PostHeaderIcon Bill Clinton’s success in securing the release of two US journalists

8/06/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post




In a happy note, former president Bill Clinton was able to negotiate the release of two US journalists who had been held prisoners in North Korea for 4 months on charges of “hostile acts” against the reclusive communist nation.

The two women of Asian descent Laura Ling and Euna Lee served as reporters for former Vice President Al Gore's California-based Current TV media venture. They were sentenced to 12 years of hard labor after they were picked up by North Korean soldiers near the China border.

Upon their return to the United States, the former detainees had an emotional reunion with their families. Appearing in a tearful news conference in Burbank, California on Wednesday, August 5, 2009, Ling and Lee thanked Bill Clinton and the entire American nation for the effort which gained their freedom.

“The trip and its diplomatic theatrics represent a sudden moment of goodwill and compromise between two countries with nearly 60 years of fractious relations that grew even more antagonistic over the past year.”---Fox News/ AP (08.05/09)

The negotiations to secure freedom for the American journalists had been going on for months. Controversy surrounded the deal with Kim Jong Il who snatched undetermined number and put them in prison. Bill Clinton came to meet with the dictator at a time when tensions between North Korea and the West over the former’s nuclear arms. Attempts to bring back the repressive communist regime to the 5-country disarmament negotiation table had so far been unsuccessful.

It appears the 67 year-old Kim Jong Il wanted to improve relations with the United States as he prepared his son as a successor-dictator after he suffered a stroke last year. The journalists’ walk away to freedom was a chance to project a “kinder” image of the imporverished government which had been encountering resistance within and outside the country. It would also help set a platform for renewed talks to deter nuclear arms proliferation by the North Koreans. =0=(Photo Credit: Reuters; AFP/ KCNA via KNS) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon 150,000 mourners for Cory Aquino’s burial

8/05/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post




A huge crowd of about 150,000 people lined up in Manila streets to bid Pres. Cory Aquino farewell during her interment on August 5, 2009. In her death, the beloved and popular leader known for her simplicity, unwavering faith, and steadfast defense of democracy brought shining inspiration to entire nation reminiscent of the People Power she led more than two decades ago.

Condolences poured in from all over the globe for Cory. The Aquino family, led by by Sen. Nonoy Aquino and TV celebrity Kris Aquino followed the hearse of their mother as mourners from all walks of life cheered, flashed “Laban” signs, and shouted “Cory, Cory” as tributes to the ex-president.

Under an overcast sky, tens of thousands of Filipinos wearing yellow and carrying balloons and flowers stood as the funeral cortege from Manila Cathedral snaked its way to Manila Memorial Park where the ex-president was buried in a simple crypt with her husband, the martyred political leader, Ninoy Aquino. (Photo Credit: Reuters/ Romeo Ranoco; Reuters/ Erik de Castro)=0=

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PostHeaderIcon GMA comes to Cory Aquino's wake

8/05/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


There was the necessity and perhaps the obligation. She needed to come for the wake of Pres. Cory Aquino. Against the discomfort of raised eyebrows and snide remarks, maybe, that's what Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo felt. After she arrived with her entourage on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 from her trip in the United States, she hastily went to Manila Cathedral at about 3:30 early morning to view Cory’s remains and condoled with the bereaved family. Days before, to honor the dead ex-president, she declared a 10-day national mourning.

The visit was politically charged. Accusing her of rigging the election, Arroyo was asked by Cory Aquino to resign at the height of the “Hello Garci” scandal. As far as the public can tell, it was a wound in both women's back which needed repair.

Despite irritations, GMA was politely welcomed by Cory’s son Noynoy Aquino and briefly, she stayed after a quick prayer in front of the bier. She only stayed for about 7 minutes.

Reports said, the president’s short visit interrupted public the viewing of Cory's huge adoring crowd. With other unspecified reasons, Arroyo's decision to come and leave early was more to give time for people in long lines to see Cory’s remains as the interment drew near.(Photo Credit: justgivemepeace) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Rising antidepressant use in USA & the nation’s state of mental health

8/05/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


In a recent study which appeared in the Archives of General Psychiatry, Dr. Mark Olfson of Columbia University in New York and Steven Marcus of University of Pennsylvania disclosed that the use of antidepressants in America had astronomically increased: 13 million people received prescriptions in 1996 versus 27 million in 2005----a doubling rise in less than 10 years.

If so, the number of those needing to up their mood medically now accounts for about 10% of the population. The study shows that the diagnosis of depression is more common and having the malady is more acceptable now than in past decade.

One way of looking at this is by considering the secular world. In a liberal society where traditional values and beliefs have been replaced by materialism, more people contract emotional and mental problems. There are more sufferers of psycho-emotional instability in an alienating world---more so when support systems are frayed and families ties are disrupted. Coincident to the stresses of 911 and the economic slump, Americans are increasingly in need of medications more than any people in the planet.

"Although there was little change in total promotional spending for antidepressants between 1999 ($0.98 billion) and 2005 ($1.02 billion), there was a marked increase in the percentage of this spending that was devoted to direct-to consumer advertising, from 3.3 percent ($32 million) to 12 percent ($122.00 million)."---Source: Reuters (08/03/09, Barbara, P.)

Considering the drug industry, 164 million prescriptions had been prescribed last year generating about $9.6 billion sales. The unbridled use of these medicines pushed by pharmaceuticals could be attributed to many factors, but in my opinion, “medicalization” of depression had been part of it. The promotion of antidepressants to keep mental health had been going on. Treatment rather than prevention was the emphasis. There had been a tendency to treat reflexively without allowing the normal healing mechanisms to take care of itself.

Americans seems in danger of losing their natural ability to regulate their minds and feelings if they heavily rely on antidepressants. I believe this does not bode well on the well-being of the country. Blunting their natural coping mechanisms, Americans can't continue taking antidepressants for their emotional and mental problems.

The use of antidepressants continues to rise even if warnings have been issued of the heightened risk of suicidal thoughts and tendency for suicide even among teenagers. There is an increase of those wishing to end their life among the middle aged.

In spite of the widespread use of antidepressants, there is no indication that America is in any way mentally healthy. Americans tend to use drugs for they are readily available. Psychotherapy is harder to obtain; it’s time-consuming, labor-intensive, and insurance reimbursement is low. (Photo Credit: aga.moreno) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Posthumous tributes to President Corazon Aquino

8/05/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post




''She picked up the standard from the fallen warrior Ninoy and helped lead our nation to a brighter day.''---Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo

“We feel sad because who will defend us now that she’s gone? ... But with her death, the EDSA spirit returned and united us again” ----Makati bank employee Araceli Franco

“Oppressed masses in Asia, nay the world, touched their forelocks in gratitude to her (Aquino) for the inspiring example of her courage in the face of adversity.”---Malaysian Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim

“Former President Aquino was the symbol of a restored democracy in the Philippines and promoted friendly relations between our country and the Philippines.” ---Japan Prime Minister Taro Aso

“Cory Aquino was beloved by her nation and admired by the world for her extraordinary courage after the assassination of her husband, and later, during her service as president."--- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton

“Maraming salamat po Tita Cory sa lahat ng tulong na ibinigay mo sa mga mahihirap ng Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Pasay City kung saan kayo ikinasal ni Ninoy noong October 1954. Ang aming parokya ay taos pusong nagdadalamahti sa iyong pagpanaw at nanalangin sa Poong Maykapal na bigyan ka ng tunay na kapayapaan at kaligayahan sa kanyang kaharian. Tita Cory di mo lang ibinalik ang kalayaan at demokraysya sa sambayanang Pilipino, mas lalong kahanga-hanga at mahalaga na hinikayat mo ang sambayanang Pilipino na bumalik sa Diyos sa mga panahon ng panganib, kagipitan at kasakitan. Pagpalain ka ng Poong Maykapal Tita Cory. Di ka namin malilimutan. Sa iyong pamilya kami ay nakikiramay at nanalangin.. Good bye Tita Cory. We love you.”---- Fr. Soc, SSP

"Ms. Aquino played a crucial role in Philippines history, moving the country to democratic rule through her nonviolent 'people power' movement over 20 years ago," Gibbs said. "Her courage, determination, and moral leadership are an inspiration to us all and exemplify the best in the Filipino nation." —--White House press secretary Robert Gibbs

“Salamat, sapagka’t kayo ang nagbalik ng tunay na demokrasya. (Thank you because you brought back true democracy).”---Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay





“She represented the best of the Filipino of the past and the future."---former Pres. Fidel Ramos

“Mrs. Aquino will be remembered as a beacon of democracy not only in she Philippines but also around the world." ----United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

"I came all the way from Isabela for several hours just to see Aquino's remains. Mahal ko ang dating presidente. Mabuti nandito na ako ng 1 p.m." ----Senior citizen Clara Taguba

”Former President Cory Aquino has demonstrated in the clearest terms that steep moral values and strength of character are what our nation need in times of unabated corruption and political and social decay,” ---Sen. Mar Roxas.

“She will be remembered not just an icon of democracy since she restored democracy in our country, but also because for being simple, humble and prayerful," Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco

“Para sa ina ng demokrasya, sulit naman kasi binigay nga ni Cory (yung) buhay niya para sa atin." ----Roman Rabina, House of Representatives employee.

“The Philippines has lost a wonderful leader who is widely admired in Britain for her courage and inspiration.”---- UK Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Beckingham

”The greatest honor you see is on the streets right now, a lot of people are going there” ----Sen. Richard Gordon

”Though suffering from failing health, she condemned the anti-democratic machinations of Mrs. Arroyo to cling to power beyond her term ending in June 2010. From her sickbed, she sent a powerful message of support to thousands of demonstrators protesting Mrs. Arroyo's Con-Ass scheme. She called it ‘a shameful abuse of power!’” ---National Democratic Front



"We will provide full military honors befitting a former President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief. This includes the firing of volleys starting at 8 a.m. on Sunday, military vigil during the entire wake, flags on half mast in all camps and the offering of mass in all military churches." ----AFP public affairs chief, Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner

"Cory Aquino is what a true leader must be, honest and true at a crucial moment in the nation’s history.”----Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales

''Today our country has lost a mother.''---former President Joseph Estrada

“She was the template for the avenging daughter which we saw in Pakistan and Burma [Myanmar]. Secondly, she highlighted the importance of women to democratization.” ----Bruce Gilley, assistant professor of political science at Portland State University

“There are so many other presidents who are liars and thieves, but why did it have to be you?”---Filipina businesswoman Baby Dantes

“I can feel the pain, the loss of a loved one, so I am in prayer. If these two families reconciled, there will be a miracle for the Philippines” ---Imelda Marcos

“We will miss Tita Cory. All of us have lost a woman who stood bravely for freedom, unification and for bringing people together while her family lost a mother so my heart goes out to them.”--- United States Ambassador Kristie Kenney

"She was very much committed to helping those who are disadvantaged and her legacy remains. We're very sad for her family's loss but what she represents is an inspiration to the world.”----Stephen Anderson, Director for the United Nations World Food Program (RP).





(Photo Credits: AP/ Marquez, B; Malaya/ Daguatan, P; AFP/ Garcia, N; Reuters/ Torralba, A; AP/ Cheryl Ravelo; Reuters/ Torralba, A.)

RELATED BLOGS: Ninoy Aquino: undimmed, forever young & at play Posted by mesiamd at 8/22/2008; Pres. Cory Aquino's power of hope & gratitude Posted by mesiamd at 8/01/2009; Filipinos mourn the death of Pres. Cory Aquino Posted by mesiamd at 8/01/2009

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PostHeaderIcon 8 die and 5 missing in tropical storm Jolina’s aftermath

8/04/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) announced that tropical Jolina brought casualties in Rizal, Iloilo, Antique, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, bringing a total of 8 dead and 5 missing.

"Jolina" affected 38,589 families or 160,038 people in 119 villages in 25 towns and five cities in Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, Nueva Ecija, Rizal, Mindoro Occidental, Palawan, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Lanao del Sur, and Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao.”---GMA.newsTV (08/04/09)

Some property damage was reported. The Jaro River in Iloilo swelled, causing flooding in the area. As of this time, rains still fall in MetroManila since Saturday, August 1, 2009 as a result of the inclement weather. (Photo Credit: Mandysue797) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Dr. Vicki Belo sought by NBI for butt job complaint

8/04/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Forty year-old Josefina Norcio is the next patient to come forward to complain against celebrity cosmetic doctor Vick Belo. According to Norcio, the "doctor of the stars" failed to explain to her the possible complication(s) of butt augmentation surgery when she opted to have one in 2003 and 2005. She said she suffered a life-threatening infection after the procedure was done by Dr. Francis Decangchon, Jr. who was then a staff surgeon in Belo’s clinic.

Vick figured in a scandal earlier when her boyfriend Dr. Hayden Kho came up with sex tapes of starlet Katrina Halili and other women to the amazement and shock of the public and embarrassment of the medical profession.

Leah Salterio, spokeswoman of Dr. Belo’s office said they are withholding comment on Norcio’s complaint. She said the clinic follows a standard protocol in dealing with patienst. (Photo Credit: www.tvpinoy.info) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon 6.9 quake in Baja California

8/04/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


A huge earthquake rocked northwest Mexico today, Monday August 3, 2009, registering 6.9 in the Richter’s scale. The tremblor caused buildings in California to shudder raising fears of a tsunami. No significant casualty and physical damage were so far reported.

“The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake struck inside the Sea of Cortez, 76 miles (122 km) from the town of Santa Isabel on the Baja California peninsula and was 6.2 miles (10 km) deep. The figures were revised from its initial estimates. There were no initial reports of deaths or serious damage. Baja California, home to desert and mountains, is sparsely populated.”---Reuters (08/03/09)

Reports said the quake was most felt in San Diego California.(Photo Credit: wwwhorizon-taal.nl) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Baao Pintakasi 2009 in Las Vegas

8/04/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post




Inviting You All to Las Vegas, Nevada!

Baao Pintakasi
Saturday, August 8, 2009
St. Simeon Serbian Orthodox Church Hall
3950 South Jones Boulevard
Las Vegas, Nevada 89103
Contact: Naty Martires Uy (702)-617-9482; cell (818) 571-4515
Accomodation Booking: Rita (Deanna) Badiola (562)-324-8469

The 2009 Baao Pintakasi of Las Vegas this August 8, 2009 marks the 25th year of yearly celebration of Baaoenos in the United States. The wonderful tradition started more than two decades ago in San Diego, hosted by the generous Bismonte Family.

At that time, in their residence, the Bismontes regaled their few friends, guests, and families who spread around the good news to the Baao community. It was not long when enthusiastic kahimanwas came--- in droves to participate in a fiesta that since then became merrier and more memorable.

The crowd grew. It was time to get a grand venue to welcome the attendees. The jolly Baaoenos took pride asking to be the hosts of bigger events just the way they did in the especial town fiestas back home. Through the years, they took turns propping up happy fellowships which were held in great places like Los Angeles, Santa Cruz, CA, Monterey, CA, Lemore, CA, Hercules, CA, Oxnard, CA, Simi Valley, CA, etc. For this year a throng of 300 warm bodies are expected to come to Las Vegas. (Photo Credit: 5348Franco; Five Hundy)

It’s the Las Vegas Baaoenos’ turn to host the sparkling affair. Among the core group of organizers are Naty Martires, Sally & Joe (del Rosario) Valeras, Nilda & Michael (Torres) Chang, Ben & Myrna Ballesteros, Josephine Sanchez, Frank Banaria, and Rita Badiola. =0=

Will you be with us this time? Las Vegas here we come!



Core Group Photo: (from l-r) Nilda Torres-Chang, Jocelyn Sanchez, Deana Rita Badiola, Ben Ballesteros, Myrna Ballesteros, and Naty Martires.



Core Group Member Sally and Joe Valeras with Friends.

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PostHeaderIcon Phelps helps 400m relay team for a world-record win

8/03/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


In a rematch between Olympic swimming icon Michael Phelps and Serbia’s Milorad Cavic, the former thrust himself to the last seconds to keep his title as the fastest in 100 m butterfly category. Phelps won, bringing him his 4th gold.

But on Sunday, August 2, 2009, in the World Swimming Championship in Rome, Italy, Phelps was part of the US relay team to bag his 5th gold medal, helping his group in 400-meter medley relay to win the 43rd world record in the championship.

Overall, not as good as his 8 gold medal sweep in the unforgettable Beijing Olympics, Phelps' spectacular showing ends the meet with two individual gold, one silver medal (200 freestyle) and three relay gold medals. He still remains the greatest in swimming history. (Photo Credit: D. Daniel) =0=

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