na ayaw umaangat ang kapwa, kaya’t gagawan ka ng ikakasira upang mahila ka pababa doon sa kanyang kinalalagyan. Kamakailan, ang magandang pagkakaibigan ng parehong matinong lider, ay ginawan ng text message na magkarelasyon daw. Sa katotohanan ay happily married ang isa at ever faithful sa life partner yong kagalanggalang at magiting na kaibigan. Tuloy pa rin sa tahimik na pagkawanggawa ang dalawa at hindi pinapatulan ang mga walang magawang bulok na tao sa community. Nakakasira sa mga may tunay at matitinong pagseserbisyo sa mga kababayan hindi lang dito sa Hong Kong. Bato bato sa langit, tamaan hwag pong magalit. Saan mukha ng OFW ka? “You can deny to everyone but never to yourself, specially to God” . Happy New Year to All . Apektado Malungkot ang bagong taon ni Lalaine dahil ang pinakamamahal na pinsan, kaibigan at kabagang na rin ay nagbigti at namatay bago matapos ang taon 2008. Nakakadalawang buwan pa lamang si Lalaine dito sa Hongkong, nang wakasan ng kanyang pinsan ang sariling buhay dahil wala na siyang napapaghingahan ng kanyang saloobin. kanyang pampalakas ng loob. Nang malaman na aalis si Lalaine ay hindi na ito nakikipagkita sa kanya. Hindi naman napapansin ni Lalaine dahil ang pag-aasikaso ng kanyang mga papeles ang pinagtuonan ng buong atensyon. Bago umalis si Lalaine noong Nobyembre, 2008, maganda pa ang usapan nila na susunod siyang pupunta dito sa Hongkong na nakitaan naman ng pagsang-ayon. Tuloy tuloy din ang kanilang tawagan at pagpapalitan ng text messages, ngunit ang pinsan ay naging sakitin at maramdamin sa pagkawala ng kadikit. Iyak na lang ang ginawa ni Lalaine ng ipaalam sa kanya ang masamang katapusan ng kanyang pinsan na ang takdang paglilibing ay Jan. 4. Sa pagpuni-muni ni Lalaine, mas maganda na nga ang nangyari dahil hindi naging masaya ang buhay ng kanyang pinsan dahil ang unang pamilya ng kanyang ama ay nasa tabi rin ng kanilang bahay. Magiging inspirasyon sa buhay ko ang aking pinsan dahil maraming aral sa buhay ang natutunan sa kanya, ang sambit ni Lalaine na taga Pok Fu Lam ang amo. BUHAY KA - HK Cancer Walk by Julia Buen Terry To commemorate the October Month of Cancer, BUHAY KA- HK held a Cancer walk dubbed as the “ Walk For The Cure” at Chater Road, Central on October 26, 2008. The event lead by Father Robert Reyes was joined by BUHAY KA- HK Cancer Survivors, Caregivers, Friends, and invited guests from the Filipino Community in Hong Kong. Several Cancer survivors gave their testimonies during the occasion on how they survive their ordeal and continue their lives. BUHAY KA- HK is a cancer support group of survivors and caregivers. It means “ Bukas, Buo, Laging Handang Umalalay sa Kapwa”. For those who want to join BUHAY KA- HK, you may text or call Maribel at 91443226. Magkababata at magkapitbahay kaya ang samahan ng magpinsan ay maigting. Anak sa pangalawang pamilya ang pinsan ni Lalaine kaya mula pagkabata ay may inferiority complex na kung saan si Lalaine lamang ang friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 17 friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 Do you want your photos on this page? Group pictures, special gatherings, association activities are most welcome. Send them to us by post or email and you just might find yourself in our next issue. 18 . . . friends snapshots friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 19 friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 Mabuhay Ka Kabayan! I was elected as President last September 2008. During that time, I am an officer of another organization but the objective of FDWU weighed a lot for me. I made a choice. Mabuhay Ka Kabayan is a column on OFWs who has exemplary works, outstanding service to their fellows, has given pride to our country, serves as a role model and an inspiration to Filipinos in Hong Kong. As of now, I am still catching as head of FDWU. However, I am ready to take the responsibility of a leader. I am prepared to advance the fight for the rights and welfare of the OFWS. by: Julia Buen Terry Filipino Nurse and OFW Erick R. Ligon, shoved away the man next door with oozing sex appeal image to be a Union Leader as he talks to Julia Buen Terry about life in Hong Kong, three failed serious relationships, and women. New year, new image, and a new role to play for Erick. I am from Solano, Nueva Viscaya. I came to Hong Kong in March 31, 1995 and will be fourteen years living here. I worked for four employers and had experience all kinds of household works like cooking and doing the laundry for my boss aside from driving. I will be spending most of my time with FDWU while waiting for AMTC projects, anyway the later is seasonal. Half of the Unions’ membership is inactive and it is a big challenge for me. FDWU is gearing for more and bigger activities this year like the call for the recognition and protection of Domestic Workers. We are also planning for the International Women Day Celebration on March and the Labor Day on May. Migrant workers should be aware of the existing Labor Laws of their host country. So that, they will know if their rights and welfare are violated or not, they can stand and fight for it if necessary. I am 37 years old with two lovely daughters from my former girlfriend. The eldest is staying with my Mom and the youngest is with her mother. I got married to another woman before coming here but was separated after a few months. I am three months with my present employer doing just driving. However, I sometimes help the Indonesian house cleaner. The first three to four months here is the adjustment period. Once you are adjusted, you can cope up with the work and everyone around you. My present boss is accommodating. I did not have a hard time coping with them. Only on this last two years I was involved in organizations. I am just on my own spending most of my Sundays at home for the first twelve years. I joined FNA but an inactive member. Then, a friend introduced me to Asian Migrants Theater Company. That time, AMTC needed a lead actor to play the role of Che Guevarra. Luckily, I got the role without sweat. We had a show at the Hong Kong Cultural Center last June 2007 and at the Fringe Club in Central. I joined AMTC for experience and it was awesome. I am still active with it and just waiting for projects. I graduated BSN at the United Doctors Medical Center in Quezon City in 1992. After graduation, I worked at the Ateneo de Manila Infirmary for more than two years taking care of Jesuits who are sick and elderly. Because of low- wage, I asked my mother who is working here that time to look for a job for me. Luckily, her employer employed me. I took care of a disabled person. I was launched as one of Board Walk Image Model for Men last year. The feeling is so cool. I am like a celebrity as women are yelling on us. I enjoyed the experienced. I represented FNA during the MR. SUAVE 2007 competition and won as runner- up. At first, I felt a bit awkward joining the show. However, the objective is noble that is why I was glad being a part of it. It was a good time with friends especially during rehearsals. A friend recruited me to Filipino Domestic Workers Union and 20 Women thought all men are “ manloloko”. That is a wrong concept. Men are not all the same. I am a simple person. I want a woman who will understand my situation especially my past and most importantly, my daughters. I am a bit conservative but not in all aspect. If I think it can help my partner, then I go for it. I do not mind my loveless life too serious. Somehow, I already have a phobia with my three previous serious relationships. The cycle is the same with those, after a few years we broke up. Why women are too suspicious and always jumped into conclusions? As the relationship goes, they become more jealous. It is my nature I am sweet and caring with people especially with my girl- friends. Hugs and kisses is natural for as long as with no malice at all. My Christmas is sad but I do not think much about it anymore because it will just make me pathetic about life. Well, of course, I am away with my two cute girlfriends (my daughters) and I do not have a love one. I wish to have a simple and quite life someday with my two- lovely daughters. It maybe lonely then without a special someone, but who knows the right woman will come unexpectedly. friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 21 friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 Why Hoping in God Makes Sense “…even if he killed me, I’d keep on hoping” (Job 13:15, The Message). In our day and age when threats are so easily pronounced and promises are just as easily broken, there are those who will probably turn their noses up at the words of Job. They may even say, “Yeah right, big words!” But the words spoken by Job were not just empty words. They actually echoed the choicest oath of a man who was dealt by life with the hardest blows, yet remained faithful to his God no matter what. In the Old Testament, God introduced to Satan His servant Job as a righteous man. True to his evil form, however, Satan chided God and claimed Job was only good because God was good to him. Knowing Job like no other, God allowed Satan to put this servant to test ~ even do anything to him except take his life. And so Job was immediately battered by one tragedy after another! In a day, he lost all his children and all his earthly possessions – and was left only with a nagging wife who later on deserted him too when his entire body got covered with ghastly boils. Job’s friends came, but they only weighed him down further by their accusing words. Then in the midst of Job’s external pains and internal turmoil, God met him. By asking him questions too wonderful for him to respond to, Job finally began to see his nothingness before the Sovereign and Almighty God. “Job answered God: “I’m convinced: You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset your plans. You asked, ‘Who is this muddying the water, ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?’ I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me, made small talk about wonders way over my head. You told me, ‘Listen, and let me do the talking. Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.’ I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears! I’m sorry—forgive me. I’ll never do that again, I promise! I’ll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor” (Job 42:1-6, The Message). The story of Job points us to three compelling truths on why hoping in God 22 always makes sense: 1) God intimately knows us. He knows us through-and-through. He knows our strengths and weaknesses; He knows our potentials and limitations. He knows all about us, even the number of our hair (Luke 12:7). He even knows us more than we know ourselves. Yet He still loves us for who we are. There is no use putting our best foot forward around Him. Pretense is something we cannot cloak ourselves with when we come to Him in praise and prayer. Surely, the only thing that we can do in His presence is to be truly honest with Him. For apart from Him, we are nothing (John 15:5). Separate from Him, nothing good will come out of us (John 15:6). 2) God is in sovereign control. When it comes to anything that concerns us, God will not let anything happen to us that are beyond His will or past our ability to bear. Like a master goldsmith, He knows exactly when the refiner’s fire ultimately has served its purpose and has made us ready to be taken out of the fiery furnace. As we go through life, doing His will and serving His purpose, we must remember that our God is a just God; He is not a capricious God. He does not act on whim, rather He makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Midwifery Updates During LOFM Convention Julia Buen Terry by Bishop. Eddie Villanueva 3) God works things out for our good. If we truly trust God, we know for certain that everything that happens in our lives is for a good purpose. God promised us in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” In fact, God is so mighty in His redemptive grace that, if we will only truly turn to Him in repentance and humility, He can turn around even the destructive results of our own disobedience around. Yes. Even that which the devil has meant for evil, He can turn around for our good and blessedness (Genesis 50:20). This 2009, we are faced with a new year of uncertainty that is exacerbated by the worsening worldwide economic meltdown. While we may easily cower in fear and doubt, we may also choose to hope, even if it is against hope, like the patriarch Job did. Surely, we need not go through life beaten and defeated; we only have to cast all our cares unto Jesus for He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). He cares so much for us that came in the flesh and lived amongst men (John 1:1,14) so that in His life, death, and resurrection, He may give us abundant life ~ a life unto overflow (John 10:10, Amplified). Welcome the New Year 2009 with renewed faith the Almighty! We are blessed in Christ! 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 ruthalcoseba@yahoo.com Philippines Products, Internet, MP3 downloads, Phone cards also available Upholding the integrity, responsibility, and professionalism of the midwifery profession was the main concern during the Midwifery Convention hosted by the League Of Filipino Midwives In Hong Kong held at Bayanihan Trust Auditorium, Kennedy Town on 07 December 2008. The event with the theme, “The Midwifery Education and Practice: What the Midwives should know”, focuses on the Midwifery Licensure Board Examination and Ethical Issues on Midwifery Practice and was in cooperation with the Confederation of Overseas Filipino Workers and the Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives, Inc. The convention was aimed to revisit the Ethical Issues of Midwifery Practice for the Registered Midwives, and, to provide information regarding the mechanics, requirements of DO’s and DON’Ts of the Midwifery Licensure Exam. Profession, 5) Provide utmost care, 6) Not to compromise services under any terms and conditions, 7) Highly improper to receive pay and commissions, 8) Good decision making and timely referral 9) Not to reveal any Personal Information given by Patient, 10) Work as a team, 11) Dedication to individual including community they serve, and 12) Participate in research activity of the Profession. Consul General Alejandrino A. Vicente and Labor Attaché Atty. Romulo Salud from the Philippine Consulate Office graced the occasion together with Federico Paragas Jr. from Confederation of Overseas Filipino Workers. The League Of Filipino Midwives is headed by Fe S. Cagdan and was founded in 2001. It is a service- oriented organization aimed to promote the well being of Filipino Midwives and the Filipino Community in Hong Kong. Atty. Diosdado Anselmo Q. Lalusis, an officer In- Charge in Licensure Office of the Professional Regulation Commission discusses the Mechanics of the Midwifery Licensure Board Examination. He cited that the examinee needed to have a Certificate from the school she graduated that she undergone twenty- birth assessment. If in any case that the school had closed, the examinee can obtain such document from the Commission Of Higher Education. Lalusis also added that the request of the Midwives in Hong Kong to hold a Licensure Board Examination in the territory would be added to the 2009 Budget Proposal of PRC. It may not be conducted early this year but probably in the later part if all requirements are met, he said. “It is the moral responsibility of the Midwife to have the baby registered and have a name after birth.” Department of Health former Assistant Secretary and PLGMI National President Cecilia Banca Santos said. visit us at Friendshoppe Shop 78B, Ground Floor, City Garden, 233 Electric Road, North Point Santos tackled the Ethical Issues on Midwifery Practice discussing twelve Ethical Issues on the Practice of Midwifery profession every midwive should abide. Such as; 1) The scope of Legitimate Functions, 2) Continuous Search for Professional Growth and Advancement, 3) Practice on a Scientific Basis, 4) Observe the Law; Uphold the Honor and Dignity of friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 23 friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 Balitang Showbiz ni Noel Asinas Jolina Magdangal, official na sinabing hiwalay na sila ni Bebong Munoz, tumagal ang relasyon nila ng walong taon INAMIN na ni Jolina Magdangal on air sa Showbiz Central last Sunday, January 4, na tapos na ang relasyon nila ni Benong Muñoz pagkatapos nilang magmahalan sa loob ng walong taon. Walang detalyeng sinabing dahilan si Jolina kung bakit silang dalawa naghiwalay. Pero, may text na lumalabas ngayon na diumano’y may bagong karelasyon si Bebong na isang executive ng GMA 7. Ang nasabi lang ni Jolina on air ay nakapag-move on na siya. Ipinagtapat niya sa kanyang parents ang lahat. Ang father naman ni Jolina ang unang nagsalita ng hiwalayan sa press. Last Sunday lang nagpa-interview on air si Jolina. Kaya wala nang luhang nakita sa kanyang mga mata. Noong holidays nangyari ang lahat. Kaya naka-move on na si Jolina. Sabi ni Jolina, makapagtatrabaho pa rin siya kahit broken hearted. Hindi niya sinasama ang damdamin sa kanyang trabaho. Sa interview, walang binabanggit na third party si Jolina. Basta ang maiking pahayag niya’y totoong hiwalay na sila ni Bebong. Dingdong Dantes at Marian Rivera, huling pagtatambal ang Ang Babaing Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang na soap ng GMA 7 MAAARING huling pagtatambal na nina Marian Rivera at Dingdong Dantes ang soap na Babaing Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang na mapapanood na raw ngayong January 2009 sa GMA 7 evening primetime.. Kasi, ayon kay Marian, handa na siyang tumanggap ng bagong leading man mula sa mga talent ng GMA 7 at Artist Center . Gusto na raw niyang matapos ang intriga sa kanila ni Dingdong. Kapag magkasama silang dalawa ay laging inili-link na may relasyon silang dalawa. Ani Marian: “Ilang beses ko bang uulit-ulitn na wala akong karelasyon ngayon. Hindi kami nagbabalikan ng ex-bf ko. Lalong wala kami ni Dingdong.” Nang huli naming nakausap si si Marian, nasabi niyang ibig na niyang magmove on sa mga intrigang pinupukol sa kanya. Ayaw na niyang pansinsin ito dahil wala naming katotohanan. Basta ang laging niyang sinasabi ay si Marian ito at totoong tao at hindi plastikada. Sa ngayong ipinalalabas na ang movie niyang Desperadas 2 na ang partner niya ay si Will Devone. Masaya na si Marian sa pakikipagpartner kay Will dahil nagging close na sila sa ikalawang pagkakataong pagsasama nila sa pelikula. Kasi ba naman ay mag-asawa na ang role nila.Mas okay ang batuhan nila ng dialogue. Naka-adjust na sila nang husto sa set. Kahit madalas pa rin daw silang magtalo noong nagsu-shoot sila ng Desperadas 2. Magkasama pa rin silang dalawa bilang endorser ng Jag Black. Kaya madalas pa rin silang magkitang dalawa. Pero, hanggang friends lang sila ni Will. 24 Sen Bong Revilla at Lani Mercado, sa Pilipinas lang nag-Pasko at New Year SI Bong Revilla ay hindi nag-abroad ngayong Pasko. Pumunta lang silang mag-aama sa America nang manood ng Manny Pacquioa at Oscar dela Yoya fight. Tapos, bumalik na rin ng Pilipinas para dito magcelebrate ng Holidays. Sabi ni Lani Mercado sa amin sa Moms taping, gusto ng father ni Sen. Bong, na si Ramos Revilla Sr., na sa Kapaskuhan ay buo ang pamilya nila na nagsasaya sa ancestral house nila sa Bacoor, Cavite. Tuwing Sunday early evening ay mapapanood sa Kap’s Amazing Stories ni Sen. Bong . Tungkol sa mga tao, hayop at insekto ang kanyang tinatalakay ngayong. Matutuhayang ang labanan ng mga pinakamadayang hayop, pero sa Kap’s ay walang dayaan sa paglalahad ng pinakamagagandang istorya ng mga hayop sa lula. Loveless pa rin si Dennsi Trillo, ayaw pang magulo muli ang buhay sa pag-ibig INAMIN ni Dennis Trillo na loveless pa rin siya ngayon. Pero, hindi ibig sabihin niyon na babalikan na niya si Carlene Aguilar. Sa ngayon ay wala pa rin silang communication ni Carlene kahit ang anak niya ay nasa pangangalaga niya. (Pero, balita naming last New Year’s Day ay binisita ni Dennis ang anak nila ni Carlene. Siyempre, nagkuwentuhan sila. Pero, sabi’y friendly talks ang lahat.) Regular lang siyang pumupunta sa anak nila weekly or mas madalas kapag wala siyang ginagawa ay kanyang pinapasyal. Ang inaatupag ngayon ni Dennis ay ang kanyang career.Bida siya sa Gagambino na top rating ngayon sa primetime evening program ng GMA 7. Ani Dennis: “Pahinga muna ang puso ko sa intriga. Ayoko ko munang ma-link kung kanikanino. Mas gusto kong asikasuhin ang trabaho ko ngayon.” Sa 2009, may nakahanda na siyang gagawing movie under direk Maryo J. delos Reyes na ipu-produce ng Regal Films. Hindi pa niya alam kung sino ang makakasama niya sa movie. Basta ang mahalaga sa kanya ay hindi siya nawawalan ng trabaho bilang actor. Pagkatapos ng Gagambino sa February, may hinahanda na ring soap daw para kay Dennis. Di pa lang alam kung actionadventure muli ito. O kaya’y isa namang drama soap ang kanyang gagawin. Huling episode ng Nuts Entertainment napanood pagkatapos ng Pasko NAPANOOD noong December 27 ang huling episode ng Nuts Entertainment. Isang kakaibang Christmas presentation. Magda-drama sina Joey de Leon,. Janno Gibbs at Anjo Yllana para sa tatlong heartwarming love stories. Sa unang storya, tampok si Joey sa “Casa Mama,” as usual bading si Joey bilang Mamasan. Kasama sa istorya sina Cookie (Pekto), Belli (John Feir) , Sheree, Vaness del Moral, Jana Roxas, Rich Asuncion, MC Quizon, at Efren Reyes Jr. Sa ikalawang episode, tampok si Anjo Yllana bilang si Popsicle sa istoryang Basta Driver Sweet Lover. Kasama sa cast sina Jacky Woo, Aiza Marquez, Survivor Castaway Jace Flores, Belli at Cookie. Si Janno Gibbs ang ikatlong episode para sa istoryang, Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Kasama sina Jacky Woo, Pen Medina, Luz Valdez at Anjo Yllana. May reunion ang din ang mga dating cast ng Nuts kakanta ng Christmas carol na sina Richard Gutierrez, Sherwin Ordonez, Gelli de Belen, Carmina Villaruel at iba pa. Walang lungkot na nakita sa huling episode. Basta ang balita naming ay stop taping muna ang show kahit ito’y nagri-rating. Wala pang official na pahayag kung anong show ang ipapalit sa programa. friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 25 friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 Jinkee Pacquiao, nanganak nung Dec.30 sa isang malusog na baby girl sa America NANGANAK na ng baby girl noong Dec.29, sa America ( Dec. 30 sa Pilipinas) ang asawa ni Manny Pacquiao na si Jinkee. Sa isang ospital sa Los Angeles, California isinilang ang bata bilang normal delivery. Si Manny pa ang nagputol ng ambilical cord ng baby. Ayon kay Mann Pacquiao, ang ipapangalan sa bata ay Queen Elizabeth. Bale pangalawang anak na babae na ito ni Manny. Ang unang anak niyang girl ay si Princess ang pangalan. Si Queen Elizabeth ay pang-apat na anak na ni Manny. Dalawang magkasunod na anak na lalaki iba pang anak ng Pambansang Kamao. First baby ito ni Manny na ipinanganak sa America. Kaya ang bata ay magiging US citizen. May sariling bahay si Manny sa Los Angeles. Dito sila nagbabakasyon ng kanyang tatlong anak. Umalis si Manny ng bansa noong December 24 para sa America magcelebrate ng Pasko. Nadelay ang one day ang kanyang flight dahil inasikaso pa niya nang mabuti ang papeles ni Princess bago makalipad ng U.S. Bago umalis ng bansa, nasurpresa pa ni Manny ang buong staff ng programa niyang Pinoy Records nang sumipot siya sa Christmas party ng programa nung December 23. Aba , nagpa-raffle siya ng worth P700 thousand cash. Ganyang kagalante si Manny ngayon sa mga taong tumutulong sa career niya. Hindi nanghihinayang bahaginan ni Mannay ang bawat isang staff sa kinita niya ngayong 2009.. Halos lahat ay biniyayaan ng pinakamababang P1,000 cash at ang pinakamalaki at marami ring nakakuha ay P10,000 cash. Idinaan lahat sa raffle ang pamumudmod ng pera ni Manny. Puro staff lang ang nakadalo at walang press people na nakatunog ng okasyon. Kasi, hindi alam ng staff na sisipot si Pacquiao sa party dahil naka-schedule siya nang araw na iyon na pupunta ng America para makapiling si Jinkee sa araw ng Pasko. Ayon sa staff na source nami, nadelay ang flight ni Manny ng isang araw. Kabukasan ng party ay lumipad na si Manny patungong Los Angeles, California . Lahat ng staff ay masayang umuwi ng malaking cash money sa kanilang bulsa. Katrina Halili, nasasaktan na sa mga revelation ni Dr. Hayden Kho, sumama sa boyfriend na si Kris Lawrence sa America SUPER happy si Katrina Halili sa kanyang bagong taon dahil kapiling niya kanyang mahal ngayon na si Kris Lawrence. Matagal- tagal na ring di umaamin si Katrina kung sino talaga ang karelasyon niya. Tanging si Kris lang ang na-admit niya recently na nagpapasaya sa kanyang buhay ngayong. At least, ipinakita ni Katrina na going strong pa rin ang relasyon nila ng syota kahit pumutok ang affair nila dati ni Dr. Hayden Kho. Bugbog si Katrina ngayon sa isyu na nagkarelasyon sila ni Hayden. Ito raw pakikipagrelasyon ni Katrina kay Hayden ang naging turning point ng paghihiwalay muli nina Hayden ang Dr. Vicky Belo. Pero ipinagpilitan ni niyang short-lived relationship lang iyon. Nangyari ito bago pa siya nakipagmabutihan kay Kris. Ayon kay Katrina, masyado na siyang api na isyu. Kaya gusto na niyang manahimik. Sumama siya sa America kay Kris para ipakilala na siya sa parents ng binata doon. Sa mga pinagsasabi ni Dr. Hayden tungkol sa kanilang short relationship, hindi na ito nagustuhan ni Katrina. (Sa interview sa Eat Bulaga kay Dr. Hayden last January 1,2009, nasabi niyang plano niya sa 2009 na magconcentrate sa profession niya bilang doctor). Sa interview kay kay Kris, nasabi ng binatang singer na na-explain na lahat sa kanya ni Katrina ang sitwasyon bago pa pumutok ng isyu sa kanila ni Dr Kho. Kung pinupukol naman ngayon ng intriga si Katrina, nasabi ni Lawrence na iyon ay bahagi lang ng intriga sa showbiz. Sikat si Katrina, kaya paborito siyang pukulin ng intriga. Sa interview kay Katrina sa 24 Oras last Monday, nasabi niyang nagso-sorry siya sa mga taong nasaktan niya nang panahong short live na relasyon nila ni Dr. Hayden. Kasalukuyang ngayong busy si Katrina sa soap na Gagambino na kapartner ni Dennis Trillo. 26 New Year’s wish at New Year’s resolution ng ilan nating stars HINDI priority ni Yasmien Kurdi na magka-boyfriend ngayong 2009. Kahit pa sabihing talagang sweet sila ngayon off camera ni Dion Ignacio, ang partner niya sa Saan Darating ang Umaga, ang no.1 afternoon soap ng GMA 7 ngayon. May nakakakita sa set na panay ang holding hands nilla at panay cheek to cheek ang kanilang bumulungan. May nakakita pa raw na nagki-kiss pa sila. Sa isyung super close sina Yasmien at Dion, hindi sa amin ikinaila ni Yasmien. Panay ang dalaw ng actor sa bahay nila. Paborito si Dion ng mother ni Yasmien. Ani Yasmien: “Pag dalaw sa akin ni Dion, may natutunan akong lagi. Kasi, tinuturuan niya akong tumugtog ng guitar. “Kaya kahit walang taping ang Saan Darating.., nagkikita pa rin kami ni Dion.” Ayaw pa rin magsalita nag dalaga ang tunay na ststus nila ni Dion. Anyway, ang wish ni Yasmien sa Bagong Taon: “Gusto kong matapos ang pag-aaral.. Mas lalo kong pagbubutihin ang pag-aaral ko. Good health para sa parents ko.” ANG wish naman ni Melanie Marquez sa Bagong Taon: “Nawa’y magpatawaran tayo, magmahalan, magbigayan at magtulungan para magkaroon ng kapayapaan sa daigdig.” ANG hall of famer ng Awit Awards bilang best child performer na si Miguel Aguila ay nagwiwish ngayong Bagong Taon na: “To be a better person who is more sensitive to the needs of others. Ang New Year’s resolution naman niya’y: “To be more focused as an artist.” Hindi muna raw siyang magbabarkada. Aasikasuhin niyang mabuti ang kanyang singing at acting career. Ang young actor na si Marco Alcaraz naman na contract star ngayong GMA 7’s Artist Center ay nagwi-wish ngayong New Year ng more projects at good health. Kahit ngayong 2008 ay binuwenas si Marco na lagging may soap sa GMA. Then, lagging naka-guest siya sa Sis at SOP tuwing Sunday. Halos lahat ng programa ng GMA ay kanyang iniikot ngayong taon. Ang New Year’s resolution naman ni Marco ay “to focus more on my career.” Tama nga, kahit hindi siya nail-link last year sa kung sinusinong babae, except kay Lotlot de Leon na nakapartner niya sa isang afternoon soap noong 2008. Sabi ni Marco ay biruan lang lahat iyon at magkasama lang sila ni Lotlot sa trabaho. ANG daughter naman ni Da King Fernando Poe Jr na si Love Poe ay gustong maging New Year’s resolution ang sumusunod: “To spend more time with my family. Sana , mas mag-bonding pa kami ng Mommy ko (Rowena Moran) sa 2009. I want to spend more quality time with my family.” Si Lovi ngayon ay mapapanood sa La Lola bilang anak ni Eula Valdez. Balik-tambalan sana nila ang La Lola ni Marky Cielo. Pero, pumanaw na si Marky kaya pinatay na rina ng character ng actor. Wala nang ka-love team si Lovi sa La Lola. ANG award-winning actor namang si Emilio Garcia ay nagbigay ng New Year’s resolution na :”Mas paghuhusayan ko pa ang trabaho ko at mas maging mabuting ama sa aking mga anak.” Good attitude sa trabaho ang naging dahilan ng pag-unlad ng career ng dating sexy actor na si Emilio. Pinatunayan niya na kahit mawala na ang mga bold movies ay puede pa siyang mamayagpag sa industriya. Paboritong kunin ng Siyete at Dos si Emilio sa kanilang mga soap. Kinilala ang acting ni Emilio recently nang mapili siyang best supporting actor sa pelikulang Selda ng Gawad Urian at Star Awards for Movies. SI Marian Rivera naman ay nagwi-wish ng good health sa kanyang sarili at sa kanyang parents ngayong Bagong Taon. Gusto na rin niyang walang aberyang mangyari sa kayang career ngayong 2009. Busy as ever pa rin noong 2008. Unang soap nilang dalawa ni Dingdong Dantes sa 2009 ay Ang Babaing Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang. HANGAD naman ni Dennis Trillo ngayong 2009 na mas lalo pang dumami ang project niya sa 2009. Mas maging maunlad pa ang career niya. Nagpapasamat din siya sa mga suwerteng dumating sa kanyang ngayong 2008. Nagkaroon siya ng solo soap, ang Gagambino na top rating adventure soap ngayon ng GMa sa primetime. friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 27 friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 KALILANG MINDANAO ‘08 Search for the Mutya ng Mindanao 2008 The Mindanao (HK) Migrant Alliance has once again successfully concluded the Kalilang Mindanao in HK ’08 Cultural Show last 23 Nov. 2008 at the Caritas Hall, HK. Started in 2005, the Kalilang Mindanao in Hong Kong has become an annual celebratory event of the Mindanao Alliance and serves as a venue for the promotion of peace, friendship and unity. PAGSUBOK, PAKIKIPAGLABAN, TAGUMPAY ni Tutzicle Iba’t ibang pagsubok ating nararanasan, Simula pa lamang ng ating kabataan, Lagi ng kasama sa ating karanasan, Hanggang kamatayan di tayo tatantanan. Ang mga pagsubok kasama na sa buhay, Kung napapasobra dulo’t nito’y lumbay, Pasakit nawalang kahulilip ang bigay, Na nanunuot sa ating himaymay. Subalit kaibigan, ito’y pagsubok lang, Na ang lahat ng tao ay napapabilang, Makakaranas nito ay di ilan lamang, Kahit ang matalino o kahit na ang mangmang. Kay hirap isipin pag ito’y dumating, Dulot ay pasakit puso’y magdirimdim, Kapag di nakayanan isip magdidilim, Ang nagiging resulta di kayang tanggapin. Jose Leandro Catarata who represents Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri who failed to attend due Inspired with a noble intention of bringing closer the diverse and exquisite culture of Mindanao to the OFWs community in Hong Kong, the event already received some positive feedbacks, supports and accolades from the numerous friends and benefactors of the group. They are in unison in requesting for future outdoor staging of Kalilang, so that a bigger crowd will going to witness and appreciate the glamour and relevant of the event. Thus, by showcasing the unique dances and music of the 35 diverse tribes of Southern Philippines, the Mindanao Alliance achieved not only its aim of infusing knowledge to the community about Mindanao and promote its image as a melting pot of different culture and people, but more so it solidify its ranks and strengthen the bond of friendship and camaraderie among its 12 affiliated group. to work related commitment. In his speech, Mayor Catarata emphasized the important contribution made by the OFWs in nation building and vowed to help promote the welfare of OFWs from Bukidnon. Also present to deliver their own speeches are the Hon. ConGen Alejandrino Vicente, Labatt Romy Salud and Vice Consul Val Simon Roque. Aside from the four (4) speakers, the group also presented plaque of appreciations to Fr. Robert Reyes and Ms. Cora Carsola. and Best in Ethnic Attire. The other winners are the following: Ms. Kristine Villara of LPU 1st Runner Up, Best in Malong Gown, Best in Ethnic Talent and Ms. Photogenic Ms. Jhelyn Sorongon of NOPTI X 2nd Runner Up, Ms. Congeniality Ms. Wilma Tampos of MUMINA 3rd Runner Up Ms. Fe Remo 4th Runner Up, Best in Casual Dress Ms. Melanie Alvarado Best in Catwalk/Modelling Ms. Adella Arsenio Miss Goodwill Ms. Jenny Santing Miss Charity Kahit sino o ano ka pa ikaw ay di ligtas, Walang pinipili, lahat tayo’y makakaranas, Mga dagok sa buhay hayaang lumipas, Umasa na lamang na may magandang bukas. look around you and you’ll see what i’m trying to say the way some of us act just to put the loneliness away love is being destroyed by these actions being done aren’t you afraid, you might lose your love ones. give your loyalty to the person who really loves you make him your reason to be strong, to put away the blue let him feel your love in anyway you can you’ll find your true happiness from beginning to end. act now, there’s still time for us to change lets do something that will put us within the range the range of being normal and away from insanity away from temptations caused by loneliness and money, LOVE YOUR FAMILY. I used to admire you Since I was in grade school So young to feel that way But that’s how I feel for you. As years go by, The simple admiration gets deeper and deeper. Till I couldn’t hide it anymore. I said I love you. It’s very shameful for my part To tell all my feelings towards you But I don’t care what will be your reaction All I know is that I love you. I live my life with full of illusions. With full of sweetest moments Playing my mind with full of imagination. That somehow you will here by my side. I’ve loved you for so long Let me tell you once more, I love you Sunday But you can never love me in return Because I cannot live up to your expectation. AFL and INFA gives Send Off Party to Consul General Alejandrino Vicente Sa pakikipaglaban pakaiingat ka, Sapagkat di maiiwasan na masugatan ka, Ano man ang sakit na naging dulot niya, Ang mahalaga nakipaglaban ka. Bago ka magdasal, ikaw muna’y magpatawad, Bago ka tumanggap, ikaw muna’y magbigay, Bago ka damayan, ikaw muna’y dumamay, At bago ka sumuko, ikaw muna’y lumaban. The Association of Filipino Leaders (AFL), headed by Chairman Arnold P. Grospe and the Ilocos Norte Filipino Alliance (INFA) headed by Ms. Imelda Paraoan, celebrated a Christmas Party and farewell presentation to Hon. Consul General Alejandrino A. Vicente on Dec 14, 2008 at the Bayanihan Kennedy Town Center. Ang mga salita ko ay simpleng kalatas, Mga nasabi kong pinagbagtas-bagtas, Bigyang daan sana isip maging bukas, Upang sa pagsubok tayo’y makalagpas. With this years’ theme - “Our Diversity is our Beauty, A Reflection of Peace and Prosperity”, the Kalilang Mindanao in HK serves as the group’s contribution in the attainment of peace, unity and prosperity in Mindanao. SUNDAY OBSIOMA Analiza.Cagampang Saan ka man dalin ng iyong pakikibaka, Huwag mo SIYANG kalilimutan lagi mong isama, Sa mga dasal mo di man oo ang sagot NIYA, Sigurado akong mas mapapabuti ka. Bago ka magsalita, ikaw muna’y makinig, Bago ka sumulat, ikaw muna’y mag-isip, Bago ka gumasta, ikaw muna’y kumita, Bago ka mamintas, manalamin ka muna. The highlights of the Kalilang Mindanao are the Search for the Mutya ng Mindanao in HK 2008 and the Bai ng Kalilang in HK 2008. This year event is much bigger in terms of participations and preparations with two new categories added. Ms. Maricel Dano of Kidapawan City bested the other 19 candidates as she was crowned Mutya ng Mindanao ’08. She also won the title Bai ng Kalilang in HK ’08, Best in Interview, Best in Production No. everyone tends to look for so much out of love even blaming his faults to someone he loves making it a reason to do something out of line hoping to be happy yet pain he finds. Kapag ang pagsubok sa ati’y dumating na, Magpakatatag at makipaglaban ka, Ano mang paraan ay isugal mo na, Siguraduhin mo lang na mananalo ka. Mayroon na lamang akong nais ibahagi, Kaunting kataga palagay ko’y wagi, Pagdamutan sana aking naigawi, Bakas nito’y saya ng pagpupunyagi. The main speaker of this year’s Kalilang is the honorable mayor of Valencia City, Engr. 28 Ang pagsubok daw ay hamon ng buhay, Huwag mong hahayaang ikaw ay igulapay, Pakikipaglaban ang dapat mong ibigay, Sa hamon na ito upang magtagumpay. featured Poems A Sad Reality by Noel Gimikan Ano mang PAGSUBOK ang sa ati’y dumaan, Ano mang sandata ginamit sa PAKIKIPAGLABAN, Ito’y di na dapat, pagtalunan o pagusapan, Ang mahalaga, TAGUMPAY ang iyong nakamtan. friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 More than a hundred leaders of different associations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and its members attended the said event. Christmas caroling, lantern contest and parlor games were prepared for the events. Winners of the Christmas Carol were: 1st INFA, 2nd DOMOHK, 3rd ROFILWS and is the 4th Asia Pacific Migrant group while UMELA –HK won the Lantern Competition. 29 friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 Laugh Lines . . . Whisky Lesson A father was trying to teach his son about the evils of alcohol. He put 1 worm in a glass of water and another worm in a glass of whisky. The worm in the water lived, while the 1 and the whisky curled up and died. Father: all right son, what have you learned from the expexperiment? Son: well dad, it shows that if you drink alcohol, hindi ka magkakabulate sa tiyan.... Big Girls Dont Cry May bakla na umamin sa pamilya na bakla siya. At pag maypipanood siyang teleserye at namamatay ang lead na crush niya siya ay naiyak Habang nanonood ng katapusan ng isang palabas at namatay ang crush niya hindi siya umiyak . Kasama niya tatay niya Tatay: WOW anak lalaking lalaki na a Bakal: Siyempre tay alam mo sabi ni Fergie Big Girls Dont Cry Doktor at Pasyente Pasyente visit a doctor for a check up. Doctor: anong problema? Pasyente: paki-check lang po itong “ari” ko. Doctor: Ok,hubo’ para makita.. Nang makita “ito” ng doctor,napatawa ng malakas ang doctor,dahil singlaki lang ito ng AAA size na battery. Pasyente: nasaan po yong code of ethics nyo.di dapat pagtawan ang isang pasyente. Doctor (tried to recover): Sori,di na maulit.Anong problema? Pasyente: Ito nga po,”namamaga” Children’s Party Tagpo sa isang children’s party: Nanay : O ayan anak, may sindi na ang mga kandila, pero bago mo hipan eh pumikit ka muna at mag wish. (Pumikit ang bata at pagktapos ay hinipan ang mga kandila.....) Nanay : Anak, ano ba ang wish mo? Anak : Sana po sa birthday ko next year, meron ng “CAKE” Where We Were Made Nay? bakit po VICTORIA ang name ni ate? Kasi anak dun namin siya ginawa ng itay mo... Eh bakit si kuya, ANITO? Ay, tumigil ka na nga LUNETA at baka 30 mapalo kita! tawagin mo na si kuya FX mo! Hearing Aid Pedro: pare galing ako sa doktor, nakabili nko ng hearing aid... Grabe! ang linaw na ng pandinig ko! Juan: Talaga pare?! Magkano bili mo? Pedro: Kahapon lang Pilipinas Bata:Manong, Ano po ba capital ng Pilipinas? Manong:Alam Mo walang capital ang Pilipinas. Bata:Bakit po? Manong:Kasi puro utang.... Good secretary What is the difference between secretary and the good secretary? Secretary: Good Morning, Sir Good secretary: Morning na, sir Boss: Ipadala mo nga itong sulat kay Mr. Saycon. Secretary: (tigas dila) Sir, iTITI-legram ko ba or iKIKI-ble? Boss: Tanga! i-FUC#S mo! Tanggalan sa trabaho Manager: mahina ang kita ng kumpanya. kailangan magbawas tayo ng tao. Supervisor1: iterminate na natin yung madalas mag-absent. Supervisor2: oo nga, at yung walang masyadong ginagawa dito sa opisina. Boss: teka! parang ako yon ah! wife:hintayin mo na ko, malapit na rin ako. husband:yan na lalabas naaaah. wife: walanghiya ka, bat sa labas ka tumae? husband: tagal mo kasi sa cr. Scientific Names CUTE - ahkoyan. TALENTED - ahkophayan. ROMANTIC - akhopharyn-yan. LOVABLE - akhoulityan. ABNORMAL - ahikawnahyahn! Sino Ang Unang Tao Sa Mundo? Sabi ng mga HUDYO, “kami”. Bakit? Dahil kami ang nagpako sa Diyos. Sabi ng mga INTSIK, “kami”. Bakit? Kanino kayo bili pako? What do parents want from their daughter’s suitors? 1. Pleasing PESO-nality 2. Good CAR-acteristics 3. Good family BANK-ground 4. Lots of good MONEYrs 5. Nice and CASH-ual Family Planning NURSE: Ilan po lahat ang anak nyo Ale? PASYENTE: Labing-lima po lahat. NURSE: Andami naman, hindi po ba kayo gumagamit ng PILLS, CONDOM, WITHDRAWAL, o kahit IUD? PASYENTE: Cross my heart, Dok! TITI lang ho talaga!!! Euthanasia Teacher: Rick use Euthanasia in the sentence Rick: Mam, Euthanasia is an act of mecry killing. Teacher: Good! Rick Teacher: Juan use Euthanasia in the sentence Juan: Easy yan po mam. Our maid is no longer a virgin because na Euthanasia. Laughter is the best medicine!.. Walang Lamangan TANONG Paano hahatiin ang Php60 sa tatlong babae at tatlong lalake? SAGOT Sa babae . . . Sampuke Ana, sampuke Maria, sampuke Rea . . . Sa lalake . . . O-ten mo, o-ten niya, o-ten ko. someone’s face today! Malapit Na husband: hon malapit na ko, mtgal ka pa ba? Share your Jokes and put a smile on 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 Ndrei’s Crossing Ground Bar & Lounge Shop 13 B G/F Kwan Yick Bldg. 444-452 Des Vouex Road West Uniwide Tsuen Wan Shop 1/F Liksang Plaza Tsuen Wan N. T Sikatz Philippine Product Store 1 & 2 1/F Liksang Plaza, Tsuen Wan, N.T. and Mei Foo Sun Chuen Macau Asia Pac Cargo Macau 42 Rua Da Alfandega San Malou Macau S.A.R Tel. 932610, 930443 Tel True Ltd. 1/F Lap Fai Bldg Pottinger St. Central Uniwide Hang Hau 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 Bhm Filipino Community Celebrates 4th Year Anniversary by April Joy Filmart 1 G 52 G/F, 7 Seas Shopping Center 121 King Road, Fortress Hill Filmart 2 Shop 69 A,B,& C G/F City Garden, Shopping Center Blk 13 , 231- 233 Electric Road, North Point Filipino Mart C1 G/F Garland House 14A 14C North Point H & I Philippine Product Store Shop 179-B Nan Fung Plaza Tseung Kwan O, N.T. JEM Employment Agency Room 802 8/F Yat Fat Bldg. 44-46 Des Vouex Road Central JEM Merchandise 15, 4/F Li Yuen St. West 2nd Alley-alley, Central LBC Hunghom Planet Square Hunghom Kowloon LBC Tsuen Wan Liksang Plaza Tseun Wan N.T LEE Trading Co. Shop 279, 2/F Liksang Plaza Tsuen Wan, N.T. Loy & Day Shop Room 2013 2/F United Center Admiralty Lydias Store Kennedy Town Shop 17 G/F Blk A Hoi Tao Bldg. 7-11 Belchers St. Kennedy Town Manong & Manang Store Shop 5 G/F Kwan Yick Bldg. 444-452 Des Vouex Road West The Braemar Hill Mansion (BHM) Filipino community celebrated their Christmas party and 4th year anniversary on December 21,2008 with Labatt Romulo Salud as guest speaker. Special awards were distributed to the four other contestants; for Darling of the Crowd it was Myrna Almorado, Mrs.Friendship was awarded to Alma Humilde, Best in Talent was given to Bella Adolfo and the Most Cooperative award was given to Amelita The Search for Ms. and Mrs. BHM 2008 Redulla. higlighted the said affair. More than a hundred members from blocks 15-43 attended the BHM Filipino community would like to program which was held at the recreation thank all the guests, friends, sponsors and hall of the place. Gifts/items donated by the donors who made their affair a succesful employers were given to each and everyone one. as Christmas presents, upon entering the venue and much more were distributed as Elected officers of BHM Filipino raffle. Unlike the previous years, the affair Community are: got more sponsors/donors that made the program a better one. President Rhina Aceres Vice- President Bhina Valdez The title Ms. BHM 2008 was awarded to Secretary Patricia Songaben Rosalie Asuncion (blk.35), 1st runner up was Mary Grace Caday given to Maybelle Graneta (blk.41), and the Treasurer Bench Taloza special award best in Gown, while Leonila Auditor Linda Antonio Macaso (blk.33) took home the 3rd place and Myrna Almoradao Ms.Photogenic award. P.R.O.s Susan Cabudsan Minerva Dacuya (blk.31) bagged the title Rizza Realin Mrs.BHM 2008, while Annie Romo (blk.37) Bus.Managers Belinda Nanong took home the 1st runer up and Linly Vallejo Betty Farro (blk.25) was awarded the2nd runner up. Terry Palomillo friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 31 friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 Singing Bee Cesar “Buboy” Montano Graces Bohol HK Association’s 16th Anniversary The Leonardo DiCaprio of Philippine Cinema and multi-awarded actor/director Cesar Montano visited his fellow Boholanos in the Bohol Hong Kong Association’s 16th year Anniversary celebration and Christmas Party at Newton Hotel in North Point on Dec.21, 2008. In his speech he outlined Bohol’s tourism potential. He also stated that Bohol can be a good venue for foreign film shooting and he announced that Bohol is the safest place to shoot a movie for Hollywood. He also expressed his greetings and congratulations to his fellow Boholanos by singing a Visayan Christmas song. There is also a rumor that he is running for Governor of Bohol in 2010. them such as Panaghoy sa Sugba and Jose Rizal the movie. Also at the said celebration, Boholanos crowned the Mrs. TBTK-Tipon Bol-anon Tibo-ok Kalibutan or Group of Boholanos in the World. The winners were: Tele Cenabre, Mrs. TBTK; Annabel Villalon, first runnerup; Ma. Flor Iting, Best Interview and Eva Campaner, Best in Attire. The said winners will represent Hong Kong in the Mrs TBTK Search which will be held in Bohol in July 2009. Vice president Bernard Ranario, assisted Cesar and Sunshine in Hong Kong during their three days stay in Hong Kong. H ORO S C O P E Capricorn (Dec 21 - Jan 19) Your work will achieve success and service conditions will improve. There may be a rise in status and position. Promotion and recognition will come your way. You will gain respect and good will. On the whole this is a successful period. Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 25, 7, 22, & 4; Lucky Color: Red there will be gradual improvements over the last two years. You will find new opportunities in career as well as better luck. Some unexpected and sudden events could take place till the end of April 2009 in marital matters as well as career and in business. Lucky Numbers: 20, 18, 42, 33, 37 & 16 ; Lucky Color: yellow Scorpio (Oct 24 - Nov 22) You are likely to experience a lot of changes in your life. You have a lot of energy and should try to be more constructively engaged, else you may squander it unproductively. Lucky Number: 1,17,36, 8, 44 and 27; Lucky Color: Green Taurus (Apr 19 - May 20) 2009 would be a more productive and gainful year in comparison to 2008. You will find your luck and opportunities that would present themselves would be more vibrant and higher this year.The year would be most noticeable for some major changes in your temperament and the way you think. Thinking could turn more emotional, reckless and your affections/ social instincts could predominate. Lucky Numbers: 25,32, 4, 24, 19 & 35 ; Lucky Color: Pink Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22) Your family is more important than ever right now, so see if you can get in touch with them soon. You may need to gather them together or just get their support for some big decision on the horizon. Lucky Numbers: 1,28,27, 38,22,& 34; Lucky Color: Orange Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 22) Almost nothing is impossible today -- thanks in part to your deep belief in yourself. Even if you feel humble -- a fine trait -- you still can tell that you haven’t come close to reaching your limits yet. Lucky Numbers: 45, 37, 9 21, 36, 10, & 22; Lucky Color: Blue Cancer (Jun 22 - Jul 22) 2009 Would be a positive year. As you find the year progressing Mind Games Consul General Alejandrino A. Vicente congratulated the efforts of the officers and members headed by their President Flor Virtudazo and its Vice President Mr Bernard Ranario, for being one united organization from Bohol for 16 years. He also mentioned most of the movies that Cesar has made and has watched some of 32 __ _______ Elements 2sLIP ON BLOT (no print ads) rat ____ __ ____ ox 3 LIGHT TO HAVE (extreme current) tiger ____ _______ rabbit dragon Last Month’s Answers: 1. Santa Claus 2. Mistletoe 3. Reindeer snake A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q 1 P H P L E N I I N R C V L N T N R 2 N D E E M O C D U R A S E L E M 3 S E V X E R O R P R E R A C D H R 4 T F I R R H A I T R E C N A D I I T 5 E V T T A C D A R H A M T U O X X 6 O O C E S R E E N E P N A P N D R 7 R S D R N L T M L U H O C R D E D 8 T E R D L E E D Y E E 9 R F L R L N I R M E R Z A E R L E 10 R D E T T O I C D S E R I S S U L D F B S H C 11 E N N C E S R A E L V E S N L E O 12 N B A E E L I N L E P R D I O T D D Z 13 E A A E U N O S Y O T E D Y P 14 D U Z N R D I P B R I Z I R U L O 15 H E S A S E X S O R E L O S R S F 16 N I D N C U C V I N O O T Z E C N 17 E N R E D A P T R D E E A R C E M (M2, S) Santa Claus (F1, SE) North Pole (N14, N) Reindeer (I11, E) Elves (M13, W) Toys (N10, NW) Dasher (O4, W) Dancer (I3, SE) Prancer (B5, NE) Vixen (H2, W) Comet (K1, SW) Cupid (O4, S) Donder (P10, SW) Blitzen (O15, N) Rudolf Sagitarius (Nov 23 - Dec 21) You and your partner are blessed with an abundance of good fortune. Take some time today to reflect on all you’ve been given, and the wonderful life you’ve created together. Lucky Numbers : 21,6, 3, 39, 14, 19. Lucky Color: Yellow Green. Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18) Unfortunately things don’t go up as fast as they fall down, and that includes the numbers. Don’t expect changes to your financial status overnight. When it comes to the power struggle you’re having with gravity, you’re the one who has to compromise. Lucky Numbers: 7, 26, 20, 8, 39, 22, & 5.: Lucky Color: Blue Green Word Search Chinese Zodiac and Gemini (May 21- Jun 21) It’s time to stop talking about what you want to do and put those ideas into action. If you get the ball rolling today, your partner will be inspired to join you, and together you can make it happen. Lucky Numbers : 3 , 11, 13, 2, 12, & 36. Lucky Color: Peach Aries ( Mar 21 - Apr 19) Let’s hope you’re up for an adventure, because that’s exactly what’s coming your way today! Your sweetie has a surprise for you, but you’ll have to wait until they are ready to reveal it. Lucky Numbers: 16, 1 PINK ON RAG (traffic sign) 45, 27 , 44 , 18 & 35. Lucky Color: Red Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20) Forget about spending too much time online or on the phone. It’s a great day to do something for yourself. Go on a cold-weather hike, get your nails done or just take a long nap. Enjoy a few hours alone -- it’s the perfect opportunity to rest and regroup. Lucky Numbers: 2, 45, 17, 36, 33, & 35: Lucky Color: Navy Blue Rearrange the letters to form the correct word(s) or phrase. The (clues) will help you guess the correct answers. Anagrams Among the other guests were Consul General Alejandrino Vicente and Labor Attache Romulo Salud, Philippine bankers and community leaders. Libra (Sep - Oct 23) The conjunction of venus and uranus gives you good charishma and makes you romantic. You may have unusual and original ideas about art and love. You will be independent and enjoy financial advantages. Lucky Numbers: 33, 36, 3, 15,45 and 18 Lucky Color: Maroon. Find the words hidden within the grid. Words can be found horizontally, vertically, diagonally, backwards or forwards. by Kuya Willy His loving and ever supportive wife, actresssinger Ms. Sunshine Cruz was also present in the affair also joined Cesar in greeting and congratulating Boholanos in Hong Kong in their sacrifices, efforts and contributions in making our country stable with the remittance that we are sending back home especially in time of financial crisis that the world is experiencing. The couple rendered a special song together for the Boholanos Sunshine Cruz, added: “I am really proud to be an adopted child of Bohol.” ... alamin ang iyong kapalaran sheep horse monkey rooster pig F K O R N G O M M T W R E A E T I G N D E D I O O M D I E H R K T K R E E T A T E E N M R D O R E D E R D H O A R W T N R W A L P T R A L A T E M A S R H B A G X X X A D R E B O M A E A E H N T A L F E S W E O B T R H T R S W O A K A M R E A R P I E S M H O E A O P T G S S R T B A T E W E P M E B R G H R S R G E N S M E D A H P G N R B R H N E S R O H O G M O O X N T R N E E A G N O G H E W X T O T W G E E R I K E R M A O O O O M H O G K P N E G E A R D R O G O I A S W E E Y R G E T O I R D R B W E N S G T P I G H R E R T R E I A A N N I A T F F O E G B E W O A R A I S O D S A N O U O A I N T R I C D I L Contest Guidelines dog Submit your answers. Winners will receive one year FREE membership and subscription of Friends International Magazine. fire 1 water earth metal wood Last Month’s Winner: Ms. Fe Tolentino, Ngau Tau Kok, Kowloon, HK friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 2 3 4 Always remember to include your complete name, contact number and address for entries to be considered valid Write legibly Mail entries (cut this half page) to Friends International Magazine Mark “Mind Games” on envelope Names of winners will be published in the next issue. 33 friends International Magazine JANUARY 2009 Birthday Corner ... our best wishes / Just for Kids Christy Celeste - Dec. 23 & Susan Limon - Dec.28 Mary Lee Liagao - Jan 06 Josie - Dec 21 Aljon Rae Grospe - Jan 14 Edward Bailey - Dec 3 Mawi Elisha - Dec 23 Precious Prince Luigi F. Cunanan Ruel Cruz - Jan 13 w/ the LBC Boys Despedida Party for OWWA officers Ms. Leni Cleofas & Nel Chanco UAExchange Christmas Party Central Branch & Forex BPI Remittance HK Christmas Party Dec 17 @ Hopewell PNB Christmas Party LBC Mabuhay HK Christmas Party Police Officers Club @ Causeway Bay Text From The Heart Looking for a TXT mate? Send SMS to 852 9010 9183 if you wish to include your number here. 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