Obituary: Ramon Septimo of Naga City
Ramon Septimo, loving father of Ibalonians Tootsie and Monette Septimo, passed away on September 19, 2008 in Naga City, Philippines. He was interred a week after on September 26, 2008.UP Ibalon extends its heartfelt sympathy and prayers to Mr. Septimo and his bereaved family---for Mrs. Sally Septimo and children Josephine, Marjorie, Michael, Tootsie, Bong, Janet, and Monette.=0=
Drs. Rommel & Annelee Lojo's NY Visit
Seen last week in New York is Ibalonian Dr. Annelee Badiola-Lojo with hubby Dr. Rommel Lojo who comes from Manila to visit friends and relatives in Chicago, New York & San Francisco. In a reunion, the couple was with the Badiola family particularly sister Acela "Bingbing" Bretan, hubby David & little Brandon of Long Island, NY. Cousins Drs. Totie and Marietta Mesia were there to share happy and memorable moments. =0=
Worsening US financial crisis spreads overseas
The Asian markets open today with grim news that the Dow Jones industrials plunged 780 points after the US government failed to pass the $700 billion bail-out package that is hoped stabilize the floundering economy. Today's trading is expected to be bad overseas. With little time to waste, Capitol Hill is back to rewrite a bill that is deemed vital in averting a domino-effect in cash-strapped financial institutions threatened by bankruptcies.
“But Wall Street found further reason for worry overseas, as the fallout from U.S. economic problems keep spreading. Three European governments agreed to inject Fortis NV with a $16.4 billion bailout. Fortis, with has headquarters in Brussels, Belgium and Utrecht, Netherlands, is Belgium's largest retail bank.
The British government, meanwhile, said it is nationalizing mortgage lender Bradford & Bingley, which has a $91 billion mortgage and loan portfolio. It was the latest sign that the credit crisis has spread beyond the U.S. “----AP (09/129/08,Paradis,T)
Americans, skeptical of the political maneuverings in the Congress, are enraged by the uncertainty Wall Street has placed their jobs, savings, homes, investments, and retirement plans. With few options in sight, they wait for the government to shore-up the economy with the bail-out proposal whose final result is unclear. The public seems inclined to focus on a solution for now, but the blame is trickling in, highlighting the greed, negligence and corruption. =0=
12th OK Bikol Fair to Showcase Bikol Region's Raw Materials
by Micky T. Cabañes, DTI-V
The 12th Orgullo Kan Bikol Regional Trade Fair promises to be a best selling fair this year as it once again brings to the fore the beauty and bounty of Bicolandia on October 2-5 at the SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.“For the first time we are going to show to the public, especially to our institutional buyers, what other natural resources Bicol has to offer thru the “Raw Materials Showcase”, Regional Director Jocelyn L. B. Blanco of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) disclosed. The Bicol Designers Association (BIDEAS) will set up a Special Setting showcasing these different raw materials that had been transformed into novelty artworks.
“This year, new products and new designs will be offered for sale and order-taking and we hope to generate sales of about 16 million pesos, surpassing last year’s sales”, confirmed Dir. Blanco. Around 95 new products/designs coming from 36 manufacturing firms were developed thru the product development efforts of the members of BIDEAS. Products under the One-Town-One Product (OTOP) Program will also be featured in this fair.
Another highlight of OKB 2008 is the launching of the OK Bikol and Chosen Pili trademarks. The OK Bikol trademark will be the official trademark of the OK Bikol Association in the succeeding OKB Fair while the Chosen Pili trademark is a quality mark and was used by the pili processors who joined the Hongkong Food Exposition (HOFEX) last August 2008 under the BIZDEV (Business Development) Program of DTI-V for Food Processors.
Both trademarks are already in the process of being registered with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) by the OK Bikol Association. Yet another highlight of the Opening Program is the Oathtaking of the new set of officers of the OK Bikol Association under the leadership of Mr. Erwin Pereña. Dir. Blanco said that with these developments, the mounting of OKB Regional Trade Fair next year may be handled by the OK Bikol Association, with the DTI just providing the needed assistance.
A total of 143 Bicolano entrepreneurs will be selling their wares ranging from home furnishings, giftware, holiday décor, wearables, fresh & processed food products, organic & natural products, cutlery, and furniture. Among the six provinces, Albay has the biggest number of exhibitors with 38 MSMEs, followed by Catanduanes and Sorsogon with 16 MSMEs each. Camarines Sur has 15 MSMEs while Camarines Norte and Masbate have 13 and 10 MSMEs, respectively. Committed to developing new entrepreneurs in the countryside, a total of 40 new entrepreneurs will be participants to this year’s OKB fair.
Aside from the regular MSMEs assisted by DTI, 35 Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) beneficiaries/entrepreneurs will be joining OKB at Megamall. All these beneficiaries are assisted by DTI through the livelihood program under CARP. Each province will occupy one booth for the different products of said CARP beneficiaries.
Another special feature of OK Bikol Trade Fair is the Gayon Bikol Fiesta. It can be recalled that last year, Gayon Bikol Fiesta of the Department of Tourism (DOT) joined Orgullo Kan Bikol Fair for the first time which brought in a total gross sales of 14 million pesos.
“Now on our second year with OK Bikol, we will once again treat Bicolanos and the general public with our rich cultural tradition thru performances by Bicolano artists and we will showcase the beautiful tourist destinations that are found in the region”, Director Maria Ong-Ravanilla of DOT here said.
Lined up for the duration of the fair are performances/shows of LRay Villafuerte Cultural Group, Universidad De Sta. Isabel Cultural Group, Kundiman Champion Ms. Vanessa R. Rayel, Top Magician of the Philippines Mr. Lou Hilario, Pork Barrel, Artists Ms. Lou Bonevie and Mr. Gino Padilla and with special participation of Kadangyan Band of Baguio.
“A Culinary Product Presentation featuring food products from Gubat, Sorsogon and Product Presentation of Misibis Discovery Bay will still form part of the Bicol Fiesta treat”, Ravanilla added.
The Opening Program will be held on October 2, 2008 at 10:00 o’clock a.m. at the Megatrade Hall 2, 5th Level, Bldg. B, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. This will be attended by Congressman Edcel C. Lagman, Gov. Joey S. Salceda, USec Merly Cruz of DTI, USec Oscar Palabyab of DOT, other DTI and DOT officials, Bicolano congressmen, governors and other LGU officials of Region V.
OK Bikol- Gayon - Bikol Trade and Tourism Fair is sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry Region V, Department of Tourism Region V, PHILEXPORT Bicol Chapter, OK Bikol Association, Bicol Designers Association and Leighton.
Despite ban, 15,000 OFW’s work in Iraq
The ban against taking jobs in Iraq has not been heeded by those who seek work even in places that are dangerous. To date the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported 15,000 Filipinos had been employed in Iraq in defiance to the 2004 prohibition by DOLE after the abduction and release of truck drive Angelo de la Cruz. Malaya (09/27/08, Naval, G.)With high paying job offers that they can’t resist for they almost don’t have them in the Philippines, overseas foreign workers (OFW’s) sneak into Iraq from nearby Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Dubai to work, braving the perilous conditions of war.
Embarrassing the government, OFW’s defy orders and brush aside the dangers they put themselves into. In their desperation, they ignore the authorities, making the country’s laws meant to protect them, useless. The labor department has little choice, but to reconsider lifting the ban that lacks teeth and relevance. On top of it, the country must widen its job pool not only for returning OFW’s, but for those who are forced to look for employment abroad at the expense of being separated from their families. Many jobs offered to Filipinos are menial and those that have few takers. Dependence on other countries for these jobs is dangerous for the future of the nation. =0=
China's Shenzhou-7 spacecraft, its melamine-contaminated milk & RP’s incapacity to do lab tests
The Beijing Space Command and Control Center announced the successful space walk of astronaut Zhai Zhigang who carried a Chinese flag outside the orbit module. The proud news of being the third country to ever do such a feat in space is bogged by the worsening embarrassment from the sale of melamine-tainted milk which sickened more than 53,000 children (mostly in China,) and blamed for the death of at least 4 people. Melamine-related illnesses had been reported in Taiwan, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.
The Chinese adulterated milk has crept into other dairy and food products including the popular “white rabbit” candies, chocolates, ice-cream, yoghurt, pastries and confectioner’s biscuits. This food safety scandal has been on-going since last year when China has been under criticism for improperly selling pet food, toys, toothpaste laced with industrial toxins. The European Union, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan are among countries which banned the Chinese imported milk.Amid outrage versus greed and corruption, Prime Minster Wen Jiabao promised food safety and ethical standards in Chinese products. This year, the Philippines bought 2 million kilograms of milk from China. Monitoring by the Department of Health (DOH) for illnesses that may be ascribed to melamine-contamination in milk and dairy products is on-going.
The Philippines has meager laboratory capacity to undertake testing for melamine and other poisons. Authorities mull on sending specimens out to neighboring countries the way they did with the endosulfan scare and fatality identification during the sinking of Princess of the Stars three months ago. To avoid future embarrassments, a self-respecting country must put up a decent laboratory of its own. The government must not rely on its neighbors to do its laboratory work. (Photo Credits: AP; Annasea; brutaldolltx) =0=Update: On September 29, 2008, the popular Cadbury cholocate has been recalled from sale in Great Britain in the wake of melamine-contamination scare. The recall doesn't cover the Cadbury chocolates being sold in United States.
Paul Newman, actor & philanthropist, at 83
"Every time I get a script it's a matter of trying to know what I could do with it. I see colors, imagery. It has to have a smell. It's like falling in love. You can't give a reason why,” said Paul Newman, 83, the award-winning legendary actor who played roles in more than 50 films which included Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, Nobody’s Fool, and The Hustler. He died Saturday, September 27, 2008 in Connecticut of cancer said publicist Jeff Sanderson. Survived by wife and fellow star Joanne Woodward, five children, two grandsons, and a brother, the handsome Newman, an iconic versatile movie celebrity received several acting nominations and won his Oscar for his role in “The Color of Money.” He was awarded in 1986 “in recognition of his many and memorable compelling screen performances and for his personal integrity and dedication to his craft." In 1994, he won a third Oscar, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, for his charitable work." AP Movie News (09/27/08)
Detached from Hollywood life, he loved car racing and had been known for his philantrophic work for disadvantaged children and those stricken with cancer and life-threatening illnesses. His vinegar-and-salad dressing company prospered and its profits amounting to about $175 million was donated to charities. One of the most enduring personalities in the movie world, a fine human being, Paul Newman is mourned and will be sorely missed. Photo Credit: www.cowboydirectory.com; gosssiprocks =0=
September 28, 2008: World Anti-Rabies Day
Rabies aka hydrophobia is a viral zoonotic neuroinvasive disease transmitted by infected domesticated animals like dogs and cats. Wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks, coyotes and wolverines still affect many people particularly from poor countries. About 15, 000 human rabies cases are reported worldwide.
“The number of cases of rabies in the Philippines which currently ranks fourth worldwide in incidence of the disease is increasing, despite government promises to rid the country of the problem by 2020. In 1998, 362 Filipinos died of rabies, compared with 321 in 1997 and 337 in 1996. About 10000 dogs are believed to be infected with the disease each year. “ Center for Disease Control CDC (2007 Wallerstein, C); BMJ 1999;318:1306.
In observance of the world anti-rabies day, activities to promote the prevention of rabies have been slated in the Philippines. From the www.rabiesday.org, the following are some of them:
Zamboanga City, Philippines (Local event)
Dog Fashion Show II-A World Rabies Day Celebration
Duration: September 28, 2008, 2:00 P.M. to September 28, 2008, 5:00 P.M.
This event started last year during the city's observance of The World Rabies Day. For this year, we're doing it again with a carrying theme of; "Trabaha Quita Junto Para El Rabis Ay Queda Historia" -- a translated theme from english to chavacano (our local dialect). The event is targeted to the public to increase awareness of healthy and responsible pet-owner relationships and introduce the existing city ordinances (C.O. 241-The Rabies Control and Eradication Ordinance; and C.O. 242-The City Pound Ordinance) and the Animal Welfare Act of the Philippines.
Price:FREE
Event is open to public
To get more information: Through radio, television, flyers, posters and personal communication
Contact name: Office of the City Veterinarian-City Government of Zamboanga
Contact email: !Please, turn on JavaScript or go to the contact us page!
Pagbilao, Quezon Province, Philippines (Regional event)
World Rabies Day Commemoration
Duration: September 29, 2008, 7:30 am to September 29, 2008, 12:00 pm
The Center for Health Development for CaLaBaRZon will commemorate World Rabies day by mourning the deaths caused by Rabies which could have been prevented. The attendees will be wearing black shirts and black ribbons. The program will include a motorcade to raise the awareness of the people in the locality and a symposium will be held with students as participants.
Price:Free
Event is open to public
Naga City, Philippines (Regional event)
World Rabies day Celebration
Duration: September 28,2008, 8:00 am to September 28, 2008, 5:00 pm
There will be a free dog vaccination, dog castration and deworming.
Price:none
Event is open to public. (Photo Credits: Juna Cullador; Bvalves) =0=
US Presidential Election: weighing in who won in the Mississippi debate
In the next few hours, analysts will dissect into the strength and weaknesses of the arguments of the two contending presidential candidates. Moderated by Jim Lehrer of PBS, in this first debate, the issues center on the economy and the foreign policy. Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain cross horns at the University of Mississippi on Friday September 26, 2007 to make their positions known and hopefully earn them votes to win the presidency. There are arguments to be won for each side, but the final arbiter will be people’s decision on who is the better candidate to be the next US president. The second and third presidential debates are scheduled in Belmont University in Nashville, TN on October 7 followed by the last on Oct 15 in Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York.
Before this first debate, Obama leads against McCain, a windfall from the shock waves caused by the financial meltdown of Wall Street that has brought uncertainty to the US banking system. The economic repercussions of the chaos and uncertainty which ensued have left the world guessing where the economic downturn will end. If the proposed bail-out by the government on the ailing financial institutions works, the problem will die down without much damage to the public. If the problem lingers, a recession of a magnitude greater than the Great Depression can result in world instability and hardship. This causes tremendous unease in other countries, especially among the fragile ones which can suffer most in a global recession.
Whichever side one looks at the debate, a finer realignment of the electorate will happen. For the disengaged and uncommitted, the debate is a tie. At first glance, Obama has won in the economy part and McCain had an upper hand on the homeland security part. What the public watches now is the recalibration that can change the outcome of the polls. The Democrats has learned that this election isn’t an easy win even if the Republicans have suffered the tumult brought by the economic downturn. It is the foremost worry of majority of Americans. At this time, an informal poll at AOL website shows McCain leading, but at Yahoo website Obama has an upper hand. (Photo Credits: Cookthinker; AP; Mike Cline) =0=
With Angels Playing, Pitoy Moreno Recreates His Peñafrancia Fiesta in Naga
As the excitement of Penafrancia fiesta fades, we have something tantalizing to remember. To be part of the merriment blessed in heaven, in Calauag, Naga City, UP Ibalonian Pitoy Moreno aka Pitmo and his lovely wife Lala Espiritu-Moreno opened their warm and cozy home to friends.The Morenos successfully pulled through with plenty of help from their two bubbly kids---Ira Nicole, the special 7-year old with a gift of gab who served as Pitoy’s most valuable receptionist. The cute little “miracle girl” whose heart condition called pulmonary stenosis seemed far away, was assisted by her older sister Gwyn Christianne.
The versatile duo wowed their guests with child tales and beautiful music to share. Brimming with earnestness and less-often seen bravado, the two lovely sisters had their musical instruments busy. Like pros from a concert stage, they played violin, marimba, bongus, and piano in front of their admiring guests.
In God’s grace and time, it was clear: the excellent food on the table was more than enough to savor and celebrate. Lala had all the herbs and essences all over the kitchen to add taste to the cuisine. It must be a creation of the true mother of the house from Nabua, Camarines Sur, whose people are well-known for their homestyle cooking, kindness, and hospitable nature.
If famous couturier Pitoy Moreno of Manila wove exquisite clothes which delighted the fashion sense in most of us, our own Pitoy, the civil engineer (with all the bells and whistles that go with it) gave true meaning to hospitality.
With his lovely and tireless wife, the good-humored supermom and entrepreneur from Rinconada, Pitoy was just the right guy to prove that friendships and good times do last---something he must have learned for spending time as OFW away from his loving family when he worked in Brunei, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and lately in far Kasakhstan.Whether Ibalonians Imelda Caballes, Dan Daz, Benny Rayco, Annelee Badiola-Lojo, Mighty Baylon Jovy Mijares or Albert Molina, were present, it must be great to remember them all with Pitoy’s pretty angels who stood guard and played to bring out the zing for this year’s most memorable Penafrancia fiesta. =0=
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Bikol National Association of America Convention 2009
The 26th Anniversary of the Bikol National Association of America (BNAA) will be held in New York and New Jersey on July 17, 18 and 19., 2009Delegates will have the chance to see the United States' most famous landmark---the Statue of Liberty; enjoy the sights and sounds of the Big Apple---dazzling views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge, United Nations Building, Empire State Building, St, Patrick's Cathedral, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Central Park then shop at Macy's---the World's Largest Store; or head south and try their luck in one of those world-class hotel/casinos of Atlantic City and take a leisurely stroll along its famous boardwalk for that cool and refreshing Atlantic Ocean breeze.
Contacts:
Convention Host
Bicolandia Association, Inc. of the Eastern Seaboard, USA
Erlinda Requejo Arellano, President
973-662-1265 e-mail: erlinda123@msn.com
Angelita de Leon Peña
BNAA President-Elect 2009
201-232-1742
e-mail: litapeng2@yahoo.com
Philippines’s Melamine Scare: 2 Million Kilos of Milk Imported From China This Year
It took nearly two weeks before Philippine authorities finally revealed that there had been 2 million kilos of milk imported from China from January to August this year. As the scare of melamine-contaminated milk exploded in the news, about 53,000 children, mostly from China, have been sickened by the adulterated milk which causes urinary malfunction and kidney stones. There are some reports of death.
Melamine, an industrial chemical used for the manufacture of plastics, has been added to milk to make it appear thick and proteinaceous. (see blog entitled “Import ban of 30+ generic drugs from India & melamine-contaminated milk from China” dated September 17, 2008.
The first reaction from the Philippines was to monitor the milk being sold in the market which is flooded with smuggled goods. The Department of Health (DOH) announced later that hospitals are being watched for sickened children that could be linked with melamine. Not until today, September 25, 2008, there was no mention by the Bureau of Customs that milk from China has in fact entered the country.
“In a memorandum circular issued to all Customs district and port collectors, Morales said that all existing licenses of Chinese milk and dairy product importers have been revoked and canceled following the Department of Health's ban on the importation, distribution and sale of milk and dairy products from China.
“I issued the circular adopting the order of the DOH to ensure that there would be no more importations of milk and dairy products from China,”---Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales PDI (09/25/08, Ortiz, M)
Here are some questions worth thinking about. Why is testing for melamine being done only now when the scare has been there for sometime? Until now why is there no laboratory result? How many of the milk comes from Sanlu, the main manufacturer of the melamine-tainted products from China? Have the authorities also tested smuggled milk that’s not part of the imports the government has identified? Has there been any report of children getting sick from ingestion of milk from China? Why did it take the government too long to inform the public of these milk imports? How can the government make dissemination of information faster? =0=
The need for witnesses in the Princess of the Stars toxic chemical recovery
“Divers from Titan Salvage and Harbor Star started their salvage work by taking a survey near around “ground zero," but media were kept away from the operations center.” GMANewsTV (09/25/08, Dedace, S.)Why will government officials disallow the media to observe the conduct of the endosulfan recovery operations in the sunken ship Princess of the Stars? With toxic chemicals on board, the ship owned by Sulpicio Lines sank at the height of Typhoon Frank on June 21, 2008, killing about 800 passengers.
For the sake of truth, it’s important that the salvage operation be witnessed. The relatives of those who perished need to know how the bodies trapped in the ship are being handled. Residents in the area close to the sunken ship are anxious to know where their safety stands as sluggish recovery goes on. There must be no secrecy in the recovery operation.
The longer it takes to recover the toxic chemicals, the higher the chance the containers will leak and cause contamination. With real fear of an environmental disaster, the public is left guessing for three months now what’s going on with the chemicals left out to leach in the salty sea.
A haphazard handling of endosulfan can contaminate the area. The hazardous chemical can be carried far by water current and is capable of sparking an environmental catastrophe which can cause havoc in humans and wildlife. If this happens, without the media watching, few people can be warned. And less people will know the truth.
The plan of the local government of Romblon to evacuate residents in case of a spill is laudable, but the people must be assured that the handling of hazardous material is done correctly. To allay public fear, the government needs periodic advisories on the progress of the salvage operation. But these aren’t done as expected.
Perhaps, to discourage the media from being in the site, the concern about being exposed to toxic chemicals isn’t justified. Reporters usually come to sites of danger as part of their jobs, just like those workers who signed up to work in the submerged ship. (Photo Credits: Somophils; Zinnie)=0=
Ateneo Wins UAAP 2008 Men's Basketball Championship
The Ateneo Blue Eagles wrap up the best-of-three men's basketball championship series 2-0 to beat traditional arch-rival De La Salle University Green Archers and win the UAAP Men's Basketball Championship.In 2006, quiet and gloom pervaded the Ateneo campus when the Blue Eagles lost narrowly to University of Sto. Tomas.
The University of the Philippines hosted this year's UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines). In May this year, UP President Emerlinda Roman had talked to us about her dream of getting the UAAP Men's basketball championship. Reality check tells us that this is a long shot. In the past decade UP has been a consistent cellar-dweller in this category.
Meantime that my favorite university cannot be champion, I rejoice with my youngest son who is a graduating student at AdeMU. He was almost teary-eyed when Ateneo lost in 2006 and he dreams of seeing his Alma Mater a champion before he leaves this year. At the sound of the final buzzer, he called me to let me hear the thunderous jubilation at the Araneta Coliseum. The father in me also rejoiced because my child is happy. All the ghosts of 2006 suddenly vanished and Ateneans feel like floating in the air.
The multi-titled Green Archers were so devastated nobody even claimed the trophy and the medals during the awarding ceremony. Well, someone's joy is sometimes someone else's despair.
Who was it who said that winning only gives you confidence and losing builds character?
Incidentally, my two sons are my recent converts to being Obama admirers, so this November, I again look forward to rejoicing---this time with the American people as they proclaim the first black US President. I can foresee though that Rupert Murdoch and his FoxNews and News Corp. will be sore losers. Who cares? Many children in the world will be happy. If you see what I see, you would rather have Murdoch and company in despair than the American people and the rest of the world. Moreover, McCain and Palin still have a lot of character building to do. They are very habitually not truthful and losing will be good for their souls.
Refusing to take off from the campaign: a clue to Obama’s questionable decision making?
With Sen. Barack Obama gaining fresh lead over Sen. John McCain, the presidential candidate of the Democrats, in projecting that he can do multi-tasking if elected, repudiated McCain’s call to temporarily stop the campaign and postpone the political debate with Obama on Friday September 26, 2008 to help in solving the financial crisis that threatens collapse of the economy, the worst since the Great Depression. In a display of bipartisan leadership, McCain takes another smart move which if successful, will make Obama puny in governance and inexperienced in setting priorities. It’s from the backlash of the financial crisis on the Republicans that he earns a significant lead over McCain, a GOP member tied up by party affiliation with the Bush administration.
Obama wants to pursue votes instead of being with the legislators to tackle the $700 billion bail-out package proposed by the administration and objected to by the Democrats. But Obama,confident that he can do many tasks at the same time, agrees to meet with Pres.George W. Bush and McCain on this issue. The readiness of McCain to sacrifice losing an election to solve a high-profile economic issue is suggested by his decision. He halted his campaign including a stop on all his advertisements.
McCain comes along consistent with his campaign message of putting the country “first” above all other ambitions. But surely, the Democrats dismiss his decision as part of a McCain’s “photo op” with the congress. It remains to be seen whether the maverick in McCain will have windfall in his decision the same way he got in choosing Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. Certainly, the financial crisis is tops on the minds of Americans right now. Photo Credit: Mario Zucca; Afrael=0=
Obama takes a statistical lead on the 41st day before election; McCain suspends campaign and debate to address financial crisis
Presidential candidate Barack Obama gains 6 point lead over John McCain today September 24, 2008, 41 days before the November 4 election. Obama’s present advantage is probably a windfall from the blame the Republican party is getting from the financial meltdown bogging the market after Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Lehman Brothers, Bear Stearns, among others filed government protection from bankruptcy.
The genesis of the economic crisis is traced on long-standing corporate greed pervasive in Wall Street, the weak oversight by government regulators for many years, corruption, and the lack of accountability in the banking system, making both Democratic and Republican parties culpable.
In 2001, the Bush administration had pushed for a tightening of the mortagage lending, but Democrats like Cong. Barney Frank (D-MA) head of house financial services committee blocked the initiative.
Citing urgency of the matter, McCain,in a display of leadership, cancels a scheduled debate with Obama on Friday night, September 26, 2008, to focus in bringing a bipartisan solution to the crisis. A bail-out financial package is needed to be passed by the Congress to avert further damage in the economy.
At this time, Obama doesn't want to stop his campaign. He thinks he can do the campaigning and helping fix the economic crisis at the same time. The impasse in the proposed $700 billion bailout of the financial institutions need to be addressed quickly to avert full-blown economic collapse. (Photo Credit: Mario Zucca)=0=
Like swans cruising in a lake, the majorettes enthrall crowds in a Naga parade
The parades in Naga City can’t be more spectacular without the stunning baton twirlers (aka majorettes) who strut with the blare of loud horns and the cadence of the drums. In their colorful costumes, they look like hybrids of the most exciting girls that roam the earth. They remind us of vivacious cheerers in a basketball game, the ballet dancers in a theatre, the contestants of a beauty contest and the gentle swans cruising in a lake.
Looking at their gaudy dresses and long spotless legs seems like watching the fantasia in a ballet production of Swan Lake. The girls pictured here remind me of Anna Pavlova, the legendary Russian dancer in the early 1900's best known for her ballet interpretations of Camille Saint Saen’s “Dying Swan.” Pavlova enthralled crowds of her movements that was artistic and well-received in her time. The dance specially choreographed for her by Michel Fokine was such a part of her persona so that at her deathbed, Pavlova requested to be buried in her feathered gossamer swan costume. 
In pictures sent by UP Ibalon’s Fatima Edna Balaquiao of the 2008 Penafrancia Fiesta Parade (plus old ones by Colnago & Molibok) the same swans of the ballet stage are somehow recreated by the pretty majorettes on the street. With their batons and the Chinese-inspired umbrellas, a similar soft feeling of elegance and grace must have beheld the on-lookers. The dazzling girls surely made Naga as captivating as ever. Photo Credits: Fatima Edna Balaquiao/Colnago/Moliboks=0=
Philippines’ Corruption Index in 2008 Worsens
The 2008 Transparency International report on corruption is out. In a field of 180 countries, Philippines slipped to 141st place from last year's 131st. RP's 2.3 score out of 10, ties the country with Cameroon, Iran and Yemen, among the bottom countries with marked corruption.
Manila Auxiliary Bishop Teodoro Bacani in a reaction to the 10-point drop said, ““We as a people have not learned our lesson. “Corruption is an addiction: like an addict, corrupt people do not care about other people's negative perceptions of them and continue doing their unscrupulous deeds.” Inquirer (09/24/08, Oritiz, M)
The worst rating Philippines received since the corruption index was started in 1995, the further decline is consistent to the failure of the government to resolve numerous corruption cases which include those that link President Gloria M. Arroyo. Among neighboring countries with poorer ratings than RP are Timor-Leste, Bangladesh, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. Indonesia has improved to 126th place at a level with Honduras, Ethiopia, Uganda, Guyana, Libya, Eritrea and Mozambique. Nepal tied for 121st place with Vietnam, Togo, Nigeria, and Sao Tome and Principe. Philstar Editorial (09/24/08) Philstar Editorial (09/24/08)
Terrorism, economic meltdown and other problems facing Americans and the world
There is a lulling effect of media's downplay of other important problems affecting Americans. As an example, in a Gallup poll taken in March 2008, only 2% worry about terrorism---as though it's a problem of the past.
This is partly an effect of liberal media's dismissal that those who are bothered by terrorism are essentially "war mongerers" and "alarmists." Many media people are averse to paying the high cost of security to a point of misleading the public. They ignore that enemies determined to harm us take their time and they wait. There are those who believe diplomacy is often effective and terrorists and Al Qaeda can be appeased in the name of friendship.
The hard reality is terrorism only needs one occasion to succeed. And terrorists are determined and clever. They pulled through in 911 at the World Trade Center (WTC) and in the cowardly killings in Spain, Bali, Kenya, Pakistan, UK, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Philippines, and in other parts of the world. Being friendly with terrorists is therefore a risky business.
The problem issues that citizens (with changing and short attention spans) have grown. But would you believe, only 2% of Americans as of March 2008 Gallup Poll thinks terrorism is a problem?
The new economic woes in Wall Street divert the nation's attention away from other equally significant problems. The world reacts the same way---finger-pointing on who is to blame after foolishly ignoring the danger signs of the economic meltdown before they blew in the people's faces.
Reckless buying of houses that they couldn't afford wasn't a problem until the mortgage crisis took its toll. Many who were stuck to what they erroneously believed were gripped with panic. Denial, complacency and short memory proved to be dangerous to the security of these individuals, the nation, and the world.
The Most Important Problem(s) Facing America, March 2008
Economic Problems.........................35%
Iraq War..........................................21%
Health Care & Costs........................8%
Fuel, Gas Costs...............................8%
Immigration & Illegal Aliens...............6%
Jobs & Unemployment.......................5%
Gov't Corruption & Incompetence.....5%
Moral Decline....................................4%
Education..........................................4%
Inflation & Cost of Living....................4%
Poverty & Hunger...............................3%
National Security................................2%
Terrorism...........................................2%
Source: Gallup Poll, March 2008/Fleeced (Morris, D; McGann E; Harper Collins Publishers, New York, 2008, pp. 46-47.) Photo Credit: Mario Zuccal. =0=
Iran's Ahmadinejad & the Impotence of the United Nations
Side by side with the financial crisis rocking America, the threat of terrorism showed its ugly head when Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, made a controversial speech in the United Nations (UN) in New York City today September 23, 2008, highlighting the impotence and hypocrisy of current world politics. His allusion to a pessimistic outlook of America is as though the United States is alone in its march towards a rough ride into the future. Faced with a global economy, exploding population, dwindling resources, differing value judgments and relativist view of truth, America shares its problems with everybody. This is what is happening in the current economic crisis. The financial flu sweeping the United States is threatening to be a world pandemic of economic and political woes whose end result for the world is scary to imagine.
Wishing bad things to happen for America isn't good to the peace and stability of its global neighbors. Just as the full-blown effects of the present US economic downturn are starting to be felt, the world waits on the edge; nobody knows how it will end. But even without this, Iran has been suffering under the current Islamic regime of Ahmadinejad. Outside the UN headquarters, he is met by protests and jeers by those who disagree with him.
The United Nations (UN) has been inutile in convincing Iran to stop its nuclear program. Effective in fighting certain world problems, UN is “forced” to give air time to Ahmadinejad whose horrific support for terrorism and promotion to destroy Israel sends goose bumps to decent people worldide. Most observers doubt Ahmadinejad's hyperbolic rhetorics and many don’t believe his vitriol and clever pretentions. With a sluggish UN, few nations however speak up and stand against his way.
For not suspending its uranium enrichment, three rounds of UN sanctions hasn't deterred Iran from continuing its nuclear activities. It's this type of UN sanctions that Sadam Hussein endured until after 16 unheeded resolutions which led to the Iraq war that was supported albeit lamely by the UN.
The possibililty of nuclear war is ever more real in the current stockpiles of weapons whose oversight is increasingly becoming more difficult. Serving as a political tool and a weapon of intimidation, the acquisition of nuclear arms by unstable countries like Iran, Pakistan and North Korea is a scary step towards the planet's destruction. It encourages terrorists and extremists to work harder to destabilize the world and make the nuclear cloud closer to reality.
With rogue nations sitting side by side in UN in “cooperation” with those committed to make the world a peaceful place, the challenge of diplomacy is ever more complex and daunting. The world body cannot even agree on who are the terrorists. Having reckless leaders like Ahmadinejad who denies the holocaust, lacks accountability, threatens Israel, and wages proxy wars (Hezbollah and Iraq) could be the signs of what lies in the future. It’s at this late hour that world is learning. Sooner or later, it must wake up and confront the reality at hand. Photo Credits: Ben Heine; Nickolette22; MihaiRomanciuc)=0=
The Ibalonian Reunion in Culpeper, Virginia
Dr. Yasmin Paje-Banzon took time out from mentoring students in British Columbia, Canada and so did her sister Dr. Leida Paje who had to be away from her private dental practice in California. Dr. Vines Nolasco-Reis, a toxicologist from Indiana drove alone to Culpeper to meet Dr. Totie F. Mesia and Dr. Marietta F. Mesia from New York.
The Ibalonian doctors' visit turned out to be off from what was originally thought by Min’s brother, warm-host Errol Paje with gregarious wife Coreen in their beautiful new home in 808 Persimmons St, Culpeper, Virginia on September 21 and 22, 2008. Dr. Ray Rayel of Wisconsin couldn’t leave his cardiology patients for a weekend getaway. Fems didn't have the chance to separate from her WHO-Geneva group who were in CDC, Atlanta, GA for a conference.
For the love of her OB-Gyn patients in Naga City, Dr. Eden B. Fernando went home too soon from her visit in San Diego, CA without seeing us. Busy! Leida and Vines arrived earlier, but didn’t have the time to wait for Totie and Mariet who got stuck with the delays of air travel in JFK airport in NY. That was in addition to the irksome routine of security checks against terrorists and the malfunction of the GPS in that rented Hertz car.
The most endearing part of the visit however was being with Min’s mom Eusebia “Nanay” Paje whom I haven’t seen for more than 30 years. The last time I met her was in Naga Airport on my way to Manila. To give the mellowed but perky lady the big smiles before her vacation to Bicol, I had the piano too noisy with old favorites like Sarung Banggui, Born Free, Yesterday, South of the Border, Crazy, Londonderry Air, No Other Love, I Could Have Danced All Night and a few more which made me remember my own mom before we comfortably retired late in the night. I had the song-hits ready, but only Min, Mariet, and I remained.The next morning, Coreen and daughter Megan was a delight as they prepared to go to school. Vines gifted me with something saccharin right from grandma’s kitchen. Just as the sun was up, Min, Nanay, Mariet, Errol & son Matthew and I happily drove together as a family to Dulles, Washington, DC to catch our respective flights for home. The experience was certainly perfect as the fond memories that went with it.
We thought it could have been better if other Ibalons were there. The chilly breeze of autumn's onset was there. Under the pale sun, the cornfields of Virginia were fragrant with ripening bulbs from a distance. We certainly missed you all! =0=
Part II: The Colgante Bridge Tragedy of 1972
Part II: The Colgante Bridge Tragedy of 1972 by Totie Mesia and Mariso Ocampo
Desiring to help, many jumped instinctively into the river. With prodding from Naga Policeman Delfin Platon who heroically calmed the frantic crowd, they fished out bodies and survivors until they got lame tired, way beyond exhaustion. Muscle cramps and fatigue overtook the shivering rescuers who got relief from ablutions of “oil of wintergreen,” a liquid balm given by nameless people in the crowd.
The injuries were as apparent as the telltale signs of drowning after the Colgante Bridge collapse. Electrical burns made victim recognition hard. Grimy detritus from river trash messed-up some victims’ bloodied faces whose fingers, in cadaveric flexion, looked as if they were in prayer. With rigor mortis, the bodies, were hastily covered by wet newspapers. Many on-lookers cried. Overwhelmed by the horrific scene, others threw up in the shadows of a black sky.
It’s the religious faith of those who perished in Colgante that sets them apart from those who died violently in car crashes, ship wrecks, fraternity hazings, or those needlessly trampled upon by the Wowowee crowd. The Colgante deaths remind the people of commercialism that has invaded the Penafrancia celebration. Business and religious faith seemed to have bonded together more closely in every fiesta raising questions whether this should be.
The Colgante tragedy which claimed the lives of about 140 people was quickly brushed aside from public attention when martial law was declared 4 days after by Ferdinand Marcos on September 21, 1972. The span where the gruesome deaths occurred should be aptly called “Faith Bridge,” in memory of those who died paying respects to the Virgin. Thirty-six years after the Colgante bridge collapse and 27 years after Ina vanished and returned, Bikol keeps a blurry recall and record of the events.
How many really died? Do we have a complete list of them who perished and suffered injuries in Colgante's fall on September 16, 1972? Was there anyone made to answer for breach of duty? Were victims compensated at all, identified and given decent burials? Was there closure in every victim’s family?
The river deaths could have been avoided if the people didn’t crowd the bridge beyond its capacity to hold. Those in charge in the maintenance and safety could have known better. Perhaps if Colgante didn’t collapse, we wouldn’t be resigned in finding solace in “forgiving and forgetting” and invoking “God’s will.”
There could be loud merry shouts trailing “Viva la Virgen!” as the voyadores passed without thinking of the intransigent mysterious lady who rode the boat. The people could have safely stood on the bridge and prayed without fear of a great fall. And faith would still be there for God and the revered Virgin.-0-
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