friends InternatIonal MagazIne FeBrUarY 2009

Transcription

friends International Magazine FEBRUARY 2009
1
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
Dear FIM Readers
It seems like yesterday that we went through the
madness, preparation and finally celebration that
surround Christmas, and New Year. Now we find
ourselves in the month of February, with yet another
day of celebration - Valentine’s Day.
How is it that February became a time for celebration
of romance and love?
History tells us that this Lovers Day was named after its patron saint, St. Valentine.
There are many stories of St. Valentine I have heard through the years. There are
many more tales of Valentine, and special days those prior generations through the
ages had before us that chose a special day of the year to celebrate romance and
love. Hence today I guess we are stuck for the balance of time with February 14, as
a time for celebration of romance and love.
As a child I remember the night before Valentine’s Day, busily scribbling little
heart shaped cards for my friends and family. There were always a few chocolate
treats and the inevitable teasing of who was sweet to who in our school. As an
adult, it goes one step further, with preparations well in advance for this special
day, which require visits to flower and candy shops, making dinner reservations
and now even a step further to the dreaded jewelry store for many of us.
First of all, people seeking lasting romance and love must realize that there is no
one formula for romantic bliss. If they look around, they’ll find that most couples
who have successful relationships usually have a number of positive things going
for them.
They often are best friends as well as lovers. They trust each other, respect each
other and believe in each other. They have seen their love grow stronger through
good times and bad times. Especially for those who are here in Hong Kong and
who are miles away from their love ones.
Distance is not the end of the world in a relationship.
Distance cannot, and will not hurt a bond between two people that is based on
mutual respect, trust, commitment and love. Although you may feel like you are
losing faith in your relationship at times, hold fast and trust your heart!
I, like you, truly believe that love & relationships are what make your life special,
and the ones built on love and understanding are always worth preserving,
regardless of the miles that may separate two people. Avoid jealousy and be
trusting. One of the easiest ways to destroy a perfectly healthy relationship is to
poison it with jealousy and gossips. When you are in a long distance relationship
you must be realistic of the difficulties ahead. It always helps if you go in a
relationship with the idea that everyone is innocent and worth of trust until proven
otherwise.
Valentine’s Day celebration is not only for young lovers, teenagers and others
but is for all of us. I feel in my humble opinion that Valentine’s Day has been for
sometime, blown out of proportion, and I am sure St. Valentine is watching from
above right now in disgust of what was once such a simple celebration of love and
romance.
It doesn’t have to be a special time of the year like Valentine’s Day to celebrate
love. Whether or not we are in a loving relationship makes no difference, for each
day is cause for celebration to love and honor all the people who are part of our
lives. Each day we should give thanks, be grateful, and express love to all who we
encounter during the course of our day.
To you all, I encourage you to practice love and romance each and everyday.
Happy reading and Happy Valentines to all.
Arnold P. Grospe
Managing Editor
3
friends Co mm uni t y B oa r d
Got an announcement to make ? Let everyone know. Have your upcoming association activities published here for FREE !
Call us on 254I –25I0 during office hours or email details to 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.
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
Announcement : calling all Ilocano group in Hong Kong
there will be a meeting at the Bayanihan center
for details call Petra Regua :93443929
PrimeCredit with Hong Kong University, S.P.A.C.E, Law Alumni will
conduct an exclusive Legal Workshop for Prime Excel Members and
Association Leaders on March 1, 2009 (Sunday) at Grappa’s Cellar.
Featured Speaker: Ms. Ody Lai, Barrister-at-Law in Hong Kong
Topic: Marriage Law, Family Law and Commercial Law
Time: AM Session 11 am - 1 pm / PM Session 3 pm - 5 pm
For more informations please call PrimeCredit at 2810 0255.
Philippine Association of Hong Kong Valentine’s Day Cocktail
Feb 19, 2009 (Thursday)
Pier 7, Central
6 pm - 10 pm
For more info, please call Mr. Jay Martinez 9772 7279
Those who would like to take the Licensure Examination for
Teachers (LET) in April, 2009, please call NOPT-HK hotline at
51397843 or email nopthk@yahoo.com or nopthksecretariat@
yahoo.com for details on registration, review classes and fees.
Batangenos are welcome to join the Batangas Varsitarian Int’l.
Those interested to join may contact Willy Pagsanjan at 63323650
or Erwin Marqueses at 97170904 or 62547527.
The Leyte Achievers Club Int’l is inviting interested migrant
workers to register for its livelihood programs: fashion jewelry
making and meat processing. For more information, please call
22414104 or 62365668.
The Management and staff of Friends International Magazine wish to thank the following
volunteer contributors and distributors for sharing their talent and support to the Magazine.
Gina Montero
Gie Ignacio
Mayvie Acosta
Olive Lasat
Juvy Aldea
Fely Bunso S. Naoe
Mario de los Reyes
Distribution Team
IMAP-HK
LOFM
BOWA
CFCB
DOMOHK
Black Eagle
Calabarzon
Novo Ecijano Association
OFWIE
GOAL
LOFWA
MIGA
WOMED
FILCOMSIN
FILREFLEX
PMS
FNA
Mindanao Alliance
KUSOG
LEBAK
BENGFED
ANIBA-HK
Oriental Mindoro Society
Damayan
LUZFED
BSK-HK
MMWA
Contents
FEBRUARY 2009 issue 39
3Editor’s Note
6
Cover Story
7
24 Filipino Children on Educational Tour
8
Valentine’s Day for Men
9OAV Registration
10At Your Service
11
Filguys Anniversary
12
PAHK Induction 2009
13Notes from POLO Vancouver
14Oras ng Himala
15Legal Matters
16
IMAP Anniversary
17
!st Sinulog Hong Kong
18
Snapshots
20
Mabuhay Ka Kabayan
21
Dakilang OFW
22
Man’s Changeability & God’s Constancy
23On Improving the Helping Hand
24
Balitang Showbiz
29
featured Poems
30Laugh Lines
31
FIM Outlets
32
Indonesian Corner
33
Horoscope and Mind Games
Birthday Corner / Just 4 Kids / Text From The Heart
34
4
5
10 Ways To Keep Love Alive
T
HERE is more than sufficient hard
evidence for the notion that falling in
love is easy. Judging by the frequency
of its occurrence, especially -- but not
exclusively -- among the young, falling in love
is a piece of cake. However, keeping the love
light burning after Cupid has scored a bull’s
eye is a horse of quite another color and for
many has proven a mission impossible. Only
too many people discover that after an initial
ride on love’s cloud nine, things just don’t work
out, leaving them disappointed, depressed,
bitter and wounded--sometimes for life.
This brings us to the weighty question, “What
can couples and individuals do to keep love
alive and the romance from fading in their
relationship?”
They’ve also learned how to deal with
problems that can lead to discord. They know
the importance of keeping outsiders out, and
working out their differences themselves.
They are sensitive to each other’s job-related
pressures, so they act accordingly.
Another way these couples keep their love alive
is by appreciating each other. They never take
the other for granted, and they are aware of
common courtesies that can make a romance
last.
Following are ten simple suggestions that, if
followed, will help to keep her heart aflutter
and the gleam in his eye.
1. Love Yourself First.
Someone who feels confident, emotionally
secure and physically attractive is best prepared
to sustain a relationship with another person.
If you project a positive outlook on life, you’ll
naturally attract people with the same positive
outlook.
Remember--if you hope to build something
strong, it helps to start with the best possible
material.
2. Be Prepared For An Emotional Rollercoaster
Ride.
The first giddy, intoxicating phases of romance
feel wonderful. Walking on clouds, bumping
into walls and daydreaming endlessly about
the new “love of your life” occupy most of
your time. You’re sure this is the romance to
end all romances, and it feels wonderful to
know that the warm, unprecedented “rush”
you feel will never come to an end.
Isn’t love grand?
While the first stages of love seem to be the
ultimate high, the comedown can be equally
devastating. All of a sudden you realize the
person you’ve fallen in love with is just another
human being. He (or she) has faults and makes
mistakes.
6
Once you take off the rose-colored spectacles,
reality will intrude. Make sure you’re ready for
it.
weekends for one another.
Remember that if you spend all your time
running, it won’t be long before you
3. Learn To Listen.
This is easier that done. A person in love is a
complex being who may not feel comfortable
sharing innermost feelings with someone else.
He (or she) may need a little prompting. Even
then, what comes out of his (or her) mouth
may not sound anything like what he (or
she) intended to say. To further complicate
matters, sometimes your mate won’t speak
at all, expecting you to be somewhat of a
mindreader.
7. Be Tolerant.
She’s always late. He’s afraid to ask his boss for
a raise. She doesn’t like any of his friends. He
parts his hair on the wrong side. The music she
likes grates on his nerves.
The key is patience. The more you learn about
a person, the easier it is to communicate.
Under no circumstances should you expect
your mate to change in order to meet your
specifications. As far as you’re concerned, his
individually -- and that includes his faults-should be his most appealing quality.
4. Learn To Talk.
How many times have you heard people say, “I
can’t get him to talk to me,” or “She just holds
everything inside--and when I least expect it,
she blows up?”
From the very beginnings of a relationship,
it’s important that both parties feel free to
talk openly about anything. Don’t be afraid
to discuss matters that may create conflict. If
feelings of anger or jealousy rise to the surface,
maintain your cool and get them out into the
open right away.
It’s better to say, “What you did made me
angry and I need to talk about it,” than hold
the anger inside until matters get blown entirely
out of proportion.
Once you begin to talk, you’ll be surprised at
how much you’re NOT saying.
5. Give The Relationship Some Room.
Although it’s tempting to devote all your time
and energy to “making it work,” love needs
lots of breathing space. Once the two of you
are certain of your compatibility--physical,
emotional and intellectual--it’s time for you
to step back and see how well the relationship
grows on its own, without constant prompting
an cajoling from each other.
6. Treasure Your Private Time Together.
It’s not easy being part of a relationship in the
hectic ‘80s. The fast track waits for no one, and
it seems there are barely enough hours in the
day to do everything that has to be done.
Both of you may lead busy, active lives--but the
success of the relationship depends upon your
ability to schedule a little leisure time.
This could take the form of a romantic
breakfast at down or a short walk before the
work day begins. A quiet midnight dinner
will help ease the tensions of the day and give
you time to talk. In any event, reserve your
Welcome to the real world. As much as you
two would like to be 100 percent compatible,
it just isn’t possible. Learn to tolerate your
differences, and you may even learn to
appreciate them.
8. Don’t Forget Romance.
When you two have become comfortable with
each other, sometimes it’s easy to forget you’re
in love.
Make sure that romance never leaves your
lives. It doesn’t mean surprising her every day
with a dozen roses or sending cute cards to
his office--it means finding little, spontaneous
ways to demonstrate your love.
24 Filipino Children Embark on an Educational Tour
environment that will serve as an inspiration
for them and to teach them the value of
industry and perseverance to improve their
standard of living.
Overview and Background of Philippine
Children’s Hong Kong Adventure 20-22
January 2009
government unit of Quezon City. The group
consists of abandoned children, orphans and
illegal substance or solvent takers. The trip
aims to expose the children to a wholesome
The children’s itinerary consists of a tour to
Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park and
the Philippine Consulate, among others.
Apart from the enjoyment in the different
venues visited, the children realized the
value of good living in a complete family setup. Together with the children are director
Thelsa Biolena of DSWD National capital
region, houseparents of the centers and
DSWD Public Affairs Chief Prescy Villa.
Congressman Roque R. Ablan, Jr. ,
Chairman of the Committee on Dangerous
Drugs of the House of Representatives
of the Republic of the Philippines, along
with the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD), Hong Kong Express
Airways Limited and the Tulay Foundation
sponsored an educational tour to Hong
Kong for 24 children from the Philippines
on January 20-22, 2009.
The children are wards of the DSWD,
Haven for Children, Nayon ng Kabataan as
well as a Rehabilitation Centre of the local
Are her days filled with stress? Learn how to
give a good, effective message. Is he a dessert
fanatic? Get together and bake a sinfully
caloric treat. Tuck little notes in his pockets
when he’s not looking. Kiss her when she least
expects it.
Find some way to say “I love you” every day.
Remember, you don’t always have to say it out
loud.
9. Be Supportive.
It’s easy to get frustrated when your mate is
being buffered about by circumstances. No
matter what bad hand he’s been dealt, it’s
important tht you be there to remind him the
game isn’t over.
In many ways, a fair-weather lover is worse
than no lover at all. When you see your
mate is down about something and needs
encouragement and support, your attitude
should never be, “I’ll come back when you’re
feeling better.” You should be the one to begin
the healing process.
10. Keep your sense of humor.
There will be times when you’ll feel like
characters in a epic melodrama, and at other
times, like characters in a comedy. Your ability
to see the lighter side of things, even when times
get rough, can mean the difference between the
success or failure of your relationship.
7
What’s Valentine’s Day and Love for Men
by Julia Buen Terry
Valentine’s Day is all about love, dates, about roses,
chocolates and diamonds. It talks about women’s
feeling, their love life, boyfriends, and their dates. A
special day for lover’s to show their love and affection
to each other.
And a little is heard about men when it comes to
this day, well in fact, there would not be a lot of
excitement without them on Valentine’s Day. The
occasion seems not complete for sure without a
Valentino.
It may be a bit pathetic for Valentino being miles
away from his love one on this day, but how does he
cope up with it? How does he celebrate this special
day without her and how he expresses his undying
love to the love of his life? Does Valentino have any
wishes for his love life? Men, like women deserve to
be given value to be heard about on V-Day.
Jerry Root, has been in Hong Kong for 11
years and was married in Civil Rites for 13
years. He met his wife
through his cousin
and still loves her after
all these years.
“It was love at first
sight when I met Flor.
There was a spark
right between us when
we met.” According to Jerry, who courted
his wife for three years. Both of them were
studying on the same university that time and
got two kids before finishing school.
Flor worked in Hong Kong for four years until
they finally decided to get married in a civil
rite. After which, Jerry went to Hong Kong
with her in 1997 to work. Two of their kids
were born here and later Flor went home for
good to tend to their four kids.
“I still feel the same way for her after long
years. Nothing has changed on my feelings for
my wife since the day I met her. She knows how
much I love her.” Jerry firmly said when asked
on having flings in Hong Kong. He added that
his wife would sometime receive calls from
women here telling about him having girls.
But, eventually she trusted and loved him that
gossipers can not shake their relationship.
When asked for his gift for his wife, “I dream
to have a church wedding for us someday.”
Valentine’s Day has always been alone for
Menard Reyes, President of the Laguna
Achievers Worker’s Association who hasn’t
spent this special day
for twenty one years
with the love of his
life.
“I just call my wife
to greet her on
Valentine’s
Day.
Before, we used to
talk about our sweet memories. But now, half
of the conversation is all about our children
8
and the remaining is about us.” Menard said,
who advices that the best time to call the love
ones is during night time.
According to him he owes the success of their
kids to his beloved wife. Two of them are now
professionals and the youngest is a third year
electrical engineering student. “I am just a
provider; she guides and gives spiritual and
emotional support to them.”
evening with my
dearest
wife
this
Valentine’s Day. I
will bring her to a
restaurant and give
her a bunch of flowers
to express my love to
her.” He excitedly said
when interviewed.
Menard and his wife are friends for five years
until she finally accepted his love proposals.
They were lovers for seven before deciding to
get married because according to Menard it is
already boring as magsiyota lang.
Ruben’s wife has been working in Hong Kong
for more than eighteen years and they have
been married for fifteen years. He joined her
in Hong Kong four years ago but while in
Philippines, they call each other to greet on
Valentine’s Day.
“My dream Valentine day is to spend precious
time with my wife and our kids. I want to
make up for the years I am not with them. My
family is always my first priority that is why I
am here.”
“Misis, thank you very much for your
understanding and for accepting me again. I
promise to live up to your expectation and be
good for our family.” Ruben’s message to his
wife when asked.
Menard, who is an active leader in the Filipino
Community, celebrates Valentines Day with
the members of their association and friends.
They would call or text each other to greet
on this V-day. And if the special day falls on
holiday, definitely a big celebration happens.
Given the second chance in his love life, love
blooms again between them. Ruben wants to
give a dream house for his wife and hoping to
have a daughter in addition to his two sons.
Late bloomer 37 years old Agustin Parma
just got married six
months ago. This
Valentine’s Day is their
first V-Day together as
married couple but he
is in HK while she is in
Philippines. Definitely,
they terribly miss each
other.
“Every day, I text my wife before I go to work
and every night I text her too that I am home.
I believe that communication is one factor that
keeps love alive on every couple.” Agustin
confided.
He added that trust and support too to each
other also contributes to the success of every
marriage. He is thankful that his wife is
supportive and understanding as he prepares
for their future. For, he wants to have four kids
and a happy family for them.
“Mahal na mahal ko siya at miss na miss ko
ang lahat ng kanyang mga kakulitan. She is
very simple. ” Agustin describes his wife.
This Valentines Day, the couple is scheduled
to chat after Agustin finishes work. He doesn’t
want to miss not seeing his wife thru internet
on this special day. He dreams of giving her a
long stem white rose this V- Day to express his
undying love to her.
Ruben Vicente wants to have a surprise date
for his beloved wife on this Valentine’s Day to
make up for his shortcomings to her.
“I want to have a romantic and memorable
Glen Barodi is surely a good catch and probably
every woman’s ideal
man. Still single at
32 years old but have
a girlfriend at home.
He was engaged to be
married a few years
ago but things did not
turn out well for them.
His current sweetie
pie helped and comforted him to overcome the
trauma.
Overseas Absentee Voting Registration In Hong Kong
(OAV) for 2010 Presidential ElectionsCommences
by Ms. Remely Valdez
Despite the uncertainty of the OAV
registration budget being available as early
for the scheduled date, the third OAV
registration in Hong Kong started last
February 1 at the Philippine Consulate
conference area.
How to register? Just accomplish and
submit the appropriate registration form
available at the Philippine Consulate or can
be downloaded from the comelec website.
After you fill-up the registration form,
present your valid passport, HK ID and
other supporting documents. Before you
register, in order to minimize your time,
make a photocopy of your passport, just
the front page bearing your information.
After that, proceed to the data capturing
machine for your biometric data.
For more information about OAV, please
contact OAV Secretariat or the Committee
on Overseas Absentee Voting Commission
on Elections or just visit the following
websites: www.comelec.gov.ph, www.dfa.
gov.ph and www.philcongen-hk.com.
Excitement and eagerness to vote on May
2010 presidential election entails in the
heart of Ms. Eva Marie David Monsayac
from Naga City, the very first registrant
last Feb. 1. When she heard the news about
OAV registration, she did not hesitate to
go to the Consulate to register. As she
reiterated, she wants to exercise her right
of suffrage, her freedom to choose and
vote the next President of our country.
“I used to wake up early in the morning and
buy roses and chocolates for her. I wake her
with a kiss and greet her Happy Valentine’s
Day.” Glen answered what he usually does
on V-Day for the love of his life while still in
Philippines.
This coming Valentine’s Day is the second
time Glen will not be with his “Dear” which
they fondly call each other. But he makes sure
that she feels how much he loves her just like
he has been doing for five years and six months
they have been together.
“Every day is Valentine’s Day for us. Every
morning when I wake up I text and tell her I
love you.” Glen said.
He shared that he misses those days he kisses
Layden in the morning and cooking breakfast
for her. For him, he will do every thing to
show his love to her. They are planning to get
married on 2010. As of now, Glen is saving
for their future, aside from having a house
and a business in Philippines which Layden is
attending.
Men, like women have a lot of stories to tell. From
time to time, it’s nice to talk and read about them to
know how rational and logical they are.
So, for the first day of registration, a total
of 33 registrants, most are newly arrived
workers. A total of 85 registrants for the
first week of OAV registration. And last
Sunday, Feb. 18, the total figures on that
particular day who registered was 84.
The Overseas Absentee Voting registration
will be conducted from Feb. 1 to Aug. 31
from Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 to 4:00 pm
at the Philippine Consulate’s conference
area. OAV registration will be closed
during holidays.Those who have registered
in Hong Kong in 2003 and voted in Hong
Kong in 2004 need not register again. And
please visit www.comelec.gov.ph to check
if your name is included in the NROAV
or CLOAV in Hong Kong.
9
At
Your Service
By: Rolando E. Estrella
MAGTANONG PO KAYO
The author has been in the public service of the Filipino Overseas Workers in Hong Kong for the past 20 years. He gives free advice and
counsel, as well as practical solutions on employment-related problems, family matters, etc. Mr. Estrella or Brother Rolly, as most people
call him, is currently the Vice President of INSURANCE OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS CO., INC. For free counseling, please
send your letters/inquiries to: AT YOUR SERVICE COLUMN, c/o Friends International Magazine, 5D Sun King Building,
580 Queen’s Road West, Hong Kong. (Attention to Bro. Rolly)
ONE DIVIDED BY THREE
Dear Tess,
I am a first-timer in Hong Kong having
worked here for barely six months since I arrived
on August 2, 2008.
With the present global financial
crisis, similar situation could happen and
affect foreign domestic helpers. For fear
of being terminated from their job, helpers
become helpless and could only accept
their employers’ terms such as yours.
I met my Chinese employer for the first time
when she came at the office of the employment
agency in Manila where she interviewed me.
From among the twelve applicants, she chose me
and at that time I felt I was the luckiest person in
the world. I badly needed money to pay for the
tuition of my daughter who is attending college
for the first time and that job was indeed a timely
answer to my need.
She explained very clear to me that I will
work in her house at the address stated in the
employment contract which we both signed and
witnessed by the agency manager.
The first two months of my employment
was alright even as I have to sleep very late at
around one o’clock in the morning three times a
week every time they play mahjong. I was telling
myself this is forgivable anyway because they
allow me to leave the house at six o’clock in the
morning during my Sunday’s off.
However on the first week of October, 2008
my lady employer informed me that since her
family business is not doing good, she made
arrangements with her other brother and sister
that I will only work in her flat two times a week,
and then two times a week in her brother’s flat
and two times a week in her sister’s flat. She said
that I will be receiving the same amount of salary
which will be divided equally among her and her
other brother and sister. She said I will also stay
in her flat as stated in the contract and that I will
still enjoy Sunday as my day off.
This arrangement may appear to be okay
as my salary remains intact and I will stay in
her flat. But the need to travel from one flat to
another is putting a lot of stress on me as I have
to travel far distances as the three of them live
territories apart. Furthermore, no one among the
three of them is willing to pay for my traveling
expenses as I commute to their respective flats.
Bro. Rolly please counsel me as to what I can
do to resolve this issue. Can I transfer to another
employer? What are my protection as a foreign
domestic helper in accordance with Hong Kong
laws?
10
Tess DLC, Fleming Rd., Wanchai
But in any situation, the law must be
respected. It is for that reason why Hong
Kong is an economic success and people
are disciplined because laws here are
strictly implemented and people abide.
Foreign domestic helpers are afforded
equal protection under the Employment
Ordinance which carries relevant laws
governing employment.
is over and above the existing salary scale for
foreign helpers. Of course, I was excited to accept
the job with the understanding that I will only do
domestic chores in her flat.
Her flat is in the fifth floor of a building
located along a busy market street. On the ground
floor of that building is a small noodle and congee
restaurant which she owns. During the second
month of my employment, she informed me that
I will have to work as dishwasher there. At the
back of her restaurant is a place for washing the
dishes where she requires me to work from 7.00
p.m. up to 1:00 a.m. every day after doing my
regular household chores upstairs.
Such heavy job put a toll on my health. I
was advised by a government clinic to rest as my
body has weakened so much due to over fatigue.
There are other laws and ordinances
concerning the hiring of domestic helpers.
The Immigration Ordinance clearly states
that IT IS AN OFFENCE to require a helper
to work for another person other than
the employer named in the employment
contract. Any employer found to breach
this ordinance may face prosecution which
will include fine and/or imprisonment and
her future application to hire a helper may
be refused.
I have begged my employer to just allow me
to work in her flat and reduce my salary to the
standard minimum but she refused. She even
threatened to terminate my contract if I refused
to follow her order.
Your employer quite clearly is violating
the law.
You may proceed to the Immigration
Department and report the matter to their
Investigation Division and you will be
advised of the steps you will take. They
will surely take immediate action and they
expect that your employer might terminate
you. But since the report of such violation
emanated from you, they will permit you
to transfer to another employer.
Dear Lheena,
Again, you may proceed and report
the matter at the Investigation Division
of the Immigration Department for quick
action.
Bro. Rolly
BACKDOOR GIRL
I finished two contracts with my previous
employer and much as I want to continue
working for them, my employer was recalled
by his Company to England and so I have no
recourse than to transfer to another employer.
During the interview my new lady employer
offered me a monthly salary of HK$4,000 which
FILGUYS, Stronger in Two Years
by Julia Buen Terry
Going stronger in two years since its
establishment in 2006, FILGUYs AssociationHong Kong greeted the Year of the Ox with
enthusiasm in pursuing its goals and objective
for its lesbian members and friends.
FILGUYS Association- HK filled the street of
Chater Road, Central as they celebrate its 2nd
Year Anniversary with the Search for Couple
of the Year 2008 and Induction of its New
Officers for 2009 with the theme, “Reaching
Out to other Lesbians. We are One Against
Discrimination and Homophobia.”
“We hope through our association and
activities, we can reach a large number of our
colleagues. And let them know that we have
our group that would fight for our rights and
will protect us too.” Marrz Saludez Balaoro,
President of FILGUYS Association- HK
Said.
This year’s Search for FILGUYS the Couple
of the Year 2008 was for the first time held
in an open venue brought joy and excitement
to its audience in Chater Road as contestants
paraded and showed their talents and best
shots. Seven couples vied for the title this
year.
The Couple of the Year Award was given to
Rap and Melanie, first runner- up was Clark
and Jean, and second runner- up was Dave
and Che. On the Most Popular Couple Award,
Dave and Che bested all the other contestants;
they also got the Best in Interview and Best
Dress Couple Award.
Best in Talent and Best in Love Story Award
was won by Mel and Love. And Best in
Casual Wear Award and Most Photogenic was
garnered by Rab and Melanie.
The highlight of the show was the Induction
of FILGUYS Association- HK new officers by
Rey Asis from the Asia Pacific Students and
Youth Association. And the Guest Speaker
was Ms. Cynthia CA Tellez from the Mission
for Filipino Migrant Workers.
FILGUYS Officers are; President: Marzz
Saludez Balaoro, Vice- President: Jean Leano,
Secretary:Irene Coles Peji, Asst. Sec. Lalyn
Revilla, Treasurer: Elsa S. Lacar, Asst. Treas.:
Mai-Mai Divinagracia, Auditor: Jake Dacio,
Asst. Auditor: Pia Bagaoisan, Media Liason:
Nino Monton, Peace Officers: Ace Corpuz,
Tito Umipig, Jhet Goingco & Pinky Salud.
Please advise me as to what I should do
because I badly need this job to support my poor
family back home but my health is now suffering
due to my employer’s persistence for me to work
illegally.
Lheena J., Mongkok
The law is clear – it is an offence
to require a foreign domestic helper to
perform non-domestic duties. Working
in a restaurant as a dishwasher is a nondomestic job and so your employer is
grossly violating the condition of your
employment as per Contract.
Hong Kong law is bound to protect
you and you do not have to worry because
under the present circumstances, you
will be permitted to transfer to another
employer.
I assure you, erring employers cannot
outsmart immigration officers.
Bro. Rolly
11
Dina May Flores is new PAHK Chairman;
Team PAHK 2009 sworn into office
Notes from
POLO
Vancouver
By: Labatt Bernie B. Julve
Other member of PAHK’s 2009 board are:
BDO’s General Manager Joel Almeda, as
vice chairman; Prime Credit Marketing
officer, Jay Martinez, as secretary; Katinko
Manager JP de Guzman, as assistant
secretary; BPI Managing Director, Voltaire
Medina as treasurer; Friends International
Magazine Managing Editor, Arnold Grospe
and Hong Kong News Sales Manager
Richard del Valle, as P.R.O.s; Barrister Ody
Lai as legal adviser.
Philippine Airlines country manager Dina
May Flores is the new Chairman of the
Philippine Association of Hong Kong.
regular monthly cocktail for the members,
sports activities, and a legal and leadership
workshop for the OFW community in Hong
Kong.
In one of his last public appearances in
the community before moving on to Libya
where he’ll take up the post of ambassador,
Consul General Alejandrino A. Vicente
swore into office team PAHK 2009.
In her Chairman’s address, Dina mentioned
that the PAHK 2009 Board will focus on
understanding members’ needs and to
come up with activities that the officers
and members would support. She also said
the community could expect a good year
of innovative ideas and new activities for
PAHK.
PAHK will undertake various projects,
including
the
traditional
annual
Independence Day Ball on June 13 at the
Conrad Hotel, a Philippine Art exhibit, a
12
While PLDT Global CEO & President, Al
Panlilio, Jollibee Hong Kong Manager,Jhell
Palomaria; Brastel Telecom Manager Eric
Goyena, PNB Chief Accountant, Rex
Caldez, Cash Sense Manager, Chato Carlos
and Prime Credit officer, John Borbolla, as
Board of directors.
Part Two: Work Done and Work Ahead
From cold Vancouver, I send to all of you there in Hong
Kong my warm greetings. The snow had flown away but it is still
very cold out here. The fog has taken over and the city appears
to be shrouded in mystery, floating on clouds.. From my 22nd
floor condo in downtown, the city looks scary and creepy, like a
haunted house in some horror movie. But that did not prevent me
from engaging in my favourite passion that is playing golf. Yes at 0
degree Celsius and with a visibility of only 100 meters, I braved the
elements yesterday, January 17, and played a round of golf in one of
the only two golf courses opened. It was an incredible experience
hitting balls without knowing where they would land and looking
for them afterwards in freezing condition. Before teeing-off the
marshal commented that I must have a great love and passion for
golf to play in that condition. He is absolutely right.
As in golf, my passion to facilitate the employment of our
workers is overflowing. In the first part of these series, I discussed
the beginnings of my journey to this part of the world and how I
started to settle down both at work and home. Allow me now to
share with you what had been done in our over-all mission to develop
the western Canada market and open employment opportunities
to the countless number of our people desirous to work here.
Team PAHK 2009 is very thankful to the
presence of several past chairmen of the
association, namely Atty. Randolph and
Lulu Salazar, Mr. Rolando Cruz, Leo
Deocadiz, Daisy Mandap and last year’s
chairman, Ms.Scylla Kwong of Prime
Credit.
Immediately upon my return to Canada, I went back to
Edmonton to start the discussion of the guidelines implementing
the MOU. My counterpart and I hope to be able to come out with
an initial draft by the end of February.
Meantime in Vancouver, I made courtesy calls on a
number of government officials one of whom was the Manager of
the Provincial Nominee Program. From our conversation, I learned
that the Province of British Columbia (B.C) was planning on
recruitment missions to Europe and Korea. I quickly seized the
opportunity by convincing him to include the Philippines as one
of their destinations. After two cups of coffee, he agreed and we
began discussing the mechanics of the recruitment mission as well
as its dates. With the POEA and the Canada Desk at the Office of
the Secretary in Manila, I kept the lines burning to make sure that
the recruitment mission would be a success since I was pretty
sure it would set the benchmark it being the first-ever recruitment
mission of British Columbia. To avoid unnecessary expense, I had
the recruitment mission scheduled at about the time that the
Philippine-Alberta MOU would be signed. So while the MOU signing
was scheduled on 1 October, the B.C. recruitment mission was set
on 6 and 7 October.
Held at the Occupational Safety and Health Center in
Quezon City, the recruitment activity went well with 450 preselected workers participating 70 of whom are, as of this writing,
been selected and are waiting for their papers to be processed.
Satisfied with the all the arrangements for the mission, my B.C
counterpart and I are now planning for a much bigger recruitment
mission this May to look for more workers as the province braces
itself to host the winter Olympics in 2010.
In between meetings with my government counterparts,
I made a round of various Filipino communities and associations
including the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration
Consultants to explain our rules on the recruitment and deployment
of our workers and to network with them for possible collaborative
or joint projects to advance the interest and welfare of our
workers.
As a final note, I wish to inform you that POLO-Vancouver
will relocate again to a new office beginning 1 February. Located
on the 4th floor of the building where we are now, the office is
much bigger and better and has a breathtaking view of the ocean
and the mountains beyond. Needless to say, we need a working
environment where we can be comfortable given the enormous
tasks ahead of us.
Induction Ceremony was held at the Novotel
Hong Kong Function Room in Wan Chai
last January 21, 2009.
Also present during the ceremony were
Consul Kira Danganan, Vice Consul
Joy Banagodos, Vice Consul, Val Simon
Roque, Labour Attache Romulo Salud,
SSS Hong Kong Representative Roberto
Roldan, PAHK active members and past
directors, members of the Bankers group,
other personalities in the Filipino business
community, guests and friends from the
media.
to meet the Minister and his party who arrived two days later.
With tri-media coverage, DOLE Secretary Marianito D. Roque and
Alberta Minister of Labor and Immigration Hector Goudreau signed
the MOU at the Shangri-la Manila hotel.
apg
The signing of the MOU between DOLE Secretary Marianito D. Roque and Alberta
Minister of Labor and Immigration Hector Goudreau. in the background are senior
DOLE and Alberta officials
I pushed hard my counterparts in the Province of Alberta
to finalize the long delayed Memorandum of Understanding on
Human Resource Development and Deployment of our workers. I
shuttled between Vancouver and Edmonton in Alberta in an effort
to iron out whatever wrinkles there were in the draft MOU. It helped
that the Secretary dispatched a DOLE Mission to Canada headed
by Undersecretary Minda G. Padilla to help me out finalize the
MOU. By the 3rd week of September 2008, after a few more email
exchanges with my counterpart, Alberta agreed to sign the MOU
and we quickly arranged for the trip of Alberta’s Minister of Labor
and Immigration to Manila for the signing of the MOU. The signing
was scheduled on 1 October and I left for Manila on 27 September
Next issue: The Canada Labor Market Assessment
13
MISSION OF
Love!
by Apostle Renato D. Carillo / ORAS NG HIMALA staff
“Love is patient, love
is kind. It does not envy,
it does not boast, it is
not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is
not easily anger, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love
does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trust, always hopes,
always preserver. Love never fails…..…”
1 Corinthians 13: 4- 8
August 2008 in the depressed areas of Quezon
City , Philippines. Presently, the ministry also
started the MISSION OF LOVE program in
some urban and rural areas within the country.
Surely, it is a God-ordained program to reach
out the poor people who live in the street and in
during weekdays to invite them to the Church
service (Oras ng Himala Miracle After Miracle
Explosion) along with coupon (which entitled
them to get a package of food and clothing).
The said Church service is being held every
Saturday, 2:00-7:00 PM at the ministry’s main
church, Cinema 21, Araneta Center, Cubao,
Quezon City, Philippines.
Countless of people have been saved, healed,
7Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes
from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God
and knows God. 8Whoever does not love does not
know God, because God is love. 9This is how God
showed his love among us: He sent his one and only
Son into the world that we might live through him.
10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he
loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for
our sins. 11Dear friends, since God so loved us, we
also ought to love one another. 12No one has ever
seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in
us and his love is made complete in us.
1 John 4:7- 12
the depressed areas of the society, whose main
livelihood is collecting and digging garbage.
Its goal is to help people by giving them food
and clothing, praying for their sicknesses, and
saving their souls for the Lord Jesus.
The JESUS IS OUR SHIELD WORLDWIDE
MINISTRIES has been helping all kinds
of people for years. Innumerable lives have
experienced healing, deliverance, salvation,
and the blessings of God. The ministry has been
continuously reaching out precious souls for
Christ through television and radio programs,
tracts, brochures, and leaflets, magazines,
e-mails, CDs, DVDs, books, booklets, as well
as through website to win them at any cost
for Christ Jesus. This program was born out
compassion to help the poor not only during
calamities but any day is always a special day
to extend a helping hand.
In leadership of the Man of God, Apostle
Renato D. Carillo,
the
Spiritual
Director
and
Founder of Jesus
Is Our Shield
Worldwide
Ministries
with
the cooperation of
all the ministerial
staff, Pastors, and
c o n g r e g a t i o n s,
the “Mission of
Love” was made
possible, initiated in the second week of
14
set free, and blessed by God as they attended
the anointed services, held by the Man of
God.
After every service, packages of food and
clothing and snacks are given to them. After
every service, interviews were conducted.
These are their usual responses. “I am so
blessed! “I enjoy the entire service!” “I really enjoy
the service!” “Thank you so much for the goods,
the snacks and of course the word of God!”, they
exclaimed. After every service, they left the
place with happy faces.
Funds are from God’s provision, joint sacrifices
of the entire ministry’s member worldwide,
initiated by the Man of God and his wife. Of
course, the ministry also welcomes everyone
who has the heart to extend a helping hand to
the poor. Anyone may send some used clothing,
canned goods, rice, etc., and also offerings for
this on-going Mission of Love program.
The ministry’s staff visits the depressed areas
Truly, the more you think of others because
you love them, the more you will attain real joy
and true meaning of life. Isn’t it the example of
Jesus? Indeed, it is one of the secrets of living
a joyful life here on earth. And everything we
do out of love will surely succeed. Absolutely,
love never fails.
For prayer and counseling, log on to: www.
miraclehour.com / email: apostle_carillo@
hotmail.com.
by Barrister Ody A. Lai
Got questions regarding legal matters? Write us and we’ll get your
queries answered by our knowledgable columnist. Send all correspondence to Friends International Magazine by post or email.
Loans, Phone Cards, Excessive Interest - Part 1
I borrowed HK$ 20,000 from my friend Arlene
to start a business of selling phone cards. I
promised Arlene that I will repay her back within
6 months and will give her 20% of the profit
from the business. Arlene went to borrow from
a financing company the HK$ 20,000 she gave
me with Baby as reference/guarantor. After 3
months, I found out that all the phone cards are
invalid because the phone card company closes
their business. Arlene is now collecting from me
and will soon go back to Philippines for good.
Baby is worried that Arlene cannot pay the loan
and she will be responsible for payment. All the
clients who bought telephone cards from me are
demanding refund. The management of the
phone card company cannot be located. I heard
that the manager ran away to Australia. Please
help me.
Cherrie D of Sai Kung.
Cherrie, you have many problems and the
answer is not easy. There are multifaceted
and interconnected agreements that you
entered into and to unravel them takes full
knowledge of your rights and obligations
under each agreement. I will first discuss
the contract you made with Arlene. The
others, with the telephone company and
to your clients, I will discuss at a later
period.
A contract is an agreement between two
or more parties that is binding in law. It
generates some rights and obligations that
can be enforced by the parties through the
courts in Hong Kong. There are methods
of enforcement should one party defaults
or make a breach, such as Damages
(monetary) or performance to act in
accordance with the contract.
“30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your mind and with
all your strength.’ 31The second is this: ‘Love your
neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment
greater than these.”
Mark 12:30-31
The mission of love programs certainly reveals
the immense love of God for them as they are
helped in their physical and spiritual needs.
Legal Matters
Cherrie’s contract with Arlene can be in
writing, purely oral, partly oral and partly
in writing. There are exchanges of promises
between the two, Cherrie to borrow and
pay with share of profits and Arlene to
lend in anticipation of repayment of
principal and profits after 6 months. Even
without evidence in writing, their contract
is enforceable. Once the offer was made
and the other party accepted then there is
meeting of the minds; both with intention
to be bound by their promises; and both
provided valuable consideration, then the
contract is valid.
Cherrie is liable to pay the principal of
HK$ 20,000 in a straight money lending
transaction. In addition, an agreed
reasonable interest could also be payable.
But Cherrie promised to pay after 6 months
with 20% of the profit from the phone card
business. It points to the possibility that the
transaction is not straight money lending
agreement rather a business agreement
where Arlene provided the HK$ 20,000 as
investment to the phone business. If this is
the case, Arlene and Cherrie are partners
in the phone card business whereby the
invested money are subject to risk of loss
or the benefit of a profit. Given the closure
of the phone company, it is assumed that
the phone card business of Cherrie and
Arlene failed and both will suffer financial
losses.
On the other hand, if the 20% profit share
of the profit is meant to be the amount of
interest payable by Cherrie to Arlene after
6 months should the business becomes
profitable but no such share of profit
should the business fail, then Cherrie may
still be liable to pay the principal of HK$
20,000 but not liable to pay any interest as
the business failed.
In commercial transactions, the court may
be prepared to enforce vague agreement
by reference to trade customs, customary
practice, and previous dealings of the
parties. The customs of selling phone cards
in the Filipino community can be admitted
for as long as it does not contradict a
written agreement. Extrinsic evidence such
as records of previous SMS, telephone
conversation, email correspondence and
others would be allowed to show that the
contract is a pure investment or a pure
lending agreement. I suggest that the
written agreement if any should be carefully
studied as to terms and conditions. In pure
oral agreement, then reliance to trade
customs, customary practice, and previous
dealings of the parties are of paramount
importance.
It is in the best interest of Cherrie to have
a meeting with Arlene and discuss their
issues amicably. Should it fail, Arlene
would likely issue a demand letter asking
payment within 7 to 14 days. Failure of
Cherrie to pay would undoubtedly make
Arlene proceed to legal proceedings at the
Small Claims Tribunal.
I suggest that Cherrie negotiate with Arlene
as to the repayment plan of the HK$
20,000 by monthly installments. Arlene
on the other hand should be encouraged
to settle payment by installment and forgo
any interest or profit sharing. Amicable
settlement will save time, cost and effort
by both parties. Both parties must come
to the table with prepared concessions to
the other side for it to succeed. If Arlene
or Cherrie insists on their strict rights and
obligations under Contract, the out of
court settlement is doomed to fail and it is
a waste of time. Then both should contact
their legal representatives and seek advice
as to their rights and obligations. Word of
Caution though, legal fees will definitely
be more than HK$ 20,000. Both must
weigh the pros and cons as well as costs
and benefits.
If in fact, the agreement is purely for
investment purposes, I am afraid that
Arlene would stand to lose her HK$
20,000. Arlene in the circumstances must
demand accounting of phone card sales
from Cherrie and demand the partial
return of her investment.
Word of advice to all: In Hong Kong, a
special license is required to operate a
money lending business. Failure to get this
license will subject anybody who lends
money to prosecution. Charging interest
rates in excess of 60% a year is also subject
to prosecution even if you have a money
lending license. Lending money to family
and friends is not against the law; it is the
charging of interest, more so usurious
interest that is illegal.
I would like to wish you the best of
Filipino community unity and compassion
this special February month of love. Yung
mga walang ka valentino o valentina, sana
sa malapit na panahon, magkaroon ka ng
maraming FRIENDS.
15
IMAP-HK 3rd Year Anniversary and Induction A Success
Senator Lacson graces the 1st Sinulog Festival
in Hong Kong 2009
by APG
by Julia Buen Terry
Champions received a medal, free boxes from
TLC Cargo and Gift Certificates from Jollibee
Hong Kong. Other winners and the rest of
the contingents also received free boxes from
TLC Cargo Hong Kong who also donated the
medal for the runner ups.
Determine to serve its membership and
the Filipino Community in Hong Kong,
the Integrated Midwives Association of
the Philippines, Inc.- Hong Kong Chapter
successfully held it 3rd Year Anniversary
Celebration and Induction Ceremony on 18
January 2009 at Bayanihan Trust Center,
Kennedy Town, Hong Kong.
Among the other contingents were:
Luzon Federation Hong Kong headed by
Ms.Remedios Borlaza, The Valencia, Negros
Oriental Group and the Stanley Filipino
Group. Different concepts were presented
among each group which showed that through
the intercession of the Sto. Niño, and with our
faith sickness will be healed.
IMAP-HK highlighted the affair with a
seminar on the latest updates on the Midwifery
Profession with its theme, “Connecting the
Web of Life through Dynamic and Healthy
Interaction”.
Newly elected IMAP-HK officers were
inducted during the occasion by outgoing
Philippine Consul General Alejandrino A.
Vicente who also lauds the midwives on its
contribution to the Filipino Community in
Hong Kong. “I would like to thank the IMAPHK for the effort that your group had made
in supporting the activities of the Consulate.
I hope that the one who will succeed me will
be getting the same warmth and cooperation
from you.” He said.
and Form for five (5) intravenous fluids duly
accomplished, certified by the supervising
faculty and principal and notarized aside from
other original requirements.
professionally ay nandoon. It is so nice and I
am proud that the officers here are cohesive.”
Board of Midwifery Member Lolit I. Dicang
said.
Dicang also added that there is a possible hitch
for some board takers as IMAP-HK is pushing
for a board exam to be in the territory this year.
“Ang mga old graduates ay wala pang Skills
Training like suturing and IV. But together
with the IMAP National and the Board of
Midwifery we will tackle this matter with the
Philippine Regulations Commission. I hope
payagan sila na kumuha ng exam and after
passing ay saka na sila mag- skills training.”
According to Dicang.
According to her that effective 1995 under
Resolution 100, board takers are required to
submit upon application for the exam the Form
for suturing of five (5) perinea lacerations
16
Honorable Senator Panfilo ‘Ping” Lacson,
was the special guest of honor of the first-ever
Sinulog Festival in Hong Kong which was held
last February 01, 2009 at the Chater Garden.
Also present in the celebration were Patricia M.
Gomez, IMAP Inc., President, Labor Attaché
Romulo Salud, Joel Almeda, and Merlinada
“Babes” Mercado.
Discussed during the seminar are Updates
on the Midwifery Profession, Becoming a
Midwife Entrepreneur, and IMAP, Inc. Plans
and Program for 2009.
“Maganda itong ginagawa ng IMAPHong Kong, their desire to learn and grow
permit, and accreditation to Philhealth, a
Pediatrician, an OB-GYN, and a tie- up with
the local government to be able to start the
operation of the clinic.
Resolution 100 Series of 1993 is a promulgation
and enforcement of rules and regulations
governing the examination, registration
and licensure of Midwives and the Practice
of Midwifery profession. It was created by
the Board of Midwifery with participatory
and consultative effort from the Integrated
Midwives Association of the Philippines, Inc.
and the Association of Philippine Schools of
Midwifery under the Republic Act 7392 or
The Philippine Midwifery Act of 1992.
Despite the bad news, Midwives have good
news. They can now be entrepreneurs by
putting up a Birthing and Lying- In Clinic with
the help of USAID through IMAP, Inc. while
still working in Hong Kong.
“We will provide worth P 30,000 worth of
equipment to every applicant, we will train
the midwife, and help with the accreditation
to PhilHealth.” Corazon Paras, IMAP, Inc.
Project Coordinator reiterated. She also said
that applicant only needed to complete a
permit to construct for the clinic, a business
IMAP-HK officers are as follows: President:
Brenda Atrero, 1st Vice- President: Maricel
Sauza; 2nd Vice- President: Nelly Navarro;
Secretary: Faith Campillanos; Asst. Sec.:
Rachel Abella; Treasurer: Fatima Pina; Asst.
Treasurer: Agnes Ardan; Auditor: Edithe
Pipo; P. R. O.: Neneth Bermudes
For Committee Heads, Committee for
Membership: Evelyn Magno; Legislation and
Appointment: Ethel Ramos; Education: Jhona
Bernabe; External Affair: Helen Bacarce;
Internal Affairs: Aeolie Ada Rosimo; and
for Grievances and Midwifery Ethics: Lina
Asuncion.
IMAP-HK Advisers are: Patricia Gomez,
Babes Mercado; Dr. Angel Ramos; Joel
Almeda; and Arnold Grospe.
Advertise with
Friends International Magazine
For inquiries, call 2541 2510
SINULOG is a pageantry of faith, a festival
held in honor of the Santo Nino, celebrating
the origin of the island of Cebu. Sinulog is a
dance ritual in honor of the miraculous image
of the Santo Niño. The dance moves two steps
forward and one step backward to the sound
of the drums. This movement resembles the
current (Sulog) of what was known as Cebu’s
Pahina River. Thus, in Cebuano, they say it’s
Sinulog.
More than just the meaning of the word is the
significance of the dance. Historians now say
that Sinulog, which is of pagan origin is the
link between the country’s pagan past and its
Christian present.
Lacson, who hails from Luzon but an adoptive
son of Cebu is also a devotee of Senyor Sto
Nino. In his speech, he congratulated and
expressed his gratitude to the organizers for
staging such a historical event for the Filipino
community in Hong Kong specially to the
Visayan group.
He also promised to support activities of the
OFW organization in Hong Kong with worthy
causes like these and encouraged community
leaders to maintain and uphold unity among
each other.
Sleepless nights and cramming paid off for
the successful staging of the historical Sinulog
Festival in Hong Kong. The Program started
in the morning with the Grand Parade of the
contingents in their colorful costumes and
different props. Sinulog Queen of the different
groups were represented by the candidates
vying for the Perlas ng Visaya 2009 title. After
the parade a solemn mass and blessings of Sto
Nino was officiated by Bishop John Tong and
assisted by Father Emil Lim, who was also
part of the day long celebration in Honor of
Senyor Sto Nino and for thanking him for his
blessings as we implore his divine guidance
and protection as we celebrate the Sinulog
Festival.
The whole day event was organized by the
Sinulog Committee in Hong Kong, LOVA,
Chaplaincy and in cooperation with the
International Ladies Association in Hong Kong.
The said event was attended and supported by
the Association of Filipino Leaders in Hong
Kong and different associations from Luzon,
Visayas and Mindanao.
BOHOL Federation of Hong Kong headed by
Ms. Luz Brucio and Fely Feniza made History
for their groups for being the First Champion
of the Sinulog Hong Kong 2009. Limited time
in practice and short preparations did not affect
the presentations of the seven contingents of
different associations.
Other winners are; Love Peace and Unity
group headed by Arthur Buban who was the
1st Runner up, Mindanao Alliance headed
by Engr. Nazzer Ampang was the 2nd runner
up and Leyte Achievers International
Group of Hong Kong headed by Ms. Lonie
Bagaipo, took home the 3rd runner up awards.
Members of the Board of Judges were
renowned Ballet Dancer/Instructress and
owner of TLC Cargo, Ms. Anna Kathrina H.
Cruz, Ms.Joyce Hererra Wong, Sister Necitas
Derama, Mr. Ariel Castillon and Bro Melchor
Fuerzas. While the Panel of Adjudicators were
Marjorie Agustin and Aida Jayme.
Special thanks to the following event sponsors:
Ms. Anna Cruz and Mr. Jay Samonte of Total
Loyal Courier (TLC) Cargo Hong Kong. Mr.
Jimson Dator and Greg Matubis of 1528
Smart Pinoy, Jhel Palomaria of Jollibee Hong
Kong and Mr. Vinzon Gonda of Gen Ex Cargo
Hong Kong. Mr. Arnold P. Grospe of Friends
International Magazine. Mr. Leo Deocadiz
of the Sun Newspaper, Mr. Bob Waterfield of
Filipino Globe, Good Evening Kabayan ,PTS
Pinoy Tayo San Man and the LOVA officers
and members.
The event was hosted by Mr. Arnold P. Grospe,
Voltaire Medina of BPI, Ms Anna Torralba
of Simbayanan – Kampi and Ms. Fely Rose
Fulmones of LOVA.
17
Do you want your photos on this page? Group pictures, special gatherings, association activities are most welcome. Send them to us by post or email and you just might find
yourself in our next issue.
18
. . . friends snapshots
19
Mabuhay Ka Kabayan!
by: Julia Buen Terry
Mabuhay Ka Kabayan is a column on OFWs who has exemplary works,
outstanding service to their fellows, has given pride to our country, serves
as a role model and an inspiration to Filipinos in Hong Kong.
Former Court Interpreter, Activist and
now Lesbian Leader Marzz Saludes
Balaoro talks to Julia Buen Terry
about life then and now in Hong Kong;
his fights for the migrants rights and
welfare, and for his colleagues.
I arrived in Hong Kong in 1991. During
that time, only four Filipino organizations
exist in HK; the Maharlika, Bayanihan,
Luzviminda, and the Filipino Club.
After a year, I gained the leadership as Vice- President in Maharlika,
and then later I became the President. I made some expose in the
association that resulted to the impeachment of the President.
During that time, Executive Order 857 or Force Remittance was
enforced by the Marcos Administration. OFWs are forced to remit
50-70% of their salary through the authorized banking channels of
the government. If you do not have a proof of remittance, you can
not avail consular services from the consulate.
Ms. Elma Pagdato is Prime Gold’s Dakilang OFW 2008
There are some Filipinas who can not express their self in court;
they got nervous that they can not answer questions. It is a pity for
them; I saw fear in their face. Because just being at the court is already
intimidating.
by Lawyswys
In Hong Kong, Tita Elma is an active member
of Passi City (Iloilo) Association Hong Kong
(PCIAHK). She was elected as Internal
Vice-President. Because of her motherly
characteristics and perseverance, Tita Elma
won the Most Outstanding Mother and Role
Model Mom awards, as organized by the
Overseas Filipino Workers, Investors and
Entrepreneurs (OFWIE) on May 2007.
I came back in Hong Kong as tourist in 2005. It was October 08
when I witnessed an incident in a Videoke Bar where a lesbian was
bullied by a Filipino. It was pathetic that it resulted to physical
injuries on the part of the lesbian.
Those who had witnessed the bullying decided to form a group to
be able to protect the lesbians’ rights and welfare. FILGUYS was
then established in October 08, 2006 at Club Angels in Causeway
Bay.
FILGUYS is the first Filipino Lesbian Organization in Hong Kong.
From twenty- one founding members it ballooned to one hundred
seventy- two members.
As an OFW, lesbians face double discrimination, first as an OFW
and then as a lesbian in the society.
FILGUYS have educational trainings and orientation for all its
members on how to defend their rights and welfare, on how to explain
to the society that we choose this sexual preference and we are proud
of it. We want to be productive and treated as normal individuals.
On October 2008, Prime Gold Plus launched
the search for “Dakilang OFW 2008”. The
program was open to Overseas Filipino
Workers, not limiting to “mothers” alone. This
program is a derivative of 2006’s Dakilang Ina,
where Mrs. Virginia Mendoza was awarded the
title and 9 more deserving mothers regarded as
finalists. Dakilang OFW 2008 is in partnership
with Metro Plus 1044.
For 2008, the goal was to find an OFW that
was, among others, hard-working; someone
who has established success not only for his/
her family but also for the community back
home. For Prime Gold, a Dakilang OFW is also
a person active in the Filipino Community
in Hong Kong, a person who participates
in development trainings and helps fellow
kababayans in whatever way possible.
Maharlika is one of the organizations that fought for the
abolishment of the EO 857. I witnessed the establishment of the
United Filipinos Against Force Remittance that later became the
United Filipinos in Hong Kong.
I was the Chairperson of United Filipinos in Hong Kong from
1990- 1994. We have three refuge houses during that time because of
mass termination of OFWs. We also have a livelihood project for the
OFW family in Philippines.
I was also a part of the establishment of Asian Migrant Coordinating
Body as Chairman of United Filipinos in Hong Kong.
I went home for good in 1996 because I had a problem with my
adopted son. He went into drugs. I was not able to handle it properly.
I was blinded by the circumstances and my only recourse to solve it is
to go home even there is a lot of opportunity here.
I was a court interpreter that time (1992- 1996) but I needed to go
home for him. He is fine now and into production design even he
graduated Practical Nursing. I wanted him to be a lawyer.
He blamed me for not being on his side, for not having a parent to
guide him. I am thankful, he overcomes his ordeal even he wasted
almost nine years of his life.
I also have a fifteen year old adopted daughter. She is my last hope
and she wants to be a journalist like Korina Sanchez.
As a court interpreter, I encountered a lot of heart breaking stories
of Filipinas in Hong Kong. Some of them are still fresh in my time,
stories about white slavery, accused of theft and many others.
There were times the court warmed me not to be bias between the
employer and the employee. It was hard for me.
20
We join rallies fighting for the rights and welfare of migrants. We
are part of the community and we don’t exclude ourselves. We have
our volleyball team and a dance group in FILGUYS.
I envision for a FILGUYS community, that we are living collectively,
sharing and protecting each other. Especially that Philippine is still a
male dominated society. Here in HK, its fine but back home and we
are not earning like here, it’s a dilemma for a lesbian.
Give importance to opportunity. Save while we are still here.
Whatever dream we have for the future, start doing it now, build it until
it materializes. Every plan should materialize for its fulfillment.
I want to have my own farm when I retire, do gardening and live
a simple life. I want my partner to fulfill her dream too. I hope our
relationship would work- out.
I wish the dream of Filipinos to have a progressive and developed
Philippines to be fulfilled. So that there would be jobs for everyone
and families will no longer be separated by migration.
To come up with a winner, distinguished
members of the Filipino business community
in Hong Kong were invited to be judges. The
list of judges includes Mrs. Scylla Kwong
(PrimeCredit Limited), Mr. Arnold Grospe
(Friends), Mr. Joel Almeda (BDO), Mr.
Richard del Valle (Hong Kong Publications),
and Mr. Jay Martinez (PrimeCredit Limited).
Life stories were aired in Metro Plus 1044 and
listeners were given a chance to vote for one
candidate. 60% of the final score is from the
judges, and 40% from the SMS voters.
During Prime Gold’s Christmas party at
Grappa’s Cellar on the 14th of December 2008,
Mrs. Elma Pagdato, a local of Passi City, Iloilo,
was declared Dakilang OFW 2008.
“Tita Elma”, as called by many, is a secretarial
graduate from the University of Iloilo. Early
on, Tita Elma’s family had several businesses
in Iloilo, including a fish wholesale store, a
coffee shop and ice store. While looking after
the business, she met her future husband, Mr.
Leopoldo Pagdato.
Being Prime Gold’s Dakilang OFW 2008, Tita
Elma has received quite a number of prizes,
including a plaque of recognition, Christmas
hamper, cash vouchers, entertainment system,
and most importantly, a 3 days-2 nights’
trip to Hong Kong for three of her family
members. The family arrived last February 25
and stayed in Hong Kong Disneyland. Prime
Gold of course sponsored the airfare, hotel
accommodations, local transportation and
pocket money.
The 9 finalists of the search for Dakilang
OFW also did not go home empty handed, as
they also received plaques, cash vouchers, and
Christmas hampers.
She married “Tito Poldo” on 1973. They
started to make a living by working in a farm.
Not long after, they managed to build a small
house and later on, was able to put up their
own grocery store. While doing this, they
still took care of a backyard full of vegetables
and tobacco. Tita Elma also became their
barangay’s secretary in 1976 and a Treasurer
for their multi-purpose cooperative in 1988.
When the 5th daughter of Tita Elma & Tito
Poldo was born and still, the income they
are receiving are not enough, they decided to
close the grocery store and open an eatery at
the town proper of Passi, She would bring her
three daughters to the eatery every day since
no one else is available to look after them.
After Cheryl’s (the eldest daughter) secondary
school, Tita Elma decided to look for a greener
pasture. On August 1991, Tita Elma was
employed as an OFW in Hong Kong.
From all the sacrifices and hardwork of Tita
Elma, all of her 5 daughters graduated from
college. Aside from that, the humble home
they previously built was now a 6 bedroom,
two-story concrete house. To list a few more
achievements, Tita Elma and her family now
have the following: 3 hectares of land that
produces sugarcane, a Swine Raising and
Hog Fattening business, a tricycle, a number
of carabaos for livelihood, and a farm that is
being taken care of by Tito Poldo. They were
also able to assist some market vendors in
Passi City by providing financial help.
21
Man’s Changeability and God’s Constancy
by Bishop. Eddie Villanueva
O
n January
20,
2009,
what in ages
past was improbable
finally
happened;
the world stood
still in amazement
as
the
United
States of America unprecedentedly installed
an African-American as her 44th president.
President Barack Obama foremost stood on
the platform of change, then rode upon the
winds of change, and brought about the tide
of transformation. Today, a hopeful America
looks forward with a renewed faith in what
her inspiring leader promised to bring into the
White House. Clearly in America’s case, hope
is akin to change and vice versa.
People have varying response to change. On
the one hand, there are those who openly
welcome it, adjust to it, and work with it until
it yields the blessings of new things. On the
other hand, there are also those who shun it,
despise it, and resist it until they finally settle
for the usual and ordinary. Where we fall in
the two categories largely determines where
we are today.
how hard they try to hide it.
Former United Kingdom Prime Minister
Winston Churchill was right on target when
he said that there is nothing wrong with
change, if it is in the right direction. Change
is influential; it basically can make or unmake
people and nations.
But even change is not beyond the sovereignty
of God. Given the uncertainty of life in
the ever turning wheel of change, man may
find stability and security in the Almighty
who introduced Himself as “I AM THAT I
AM” (Exodus 3:14, KJV). By His Name He
means that He is all that we could ever need
in this changeable life. God is constant in His
character.
God is constant in His promises. “God is not a
man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that
he should change his mind. Does he speak and
then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?”
(Numbers 23:19,NIV). “The grass withers,
the flower fades, but the word of our God
stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8, NASB). He said,
“So will My word be which goes forth from
My mouth; It will not return to Me empty,
Without accomplishing what I desire, And
without succeeding in the matter for which I
sent it” (Isaiah 55:11, NASB).
God is constant in His Being. “For I, the
LORD, do not change…” (Malachi 3:6,
NASB). He is no respecter of persons (Acts
10:34, KJV) and there is no shadow of turning
with Him (James 1:17, NASB).
Man’s changeability pales in the grandeur
of God’s constancy. To call upon His Name,
acknowledge Him in all we do, and submit to
His Lordship is to welcome His mighty work
in our lives. A personal relationship with the
Great I AM guarantees that, even in this fickle
world, nothing shall be too hard for us to do.
Closer to home, our nation has seen two
people power revolutions, a foiled one, and
a series of coup attempts. In each struggle,
the impetus was always the clamor for
change. Tired of the cyclical evils of tyranny,
corruption, and poverty, people dared to
welcome the uncertainties of an unknown
future rather than to settle with the certainty of
a deplorable present. Unfortunately, however,
our people’s hope was only dashed, time and
again, when the desired change was eventually
changed to suit the new players’ interests and
plans. Change, therefore, is only as good as its
originator.
Change is inevitable. As former US president
John F. Kennedy put it, “Change is the law
of life,” and rightly so because the only thing
constant in the world is change. Yes, we
change, whether we like it or not.
Change is inclusive. No one can stand in the
way of a raging bull and not get affected in the
process. No one can say that he is exempt from
the changes that happen around him. Whether
it is a leaf or a comet falling, we are touched by
change, known or unknown to us.
As American novelist Ellen Glasgow worded
it, however, “all change is not growth as all
movement is not forward.” I must admit
that there is one kind of change that I am
most particularly wary about ~ the corrupt
politicians’ shameless moves to change the
Philippine Constitution.
I am wary about the “Charter change” or chacha that vested-interest people are obstinately
espousing because the central motivation
behind it is essentially dubious and the timing
highly suspect. It does not take a genius to see
through the superfluous rhetoric and public
grandstanding of the cha-cha proponents;
“term extension” stubbornly slips through
their carefully sugarcoated words no matter
22
23
Balitang Showbiz
ni Noel Asinas
Karylle, gusto pang mag-jogging kaysa pagaksayahan ng panahon ang panonood ng first
episode ng Dingdong Dantes at Marian Rivera
soap, Ang Babaing Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang NANG inabangan ng mga fan nina Dingdong Dantes
at Marian Rivera ang first airing day ng Ang Babaing
Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang, ang ex-gf ni Dingdong
na si Karylle naman ay nagdya-jogging naman last
Monday night (Feb,.2).
Sa ngayon kaysa manglumo si Karylle sa break-up
nila ni Dingdong, ginagawa niyang busy ang kanyang
sarili. Tumatanggap siya ng sunud-sunod na projects
sa ABS-CBN. Kahit guest co-host siya ay tinatanggap
niya.
Ani Karylle: “It helps a lot. Naka-move on na ako.
Pero, hindi muna ako iibig muli. Mahirap umibig muli
pagkatapos ng isang mahabang relasyon. Pero, may
communication pa rin kami ni Dingdong paminsanminsan. Pinag-uusapan lang namin ay ang pagiging
business partner namin sa OnStage bar. May mga
kasama kaming business partner pa rin sa bar na sila
ang namamahala ng negosyo.
“Hanggang phone lang kami nag-uusap. Di pa kami nagkikita sa business meeting naming.”
Bukod pa na tuwing Sunday ay mapapanood siya sa kalabang programa ng SOP (na dating mainstay si
Karylle), ang ASAP.
Nagagamit nang husto ng ABS-CBN ang talents ni Karylle sa singing, dancing, hosting at acting. Kasi, may
dalawa agad siyang isasalang na programa na pawang big role ang kanyang gagampanan. Kasama siya sa TV
version ng Maruja na kukunan sa Palawan sa end of February. Partner niya sa soap si Derek Ramsey. Ang isa
pang sisimulan niyang soap ay ang Ikaw Lamang na katrianggulo siya nina Jericho Rosales at Cristine Hermosa.
Ipalalabas na once a week soap ang Maruja tuwing Friday night, samantalang ang Ikaw Lamang ay
mapapanood evening primetime.
Sa Feb.14 ay may solo concert siya sa Lobby ng EDSA Shangri-La Plaza. Isang project ito ng Magic 89 FM
at EDSA Shangri-La Ang ticket na may dinner ay worth P3,000 per plate. Guest performer ni Karylle si Jeff
Singson na lumabas na Bernardo sa Westside Story at ang sariling band ni Karylle, ang all male group na
Reasons.
May album ding lalabas si Karylle ngayong February, ang third album niya na may titulong A Time of Letting
Go. Produced and released by Polyeast Emi. Kasama sa album ang personal composition niyang Wala na Ba
ang Lahat, Hulog ng Langit at Minamahal Kita. May 10 awitin ang kanyang bagong album.
Ngayong February ay cover si Karylle bagong S Magazine na ang editor-in-chief ay si Wilson Lee Flores
Sa bagong bihis ng S Magazine, mababasa sa February issue, bukod sa istorya ni Karylle na may titulong “I
dreamt of rainbows the night I cried every kind of tear…”
May istorya ang contrioversial couple na sina Vicki Belo & Hayden Kho, Bong Revilla at Lani Mercado,
Dingdong Dantes at Marian Rivera.
May exclusive write-up hinggil kay Rick Lee para sa movie niyang Himala, Nora Aunor at first novel niyang
narelease sa market.
24
Ricky Lee, naging donor niya si
Mother Lily Monteverde para
magkaroon ng sariling opisina
ang itinatagtag niyang Writers
Foundation
SI Ricky Lee ay nagtayo ng Writers Foundation na tutulong sa mga
estudyantedeng gusting gawing career ang pagsusulat sa movies, TV o novelist o
screenplay.
Si Mother Lily Monterverde ay nag-donate ng isang condo-office-unit sa
Francisco Gold Condo sa may Q-Mart EDSA, Quezon City.
Mismo si Ricky ang nangangalap ngayon ng mga donations. Lumalapit siya sa mga taong natulungan
niya sa industriya na ngayon ay successful na sa kanilang career.
Ani Ricky: “Susunod kong target ay ang international donations. Kasi, gagamitin ko ang foundation sa
gagawin kong scholarship sa mga estudyante na hilig ang pagsusulat.Gagastusin ko ito sa kanilang pag-aaral.”
May tatlong novel nang nasulat si Ricky nang tatlong taon siyang nagpahinga sa pagsulat ng screenplay
sa movies at TVs. Ang tatlong aklat ay ang Para Kay B, Aswang at Trip to Quiapo 2. Nasa market na ang Para
Kay B at sa July naman ang Aswang.
May natapos na siyang script for movie na ididirek ni Maryo J. delos Reyes, ang Kamoteng Kahoy na si
Gloria Romero ang lalabas na bidang babae.
Paolo Contis, out na sa pagiging
host ng bagong infotainment
program ng GMA 7, ang
Outrageous and Courageous;
ipinalit si Marvin Agustin
OUT na si Paolo Contis para maging host ng bagong infotainment program
ng GMA 7 bilang kapalit ng top rating program nilang Full Force Nature na
hosted by Richard Gutierrez.
Ang ipapalit na programa ay ang Outrageous and Courageous na
magsisimulang i-air sa February 24. As of now ay namimili pa ng ipapalit
na host kay Paolo.
Hindi na pumuwede ang schedule ni Paolo, ayon sa aming source, dahil pumasok na siya sa bagong soap
ng GMA, Ang Babaing Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang. Bukod pa sa nailagay
na siya sa bagong show niyang, My Dad is Better Than Your Dad na
mapapanood simula ngayong Sunday, kapalit ng Celibrity Edition ng Family
Feud.
Samantala, natupad na rin ang pangarap ni Marvin Agustin na maging
solo host ng isang programa ng GMA 7, siya ang napiling ipalit kay Paolo.
Pero, alam naming mas gusto ni Marvin ang maging game show host.
Pero, malay natin ay maging stepping ground niya ang maghost ng isang
infortainment program.
Ang Outrageous and Courageous ay isang nakatutuwang show dahil
ditto ipalalabas ang kakaibang achievement ng isang tao. Natutuwang
panoorin ito tuwing Tuesday night.
25
Miss Mandaluyong 2009, mala-artista ang dating
ng mga contestant NASILAYAN naming sa swimming pool ng Wack-Wack Golf and Country Club ang 32 candidates para sa
taunang beauty pageant, ang Miss Mandaluyong 2009. Ang mga kandidata na pawang magaganda at super
sexy lahat ay may karapatang lumaban sa beauty contest. Pero, ilan namang outstanding ang kalagayan. Ang
pageant ay taunang sinasagawa bilang project ng mayor ng Mandaluyong sa pamumuno ni Benhur Abalos.
Isa ito sa activities ng Araw ng Mandaluyong na ginaganap tuwing February 9. Ang mananalong kandidata ay
sasakay sa pangunahing karosa sa parade ng Liberation of Mandaluyong sa February 9.
Wala kaming itulak-kabigin sa mga contestants na nagmula sa 27 barangays ng Mandaluyong City.
Alam ba ninyo ay very supportive ang pamunuan ng Mandaluyong sa pageant.Present ang first lady ng
Mandaluyong City sa Wack-Wack nang hapong iyon na si Mrs. Menchie Abalos. Beauty rin si Mrs. Abalos kaya
naman pursigido siya sa taunang project na ito ng kanyang butihing husband, si Mayor Benhur.
Kyla at boyfriend na basketbolistang si Rich
Alvarez, nagulat sa buntis isyu ng dalaga NAGULO ang pag-iisip ni Kyla nang napabalitang buntis
siya sa dito sa Manila nang kasagsagan ng concert niya sa
Toronto, Canada para sa Pinoy TV ng GMA 7. Kasama niya sa
concert sina Janno Gibbs at Allan K.
Naikuwento ng isang source na kasama sa entourage ang
naging feeling ni Kyla sa isyu. Nagtawagan ang mga malalapit
sa puso niya. Unang-una ang kanyang boyfriend na si
Rich Alvarez, ang basketbalistang boyfriend na kasama sa
koponan ng Purefood Giants ng PBA. Naglong distance call
agad ang binata sa kasintahan.
Tanong agad kung bakit nagkaroon ng ganoong isyu sa kanila. Tapos, tumawag na ang kanyang mga
kaanak at mga kaibigan.
Buti raw ay nakakanta pa si Kyla sa kabila ng intriga sa kanya.
Ang hirap pa raw ng kalagayan ng mga singer na pumunta doon. Di makalabas ng otel kung wala pa silang
performance. Kasi, super lamig umaabot ang temperature sa Toronto pa lang ng -10 at sa isang pinuntahan
nilang Calhgary ay umabot pa sa -20.
Di puedeng magpalamig ang sinumang singer dahil maaaring mamalat ang kanilang boses. Kaya ingat na
ingat sina Kyla, Janno at Arnel.
Buti naman ay successful ang concert ng tatlong singers. Walang aberyang nangyari. Tumagal din ang trip
nila ng isang linggo.
Ani Kyla sa source namin: “Di ako pabubuntis kung hindi ako kasal. Naniniwala pa rin ako sa kasal bago ang
lahat.”
Jennylyn di pa handang umibig muli;
ka-Valentine’s date ang kanyang baby
Jazz; mas kumportableng kaibigan si
Mark Herras ngayon
Nakita rin namin si dating Commissioner ng Comelec na si Benjamin Abalos sa okasyon na talagang nag-eenjoy sa panonood ng rumarampang beauty queens ng bawat barangay ng mandaluyong. Present din ang
halos lahat ng barangay captains ng bayan para suportahan ang kanilang mga kandidata.
Ang pageant night ng Miss Mandaluyong ay sa Saturday, Februay 7, 8p.m., sa Mandaluyong
Gymnasium.
Ang mga kandidata ay binubuo ng mga kababaihang may edad na 17-25. Sila’y sina Jennifer Venzuela
ng Bagong Silang, Jay Ann de Jesus ng Old Zaniga, Leslie Ann Ramos ng Bagong Silang, Richelle Lacap ng
Pleasant Hills, Charise Karunungan ng Plainview, Suzette Anne Alvarez ng Burol, Vanessa Krislyn Maniago
ng Mabini J. Rizal, Cathleen Cate Bernardo of Namayan, Maria Divina Gracia Manalo ng Pag-asa, Margarette
Reyes ng Old Zaniga, Crisa Crae Uy ng Mauway, Ma. Josefina Isabel Meily ng Barangay Highway Hills, Maria
Kristina Garcia ng Harapin ng Bukas, Kristina Carmela Espaldon ng Barangka Itaas.
Kasama ring contestants sina Andrea Lou Sanchez ng Hagdang Bato Itaas, Krissel Ebro ng Plainview,
Rodelyn Bautista ng Addition Hills, Ann Goldie Joy Laconsay ng Hagdag Bato Libis, Ann Lorraine Soriano
ng Poblacion, Queenie San Luis ng Barangay Ilaya, Pavie Rose Sy ng Barangay Ibaba, Reynalyn de Mesa ng
Malamig , Suzanne Tabitha Mendoza ng Hagdang Bato Libis, Michelle Ann Renato ng Mauway, Christine
Maminta ng Barangka Drive, Maita Faye Misa ng Daang Bakal, Mary Julyne Angga ng Mabini J. Rizal, Janine
April Dumlao ng New Zaniga, Lannie Adelyn Caron g San Jose, Dollie Charine Alcala ng Poblacion, Gabrielle
Erika Tilokani ng Hulo, Lauren Margaret Martinez ng Vergara. 26
AYAW pang umibig muli ni Jennylyn Mercado kahit may mga nagpaparamdam
na sa kanyang mangliligaw. Definitely, hindi raw isa rito si Mark Herras. Talagang
magkaibigan lang sila ngayon. Mas at ease siya sa kanyang leading man ngayon kaysa
nang panahong mag-on sila dahil away at bati ang kanilang pagsasama noon.
Kahit may mangliligaw si Jen, di niya pinapansin ang mga ito sa ngayon dahil naka-focus ang buhay niya sa
kanyang pagbabalik-showbiz at sa baby boy niyang si Alex Jazz, na nine months old.
Sa interview namin kay Jennylyn sa presscon ng Paano Ba ang Mangarap?
Nasabi ni Jen na masaya siya sa kalagayan niya ngayon dahil nagpapasaya sa kanya ang kanyang anak.
Wala siyang ka-Valentine’s Date sa February 14 kaya si Jazz ang kanyang kasama. Ngayong nagti-taping na
siya ang kasama ng anak ay si Mama Lydia at isang katulong sa bahay.
Ani Jen: “Nagiging sakitin na ang bata ngayon. Di ko alam kung bakit. Maaaring sa weather dahil papalipalit. Tuloy nag-aalala akong madalas sa kanya.’
Very touching sa kanya ang role niya sa soap dahil mabubuntis din siya rito at magkakaanak. Tulad din niya
na isang mother ngayon ng baby boy.
Ani Jen: “Di na ako nahirapan sa mga acting ko rito. Mahaba na rin ang nataping namin. Nasa week 4 na
kami ngayon. Sanay na akong maidirek ni Joel (Lamangan).”
Simula ang soap na pinagbidahan noon ni Vilma Santos at role ngayon ni Jen sa February 16 bilang isa sa
Dramarama sa Hapon ng GMA 7. Kasama ni Jen si Mark Herras bilang kanyang leading man.
27
Richard at KC, totoong-totoo
ang mga halikan sa When I
Met U, nakakakilig ang mga
love moments
MAY magic sa pagdi-direct si Joel Lamangan. Ginawa ni direk na
natural na natural ang acting ng dalawang top love team ngayon
na sina Richard Gutierrez at KC Concepcion.
Malaki ang ipinagbago ng acting nina KC at Richard kaysa
sa una nilang project sa Star Cinema noon, For The First Time.
Mas nagawang bagay sa kanila ang character dahil mai-intertain
ka sa simpleng story ng buhay ng dalawa sa When I Met U, ang
movie.
Nang napanood namin ang movie sa premiere night
nito last Tuesday night, Feb. 10, talagang hindi man lang kami
nakaramdam ng antok o pagkabagot sa panonood. Mabilis ang
pagkakasunod ng istorya. Matutuwa ka sa acting ng dalawa dahil
comedy ang movie na may ilang touch of drama.
Hindi mo sasabihing umaarte ang dalawa. Aakalain mong
totoong-totoo ang kanilang acting. Tunay na in love na in love sa
isa’t isa.
Maski si Richard ay nagpatulo ng luha dito nang malaman
niyang ikakasal sa iba si KC. Lalo na si KC ay umaagos ng luha nang
ikakasal na siya kay Alfred Vargas. Pero, finally ay nakapagdecide na siya na Richard talaga ang kanyang mahal.
Sheree: Pinagpipilian nila ni Gian Magdangal kung sa America o sa Pilipinas sila ikakasal
Ruffa Mae, nagresearch ng buhay ni
Jan Nieto nang malamang crush siya ng
binatang singer na kasama niya sa SOP
SI Jan Nieto, na first runner-up ng Philippine Idol, ay balitang apple of the eye din
ngayon ni Rufa Mae Quinto. Kasi, nagpahayag ang binata na crush niya si Rufa Mae na
kasamahan niya sa SOP tuwing Sunday.
Pero, mabagal gumawa ng aksiyon si Jan. Kaya naunahan siya ng isang taga-Dos
na si Jon Avila kay Rufa Mae.Balitang nagdi-date na sina Jon at Rufa Mae ngayon.
Inamin naman ni Jan na gusto na sana niyang lapitan si Rufa Mae, kaya lang natatameme siya sa harap ng
kanyang iniirog. No wonder ay isa lang ang kanyang nagging girlfriend sa edad niya ngayong 27 years old.
Sabi ng isang source, nang nalaman ni Rufa Mae na crush siya ni Jan, aba nagresearch na raw si Rufa Mae
hinggil kay Jan.
Alam niyang good family background ang binata. Bukod pa sa edukado ito. Tapos
ng management engineering sa Ateneo de Manila. May good paying job ang binata na
iniwanan sa Uniliver bago naging mainstay ng SOP.
Kaya lang sabi’y hanggang intay lang si Rufa Mae sa binata. Medyo naiinip na raw,
sabi ng source. Kaya nababaling na ang paningin ngayon ni Rufa Mae kay Jon.
Si Jan ay member ng grupong You’ve Got Male ng SOP na may concert sa February
20 sa Music Museum at 8p.m.
Ang titulo ng concert ay Four…the First Time. Kasama sa grupo sina Gian
Magdangal, Jan Nieto at Bryan Termulo. Ang concert ay ididirek ni Paolo Ballesteros, na
kilala noon bilang manager na Brad Turvey.
28
PAGBABALIK TANAW
by: Cristy Lopez (tutzicle)
Mga kabanatang laging dala-dala,
Sa isipan natin nakakintal kasa-kasama.
Balik tanawin natin mga araw na nagdaan,
Na sa ating katauhan di maaaring kalimutan,
Pagdugtong dugtungin, pagtagpi-tagpiin,
Mga kaganapang lumilim sa buhay natin.
Dito na po tayo sa kolehiyo magpunta,
Para kabanata matapos pansamantala,
Sa bagay na ito kailangan seryoso ka,
Dahil dito’y hahatulan ka na.
Bawat kabanata ng nagdaang araw,
Bawat yugto ay pwede mong matanaw,
Mga kaganapan sa ating balintataw,
Ating pagmuni-muniin, magbalik tanaw.
Mahirap pagpasyahan daang tatahakin,
Anong buhay kaya ang tataluntunin,
Buhay na maaliwalas o makulimlim,
Mapaghamong kapalaran pagbigyan natin.
Ating kabataan kay sarap balikan,
Walang suliraning kinasasadlakan,
Maghapon lumilipas walang kapaguran,
Simpleng buhay lamang pinagkakaabalahan.
Marami sa atin kolehiyo’y natapos,
Subalit kabuhayan laging kinakapos
Kung kaya nagpasya para mairaos,
Ibang bansa ang tinahak, tinalustos.
Aking ilalahad kaunting karanasan,
Nang munti pang bata aking naranasan,
Wala yatang araw na di ako napagalitan,
Nang mahal kong ina’t kapatid dahil sa’king
kakulitan.
Ang pangingibang bansa daw ay swertihan,
Magiging kapalaran ay walang katiyakan,
Sa dinami-dami ng dapat puntahan,
Baka ka mapagawi sa kamalasan.
Luksong tinik, chinese garter, patintero,
Harangang taga, touching ball, tumbang preso,
Luto-lutuan, bahay bahayan, bending piko siato,
That’s the color, taguan, tumbang preso.
Ang mga nabanggit ilan lamang sa laro ko,
Marahil kayo man naaalala ninyo,
Kasiyahan, kagalakan dulot nito,
Mga kaganapan nung bata pa kayo.
Alas siete ng umaga papasok na,
Alas kwatro ng hapon uwian na,
Pagdating sa bahay laro muna,
Walang kapaguran sa tuwi tuwina.
Pagpasok sa eskwela text dala ko na,
Pagupo sa silya umpisa na,
Dakdak dito daldal duon ang saya saya,
Pag nahuli ni titser may pingot ka.
Sa tanghali paguwi aratilis inaakyat,
Bigay sa kaklase lima diyes ang katapat,
Anong saya ng pakiramdam kapag naubos lahat,
Nawawala sakit ng sugat dulot sa pag-akyat.
Pagpasok sa klase kay iingay grabe,
Ako inatasang taga lista ng noisy,
Kahit aking titser aba!walang masabi,
Sa biglang pagtahimik, kaya pala ako pinaka noisy.
Pagdating ng recess takbuhan na,
Naguunahan duon sa kantina,
Pagtulong sa titser inuuna,
Upang makalibre ng miryenda.
Kay bilis lumipas ng panahon,
High School Life ay tinunton,
Masayang mahirap ang hamon,
Kaya paglaban ang naging tugon.
Algebra, trigonometry,chemistry at physics,
Mga guro dito’y tuna’y na kay babagsik
Pagdating ng exam sa cheater mata’y nanlilisik,
Pag minalas malas ika’y mapapatalsik.
Freshman,sophomore,junior, senior,
Ito ang katawagan na laging tuon,
Sa bawat level na tinutunton,
Iyan lamang ang katagang idinudugtong.
Junior Senior Prom anong saya,
Walang makakalimot dito talaga,
CAT o ROTC isama na,
Kahit nakabilad sa araw ay masaya.
High School days daw ang pinakamasaya,
Sa buhay estudyante masarap maala-ala,
Saan man ang iyong pinatutunguhan,
Nakasalalay sa iyo ang kapasyahan,
Dagok ng buhay huwag hahayaan,
Imaniobra nito ang iyong kapalaran.
Ano man ang kinahinatnan ng tinahak ng buhay,
Maging ito’y nagsimula sa kagalakan o pagtatagumpay,
Nagtapos sa kabiguan o pagkalupaypay,
Wag mong kalilimutang magbalik tanaw at magpasalamat sa nakamtang buhay.
LETTING GO
Analiza D. Cagampang
Letting go is never an easy thing to do.
For a love that I used to keep in my heart
For a love that was hidden for more than a
decade.
Waiting and hoping that you’re going to set your
eyes on me.
Many years had passed but your love is far from
reality.
My heart is longing for your love.
Till the time, I could no longer wait.
I made the moves even it may sounds being a
cheap woman.
I was broke, down and hopeless!
When I heard the news that you’re engaged to
someone else.
I can’t help myself but cry to the Lord
And asked Him to forget you.
Though letting go ain’t easy.
My heart is still grieving for a love that is never
be mine.
I do hope through my mother’s prayer,
God will heal this broken heart of mine.
YOU ARE EVERYTHING TO ME
by:Divine P.Sts.PPVG
Who would thought
I”d find someone like you;
Who would care and love me
Like no one else would do
featured Poems
Who sees and appreciates
w/o much ado.
All things around You made beautiful too;
Love is blind they say
I admit it is anyway;
Coz you’d loved me all the way
No matter what you hear them say.
You’re the air that I breath
The one who gives me strenght;
You’re everything to me.
You’re the reason I wake up each morning.
SAWI
ni Sheryl Salazar
Bigo ka na naman
Malungkot…sugatan
Luha mo wala ng mapagsidlan
Bakit nga ba? …di ka na nadala
Umibig…nagmahal
Kahit krus ang pasan
Matang kay ningning
Larawan ng pag-asa…pag-asam
Na sana bukas…ligaya ay makamtan
Kahit pag-ibig nya’y kaypait
Bakit sa’yo wari’y luwalhati ang kapalit
Bulag ka na nga…isipa’y nadimlan
Sabagay…puso mo yan
Ngunit tila ako ang syang nasasaktan
Sa mga sakit mo at hapdi…aking kapighatian
Ngayon alam ko na...tayo’y iisa
Ikaw at ako para sa malabong pag-asa
Sadyang ganyan...pag-ibig nga.
ANAK
ni Mama Rose Orogo
Anak malayo kayo sa piling ni Mama
Ngunit sa puso ko ay kasama kayo,
Kahit ilang milya aking marating pa.
Ang mukha nyo aking nakikita.
Anong lungkot anak ang malayo sa inyo
Ngunit bilang ina ay titiisin ko
Upang kinabukasan nyo mapaghandaan ko
Sa paglaki ninyo magagamit ito.
Huwag lang kalimutan na mahal ko kayo
Aking pakiusap pati na bilin ko
Pakabait kayo, mag-aral ng husto
Yan ang yaman nyo na siyang pamana ko.
Anong saya anak, nangingiti ako,
Hindi magtatagal ay uuwi ako
Sa graduation ninyo ay darating ako
Upang magkasama pamilya na tayo.
Ito ay handog ko sa aking dalawang anak na sina:
Audreyruth & Rhasel Ann Ningal
Want to get your poems published? Share it with us.
You just might see your literary creation on this page. Send
all your poems by email to editorial@friends-intl-mag.com
29
Laugh Lines . . .
Poor Spelling
Hotel Manager to Guest Relations
Manager: “Why’d you fire the Filipino
guy at the front desk? I heard he’s one
of our best. He’s been a good example
to everybody and everyone thinks he’s a
pretty hard working fellow.”
GRM: “...Yeah, but he gets us into
trouble with his spelling. He writes funny
names on the registry. This morning, a
VIP guest came in. Do you remember
Mr. Escubido? His name isn’t too hard
to spell, is it? How would you feel if the
Desk Clerk spells your name differently?”
HM: “Escubido? How’d he spell it?”
GRM: “Scooby Doo.”
Seat Belt, Please
On Damian’s first plane ride, he takes a
seat and finds the seat belt too loose. So
he calls the stewardess, “Waiter, could
you give me another seat belt please?
This one is too big. I need a size thirtyfour, thank you.”
Punishment
Jeffrey’s parents left instructions with
the Filipina nanny for the boy to be
allowed freedom to play anywhere
except in unsafe places like the big tree
in the garden. Being a little kid, Jeffrey
manages to climb up while the nanny
wasn’t watching. To her horror, she finds
the boy hanging on to the top branches.
“Get down this minute !” she says, “or
I’ll send you to your room. Your daddy
said you shouldn’t be there.”
Jeffrey goes down and the nanny says,
“Go to your room and stay there until
your parents come home. You are being
punished.”
“But you said you won’t punish me
if I got down from the tree!” Jeffrey
complains.
“Of course,” the nanny says, “ I am not
punishing you for going down the tree. I
am punishing you for climbing up.”
(Marunong ka pa sa Pinay. Sige...)
Morning Whistle
This little town has a parish priest who
thought himself fortunate to have served
for some years in American parishes.
30
When he returned home, he went about
Americanizing the parish’s systems
and policies, including using English
as the official language, and all the
way to changing babies’ names as they
are presented for baptism. Maria gets
changed to Mary, Esteban to Stephen,
Pedro to Peter, etc.
This has become known all throughout,
and many parishioners cooperated by
choosing American names for their
babies beforehand. One day, a farmer
comes to the Parish office to register his
baby for baptism.
“What’s the baby’s name?” the priest
asks.
“Morning Whistle, Padr !” the farmer
replies.
“Morning Whistle? Where did that name
come from?”
“Pader? Dat is de English for
AGAPITO!”
Pangarap
Pupil: Ang pangarap ko po ay kumita
ng twenty thousand dollars a month.
Kagaya ng tatay ko.
Teacher: Wow! Ang laki pala ng suweldo
ng tatay mo.
Student: Hindi po. Pangarap po niya
yon.
Kape
CUSTOMER: Miss, ‘sang kape nga.
WAITRESS: Sir, 8 pesos na po ang kape
namin.
CUSTOMER: Ay, bakit naman?
WAITRESS: Kasi po, mahal na ang
gasolina.
CUSTOMER: E. di huwag mo na lang
lagyan ng gasolina ang kape ko.
I love your singing
Mahilig kumanta ang asawa ni Pedro
kaya’t sumali sa Church Choir.
Tuwing mag-papa practice ang Misis sa
bahay, bigla naman lalabas ng bahay si
Pedro.
Dahil dito, medyo nag tampo ang Misis
kaya’t kinausap ang asawa.
Misis: Pedro, Ano ba ang nangyayari?
Hindi mo ba gusto ang boses ko?
Pedro: Honey, “I love your singing”, pero
gusto ko lang na malaman ng mga kapit
bahay natin na hindi kita sinasaktan pag
kumakanta ka!!
Tanggap Ka Na
Si Juan na isang accountant ay napilitang
mag apply ng trabaho sa isang maliit
na kumpanya dahil matagal na siyang
tambay.
Ngayon ang araw ng kanyang interview.
Nalaman nya sa secretary na problemado
ang may-ari ng kumpanya at sya ang
mag-iinterview kay Juan.
May-ari: (mukhang problemado)
Ahhh....Mr. Juan dela Cruz, please come
in and have a seat.
Juan: Thank you very much, Sir! (medyo
kinakabahan.)
May-ari: Alam mo, talagang kailangangkailangan ko ng accountant ngayon dahil
masyado na akong namomroblema sa
dami ng aking mga iniisip dahil lumalaki
itong kumpanya.
Gusto ko ng accountant para siya na ang
mamroblema sa financials ng kompanya
at handa ko syang paswelduhin ng
sandaang libong piso bawat buwan.
Nagulat at natuwa si Juan dahil sa laki
ng sweldong ibibigay ng may-ari. Kaya’t
sya’y nagpakitang gilas.
Juan: Kung gayon, handa po akong
tanggapin kahit anong problemang nais
nyong problemahin ko.
May-ari: Sige, tanggap ka na at pwede
ka nang mag-umpisa sa lalong madaling
panahon.
Juan: (Tuwang-tuwa) Sir, nagtataka
lang po ako kung bakit kaya nyong
magpasweldo ng ganoong kalaki gayong
maliit lang po itong kumpanya natin?
May-ari: Yan ang una mong problema!
Laughter is the best
medicine!..
Share your Jokes
and put a smile on
someone’s face today!
Available at the following outlets
Worldwide House Outlets
Shop 128 1/F Your Shoppe
Shop 134- 136 1/F Victory Shop
Shop 138 1/F Sun Fung Trading
Shop 125-126 Philippine Product Store
Shop 241- 2/F Royal Ventures
Shop 262 2/ F Little Divisoria
Shop 245 2/F Santiagos Alteration
Shop 246 2/F Annies Shop
Shop 369 3/F Kabayan Remittance
Shop 363 3/F Nelias Store
Shop 366-368 LBC Mabuhay Hkg.
Shop 350 3/F Mang Ambo
Shop 358 3/F Elegant Collections
Bayanihan Kennedy Town Centre
55 Victoria Road
Kennedy Town
Benzon Wine
Shop 3 G/F Yee Fat Mansion
Shim Woo Road, Happy Valley
Ndrei’s Crossing Ground Bar & Lounge
Shop 13 B G/F Kwan Yick Bldg.
444-452 Des Vouex Road West
Uniwide Tsuen Wan
Shop 1/F Liksang Plaza
Tsuen Wan N. T
Sikatz Philippine Product Store 1 & 2
1/F Liksang Plaza, Tsuen Wan, N.T.
and Mei Foo Sun Chuen
Macau
Asia Pac Cargo Macau
42 Rua Da Alfandega
San Malou Macau S.A.R
Tel. 932610, 930443
Tel True Ltd.
1/F Lap Fai Bldg
Pottinger St. Central
Uniwide Hang Hau
Tseung Kwan O
Tel. 3194 5366
Uniwide Hunghom
Planet Square
Novo Ecijano Macau
Heidi – 6616 5191
Super Ace Cargo Macau
82 Rua Da Alfandega, Edificio Veng Leong Macau
Tel 2893 9473
Uniwide Laguna Arcade Kowloon City
Tel. 2772 1829
Uniwide Maon Shan
Tel: 2631 5977
Uniwide Shatin
Tel. 2362 7925
Uniwide Tai Po
Tel. 2650- 1283
Filipino Trading Co.
5/F Fai Man Bldg.
9- 13 Li Yuen St. West Central
Filmart 1
G 52 G/F, 7 Seas Shopping Center
121 King Road, Fortress Hill
Filmart 2
Shop 69 A,B,& C G/F
City Garden, Shopping Center
Blk 13 , 231- 233 Electric Road,
North Point
Filipino Mart
C1 G/F Garland House
14A 14C North Point
H & I Philippine Product Store
Shop 179-B Nan Fung Plaza
Tseung Kwan O, N.T.
JEM Employment Agency
Room 802 8/F Yat Fat Bldg.
44-46 Des Vouex Road Central
JEM Merchandise
15, 4/F Li Yuen St. West
2nd Alley-alley, Central
LBC Hunghom
Planet Square Hunghom Kowloon
LBC Tsuen Wan
Liksang Plaza Tseun Wan N.T
LEE Trading Co.
Shop 279, 2/F Liksang Plaza
Tsuen Wan, N.T.
Loy & Day Shop
Room 2013 2/F United Center
Admiralty
Lydias Store Kennedy Town
Shop 17 G/F Blk A Hoi Tao Bldg.
7-11 Belchers St. Kennedy Town
Manong & Manang Store
Shop 5 G/F Kwan Yick Bldg.
444-452 Des Vouex Road West
31
Singo Umboro, Lestarikan Budaya Indonesia Dengan Tarian Tradisional
By: Adepunk
semakin hangat dengan goyangan temanteman yang berdendang ria bersama untuk
meramaikan acara Singo Umboro.
Dalam sambutannya Aji sebagai ketua,
menjelaskan bahwa dalam grup memang selalu
ada saja perselisihan yang bisa menimbulkan
perjanjian. Aji juga menambahkan, walau
anggotanya tidak berjumlah banyak yang
penting rukun. Aji beserta anggota Singo
Umboro sangat berterima kasih atas
kedatangan teman-teman dan tamu undangan.
Aji juga meminta maaf jika selama acara
berjalan, kurang memperhatikan para tamu.
Acara diakhiri pada pukul 16:00 sore dan foto
bersama para anggota juga tamu yang hadir.
Minggu, (1/2/09) bertempat di Toko Abadi
Taipo N.T grup bentukan BMI Singo Umboro,
merayakan hari jadinya yang pertama. Grup
yang diketuai oleh Aji ini lebih fokos pada
tarian tradisional yang meliputi tari campuran
Jaranan (kuda lumping), Remong dan Reog.
Menandai genap usianya yang kesatu, Singo
Umboro mengundang beberapa grup tari BMI
untuk meramaikan acara tersebut.
H ORO S C O P E
Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18) If you are on one
side of an issue and everyone else seems to be on the
other side, you shouldn’t feel the need to change their
minds. Having everyone totally agree all of the time
is just not necessary! If you disagree with them that
doesn’t have to mean that you think less of them,
and vice versa. So learn how to agree to disagree -avoid pushing your agenda or suspecting that they are
pushing theirs. Everyone just thinks differently and
that’s okay. Lucky Numbers: 8, 10, 18, 39, 14 & 2:
Lucky Color: Pink
But first, you have to slow down and look
around. Lucky Numbers: 1, 8, 7, 28, 32 & 30;
Lucky Color: Red
Capricorn (Dec 21 – Jan 19) You should love
being around people today, especially those to
whom you are emotionally attached and better
yet, older friends with whom you can reminisce.
If ever there was a day to work with groups,
this is it! Your acute sensitivity to other people’s
moods could enable you to fine-tune those
moods as you would a violin. Lucky Numbers:
12, 13, 5, 17, 2 & 44; Lucky Color: Green
Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22) 2009 Will be a positive
year. As you find the year progressing 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
Apr 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) One of your friends
has been saving some sweet news for you.
Today they will finally be able to come clean
and let you in on it! Suddenly something they
said a few days ago makes sense. The two of
you have something to celebrate. Get out your
social ‘to do’ list and take a look at what’s next
on the list. Lucky Number: 11,27,6, 18, 4 and 2;
Lucky Color: Blue
Taurus (Apr 19 – May 20) You have the energy
to tackle most any problem involved with
work today. This is the time to use your energy
constructively; being slow to anger and worry
is a good idea now. You are filled with a great
desire to succeed in all spheres of your life.
Lucky Numbers: 5, 2, 34, 14, 29 & 45 ; Lucky
Color: Blue Green
Sagitarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21) You are
appreciated this Sunday and you feel this
from those around you. A young person needs
guidance and you may find yourself counseling
a group of young people today in order to create
an understanding between age groups. Lucky
Numbers: 11,16, 23, 49, 34, 29. Lucky Color:
Blue Green
Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 23) In the mood to have a
little bit of fun? Of course you are! And guess
what? The only thing standing in the way of
you having fun is -- you! There is no reason you
can’t start getting out there and mixing it up -and today is as good a time for socializing as
Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20) With so much out
of your hands these days, you should focus on
things you have control over. Health and diet
come to mind. And don’t waste psychic energy
on the dramas of others. Lucky Numbers: 2, 3,
14, 12, 22, & 21: Lucky Color: Violet
Virgo (Aug 23 – Sep 22) Is your career your
top focus right now? It should be. Right now,
you are in a phase of rich clarity -- you have the
ability to fully understand the opportunities in
front of you in a way you never could before.
Mind Games
Acara yang dimulai pukul 11:00 diawali dengan
acara pemotongan tumpeng. Dilaksanakannya
pemotongan tumpeng untuk mengungkapkan
rasa syukur atas terjalinnya kebersamaan grup
tersebut. Beberapa grup yang diundang dalam
acara tersebut adalah
ATKI,
ALEXA,
Borneo,
CK’Funky
Dancer, IMWU, Sekar
Bumi, Jambalaya dan
Amanah.
Acara
berlangsung
meriah dan berjalan
lancar, walau ada
sedikit
hambatan
karena
kendala
tempat yang kurang
lebar. Tamu undangan yang datang lebih
banyak dari yang diperkirakan hingga saling
berdesakan.`”Saya seneng banget dengan
terbentuknya grup ini, karena angan saya dari dulu
bisa berorganisasi dalam seni tari” Ujar Aji, ketua
dari Singo Umboro mantap.
Setelah pemotongan
tumpeng,
acara
langsung dilanjutkan
dengan penampilan
dari
teman-teman
organisasi.
Selain
menampilkan
seni
tari, beberapa grup
yang
di
undang
menyumbangkan
suaranya
dalam
berkaraoke. Suasana
32
... alamin ang iyong kapalaran
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
Word Search
Rearrange the letters to form the correct
word(s) or phrase. Clue: Famous Hollywood Director’s Blockbuster Movies.
Find the words hidden within the grid.
Words can be found
horizontally, vertically,
diagonally, backwards
or forwards.
1
TRAMS OR FERNS
Best Valentine’s Day
____________
Movies
by Kuya Willy
Anagrams
2hARB BAR ROLE
_____ ______
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
K
O
R
N
G
O
M
M
T
W
R
E
A
E
T
Q
I
2
G
N
D
E
D
I
O
O
M
D
I
E
H
R
K
T
K
3
R
E
E
T
A
T
E
E
N
M
R
D
O
R
E
D
E
4
R
D
H
O
A
R
W
T
N
R
W
A
L
P
T
R
A
5
L
A
T
E
M
A
S
R
H
B
A
G
X
X
X
A
D
6
R
E
B
O
M
A
E
A
E
H
N
T
A
L
F
E
S
7
W
E
O
B
T
R
H
T
R
S
W
O
A
K
A
M
R
8
E
A
S
M
H
O
E
A
P
T
G
9
S
R
T
B
A
T
E
W
E
P
M
E
B
R
G
H
R
10
S
R
G
E
N
S
M
E
D
A
H
P
G
N
R
B
R
11
H
N
E
S
R
O
H
O
G
M
O
O
X
N
T
R
N
12
E
E
A
G
N
O
G
H
E
W
X
T
O
T
W
G
E
M
H
13
R
K
I
E
O
S
E
R
E
R
M
A
O
O
O
O
O
G
14
P
N
E
G
E
A
R
D
R
O
G
O
I
A
S
W
E
15
E
Y
R
G
E
T
O
I
R
D
R
B
W
E
N
S
G
16
T
P
I
G
H
R
E
R
T
R
E
I
A
A
N
N
I
17
A
T
F
F
O
E
G
B
E
W
O
A
R
A
I
S
O
(F13, S) rat
(J13, NE) ox
(B17, NE) TIGER
(A4, SE) rabbit
(J15, NW) dragon
(A10, SE) snake
I
P
(A10, S) sheep
(G11, W) horse
(G10, SW) monkey
(F13, N) rooster
(B16, E) pig
(I10, SW) dog
K
(C17, N) fire
(A7, SE) water
(I12, SW) earth
(E5, W) metal
(J12, S) wood
P
E
E
L
S
E
R
E
W
U
O
Y
E
L
I
H
W
T
L
E
P
R
E
T
T
Y
W
O
M
A
N
I
W
T
H
I
A
E
L
W
E
S
Y
D
E
T
R
L
R
I
H
H
N
G
E
D
U
P
L
I
Y
C
E
O
I
O
N
W
T
S
R
G
N
O
N
D
N
O
I
E
C
R
I
L
U
R
P
N
L
W
L
O
A
F
H
E
Y
U
Y
E
K
F
O
T
S
'
B
T
O
H
N
E
E
I
A
W
L
G
A
Y
S
R
S
M
O
T
V
Y
U
A
K
V
R
S
R
S
L
E
E
P
L
E
S
S
I
N
S
E
A
T
T
L
E
Y
R
'
A
L
L
L
A
N
V
L
L
Y
S
O
G
W
T
L
S
N
Y
D
U
N
S
T
N
C
O
O
I
A
L
K
S
O
A
I
T
Y
M
E
K
E
A
E
H
P
L
L
I
E
T
E
M
T
N
W
E
Only You
P
N
S
K
T
A
E
H
R
L
T
E
E
M
U
L
T
I
A
R
N
L
L
I
H
G
N
I
T
T
O
N
W
N
A
R
S
R
E
O
Y
U
I
S
I
S
S
I
E
I
Y
W
R
O
V
I
A
F
V
N
N
A
W
S
A
S
B
A
R
O
W
A
V
I
W
E
L
Runaway Bride
T
O
O
Y
B
R
A
N
E
M
R
A
B
T
N
F
S
E
T
L
Down With Love
S
L
A
A
T
L
E
W
I
W
V
A
L
A
T
W
A
E
E
Y
Love Actually
E
S
O
W
W
Y
E
I
H
Y
A
S
T
D
S
G
O
E
G
L
B
I
W
E
O
A
E
N
D
E
Y
R
D
S
T
L
I
D
N
T
Y
R
E
W
A
L
Y
H
S
L
E
H
S
E
S
M
E
A
O
O
M
L
N
O
O
H
E
I
Y
I
I
R
O
W
N
I
N
N
W
L
What Women Want
B
I
I
O
__________
A
N
N
T
F
G
C
When Harry Met Sally
1
Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21) Whether or not your
realize it, your actions affect the world around
you. The patterns of your behavior cause ripples
around you, and influence how other people
behave -- especially today, when you are with
people who can be very, very easily influenced.
Lucky Numbers: 33, 1, 43, 42, 32 & 26. Lucky
Color: Sky Blue
E
DOG NEAR DAM
1. No Parking 2. Post No Bill 3. High Voltage
Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19) You will have a lot of
vitality and be bursting with energy. You have
excellent time for love. You take your time, and
will think carefully before taking the slightest
decision. Your loving feelings are wide awake.
Lucky Numbers: 4, 7, 26, 45, 22 & 39. Lucky
Color: Yellow
N
3
Last Month’s Answers:
any. Your friends are itching to get out there and
tear it up too, so find out what is on their mind.
Lucky Numbers : 3, 6, 23, 35,25 and 8 Lucky
Color: Orange
Sleepless in Seattle
French Kiss
You’ve Got Mail
Notting Hill
Contest Guidelines
Two Weeks Notice
Submit your answers. Winners will receive one year FREE membership and subscription of Friends International Magazine.
Sabrina
1
While You Were Sleeping
Pretty Woman
My Best Friend’s Wedding
Last Month’s Winner: Ms. Melodia C. Campos from Fei Ngo Shan, Kowloon
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
Birthday Corner / Just for Kids
Nora Cleofe
Jan 16
Robert Campos
Feb 19
Nerissa Grospe
Feb 11
Hansi
Feb 19
Text From The Heart
Looking for a TXT mate? Send SMS to 852 9010 9183 if you wish to include your number
here.
Hi Im Mildred im finding someone who can I go to date this valentine
day. Someone who is a cheerful person and not boring. my number 5139
8136
Im Connie pls text me at 67752512 I am looking for a friend.
Hello Im Vhia 28 years old im looking 4 a person who will care and love me. I want
maginoo pero medyo bastos mob: 91528463
Hi Im Neneth 34 single looking for txt mate and friends mob: 852 69799474
Hi Im Edz looking for text friends. Mob 852 – 6187 4898
Hi Im Jane 31 yrs old looking for txtmate and friend mob : 852- 60141370
Hi Im Elaine looking for a friend male or female im 32 years old mob 852 97364814
Hi Im Lyn 33 yrs old looking for a male txt mate mob 852-95713334
Hi Im rhea looking for txt mate & friend my mob : 852- 9854 4443
Hello I’m Yssabel Faye Fabre 29 yrs old want to have male friend mob 852-67754375
Hi I’m Anna Maria Camajen 30 years old looking for a guy who will love and take care of
me my mob 852- 9610 7085.
34
35
36

friends InternatIonal MagazIne FeBrUarY 2009

Transcription

Similar documents

Students are challenged to apply science concepts and skills to

China 2006 July 7 - 18 Beijing, Xi`an, Shanghai and Hong Kong

Please contact our Global Event Associate, Thu Thao Nguyen: E

APPS GAMES WEBSITES

PRESTIGE HONG KONG June 2011 THE WELL

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

Lasallian Core Value: FAITH

Porac execs lead river clean-up drive

December 2003 - Thye Hua Kwan Hospital

THE KABALIKAT CIVICOM DESERT BASE ZELLO WORLDWIDE