UP Ibalon Bicol

Susan Boyle & her "wonderful time with fame"

7/22/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

After coming second in a nerve-wracking talent show in British TV, Susan Boyle, the Scottish songbird with frumpy looks appeared as a guest in “Today’s Show” with Meredith Vieira.

In an interview, the beaming Susan who became world famous for her impeccable voice complementing her “incongruous” persona said she was having a good time wrestling with her unexpected popularity.

"I don't want it to end. It’s just incredible. It's indescribable, really," she remarked during the interview.

Much improved with her facial make-over since she first sang in “Britain’s Got Talent,” and visibly propped up wearing a purple dress, the middle-aged lady who suffered learning disability, thinks she has adjusted well with the help of people who show her a way to tune her life from obscurity to fame. (Photo Credit: Newslicious) =0=

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Labels: Britain Got Talent, entertainment, music, singer, Susan Boyle, Totie Mesia

Manila oil depot poses risk to Pandacan residents

7/22/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

For a long time the oil depot in Pandacan at the heart of Manila seemed safe. There were no complaints to the presence of the fuel facility right beside congested residential and commercial areas.

“The depot, a 36-hectare cluster of harbor tanks containing 330.5 million liters of gasoline, crude oil and other flammable substances, was built in Pandacan in the 1910s by the “Big 3" oil companies: Chevron (then Caltex), Pilipinas Shell, and Petron Corporation (then Esso). At present, the Pandacan oil depot supplies around 1,800 retail stations in Metro Manila and outlying provinces. The oil depot is also said to supply around half of the country’s total demand for fuel and other petrochemical products.”----GMANews Tv (07/04/09, Calonzo, T.)

Yet, the threats of an environmental accident, natural disaster, earthquake damage, sabotage, and terrorism have grown. It is easy to understand why people started questioning the oil depot's safety. The facility is considered a disaster waiting to happen and concerned citizens, church leaders, and community groups are apprehensive and up against it.

The order of the Supreme Court in 2001 to relocate the fuel site was in recognition of such threats. But through a city ordinance, Mayor Alfredo Lim was able to reverse the decision. Thinking that the oil facility was bringing jobs (10,000 workers) and revenue (P100 million in annual taxes) to the city, the mayor and his supporters, ignoring the danger, believed it was better to keep the depot for the “common good.”

It is hardly for the common good if people's lives are at risk and a fire caused by oil explosion may bring death and destruction to residents who live in the area.

In averting disaster, it is better to err on the side of prudence. As the saying goes, a pound of prevention is better than a ton of cure. (Photo Credit: Etang) =0=

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Labels: depot, disaster, explosion, fire, fuel, Manila, Mayor Alfredo Lim, oil, Pandacan, risk, Supreme Court, terrorism, Totie Mesia

10 Filipino OFWs perish in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan

7/22/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Breaking the prohibition by the Philippine government, 10 Filipino OFWs illegally worked in war-torn Afghanistan. They were killed when a Russian-owned civilian helicopter they were riding crashed in the Kandahar Airbase tarmac. Investigation to know the cause of the crash was on-going.

Among the recognized fatalities are Marvin Najera of San Fernando, Pampanga; Ely Cariño of Cabusao, Camarines Sur; Manolito Hornilla of Taysan, Batangas; Mark Joseph Mariano of Floridablanca, Pampanga; Celso Caralde of Butuan City; Rene D. Taboclaon (Cagayan de Oro City), Recardo E. Vallejos (Bislig, Surigao del Sur) and Noli M. Visda, of Lubao, Pampanga.

The OFW’s who previously worked in the Middle East in 2004 came to Afghanistan to work illegally. After returning to the Philippines, they left the country in July this year to find employment abroad. Approximately 1,500 Filipinos have presently taken jobs in Afghanistan.

Even if the country forbids Filipinos from taking jobs in dangerous and far places like Afghanistan. the workers came, acting as tourists from Dubai. This illustrates the desperation of Filipinos to find employment---anywhere, anytime and anyplace? (Photo Credit: Aryty) =0=

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Labels: Afghanistan, casualty, crash, helicopter crash, Kandahar, Middle East, OFW, overseas worker, Totie Mesia

UP Ibalon trivia: the mystery guy in the BNAA convention

7/22/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Now that the Bicol National Associaton of America (BNAA) Convention has been concluded in the Northeast, it can be said that an Ibalonian attended the affair from far away Houston, Texas. In the picnic last Sunday, July 19, 2009 at the Freedom Park, New Jersey following the gala dinner, a guy in blue with a friendly smile, loud laugh, and scintillating demeanor came along.

I heard someone mentioned his name. I almost couldn't believe it. As if I was hearing somebody from yesterday right under the shadow of the statue of Lady Liberty.

I had to be sure and so I asked. True enough, it was him, our Ibalon pal---found after more than 30 years! Who could he be? What might be your guess? =0=

Answer: Stephen (Steve/Tibo) David, originally from Legazpi City who was part of the core-group that established the UP Ibalon in Diliman, Quezon City. Steve spent time with the Department of Foreign Affairs and serve as a consular official in USA before assuming the presidency of the Filipino American Caucus for Empowerment. He is currently based in Texas.

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Labels: Bikol National Association of America, BNAA, human interest, Liberty Park, New Jersey, organization, picnic, reunion, social network, UP Ibalon

Which virus: seasonal flu or H1N1 virus?

7/21/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

The flu as reported by the Naga City Health Office (Bicol Mail, 07/16/09) could well indeed be cases of seasonal flu---the viral illness that makes rounds this year. However, I wonder if this flu described by Health officer Dr. Vito Borja is apart from the H1N1 which is the subject of concern, study and containment at this time.

It’s hard to differentiate between the seasonal and swine flu. The genomic features and clinical manifestations of both influenza viruses have points of overlaps. Therefore, without diagnostic confirmation as done in the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Manila, no one will ever know for sure what the city is dealing with.

I believe residents of Naga and other towns including health care workers are eager to learn if confirmatory tests are done. Whichever virus may affect the population, greater surveillance is important to put into action the ways to prevent and control the spread of the disease.

The H1N1 flu, though generally benign and self-limiting, has the potential to mutate and transform into a vicious resistant disease. It poses health risks to the people like the seasonal flu. (Photo Credit: CDC) =0=

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Labels: CDC, H1N1 virus, Influenza, Naga City, pandemic, Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, RITM, seasonal flu, Swine flu, Totie Mesia

Illegal kidney donation foiled

7/21/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Though there is no evidence that the money received from organ sale can make anyone rich, many Filipinos, because of poverty, are lured to selling their kidneys. Desperate ailing patients with renal disease are attracted to buy organs, sometimes setting up elaborate schemes to circumvent the law.

“In 2007, out of 1,046 kidney transplants performed in the country, 81 percent were from living, non-related donors and 51 percent of the recipients were foreigners, said the doctors' group Philippine Society of Nephrology. It wasn't clear that all of those transplants involved an organ sale, but the statistics raised suspicions.

The government has been trying to curb the trade. It recently adopted strict rules restricting foreigners from receiving organ transplants from Filipino donors. The new rules added to a 2003 law that already prohibited organ sales, which are punishable by up to 20 years in prison.”----GMANews.TV (09/20/09)

Recently, an ailing Saudi Arabian tried to get a kidney by marrying a Filipina donor. However Philippine health authorities suspected the marriage was a fraud---- a scheme of a foreigner so he can get a transplant in the country. They believed the giving of the kidney by the wife had more “commercial intent” rather purely for charity.

Recently married, the “wife” couldn’t speak Arabic and the “husband” didn’t know any English or Tagalog. They couldn't communicate to each other. As a result the application to transplant was rejected. The woman didn’t admit she was paid to do the job.

In 2007, Philippines was listed as 5th among nations with rampant kidney trafficking. With many patients waiting to get a kidney, there are recruiters and brokers for the kidney trade which compensates paid donors from P100,000 to P150,000.

Like prostitution, the kidney sale problem illustrates the difficulty of stopping illegal sales. Aside from ethical and moral considerations of commercial kidney donation, even the rules of those who decide which transplants get approved or denied can be questionable and flawed. (Photo Credit: ___) =0=

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Labels: donations, kidney disease, kidney transplant, laws, renal, Totie Mesia, trafficking of organs, transplant

Cory Aquino very ill

7/21/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Not long after former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino refused further medical treatment for advanced colonic malignancy, she is fast deteriorating. Her daughter actress Kris Aquino announced that she would temporarily quit her job to give time to her ailing mother who is confined in Makati Medical Center.

Within a year after it was publicly disclosed that the ex-president had cancer, she went through laparoscopic colectomy and chemotherapy for stage 4 cancer which caused her to lose weight and appetite. From the medical standpoint, her prospect of recovery had been poor.

The whole country who recognizes Cory as an upright, devout, and honest woman pray for her comfort and healing. Many Filipinos are saddened that in the past few weeks, she has suffered weakness and pain related to to her illness. (Photo Credit: Joe Galvez) =0=

RELATED BLOG: Pres. Cory Aquino to undergo cancer surgery Posted by mesiamd at 5/01/2009; Cory Aquino returns to hospital; Cory Aquino returns to hospital Posted by mesiamd at 6/25/2009

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Labels: cancer, chemotherapy, colon, colon cancer, illness, Makati, malignancy, prayers, Pres. Corazon Aquino, Totie Mesia, treatment

BNAA Convention capped with a gala dinner on July 18, 2009 in New Jersey

7/20/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

After a hectic day of deliberations by the Bicol National Association of America (BNAA) in a convention last Saturday, a solemn mass of thanksgiving, unity, and hope was celebrated by Msgr. Jeremias Rebanal and Fr. Joe Saltarin, spiritual advisers of the group of Bicolanos who bonded together to share time, talent, and treasure for the community.

“Without a doubt, the generosity and participation of BNAA members during our fundraising efforts enable us to continue to succeed in implementing the BNAA service projects,” said Rudy Nasol, BNAA president (2007-2009) His words may well summarize the mission of the organization which gathered in New Jersey and New York for its 29th annual convention in July 17-19, 2009.

Headed by community leaders Angelita Pena and Erlinda Arellano who are the current nationwide BNAA and Northeast Chapter presidents respectively, the enthusiastic group of goal-directed Bicolanos and affiliates who work for the poor and underprivileged pulled a formal fun-filled evening dinner-dance at the Sheraton, Hotel in Newark, New Jersey to cap this year’s convention. The ball chair was Baby B. Baquiran.

With the support of the association, Lita and Linda brought together visitors and guests, mostly from various BNAA chapters from all over America.

Working in concert with the BNAA officers and members and the Our Lady of Penafrancia Association (OLPDA,) a fresh brand of “getting-to-know-you” and renewal of camaraderie marked the excitement of the evening.

An estimated 270 guests arrived to add a dazzling vitality to the memorable event. Formally dressed for the affair, they were met by welcoming hosts like Ben and Thelma Silerio, Boy and Dina Cabaero, Rolando and Gidget Revilleza, Chi and Tong Pilar, Peng Pena, Salvador Deauna, Ed Arellano, Narcisa Vasquez, Efren Zagada, Adela Quisumbing, Nilda Largoza, and Carmen Oliver.

Propped by ardent support from Northeast residents like Lily Villegas, Genevieve del Rosario, Ben Vasquez, Josie Anciano-Mendoza, Myrla Rueda, Mila Requejo, and Dr. Rosendito Largoza, the team gathered its full force which energized the ball to its rousing success.

Former BNAA president Roger Odiamar, Zayda Baron, and Fr. Garcia were as upbeat as the Chicago delegation that came with them. Adding spark to the occasion, Dr. Lilian Obrero-Gines expressed her liking for projects and wholesome fun when BNAA convenes in Jacksonville, Florida sometime in 2011.

Steve David, the president of the Filipino American Caucus for Empowerment and Alice de Leon looked forward to see Bicolanos visit Houston, Texas next year. They were part of the merry crowd which combined ballroom dancing with the plain joy of being together. A special guest performance by Craig and Samantha A. Campos, young dancing champions, wowed those who were present.

From California was a delegation which included Bicolano leader Rudy Nasol and his notable surgeon-friend Dr. Antonio Abiog, the pillar of BNAA's outreach medical missions in the Philippines. Travelling all the way to be with other guests, from Michigan were Delia Hidalgo-Rayos and Aida and Gil Manly. Ely Mabeza, a former Naga City resident, came to meet with his relatives and friends.

Ludy Baldoza-Cabanas, an amiable BNAA past president, arrived from Washington State. And from Virginia was Milette Maleniza who was accompanied by devoted hubby Joey Salonga.

Cindy and Joe Dacanay, Saulo Gaspe, Art Artuz, Joceline Losa-Masauding, Nancy Samson, Fred Ramin, and Delia Evangelista of South Carolina Bicol Association were dreamful to meet their new pals in future meetings.

There was a sizeable number of Bicolanos from out of town who attended the ball--- In fact, too many to be mentioned by name. For reasons, not completely known, there were also those who weren’t present---- and surely they were sorely missed.

At the conclusion when the crack of dawn rushed in to give way for the next day's sunrise, some attendees proceeded quietly to the “hospitality room” in the 12th floor of the venue building. In hushed voices, they were up for an extended fellowship and fun. The small crowd with Lita Pena, Msgr. Rebanal and Fr. Saltarin stayed longer to share a familiar Bicol soul-food----a native fare of hot steamy “arroz caldo” that made the delegates remember the Bikol of home. (Photo Credit: AFM) =0=

RELATED BLOG: Bikol National Association of America Convention 2009 Posted by andygimpaya at 9/26/2008

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Labels: 2009, Bicolandia Association, Bicolanos, BNAA, Convention 2009, New Jersey, OLPDA, reunion, Totie Mesia

Swept by flood, electrocution & manhole drowning in Typhoon Isang

7/18/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Tropical strom Isang (international code name Molave,) passed the northern part of the country on Saturday, July 18, 2009, leaving 3 dead and 2 missing persons. According to The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC,) Lomer Fernando, 32 of Batac, Ilocos, died of electrocution, a 9 month old Katrina Justilero fell and was swept by raging flood, and 13 year old Joemar Ligara, of Caloocan City drowned in a river.

Those who were reported missing included 9-year-old Arnold Julian of San Mateo town in Rizal province and and Jonathan Hormeneta, 22 who respectively fell in a manhole and carried by strong river torrent during heavy rains.

“The agency said the rains brought by the storm flooded 176 villages in Ilocos Norte, La Union, Rizal, Cavite provinces and Metro Manila. It added that 30 villages in nine cities in Metro Manila were flooded at the height of the storm.”---abs-cbnNews.com (07/18/09)

Almost all the casualties seemed avoidable. In a mix of filth and garbage, thousands of Manila residents waded the murky flood waters that pose danger to their health. To gain mobility, children and adults walked and play in flooded streets, unmindful of the dangers.

The yearly typhoons have caused deaths, injury, and property damage to the nation. Disaster preparedness had been a challenge during the typhoon season. (Photo Credit: Kevulike) =0=

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Labels: casualty, flood, floodings, NDCC, Storm, typhoon, Typhoon Isang, weather

US Visa Availability August 2009

7/18/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Each month, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issue the visa availability of those who wish to immigrate (family-based application) or work (employment based application) in America. For the month of August 2009 here are the abridged priority dates:

FAMILY CATEGORIES August

Categories----Worldwide----China (PRC)----India-------Mexico-----Philippines
1st------------01-08-03-----01-08-03-------01-08-03----01-01-91---09-15-93
2A------------01-15-05-----01-15-05-------01-15-05----09-22-02---01-15-05
2B------------05-01-01-----05-01-01-------05-01-01----05-08-92---05-01-98
3rd-----------11-01-00-----11-01-00-------11-01-00----07-01-01---08-08-91
4th-----------12-22-98------12-22-98-------12-22-98----08-01-95---09-08-86

EMPLOYMENT CATEGORIES August

Categories--- Worldwide----China (PRC)----India-----Mexico-----Philippines
1st--------------Current------Current---------Current---Current----Current
2nd------------Current------10-01-03--------10-01-03---Current----Current
3rd------------05-01-05-----10-22-02--------10-15-01---08-15-03---05-01-05
Other workers---Unavailable--Unavailable---Unavailable--Unavailable--Unavaiable
4th------------Current------Current----------Current---Current----Current
Religious-----Current------Current----------Current---Current----Current
5th-------------Current------Current--------Current---Current----Current
Targeted
Employment areas--Current----Current--------Current---Current----Current

For detailed information I suggest the websites: State Department Visa Bulletin---http://travel.state.gov/; http://shusterman.com/vb.html (Photo Credit: Yuhuru1701)

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Labels: August 2009, employment, family, immigration, OFW, overseas worker, petition, State Department, Totie Mesia, USA, USCIS, Visa

UP Ibalon Bicol

Susan Boyle & her "wonderful time with fame"

Manila oil depot poses risk to Pandacan residents

10 Filipino OFWs perish in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan

UP Ibalon trivia: the mystery guy in the BNAA convention

Which virus: seasonal flu or H1N1 virus?

Illegal kidney donation foiled

Cory Aquino very ill

BNAA Convention capped with a gala dinner on July 18, 2009 in New Jersey

Swept by flood, electrocution & manhole drowning in Typhoon Isang

US Visa Availability August 2009

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