Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The Filipino Express v29 Issue 01
The Filipino Express v29 Issue 01
for my country
VOL. 29 w
NO. 01 w
January 2-8, 2015 w
NATIONAL EDITION w
NEW JERSEY w
NEW YORK w
201-434-1114 w
$1.00
in 2015? Page 8
Agence France-Presse
Militant commander
ISIS killing members who facilitated
Peshawar school
who want out - monitor
Agence France-Presse activist and medical sources
attack killed
Dawn/Asia News Network
T
OU
LD
SO
January 2-8, 2015 Page 3
THE FILIPINO EXPRESS
Some of the Yemenis and Africans who came for the Brown concert seek a refund of their tickets.
added.
Chris Brown ... “We bought our tickets just to
From page 1 watch Chris Brown. We wouldn't
spend that much if it weren't for him,”
Sorbito gave his contact number Maglaque said.
to the complainants and signed their
tickets to assure them that they could Yemeni fans
contact him once the organizers came Before INC representatives spoke
up with options. to the fans, the group of Themo
As Sorbito negotiated with the Khudhair, Osama Alsharfy and Saud
disappointed fans, security personnel Mohamed Ali, all from Yemen, went
of the Philippine Arena asked around the Philippine Arena looking
INQUIRER.net to stop taking videos of for the organizers of the show to seek
the incident. refund of their tickets, but failed to.
But one of the fans, John Andrew Angered, they tore up their tickets and
Mon, insisted that he be interviewed tossed them into the garbage bin.
so “their complaints would be heard.” While many of the Yemenis and
Mon said the organizers should Africans who came for the Brown
have at least informed them that concert are studying in the
Brown would not be showing up. Philippines, some flew into the
Mon and his companions, Jasmin Philippines just for the concert.
Maglaque and Michael Concepcion, “We stayed at a hotel for days, paid
who said they have been fans of the a taxi P3,000 to get here, bought
rap singer for years, took a cab from tickets for P1,000 and we get
Makati City. nothing?” the visibly irked Ali said.
Maglaque said a video of Brown One of them, in utter disgust,
was shown after the performance of a flashed the dirty finger when asked to
local band. give a message for the American artist.
“The video was dark. It's as if the After failing to have their tickets
video was taped through a video call. refunded, Khudhair said they would
He apologized to the fans saying he just go back to Manila to join the New
couldn't make it to the Philippines Year countdown in the Mall of Asia in
because he left his passport,” Pasay City.
Maglaque said. Brown, 24, has been in and out of
“As soon as the performances jail and rehab after a series of
started, we had a hunch that Chris complaints against him including the
Brown wouldn't come. Hindi man lang assault on his ex-girlfriend and
siya binabanggit sa (His name wasn't Barbadian singer Rihanna.
being mentioned in the) line-up,” she Inquirer.net
January 2-8, 2015 Page 5
THE FILIPINO EXPRESS
Indonesian soldiers carry coffins containing bodies of victims of AirAsia Flight 8501 upon
arrival at Indonesian Military Air Force base in Surabaya, Indonesia, Wed., Dec. 31, 2014.
The auditors said it might lack of support from local proper implementation of the Unreleased funds
DSWD failed also lead to “construction government units, feuding local [housing] program to enable the As of Dec. 31, 2013, or more
storm victims ... materials/resources to possible
misuse, losses and wastage.”
politicians and the failure to
closely monitor the status of the
completion and proper
utilization of core shelter units,”
than two years after Sendong
ravaged several provinces in
From page 1 “[The delay in the] project were among the reasons the COA said. Mindanao, the COA said only
completion of the core shelter cited by the COA auditors for the “ I n t h e c a s e o f P346.895 million, or 77 percent
recommendations within 60 units is tantamount to failure to DSWD's failure to complete its unfinished/unconstructed units of the budget, had been released.
days from date of receipt address the immediate needs of shelter program. reported in current/prior years, In its report, the COA called
thereof,” read the letter to family-victims of disaster, thus, For instance, the mayor of demand from [local government the attention of the DSWD to its
Soliman signed by COA director defeating the very purpose of the Boac town, Marinduque units] concerned [that they] failure to properly report the use
Cora Lea de la Cruz. program,” the COA said. province, was not interested in comply with their obligations as of P1.815 billion in DAP funds
In a text message to the implementing the government's a g re e d u p o n i n t h e M OA released to the department.
Inquirer on Thursday, the social Cash grants housing program for typhoon (memorandum of agreement) In July, the Supreme Court
welfare secretary said she would Under its Core Shelter survivors. with the DSWD,” it added. struck down as unconstitutional
answer the issues regarding the Assistance Project, the DSWD There were also cases of In its scrutiny of the P449.4 the savings-impounding
COA report at a news briefing at provides P70,000 in cash grants beneficiaries failing to build million in trust funds for mechanism introduced by the
the DSWD headquarters on to every family whose house was their houses after they received Sendong victims, the audit Aq u i n o a d m i n i s t ra t i o n to
Friday, Dec. 26. destroyed by natural calamities. financial assistance. In some agency found out that P3 million bankroll several big-ticket
The houses, however, should areas, survivors opted to move in was used for the construction of projects, such as road
No construction be environment-friendly and can to their partially finished houses the Disaster Relief Operation construction in the provinces.
The construction of 30,438 withstand winds of up to 220 without windows and doors, building, also called the Crisis State auditors said P1.315
housing units with an approved kilometers per hour and exposing them to the elements. Intervention Unit (CIU) building. billion of the DSWD's DAP funds
budget of P2.131 billion has yet Intensity IV earthquakes. “Some construction “The construction of [the] went to the Technical Education
to be “started and/or [the] funds The permanent shelters materials were abandoned, CIU building was not one of the and Skills Development
[remained] unutilized due to must be built in relocation sites destroyed [or] deteriorating. prioritized items identified in Authority for its government
varying constraints and identified by the national [W]ork delays in some areas are the notice of transfer of funds,” internship program, while P500
problems,” the COA said. government or local government due to scarcity of materials,” the the COA said. million was transferred to the
The report said the DSWD units “using locally available COA said. It reminded the DSWD that Commission on Higher
was supposed to build a total of materials to revitalize local the financial aid for the victims Education for its cash assistance
36,399 units worth P2.571 economy,” the COA said. Regular inspection was intended “purely and solely program for students of state
billion in areas ravaged by The DSWD also distributes To avoid these problems, the for the welfare of the immediate universities and colleges.
violent weather disturbances cash aid amounting to up to COA urged the DSWD to carry out victims.” “ To d a te , t h e a m o u n t s
since 2011. (On Dec. 4, 2012, P7,000 to each resident whose “regular ocular inspection to “[U]sing such fund for the remained unliquidated without
Typhoon “Pablo” made landfall house was partially damaged by determine whether project construction of the CIU building, any recorded liquidation to
in Mindanao, leaving 1,607 dead, storms and P10,000 each to funds are utilized according to which generally caters not only document disbursements of the
834 missing and P37 billion owners of destroyed houses. the objectives of the program.” to the direct victims but to funds transferred,” the COA said.
worth of damage to It may also provide P30,000 It asked DSWD officials to anybody under crisis situation, is It said more than P110
infrastructure and property. The in cash assistance “to augment submit reports “duly supported contrary to the purpose of the million of the department's DAP
year before, more than 1,400 resources of families in with actual accomplishments as creation of trust funds,” it added. allocation was used for 108
people died from Sendong.) constructing houses in well as the status of unoccupied While it noted the CIU daycare centers built by the
State auditors said the failure relocation sites provided for the shelters.” building's importance in Armed Forces of the Philippines
of the DSWD to promptly start purposes and using locally T h e a u d i t t e a m a s ke d providing psychosocial help to and for the “cash-for-work”
t h e s h e l t e r p ro g ra m wa s available materials.” Soliman to order her field residents in times of crisis, the program for the construction of
“denying the disaster officers not to release the cash COA said the construction of the 100 housing units. Inquirer.net
victims/beneficiaries of the Lack of support, feuds assistance until the relocation building may be done using
immediate access to decent Problems regarding the titles sites were already available. other funds.
shelters.” of relocation sites, bad weather, “Supervise and monitor the
January 2-8, 2015 Page 8
THE FILIPINO EXPRESS
Now these core values are the years, we can definitely develop it. Filipino values. This, when campaign spearheaded by
found to be innate in every one become a stronger nation - a done together, will help us Krem-Top Coffee Creamer. For
of us. Some may have turned nation with gratefulness, Resolution become stronger and better. more information on the
elusive overtime due to resilience, hard working As we welcome the New This is what we can do for c a m p a i g n , v i s i t
infrequent practice, but it is nature, compassion, and Year, before we face the big our country this 2015 and the facebook.com/AlaskaKremeTo
never too late to revive these respect for its people, the social issues, let us be Bida years to come. p or follow @KremTopPH on
values within us. happenings on its Changers by making small We can change for the Twitter. Advt. Inquirer.net
Once we gain these values surroundings, and even the changes such as bringing out better!
back and we sustain it through continuous collective effort to and practicing these five core “Change for the better” is a
January 2-8, 2015 Page 9
THE FILIPINO EXPRESS
vgslaw@gmail.com
January 2-8, 2015 Page 10
THE FILIPINO EXPRESS
Writing '-30-’
up IOUs that can never be paid. FAO officer. But that's another
“Just write anything [in your story.
petition to the President to scram],” Exit from the unlamented “New
counseled then Press Secretary Society” opened alternate doors
“You're a fool,” our fellow Jacobo Clave, a former colleague in for our five children. They chose to
journalist snapped at us. “Don't you the Evening News. So we scribbled, become US citizens in the interim.
realize that there are thousands pledging to obey the laws of the The wife and I chose ìthe road less
scrambling to migrate to the United republic. Clave got the signature traveledî - and, as it turned out, a
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Lito A. Gajilan, Jr.
States - or anywhere else?” that was the only law then. Human return to journalism.
Columnists: Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq., Upon retiring from the United rights lawyer Joker Arroyo S h o r t ly t h e re a f t e r, t h e n
Juan L. Mercado, Joseph G. Lariosa Nations, which posted us in monitored every step of our way to Inquirer publisher Isagani Yambot
Correspondent: Grace G. Baldisseri Thailand and Italy for 19 years, the get out and kept the International and then Opinion editor Jorge
wife and I chose to return to the Press Institute informed. Aruta asked now Presidential
The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do Philippines. Then we gave up our On the receiving end in UN Assistant Manuel Quezon III and us
not reflect the opinion of the paper nor that of the publisher. permanent-residence status in the Thailand, Dioscoro Umali, then to each do a twice-a-week column.
United States, which had earlier regional representative of the Food It has been over nine years now
given us sanctuary, as it did to and Agriculture Organization and since we started crafting
Email: filexpress@aol.com previous generations of refugees. subsequent Philippine National Viewpoint columns for the
Phone: 201-434-1114 Fax 201-434-0880 We broke loose from martial- Scientist, gave us a temporary job. Inquirer. The first column, titled
law detention and two years of city “This contract is for three “Trade in orphan tears,” appeared
2711 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07306 arrest under the Marcos months,” the FAO's Corazon Uy on Feb. 5, 2004.
dictatorship. For that, we stacked said. We stayed 17 years, as regular u Page 14
January 2-8, 2015 Page 11
THE FILIPINO EXPRESS
Unequal rebellions
Malacañang has greeted the Liberation Front, its chosen Perhaps it has to do with the and imagine a world without
willingness of the Communists to Muslim insurgent group among all fact that the Communists have no religion.
When this Aquino return to the negotiating table. On the others claiming primacy in the powerful advocates outside of the It's always a tricky proposition
administration is over, historians the other hand, it seems that there strife-torn region. Aquino and his Philippines, now that Communism to interpret Catholic doctrine
and political scientists will have a is no hurdle high enough, no government are deep in itself has lost a lot of its old when you're not a canon lawyer, as
field day dissecting one of its most atrocity chilling enough and no negotiations for the crafting of a influence worldwide. On the other broadcast giant ABS-CBN found
unusual policies, the one that cost steep enough to gain what the Bangsamoro Basic Law that will hand, the Moros have extremely out recently. And I'm sure that if
considers the two prolonged administration claims is a final basically cede large parts of the powerful backers like the United the network knew that its
insurgencies that have beset this solution to the Moro insurrection country to the Islamic rebels, over States and Malaysia, to name just campaign to sell “misleading” T-
country unequally. For now, we in Mindanao. the objections of Mindanao's large two countries that want peace to shirts ahead of the visit to the
can only wonder why President Yesterday's reaction to the Christian population and other descend on Mindanao, to further Philippines of Pope Francis would
Noynoy Aquino will pull out all the Communists' latest demand, to campaigners for keeping the their own agendas. get it in trouble with the Catholic
stops to buy a permanent peace free Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, territorial integrity of the I don't really know. All I know Bishops Conference of the
with the Moro secessionists while among other top leaders of the Philippines. is, if Noynoy is truly seeking peace, Philippines, it would not have
not even rousing himself to settle insurgency, as proof of its sincerity Only Aquino himself can he will embrace the Communists - played fast and loose with the rock
the Communist rebellion. before the resumption of the explain his double standard when like his father and mother did - in star pontiff's statements.
This newspaper's long- negotiations, was no different. The it comes to considering the two the same way that he does the The Lopez network incurred
running exclusive on the palace flatly turned down the rebellions. Even his late mother, Moros. the bishops' ire when it started
impending resumption of the demand - no ifs, no buts. when she was President, *** selling shirts that simultaneously
formal peace talks with the Contrast this hardline position endeavored to strike a balance, OK, the head of the Catholic referenced Lennon's popular song
National Democratic Front is with the efforts of the considering both the NDF and the Church is about to pay a visit. But “Imagine” and a statement made
remarkable, in this sense, because administration to negotiate a Moros as equal, if obviously perhaps it's not the right time to by the Argentinian pope. “No race.
of the tepidity with which truce with the Moro Islamic separate, insurgencies. channel the spirit of John Lennon u Page 14
January 2-8, 2015 Page 12
THE FILIPINO EXPRESS
201-434-1114
January 2-8, 2015 Page 13
THE FILIPINO EXPRESS
presidential candidates.
of 2014
D A V A O M AY O R R O D R I G O MANILA, Dec. 30, 2014 -- The past year has been a good VICE PRESIDENT JEJOMAR BINAY
DUTERTE. Another reluctant year for some personalities but not so much for others. AND FAMILY. The Vice President
presidential prospect, Duterte remains the leading presidential
Look back with INQUIRER.net at the newsmakers who prospect for 2016, but several
continues to attract support from
various groups despite his
kept making headlines throughout 2014. exposes about alleged anomalous
repeated statements that he has no transactions in Makati City and
intention of running for president. undisclosed properties in
He is known for his strongman Batangas implicating him and his
approach to enforcing the law in family have been a heavy drag on
Davao City. his survey numbers, especially his
trust ratings.
#InquirerSeven
HEARTS AT OLYMPICS. Despite FILIPINO-AMERICAN. Robert
being the Philippines' lone entry in Lopez and wife Kristen Anderson-
the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics Lopez won the Best Song Award in
and finishing 19th out of 24, 19- the 2014 Academy Awards and
year-old Michael Martinez won
the hearts of many Filipinos for his
gutsy and passionate
performance.
Most Fist-Pumping were also included in Time's Most
Influential People list for a singular
achievement: Their song “Let it
Go” in the animated feature film
Pride of 2014
FILIPINOS RETURN TO STAGE FILIPINO PEACEKEEPERS PULL
'MISS SAIGON'. Following in the MANILA, Dec. 29, 2014 -- With 2014 slowly moving over to 'GREAT ESCAPE'. Fighting off more
footsteps of award-winner Lea usher the new year, INQUIRER.net looks at all the triumphs than a hundred Syrian rebels for
Salonga, Filipinos took to the stage of Filipinos around the world that brought pride to the several hours while being
in the 2014 revival of “Miss country. surrounded and running low on
Saigon”: Filipino-American Eva ammunition, 40 Filipino
Noblezada played Kim; Jon Jon peacekeepers pulled off the
Briones played The Engineer; and “greatest escape” in Golan Heights
singer Rachelle Ann Go stunned last August. Their UN commander
the audience as world-weary bar drew flak for previously ordering
girl Gigi. the Filipinos to surrender.
“Tres Marias,” by Mauro Malang Santos, 1928 “BWISIT,” (Jai-Alai Series), by Danilo Dalena, 1942
Joya's 1960 oil on canvas “Labyrinth” unusual piece of furniture and perhaps
BenCab’s ... was sold for P8.76 million. the only one of its kind in the country,
From page 16 Ang Kiukok's 1980 oil on canvas was declared sold at P93, 440.
“Still Life Table with Fruits,” with the One of the sought-after pieces in the
Shows his signature abstract starting price of P700,000, was sold for auction was the rare and unusual carved
expressionism. P3.97 million. kamagong cabinet. It was sold for
Aguinaldo's 1966 painting “Linear A 1996 acrylic on canvas by Navarro P876,000.
No. 5,” which showcased the artist's titled “The Barrier Now Cleaven” was “The entire aparador is made of
hard-edged minimalist style, was sold at P1.4 million. boxwood, except for the paneled doors
declared sold at P2.8 million. and the thin architrave, which are of
Sanso's surrealist and supernatural Antique furniture kamagong,” Tinio said. “The two doors,
rendition of bouquets and flowers, The Atay Cabinet, created by the framed in kamagong, are composed of
depicted in his 1965 oil on canvas piece, country's foremost cabinetmakers Ah- narrow planks of bulong aeta that have
was sold for P1 million. Tay and son Eduardo, was sold for P1.98 carefully been joined together so as to
Another noteworthy piece was million. According social historian appear like a seamless slab. Each door is
“ATAY Cabinet”
Hernando R. Ocampo's oil on canvas Martin Imperial Tinio, the cabinet was carved with a raised oblong panel with
“The Vortex,” signed and dated 1962, most probably commissioned by lobed corners, embellished with line- 1914, narra
which was sold at P6.77 million. Francisco Reyes from the Taller de inlay of kamagong all along the border.”
Considered as the artist's most Carpinteria of Eduardo Atay. Inquirer.net
sensational piece, and one of the most Meanwhile, the Dellota Comoda
expensive art pieces in the auction, José with Kneeler and Altar, which was an
January 2-8, 2015 Page 18
THE FILIPINO EXPRESS
President Benigno S. Aquino III, right, leads the flag raising ceremonies for the commemoration of the
118th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal National Monument in Rizal Park,
Manila City on Tuesday, Dec. 30, with the theme: “Rizal 2014: Dunong at Pusong Pilipino.” Also in photo
are Vice President Jejomar Binay, center, and Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada. (MNS photo)
President Aquino with Vice President JejomarBinay, Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada, Defense
Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino,
National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno and NHCP
executive director Ludovico Badoy. Also in photo is the Supreme Commander of the Order of the Knights
of Rizal Sir Jerry Singson, KGCR, 7th from right. (MNS photo) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets the descendants of Dr. Jose Rizal. (MNS photo)
By Nikko Dizon
Call to action by Rizal still resonates, says Aquino
“We discover an exemplar of Rizal's ultimate sacrifice for the
citizenship in our national hero; and nation was one of the moments that
MANILA -- President Aquino in his triumphs and sacrifice, we should make the Filipino proud.
early Tuesday, Dec. 30, led the imbibe the inspiration to continue Still unable to escape questions
commemorative rites on the 118th the fight for the Filipino. May this about his presidential bid, Binay said
death anniversary of the national commemoration invigorate and t h e re wa s n o t u r n i n g b a c k ,
hero, José Rizal. impassion us as a people, that we “particularly when you are faced
At 7 a.m. at the Luneta, Aquino may remain unwavering in the duty with accusations left and right.”
led the flag-raising at the Rizal to bequeath succeeding generations “If you don't go through with it
M o n u m e n t , a s s i s te d by V i c e with the dignified, progressive (his presidential candidacy), it could
President Jejomar Binay and Manila future they deserve,” he said. become another big issue, that the
Mayor Joseph Estrada, among accusations are true after all,” he said
others. Rizal, the precedent in an interview.
As tradition dictates, the Aquino stressed that while the Later Tuesday afternoon, Aquino
President also laid a wreath before battles the current generation of attended the wedding of movie stars
the tomb of the national hero who Filipinos faced were different from Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera,
was executed by the Spaniards on their forebears, “the call and action one of the rare times that the WHO'S NOT LOOKING UP? President Aquino (at right) leads the flag-raising rites to
Dec. 30, 1898, for leading the fight they once heard remains resonant bachelor President was seen in a commemorate the 118th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at Rizal
for Filipino freedom. and clear.” tuxedo, as shown in a photo posted Park. From left, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chair Serena
It was a brief formal ceremony “Rizal served as our precedent by his younger sister, TV host Kris Diokno, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Francis Tolentino,
without any fanfare that was also for prodigious acts: He took it upon Aquino, on her Instagram. Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and a grim-
attended by descendants of Rizal and himself to alleviate the despair of In Ligao, Albay, heavy rains failed faced Vice President Jejomar Binay. JOAN BONDOC
members of the Order of the Knights others and cast his stake for a to dampen the government
of Rizal. tomorrow of peace and liberty,” employees, nongovernment said honoring Rizal on Dec. 30 had She said the gesture was clear
Mr. Aquino did not deliver a President Aquino said. organizations and ordinary people been the culture of the city with each proof that “we value and honor the
speech, but his office sent out a Rizal He urged today's generation of who commemorated the national barangay (village) council, city heroic act of Rizal and what he had
Day message to media outlets, in Filipinos to “walk the path of hero's death anniversary by offering government and national agency done for the country in order to
which the President emphasized accountability and commit ourselves flowers before his statue beside the always ensuring they had a wreath attain freedom from colonizers.”
how Rizal was the epitome of a real to the task of nation-building.” city hall. or bouquet of flowers to offer at his Inquirer.net
Filipino. Binay said the commemoration Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua monument.
Bronze plaque and other Rizal memorabilia The author in front of Ateneo de Madrid façade. Facade of Hotel Ingles where Rizal paid tribute to
installed at the ground floor lobby of Hotel Ingles. Filipino artists Juan Luna & Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo.
By Ramon M. Roda
Looking for Jose Rizal in Madrid
enrolled at Facultad de Derecho, but landmarks associated with Rizal. Heidelberg where his three-story university student in Madrid.
shifted to Filosofia y Letras, which apartment at Lutwigsplatz No. 12 According to records, the following
During a stopover in Madrid he finished with highest honors on Boarding houses Grebangasse was right across are the houses where he resided
from their studies at Universidad June 19, 1885. According to Gregorio University of Heidelberg. while he was in Madrid.
Internacional Menendez Pelayo Universidad Central de Madrid, Brilliantes, “from 1882 to 1885 and Rizal during this time continued Amor de Dios 13-15. This is the
(UIMP) in Santander, 24 Filipino now Universidad de Complutense during his second shortest stay in to be busy with serious pursuits, first place where Rizal lived from
scholars, including this writer, were de Madrid, has since moved to its Madrid, in 1890-91, he lived in at with literary, artistic and patriotic Sept. 12, 1882, to May 1883, when
toured by UIMP administration and new location at the outskirts of least nine boarding houses, hostels labors, despite the many attractions, he first arrived in Madrid, according
Agencia Española de Cooperacion Madrid known as Ciudad or residences.” the spunky and joyous sounds of to the registration form that he filled
Internacional (AECI), in Universitaria. It is a city within a city. He continues: “One of the Madrid, because he had a mission to up on Sept. 12, 1882.
cooperation with the Philippine However, the old brick-and- reasons for Rizal's frequent transfer accomplish. This place is close to Facultad de
Embassy in Madrid, to retrace Jose plaster building where our national from one boarding house to another Our walking tour of Rizal's Medicine and Escuela de Bellas
Rizal's footsteps as a young student hero finished his medicine course and the search for the best possible Madrid began late afternoon near Artes de San Fernando, but quite a
and later as an expatriate in the still stands in its old location, and rooming house was due to the fact the center of the city, just off Puerta distance from Facultad de Filosofia y
Spanish capital in the late 19th few classes are still being held there. that he wanted to look for a cheaper del Sol, the human and geographical Letras.
century. I visited the old university site place in order to save, also the hub of the city. Calle de la Visitacion 8, c/-
After his medical studies at during my first sojourn in Spain in proximity of the place to his school, Armed with a map of Madrid on Fernandez y Gonzales 8, planta 3,
University of Santo Tomas, Rizal left 1962-63 while on a nine-month the tranquility of its neighborhood, which we marked off the streets puerta num. 4. Rizal transferred to
the Philippines on May 3, 1882, and scholarship grant from Ministerio for nights of study and writing; the where he had lived during his this house in May 1883 and stayed
arrived in Madrid in September de Asuntos Exteriores in Madrid for state of the house itself and the student days, we walked the narrow here up to June 17, 1883, when he
1882. He took courses in medicine my postgraduate studies in Spanish. composition of its tenants.” maze of cobblestone streets for left for Paris. This place is situated in
at Universidad Central de Madrid as Returning to Madrid this time Rizal also found it more several hours. the old part of Madrid close to Plaza
well as painting at Real Academia de wa s s h e e r p l e a s u re a n d a n convenient to stay in the center of Time constraints and inclement Santa Ana right behind the Teatro
Bellas Artes de San Fernando in exhilarating experience as it gave Madrid to economize on weather, however, prevented us Español. The house still stands at
Calle Alcala. me the opportunity to research and transportation fares. from continuing with our search for t h e c o r n e r o f C a l l e
Rizal mentioned that he retrace more historical and cultural The same thing happened in other sites related to Rizal's life as a u Page 22
January 2-8, 2015 Page 20
THE FILIPINO EXPRESS
out of circulation
country's poor Internet speed of only 2.1 Mbps. (This in the telecommunications
connection.” slightly improved to 2.5 in the industry in order to promote
“[Data] from Internet second-quarter survey, the the state policy of providing the
metric firm Ookia show that latest available on the firm's environment for the
the Philippines [has] a general website.) emergence of communications By Paolo G. Montecillo By the end of 2015, NDS notes will
average speed of only 3.55 “There is a need to address structures suitable to the cease to be legal tender, the BSP said. The
Mbps (megabit per second),” this alarming and poor state of balanced flow of information,”
MANILA -- As the new year kicks in, public, however, may still have these old
Villar said. Internet service in the country Villar said. Inquirer.net
the central bank will start phasing out all notes replaced with NGC notes until the
peso bills bearing old designs, regulators end of 2016.
announced this week. The move to replace all old peso bills
Starting January 2015, the Bangko with NGC currencies is part of the BSP's
PH posts P6.8-B surplus in November Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will begin the
yearlong “demonitization” process for
all old peso bills with denominations of
efforts to ensure the integrity of physical
money. NGC notes are manufactured
with additional security features that
By Ben O. de Vera November period, revenues was nonetheless a good thing.
5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000. m a ke t h e m l e s s s u s c e p t i b l e to
maintained a double-digit “With the recent Moody's
These include bills still accepted as counterfeiting. The new bills are also
MANILA -- The government growth, posting an 11-percent credit rating upgrade, as well as
legal tender but have been out of more durable. Lower denominations
posted a surplus in November rise in collections to P1.736 improved scores in the
as the decline in spending trillion from P1.566 trillion in Millennium Challenge Corp.
production for years such as the green even have antibacterial properties that
outpaced a slight drop in the same 11-month period of scorecard leading to our Emilio Aguinaldo five-peso bill and the make them more resistant to wear and
revenue collection during the 2013. eligibility for a second compact, brown 10-peso bill that has Andres tear.
month, the Department of Expenditures, meanwhile, one thing is clear: the Bonifacio and Apolinario Mabini on it. Local peso bills are still
Finance reported Monday, Dec. remained slower with a mere 5- Philippines is in a virtuous Both bills were replaced with coins. manufactured using paper and other
29. percent increase in government cycle. Prudent fiscal Old peso bills, which are still called natural fibers, despite the shift of other
According to the DOF, the spending during the first 11 management by the national New Design Series (NDS) notes, will be jurisdictions to plastic notes.
P6.8-billion surplus registered months to P1.762 trillion from government keeps us in this replaced with New Generation Currency Plastic notes, the BSP said, are much
in November was 582 percent P1.677 trillion last year. sweet spot, reaping rewards (NGC) banknotes that were released to more expensive to produce and fade
higher than the P1 billion The January-November and raring to reach for more,” the public in 2010. easier. Plastic money also does not hold
posted in the same month last deficit stood at P26.8 billion, 76- Purisima said in a statement. NDS notes were introduced in 1985. up well to being folded several times,
year. percent lower than the P111.5 In November alone, Minor changes were made to the designs, making it unsuitable for countries like
Even as revenues slipped 4 billion registered between collections by the Bureau of but NDS notes have maintained the same the Philippines where paper money is
percent to P158.2 billion in January and November 2013. Internal Revenue went down 4 look they had three decades after they often crumpled and placed in pockets.
November from P165 billion The deficit was way below percent year-on-year to P121.9 were released. Inquirer.net
last year, expenditures slid by a the program of P238.294 billion billion, but the January-
bigger 8 percent to P151.4 for the 11-month period, November take was higher by 9
billion in the same month from reflecting anemic government percent year-on-year at P1.22
P164 billion a year ago.
Last November's surplus
spending on infrastructure and
public services despite robust
trillion.
Collections by the Bureau of
To advertise, please call
exceeded the P6.008 billion revenue collection. Customs last November
programmed for the month.
During the January to
For Finance Secretary Cesar
V. Purisima, the lower deficit
declined by a faster 13 percent
Page 22
u
201-434-1114
January 2-8, 2015 Page 21
THE FILIPINO EXPRESS
'With Love,
Pope Francis'
debuts on
Jan. 15-19
Pope Francis. Two main thrusts dramatically and musically weave the anticipated play about the beloved pontiff.
Hazel Stuart with her dog Cushi. Photo courtesy of Robert Harland For 20 years now, writer- performed from Jan. 15 to 19 at next year, where millions of
For UK filmmaker,
director Nestor Torre has been the Mabuhay Restop theater café devotees are expected to gather
credited with enhancing the at Rizal Park (near the Quirino for Pope Francis' Mass, which is
country's artistic and spiritual grandstand), and later in scheduled on Jan. 18. Since all
life with religious plays and Tacloban. those devotees will be spending
PH is in the heart
musicals that have been As producer Rose Cabrera many hours and even days
embraced by audiences all over describes it, “With Love, Pope waiting for that signal event,
the Philippines. Francis” is about the much-loved “With Love, Pope Francis” will
H e b e g a n w r i t i n g a n d pontiff's visit to Tacloban. Aside have multiple performances
Carla P. Gomez Christmas Spirit 24/7,” at L'Fisher directing religious productions f r o m t e l l i n g t h e Yo l a n d a each day from Jan. 15 to 19.
Hotel in Bacolod City. The film is with “Magnificat,” starring Pinky survivors' stories, it goes into While waiting for the papal
BACOLOD CITY -- Puti ang about the many unsung heroes in Marquez and Dulce, about the Pope Francis' life, to discover mass, early birds who have come
balat, pero Pinoy ang puso (My the Philippines who demonstrate Virgin Mary's life, with music by what has made him so uniquely to Rizal Park to get choice places
skin is white but my heart is the true Christmas spirit of giving Ryan Cayabyab. loving, caring and charismatic. days or hours before the
Filipino).” not just at Christmastime. The religious work has been These two main thrusts are important event will be able to
The message is written on the With music provided by Jose so acclaimed and popular that dramatically and musically watch the play and thus prepare
shirt that British television Mari Chan and his family, it features it's been performed on tour all woven together by a gifted cast of themselves significantly for their
documentary filmmaker Hazel the generous hearts of people like over the country, for 170 times - some of the best actor-singers in once-in-a-lifetime encounter
Andrea-Stuart often wears. American pastor Joseph Rosmarino, an unprecedented feat in Filipino the country. with one of the most well-loved
And that's exactly what she is. who runs Calvary Home with his spiritual theater. Torre and Cabrera went to pontiffs in history.
Hazel has dedicated her life to wife, Billie, in Barangay After “Magnificat,” Torre Tacloban to talk to disaster Torre's spiritual works are
making documentaries that feature Handumanan in Bacolod. The home went on to write and direct victims and better understand known for not being “estampita”
the Philippines' wonders, as well as cares for more than 150 children “Nasaan Si Hesus?,” “Birhen ng their challenging experience. or predictably “pious” dramas
its culture and exceptional people. because, according to Rosmarino, Caysasay” starring Ogie Alcasid Insightful research was also done and musicals. Instead, they are
On Sept. 19, she launched her “no child is ever turned away.” and Cocoy Laurel, again with on the Pope's life, slides and believable, peopled by flesh-and-
75th film on the Philippines, “The u Page 24 Cayabyab, “Padre Pio” with Ricky v i d e o s o n w h i c h w i l l b e blood characters with very
Davao and “Pope John Paul II.” significantly featured in “With human conflicts, and therefore
This January, Torre is adding Love, Pope Francis.” easy for viewers to relate to and
another title to his spiritual The production is unique empathize with. Inquirer.net
works - “With Love, Pope because it will make its debut at
Fascinating finalists in
think of it, perhaps an entire section of
Paying homage ... the sculpture park could be reserved
From page 23 for iconic child characters: Aside from
Roberta, there's the young Vilma
Santos in “Trudis Liit,” Tita Duran, Niño
'Showtime's' creative
m ov i e i n d u s t r y ' s p o p - c u l t u ra l
landscape, so a statue of the first Muhlach, Aiza Seguerra, Snooky Serna -
homegrown Wonder Woman, played etc!
by Rosa del Rosario, would be a clearly Other adult “nominees” for iconic
logical choice. treatment: Joseph Estrada as the title
On her own
2014 has been a rough
Deaths, weddings and scandals of 2014
By Mark Sablan hitched (we don't know who magazines, doing legit catwalk
among the two is luckier). Solange gigs, and even bagging
ye a r f o r t h e S h a ro n Deaths, weddings and scandals Knowles married Alan Ferguson endorsements such as being the
Cu n e t a , b e i n g o n a n
- 2014 had it all. Here are the stuff (and released amazing photos of global face of Estee Lauder.
emotional roller coaster at
we Googled, read about online, her entourage, all in white).
the latter part of the year,
tweeted about, and maybe even Hot mess
which was unfortunately
made memes of. Celebrity deaths June Shannon, the mother of
capped off by losing her
Talented and unforgettable “Toddlers & Tiaras” discovery
mother, Elaine Gamboa-
'Frozen' domination celebrities passed away in 2014, Alana Thompson a.k.a. Honey Boo
Cuneta. In the wake of her
departure from TV5 last
The animated film had from actors Robin Williams and Boo, got into trouble when news
September, no one is sure everyone singing along to the Philip Seymour Hoffman to TV host surfaced about her dating a
when and where will we extremely catchy “Let It Go.” Joan Rivers, and legendary author pedophile ex-boyfriend who
see Sharon again on- Parents ended up buying Maya Angelou. reportedly molested her own
screen. That is why an merchandise from the movie for daughter.
independent film, in its their children. And the kids ended Comedian in trouble
entire substance and up donning blond wigs and Elsa Popular standup comedian and Sappy hit
sobriety, would be the gowns. actor Bill Cosby was slapped with The sappy book “The Fault in
perfect comeback rape allegations one after another, Our Stars” and its film adaptation
e n d e avo r fo r h e r. I t Breaking the Internet even from celebs like Janice had teens and teens-at-heart
worked for the Superstar Kim Kardashian “broke the Dickinson. bawling and posting quotes online,
(“Thy Womb”), the Star for Internet” by posing on the cover of plus buying merchandise like
All Seasons (“Ekstra”), Paper magazine, flaunting her Fashion icon shirts, rubber bracelets, phone
why wouldn't it for the shiny, well-oiled behind. Her iconic Oscar-winning actress Lupita cases, and accessories.
Megastar? Paul pose spawned several memes. Kim Nyong'o attended a lot of events,
Aguilera/Manila Bulletin Sharon Cuneta also earned a lot, thanks to her wore a variety of gowns and Drastic change
mobile app Kim Kardashian: dresses in every possible shade After a long absence from the
Hollywood. found in the color wheel. limelight, the new Renee Zellweger
obviously had plastic surgery. The
TO ADVERTISE, PLEASE CALL Celebrity weddings Legit model change was so drastic we didn't
Kim Kardashian and Kanye Kim Kardashian's little sister recognize her anymore. As
201-434-1114
West finally exchanged I do's. Brad Kendall Jenner stepped out of the expected, the online world had a lot
Pitt and Angelina Jolie also finally reality TV world and successfully to say about the new Renee.
walked down the aisle. George c r o s s e d o ve r t o m o d e l i n g , Inquirer.net
Clooney and Amal Alamuddin got appearing in several fashion
January 2-8, 2015 Page 28
THE FILIPINO EXPRESS
F l o y d M a y w e a t h e r J r.' s
shameful reluctance to fight
Manny Pacquiao may be driven by
fear, according to veteran ring
pundits.
The brash, undefeated
American fears that the Filipino
superstar will stain his record and
seriously hurt him as well, they
said.
Mayweather himself said so.
Take this from his interview
with ESPN.com in 2012 where he
a c c u s e d Pa c q u i a o o f u s i n g
performance-enhancing drugs
and the boxing world of not PACQUIAO: The Filipino ended the career of several opponents. MAYWEATHER: My health is more important. Self-preservation.
showing any concern for his safety.
“Health is more important is more important. I come first. negotiations for the projected Pacquiao to quit on his stool in the read between the statistics.
than anything,” Mayweather said. Self-preservation. I gotta worry blockbuster would succeed. eighth round in 2008, and Briton C o m p a r i n g t h e i r
“Because guess what? When my about my family. If the fight don't Of late, however, Mayweather Ricky Hatton, whom Pacquiao performances against common
career is over, if I'm hurt because of happen, so be it.” has clammed up again, fueling knocked out cold in the second opponents, Pacquiao has the
something that has happened in a After continuously evading a speculations that he had made the round in 2009. better grade. Mayweather won by
fight, I can't come to you and say, 'I fight with Pacquiao for two years, fight announcement just to tone And there were Antonio split decision over De La Hoya and
need (money).' however, Mayweather finally ran down growing sentiment that he M a rga r i to , wh o m Pa c q u i a o took 10 rounds to stop Hatton.
“People say, 'We don't give a out of excuses. He told Showtime has been dodging Pacquiao. reduced into a punching bag in Pacquiao also stopped Miguel
f______ if he's taking (drugs) or not; Sports recently that the time has While Mayweather continues 2010, and Shane Mosley, whom Cotto, whom Mayweather beat by
we just want to see the fight. We come for them to fight each other. to deny the fear factor, two boxing Pacquiao mercifully carried to unanimous decision.
don't give a f______ about your He said he wanted to fight pundits provided insights on it to finish their bout in 2011. It's only against Juan Manuel
health and we don't give a f______ Pacquiao on May 2 next year. aubtimes.com. Fight analyst David Phillips of Marquez that Mayweather enjoys
about your family.'” Pacquiao, who called out on According to The Wall Street the Sweet Science said Pacquiao's the edge, having dominated the
In another interview with Mayweather again after trouncing Journal's Josh Katzowitz, Pacquiao punches are still more devastating Mexican in their lone meeting in
NBC's Bob Costas in the same year, Chris Algieri on Nov. 23 in Macau, is a difficult proposition for than Mayweather's. 2009.
Mayweather again explained why readily agreed. Mayweather because he had While Mayweather can dodge In contrast, Pacquiao has a 2-
he is not keen on fighting Pacquiao. The Filipino eight-division ended the career of many boxers. most of the punches, Phillips said win, 1-draw, 1-loss record against
“I am in the ring to win, not just world champion held out hope that Prominent among them were the judges will likely be swayed by Marquez, who knocked him out in
inside the ring, but outside the Mayweather would not throw a boxing's former poster boy Oscar Pacquiao's aggression and activity. the sixth round of their fourth bout
ring,” Mayweather said. “My health spanner in the works so that the De La Hoya, who was forced by Even casual boxing fans can in 2012. Inquirer.net
“There's no sale there. We just improved concentration and self- challenged by other clients who
Clark training returned the property to Manila.” Worldwide discipline. signed up for the same session.
There are still unresolved
center ... From page 28 questions over which party - the PSC fitness ... Functional training Fun
or the Manila city government - really From page 29 Fitness experts apply On a personal note as a fitness
memorandum of agreement with the owns the RMSC real estate. functional training to clients to professional, our regular clients
Clark Development Corp. for the The property was donated to the strategies in their weight loss make their exercise program are older adults. This shows how
training facility's construction. national government in the 1930s by programs to give clients the more complete and effective. committed the older population
Garcia said the government sports the Vito Cruz family, whose patriarch, results that they need. This training method can get once they realize the
agency would need about P3.5 billion Hermogenes Vito Cruz, was the leader Dieticians and doctors will improves balance, coordination importance of fitness in their day-
to fund the entire project. of the Katipunan in Pasay during the always encourage their patients and functional strength. to-day lives.
“Once we get the go-signal (from 1890s. to engage in regular physical Most fitness programs focus They see results in weight
Malacañang), we'll immediately look “They're saying that there are activities. on full body training, imitating management, they feel younger
for the funds,” he said. restrictions on the deed of donation,” activities of daily living to make and stronger and, most of all, they
said Garcia. “But if you base it on Yoga clients become more functional in are having fun.
RMSC property claimants practice and history, why was part of The popularity of yoga can be their usual activities such as going
The PSC has been in talks with the the property sold to Century Park or attributed to its mental, up and down the stairs, lifting, Next fitness trends
Manila city government - which also Harrison Plaza? The property still emotional, spiritual and physical pushing and pulling activities. These are the next fitness
claims the RMSC property - in a bid to belonged to the Vito Cruz family. benefits. trends which we hope to discuss
find financing for the new complex, “If there are restrictions, the title The atmosphere in a yoga Group training soon: Worksite health promotion;
which will house the athletes' of the property cannot be transferred studio and attributes of a yoga Most exercisers are exploring Outdoor activities; Wellness
dormitories and sports facilities of to Manila. And because of that, we'll be teacher have powerful effects the benefits of training in a small coaching; Circuit training; Core
several sport. out in the market to look for other wh e n i t c o m e s to g e t t i n g group instead of joining big training; Sport-specific training;
“For as long as the PSC is there (at sources of funding.” participants to be consistent in classes or signing up for a one-on- Exercise for the treatment and
RMSC), it remains under the control of According to the PSC chief, the their practice. one personal training session. prevention of obesity; Outcome
the PSC,” said Garcia. “Since we cannot construction of the facilities and Aside from physical benefits Group personal training is measurements; Worker incentive
sell it, we're planning to relinquish the transfer of athletes to Clark Field such as total body and core more fun and affordable as programs; Boot camp.
control of RMSC to the City of Manila could take at least six months. strength, balance and flexibility, compared to a private session. Inquirer.net
in exchange for P3.5 billion. Inquirer.net there are also other gains such as You can also get inspired or
January 2-8, 2015 Page 31
THE FILIPINO EXPRESS
January 2-8, 2015 Page 32
THE FILIPINO EXPRESS