UAE Amb. Mohammed Ebrahim Al Jowaid (second from right) with Italian Emb.’s First Secretary Mario Bartoli, Amb. Rubens Fedele and UAE Counsellor Saeed Altunaiji

Indonesian Emb.’s Minister Counsellor Abdullah Kusumaningprang, Department of Foreign Affairs’ Manny Austria, former Philippine Amb. to Austria Victor Garcia III and DFA’s Mau Fajardo

Libyan Emb.’s Technical Counsellor Kamal Abuhbesha, Osman and Galactica Travel’s Teaher

Last December 1 at the In­tercontinental Hotel, the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) led by Amb. Mohammed Ebrahim Al Jowaid hosted a cocktail luncheon to commemo­rate the 35th anniversary of the formation of their federation. Dec. 2, 1971 marked the establishment of six emirates, the Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm al-Qaiwain, Fujairah and Ajman. A year after, the Ra’s al-Khaimah joined to form the now seven-state UAE.

Chilean Amb. Jorge Montero and Papua New Guinea Amb. Damien Gamiandu

DFA’s Alex Lamadrid and Victor Garcia III

Emelita Pimentel, Allan Padua, Canadian Emb.’s Counsellor
Steven Rheaulth-Kihara and International Committee
of the Red Cross Cooperation Delegate Micheal Rudiak

Currently headed by President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE is now a dynamic country known for its rich natural pearl beds and vast oil and gas fields. It also has a diverse wildlife and ma­rine life and expansive sand deserts. More recently, its claim to fame is its magnifi­cent architecture and infrastructure works like the sail-shaped Burj-Al-Arab and the Palm Islands, which seek to boost the tourism industry.

Lao Amb. Phiane Philankone, Cambodian Amb. In May and Burmese Amb. Thaung Tun

Myanmar Amb. Thaung Tun, Ramon Ilusorio and Cambodiam Amb. In May

Sysgen president Jaime Roa and Cesar Poe

Malaysian Amb. Ahmad Rasidi Hazizi with wife Rosilawati

Jamaican Consul Miguel Ma. Guerrero with wife Alice

Mrs. Iman Badawi, Mustafa Badawi and Shrouk Badawi

Islamic Bank Chairperson and CEO Ali Sangki and Bai Lupia Malang

Dutch Amb. Robert Vornis and Drasko Markovic

Prince of Jaipur’s Max Talreja and Kuwaiti Emb.’s Hamad Albarrak

Belize Consul Lee Del Pan and Lebanese Consul Joseph
Assad

Kuwaiti Emb.’s Abdullah Alobaidi and Yosef Altanneb

Jojo Poe and Rose Tacorda

Guatemalan Consul Mellie Ablaza, Angel Arando and Mari Arando

Victor Garcia III, Tony Rufino and Japanese Emb. MInister Eiichi Oshima

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I have a friend who gives out loans to Filipinos living in underprivileged areas around the Metro. He was saying that the first major ap­pliance that is purchased by most of his clients is a karaoke machine. Never mind the radio, microwave, ref or TV. The must-have item is always the singing machine. Perhaps one reason is to inform the neighbors (regardless of whether they wanna hear it or not) that this family has hit the big-time.

Karaoke or Videoke is a favorite Filipino pastime. We love to sing! And I mean we LOOOVE to sing! In fact, there is much debate as to where the Karaoke machine originated. While the Japanese are claiming to have created this novelty we are vehemently declaring otherwise. Unknown to many, it was actually a Filipino who duly registered the earliest model of a Karaoke in Germany. Bert del Rosario, a Filipino pianist and busi­nessman did this in anticipation of his kababayans’ co­lonial mentality. The pioneer unit created in 1950 was originally called as the One Man Band or OMB. From then on, different variations were born. Thus, we enjoy high-tech and sophisticated sing-along systems today.

The obscure origin of the videoke is really not an obstacle to its success here in our country. In fact, it continues to flourish even across socio-economic class­es. If you have some money to spare, RED BOX in Greenbelt 3, MUSIC 21 or I.O. KTV in Jupiter Street (all in Makati) would be nice places to stretch your vo­cal chords. These places provide a nice ambience, pri­vacy and good pica-pica (bar chow) for the bunch. Just make sure that if you are with your Filipino pals you are ready for a long night.

If you feel that you have what it takes to be a re­cording artist but have never been given a break, you may take a shot in compiling your own album at KA­RAOKE KING booths located in several leading malls. Here you can cut an album in a little booth, and you even get to put your picture and personalized album title printed on the cover of your own CD.

When feeling thrifty but the urge to sing your heart out is hanging over you, try the videoke booth of ar­cades in malls. For a token or two (more or less 20 pesos) you can satisfy your longing and by the time you finish your grand finale, you are sure to have a small audience who is either appreciating or laughing at your number.

Whether it is happiness, sadness, compassion or faith, Filipinos can be very passionate. During these times, plain words are not enough to convey the mag­nitude of their state. So the next time the salesperson at National Bookstore or SM insists on sharing their talent (or lack of it) in the middle of the mall I hope you will have empathy, and understand that they couldn’t stop singing even if they tried.

Life without music is really unimaginable for us. Music is in our blood. As you walk across the hotel lob­bies of the world (and I mean absolutely everywhere) take and second look and notice that 99 percent of the time these guys and gals are Filipinos. We have brought our singing talent to the depths of every land. Our show bands and lounge singers rule.

Perhaps this is the most realistic form of world domination we can produce. Our battlecry can be – “Conquer the World Through Song”! These foreign­ers may not want to buy our products but we can still reign supreme! Let our voices fill every empty room so they will know that we are Pinoy. Yes my country­men…SING, and together…we…will…prevail!!

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News Bits

Handbook on “Streamlining of Business Registration in LGUs” launched

The handbook, “Streamlining of Business Registration in LGUs” was launched during the National Convention of League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) held at the Manila Hotel on Jan. 17 to 20.

In her message before the gathering of some 350 LGU executives and guests, DTI Undersecretary for SMED Development, Mel Alonzo said that the handbook is DTI’s contribution to help local government units (LGUs) streamline their business registration and licensing procedures. “This handbook is specifically designed to make it easy for LGUs to simplify their registration procedures so that micro, small and medium enterprises will be encouraged to formalize their business” she said. The development of the handbook was supported by GTZ (German Technical Co-operation), Asia Foundation as well as CIDA and IFC.

By formalizing their businesses, SMEs will be able to access programs offered by the government micro-credit, insurance, export guarantees and other business development services. In turn, the LGUs will be able to collect more revenues from business licenses, taxes, and fees. “This creates a ‘win-win’ situation for both LGUs and government on one hand, and the business sector, particularly the SMEs on the other hand”, Alonzo added.

Under the broader economic reform program of the government, streamlining of registration and licensing procedures is part of the reduction the business transaction costs or anti-red tape campaign to increase the Philippines’s competitiveness
in attracting more foreign investments.

Muslim Business Forum to launch “halal” certifying body

Finally, a halal certifying body is born in Region XII! The Muslim Business Forum, Inc. (MBF) will soon launch the Mindanao Halal Authority (MINHA) as halal certifying body in the South Cotabato-Cotabato-Sultan Kudarat-Sarangani - General Santos City (SOCCSKSARGEN) region in General Santos City, opening opportunities for local companies to access the 1.9 billion potential global halal markets estimated at US$ 150 billion world trade annually.

MINHA is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as the business arm of MBF specifically taking charge of halal initiatives. “We see the launching program to facilitate the realization of our objective of becoming the forerunner of halal certification and accreditation in Region XII as well as our advocacy for developing Mindanao as halal production base” bared MBF chairman Eng’r. Mohammad Ali K. Suib.

In collaboration with competent Ulama (Muslim scholars) in the region, MBF has recently completed the Halal Standards and the corresponding operations manual. “With all these plus external supports we got from Halal Certification Authority Australia for developing technical capabilities, MINHA is more than ready to certify,” Suib said.

Hajj Mohamed El-Mouelhy, Chairman of Halal Certification Authority Australia , trains the halal auditors of MINHA and will be guest of honor and speaker of the launching program. MBF expects about a hundred participants to the launching program, including prospective clients, government officials, partners, and supporters of halal initiatives in Mindanao. A minimal registration fee of Php500 will be charged per participant.

As part of the launching activity, MINHA will conduct one-on-one consultation with participating companies that are ready to apply for halal certification. Interested parties may contact Sharon P. Alim at (6383) 301-3266 or email muslimbizforum@gmail.com.

Lifestyle Bits

Mastering Spanish Wine and Cheese

For five sessions, Instituto Cervantes will offer a course called “Mastering Spanish Wine”. Conducted by Sherwin A. Lao, a leading wine consultant, the course will be held for five Saturdays starting Feb. 3 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The other dates are Feb. 10, 17, 24 and Mar. 3.

The course will be divided into three parts—Wine sensory workshop with aroma exercises and wine tasting and rating on diverse vintages. The second part will focus on the full comprehension of Spanish wine laws including the regional denomination system. The third will focus on Spanish wine regions. Each session will include wine tasting of the related regional denomination system or DO for further appreciation by the participants.

A three-session course on Introduction to Spanish Cuisine will also be held on Mar. 17, 24 and 31 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. On Mar. 17 and 24, Juan Carlos de Terry, gourmand par excellence, will provide the participants with and introduction to Spanish cheese from various regions of Spain.

Mastering Spanish Wine and Cheese is organized by Instituto Cervantes, the Spanish Commercial
Office and Camara Espanola de Comercio de Filipinas, with the collaboration of Casino Espanol de Manila. For information on the courses, call Instituto Cervantes at (02) 526-1482 to 85.

Embassy Bits

Australian brands at Rustan’s
In line with Australia’s National Day on Jan. 26, fashion gurus and wellness buffs are sure to mark Jan. 31 as the Australian Trade Commission (AusTrade) and Rustan’s Department Store launch a range of personal care and cosmetic brands at Essences Rustan’s Makati and EDSA Shangri-La Tower. Qantas is giving away raffle prizes and roundtrip tickets to lucky shoppers who will avail of these Australian brands at Rustan’s Department Store.

Australia Day is the biggest celebration in Australia where people from all walks of life gather together and celebrate what’s great about Australia and being Australian. The day marks the arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson on the Australian east coast.

Cultural Bits

Digital documentary of the Study of Autism in the Philippines on
The Philippines’ first feature-length digital documentary on Autism, ALYANA—A Study of Autism in the Philippines, produced and directed by independent filmmaker Miranamedina, University of the Philippines (UP) Film Center scholar to the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune, and Gawad Urian Awardee for Best Film Editing (Segurista by Director Tikoy Aguiluz) is scheduled to be shown on: Jan. 27, 2 pm at SM Cebu; Jan. 28, 5:30 pm at SM North Edsa and Feb. 10, 2 pm at SM Baguio.

ALYANA was last shown on December 5 last year during the 3rd Festival on the Issues Concerning the Mentally Challenged in New Delhi, India. Previous to that it was exhibited during the 8th Cinemanila International Film Festival in November 2006.

The documentary starts as a personal query into finding out what is the disorder which affects 10-year-old Alyana, the filmmaker’s grandniece, the film turns into a journey which covers the past, present and future of autism in the Philippines. It tells not only about the nature of autism but of the plight and struggle of persons with autism, the silent grief of their families and others who are involved in their lives.

MV Duolos in Cebu
The world’s largest floating book fair offers over half a million books on various topics along with music and varied cultural presentations for the general public to enjoy. Over 350 volunteers from 50 countries live and work onboard. Opening hours at the Pier 1 gate entrance (Berth 28, Cebu Domestic Port) is from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Tuesdays to Saturdays, and from 2-10 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays until Feb. 19. Entrance fee is Php10 for adults while children 16 and below avail of free entrance. Please text 0927-706-2115 for details.

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