MikeLigalig.com

Beautiful pictures, Ate Anel.

Well if you know the late Mrs. Fortunata Tan Salvo, and Mr. Casiano Salise Salvo, then you will know me. I am one of their many grandchildren.

What about you, laving, what part of Valencia are you from?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=_MbDqc3x97k&feature=related

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus,
    Dominus Deus Sabbaoth;
    Pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria Tua.
    Hosanna in excelsis.

Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini.
Hosanna in excelsis.

The Will of the Most High to send forth his only SON


Rejoice!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=EBfPnUZh-Bc

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.

Refrain

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orderest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.

Refrain

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory over the grave.

Refrain

O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.

Refrain

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.

Refrain

O come, O come, great Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times once gave the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.

Refrain

O come, Thou Root of Jesse’s tree,
An ensign of Thy people be;
Before Thee rulers silent fall;
All peoples on Thy mercy call.

Refrain

O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.

My day has been spent in the quiet halls of the library. Review and studies as well as intoxication of coffee has filled my day. Its not helping that its snowing outside. There is literally 2 feet of snow outside. I hate the winter season. 
Specially when I have to drive home in this weather.

No woman worth her salt ever looses an argument. She starts crying making it unmanly to pursue your victory.

-Ann Coulter

Rest in peace, Dan.

Wow.

Please get better, Madam President.

We share a common hobby and interest, Mike. I am  honored that we eat of the same fruit of knowledge, in that aspect. You are so correct about that Mike. Even in the 19th century, the Filipino was already mastering European languages, thought, consciousness. While the Chinese, Japanese, Koreans etc were still engrossed in their reversed and backwards meta-physical philosophies.

If you read into Japanese nationalism in the early 20th century, the Privy Council of the Japanese Emperors would make reference to the Filipino Revolutionistas, and the 'Republican' virtues.

One thing that I have gained through reading Filipino history though is a growing distaste of Imperialism.
I have never had such a disdain towards a country as that of the United States, particularly its actions during the Philippine-American War, or how American historians aduaciously call it as 'The Philippine Insurrection". Internally, I am outraged because 1) The Philippines were never a colony of the United States prior to the Philippine-American War, hence there is no legitimacy and basis of the conflict being referred to as an 'Insurrection." The Filipino people during the late 19th century were a civilized, hispanified, westernized people that numbered in the Millions, specifically 8.5 million in number. That was 1/12th of the population of the United States at the time. The Filipino people were more advanced than say Dutch Malaya, French Indochina, Thailand, and China in terms of industry and economy---as it was completely 'Europeanized' in terms of municipality, government, and economy for the last 4 centuries. The the basis for American intervention was to 'Christianize' the 'heathen Filipinos'. Idiocy of the Imperialistic American government under McKinley was that over 95% of the Filipinos in the Philippines during the end of the Philippine Revolutionary War were christian, particularly of the Roman Catholic Church, the traditional and conservative church of Europe.
2) The other reason why I am seethed in this time period was the fact that Spain was coward. Totally and absolutely narcissistic in its actions. It was defeated in the battlefield by the Army of the Revolution under the command of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, Gen. Del Pilar. The Philippine Revolutionary Army had a combined force of over 80,000 armed men (many were armed with bolos, yet there were divisions that were armed with rifles, and artillery). Every single province throughout the Philippines were captured by the Revolutionary forces and many of the Gobernadorcillos swore fealty and loyalty to the Republic of Malolos (1st Philippine Republic). And by democratic right, by military sovereignty, the nation was independent of the foreign power. Defeated out outright cornered the last Spanish bastion in Manila.
Had it not been for Dewey, who asked Aguinaldo to restrain the Philippine Revolutionary Army from storming Manila--those Spaniards would have been decimated by the Revolutionary Forces. Treacherous was the Spanish government that they, had the audacity, to 'sell' the Philippines over to the United States. Audacious. Erroneous.

How in all rights as a republic can the United States 'purchase' a foreign territory as massive as the Philippine Archipelago and a population that ran in the Millions. And yet claim that it was not a form of 'slavery'? Is not slavery--the act of buying a person, or group of persons vis-a-vis monetary gain?
Lastly, Spain had NO RIGHT to do so. It was defeated, its legitimacy in the Philippines were evaporated on the day that the Katipunan under Bonifacio ripped their citizenry papers and declared hostility against the Spanish forces.

The Philippines would have been a Great power had we not been raped and deprived of our history, our national sovereignty. I blame the United States for that. It was the United States, that destroyed the Revolution. It was America, and America alone, that was responsible for the deaths of over 2.5 million Filipinos during the Philippine-American War. 1/4 of the Philippine population was eradicated in that war. Filipino revolutionary intelligentsias were arrested and executed by the United States Colonial forces, far worse than what Spain ever did. The 80,000 man strong Philippine Revolutionary Army was completely and utterly decimated. From the bottom-up. Every officer, excluding Aguinaldo was executed, and every soldier was killed. Sparing those who surrendered or routed back to their homes.

The tale of Philippine Nationalism and Revolutionary History is glorious, and yet Pyrrhic. Yes, we defeated the Spaniards, but for a massive price. We tasted freedom for only a brief second, before the sharks came to take their fill. It is not fair, I say. It is not fair for our country to have been raped the way it was by the United States. It is not fair, it was un-American how the United States deprived our country the freedom that we wanted; the very freedom that they fought and bled for to achieve against the British in 1776.

That I cannot forget. And my heart aches for my Philippines to have suffered the way it did.

Hahaha Mike. My heart is jumpy to know that you will be coming here soon. Yes, if you will be in New York in the immediate future, mo meet up ta. If everything goes as planned with Ate Belle's EB, I will see you all there.

Mike, I know that you are very humble. It is I that should be weary of your chess mastery. For all I know you are probably a chess champion. The son takes after the father.

Sige, brod. Stay safe dinha.

That is the beauty of history, 'te. Through history we can learn the mistakes of the past and yet can learn and achieve inspiration from others through their trials and tribulations: which helps to answer our own questions in the present. You have a very beautiful insight and interest in history and you point things out that I myself never thought of before. About women and their immeasurable contribution.

Tinuud jud what they say about how men get credit for history, yet the silent tribute goes to the woman. It is the woman who bore men in the womb, it was the woman who raised the child who would in turn become great, feared, loved, hailed monarchs, emperors, philosophers, poets, prophets, ministers, soldiers. The cradle of the Human Race rests in the simplicity of woman's womb.

Even the Son of Man, Christ Jesus, himself came out of the Womb of a simple and humble woman. The Virgin Mary.

hahaha, okey ra man 'te. I actually just came back from mass here in college. It was nice. We had a nice homily, and it helped that the priest prayed for us during our Final Examination Week.
Wednesday is my last day here for the semester. I'm going back home for Christmas Break on that day jud. Lipay na jud ko. Ikaw? Unsa'y planno nimo dinha for christmas break?
Mo balik ba ka sa 'pinas? or dili?

Quote from: Bohol Bol-anon on December 17, 2007, 07:09:46 AM
Joker, I'm really sorry. I will send you a PM. You standing by me during my days of grief and pain was more than enough.

I'm saving now so I could join the US Eyeball or the Europe Eyeball.

In the meantime, let's celebrate our friendship online. Though we don't see each other here, yet our hearts and minds will always be one, for Bohol and for our beloved nation.

Mike. When you come to th US for the EB here, you must come with me, bro. I will tour you around with my friends, around Pittsburgh, Erie, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, New York City. All will be provided by me and my friends. I cannot wait to meet you.
Remember, I will bring a chess board. We need to have a game, hah, lol.
Remember, that my door is always open when you need it.

Soon we shall talk face to face instead of a web forum. And I long for that day.

Always,
Bran Lorenzo

So far, my newest hobby has been in reading into Philippine History, which I humbly admit that prior to an independent study of this semester, was rather limited. As an avid reader of history, my interests primarily have been in reading anthropology, and European History my favorites have always included [the Reconquista Epoch of Spain, the rise of the Imperium Hispanicana], [French Revolution], [European Enlightenment Thought and Response], [Napoleonic Wars, Franko-Germano Wars, Americana-Brittanican War]. My interests in Asian history was rather limited, primarily towards China and Japan. However as of late, I have been reading perfusely into Philippine Nationalism and Philippine Revolutionary History. It is an addiction, to say the least.

There is so much drama, intrigue, politics, theoretical ideology and military dare in our history. Reading into it has been like an orgasm in the mind, our history is that of a miscegenation of pure Western Enlightenment thought (Voltairian, Lockian, Montesquiean, Robespierrian etc), Hispano-Malay religiosity, indigenous Malay revolutionary regionalism.

From reading the revolutions in Asia, namely India, Japan, and China, none of them even comes close to the level of sophistication to that of the Philippines. No other nation in Asia manifests so much 'Western thought' as that of the Philippines, our mastery and adoption of traditional and conservative 'Western' culture: namely the Roman Catholic Faith, Romanized langual format, Roman-Greco Juris culture. It is rather fascinating reading about Philippine Cultural evolution and Revolutionary writings because the way it is written is similar to the penny-university writings during the French Revolution. Beautiful. Only in the Philippines is where absolute Western philosophies is manifested in Asia so perfectly--yet in union with the indigenous cultural psyche. Only in the Philippines. It is our strength, yet also our weakness. Filipino revolutionary leaders such as Calderon, Rizal, del Pilar, Lopez Jaena, Panganiban, Mabini, and Riviera are just a few of the many hundreds of Filipinos who were schooled in Europe and brought back such heated revolutionary thought back to the Philippines. Filipino revolutionary thinkers were so beautiful, a splendid nostalgia of the past---and their idea of a 'perfect Malaya state' is rather ubiquitous of the Revolutionariastismo phenomenon that took place in Latin America during the early 19th century during the Peninsular Wars.

Filipino Revolutionary history and Philippine History in general: pre-hispanic, hispanic and post-hispanic is beautiful.


my collection of Philippine History books so far; love them all




My favorite; 'El Filibusterismo' in Spanish language. The way it was meant to have been read.


Philippine Folklore History books.

All of these are hobbies  

Thank You for keeping us in mind, Ms. Blue. I am very heartily touched by your sincerity and your faithfulness. I will try to attend mass today evening, but I wanted to thank you kaayo for keeping us in mind in church. You are a beautiful soul. May the Lord God Bless and Keep You.

Was mass said in German for you?

Thy Will be done, Holy Father. I pray that the wishes and prayers of the Holy Father be risen like incense upon the Throne of The Most High and be heard like sweet melody as the songs of the Choirs of Cherubim in Heaven. The Vicar of Christ Jesus speaks true, this article has hit me very profoundly. And specially in these trying times when our faith are attacked by the lies of devils, and demons who spout heretical lies looking for the condemnation of many souls. Faith, is like a rock on the temple floor. Our faith must be stern, unyielding, and firm to the path that it leads us, which is to the Heart of the Christ. Lord Jesus Christ, who is the WAY, TRUTH, and LIFE and only through HIM can we be in union with the Almighty Father.

I pray for all those whose faith are tempted, and attacked on a daily basis. May they hold strong to their morals. Though we all have inequities, and sins that we accumulate on a daily basis, may our hearts seek and ask for penance and forgiveness so that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ, the Lord.

Through the Holy Mother the Church, This I Pray. May It be heard, like sweet incense, onto the Throne of the Most High.

The veil between heaven and earth is dissipating, getting thinner and thinner with each passing day, with each spoken prayer calling out for My intervention, My presence. Your prayers have ascended to My throne with a smell of sweet incense.They are joining with many prayers of others, filling the Bowls of Heaven.
Acts 10:3-5

Roman Catholic Church Prayer In Remembrance of Christ Jesus; (for 3rd Sunday of Advent)


The Lord of Lords. The King of Kings. O MOST HIGH.



We beseech thee to listen to our prayers, O Lord, and by the grace of thy coming enlighten our darkened minds: Thou who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
On the third Sunday in Advent, Gaudete Sunday, the Church can no longer contain her joyful longing for the coming of the Savior. We light the rose candle and rejoice that our redemption is so close at hand. Gaudete comes from the Latin Antiphon, which begins, "Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete.." [Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice...]. On this day, rose-colored vestments are worn, and flowers may decorate the chancel of the church.

I don't really dive too much into the personal life of Einstein, as any man or woman has his her own personal problems. But as for rumors and hearsays, I wouldn't take that as fact unless there is some concrete proof.

But I dont completely disagree with your historian friend.

Your post brought me to remember a rather true poem,
It is said that behind every great man stands a woman. Every great man in history had a woman behind him to console him in times of difficulty, to advise him when he can trust noone else, and to encourage him to not give up.

George Washington had Martha behind him in his drive to greatness. Abe Lincoln had Mary Todd standing behind him as he made the historic choice to bring equality to all Americans.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt had Eleanor standing strongly behind him as he brought the country out of the pit of despair into the greatness it soon became.



Do you judge it accurate?

Beethoven lover diay ka, Ate Belle.

Heres a classic. This piece is performed by the great Richard Wagner.
Its called "Valkirias" its a popular operatic song.

[mp3tube]605ce1fe62aa65cd626947fcf02c7b5e[/mp3tube]

The thing wrong is that there is no picture.

Mike is also a proud father
That is what defines him jud, well in my opinion lang.
Mike has a beautiful and adorable baby daughter sus ka cuute.

LOL.

Someone said balut?

Quote from: Happy on December 15, 2007, 09:07:54 PM
Dong mura man lagi egyptian style ang kamot ana hehe..

Ka lehiro ba mosakay ug karang anang mga felimon oi hehe

Kasabot ko sa uban nga words, ang uban pud kay pareha ra cebuano.

Pariho jud ang dance form sa other Malay peoples. It looks similar to the dances of the Dayaks in Borneo, and the malays of Java. Afterall, the Bisayans are of the same race as the Malays of present day Indonesia and Malaysia. We, Bisayan people are remnants of the original Malay colonizers of the Malaya Archipelago. Overall, there are almost 400 million Malays in South East Asia. (91 million from the Philippines), (240 million from Indonesia), (20 million from Malaysia), (2 million from Brunei), (5 million in southern Thailand). One thing that we as a race share is the use of the Gong. It is part of our ancient Dong-Shan culture. The Malay Race is an ancient Asiatic race. We have been in this region even before the Chinese settled the Yellow River plain, and before the Vietnamese settled southern Vietnam. The Malay peoples were as ancient and old as the Khmer of Cambodia.

That is why there is so many Malays. A Royal  Asiatic Race.


The Ancient-Majestic Malay Race


The Ifugao people: Malay (Philippines)


The Bisaya: Malay (Philippines)


The Moro people: Malay (Philippines)


The Maranao Moro: Malay (philippines)


Yogkyakarta people: Malays (Indonesia)


West Java: Malays (Indonesia)


The Dayak: Malays (Malaysia)


The Manangkabau: Malays (Indonesia)

Quote from: Ginger on December 16, 2007, 02:29:40 AM
Belle, very nice song!

The last time I sing this song with a friend, I was very tipsy (not drunk ha!)

ah mao bao? jati..luuy pood ang sweater sa 'mong amiga.
LOL

*roflmao*

I love it, Ate Belle!!

****Big Hug****

hahaha

Bitaw. Thank god there are feet spray to kill the odor. I will admit tho, 'te, my feet do smell. lol
I just apply feet cream on them daily and it does help.

Quote from: Bohol Bol-anon on December 16, 2007, 04:04:22 AM
Thank you, Bran. But I'm just a dust. To God be the glory alone, the Creator of all.

Not only are you very intelligent, but you are also so humble.
You are a giant among men, Mike.
The Lord is smiling down on you.

Quote from: Happy on December 16, 2007, 04:08:31 AM
Dong nakaya oroy to nimo, dili guro na nako makaya oi.

Haha makaya man na nimo, 'te. Ku-an lang one needs a strong nose hahaha!
Baho man gud ang tiil, mao na'ay problem. LOL

Quote from: Happy on December 16, 2007, 03:48:04 AM
Wow, this thread is almost 200 pages now..

Helloo guys, how are you here?
I miss TB, kay absent na pud ko hehe almost 2 weeks.
Nagparehab man gud ko kay ingon si Blue nga too much of everything is bad hehe

Today, my day is fine and great of course. Everyday is great, but we can't avoid that in every great day there is also a not great day. Just like this week, on monday I lost my hue and gloves in the train, the reason, I forgot about it, although I put it on the seat beside my bag ( I should have put it inside my bag). Miss Ginger, I remeber the time when I lost the other half of my gloves at Lyngby station
Then, on tuesday I remember that my washing form the last thursday I forgot to remove from the washing machine, and our laundry place is like a common with all the people live in this area. So, when I went their, its gone, and it was all wool coat.The reason, I think I'm getting old and keep on forgetting things.

Anyway have a nice day and a good night to all

Don't say that at all, Ate Happy. You and every lady here are still young, uy! Mommy galing nako--she is still young! Hahaha of course kai mommy gud nako But yea take Ate Belle's advice. Just put the gloves in your jacket pocket (thats what i do). One herbal medicine that improves memory is Ginkoba Biloba.

Quote

Good for you Dodong!

wait a little bit later snow is coming!!!

in an hour or two...

basi naa na diha karon.

Yes. Its flurrying over here now, 'te Belle.
Over there at your place?

haha. Its amazing how you can get used to it tho, 'te. At first sight when I saw a podiatrist rip off a patient's entire primary phalanx nail (big toe), the toe was completely overrun with onychomycosis so it was like fetta cheese in texture. But I've never seen so much blood come out of a toe wound before--and the podiatrist was doing it without gloves on or even a mask (not something i was very fond of). And as a summer podiatry extern, it was my job to assist the podiatrist. So i had to help collect the clipped toes and help bandange the feet. At first I was very grossed out--and the stench of the feet was horrid. I thought I was going to puke. But eventually, oddly enough, I got used to it. By the end of the week I was  helping Dr. Stabile and Dr. Hellen without any trouble. One thing that is hard to get used to tho, and Dr. Stabile told me this, was the odor of some patient's feet. Some can be slight and subtle, but then there are those who have it really bad. Very bad.

Sex is man's natural cure for ailments.
Sex increases white blood and red blood cells throughout our body, strengthening our immune system and sending much needed oxygenated blood throughout our bodily systems.
Sex increases the production of testosterone and stimulates central and peripheral nervous systemic activity, good for the neuro-muscular.
Sex also increases and improves respiration; and breathing habits
That is why when people say 'headaches go away' after sex--its a result of refreshed blood throughout the system, brain activity is in high mode, airation of the lungs, and one way to de-stress.

Sex is part of life. A human instinct.
But like any hobby, practice it with moderation.

Standard Foot Infection: Fungal

Some of the daily patient problems that are treated:


This is of Onychomycosis. Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that causes fingernails or toenails to thicken, discolor, disfigure, and split. If the problem is caused by a bacterium, the condition is called paronychia. The podiatrist's technique will be to utilize a drummel, which will shave off the entire fungal nail, until completely removed. The main goal is to cut deep to the skin, till blood plasma is released. The physician will then apply antibacterial ointment on the treated toe; bandage it. These are typical cases.


Manifestation of Tenia Pedis. Athletes Foot infection. The way podiatrists treat this is to remove the epidermal infection, and treat any secondary infection with oral antibiotics. Patient is then told to soak the feet (daily, for a certain amount of days) with Epsam salt and warm water to allow healing. Wearing socks and washing of the feet is stressed. Tenia pedis is a result of bad hygiene in the feet. *Never share shoes, this is a leading cause of athlete's foot*

Yes. Sports injuries are common. There are so few Podiatrists here in the 'US, and as a result, many podiatrists overcharge some of their patients. I know that for trimming patient's nails and removing calluses on the feet they charge patients per toe. When I was in OCPM this summer, there was a podiatrist who I met vis-a-vis 2 day shadow program. He boasted how he charges his patients $60 dollars per nail cut (and he does 10 nails) then for removing calluses on the feet, he charges $80 per calluses. The physician had at least 30 patients per day. These guys make alot of money. Its not the best looking medical field, but its one of the most rewarding.

My friend Tom and I were actually participants in the OCPM course and were considering the field, I was considering applying to POD med schools this fall, but changed my mind. Most podiatrists go in their profession only for the monetary aspect. Many do not even enjoy their field. I decided to pursue medicine proper instead, Tom, however, has been accepted to a Podiatry Medical School. For me, money isn't always everything.

Quote from: Ginger on December 16, 2007, 03:23:43 AM
sus! gi jerjer na sad! wa pa gahi mahuman. LOL!

Mao na gi ingoon sa pharmacist na'ay uban tawo lalaki ug 'natural viagratic'
Kuyawa pood na sila ba, I mean, what i mean to say is that they are very very lucky gentlemen.

hahahahaha!! LOL

Hmmmm that reminds me of something.

Quote from: Ginger on December 16, 2007, 03:08:32 AM
Hi Dong, it's nice that you woke up in the right side of the bed.

I had a great day as well. I went to the theater. The show was about Christmas with Santa and the Elves. It was a very nice show. My tears were falling as I listen to one of the Christmas songs (I remember the kids back home).

What was the nae of the show, Hazel?
Aww, the kids

Friends are an extension of ourselves.
Friendships are the representation of our  soul~our spiritual connection with others who also long.
There is something holy, mysterious and graceful about friendships because sometimes we know how each other think, we know or expect each other's reactions and actions.
Friendships are a blessing from the Most High, his many miracles that he gives to each and everyone, to lighten our load and our journey while on our trek in this--thing we call life.
Friendships make us smile because our souls are content and have been given a glimpse of the Glory that is in the Heart of the Lord of Host.

Beautiful Friendships, Dear Family Love. All of these are just a glimpse of what complete and eternal happiness is in stored for us in the Kingdom of Heaven.

May all our paths be straight and paved. And if our journey is a bit long or windy, a good friend will always  help in keeping us happy on our journey..

God Bless You All.

Mike is a poet of poets
Mike is a man of many men
Mike is friend of many friends
Mike is one who walks in the blessed path

We are lucky to have him as a friend and I am honored to call him a brother.
More power to you, Mike.
May the sun shine on your path, wherever you go.

Good morning, guys
Today looks like a beautiful day, i woke up early today to go jogging around campus--it was so cold--but its good for the heart lol. I took another route tho and made my way to Woodcock Dam, which is about 10 miles north of campus. No one was there this morning and i was able to stop by the stream near French Creek. Oh god it was so beautiful, its a shame i didnt bring my camera.
Today will be a decent day, ill have to do some more reading and reviewing. I feel so content and happy today.

Question: "Why do so many people have to experience terrible suffering before death?"

Answer: Suffering is a universal part of our humanity that exists in a fallen world. The question as to why there is suffering in death for some and not as much for others is really not answerable in full as long as we inhabit this vale of tears. For we reckon things from our human experience and do not understand the infinite mind and purpose of God. In the great faith chapter we often read of the heroes of the faith, but neglect the litany of those unnamed who suffered for their faith (Hebrews 11:33-40). These all died suffering deaths and yet are heroes of the faith. They are unnamed and unsung among men ,but God values their suffering and includes them in this great chapter of faith as a lesson to us.

Suffering and death are part of the curse of sin on the world (Genesis 3:16-19). Adam and Eve fell, and when they did, they brought to themselves and to all of their decedents the suffering of death. "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die" (Genesis 2:17). We know that Adam and Eve did not die physically on the day that they ate of the tree. Adam lived to the age of 930 (Genesis 5:5). The statement "thou shalt surely die" would better be translated "dying thou shall die." When Adam sinned he was spiritually separated from God and this is the first "dying."

The question of why some suffer at death and others do not could be summed up in one statement, "God is sovereign." That is not just a trite and easy statement. When Jesus healed a man born blind the disciples questioned Him. "And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him" (John 9:1-3). There is in this passage a principle that can be applied to our question. God allows some to suffer so that "His works should be made manifest." In other words, God allows some to suffer to bring glory to His name and others not to suffer for the same reason. It is His sovereign will that determines. Therefore, we can safely say that no suffering is without a purpose in the plan of God, even though we as finite humans cannot see that purpose clearly.

The Apostle Paul suffered much in his life and ministry. A litany of that suffering can be found in 2 Corinthians 11:23-27. The Apostle Paul was killed for his testimony and according to universal tradition was decapitated after a long imprisonment. However, during this time, the Apostle Paul wrote this testimony to Timothy, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Another purpose for suffering is to be a witness to those watching, that God's grace and strength is sufficient to enable a believer to stand in that suffering (2 Corinthians 12:9).

The Apostle Paul also gives us an example as to how we should view suffering as a child of God. "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong" (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). And the Apostle Paul also said, "For me to live is Christ, to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). Therefore, how a believer dies, in suffering or in relative peace, it is but a transition to "face to face" with the LORD. Once that transition has been made, all of the sorrow and pain of the suffering will end. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" (Revelation 21:4).

Haha, im glad you enjoyed it 'te. That was how Rob was like--he was a thrill seeker type. In his young life, he visited so many countries and lived a full life. Afterall, this was the same man who asked if I could 'show him around' the southern Philippines. lol.

He is young, forever jud. And when I and his other friends are all old and wrinkly--he would have cheated us all. For his beauty was never taken. Ah Rob, he wins in the end.

LoL.

I can just see him smiling with usual nonchalant self.

Another that more describes Rob.



Forever Young'
by Alphaville

[mp3tube]5a6ee3fe8d3ac1fc3355cd886e3ef566[/mp3tube]

The hairs on my back stood up after listening to that, Mike.
Very beautiful jud.

Yes, very touching jud. I will admit that tears poured out of my eyes earlier when I listened to the whole song--
That is good tho, Ms. Blue, that you show your feelings truly. You are a nice person, I can tell.

Hips Don't Lie (Spanish Version)

by Shakira

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No need to cry, Ms. Blue.

Be happy lang. You look more beautiful when happy than sad.

  You have very refined tastes, Hazel.

I love it!!

Theme from the movie "Dying Young"

For you, Rob.
My cherished and loved Friend.
The Lord Keeps You, now.




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Beautiful, Ate Belle. Beautiful!!
Hazel, wonderful. You both have great tastes in instrumentals.


Have you both heard of this before?

Kenny G's
"Forever In Love"

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-This is a song that reminds me of my Father. He loves this song, and I can still remember being a child driving with him from New York City down to New Jersey as he went to inspect the building of our house. My father is a jazz connoisseur, and this song always stands out for me. It is my dad's favorite.-

hahahaha ah jati ipa 'shhh' pa man ko uy!
Kinsa man lagi ning sekreto nimo, Hazel?

Ingna pood ta ba.

Sa usa  ka diskortal, nakigsayaw si Kulas ug gwapa. Tungod kay gwapa man kaayo iyang paris, puwerteng gakus ni Kulas.

Daga: Unsa may sulod sa imong bulsa, Dong?

Kulas: Ahhh.. .kanang, flashlight ni Day.

Daga: Nganong init man?

Kulas: Nagsiga man gud!

Kulas: Nganong nabukol man na imong ulo, Bay?

Badoy: Nangharana man gud ko gabii didto sa ilang Marilou, Bay Kulas. Pagsugod nako'g kanta, giitsahan dayon ko ni Marilou ug buwak.

Kulas: Pero nganong nabukol man ka?

Badoy: Ang buwak gisud man gud ug kaang.

Eloy:  Pre, sa imong banabana, guwapo ba ko?

Andoy:  Pangit ka ug nawong ,  Pre.

Eloy:  Pagtarong diha, Pre, ha! Unsay pangit?!

Andoy: Imong nawong, pangitaon kaayo ba!!!

Photgrapher:  Dia ra imong letrato boss.

Customer:  Di ko ani uy! Bati kaayo akong nawong aning letratoha.

Photographer: Bati gud.  Tan-awa ang imong back  view morag si Romy Diaz, ang side view, Paquito Diaz

Customer:  Unya ang front view?

Photographer:  Aw, Kwarenta Diaz!

LOL! Hahahahahaha!

LOL, Buanga jud nang joke uy! wahahahaha

Remember ladies, its not the size of the ship that counts, its the rolling of the waves that makes the difference.

Heres a good one

Andoy:  Papalita kog Viagra bi.

Pharmacist:  Wa koy Viagra kay illegal man na dinhi.  Dia noon koy local nga version nga mas maayo pa sa Viagra.

Andoy:  Unsa may ngan ana?

Pharmacist:  Buyag ra.

Later that day, Andoy goes back and talks to his neighbor

Andoy:  Mare, tigamit man kuno ug viagra si Pare.  Gahi diay kaayo pirme?

Saling:  Ahhgahi tuod kaayo, pero puwerte lang gihapong gamaya!

Hahahahahahahahahah..wahahahahahahahahhahaha! LOL
OMG..Hahahahahaa

Buta nisakay ug taxi

Driver:  Kahibalo ka sa direction nga buta ka man?

Buta:  Ayawg kabalaka katoltol ko.  Nakahibalo ko nga naa na ta sa Guadalupe kay naninimaho nang mangga.

Driver:  Sakto ka.  Katoltol gyud diay ka.

Buta:  Karon naa na ta sa may simbahan kay nanimaho nang kandila.

Driver:  Sakto gihapon ka.

(Paglabay nila sa tindahan ug bulad.)

Buta:  Good evening! ladies.

AMERICAN ENGLISH:
Eat All You Can, don't be shy, feel at home!

IN TAGALOG:
kain lang kayo ng kain, walanghiya kayo, pakiramdam nyo bahay nyo to!

Nitong mga nakaraang buwan napapansin ni Mister ang pagiging matabang ni Misis.
Walang maisip na dahilan si Mister sa pagiging matabang ni Misis kundi ang posibilidad na si Misis ay kumakaliwa. Sa pag-iisip ni Mister kung papaano ang gagawin upang mapatunayan kung totoo ang kanyang hinala, nabanggit niya
sa kanyang Kumpare ang kanyang niloloob.

Mister: "Pare palagay ko ang Kumare mo kinakaliwa ako ngunit hindi ko mapatunayan."

Kumpadre: "Sana naman Pare hindi totoo ang hinala mo, pero kung gusto mo, mayroon akong alam na paraan para mo mapatunayan ang hinala mo."

Mister: "Siyanga Pare, ano ang alam mong paraan?"

Kumpadre: "Di ba Pare ang kama ninyo ay 'yong double bed, 'Yong bang box spring na may nakapatong na mattress sa ibabaw?"

Mister: "Ganoon nga ang kama namin Pare, Oh - ngayon?"

Kumpadre: "Ganito iyon Pare, maglagay ka ng isang gatang na palay sa kama ninyo. Sa pagitan ba ng box spring at mattress pero huwag mong ipaaalam kay Kumare."

Mister: "Eh, ano naman ang kinalaman ng palay kung totoo ngang kumakaliwa ang Kumare mo?"

Kumpadre: "Pare, iyong palay pag naging bigas..............SIGURADONG MAY BUMAYO."

Quote from: st. agnes on December 13, 2007, 09:56:03 AM
hmmmm... Enzo? walay hug dira for me?
hehehehe... asyoso ko sah? ga apil2x... hehehehe
joke ra ha...

Uy buanga ko for forgetting you, Agnes.
I'll give you a Tackle-bear hug, LOL!

That way you can never forget (or forget the pain) LOL!



Stay happy, ha!

Thanks Leo. Looking forward to seeing some more about Bohol.

Ate Ging is truly a Grace from God.
Lami kaayo, right Ms. Glen? I personally loved the lemon cake.

You're welcome, Agnes
If you look closely you can see an uncanny resemblance of my cousin, Aislynne Lucino (Jing) LOL!

Lucino jud kai big boned man lagi hahaha!
We get it from our Lolo, the late Mr. Rustico Aray Lucino.

Heres a relaxed formal picture of yours truly. Its 2 months old, but i hope it will do.

Dude, thats awesome. Its Final Fantasy in the background,

I do have a date this weekend.
(With my books and notes! LoL)

The next person to post loves his children.

Omg, I just did that and I found a relative. Jetley Lucino, lol!
Mike you're awesome!

Inspired by GQ Magazine

KGB Cool
Vladimir Putin
-If he weren't ruling Russia in real life, Vlad Putin could rule it in Hollywood. He's just right for a Bond villain or a Bruce Willis nemesis. He's good looking, yet in a cruel and thuggish way. He looks sharp in his dark modernist suits, trim sweatersand even a wife-beater....or is it a 'West Beater'? LOL





Tiananmen Squaresville
Hu Jintao
-The leader of the world's largest nation looks like a middle-American Fortune 500 CEO--anonymous and generic. Just like the next guy. Chinacorp. His dark business suits look affordable, his ties like you've seen them before, his hairstyle like high-impact plastic. Maybe capitalism is the best socialism.





Playa-in-Chief
Joseph Kabila
-The 36 year old Kabila may be the slickest prez on the planet. he's good looking and has a gift for styling, whether he's in camo fatigues, an NFL grade four-button suit, or one of those only-in-the congo short-sleeved shirt suits that pack some serious post-colonial pizzazz.





Sartre-torial Splendor
Nicolas Sarkozy
-There's always hysteria when anyone to the right of Castro is elected in France, but I dont worry about Sarkozy. He shows the right amount of (French) cuff, knows you can never go wrong with Ray-Ban aviators, and generally looks as smart as he talks. And he wears his suits well. Apparently, during the campaign, his wife, Cecilia--the chicest first lady on the planet--decided his two button Diors didnt suit his body and put him in three button Prada. The rest is history.




Sultanic Majesty
Qaboos Bin Said Al-Said
-Dressing as a president is a piece of cake; dressing as a sultan takes skill. Its like being head of state and editor of GQ at the same time. And nobody wears a turban like the Sultan of Oman. Plus, his military ensemble puts Michael Jackson to shame. He makes modern despotism look easy.





Connecticut Cowboy
George W. Bush
-Forty three doesn't take after forty one. His dad was one of our better-dressed prezes. In Dubya's first term, his jacket cuffs approached his knuckles, making him appear even more simian, and his trousers dragged on the red carpet. But unlike in other areas, he seems to have taken sartorial advice and improved his bidness look. Still, he's best in ranch gear and maybe clearing brush is his true calling, but we still wonder what the buldge is under his short-sleeve shirt. I guess he's just alot of backbone.





The Axis of Cheeseball
Kim Jong Il
-Lil' Kim is his own man, for sure, in those pimped-out pajamas. They're like custom fatigues, a sort of cross between Mao and Hef. And then there's that hair---Im sure he thinks its Sal Mineo, but its really Martin Allen.

Yes, sir!

c'mon guys post some vids pood ba!

Kyle, your Tita Grace is very popular with my friends too. We were also graced with gifts of yummy and scrumptious cakes as well. You are very lucky, Kyle, to have such a loving and giving Aunty.

Thanks for being a good friend, Ate.

Greetings Ms. Blue, thank you for your response. It made me smile
If you are interested in reading more about the topic, you can visit this site:
http://www.ctinquiry.org/publications/reflections_volume_1/torrance.htm

++++++

I just wanted to share one excerpt that Einstein revealed (this is provided in the site I gave you) in his later years about religion and his own personal views.

"Although I am a typical loner in daily life, my consciousness of belonging to the invisible community of those who strive for truth, beauty, and justice has preserved me from feeling isolated. The most beautiful and deepest experience a man can have is the sense of the mysterious. It is the underlying principle of religion as well as all serious endeavour in art and science. He who never had this experience seems to me, if not dead, then at least blind. To sense that behind anything that can be experienced there is something that our mind cannot grasp and whose beauty and sublimity reaches us only indirectly and as a feeble reflection, this is religiousness. In this sense I am religious. To me it suffices to wonder at these secrets and to attempt humbly to grasp with my mind a mere image of the lofty structure of all that is there.  "

**starts to cry**

I almost cried when I read Hazel's definition of friendship.

The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him with his friendship.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I like it, Mike.

Moonlight Sonata


by L. Beethoven

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Ave Maria

original concierto performed by L. Beethoven


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Apologize (Techno Remix)

by DJ Crunk

[mp3tube]ca0b9229ba46368c0b2b78411cba2599[/mp3tube]

My all time favorite~~

'Blue Spanish Eyes'

This is definitely a good cha-cha song 

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Post some of your favorite instrumental songs. Can be classic, contemporary, modern etc.

Salamat Kaayo!

Good song

I wanna love you
(The Spanish Version)

by Akon

[mp3tube]7bea51b8b59050fdcf639444492773f0[/mp3tube]

Enoy~ 

Interesting article, Mike. I have a question tho, is the word 'Tagbilaran' of indigenous Boholano decent or is that a miscegenation of Spanish and native Visayan? Thanks, Brod.

The same dichotomy between unofficial Japanese nationalist fervor and official governmental disinterest regarding the Philippines was reflected in the Japanese role in the Philippine revolution during 1896-1898.

If the Philippines was a small concern to Japan in its phase of giant awakening, Japan loomed large in the the nationalistic consciousness of the Philippines. While the French and the American revolutions had only an ideological appeal, Japan's rise had touched deep kinship chords in Filipino hearts, especially after revolutionary nationalism developed. In the early 1890's, when Japan was trying to negotiate a revision of its existing treaty with Spain, with a view to seeking free Japanese settlement in the Philippines in return for corresponding rights for Spanish settlers in Japan, Filipino nationalists endorsed the idea. Marcelo del Pilar, in a series of articles in La Solidaridad, pleaded for Japanese immigration to the islands on the grounds that "Japanese immigration to the Philippines as well as that of Philippine immigration in Japan would fill an important gap in the economic existence of both archipelagos."

After Japan's victory over China in 18895 Filipino nationalists definitely began to look to Japan as a possible redeemer of their freedom. Even during the Sino-Japanese war in 1894-1895 a few efforts were made to obtain Japanese assistance. A propagandist, Jose Ramos and two associates, had planned to seek Japanese aid, but the plan fell through and he had to escape to Japan in August 1895.

During his early stay in Japan, Dr. Jose P. Rizal had discussed with a Japanese minister the possibility of obtaining three merchant vessels to transport arms to Manila. He had contemplated settling down in Japan as a director of a proposed University for Filipino youth. Of course, Rizal's life veered sharply ina different direction. A really serious attempt to obtain Japanese aid was made by the Katipunan, supported by certain Japanese nationalists, called Shishis, who balanced the paucity of their numbers with ample enthusiasm. While preparing for an armed rebellion against Spain, Bonifacio and Jacinto struck upon the idea of enlisting the help of the Japanese government. They probably recalled how, earlier in history, their prototypes had sought Japanese help. Japanese residents in Manila also conveyed an impression that Japan was interested in Asian peoples (unfortunately they were wrong--Japan was interested in the growth of its own in Asia). On March 1895 the Katipunan appointed a committee comprising Emilio Jacinto, Jose Dison, Jose Basa and Mariano Crisostomo to go to Japan to enter into necessary agreements to acquire arms.

(to be continued)

Southeast Asian leaders adopted a landmark charter Tuesday but their vision to create an EU-style bloc faced hurdles because of concerns over Myanmar, whose military rulers have defied international calls to restore democracy.

The pact will collapse if one country fails to ratify it. The Philippines has warned that its Congress would be hard-pressed to do so unless Myanmar upholds the charter's principles of democracy and human rights and releases pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

On Monday, the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations abruptly withdrew an invitation to U.N. envoy Ibrahim Gambari to address Asian leaders after Myanmar objected.

They further rejected calls to suspend Myanmar from the bloc to punish the junta's crackdown on pro-democracy protesters that left 15 people dead in September, and its refusal to free Suu Kyi.

"ASEAN leaders will strive to prevent the Myanmar issue from obstructing our efforts to deepen integration and build an ASEAN community," Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in his opening remarks at the annual summit.

Still, ASEAN leaders urged Myanmar's junta to open a "meaningful dialogue" with Suu Kyi, release her from house arrest, free all political detainees and work toward a "peaceful transition to democracy."

ASEAN's Secretary-General Ong Keng Yong insisted the body was not kowtowing to Myanmar, also known as Burma, by shelving Gambari's scheduled address on Wednesday.

"We don't want to come across as being too confrontational in a situation like this," Ong told reporters.

Gambari arrived at the summit venue â€" a luxury hotel in downtown Singapore â€" and launched into private meetings with officials from Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines.

However, China â€" which has the most influence over the isolated Southeast Asian nation and is its largest trading partner â€" won't hold a special meeting with Gambari, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang.

Qin said the purpose of China's attendance at the ASEAN meeting was to improve cooperation with Southeast Asian nations. He said China and ASEAN want to help Myanmar settle its disputes, but that outside pressure only hurt.

Qin also insisted that there has been positive developments in Myanmar, but he declined to elaborate.

Japan's Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura told his Myanmar counterpart Tuesday "it is urgent for Myanmar to promote dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi and opposition parties and promote the democratic process in Myanmar," said Japanese Foreign Ministry Press Secretary Mitsuo Sakaba.

Komura urged Myanmar to support Gambari's work in the country and repeated a request for a full investigation into the case of a Japanese photojournalist who was killed in Myanmar during the September demonstrations. Komura also sought the return of his camera gear.

The ASEAN charter sets out a common set of rules for negotiations in trade, investment, environment and other fields. It aims to turn Southeast Asia into a single market and production base with a free flow of goods, services, investment and capital.

One of the most significant pledges in the charter is to set up a regional human rights body. Critics note, however, that it will have limited impact given that it will not be able to punish governments that violate the human rights of their citizens.

Negotiators have watered it down by dropping earlier recommendations to consider sanctions, including possible expulsion, in cases of serious breaches of the covenant by member nations.

Bodyguards for Myanmar's foreign minister, Nyan Win, pushed away reporters trying to get him to comment on the debate.

"I have no comment on that question," Nyan Win said when asked about why the junta would not release Suu Kyi, who has been under house arrest for 12 of the last 18 years.

Current political conditions in Myanmar make a free-trade deal between the United States and the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) impossible in the near term, US Trade Representative Susan Schwab said.

The relationship 'can't be business as usual,' she said as ASEAN readied for Tuesday's signing of a landmark charter giving the 40- year-old regional grouping legal status and committing the members to pursuing human rights, democracy and a blueprint for economic integration by 2015.

ASEAN leaders recognize that the bloc's reputation and credibility have been undermined by the situation in military-ruled Myanmar, where troops fired on peaceful protesters in September, killing at least 15.

Schwab, who is on a two-day visit to Singapore, met Monday with economic ministers to discuss progress made under the US-ASEAN Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement, signed a year ago.

'The issue of Burma did come up, and I expressed our concern,' she told reporters. 'ASEAN has special responsibility when it comes to the situation in Burma.'

Despite the US Senate's unanimous vote Friday, urging ASEAN to suspend Myanmar until the regime shows respect for human rights, ASEAN is dealing with the issue within the 'family.'

ASEAN leaders have called off a planned summit briefing by UN Special envoy Ibrahim Gambari, scheduled for Wednesday, after Myanmar objected.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in the city-state's capacity as ASEAN chairman, said Myanmar made it clear that it prefers to deal directly with the United Nations, and ASEAN leaders respect its wishes.

Singapore had invited Gambari to brief ASEAN leaders and their counterparts from China, India, South Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

The US has a free-trade agreement with Singapore. It also has trade and investment framework arrangements (TIFA) with Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Ten-member ASEAN signed a TIFA deal in August 2006, regarded as a precursor to liberalizing trade.

'The fact that we have a TIFA with ASEAN means we have the potential for creating the building blocks down the road,' Schwab said.

ASEAN includes Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar.

Southeast Asian leaders signed a charter here on Tuesday that was drafted as a watershed document to bind the region together in a European-style economic community, but the pact has instead exposed the sharp divisions over one of its members, Myanmar.

The Asean charter establishes the group as a legal entity, creating permanent representation for members at its secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia, and committing heads of state to meetings twice a year. It includes a blueprint for economic reforms intended to create a European-style trading bloc by 2015, with free movement of goods, services, investment and skilled labor. The document also sets timelines for the elimination of nontariff barriers and other trade restrictions.

But the president of the Philippines has warned that her country may not ratify the document if Myanmar does not institute democratic changes and release the long-detained opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

The blueprint also falls short of establishing the customs union many businesses in the region have been hoping for. And it includes a provision that allows members to opt out of economic commitments if other members agree.

“The charter they ended up with is very diluted, to a point where it doesn’t make any new ground,” said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, director of the Institute of Security and International Studies in Bangkok. “What we have is the codification of existing norms.”

It is increasingly clear that Myanmar is a liability to regional status. On Monday, the United States trade representative, Susan C. Schwab, warned that the situation in Myanmar was holding up progress toward a free trade agreement between the United States and Asean. And President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of the Philippines warned that unless Myanmar committed itself to democratic reforms and released Mrs. Aung San Suu Kyi, her country’s Congress was unlikely to ratify the charter, essentially vetoing it.

Pointing to Asean’s track record of lofty targets and pedestrian achievements, economists and analysts have voiced skepticism about the group’s ability to follow Europe’s lead given the widely divergent levels of economic development among its 10 members â€" with rich Singapore at one end of the spectrum and impoverished Laos at the other.

“The disparities are still quite big,” said Chua Hak Bin, an economist at Citigroup in Singapore. “Don’t even talk about a single currency. It’s so far away.”

The squabbling over Myanmar only underscored the disparate levels of political maturity and development that exist between Asean’s older and newer members.

Asean’s newer members, poor and ruled by autocratic governments â€" Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam â€" empathize with Myanmar’s ruling junta and oppose efforts to press it to tolerate political dissent. Analysts said these countries feared that any stronger action by Asean on Myanmar might set an unwelcome precedent.

These three nations helped Myanmar block plans by Singapore to have the United Nations special envoy to Myanmar, Ibrahim Gambari, deliver a briefing on Wednesday to a meeting that includes leaders from Asean, China, Japan, South Korea and India. (Mr. Gambari instead held private talks with Asean leaders late Tuesday, although China’s prime minister, Wen Jiabao, reportedly declined to meet with him.)

But Asean’s original members, more developed and relatively more democratic â€" Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines among them â€" now see Myanmar as a diplomatic embarrassment that needs to be handled through careful pressure and persuasion. All of Asean’s members agree that sanctions like those imposed by the United States and Europe would serve only to isolate Myanmar further and reduce what little leverage they have over the junta.

The charter resolves to create an Asean human rights body but has no provisions for enforcing compliance with any human rights standard.

“They’re more into rhetoric than real action,” said Sinapan Samydorai, president of the Think Center, a nongovernmental organization in Singapore. “They can talk about human rights, but they can’t enforce it.”

 Countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed to establish an ASEAN human rights body as they signed the ASEAN Charter here on Tuesday.

    "In conformity with the purpose and principles of the ASEAN Charter relating to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedom, ASEAN shall establish an ASEAN human rights body," the Charter says in the chapter about the organizations' organs.

    Although the body does not have an official name yet, the Charter stipulates that it will operate in accordance with the terms of reference to be determined by the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting.

    As for other issues of ASEAN's organs, the Charter stipulates that the ASEAN Summit is the supreme policy-making body of ASEAN, which was established in 1967 and now groups Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia.

    The ASEAN Summit Meetings will be held twice annually hosted by the member state holding the grouping's chairmanship, the Charter says.

    The Secretary-General of ASEAN, who will be the Chief Administrative Officer of the ASEAN, will be appointed by the ASEAN Summit for a non-renewable term of office of five years, selected from among nationals of the ASEAN member states based on alphabetical rotation, with due consideration to integrity, capability and professional experience, and gender equality, the Charter says.

    According to the Charter, ASEAN's organs include the ASEAN Coordinating Council, ASEAN Community Councils (the ASEAN Political-Security Community Council, ASEAN Economic Community Council, and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council), ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Bodies.

    The ASEAN region has a population of about 500 million, a total area of 4.5 million square kilometers, a combined gross domestic product of almost 700 billion U.S. dollars, and a total trade of about 850 billion U.S. dollars.

 US-based AES Power Corp. plans to expand the Masinloc coal-fired power plant to double its present capacity.

”We see that with the growth in the Philippine economy and the energy demand and how prosperous its becoming we are very excited about contributing to that growth. Masinloc, we feel, is very well positioned to expand its capacity,” Matthew L. Bartley, AES Philippines president, said.

”We expect the closing date to be next month or two. So it should be in the first quarter of the year,” he said, referring to the completion of the acquisition and turnover of the plant.

The expansion of the facility is expected to help avert a looming power crunch that will likely hit the country in the next two to four years. The government is banking on the expansion of existing power plants as an alternative to putting up new ones altogether, which would take more time.

The government auctioned off the 600 megawatt Masinloc facility last July.

Bartley said the company is talking to lenders for partial financing of the upfront payment for the Masinloc facility. The government requires immediate payment of 40 percent of the purchase cost.

The US clothing firm Gap, Inc., will open stores in the Philippines through its partner, the Rustan Group of Companies.

In a statement, the company said it has signed a franchise agreement with Rustan’s to introduce the Gap and Banana Republic brands in the country.

“Over the next five years, Gap, Inc.’s franchise partner Rustan plans to open a combined total of approximately eight Gap stores and four Banana Republic stores,” it said.

The first Gap store in the Philippines is expected to open by the end of this year and the first Banana Republic store in (March) 2008, the company added.

All 12 stores are scheduled to be in place by 2012.

Ron Young, Gap’s senior vice-president for international strategic alliances, said the Philippines represents a natural market for the firm to expand its international presence.

“The country has a strong, steadily growing economy, and consumers in this market have a great interest in iconic apparel brands such as ours,” he added.

Under the agreement, Gap will use Rustan’s local operational expertise, and provide access to Gap and Banana Republic’s clothing and accessories.

Rustan’s, on the other hand, will hold exclusive rights to operate Gap and Banana Republic stores in the Philippines.

“[It] will purchase merchandise from Gap or suppliers designated by Gap, and must adhere to Gap’s quality standards to preserve the reputation of the Gap and Banana Republic brands,” the clothing retailer said.

MANILA, Philippines--FORD Motor Co., whose officials have expressed continued optimism in the Philippines, could expand its production facility here by up to seven times if local economic growth continued and regional integration opened up more markets in Southeast Asia.

Liam Benham, Ford's vice president for governmental affairs in Asia-Pacific and Africa, said the company was continually looking at expansion opportunities in the country although there were no short-term plans so far.

"Ideally, a facility should be producing 100,000 units to 200,000 units yearly," Benham said.

"This is a possible future for [our Philippine operations] as the ASEAN market is still largely untapped, but we have to make a competitive situation to make that a feasible reality," he added.

Ford's facility in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, has the capacity to turn out some 31,000 units of vehicles yearly, but it is only producing barely half of that.

Benham was part of a business mission sent by the US-ASEAN Business Council. It was here on a three-day visit that wrapped up Friday.

The Bangkok-based official said the business mission met with various executive officials, including President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and business-related bodies such as the National Competitiveness Council.

"It is heartening to hear that there are deeply-rooted efforts to make the country more competitive," Benham said. "It is more so when one considers that Ford enjoys (some conveniences here) that are unparalleled in ASEAN."

However, he said that amid continued optimism, the need to address hurdles to growth and expansion remained urgent.

He said two of the greatest concerns among investors in the Philippines were the problems of smuggling and high cost of power.

Further, Benham said the strict implementation of the ban on the importation of used vehicles was needed as this was the biggest barrier to the expansion of the domestic vehicle market.

Benham said Ford was also anticipating the opening up of markets in the region with the realization of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Economic Community.

"Non-tariff barriers in Malaysia and the tax system in Thailand are currently discouraging Ford from exporting more vehicles to these countries," he said.

Benham echoed US-ABC president Matthew P. Daley, who expressed hope that "economic integration, in tangible and practicable ways, could be accelerated."

"We are fully committed to the Philippines, which is a very key hub for Ford in the Asian region," Benham said.

"We export not only to ASEAN but to farther regions as well. We have started shipping out flex-fuel engines to as far as South Africa, which is 12 hours by plane," he added.

By MA. ELISA P. OSORIO

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) defended the tax breaks given to investors saying it is one of the best ways to attract foreign businessmen to locate in the country.

"Everyone in the region (ASEAN) is offering fiscal and non fiscal incentives. We need it to be competitive," Trade Secretary Peter B. Favila told reporters in an interview before he left for Europe.

According to Favila, the competition among ASEAN member nations for foreign locators is very stiff.

If the Philippines will not give similar perks as the ones given by Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and the other countries then foreign investors will have less reason to invest in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) director general Lilia B. de Lima is not convinced there is a need for the House of Representatives to study the tax perks being given by the government.

"Let us not change the rules at the middle of the game," De Lima said in an interview.

Currently, there are four house bills dealing with fiscal rationalization.

All the filed bills agree that there is a need to rationalize/remove old incentives in numerous laws passed over recent decades which drain needed revenue, allow redundant incentives and have created a myriad of incentive-awarding authorities.

It likewise calls for limiting the awarding of income tax holiday (ITH), the need to monitor the application of incentives; and the need for an agency to promote investment, especially to foreign investors.

The Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) has already expressed its opposition for the cancellation of ITH and has even appealed to President Arroyo to issue a directive making it clear that the government will continue giving ITH to spur economic activity in the country.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=101162

By Darwin G. Amojelar, Reporter

The Philippine economy this year will record its highest growth rate in over two decades, Asian Development Bank (ADB) said in a report released on Thursday.

In its December Asia Economic Monitor report, ADB raised to 7 percent its projection for the growth of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). In its July Monitor report, the forecast was 5.8 percent.

GDP refers to the final value of goods and services produced in the country in a year.

The figure for this month was above the government’s target range of between 6.1 percent and 6.7 percent and the highest growth rate since 1986 when the economy grew 7.7 percent.

ADB said the growth was mainly fueled by government spending in the elections and on infrastructure. It added that such expenditures also lifted the economies of three other countries in the region.

“Election-related government spending in the Philippines and infrastructure program disbursements in [Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand] provided an additional boost to consumption and investment,” the report said.

Asia Economic Monitor is a semiannual review of East Asia’s growth, financial vulnerability, and emerging policy issues.

At end-September, the Philippine economy grew 6.6 percent, compared to 5.1 percent in the same period last year.

For 2008, ADB said the Philippines’ GDP growth will remain high about 6.4 percentâ€"although off the post-crisis peak reached this yearâ€"on strong gains in net exports, private consumption and government spending.

In July, it forecast the country’s GDP to grow 5.7 percent.

In the Philippines, the regional lender said, the appreciation of the peso in real termsâ€"mainly credited to strong capital inflows combined with a surge in overseas workers’ remittancesâ€"has hurt the export competitiveness of the manufacturing sector and has seen exports slowing.

The remittances from the migrant workers, however, have pushed private consumption, it added.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/dec/14/yehey/top_stories/20071214top3.html

I just finished reading a rather vivid book entitled "Cry Havoc! The Crooked Road to the Civil War, 1861" written by Nathan D. Lankford. Exciting, battle-oriented, and intrigue.

I highly recommend it for history lovers, political advocates, and any strategists.