Say a prayer for Manny Pacquiao

Say a prayer for Manny Pacquiao.  

This request was made by Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim yesterday as the nation braces for the biggest fight of its most favorite son.  

"Tomorrow, he will fight the biggest fight of his career against Oscar "Golden Boy" de la Hoya," the mayor said.  

Lim, who knows de la Hoya personally and even has a photo in his office to show it, admits that the Golden Boy is "a worthy opponent, a dangerous one if I may add".  

"Indeed, a 'golden boy' who is more than a match to Manny as far as many experts are concerned," the mayor added.  

Lim said that while money comes to many people's mind when talking of this fight, there is more than money to it.  

"First of all, Manny has become a symbol not just of our nation but more importantly a symbol of hope in a country where there is little hope left," he noted.  

Lim pointed out that Manny was born to impoverished parents and naturally was deprived of education which could have been his way out of his poverty.  

"And yet, Manny refused to take no for an answer and set out in search of his destiny the only way he knew how. He let his fists do the talking," he said.  

Lim said Manny's victory is not only his personal victory.  

"It is not only a triumph of a nation. It will also be a triumph for persistence in the face of adversity, of hope in the face of insurmountable odds, of faith even when there is little reason to do so," he added.  

The mayor believes Manny knows how to make it.  

"He had faced far more daunting challenges in the past. He has been there. He knows how to do it. He will come out of it in the manner that we expect him to be: triumphant and great".  

Lim noted that many experts say Manny has met his match in de la Hoya. He said that the latter's size and weight advantage makes it easier to believe that.  

"De la Hoya's experience in fighting in heavier divisions makes it even easier to believe that," the mayor added.  

And yet, Lim said fights are not always won on size and weight. He said they are not always won on experience.  

"In boxing as in life, there are intangibles, factors that cannot be measured by human instruments," the mayor added.  

Lim said this is one of those fights.  

"As a Filipino, as a close friend, as a fan, and as a believer in hope, I know Manny will make it. There is no doubt in my mind that Manny's hands will be raised after they have done their part in the ring," he added.  

"Whatever happens, Manny's place in Philippine history is secure. He will always be remembered for raising the hopes of our people in a time such as this," the mayor said. - Sunday Post Newspaper

Foreign Policy of the Philippines

This is posted by Maria Claria (display name in a government forum site). This is her independent opinion on Philippine Foreign Policy. Is there a need to redirect the Philippine Foreign Policy?

I think in the past years our foreign policy has been focused to Asia, U.S.A, and the Middle East. I have nothing against this, however, since most of these regions have gone quite shaky this days our interests if not our dependence might be taken with low regard by their respective governments.

What I'm trying to say is that why dont we find other potential allied countries to have more friendly and subsequently more trade relationhips. The Baltic states and the rest of Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and the Latin Americas. The Baltic states are known to be stable countries, politically or economically. 

There is also as of the moment a burgeoning population of OFW's in Australia and New Zealand. Latin American Countries too are players in the Oil industries we could invite oil companies to invest in the Philippines, the more competition here the more healthy our economy might become. Our foreign policy is yet moderately open we have to maximize our full potential, after all our economy is quite dependent on foreign investors. 

Applying US Visa from the Philippines

Someone needs your opinion on this matter. She's planning to apply for a tourist visa to the US. If you know of any answer to the inquiry below, please post it in our comment section so that others may benefit from it.

My mother is a TNT in the USA for 3yrs is there a possible that my application be denied? Please help me. I'm planning to apply for a tourist-visa and this is my first time. I'm 32yrs old single mother and I have 3 children. 

My supporting documents are Land Title, COE for 10yrs working in a private company and well compensated, bank account amounting Php50k plus only and dollar accounts one is a time deposit with insurance (known as bancassurance) $9000 2nd is the dollar savings $2000 plus only, and credit cards. 

I've been to bangkok 2007 and hongkong 2008 to have record (tatak) in my passport. Anyone knows my chances if I present these documents to the consul?

Annulment Against Filipino Husband in the Philippines

Here's a question that needs your answer. If you know anything related to this inquiry, please post it at our comment section.

Hello, I just wanna seek advise or opinions from anybody outthere who had encountered this kind of situation.
"the question is; Is there any problem that will arise sa pag petition ng mga anak if the kids are using the family name of the 1st filipino husband in the Philippines? Kids age are 18 & 14

"Both filipinos were married in the Philippines, then got separated for years, then the filipina went to USA, later filed a divorce in the USA against her husband in the Philippines and finally married to a citizen after almost 10 years of being separated from the filipino husband. Marriage is not yet annulled in the Philippines."

Another question is: Pwede bang mag File ng annulment ang filipino na currently nasa USA against filipino husband in the Philippines? Since there's no whereabouts of the hsband for almost 9 yrs but for sure his still alive.

Filipina Spouse Visa: CFO Seminar Needed?

Here's a question from a Filipino who is ready to go abroad but stuck with CFO seminar. If you have the right answer, please leave it at the comment section of this website.

hello everybody, i just want to ask if i need cfo seminars because i have already passport with my name . i get spousal visa, my interveiw is this coming july 25.

 

what's that cfo for? they said so that we can get passport but i have my passport already, do i need to get the certificate? please i need your advise.

Iloilo Dinagyang Festival Update

The Dinagyang fever is on with the official launching of Iloilo's prime festival on Monday.

Sounds of drums filled the air as the caravan participated in by drummers of 18 tribes that signed up for the Ati-Ati competition passed along the major thoroughfares of Iloilo City.

The caravan was also participated in by organizers, sponsors and other stakeholders passing through J.M. Basa, Ledesma Streets, Timawa Tanza, Infante Ave., Lopez Jaena, Molo M.H. Del Pilar, Gen. Luna, Bonifacio Drive to Lapaz, passing through Huervana, Rizal and Luna Streets, to Jaro, passing through E. Lopez Street, Plaza Jaro, EL 98 Street to Sen. Aquino Avenue and ended at the SM City Activity Center, launching program venue.

The Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2009 executive committee reiterated its commitment of a fun-filled celebration despite a little delay in the implementation of lined up activities in its table of operation.

"Facing constraints of time, manpower and funds, the IDFI Board of Directors and Officers, together with its principal partners, the Iloilo City Government and the religious sector are working double time to lay the groundwork to enable the working committee groups implement their activities according to the festival's trademark of excellence," Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Incorporated (IDFI) vice president Ricardo Andrada said.

The festival's national launching will be held in Manila from Dec. 12-14 at the Mall of Asia, Tiendisitas and Greenhills Shopping Complex. 

Visit OK Bicol Showroom

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office in Bicol is set to launch the "Orgulyo Kan Bikol" (OK Bikol) on December 5, which will showcase all available possible products in the region.

Regional director Jocelyn Blanco said the idea of establishing a permanent showroom will serve as venue for possible buyers for new introduced local products.

"We will refer prospective buyers to our local producers," Blanco said.

The launching of OK Bikol showroom will coincide with the Exporter's Week celebration.

Blanco also said that new innovative indigenous products will also be introduced in the market. "The introduction of new products will help promote the Orgulyo Kan Bikol not only in terms of trade and industry but tourism as well."

Director Blanco added that association of exporters in the region have agreed to make their local products more attractive and competitive. "Our goal is to strengthen our business industry in the region to cope up with the economic crisis." - PNA

Ilocos Sur Road Accident Deadly

Two persons were killed and two others were injured critically in a vehicular accident along the national highway in Barangay San Vicente, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur Sunday night.

Police said the incident happened when an XRM motorcycle and a Honda Big Bike motorcycle traveling from the opposite directions collided.

Senior Inspector William Nerona, chief of police of Magsingal, identified the fatalities as Jay Pleto, 28, driver of the XRM motorcycle and native of Barangay Sacuyya, Santa, Ilocos Sur; and Reximelle Tabil, a backrider of the Honda motorcycle, of San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur.

Nerona identified the injured as Diana Martinez, an occupant of the XRM motorcycle and resident of Barangay Nansuagao, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur; and Viron Purisima Tabisula, driver of the Honda Big Bike motorcycle, and resident of Barangay Puerta Real, Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur.

Investigation disclosed that the accident occurred at about 10:20 p.m. Sunday. Due to the strong impact, all of the victims sustained head and body injuries.

Responding policemen rushed the victims to the hospital but Pleto was declared dead on arrival at Magsingal District Hospital, while Tabil died on arrival at the Metro-Vigan Cooperative Hospital. - PNA

Aklan Weavers Ready for Global Demand

Local weavers in this province are bracing for possible global demand that might arise as the environmentalists' campaign for the mitigation of the impact of climate change.

India Dela Cruz-Legaspi of the Heritage Arts and Crafts said that Aklan province has been identified as one of the areas that produce the best natural fibers, abaca (Manila hemp) and pina, which are being supplied to malls as woven textiles and even to other companies.

"The year 2009 has been declared by the United Nations as the year of the natural fibers to also address the growing concern on climate change or global warming. Being one of the organizers of the annual fiber festival in Aklan, we hope to showcase our natural fibers that are abundant in the province," said Legaspi.

She admitted then that the province natural fiber resources could not cope with the global demand.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which is one of the organizers of the fiber festival, representatives of big companies such as Rustan's and Shoe Mart came to the province last year for the festival. The Aklan products are also now being exported to countries such as Indonesia, Japan, Germany, among others.

Currently, other multi-national companies are turning from the use of synthetics and plastics to natural fibers. Among the products that needed to be converted from plastic material to natural fiber are surgical masks, vehicle parts, currency, among others. 

Olangapo's Basic Emergency Obstetric Care and Newborn Care

Officials of Olongapo City inaugurated Tuesday the fifth Basic Emergency Obstetric Care and Newborn Care (BEMONC) center here that will provide high-risk pregnant mothers with adequate and affordable emergency delivery service.

"This project aims to help further reduce maternal mortality, one of the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs), by providing emergency birth delivery services even for cases in areas far from Olongapo City's center," said City Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo who was guest of honor during the inauguration.

Olongapo City's latest PhP2.5-million BEMONC center is located in Barangay Barretto, a village where some 30,000 people reside.

Among the facilities the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) donated to this center are a suction machine, delivery table, infant weighing scale and minor surgical kit.

"These facilities can help bring about safer deliveries," said UNFPA City Project Coordinator Bel Dado.

She noted UNFPA also donated similar facilities to the city's other BEMONC centers in Kalaklan, Kababae, New Cabalan and Gordon Heights villages.

City health chief Dr. Arnildo Tamayo lauded Barangay Barretto's officials for establishing the center as he said this village is about 20 minutes' drive from the city center where the 350-bed James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital (JLGMH) is.

"In ensuring safe motherhood, time is of the essence," he said.

According to Tamayo, a 24-hour patrol group of doctors will be on hand at Barretto BEMONC to assess if emergency deliveries can be done there or if these must be referred to more advanced health facilities like the JLGMH. - PNA