Mrs. Celi Oracion celebrates 80th birthday
With gladness and thanks, Mrs. Celi Oracion, loving wife of Mr. Lossiette Oracion celebrated her 80th birthday at Torrance, California. She was feted by her dermatologist son Dr. Renato M. Oracion of Odessa, Texas, daughther-in-law Megs Oracion, and close friends including Drs. Estrella Azurin-Aguinaldo, Ray and Ma. Rhodora Gonzales. (Photo Credit: RMO)
Happy Birthday Mama Celi!
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Gate crashers enter the White House
In the US presidential palace where visits of movie stars and celebrities have become quite common, Michaela Salehi and her husband Tareq, a couple among Viriginia’s horse-country set were able to come close to Pres. Barack Obama during a state dinner honoring Manmohan Singh, the Indian prime minister. They were able to attend the event without being the guest list.
The coming to the White House of the Salehis without invitation was an insult to the secret service which was supposed to be thorough in protecting the president and the seat of American power. USA is just lucky that the guys were not part of a terrorism network which bombs and kills people. What if the gate-crashers brought with them biologic agents, toxins and deadly chemicals?
Eerily and perhaps a warning, Tareq Salahi is someone from the American Task Force on Palestine, a group that lobbies for Palestinian causes. According to reports the attention-getting couple who had “wonderful” moments with Obama were responsible for India joining for the first time in America's Polo Cup at the National Mall in Washington on June 11 and 12. Many security experts see the gate-crashing incident as serious breakdown of security. (Photo Credits: Getty Images) =0=
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Ferry sinking in Bangladesh brings 51 deaths
MV Coco, a passenger ferry with a capacity to carry 650 passengers capsized in Bangladesh on Friday, November 27, 2009 leaving at least 51 dead. The fatal accident occurred in Tetulia River near Nazirpur on Bhola Island, about 150 kilometers from the capital city of Dhaka. The overloaded boat with three decks and carrying 1,500 passengers keeled on its side, leaving panicked people to jump into the river.
Many of the dead were women and children. Authorities were seeking for more passengers who might have been trapped in the ill-fated ferry.. The accident coincided with Islamic holiday of Eid-al Adha. (Photo Credit: AP) =0=
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Dubai money woes augur a new phase in the economic crisis?
As if to remind the world of the fragile economy, Dubai, the Middle East country with an ambitious agenda to grow financially was spooked by its inability to meet debt obligations.
Dubai’s debt at $80 billion (£48 billion) is enough to worry the market in spite of assurances given to investors by several banks. Dubai World, the state-owned corporation asked a halt on its interest payments, a moratorium of 6 months, because it cannot meet its payments. Affected by the recession, the millionaire’s paradise has suffered a slump in real estate after its extravagant spending on fancy skyscrapers.
“Fears of a dangerous new phase in the economic crisis swept around the globe yesterday as traders responded to the shock announcement that a debt-laden Dubai state corporation was unable to meet its interest bill.
Shares plunged, weak currencies were battered and more than £14 billion was wiped from the value of British banks on fears that they would be left nursing new losses.”---TimesOnline (11/26/09, Hosking, P; Robertson, D.)
The desert kingdom's money problems mirror the economic meltdown still pestering the United States and the rest of the world. Optimistic investors trumpet the tanking of the economy is over, but a double dip recession in 2010 is a real possibility in the interconnected business world.
There is high uncertainty in the market. In spite of instruments available (i.e. Dubai help from the United Arab Emirates,) confidence in the economy is low, leading many to speculate on how many more vulnerable countries will be mired in the crisis. As much as the lesson USA now faces, no country in the planet can rationally buy its way to properity. By borrowing or printing paper money and spending beyond one's capacity people will end up poor in the long haul. (Photo Credit; MailOnline) =0=
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Miss Brazil is Miss Earth 2009
The 2009 Miss Earth beauty contest in Boracay Island, Philippines brought in a winner in Miss Larissa Ramos of Brazil who romped away with the crown and the cash prize.
Runner-ups in the pageant which promotes environmetalism, fights pollution, and spreads consciousness for the planet's preservation the planet are Miss Fire Alejandra Echeverria of Spain, Miss Air Sandra Seifert of the Philippines, and Miss Water Jessica Barboza of Venezuela. The top contenders for the Miss Earth title were selected from young participants from about 80 countries. (Photo Credits: Eric Ranodoc/ Reuters) =0=
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Terrorist attack suspected in Russian train blast
The blast in the Russian passenger train which left a crater on the ground and killed at least 39 people and wounded more than 50 is alluded to be the workings of terrorism. In August 2007, a similar detonation suspected to be done by Chechen rebels and ultranationalist groups injured about 60 victims.
The Nevski Express was cruising between Moscow and St. Petersburg on Friday, November 27, when it was disabled by the violent explosion.
Four train cars out of 14 went out their tracks. Their mangled steel wreckage was shown in television. Emergency rescue teams rushed to the scene to assist the wounded victims and bring them to the hospital. Anti-terrorism experts were sent to the crash site to investigate the bloody incident. (Photo Credit: Pravda) =0=
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Incredible aftermath of a massacre: 28 journalists among the dead
A list showing the names of the journalists who were massacred in Maguinadano Province on November 23, as compiled by GMANews.TV staff and the Center for International Law. The horrific incident, the worst ever in living memory, is shocking and disdainful. Twenty eight (28) had been confirmed to have died and one remained missing. Updated report puts the total death toll to 64. --- GMAnews.TV (11/27/09)
1. Ian Subang, Socsargen Today, General Santos City
2. Lea Dalmacio, Socsargen News, General Santos City
3. Gina De la Cruz, Saksi News, General Santos City
4. Maritess Cablitas, News Focus, General Santos City
5. Rosell Morales, News Focus, General Santos City
6. Henry Araneta, Radio DZRH, General Santos City
7. Neneng Montaño, Saksi News, General Santos City
8. Alejandro “Bong" Reblando, Manila Bulletin, General Santos City
9. Victor Nuñez, UNTV (senior correspondent), General Santos City
10. Mc Delbert “Mac-Mac" Arriola, UNTV (cameraman), General Santos City
11. Bal Cachuela, Punto News, Koronadal City
12. Ernesto “Bart" Maravilla, Bombo Radyo, Koronadal City
13. Ronie Perante, Gold Star Daily correspondent, Koronadal City
14. Joel Parcon, Prontiera News, Koronadal City
15. Jun Legarte, Prontiera News, Koronadal City
16. Rey Merisco, Periodico Ini, Koronadal City
17. John Caniban, Periodico Ini, Koronadal City
18. Arturo Betia, Periodico Ini, Koronadal City
19. Noel Decena, Periodico Ini, Koronadal City
20. Rani Razon, Periodico Ini, Koronadal City
21. Jhoy Duhay, Gold Star Daily, Tacurong City
22. Andy Teodoro, Central Mindanao Inquirer, Tacurong City
23. Jimmy Cabilo, Midland Review, Tacurong City
24. (missing) Reynaldo “Bebot" Momay, Midland Review, Tacurong City
25. Napoleon Salaysay, Mindanao Gazette, Cotabato City
26. Jun Gatchalian, Davao City
27. Lindo Lupogan, News Media Gazette, Davao City
28. Jolito Evardo, UNTV (asst. cameraman and editor), General Santos City
29. Daniel Tiamzon, UNTV (driver), General Santos City =0=
Requiescat in Pace
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Tiger Woods suffers lacerations in a car crash
Tiger Woods crashed his 2009 Cadillac SUV against a fire hydrant close to his 2.4 million Florida home then to a neighbor’s tree on November 27, 2009. His wife Elin Nordegren Woods was inside their home when she heard the crash. She came outside, breaking one of the car’s window to free her husband.
Found unconscious for about 6 minutes with some facial lacerations by responding officers from the Orange County Fire rescue, the 33 year-old famous golf star was rushed from his Windermere home in an exclusive community to a nearby hospital
Initial fact-finding labeled the incident as an accident though the investigation is still in progress. It was unclear where he was going shortly before 2:30 AM. Police officers didn’t think the world’s most famous golfer was under the influence of alcohol. Woods was soon cleared and released from the hospital after treatment. Photo Credit: Keith Allison) =0=
UPDATE: Later report by TMZ points to domestic violence that brought injuries to Tiger Wouds. As investigation is ongoing, his wife is eyed as responsible for the cuts on his face after the couple had a heated confrontation about "another woman."
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Lack of forensic science logistics in the Maguindanao massacre probe
It is like what happened to the sinking of the passenger ship Princess of the Sea at the height of a typhoon which drowned 800 or more people on June 22, 2008. The Maguindanao political massacre is posing the same problem for the investigators. The basic lack of facilities to store 57 dead bodies has hampered the probe.
The government has not done anything new to prepare for instances of mass deaths. With the global outrage over the barbaric bloodbath, the Philippines is under pressure by the human rights groups and the United Nations (UN) to come out with a clean and fair pursuit of justice.
Dr. Ben Molino who works in the group CenterLaw Philippines said he feels sad for government doctors who have to face the lack of logistics to deal with the investigation of a massacre with so many fatalities. The working conditions of the probers are bad, endangeriing and probably compromising the integrity of the investigation results. Such helplessness and embarassment have obviously been ignored by the Philippine authorities.
The investigators quickly dug the bodies by a land-fill excavator and by hands without employing caution to preserve as much evidence. Gloves were hard to find. They employ the crude lime to retard the decomposition of the bodies, many wrapped in banana leaves in the absence of freezers.
“Dr. Molino lamented that there were no refrigerators to store the bodies, nor even just air-conditioning. In a CenterLaw Philippines report, he said: “They could have at least used lime to slow down the process of composition but I did not see any indication that they did that."”—GMAnews.Tv (November 21,/2009)
Obviously, the morale of the medico-legal investigators is low. It is reported that their autopsies have been “completed,” but the doctors refuse to be interviewed. Their initial findings point to gunshot wounds as the cause of the victim's death. But it is unsure whether they have identified the brutalized bodies for proper disposition.
I have occasions of working with Dr. Ben Molino in the 1980's in similar difficult probe situations. I feel there is nothing much which changed to improve the state of forensic science in the Philippines. It is an area that the government must urgently look into to bring justice and avoid embarrassing the country in the world.(Photo Credits: Erik de Castro/ Reuters x 2) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "The Ferry Tragedy: Lack Of Body Bags And The Dearth Of Forensic Expertise" Posted by mesiamd at 6/27/2008; Maguindanao Massacre: death toll climbs with 22 mediamen dead Posted by mesiamd at 11/25/2009; Maguindanao bloodbath blamed on Ampatuans Posted by mesiamd at 11/24/2009
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Advent retreat in preparation for Christmas
The Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotees Association (OLPDA) composed of mainly Filipinos of Bicol roots in the Northeast is conducting an advent retreat this Satuday, November 28, 2009 at 10 AM to 3 PM in Our Lady of Victories School basement located at corner Ege Street and Westside Avenue in Jersey City, New Jersey.
In preparation for the coming yuletide celebration, the religious recollection will tackle among others the relevance of the saving birth of Jesus Christ in the modern world. Topics include “Priesthood” and “The Devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.” FR. Joe D’ Amico, pastor of St. Aloysius Church in Jersey City will be the speaker.
OLPDA extends its invitation. Those who wish to attend may contact Genevieve del Rosario at 201-435-2840. (Photo Credit: Boy Cabaero) =0=
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UP bags top recognition in an international computer programming tilt
For solving 10 out of 10 computer problems, the team “Mga Sogo ni E.T.) from the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City bagged the 2009 ACM International Colle giate Programming Contest held at the Ateneo de Manila.
“The ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) traces its roots to a competition held at Texas A&M in 1970 hosted by the Alpha Chapter of the UPE Computer Science Honor Society. The idea quickly gained popularity within the United States and Canada as an innovative initiative to assist in the development of top students in the emerging computer science.
The ACM ICPC is a team competition consisting of three collegiate students and a coach. Each team is given a set of programming tasks (from 8 to 10 problems) to be solved in 5 hours using a standard computer and programming languages such as C, C++, and Java.”---- Manila Bulletin.(11/25/09, Calimag, M.)
Coached Eric Tambasacan, the UP team was represented by computer science students Kevin Charles Atienza and Marte Raphael Soliza, and computer engineering student John Eddie Ayson.
There were 55 teams from four countries and 23 schools joined the the ACM ICPC Manila regional contest on October 22-23, 2009. Trailing the UP students for the second place was team “Passion” from Ho Chi Minh City University of Science, in Vietnam whose members were Pham Tuan Vu, rinh Tran Dang Khoa, and Le Do Hoan Nam. Their coach was Dang Ngueyen Tien.
The third place went to team “NUSSOC1” from the National University of Singapore. Mentored by Steven Halim, the Sinngaporean team were composed of Victor Loh Bo Huai, Adhiraj Somani, and Doon Hanh Hung.
The winning of UP students indicates the talent and potential of Filipinos in the realm of programming and computer science. This is a beacon of hope for our young students to pursue challenging careers in computes. (Photo Credit; Napolinario) =0=
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Thanksgiving Kid
Noah Cannady, son of Mr. and Mrs. Matt and Jomarie Cannady of North Carolina, waits for the meaningful day of Thanksgiving.=0=
Happy Thanksgiving Day!
For flowers that bloom about our feet;
For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;
For song of bird, and hum of bee;
For all things fair we hear or see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee!
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
A Thanksgiving Hymn
(from the 1894 Agricultural Almanac)
"Have you cut the wheat in the blowing fields,
The barley, the oats and rye,
The golden corn and the pearly rice?
For the winter days are nigh."
"We have reaped them all from shore to shore,
And the grain is safe on the threshing floor."
"Have you gathered the berries from the vine
And the fruits from the orchard trees,
The dew and the scent from the roses and thyme
In the hive of the honey-bees?"
"The peach and the plum and the apple are ours,
And the honey-comb from the scented flowers."
"The wealth of the snowy cotton-field
And the gift of the sugar-cane,
The savory herb and nourishing root -
There has nothing been given in vain,
We have gathered the harvest from shore to shore,
And the measure is full and running o’er."
Then lift up the head with a song!
And lift up the hands with a gift!
To the ancient giver of all
The spirit of gratitude lift!
For the joy and promise of Spring,
For the hay and clover sweet,
The barley, the rye, and the oats,
The rice and the corn and the wheat,
The cotton and sugar and fruit,
The flowers and the fine honeycomb,
The country, so fair and so free,
The blessing and the glory of home,
"Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!"
Joyfully, gratefully call,
"To God, the preserver of men,"
The bountiful Father of all."
(Photo Credit: Richard Pigott)=0=
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For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;
For song of bird, and hum of bee;
For all things fair we hear or see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee!
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
A Thanksgiving Hymn
(from the 1894 Agricultural Almanac)
"Have you cut the wheat in the blowing fields,
The barley, the oats and rye,
The golden corn and the pearly rice?
For the winter days are nigh."
"We have reaped them all from shore to shore,
And the grain is safe on the threshing floor."
"Have you gathered the berries from the vine
And the fruits from the orchard trees,
The dew and the scent from the roses and thyme
In the hive of the honey-bees?"
"The peach and the plum and the apple are ours,
And the honey-comb from the scented flowers."
"The wealth of the snowy cotton-field
And the gift of the sugar-cane,
The savory herb and nourishing root -
There has nothing been given in vain,
We have gathered the harvest from shore to shore,
And the measure is full and running o’er."
Then lift up the head with a song!
And lift up the hands with a gift!
To the ancient giver of all
The spirit of gratitude lift!
For the joy and promise of Spring,
For the hay and clover sweet,
The barley, the rye, and the oats,
The rice and the corn and the wheat,
The cotton and sugar and fruit,
The flowers and the fine honeycomb,
The country, so fair and so free,
The blessing and the glory of home,
"Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!"
Joyfully, gratefully call,
"To God, the preserver of men,"
The bountiful Father of all."
(Photo Credit: Richard Pigott)=0=
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Maguindanao Massacre: death toll climbs with 22 mediamen dead
Officials said 57 dead bodies were recovered in the site of massacre which occurred in Maguindanao, Philippines. The senseless political killings were reportedly carried out by the influential Ampatuan clan against political rival family--- the Mangudadatus. Wrapped in banana leaves, many of the bodies were not yet identified, but among the fatalities were 22 media men. Update of casualties was placed at 57 dead as of November 25, 2009.
“The journalists were accompanying several women of the powerful Mangudadatu clan to file the candidacy of one of the family for the provincial governor's post in elections next year.
No men from the family were present, since they believed that women would not be attacked by rivals.
Their convoy was stopped by about 100 armed men, who herded them to a remote hillside and attacked them with M-16 rifles and machetes. Two of their vehicles and many bodies were thrown into a freshly-dug pit and covered with earth by an excavator.”---Reuters (11/25/09, Castro, E.)
Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo declared a state of emergency in Maguindanao Province to help investigate and apprehend the gunmen and the brains of the heinous killings. Hundreds of military troops were deployed in the area to lessen the tension and prevent more violence to erupt.
The aggrieved Buluan vice-mayor Ismael Mangudadatu who lost his wife and other family members have pointed to the supporters of Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan, Sr. and his son Datu Unsay mayor Andal Ampatuan, Jr as those behind the despicable murders, but government authorities have yet to arrest the suspects.
Joining the entire world in condemning the brutal crime, the United Nations secretary general Ban Ki- Moon expressed dismay and shock among groups like the European Union, and various diplomatic missions.
Although Pres. Arroyo, a known political ally of the Ampatuans vowed that justice will be served to avenge the dead, many are skeptical. Unsolved political killings especially in Muslim South are usually unsolved and unpunished in the Philippines. (Photo Credits: Reuters/ de Castro, E.; AP/ Marquez, B.; AP/ Favila, A.) =0=
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Cosmetic surgeon loses license resulting from sex-tape scandal
Dr. Hayden Kho, the infamous cosmetic surgeon of the Belo Medical Group involved in the blistering sex scandal with movie starlet Katrina Halili, Dr. Vicki Belo, and other women was stripped of his license to practice medicine on November 20, 2009 by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC).
The basis for the license revocation stemmed from the young doctor's poor judgment of videotaping his sexual relation with Halili and showing the intimate footage in You Tube for the public to see. The PRC ruled that Kho’s action was immoral and dishonorable.
The medical license revocation prompted Kho’s legal counsel to file for a motion of reconsideration before the decision to prevent him from practicing his profession becomes final. Representing her client, lawyer Lorna Kapunan said the surgeon’s punishment was “too harsh and unfair.”
Obviously, the PRC's decision on Kho's case reflects the standard of morality of the professional regulating body. The humiliation which comes from this sex scandal is a shameful example from which doctors and other professionals can learn from. (Photo Credit: Philstar) =0=
RELATED BLOGS: "As the Kho-Halili sex scandal is investigated, obscene video sells briskly in the sidewalk " Posted by mesiamd at 5/29/2009; "Dr. Vicki Belo: a lesson on cosmetic surgery, sex, & "quackery"?" Posted by mesiamd at 11/07/2009
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2.5 million Muslims on a pilgrimage to Mecca
About 2.5 Islamists have arrived in Mecca, Saudi Arabia to participate in the annual pilgrimage amidst fears of swine flu and possibility of stampede. The holy ritual of Muslim believers coming together annually doesn’t come without risks. At least 4 people were reported to have died of H1N1 flu. There were deaths from panicked jostling, pushing, and trampling which marred past observances of the religious tradition.
Three years ago, 364 people died after a stampede broke at the entrance of the crowded Jamarat bridge, east of Mecca. A total of 1,426 pilgrims lost their lives after being trampled on in a fatal stampede in the crowded tunnel in Mina.
To avoid a repeat of tragedies, about 100,000 security men were called to manage the peace and order of the place. Hundreds of cameras were set up to watch the conduct of the religious celebration. An extimated 20,000 healthcare personnel were made available to give medical services to the pilgrims. A 300,000 square meter expansion of the site had been on the works to accommodate a million more visitors to the religious site.(Photo Credit: Life.com) =0=
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152 RP nursing colleges warned of closure
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairman Emmanuel Angeles announced that 152 nursing colleges are in danger of being closed if the passing rate of their graduates do not improve. In the last five years, these schools posted lower passing scores than the national passing rate of 46.16% in the board exam. Next year, they will still be given a chance before facing the propect of being phased out in the business.
Nursing colleges with less than 5% passing rate of their graduates in three consecutive years will not be permitted to operate.
The most number of nursing colleges with poor performance are concentrated in MetroManila. Included n the list are: Arellano University-Manila, Arellano University-Pasay, De Los Santos-STI College, De Ocampo Memorial College, Dominican College, Dr. Carlos S. Lanting College, Emilio Aguinaldo College, J.P. Sioson General Hospital and Colleges, La Consolacion College Manila, Las Piñas College, Martinez Memorial College, Mary Chiles College, Olivarez College, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasay, Perpetual Help College of Manila, Philippine College of Health Sciences, Philippine Rehabilitation Institute Foundation, Southeast Asian College, St. Jude College, St. Rita Hospital College of Nursing and School of Midwifery, STI College-Recto, the Family Clinic, Unciano Colleges and General Hospital, University of Perpetual Help-Rizal, and World Citi Colleges, Quezon City. Other erring schools are in Calabarzon, 23 schools; Central Luzon, 20; Ilocos Region, 16; Bicol, 14; SOCCSKSARGEN, 8; Northern Mindanao, 7; Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region and Cordillera Administrative Region, 6; Cagayan Valley and Central Visayas, 5; CARAGA Region, 3; and Eastern Visayas and Mimaropa Region, 1.--- Philstar (11/25/09, Ronda, R.A.)
The mushrooming of substandard nursing schools predictably produced half-baked graduates who have difficulty passing the board of examination. These colleges should not have been allowed to operate. Under the noses of education and labor regulators, schools nonetheless graduated so many nurses. The wastage of time, money, and effort was ignored until the despicable consequences were obvious.
Because of neglectful education planning and labor allocation, almost a hundred thousand licensure candidates are to take the next board exam at the end of November. A despicable scandal of the profession, many of them have dismal chances of landing a job locally or abroad.(Photo Credit: nursingpins.com) =0=
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Maguindanao bloodbath blamed on Ampatuans
The gruesome massacre which left at least 36 people dead after they were kidnapped in Maguindanao, Mindanao, Philippines had been blamed on political rivalries involving leaders of the powerful Ampatuan clan.
Four survivors whose identities were not disclosed alleged that they heard Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr say the killings were demanded by his father Andal Sr. and older brother Zaldy, the governor of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.
Among the victims was Genalyn T. Mangudadatu, wife of Buluan, Maguindanao vice mayor Datu Ismail “Toto” Manguddatu, the chief political rival of the powerful Ampatuans. Genalyn died with the convoy which included Toto’s two sisters, two lawyers, about a dozen journalists and supporters who did not survive the shootings perpetrated by heavily-armed men. Military authorities set up check-points to find the suspects.
At the time of the killings, the ill-fated group was about to file a certificate of candidacy (COC) for Toto Manguddatu’s run for governor at the Maguindanao Comelec Office in the provincial capital of Shariff Aquak--- a place controlled by the Ampatuan family.
The senseless bloodbath, the most vicious in memory, was condemned by local and international groups such as the Bishops-Ulama Conference, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines and the Reporters Without Borders (Reporters Sans Frontieres).(Photo Credit: wikimedia) =0=
UPDATE: The Philippine government declared a stte of emergency in the place where the massacre occured as the number of causualties mounted. This will allow curfews and searches to be done by authorities as they search for the gunmen that killed 46 people. Press freedom groups and journalists doubt if justice will be served in this ignominious murders.
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Hospital services overstretched by illegal immigrants
Supported by taxpayers to give medical care to Americans and illegal immigrants alike, Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia suffers like other hospitals in the country from budget crunch. Its services have reached breaking point because of high volume of charity patients and dwindling money support.
After decades of humanitarian work spanning more than a hundred years, the hospital which provides dialysis for patients with end-stage renal problems has started cutting down services for lack funds, worrying patients who come regularly without any means to pay for treatment. Approximately $50,000 dollars are needed yearly to keep a patient alive for a year.
In October 4, 2009, the public hospital stopped its outpatient service, putting uncertainty on the survival of its regular clientele, mostly undocumented aliens. They are left to figure their next move to get healthcare right in the US territory or in their homeland.
“With limited exceptions, illegal immigrants are ineligible for public insurance programs like Medicaid and Medicare and often cannot afford private coverage. When major illness strikes, they have few options but to go to emergency rooms, which are required by federal law to treat anyone whose health is deemed in serious jeopardy…
Officials at Grady, which will provide more than $300 million in uncompensated care this year, estimate that as many as a fifth of its uninsured patients are illegal immigrants. Although the numbers are elusive, a national study by the RAND Corporation concluded that illegal immigrants account for about 1.3 percent of public health spending. “---New York Times (11/20/09)
With the economic downturn, America is now experiencing financial difficulty in supporting the health needs of about 10 million illegal immigrants among the 46 million who don’t have medical insurance benefits. When they become covered by the healthcare system, available medical services may not be enough to accommodate them. The deluge of patients can precipitate doctor and nurse shortages, making Pres. Barack Obama’s healthcare reform more contentious.
Because of the huge number of new holders of insurance benefits, elderly Americans, the disabled, and those with rare diseases and needing chronic care may be marginalized as services become scarce or trimmed down --something that is likely to happen when patients flood the system and cost-saving measures are implemented.
It is no surprise then that the public is confused and fearful. Citizens find it hard to digest the almost 1 trillion cost of the proposed healthcare reform bill that awaits deliberation in Capitol Hill after the Thanksgiving holiday. (Photo Credit: Benedicte destrus) =0=
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Beringuela-Amansec Wedding in Paco, Manila
In all the world
There is no heart
for me like yours.
In all the world,
there is no love for
you like mine.
~Maya Angelou
Mr. & Mrs. Gisberto Beringuela is happy and honored to announce the marriage of their daughter Loren Jane to Adrian Bernard A. Amansec, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Benardo Amansec.
The wedding will be held on December 9, 2009 at the St. Pancratius Chapel in Paco Manila, Philippines at 5 PM. The reception immediately follows at the Paco Park Gardens.
UP Ibalon-Bicol sends its best wishes and congratulations to the lucky couple. (Photo Credit: http://adrianlorenwedding2009.weebly.com/) =0=
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Coal mine blast in China points to the cost of development for 1.3 billion people
Out of the 528 people working in XinXing coal mine, 420 survived the predawn blast on Saturday, Novermber 21, 2009. A total 104 died after gas levels suddenly went up and triggered a huge explosion. At least 4 were still unaccounted for and about 40 were brought to nearby hospital for treatment of burns and injuries.
According the survivors, some of their friends were not able to escape in spite of the warning they relayed on the impending explosion. Soon after the fatal blast, fearful mine workers in an adjacent site of the accident were hesitant to come down the shaft, but they had no choice for they need to work. Otherwise, they will be jobless and have no means of livelihood.
The blast is the worst in 2 years as China tries to generate its energy source for fuel for its 1.3 billion people. Coal is the source of ¾ of China’s electricity. The communist country, accelerating to grow and attain development, wants to achieve 8% economic growth for this year. This is part of their desire to boost their economy and have prominence among the world's influential nations.
In 2007, shafts at two neighboring mines suffered flooding which killed 181 miners in eastern Shandong province. A massive landslide caused by heavy mining led to deaths of 277 people in mud in Shanxi province.
Residents were awakened by the latest blast in the early morning in Hegang province, an old city with snow which often is dark-gray resulting from coal contamination---a big issue in environmental pollution. Despite closure of about 1,000 dangerous mines last year, accidents and deaths of miners still happen. (Photo Credit: Niklausberger) =0=
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CNN chooses Efren Penaflorida as "2009 Hero of the Year"
In an acceptance speech at the Kodak Theatre in Holliywood, teacher Efren Penaflorida spoke of serving others above oneself to be happy. He was tops in a field of 10 finalists honored by “CNN’s Heroes: An All Star Tribute,,” an annual recognition of international news organizations of people doing selfless acts for the benefit of humanity.
The first Filipino to receive such an award, 29 year-old Penaflorida was selected and voted by 14 judges out of 10 nominees chosen from 9,000 candidates worldwide this year. Among the judges were Gen. Colin Powell, movie actress and TV personality Whoopie Goldberg, and singer Elton John.
A son of a tricycle driver and a laundress, Efren was given the tribute for his work in “Kariton Klasrum,” a teaching program on pushcart that brought the learning of math, science and English into the street for impoverished children in Cavite.
The young mentor who almost dropped out of school because of poverty received a $100,000 prize for his work in the Dynamic Teen Company (DTC,) a volunteer youth organization which conducts the learning program.
In its inception, the DTC relied on the sale of discarded bottles and newpapers to support the pushcart classroom which had inspired others to do the same. Youth groups approached the organization so they can implement the same program to their communities. With the new direction of DTC, Peñaflorida said he will continue to give weekly lessons to the poor using the money in his winning. He encouraged others to contribute time and assist those in need. (Photo Credit: Mike Alquinto/ AP/ CNN) =0=
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Healthcare bill hurdles the senate
The democrat-dominated US senate has voted (60-39) to continue the healthcare bill debate towards making into a law on Satruday, November 11, 2009. There were 58 democrats and 2 independents who voted to clear the 2,074-page bill for the next stage of deliberations slated after the Thanksgiving holiday. All 39 Republicans rejected the bill.
Hailed by Pres. Barack Obama, the healthcare revamp which promises medical insurance coverage for 94% of the population needs about 1 trillion to finance is deemed too expensive. Those who oppose the bill worry more government control--- lesser Medicare services such as more taxes in insurances and payroll incomes, elective operations (cosmetic surgery,) and drug manufacture (i.e. H1N1 vaccine productin.) (Photo Credit: Hoffman, Brendan/ AFP/ Getty images) =0=
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Iran conducts military exercises
The Iranian military will conduct war exercises in the coming days aimed to strengthen the country’s defenses. For five days, practice and war games will be done across its territory to boost Iran’s readiness against real attack.
According to Brigadier-General Ahmed Mighani, a commander of an Iraninan air defense base described the military maneuver to use new weapons and test communication capabilities in an area of 600,000 square kilometers.
In response to Iran’s rejection of the United Nation’s draft deal crafted to bring 80% of Urab's lightly enriched uranium abroad, leaders of United States, Russia, China, Germany, Britain, and France were mulling on more sanctions. The draft deal was supposed to halt Teheran's program of nuclear armaments. The U.N. atomic energy agency (IAEA) chief Mohamed ElBaradei, asked the cleric-dominated Islamic country to accept the draft deal which he referred to as a “fleeting opportunity.”
Brandishing its military might while engaging in forked diplomacy, Iran still insists that its nuclear program is entirely for peaceful purposes--- meant mainly to produce electricity. Western nations are convinced this is not true.
Iran continues its nuclear buildup and hateful war provocations against Israel. The dictatorial Muslim nation warns that it is prepared to attack Israel and the US in defense. As the solution of the nuclear question stalls, the Iranians are coming close to producing its radioactive bomb, making the world more unstable and dangerous. (Photo Credit: Erick Lafforgue) =0=
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Oprah ends her daytime TV show in 2011
The queen of daytime talk show Oprah Winfrey announced her decision to quit her show on September 2011. The popular entertainment host who graced TV show audiences and endeared her fans since 1986 planned to confirm the news in her Friday appearance in one of the most watched programs in television.
Wealthy, famous, and a prominently influential Afro-American in the entertainment trade, Oprah has a viewership which ranges from 3 to 7 million in more than a hundred countries. For a long time, she reigned as the best-rated daytime show in town.
According to observers, she earns a fabulous pot of $270 million yearly. Her future plans is unclear after she leaves the 25th season of her very successful syndicated show. It appears what lies ahead is unsettled since the astute businesswoman has involved herself in politics by supporting current Pres. Barack Obama--- a move that may eclipse her fame and fortune. (Photo Credit: cbc.ca) =0=
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Actor Johnny Delgado dies of lymphoma
Philippine veteran TV and movie actor Johnny Delgado succumb to malignant lymphoma, a form of lymph node cancer on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at the age of 61. Two days before his death, he was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital suffering from complications of the disease and chemotherapy.
The entertainment celebrity was popular in his many film and TV appearances which spanned for four decades. In the 1980’s he was a regular actor in “Goin’ Bananas.” He played a role in “Tanging Yaman,” a drama which gained him a FAMAS Award as the 2000 best actor. Johnny was the husband of Laurice Guillen and father of Ben Feleo---both film-makers by profession.
A devout Catholic Christian, Johnny’s remains was brought to New Manila, Quezon City at our Lady of Mount Carmel Shrine for viewing prior to the burial at the Loyola Memorial Park on November 24, 2009. (Photo Credit: Weiss08) =0=
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Naga City Rotarians donate for the Center for the Blind
Housed in the Raul Roco Library, the Center for the Blind in Naga City is the recipient of charitable donations from the Rotary Club of Naga-Camarines Sur and the Rotary International District 3820.
Benefactor Rotarian Jose “Chingsan” Ranola and fellow local Rotarians give away computers and equipment to the center set up for the benefit of those with eye-sight impairment.
Patronized by mostly students, the facilities help the visually challenged in their studies and researches. The center offers a comprehensive training and education for the blind.
Adding to the facilities were computers given by the family of city mayor Jesse Robredo. The donation beefed up existing computer and IT facilities in the center ---some solicited from other organizations and private individuals. (Photo Credit: localcville) =0=
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RP’s improvement in corruption index doesn't mean much?
This year’s report by the Transparency International on corruption perception has placed the Philippines in a better position. From last year’s 141st ranking in a field of 180 sovereign states, the country placed 139th, an improved corruption index for 2009. RP's rank is shared by Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Belarus.
Trailing in the bottom end of the list are nations with the strongest corruption perception--- Iraq, Myanmar, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Somalia. These are countries which have worrisome peace and order problems.
It is unlikely that the improved rank of the Philippines opens a significant dent against its culture of corruption. However, the perception that graft abates in the islands is a bright spot---a source of consolation. It points to an opportunity for for advancement. Sadly, by indications, corruption still threatens RP's progress and stability.
High in the list of less corrupt countries are New Zealand, Denmark, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, and Finland.
The United States slid down from 18th to 19th place raising concerns of growing dishonesty especially in the business sector. It is unsure if what Pres. Barack Obama plans will effectively combat corruption.
The healthcare reform bill Obama supports has avoided the issue of fraud in medical services and reimbursements. The economic difficulties in the US have spawned the rise in corporate crimes which erodes trust and stifles development. (Photo Credit: Donnali) =0=
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Dr. Doom thinks the worse is yet to come
In an article written for the Daily News, Nouriel Roubini, better known as Dr. Doom predicted that unemployment would be worse next year. From the official jobless rate of 10.2% the NYU economics professor who foresaw the economic meltdown spoke grimly of greater loss of work ---probably now hovering at 17.5% if those who stopped looking for jobs or remained underemployed were included.
“The long-term picture for workers and families is even worse than current job loss numbers alone would suggest. Now as a way of sharing the pain, many firms are telling their workers to cut hours, take furloughs and accept lower wages. Specifically, that fall in hours worked is equivalent to another 3 million full time jobs lost on top of the 7.5 million jobs formally lost.
This is very bad news but we must face facts. Many of the lost jobs are gone forever, including construction jobs, finance jobs and manufacturing jobs. Recent studies suggest that a quarter of U.S. jobs are fully out-sourceable over time to other countries.”----Daily News (11/15/09, Roubini, N.)
Roubini suggested that in the coming year the unemployment rate will hover high at about 11%, but it will be far worse in the following two years. Because of a weak labor market, he says the economic growth and recovery will be slow.
The budget deficits will rise accompanied by slowing in the real estate market. Delinquencies on mortgage payments, larger budget deficits and a fall of real estate prices are expected. If these scenarios occur, banks and lending institutions will bear much of the pain.
Roubini’s prescription is for the government to embark on another stimulus---creation of jobs by investing on infrastructure. Giving away unemployment checks is not enough. Those without work must find a way to have one and be productive.
Judging from the falling popularity of Obama, there is doubt if the US president can steer the country to better economic times. As he rounds up his visit to Beijing, China, Obama speaks of a double-dip recession if debt and spending are not controlled. =0=
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Lea Salonga helps raise P9.3 million for Filipino flood victims in Hawaii
In the last days that she assumed a role in Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables in New York City, I waited outside in a chilly evening to come close to Lea Salonga--- just to greet her and be thankful for the intense beauty of her performance. Among the lauding fans, I was there to shake her hands, watching her engage the crowd. I noticed the Broadway star was serenely polite --- her winsome smile was part of her persona which was endearing to her admirers.
In Hawaii, Philippine officials thanked the talented songstress for helping raise P9.3 million for the calamity victims--- 2,000 of them died as a result of the horrible floods brought by typhoons Ondoy and Peping. In her kind-heartedness, Lea gave a portion of the ticket sales in her sold-out November 10 concert in Blaisdell Arena. She joined the organizers in asking help for those who suffered the brunt of the wicked storms.
Such act of generosity should not remain unnoticed and must be commended. Along with volunteers and supporters the world-famous musical artist again brought an inspiring example to her kababayans. Thank you so much Lea Salonga! (Photo Credit: last.fm) =0=
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For poverty reduction, RP gets a $405 million loan from World Bank
To lessen the incidence of poverty and hunger, the World Bank (WB) makes available a $405 million loan for the Philippines to support projects that will alleviate the impoverished condition of about 350,000 households.
About 1 in 6 people worldwide experiences hunger each day and poor Filipinos are no exception. To lessen the incidence of poverty and hunger, the World Bank (WB) makes available a $405 million loan for the Philippines to support projects that will alleviate the impoverished condition of about 350,000 households.
About 1 in 6 people worldwide experiences hunger each day and poor Filipinos are no exception. By estimates, the number of individuals suffering from lack of food will reach 1 billion this year throughout the world as the economy stalls. Cielito Habito, an economics professor of Ateneo de Manila says of the 90 million Filipinos, 35% (31.5 million) of them live below the poverty line. It is unlikely that the country, a UN-member nation, will meet its goal of reducing poverty to half its rate by 2015.
To counter the effects of poverty, international groups help indigent nations in maternal and child health, education, employment, and food production. Such money allocated for these projects are needed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in assisting families come out of economic difficulties.
The WB assistance must go hand-in-hand with the government addressing problems of the economy--- particularly the concentration of economic growth benefits in cities and lack of them in the countryside. (Photo Credit: mykworks) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Donations sought for this year’s 1 billion hungry people worldwide " Posted by mesiamd at 11/16/2009
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Gov. Sarah Palin: more of fans’ admiration & detractors’ condescension
A year after Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s devastating defeat in the vice-presidential race, the beauteous Republican conservative who stands against abortion and “death panels” in healthcare commands stronger attention these days. She is a visible advocate for the disabled and a supporter of drilling fuel in the US territory to be energy sufficient.
But the condescension of her political enemies who make fun of the former beauty queen-governor as a dumb incoherent public figure, is ever strong. They continue to punch on her tearing the benign soul of those who watch her derided in public.
Perhaps part envy and part dread for the political impact of the views she espouses, Palin has been a continuing magnet of fascination and vilification. Even her daughters (as in case of TV host David Letterman making fun of them in a late night comedy show) aren't spared. For being openly religiously conservative, liberal feminists do not appreciate her.
Her popular book “Going Rogue: An American Life,” a instant current best seller has the Associated Press (AP) scrambling to seek for errors assigned 11 of its staff. Their review concluded the autobiography of the self-confessed hockeymom showed indications of a campaign manifesto. The news media is strict on Palin's written work. But they were not strict enough to check the accuracy of the recent books by Pres. Barack Obama, Sen. Ted Kennedy, vice-president Joe Biden, and autobiographies by Bill or Hillary Clinton.
Gov. Palin reacted to the media saying:
"Imagine that," the post read. "11 AP reporters dedicating time and resources to tearing up the book, instead of using the time and resources to 'fact check' what's going on with Sheik Mohammed's trial, Pelosi's health care takeover costs, Hasan's associations, etc. Amazing…."
They're obsessed with trying to discredit her," said Adrienne Ross, New York state organizer for the 2012 Draft Sarah Committee. "Because she's a conservative woman, they make fun of her accent, comment about her looks. She doesn't come in the package they want her to come in."---ForxNews.com (11/17/0, Shaffer, R.)
Yes, there are more important issues roiling the country than Sarah. Political observers see how the journalists and celebrities have treated her with unusual unfairness. In a Newsweek cover this week, she is shown in a “sexist” pose smiling in red tops, shorts, and sneakers which the magazine defended as the “most interesting” picture there is for a Palin cover.
The unfazed Alaskan ex-governor seems to ride the tide well--- bringing along attention for her populist wit, her ideas, and gaining more critics and fans on the side. Without much of political campaign she is accused of, Palin is now dubbed as a "minor Evita," in reference to the commandingly (in)famous Evita Peron of Argentina who in her time blazed through politics "beyond expectation." (Photo Credit: Newsweek) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Genealogists trace Gov. Sarah Palin's family tree & Brigitte Bardot whips her" Posted by mesiamd at 10/09/2008
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Majority of US voters oppose civilian trial of suspected 911 terrorists in NYC
Citing safety concerns, majority of American voters do not want to the Guantanamo prisoners to be housed in prisons in the United States out of safety concerns. Fifty-five (55%) of the same group are not in favor of closing the Guantanamo prison in Cuba. With a large majority (76% vs. 24%), Americans don't want to give the suspected terrorists the same rights as civilians. For being part of a global war, the public wants the terrorists be tried in military courts. These findings by Rasmussen survey are consistent to the majority---51% who are opposed to have self-confessed 911 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and 4 others stand trial in a New York City courhouse close to the scene of the crime.
The opinion above is a reaction to the radical liberal view of US Attorney General Eric Holden and the Obama administration desiring to showcase the "superior" legal system working in America. Critic's of Holden's decision on Khalid expects a trial that will be costly, put blame and exact accountability on Bush policies, heighten the anger of the victims' families, and refocus New York City as a target of future attack.
An NYC trial will bring a protracted "circus" to the public exposing the legal system's weaknesses (in spite of claims that it's the best in the world.) By probing the CIA (i.e. waterboarding, enhanced interrogation used on the suspects) the Bush policies which have made USA safer after 911 can re-ignite controversies from the old administr5ation and send to jail those guilty of a crime. (Photo Credit: andyworthington.co.uk.) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Gov. Paterson against 911 trial in NYC" Posted by mesiamd at 11/17/2009
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18,837 teachers get their PRC licenses
It's the lack of classrooms and school facilities that the Philippines has been having problems with. Teachers and students are ready to teach and learn in school.
In the October 2009 licensure test given by the Philippine Regulations Commission (PRC,) for high school teachers, 10,792 passed. Another 8,045 examinees passed the examination for elementary teachers. =0=
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Gov. Paterson against 911 trial in NYC
New York Governor David Paterson who usually supported Pres. Barack Obama on many issues criticized the president for agreeing to hold the trial of the 911 mastermind and 4 other suspects in the courthouse of New York City (NYC.) The democrat governor joined ex-Mayor Rudolf Guiliani and many other New Yorkers in condemning the civilian trial of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed who was accused of orchestrating the killing of almost 3,000 innocent civilians and destruction of the World Trade Center. They wanted the Muslim militant and four other co-conspirators--- Waleed bin Attash, Ramzi Binalshibh, Mustafa Ahmad al-Hawsawi and Ali Abd al-Aziz Ali 2001 to be tried in the military court.
"Our country was attacked on its own soil on September 11, 2001 and New York was very much the epicenter of that attack. Over 2,700 lives were lost," he said. "It's very painful. We're still having trouble getting over it. We still have been unable to rebuild that site and having those terrorists so close to the attack is gonna be an encumbrance on all New Yorkers." ---wcbstv.com (11/16/09)
But Attorney General Eric Holder wanted to have the suspects in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to stand trial in New York because of certain undisclosed evidence. Since the alleged crimes happened in the United States, Holder, like his supporters, wanted to showcase the workings of America’s “superior” justice system to the world. But even the families of the victims are not pleased with the idea.
Among many objections, critics argued that bringing the terrorists in the Big Apple opens old wounds of the horror of 911. Why not in other venue? War criminals must be tried by military tribunals, not in civilian courts. New York City is likely to spend huge money to put them to trial --- a “circus” the accused terrorists desire. The 911 attack is an act of war against humanity and any concessions given to barbarism will put to waste the effort to arrest and put terrorists to trial.
With the media coverage, the trial will redirect NYC as a terrorist target and distract the public on the controversies of water-boarding and techniques of interrogation which have been useful in protecting the United States. Critics of the Obama administration believe there is a hidden agenda to investigate the Bush Administration’s policies on its war on terror. (Photo Credit: Long Island Business News) =0=
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Manny Pacquaio: admiration & wild political suggestion
There is not doubt Manny Pacquiao, Filipino sports hero and Asia's phenomenal boxing icon is great. His unsurppassed winnings in the ring don't only bring fame and fortune, they inspire admiration beyond measure especially among Filipinos. Carried too far, there are those who think the spectacular boxer is capable of all-around extra-ordinary feats---like being the next president of the Philippines. (Photo Credit: Inquirer)=0=
RELATED BLOGS: "Bravo Manny Pacquiao!" Posted by mesiamd at 11/15/2009; Pacquiao faces Cotto in MGM Grand Las Vegas match" Posted by mesiamd at 11/14/2009; "Philippine Congress attendance drops to 100 out of 263 as Pacquiao-Hatton match draws near" Posted by mesiamd at 5/01/2009
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Donations sought for this year’s 1 billion hungry people worldwide
The World Food Program (WFP) disclosed that for this year, an unprecedented number of hungry people will reach 1 billion. This translates to about 1 in 6 individuals getting hungry everyday. The United Nations (UN) organization asked people from rich countries to help in its online campaign for the poor by donating $1 dollar a week (www.wfp.org//1billion).
According to Josette Sherran, executive director of WFP, though governments worldwide have traditionally helped in beefing up funds to feed the poor, the present economic decline required that the private sector must assist in the anti-hunger effort.
A world food summit is scheduled in Rome, Italy to seek solution(s) for the increased hungry people. Countries like Germany, Britain, Italy, France and Japan are said to have withdrawn from their pledges in raising $20 billion this year. The fund is supposed to be used to prop-up agriculture in poor countries (http://www.avaaz.org)
Poverty in the Philippines
In spite of the over-hyped anti-poverty gains made by Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo, economist Cielito Habito of the Ateneo de Manila University in a recent forum said 35% of Filipinos are estimated to have fallen under the poverty line.
In spite of the economic gains of businesses, the ranks of the financially marginalized continued to expand ---- making it hard for the country to meet the UN-conceived millennium development goal of cutting poverty to half its rate by year 2015.
Experts blamed the failure of government officials to address the long-standing problems of the economy. Although the Philippines posted some economic growth, the living condition of the poor was still getting worse. Most of the growth was centered in the National Capital Region (Manila)leaving behind the poor Filipinos in the provinces and countryside. (PHoto Credit: mykworks) =0=
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Nursing board exam draws 95,282 examinees
On November 29 & 30, 2009, a record of 95,282 nursing graduates will take the board examination to be given by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC). By far this is the highest number of test-takers---- exceeding the 88,469 who took the PRC licensure exam last year. After many schools opened, a surplus of nurses developed---- pushing thousands of nurses in the ranks of the jobless and the underemployed.
Marco Antonio Sto. Tomas, a member of the Board of Nursing noted the sharp increase of nurses as more schools offered the course. The schools took advantage of the recruitment of health professionals abroad. The demand however was not sustained to provide jobs. From the almost 8,000 nursing graduates who sought employment after taking the 2003 licensure test, the examinees (potential workseekers) ballooned to almost 100,000 this year.
According to Sto. Tomas, in spite of the minimum competency tested in the board exam, thousands of candidates fail. Only about half of the examinees get licensed, prompting educators to suggest reforming the conduct of the course and closure of substandard colleges.
"The biggest number of examinees will come from Metro Manila (40,621 first-timers, 33 conditioned); Baguio (14,102 first-timers, 7 conditioned); Cebu (8,899 first-timers, 5 conditioned); Cagayan De Oro (3,045 first-timers, 2 conditioned); Davao (8,143 first-timers, 2 conditioned); Iloilo (6,020); Legaspi (3,070 first-timers, 1 conditioned); Lucena (3,444); Tacloban (1,145); Tuguegarao (2,322 first-timers, 1 conditioned); Zamboanga (1,609); Jolo (166); Pagadian (1,568); Angeles (179); and Butuan (898)." ---Inquirer (11/15/09, Uy, V.)
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) says certain schools do not meet the standards. In the last five years, at least 177 schools have not produced a single graduate who took and passed the board exam. Such dismal performance points to a serious flaw in education and a waste of precious labor. (Photo Credit: SlavishTubeSocks) =0=
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Pres. Barack Obama: High in respect or stooping low to Japan's royalty?
Unlike Japan, it's not a tradition in USA to bow. Yet, in a meeting with Japanese emperor Akihito and wife Michiko Shoda, the US president bowed as a sign of any of the following: respect, deference, humility, submission, subservience, a sign of weakness?
Americans are divided on what to make out of this unusual gesture of the president on his first trip to Asia. While Akihito estendsd his hand for a handshake like a statesman, Obama stooped low. Many thought bowing to anyone is not what US presidents do. (Photo Credit: AFP/ Getty Images/ Ngan Mandel) =0=
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Bravo Manny Pacquiao!
Filipinos are beaming with happiness to see Manny Paquiao win over Miguel Cotto---a TKO on the 12th round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in last Vegas, Nevada last Saturday, November 15, 2007.
“Pacquiao dropped Cotto with a right hand early in the third round, but he wasn't badly hurt and came back to finish the round strong. But after Pacquiao put Cotto on the canvas with a big left hand as Cotto was advancing forward late in the fourth round, the Puerto Rican was never the same again.” AP/Yahoo.news.com (11/15/09, Dahlberg, T.)
The Filipino prizefighter’s unprecedented success robbed his Puerto Rican rival the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown, securing his legendary place in sports history. Pacquiao’s amazing victory made him the first to nail a glowing record of seven victories in different weight classes--- an spectacular feat no boxer had achieved before.
"The General Santos City native Pacquiao – who started fighting as a 106-lb in the strawweight division – also holds the International Boxing Organization (IBO) light welterweight crown. He previously ruled the WBC light weight, WBC super featherweight, International Boxing Federation (IBF) super bantamweight, WBC flyweight and RING Magazine’s featherweight divisions."---GMA.newsTV (11/15/09)
No crime during the boxing match?
Forgetting the problems of rough politics, the rebellion in Mindanao and disastrous natural calamities, millions of Filipinos watched and celebrated the grand fight in Manila and all over the world. The thieves, kidnappers, and petty criminals in Manila stopped their trade to watch Pacman. A number of senators and congressmen were warned of coming to Las Vegas, Nevada---as in the past, to watch the game. The same warning was relayed for this match with Cotto.
Though good for Pacquiao, the match with the Filipino boxing hero and Hatton earlier this year, caused more than half (163 absent vs. 100 present) of the legislators to absent themselves from their jobs to watch the fight--- certainly an embarrassment to those who consider public service seriously. (see related blog below.)
To the thrill of his fans who milled in front of TV sets and danced in the streets, Pacquiao used his awesome speed and power to vanquish Cotto. For this match, the popular boxer was said to have earned at least $13 million and his opponent, $7 million.
Pacquiao is a source of pride and inspiration--- a true gift to the Filipino people! (Photo Credits: AFP/ Ralston, M.; AFP/ Directo, J.) =0=
RELATED BLOGS: "Pacquiao faces Cotto in MGM Grand Las Vegas match" Posted by mesiamd at 11/14/2009; "Philippine Congress attendance drops to 100 out of 263 as Pacquiao-Hatton match draws near" Posted by mesiamd at 5/01/2009
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