NSO Conducts Labor, Income & Family Expenses Survey

Mr. Blas M. Solidum, Provincial Statistics Officer of Aklan, National Statistics Office (NSO) announces the conduct of the Labor Force Survey (LFS) and the Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) in Aklan this July 2012.

According to Mr. Solidum, the LFS is a nationwide quarterly survey of households aimed to gather data on the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population for the formulation of plans and policies affecting the labor market.

Data generated from LFS provide the basis for the creation and generation of gainful employment and livelihood opportunities, reduction of unemployment and underemployment, and enhancement of the welfare of a working person.

On the other hand, the 2012 FIES is a nationwide survey of households aimed to gather data on the income distribution, levels of living and spending patterns of Filipino families.

As a rider to the LFS, the FIES gathers data on semestral basis, while the LFS covers employment characteristics of the population based on a “past week” reference period. The family members enumerated in the LFS will be the subjects of inquiry of the FIES.

FIES has two (2) separate operations with the same set of questions. The first round is conducted this July 2012, while the second round in January 2013.

About 800 items are included in the FIES questionnaire such as expenditures on food, clothing, electricity, house-hold equipment, health, transport, communication, education, restaurants, and miscellaneous goods and services. Likewise housing characteristics, social protection, sources of income whether in cash or in kind are also incorporated. 

The data derived from FIES provide the basic source of information for the estimation of the household account in the System of National Accounts and balances; measurement of the Human Development Index (HDI); measurement of poverty; and measure-ment of levels of living of different sections of the population and disparities in levels of living across geographical regions and socio-economic groups.

The survey involves an interview of a national sample of about 50,000 households. This sample is deemed sufficient to provide reliable estimates of income and expenditure levels for each region, including Western Visayas. 

In Aklan, 12 barangays are selected as samples in these surveys, namely Brgy. Poblacion (Altavas), Brgy. Morales (Balete), Brgy. Lapnag (Banga), Brgy. Bay-ang, Mambuquiao and Mandong (Batan), Brgy. Tigayon (Kalibo), Brgy. Poblacion (Madalag), Brgy. Nagustan, Pinatuad, Solido (Nabas), Brgy Dumaguit (New Washington), Brgy. Albasan and Badio (Numancia), and Bgry. Afga and Jawili (Tangalan).

To augment the manpower of NSO-Aklan, five (5) competent statistical researchers were hired to conduct the house to house interview from July 9-31, 2012 in identified sample housing units.

Solidum is appealing to local government officials and especially to all respondents to support and cooperate in this data gathering by giving the needed information to the data collectors to ensure the successful conduct of said surveys.

He assured household respondents all information furnished to NSO, thru its field personnel, data collectors or interviewers will be held “strictly confidential” and cannot be used for taxation, investigation or law enforcement purposes. /MP  

No ‘Made In China’ Controversy For RP Olympic Team Uniforms

by ALEX P. VIDAL

LOS ANGELES, California – While the US Olympics team uniforms are provoking much amusement, discussion, outrage, and  eye-rolling in one of the United States’ largest apparel design and manufacturing hubs here over the fact that outfits were made in China, the small Philippine contingent is set to parade in the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games opening ceremonies on July 27 proudly behind the made in the Philippines Barong Tagalog uniforms.

The Philippine Olympic team composed of track athletes Marestella Torres and Rene Herrera; swimmers Jasmine Alkhaldi and Jessica Lacuna; boxer Mark Anthony Barriga; BMX rider Daniel Caluag; judo practitioner Tomohiko Hoshina; shooter Brian Rosario; and weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, will wear the barong Tagalog designed by Rajo Laurel, one of Manila’s top fashion designers.

Josephine Cuneta reported in the Wall Street Journal Southeast Asia that Laurel was chosen by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) to design and create clothes for the Filipino athletes during the opening ceremonies of the London Olympics.

His plan is reportedly a modern-world make over of the traditional Philippine barong Tagalog which is an embroidered formal shirt, typically worn untucked, and commonly used at Philippine ceremonial events. It is widely seen as one of the more distinctive visual elements of Philippine culture.

 

TRADITION

 

Laurel said the typical barong is steeped in tradition dating back to the 1600s. Some say the shirt – which sometimes uses a sheer, see-through fabric made out of pina fabric (a textile derived from pineapple leaves) – was forced upon locals by Spaniards during the colonial era so that any hidden weapons could be kept in plain sight. Others say it stemmed from a desire to have loose, breathable and comfortable garments in the Philippines’ tropical heat, with the fine embroidery coming later.

Laurel invoked “simplicity and elegance” for choosing barong Tagalog, it was reported.

“I want to pay great respect to the tradition of the garment. I’m just going to give it a more tapered fit, a slightly cropped length and small fabrication changes. Headwear (inspired by Filipino tradition also) will feature in the design,” Laurel was quoted in the report.

Cuneta said Laurel, whose work has been worn by American supermodel Tyra Banks, said he’s using black, gold and mocha as primary colors for the stylized barong Tagalog, in a rayon fabric to give it a more modern feel (and to help keep the athletes warm in London’s cooler climate). The embroidery will feature a modern design with dark cobalt and blue threads symbolizing good fortune and luck. The barong Tagalog will be paired with weight wool flat front trousers, he said.

 ACCESSORY

 

The main accessory for the small contingent of nine Philippine athletes and 13 officials will be a salakot – a traditional wide-brimmed hat, often made with rattan or reeds – with gold leaf that  Laurel hopes will catch the light as the Filipino representatives enter the stadium.

Here in Los Angeles, the decision of American sports authorities to have the red, white and blue uniforms manufactured in China has provoked a storm of criticism in Congress, where “made in America” is always a popular election-year theme, according to Los Angeles Times.

“The issue has rippled across the nation with frustration, resignation and understanding as the preppy outfits unveiled this week drew some unexpected attention,” LA Times reported.

COMMIT

In response to the controversy, Ralph Lauren Corp. has announced that it was committed to producing Team USA uniforms for the 2014 Winter Olympics in America.

The company announced: “Ralph Lauren promises to lead the conversation within our industry and our government addressing the issue of increasing manufacturing in the United States.”

Saying she was “appalled” that New York-based Ralph Lauren did not manufacture at least a part of the Olympic uniform in America, Galina Sobolev, the designer of high-end Los Angeles clothing line Single, quipped: “It’s unpatriotic, and it really speaks very poorly for what we represent as Americans if we send our Olympic team to London wearing garments made in China.”

She added: “The Italians would never have their uniforms made in China, they would make them in Italy.” /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Igmanghod Nga Sawa

May sangka mag asawa. Si Badong ag si Selya. Naga mabdos si Selya sa anang panganay nga onga. Pilang buean pa eang sa anang tiyan. Isaeang adlaw, samtang naga panilhig imaw sa andang guwa it baeay, may hakita imaw nga naga eokon nga sawa sa kahon. Hamuok nga naga katoeog. Mahimong bag-o eang naka subad it manok ro sawa sa andang kahilapit it baeay. Mabahoe abi ro anang tiyan. 

Sa kakibot ni Selya, nagdali-dali imaw it daeagan. Nagbo-oe imaw it kahoy agod ieampos sa sawa. Ogaling naka bugtaw ro sawa, umatubang kay Selya nga mingko naga pakit lu-oy kana. Uwa pagpadayona ni Selya ro pagsakit sa sawa. Anang guin pabay-an nga pumanaw ro sawa paeayo. Halin kato, owa eon it naga kaon nga sawa sa andang mga alilang sapat pareho it manok sa andang lugar. 

Umabot ro oras, nag unga eon it isaeang ka eapsag nga babaye si Selya. Guin pangaeanan ro unga nga si Marisa. Pagtaliwan it pilang dag-on, ko agahon ngaron, samtang naga hampang si Marisa, may isaeang ka maisot nga sawang puti ro nagpakita kana. Mingko naga kasugot ro daywa. Pag abot ko asawa ni Selya nga si Badong, hakita nana ro sawa kaibahan si Marisa. Golping guin gabot ni Badong ro anang sanduko agod tigpason ro sawa ogaling guin punggan imaw ni Selya. Owa madayon ro pagpatay sa sawa.

Halin kato, nangin bisita nanda permi ro sawa. Una pa ngani naga eobog maeapit kay Marisa. Kon amat, guina bilin nanda sa sawa si Marisa agod bantayan kon gapanaw sandang mag asawa. 

Samtang naga taas ag naga bahoe si Marisa, naga bahoe man ro sawa. Mabahoe eon si Marisa pagtaliwan it an-om nga dag-on. Nagbukas ro klase ag naga adto eon sa eskwelahan si Marisa. Naga ibilin sa baeay ro sawa samtang naga trabaho sa eanas si Badong ag Selya. Si Marisa mat-a hay sa eskwelahan.

Isaeang adlaw, nag uli si Marisa halin sa eskwelahan nga nagatangis tongod guin eogos tanan ro anang baeon nga pagkaon ko mga pilyo nga mga unga nga anang sangka klase.

Bu-ot nga buligan it sawa si Marisa. Nagdaeagan ro mga pilyo hasta umabot sanda sa palhing lugar. Idto nanda guin buksan ro baeon ni Marisa. Pagbukad ko mga pilyo nga unga sa bag ni Marisa, may hakita sandang sawa nga naga eokon sa sueod it bag ni Marisa. Nagdaea-eagan ro mga unga sa kahadlok. 

Halin kato, owa eon it naga paloko kay Marisa. Hasta nga nagdaeaga si Marisa, una pa guihapon ro sawa kana hasta guid imaw hay nakakita it mabuot nga asawa. 

Tapos eon ro kasae, tapos man ro punsiyon. Nagpanaw ro sawa nga owa hapan-uhi ni Marisa. Sayod ro sawa nga may maka tatap eon kay Marisa ag indi eon imaw kinahangean pa.  /MP

Mindanao Politician Mindanao Politician Behind Pasig Mall Heist

Manila, Philippines - Members of a Mindanao politician’s private army are allegedly the ones who staged a P550,000 robbery at the Robinson’s East Mall in Pasig City on June 22, 2012 according to a Philippine National Police (PNP) report.

The private army, reportedly headed by a certain “Boy Pikot,” operates not only in Metro Manila but also in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.

Intelligence agents of the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines are working together to neutralize the politician and his army, who are reportedly planning more robberies to finance the politician’s reelection bid, the report stated.

The politician is often seen in public, accompanied by members of his militia brandishing high-powered assault rifles.

According to the report, the politician’s army used modus operandi employed by the Kuratong Baleleng and the Parojinog robbery groups to mislead investigators.

The report stated that two days after the robbery, two of the politician’s militiamen – identified only as Rene and Bayani – brought the loot to Misamis Occidental in a roll-on, roll-off barge.

Other members of the politician’s army met the pair at the Misamis Occidental pier on board a black Navarra pickup with a number 8 license plate and an L-300 van driven by a certain Rowel, the report said.

The group proceeded to Tangub City before motoring to their stronghold in Zamboanga del Sur, where the “loot” was handed over to Boy Pikot for “distribution to the players” in the Robinson’s East robbery.

Police and military intelligence agents have already identified several of the politician’s men and are working to secure warrants for their arrest, the report stated. (by Non Alquitran). /MP

Fernandez - Isturis Nuptials

Jonnie & Palmi 

Christopher Jones Quimpo Fernandez and Palmi Laurente Isturis with the grace of God and blessings of their parents, Mr. Christi Gonzales Fernandez (†) Mr. David Eugene Wilson & Ms. Ma Erlinda Salas Quimpo, and Mr. Pablito Ramos Isturis & Ms. Evangeline Dalida Laurente share the joys and blessings during the exchange of marriage vows. The sacrament of Holy Matrimony ceremony is held on Friday, July 20 at 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon at St. John The Baptist Cathedral, Kalibo, Aklan. Rev. Fr. Joesel Quan, main celebrant officiated the ceremonies.

The bridal entourage was composed of 13 pairs of principal sponsors who are: Atty. Allen S. Quimpo & Mrs. Carmela Q. Almanzor; Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores & Mayor Lulu M. Miraflores; Cong. Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr. & Mrs. Lilian Q. Tirol; Cong. Jerry P. Treñas & Mrs. Sandra Escat; Gov. Carlito S. Marquez & Mrs. Elizabeth R. Marquez; Atty. Alfonso R. Reyno, Jr. & Mrs. Regie Q. Alba; Atty. Reynaldo M. Quimpo & Vice Gov. Gabrielle C. Quimpo; Dr. Vicente S. Quimpo & Mrs. Sheila A. Mercurio; Dr. Paul L. Macahilas & Dra. Juliet L. Macahilas; Dr. Michael I. Terencio & Mrs. Jocelyn B. Bugarin; Mr. Butz J. Maquinto & Mrs. Lourdes M. Maquinto; Mr. Harvey C. Gelito & Mrs. Rachel T. Gelito; and Mr. Dick Edwards & Mrs. Maritza Edwards. 

Mr. Christian Michael Q. Fernandez is the best man and Miss Cheng Ocampo is the maid of honor. 

The groomsmen and bridesmaids are: Jules Simon Q. Tirol & Judee Anne Michelle V. Reposar; Bob James Q. Tirol & Lykha M. Ramos; and John Paul Q. Fernandez & Genevie Rose D. Ramos.

Kenneth L. Isturis & Rhae Marie R. Gonzles light their path with candles; Francis Louie Q. Fernandez & Jocyl G. Militar clothe them as one with veil and Niño Rafael R. Quimpo & Gilen S. Pilar bind them together with the cord.

The bearers who carry the symbols of faith, love and treasure are: Marc Philip Jerusalem – bible; Frank Nikkolai S. Pilar – coin; and Matthew Jerusalem – ring; 

The flower girls are Shariel Maureen T. Fernandez, Daphne Nicole L. Selorio, Jamie Gabrielle T. Fernandez, and Princess Kathleen R. Laurente.

The church ceremonies over, the newlywed received and entertained their guests, immediate family members, relatives and friends in a wedding reception and party at Terranova Gardens, New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan.  /MP 

Numancia Parish Installed Team Ministry

Picture shows the newly installed priests of the St. Joseph Parish team ministry, Numancia, Aklan. From (l to r) are Rev. Fr. Cezar V. Echegaray – Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. George M. Prado, Rev. Fr. Jose R. Relente, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel S. Mijares, Most Rev. Jose Corazon T. Tala-oc, D.D, Rev. Fr. Ernie Jun Karol G. Carpio, Rev. Fr. Jesse T. Guillergan, Jr., and Rev. Fr. Vincent P. Cahilig.  Bishop Tala-oc officiated the installation held on Saturday morning, July 14 in a Eucharistic celebration.  (Mark Anthony D. Leyson photo)   /MP

EDITORIAL

PH Mourns Dolphy’s Passing

President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III leads the nation in  mourning for the comedy king, Dolphy, who passed away Tuesday night, July 10 after a long bout with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

In a statement, Aquino extended his condolences. He acknowledged Dolphy was the embodiment of hope amid trials. 

“For a long time, Dolphy showed us that we can surpass trials. He was aware of hardships but taught all of us to always look at the brighter side,” Aquino said.

He also noted that Dolphy changed not only the movie industry.

“Binago niya hindi lamang ang kaniyang industriya, kundi maging ang pambansang kamalayan: sa pamamagitan ng kaniyang sining, pinalawak ni Dolphy ang ating pananaw, at binigyan tayo ng kakayahang suriin, pahalagahan, at hanapan ng ngiti ang mga pang-araw-araw na pangyayari sa buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” Aquino said.

The President added that the good-hearted Dolphy symbolized a typical Filipino: joyful, one who loves well, who knows how to respect others, and knows how to face trials.

“Nagmula siya sa isang henerasyong dumaan sa maraming pagsubok—at sa pakikipagsapalaran ay natutong maging mapag-pakumbaba, matapat, at matulungin. Hindi kailanman niya tinalikuran ang mga kaibigan, at ang sambayanang naging bukal ng kanyang mga tagumpay,” he added.

“Nakikiisa ako at ang aking pamilya, sampu ng ating mga kasamahan sa gobyerno, sa pagluluksa ng Pamilya Quizon ngayong gabi. Ang pagpanaw ni Rodolfo Quizon Sr.—ang nag-iisang Hari ng Komedya—ay tiyak na nagdudulot ng lumbay sa isang bansang matagal niyang pinasaya,” the President added.

Last June, Malacanang was urged by Vice President Jejomar Binay, among other groups, to name Dolphy a “National Artist” but the comedy king did not live to see the day. 

The National Artist Award is the “highest national recognition given to Filipino individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts,” according to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Apart from the prestige and a medal, a National Artist is entitled to material and physical benefits that include a monthly pension, hospitalization benefits, and arrangements and expenses for a state funeral. For posthumous awardees, legal heirs are entitled to P75,000.

Should Dolphy be officially nominated, his candidacy will still have to undergo several deliberations by the Commissioners of the NCCA and the Board of Trustees of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

Original Crime Stopper

“If people today marvel at how time stands still when (Manny) Pacquiao has a fight, “Buhay Artista” was the original traffic crime stopper as the whole nation stopped and watched Dolphy and Panchito, and ever since that show, Mang Dolphy has been part of the public limelight,” Gabby Lopez said.

He added that the Comedy King was “an extraordinary person who became a symbol for the ordinary Filipino.”

“He is an inspiration to all of us in the broadcast business with his humility his talent and above all his ability to constantly reinvent himself to live and fight another day. Paalam Mang Dolphy, to all of us here at ABS-CBN, you will always be a kapamilya,” Lopez went on.

The Comedy King’s remains was transferred from Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig to Dolphy Theatre, where a necrological Mass was held at 6:30 pm on July 11.

Dolphy’s son Epi Quizon, Kapamilya stars Vhong Navarro, Ryan Bang, Jhong Hilario, Gio Alvarez and Isabel Granada and ABS-CBN executives Cory Vidanes, Deo Endrinal and Johnny Manahan were present at the tribute to the Comedy King.

Public viewing is set at 9:00 P.M.  /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Happy Birthday!

EF wishes a happy! happy! Birthday to Atty. Kel Tolentino on his nth birthday which he simply celebrated last Wednesday, July 11. His relatives and friends rejoiced for Atty. Kel is born. 

Atty. Kel is a lawyer, teacher, historian, journalist, farmer and a good husband and father. He was president of Aklan Press Club, Inc., Aklan Senior SP member and vice governor. 

Happy birthday and may you maintain a good health so that you will have many happy birthdays more and enjoy life.

Boracay Is No. 1

Boracay Island is proclaimed No. I island in the world as published in the Travel & Leisure magazine based in New Year City. 

According to the information, Boracay Island got a 93.5 score, the highest among the scores of other islands.

Boracay Island being the No. I  best in the world and the highest score it got is an excellent reason to be happy and to celebrate.

If Boracay Island is situated and owned by other nation, there will be a big celebration. If I recall, Brazil was the world champion in Football in 2002. It happened Rencee and I were in Paris, France in July 2002. We were witnesses to the victory parade of the people of Brazil along the major avenues and boulevards in Paris, France. We saw the victory parade along Champs Elysees of the people from Brazil. 

But not among Aklanons. They are not jubilant for Boracay Island as it placed No. 1 island of the world. The announcement over the radio and newspapers about Boracay Island has not elicited any jubilation from the Aklanons. There was no reaction. 

A friend asked me why Aklanons are lukewarm of the announcement. I ventured a response. “Most of the Aklanons are not profiting from the Aklan provincial tourism industry. Even if many people from around the Philippines and the world visit Boracay Island, majority of the Aklanons does not share directly the money from the provincial tourism boom. Those who profits are people engaged in transportation, hotels restaurants, resorts, bars among others. And who own these establishments? Only very few Aklanons are engaged in them. Even the commercial spaces in the Kalibo International Airport are being leased mostly to people from other places”. 

For any Aklanon to benefit from the Aklan tourist industry, he must have something to sell to the visitors. He must have either goods or services to sell to the visitors in order to participate and profit in the tourists industry. Aklanon who does not sell anything to the visitors is a victim of tourism industry in Aklan. 

Tied In Pegs of Poverty

The presence of visitors in Aklan results to the increase demands of foods, transportation, lodging and recreation. And the increase in prices adversely affect the local people. The increasing people visiting Aklan proportionally increases the demand for transportation which increases traffic congestion and pollution both of smoke, dust and noise. The prices of foods increase as demands increase.

Some families resting in their homes especially in the evening are awaken by the noise from the planes landing and or taking off the KIA. The increase of vehicles not only in numbers and sizes worsen traffic. It has increased the cost, time of travel, and accidents on the road.

Hence, Aklanons who do not participate in tourist industry are the victims. To participate and profit from it, a person must produce either goods or services for sale to the visitors.

In spite of the presence of thousands of tourists in Aklan, most of the Aklanons are still strongly tied on the pegs of poverty.

Out of the 17 towns of Aklan, 14 municipalities are participating in the 4Ps program of the government which qualification to participate in it is to have majority of the people to belong to below the poverty level. Kalibo, Lezo, and Numancia are not participants to 4Ps.

While Aklan has a twin program on Tourism and agriculture, majority of the LGUs is quite weak in agriculture projects planning and implementation. If ever there is, it may be a token one.

Rice are coming in to Aklan from other provinces. Chicken egg and meat, beef, vegetables and fruits and even flowers are imported. Most souvenir items are products of other places. 

The present situation indicates there is a strong and urgent need for mayors and planning officers of Aklan to re-examine their development programs with the view and emphasis to motivate and encourage our people to benefit in the tourist industry through their creation of goods and services to be sold to Aklan’s visitors. /MP

Aklan Piña Cajoles French Fashion Designer

by Megs S. Lunn

(seated l to r) Ms. Anna India Legaspi (Aklan Piña Mantra), Ms. Ruby Roa - president HABI Phils., Ms. Lulu Tan-Gan - Phil. fashion icon, Maria Jinky Troesch, Mr. Marc Mikulaniec - French fashion expert, and Ma. Lourdes Locsin. (standing l to r) Ms. Megs Lunn - APCI Pres., Ms. Rea Rose Marte - LGU Kalibo Municipal Tourism Officer, Ms. Roselle Q. Ruiz - Provincial Tourism Officer, Joy Evangelista Adarme, Jimpee Madarat, Ms. Erlinda F-Q Wilson - NVC Executive Dean, Ms. Monseratt David and Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente.  

The French Embassy and DFW (Designer Fashion Workshop), with HABI (Textile Council) are collaborating to promote Aklan’s indigenous materials. Just recently, the group of Ms. Lulu Tan-Gan, the country’s renowned Fashion Icon and of Tan-Gan Atelier Company, with Ms. Ruby Roa, President of HABI in the Philippines, together with  Mr. Marc Mikulaniec and five others were in Aklan to visit piña plantation and experience the spinning and weaving processes of our world renowned Pina Fiber in Aklan.

The Aklan Provincial Tourism Council and Kalibo Municipal Tourism Office through the office Governor Carlito S. Marquez and Kalibo Mayor William S. Lachica welcome the guests and guided them in their visit. They visited Aklan as part of their effort to promote the Philippines’ natural resources and textile. Together, they created awareness and motivated the Aklanons to improve their design, textile quality, garment, garment service and retail sectors in fashion industry.

Mr. Marc Mikulaniec of Alliance Francaise de Manille and the French Textile Expert from Lilles, a city in northern France, is known for its textile industry business. He is in Manila to provide inputs on textile industry. The group of HABI previously sent him materials to have him assess and find the possibilities to make it more relevant to modern wear, without destroying its original and delicate beauty. 

There is an on-going Textile Texture Development Workshop Programme in Manila which is open to all students and indigenous-enthusiasts. The forum is for free. Prior to his Manila stint, he was scheduled to visit Aklan. According to Ms. Ruby Roa, between the Abaca and Pina, Mr. Mikulaniec favors Piña fiber of Aklan to showcase its storyline and to highlight its importance and beauty in the world of fashion. 

The group led by Ms. Ruby Roa paid a courtesy call to Governor Carlito S. Marquez and to Kalibo Mayor William S. Lachia. Provincial Tourism Officer Ms. Roselle Q. Ruiz and Kalibo Municipal Tourism Officer Rhea Rose M. Meren accompanied them to the piña weaving projects and to display stores to familiarize the guests on the piña and other fiber industries in Aklan.

They visited Racquel Eliserio’s Pina Fiber Weaving Center, Brgy. Feliciano, Balete; Piña cloth weaving, warping, knotting and other procedures with Heritage Arts and Crafts, Pina Fiber weaving with La Herminia Pina Weaving Industry. They purchased Aklan products and souvenirs at the Dela Cruz House of Pina, Rosa Foods, the Kalibo Public Market and the Aklan Piña Mantra. 

Mr. Marc Mikulaniec and company were welcomed by Ms. Anna India Legaspi of the Heritage Arts and Crafts and the Aklan Pina Mantra local manufacturers and weavers. They also visited the famous Kalibo Bakhawan Eco-Park and Piña Village in Brgy. New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan. After their visit, the group looks forward to promote the piña cloth in the French market. 

“It is our desire to showcase a storyline about the Pina Fiber of Aklan so that it can be presented well as an amazing handwoven fiber industry only unique in the Philippines,” Ms. Ruby Roa said. “We are looking at the pina cloth if it is possible that it doesn’t shrink, machine washable and could be iron,” she added.

Ms. Lulu Tan-Gan was very positive to help promote Aklan’s Pina because of its unique creation and where locals can produce its item of beauty and integrity given its limited financial resources. “We want to prove that it’s not just for special Filipiniana events,” says Tan-Gan. We want to promote it to make it relevant, to be used as an apparel accessory, like a vest or a  scarf, to be worn over a garment, to be worn with denim and in a variety of colors. We want piña to be accessible,” added Tan-Gan. /MP

Donaire Overcomes Cramps To Unify Titles

by Joaquin Henson

MANILA, Philippines - Nonito Donaire Jr. endured cramps in both legs starting the sixth round and put on a dominating performance over hapless South African Jeffrey Mathebula to unify the WBO and IBF superbantamweight titles via a unanimous decision at the Home Depot Center, Carson City, California, Saturday night (Sunday morning, Manila), July 8.

Donaire, 29, admitted in an overseas phone interview shortly after the fight that he over did his warm ups and it probably caused the stiffening of his legs. “I rushed my warm ups in the dressing room when I was told to get ready sooner than I thought,” he said. “I felt my legs go to sleep a little bit starting the sixth then it was on and off. My calves began to tighten up in the later rounds, too. I didn’t want to show I was in some kind of pain, I didn’t want to let on. That’s how it is in boxing. It was very difficult to fight someone as tall as Mathebula. I just did what I had to do to win.”

Donaire’s trainer Robert Garcia said he wasn’t worried about the cramps. “Nonito complained about his legs in the sixth,” he said. “Still, I thought it was a great performance. Nonito put on a show. It never looked like he had cramps out there. He did a good job taking Mathebula out of his game.”

Donaire said he dedicated the fight to the late Bruce Lee whose Filipino student Dan Inosanto, now 75, was in his entourage walking to the ring. Inosanto was one of only three students whom Lee anointed to teach his martial art system. Inosanto himself taught Lee’s son Brandon the finer points of kung fu fighting and also listed actors Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker and Chuck Norris among his students.

Entering the ring, Donaire’s team wore yellow headbands with Japanese inscriptions translated to “The Filipino Flash” provided by a journalist from Japan. It may be an indication that Donaire’s next fight will be against WBC emeritus superbantamweight champion Toshiaki Nishioka who was at ringside to witness the action. Nishioka, 35, has a 39-4-3 record, with 24 KOs, and won the WBC crown in 2008. So far, Nishioka has repulsed six challengers in a row. A confusing element is the WBC recognizes a second 122-pound champion, Abner Mares of Mexico.

“I think the best guy in this division whom I want to prove myself against is Nishioka,” said Donaire. “I think that Nishioka is the best of all these guys. He’s proven himself and I promised I would fight him. So maybe, if everything goes well this year, I can fight him. But after Nishioka, I want to fight guys who have the belt. I’ve told my manager Cameron Dunkin that we want to fight all of those guys. I want to be undisputed.”

Donaire’s promoter Bob Arum said the unified champion’s next fight will be against Nishioka or Mares or WBA title holder Guillermo Rigondeaux of Cuba or Mexican buzzsaw Jorge Arce.

Cramps or not, Donaire was masterful in conquering “The Marvelous Mongoose” whose US debut was far from impressive. The judges had no difficulty choosing the winner. Jonathan Davis, a Cebu-born Filipino who relocated to the US in 2008, saw it 117-110 and Steve Morrow 118-109 for Donaire. Surprisingly, South African judge Deon Dwarte had the widest margin, 119-108, for the Filipino. Dwarte’s reputation for bias was enhanced in two blatant scoring anomalies involving countrymen in 2009.

In the fourth round, Donaire dropped Mathebula with a counter left hook to the jaw and it looked like the South African was done for the night. He got up at the count of seven on wobbly legs and was saved by the bell. Donaire, however, couldn’t finish him off in the next round. Mathebula hardly threw his right from that point on, using it to protect himself from Donaire’s killer left hook, and ran the rest of the way.

Donaire tried every trick in the book to loosen up Mathebula’s defense or invite him to engage. He dropped both hands, opened up his arms and stood in front of Mathebula like a statue. Still, Mathebula wouldn’t oblige and preferred to keep a safe distance away, using a poking left jab to fend off Donaire. Showing no respect for Mathebula’s power, Donaire even took some hits deliberately for the chance to move in. Donaire’s left cheek was puffy in the end.

Donaire slowed down in the seventh, probably due to cramps, and was content to throw one punch at a time as if to look exclusively for the knockout. He held back on combinations and instead of moving side to side, charged in. With his lateral movement compromised, Donaire went straight in to find his target but Mathebula just kept retreating, backing off and covering up for dear life. For most of the fight, Mathebula was on survival mode. He was clearly intimidated from the onset and lacked the heart of a champion to battle Donaire toe-to-toe.

Before the fight, Mathebula vowed to break down Donaire because “I’m smart, cute and faster.” He sparred over 300 rounds to prepare for the fight and the hard work went down the drain. Donaire said his motivation is to keep rising. He anticipated Mathebula “to play the distance” but was ready for it. “My challenge is as I grow older, I’ll keep rising,” said Donaire. “My body and my mind can do it.”  /MP

Sandiganbayan Suspends Sara Town Mayor

ILOILO CITY – The Sandiganbayan has suspended from office the mayor of Sara, Iloilo and two of his employees over graft charges filed against them for alleged misuse of public funds.

Sara Mayor Neptali Salcedo, municipal engineer Roel Salcedo and former municipal treasurer Edna Pacrim were suspended for 90 days in a ruling penned by Associate Justice Gregory Ong of the Sandiganbayan’s fourth division.

Iloilo Rep. Niel Tupas Jr., who filed the complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman, alleged that sometime in May 2006, the three officials connived with each other when they caused the payment of P300,000 for the construction of a farm-to-market road from Barangay Domingo to Barangay Muyco in Sara town and from Sitio Kapinayan, Domingo to Sitio Sincua in Lemery.

A report of the Commission on Audit (COA) showed that the projects were overpriced because it only involved the repairs and not the construction of new roads.

Tupas also filed 30 counts of malversation and falsification of public documents against the three for the P1.8-million labor payroll. 

Graft charges were also filed against the three for authorizing the payment of P1 million to the Sara Caltex station for fuel and lubricant used in several road repair and expansion projects. 

COA said there was an excess payment of P153,721 because the amount of fuel consumed for the projects was only worth P846,279.

Sara municipal legal officer James Balsomo said they have not received a copy of the Sandiganbayan discussion as of last Friday, July 6.

Balsomo said Salcedo will seek every legal remedy to oppose the 90-day preventive suspension, according to Danny Dangcalan and Jennifer Rendon.

Ombudsman Suspends Paulate 

& Calalay

In Quezon City, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales suspended from office Quezon City councilors Roderick Paulate and Francisco Calalay Jr., and their aides for allegedly hiring “ghost” employees in 2010.

City councilors Paulate and Calalay, as well as their liaison officers Flordeliza Alvarez and Vicente Bajamunde, are facing charges of Serious Dishonesty, Gross Neglect of Duty, Grave Misconduct, Falsification of Official Documents, and Conduct Grossly Prejudicial to the Best Interest of Service.

According to the order that Morales signed, there is “strong evidence of guilt on the part of the respondents.” 

The Office of the Ombudsman said the two councilors endorsed the contractual employees and attested that they rendered service to the city. Investigators found, however, that “these fictitious personnel do not have birth records from the National Statistics Office, are not registered voters of Quezon City, have (not) secured NBI clearances, and are not known in the respective barangays where they allegedly reside or their indicated addresses where they purportedly reside do not exist.”  

The Office of the Ombudsman said that the councilors’ endorsement “tends to show that they knowingly or willfully used their positions in placing under the employ of the local government of Quezon City, several ghost employees, and receiving their salaries, wages and other emoluments for their own personal gain.”

The liaison officers allowed themselves to be used when they received the salaries meant for the “ghost” employees, the Office of the Ombudsman said. The four will be on preventive suspension without pay for six months.

The Office of the Ombudsman said in May that Paulate and Calalay disbursed a total of P3.3 million for 59 “job order personnel” from July to November 2010. /MP

Tears From Andy

LOS ANGELES, California – I thought I would be seeing for the first time a great professional athlete agonizing in defeat and crying without tears.

Tears did not flow from Andy Murray’s eyes until he was able to finally hiss a plethora of “aaaaaah” and “hmmmm” while holding the microphone during the awarding ceremony as crowd that included some of the most prominent figures in London cheered him.

My heart goes out for Murray who finally let loose his tears following his failure to nail this year’s Wimbledon title in Wimbledon, England. He lost to Roger Federer in a nerve-tingling 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 championship Sunday, July 8.

The championship appearance against the same man who subdued him in three other major titles was too much for the 25-year-old British right-hander as he was under tremendous pressure to conquer the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world as host player.

BURDENED

It was apparent the Scotland-born Andy, who began playing at three, was emotionally burdened when realization that he had been conquered in his own territory beckoned.

As a Briton, he was expected to record history and create a stir in the most prominent grass court in the world especially that the World Summer Olympic Games was scheduled to unwrap weeks later.  A young and charismatic tennis player with 22 singles career titles, what a fitting honor for Great Britain had he won this year’s Wimbledon title while the universe awaits the opening of the biggest summer sports conclave weeks later.

Inside the stadium, Prince William’s wife, Kate, sat in the Royal Box along with David Beckham, British Prime Minister David Cameron and a slew of former Wimbledon champions.

Many of them left a bit disappointed as well.

With his victory, Federer regained the No. 1 ranking from Novak Djokovic, allowing him to equal Sampras’ record of 286 weeks as the top-ranked player.

DICTATE

At the start of the match, Murray was the one dictating play and winning the tough points. He broke Federer in the first game of the first set, and then broke again late before serving it out. It was the first — and only — set Murray has won in his four major finals.

The second set was much more even, and both had early break points that they couldn’t convert. Federer, however, finally got it done in the final game of the set, hitting a backhand drop volley that Murray couldn’t get to.

Both held easily to start the third set, but then the rain started abruptly, suspending play for 40 minutes. Shortly after they returned, it turned into a one-man show.

With Federer leading 3-2, they played a 26-point, 20-minute game in which Federer finally converted his sixth break point — after Murray had slipped on the grass three times. Federer lost only five points on his serve in that set.

FAMILY

Murray’s mother, Judy, is a former Scottish national coach and father, William is a retail area manager.  He has one older brother Jamie (born Feb. 13, 1986), who also plays on the ATP circuit. Andy grew up playing soccer and tennis. He was once offered to play with Glasgow Rangers. His favorite musician is 50 Cent.

Based in Barcelona since age 15, Andy won US Open junior title (defeating Stakhovsky) and advanced to doubles SF (with brother Jamie) in 2004. He finished No. 10 in world junior rankings in 2004 and won the Canadian Open junior title in 2003. He also finished No. 6 that year.

Andy considers the US Open as best place he has played and was awarded the 2004 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year Award.

Standing six feet and three inches, Andy was twice named LTA’s Young Player of the Year. His favorite surface is hard and he considers his serve as best part of his game. He admits he is a big fan of TV comedy show, “Entourage” and played first full men’s singles match with roof closed at Wimbledon on June 29, 2009 vs. Wawrinka. Andy works with fitness trainers Matt Little and Jezz Green, physiotherapist Andy is coached by former World No. 1 Ivan Lendl since January 2012.  /MP

Reason and Concern

Ronquillo C. Tolentino

Political Turncoatism

Three Congresses, if my memory serves me right, had considered bills against political turncoatism citing its detriment to Philippine democractic system and proposing to make its commission punishable with disqualifications to hold office, to boot.

I remember the early years of President Diosdado Macapagal’s term when political turncoatism was the political order of the day in the House of Representatives. Somewhere in l964, I got hold of Senator Jovito R. Salonga’s book of essay titled “ A Plea for Sobriety.” Salonga, then congressman for Rizal, recounted the sweeping political turn-coatism. In his book, he cited an anecdote of a congressman father and his son.

The son asked his father, in this wise: “Father, what do you call a congressman who leaves your party and goes to another party?” The father answered: “A traitor, my son.

A traitor!” The son thereafter asked:” And what do you call a man who leaves another political party and goes to your political party? “The congressman-father’s quick riposte: “A pariot , my son. A patriot!”

In the middle of the war between France and the Saxons, it is told that the former duke of Saxony had himself and his people uncomfortably situated directly in the middle of the war between France and the Saxons. He had quickly decided to make for himself a  reversible coat the side blue for the Saxons and the other side white for the French. And depending on who was occupying his land, he would wear the appropriate color of allegiance.

Almost a month back, national  broadsheets reported on  a bill introduced by Senator Francis Escudero which he titled as the Anti-Balimbing Bill docketed as Senate Bill No 3214. The word Balimbing became in vogue just immediately after the EDSA Power Revolt of l986.

Political turncoatism, to borrow the language of Carlos P. Romulo. is a practice that debilitates the two-party system as envisioned by the Constitution.

At this stage of our political life when we are just 10 months away from the May 2013 midterm elections, we witness and read the breaking up of political alliances. If I borrow the words of Karl Allan Barlaan in his article “Politics and Parties: More fun in the Philippines which appeared in the April 28, 2012 issue of the Manila Standard Today, he has this to say: “When political butterflies take their seasonal migration, it is not an anomaly. It is tradition.” Barlaan hastened to add:” A few bills against political turncoatism have since been filed in both Houses of Congress. That’s like asking the Council of Bishops to turn Protestant.”  /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Regalo Kay Amor

Ilo eon si Amor sa ina. Tongod bata pa man ra anang ama, nag asawa it uman sa isaea man ka baeo. Ro pangaywang ngarang asawa hay may daywang ka unga nga babaye. Samtang sa obra ro anang ama, guina tatap ko mag ina si Amor. Sa andang pag sinaeayo, owa guid naga reklamo si Amor maskin maeain eon ro pamatyag sa anang eawas.

Isaeang adlaw, guin sugo ko daywang ka magmanghod si Amor nga mag usoy it bueak nga tulips agod ibutang sa andang buhok parabil mag adto sa baylehan. Nagpanaw ro pobre nga daeaga. Ubos eon nana it libot ro lugar ogaling owa guid imaw it hakitang tulips nga bueak. Nag uli lang si Amor. Pag abot nana sa andang baeay, tongod owa it bueak, guin sabunutan imaw ag owa pagtaw-i it pagkaon. Nagkatoeog nga gutom si Amor. Ko gabi-i ngaron, nagpakita kay Amor ro isaeang ka Ada. Guin dawat ro anang alima ag nag eopad sandang daywa paadto sa kaharian it mga engkantada. Kalipay tanan-tanan ro anang hakita sa mga engkanto. 

Matsa habugnutan it tunok ro anang dughan sa sobrang kalipay. Parabil magpanaw imaw, guin papili imaw ko anang nailaan nga mga bato una sa ibabaw it lamesa. Isaeang ka puting bato ro anang guin pili nga may taga bulag. Pagbugtaw nana, una sa anang alima ro bato. Halin kato, maskin nano ro sugo kana ko anang pangaywang ina hay nahimo ni Amor nga owa naga reklamo. Paagi sa bato naka-adto imaw sa iba-ibang lugar, ag nakakaon it sari-saring pagkaon. 

Hangawa ro daywang ka babaye, busa guin bantayan nanda si Amor. Bu-ot nandang masayran ro tinago ni Amor. Pagtaliwan it pilang adlaw, hadiskubre nanda nga isaeang puting bato gali ro naga ta-o it gahum sa daeaga. Nag usoy ro daywang ka magmanghod it pahito kon ano ro andang himu-on sa daeaga. Andang guintakaw ro bato ag guin samitan kun epektibo man kanda. Nanakaw sanda sa isaeang ka department store it mga iba-ibang pagkaon, ogaling hadakpan sanda. 

Bukon it epektibo ro bato sa mga tawong may maeain it tagipusuon ag handum. Guin balik ko daywang ka magmanghod ro puting bato kay Amor ag nangayo sanda it pasensya. Guin patawad man sanda ni Amor. Halin kato, mabuot eon sanda kay Amor. Nangin malipayon sandang magpamilya.  /MP

Boxer Is Philippines’ Main Hope for Olympic Medal for Olympic Medal

Boxer Mark Anthony Barriga is the Philippines’ main hope for gold at the London Games, sports officials said Saturday, July 7 with the light-flyweight aiming to be the country’s first Olympic champion.

The 19-year-old, a quarter-finalist at the world championships in Azerbaijan last year, is facing tough odds, said Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines executive director Ed Picson.

But he added: “We think he has a decent chance of winning. That is why he is there. If we did not think he had a chance, we would not send him.”

The Philippines has an impressive record in professional boxing, with two current world champions — Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire.

Barriga also has a good record, with wins at the annual Sydney Jackson Memorial Tournament in Uzbekistan in 2011 and 2012.

The head of the Philippine Sports Commission, Richie Garcia, said: “He has a very good chance of winning in his weight category. He seems to have the spirit and determination to win.

“He is not somebody who came out of nowhere. He has a track record and he can win.”

Garcia said the Philippines will have only a small squad of 11 athletes in London after many promising contenders failed to qualify in their respective sports.

The country has suffered a long medal drought, with its last podium finish — a silver medal in boxing — coming in the Atlanta games in 1996. It has never won gold but did bag bronze medals, also in boxing, in 1992 and 1988. The Philippines won a silver medal in boxing in the 1964 Tokyo, Olympics.

Garcia, whose agency is in charge of funding national athletics programmes, said he favors a proposal to bring in more foreign coaches.

The boxing association is considering hiring a “consultant”, possibly from Kazakhstan, the United States or Britain to help upgrade its programme, Picson said. /MP

News Pictorial

(seated l to r) Ms. Anna India Legaspi (Aklan Piña Mantra), Ms. Ruby Roa - president HABI Phils., Ms. Lulu Tan-Gan - Phil. fashion icon, Maria Jinky Troesch, Mr. Marc Mikulaniec - French fashion expert, and Ma. Lourdes Locsin. (standing l to r) Ms. Megs Lunn - APCI Pres., Ms. Rea Rose Marte - LGU Kalibo Municipal Tourism Officer, Ms. Roselle Q. Ruiz - Provincial Tourism Officer, Joy Evangelista Adarme, Jimpee Madarat, Ms. Erlinda F-Q Wilson - NVC Executive Dean, Ms. Monseratt David and Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente.  

Dolphy Is An Epic

“Mang Dolphy is more than just a comedian. He exemplified in many ways the best in Filipino.”

Thus spoke ABS-CBN Chairman and CEO Gabby Lopez at the arrival honors for the late Comedy King Dolphy Quizon at ABS-CBN’s Dolphy Theater on Wednesday, July 11.

The place was abloom with white flowers and Dolphy’s photos – especially vintage ones when he was many years younger – adorned the entrance to Dolphy Theatre and the stage itself.

President Noynoy Aquino’s giant spray of white flowers stood beside Dolphy’s bronze casket.

A red carpet served as fitting welcome to the Comedy King, who worked for the Kapamilya network for more than 40 years.  His first ABS-CBN show was the highly-popular “Buhay Artista” in the `60s. The younger generation knows Dolphy best as Kevin Cosme in the sitcom “Home Along da Riles.”   /MP