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In an evangelistic meeting in Ireland, the speaker was explaining what it means to abide in Christ and to trust Him completely in every trial. Concluding his message, he repeated several times, “It means that in every circumstance you can keep on saying, ‘For this I have Jesus.’ ”

The meeting was then opened for testimonies. One young woman said, “Just a few minutes ago I was handed this telegram. It reads, ‘Mother is very ill; take train home immediately.’ When I saw those words, I knew that tonight’s message was meant just for me. My heart looked up and said, ‘For this I have Jesus.’ Instantly a peace and strength flooded my soul.”

Three or four weeks later the evangelist received a letter from this woman. It read, “Thank you again for the message you gave that day. Life has become an uninterrupted psalm of victory, for I have come to realize that no matter what life brings, for this I have Jesus.”

That believer in Christ had found in her Savior the One who would be with her “through fire and through water,” and who would bring her “out to rich fulfillment” (Ps. 66:12).

If you are enduring a great trial of affliction, rememberâ€"for this you have Jesus!  â€" Henry G. Bosch

I’ve found a refuge from life’s care in Jesus,
I am hiding in His love divine;
He fully understands my soul’s deep longing,
And He whispers softly, “Thou art Mine.” â€"Christiansen

Praise is powerful! When Scottish pastor Robert Murray McCheyne was troubled with a coldness of heart toward the things of the Lord, he would sing the praises of God until he felt revived in his spirit. Those in his household were often able to tell what hour he awoke because he began the day with a psalm of praise.

One day, while he was trying to prepare his heart for preaching, he wrote in his journal: “Is it the desire of my heart to be made altogether holy? . . . Lord, You know all things . . . . I’ve felt so much deadness and grief that I cannot grieve for this deadness. Toward evening I revived. Got a calm spirit through [singing psalms] and prayer.” McCheyne had been uplifted by praising God.

Perhaps you feel as if you are mired in what John Bunyan called the “slough of despond.” Lift a song of praise to the Lord. The psalmist said, “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever” (89:1). When we do that, the praise will flow not only from our lips but also from our heart. The Lord delights to give “the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isa. 61:3).

Yes, “it is good to sing praises to our God”â€"at all times (Ps. 147:1).  â€" Paul Van Gorder

Praise, my soul, the King of heaven,
To His feet your tribute bring;
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Evermore His praises sing. â€"Lyte

New York City. Easter Sunday, 7:30 a.m. I was the only customer at Jimmy’s Diner in East Harlem when a man entered and approached my table. He said, “Good morning, and God bless you,” left a gospel tract, and quickly walked out. I smiled, appreciating his witness and realizing that God has His people everywhere. That night I attended church with our daughter Debbie, joining an enthusiastic congregation of 300 people, most in their twenties and thirties. Their infectious love for Christ and others was a bright light in a city that is often considered spiritually dark.

In the first century, Paul visited the Greek city of Corinth, which was known for its immorality and corruption. When he faced opposition for presenting Jesus as Messiah, the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city” (Acts 18:9-10).

No matter where we go, the Lord’s people are there. The risen Christ is powerfully present in and through all who know Him. The Lord has His people where you are today. Look for them. Join them.

Christ is risen indeed!  â€" David C. McCasland

When Christians join in blessed fellowship
Commemorating Jesus’ resurrection,
They sense a common bond of unityâ€"
Their mutual faith in Him the true connection. â€"Hess

After my doctor announced that I had cancer, I tried to listen to what he said, but I couldn’t. I went home, pulled a blanket over my head, and fell asleep on the couch, as if sleeping could change the diagnosis.

When I finally gained enough strength to tell my loved ones, my friend Judy Schreur said something especially memorable. After expressing her sympathy, she said, “This is what will happen. You will feel really bad for 3 days. Then you will get up, figure out what you have to do, and get on with your life.” Then she added, “I think it has to do with death, burial, and resurrection.”

At the time, I didn’t believe it. I was sure that life as I knew it was over. Nothing would ever be the same. I couldn’t imagine feeling normal again. But she was right. Three days later I woke up and realized I didn’t feel quite so bad. And little by little, despite the physical misery of chemotherapy treatments, my emotional and spiritual condition improved significantly. I “died” to my old reality and was “raised” to a new normal.

Thankfully, God is in the business of resurrection. For those who have died in Christ, the death of one reality means resurrection to a new, glorious normal so that we can “walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4).  â€" Julie Ackerman Link

In 1602, Italian artist Caravaggio produced a painting called The Taking of Christ. This work, an early example of the Baroque style, is compelling. Created in dark hues, it allows the viewer to contemplate Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Two main elements of the scene depicted in the painting demand the observer’s attention. The first is Judas as he delivers the traitor’s kiss. Immediately, however, the viewer’s focus is drawn toward Jesus’ hands, which are passively clasped together to show that He offered no resistance to this injustice. Although He possessed the power to create a universe, Christ gave Himself up voluntarily to His captors and to the waiting cross.

Long before this scene took place, Jesus told His listeners that no one could take His life from Himâ€"He would lay it down willingly (John 10:18). This heart of voluntary surrender was prophesied by Isaiah, who wrote, “He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth” (Isa. 53:7).

Christ’s lamblike self-sacrifice is a grand indicator of His powerful love. “Greater love has no one than this,” He explained, “than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). Think of it. Jesus loved you that much!  â€" Bill Crowder

Love sent the Savior to die in my stead.
Why should He love me so?
Meekly to Calvary’s cross He was led.
Why should He love me so? â€"Harkness

Sometimes silence is the best response to a false charge. At other times we must speak up.

When false witnesses accused Jesus as He stood before the Sanhedrin, He “kept silent” (Mark 14:53-61). Defending Himself would have been useless. Furthermore, He was fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7. But earlier in His ministry, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees, challenging them to prove that He sinned (John 8:13-59).

A pastor resigned from his church because a few members made untrue statements about him. He thought it unchristian to defend himself, and in some instances it is. But in this case, the troublemakers needed to be confronted and their false charges refuted. He should have urged them to repent or face church discipline.

Saying nothing may allow wrongdoers to go unchallenged in their evil ways. But if God’s Spirit leads us to remain silent, or if we want merely to try to salvage our wounded pride, then we should hold our tongue.

Are you being falsely accused? If you discern that it’s futile to argue, or if your pride has been hurt, ask God for grace to say nothing. But if you feel concern for the wrongdoers and want to see justice done, speak up!  â€" Herbert Vander Lugt

Lord, give us wisdom to discern
When what is false must be revealed
Or if we need Your grace and strength
To close our lips and keep them sealed. â€"D. De Haan

What started out as a collection has grown into a ministry opportunity for Larry and Mary Gerbens. For the past 10 years they’ve been collecting artistic works based on the story of the prodigal son from Luke 15. Their collection includes a painting by Rembrandt and a number of items by other artists depicting this story.

The Gerbens wanted to share their collection, so they put it on display at a local college. Larry said, “The artists have ministered to us, and we hope their work will minister to others.”

As I wandered through the displays, I was touched by the deep need of the prodigal, his honest repentance, and the beautiful forgiveness of the father portrayed in the variety of art piecesâ€"paintings, etchings, engravings, glasswork, sketches, and silk screens.

We have all been like the son in this story, who had other plans for his life than what his father had for him. We have all run away from our heavenly Father (Rom. 3:10-12). But He welcomes us when we come to Him.

You too will see the beauty of forgiveness in your heavenly Father’s face when you cry out to Him, “Father, I have sinned . . .” (Luke 15:18). If you’re away from Him, head home now and experience His love. ­  â€" Anne Cetas

O Lord, I now admit my guilt,
And I accept Your grace;
Transform my life and help me grow
Until I see Your face. â€"Hess

by Jun Medina, PDI

A Los Angeles-based Filipino recruiter specializing in placement of teachers in the United States has been sued before a Baton Rouge, Louisiana court for collecting exorbitant fees from highly skilled teachers from the Philippines.

Administrative Law Judge Shelly Dick who heard the complaints in Baton Rouge said she would render issue a ruling on the lawsuit in about two weeks, according to the website of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers.

The ruling is expected to determine whether the embattled United Placement International Inc. violated Louisiana law by operating without a license and whether the money collected illegally from more than 300 teachers it recruited from the Philippines will be returned to the teachers.

Testimony by teachers presented during the hearing revealed shocking details of company practices of collecting excessive fees described by a teachers' leader as "disgusting" and suggesting "bondage and harassment."

“The alleged behavior of this recruiter and the treatment of these teachers is quite frankly disgusting and an affront to basic American values,” said Steve Monaghan, president of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers (LFT).

Jack Navarro, husband of company owner Lulu Navarro and a UPI director, admitted under oath that the company does not have a license to act as an employment agency in Louisiana and does not maintain an office there, as required by law.

Since the complaints were filed, Navarro said, UPI applied for a license but was denied.

UPI's attorney, Murphy Foster, argued that Louisiana’s law does not apply because UPI is a “placement agency,” not an “employment agency.”

Teachers' union lead attorney Dan McNeil presented evidence that UPI and a sister company called PARS collected fees reaching thousands of dollars from the teachers, as well as a 20 percent commission on their first year’s salary, before they even left the Philippines for Louisiana. They were then expected to contribute 10 percent of their second year’s salary as well.

Monaghan branded as irregular and exorbitant the upfront fees collected from the teachers reaching as much as $15,000 each.

"We've learned that the teachers who have been brought to the US through this [recruitment] process have paid $15,000 each for the right to come to the United States to teach," Monagham said.

Those who did not have the resources were directed to FG Financial Company based in Pasig, Metro Manila which was earlier erroneously linked to First Gentleman Juan Miguel "Mike" Arroyo.

Attorneys for the 326 Filipino teachers, who were brought to Louisiana with the promise of high-paying jobs, said the teachers have been charged excessive fees and were losing 20 percent of their income.

Dan McNeil, the lead attorney for the American Federation of Teachers and the LTF, presented evidence that the teachers have paid UPI and an affiliate company reportedly owned by the brother of Lulu Navarro up to $9,000 each for the processing their placement in teaching jobs in Louisiana.

One hundred thirteen distressed Filipinos from Jeddah and Qatar have been repatriated in four batches over the last two weeks, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a news release Tuesday.

In his report to the DFA, Consul General in Jeddah Ezzedin Tago said that 76 Filipinos housed at the Hajj Terminal were able to come home in four batches over the Holy Week.

Thirty-six repatriates comprised the first batch, who arrived in Manila on March 31, while the second batch of nine arrived the next day. The third batch of 22 Filipinos arrived on April 2, and another nine arrived the next day.

These repatriates were housed at the so-called Hajj Terminal, a center run by the Consulate General and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). It is a part of an arrangement with the Saudi government to spare Filipinos from the heat and loitering under the Kandara Bridge.

Meanwhile, 37 distressed overseas Filipino workers arrived from Qatar on the morning of April 8.

They were welcomed and assisted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by DFA Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (DFA-OUMWA) executive director Enrico Fos, and a team from the DFA-OUMWA and the OWWA. - inquirer.net

Reacting to the stories circulating on the Internet, the Philippine embassy in Abu Dhabi investigated the issue of the reported rape of two Filipinas behind the Marina Mall there and concluded that the incident did not happen, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Monday.

The stories that passed from e-mail to e-mail were usually accompanied by a video footage and photographs of an unidentified woman with severe cuts all over her face and body; she is allegedly one of the rape victims.

Philippine Ambassador to Abu Dhabi Grace Relucio Princesa thus submitted a comprehensive report to the home office, concluding that the alleged rape and the unidentified victim on the video and photographs as “two separate and unrelated issues.”

The DFA thus asked the public to stop spreading such rumors and videos until their veracity is verified.

The Philippine embassy in Amman, Jordan had a similar experience when a YouTube video showed a woman, purportedly a Filipina, being brutally murdered by a mob in Jordan allegedly over an illicit affair. It turned out that the video was that of an Iraqi woman earlier aired by CNN.

On the Abu Dhabi video, the embassy said the rumor started on February 22 from an e-mail from a certain “Edward Enoc” that circulated among the members of the Filipino community there. The e-mail alleged that one Filipina died on the spot while the other escaped and sought medical assistant at the Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) hospital, where she died a few days later.

The following day, the embassy dispatched an assistance-to-nationals (ATN) team to visit the SKMC, other hospitals, and the city morgue to look for the victims. However, nurses at SKMC, Al Noor, and Lifeline hospital said no rape victims were admitted at their facilities.

The city morgue also told the ATN team that it has not received an unidentified female body that bore signs of physical abuse.

The same ATN team then proceeded to the Shabeya and Mina police stations in Abu Dhabi where it was told that the authorities did not receive any reports of two Filipinas being raped.

The embassy also contacted two high-ranking officers from the Abu Dhabi Criminal Investigation Division (CID), seeking clarification on the alleged rape at the Marina Mall. No such case was brought to their attention.

On February 24, Ambassador Princesa personally spoke with Filipino nurses in SKMC to further determine if a rape victim had been admitted to the hospital. The nurses said no victim of sexual or physical abuse sought medical help at SKMC. - inquirer.net

Brazilian authorities evacuated thousands of shantytown residents Sunday so their houses could be demolished after heavy rains that killed 224 people last week threatened further landslides.

Rio mayor Eduardo Paes said residents of the Morro de Urubu favelas (shantytowns) were being evacuated starting Saturday ahead of demolitions planned for Monday.

The mayor decreed late last week that residents could be forcibly removed from their neighborhoods, perched precariously on hillsides.

"There is still a risk of rains in the city. We cannot let people stay in danger zones," he said, noting that some 10,000 people live in the designated "risk areas."

Families will receive a "social pension" of $141 each month to pay for temporary housing until new houses are built, the mayor said.

On a visit to the Morro do Bumba slum in Niteroi on Sunday, Rio state Governor Sergio Cabral announced the federal government would provide a loan of some $2.3 billion to cover damages.

The slum, where dozens of houses were destroyed by landslides, was built on an old garbage dump, compacted by time. The hillside gave way after the heavy rains, burying alive some hundreds of people, according to official estimates.

Labor Minister Carlos Lupi has said a 30-year credit line of $567 million, with a three-percent interest rate, has been set up to finance construction of public housing.

The federal government meanwhile already released $113 million in aid for municipalities in Rio state affected by the floods and mudslides. - AFP

Tensions remained high on the bloodstained streets of Bangkok on Monday after the country's worst political violence in almost two decades left 21 dead and over 800 injured.

Protest leaders have promised to maintain their campaign until the government dissolves parliament and calls fresh elections despite the deaths of seventeen civilians and four soldiers in Saturday's clashes.

The Red Shirt protesters, supporters of fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, maintain they want Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to step down and leave the country.

"Abhisit must leave Thailand," Reds leader Veera Musikapong told supporters on Sunday. "We ask all government officials to stop serving this government."

Thousands of protesters remained on the streets at the two main protest sites on Sunday.

On Sunday evening Reds gathered to mourn the loss of their comrades at the city's Democracy Monumentâ€"the scene of a fierce battle on Saturdayâ€"where grieving relatives led a procession holding gold-framed pictures of the dead.

They were followed by weeping men carrying caskets, a couple containing bodies draped with Thai flags and flowers.

It is the latest chapter in years of turmoil pitting the ruling elite against the mainly poor and rural Reds, who say the government is illegitimate as it came to power in 2008 after a court ousted Thaksin's allies from power.

Saturday's violence erupted when troops tried to clear one of two sites in the center of the capital occupied by the protesters for the past month.

Soldiers fired in the air and used tear gas while the Reds responded by hurling rocks.

As the clashes intensified gunshots echoed around the city and both sides accused the other of using live ammunition. Emergency services said two protesters were killed by gunshot wounds to the head.

The army later retreated, calling for a truce with the demonstrators, who were holding five soldiers hostage.

The government said an investigation had been launched into the violence and that negotiations were under way to bring about a resolution to the stand-off without further unrest. - AFP

An American fugitive accused of sexually assaulting his two stepdaughters has been arrested here after 27 years on the run, an immigration bureau official said Monday.

Richard Wright Laguardia, 66, who was charged by US authorities with 11 counts of child molestation in 1983 for the attacks on the girls in the same year, was arrested last month and is now facing deportation, the official said.

It was only in 1996 that a manhunt began after US authorities learned of his presence in the Philippines, said the official, a lawyer in the bureau's legal department who declined to be named.

Immigration agents finally tracked him down in March to Puerto Princesa, the major city on Palawan island where they said he had lived since fleeing the United States.

It was not clear why it took Philippine authorities years to arrest Laguardia, and the immigration department's lawyers on Monday refused to comment, citing the sensitivity of the case. - AFP

Six-year old Jillian Marie Avila, preschooler of barangay Jimili-an, Loboc town was found safe and sound in barangay Balintawak, Talibon town after reported missing for 22 hours.

Police authorities in Talibon and Tagbilaran, after being informed about the incident appeared pussy footing on how to respond to a missing person alarm involving a child.

She was taken under the care of the family of Dionisio Aba-a, bus conductor of St. Jude Transit.

Before she got lost, Jillian was last seen by her mother playing at the World of Fun at the Island City Mall (ICM) at around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. Her mother left her to answer the call of nature. They were supposed to go shopping and planned to leave for Loboc hours later.

Thinking that Jillian was all the time inside the fun house, Zosima was alarmed when her child failed to show up after about half an hour.

Failing to locate Jillian after scouring the mall and seeking assistance from mall security she called her baker husband in Loay and reported the incident to the Tagbilaran Police Station at around 7:45 and to a roving police patrol at the Dao Terminal. They also informed Loboc Police upon their arrival late in the night. They were assured that a "flash alarm" would be sent to all police stations in the province.

They also aired their appeal for any information on Jillian's whereabouts over DYRD's "Tagbilaran by Nite".

Lydia M. Billiezas, office manager of St. Jude Transit told the Chronicle that at about 8 p.m. last Wednesday, bus conductor Junior Roloma informed her that they had in their custody an unescorted and unidentified child who boarded St. Jude Bus no. 81 bound for Talibon via Carmen. She immediately instructed Roloma to inform Talibon police and not to release the child to anybody except the police. He was advised by SPO1 Felix Avergonzado, officer on duty to temporarily bring the child to their house while they verify her origins and identity.
        
Roloma even recalled Avergonzado, telling him that he would get in touch with the Tagbilaran Police.

Renato Lamban, bus conductor of St. Jude bus no. 81 told the Chronicle that they left Dao terminal bound for Talibon via Carmen at 3:20 p.m. Wednesday. He noticed that a girl was seated beside Lorena Valleroso, wife of one of their bus conductors. Thinking that she was the daughter of Valleroso he was surprised that upon reaching Carmen the girl remained seated even as Valleroso got off the bus.

Since the child did not respond to queries about her identity they decided to bring her to Talibon for her safety. They arrived Talibon at around 7 p.m. and reported to the Talibon Police upon instructions from their office manager.

Jillian ate, slept and played with Aba-a's sibling until she was fetched by Talibon police at around lunchtime Thursday for their trip back to Tagbilaran.

She arrived in Tagbilaran at 5:30 to a tearful reunion with her distraught parents at Camp Dagohoy.

Upon the gentle coaxing of her parents, Justo and Zosima, a visibly confused and famished Jillian could only utter that a certain "Uncle" lured her into going to the nearby Dao terminal with food and candies. However, the interview with DSWD official and PNP Women's & Child desk officer was cut short after the parents complained that the child was hungry and they might miss the last jeepney trip to Loboc.

Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with DYRD "Inyong Alagad" last Thursday, PO1 Auditor of the Talibon Police admitted lapses in the handling of the missing persons case even as the Tagbilaran Police, as of press time could not determine the exact time when the flash message to all police stations was sent. According to Auditor he recalled receiving the missing person flash message only in the morning of Thursday.

Since St. Jude employees volunteered to take care of the child Auditor considered the case closed even as he did not inform Tagbilaran Police about the latest developments. Such operational lapses can jeopardize the management of emergency situations that call for immediate response from the police.

The 22-hour gap from the time the child was officially reported to the Tagbilaran, Talibon and Loboc police stations caused untold emotional distress to the parents, confusion on the part of the child and undue pressure for the management of Island City Mall (ICM) even as the missing person incident was confirmed to be solved as early as 8 in the evening of Wednesday since personnel of the St. Jude Transit officially brought it to the attention of the Talibon Police.

Authorities have been receiving reports of missing children and young women. Reports reaching the Chronicle showed that ports in Inabanga, Buenavista, Getafe and Talibon has been the preferred exit points for these alleged abductions. - Bohol Chronicle

The Canadian economy is faring better than expected, as Canada’s Gross Domestic Product grew at an annual rate of more than 6 per cent in January.

In addition, the Canadian economy added 100,000 more jobs in February of this year compared to February 2009.

The Canadian manufacturing and industrial sectors have driven this growth.

The federal government sees this growth as a sign that the economic stimulus programs they have introduced as a response to the global recession are working.

"It shows our plans for the economy are working. We're seeing strength across a number of sectors including retail and manufacturing," said Industry Minister Tony Clement.

New Brunswick Health Minister Mary Schryer announced today that immigrants will no longer have to wait three months after moving to the province to become eligible for provincial healthcare coverage.

Currently, immigrants are eligible provincial healthcare coverage upon their arrival in most Canadian provinces. However, in some provinces newcomers have to wait three months in order to become eligible. In the meantime, they can purchase private health insurance for the three month waiting period.

The change announced by New Brunswick today will benefit all immigrants, especially those newcomers who cannot afford private health insurance for three months. - CIC News

-Adobe Systems Incorporated Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced Adobe® Creative Suite® 5 product family, a breakthrough release of the industry-leading Web, design and development software for virtually every creative workflow. Focusing on interactivity, performance and maximizing the impact of digital content and marketing campaigns, the Creative Suite 5 product line brings exciting full-version upgrades of flagship creative tools while delivering significant workflow enhancements to designers and developers. Featuring integration with online content and digital marketing measurement and optimization capabilities for the first time, Creative Suite 5 products include access to signature Omniture technologies, to capture, store and analyze information generated by Web sites and other sources. Additionally, a brand new component, Adobe Flash® Catalystâ,,¢, joins the Creative Suite, ushering in the ability to design interactive content without writing code and improve the collaborative process between designer and developer.

The Adobe CS5 product family also enables the creation of content and applications for the much-anticipated releases of Flash Player 10.1 and Adobe AIR® 2, which are optimized for high performance on mobile screens and designed to take advantage of native device capabilities for a richer, more immersive user experience. - Adobe.com

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney announced today that the Canadian government will reduce application processing delays by streamlining language proficiency assessment for Federal Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience Class applications.

For all applications received by Citizenship and Immigration Canada on or after April 10, 2010, immigration officers will be determining applicants’ language proficiency based on documentation submitted at the time the application is assessed, and will no longer be giving applicants an opportunity to provide additional documents supporting their language proficiency.

Currently, if an immigration officer feels that an applicant has not adequately proved his or her language proficiency with documentation, they may contact the applicant and afford the opportunity to provide results of a third-party test, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test.

However, as of April 10, 2010, this option will no longer be provided to applicants.  Language proficiency will be assessed solely on information the applicant has provided at the time of submission. It is therefore advisable that applicants submit conclusive proof of their language ability, such as IELTS test results, with their complete application.  - CIC News

Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenney announced that the Canadian government has begun the process of reviewing current Canadian immigration procedures, with a view to further streamlining application processing under the Federal Skilled Worker category.

There are currently 38 occupations that determine an individual’s eligibility for immigration to Canada under the Federal Skilled Worker category, and they have been in place since 2008. Those occupations were chosen after Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) consulted carefully with provincial and federal authorities to determine what occupations were most in demand around the country at the time.

Now that the Canadian economy has emerged from the global recession, Canada will be re-examining the labour market and determining which professions are undergoing a shortage of skilled workers. This may alter the list of open occupations.

Hire Immigrants Ottawa, a group that helps employers integrate skilled immigrants into the labour market, has been presented with an award for its work by Carleton University, a respected Canadian educational institution.

Hire Immigrants Ottawa works with employers, immigration and settlement agencies, and newcomers to Canada in order to help newcomers use their work experience and education in their countries of origin to join, and contribute to, the Canadian workforce.

The group, which has been in operation for four years, has helped more than 750 skilled immigrants find rewarding work in Canada. - CIC News

A new immigration portal for newcomers to Canada was launched today by communities in Northwestern Ontario. The portal provides information on settling and working in Northwestern Ontario cities and towns, such as Thunder Bay and Kenora.

Immigrants to Canada can use the portal to learn about the benefits of immigrating to the area, such as the natural and cultural diversity of the area, as well as about finding jobs and choosing schools in the region. The information is translated into 11 languages.

“Prospective immigrants to Canada and newcomers from around the country or province can now find everything they need to know about living, working, learning and doing business in Northwestern Ontario and its communities at the click of a mouse,” said Rebecca Johnson, Advisory Committee Member for the Northwestern Ontario Immigration Portal. - CIC News

Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenney announced proposed changes to Canada’s refugee system that he says will provide more protection to those who need it and will deter those who do not need Canada’s protection from taking advantage of the system.

The changes Kenney is proposing were announced over the past two days, and include:

    * Shorter wait times for eligible claimants to have their cases heard;
    * The development of a list of Safe Countries of Origin;
    * Faster removal for failed refugee claimants;
    * An increase of 2,500 refugees accepted under the Canada’s resettlement program of refugees selected by the United Nations and other referral organizations;
    * An increase in funding for social assistance for newly arrived refugees by $9-million annually. - CIC News

On March 16, Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenney announced that the government of Canada is reviewing current immigration procedures to ensure that they continue to meet Canada’s economic needs. The review is likely to result in a change in the Federal Skilled Worker program, namely a change in the 38 occupations that are currently ‘open’ under this program.

In 2008, new instructions for processing Federal Skilled Worker applications were issued by the Immigration Minister with two goals in mind: to speed up application processing times and to meet Canada’s immediate economic needs.

Under those instructions, an application is eligible for processing if the applicant:

   1. Has at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience in the past 10 years in one of 38 qualifying occupations, which were been identified as the most in-demand occupations in Canada at the time; or
   2. Has been living in Canada with legal status as a Temporary Foreign Worker or an international student for at least one year; or
   3. Qualifies for Arranged Employment with a full-time permanent job offer from a Canadian employer.

According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the instructions have reduced the backlog of Federal Skilled Worker applications that were in process by almost 40 per cent.

Presently, Kenney is consulting with federal and provincial government bodies to determine whether those 38 occupations are still highly in demand and whether new occupations need to be added to the list.

“The first set of instructions has had a significant impact, but our research shows it is time to revise them to make sure they continue to meet their goals,” he said.

The consultation period is expected to last until April 16, and any changes to the program will be introduced after that date. While there is no current timetable for that announcement, Canadavisa.com and CICNews.com will report on any changes to the program as soon as they are revealed. - CIC News

A new study by three prominent Canadian economists concludes that Canada should expand its Immigrant Investor program, and highlights the positive contributions immigrant investors have made to Canada’s economy and society in the years since the program has been in effect.

Economists Roger Ware of Queens University, Pierre Fortin of the University of Quebec at Montreal, and Pierre Emmanuel Paradis of Analysis Group, which released the study, found that immigrant investors directly contribute to alleviating Canada’s demographic and economic challenges and make an annual contribution of an estimated $2-billion to the economy.

Canada welcomes around 2,500 investors and their families every year under the Federal and Quebec Immigrant Investor programs, most of whom settle in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. These investors acquire an average of $721,500 personal and business assets such as real estate and shares in Canadian businesses after they arrive. More than 80 per cent of investors also donate time and financial support to philanthropic activities in Canada.

In addition, the study emphasized that the accompanying children of immigrant investors integrate into Canadian society quite easily, and a large proportion of them complete higher education programs, which will make them part of the solution to the skills shortage that Canada is expected to face within the next decade.

As a result of the benefits investors bring to Canada, the economists argue that the Immigrant Investor program should be expanded, and that processing times should be reduced.
“Because [Immigrant Investors] still represent only 3 per cent of new immigrants to Canada, their numbers may well be raised substantially,” they state.

Even as this positive report has been circulating, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Jason Kenney has let it be known that he feels the Immigrant Investor program is too inexpensive by international comparison. Mr Kenney favours increasing both the net worth requirement of the Immigrant Investor and the amount of investment to be made in order to qualify under the program. - CIC News

A good number of qualified candidates applying to immigrate to Canada under the US Visa-Holders category of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) Strategic Recruitment Stream were told this month that their files were being closed due to the current economic climate in the province of Alberta. The affected applicants are largely professionals in the Information Technology sector. Canadian Immigration Attorney David Cohen has retained legal counsel in Alberta for the purpose of filing a Class Action lawsuit against the Alberta Immigration Minister on behalf of his clients, whose applications were unexpectedly closed by the Alberta government.

This category was introduced in 2008 to help Alberta fulfill its labour market needs with professionals who had North American work experience. Individuals temporarily working in United States in certain highly demanded occupations were encouraged to apply to immigrate to Alberta under the category.  Qualified individuals whose applications were approved would receive Nomination Certificates from the province, and submit their permanent residence applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada for fast-track processing.

Over the past two years, however, the global economic climate has changed, and the province says that employment opportunities for professionals in the Information Technology sector have decreased significantly. As a result, a large number of applicants who had been expecting nomination certificates were instead told that their files would be closed, and that only candidates who obtained valid job offers from Alberta employers within the next year could have their files reopened.

According to Cohen, “The actions of the Alberta government, vis-à-vis these applicants, were patently unfair and in my opinion, illegal. That is why I have instructed legal counsel in Alberta to file a lawsuit against the Alberta government.” - CIC News

R. Enerio Street, Pob I , Tagbilaran City
Tel. No, (038) 411-:1 154,235-5782

Ref# Fin/Admin 09-22

July 7, 2009

HON. VITO RAPAL
Mayor
Municipality of Corella

Dear Mayor Rapal :

Please find attached statement of account for the Municipalityof Corella on your excess water consumption for the second quarter of 2009 amounting PhP 233,961.14.
We also provided you the breakdown of the royalty fee due to the Municipality for the same period amounting PhP 149,029 net of tax. To support the amount of final tax remitted to BlR , herewith attached is the corresponding Creditable Tax Withheld (BIR form 2307).

Summary:

Total receivable from Corella (2005-2009/schedule2)                           -    3,098,768.39
Less: Net royalty fee payable to Corella (schedule 1)                           -   2,058,060.20

Net receivable amount from Corella as of 06.30.09                                    1,040,708.19


Should you have further clarifications, please feel free to contact the undersigned.


Very truly yours,

(signed)
ROMEO G. ROBLES
Senior Manager

cc: The Municipal Treasurer   

Governor Erico Aumentado is considering to exercise his veto power over the hasty approval of provincial measures repealing the already-approved provincial ordinances that lay the groundwork for re-engineering plan, according to the governor's trusted aide.

When this happens, it would be an uphill battle for the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to secure three-fourths votes to overturn the governor's disapproval considering that it is now politically divided, said Capitol employees affected by the re-engineering program.

The SP passed two Ordinances and three Resolutions initiated by BM Alfonso Damalerio II during the March 30, 2010 session presided over by Board Member Amalia R. Tirol.

These measures are Provincial Ordinance No. 2010-010 "reconsidering the approval of Provincial Ordinance No. 2010-007 and therefore consider the same as not passed," Damalaerio said. He also initiated the passage of P. O. No. 2010-011, "reconsidering the approval of Provincial Ordinance No. 2010-008 and therefore consider the same as not passed"

He also introduced Resolution No. 2010- 116 "rescinding" the previous approval of P. O. No. 2010-007; P. O. No. 2010-008; and Resolution No. 2010-083.
         

Damalerio alleged that Ordinance No. 2010-007 creating the Provincial Internal Auditor's Office and Ordinance 2010-008, upgrading the Human Resource Management office into a department, "contained provisions that practically approved the reengineering program without the benefit of our lengthy discussions, without our knowledge, without our intelligent appreciation and contrary to the collective decision not to proceed with the reengineering program."

Romeo Teruel, officer-in-charge of the Human Resource Management Development Office of the Capitol reportedly said where was he (Damalerio) when for so many times when the reengineering has been presented to the body and exhaustively discussed by the SP members.

Some employees also said that why he did not object when those Ordinances (2010-007; 2010-008; and others) were passed in the first place so that if there were lapses like substance or form may be ironed out.

The Damalerio-initiated move of rescinding the Ordinances has angered some of the employees who may be recipients of re-engineering while others appeared happy because they don't want the reengineering at this time for fear of losing their jobs at the Capitol.

But the governor assured them (employees) that no one will be dislodged from their respective present positions when re-engineering program takes place because they still can avail of the positions they're qualified or may avail of the package for good. - bohol chronicle

The T-Mobile Dance
Dancing at Liverpool Street Station for T-Mobile Ad

Batuan incumbent Mayor Gregoria "Goring" Pepito died at a hospital in Cebu City. She was 72 years old.
         
The late lady mayor was supposed to be in the campaign trail as she was gunning for another term to further serve her people.

As of press time, the party under which the late mayor was chair has to proclaim soon as to who will fill up her bid.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Jojie Leyson assumes office as mayor of the town.

Remains of the late mayor will be brought back to Cebu tomorrow for the interment at a cemetery in Mandaue City. - bohol chronicle

The Next Mozart? 6-Year Old Piano Prodigy Wows All
Emily Bear: Piano Genius - Next Mozart

DQ cases filed vs 'Arroyo' party-list groups
Questionable Party-list Groups in the Philippines

Gibo protests lack of support from PGMA: sources
Gibo Teodoro Not Supported by Arroyo?

Villar dares Aquino to bare state of mental health
Did Noynoy Aquino Really Consult with Psychiatrist?

Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather-BRACE YOURSELF FOR THE MAIN EVENT
Best of Manny Pacquiao: Next Victim is Mayweather?

Despite billions of funding from the government: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/187482/despite-billions-from-govt-maguindanao-among-poorest

More at http://www.gmanews.tv/story/187319/as-maguindanaos-poor-get-poorer-ampatuans-get-richer

Filthy rich in a dirty, poor Maguindanao: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/187283/stupendously-rich-ampatuans-in-dirt-poor-maguindanao

An explosive device thrown over the fence of the U.S. consulate in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, damaged windows but caused no injuries, the office said Saturday.

The explosion occurred late Friday and authorities are investigating, a statement from the consulate said.

No other details about the blast were provided.

The agency will be closed Monday and "will reopen when we are confident that we have adequate security to keep our visitors safe," the statement said.

The incident comes less than a month after three people connected to the U.S. consulate in Ciudad Juarez were shot to death. - cnn

Experts say the deaths of senior military chiefs in Saturday's plane crash could have more serious implications for Poland than the loss of the country's president.

President Lech Kaczynski was killed Saturday when a plane carrying senior Polish officials on their way to a memorial service in Russia crashed at an airport in Smolensk..

Ninety-seven people were killed including the president's wife, the deputy parliament speaker, the deputy foreign minister and the head of the National Bank of Poland.

"The entire top military brass, including the chief of defense and all the services, were on the plane," said Tomas Valasek, of the Center for European Reform. "If that is true, then you're looking at a situation, in effect, of the decapitation of the military services."

Biography: Lech Kaczynski

Among the military leaders confirmed dead are Aleksander Szczyglo, head of the National Security Office, Gen. Franciszek Gagor, head of the army chief of staff and Bishop Tadeusz Ploski, an army chaplain.

They were on their way to Russia for the 70th anniversary of the massacre of Polish prisoners of war in the village of Katyn. - cnn

Actress Dixie Carter, best known for her role as Julia Sugarbaker on the TV show "Designing Women," has died, her agent said Saturday. She was 70.

No other details were provided.

Carter was drawn to roles portraying steely Southern women. One of her more recent roles included a guest appearance on the show "Desperate Housewives," for which she was nominated for an Emmy in 2007.

"This has been a terrible blow to our family," her husband, the actor Hal Holbrook, told "Entertainment Tonight." "We would appreciate everyone understanding that this is a private family tragedy." - cnn.com

Chilling video captured by a security camera shows more than a dozen armed men carrying out a shooting spree in broad daylight that left eight people dead last month in Mexico's Chihuahua state.

In the video obtained by CNN on Saturday, the men -- believed to be hit men for a drug cartel -- are seen opening fire with assault rifles into nearby vehicles and a housing complex.

A 14-year-old girl was among the eight victims of the March 15 killings in the town of Creel, according to Carlos Gonzalez, a spokesman for the state attorney general's office.

"We don't know what group these hit men are part of, but here in Chihuahua there are two warring groups: the Sinaloa Cartel and Juarez Cartel," Gonzalez said. "We're working on trying to figure out which group was responsible."

Gonzalez said there is no evidence to suggest that the victims were involved in drug activity, adding that the motive for the shootings is unclear. - cnn.com

Organs may have been removed from deceased people without their consent after a data-handling error by the NHS.

The blunder meant 800,000 people on the UK donor register may have had their wishes about the use of organs for transplant wrongly recorded.

The Sunday Telegraph reported that 45 of them have now died - and 20 families let organs of relatives be taken based on incorrectly stored information.

NHS Blood and Transplant said it was urgently investigating.

Many donors give consent for some organs to be used for transplant but not others, such as eyes.

But the details of many donors' preferences were accidentally deleted in 1999. - bbc

Manny Pacquiao/Floyd Mayweather Jr. HBO: 24/7
Pacquiao vs Mayweather: HBO 24/7

24/7 Mayweather Mosley: Floyd Mayweather Interview (HBO)
Floyd Mayweather Jr.

By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Saying that a blanket denial was not enough, presidential candidate Manuel Villar on Saturday challenged his main rival, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino of the Liberal Party, to undergo a psychiatric test and other medical examinations to gauge his sanity and fitness to become President.

To prove that he was not singling out Aquino, Villar, the standard-bearer of the Nacionalista Party, said that he, too, was willing undergo a "comprehensive physical and mental examination in order to ascertain [our] fitness to occupy the highest office of the land.”

If Aquino indeed sought the help of a psychiatrist in 1996, Villar said, it was “the right of the people to know since he is running for President. Denial should not be technical. This is a very serious matter.”

The challenge, which Villar issued in an interview on dzMM's “Punto por Punto” program, was also directed at the other presidential and vice presidential candidates.

Unlike Aquino, Villar claimed he had no qualms undergoing a battery of psychological and physical tests.

“Noynoy cannot hide behind his claim to privacy because the mental state of anyone who aspires to be President or Vice President is a matter of public concern,” Villar, adding, “There’s a far more dangerous scenario than the blind leading the blind, and that is for a mentally challenged person to lead a nation of millions.”

However, Villar, who was lagging behind Aquino in the surveys, stressed that challenging Aquino to undergo medical exams did not mean that the NP was the source of the purported psychological report on the state of Aquino's mental health.

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Television host and actress Kris Aquino, one of ABS-CBN’s major talents, is hurting from her mother studio's use of black propaganda against her brother in its news programs.

This was hinted at on Saturday by Liberal Party presidential candidate Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, who questioned ABS-CBN's handling of questionable informationâ€"a bogus psychiatric reportâ€"coming from a tainted source.

In a press conference at the Tupi municipal hall in South Cotabao, Aquino admitted that he received a text message from his sister Thursday morning but he refused to reveal its content.

When asked to verify reports that Kris had ill feelings over ABS CBN's handling of the bogus report spreading on the Internet, Aquino was evasive. "It’s probably better if you ask her, I'm not her designated spokesman."

Aquino said ABS-CBN should have at least sought to verify the report that was purportedly made by the Ateneo de Manila University’s psychiatry department and signed ostensibly by Father Carmelo Caluag before airing it since it acquired the report from a secondary source.

"It would have been a non-story from the start if they only checked it out from the beginning," said Aquino.

ABS CBN claimed that they got the information from two separate NP sources two weeks before airing the news. NP has denied being the source of the story and is challenging ABS-CBN to reveal its sources.

Aquino also railed at the people behind the Internet hoax for dragging his mother, the late President Corazon Aquino, in their black propaganda.

BBC News - Polish President Lech Kaczynski dies in plane crash

President Lech Kaczynski and scores of other senior Polish figures have been killed in a plane crash in Russia.

Polish and Russian officials said no-one survived after the plane apparently hit trees as it approached Smolensk airport in thick fog.

Russian media reports said the pilots ignored advice from air traffic control to divert to another airport.

Poland's army chief, central bank governor, MPs and leading historians were among more than 80 passengers.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the crash was the most tragic event of the country's post-World War II history.

The Polish delegation was flying in from Warsaw to mark the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre of thousands of Poles by Soviet forces during WWII. - bbc

Sinulat Ni Stephanie Viovicente-Berganio

Cagayan de Oro - DUHA ka managlahing kaso sa pagpanglugos ang natigayon ning siyudad sa Cagayan de Oro sa nilabay ang Semana Santa.

Unang biktima mao ang tres anyos nga si Jane (tinuod nga ngalan gipugngan), mulopyo sa Lapasan ning siyudad.

Nadiskubre ang pangpanglugos niadtong Sabado human hugot ang gihimong reklamo sa 3 anyos nga bata sa kasakit sa kinatawo niini. Nsayran nga petsa 1 pa sa Abril natigayong ang pagpanglugos.

Gipacheck-up sa inahan si Jane ug giingong positibong nahilabtan ang biktima hinungdan nga nagpatabang sa kapolisan sa Police Station 3 (PS3) sa Agora ang inahan ni Jane.

Gitumbok nga suspetsado ang silingan nga mao si Rey Valenzuela kinsa gawasnon ning panahona.

Gihikay na sa sakop sa Womens and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) sa PS3 ang kasong pagpanglugos batok sa suspetsado human desidido ang inahan sa biktima nga pasakaan kini og kaso.

Samtang niadtong Huwebes mga alas 3:40 sa hapon, nilanding sa Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) ang 13 anyos nga si Mari (tinuod nga ngalan gipugngan), nagpuyo sa Phase 2, Bugo ning siyudad sa Cagayan de Oro

Bun-og sa kalawasan ang naangkon ni Mari gikan sa iyang kaugalingon nga inahan human wala nagtuo sa nahitabong pagpanglugos niini.

Gitumbok nga suspetsado ang ama-ama niini, apan ang inahan ni Mari dili makatuo sa gihimo sa iyang bana-bana hinungdan nga giayo og sukmag si Mari.

Gisaysay ni Mari ang nahitabong pagpanglugos kaniya sa iyang ama-ama pipila na ka higayon ug nag-edad pa lamang kini og syete anyos.

Padayon nga gikonsumo ang biktima hangtod nag-edad na kini og 13 anyos ug ning uwahi niadtong Abril 1.

Gitug-an sa biktima ang nahitabo kaniya sa iyang usa ka higala hinungdan nga gitabangan kini pagtaho ngadto sa mismong uyoan.

Daw dili makatuo ang uyoan sa gihimo sa ama-ama niini hinungdan nga gikonpronta ang inahan ni Mari.

Apan ang inahan hinuon nasuko ug giayo og kulata ang biktima hinungdan sa pagkabun-og ug nilanding sa NMMC.

Nagpatabang sa kapolisan sa Police Station 6 sa Puerto ang biktima uban sa uyoan aron tukmang mapasakaan og kaso ang suspetsado uban sa inahan niini.

Gipatik sa mantalaang SuperBalita Cagayan de Oro Abril 5, 2010. - Sun Star Cagayan de Oro

BBC News - Thailand troops advance in bid to clear protest camps
Protests in Bangkok

Commitment, credentials and consistency.

These are the three “Cs” that Councilor Oscar Glovasa is relying on to propel his bid for a House seat in the first congressional district.

Glovasa, the official candidate of the Nationalist People’s Coalition and Team Dan Lim, said these three give him a head start over his rivals in the May 10 polls.

He said his commitment has been proven by his advocacy of the benefits of senior citizens in Tagbilaran City under the leadership of Mayor Dan Lim.

The mayor has acknowledged Glovasa’s role in the implementation of senior citizens’ benefits such as the cash gift and cake during birthdays, free movies, free medicines and other health services.

As chairman of the committee on appropriations, Glovasa has repeatedly stood up to defend the budget which has been opposed by the minority bloc who do not want the programs to be implemented for fear that it is good politics for the Lim administration.

This same commitment prompted Glovasa’s peers in the majority bloc to draft him for congressman out of their desire to share the program to constituents in all 14 towns of the first district.

Aside from the program for senior citizens, Glovasa said he will use his pork barrel funds for other service programs implemented in the city such as the free school uniforms and school supplies for public school pupils and students.

Glovasa is also the most prepared candidate as far as his credentials are concerned. As topnotcher in the 1969 bar exams, Glovasa made history when he became the first graduate of a non-Manila law school to accomplish the feat.

Instead of enriching himself in any of the lucrative offers in Metro Manila, however, Glovasa chose to serve as provincial attorney in Bohol .

He is the only lawyer among the candidates in the first district.

Glovasa has also been consistent in his advocacies for good government.

“I led the fight for the right of the province to own the public utilities which were later sold and privatized,” he recalled. Glovasa noted that he has never left Tagbilaran and the first district, in mild reference to a rival whose candidacy in the third district in the last election was protested.

The protest was only dismissed when the candidate insisted that he is a bona fide voter of the third district.

Asked to reveal what was the fourth C, Glovasa said that is “a given”.

“We all know Him because we worship Him, Jesus Christ,” he added. - the bohol standard

SIERRA BULLONES - Municipal Mayor Simplicio “Dodie” C. Maestrado, Jr. will step down from his post on June 30, 2010 completing his nine-year tour of duty leaving behind a legacy of a massive development never seen before by the inhabitants of this inland municipality.

When he assumed office in 2001 he lost no time to implement his development agenda. Foremost of his priorities was the opening of farm to market roads including the repair and maintenance of dilapidated barangay roads obviously a very important factor to generate economic abundance.

This project encouraged the farmers to till additional lots convinced that transporting of farm products towards markets and different commercial centers become easy and comfortable.

The once sleepy barangay Nan-od metamorphosed into a progressive hinterland community as the three giant tractors owned by the LGU took turns in plowing and harrowing the vast expanse of grazing lands and planted to a hybrid variety of corn. More than 300 hectares of corn land made life better for the residents.

Also, the long stretch of prairie at far-flung barangay Canta-ub will be cultivated and someday can experience the same transformation.

The opening of high school classes at barangay Dusita somehow relieved the financial worries among parents in the forest zone. Sending their children to study at downtown Poblacion incurs heavy expenses.

Barely eight months ago another secondary classes were offered at barangay Bugsoc thereby decongesting the bulk of students overcrowding at the Sierra-Bullones Technical-Vocational High School campus. The problem of unemployment is partially addressed as new teachers in the municipality are hired.

The nagging problem of water supply was settled with the complete overhaul of the waterworks system. Old and leakage water pipes posing danger to contamination were pulled out and replaced with new ones. Now, there is a steady flow of “liquid life” from its strong source at sitio Canlusong, Bugsoc towards homes, offices and business establishments. Quality service is achieved and a corresponding hike of revenue for the municipal coffer. His partnership with former congressman Eladio “Boy” Jala was indeed a blessing. Various projects ranging from school buildings, barangay halls, multi-purpose stages, basketball hard courts, health centers, pre-school buildings, bridges, solar dryers and many more mushroomed in the 22 barangays with funding sourced-out from the pork barrel of then third district solon. This is the primary reason why Sierra Bullones extended all-out support to the candidacy of Adam Jala in the 2007 elections fueling his ascendancy to the lofty halls of congress.

His relentless effort to increase production of rice was rewarded with the release of millions of pesos from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and from the Bureau of Soil and Water Management (BSWM) for the installation of dams and irrigation canals in the five barangays of Abachanan,Danicop, Lataban,Villa-Garcia and Santa Cruz. Around 400 hectares of rice lands are benefited. The same government agencies also funded the construction of45 small farm reservoirs with the work undertaken by the personnel of Bohol Agricultural Promotions Center.

Thru the intervention of Congressman Adam Jala the Department of Agriculture released 36,000.00 bags of fertilizer distributed free to farmers for the past four planting seasons. Land tillers here have already adopted the latest organic farming technology.

The modern municipal hall project is now in its finishing touches. The grand edifice sporting a unique architectural design has a whopping outlay of 28.5 million pesos. This includes 6 million pesos from former representative Boy Jala, 600,000 pesos from Governor Erico B. Aumentado and 500,000 from Senator Migs Zubiri.

Speaking before employees and visitors during the LGU Christmas Program held on December 23 last year, the boyish-looking town executive told the crowd that from 2001 to the early part of 2007 the towns classification leapfrogged from fifth class to the third class. Based on Internal Revenue Allocation (IRA) and the present income Sierra Bullones qualifies for second class status.

The out-going mayor ended his message saying “the progress we attained now is the prize of our unity and collective endeavors; this is the best gift we can offer to our constituents, to our families and children and for the future generation”. (By LANDO APARECE)

ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?
WITNESS: No .
ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
ATTORNEY: I see, but could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law.

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The whole island of Siargao, the country’s top surfing destination, has experienced total blackout for more than a week now after its underwater cable was reportedly damaged, Siargao Island Electric Cooperative (SIARELCO) general manager Sergio Dagooc said.

He claimed the underwater cable near Barangay Doña Helen in the island town of Socorro was discovered to have been damaged last April 1.

Dagooc, however, said local divers from Davao have already been dispatched by SIARELCO in the area to conduct inspection of how extensive the damaged is and immediately assess how the 9.32-kilometer long underwater cables will be repaired.

He estimated it may take weeks or months before power returns to normal in Siargao Island which is one of the top foreign tourists and surfers' destination in Mindanao if not in the country and the only one in Caraga Region.

The island has already been the second home of many foreign tourists.

Dagooc said the more than one week total blackout the island has experienced is separate from the scheduled five to seven hours daily brownouts the whole Mindanao is now experiencing.

Meanwhile, the regional office of the Commission on Elections in Caraga Region is worried that whole Siargao Island blackout may reach up to election day on May 10 or beyond that may affect the peaceful and credible conduct of local and national elections unless remedies are installed.

Comelec officials of the eight municipalities of Siargao Island suggested the installation of power generating sets in its total 140 polling precints scattered all over 112 barangays of the eight towns of the island.

Siargao Island towns are Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen General Luna, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Sta. Monica and Socorro. Siargao Island has a total 76,035 registered voters. (PNA)
LAP/Ben Serrano/mec

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Liberal Party candidate Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has demanded an apology from ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. for erroneously reporting on his mental state based on a hoax psychiatric report spreading on the Internet.

“I will write a letter asking them to explain the report and issue a public apology,” said Aquino in an interview shortly after his arrival at the Davao City International Airport at 3 p.m. Friday.

ABS-CBN News aired a news report claiming that Aquino had suffered from depression when he was 36 years old based on a document printed on a letterhead of the Ateneo de Manila University Psychology Department and signed by Fr. Tito Caluag S.J.

Both the Ateneo and Caluag had declared the document as bogus.

Aquino questioned why ABS-CBN aired the erroneous report without first verifying the document with the school or the signatory.

Need for attribution

“You need to have attribution. There has to be somebody responsible for what is being said. Once you start quoting...and the people who are supposed to stand by their pronouncements cannot be found...we are in a serious problem and dilemma here. Every bit of gossip becomes front page news. [How] do we advance any of the national agenda when we rely on mere gossip to fuel all their discussions?” Aquino said.

He said his letter of complaint could wait until after the elections because he was concerned about more pressing national issues which include: The Commission on Elections’ ability to mount a fair and orderly automated elections and prevent a failure of elections; the President’s plan to name a new Chief Justice and Sandiganbayan Justice despite the ban on midnight appointments; the chronic brownouts especially in Mindanao; and the restiveness of the military.

Aquino scoffed at the suggestion of ABS-CBN News senior executive Tina Monzon Palma that he undergo a psychiatric test to debunk doubts about his mental health.

The Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that Ang Ladlad can take part in the May 10 elections, but a Catholic Church official believes that the party-list group professing to represent what it calls the “gays, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)” sector should not be allowed to enter Congress, and said he would discourage people from voting for it.

Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez, chair of the committee on public affairs of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said the Catholic Church disagreed with the Supreme Court ruling.

He added that accrediting Ang Ladlad as a party-list group would encourage an “abnormality.”

“We recognize them, respect them, but their situation is an abnormality. Allowing them to have a chance to take a seat in Congress is approving and encouraging an abnormality which is unnatural,” Iniguez told reporters. - inquirer.net

By Jocelyn R. Uy
Philippine Daily Inquirer

ESCALANTE CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENtal, Philippinesâ€"It seems not all the Yaps are in Noynoy’s court.

Early this week, Baby James Yap uttered “Villar” during a Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III rally, sparking talk that the toddler, who’s turning 3 years old this month, is “Sen. Manny Villar’s secret endorser.”

On Friday, the uncle of basketball star James Yap, Escalante Mayor Melencio Yap told reporters that he was sticking it out with Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. “win or lose ... with or without funds.”

Teodoro had flown here from San Carlos by helicopter for a mini-rally at the Central Elementary School, during his two-day campaign swing in Negros Occidental, which has about a million voters.

Mayor Yap and other local leaders joined Teodoro and the ruling coalition’s vice presidential bet Edu Manzano, as well as senatorial candidates including former broadcaster Rey Langit and lawyer Silvestre Bello III on stage to fire up the crowd of at least 2,000 people to support their candidacies.

According to Yap, his nephew James, husband of actress-TV host Kris Aquino, has not tried to talk him into switching support for Noynoy Aquino. - inquirer.net

Oil hit a fresh 18-month peak this week on mounting optimism about a US-led global economic recovery, while safe-haven gold sparkled amid heightened concerns about the Greek debt crisis.

"Oil prices are consolidating in their new trading range, having risen to their highest level in a year and a half,'' said Barclays Capital analysts in a research note.

Global financial markets were rattled once again by stubborn worries that Greece will not be able to resolve its debt and public deficit problems without outside help.

The mood calmed somewhat after European Central Bank head Jean-Claude Trichet insisted Athens was not near default on its debt _ but the issue shows no sign of being settled.

Crude oil briefly punched above 87 dollars on Tuesday, as the market found support from a recent batch of encouraging economic news in the United States, which is the world's largest energy consumer.

New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in May, jumped to 87.09 dollars _ the highest level since October 9, 2008.

"People are getting more optimistic'' about the demand prospects for the US, said Ellis Eckland, an independent analyst.

"It looks like the shopping activity is picking up, even the job market is picking up a little bit _ that's very bullish for oil.''

Stronger-than-expected housing and service-sector data followed improving employment figures on Friday, pushing up expectations of higher energy demand. - PNA

Meat Sauce for Pasta

You can make multiple pasta dinners with this delicious sauce.
Freeze a batch of this chunky sauce for any occasion. It easily defrosts, and is
ready for a hearty meal in no time.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
You Will Need
2 pounds bulk Italian sausage or ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cans (4 ounces each) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
2 teaspoons garlic salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon each dried basil, chili powder and pepper
2 bay leaves
Hot cooked pasta
What to Do
1. In a Dutch oven, cook meat and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add
the tomato sauce, tomatoes, mushrooms, parsley and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat;
cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Uncover; simmer 15 minutes longer or until sauce reaches desired consistency. Discard bay
leaves. Freeze in meal-size portions.
To use frozen meat sauce: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Place in a saucepan; heat through.Serve over pasta.
Serves 14

Information on the correlation of population, health and environment (PHE) in its naked essence gets exposed at a forum to be held at the Governor’s Mansion Thursday.

The forum, billed as Puso, Puson, Pananampalataya at Pulitika gathers key resource persons to present reproductive health (RH) issues and how its multi-facets affect the Filipino society, says NGO representative and convenor Emilia Roslinda.

The forum brings to one place RH advocates (puso), politicians (Pulitika), church authorities people and common people including those who profess the faith and those who swear in good conscience, but are about to make crucial informed decisions.

It also becomes relevant at this time when we are choosing national and local candidates whom we could bank on in bringing voices to the larger legislative plenum especially in our beliefs in issues affecting us, Roslinda added.

The forum also hopes to enlighten people who have chosen to hide the issue in a closet and have remained mum about it.

The gathering also comes sniffing at the heels of vehement rejection from clergies and some non-government organizations on the government policy now slowly stirring talks among the masses.

This too as an international group calling themselves Catholics for Choice (C-F-C) recently offered their support and encouraged Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral on her condom distribution efforts.

Through their president Jon O’ Brien, CFC remarked that Cabral’s efforts will undoubtedly save lives as we confront the HIV and AIDS epidemic.

He added that Cabral’s stance on the effectiveness of condom and her willingness to debate the bishops is not only making news internationally, but is also highlighting the church’s inappropriate interference on matters of public policy.

O’ Brien describes Cabral’s willingness to remind people on the importance of condoms to protect their health and to save lives as a gesture of genuine concern. (PIA-Bohol)

Stricter measure to weed out errant “tour guides” is the Provincial Tourism Council’s (PTC) latest answer to the call to streamline the tourism sector in line with the soon to be implemented new tourism act.

The council pushed for a “moratorium” of sorts on Department of Tourism (DOT) accredited guides to run tours even if he still has to reactivate an expired accreditation or local license.

During a special meeting held at the Bohol Tourism Office Tuesday, PTC co-chairman Atty Lucas Nunag agreed that the current situation in Bohol calls for a just leeway for tour guides with expired accreditations or unprocessed licenses to work on them in a span of time determined by the council.

By this, the council would be issuing temporary identification cards to tour guides in these status to allow them free access to destinations and get the perks of the job, explains Nonette Bolo, president of the Bohol Federrations of Tours and Travel Operators (BOFETTO).

A DOT or PTC identification card allows the bearer tour guide free meals and entrance fees when accessing destinations, the representatives during the meeting said. 

Without the cards to identify the guide, he would have to pay for his entrances, meals and would be presented as an escort and not a guide, Bolo, who also operates Dagohoy Travel said.

I guess the move is fair enough, Atty Nunag who runs hip Amarela Resort in Panglao island said on the other hand.

“It is high time for the council to implement meaures to assure that tourists are not short-changed,” said Nerissa Caong, a member of the Kahugpungan sa mga Bol-anong Tour Guides (KABOG) said.

Tour guides from both Bohol Island Tour Guides Association of the Philippines (BITGAP) and KABOG validated the complaints filed to the council about persons running tours as illegal guides.

Many stakeholders also  see the move as pro-active since Bohol has become a by-word in tourism and assuring that tour guides running tours are professionally trained and passed the minimum requirement by the DOT is a win-win situation, Chito Vaño of KABOG who was a DOT Kalakbay nominee added.

Still beset with the perennial problem of lack of competent tour guides especially during peak months, the moratorium is hoped to finally settle the controversy as to who would be deemed legal tour guides in Bohol. (PIA-Bohol)

Problem on Pinoy sexuality, not with the RH bill- priest

“THE problem is not with reproductive health bill but with our sexuality.”

Thus says Fr. Precy Bacani, a priest member of the religious group of the Missionaries for Jesus.

Presenting a rare angle at how a man of the cloth sees the issue on reproductive health, Fr. Bacani, awed the crowd of mostly conservative Boholanos with a more progressive viewing of the issue that is still considered by many as taboo here.

Fr. Bacani, one of the speakers on the aspect of faith in the issue on reproductive health stirred the crowd over the role of culture in one’s value system.

He also went on to agree with other speakers who presented different angles while elaborating on the topic and homed in on the real absence of a clear government population control policy as a problem that would bind people to poverty. 

Discussing an often-overlooked angle of theology in the light of human experience, Fr. Bacani awed the attendees of the “Puso, Puson, Politika at Pananampalataya: a forum on sexuality, reproductive health, politics and religion at the People’s Mansion Thursday afternoon.

With a progressive rereading of the encyclicals upon which the Catholic Church anchors its absolute stand against artificial birth control methods, Fr. Bacani poked on the social context molding the Filipino psyche as that which bars people from considering inner self and not actualizing the full meaning of sexuality.

In a paternal society reinforced by stereotypes of women as subjects and commodities, there is a belief that women just accept decisions imposed upon them, Bacani explained.

On matters of sexuality, which he defined as enjoying the fullness of life, the question as to whether an outside force or ones personal conscience prevails would seemingly be difficult, he summed.

The forum, organized by the Institute for International Education-Leadership Development program for Mobilizing for Reproductive Health Action Information Network with Catholics for Repreductive Health, is aimed at helping catholics make an informed decision in choosing leaders open to supporting a clear-cut population control policy, revealed Emilia Roslinda, forum convenor.

Aside from Bacani, speakers during the forum includes Rene Penales (MAKAMASA president), UP Economics Professor Ernesto Pernia and trustee of the forum for Family Planning and Development and Board member Cesar Tomas Lopez of the SP Committee on Health. (PIA-Bohol)

Adopted Boholano and Korean ambassador to the Philippines now bows out after rendering exemplary diplomatic service to the country but waves a presidential citation handed by no less than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo early this week as he leaves.

South Korean Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Choi Joong-Kyung, also the brains behind the multi-industry-cluster (MIC) set for implementation in northeastern Bohol gets the Order of Sikatuna and a presidential citation as he is set to rise as Senior Economic Adviser to the Korean President.

The Order of Sikatuna is conferred upon diplomats, officials, and foreign nationals who have rendered significant services in fostering, developing, and strengthening relations between their country and the Philippines, reports revealed.

The Silver Distinction, Order of Datu Sikatuna award to Choi was in recognition of his significant and outstanding contribution to the enhancement of Philippine and South Korean relations especially on the advancement of bilateral relations between the two countries as highlighted by the successful state visit of President Arroyo to Korea.

Choi was also credited for the establishment of multi-industry clusters for agricultural development in six provinces in the Philippines; one of which is set in northeastern Bohol.

In his watch, there was noted increase in Korean investments and official development assistance to the Philippines, a more aggressive promotion of cultural and people-to-people ties through the year-long commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Philippine and Korea diplomatic relations.

In his term also, he implemented the Korean government’s immediate calamity assistance and humanitarian relief during back-to-back typhoons, which devastated the Philippines last year.

It may be recalled that Ambassador Choi was also conferred by Governor Erico Aumentado the singular title of “adopted son of Bohol” â€" the first ambassador to become a year ago.

The adoption came as Bohol recognized Choi’s help to Bohol to advance its marine and upland agriculture through the environment-friendly use of natural resources.

Moreover, his brainchild MIC concept has become Korea’s template for its assistance.

MIC lumps several related industries into one contiguous region, to facilitate operation support, cut on costs for transport and travel and maximize resources.

MIC has frontloaded the local implementation of the establishment of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Talibon town.

The SEZ includes an algae research center, a bio-ethanol extraction facility to generate biomass power from algae and organic fertilizer.

Another MIC also includes puts up an upgrade of the Malinao Dam and the establishment of a modern rice processing complex (RPC), both in Pilar town. (PIA-Bohol)

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”For too long, the economics profession has minimized the critical role of cooperation in economic activity. Emphasis on the individual has risen above all else and overshadowed the profound ways we depend on each other. You may have heard a successful businessperson boast, ‘I did it all myself.’ I want to interrupt at that point. Every successful business requires the cooperative effort of many peopleâ€"the banker who believes in the business plan, the customer who trusts the product, the employee who devotes precious time to the business and its owners.” - by Anna Bernasek

“With the downturn in the economy, the elimination of jobs, and the increased desire for work-life balance, people are looking for more stability, greater fulfillment, and increased satisfaction from work. Unfortunately, most people are still operating with an old set of career rules that no longer apply to today’s employment reality.

Now is the time to take control of your career destiny so you can enjoy greater work-life balance, security fulfillment and satisfaction. The secret lies in understanding the new employment reality and rewriting the rules of what a career can be.”  - by Paula Caligiuri, Ph.D.

The political saga of former governor  is put to the test again these days after he become the object of verbal attacks from his detractors.

Likened it to a  fruit-bearing mango tree which is the subject of stoning by envious neighbors.

Such is the story of the former governor who lorded over once upon a time the corridors of power in the Capitol.

Trying to make a political comeback via the first district congressional route, Relampagos is under siege after he clinched a deal with the ruling party  in a coalition agreement with his Laban ng Demokratiking Pilipino. He is the official LDP-Lakas congressional hopeful of the first district.
Although still young at 46, he is already a veteran of many political skirmishes that parrying blows from opponents became part of the territory.
And this is where his mantra, you cannot put a good man down, comes in.


Vowing not to run away from a good fight, Relampagos is banking on his experience as member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, two-time vice governor and two-term governor in seeking the congressional post.

      During his time as Governor, Bohol saw a dramatic improvement  in agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, health, education, peace and order, among others.

      It was also during his stint in public service that awards and recognitions came in one after another for the province of Bohol from different sectors of  society.

      When he was the governor, he created a master plan for the development of Bohol EcoTourism Agro-Industrial Development. "But the game was not over yet, we want Bohol to become the prime eco-cultural-tourism-agro-industrial destination in the country today, with the balanced agro-industrialization and high regard for the care of environment, and based on that vision, we get the strategies for attaining the development of Bohol", the congressional bet said. 

      A loving husband to his very caring and devoted wife Imelda, and children Kristine Nicole, Kristine Louise and Juan Marcelo, Relampagos is now  ready to start another chapter of his political career in public service. (EAM) - Sunday Post

Che Toribio rides high in Carmen mayoralty

"When the going gets tough, the tough gets going" is a familiar saying that best described the foray of Che Toribio in the Carmen mayoralty derby.

With the elections drawing near, the Carmen electorate especially the discerning ones have come to realize that the woman they associate with a steely resolve is after all a gentle creature with a soft spot in her heart for the poor people.

To those who do not know Conchita Che Toribio up close and personal, may just dismiss her as one candidate people love to hate.

But deep inside, she is known to be well-loved by the Carmen people especially those whom she has touched their lives.

  It is therefore no surprise if one tries to ask the persona of Toribio in Carmen and the usual repartee is that she’s the talk of the town because she’s the kind who is easy to go with.

  As she stakes her refutation as the next mayor of Carmen, the local electorate sees in her the hope of the Carmen folk.

  Whether the problem is  to send children to school, care for a sick relative, concern for the homeless and unemployed, all this make Toribio the one to turn to in times of need.

  In a recent interview, Toribio said "my heart bleeds for my kababayans in Carmen nga lisud kaayo ang mga kahimtang sa kinabuhi ug pagpanginabuhi".

  The woman whose heart bleeds for the poor has also her own vision for the town.

   As center of Bohol tourism, if elected, she wants   her town to remain as world class tourist destination. Along with eco-tourism, she also wants Carmen to become and agro-industrial town by utilizing resources from the LGU to provide proper training and assistance to the people.   

  Also part of her executive agenda was to enhance the talents, skills and ability of Carmenanons, creating public awareness, accountability and transparency in government business transactions from the municipal down to the barangay level.

  Her message to the people of Carmen-" Let's keep that burning desire to serve the public, I don't see any reason why Carmen will not soar higher than what we expected, aim high and make Carmen a better place to live in. Let's create a lasting legacy for the next generation of leaders in our land." (EAM) - Sunday Post

A 19-year-old girl in Maribojoc town was able to escape the clutches of a man believed to be the suspect wanted for the rape-murder of a child in neighboring Antequera town.           

SPO2 Teodoro Araiz of the Maribojoc PNP told Station DyTR that the victim was taking a bath about 6 am on Good Friday near the water tank behind their house when the suspect suddenly arrived.           

Since the girl was small, the suspect was able to carry her towards a grass portion away from the house.           

When she saw an opening, however, the girl immediately made a dash for freedom away from the suspect.           

The suspect was able to get hold of the victim’s dress but the girl continued to wrestle free.           

When the portion of her dress which the suspect gripped was ripped off, the girl continued running until she reached the residence of one Erlinda Anaviso of the same barangay.           

Araiz said that the victim revealed that the suspect who attempted to rape her looked like the pictures of wanted rapist Emilio Panillon.           

Panillon is being hunted by authorities in connection with the rape and killing of a 7-year-old girl in Barangay Bantolinao, Antequera.           

Pictures of Panillon have been distributed in different towns of the province urging people to report any sightings of him.           

Panillon’s freedom has sowed terror among residents in many places for fear that he will strike again.           

After the rape attempt, the 19-year-old girl was brought to a hospital in Maribojoc for treatment to bruises she sustained in her dash for freedom and for medical check-up.           

The suspect again made good his escape when responding policemen arrived at the scene.           

Authorities have appealed to residents not only to report sightings of the suspect but also to refrain from spreading rumors that would heighten fear among residents.           

The suspect’s ability to break through the police dragnet has fanned stories that he possesses an amulet that helps him escape pursuing policemen.  - Sunday Post

By Daxim Lucas
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Manuel V. Pangilinan on Saturday quit as chairman of the board of the Ateneo de Manila University after it was revealed that sections of the speech he made during the school's graduation rites last week were from speeches made by TV personality Oprah Winfrey and author J.K. Rowling in past years.

In a letter to Ateneo president Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, S.J.-- the contents of which were posted late Saturday night -- the businessman said he was informed that his graduation remarks delivered last March 26 and 27 had been borrowed from certain other graduation speeches.

``With much regret, Fr. Ben, I would wish to retire from my official duties at the Ateneo,'' said Pangilinan, who was elected to chair Ateneo's board of trustees from 2008 to 2011.

In particular, at least two sections of his remarks were near duplicates of lines from the commencement address of Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling at Harvard University in June 2008. The speech, entitled ``The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination,’’ is copyrighted to Rowling.

In his graduation speech before the Schools of Humanities and Social Sciences, Pangilinan also said: ``But having a lot of money does not totally make you a successful person. What you want is both money and meaning. You want your life and your career to be meaningful. Because meaning is what brings real richness to your life, to be surrounded by people you can truly work with-because you trust and treasure them, and they cherish you in return. That’s when you’re really rich, that’s when you really succeed.’’

The paragraph closely resembled remarks made by US talk show host Oprah Winfrey in her June 2008 commencement address at Stanford University, where she said: ``But having a lot of money does not automatically make you a successful person. What you want is money and meaning. You want your work to be meaningful. Because meaning is what brings the real richness to your life. What you really want is to be surrounded by people you trust and treasure and by people who cherish you. That's when you're really rich.’’

Even Pangilinan’s opening joke about having lost weight while preparing the speech echoed a similar joke made by Rowling in her Harvard remarks.

In his letter to Fr. Nebres, Pangilinan apologized to the Ateneo president, the university and the 2010 graduating class.

``I have had some help in drafting my remarks, but I take full responsibility for them,’’ he said, without specifying the nature of the help he received in writing the speech or the person who drafted it.

``In mitigation perhaps, the body and substance of my speech represented my own story and my thoughts. And I have labored long hours to get those speeches done,’’ Pangilinan added.

``It is my hope that their impact has not been lost on the graduates. That said, this post-fact event I am certain has devalued the words I have uttered at graduation - whether original or copied.’’

If no outpouring of rain in the coming days, the huge Malinao Irrigation Dam, located within the Wahig-Inabanga watershed area in this hinterland municipality, would be in critical condition of containing less water supply. 

This condition alarmed farmers here. Reports reaching the FREEMAN bared that the farmers would be at the losing end of suffering in the next planting season due to the dam’s serious condition. 

Regional director Modesto Membreve confirmed in news report that farmers will be at the disadvantage when the dam continues to recedes.   

Reports said that the water level of the dam, which serves some 4,700 hectares, is already below normal as can be gleaned from the actual situation.   

The dam showed cracks on its surrounding shores, leaving some portions without water, contrary to what it used to be that no land could be seen during normal condition or if filled with water. 

Membreve, the report said, appeared to be downplaying the condition of other big dams ---- Bayongan Dam in San Miguel town and Capayas Dam in Ubay town. He was quoted as saying that these dams “are not severely affected the dry spell” But he admitted that the water level of these dams are diminishing.   

Bayongan Dam, which is said to be bigger than Malinao Dam is serving some 4,100 hectares of rice paddies and Capayas Dam, about 1,100 hectares. 

In a bid to arrest this scenario, Gov. Erico Aumentado and the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council he chairs passed recently a Resolution for cloud seeding in these areas for possible rain. (RVO) - Sunday Post

Bohol Provincial Office based at Camp Francisco Dagohoy in this city has offered cash incentive that would lead to the arrest of an alleged rapist-murderer even as his manhunt continues. 

But Camp Dagohoy led by Col. Anthony Obenza, who reportedly announce the reward, did not divulge how much the bounty will be. 

Police said that Emelio Panillon of Antequera town, about 18 kms from this capital city, has been elusive for past weeks. He is the suspect of raping and killing a 7-year old girl of said town. 

Police believe that Panillon has been hiding or hopping from place to another that made him tough to pin down, victimizing young ones. His rape with homicide case is docketed as No. VII-02-INV-10C-0106 at the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice. 

Meanwhile, Antequera town police force has been lately under fire for alleged failure to pin down Panillon. 

The town’s police chief was reportedly begging for public assistance any sighting or whereabouts of the suspect. (RVO), Sunday Post 

Sunday Post: Owner-operators of floating restaurants and river-cruising boats here cried foul over the imposition carried out by  MARINA of charges for the Maximum Load Marking Certificate based on its Circular No. 2009-20.
In their manifesto sent to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the floating resto operators led by Walter Sultan urged the former (SP) to extend help requesting Marina “to reconsider” the implementation of said Circular.

Section 4.1 of said circular, Marina said “boats shall have permanent load markings placed on each side forward, amid ships and aft to indicate the maximum freeboard as determined in accordance with section V.i. Such a load mark shall be horizontal line of at least 200 mm in length forward and aft, 300 mm amidships and 25 mm in height with its upper edge passing through the point of maximum draft. The maximum load mark shall be painted in a contrasting color to the color of the side shell paint.”
Marking load charges imposed are the following rates: under 5 gross tons, P1,000; 5 and under 10 gross tons, P1,500; 10 and under 20 gross tons, P2,000; and 20 and above, P2,500.

“If these fees are regulatory, then they are unfair, outrageous and confiscatory, especially because they are imposed per unit/banca,” the Manifesto said, adding that the business of floating restaurants are under “severe financial constraints.”

Marina imposed fees “will exacerbate, not mitigate, the burden of operators,” and this will adversely affect the fledging tourism industry in the province.
Floating restaurants cannot be compared to sea-going vessels category and therefore this “does not give justice and inspire fairness,” the Manifesto said. It added that the nature and condition of travel of floating restaurant trade is far different from other vessels but should be placed under a different category.

The said manifesto was referred to the Committee on Public Utilities of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Copies of said manifesto were also furnished to Gov. Erico Aumentado, the Department of Transportation and Communication, the Sangguniang Bayan of Loboc and to Mayor Leon Calipusan for their action.
Teresita Sumampong, owner of the Riverwatch Floating Restaurant, Rosario Balbido, Long River Floating Restaurant; Mary Jo Varquez, Monarch Floating Restaurant; Herman Palapar, San Pedro de Loboc; Juliet Avenido, Greenwater Floating Restaurant; and Walter Sultan of The Village Floating Resto signed the manifesto. (RVO)   

Sunday Post: Pilar Mayor Wilson Pajo warned Irrigation Regional Director Modesto Membreve to be careful with his accusations especially if he cannot substantiate them with facts and figures.

The town executive was reacting to statements made by Engr. Membreve about the denuded situation of Pilar mountains.

The NIA official blamed Mayor Pajo for the massive deforestation in Pilar that threatens the water level of the Malinao dam.

According to Pajo, while he was aware that a government agency  was overseeing the forested areas in the municipality, blaming him to what happened to its mountains was entirely baseless.

Mayor Pajo said a sub-station of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is stationed in barangay San Vicente and its presence is enough deterrent to the denudation of the Pilar mountains.

According To Membreve, if the balding of the Pilar mountains will go on unabated, chances are it will endanger the water level in Malinao.

This is an update of another article on Cesar Montano found here: http://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=26480.0

WITH the tragic death of a son, actor-director Cesar Montano might decide to forego his political quest for governor of Bohol.

He is set to announce his decision after his family lay to rest his son Christian Angelo Manhilot, 23, who purportedly committed suicide dawn of Friday.

He is asking for understanding and privacy for the family as they grieve the loss of his son.

Montano is the official candidate of the Liberal Party for governor here in the province of Bohol. The Manhilot family claims their roots from Baclayon town. His runningmate as vice governor is former DepEd superintendent Elpidio Jala.

“No words can describe the grief that my family and I are experiencing with this devastating news… my family and I would like to appeal to everyone to respect the privacy of my grieving family at this time,” Montano said in a statement circulated by his home network, ABS-CBN, via ANC’s Facebook page.

Montano said he was shocked upon learning of his son’s death and that he had no inkling his son would soon be gone.

“I was just with him yesterday before leaving for Bohol. Little did I know that it would be the last time I was to see him alive,” added the actor, who is seeking a gubernatorial post in Bohol.

Montano said that the initial police investigation showed that his son died from a single gunshot wound to the head. A certain Dr. Tony Leachon, whom Montano described as “a good friend and neighbor” pronounced Angelo dead on arrival at the Malvar General Hospital in Quezon City.

“We are still trying to piece together some facts pertaining to his death…Thank you very much for your understanding. May God's strength be with all of us,” said Montano. (With reports: Thea Alberto, Yahoo! Southeast Asia)

By BINGO P. DEJARESCO III

Manila - Renowned actor-director Boholano Cesar Montano (Manhilot in real life) told the Chronicle at the Arlington Memorial Chapel in Quezon City that devastated as he was, he is still pursuing his gubernatorial bid as official candidate of the Liberal Party.

As of this writing, many were still in limbo whether the distraught father of son Christian Angelo (23 years old) who met an untimely death Friday dawn in their Royale Tivoli abode in Yakal Street in Quezon City, would press his gubernatorial bid.

Except for immediate family relatives, Buboy as Cesar is commonly known refused to communicate Friday, apparently at a loss for words to cope with the tragedy.

Cesar Montano was with his wife Sunshine Cruz and Angelo's elder sister Angela in Bohol in preparation for the local election campaign which started Friday. They took the first flight out of Bohol Friday to be at the side of their fallen son and brother.

Angela and Angelo (angels names both) are the two children of Cesar with his first wife Marilyn Polinga who died of brain tumor in 1993.

Cesar has three daughters with actress-singer Sunshine: Angeline Isabelle, Samantha Angeline and Angel Francisca, betraying the parents' strong belief in angels.

CAMPAIGN ASSET

Montano revealed to the Chronicle that "while he sought privacy in this moment of grieving for the family, the task of setting a new direction for Bohol has also not been lost on me." He topped the senatorial slate in 2007 in Bohol under the Lakas Party with a wide margin over the second-running candidate.

Apparently, there were many Boholanos who voted Cesar singly as their only senatorial bet in the 2007 polls.
       
The youthful Angelo, was Montano's secretary for the campaign in Manila when the group was in Bohol even as he was concurrently the manager and chef of a huge-visited family-owned Italian restaurant in the Scout area of Quezon City.

"He would have helped in the campaign" told the Chronicle as Cesar showed some paraphernalia created by his eldest son, who reportedly donated his eyes (pre-arranged) to the Eye Foundation. Cesar Montano whose expressive eyes have been one of his most effective tools in his acting arsenal, reportedly also did the same already for the Eye Foundation, when his time comes.

"I just talked to him by phone two nights ago and we watched the Alice in Wonderland film three days ago", the actor-director said as he lamely shook his head. Angelo was Cesar's constant playmate as he played basketball and tennis a lot.

Cesar Montano, the gubernatorial candidate, is set to return to Bohol a few days after the scheduled cremation of Angelo's remains today in Arlington Memorial Chapels. A bunch of Liberal Party officials , candidates and supporters are expected to grace the activities in Arlington today.

The actor reportedly tried to put up a brave front while in Tagbilaran City as fans asked for a photo opportunity with him -all apparently unaware of the tragedy that already occured in Manila. He was wearing sunglasses.

Showbiz personalities were shocked to learn of the sudden death as Willy Revillame of Wowowee and Bayani Agbayani who took the departed youngster as their own son.

Friends were also in a state of disbelief as days ago, they had just discussed with Angelo a plan to put up together a club in Quezon City.

The office of Cesar Montano issued the following official statement:
"No words can describe the grief that I and my family are experiencing with this devastating news.He was young, a cheerful, thoughtful and loving son who has a generous heart and spirit"

"I was with him yesterday before leaving for Bohol. Little did I know that it would be the last time I was to see him alive."

"While I am still reeling from this tragic incident, my family and I would like to appeal to all to respect the privacy of my grieving family at this time. Thak you for your understanding. May God's strength be with all of us."

Cesar Montano (Manhilot) hails from Baclayon town.

from Cebu Pacific Air

A 2-day seat sale yours to enjoy as we offer Bangkok seats from Manila and Clark for only P1,499 starting now until March 28, 2010. This is for travel from June 1 to August 31, 2010.

We've slashed as much as 57% off the lowest year-round fares for the Clark-Bangkok route, and 50% off the lowest year-round fares for the Manila-Bangkok route. Grab your seats now because the travel period for this seat sale falls on the Thailand Tourism Festival (June 1-30), and the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2010 (June 15-August 15)!

What do you think of this actor?

By Paolo Montecillo, Bayani San Diego Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

The new owners of TV5, led by businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan, want to pour in another P5 billion into the network to ensure that it overtakes ABS-CBN and GMA 7 for the top spot in the local broadcasting industry.

This additional investment will go on top of the P5 billion that MediaQuest Holdings Inc. plans to spend just this year to reach the goal of being the country’s largest TV network.

MediaQuest, a subsidiary of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co.’s (PLDT) Beneficial Trust Fund, acquired ABC Development Corp. (TV5’s corporate name) for an undisclosed amount last year.

It likewise bought MPB Primedia, the Philippine unit of TV5’s Malaysian block timer Media Prima Berhad, last year.

“Right now, we are a strong No. 3, but our goal, of course, is to be No. 1 in both news and entertainment,” MediaQuest president and CEO Rey C. Espinosa said at the grand launch of the TV5 brand Thursday night at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Having suffered greatlyâ€"first from cancer, and then from the grueling medical regimenâ€"pastor Dan Cummings was tired. After 2 weeks of treatment in Texas, he was looking forward to going back home to Michigan. In a post on his blog, he wrote: “Today is far better . . . amazing what some hydration will do. . . . Will fly home on the weekend to continue treatment at home.”

Dan did return to Michigan, but several days later, his journey on earth ended. He went home to be with his Godâ€"whom he loved with every bit of his weakened body but mighty spirit.

When I viewed his blog a few days later, his words “Today is far better” jumped out at me. I smiled through my tears in the knowledge that Dan was now experiencing a life that is truly “far better” (Phil. 1:23).

Someday we who claim the name of Jesus will also go to that place where there is “no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.” It’s a place where there is no more pain and where a loving Father promises to “wipe away every tear from [our] eyes” (Rev. 21:4).

The life we have here isn’t all there is. There is a far, far better place that Jesus is preparing for those who love Him (John 14:2-3).  â€" Cindy Hess Kasper

Early in our marriage, I thought I knew the ultimate shortcut to my wife’s heart. I arrived home one night with a bouquet of a dozen red roses behind my back. When I presented the flowers to Martie, she thanked me graciously, sniffed the flowers, and then took them into the kitchen. Not quite the response I had expected.

It was an introductory lesson in the reality that flowers are not my wife’s primary language of love. While she appreciated the gesture, she was mentally calculating the cost of an expensive bouquet of flowersâ€"a budget breaker for a young couple in seminary! And as I’ve discovered through the years, she is far more interested in my time and attention. When I devote myself to her in an uninterrupted and attentive way, that’s when she really feels loved.

Did you ever wonder how God wants us to show that we love Him? We get a clue when we read, “He who loves God must love his brother also” (1 John 4:21). It’s that simple. One of the primary ways we show our love for God is by loving our brothers and sisters in Christ. When we genuinely love each other, it brings pleasure to our heavenly Father.

So watch for opportunities to tell Jesus that you love Him. He’s infinitely worth whatever it costs.  â€" Joe Stowell - Our Daily Bread

Claudine Baretto Nagmura on TV
Claudine Baretto

Being stung by a bee would have most people rushing to hospital, expect at one Beijing clinic where patients queue up to be pricked into good health.

Bee sting therapy, which involves placing live bees on a patient's body at certain pressure points, dates back over 3,000 years in China and was considered legal in 2007.

It is similar to acupuncture in that it uses bees stingers instead of needles and the same principles, but the bees' toxin, which doctors say is a natural medicine, is essential, making the treatment like an injection.

Doctors at the Kang Tai Bee Clinic, a traditional Chinese medical facility in northeast Beijing, say the therapy has proved effective in curing diseases such as rheumatism and arthritis, as well as a list of other ailments.

"The bee therapy has an obvious effect on patients with bone and joint diseases," said Wang Jing, a doctor at the clinic.

"This treatment relies mainly on the bees' poison, which can help blood circulation, reduce inflammation and ease pain."

The bees used for the treatment are a hybrid of species from Italy and the Gulf, and are kept on the clinic grounds. Their 0.3 mm-long stings, which contain about 0.3 mg of toxin, make them suitable for the therapy, doctors say.

Presidential bets make rounds in Luzon
Philippine Presidential Candidates Going Around Luzon

Wanted: Mayor and Vice-Mayor

Local races in QC, CAMANAVA off to fiery start
Election in Quezon City

Local campaigns in Metro kick off

Bacolod Boto Patrollers vow to help keep polls clean
Political update in Bacolod

Catholic Pinoys start Holy Week exodus
Holy Week in the Philippines

Manila, Makati politicians start mudslinging

Pacquiao, Chiongbian confident to win over one another
Manny Pacquiao vs Chiongbian

Comelec: Aquino, NP exceed ad airtime; Group says Villar also
Philippine President Candidates Exceed Airtime

HARAPAN tandem debates cancelled after bets back out

Dozens of showbiz denizens join political fray
Pinoy Showbiz Into Politics

MTRCB suspends Showtime, rates 2 amBisyon films X
2 ambisyon rating of MTRCB

Investigation to proceed

Probe on death of Montanos sons to still proceed

Philippine Showbiz shocked by the death of Cesar Montano's son

Showbiz shocked by death of Angelo Montano