President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo accepted Tuesday the credentials of seven new (non-resident) ambassadors to the Philippines in a series of presentation-of-credentials ceremonies at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo hakes hands with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Adnan Basaga of the Republic of Turkey after receiving his credentials Jan. 30 at Malacañang’s Rizal Hall
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Adnan Basaga of the Republic of Turkey was the first envoy received by the President. He was followed by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ibrahim Asad Oglu Hajiyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The President then received the credentials of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Liliane Amrie Laure Boa of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Mpumelelo Joseph Hlophe of the Kingdom of Swaziland; Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Nana Kwadwo Seinti of the Republic of Ghana, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Abdelaziz Abdelrahman Abuqutaish of the State of Palestine, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Richard O’ Brien of Ireland.
“Welcome to the Philippines. I accept your credentials and I look forward to the good and stronger bilateral relations between our countries during your tour of duty here in the Philippines,” the President told the new envoys. In turn, all seven ambassadors assured the President that they would work and devote their time for better bilateral relations between their respective countries and the Philippines.
Foreign Affairs Chief of Protocol Geryl Santos introduced the new envoys to the President. Also on hand to welcome them were Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Erlinda Basilio and Ambassador Marciano Paynor. (PNA)
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Art Unites—The Philippine Arts Festival |
By Jacqueline L. Ong |
Arguably, unity is one of the more pertinent issues this country is facing. As of press time, the administration is pulling together a “unity ticket” that would include both ally and opposition leaders. On the other side of the road is the so-called “united opposition” where all those adversarial to the administration, the President in particular, collectively call themselves. The term itself sounds outright ironic, if not an oxymoron.
In such scheme of things where politics is hardly a credible ground for championing unity amidst diversity, one sector seeks to stand out as the door of hope. That sector is the arts.
Dr. F. Landa Jocano, renowned author, educator and public administrator once said that pride in being Filipino leads to commitment to the nation on the premise that if the Filipinos can be proud of themselves, they can be committed as a nation. He was quoted by National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Commissioner on the Arts Felipe de Leon Jr. during a forum launching the Philippine Arts Festival entitled “Ani ng Sining: Yaman ng Lahi” for the whole month of February.
“Excellence in the arts is a powerful magnet around which national unity may evolve,” de Leon explains, elaborating how the Filipinos are hungry for a positive symbol and having one would elicit admiration, appreciation and thereby allowing people to convene around that. For him, the deepest meaning of pride in being Filipino is “pride in our cultural identity”. This cultural identity encompasses the richness of the Filipino heritage, from the Ifugao rice terraces and the tinalak weavings to the dance rituals and regional cuisines.
Admitting that such an ideal is not in the shores of the nearby future, “we have passed through the stage of uncertainty and in ten years time, something will happen,” de Leon hopes. He relates that awareness of Philippine heritage is already apparent especially in the efforts of leaders of various sectors. “We already have a sense of direction,” he says, but it is not yet enough as the masses have not had a hand yet on this endeavor.
The Philippine Arts Festival, now on its 17th year, seeks to bring to the fore the wealth of Philippine arts. To further highlight how important knowledge of the Philippine arts is, de Leon equates the souls of the Filipinos with its art. “The arts of the Philippines reflect the virtues of the Filipinos, reflecting in a lucid manner the souls of the Filipino people,” he explains. This soul expresses the “desire to be in relationships, of oneness of spirit, of all life being one, of connectedness,” all of which are concretized in its rituals and traditions.
NCCA Executive Director Cecile Guidote-Alvarez agrees that Philippine arts “come from who we are, our virtues, our spirituality.” She believes that it is in the arts that is the secret to finally unify the nation, by “eliciting emotion that can bond together a community, drop biases and prejudices and achieve a common vision to bridge differences.” That’s the capacity of the arts, she shares, “if it’s intelligently and aptly used.” She adds, “art mirrors our strength and tradition.”
The NCCA has lined up a series of events for the whole month of February. “This year’s celebration is a call to hope, a challenge to act, an invitation to commit and an affirmation of our inner strength as a people and as a nation that can be a catalyst for social transformation,” Guidote-Alavez says in a statement. Starting off the celebration is a parade of bands at the Plaza San Ignacio in Intramuros Manila on February 1. This is a simultaneous launch nationwide as the cities of Malolos in Bulacan, Cebu City in the Visayas and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao and groups at the Cultural Center of the Philippines will join in the revelries.
Highlighting the Arts Month are the “Cuerdas sa Panaghuisa” or the 2nd International Rondalla Festival (see related story on page 14) in Dumaguete City, various performances of national artists (see below for schedule), an exhibition at the Museum for the Filipino People featuring architectural landmarks of modernity throughout the 20th century architectural culture of the country, screenings of independent films and theater presentations all over the country.
Guidote-Alvarez invites Filipinos and foreigners alike to witness this once-a-year celebration of all things Filipino. For Filipinos, knowing one’s heritage is “an anchor to be able to stand up against influences”. Noel Cabangon, famed folk artist and one of the spokespersons of the Festival, adds, “We are bombarded by different cultures from different media. It is important to inculcate what is Filipino to our people, to reach our citizenry and show that we have one identity and one heritage.” Guidote-Alvarez also relates that this is an opportune time for foreigners to see the diversity of the Philippine culture.
National Artists on Literature lend their voices on these schedules:
February 5 Ang Kwento sa Pilipinas ni Dr. B. Lumbera (The Story of the Philippines by Dr. B. Lumbera) in Lipa City, Batangas
February 10 Poetry in the Philippines by Dr. E. Tiempo in Cebu City
February 17 Essay in the Philippines by Dr. A Roces in Iligan City
February 24 The Fiction in the Philippines by G.F.S. Jose in Pangasinan
February 24 Ang Tula sa Pilipinas ni V. Almario (The Poetry of the Philippines by V. Almario) in Angeles City
For schedule details of other events, get in touch with the NCCA through the Philippine Arts Festival Secretariat at 633 General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila 1002 Tel no. (02)527-2192 local 512, Email info@ncca.gov.ph, Website www.ncca.gov.ph
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Austria-RP Tourism Talks
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Austrian Trade Commissioner Walter Hoefle (right) exchanges ideas with Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque Jr. (left) on possible joint initiatives to promote tourism between the two nations. This was focused on at the discussions made during the recent courtesy call of Austrian Ambassador to the Philippines Herbert Jaeger on DOT Secretary Joseph H. Durano recently.
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Mateo bids farewell to Philips Electronics
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By Agnes M. Abrau |
After 23 years at Philips Electronic & Lighting, Inc. including four years of serving as top honcho of the firm, Med Mateo bade farewell to Philips management, colleagues, friends, associates and golf buddies Wednesday night. Mateo, described by his colleagues as a “selfless and simple man and who goes an extra mile in caring for the community,” gave his farewell message to the management and business associates in a cheerful yet subdued atmosphere at the send-off reception for him by the management and a welcome to his successor, Rico Gonzales.
Ad Schevers, Asia-Pacific Cluster CEO of Philips Electronics and Lighting, described Mateo who has a lot of experience in business and who built “the future of our organization.” “On behalf of Philips Electronics, thank you for the contribution. I wish you good luck and a lot of golf,” Schevers said. Mateo is leaving the company for health reasons. Mateo said he has heart impairment, adding that it is the number one reason why he has to quit his job at Philips, which he calls “an excellent company.” He also said that during his business trips abroad, he was faced with “life threatening situations” due to his inborn heart illness.
Outgoing president and CEO Med Mateo and incoming CEO and president Rico Gonzales toast with Dr. Lin Lianqi, Donough Folly and Ad Shevers
“It’s a conscious decision I took. If you make a choice between health and wealth…I had difficulty choosing it,” he laughs, adding that health is the best way to go forward. Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Fabela, in his remarks, said Mateo has a “passion for excellence and believes in what he does.” His friends also told him that they will miss him in a number of activities in business. A slide presentation detailing Mateo’s career and his achievements at Philips was shown. Mateo was appointed president and CEO of Philips since 2002. He has also served overseas in Hong Kong and Singapore.
Colleagues and Philips management also welcomed Mateo’s successor, Gonzales. Gonzales served as general manager of Philips Lighting Singapore for three years until this appointment.
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Non-traditional business college in Makati
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The One School, said to be a non-traditional entrepreneurship college, has opened its doors in Makati City’s RCBC Plaza. Using a less conventional approach, the school practices the Harkness Method which has been used in elite schools in the U.S. since the 1930s. The primary principle behind this method is that small classrooms and round-table discussions (as opposed to lectures) make learning engaging, effective and fun.
Students at The One School enjoy a class discussion around the Harkness table where everyone is given the chance to voice their own opinions.
The Harkness Method was created by American philanthropist Edward Harkness at the beginning of the 19th century. Teachers serve as discussion moderators and personal mentors, and since classes are very small every student is encouraged to participate.
Apart from this, The One School places human development as a fundamental part of its curriculum, holding equal weight with conventional departments such as Math and Science. This is meant to teach students self-love, choice, accountability, and confidence—important aspects of life that are often neglected in traditional education. Students address teachers by their first names. Some may question this untraditional approach, but many at The One School feel that this practice fosters friendship and trust between the authority figure and the pupil.
Studies of visionary entrepreneurs all over the world show that while in school these are the students that stand out because they refuse to think inside-the-box. With this, students are raring to attend classes because they are listened to and communicated with, respecting the student’s individuality. Each is encouraged to find his or her own beat and dance to it with pride.
The school’s approach is different from the conventional schools. “It is a place where students become one with themselves,” said a press statement from the school. The school is located at the 28th floor, Yuchengco Tower, RCBC Plaza, Ayala cor. Sen. Gil Puyat Avenues, Makati City. For more information, call (02) 887-2828 or visit their website at www.theoneschool.org
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Nike: Sports, Shoes, and Success
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Sneakerheads, Athletes, and hip-hop aficionados gathered at Fiamma in Makati last Jan. 18 to mark the 25th year of Nike’s iconic Air Force One (AF1) shoe. A highlight of the celebration was top Manila DJ SkratchMark’s retrospective on 25 years of music. The Air Force experience continued on last January 25 at the Nike Air Force Space at Manila DJ’s Club at The Fort, Taguig where a collection of unique models of Air Force Ones were put on display.
Wall of Nike AF1s at Fiamma
Nike boasts of designers who dedicate themselves to the challenge of meeting the needs of athletes and surpassing one level only to eclipse the next. With this in mind, the 25th year celebration of the AF1 was inspired by a singular goal: to honor the brand’s innovative past by taking into account the needs of AF1 athletes and consumers and improving the product based on their insights.
Meeting the needs of athletes means bringing them unexpected improvements and innovative design. This was Nike designer Bruce Kilgore’s original framework for the AF1 and it’s the same principle that’s guiding the development of the product today. For 2007 Nike will introduce an updated AF1 collection of basketball footwear and apparel.
The latest collection of Air Force 1 footwear expresses Nike’s commitment to authentic craftsmanship. To achieve this, every step of the design process was scrutinized and strengthened. The result is a collection of basketball shoes that not only continues the legacy of the Force footwear collection, but updates that legacy and refines its original impact.
Dedicated to the philosophy of thorough and detailed craftsmanship, each new collection of the Air Force 1 product includes several new design enhancements or that comprise these guiding principles and new standard of craftsmanship. Each AF1 is bound by precise stitching using a re-engineered technique and the overall form of the shoe entails laser etching: a procedure which employs the best technology available. The white color of the iconic white-on-white AF1 shoe has been made richer and more vividly white by using a 10A full grain leather finish. The laces of each AF1 shoe have been refined and stain guarded; re-crafted cushioned inserts have improved the quality of the collar lining and the tongue. The general comfort of the shoe has been elevated by improving cushioning in the heel, the cupsole, and the footbed. Even the famous stars on the AF1 stars have been re-engineered as a nod to those who have aligned themselves with the Force brand for more than two decades.
In the end, every improvement and update to the Air Force 1 collection is both a response to consumer need and a continuing commitment to Nike craftsmanship. Five years were spent improving the process in order for the design expectations of the new Air Force 1 to be met. Tools utilized for constructing the AF1 have been redeveloped to insure the absolute highest level of quality. Everything from tip reinforcement, collar lining, cushioned inserts, and cupsole stitching has been examined and made better by adding new tools and techniques that have enhanced the making of the AF1 and create the most beautiful shoe possible.
The very stance of the Air Force 25 was deliberately made as iconic as that of the original AF1 by emphasizing the strong, horizontal line of the cupsole and stitching that wraps around the entire design. Intuitive patterning, a strong Swoosh design identification and even the toe of the AF25, all echo in an iconic sense the silhouette of the AF1. By approaching the creation of the AF25’s shoe performance attributes through the same lens of craftsmanship utilized in 1982, what has been achieved is the modern day equivalent of the Air Force 1’s in durability and comfort. The AF25 combines the technology of Max Air cushioning (in the heel) with Zoom Air (layered on top); a technological advancement that will completely enhance what performance cushioning means for an athlete.
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More Attractive Airfares and Vacation Deals at Malaysia Travel Fair 2007
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The year 2007 begins with a big bang for travelers as Malaysia Airlines offers customers its value-for-money air travel deals during the week long Malaysia Airlines Travel Fair (MATF) from 31st January till 6th February 2007.
Five million seats are up for grabs at discounts of up to 70 percent off the prevailing market fares in this year’s MATF that will be held simultaneously in Philippines, Malaysia and in other Asean countries. Children enjoy a further 15 percent discount whilst infants are charged only 10 percent of adult fares.
Malaysia Airlines will offer these attractive deals through all its ticketing offices and appointed travel agents in the Philippines, its 24-hour toll free call Centre in Malaysia at 1300 88 300 as well as its ticketing offices in Malaysia and in other Asean countries.
Overall, these offerings are available at the offices of 210 participating travel agents in Philippines, 577 agents in Malaysia and 2,665 in the Asean countries. Travelers worldwide can transact these deals through the national carrier’s corporate website, www.malaysiaairlines.com.
Malaysia Airlines Area Manager for Philippines, Goh Meng Kheng said, “The Malaysia Airlines Travel Fair is an event that travelers look forward to every year, and we are delighted to once again, offer very attractive promotional fares to enable them to travel to all corners of the world.”
“Response has always been overwhelming as customers realize that we are offering them the best deals in the market.
The promotional fares will be much lower than those introduced in the market recently, and we expect them to be snapped up almost immediately as we have also made it extremely easy for them to purchase our offers – you can call, go online and/ or visit your travel agent strategically located countrywide”, he added.
This year, the travel period of the MATF offers will be for 7 months commencing 24 February till 30 September 2007 except for 3 embargo periods. Part of the reason for the longer travel period this year is to encourage local and foreign tourists to visit Malaysia, and experience the multitudes of activities lined up for Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
In addition, to enable customers to accumulate their flying miles, and enjoy a wide-diversity of travel benefits, Enrich, Malaysia Airlines Loyalty and Frequent Flyer programme, will also be offering a special promotion. Every customer who signs up with Enrich during this MATF duration and till 30 April 2007 will automatically be awarded 2,000 Enrich Miles while every successful 25th applicant will be fast-tracked to Enrich Silver Tier.
MasterCard International returns as the official card of the MATF 2007. Seven lucky MasterCard holders who purchase air fares or packages using MasterCard will each win a pair of economy class air tickets to any of Malaysia Airlines’ destination. In addition, a pair of Business class air tickets will be awarded to one winner who used a Platinum MasterCard. Winners will be notified by mail within one month after the end of MATF 2007.
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NGO's bat for gender equality
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By Richard A. Ramos |
Several NGOs such as the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC), the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW), and the United Nations Fund for Children (UNICEF) have enumerated the various steps to be taken for gender equality enroute to better societal development in the country.
These are the education for boys and girls, leveling of the playing field in national legislation, implementation of quotas to encourage female participation in politics, encouragement of grassroots development in women’s movements, engagement of males as allies, and the setting up of a robust research and data system on the situation of girls and women.
In a recent conference on trafficking and violence against women and children held in Cebu, the NGOs have also taken steps on the stronger implementation of laws protecting women and children from rape, sexual harassment, human trafficking, and intimate partner abuse.
“The Philippine Strategic Plan on Violence Against Women and Children directs all stakeholders to integrate and synergize their efforts to fully implement the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children (RA 9262),” related NCRFW Executive Director Emmeline L. Verzosa.
In its report “State of the World’s Children (SOWC) 2007”, the United Nations bewailed the extent to which societies discriminate against their women and its effects on their children’s chances to develop and thrive. The report also declared that “healthy, educated and empowered women are more likely to have healthy, educated, and confident daughters and sons.” The SOWC, UN’s flagship report, is the most comprehensive survey and up-to-date official UN statistics and data on global trends affecting children.
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Tower Palace – best condo choice for Cebu balikabayans |
By Richard A. Ramos |
Balikbayans and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) will be glad to know that state-of-the-art residential condominium living need not be situated far from the city’s strategic points and cosmopolitan outlets in Cebu. Located right across the Ayala Center, the Tower Palace easily ranks as the most accessible condominium in the entire Cebu. The place is just a few minutes walk from the lifestyle mall with hundreds of shops and concessionaires—with more to rise later within the year.
VIP Guest - Prime Minister of Australia John Howard is greeted by Marco Polo Plaza Hotel Cebu general manager Hans Hauri. The prime minister was in Cebu to attend the Asean summit held recently.
Soon to rise in 2009, the 20-story building will boast of 200 fully-furnished high-end residential units equipped with high-quality finishing materials, imported tile floorings, digital keypad door locks and curtain walls. What’s more, banks, hotels, nightspots, country club facilities, and educational centers are also situated within a few blocks away for utmost accessibility.
According to Architect Jose Mari Canizares, the scarcity and high cost of land requires that accessibility and proximity to the city’s center is highly preferred for convenience purposes. He stresses “location, location, location” as the single most important element in real estate in order to succeed in the industry.
Agreeing with him, Chacha Rama, marketing director, added that the location of Tower Palace is unmatched due to its being in the center of a business hub. Other amenities include in-house spa, fitness gym, two swimming pools, day care center, business center and a parking lot good for 250 vehicles.
The Tower Palace is owned and operated by Fastem Housing and Development Inc. Interested parties can visit their showroom situated at Cardinal Rosales Ave. corner Sumilon Road with tel. nos. (032) 231-5744, 231-5946; and fax 231-5679.
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Shangri-La Mactan and Spa hosts
10 Asean heads of states
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Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa hosted ten leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) last month.
The Asean heads of states with dialogue partners: Japan, New Zealand, India and Australia, along with their respective spouses enjoy a light moment outside The Marquee, Shangri-La’s fully airconditioned tent. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo hosted the gala dinner for the Asean leaders, key government officials and business magnateslast Jan. 14.
From January 10 to 15, the 10 heads of states of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam converged in the Philippines’ leading deluxe resort hotel for a round of meetings and signing agreements, and to relax within the lush tropical landscape of the 14-hectare resort.
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo led the Southeast Asian leaders in the annual summit talks held in the resort, meeting with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia, Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh of Lao PDR, Prime Minister Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi of Malaysia, Prime Minister General Soe Win of Myanmar, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore, Prime Minister Lt. Gen. Surayud Chulanont of Thailand and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung of Vietnam.
Another historic mark took place when the East Asia leaders: Premier Wen Jiabao of the People’s Republic of China, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan and President Roh Moo-hyun of the Republic of Korea held their countries’ first three-way summit in two years at the resort’s Mactan Ballroom.
The annual ASEAN Summit, chaired this year by the Philippines, held its official summit on January 13-14, strengthening inter-regional cooperation and holding separate summits with China, Japan, South Korea, and another with all three. The other Asia-Pacific leaders who flew in for the event were: Australian Prime Minister John Howard, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, and Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
Guests at the President’s Gala Dinner were treated to a performance from internationally-acclaimed Broadway artist Lea Salonga with the Mandaue Children’s Choir. Also part of the repertoire are Cebu’s own Peace Philharmonic Orchestra, the Tribu Basakanon Sinulog dancers from Cebu, the Bayanihan Folkloric Dance Troupe, the Ramon Obusan and University of San Carlos Dance Troupes.
One of the more touching moments of the programme had folk singer Freddie Aguilar perform his hit song: “Anak,” along with Cebuana singers Maria Donna, Riza Navales and Eva Santos singing the tune in Bahasa Melayu, Japanese and English. The 12th ASEAN Summit allowed Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa the opportunity to show the legendary Asian hospitality.
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Taiwan grants scholarship to Filipinos
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The Taiwan Government provides seven scholarship grants to pursue master and doctoral degrees for the academic year of 2007. Scholars will receive a monthly stipend of NT$30,000 (approximately USD950). Deadline of submission of application form and requirements is March 31 of this year.
Applicants who are interested in this program, can download application forms from website of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) at www.taiwanoffice.org.ph. Guidelines for the scholarship and application forms are also available at Press Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, 41st floor, Tower 1, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City from 8:30 am to 12 noon and 1:30 to 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Applicants may contact TECO for further information at (02) 887-6688 ext. 141.
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