tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68329367990061391162024-03-10T05:46:35.254+03:00PalipasanAliwan ng Pagal na IsipanThe Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.comBlogger295125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-72880477409484243452012-07-25T01:18:00.002+03:002012-07-25T21:00:45.989+03:00SONA, PHILHEALTH AT OFW<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Ang tinig ni Bb. Jarma Palahuddin ay isang alingawngaw na pumailanlang mula sa ilang, tungo sa tuwid na daan sa mga nakararaming OFW sa iba't ibang panig ng mundo. Sa mga payak na salitang namutawi sa labi ng isang inosenteng OFW, Si Jarma ang nagsilbing mitsa ng pag-asa sa puso ng bawa't OFW upang makarating sa mga kinauukulan sa pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng media ang pagtutol sa patuloy na pagtaas ng Philhealth Premium.</div>
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Katulad ni Jarma, isa ako sa milyong tinig na tinututulan ang Philhealth na sapilitang "pagpapatupad ng Premium increase" sa hanay naming mga OFW na "hindi rin naman na napapakinabangan" ng maraming OFW.</div>
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Ayon sa SONA ng Pangulong Aquino, buong pagmamalaki nyang ibinalita na ang datos ukol sa philhealth at kanyang sinabi "Ngayon po, 85 percent ng lahat ng mamamayan, miyembro na nito [Philhealth]".</div>
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Hindi ko masiguro ang katumpakan ng mga datos na ginamit ng Pangulo. 81.43 Milyong Pilipino ang kumakatawan sa 85% ng tinatayang 95.8 Milyong populasyon ng Pilipinas sa taong 2011. Subalit ang malaking katanungan dito ay kung ang 85% o 81,430,000 na Pilipino na kanyang binanggit ay maipagmamalaki na sila ay myembro at bahagi ng Philhealth? HINDI</div>
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Ayon sa datos ng <a href="http://www.philhealth.gov.ph/about_us/statsncharts/snc2011.pdf" target="_blank">Philhealth</a>, sa pagtatapos ng taong 2011, ang kanilang rehistradong myembro ay 27.91 Milyon at may kabuuang 50.45M na dependents, ang kabuuang bilang na ito ay kumakatawan lang sa 82% ng populasyon sa taong 2011 at ito ay taliwas sa 85% na datos na ibinigay ng Pangulo sa SONA. Sa sektor ng mga OFW, ang kasalukyang myembro ay 2.57M at may kaukulang 2.51M na dependent. Sa ratio na 1:1 (Member : Dependent Ratio) sa hanay ng mga OFW na myembro ng Philhealth, ito ay malinaw na nangangahulugang mababa ang bilang ng kapakinabangan sa mga OFW sa benepisyo ng Philhealth.</div>
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Ayon sa datos ng <a href="http://www.census.gov.ph/data/sectordata/2011/of1101.pdf" target="_blank">NSO</a> , sa taong 2011, sa kabuuang 2.2M mga OFW na lumabas ng bansa, 509,288 OFW ay nasa edad 25 - 29. Sa taong 2010, 467,847 ang bilang ng OFW na nasa edad 25 - 29 na lumabas ng bansa. Sa grupong ito ay hindi maitatangi ang grupo ng mga "singles", mga binata't dalaga na pawang walang mga "dependents" o ang mga magulang ay "below 60 years old".<br />
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Sa pamamagitan ng mga datos na ito sa nagdaang 2 taon pa lamang ay may 1 milyong OFW sa iba't ibang bahagi ng mundo ang hindi nakikinabang sa anumang benepisyo ng Philhealth. Sila ang mga kabataang OFW na pumupuno sa pangangailangan ng "international labor force" sa mga naglalakihang malls at supermarkets bilang cashiers, sales staff, accountants and office clerks, sa mga pambansang ospital at klinika bilang nurses, medtech at para medics at sa mga construction sites bilang young engineers, designers and architects at construction workers at ang mga di mabilang na mga kabataang domestic helpers na nasa Gitnang Silangan, Europa, America at Canada, Singapore at Hongkong,<br />
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Hindi pa natin binibilang ang tala ng mga OFW sa unang 6 na buwan ng kasalukuyang taon na nagbayad ng P1,200 sa Philhealth. At magpapatuloy pa rin ang pagtaas ng bilang ng mga kabataang Pilipino sa mga darating pang taon na nasa edad 25 - 29 na pawang mga binata't dalaga dahil sa kanilang mga murang edad ay hindi nila nakita o naramdaman ang silahis ng pagbabago na ipinagmamalaki sa bawat SONA.<br />
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At sa mga bansang maunlad tulad ng Gitnang Silangan, America, Europa kasama na ang HongKong at Singapore at ibang bansa sa Asya ay may kanya-kanya ring Medical Health Care na ipinatutupad at libreng ipinagkakaloob sa mga OFW ng kanilang mga employer bilang tugon sa umiiral na Labor Law na sumasaklaw sa mga migranteng mangagawa sa kanilang mga bansa. Kaya't ano ang kapakinabangan ng Philhealth sa kanila? WALA<br />
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Di kayang bilangin ang mga kapatid natin na kulang ang kaalaman sa pagbabasa at maraming OFW Na hindi nabigyan ng kaukulang kaalaman ukol sa Philhealth, ilan sila sa mga milyon-milyong OFW na biktima ng kawalan ng maayos na inpormasyon ng Philhealth. Dahil sa kakulangan ng wastong inpormasyon ay katumbas nito ang hantarang pagkakait ng benepisyo sa milyong kinauukulang miyembro at dependents ng Philhealth.<br />
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Ilang milyon din ang mga OFW nasa ibang bansa at mapalad na kasama ang kanilang mga pamilya dahil sa magandang benepisyo ng kanilang kumpanya. Tulad ko, ako'y nabiyayan na sa loob ng 20 taong pagtatrabaho sa Middle East ay kasama ko ang aking asawa sa Doha na isa ring OFW at ang aking 2 anak na over 21 years old. At kabilang sa biyaya na timatamasa sampu ng aking pamilya sa Doha ay ang 100% libreng medical/health care program na kaloob ng aking employer at ng pamahalaan. kaya't ano ang pakinabang sa ko sa Philhealth mula ng ito ay sapilitang pinatutupad sa hanay naming mga OFW? WALA.<br />
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Ilang milyong OFW ang kasalukuyang naninirahan sa mga liblib at masukal na bahagi ng Pilipinas na sadyang walang ospital o duktor na nangangalaga sa kanilang kalusugan. Ang ilan pa ay nasa gitna ng putukan ng mga sundalo at rebelde. Para saan ba ang Philhealth na kanilang binabayaran, kung ang kaligtasan at kalusugan ng mga pamilyang OFW ay di kayang tugunan ng Pamahalaan. Anong silbi ng Philhealth sa kanila? WALA<br />
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Sa mga lugar na may ospital subalit hindi naman accredited ng Philhealth, anong silbi ng Philhealth, at sa isang agaw-buhay na pasyente, walang ng panahon para mamili pa ng ospital na dapat pagdalhan kung accredited ba ito o hindi ng Philhealth ang mahalaga ay makapagsalba ng buhay at sa pagkakataong ito, anong magiging tulong ng Philhealth sa abang myembro at dependent?<br />
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Nawa'y maging makatuwiran sana ang paniningil ng Philhealth, hindi lamang sa akin kundi sa milyon-milyong OFW, isaalang-alang nawa nila ang malaking kontribusyon ng mga OFW na naghatid sa maunlad na ekonomiya ng Pilipinas at sanay huwag makalimutan ang bawa't sentimong binabayaran ng bawa't OFW na sinisingil ng mga sangay ng Pamahalaan tulad ng POEA, OWWA, Pag-ibig at Philhealth ay pinaghirapan ito mula sa dugo't pawis ng mga OFW na nakikipagsapalaran sa kalungkutan na malayo sa kanilang mga pamilya na naiwanan sa Pilipinas habang hinaharap ang hamon ng kahirapan na di alintana ang init sa disyerto o ang lamig ng niyebe.<br />
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Ito ay isang panawagan sa Pamahalaang Aquino na pakinggan ang sigaw ng nakararaming OFW na magkaruon ng "Moratorium" hingil sa pagtaas ng Philhealth Premium at magkaruon ng dayalogo hingil sa irregularidad nito sa kasalukuyang batas na RA10022 na nagbabawal sa anumang dagdag singilin sa bawa;t sangay ng pamahalaan sa hanay ng OFW at gawing "Optional" ang paniningil bilang kasanayan sa demokrasya sa malayang pagpili kung alin ang makabubuting Health Care Program ng bawa't OFW bilang tugon sa bawa't indibiduwal na pangangailangan. Bagama't hindi maitatangi na may kapakinabangan ang Philhealth sa ibang mamamayan sa iba't ibang sektor ng lipunan, magiging mas kapaki-pakinabang ito sa pananaw ng malayang Pilipino kung ito ay ipatutupad ng bukal sa kalooban na may masayang pagtanggap at walang pilitan sa bawa't mamamayang Pilipino.<br />
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(Paunawa: Walang pang opisyal na datos na ibinibahagi ang NSO at Popcom, subalit tinatayang ang populasyon ng Pilipinas sa taong 2011 <a href="http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=644561&publicationSubCategoryId=63" target="_blank">ayon sa Popcom ay 95.8 Milyon ayon sa PopCom</a>.)</div>The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-6485929491021338872012-07-16T20:54:00.000+03:002012-07-16T21:02:57.749+03:00Maligayang Paglalakbay, Kalusugan Mo'y Pinagkakakitaan Namin<br />
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Gusto nyo ba ng istorya?<br />
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Ako ay si Ginoong Bayani dela Cruz at ito ang aking kwento.<br />
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Malakas ang ulan at kailangan kong makasakay bus patungo sa aking pinagtatrabahuan. Aking nilingon ang magkabilang dulo ng kalsada nguni't tila walang bus na dumadaan. Panay pa rin ang patak ng ulang tikatik, subali't hindi ito naging sagabal upang ako'y mawalan ng pag-asa habang sinasabi ko sa aking sarili na - kailangan kong makarating sa aking patutunguhan sa kabila ng masamang panahon.<br />
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Makalipas ang isang oras, isang Owwan Bus Liner ang tumigil sa aking harapan. Tinanong ko ang kunduktor kung ito ang byaheng dadaan sa kalyeng "Tuwid na Daan" patungong Barangay "Kabilang Isla" at tumango naman sya sa akin.<br />
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Subalit bago ako makasakay ay pinigil ako ng kunduktor na nakaharang sa gitna estribo at winika, di ka makakasakay kung di ka bibili ng regalo muna sa amin, habang nakangiti na pinapakita ang isang maliit na kahon.<br />
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Ako'y nagulat. "Anong regalo ito at magkano?" tanong ko sa Mamang Kunduktor.<br />
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Tinugon ako ng Mamang Kunduktor at winika, "ito ay isang kahon na naglalaman ng "First Aid Kit, may band aid, gasa, aspirin, mertayolet at iba pang mga maliliit na bagay na makakatulong sa iyo kapag ikaw ay naaksidente o nagkasakit. Ito'y murang mura, sqa halagang 24 pesos."<br />
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Nalito ako, nakiusap ako sa Mamang Kunduktor na hindi ako nakahanda sa ganung halaga. Isa pa ay hindi ko ito magagamit, dahil sa aking patutunguhan ay mayruon din nito at libreng ipinagkakaluob sa amin sampu ng aking pamilya ng walang bayad. Kaya't nakiusap ako na wag na akong bentahan ng kanyang produkto dahil di ko ito kakailanganin at sa iba na lang alukin na mas nangangailangan.<br />
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Subalit sabi ng Mamang Kunduktor, "Wala rin akong magagawa, kung hindi ka bibili di ka makakarating sa iyong patutunguhan, ikaw rin, sayang ang hanapbuhay na naghihintay sa iyo duon at iiwanan kita sa kalsada sa ilalim ng ulan.<br />
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Napabuntong hininga na lamang ako, at habang aking iniaabot ang 24 pesos kay mamang Kunduktor ay aking winika - "Illegal itong ginagawa ninyo, isang hantarang pangingikil at pagsasamantala, at tinakot ko sya na isusumbong ko sila kay Mang Penoy, ang nangangasiwa ng prankisa ng mga sasakyan. Subalit tinawanan lang ako ng malakas ni Mamang Kunduktor at tinugon ako ng may pang-aasar - "si Mang Penoy nga mismo ang may kautusan nito, sabay abot ng munting kahon sa akin kapalit ng 24 pesos.<br />
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Wala akong magawa, pakiramdam ko ay ninakawan ako ng 24 piso sa isang "First Aid Kit" na di ko naman magagamit at kapuna-puna, may expiration pa nilalaman nito na kailangan gamitin sa loob ng isang taon kundi ay walang bisa na ang laman. mahirap ipaliwanag, subalit napakarami nito sa ospital na pinagtatrabahuan ko, libre ako at sampu ng aking pamilya. Hays napabuntung hininga na lamang ako. napaisip na lamang ako, bakit ba "Bayani ang ipinangalan sa akin ng mahal kong Ina bagkus, busabos naman ang turing sa akin at pinagsasamantalahan.<br />
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Tinignan kong mabuti ang kahon, di ko alam kung akon'y mangingiti o maiinis sa nabasa ko sa label nito,<br />
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<b>"Maligayang Paglalakbay, Kalusugan Mo'y Pinagkakakitaan Namin by Feel Health"</b><br />
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<i>Paunawa: Ito' ay isang likhang isip lamang. Kung may mga tauhan o lugar sa aking kwento na sa tingin nyo ay may pagkakahambing sa tunay na buhay, di po kayo nagkakamali, sila na nga po ang may sala. Ito'y inilalathala ng walang bayad bilang pagtugon sa panawagan ng</i> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OFWVOICE" target="_blank">Global OFW Voices</a>.<br />
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<br /></div>The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-84032317996915509592012-07-12T19:18:00.003+03:002012-07-12T19:40:57.837+03:00<br />
Philhealth: A Bitter Pill For OFWs<br />
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The OFWs around the world have joined hands within <a href="http://www.pinoyblogawards.com/" target="_blank">Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Award (PEBA)</a> and have waged an all out war through social media flatforms in the internet against the premium increase of Philhealth from the current P1,200 to P2,400 which will be "slapped" to all OFW prior to leaving the Philippines.<br />
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Personally, I see the abrupt increase not only unreasonable, unfair and unconstitutional as it defies Republic Act No. 10022, or the Amended Migrant Workers Act of 2010, prohibits increases in government fees for services rendered to OFWs and their dependents.<br />
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Second, the "mandatory policy" imposed by the Goverment to all OFWs to pay Philhealth as a pre-requisite condition prior to departure is a clear extortion curtailing the right of each OFW to travel.<br />
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"Bulag, pipi at bingi"<br />
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Malacanang and its key departments such as DOH and POEA played "blind, dumb and deaf" to OFWs protests because Philhealth is one of Pnoy's major flagship to please World Health Organization (WHO) who has been critical and expressed concern over the continued absence of sufficient healthcare coverage in the country".<br />
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The WHO's unsolicited remarks was a fatal blow to the government which substantiate the DOH's failure on implementing an effective Universal Health Coverage Program as one of Pnoy's health agenda.<br />
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To save the ailing Universal Health Coverage, the government tries to institute reforms through Philhealth with its ambitious target to enroll 11 million indigent families by targetting workers from the informal economy. However, Philhealth's target proves futile as its individually paying program fails due to its voluntary in nature.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">To ensure success in expanding Philhealth's coverage, it partnered with POEA as it identified the OFWs as an easy target, a fragmanted group that lacks a solid representation in both labor and political society. Thus, Philhealth becomes a bitter pill that was forcibly prescribed by POEA to all OFWS which adds insult and demeans the intelligence of the so called "Bagong Bayani".</span><br />
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The government has made a mockery on the Amended Migrant Workers Act of 2010 (Republic Act No. 10022) which prohibits increases in government fees for services rendered to OFWs and their dependents.<br />
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I laud Senators Recto, Pimentel and Villar on their separate calls for a Senate inquiry on the constitutionality of Philhealth's sharp premium increase from P900 - P2,400 per year.<br />
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There were number of frauds and controversies which have cast shadows of doubts on Philhealth's administrative leadership and affecting genuine reforms.<br />
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While I admit that our country needs a sustainable, affordable and progressive social health care encompassing the entire nation and I accept the fact that families have benefited from Philhealth program.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">However, it cannot be denied that there are also OFWs who will never benefit from Philhealth because of a better health care program that either they have already availed of or have been provided free health care program by their foreign employers which covers his dependents, or some OFWs who have no beneficiaries at the availment of mandatory Philhealth membership.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">My stand is that Philhealth should be implemented fairly and squarely, in a "voluntary" individual membership policy allowing the Filipino people to breath the air of freedom to discern and decide which health care is best for him and his family. If Philhealth claims that it has the best health insurance program, then it should not be afraid to sell its product to the masses on a voluntary scheme.</span><br />
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We always say "bawal magkasakit" and before sickness strikes, we should prepare ourselves with either a personal health and medical insurance or enough savings in the bank. Pero tila mas lalo kang magkakasakit emotionally kung pipilitin kang magbayad ng Philhealth na hindi mo mapapakinabangan for one reason or you simply do not trust or frustrated on their services.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">I SAY "NO" TO PHILHEALTH'S MANDATORY MEMBERSHIP FEE POLICY.</span></div>
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Note: The image was downloaded from from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=458998214124792&set=o.307223022705924&type=3" target="_blank">FB Page of Global OFW Voices</a>The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-47671527951377548132012-06-30T02:57:00.001+03:002012-06-30T03:02:38.521+03:00Mga Tinik sa Tuwid na Daan<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Sa loob ng mahigit dalawang dekada kong pangingibang bansa bilang isang OFW, nasaksihan ko ang kawalan ng isang matibay na programa ng pamahalaan mula sa sa Rehimeng Marcos hanggang sa kasalukuyang Administrayon ni Pnoy na ang pangunahing isinusulong ay ang malawakang pagpapalabas ng mangagawang Pilipino bilang OFW sa iba't ibang bansa.</span><br />
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Ang di mabilang na pangingibang bansa ng bawa't Pangulo ng ating bansa ay upang himukin ang mga pinuno ng mga bansang banyaga na bigyan ng prayoridad ang mga mangagawang Pilipino sa iba't ibang kategorya na makapagtrabaho bilang OFW. Isang permanenteng solusyon upang maibsan lumolobong bilang ng mga walang hanapbuhay na Pilipino.<br />
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Subali't ang daan palabas ng bansa ay puno ng tinik na nagpapahirap na tila kalbaryong daan sa mga nagnanais maging OFW. Bagama't may mga ahensya ng Pamahalaan na ang tungkulin ay pangalagaan ang kapakanan ng mga mangagawang Pilipino na naghahandang lumabas ng bansa upang harapin ang hamon bilang OFW, ang POEA at OWWA ay mga piping bantay at tila kasabwat pa sa pagpapahirap sa mga OFW.<br />
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Bagama't nagkaruon ng maayos na pamamaraan upang mabawasan ang illegal recruiters at human trafficing, ang mga mga tinatawag na legal na recruiter at accredited ng POEA ay nananatiling mapang-abuso sa mataas na placement fee na hantarang hinihingi sa applikante ng trabaho.<br />
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Ang Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) na naglalayon na mabigyan ng kaalaman ang mga OFW ay tila di nabigyan ng wastong inpormasyon kung ano ang kanilang karapatan bilang OFW, ang kahalagahan ng kanilang kontrata, ang kultura at batas ng banyagang bansa kanilang patutunguhan, at kung saan hihingi ng tulong sa Embahada ng Pilipinas kung sakaling mangailangan ng anumang uri ng tulong sa mga suliranin na maaari nilang kaharapin. Ang kawalan ng maayos na pagpapatupad ng PDOS ang isang kadahilanan kung bakit maraming OFW ang nagiging biktima ng pang-aabuso ng mga banyagang employer at minsan'y pakikipagsabwatan ng ilang empleyado ng embahada dahil sa kawalan ng kaalaman o kamangmangan sa kanilang karapatan bilang OFW at Pilipino sa ibang bansa.<br />
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Ang hindi makatarungang paninigil ng POEA at OWWA sa bawa't OFW na lumalabas ng bansa na walang maayos na pagpapaliwanag sa mga ito, mula OEC, Pag-Ibig, Philhealth at OWWA Membership fees na sapilitang kinukulekta sa bawa't OFW. Ang kakulangan ng information materials na nakasulat sa wikang Tagalog at ibang pangunahing dialects maliban sa wikang Ingles.<br />
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Maliban sa OEC at OWWA Membership fees, di ko maunawaan kung bakit ginawang sapilitan ang pagbabayad ng Pag-Ibig at Philhealth sa bawa't OFW. Nakakalungkot isipin na ang nga singilin ng POEA/OWWA ay nga dagdag pabigat sa balikat ng bawa't OFW ang mga gastusin na sa halip na ang salaping ibabayad ay iiwanan sa kanilang mga pamilya bilang pantawid gutom sa kanilang paglisan sa pagharap sa hamon ng pangingibang bayan.<br />
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Kung tunay na epektibo ang adhikain ng Pag-Ibig at Phil-Health at malaking bilang ng OFW ang nakikinabang sa mga ito, bakit natatakot gawing voluntary ang paniningil sa halip na madatory. Ito'y isang uri ng pagsupil sa karapatang pantao sa paglalakbay na pumipigil sa bawa't Pilipino bilang OFW ang sapilitang pagbabayad ng Philhealth at Pag-ibig.<br />
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Nasaan ang tuwid na daan para sa aming paglalakbay kung pwersahang ipinatutupad ang pangongolekta ng Pag-ibig at Philhealth ng walang konsultasyon sa mga kinatawan ng OFWs at kanilang mga pamilya at mga Recruiters. Ang pagpapatupad ng malawakang paniningil ng Administrasyon sa OFWs ay di nalalayo sa isang pamahalaang Diktatura na nsgsisilbing tinik sa malayang paglalakbay ng mga OFW sa kanilang adhikain na maitawid ang kanilang pamilya sa gutom at kawalan ng hanapbuhay sa sariling bansa.<br />
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Sino ba talaga ang nakikinabang sa Pag-Ibig at PhilHealth? Itinatag ba ito upang makinabang ang iiilan bilang pananamantala sa pagsasawalang kibo ng mahigit 12 milyong OFW. Ang pag-taas na mga singilin sa OFW ay may kinalaman ba nalalapit na eleksyon? Nawa'y di magamit ang pondo ng OFW sa pagmamanipula ng politika ng bansa ng mga nakaupong liderato tulad ng naganap sa nakaraang Administrasyon.<br />
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Ang mga OFW ay hantarang pinagsasamantalahan ng kanilang mga kauring kababayang Pilipino mula sa araw na kanilang tahakin ang daan palabas ng bansa mula sa kanilang pag-apak sa gusali ng POEA kung saan ang di makatarungang bayarin at kawalan ng "transparency" sa pondo ng "OWWA Fund" at iba't ibang programang binabayaran ng OFW.<br />
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Tila di ko na masasaksihan ang tunay na pagbabago at reporma sa batas at kalakaran na sumasaklaw sa karapatan ng OFW at sa halip tila kami'y ginigisa sa sariling mantika. Kami nga bang OFW ang tinuturing na Bagong Bayani o kami ang palabigasan ng pamahalaan na pumupuno sa kanilang mga pangangailangan sa pagpapalawig ng mga institusyong kanilang pinangangasiwaan para sa kanilang personal mga interes at pananatili sa pwesto.<br />
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Nalalapit na ang panibagong eleksyon sa ating bansa, suriin ang mga posibleng kandidato, huwag iboto ang mga kandidatong nagsawalang kibo at sa mga nagsusulong ng batas na nagpapahirap sa OFW tulad ng pwersahang pagbabayad ng Pag-Ibig at Philhealth. Nawa'y magkaruon ng tunay na pagbabago para sa kapakanan ng nakararaming OFW na naghahanap ng tuwid na daan.<br />
<br />The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-8557264829965893682012-06-29T12:19:00.002+03:002012-06-29T12:19:56.217+03:00Unusual Balikbayan Experience 1.0<div>
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It's been months that this blog gathers cobwebs as i was totally engrossed with photography and its time to balance my time between blogging and photography.</div>
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To begin with, let me share some of the unusual experiences I encountered during my vacation in the Philippines which could have happened to you during your brief stay as Balikbayan .</div>
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<b><u>Dollar Currency Experience</u></b></div>
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I have withdrawn 500 US Dollars from our BDO's US Dollar Saving Account and the Bank Teller gave me five pieces of 100-Dollar denomination bills. On the same day I went to SM Branch Foreign Currency Exchange Counter to have it exchanged to Phil. Peso.</div>
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SM's Money Exchange clerk told me that only 3 out of 5 100-Dollar bills will be accepted for Forex transaction. I asked her if the money was fake and she said NO and added that the 2 other US dollar bills belongs to "old series". I asked them, "Is it a Central Bank of the Philippines regulation not to accept such notes and why it was not posted on the counter window, she said <b>NO</b>, it was just an instruction from their Manager. </div>
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I just shake my head in disbelief, my money is not fake but was refused because of "old series", I went back to the Bank clerk who issued the bills and they told me there is nothing wrong with the money they issued and offered to replaced the bills to a newer series. I smiled at them as I declined their offer, I have decided to have it deposited back to my account. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">It is ironic that all SM Branches got a BDO Branch inside their malls.</span></div>
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<b><u>Peso Currency Experience</u></b>
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I accompanied my niece in buying a pair of shoes in SM Mall of Asia. She spotted a nice pair at Celine shop, a popular shoe store in the Philippines. As she is approached the Cashier Counter to pay the item, she pulls out 2 pieces of 500-Peso bill, one crispy new bill and the other is an old and crumpled one. </div>
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The Cashier Clerk returned one of the 500-Peso bill to her and requested that it be replaced. My niece politely asked why and the Cashier said that she suspected that the bill "seems fake". Being present, I asked the Cashier if her Ultra-Violet Currency Bill Machine rejects it, she simply say NO, but she depended herself that personally she's "doubtful on its authenticity". My niece starts to got irked and scolded the Cashier Clerk.</div>
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I took the disputed and replaced it myself to prevent further arguments. It is a frustrating observation when a disputed bill yields authentic in their Currency Bill Machine Detector but some moron disagrees with its result because of her capricious and stupid whims.</div>
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We headed to a nearby popular restaurant cool fuming heads for lunch, as we have ordered our foods, I showed the disputed to the waiter and asked him to present the bill to their Cashier if they accept such "old and crumpled" bill. He came back grinning as he says "money is old but authentic and they accepts it.</div>
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More unforgettable stories during my OFW holiday in the Philippines on my next posts.</div>The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-48147141329862714342012-02-06T19:27:00.000+03:002012-02-06T19:27:58.156+03:00Fish Market, Corniche - Doha<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKXn6bpl__pEEBngQXAqV6kFSDV4MS_2CPbel07ky4UuU4jZRef3gaqj37ogfgbCPL-ZBzkYaH9Ys6d_9Obgwyxqx8Rgr55Bcfs8jXPoEAT0cAfC_19I0Fop0etG73Yl49CpJacQEz4eo/s1600/fish+delivery+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKXn6bpl__pEEBngQXAqV6kFSDV4MS_2CPbel07ky4UuU4jZRef3gaqj37ogfgbCPL-ZBzkYaH9Ys6d_9Obgwyxqx8Rgr55Bcfs8jXPoEAT0cAfC_19I0Fop0etG73Yl49CpJacQEz4eo/s1600/fish+delivery+small.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Aside from admiring the beautiful sunrise, seeing the ebbing tide and taking a deep breath of the fresh air from the Corniche Bay, dropping by to Corniche fish market has always been my final activity before heading home.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BBHTJrSBsCkZEC4AbtJy1YHBjxZjXCarwL00qr1JKnBg7N9LhkySZw5TIeXZRFn28DGo6T739FGk5StKhLkuxCYV4wopEsG0B6NKtjo0FJCN8z-xpg4vqAhZaNVfgEZV2gHZ7lChpfLR/s1600/buyers+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BBHTJrSBsCkZEC4AbtJy1YHBjxZjXCarwL00qr1JKnBg7N9LhkySZw5TIeXZRFn28DGo6T739FGk5StKhLkuxCYV4wopEsG0B6NKtjo0FJCN8z-xpg4vqAhZaNVfgEZV2gHZ7lChpfLR/s1600/buyers+small.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I always love the early morning scene at Corniche's little fish market while the sun begins to lit up the eastern sky as I watched the fishermen unload their early morning catch from their fishing boats as awaiting buyers are anxiously lined up in the concrete sea wall.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>Among the local fish being sold are Spangled Emperor (Shari), Black Branded Beam (Fasker) and my favorite Crabs (Qubqob).</div><div><br />
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</div>The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-13467383366202754852012-01-26T21:43:00.001+03:002012-01-26T21:44:23.877+03:00Doha Port, The Fishermen At Dawn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fC0SIqvG6jfi0aAcT-OvkFlyrDii0Y3ZidtdS9Hj6XHJAvf66mw_-ChElbABvHciR7Upq6LMbbjDNCkslfHe37rPwHZuWCT8OvgBrZZXSiUz0M8LTJoAyFDNyvQc93MonDSO2XdvGNHj/s1600/boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fC0SIqvG6jfi0aAcT-OvkFlyrDii0Y3ZidtdS9Hj6XHJAvf66mw_-ChElbABvHciR7Upq6LMbbjDNCkslfHe37rPwHZuWCT8OvgBrZZXSiUz0M8LTJoAyFDNyvQc93MonDSO2XdvGNHj/s1600/boat.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">With 12 degrees Celsius, despite of the freezing temperature, my feet dragged me towards Doha Port as I wonder what my lens can capture at 5:00 o'clock in the morning beside the empty boat that greeted my way into the port.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">As I approached the bridge towards the Pier, I saw glimmering shadows who seems to ignore the cold breeze working incessantly while my shivering hands tried to focus my lens as the cold wind gently touches my face.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">With little protection from the freezing wind, the Doha fishermen start to inspect to clean their nets from the sea water and checking for damages after their last night's heavy haul of fishes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Seated on the damp wooden pier floor, with their callous bare hands, the fishermen meticulously mend broken nets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-47398433537000050242012-01-23T16:50:00.006+03:002012-01-23T17:23:44.198+03:00Museum of Islamic Art, The Collections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7IsJq3VeLIChv5x57u1tg9GrsG1vpubTj79SuFWX3mUrYchARKIs_PGl4oWL2HCF3fvanT0GpebXU_3zWYDT1Io65ksFiAC-JJHy4anz7DROQJHkzKNda6vz7O6VTEH_fPf9dbMJ0tVE/s1600/box1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7IsJq3VeLIChv5x57u1tg9GrsG1vpubTj79SuFWX3mUrYchARKIs_PGl4oWL2HCF3fvanT0GpebXU_3zWYDT1Io65ksFiAC-JJHy4anz7DROQJHkzKNda6vz7O6VTEH_fPf9dbMJ0tVE/s1600/box1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Box | Agate, gold, enamel, diamonds, rubies</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">India | 1751 - 1752 AD </span></div><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">The Museum houses magnificent collection of artworks dating from the 7th century to the 19th century, representing the full scope of Islamic Arts. I will be sharing some of the extremely valuable collections which I was able to photographed.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Bowl | Earthenware, lustre painting</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Egypt | 12th Century</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Oliphant (Hunting Horn) | Ivory, brass</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Italy | 11th - 12th Century</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Incense Burner in the form of a Lion | Bronze</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Iran or Central Asia | 12th Century</span></div><span style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Turban Helmet | </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Steel with gilt studs, engraved and openwork design</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Turkey | Early 1th Century Ottoman</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Figure of a Monkey | Fritware, coloured glaze</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Iran (Kashan) | c.1200</span></div><span style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Ceramic Cenotaph | Fritware, underglaze painting</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Central Asia | Second half of the 14th Century</span></div><span style="color: blue;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;">My visit to Qatar's Museum of Islamic Art was an inspiring and great learing experience for me to get a full understanding of the islamic arts and culture from various countries. </div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are hundreds of photographs in RAW format which I hope to find time to catalog them and share with you online soon. Thank you for joining me in a brief tour to Qatar Museum of Islamic Art through my blog and if you are in Doha or if opportunity allows you may visit Doha one day, I encourage you to see this beautiful and inspiring museum. </div></div>The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-72371383252339265342012-01-22T15:47:00.000+03:002012-01-22T15:47:31.514+03:00Museum of Islamic Arts, The Interior<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOtcDt1BjEm6DOEkSH7IXAVP3YhPczQzgsLRoOAGvZDBBOQLaGyRsQ0w1_U3TqEUYFsLrB0mgxAhuGwGhXI_KMu1WUOAZA_JEy24dNkQO6QEQhhq98OcePXCNFg9YegmgHROHa1sGmZqH/s1600/MIA+Stair+Case+Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOtcDt1BjEm6DOEkSH7IXAVP3YhPczQzgsLRoOAGvZDBBOQLaGyRsQ0w1_U3TqEUYFsLrB0mgxAhuGwGhXI_KMu1WUOAZA_JEy24dNkQO6QEQhhq98OcePXCNFg9YegmgHROHa1sGmZqH/s1600/MIA+Stair+Case+Blog.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">The Staircase</span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">As I enter the main entrance, I was awed by the blend of modern and Islamic themes, the intricate pattern and design of the white geometric walls and its ceiling with Islamic pattern, the domed atrium and the staircase.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYkoUjbu7YfJYAbzT4iDAVV9GVBK-_B5LrHKo_e20LeTDYgfz_w6keYpuXuX3cddsZB-OKZ1BLt8qdOXhimX5qXeGhFD-RBd5Q7FEFx5xaARhI0lDRmlPh1OrJQAwycMFRfYYTnq2ELo3/s1600/MIA+Dome+Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYkoUjbu7YfJYAbzT4iDAVV9GVBK-_B5LrHKo_e20LeTDYgfz_w6keYpuXuX3cddsZB-OKZ1BLt8qdOXhimX5qXeGhFD-RBd5Q7FEFx5xaARhI0lDRmlPh1OrJQAwycMFRfYYTnq2ELo3/s1600/MIA+Dome+Blog.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">The ceiling with Islamic pattern</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSqM1q64tfv9bbJkkPVvf58TDgghmjduIxWaTDxHhpa-bvsnt3tRaRkTYLZjj7uQIYwXpmiRUO4VaWlGSfj_uTyBAmC1loaQ8HBiI7f5VBOUQPAp_XulYVPJe16wfaabP3ETulHX3xCPb/s1600/MIA+Bridge+Alley+Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSqM1q64tfv9bbJkkPVvf58TDgghmjduIxWaTDxHhpa-bvsnt3tRaRkTYLZjj7uQIYwXpmiRUO4VaWlGSfj_uTyBAmC1loaQ8HBiI7f5VBOUQPAp_XulYVPJe16wfaabP3ETulHX3xCPb/s1600/MIA+Bridge+Alley+Blog.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Glasses and stainless steels in geometric patterns adorn the floors and ceilings </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEczleWz87TS_2tfioVD7DVaYD1jSd-HK3MQS5wtIgszbgkF25KKiGn6Ny8Z0OuiIV5TYVZ6_vCSSXuPtnoKC7QT_TJYzE0QgU2FSZysQ_oyEeQ2iHSNCTitL8dapyGfED-Mm_KFbOjoYc/s1600/IMG_7092+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEczleWz87TS_2tfioVD7DVaYD1jSd-HK3MQS5wtIgszbgkF25KKiGn6Ny8Z0OuiIV5TYVZ6_vCSSXuPtnoKC7QT_TJYzE0QgU2FSZysQ_oyEeQ2iHSNCTitL8dapyGfED-Mm_KFbOjoYc/s1600/IMG_7092+copy.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">The Glass Curtain Wall</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJcUYXUDnTIs11OSwRdHxFA_4tg7zdkP9Djd1Isy1Q97J0w74zp728yzgAVdln1E-gT8HEOYfjTz7vv6pTFKulpbyzYfU0uZHyOLlninKTluxyPYujgp9nrnkw2ldV3gP6uEvypcsz0CV/s1600/MIA+Coffe+Shop+Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJcUYXUDnTIs11OSwRdHxFA_4tg7zdkP9Djd1Isy1Q97J0w74zp728yzgAVdln1E-gT8HEOYfjTz7vv6pTFKulpbyzYfU0uZHyOLlninKTluxyPYujgp9nrnkw2ldV3gP6uEvypcsz0CV/s1600/MIA+Coffe+Shop+Blog.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">The Atrium</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Museum houses magnificent collection of artworks dating from the 7th century to the 19th century, representing the full scope of Islamic Arts. I will be sharing some of the extremely valuable collections which I was able to photographed on my next blog post.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-45241050362181266082012-01-21T08:18:00.001+03:002012-01-21T08:21:40.553+03:00Museum of Islamic Arts, The Facade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERARuyIfH5QiXYZmkfTkLbZxVI24W4wJA4d8wI8AXiXE_Cws5QDWkAp-qYOOjvuFqRyclbK5uKEw2BOm72KRwZWN1DlhKyT-OrBib1t64UfFuw-pbIrRM1d6GKcfXrLDTy3RCt5qn3QPa/s1600/mia_edited-1+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERARuyIfH5QiXYZmkfTkLbZxVI24W4wJA4d8wI8AXiXE_Cws5QDWkAp-qYOOjvuFqRyclbK5uKEw2BOm72KRwZWN1DlhKyT-OrBib1t64UfFuw-pbIrRM1d6GKcfXrLDTy3RCt5qn3QPa/s640/mia_edited-1+blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The Museum of Islamic Art lies on the edge of Doha harbor at the south end of Doha Bay which opened its door to the public on December 2008. From the distance, the Museum seems to be floating on the surface of the water and as I approached the building, its shapes become more imposing revealing its geometric forms revealing its angular designs with its contrasting colors, shadows and lights.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As I enter the main entrance, I was awed by the blend of modern and Islamic themes, the intricate pattern and design of the white geometric walls and its ceiling with Islamic pattern, the domed atrium. <b>To be continued...</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-35754622048024207942012-01-15T23:28:00.004+03:002012-01-20T18:46:21.662+03:00Doha Port<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikK1zWIt6nI5Lg7MAP4i4sjq0cY6ORZTKhMy9oXQ1z2V7_I4QkOa2aitmVm6vfzrBhpLzV7QhFaCglqRB5Gt7p2EhWQXIp9j2V4_ByHeGcfFbw9YjWZ5CPywGkPWzLkp2omS0OqCPYOXn-/s1600/calm+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikK1zWIt6nI5Lg7MAP4i4sjq0cY6ORZTKhMy9oXQ1z2V7_I4QkOa2aitmVm6vfzrBhpLzV7QhFaCglqRB5Gt7p2EhWQXIp9j2V4_ByHeGcfFbw9YjWZ5CPywGkPWzLkp2omS0OqCPYOXn-/s640/calm+small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Serenity</span></div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The cold breeze stroked my face in the early Friday morning, it was Friday the 13th and it failed to scare my spirit as my feet brought me to Doha Port with my shivering hands tightly held my camera trying to find interesting subject to capture while the world seems to be in deep slumber.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The scene was so calm that the world seems to be at peace as I take a deep breath, filling my lungs with fresh air as my mind raced for still life to be captured with my lens as I look towards the empty fishing boats anchored by the bay.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTczNuRYlfHldRUY5nyoRZSZKLe74qyPps9P-03RjPRShe4xlmYactcicZZM-yAQXI7XbuDNpiilL-G0S7UW230zT3tIwOvqGgrd2iEoFqfkP9-DFyV-ntCcIUPMGGSJM0_vdKrG6Besj/s1600/lampost+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTczNuRYlfHldRUY5nyoRZSZKLe74qyPps9P-03RjPRShe4xlmYactcicZZM-yAQXI7XbuDNpiilL-G0S7UW230zT3tIwOvqGgrd2iEoFqfkP9-DFyV-ntCcIUPMGGSJM0_vdKrG6Besj/s640/lampost+small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">A New Hope</span></div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Slowly the sun rises epically in the East seeping into the blue horizon of the cold water of the Arabian Sea as its golden rays brings a new life, a new day, a new hope.</div><div><br />
</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">"And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun rises, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><i> (2 Samuel 23:4)</i></span></div></div><div><br />
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</div>The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-72763660022112969052012-01-07T11:41:00.004+03:002012-01-21T08:47:03.099+03:00Be My Special Viewer As I Chase Colors and Lights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhth1rk3gn2tViPBWHXa_vLu4Sk9-A-Bh0jASvETM3559JYCaXTpAEE_u9VI1JZuH9QMXSyme3JEzBcooLGzWQ-EW9OkuonVadHzx0l63VNp3rjgBs3vSt8Wn9NeOWV3jY86QXIuMG3Ggoe/s1600/doha+skyline+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhth1rk3gn2tViPBWHXa_vLu4Sk9-A-Bh0jASvETM3559JYCaXTpAEE_u9VI1JZuH9QMXSyme3JEzBcooLGzWQ-EW9OkuonVadHzx0l63VNp3rjgBs3vSt8Wn9NeOWV3jY86QXIuMG3Ggoe/s1600/doha+skyline+copy.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Doha Skyline @ Corniche</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Manual Mode | 120s | f//11 | ISO 100 | No Flash</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For almost three months, my soul has been obsessed by a craft known as photography as I chased the magical colors and lights capturing them in a box called camera which record God's beautiful creation - the breathtaking beauty of earth, its water and skies, and the grandeur of man's intelligence through architecture, the edifices that have risen from the once barren lands and the gamut of feelings written on the human faces which reveals the even smallest details of thoughts, experiences and understanding.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Capturing Fishes and Sun @ Corniche</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Manual Mode | 1/100s | f/11 | ISO 100 | 40mm | No Flash</span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">As I begin my journey to photography battling the controls of my Canon 600D camera knobs and buttons ensuring that my shutter speed, ISO and aperture are in unison while I try to focus my eye in the viewfinder, I realized that at that instance - once my trembling finger press the shutter button I am going to frame the world in a magical snapshot of a "moment in time" wherein it will be preserved over time and it becomes eternal.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">The Sailors of Arabia @ Corniche</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">AV Mode| 1/160s | f/16 | ISO 100 | 176mm | No Flash</span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">As an enthusiast with barely three months of amateur experience, I realized that there is something magical on everything even in the most mundane things, that Life is "really" Beautiful, life is no longer simple - there's a story behind EVERYTHING - for every photographs, there are three parts attached to it: the SUBJECT, the PHOTOGRAPHER and the VIEWER, and each is nothing without the other. So please, I humbly share with you my photographs and kindly join me here in Palipasan in my magical tour to blog photography - <b>BE MY SPECIAL VIEWER</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XlTj6JR2_xsT0QkOfmpwaW217wg9xkSxNL284-R48DRlaVczKbkK0l4pYqJMksjguXKIuVG8CciL8uTf3i1SHaQMT5r0uPpydtJYAA_ecTTQl_wj0bkj_zSO7r9fJVrQ7FWcdHJgkD6b/s1600/red+hydrant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XlTj6JR2_xsT0QkOfmpwaW217wg9xkSxNL284-R48DRlaVczKbkK0l4pYqJMksjguXKIuVG8CciL8uTf3i1SHaQMT5r0uPpydtJYAA_ecTTQl_wj0bkj_zSO7r9fJVrQ7FWcdHJgkD6b/s1600/red+hydrant.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Red Hydrant @ Corniche</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">AV Mode | 1/640s | f/1.80 | ISO 100 | 50mm | No Flash</span></div>The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-70076968134252030652011-12-25T16:36:00.003+03:002012-01-20T18:05:28.927+03:00A Blessed Christmas To All<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2CNe1nZjNkvW-SLGmgKPSKD0avHu-Gm8-JWlXd9q5CIVXsV53bImGtMJ-4ICGtTXzHaQjftB6ew5sCegem77_Y0LUfgOSugB6mLMwFVKArYt59JyuD0vLHKqg1NWZA954PLtuYkzsbyE/s1600/desktop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2CNe1nZjNkvW-SLGmgKPSKD0avHu-Gm8-JWlXd9q5CIVXsV53bImGtMJ-4ICGtTXzHaQjftB6ew5sCegem77_Y0LUfgOSugB6mLMwFVKArYt59JyuD0vLHKqg1NWZA954PLtuYkzsbyE/s400/desktop.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">My PC Desktop table on Christmas </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Last night I attended an Christmas Exchange Gift party of my friends, we're just 11 souls that gathered to celebrate Christmas in synchronicity to million OFWs worldwide that celebrate Christmas. My friends have prepared Chicken Caldereta, Biko and Cassava cake, fried chicken, Lumpia and Macaroni Salad and Pancit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The exchange gift event highlights the evening, 11 gifts were raffled and drawn among us, and to my surprise I got a Rice Cooker, a blessing in time to replace my 8-year old Rice Cooker that needs retirement. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEVdZ4ZWBqWyNQ4Icw05-qQL_zJFaTkheUbEWJWx_12Pj5ZFsMRoGPFdFBRhuceqTuPevbQysb1-wIq_fYNsREGneb9hF3kPGzSycbJWkkeKHJoIyGxedF6Ua0s0rdU76milCLDMabSoe/s1600/rice+cooker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEVdZ4ZWBqWyNQ4Icw05-qQL_zJFaTkheUbEWJWx_12Pj5ZFsMRoGPFdFBRhuceqTuPevbQysb1-wIq_fYNsREGneb9hF3kPGzSycbJWkkeKHJoIyGxedF6Ua0s0rdU76milCLDMabSoe/s400/rice+cooker.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Christmas Exchange Gift Rice Cooker</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The night ended with typical OFW stories about family and familiar OFW Christmas tales. And as we talk about love, our story telling drifted into the meaning of Christmas - love, sacrifice and gift giving, suddenly it reminded me of a familar lines that perhaps you have uttered it at least once in your OFW life:</div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue;">"Kamusta kayo dyan, okay lang ako dito, mahalaga masaya kayo sa Pasko"</span></div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">At habang nagsasalita'y kapansin pansin ang garalgal na tinig at di alintana ang pagpatak ng luha mula sa mata.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">OFWs around the world, particularly those who are separated from their love ones due to migration especially those that are in Middle East countries where Christmas is not celebrated at least publicly were more emotionally depressed during Christmas season, but with their courage and determination to surpass the trials in life, they celebrate Christmas in their own humble way through prayers and small social group gatherings.</div><div><br />
</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Being alone in a lonely planet as an OFW should not stop us Filipinos to celebrate Christmas. As I long for traditional Christmas lights and lanterns, the thick smell of baked bibingka and puto bungbong - celebrating Christmas in a foreign land means getting in touch with your love ones, as I called them this morning and with an assurance voice I gently say:</div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue;">"Kumpleto na ang Pasko ko, basta marinig ko lang ang mga boses ninyo"</span></div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is one of the many occasions that I call my family over the phone, from my wife, to my children Geeka, Jason and my daughter-in-law Mely, and my makukulit and adorable na mga apo, Jarem (7 years old) and Janna (six years old), but Christmas is always different.</div></div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We all missed the Simbang Gabi, the bibingka't puto bungbong but it does not dampen our spirits to celebrate Christmas. Because for most of us OFWs celebrating Christmas is opening ourselves to God, allowing the true spirit of Christmas which is LOVE, PEACE and JOY to enter into our hearts and let it reign as we give praise and thanks the Almighty for His Divine gift to Mankind - the birth of the Holy Child.</div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let Christmas begin within your own family - let love starts with your spouse, your partner, your children... and whole family and expands to all world. Let's spread love, they're just a a phone call away... and say:</div><div><br />
</div><div>"Maligayang Pasko"</div>The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-17083681696166595442011-12-20T16:34:00.003+03:002012-01-20T18:46:00.559+03:00Life is Beautiful, Capture It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_PZQyt51MZjqFLjtfdCFDWPC_rHCKBngYtKAA9gIQDyS_zGrU3JQfOWC4Jl31LPq2LXRxNFmT6mRoxJ2HioFOpKT07ODfWrsdqbn5mPVZWvyTN0PFDnUDtEYDxYYqsNyYrheSbc5CNBo/s1600/bokeh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_PZQyt51MZjqFLjtfdCFDWPC_rHCKBngYtKAA9gIQDyS_zGrU3JQfOWC4Jl31LPq2LXRxNFmT6mRoxJ2HioFOpKT07ODfWrsdqbn5mPVZWvyTN0PFDnUDtEYDxYYqsNyYrheSbc5CNBo/s400/bokeh.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Capture the Light </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">(Practicing Bo-keh exposures) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>After three months of absence in the blogging world because of various commitments from PEBA 2011 and the extra-ordinary missions I have at work, finally I find my way back to Palipasan.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">For the last two months, I found my itchy finger on the shutter button learning the ropes of photography. My PEBA blogging friends have inspired me to pursue photography as an all consuming passion - among them are Ms. Jocelyn "Misalyn" Torres Gundan of <a href="http://www.alaincitydailyphoto.com/" target="_blank">Al Ain City Daily Photo</a> my online mentor who have helped me decide to go for Canon Rebel T3i, the exceptional artistic talent of Ever Villacruz of <a href="http://pamatayhomesick.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Pamatay Homesick</a>, and the multifaceted blogging talents of Pepe Cabrera of <a href="http://cameranicabrera.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Camera ni Cabrera</a> and Ruel "RJ" Pagoto of <a href="http://chook-mindersquill.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">the Chook-minder's Lens</a> have inspired me to take a new direction in blogging through photography.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCt1NfpZPvSj7eo8Tv_G1rG-BG6wg50nyFwF5Q62mwILU_D-shRiaGBmALOXSkFqZtO1jS5tSRyngq40wa9mPend1raTNXRK6vhXPg7ruGbh4cI1TK-Dsw7QTtktwoa4kFXpff3ON4dq8/s1600/janna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCt1NfpZPvSj7eo8Tv_G1rG-BG6wg50nyFwF5Q62mwILU_D-shRiaGBmALOXSkFqZtO1jS5tSRyngq40wa9mPend1raTNXRK6vhXPg7ruGbh4cI1TK-Dsw7QTtktwoa4kFXpff3ON4dq8/s400/janna.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Princess</span> <span style="color: blue;">Janna, My Granddaughter</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">(Enhancing my portraiture skill) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But why photography? I always believe in the beauty of life, its purpose, emotions - love, pain and glory. While all these things can be perfectly written through blog, I still believe that incredible transformation of life, God's creation can be best captured in full details with lights, colors and textures through a unique perspective to tell its own story.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">As I struggle my way into ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed, learning to become a photographer with the use of DSLR is a serious challenge - as there's always something new to learn, new directions to explore and new challenges to face which is I find fascinating capturing not only the physical beauty of creations but capturing the emotions of real life either in colors or in black and white. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgHW4MrOXrbJa-yosmEblKm-GFUJ-7Uu5zBOnD_wjpjbt07Y8vztfMIlmVZfY9MCz8BGVR1VW5SBEEsCaVG1WmgCrJJDfFexqYwat3cQH4pV5FZTvyTClNk05-SsTSU3ihVKTVDaBTHUV/s1600/qtel+entry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgHW4MrOXrbJa-yosmEblKm-GFUJ-7Uu5zBOnD_wjpjbt07Y8vztfMIlmVZfY9MCz8BGVR1VW5SBEEsCaVG1WmgCrJJDfFexqYwat3cQH4pV5FZTvyTClNk05-SsTSU3ihVKTVDaBTHUV/s400/qtel+entry.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Across The Sea</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">(My photo entry to <a href="http://www.qatarairways.com/sites/english_qatar/offers/photo-contest.html?iid=QA6211512120&ref=nf#!/entry/227391" target="_blank">Qatar Airways National Day Contest</a>)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As I bounce back to my blogging niche, Palipasan will provide space for my new photographs which I would like to share through blog. While my software editing skills in Photoshop is generally weak, I'm highly dependent on my camera's optimum settings. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'll be sharing with you my my photos hoping that it may will be glad to have you as my photo critique, please feel free to share your views and comments and in one way or another I hope that it may give hope and inspiration to my blogging friends, visitor and photo enthusiasts. </div><br />
Remember..."Life is Beautiful, Capture It!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD73V3gncofT10YpH7Gi5BgvNcuvk2O4BJLokGW30JKs454Xd7ak1WfiMg7J4JoOavTUHdxv5f8rlobYzSMIXYRpa7TVEubZRfSg_CaM7LBLX8v6Yx7hgsVBsRXAY79y4BmtmEsC5bMmqs/s1600/the+peak%252C+hk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD73V3gncofT10YpH7Gi5BgvNcuvk2O4BJLokGW30JKs454Xd7ak1WfiMg7J4JoOavTUHdxv5f8rlobYzSMIXYRpa7TVEubZRfSg_CaM7LBLX8v6Yx7hgsVBsRXAY79y4BmtmEsC5bMmqs/s400/the+peak%252C+hk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">The Peak, Hong Kong - (Hong Kong Skyline)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">My first Night Shot (12/28/2011)</span></div><br />
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</div>The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-37907741880163823042011-09-03T07:45:00.004+03:002012-01-20T18:05:28.931+03:00Kailan Ka Uuwi?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ka1NhKdyLKsS8jHqisWeHmz-JcyY6R2HCmhDt7V6k8H4L4TEMYdP7e8zSp8kYcRD0FQb3qSrps5V0VzzzMFU-zJBoeLNjhoblcalAbQa1IfBgL23JROPD0EguM3I5-3NQkurhJ67E9hD/s1600/pal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ka1NhKdyLKsS8jHqisWeHmz-JcyY6R2HCmhDt7V6k8H4L4TEMYdP7e8zSp8kYcRD0FQb3qSrps5V0VzzzMFU-zJBoeLNjhoblcalAbQa1IfBgL23JROPD0EguM3I5-3NQkurhJ67E9hD/s320/pal.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Kailan ka uuwi? Katanungang payak subalit may hatid na kurot sa puso ng bawa't OFW kapag ang mahal sa buhay ang naghahanap ng katugunan.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Ilang beses ko na bang narinig ang tanong na ito? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Kailan ka uuwi Daddy? Inosenteng tanong ng aking bunso nung unang taon na ako'y mag-abroad. At makalipas ang 20 taon ko sa bansang banyaga, ito pa rin ang katanungang namumutawi sa kanyang mga labi, sa pangungulila sa isang ama na halos isang buwan lang sa bawa’t taon akong nakakasama at lagi kong sinasabi "Huwag kang mag-alala, uuwi si Daddy".</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Kailan ka uuwi? Tanong ng aking asawa na pilit ikinukubli ang impit na pagtangis ng aming damdamin na pinaghiwalay ng malawak na karagatan, at sa kanyang mga panaghoy aking ibinubulong "Huwag kang mag-alala uuwi ako".</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Kailan ka uuwi, tanong ng aking nagiisang kapatid, mga pamangkin at mga kaibigang nananabik na ako'y makaharap matapos ang matagal na di pagkikita. "Darating ako dyan, basta antayin ninyo ako, darating ako".</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Walang katiyakan, pero puno ng pag-asa. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Kailan nga ba ako uuwi? 20 taon sa abroad, matagumpay na nakapagpatapos ng dalawang anak sa kolehiyo, may maayos na tahanan at kaunting impok, subalit tila ang kasagutan kung kailan ako uuwi ay napakailap at walang katiyakan. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Siguro pinalad lang ako na nagkaruon ng maayos na trabaho at magandang mga benepisyo kaya’t sinasamantala ko ang pagkakataon at umaasang muling makapiling ko ang aking pamilya sa bansang banyaga kahit pansamantala.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Subalit, ang ating mga kapatid kong OFW na kasalukuyang naiipit sa kaguluhan sa bansang Libya, Syria, Iraq at Afghanistan, kailan kayo makakauwi. Lubos ko kayong nauunawaan sa inyong pag-aatubili na umuwi sa ating Inang Bayan kung saan mas lalong walang katiyakan kung may hanapbuhay pa bang naghihintay sa inyong pagbabalikbayan. Ang akin laging dalangin nawa’y patnubayan kayo ni Bathala at gabayan kayo sa inyong kalusugan’t kaligtasan.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Sa aking mga kababayan at sampu ng kanyang pamilya na pinagpalang manirahan sa Amerika, Canada, Europa, at mga bansang mauunlad, kailan kayo uuwi upang bisitahin man lang ang bansang ating pinagmulan? Nawa’y habang tinatamasa ang mga biyayang pinagkaloob sa inyo ng Maykapal, at huwag sana ninyong limutin ang mayamang kultura na inyong kinamulatan at ipagmalaki ang lahing Pilipino kung saan nagmula ang di mabilang ng Bayani ng ating Lahing Kayumanggi.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Tulad ng aking panulat, anumang haba ng sanaysay ay hahantong din sa wakas, tulad ng isang awiti’y may simula at katapusan. At tulad nating mga OFW at Expats, sa kabila ng mausok, buhol buhol na traffic sa EDSA, sobrang init o maulan na panahon at nakakasukang kalakaran sa politika, uuwi’t uuwi tayo upang muling makasama ang ating mahal na pamilya at madama ang tunay na kulturang Pilipino sa tamang panahon. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Kung tutuusin, may 7,107 na dahilan upang ikaw ay umuwi kaibigan at nawa’y sa iyong pagbabalikbayan, bitbit ang iyong maleta na puno ng bagong kaalaman karanasan, kwento ng buhay at pagmamalaskit sa kapwa Pilipino, sa iyong pag-uwi nawa’y ikaw ang simula ng pagbabago.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Ikaw, kailan ka uuwi? </div>The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com13Qatar25.354826 51.18388424.436543 49.9204565 26.273108999999998 52.4473115tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-78960071256569636942011-08-17T20:41:00.004+03:002012-01-20T18:05:28.934+03:00Reflections As I Turn 50...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6jc8BtZyCaX72GN404JuAHtwRXgjHanAjOnrWtCN3-Bdb0gRTTT2ZzazbBxNauo9qTO0Q3tlXtDGsVYb62Nwc4dsJ8QBX-HRzzfiZyekNbj4u9CSZoeWs4O07v64GNU_a0aAXmuEU5rb/s1600/226806_2113123826384_1194323536_32633418_4058753_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6jc8BtZyCaX72GN404JuAHtwRXgjHanAjOnrWtCN3-Bdb0gRTTT2ZzazbBxNauo9qTO0Q3tlXtDGsVYb62Nwc4dsJ8QBX-HRzzfiZyekNbj4u9CSZoeWs4O07v64GNU_a0aAXmuEU5rb/s640/226806_2113123826384_1194323536_32633418_4058753_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Photo taken in Xania, Crete Is, Greece on May 2011</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">I'd been working on numbers for the last 20 years and undeniably to me 50 is a heavy solid number. Today, 18th August I ponder on its numerical value as I turn 50 years old, a real milestone, a half-century stage reflecting on my life's accomplishments, new opportunities and challenges.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Looking back, I am aware that the passage of time has accelerated so fast as I witnessed how the world changes over the last 50 years. From the "Karitela" I used to ride from Makati to Pasay City, which was later replaced by Willy's jeepney and now the MRTs and LRTs have been a symbol of modern mass transportation in Metro Manila during the mid 80's.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">At 50, what I do value is the countless number of blessings in those years. Growing in a simple urban home in Pasay City with abundant life lessons that resonate in my current status. My parents Vicente and Olimpia who were called by God to join Him in Paradise have left a legacy of faith and love during my young age and my wonderful sister Tessie who has acted as my second parent that has pushed me to dream big and always reminded me to live a simple life while reaching for the stars.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A girl next door named Elinor turned our relationship into a marriage graced by two amazing children RJ and Geeka which now I called my family - a plethora of blessings that brings me to my knees in humble reverence to God.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A circle of life completed by trusted friends, from my classmates and batch mates from P. Burgos Elem. School, Pasay City West High School, Makati Polytechnic and PATS School of Aeronautics. I am sharing this golden year celebration with them as I look forward to see them in the upcoming reunions. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To my relatives, Lito, Junior, Neneng, and Bibong, and extended families who keep on loving me no matter what - you are God's gifts. To my blogging friends from PEBA and Kablogs, Kenjie, NJ, Rose, Kiko, Arvin and CM who inspires me of your blogging talents that keeps me to continue writing blog, you fuel my senses to keep Palipasan alive. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And to all the people I meet daily or along the way over the last 50 years of my journey, thank you for you are the fiber of my life.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">At fifty, my life has never been perfect, there have been disappointments and frustrations but these were outshined by abundant blessings and miracles that lacks worldly description found only in the Divine. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As I ring in this half-century of life, I am amazed, grateful, and thankful to the Lord for the wonderful 50 years of borrowed life and as I journey through the days ahead, many passages to tread and dreams left to fulfill I entrust my soul in God's care as I begin another year.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><blockquote style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>"You created my innermost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb" (PSALM 139:13 NIV)</b></span></i></blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Life is Beautiful, aging is the only available way to live a long life - enjoy it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div>The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-9174463043208521082011-08-07T16:03:00.003+03:002012-01-20T18:05:28.936+03:00PEBA 2011 First Batch of Nominees<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The following is a repost from <a href="http://www.pinoyblogawards.com/2011/08/2011-pinoy-expatsofw-blog-awards-click.html">PEBA</a> site presenting PEBA's first batch of 2011 PEBA Nominees in a video.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Note, for better sound and quality, watch in HD format. </i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><small><br />
</small></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><small><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qVWK0c3s438" width="460"></iframe></small></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><small><br />
</small></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We would like to invite you to join our exciting for this year</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Eurostile; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="background-color: white; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.pinoyblogawards.com/2011/04/criteria-guidelines-2011.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">BLOG ENTRY CONTEST</a>, <a href="http://www.pinoyblogawards.com/2011/01/nomination-form-2011.html">Nomination Form</a></span></b></span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Eurostile; font-size: medium;"><b><br />
</b></span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Eurostile; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.pinoyblogawards.com/2011/07/any-blogger-anywhere.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">ANY BLOGGER, ANYWHERE!</a> <a href="http://www.pinoyblogawards.com/2011/07/any-blogger-anywhere.html">Nominate a Blog</a></span></b></span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Eurostile; font-size: medium;"><b><br />
</b></span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Eurostile; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.pinoyblogawards.com/2011/05/lcd-tv-netbook-and-phones-from-nokia.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">NOKIA ESSAY CONTEST</a>, <a href="http://www.pinoyblogawards.com/2011/05/lcd-tv-netbook-and-phones-from-nokia.html">Nomination Form</a></span></b></span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Eurostile; font-size: medium;"><b><br />
</b></span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For blog entry contest, in OFW and Home Based bloggers Division, we will be awarding the prestigious Top 10 Bloggers of the Year. The Most Popular Blog Award is another prestigious award with trophy for the most number of accumulated Facebook Likes, Poll result and number of comments. Voting will start earlier, that is September 1, 2011 until December 5, 2011.</span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nokia Essay Writing contest will win a Nokia phone and other cool gadgets.</span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blog entry nominees and Nokia Essay contestants are eligible to join the raffle promo </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and will have the chance to win in the raffle of LCD TV, Netbook/Slim CPUs, Nokia Phones and other gadgets.</span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">JOIN PEBA CONTESTS NOW!</span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">©2011 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><fb:like layout="button_count" show_faces="true"></fb:like><a href="http://www.blogger.com/#comment-post-message" title="click here to comment">click here to comment… for bloggers</a></div></div><div id="fb-root"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><fb:comments migrated="1" numposts="100" publish_feed="true" reverse="false" showform="false" simple="true" width="520"></fb:comments></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/PEBAWARDS"><img border="0" height="72" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2313/5736618596_b42c7db561_m.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div></div>The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-89249466689268643102011-04-09T14:58:00.002+03:002012-01-20T18:05:28.938+03:00PEBA 2011: HEROES HOMECOMING TOWARDS CHANGE<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><small><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In the observance of Philipines' Araw Ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), PEBA, the International Blog Awards annual event on its 4th Jubilee celebration, PEBA 2011 focus on the Global Filipinos homecoming towards change with its theme Ako'y Magbabalik, Hatid Ko'y Pagbabago (I Will Return, I Will Bring Change). In support to PEBA's advocacy, the following is a repost on <a href="http://www.pinoyblogawards.com/2011/04/heroes-homecoming-towards-change.html">PEBA's official opening article</a> for this year's International Blog Award, this is an invitation to the Global Filipino bloggers to support PEBA 2011.</span></i></span></small></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><small><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></i><b><br />
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</b></span></small></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><small><b>The First Quarter Storm</b></small></div><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><small><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br />
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</small></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Note: The photo of a boy holding a flag is an official entry of Analindenhann</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"> from Copenhagen Denmark, </span></span></div><div align="center"><small><br />
</small></div><div align="center"><small>©2011 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards </small></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The first quarter of 2011 is perhaps the most turbulent days of the Overseas Filipino Workers as they witness the political revolution in the Middle East and North Africa where thousands of OFWs were caught in the middle of domestic conflicts in countries such as Egypt, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Libya.</i></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Even with these appalling events, Filipinos remain determined to continue following their dreams through migration in order to survive domestic poverty. The world could be cruel and unforgiving but also highly rewarding... because in every struggle, heroes emerge.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HoYWEgwiMZvKAM4f6Aed5m1Lian9p5UOmMuC-jRHY9KB-r_z4QIMDRL5xFAYnEuXXxZZalCZxMyMIvwf7Fjx81IRlJSJwJ6V0PdetbmqIlXp7D_W1i9sv5tA9Q_TFPIVfDDmW4fJwuY/s1600/Untitled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HoYWEgwiMZvKAM4f6Aed5m1Lian9p5UOmMuC-jRHY9KB-r_z4QIMDRL5xFAYnEuXXxZZalCZxMyMIvwf7Fjx81IRlJSJwJ6V0PdetbmqIlXp7D_W1i9sv5tA9Q_TFPIVfDDmW4fJwuY/s320/Untitled.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-weight: normal;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Leaving Is Not A Matter of Choice, Coming Back Is</b></span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Despite the varied reasons why Filipinos go abroad, nationalism is still evident on the narratives of the 12 million Filipinos scattered all over the world. PEBA has witnessed how OFWs take pride of our Filipino roots, our culture and our race. Filipinos abroad, after they have followed their dreams, have chosen to return, evident on how we are called... "Balikbayan." <b>They return to share their talents, skills and fortunes in an effort to bring change to the families left behind, communities and country.</b> Thus, PEBA 2011 is dedicated to our "balikbayans", the unsung heroes of our time. Their homecoming brings a spark of change to the lives of their loved ones and their homeland. PEBA 2011 honor them with the theme,<b> </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Ako'y Magbabalik, Hatid Ko'y Pagbabago." (I Will Return, I Will Bring Change.)</span></b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">The PEBA 2011 Challenge</span></b></span></span></span></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">PEBA 2011 will attempt to remind the P-Noy administration to solicit, listen and heed the advice our OFWs who have been the forefront of finding solutions on the world’s most powerful economies. It's about time that instead of concentrating on labor-export policy, this administration start tapping the professional services of OFWs in various areas of expertise in rebuilding our country's infrastructures and basic services by offering them job positions in government offices to be administration partners in nation-building.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">We call on our Filipino expatriates around the world to continue their roles as Global Ambassadors of our country in foreign lands by promoting and patronizing our locally-made products, making the Philippines the first stop destination for holidays and investing in the home country. We ask them to teach their children and their foreign spouses on the positive Filipino values and the Filipino language. Let’s be proud of our race, for nationalism knows no time and boundaries</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChFxDdoOn3TlYLtsh8GNgYT-LtAGbseAzHYqo0W1u_Zlm0_X7E0tlCPBT3b4P87_G4RBmyhNg5REbxrGxJtF-O7sUIqiIA9UH_yYCSKx6sCQdWI0EjFGymnAO4nN2naQK0V2aLRT4bGY/s1600/PEBA+Laptop.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChFxDdoOn3TlYLtsh8GNgYT-LtAGbseAzHYqo0W1u_Zlm0_X7E0tlCPBT3b4P87_G4RBmyhNg5REbxrGxJtF-O7sUIqiIA9UH_yYCSKx6sCQdWI0EjFGymnAO4nN2naQK0V2aLRT4bGY/s320/PEBA+Laptop.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-weight: normal;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Expats, OFWs and Bloggers, They’re Heroes That Multiplies</b></span></b></div><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">To our Global Filipino bloggers, as the curtain rises for PEBA 2011 in celebration of our nation’s historic "Araw ng Kagitingan"; let us look back on the heroes of La Solidaridad - Rizal, Del Pilar, Ponce, Paterno, Jacinto, Lopez-Jaena , etc. who were the Filipinos reformists in Spain who used instead of the sword to campaign for changes in the Spanish-governed Philippine islands through essays, speeches, news articles, and other literary and journalistic forms. Their efforts ultimately led to the Philippine independence from Spain. Today, PEBA invites our bloggers to write and post topics on "Balikbayan" (Returnees), "Homecoming" and the positive "changes" and benefits it brings to their families, relatives and friends, to the community and to our country, the Philippines. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">We call on our bloggers worldwide to share their stories - through essays and anecdotes, literary and journalistic forms, videos and photos on their quest for the real change that they want to be - for their own selves, for their families, communities and country on their plan homecoming or recent “balikbayan” experiences that bring positive change to the lives of their love ones. And to our non-OFW bloggers, we seek your talents to share with us your expectations and memorable experiences gained during the homecoming events of your returning family members, relatives or friends.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Like Rizal, Luna and Ninoy, 12 million OFWs have crossed borders to work, learn culture and technologies abroad in their effort to battle poverty in our courtyard; soon they will return and apply their knowledge and wealth to bring the change they want for their families, relatives, communities and country - for heroes never die, they just multiply.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">This season will put a challenge to our Global Filipinos to flex its muscles to show that with the unity of its great numbers, it can be a potent force for political change, that OFWs can stop this culture of corruption, exploitation, and fraud and steer our country to greater heights by participating in a mature political exercise by participating in the Overseas Absentee Voting and joining forums and social organizations abroad that promote Filipino values and socio-economic assistance to OFWs and kababayans back home.</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">To the private sectors that have economically benefited on the remittances and homecoming spending of the OFW and their families; PEBA calls for your support on the advocacy programs and projects of the Government, LGUs and NGOs that promote values and welfare of the OFWs.</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">PEBA calls on POEA and OWWA to improve its reintegration program for returning, retiring and displaced OFWs. We ask this administration to restore an estimated 46 percent budget cut to the Department of Foreign Affairs 2012 budget and to increase funds to assist OFWs in Japan and the Middle East countries.</span></div></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">As the quarter storm closes, we prayed and mourned for the loss of our OFW compatriots, Sally, Ramon and Elizabeth who were executed in China. A painful lesson for every Filipinos to be careful and not to allow ourselves to be used as drug couriers.</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hundreds of OFWs are still missing in New Zealand after a devastating earthquake hit the country. In Japan, the horrifying series of earthquakes and tsunami that swept the Japanese shores where hundreds of OFWs are still unaccounted for and the continuing threat of radiation exposure remain an unending nightmare to the survivors.</span></div>The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-80690262590087892011-03-18T21:25:00.004+03:002012-01-20T18:05:28.941+03:00My Bloggers EB Qatar Experience<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRV2AxidhwADtgP9NMWQ0IIbdBB7Hz1LgIzHFOXNFIQVg5D_EfyrO_DT5u_gC3rrN3j1nGzcCr9c5kPfd4iptPEzrG7w3ZxM-Jmc1yImzy24xV4nJ4czXRHEjOXIoBpKqYsxcoJiUPLtpx/s1600/200439_10150210454897715_751437714_9098216_3421404_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRV2AxidhwADtgP9NMWQ0IIbdBB7Hz1LgIzHFOXNFIQVg5D_EfyrO_DT5u_gC3rrN3j1nGzcCr9c5kPfd4iptPEzrG7w3ZxM-Jmc1yImzy24xV4nJ4czXRHEjOXIoBpKqYsxcoJiUPLtpx/s400/200439_10150210454897715_751437714_9098216_3421404_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(L-R) Francis, Ronald, Buhay Qatar and The Pope </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPCmtpkFuQnqXG1GeQzoA3GPgI-DajtII9jZDspXrR5jVH2HjdHVOX4_zeERQl8EHR-RloBw4Kru6CqYhY98RC_mWHyqfvVrrqASiGyWHRchslYyPI3FBACQ9kggi_TD0K8JJfRcWIKRS/s1600/200650_10150210456362715_751437714_9098224_3755094_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPCmtpkFuQnqXG1GeQzoA3GPgI-DajtII9jZDspXrR5jVH2HjdHVOX4_zeERQl8EHR-RloBw4Kru6CqYhY98RC_mWHyqfvVrrqASiGyWHRchslYyPI3FBACQ9kggi_TD0K8JJfRcWIKRS/s400/200650_10150210456362715_751437714_9098224_3755094_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> (</b>Seated L-R) Francis, Ronald and Buhay Qatar</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Standing L-R) Rose, The Pope and Gerald</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's been a cold Thursday evening with wind blowing outside the Starbucks Cafe but the pleasant smiles and cordiality has brought warmth as I rub elbows with 5 best Global Filipino bloggers in Doha.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">It was full of excitement and a rare opportunity to meet the real people behind the virtual walls whom I googled and admire their talents in creative writings in the blogosphere as I shake hands with <b>Gerald Baluyot of <a href="http://www.geraldjr.blogspot.com/">The EXPAT</a></b>, <b>Buhay Qatar of <a href="http://barangaybq.com/">Barangay Buhay Qatar</a></b>, <b>Ronald Mallari of <a href="http://www.poemslifelove.com/">POEMS on LIFE and LOVE and QUOTES</a></b>, <b>Francis Morilao of <a href="http://www.unnamedpsalmist.blogspot.com/">Unnamed Psalmist</a> </b> & <b><a href="http://www.mga-kathang-isip-ni-kiko.blogspot.com/">Mga Kathang Isip ni Kiko</a></b> and<b> Ms. Rose Marie Armenta of <a href="http://www.rosemarie-armenta.blogspot.com/">Rainbow Box</a> .</b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The conversation begins innocently on how long each has been blogging, subjects and blog affiliations. Freebies courtesy of Kiko were awarded to me and Buhay Qatar as "Early Birds". </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">More good conversation went on as we ordered our cup of cocoa cappuccino, as Buhay Qatar and Ronald share their expertise, strategies and success on monetizing blogs. Buhay Qatar was regarded as one of the pioneer in Qatar blogging who have helped and introduced Kiko and Ronald into the blogsphere.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Kiko and Ronald, both respected bloggers on literary arts shares their real life experience in preparing poem compositions. Rose whose beauty and charm captivates the group as she provides tips for creative writing on fiction short stories for 'emo' and love story subjects. Gerald, the youngest in our pears has shown great enthusiasm on photo and technology blogs.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">More subjects were explored particularly on role of <b><a href="http://www.pinoyblogawards.com/">PEBA</a></b> in blogsphere, <a href="http://www.thekablogsjournal.com/"><b>The Kablogs Journal (TKJ)</b></a>, the ongoing Bethany project, PEBA organizational structure, financial sustainability through effective fund raising projects and the much awaited PEBA 2011 event.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The issue on National Bloggers Association was discussed in brief and it was highlighted that the freedom of expressions of individual bloggers should never be restricted by any blogging organization.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately the coffee shop doesn't have a wi-fi facility as we 're unable to provide live news feeds from our mobile phones and laptop to reach our PEBA blogging friends who are anxiously waiting from Saudi Arabia, Taiwan and Philippines. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">So many blogging experiences were shared individually and collectively and it was a fruitful encounter. As the night grew deep and nobody wants to take a second cup of coffee, we called it a night. We said good-byes at 10:30 pm, Buhay Qatar left 30 minutes early, followed by Gerald. Ronald remains in the cafe as he awaits some friends. while me and Kiko separate ways after ensuring that Rose was safely boarded on the taxi cab.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I reached home by 11 pm, started my PC and posting messages in FB wall and guess what, I am not alone, Gerald begin posting our event photos while me, Kiko and Rose continue our “chit-chat” online - THE BLOGGING ADDICTS.</div>The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-22213167057639964182011-03-09T17:42:00.005+03:002012-01-20T18:12:30.808+03:00ME, PEBA & PBA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7kl-Ser6gs3TFhpnJgfPEiVDHR5g4i6WF9cVZlpEbL-_CTFLZzFotnNWvRu3W9yl9g8rVCtzHQg1taLLRiXDxmhAh5JDP0-e2RyPoWWf1dIB-Rl9e0FW6QEjW-oWkt3TOkTpWyYZoNM2/s1600/blog-pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7kl-Ser6gs3TFhpnJgfPEiVDHR5g4i6WF9cVZlpEbL-_CTFLZzFotnNWvRu3W9yl9g8rVCtzHQg1taLLRiXDxmhAh5JDP0-e2RyPoWWf1dIB-Rl9e0FW6QEjW-oWkt3TOkTpWyYZoNM2/s320/blog-pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Kenjie and Yanah have asked my personal opinion on the blogging initiatives for a "National Bloggers Association", I cannot help but take a deep breath as I read the drafted <a href="http://tonyocruz.com/?p=3105">manifesto</a>.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Personally, I find the manifesto as a hopeless banality on its futile attempt to persuade the intellect of Filipino bloggers from the Philippines and across the world. </div><br />
There are several issues and questions that needs clarification:<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">1. Is there an immediate need to organize an association at National level? It seems that there are "forces" rushing to launch the NBA as "nothing could stop them".</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">2. Is there an immediate threat to bloggers' "right to free speech and to free expression" that NBA needs to address?</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">3. Is it planning to curtail the democratic air that bloggers breath individually by drafting and adopting a "code of ethics"? All the bloggers will agree that we value our informal conversation, egalitarianism, subjective points of view, and colorful writing over profits. And defining a code ethics will be tantamount to dictatorship and runs counter to the first order of its manifesto "to promote and defend the right to free speech and to free expression".</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">4. Is the NBA membership open to bloggers who are blogging anonymously using pseudonyms while some are using public computers? How can NBA effectively address the issues on copyright infringement and libel within its group and non-NBA members who are blogging anonymously?</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">My unsolicited advice before launching an initiative for a Bloggers organization at national level, are:</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">a. Connect the Dots - for its first step the organizers should have made an effort by offering a leaf of friendship and harmony to all established blogging communities at regional level in Visayas and Mindanao such as the Iloilo Bloggers, Davao Bloggers, Zamboanga Bloggers, Bukidnon Blggers, Soccsksargen Bloggers, CDO Bloggers (please forgive me if I failed to mention other blogging groups, its unintentional, "tao lang po"). </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">b. Initiate formulation and organization of bloggers association in regions where it does not exists such as in Luzon and Metro Manila, or Southern Luzon, Central Luzon and Northern Luzon provinces blogging groups.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">c. Instead of pushing for a National Blogging Association as being campaigned right now in its effort to gather prospective "Founding Members", I suggest that the proponents of this NBA to conduct an exploratory talk or a consultative meeting at regional levels as primary stakeholders for conception of an umbrella organization or a bloggers federation at national level.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">At this point in time, I don't think that there is an immediate need for an NBA. I am personally happy with PEBA and the Kablogs community where I belong on which it has achieved its legal entity and recognized by Philippine's SEC and BIR. NBA organizers needs to assess and specifically define its goals and definite plan of actions and its projected programs before launching its project at national scale. The cloud of ambiguity will remain over the horizon as NBA's direction remains unclear in the blogsphere.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The challenge is <b>"what can this NBA offer to Filipino bloggers that PEBA and Kablogs, or the Visayas or Mindanao blogging organizations cannot provide?"</b></div>The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-18072634480454648202011-02-27T23:10:00.002+03:002012-01-20T18:13:19.710+03:00Lumisa't Magbalik Ng Ibahagi ang Kaalaman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobp9boaGeF-Xm47xqSez2yjqrMui0pugdVTWgRWCJTtYjYwrEfZWmNjp1K31CCLjFvHsEjo_IwrCId1Opt0em-RNG3fG67LTmkuU-vmPQVpB-8e6LMkhwv68ncsJcZJPM1BFwP3NNDFE2/s1600/Vp-amorsolo-flag-adj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobp9boaGeF-Xm47xqSez2yjqrMui0pugdVTWgRWCJTtYjYwrEfZWmNjp1K31CCLjFvHsEjo_IwrCId1Opt0em-RNG3fG67LTmkuU-vmPQVpB-8e6LMkhwv68ncsJcZJPM1BFwP3NNDFE2/s320/Vp-amorsolo-flag-adj.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>"Nothing wrong to leave our country, learn abroad and come back to apply knowledge. Rizal, Ninoy, Luna did just that... Geography is not the only requirement to be Filipino. 11 million people agree."</i></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Tugon ni G. Jim Paredes kay Sen. Gringo. Honasan sa kanilang maikli at hindi inaasahang balitaktakan sa "tweet".</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Sumasangayon ako sa pananaw ni G. Paredes sa tuwirang kasaysayan ng lahing kayumanggi, ang mga bayaning sina Marcelo del Pilar, Lopez-Jaena, Antonio Luna, Rizal at Blumentritt ay nangibang bansa at inilunsad ang pahayagang La Solidaridad sa Barcelona ang isang uri ng rebolusyon sa pamamagitan ng malayang pagpapahayag nuong taong 1889.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Ang ating unang Pambansang Bandila ay hinabi sa malikhaing kamay nila Gng. Marcela de Agoncillo, ang kanyang anak na si Lorenza at Gng. Josefina Herbosa de Natividad (pamangkin ni Dr. Rizal), mga bayaning lumikas sa Hongkong mula sa mga Kastila. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Ang mga naunang bayani ay mga "ilustradong" Pilipino na nanginbang bayan kung saan ang populasyon ng Pilipinas ay tinatayang 8 milyong mamamayan lamang. Makalipas ang mahigit 120 taon, mahigit 80 milyong Pinoy ang tinatayang populasyon natin ngayun. At nagbago ang hugis ng pakikibaka, mga bayaning Pilipino'y nasa ibang bansa - hindi na sila ang mga "ilustrado" - na mas kilala sila sa tawag na OFW, 11 Milyong bayaning nakikibaka sa kahirapan sa sariling bansa- na hindi mabigyan ng katugunan ng mga halal na lider ng bansa mula sa Pangulo, mga Senador at Kongresman.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Nakalimutan rin ni Sen. Honasan na ang kanyang pagkakahalal sa Senado ay utang nya sa mga OFW na nagkampanya sa kanya sa kanilang mga pamilya sa Pilipinas. Palagay ko ay may karapatan din na makipagtalastasan ang kahit sinong ordinaryong mamamayan kahit hindi halal ng Bayan sa isang Senador tulad ni Honasan, kaya't mali ang kanyang tinuran na "get elected first". Kung ito ay pasaring sa pagkatalo ni G. Paredes sa Barangay election nuong taong '90s ay tila di nakapagbigay ng sustansya sa pagtatalo at sa halip ay lumikha lamang ng negatibong imahe sa Senador. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Sa dinami-dami nga naman ng mga kalahok, ako, mga sundalo, pari't madre, ordinaryong mamamayan, masyadong nabigyan ng matingkad na kulay ang katauhan ni Honasan sa malawak na entablado ng EDSA. Hingaan, sinipulan, pinalakpakan. Matapos ang EDSA, nakalimutan ng taong bayan na si Enrile, Ramos at Honasan ang pangunahing tauhan rin sa likod ng Martial Law ni Marcos, dahil sa mabilis na pagpapalit ng telon, sila'y biglang naging bayani.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Ayokong tawaran ang pagkatao ni Senador Honasan, subali't nararapat nyang tanggapin ang puna at katotohanan ng mga pribadong indibidwal na ang layunin ng RAM sa pamumuno ni Honasan sa tangkang pag-agaw ng kapangyarihan mula kay Pang. Aguino ay nagdulot ng pagkasawi ng mahigit 100 Pilipino, pangamba sa mamamayang at muling pagkalugmok ng ekonomiya ng mga panahon na iyon. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Kung nagtagumpay ang RAM at nagapi ang administrasyong Cory Aquino, may ipagdiriwang pa ba tayong EDSA? At may tatawagin pa ba tayong Ina ng Demokrasya? Baka di na tayo makapag tweet at blog. Bawa't kwento ng buhay ay kailangang sumangayon sa isang magandang pagtatapos ng istorya - Pagbabago para sa Kalayaan. Kaya't nanaig ang kwento ng demokrasya.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">At kaming mga OFW, bahagi rin kami ng pagbabago tungo sa maunlad na Pilipinas, dahil saan mang panig ng mundo kami'y Pilipino.Kami ma'y lumisan ay muling magbabalik upang ibahagi ang aming kaalaman para sa Bayan.</div>The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-54781384506651505612011-02-24T05:19:00.001+03:002012-01-20T18:11:19.462+03:00A Prayer for OFWs<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><small><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><small><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Dear God,</span></span></small></div></div><small><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><small><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You crossed every border between divinity and humanity to make your home with us. Bless our fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters who have travelled to foreign lands with faith in their heart leaving their families behind as they break through the barriers of people, cultures, and languages to escape oppression and poverty.</span></span></small></div><small><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><small><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There are many things going on that are beyond us even with our collective power. We come to thee in supplication and heartfelt pleadings as we are mindful of the ordeals of others.</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></small></div><small><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><small><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We thank Thee for hearing the prayers of your people as China grant reprieve to our three OFWs and may the Chinese government grant a lesser penalty to their case.</span></span></small></div></div></div><small></small><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We pray for the thousands of OFWs who were incarcerated and imprisoned in the Middle East, Asia and other continents, may Thou please grant them a new hope and freedom to return to their families to begin a new life as they entrust their lives into Thy hands. May Thou enlighten our leaders to put the plights of distressed OFWs as a priority and withdraw from plans of cutting the budget allocation for DFA's social service and legal assistance funds.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We pray to Thee that our OFWs in Taiwan will soon be relieved of the fears and uncertainties that haunts them on the current Taiwan-Philippines rift. May the government emissary would soon find an immediate resolution to this issue so that those more than five thousand scheduled for deployment will now be allowed to take on their jobs, </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">and the nearly a hundred thousand currently employed may keep their jobs and be able to sustain their families.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We pray that may Thou please keep our overseas Filipinos safe in the escalating conflict in countries where democratic renaissance in Muslim nations is unfolding from Morocco, Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain and Libya as they await the immediate repatriation efforts being taken by our government agencies and m</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">ay their families in the Philippines be freed from fear and worries of their condition and that the OFWs safety is assured despite the worsening condition.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </span> </div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">We pray that may Thou save from harm our Filipino workers in war torn countries of Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as OFWs in Nigeria, Somalia, Lebanon and Jordan, who have taken great risks to continue their fight against poverty to support their families in the Philippines despite of the work deployment ban imposed in these countries.</span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We pray for the safety of the Filipino nurses trapped in the rubbles during the earthquake in New Zealand, and the rest of the OFWs and Expats around the world who are suffering from natural calamities, diseases and injustices that they may find comfort through faith in Thee. </span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hear our prayer Lord, to end the corruption that plague of our nation, the poverty and violence that displaces millions of our Filipinos from their homes, which separate and divide families.</span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">As we await for the signs of time when the Filipinos around the world, the fathers and mothers brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters may be reunited as one happy family. that going abroad as an OFW is the least option. We pray for Thine tender love and kind mercy, with our faith, with our hope, with our love to thee, we pray for power greater than us all, we pray for divine intervention. </span></span></div><small><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><small><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">This is a joint call from the Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards, or PEBA, Inc, along with its 300+ KABLOGS, the RMN News Bantay OFW radio program and the Blas Ople Policy Center and we are asking for your prayers or support by reposting this to your blog, posting this link in your FB, Friendster and Twitter accounts or sending this as email to your networks.</span></span></small><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><small><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">The original photo where the image was taken in this post was an official entry by Erwin Serrano from Riyadh Saudi Arabia, 10<sup>th</sup> rank winner to the 2010 PEBA International Photo Contest.</span></span></small></div></div></div>The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-26088538170061325602011-02-06T19:08:00.001+03:002012-01-20T18:12:50.714+03:00PAGBABALIKBLOG, PAGBABALIKBAYAN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2L2kTZfbJY3ydtibU96xWyGk1IsQQHuZlrCxw4iASm-k03LX4WcK1k5hyphenhyphenBV0MnYpeC9tV60uFHNg2DdAHjPCrBzbMUwjcFOiAplO6CB9OdQw9x0vDzOsjbmefsVs1gvcKlxwCffebXta/s1600/BALIKBAYAN+BAND.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2L2kTZfbJY3ydtibU96xWyGk1IsQQHuZlrCxw4iASm-k03LX4WcK1k5hyphenhyphenBV0MnYpeC9tV60uFHNg2DdAHjPCrBzbMUwjcFOiAplO6CB9OdQw9x0vDzOsjbmefsVs1gvcKlxwCffebXta/s400/BALIKBAYAN+BAND.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kailan mo sila huling nakita? Miss ka na rin nila. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Halos isang buwan ang nakalipas ng huli kong bisitahin ng aking blog na itinuring na tahanan. Nagsilbi itong tahanan sa akin sa panahon ng kalungkutan at sa mga sandaling naghahanap ng kalinga ang aking pagal na kaisipan kung saan dito sa Palipasan ko nahantungan ang malawak na komunidad ng manunulat na itinuring kong kapamilya, at muli ako ay nagbabalik hindi lamang upang ibahagi ang aking panulat kundi upang ipadama ang aking pangako na di ko maaaring talikuran ang aking tahanan sa daigdig ng sapot, ang Palipasan - ako'y nagbabalik blog.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Sa tunay na buhay, ang salitang pagbabalik sa positibong talakayan ay may hatid na pag-asa, pagbabalik-loob at pagbaballik-pananampalataya ay naghahatid ng layong Kaligtasan ng kaluluwa mula sa tukso at pagkakasala kung saan nagkakaruon ng pagbubuklod ang tao sa pag-ibig ni Kristo.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Sa ibang antas ng pananaw, ang pagbubuklod ng pamilyang minsan ay pinaghiwalay ng Tadhana dahil sa kahirapan kung saan ang isang bahagi ng pamilya ay kailangang mangibang bayan sa hindi bababa sa isang taon upang maitawid sa gutom at mabigyang katuparan ang parangarap ng pansamantalang iniwang pamilya sa sariling bayan, sa pamamagitan ng PAGBABALIK-BAYAN muling pinagtibay ang simunpaang tunay na pagmamahalan.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Ang salitang pagbabalik-bayan ay higit pa sa madamdaming pagtatagpo ng minsang lumisan na OFW at ng naiwang pamilya sa Pilipinas, higit pa ito sa klasikong awiting hatid ni Gary Valenciano na pinamagatang "Babalik Ka Rin". Ang pagbabalik-bayan ay pagtupad sa pangako na magbabalik upang maisakatuparan ang mga pangarap na hinabi sa kabila ng pangungulila. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Ang pagbabalik-bayan ay isang simbolismo ng matagumpay na pagwawagi sa pakikidigma laban sa kahirapan kung saan hindi nagtagumpay ang tukso ng laman, droga, alak at sugal na hatid ng matinding kalungkutan at nanatiling tapat sa kasintahan, o kaya ay sa asawa't mga anak.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Sa mga susunod na buwan mula Marso hanggang Mayo, di maikukubli ang pagtaas ng bilang ng mga kababayan nating OFW na magbabalikbayan sa Pilipinas bilang bahagi ng nalalapit na "summer" at Mahal na Araw, at buwan din ng "graduation" sa iba't ibang paaralan. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At kasabay nito ay may patikim na ang <a href="http://www.pinoyblogawards.com/">PEBA</a> sa kanyang taunang patimpalak kung saan ang layon ng kanyang tema ay<i> "Pagbabalik Bayan"</i>. At bilang panimula ay kanilang inilunsad ang "<a href="http://www.pinoyblogawards.com/2011/02/peba-2011-slogan-making-contest.html">Theme/Slogan Making Contest"</a> na magbibigay kulay sa pagbubukas ng nasabing patimpalak sa Marso. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Samahan ninyo ako sa isang makabuluhang paglalakbay sa malawak na daigdig ng blog upang ating saksihan ang iba't ibang madamdaming kwento ng tunay na buhay sa pagbubukas ng PEBA 2011, makibahagi tayo sa panibagong aklat ng kasaysayan sa daigdig ng blog - maging bahagi tayo ng "Pagbabalikbayan". </div>The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-11686216987061526202011-01-14T19:50:00.001+03:002012-01-20T18:12:50.716+03:00Empty Handed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHiGNJ9HgPneZ3QPAaHUZ2ourGqtBzR_NakaU6Rcivn5_hlyUKLirfn_wNYEg3IrsNNV_bIPFWsG7EwZ7CFbPdBKgBZ4lgrzhYnuTfY9dZlwUKxXmz_aPb4V-m0MUSpdBPb8ifq5yHN4X/s1600/hands+1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHiGNJ9HgPneZ3QPAaHUZ2ourGqtBzR_NakaU6Rcivn5_hlyUKLirfn_wNYEg3IrsNNV_bIPFWsG7EwZ7CFbPdBKgBZ4lgrzhYnuTfY9dZlwUKxXmz_aPb4V-m0MUSpdBPb8ifq5yHN4X/s400/hands+1.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><blockquote style="color: blue;"><i>"Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey." Matthew 25:14-15</i></blockquote></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Maybe you're wondering what happened to <i>The Pope</i> as <i>Palipasan</i> failed to make it's presence felt during the Yuletide celebrations. Due to health problems I was forced to take a blog holiday for a month.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I have been having pain from my left shoulder down to my elbow before Christmas. The pain is hot and throbbing, sometimes I feel numbness and tingling in my hand. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I tried to seek medical referral but the blood chemistry result was non-revealing. Then I was referred to the orthophedic department but the series of tests has caused more pain in my arm prompting me to cancel my next medical appointments.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Conflicting opinions were given by doctors ranging from arthritis, tennis elbow to mild stroke. And I think I would need a good electrodiagnostic test from a neurologist to check if there are any nerve of muscle damage. But since that I have no confidence in the medical practice in Middle East, I have to rely in my instinct prompting me to go on self medication supplemented with regular exercise, healthy diet.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">After a month of blog holiday, the pain has receeded though sharp pain is still there during during sudden movement. I just need to slow bit on my work and observe proper posture particularly I am working more than 10 hours on my desktop computer from office to home.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I hope this will not prematurely prevent me from working and blogging. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I always thank God for the borrowed life and for every new mornings. And I always plead for a healthy body and mind so that I can share the "Gifts" to others so that when time comes that I need to face my Creator, I have the courage to tell Him -<i> "My Lord, thank you for the 'gifts' and they're all gone and finished. I have shared all my talents to the fullest to all of Your children on earth. Now I am coming back to You my Lord empty handed"</i></div><blockquote><br />
<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;"><i>"The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money." Matthew 25:16-18</i></div></blockquote>The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832936799006139116.post-43513295983474266892010-12-19T07:12:00.005+03:002012-01-20T18:10:23.090+03:00Insights on PEBA 2010 Euphoria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAa01J7USjv8DQIrZgiRFSegg5LR8BjFMa4SHgjN7cVEhywKdZWHFQYtOjWmN6jETq8E4EAEEn-4CTgxMpG6hLJKEl_GXzzONFKtCodPBjOVk8hsg-A5YvohuzClEM-C3xSG7JCG3DBg96/s1600/the+siblings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAa01J7USjv8DQIrZgiRFSegg5LR8BjFMa4SHgjN7cVEhywKdZWHFQYtOjWmN6jETq8E4EAEEn-4CTgxMpG6hLJKEl_GXzzONFKtCodPBjOVk8hsg-A5YvohuzClEM-C3xSG7JCG3DBg96/s1600/the+siblings.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAa01J7USjv8DQIrZgiRFSegg5LR8BjFMa4SHgjN7cVEhywKdZWHFQYtOjWmN6jETq8E4EAEEn-4CTgxMpG6hLJKEl_GXzzONFKtCodPBjOVk8hsg-A5YvohuzClEM-C3xSG7JCG3DBg96/s400/the+siblings.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">My daughter Geehan and son Roland James</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span> </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">It was a thrilling event as PEBA 2010 broadcast live through live stream technology as me and my wife watched it live in real time from my computer monitor in Doha, Qatar. We can feel the suspense as heartbeat rises as the musical intro Chariots of Fire echoes the auditorium as the video teaser is played that supplement the tension as the Top 10 Blog Winners were announced.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">It was a tear-jerking moment as the Top 1 OFW Blogger Winner "Animus" was announced and Dan Jacob's (Animus author) mom, Mrs. Garcia took the centerstage as tears running through her eyes accepting the award and with sobs and cracking voice congratulated the PEBA organizers and proudly held her son's trophy in her arms. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">At that moment, the audience was captivated by the emotional love and pride shown by a mother, who was once a former OFW herself over her son's victory through his winning blog post entry entitled<a href="http://dahnjacob.com/2010/09/ang-bakal-na-ibon-sa-himpapawid/"> "Ang Bakal Na Ibon Sa Himpapawid"</a>, an author account on love, sacrifice and struggles against the social risk of migration in their family where once her mother was an OFW, and now he himself is an OFW in Kuwait.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">It was an atmosphere of magnanimity, a victorious event shared by both PEBA Organizers, community bloggers and OFW & Migrant workers and the Filipino families around the world. It was a reuniting moment for the whole OFW families who have witnessed the PEBA Gala Night, I myself was touched by my children's initiative in attending the PEBA night driving from Antipolo City to Teatrino, San Juan and narrating their great experience, as my daughter Geeka said "it was a great blog award experience, it's like attending FAMAS awards night".</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGW9Igs_51Z7yPzLHSrjWGXa0TsevHtN41KcnF3RAag_lKIqlo1r9Dv1YCzKhYc4k-9Re0BBG6ylyITOm1YQgGzzDD8oqEqjn9gZyrA9zZeSmxMoZjg9Ahrvubm9OjJ7NbeHlRW-yauxw/s1600/geek+and+kenjie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGW9Igs_51Z7yPzLHSrjWGXa0TsevHtN41KcnF3RAag_lKIqlo1r9Dv1YCzKhYc4k-9Re0BBG6ylyITOm1YQgGzzDD8oqEqjn9gZyrA9zZeSmxMoZjg9Ahrvubm9OjJ7NbeHlRW-yauxw/s400/geek+and+kenjie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">The Pope's daughter and the PEBA President</span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">While the whole event needs further polishing to achieve perfection on its next coming year, but generally it was a huge success as the message of familial love echoed throughout the PEBA season.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">We owe the success of this event to the volunteerism jobs of our PEBA Super Heroes who have offered their shoulders so others can <b>stand, rise and shine</b>. The unwavering commitment of Yanah, the PEBA's Wonder Woman who deserves the Super Hero Award, Arvin, the PEBA's "Blog Crusader" and our own "Lara Croft" Jen who has been the face of PEBA in our district office in Quezon City.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuqCZbyUT_LVL-KHqke8eAbAJ6rnbpBWqlii4-6EHyoe_WBg7Cb1_GOTFbmzY6DKwVuGWNqWE57Ldvkhoi6k4ORVDGlscgiN1cemZhEyAdz8xBUvHx36EMIUbfpXKlgG-Q3U2DJMv-QeS/s1600/geek+at+peba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFhS9V8r7ZyKnP0KA6Fl7FsxnS-Sd_tfU-WTOGik1-MMg3VpAMvZoVFDUJNuEJtwzU038taZWAtXDU6onXbkRo3pwIaFp5s7wqFW4ZyGb1QuPlpWoiI1mkEG6_CWbvGvQX_bi_rM-BulX/s1600/63523_1632532845560_1003814340_31717234_4345294_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFhS9V8r7ZyKnP0KA6Fl7FsxnS-Sd_tfU-WTOGik1-MMg3VpAMvZoVFDUJNuEJtwzU038taZWAtXDU6onXbkRo3pwIaFp5s7wqFW4ZyGb1QuPlpWoiI1mkEG6_CWbvGvQX_bi_rM-BulX/s400/63523_1632532845560_1003814340_31717234_4345294_n.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">"Charmed" by the Event</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"> PEBA's Man of the Year award must be given to Jigs "The Spiderman" who has successfully connected PEBA to the web of generous sponsors and media partners who has brought glitters to the whole event.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Kenjie "the Skywalker" and "Yoda" NJ Abad remains the guiding light over the galaxy and PEBA's "Harry Potter" Lord CM who always amaze the blogging community of his charismatic "magical power" in Kablogs and United Bloggers.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">And lastly I would like to thank this year's Panels of Judges (the "Senate of the Galactic Republic") headed by Ms. Susan "Toots" Ople and Ms. Ellen Tordesillas for both OFW Bloggers and OFW Supporters Division for sharing their <b>time, talent and wisdom</b> in the selection of PEBA winners.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">Thank you very much and Merry Christmas.</b></div>The Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212065427632311604noreply@blogger.com4