Category Archives: Lifestyle

Opuspirit

Have you heard spirits singing? Have you ever heard singers singing on spirit tones? Are you ready to be enchanted and possess by the Phantom of the Opera, Manila?

This world’s famous and successful musical-theatrical long running show on Broadway will staged show in the Philippines from a limited time from Aug. 25 2012 to Oct. 14, 2012 at the CCP(Cultural Center of the Philippines) Main Theater. Tickets are available at any TicketWorld Outlets : (1)National BookStore branches; CUBAO SUPER BRANCH, Shangri-La Plaza, Market Market Extension, ROCKWELL Power Plant Mall, Quezon Avenue, Harrison Plaza, Glorietta 5,and Alabang Commercial Center; (2) Robinsons Department Stores Business Center; Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Place, Robinsons Festival Mall, Robinsons Starmills San Fernando, Robinsons Metro East, Robinsons Davao, Robinsons Place Cebu; (3)Ayala Malls/Trinoma; Greenbelt 1, TriNoma;(4) CCP Box Office ;(5) SHANGRI-LA Makati; (6)Music Museum;(7) Teatrino Promenade; (8)Resorts World Manila, Main Lobby Box-Office;(9)Eastwood Mall, Concierge Section (Ground Floor);(10)Ticketworld Head Office;(11) TicketWorld Website;(12) Barkada Tix on Facebook.

What is the Phantom of the Opera?

The Phantom of the Opera “….tells the story of a disfigured musical genius known only as ‘The Phantom’ who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House. Mesmerised by the talents and beauty of a young soprano – Christine, the Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, The Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness and passions collide…” It was a masterpiece theatrical play created and written by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and produce by British theatrical producer Tim McFarlane, directed by Harold Prince and will be open or will begin to stage the play on August 25,2012.

The Phantom of the Opera “….has been seen by over 130 million people worldwide, in more than 27 countries, has won over 50 major theatre awards, and has grossed more than US$5.6 billion…” and continues to play on theatrical theaters “….nightly in London, New York and around the world…”

According to Managing Producer of The Phantom of the Opera Tim McFarlane ,not only the famous musical play hits the box office on European countries and New York but also on Asia-Pacific region Tokyo, Singapore, Shanghai and Seoul, and is expecting to be a hit also in the Philippines.

“…This touring production of The Phantom Of The Opera is as fine as any version you might see on the West End or Broadway – it is the same superb design, and we invest a great deal to ensure it is of the highest standards. Our stellar cast assembles the industry’s best performers, with members coming from the UK, USA, Australia and South Africa to join forces. The Phantom of the Opera has enjoyed huge success throughout the Asia-Pacific region, having experienced sold-out seasons in cities such as Tokyo, Singapore, Shanghai and Seoul, and I am confident that audiences in Manila will welcome the production with equal enthusiasm.”

Added to that big expectation of the Managing producer of The Phantom of the Opera, Tim McFarlane,the Chief Executive Officer of the Lunchbox Theatrical Productions ,James Cundall which presents the “The Phantom of the Opera” in Manila Philippines believes on the Filipinos worthiness to serve such “..superb show which epitomizes all that is great about musical theatre – unbelievable music, a powerfully moving story, lavish sets and costumes, and most importantly, superb audience entertainment. …”

“…To bring the world’s most popular musical to such a musically-gifted nation as The Philippines has been a long-term dream. It is a superb show which epitomizes all that is great about musical theatre – unbelievable music, a powerfully moving story, lavish sets and costumes, and most importantly, superb audience entertainment. The Phantom Of The Opera is a worldwide sensation which will take Philippine audiences on an unforgettable musical theatre journey…”
Moreover, James Cundall, the touring of the “The Phantom of the Opera” is complicated theatrical productions considering it is a show that is big, brilliant and bold show wherein they carry twenty five forty foot container vans filled with one hundred ten tons of scenery and two hundred thirty costumes and either ninety or one hundred thirty cast and crews according to him.

“…With 130 cast, crew and orchestra members, jaw-dropping scenery, breathtaking special effects and more than 230 costumes by international designer, the late Maria Björnson, The Phantom Of The Opera contains some of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most famous and stirring music, including “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Music of the Night”….”

Consumer Business Manager of Citibank Philippines, Sergio Zanatti is also glad to announce an advanced preview or show prior to the general public main show beginning on August 25, 2012 to their loyal credit cardholders and bank clients : “..We are pleased to once again open the way for a world class production to come to Manila and perform to local audiences. This early, the news of the Phantom of the Opera being staged in Manila has received wide support and the positive feedback from our clients has been encouraging.”

As well as the presenting partner of the production of the “The Phantom of the Opera” in regards to audio service, Hi-Definition Radio Inc.,its Chief Executive Officer(CEO) is also excited and glad or express gladness : “..As a promoter for the past 30 years of various top-name concerts in The Philippines, being a part of the greatest Broadway musical in the world is a dream come true!…”

The Phantom of the Opera or Le Fantôme de l’Opéra is a novel written by a French writer name Gaston Leroux which was first published at the French Daily Newspaper, Le Gaulois, which was founded in 1868 by Edmond Tarbe and Henri de Pene and was published as mini-series from September 23, 1909 to January 8, 1910.However,the book publication of it or its publication from a mini-series from the French Daily Newspaper, Le Gaulois into book form was poorly patronized and was went out of publication due to its poor patronage by the reading public; but its film and stage adaptation or film and theatrical adaptation of it is the one that brings success to it for it shows to the public the “Spirit” or “phantom” on it which when read on book, it is quite boring and can’t see any “Spirit” on reading it, thus it is poorly patronized on book form or book publication.

In my opinion, it is the music and the cinematographical depiction on theatrical stage and on film which makes it a hit on the public and thus winning seven prestigious New York Tony Awards, seven Drama Desk Awards and three Olivier Awards.

“..The timeless, romantic and much-loved musical has been honoured with seven prestigious New York Tony Awards, among them the Tony for Best Musical, seven Drama Desk Awards and three Olivier Awards…”
The Phantom in the Opera or the Spirit in the Opus play is a real person and not a “ghostly” entity that entices the opera or that mess up the opus being staged if the main protoganist never answer the suppose to be phantom or the one the scares the opus or the “Faust” Opera. Erik is the name of the anti -and-protoganist of the novel “The Phantom of the Opera” and Christine was the girl Erik is mad about.Erik pretends to be a phantom that mess up the opera because he wants to get Christine the main girl on the opera.Erik was a poor guy who needs and longs for love and affection and was fell in love with Christine and he kidnaps her by messing up the Opera hoping that Christine will also be in love with him despite of his ugly face or countenance.
“…The novel opens with a prologue in which Gaston Leroux claims that Erik, the “Phantom of the Opera”, was a real person…. After the chandelier crashes, Erik kidnaps Christine to his home in the cellars and reveals his true identity. He plans to keep her there only a few days, hoping she will come to love him, and Christine begins to find herself attracted to her abductor. But she causes Erik to change his plans when she unmasks him and, to the horror of both, beholds his face, which according to the book, resembles the face of a rotting corpse. Erik goes into a mad frenzy, stating she probably thinks his face is another mask, digging her fingers in to show it was really his face, and shouting, “I am Don Juan Triumphant!” and crawls away, crying. Fearing that she will leave him, he decides to keep her with him forever, but after two weeks, when Christine requests release, he agrees, on condition that she would wear his ring and be faithful to him…”

Milla On Manila

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Comic Books in the Philippines is never as famous as it is on other countries but the famous Marvel and DC comic writer Mark Miller who writes about the famous comic superheroes X-Men, Superman, Spiderman, and the comic superheroes that has made into movie, The Avengers, visits the Philippines for the comic book signing of his latest comic book “Supercrooks” for as the report says, the Philippines gets the number of big sales on his latest comic Book “Supercrooks” whereas, he thought the Philippines would not patronize largely his latest comic book “Supercrooks” for there is no previous records that comic books are super hit in the Philippines but actually he is expecting to come on New York, Los Angeles or London as the expected winner for his “throw the dice” competition of what country will got the big sales in on latest comic book, ”Supercrooks”, will got his signature or will grace a book signing event or activity.

“I thought it was going to be New York, Los Angeles or London because they had famous comic book stores. But I’m really delighted it’s the Philippines because I’ve never been here before, and I’ve got friends here. And it gave me an excuse to hang out with my friends and pretend to my wife that I’m working”

To his surprise, the Philippines got the big number of sales.
The famous comic writer, Mark Millar, is the famous Scottish comic writer of the comic books and comic book series:“Wanted”, ”The Authority”, ”Superman: Red Son” ,”Wolverine” “Enemy of the State”, ”The Ultimates”,” Marvel Knights Spider-Man”, ”Civil War”, “Ultimate Fantastic Four”, ”Kick-Ass”, and so forth which recently held a world competition that will won his signature and luckily, the Philippines through Philippine National Bookstore got or have won his signature to sign his latest comic creation, ”Supercrooks”
“Earlier this year, Mark Millar had announced that whichever comic book stone ordered the most copies of the first issue of his brightly dark new mini-series, ”Supercroooks” would win a visit from him, whenever in the world it was”

And the winning country that has great number of sales of new comic book “Supercrooks” is the Philippines.

An owner of the Philippine National Book Store (NBS) Miguel Ramos has express excitement and gladness about winning the coveted visit and signature of the famous comic book writer Mark Millar. But actually, the NBS or the National Bookstore they themselves bought the number of copies aside from other buyers who actually bought the comic book and distribute it to people as free comic books just to make Mark Millar come into the Philippines or just to get Mark Millar’s signature.

“Just like everyone else, we at National Bookstore are just fanboys and fan girls who have the best jobs in the world because we can do things like this. And this auction was really a once in a opportunity for us to get Mark Millar, Leinil Yu and Gerry Alanguilan together in one room. You can bet Sonny Gho is going to get an email from me tomorrow!!!”

As expected, Mark Millar arrived last May 27,2012 and held a book signing at Glorietta 5,Ayala Center,Makati City organized or prepared by National Bookstore(NBS).

“The response to his arrival has simply stunned Millar, who gamely battled jet lag throughout his stay. He was received like a rock star at the Summer Komikon. On the day of his signing at Glorietta 5 in Makati, fans lined up hours prior to the signing. Millar would eventually sign for more than 1,000 fans…”

Mark Millar was so overwhelmed about the support the National Bookstore has done for his comic works, ”Supercrooks” to be number one best sold comic book in the Philippines.

“…I’m not sure congratulations are in order because this means poor Miguel gets stuck with ME for a few days. Although, I suspect Scotland will be more pleased to be rid of me for a while! But I couldn’t be more delighted to be going somewhere so warm and sunny for a signing. We’re friends with Leinil and his wife Anna so this is a great chance to get a wee holiday out there at the same time as meeting all the very cool Filipino readers who support the Millarworld titles. I can’t wait. We’re looking to fly very soon after our big Kapow! event in London on the 19th and 20th of May www.kapowcomicconvention.com and will let you know as soon as we have a date booked. Huge thanks to Miguel for his support and to all the retailers who have made Supercrooks #1, I think, the biggest pre-orders we’ve had on ANY Millarworld launch so far…”

The book signing at Glorietta 5 according to Mark Millar himself was overwhelming for the reception of Filipinos to be able to get sign their Supercrook comic book by him was warm, “The Manila signing was the best signing I’ve done and amazed at the patience of the people queuing up to eight hours. What a lovely country and people!..”
Together with his success on the Supercrook comic book was with Leinil Francis Yu, a Filipino comic graphic artist that has won a recognition from “…after winning the Wizard’s Drawing Board Contest, his first published work…. He was first hired by Whilce Portacio to do some work for Wildstorm, but that work fell through. Portacio then passed on samples of Yu’s work to Marvel Comics, who subsequently hired him to work on Wolverine……”; and with Gerry Alanguilan, another Filipino comic graphic artist who works also at Marvel and DC comics, and with Sunny Gho, an Indonesian comic colorist artist also.

The Supercrooks, comic book by Mark Millar, Leinil Francis Yu, Gerry Alanguilan, and by Sunny Gho narrates the story of a super villain name Johnny Bolt which discovers many superheroes in the United States and make a living out of them and organize a mafia gang, to quote, “..tells the story of super villain Johnny Bolt, who realizes that the United States has way too many superheroes for a villain to make a living. So he organizes an ambitious heist, where he recruits his former colleagues (and one surprise) to steal from a powerful super-villain in Europe – where there are no superheroes…”

Mark Millar commended his Filipino partner on the making of his or their Supercrook comic books to be of able the one who make the comic book a hit because of his graphic depictions of the story in it. “You guys might not be aware of what a big deal Leinil is, but he is a really big deal in the States. There are maybe three artists in the world who work for Marvel and DC who have made a big impact, and I think Leinil is one of those three guys. I think a lot of the people in the States aren’t even aware he lives in the Philippines. I think that’s what makes the work interesting, because he’s bringing a fresh perspective to American comics. You know we’ve gotten used to the same old stuff, but Leinil’s got a fresh take on it, all of which I absolutely adore. I am very fortunate to have done “Supercrooks” with him and hopefully we’ll work together forever. He likes working with me and I like working with him. It’s like a marriage..”

Another Stem Cell Center

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Aside from the National Kidney and Transplant Institute or NKTI, Medical City in Pasig, Makati Medical Center and St. Luke’s Medical Center, another stem cell medical institution or hospital in the Philippines follow the same route on medical breakthroughs and will be open in September 2012 and offer to same therapies similar to what medical and institutions and hospitals I mentioned earlier, that is the Asian Regenerative Center for Cellular Therapies or ARCCT.

The Asian Regenerative Center for Cellular Therapies or ARCCT according to them, will be a pioneer and leader in medical research and innovations,”…immune and stem cell research and therapies, and in wellness and anti-aging therapies or programs. The research and therapies of the Asian Regenerative Center for Cellular Therapies or ARCCT will serve to advance knowledge of cellular regeneration medicine in Asia and the rest of the world…”

Medical services and applications that the Asian Regenerative Center for Cellular Therapies or ARCCT which it will offer includes or are :
(1) Immune and Stem Cell Storage
(2) Genetic Tests
(3) Muscular Dysfunction Diseases ( Orthopedic, and reconstructive)
(4) Chronic Pain
(5) Anti-aging Therapies
(6) Organic Vaccines
(7) Cosmetic And Dermatologic Treatments

All these medical services are done through cellular therapy treatment or using stem cell therapy or cellular regeneration therapy.

However, though this kind of therapy or medical treatment is already available on the National Kidney and Transplant Institute or NKTI, Medical City in Pasig, and St. Luke’s Medical Center, and Makati Medical Center; still Asian Regenerative Center for Cellular Therapies or ARCCT thinks they are the pioneer and leader and the very first to use this medical breakthrough technology in the Philippines. It seems they are not aware that it is already available in the Philippines before they will open their center on September 2012.For according to the president of the Asian Holistic Medical Alliance that owns and manage the Asian Regenerative Center for Cellular Therapies or ARCCT:

“It is the Asian Regenerative Center for Cellular Therapies or ARCCT vision to bring most advanced technology equipment available today for stem cell therapy or regenerative cellular therapy. This technology and machinery has never been brought to the Philippines prior to the Asian Regenerative Center for Cellular Therapies or ARCCT’s establishment..”

Cynthia Carrion not only “..owns and administers the Asian Regenerative Center for Cellular Therapies or ARCCT in a joint venture with the US-based Keller Medical Institute…”,but also a former secretary of the Department of Tourism that have help,”…launch the Philippines’ Medical Tourism Program..” But how come, she says its Asian Regenerative Center for Cellular Therapies or ARCCT is the one who bring the latest medical breakthrough on medical practice which is stem cell therapy whereas the National Kidney and Transplant Institute or NKTI is the one who pioneer this kind of treatment since 1990 and the Medical City in Pasig have been researching about regenerative medicine since 1986 and now currently practice this newfound medical breakthrough which is stem cell therapy.

“Many years ago, the Philippines already conducted research in regenerative medicine, starting in 1986 when Dr. Alfredo Bengzon was Secretary of Health, and now president and CEO of the Medical City in Pasig. The Regenerative Medicine Program has been expanded at the Medical City, as part of Dr. Bengzon’s vision to establish a center of excellence in the Philippines that would provide comprehensive range of clinical and laboratory services in molecular and cellular therapeutic, including stem cell therapy, for Filipino and international patients…”

Is Cythia Carreon, found lying or just not aware or how come? According to her through her Asian Regenerative Center for Cellular Therapies or ARCCT, the Philippines will become a hub for regenerative cellular therapies in Asia.

“When it comes to cellular regeneration therapy, the Philippines and the rest of the world have yet to discover its full potential for improving human health. This kind of stem cell therapy that is being close in the Philippines today is just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak what the Asian Regenerative Center for Cellular Therapies or ARCCT will do is broaden the treatment applications of stem cell or regenerative cellular therapies, and offer it on a larger scale at more affordable prices. This will bring the benefits of cellular regeneration therapy to more people…”

The Asian Regenerative Center for Cellular Therapies or ARCCT, is not a pure Filipino owned medical center unlike to the Medical City in Pasig and National Kidney and Transplant Institute or NKTI for as I said earlier it is established in partnership with the Asian Holistic Medical Alliance and the US-based Keller Medical Institute. The US-based Keller Medical Institute, “..is a leading clinical facility for cellular regeneration treatments that has already patented its own therapies and procedures..”

Therefore, the Asian Regenerative Center for Cellular Therapies or ARCCT could be a local version or local branch of the US-based medical institute that offers what it offers and now in the Philippine in competition with the local home grown ones: the National Kidney and Transplant Institute or NKTI, the Medical City in Pasig, and the Makati Medical Center Cellular Therapeutics Laboratory. But the National Kidney and Transplant Institute or NKTI is the first to come up with such medical alternatives form of healing or medication or therapy in the Philippines and already practicing it, according to National Kidney and Transplant Institute or NKTI deputy executive director Dr. Dante Dator.

“A lot of people may not know this, but [National Kidney and Transplant Institute ] NKTI’s Stem Cell Transplantation Program has been performing blood and bone marrow transplantation procedures for years and had improved survival for a number of our patients who suffer from diseases like leukemia and lymphomas..”

However, he is not in great oppose against the new medical center that caters the same stem cell therapy like them or the National Kidney and Transplant Institute or NKTI, the Medical City in Pasig, and the Makati Medical Center Cellular Therapeutics Laboratory but somehow happy that the Philippines becomes now the hub or center or leader of stem cell therapy or cellular regeneration therapy in Asia.
“Many Filipinos may not realize this but the Philippines is now regarded as one of the leaders in regenerative medicine considering that a number of medical institutions here, The Medical City included, have spent not only hundreds of millions of dollars in acquiring the latest and most sophisticated equipment but also in acquiring personnel who trained under the watchful eye of world renowned experts if not pioneers in their respective fields..”.according to Dr. Samuel Bernal, a world-renowned Filipino-American cancer specialist and molecular biologist, UCLA Proffesor Emeritus in Medicine and consultant adviser to The Medical City’s Regenerative Program at the TMC’s Laboratory.

Even patients from foreign countries such as the US, Europe, Russia and Australia travel from their home country into the Philippines to have such treatment of therapy, particularly at National Kidney and Transplant Institute or NKTI, the Medical City in Pasig, and the Makati Medical Center Cellular Therapeutics Laboratory and St .Luke’s Medical Center.

Thus, the Philippines become now the pioneer of stem cell therapy in Asia and most trusted medical centers in the world because of a number of medical centers that caters cellular regeneration therapy.
Stem cell therapy is a type or alternative so-called natural way to heal or regenerate the damaged or disease stricken parts of the human body by grafting extra cells into it and that which allowed its natural healing by the help of the natural healing process of the human body.

“..Stem cell treatments are a type of intervention strategy that introduces new adult stem cells into damaged tissue in order to treat disease or injury. Many medical researchers believe that stem cell treatments have the potential to change the face of human disease and alleviate suffering. The ability of stem cells to self-renew and give rise to subsequent generations with variable degrees of differentiation capacities, offers significant potential for generation of tissues that can potentially replace diseased and damaged areas in the body, with minimal risk of rejection and side effects…” –Wikipedia

Regenerative Medication

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What is regenerative medicine? An anti-aging and rejuvenation medicine? So it speaks, is not? – Regenerative.

But as I know, cells regenerate themselves every after a good night sleeps and through eating fresh and raw foods and drinks or when a person or animals ate nutritious or foods and beverages that has nutrients; but mostly or especially raw fresh fruits and vegetables that has enzymes and a number of good bacterias and good microorganism that could regenerate the body; as was as fresh pure mineral water that has natural electrolytes, enzymes, and vitamins and minerals that both feed and heals the human and animal humus bodies. So what is this Regenerative Medicine lingering on the Philippines leading medical hospital – St. Luke’s Medical and the Medical City in Pasig?

Regenerative medicine is a personalized molecular medicine..”..which is very labor intensive, requiring a large number of trained molecular biologists and biochemists who work closely with clinicians in customizing treatment according to the molecular characteristics of the patient’s condition..”

It is using the stem cells or extra cells of the patients to treat inflictions and infirmities on the patient’s body so as to “go with the flow” the stemmed cells on the inflicted part of the patient to the natural healing process of the body.

It is using the extra cells of the patients or in other cases using other human adult cells, umbilical cord stem cells, embryonic cells, cells of aborted fetus and animal stem cells, as medicine for healing or regeneration and rejuvenation of the body. The purpose of medicine is for healing or in other words, for regeneration, but there are some medical drugs or pharmaceutical drugs that rather regenerates or heal the patients, it instead degenerate or inflict more the patients or reverse the process of healing or bring to life the patients humus body.

“The most effective and safest cells to use for treatment in human are human adult cells,(especially the natural healing cells from the bone marrow) and human umbilical cord cells, according to Bernal. Human adult and umbilical cord stem cells are also morally, ethically and legally acceptable, unlike embryonic, aborted fetus, genetically altered, and animal stem cells..”

Stem cell therapy is the way or alternative means of medical doctors in the Philippines as well as to medical doctors around the world to compete the battle against natural herbal medication, so also to make their treatment also natural to compensate for the lost of profits due to some campaigns against the ineffectiveness of pharmaceutical drugs.

According to Deputy executive director of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute in East Avenue at Quezon City; Doctor Dante Dator, “…stem cell-based therapy is emerging as new concept for the treatment of various diseases. Owing to the extraordinary advances taking place in the fields of cellular and molecular biology, we are slowly moving from just offering mechanical care to biological solutions..” which the medical doctors in the Philippines and by respected hospitals in the Philippines is trying to incorporate on their therapy or expertise on servicing their patients a new kind of treatment that is effective and natural compare to the natural herbal medication phenomena.

The National Kidney and Transplant Institute or NKTI in the Philippines is the pioneer of stem cell therapy in the Philippines which have performed a stem cell transplantation in the Philippines since 1990 and has performed peripheral blood stem cell transplant since 2001, which some Filipinos may not know well. So far, their medical facilities and equipment has been modernized and upgraded similar to what is found in the United States.

“A lot of people may not know this, but [The National Kidney and Transplant Institute or] NKTI’s stem cell transplantation Program has been performing blood and bone marrow transplantation procedures for years and had improved survival for a number of our patients who suffer from diseases like leukemia and lymphomas..”

Dr. Dante Dator said, not that the National Kidney and Transplant Institute or NKTI is the leading medical center or hospital in the Philippines in the field of stem cell transplantation or cellular regeneration therapy or widely known as stem cell therapy; but have also doctors trained with world’s leading institutions, particularly, the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) which he work with world-renowned physicians and scientists..” whose goal is to find a cure, rather than merely to treat a disease..”

The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, “…was the first in the world to engineer laboratory grown organs that were successfully implanted into humans..” and,”…a leader in translating scientific discovery into clinical therapies…

The Philippines is bless to have to this kind of treatment.. “..why would a Filipino seeking the very best care stay here in the Philippines and not to fly to the United States?..”, because the best care is already here in the Philippines no more to fly overseas if sick or heavily inflicted disease Filipinos would to seek advanced medication abroad.

“Many Filipinos may not realize this but the Philippines is now regarded as one of the leaders in regenerative medicine considering that a number of medical institutions here. The Medical City included, have spent not only hundreds of millions of dollars in acquiring the latest and most sophisticated equipment but also in acquiring personnel who trained under the watchful eye of world renowned experts if not pioneers in their respective fields..”

Actually, the National Kidney and Transplant Institute or NKTI is set to collaborates a clinical trial with Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine or WFIRM using a tissue engineered bladders or using advanced stem cell therapy for the benefit of Filipino patients.

“We do hope that with this collaboration we can give the same value of care to Filipinos patients…it is no longer impossible or beyond the realm of possibility that the few of us could now provide the expertise and best services that patients seek…”,added more,”…the doctors [in the Philippines] can now select a therapy or treatment protocol based on patient’s molecular profile that may not only minimize harmful side effects and ensure a more successful outcome, but can also help contain costs compared with a trial-and-error approach to disease treatment….”

Filipino patients are of no worries regarding such treatment because, doctors on such specialization are “…armed with the right training and competent personnel, I believe that we can incorporate regenerative medicine and tissue engineering in the clinical armamentarium for the Filipino patients…”

Not only in the National Kidney and Transplant Institute or NKTI, Medical City in Pasig and St ,Luke Medical Center were at already in the stem cell therapy kind of treatment or treating a degenerative diseases or any kind and sort of diseases as new breakthrough alternative for healing and regeneration of the body,”..other leading medical institutions in the country[Philippines] are also beefing up their facilities that involved stem cell-based therapy…”
However, to brush off or brush away worries or anxieties that a Filipino would be apprehensive over such treatment because it is scrapping their tissue or cells or grapping other cells or tissue from for instance from stem cell of animals into their bodies or cellular make-up in order for them to be regenerate or be heal from, their diseases, the doctors involved on such or specialized on such kind of treatment, according to them would be able to convince patients to undergo such and nothing wrong will happen and everything is okay.

“Before we could even convince patients, we need to assure them that their cells will be processed by one of the most experienced staff and advanced facilities in the region. We offer ultraclean room facility that can handle cell-based products, and culture facility; sophisticated procedure to isolate stem cell (magnetic-activated cell sorting); meticulous quality control and documentation; high-end equipment that are operated by experienced scientists; and established system to monitor the patient’s progress..”, according to the head of Makati Medical Center Cellular Therapeutics Laboratory.

Punk Rocks Loud No More

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Punk Rock is a type of music rock genre that is loud and with provocative lyrics in some punk rock bands which started at the middle of 1970s from United States and United Kingdom that creeps into the music industry of the Philippines in the early 1980’s which eclipses the classical type of music genre like jazz being played in the radio airwaves or radio station in the Philippines then which has evolved into now called “Alternative Rock” music, headed by Bamboo, Parokya Ni Edgar, Eraserheads, Sponge Cola, and others which becomes mellows or mellow rock type of rock music genre.

Where are now the punk rocks bands in the Philippines, are there any revival of it or in other words is there a punk rock bands still famous nowadays? The most latest updates and big event gathering of some Pinoy Punk Rock Bands so far was last year 2009, as I know which is the “Metal and Hardcore Punk Nite” held at Tomas Morato corner E. Rodriguez, Quezon city which consists of 9 punk rock bands in the Philippines, some of them are oldies punk rock band from 1980s like Bad Omen punk rock band that was formed on the late 80’s and which “..gained notoriety in the early 90’s by playing underground shows and having participated in the compilation “Screams From The Underground” where original members Ramir..” which played guitar and as well as vocalist; Rheetyard which played drums, and Fishbone which played bass instrument.

Moreover, according to their fan page at face book “….the band then released their debut self titled full length record otherwise known as ‘The Black Cat Record’ where the single, ’Maling Sistema’ went on full rotation in the now defunct radio station LA 105.Several lineup changes went on throughout the 90s but the band steadily played shows and kept on releasing seminal punk records “Sell Out” and “We’re Back” as well as several compilations on Middle Finger Records. Original drummer Rheetyard went on to form NSA, which released numerous recordings on cassette bearing different meaning of the band’s acronym while…” the second generation vocalist according to Bad Omen name Ab,”… went on to other projects like Dear Dingo..”

Last 2009, the Bad Omen Pinoy punk rock band went on into embarkment on their very first international tour into Southeast Asia, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, “…the group embarked on their 1st Southeast Asian mini tour and hit Singapore and Kuala Lumpur Malaysia…The band is presently in the process of recording yet another record which is slated for the 2011 release..”But however, their 2011 CD was not known for it is already 2012.

Another Pinoy Punk Rock Band from the 2009 big gig night at Tomas Morato is the punk rock band “Betrayed”.

Betrayed punk rock band is said to be the Philippines’ premiere hardcore punk band according to the Pinoy punk rock band itself. It was born or formed in 1983 at Queens, New York by Eddie Siojo and his high school friend; the name of the punk rock band was taken, according to their fan page from the “…the Stiff Little Fingers Song ‘Rough Trade’”

However, they officially formed it when they meet in UP or University of the Philippines. At then, they call themselves “Jump Boys” which consists of three boys, namely Eddie Siojo as the lead singer and bassist player; Buddy Trinidad as the guitarists and David Reyes as one who played the drums.

However, the trio change their band name, ”Jump Boys” upon the suggestion of Eddie Siojo into Betrayed. “..the trio call themselves Jump Boys, then switch to Betrayed when Eddie Siojo suggests playing the latter’s material..”

The punk rock band become famous on UP campus grounds by playing interschool concerts and from then on, the Pinoy punk rock band Betrayed become famous at their time and come up with new fresh line ups performers as the former quits or pass away.

“They become visible on the UP interschool concert circuit, including the Brave New World concert series organized by Chaos guitarist Tommy Tanchangco. The band also gains essential radio airplay on RJAM; Dante ‘Howlin Dave’ David’s groundbreaking radio show Pinoy Rock N’ Rhythm.

Among the line up performers of the Pinoy punk rock band Betrayed, that replaces those who quitted and pass away were

1. Chris Canre : bass player from 1983 -1984
2. Carl Avecilla : drums player from 1983 -1984
3. Bong Eudella : bass player from 1985- 1986
4. Je Baustista (D) : bass player from 1986 -1987; 1995- 2003)
5. Mally Paraguya : bass player from 1988 – 1989
6. Dominic Gamboa : singer 1985
7. Boyet Miguel : guitar player from circa 1985
8. Manny Pagsuyuin : drums player from circa 1985
9. Daniel Maniego : bass player
10. Peng : bass player

“..Betrayed’s current line up is Buddy Trinidad (vocals/guitar). Boyet Miguel (guitar), Peng (bass) and Manny Pagsuyuin (drums)..”
However, the most successful line up comes from circa 1985 where they released two albums which becomes a hit.

“The band’s most successful line up circa 1985 consisted of Buddy Trinidad. singer Dominic Gamboa, guitarist Boyet Miguel and drummer Manny Pagsuyuin. They released two albums, the seminal self-title debut on DMZ records (under the auspices of A2Z Records) then re-issued on TRC, and “Again” in 1996..”

Another Pinoy Punk Rock Band is the Dead On Arrival (DOA) Band which is a metal core and hardcore band that consist of Daniel for drums; Doodoo for Bass; Jay for Guitar 1; Ferbie for Guitar 2;and Chippy for or as shouter. They have active gigs lately this year 2012.However not popular on mainstream media.

Divided We Fall is another Pinoy Punk Rock Band that is straightedge hardcore Punk Rock Band which spreads Krishna Consciousness.
“Divided We Fall is a straightedge hardcore punk band spreading Krishna Consciousness to its loyal followers.They are influenced by legendary bands Cro-Mags, Shelter and Youth of Today. They also do a mean cover of Biofeedback.’ Lasenggo, Gago’..”

The band consist of Ramil for vocals; Dencio for guitars; Jay for bass; Advaita for guitars, and Roblin for drums. However, former Divided We Fall punk rock band line ups or performers were, Alain for vocals ; Ryan for guitars.Chizo for guitar also; Jojo for bass; and Jevic also for bass.

Another Philippine premier Pinoy Punk Rock Band is the “Tame The Tikbalang” punk rock band. It is one of the longest surviving hardcore punk bands in the Philippines.

The” Tame The Tikbalang” Pinoy Punk Rock Band started in 1992 and there has been so far no changes in line up of performers but always the originals; members of the punk band are : Russell Eustaquio for vocals; Aries Victorino for bass guitar; Jepoi Bagtas for drums and Boyet Miguel for guitars.

“There have been a few line up changes since then, a few ups and downs along the way and they have since released a full length CD entitled “Forever Shall Be” under their own label Carmen Records..”
The name of the punk rock band, Tame The Tikbalang, according to the Tame The Tikbalang vocalist, Russell Eustaquio, gets it name from a sculpture Jack Sikat have seen in Makati that is called “The Taming of the Tikbalang” which Jack Sikat himself relate to Russell Eustaquio.

“I got the idea for the name, from Jack Sikat of Ethnic Faces. He had seen a Sculpture in Makati called ‘The Taming of the Tikbalang’ and I thought that would be a great name for a band..”

Tame The Tikbalang started as a groove-oriented rock band. They are the post rock band that preceded the Eraserheads that has gain a reputation on music industry in the Philippines because of their blistering live performances on the legendary Club Dredd.

“Our music started out more groove-oriented, because I was influenced by black rock and soul…”.”They soon become the darling of the hardcore scene, performing at the legendary Club Dredd and keeping the hardcore flame burning through the post- Eraserheads ‘alternative rock’ years. The band gained a reputation for their blistering live performances and would eventually release a 9-song album, ”Forever Shall be” in year 2002..”

Among other Pinoy Punk Rock Bands that has become famous in their respective years were: G.I & The Idiots, The Jerks, Urban Bandith, WUDS and the “The GOONS”. However, latest new fresh Pinoy Punk Rock Bands nowadays sprouted like Fear Itself, Nuky Pikes, Mink Oil and among others who are somewhat not famous Pinoy Punk Rock Bands created by some Pinoy Youth males who are wanted to be famous as Pinoy bands and which want to express what is inside them thru Music by Punk Rock Genre.

Philippine Under Interrogation

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Has Human Rights wholly executed and upheld in the Philippines? What about extrajudicial killings or the so-called “summary execution” killings perpetrated by unknown vigilantes?; crimes brought by various aspects and sorts is not yet included there on the list of human rights violations.

The right to live and have improve lifestyle is not yet met in the Philippines for the rates of criminality brought by unemployment status, religious factions that secretly sack and kill one another, group activists that secretly also kill one another because of opposing views; unjust public trials of innocent personalities like former Philippine president now Pampanga representative Miss Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, as well as the unjust public trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona; not to mention the public trial of former Philippine president Joseph “Erap” Estrada, as well as the unjust acknowledgement and labeling of the former Philippine president Ferdinand E. Marcos for his accomplishment to improve Philippine lifestyle that was marred by political agenda by the Aquinos and Conjuanco due to Hacienda Luisita case; the Hacienda Luisita killings which the current Philippine president Noynoy is involved with; the Mendiola Massacre during former Philippine president Corazon “Cory” Aquino; those innocent people that are being frame –up and jailed and sentence without proven guilty of the accusations wherein they are not guilty upon like the case of Leo Echagaray; and so many human rights violations.

Yet ,the current Philippine government – the Aquino administration is so Hypocrite and Self-righteous in their claim that or boast of improver upheld-ment of human rights whereas the United Nations Human Rights Watch reported in dismay that : “ ….. In 2011, Human Rights Watch documented at least 10 cases of killings and disappearances attributed to the security forces that occurred during Aquino’s first year in office. Not a single suspect has been successfully prosecuted in any of these cases….”

However, the Aquino BIAS Philippine Newspaper – Philippine Daily Inquirer- reports:

“Malacanang yesterday maintained that there was an improvement in the human rights situation under President Aquino compared to previous years, and said that there was a decline in the number of extrajudicial killings in the past three years..”

This report in the Aquino Bias Philippine Daily Inquirer is a blatant lie, as well the reports of the Aquino administration in compare to documented reports of the United Nations Human Rights Watch’s Universal Periodical Reviews (UPR) quoted earlier above.

Meanwhile, the “..the past three years” mentioned in the column of the Philippine Daily Inquirer as well as the report of the Aquino administration which Noynoy claim is NOT really His or not really done under his administration but rather under the Administration of former Philippine president Miss Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as the Human Rights Watch verified and documented : “…..Since 2008 however, the government has successfully prosecuted only four cases of extrajudicial killings, all under the previous administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo….”

What a blatant Lie the Philippine Daily Inquirer have reported as well as the Big Lying Lips of Noynoy and his KKK!

However, even the activist group Bagong Alyasang Makabayan reported not accurately and did not report or proclaim what former Philippine president now Pampanga representative Miss Gloria Macapagal Arroyo verified accomplishment regarding Human Rights implementation but avoid reporting it on the same column of the Philippine Daily Inquirer because this activist group is also Anti-GMA activist group.

“The Philippine report is very underwhelming and provides no clear measure of progress in Philippine human rights situation. On the contrary ,the report glosses over the continuing human rights violations such as extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances..”, said by Renato Reyes of Bagong Alayansang Makabayan.

What about the successful four cases of Human Rights upheld-ment as reported and documented by the United Nations Human Rights Watch, Mr.Renato Reyes?

This militant activitist group sometimes their fellow activists groups are the ones who kill and kidnapped and ambushed one another ‘s activists group yet blame everything in the government yet they are the ones who violate their human rights; or in Tagalog, ”Sila- Sila Mismo ang Nagpapatayan..tapus pina sho-shoulder sa government ang kabalastugan at kagaguhan nila..” They are the one who create frequent human violations or frequent extrajudicial killings like killing journalist because these activists group do not like what they hear and read on media and they hire to kill the journalists they hate and loath.

Meanwhile, at the end of this month ,May 2012,or for specific at May 29,2012 the Philippines is set to be interrogated by at least 70 countries in Geneva at the United Nations Human Rights Council through United Nation’s Universal Periodic Review(UPR) that will assess the Philippines to its commitment to implement and ensure human rights.

According to Human Rights Watch, the administration of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III “…has failed to take significant measure to prosecute members of the military, police, and militias implicated in extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances…”

The Human Rights Watch found the Aquino administration lacking and lying on their human rights report.

“UN member states should see through the Philippine government’s rhetoric and question the lack of progress on accountability over the past four years, The Universal Periodic Review is an important opportunity to hold the Philippine government to its word.”, said by Elaine Pearson, a deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

Moreover, in particular according to Human Rights Watch, the Philippine government’s claim of human right progress in some areas, take for example, such as training state security forces to respect human right; are just a deflection or excuses and pretensions to cover up (or pa “pogi” lang or panakip-butas) its great failure to investigate, arrest and prosecute those who are really and true responsible for Human Rights abuses.

The worst is, the Aquino administration, just pinpoint anyone it wants to indict without investigating first accurately if the indicted person Noynoy have accused of is the real culprit or not; just like Noynoy foolish indictment to former Philippine president now Pampanga representative Miss Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Philippines in its first Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on the year 2008 (United Nation member states or countries are examined once every four years and now the Philippines will undergo its second examination),according to Human Rights Watch, member countries at then propose a 17 (seventeen) recommendations to the Philippines in order to improve its human rights record that ranges from improving gender rights, eliminate extrajudicial killings wherein the Philippines accepted 11(eleven) of these 17(seventeen) recommendations from member countries, which include “…to completely eliminate torture and extrajudicial killings.. to intensify its efforts to carry out investigations and prosecutions on extrajudicial killings and punish those responsible.” ; but the Philippine government greatly FAIL!

However, according to Human Rights Watch, during the nine years of the administration of former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, there are four cases of extrajudicial killings that successfully prosecuted.

But on the first year of administration of Noynoy Aquino, according to United Nation’s Human Rights Watch, there are ..”..at least 10(ten) cases of killings and disappearance attributed to the security forces that occurred during Aquino’s first year in office. Not a single suspect has been successfully prosecuted in any of these cases..”

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report says that the Philippines is expert in creating Human Rights Task Forces like Task Force Usig,Task Force Against Political Violence, Special Task Force to Address Extrajudicial Killings, and Enforced Disappearance but none of these bodies have successfully done its purpose but all fails; except for only four successful cases at the time or at the administration of former Philippine President now Pampanga Representative Miss Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

“The Philippine government is relentless in its pursuit of creating human rights task forces..if only officials were just as relentless in pursuing the perpetrators of military abuses so that the victims might get justice..Instead of bolstering investigatory capabilities and improving cooperation with civilian authorities the human rights offices of the military and police have downplayed new abuses..”

However, according to Human Rights Office of the Philippine Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),said in contrast against the United Nations’s Universal Periodical Reviews(UPR) Human Rights Watch reports, “… the absence of prosecutions was because all of the human rights violation cases tagging military personnel were only accusations and did not produce sufficient evidence against soldiers. In line with the AFP’s zero-tolerance for human rights campaign, cases, particularly those on extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearance and torture that informed armed forces officers and personnel are acted upon by Human Rights Officers in accordance with due process of law and the military justice system.”

But the United Nations’ Human Rights Watch contended against the Philippine government’s own human rights report by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), that “… the military’s Human Rights Office has not revealed the details of the cases that have been investigated and acted upon.. In practice, the military’s Human Rights Office both investigates abuses and publicly defends the military when soldiers are implicated in rights violations – contradictory functions that undermine the office’s credibility..”

Moreover, the Human Rights Watch has urged member countries of the United Nations in the Human Rights Council to make specific and time bound recommendations to the Philippine government that will address impunity and should order “…the police and National Bureau of Investigation to pursue vigorously serious rights violations linked to the security forces. If cases are not properly investigated, the government should take appropriate disciplinary measures for insubordination and undertake criminal investigations for obstruction of justice, graft, or corruption…” and furthermore, the member countries of the United Nations that will instigate the Philippines, recommend to “.. ban all paramilitary and militia forces because of their long and continuing history of serious human rights violations, Human Rights Watch said. While the government asserted in its UPR report that it has “dismantled and neutralized” many “private armies,” it said nothing about state-backed paramilitaries…”,the Human Rights Watch said.

Back On Music Stage

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Jazz music in the Philippines nowadays is no more famous and majority of Filipino music lovers have no appreciation of it except to oldies and young adults who has inborn inclination to this type of music like Sir Boy Katindig; but some teenagers and even young adults who has no inclination to it would not prefer rock songs, pop songs and ballad love songs.

The famous Philippine jazz icon is back again in the Philippine music stage after 30 years of being away from the music scene, that is Sir Boy Katindig or Roland “Boy” Katindig in real life in his strive to revive or discover new talents that has aspiration or inclination to jazz genre music among modern Filipinos young or adult.

In 1984 at the height of his jazz career, he left the Philippines and packed his way toward Kuala Lumpur Malaysia and then into Los Angeles United States in a hope for a better career in the field of music genre he is ace or expert upon of for the growing latest trend then at the peak of his music career is Punk Rock and New Wave type of music and the Philippine radio station which used to play jazz music that then, slowly reformatting into non-jazz radio station; the Philippine radio jazz station then WK-FM was slowly reformatting into non jazz station or was reformatted.

“I didn’t like what was happening then. Punk rock and new wave had become the “in” thing. Radio, my only medium for new songs, was changing – the jazz station WK-FM was reformatted. The Manila Hotel, where I was playing, was being boycotted as result of the rallies leading to the People Power revolution. My father who was already in the States, suggested that I go there and see if I would click with a different audience…”

Moreover, the place where he plays his jazz expertise, Manila Hotel, according to him was boycotted due to subsequent rallies that have led to the famous Philippine revolution, the People Power Revolution.
His father which is Romy Katindig who is also a great musician like his son Roland “Boy” Katindig, urged him and suggested Sir Boy Katindig to leave the Philippines despite his arising popularity due to government crisis happening there in the Philippines then. Sir Romy Katindig was then in the United States. Sir Romy Katindig is one of the famous musician in the Philippines back then and founded the Katindig Brothers.

At Malaysia, Sir Bor Katindig wrote more new masterpieces. In Kuala Lumpur or while he is in Malaysia, he got what he dream of –Success.
“..I initially tried my luck in Malaysia, where I wrote more new songs..It was a dream come true..”

He was first initially offered at the hotel where he and his company were performing, a lounge duo gig, wherein the owner of the hotel in Malaysia were impressed and then offered him what he deserved, a own band or a band of his own and put him on all the clubs of the owner of the hotel he was performing with.

He and some musicians that were organized by the owner of the hotel as band, named their band “The Waves”; and then he got an offer to be a musical director for all some of the top KL Bands or Kuala Lumpur Bands. He work then for two years and went to United States in 1986 at the prodding again of his father Sir Romy Katindig which according to him that his dad is indeed always the one who push him to his own success; and owe it to his father’s prodding.

Meanwhile, when he got to United States, according to him, he formed his own band again.

Steve Reid – for Rippingtons percussions

Mike Baker and Stanley Smith – who used to work with famous world singer who currently pass away, Whitney Houston; both play drums.

Mark Van Wagenigen and Smitty Smith – both play bass

Allen Hinds – play guitar.

According to him through his journey as a jazz musician on Kuala Lumpur Malaysia and Los Angeles city United States, he learns to be humble and focused.

“Staying humble and focused are just some of the values I have learned on my journey, both as musician and as a person. Being a musician is about life, not just about music. It’s also all about having relationships, having a family. One has to strike a balance .I also had to learn about the music business”

His first album during his stay at the United States was entitled “In Time”

“In 1993,I produced the album, ’In Time’, in which I played alongside Abraham Laboriel, Russ Freeman, Brandon Fields, Brenda Eager (of Luther Vandross) and Gerald Albright. But it was Michael Paulo that I did major collaboration with”

In regards to jazz music in the Philippines, he said it is no longer as famous as that time of its peak during 1980s; and according to him, he would like to revive it by holding a nationwide jazz songwriting competition.

“It is no longer as it was during our time. It was at its peak in the 1980s, when you suddenly see David Benoit in the audience; or Ronnie Laws walks in while you are playing; or the whole band of Al Jarreau jams at Vineyard. Back in the day, there were long queues at the venue during weekends. There was a time when Manila was a virtual jazz mecca. Now, we have practically been overtaken by our Asian neighbors like Indonesia where they hold the Java Jazz Fest annually. I believe it is because they love their own and the government supports musicians….I’d like to help by holding a nationwide jazz songwriting competition…”

Through the nationwide jazz songwriting competition that he will hold in the Philippines, he could discover new talents that he will take or include or his bands.

“With this competition, once we discover new talents, I can take them under my wing, promote them, sign them out up to a recording contract, maybe even have them guest in my own album..”

If one wants to join, according to Sir Boy Katindig one has to submit one’s one original composition and a cover of their original jazz piece.

“They have to submit one original composition and a cover of an original jazz piece aside from a record deal, they will also get to do gigs with me..”

Sir Boy Katindig and his team we’re planning to promote their nationwide jazz songwriting competition through road shows and campus tours.

“We’re planning to promote this nationwide, maybe do a road show or campus tours .Hopefully, this will snowball into something big. My dream is for young talents to shine, and not just end up as front acts for established performers. This is my way of encouraging the youth to tune into jazz and hopefully develop a passion for it..”
Furthermore, as he says, in order to develop one’s career, one has be a businessman; that one should know what one sells and one what one do not sells in their audience.

“I learned to accept that economics plays an important role in shaping one’s career. One needs to be a businessman and adjust. It is also about knowing what will sell with your audience..”

According To BSP

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Previous business surveys of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) last year 2011 said that businesses in the Philippines will remain optimistic and will bloom and their ability to generate profit will still be intact; and it is indeed up according to latest business reports.

Investments in the Philippines is up to 25 % percentage increase in April 2012 from “..only P37.56 billion a year ago…” into P133.18 billion as registered in the Board of Investments (BOI).

The increase in investment was brought by two power projects approved by the Board of Investments (BOI) during the month of April. The two power projects are:

(1) The P21.78 billion project of South Luzon Thermal Energy Corp. –It is a company jointly owned by the Ayala group and by the Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corporation.

(2) The P49.45 billion expansion of the 600-megawatt Masinloc coal facility own by Masinloc Power Partners Co.Ltd. The Masinloc Power Partners Co. Ltd is the Philippine local arm of the US power giant AES Corporation.

Investment pledges or sure investment contracts in the Philippines according from the data of Board Of Investments (BOI) on the first four months of 2012 surged into 158 projects that are expected to generate 22,114 new jobs once these projects become operational.

Biggest investment commitments came from (a.)Electricity (b.) gas (c.) steam sector (d.) air-conditioning sector (e.) real estate and (f.) mining and quarrying.

Moreover, other investment options can also include, according to Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments (BOI) managing head Adrian S. Cristobal; agribusiness, manufacturing, and tourism.
“We see rising investor interest in strategic sectors such as agribusiness, manufacturing, and tourism. Domestic investors’ confidence in the economy continues to rise, and the same goes from foreign investors for the past four months..”

In other hand, foreign investments grew by 26% in the first four months of 2012 from P8.084 billion last year 2011, into P10.191 billion this year 2012.The greatest contributor of foreign investment came from Thailand, accounting for P3.62 billion for January up to April 2012.

This was seconded by Japan, with P1.02 billion worth of investment pledges which is amounting to 5 or 10 power projects that will generate new jobs for unemployed Filipinos.

Meanwhile, the Board of Investments (BOI) is still pilot-testing some other business sectors like agribusiness, mass housing, and tourism for generation of more investment pledges or investment contracts this year.

The results of pilot-testing “..will determine if the streamlined process can be applied to the rest..” of the type of business sectors that will be applied under Philippine’s blueprint for investment promotions – Investments Priorities Plan.

Conveying Wrong Message

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I know perhaps some of you have already known and notice that the famous hit song of Filipino folk artist Freddie Aguilar “Anak” (Child) conveys wrong message regarding relationship between parents and their children which can be deceitful and misleading to those unsuspecting listeners which they will thought that the song’s message is utterly right and correct whereas the message it conveys definitely fall short of the reality happening between parents and children.

For the song itself promotes domestic tyranny and violence against children by their parents making the parents not liable or responsible to the waywardness of their children but rather put all the entire blame and mistake on the frailness of a child and wash the hands of the parents from their own responsibility and accountability as a parent and guide of their children making the parents infallibly authoritative or an “almighty god” that is not capable of making mistakes.

In particular lyrics of the song, “..Anak, bakit ka nagka ganian?..(child, why have you become like that?)”;the parents hypocritically and blindly ask their child why their child has become wayward on his/her way, as if the parents has nothing to do why their “beloved”(ironically depicted on the song) has gone astray.

For if the parent doesn’t have any mistake and shortcoming to the way they nurture and rear their child and if their child is “beloved”, how come their child act differently from something they have sown to their child as their guide or how come their child has gone astray?

Nope, it is not the environment, it is not the friends or the modern culture a child is exposed with, rather it is the parents’ way and methods of parenting and guiding their child. Parenting is not playing “blame games” .But this usually most parents does when they find their child somewhat astray or stubborn and rebellious. For if they filled their child with overflowing love and affection, will the child not reciprocate the same?

Where in the world that when a farmer planted or sown an apple seeds yet it grows into a mango tree? An apple seed will not become a mango tree!; rather what one sown, so also one will reap!

Thus, there is no one to blame for the waywardness of a child but to his/her parents themselves who leads the child to the wayward direction and molds and creates the child to be rebellious, unloving, disrespectful, etc. It is the kind of parenting is the bottom-line. But the song “Anak”(Child) have miss this point and reality. Actually, it is the parents in the song who should ask forgiveness to their child and not the child who ask forgiveness for the irresponsible parenthood one’s parent parent one to be.

But to say in a song that parents are infallible guides and the wayward attitude of a child is to be blame to the child itself, to others and to elsewhere, is definitely an ignorant assessment of reality in the society.

For parenting is not playing “god’ and “master” over children rather it is becoming a “guide”, a “council”, and a “bestfriend” or as “mother-father(parents)” in their journey in their own chosen way of lives.

But unfortunately, some parents even of course in the Philippines become abusive on their rights over their children and loves to play “god” or “master”; Much even more whenever they heard the song “Anak”(Child) which fattened their authoritative Ego. Thus, attracting and promoting more domestic violence and domestic tyranny. For it creates a thought-virus or a bad Philippine meme to whomever it hears the song if one is ignorant of the reality in the society.

The song should be ban.

Another Killer of Press Freedom

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We always thought that tyranny or dictatorship form of government is the sole culprit that kills freedom of expression for it results into extra-judicial killings of journalists and writers but known patron of arts and culture in the Philippines which have authored the law that has created the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), that is, Senator Edgardo Angara, poor and bad economy also kills press freedom.

He stated this on his speech at the Communication Expo 2011 in Boracay Philippines recently,s aying it is because poor economic status of the country makes broadcasting and publishing hard and difficult because financially poor people according to him, will not opt to buy either published materials like newspaper or spent time buying bad news on TV but would rather work extra more hours to have more money for their essential needs to cope with the decreasing buying power of every monetary value or whatever bill or coins they may have in their pockets.

“The free economy — where demand and availability dictate price, especially of oil, and with it, newsprint, ink and electricity — is killing freedom of expression. It is killing free expression far more effectively than tyranny ever could… The greatest threat to press freedom and freedom of expression is economics….”

With what is going on the current poor and retarding economic status of the Philippines under the Aquino government because of Aquino administration under spending and suspension of economic projects that will suppose to boost the economy of the Philippines, according to Senator Edgardo Angara, the traditional press has been affected by it; production and distribution cost of printed materials become costly and people with less money or people without extra money will not be able to afford a budget for it.

“Today, our economy’s growth has slowed from a little over seven to a under four percent. The situation for media and other traditional forms of communication will only worsen as the cost barrier to press freedom — the wall of production and distribution costs around free and effective communication — rises ever higher.”

But he added that the “new economy” created by the world wide web or by the internet,have somewhat salvage traditional press freedom from banckruptcy due to poor and bad economy just like what happen to The New York Times he said,despite of the poor economy the Philippines have now on the administration of PNoy.

“But the new economy has also provided the greatest means of liberation….technology has opened a new frontier of communication where the material cost is minimal compared with the intellectual and imaginative demands. One needs more mind, memory and imagination to communicate effectively through the web than on the printed page..”

But in my opinion, credibility of the publishing company and their printed products also plays big role on killing one’s freedom of expression through printed mediums aside from tyrannical government and poor retarding economy. For who will buy one’s printed products or printed materials like newspaper if the buying public do not trust and believe anymore one’s printed materials?

Whatever the situation may be, in my own opinion, credibility kills more also press freedom than having a poor economy for people buy something if they trust and believe on it; whatever it cost, if they trust and believe it, they will still buy it.

If people believes on your product, though one’s country have poor economic status and though you raise or increase the cost or prize of your printed materials or any product you are selling to the public, people will still patronize and buy your product because of your credibility to them or because of their trust and faith in your product. Whatever happens, if they still have trust and faith on your printed materials, surely poor economy cannot kill your press freedom.

Furthermore, not only credibility but also people’s thirst for credible and sound information and knowledge makes your publishing company going strong despite of poor economy. But if they don’t believe and trust your printed materials and people are not inclined to sound information and knowledge, though you may be on a strong economy, it will still kill your press freedom and lead your publishing company into bankruptcy.