Huni sa Hunahuna ni Inday Yen

LOVE IS BUTA

2009-06-06T17:58:00.000-07:00

By: Carine Era Mozo Asutilla

Boy: Nakakita na ka’g bangaw?
kanang bangaw sa kagabhion?
Nakakita na ka’g uwak?
kanang uwak nga puti bitaw?
Nakakita na ka’g uwan?
kanang uwan nga kolor purple?
Nakakita na ka’g ulmigas?
Kanang ulmigas mukao’g elepante?
Kanang lumod nga mu-boogie?
O kaha wati...
nga mukao’g puthaw?
Sure ko wa’ pa!
Pero kung imo kong higugmaon gang...
Tanang wa pa nimo makit-i
Imong makit-an.
Girl: Nakakita na kog bangaw
Apan sa adlawan.
Nakakita na ko’g uwak
Apan itom siya.
Nakakita na ko’g uwan
Apan wa'y kolor.
Nakakita na ko’g ulmigas
Apan di mukao’g elepante.
Nganong mangita man ko’g wa?
Ug basin nakalimot ka dong...
Ang gugma buta.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/04/05/09/gang-members-body-dumped-cebu-cemetery

2009-04-05T02:37:00.000-07:00

Gang member's body dumped in Cebu cemetery

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 04/05/2009 7:31 PM

An alleged gang member was killed and dumped in a cemetery in Talisay City, Cebu province, Saturday morning.

Talisay City police said the victim, at least 20-years-old and had a gang tattoo, was dumped by his killers at the Evergreen Cemetery in Barangay San Roque.

Village watchman Renante Rabaya told police that joggers called his attention around 6:25 a.m. after spotting what seems to be a man's body stuffed in a garbage bag.

Police initially said the victim was a member of the Alpha Kappa Rho (AKRHO) fraternity because of a tattoo on his right hand.

Richard Buscayno, the fraternity's president in Cebu, however, said he did not recognize the victim. He said the man could have been a member of a local gang, whose members are known for wearing silver accessories.

The victim, who remained unidentified by police, was also wearing a red sweat shirt and black short pants.

Crime scene investigators said the victim died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Police have yet to determine the motive for the killing. -- report from Carine Asutilla, ABS-CBN Cebu

as of 04/05/2009 7:32 PM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/30/09/deadline-filing-claims-vs-legacy-extended%20%20

2009-03-30T23:36:00.000-07:00

(Update) Deadline for filing claims vs Legacy extended

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 03/30/2009 3:47 PM

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has extended the deadline for plan holders of bankrupt Legacy Group's 3 pre-need firms to file their claims to April 15.

The SEC earlier set the deadline of March 31 for the clients to file their claimes against Legacy Consolidated Plans, Scholarship Plan Philippines Inc., and All-Asia Plans Inc.

The corporate regulator also reminded planholders to bring with them necessary documents like certificate of full payment, copy of the pre-need contract, and official receipts when filing for claims.

Cebu

Meantime, Legacy clients continue to flock to the SEC office in Cebu City. For more than two months, officers of the SEC branch has received 452 complaints from plan holders and 75 from investors who availed Legacy’s double-your-money scheme.

Among them were couple Christopher and Zenaida Ebo who purchased two educational plans and one P50,000-worth post-graduate tuition fee coverage from Scholarship Plan Philippines Incorporated. While their eldest daughter, who graduated with a nursing degree in 2007, has benefited from the plan, their sons have not.

She said that the pre-need company covered the first semester of her first son's industrial engineering fees, but the company kept asking them to wait for confirmation when they tried to avail again for their son’s second semester tuition fee. The second son was not able to start his post graduate studies at all.

Merle Cunanan, SEC director for Cebu office, said that they also accept complaints against Legacy through mail from those who could not not personally file them.

The complaint form could be downloaded from the SEC website, www.sec.gov.ph. She said that the complaint should be notarized also. A filing fee of P530 for each investor-complainant is required. - with ABS-CBN Business and Carine M. Asutilla, ABS-CBN News Central Visayas

as of 03/30/2009 9:10 PM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/03/20/09/negros-rights-group-seeks-chr-help-exhumed-farmers

2009-03-20T21:56:00.000-07:00

Negros rights group seeks CHR help on exhumed farmers

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN News Central Visayas | 03/20/2009 8:57 PM

A human rights group in Central Visayas is seeking the help of the regional Commission on Human Rights in investigating the death of two farmers whose corpses were found buried in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental.

KARAPATAN-Central Visayas and the Promotional Church of People's Response, who conducted fact-finding investigations, identified the victims as Ronel Raguing and Junito Quirante, both of whom went missing in February this year.

Alexandra Quirante, Junito's wife, said that her husband had left their house to barter for food with some relatives in a neighboring barangay, but did not come home. Virginia Raguing, Ronel's mother, meanwhile, said she only realized that her son was gone when a relative came looking for him.

KARAPATAN and the National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas (NBI-7) later dug up the victims' bodies, which were found wrapped in garbage bags, in a remote area in Sta. Catalina on March 9.

In the initial autopsy report from NBI-7, the victims' hands and feet were tied while their bodies bore several stab wounds.

Dennis Abarrientos of KARAPATAN claimed that the 79th Infantry Battalion was behind the killings. He said both victims were suspected of being members of a rebel group and were arrested by the military in January.

as of 03/20/2009 8:58 PM

kinsay naay kaila couple nga ni-apply as condom testers? pls pm me. :) thanks po. :)

2009-03-20T19:59:00.000-07:00

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/03/19/09/alleged-npa-leader-celebrates-45th-birthday-cebu-jail

2009-03-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

Alleged NPA leader celebrates 45th birthday in Cebu jail

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN Central Visayas | 03/19/2009 8:09 PM

Political detainee and suspected New People's Army (NPA) leader Ramon Patriarca celebrated his 45th birthday at Danao City Jail in Cebu Tuesday, where he was visited by militant leaders and human rights advocates.

Patriarca's sister, Belen Cabujat, flew in from Manila Friday last week so she could visit him in jail for the first time. She said she was worried about Patriarca's health. She said Patriarca had lost a lot of weight and was complaining about the jail's ventilation.

Paul Rodriguez, president of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan in Central Visayas, also visited Patriarca. Rodriguez said that he and Patriarca had been part of BAYAN since the 1980s.

Rodriguez recently filed a petition for habeas data which designed to protect an individual's right to protect information about himself at the Cebu City Regional Trial Court (RTC) against the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Central Command. He said he found out that his name was included in the military's Order of Battle. He said his name may have been included in the list because he had voiced his opinions as BAYAN president during the Hello Garci scandal in 2005.

Rodriguez asked the court to remove his name from the Army's list of targets, which also includes Patriarca's name.

Chief Inspector Waldemar Villanueva, Danao City jail warden, said that they allowed Patriarca’s visitors to take part in Patriarca's birthday celebrations inside the jail, which included a special mass celebrated for him. However, only five visitors at a time were allowed to see Patriarca.

Villanueva said they had also beefed up security, adding 15 police since Patriarca was detained in the said jail.

Villanueva, however, did not allow members of media to enter the jail and Patriarca also reportedly refused to be interviewed. His supporters said Patriarca only wished that he will be freed along with other political detainees.

Patriarca, alleged to be the head of the finance and research department of the NPA, was arrested February 5 in Barangay Casili in Consolacion town in a joint operation by the Armed Forces’ Central Command and the Philippine National Police (PNP) after Danao City RTC Judge Edito Enemecio issued a warrant for his arrest on charges of rebellion.

Patriarca had allegedly used several aliases and held various high-ranking positions in the NPA's Komiteng Rehiyonal Sentral Bisayas as deputy secretary, finance officer, head of taxation and secretary while in Negros.

Militant and human rights groups, however, have condemned the arrest, saying it constituted illegal detention. They also allege that Patriarca had been tortured during interrogation by unidentified armed men.

as of 03/19/2009 8:09 PM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/03/19/09/groups-oppose-power-rate-hike-erc-hearing-cebu

2009-03-19T13:21:00.000-07:00

Groups oppose power rate hike in ERC hearing in Cebu

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN News Central Visayas | 03/19/2009 11:18 PM

Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) lead a labor and other activist groups for a protest Thursday during the expository hearing on National Power Corporation’s (NPC) power rate increase presided by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

Representatives from the NPC went out from the hearing to face the protesters. Bong Mendiola, a representative from NPC, explained that their application for the P1.14 increase per kilowatt hour is intended to operate a more expensive plant.

“The load of Visayas as of now, medyo tight ang power situation natin, ibig sabihin ‘yong konsumo malapit ng masagad ‘yong planta naming, ‘yong available capacity namin,” said Mendiola.

Mendiola said that the application was filed last 2007 but was denied. He said that they just revived the application in partnership with Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation. Mendiola also added that their last increase was implemented in 2004 when P0.20 was approved.

Aaron Pedrosa, Sanlakas spokesperson, said that Mendiola admitted to them that the increase in power rate is part of their privatization scheme to attract investors to buy NPC. He said that if investors will buy the NPC with high rates already implemented, it will be easier for investors to get back their investments.

“Why would they say that they wanted to give better service to consumers when they are already in privatization mode? They are just making electricity not accessible to the masses,” he said.

Lito Vasquez of FDC-Cebu said that 70 percent of the NPC’s asset is already privatized. He said that based on Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, the investor who will buy NPC is not obliged to pay the liabilities or debts of the NPC.

As of February 2009, PSALM reported that NPC has $5.9 billion debt. The debt will be assumed by PSALM before NPC will be sold to private investors. But Vasquez said that it will still be the taxpayers who will have to pay the debts while at the same time they would suffer also from a high power rate.

Different representatives from the sectors of consumer, industrial, church and power distributor attended the expository hearing. Some of them took the chance to submit their position papers opposing the power hike increase.

Elinore Cabanilla from the Social Action Center of Diocese in Bacolod said that their diocese feels that the increase of power rate in the Visayas is too much for the consumers, given that the increase in Luzon and in Mindanao is less compared to Visayas. Luzon has P0.46 while Mindanao has an increase of P0.71.

Cabanilla said that in their cathedral, they consume more than P50,000 worth of electricity in a month and if the increase will be implemented, they will have to pay more than that. She said the church might not be able to handle it. She said that the diocese of Bacolod has 69 parishes.

She said that their concern mostly is for their parishioners who are already affected by the global financial crisis. She said that if the increase in power rate will be implemented, sooner or later, prices of basic commodities will also rise.

Cabanilla also expressed her disappointment with the dioceses in other provinces, particularly in Cebu for not sending a representative on the hearing. Cabanilla said that the church should take a stand for its parishioners. Cabanilla believes that it is not timely to implement a hike in power while the country is suffering from financial crisis.

Porferio Montesclaros of MEPZCEM Chamber Incorporated from the industrial sector meanwhile has also submitted its opposition. He said that the industrial sector is intensely opposing the increase since most of their companies are greatly affected by the global financial crisis. He said that most of the companies are not operating fully just to cut production costs.

Montesclaros said that if the increase will be approved, they will suffer. He said that with the present rate of power in Cebu, one company under MEPZ normally has an electric bill amounting to more or less P10 million per month. With the current economic situation, a company could hardly pay the amount, even more if the increase will be implemented.

ERC Commissioner Raul Tan meanwhile said that on Friday, PSALM and NPC will present its respective evidence on the need to increase the power rate.

“We will make sure that the consumers will win this, because the most expensive electricity is having no electricity at all,” said Tan.

as of 03/19/2009 11:30 PM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/03/18/09/pdic-cebu-giving-forms-claims-closed-banks

2009-03-18T14:09:00.000-07:00

PDIC in Cebu giving forms for claims in closed bank

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN News Central Visayas | 03/19/2009 12:23 AM

The Philippine Deposits Insurance Corporation started distributing claim forms for savings and time depositors with more than P100,000 deposits Wednesday.

78-year old Aguido Alimpos from Compostela town in Cebu was among the hundreds who came to get their forms with priority numbers at Philippine Countryside Rural Bank (PCRB) Lilo-an Branch.

Alimpos has over a hundred thousand pesos deposit. He said that he first deposited the amount in a rural bank in Compostela but the rural bank closed a few years ago. He then decided to transfer it at PCRB but after a couple of years, the bank closed along with the other rural banks under the Legacy Group of Companies.

I was of course upset when the bank closed. Somehow I felt that this money is cursed (he laughs). This money comes from the lands of our parents that we sold about a decade ago,” said Alimpos.

But Alimpos is assured that he will get his full amount since PDIC has insurance on deposits up to P250,000, unlike Engineer Epifanio Jordan who has a deposit worth P335,000.

“I had that amount when I retired from work. I’m just really bothered whether I can get all my money back knowing that PDIC will only give P250,000 insurance,” said Jordan.

PDIC said that as of the moment Jordan will get only the insured P250,000 of his deposits. The remaining P105,000 will only be given back to him after the bank’s asset will be liquidated. PDIC however, cannot give a timeline as to when the liquidation will be over.

For now, PDIC reminds depositors to bring photocopies of their two valid identification cards and passbooks to get their claim forms. They also asked the depositors to only transact with authorized PDIC personnel.

They also clarified that there is no payment in processing for claims.

The distribution of forms would last until April 3. The payment of the insurance would reportedly start on March 23.

as of 03/19/2009 12:25 AM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/03/17/09/labor-complaint-forces-closure-john-os-golf-course

2009-03-16T23:58:00.000-07:00

Labor complaint forces closure of John O's golf course

By JOHN DX LAPID, ABS-CBN Central Visayas | 03/17/2009 3:25 PM

Former senator John Henry Osmeñas golf course in Negros Oriental has shut down operations pending a labor complaint filed by its employees over alleged non-payment of their salaries since December.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Negros Oriental conducted inspections at the Pamplona Plantation Golf and Country Club for possible labor law violations after 24 employees complained they were not given their salaries for the last four months.

Labor Employment Officer Kenric Villaluz said the management refused to give the documents the team needed for the inspection.

Villaluz, who took the workers' statements, found that in addition to not being paid, the employees were not given the right amount of salary. He said they were just given P150 a day, without holiday and 13th-month pay.

Results of the inspection will be sent to DOLE Central Visayas for further investigation, where Osmeña will have to answer the workers' complaints.

Even if the golf course was closed, employees still hope that it will be back to operations soon, since, they said, it is their only livelihood.

as of 03/17/2009 3:26 PM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/03/14/09/bohol-radioman-files-complaint-vs-mayors-aide

2009-03-15T02:39:00.000-07:00

Bohol radioman files complaint vs mayor's aide

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN Central Visayas | 03/14/2009 11:28 AM

A radio broadcaster in Bohol has filed a complaint before the Visayas Ombudsman against a mayor's aide for allegedly attacking him inside his office last February.

Nestor Daarol, dyTR news anchor, filed charges against Arlene Karaan, executive assistant of Tagbiliran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim, for violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials.

Daarol said he wants Karaan dismissed from the mayor's office.

The radio news reader said Karaan attacked him inside his office last February 28 as he was about to go on air for his block time program "Kasayuran." Karaan, he said, had been waiting for him at the station's reception area accompanied by other people.

Daarol said Karaan hurled some foul-smelling liquid at his body and face. Daarol said he did not know what the liquid was, but said it seemed to have come from a toilet bowl.

Daarol said that he felt dizzy and had difficulty breathing because of the smell. He added Karaan also brandished a rattan stick while screaming at Daarol "not to be a meddler."

Fearing for his life, Daarol ran towards the news anchor’s booth to protect himself from further physical harm. He said the security guards and the station’s staff were all stunned and were unable to react immediately.

Karaan and her companions left immediately after the incident, the radio broadcaster said.

Daarol said the day before the incident, Karaan was looking for him and some of his staff had tried to warn him about the mayor's aide.

He believes Karaan attacked him because for criticizing the alleged P6.4 million worth of unliquidated city public funds over his radio program. He said, however, that he did not mention any names in the scam.

The Commission on Audit had released a report about the city government's financial transactions in December 2007, and Karaan was among those with unsettled accounts reaching up to almost P800,000.

Daarol later filed a blotter at the Tagbilaran City Police Station and had to see a doctor for an allergic reaction from the liquid that was thrown at him.

A few days after the incident, Daarol broadcast his radio program "Silab sa Udtong Tutok" on another radio station, DYRD, and told listeners about his encounter with Karaan.

as of 03/14/2009 11:28 AM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/03/15/09/recruitment-agency-exec-shot-cebu-city

2009-03-15T02:36:00.000-07:00

Recruitment agency exec shot in Cebu City

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN News Central Visayas | 03/15/2009 8:17 PM

A branch manager of a recruitment agency in Cebu City was shot by an unidentified gunman in his own room Sunday afternoon.

Simplicio Yvon, 54 years old and a branch manager of Vision Recruitment Agency, sustained a gunshot wound on his left armpit.

Yvon told Police Officer 2 Lou Pagara of Cebu City Police Office homicide section that on 2 p.m. Sunday, a man he did not recognize knocked on his room then immediately shot him and left his place. Yvon was renting a room at Andres Abellana Extension at Barangay Guadalupe.

“The victim said that someone was knocking on his door. When he answered it, a man appeared and shot him. He was not able to recognize the suspect as he fled right away after the incident,” said Pagara.

Witnesses in the area said that they did not see anybody with a gun but only heard a single gunshot.

Yvon said that the suspect must be one of his agency’s applicants.

“Maybe he was one of those I have interviewed but was not able to get through,” Yvon told Pagara.

The victim of the shooting incident was not able to give more details as he was immediately rushed to Visayas Community Medical Center.

Police said they did not recover any evidence at the crime scene.

as of 03/15/2009 8:18 PM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/03/13/09/korean-english-shool-teachers-cry-foul-over-unpaid-wages

2009-03-12T22:36:00.000-07:00

Korean english shool teachers cry foul over unpaid wages

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN Central Visayas | 03/13/2009 10:17 AM

Korean employers angered 13 Filipino teachers, who were not paid their wages and were illegally fired by a Korean school, when they ditched several labor settlement meetings at the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC).

The Korean owners of the Blissful English School, formerly the CG English academy, failed to show up for two settlement meetings scheduled for Thursday and March 5. The owners, a family named Cho, had been accused of illegally dismissing the teachers and not paying their separation pay.

Jaymar Reyes, who was a teacher at the language school for five years, said that one of the school owners, Il Un Cho, informed them about the company's shaky financial status in December last year. In January this year, the management then asked for their resignation.

Reyes said they accepted the request to resign and had asked the management to give them separation pay. The Korean owners, however, said they would only be paid P1,000 for their length of service.

According to the Labor Code of the Philippines, a worker who is terminated is entitled to a separation pay equivalent to at least one month's pay or at leadt one month's pay for every year of service, whichever is higher. Reyes, for example, was paid P16,000 per month, but only received P5,000 in separation pay.

Laarni Menguito, another teacher, also discovered that their benefits, like the Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Association (PhilHealth), and Pag-ibig Fund, were not remitted when one of their co-workers were hospitalized.

The teachers filed a complaint against the school with the NLRC after they wrote a letter to the management informing them of their violation to the Labor Code, but did not get a response.

The school, Reyes said, has two locations, one in Nichols Park, Guadalupe in Cebu City and another in Laray, Talisay City. He added that the CG Academy had changed its name to Blissful English School three years ago.

When the Talisay school branch was visited, however, a Korean named Daniel Park, manager of the Blissful English School, denied that any of their teachers were fired, or that they still have a connection to the CG English Academy. According to the school's head teacher, the two schools, had separated and they had no knowledge of whether the Cho family is still there.

Security Guards at the CG Academy, meanwhile, said that the Koreans had already left a week ago.

The teachers' lawyer, however, Atty. Mundlyn Misal Martin, said they are still planning to file a criminal case against the school's management and that they will also have the school blacklisted in the Philippines as well as in Korea. "Foreigners should not belittle Filipino workers," she said.

as of 03/13/2009 10:17 AM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/03/05/09/cebu-furniture-company-turns-crisis-opportunity

2009-03-04T22:48:00.000-08:00

Cebu furniture company turns 'crisis into opportunity'

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 03/05/2009 4:32 PM

While other companies are laying off many of their workers due to the economic crisis, one Cebu furniture company says it is still managing to stay afloat by turning "crisis into opportunity."

Rather than succumb to massive layoffs in the dwindling market, Dedon Manufacturing Incorporated president Herve Lampert said the company would rather invest in its workers. “People are our asset. Our products are delicately woven by hands. Lying off people would mean that we lose competency, skill, and quality edge of an organization," he said.

“Crisis gives us a lot of pressure how to manage our cost. But it is more challenging for us to think how to develop our products, develop new collection, expand a little bit our product range to be ready after the crisis," he added.

Lampert said their strategy includes enhancing their workers' skills, teaching their workers how to maximize the materials available to them without sacrificing quality, a trait that he says is very important in the face of cautious buyers.

“Looking for workers who are artists is hard. We all know that crisis will pass, and if it will, we need our artists to produce more quality products,” added Lampert.

Lampert said that they are constantly meeting with their workers, telling them honestly about the company's status. By involving the workers, he said, he will gain their trust and support, saying that the employees even agreed to a freeze on their annual income increase until the crisis is over.

Lampert said, however, that although they are stable, the company was also affected by the global financial crisis, saying that their orders from abroad dropped 27% as of the last week of February.

“People are spending less, they are more cautious with their money. For the first time, the luxury market has been affected by the crisis,” he said.

Lampert said that their clients are mostly exclusive shops of luxury furniture. Some of their distinguished clientele include actor Brad Pitt, singer Beyonce Knowles, and Hollywood diva Cher. President Arroyo, reportedly also owns some of their furniture products.

Lampert said that as of the moment, the company is still able to operate fully because although client demand decreased, orders have not stopped coming in. He remained cautious, though, saying that in a global financial crisis, everyone loses security, including his company. He was optimistic, however, that Dedon would not have to lay off its workers.

Dedon Manufacturing Incorporated, considered as one of the "Big Four" furniture-export companies in Cebu, is reportedly the only company among the four that remains “stable” during this period of crisis, according to reports from Philexport Cebu. The other companies, Maithland and Smith Cebu, Philippine Traders, and Mehitabel Incorporated have reportedly laid off some of their workers.

Dedon, located in Barangay Pagsabungan in Mandaue City, is owned by a former European soccer player, Bobby Dekeyser, who played for the German team Bayer-Munchen. Established in 1990, the company has factories in 80 countries around the world. Its Cebu factory has 3,500 workers. Its signature style is luxury outdoor furniture woven from Hular fibers, a durable fiber produced in Luneberg, Germany. with a report from Carine M. Asutilla ABS-CBN News Central Visayas

as of 03/05/2009 4:33 PM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/03/01/09/midwife-killed-%E2%80%98admirer%E2%80%99-cebu-city

2009-03-02T19:46:00.000-08:00

(na-hurt ko... wa jud gibutang akong name...)

Midwife killed by ‘admirer’ in Cebu City

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 03/02/2009 12:26 AM

A 33-year-old midwife was stabbed to death at her own home in Barangay Busay in Cebu City allegedly by an admirer.

The victim was identified as Dee Ann Alcala. The suspect meanwhile was identified as Onizimo Taningco, a taxi driver who was renting a room at the victim’s house.

The 11-year-old daughter of the victim was the witness to the incident.

“Angel,” not her real name, said that her mother and Taningco were arguing. Taningco was purportedly questioning her mother why she did not come home on Saturday night.

Angel said that after lunch Taningco came home drunk. He was eating in the kitchen when her mother arrived home from a sleepover with friends Saturday night.

Taningco reportedly wanted to talk to Alcala but Alcala ignored him because he was drunk and she was preparing for a picnic with her two daughters.

Alcala has reportedly been separated from her husband Edward but the two reportedly agreed that on Sundays they will both take their kids out and “bond”.

Taningco reportedly wanted Alcala not to go out with her family. When Alcala reportedly got annoyed, she reportedly threw bottles and glasses on the floor to scare Taningco away but he reportedly became furious.

Angel said that Taningco took a knife and stabbed her mother several times. She said she tried to pull Taningco but he pushed her away. Angel said she then called out for help from neighbors and police but it was too late. Angel said her mother died in the kitchen but Taningco was immediately caught by the responding police.

Taningco said that he was jealous because he heard that Alcala was dating her ex-boyfriend.

He said that they have an intimate relationship for six months. He said that he just wanted to talk to Alcala to clear things out about them but the victim refused. He said that he was broken-hearted and was not able to control himself.

Taningco who hails from Sultan Kudarat was detained at Cebu City Police Office. A murder case will reportedly be filed against him.

as of 03/02/2009 12:26 AM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/03/02/09/missing-five-year-old-girl-cebu-returns-family

2009-03-02T19:43:00.000-08:00

(I don't know nganong wa ni siya ma-byline... weird...)

A five-year old girl who was reportedly kidnapped at an elementary school in Cebu Thursday last week returned to her family Monday after four days in captivity.

The victim, Suhaiba Punut, arrived at her mother's store in a downtown mall 1 p.m. Monday, four days after she went missing.

The victim reportedly told authorities that the suspect, whose name she does not know, paid a public utility vehicle to take her to the mall where her mother, Sanairah Punit, has a store.

The girl said she did not know her kidnapper's name, but described the place where she was brought as "a small house with many small houses around it."

"[The suspect] gave me food to eat but sometimes she spanks me, I don't know why," Suhaiba reportedly said.

Suhaiba was reportedly abducted Thursday last week as she was waiting for her mother to fetch her after kindergarten class in Mambaling Elementary school at around 11 a.m. Based on accounts of witnesses, an unidentified woman had reportedly approached her and led her away on a black motorcycle.

The victim's family immediately reported the incident to the police’s Regional Intelligence Division (RID) which later released a cartographic sketch of the suspect based on witness accounts.

RID chief, Melvin Ramon Buenafe, reportedly said that the possible motive for the abduction is not money, since no ransom demand was issued, but family problems. The victim's family, however, insisted that they did not have enemies.

Suhaiba later revealed that the suspect had told her that she had been sent by the girl's mother and that she had asked permission from Suhaiba's mother to take her home for the evening.

Witnesses reportedly described the suspect as "boyish", about 28 to 30 years old, 5'5 in height, with brown complexion and shoulder-length hair. The suspect reportedly entered the school's gates, talked to the victim, and even offered her food. Accompanied by the suspect, the victim reportedly then informed her cousin, a grade 4 student at the same school, that she would be leaving with her but instead left with the suspect on a black motorcycle.

The victim's mother said she would have her daughter checked for trauma and physical injuries. The Punuts reportedly will also pull Suhaiba out of school in order to prevent the same incident from happening.

School safety quizzed

Mambaling Elementary School's security guard, Pablo Labunog, recounted the incident, saying that the suspect had asked to take Suhaiba with her in order to help the victim find a phone and call her mother. Labunog also said that the victim looked at ease with the suspect, and so allowed the woman to take Suhaiba.

“The kid does not talk or come near to anyone she doesn’t like or she doesn’t know. She bites people who try to come near her when she doesn’t know them. But that time, it was Suhaiba who came near to the woman, so I assumed she was a family member who was there to pick her up,” Labunog reportedly said.

The victim's mother, however, blamed the school for failing to ensure her child's safety.

Bernardita Ynclino, the school's principal, however, said that the incident could have been prevented if Suhaiba's mother had been able to fetch her child on time.

“Had the mother came earlier to pick her child from school, it should have not happened. We advise parents of our pupils to come at least 15 minutes before their children are released from their classes,” said Ynclino.

The school's kindergarten coordinator, Cris Palen, also said that the victim's mother usually picks her child up very late.

“She is always left without lunch because her mother comes late to pick her up. Sometimes the teachers would have to take her in and share their lunch with Suhaiba,” Palen said.

The victim's mother, however, refused to comment. With a report from Carine M. Asutilla, ABS-CBN Central Visayas

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/27/09/corrupt-officials-negros-town-threatened-grenade

2009-02-26T22:22:00.000-08:00

'Corrupt' officials in Negros town threatened with grenade

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 02/27/2009 4:50 PM

A bomb threat made against the vice-mayor's office in Sibulan town, Negros Oriental sent employees and municipal officials into panic Thursday.

Police found a live explosive inside a bathroom near the office of Sibulan Vive mayor Manuel Diputado, reports said.

Members of the Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD) from the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Negros Oriental reportedly searched the area and found a rifle grenade with ground rice hull concealed in a sack in one of the building's bathrooms.

The grenade was brought to the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office to be discharged.

Police were alerted about the bomb threat after an employee from the city treasurer's office allegedly received a text message from an unknown sender reportedly saying "Public warning: To all Sibulanon, keep away to these premises; municipal court, police station. Bomb explodes anytime. We will punish corrupt and one-sided officials."

Employees were then immediately evacuated from the Municipal hall by members of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT).

Municipal employees reportedly said that Diputado has never had any prior threats against him.

Sibulan Mayor Antonio Renacia, meanwhile, reportedly said that security will be tightened in local government offices. He also hoped that the incident would not affect the town's image.

Police have yet to identify the culprits. -- report from John DX Lapid, ABS-CBN Central Visayas

as of 02/27/2009 5:33 PM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/26/09/charges-attempted-murder-filed-vs-two-foreign-tourists

2009-02-26T22:10:00.000-08:00

Charges of attempted murder filed vs two foreign tourists

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN Central Visayas | 02/26/2009 10:43 PM

Charges of causing serious physical injuries and attempted murder were filed against two foreigners in Cebu City Thursday for allegedly attacking two Filipinos.

Lawyer Inocencio Dela Cerna, counsel for Hilario Escudero IV and Don Marck Delleva, filed the cases against Hola Iketau, a Tongan, and Jody Hunt from New Zealand at the Cebu City Prosecutors’ Office. Prosecutor II Raul Cristobal received the cases.

Escudero had bruises all over his body, a front tooth was broken, and his neck was fractured but Delleva suffered more. Aside from bruises, his jaw was busted. Delleva could no longer talk and chew food. He is scheduled to have surgery Friday at a private hospital. Delleva is a liaison officer of Cebu Medical Supplies and Equipment while Escudero is an aircraft officer.

Escudero, in his affidavit-complaint, said that he and Delleva together with one Eleanor Ubal were onboard a car going to uptown Cebu past midnight last Sunday. He said they happened to pass by F. Manalo St. in front of Eddie’s Hotel.

Escudero said that he noticed that cars in front of them were slowing down and there were about 20 foreigners who were pointing and cursing every passing vehicle. The foreigners were allegedly drinking beer in the middle of the street.

When Escudero came nearer, Hunt allegedly stood up and blocked them. Escudero said he blew the car’s horn so that Hunt would move aside but Hunt banged the hood of his car with his fist and the rest of the foreigners encircled the car.

Escudero said that he, Delleva and Ubal then went out of the car. Escudero said he then confronted Hunt. Hunt was allegedly about to smash a bottle of beer into Escudero but another foreigner allegedly stopped the New Zealander.

They reportedly exchanged heated words for a time, but later the foreigners allegedly started pushing the two victims. Hunt then reportedly slipped away from the crowd and went inside Lonestar KTV located just around the corner of Queens Road and called another group of foreigners, one of them reportedly was Iketau, who came running towards them.

Out of fear, Escudero said he told his companions to get in the car. Hunt allegedly was about to punch him but he managed to close the door of the car before it happened. He said he was able to get in the car. Delleva however reportedly did not have time to do so. Escudero said he heard Delleva cry out in pain. Iketau allegedly punched him purportedly dislocating Delleva’s jaw. Hunt then reportedly ran towards Delleva and rammed him.

Escudero said he went out of the car to help Delleva but Ikatau grabbed him and punched him several times in the head and face.

Escudero fell down and he tried to get up but Ikatau allegedly hit and kicked him again several times together with another foreigner he never knew. Iketau allegedly pulled him up again and hit him several times until he felt numbed. A whistle from a security guard of Eddie’s Hotel reportedly stopped the rumble. Reportedly, the foreigners then stopped hitting him and went directly to the KTV bar.

Ubal, the security guard and bystanders reportedly came to their rescue.

The victims said they then reported the incident to Fuente Police Office and went for a medical examination at Cebu City Medical Center.

Escudero said that he was traumatized by the incident. He said that it would cost him much to repair his front tooth and it would take time before he could recover from the pain he sustained from the incident.

Last Tuesday, Iketau and Hunt went to Fuente Police Station to have their statements taken on the incident.

Dela Cerna said that the two foreigners told police that they have been mauled by two Filipinos and sustained several bruises. He said that the two foreigners were trying to turn the story around. Dela Cerna said that police then contacted the alleged victims when they discovered that the two foreigners fit the description Escudero and Delleva told police.

When they were all in the police station, the two foreigners however reportedly asked for forgiveness. Dela Cerna said that the two were willing to pay for damages. When it was settled, the foreigners were not detained.

The following day, Dela Cerna again met up with the suspects. He said that he brought with him receipts of medicines and hospital bills reaching up to P500,000. When the foreigners learned of the amount, they reportedly told Dela Cerna that all they could offer was P50,000. When Dela Cerna saw that there was no hope for their clients to get enough financial support from them, he decided to press charges.

Layer Noel Archival, counsel of the two foreigners, said that the incident was just a mere traffic problem. He said that Iketau and Hunt were not the ones who started the fight and that Escudero and Delleva did.

He said that his clients were also victims because they sustained bruises from the incident but they were willing to settle the case and pay for damages even if they too were hurt in the rumble.

The Filipino complainants however asked them to each pay for two million pesos for damages.

Archival said that the foreigners could not afford it because they are mere tourists who have been here for months. Archival said that they are willing to face the charges than pay for the damages.

Dela Cerna said that they did not ask for that huge amount but were asking for a larger amount than what the foreigners have offered them. He said that Delleva already has more than P500,000 hospital bills excluding the expenses of his jaw operation today.

as of 02/26/2009 10:43 PM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/23/09/pvao-cebu-says-start-interview-wwii-vets

2009-02-23T21:12:00.000-08:00

PVAO in Cebu says to start interview of WWII vets

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN News Central Visayas | 02/23/2009 11:26 PM

The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) in Central Visayas said it is set to start conducting interviews with Filipino World War II (WWII) veterans Tuesday until Thursday to determine if they will qualify as beneficiaries of United States’ newly stimulus law which provided benefits to veterans.

The families of the veterans rushed to PVAO office here in Central Visayas Monday for queries regarding the interview.

Emmanuel Pabilona of PVAO-7 said that veterans from provinces in Region 7 must come into their office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday until Thursday for an interview. Pabilona said that the interviews will be conducted nationwide from regions 1-14, and that three representatives from United States Veterans Affairs (USVA) will be the ones to interview them.

PCAO said the veteran should come personally and can be accompanied by any member of the family. He said that the veterans should bring an identification card and any supporting documents to prove that he is a qualified veteran. The benefits were announced that it may be released within this year.

Pabilona said that qualification would be that he is a living WW II veteran, recognized guerrilla, a member of United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), and Philippine Scout enlisted prior to July 1, 1946. He said that there are a thousand veterans in Central Visayas and about 12,000 veterans in the entire country who are still alive. He said that veterans of WW II are expected to be 83 years old and above.

He also said that veterans from other provinces in Central Visayas who will not be able to come into their regional office for circumstances beyond their control can go to Philippine Veterans Field Office.

Fred Cabalda was one who came to PVAO-7 to inquire on the said benefit. His father-in-law, Gregorio Isok is a veteran of WW II and is already 90 years old.

Cabalda said that the amount that will be given to his father-in-law will be enough for his medication. Isok is suffering from ailments brought by old age. Cabalda said that the family will be able to get back their things, which were pawned for Isok’s medicines.

Paulino Luniza, former president and now consultant of the Sons and Daughters of Veterans of World War II, also came to PVAO with his mother Pascuala. Luniza said that their group will try to come up with a request for the government of the United States to allow living spouses of veterans who already died to still avail of the benefits. Luniza said that the amount would be of great help to families of the veterans especially to their spouses who are living but suffering from ailments.

Pabilona said however that the spouses can only claim the benefit if the qualified veteran died after having been interviewed. Philippine-based veterans who will qualify will each receive $9,000 while US-based veterans will each receive $15,000.

Pabilona said that aside from the US benefits, the PVAO has been providing assistance to the veterans and their families such as educational insurance, hospitalization, old-age pension for the veteran and his spouse, disability assistance, death and burial assistance among others. He said that the only benefit that has not yet been given to them is the non-service-connected disability pension that has already been approved by the Philippine government in 1994 which no funding has been released yet however.

as of 02/23/2009 11:26 PM

http://abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/18/09/abs-cbn-cebu-starts-own-backyard-gardening

2009-02-18T10:58:00.000-08:00

ABS-CBN Cebu starts own backyard gardening

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN Central Visayas | 02/18/2009 11:13 PM

Employees, news and entertainment personalities participated in the clean up of the vacant lot at the back of ABS-CBN Complex in Mandaue City and its conversion into garden plots.

About 50 plots were cultivated and were planted with eggplants, tomatoes, and pechay, while lemon grass were planted at the slope area.

ABS-CBN Cebu Area Manager Tata Cinco-Sy said that the gardening activity is just one of the station's projects lined-up this year.

Sy said that creating a garden at their own backyard is one way of surviving from the global economic crisis. She said that putting up a vegetable garden can provide families with food and can also become a means to generate income.

Sy said that as a broadcasting station, ABS-CBN Cebu is initiating empowering projects to encourage viewers to do the same.

"Part of our thrust this year is going beyond, beyond broadcasting, beyond traditional public service. This is next-level broadcasting, next-level public service," said Sy.

Leo Lastimosa , DyAB station manager, said they are encouraging viewers and listeners of their stations to use their idle lots and start the same gardening project. He said that local government units can even initiate it for its residents. LGUs can provide seedlings for their constituents to grow.

"If the entire community will work together, we can get through this crisis, victorious," said Lastimosa.

The Provincial Agriculture Office has valued the project of ABS-CBN Cebu. The Cebu Provincial Capitol immediately sent bags of organic fertilizers to the station, while 18 members of the Cebu Federation of Farmers organized a get-together with the employees of ABS-CBN Cebu for basic gardening lectures.

as of 02/18/2009 11:13 PM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/17/09/soldiers-cops-hit-closure-legacy-pre-need-firms

2009-02-17T16:09:00.000-08:00

Soldiers, cops hit by closure of Legacy pre-need firms

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN News Central Visayas | 02/18/2009 1:44 AM

Members of Armed Forces and Police Savings and Loans Association Incorporated (AFPSLAI) are among the victims of the closure of Legacy Group of Companies.

About a thousand of them in Central Visayas were each able to purchase an educational plan from Scholarship Plans Philippines Incorporated, a pre-need company and member of Legacy group.

Rofel Vivar, AFPSLAI branch manager in Central Visayas, said that in 1980’s AFPSLAI offered its members help to have an educational program for their children to offset education which has become expensive.

She said that they allowed their members to avail of loans loan and purchase educational plans and the members will pay through salary deduction.

Nicanora Torreon, wife of a Coast Guard officer in Bohol, came to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to file her complaint against SPPI. Nicanora purchased two educational plans for their children. Nicanora’s husband Roberto, paid fully the two educational plans in 2004 through salary deduction from AFPSLAI.

She said that there was no definite time as to the maturity of the plans. She said that as soon as the child to whom the educational plan is intended enter college, you can readily use the said plan as long as it was fully paid.

Nicanora said that in 2006 she was supposed to use the plan for her daughter in nursing. She then went to Manila to ask for the certificate of full payment and to avail on the said educational plan but SPPI only told her that they will mail the certificate of full payment and they will call her on the application of the said plan.

But after three years, she said SPPI did not send any certificate of full payment and most of all did not call for a confirmation if they can use the said plan.

Nicanora’s son who also has an educational plan in SPPI is now on his second year of college in University of Cebu - Mambaling for the course of Marine Engineering. He too was not able to use the educational plan purchased for P50,000.

Merle Cunanan, SEC regional director, meanwhile checked on the documents of Nicanora. She said that the case of Nicanora is the same with other pre-need companies under Legacy. She also said that AFPSLAI was able to remit to SPPI all the salary deductions it made form Nicanora’s husband because of the accounting both the AFPSLAI and the SPPI gave her.
Vivar is now calling on all AFPSLAI members who were able to purchase an educational plan from SPPI to come into their office. Vivar said that AFPSLAI is preparing a list of their members they will submit to SEC to guide the regulatory agency on assistance that could be provided them.

as of 02/18/2009 1:44 AM

http://abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/12/09/pryce-planholders-mixed-regarding-%E2%80%98-kind%E2%80%99-return-plans

2009-02-12T10:42:00.000-08:00

Pryce planholders mixed regarding ‘in kind’ return of plans

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN News Central Visayas | 02/12/2009 11:21 PM

A dentist was the first complainant against Pryce Plans Incorporated in Cebu. Dr. Gabriel Dionices Albina came to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Wednesday morning to follow-up on his complaint against Pryce Plans.

Before reports came out earlier this week, during a Senate hearing on the Legacy Group of Companies on the “in-kind” payments from pension and educational plans of pre-need company Pryce Plans Incorporated, Albina has already filed his complaint against the company.

Albina submitted his complaint to the Securities and Exchange Commission last October 2006, a few days after his pension plan worth P50,000 reached its maturity date. Albina was supposed to claim his pension but the company refused to give out his pension and asked him to accept it “in kind”.

LPG, meds and memorial lot
The company offered him Pryce gas, Pryce medicines, and a memorial garden lot in Cagayan De Oro City.

Albina said that he did not accept the offer and instead filed a complaint against the company to SEC-7.

“The LPG tank is worth P1,800 including the gas tank, take it or leave it. What would I do with so many LPG tanks?” said Albina.

After filing a complaint against Pryce Plans, he said he decided to terminate the pension plans of his mother Constancia and brother Ian.

‘Chose to answer to planholders’
The three then later on received a letter from the head office of the pre-need company. The letter was signed by Ruperto Marasigan Jr., the company’s assistant vice president and audit supervisor.

The letter asked the Albina to be patient and understand their situation. The company admitted that they are suffering from a slow cash flow.

Marasigan said that they did not renew the license of Pryce Plans and they are just merely a servicing company now. He said that when it’s license was not renewed, the company experienced decline of cash flow and diminution of resources. He said that the pre-need company is suffering from a crisis because of the fall of two major players of the pre-need industry, CAP and Pacific Plans. He said that they are one of those affected by the crisis.

Marasigan further said that some of the pre-need companies were already filing legal actions such as petitions for corporate rehabilitation to escape from liabilities and obligations to plan holders. But Pryce Plans, Marasigan said, chose not to file suit but instead try to answer to their planholders.

Albina said that one way of answering to its planholders is the conversion of their plans to “in kind”.

Albina bought the plan last 1996 for P30,000. He said he paid it in full in 2001. He was supposed to claim his P50,000 pension plan last 2006. When his mother and brother decided to terminate their pension plans, they were supposed to receive P23,655 each.

Albina was advised by SEC to find a lawyer to assist him in filing a possible civil case against the company.

The office of Pryce Plans is located at room 301 in Cebu Holdings Center in Cebu Business Park.

ABS-CBN News tried to get the side of Pryce Plans but its personnel ordered the security guard at the lobby in their building not to let anyone come up to their office aside from its planholders.

ABS-CBN News was able to meet some planholders however who were there to check the status of their plans.

‘Cash only’
Former president of the National Food Authority employees’ union in Central Visayas, Jaime Ang, was among the plan holders. He had two educational plans he said he bought in 1994 and fully paid for P400,000 last 2000. He said the said plans were intended for his nephews and are supposed to reach maturity date on 2012.

But after hearing reports against Pryce Plans, Ang said he wants to terminate his educational plans. He said that he will only accept cash and not any “in kind”.

Ang said he is questioning the government, particularly SEC, for not being able to take a look at the situation of the pre-need company before.

“The government has the obligation to protect us - the planholders. They should have monitored the pre-need companies, which are all registered under the Security and Exchange Commission,” said Ang.

If Ang will refuse to receive LPG, medicine or a memorial lot, businessman Carlito Diaz however will settle for it.

Diaz has an investment of P1,000,000 in Pryce Plans. He said he wants it terminated and be converted to LPG. Diaz said he finds it as a business opportunity.
Merle Cunanan, SEC-7 director, meanwhile said that all their office can do is to receive complaints from the planholders and investors. She said that the head office has the department that will look into the matter. She said further that pre-need companies have a trust fund that will refund the planholders.

as of 02/12/2009 11:21 PM

http://abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/12/09/planholders-arms-lapu-lapu-resthouse-legacy-owner

2009-02-12T10:38:00.000-08:00

Planholders up in arms on Lapu-Lapu resthouse of Legacy owner

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN News Central Visayas | 02/13/2009 12:58 AM

Legacy planholders and investors have reacted negatively on reports of a huge resthouse that Legacy owner Celso Delos Angeles owns.

The two-storey house is located at Barangay Punta Engaño in Lapu-Lapu City. The resthouse is located atop a cliff near the seashore.

The planholders and investors of Legacy think that their money was used to buy the property.

“Where else did our money go? It should be sold right away so that we can get our money back, or else we will all chop the house down and divide it among ourselves,” said Ben Tero, a planholder.

“I was shocked, he has a house that big and yet he can’t pay us back?” said Belen Allego, an investor who lives a few houses away from Delos Angeles’ rest house, he only knew that they were neighbors when she saw it on TV.

The house and lot was owned previously by a Cebuano businessman. Delos Angeles reportedly bought it from them sometime in 2002. Delos Angeles founded Legacy in 1997.

Elena Talinting said she was the original owner of the lot. She said that the businessman bought it from them in 1980’s. The lot is estimated to be 1,900 square meters.

Aside from the two-storey house which was made of wood with furniture also made out of wood, Delos Angeles also has a speed boat on standby and a swimming pool.

He has three caretakers to maintain the rest house. One caretaker who identified himself only as Jaime said that Delos Angeles seldom visits the house. He said that the Legacy Group owner comes with his family only twice a year at most. But some of Delos Angeles friends, he said, would come by on weekends.

Residents said that they have seen actresses like Maui Taylor and Katya Santos spend overnight stays at the rest house. They also said that Manny Pacquiao also came by at the rest house.

Complaints continue
Planholders of pre-need companies under the Legacy Group of Companies meanwhile continue to file complaints at the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Central Visayas.

SEC has earlier reminded complainants that planholders and investors have different approaches in filing charges against the company.

Contained in SEC Office Order No. 36 issued in January 30 to all SEC extension offices are guidelines approved by the Commission en banc that should be followed in filing complaints against the eleven pre-need companies under the Legacy Group of Companies.

For pre-need planholders, they have to fill up the Pro-Forma Complaint to be provided by the SEC office. There is a separate Pro-Forma Complaint for planholders and for investors.

The planholder should submit a photocopy of Certificate of Full Payment and other supporting documents. SEC said there is no filing fee.

For investors however, aside from filling in the Pro-Forma Complaint intended for the investors, they also have to pay a P510 filing fee.

SEC said that the investors’ complaints will only serve as additional evidence for the charges of violation of Securities Regulation Code to be filed against Legacy. It said that an investor can file a separate civil case for recovery of sum of money and or syndicated estafa, if they want to.

SEC had also said earlier that the filing of complaints will only be until March 31. The complainants are advised to monitor SEC through their website, www.sec.gov.ph. It said complainants with questions can call the head office in Manila at (02) 584-6058 or (02) 584-6337.

as of 02/13/2009 12:58 AM

http://abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/10/09/sec-receive-complaints-cebu-vs-legacy-only-till-march-31

2009-02-10T11:06:00.000-08:00

SEC to receive complaints in Cebu vs Legacy only till March 31

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN News Central Visayas | 02/11/2009 1:45 AM

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Central Visayas said it will be accepting complaints from investors and planholders of pre-need companies under the Legacy Group of Companies only until March 31.

Merle Cunanan, Director of SEC-7 said that since January 7, their office has received 120 complaints against Legacy group. Most of the complaints were addressed to their pre-need companies.

Cunanan said that there is still no assurance that these complainants will get their claims. She said that the planholders and investors still have to file their complaints so that an investigation will be conducted.

“Pre-need companies have a contract and plan holders are protected by a trust fund, which should answer the plan holders,” said Cunanan.

According to SEC Information desk, to file a complaint against any pre-need companies under Legacy, a complaint form should be signed by the complainant, indicating information about his or her deposits or investments to any plans offered by the pre-need companies.

The complainant is also asked to provide documents that will support ones claim like bouncing checks issued by the pre-need companies. He or she should also submit certificate of full payment or official receipts as proof that the complainant has paid his or her plans.

Amorlina Fabroa was among the planholders of Legacy. Fabroa, who hails from Campo Guadalupe in Carcar City, came early to the SEC office to file her complaint against Legacy.

Fabroa has a scholarship plan and a pension plan with Legacy Consolidated Plans Incorporated. He applied for the pension plan last 2007 and had fully paid the plan with P88,176.

The plan is supposed to mature on 2016. Fabroa said she expected to receive P100,000 by that time. She had also put more than P16,000 for a scholarship plan.

Benjamine Tero from Barangay Camputhaw in Cebu City had also applied for the pension plan.

He said he paid P565 every month for five years. The plan was supposed to reach its maturity date this year.

Tero said that the plan he opened last 1999 was intended for his wife Antonia.

Tero said that after he had fully paid the amount for five years, he waited for another five years for it to mature. He was expecting that his wife could receive her pension this year.

“I will file a case. I have been paying for it for five years and waited for another five years only for nothing,” said Tero.

Tero’s neighbor, Thelma Ruiz, meanwhile also applied for a pension plan at Legacy Consolidated Plans Incorporated along with Tero. Ruiz said that it was her children who shouldered the monthly payments for the pension plan.

as of 02/11/2009 1:46 AM

http://abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/10/09/cebu-groups-say-recent-case-highlights-need-anti-torture-bill

2009-02-10T11:03:00.000-08:00

Cebu groups say recent case highlights need for Anti-Torture bill

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN News Central Visayas | 02/11/2009 2:18 AM

The Central Visayas chapter of human rights group Karapatan said its is challenging the House of Representatives to pass the House Bill 3259 or the Anti-Torture Bill after an alleged communist rebel was tortured while in the hands of the military and police.

Ramon Patriarca, who security forces allege is the taxation and finance officer of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Central Visayas, was reported to have suffered bruises and was traumatized in the hands of the military and police.

Last Monday, Patriarca during the hearing of a petition for writ of amparo showed the court all his bruises.

Patriarca said that he got them during the tactical interrogation that the police and military conducted four days since his arrest at Barangay Casili in Consolacion town in Cebu province last February 5.

Presiding Judge Geraldine Faith Econg of Cebu City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 9 granted the petition for writ of amparo filed by the camp of Patriarca against Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) and Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Central Command.

Patriarca was then placed under the custody of the Department of Justice (DOJ) under the Witness Protection Program.

State prosecutor Graeme June Elmido said that Patriarca will be watched over by DOJ Marshals. The police and military will only be there to augment, he said.

Elmido said that Patriarca can be visited by his lawyer and family at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Danao City.

Like in Martial Law
Dennis Abarrientos, Karapatan secretary general, said that the hearing on the petition of writ of amparo only showed that the act of torturing an arrestee is still being practiced by the police and military as if the Martial Law era is not yet over.

Abarrientos said that the case should serve as an eye-opener for lawmakers to act immediately on the Anti-Torture Bill.

Arman Perez, Bayan Muna secretary general, said that several Cebu representatives to Congress’s lower chamber are co-authors of the said bill. Perez mentioned 6th district Rep. Nerrisa Soon-Ruiz, 2nd district Pablo Garcia and 3rd district Rep Pablo John Garcia.

Perez said they are appealing to their representatives to urgently push for the passage of the bill.

Perez said that the bill ahs already passed the House Human Rights Committee and has been submitted to the plenary for discussion.

Perez said that those who practice torture would be punished if the bill will be enacted.

Threat of similar treatment?
Meanwhile, colleagues of lawyer Poch Sinco in Community Empowerment Resource Network Inc. (CERNET) expressed their fear for the life of Sinco.

Tiray Alcaseba said that Patriarca mentioned in the court hearing last Monday that some military and police personnel mentioned that they would also want Sinco to undergo the same torture that Patriarca underwent.

Patriarca told the court that he was punched several times, was made to wear a diaper, and was soaked in water.

Alcaseba said that as much as they are condemning what happened to Patriarca, they are also condemning the act and the attitude of the police and military who are supposed to be defenders of human rights and protectors of the people.

as of 02/11/2009 2:18 AM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/05/09/govt-agencies-say-prices-basic-commodities-cebu-are-stable

2009-02-05T14:45:00.000-08:00

Govt agencies say prices of basic commodities in Cebu are stable

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN News Central Visayas | 02/06/2009 2:01 AM

The latest price monitoring on basic commodities by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Cebu Province Office (CPO) last February 2 showed that both wet markets and supermarkets have maintained their prices for the past weeks.

Zaide Bati-on, DTI-CPO's trade and industry regulatory division chief, said that stores did not even exceed the suggested retail prices (SRP) of the commodities.

“Crisis here in Cebu (in terms of prices of basic commodities) is not yet felt,” said Bati-on.

Bati-on said that based on their record, if prices of canned goods, milk products, and other primary goods from last week will be compared to this week, there was no movement of prices.

Canned sardines with an SRP of P12.87 could be bought in wet markets for P12.40 and P12.30 in supermarket groceries.

Instant noodles with SRP of P6.65 is priced P6.25 in wet markets and P6.50 in supermarket groceries. Detergent soaps with retail price of P20.50 can be bought in supermarkets at P20.45 and P20.50 at wet markets.

Among the basic necessities and prime commodities listed, only the price of coffee refill in wet markets and supermarkets are higher than its SRP. Coffee’s SRP is P14.60 but is sold at P15.00 and P14.65.

No price increases in medicines
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Food and Drugs of Department of Health (DOH) in Region 7 said that there is also no alarming increase in prices of 39 essential medicines.

Dr. Angelita Salarda, chief of the DOH- 7 health and regulation division, said that they are waiting for the cheaper medicines bill to take effect so that the manufacturer’s selling price of medicines will be implemented.

Salarda said that they have conducted their monitoring of drug prices last week and have submitted reports to their head office in Manila.

No LPG scarcity - DOE
The Department of Energy Visayas office also clarified that there is no scarcity of supply of LPG in regions 6, 7, and 8.

Saul Gonzales, DOE Visayas Energy Industry Management chief, said that unlike reports coming from Manila on shortage of liquefied petroleum gas or LPG, their office has not received reports from dealers in the Visayas regarding shortage of supply.

Gonzales said that they have asked DTI also to check the supply of LPG among outlets. The reports have reportedly been submitted to Manila.

Supply of LPG is not a problem at all, Gonzales said, but there is an increasing trend in LPG prices. They have monitored five LPG suppliers in the three regions; Gasul, Shellane, Petronas, Prycegas, and Caltex.

Their record showed that the prices of 11-kilogram LPG tank from January up to early this February had gone up by P25-P79.

Gasul, which used to be at P469 is now priced at P544. Shellane was at P550, now it’s at P575. Petronas from P470 is now at P545. Prycegas is now at P554 from P485 while Caltex is also priced at P544 from P468.

Gonzales assured that if the prices of LPG in certain outlets will increase toan unreasonable price, DOE will investigate it. He said that the prices and supply will be closely monitored with their weekly inspection on suppliers.

as of 02/06/2009 2:18 AM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/04/09/workers-besieged-company-seek-aid-mandaue-mayor

2009-02-04T11:01:00.000-08:00

Workers of besieged company seek aid from Mandaue mayor

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN News Central Visayas | 02/04/2009 11:00 PM

More than two hundred workers who are still currently employed at Giardini Del Sole stormed Mandaue City Hall Tuesday morning to seek the intervention of Mayor Jonas Cortes in solving the labor issue in the furniture factory

Workers who have been laid off have been staging a strike for the past few days outside the factory.

The workers who sought the Mayor’s action were led by the owner of the furniture export company himself, Giovanni Boschi.

Boschi asked Cortes to stop the laid-off workers from picketing. Workers of the said company told Boschi that the strikers threatened to hurt them if they come to work.

“They threatened us that they will hurt us if we insist to go to work,” said Jilbert Camor. Camor has been working in lamination for three years in Giardini.

Cortes visited the picket line outside the factory of the furniture export company and urged the laid-off workers to calm down. He then invited the laid-off workers for a meeting with management of the furniture company Tuesday afternoon.

Cortes said that the laid-off workers could benefit from the emergency employment program of the Department of Labor and Employment and the local government unit.

“I want them to avail on the emergency employment but I will still have to check the guidelines from the Department of Labor,” said Cortes.

Cortes then went back to Mandaue City session hall where the workers of Giardini and Boschi were waiting for him. Cortes then told Boschi that the leaders of the union who also led the picket agreed to sit down with them.

“I really hope that everything will be okay. He (Cortes) promised to solve the problem, I just hope they (laid-off workers) will listen to him,” said Boschi.

Cortes then advised the workers still employed to go back to work. Cortes then ordered that the workers be transported with the city’s three buses back to the factory in Barangay Alang-Alang.

But the striking laid off workers did not allow the bus to come 10 meters near the factory’s gate. They also did not allow the workers to get off the bus and enter the factory premises.

An employee of the Mayor’s office asked the strikers to let the employed workers get in. The strikers then allowed only the supervisors of the company to get inside but told the city hall employee that the employed workers can only go back to work if there will be a negotiation that will yield a win-win solution.

Primitivo Guinoo, Nagkahiusang Pundok sa mga Mamumuo sa Giardini president, said that they are also hoping that with the intervention of Cortes, their request for work rotation and other benefits will be granted.

“We are hoping that this intervention will not fail. NCMB’s [National Conciliation Mediation Board] intervention did result a favorable solution for us,” said Guinoo.

Giardini already released a list of laid-off workers to receive a separation pay. Out of the 240 laid-off workers, 29 of them were listed last January 3. But these workers said they would not claim their separation pay until the company management adds an additional amount worth one-month salary.

Margie Cabelin, one of those listed for the separation pay, said that the management told them that the separation pay will be worth 13-days-pay times the number of years of service. She said that the amount is barely enough.

Last Tuesday, Boschi fearlessly told TV Patrol Central Visayas that the laid off workers were paid by Mandaue Foam to protest against him. He said that the company wants his business to go down because they are in close competition.

Mandaue Foam however released an official statement that they have nothing to do with the crisis Giardini is going through. The management said that they have no connection with Giardini.

Boschi later on in an interview said that he did not mention anything about Mandaue Foam.

as of 02/04/2009 11:00 PM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/03/09/worker-trains-japan-returns-japanese-encephalitis

2009-02-03T21:29:00.000-08:00

Worker trains in Japan but returns with Japanese encephalitis

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN News Central Visayas | 02/03/2009 10:33 PM

The Region 7 office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said it would form a team to investigate the case of a Filipino worker who went to Japan for training and returned to Lapu-Lapu City with Japanese encephalitis.

Marina Dungog, 48 years old from Barangay Looc in Lapu-Lapu City, is a factory worker in Sun-Pleats which is a garments factory based in Japan and is operating its branch here in the country inside Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ).

Marina was reportedly sent to Japan for training supposedly together with five other factory workers. The training was supposed to last for three months but Marina was sent home by the company last January 29 after she reportedly collapsed from work five days before she arrived in Cebu.

DOLE in Central Visayas said that they have to check if the company sent Marina for work or for training. The family said that Marina was sent there for work as she received the same salary from her work in Cebu.

Even Sun-Pleats, according to Margie Saya-ang who is a sister of Marina, confirmed that the workers are sent there for work.

In their meeting with DOLE-7 Regional Director Elias Cayanong, he advised the family to gather all the documents related to Marina’s work and deployment abroad.

Saya-ang said however that all of Marina’s documents were in the hands of the company. She said that she tried to ask for the necessary documents like Marina’s passport but the company only told her that it belonged to them since the company paid for it. The company also reportedly said that the passport will only be given to them if it expires.

Cayanong said that all he knows about the incident is based on media reports. He said that he needs evidence and has to hear the side of the company as well. DOLE said that they are willing to help the Marina and her family to get the benefits due to them.

Marina’s insurance of P45,000 was reportedly already depleted within a day of her medication at Chong Hua Hospital. The company reportedly handed over P50,000 to the family of Marina last Monday. The next financial assistance is expected to be given after the result of the company’s investigation of the incident in Japan.

The family said it worries for the hospitalization of Marina. They said her medicines would amount to more than P10,000 a day.

Doctors of Marina explained that Japanese encephalitis attacks a person’s nervous system. The disease can cause mental retardation that leads to coma. Marina is currently at the Intensive Critical Care Unit of the private hospital.

as of 02/03/2009 10:33 PM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/03/09/laid-furniture-workers-launch-%E2%80%98strike%E2%80%99-mandaue-city

2009-02-03T19:19:00.000-08:00

Laid off furniture workers launch ‘strike’ in Mandaue City

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN News Central Visayas | 02/03/2009 11:25 PM

Around 120 laid-off workers of Giardini Del Sole staged a 'strike’ in front of their factory in Alang-Alang in Mandaue City Monday morning.

The laid-off workers called Giovanni Boschi, the owner of Giardini, as a liar after the company reportedly refused to grant an agreement for work rotation. The workers also accused the company of union busting since most of the laid-off workers were members of their union.

Eulito Fin Jr., Vice-President of Nagkahiusang Pundok sa mga Mamumuo sa Giardini (NPMG), said that there were 250 workers who were retrenched last January 5. He said the company’s management let the workers take a vacation last December 5 and told them to come back a month after. When they did, he said they were told that they have just lost their jobs.

The management reportedly explained to the workers that the company has not received any orders of furniture abroad for two months as an effect of the global financial crisis.

Boschi also clarified that the company laid-off only 240 workers instead of the previous reports of 250 workers. Boschi said they have 480 workers and he retained 240 of them.

Boschi came out from the factory and tried to stop the strike. He said that the company had to stop work since the workers who were not laid-off could no longer come inside because of fear that they might be attacked by the striking employees.

When tension grew, Boschi climbed up to the guard house by the gate of the factory. Using a megaphone, Boschi threatened the group that they will be sent to jail for having no permit in launching the rally.

In an interview with TV Patrol Central Visayas, the company owner said that he will ask the National Bureau of Investigation to probe the striking workers. He said he believe that the workers were paid by a competing company to bring his company down.

“They paid these people, they want to kill my company. This is the biggest factory in Cebu that is still open. The others are closed,” said Boschi.

Boschi also expressed his surprise at the protest action. He said that he has given the workers their benefits, which he said include the P5,000 financial assistance for them.

“I said to them that I will give the P5,000 in 30 days but I gave it in 19 days,” said Boschi.

Earlier the company promised that they will give the workers their separation pay starting this month. The company is also working on their one sack of rice subsidy.

Police from Mandaue City arrived to check the protest action. The company said it asked for their presence to disperse the strikers.

The group of striking workers however showed the police their notice to strike. The police only advised them to hold their strike meters away from the entrance of the factory and to let the other workers come in and proceed with work inside.

When the strikers started to calm down, Joseph LLanto who is a conciliator of National Conciliation and Mediation Board came. He said that situation with the protest action is normal since the workers were not disturbing the public by shouting out loud. He said that the workers were just expressing their disappointment with the company.

Llanto said that they will see to it that the two parties will meet and come up with an agreement.

Llanto also said that Giardini has been able to comply with their first agreement, which was to give the laid-off workers their financial assistance. With reports from Junrey Nadela, ABS-CBN Cebu

as of 02/03/2009 11:25 PM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/01/09/thousands-flock-job-fairs-cebu

2009-02-01T20:59:00.000-08:00

Thousands flock to job fairs in Cebu

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN News Central Visayas | 02/01/2009 10:47 PM

Two overseas and local jobs fair were initiated in Cebu by local government units (LGUs) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and in cooperation with ABS-CBN Cebu.

The job fairs were launched mainly to assist those who have lost their jobs as an effect of the global crisis.

About five thousand applicants came to Lilo-an Gym and Lapu-Lapu City Hall for the job fairs while 95 local and overseas employers participated.

The applicants were graduates of training and vocational courses but most of them recently lost their jobs after several export companies decided to close down.

For local jobs, most of the applicants lined up for manpower agencies looking for production workers, and other job vacancies that would accept non-college level applicants.

For overseas, jobs as welders, drivers and technicians in Saudi Arabia and Abu-Dhabi were a hit.

During the jobs fair, DOLE launched their service caravan. Laid-off workers were given priority in their legal assistance and emergency employment services. DOLE handed over to LGU's P300,000 as financial assistance for the emergency employment of the displaced workers.

"The emergency employment is only for those who were retrenched from companies affected by the global financial crisis, the LGUs will list all these employees based on residence," said Director Elias Cayanong, DOLE-7.

Technical Education Skills Development Authority or TESDA meanwhile conducted a livelihood orientation to the retrenched workers.

Displaced workers from Mactan Export Processing Zone Authority or MEPZA like Pablo and Irene, took the orientation for a chance to work abroad.

“Maybe my family would be better off if I will work abroad,” said Pablo Teves, a former production worker in a textile factory.

“It’s very hard when you’re unemployed, so I grab at any opportunity,” said Irene Bacoli, a contractual factory worker in a company that manufactures electrical parts.

DOLE said 42 companies all over Central Visayas have closed down because of the crisis while almost two thousand workers have lost their jobs.

as of 02/02/2009 1:20 AM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/28/09/mandaue-wood-supplier-feels-pinch-global-economic-turmoil

2009-01-28T21:48:00.000-08:00

Mandaue wood supplier feels pinch of global economic turmoil

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN News Central Visayas | 01/29/2009 12:07 AM

A wood supplier in Mandaue City has admitted being affected by the global economic turmoil.

It said its sales have decreased 70 percent since August and as a result it has reduced its manpower requirement and even work days.

Green Peaks in Mandaue City is the wood supplier of about a dozen furniture-export companies in Cebu. Among them are Giardini Del Sole in Alang-Alang, Mandaue City; Mehitabel Furniture in Lahug, Cebu City and Tradewinds Rattan and Handicraft Inc. in Tabok, Mandaue City.

Stela Adolfo, Green Peaks office clerk, said that these companies usually order from them twice a week. Since August however, orders have decreased to once a week, sometimes once a month. Giardini Del Sole, in particular, last asked for a delivery of wood November last year and the company only bought wood from them again last Tuesday.

Adolfo said that since furniture-export companies get lesser orders from abroad, they buy lesser wood from them.

Adolfo said that their warehouse in Canduman in Mandaue City contains over a hundred thousand board feet of wood. These woods were stocked in the warehouse since July last year and they have never bought more supply of wood from Mindanao since then. Adolfo said that they are currently utilizing only one dryer instead of the usual nine.

Adolfo said that in order to cope with the difficult times they have already lowered prices from P29 per board feet to P22. She said that despite the price reduction, clients still have difficulty in buying wood. She also said that some of their clients have not paid debts amounting to over a million pesos.

Adolfo said, because of the situation, Green Peaks had offered its direct employees an early retirement plan. Four of their 20 direct employees which include checkers, drivers, and forklift operators accepted their offer. Ten of 30 contractual employees were not renewed after their respective contracts expired. These contractual employees include delivery personnel and classifiers.

Aside from reducing the number of its workers, Green Peaks also lessened the number of working days from six days to five days. Adolfo said that there is a big possibility that by next month their working days will be down to four. She said that their workers are only paid the minimum daily wage.

http://abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/22/09/depositors-legacy-banks-may-get-claims-starting-mid-feb

2009-01-22T11:29:00.000-08:00

Depositors of Legacy banks may get claims starting mid-Feb

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN News Central Visayas | 01/22/2009 9:33 PM

In about three weeks, depositors of rural banks under the Legacy Group of Companies may be able to get their insurance claims after these banks closed last month.

Lawyer Inocencio De La Cerna Jr. of Legacy Group of Companies said that probably in the middle of February, Philippine Deposits Insurance Corporation (PDIC) will start paying the depositors of the closed rural banks.

He said that the PDIC are almost done verifying the bank deposits.

While the depositors may be able to get their insurance claims, of which P250,000 is the maximum, investors of their pre-need companies however will not be assured that they will recover their investments fully.

De La Cerna said that last December, nine of the corporations under the Legacy Group of Companies have already filed a petition for dissolution before the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

These corporations are; Legacy Consolidated Plans Incorporated, One Realty Corporation, Galaxy Realty and Holdings Incorporated, Conventional Realty Corporation, Scholarship Plan Philippines Incorporated, Fusion Capital Corporation, Shining Armour Property Incorporated and Legacy Consolidated Asset Holdings Incorporated.

The voluntary dissolution of the nine corporations that made up the legacy Group of Companies, excluding the rural banks, would mean that the SEC will assign a liquidator to sell all the properties of the corporations which will be turned over to SEC. After the properties will be sold out, the remaining assets of the corporations will be given back to the investors.

De La Cerna said that this will not guarantee that the investors will be fully paid with their investments since the company’s asset is not sufficient to accommodate the investors.

De La Cerna said that the legal process on the said petition of the nine corporations has already started. He said that the investors will be given notices by the SEC when they can file their claims before the SEC office in Manila.

De La Cerna said that all the corporations have submitted the list of the names of their investors to SEC when they filed the petition. He urged the investors that they should check if their names were in the list of their investors. He said that if their names are not indicated, they can file complaint to SEC.

De La Cerna said that as the legal process of the petition is ongoing, filing a criminal, administrative, or civil law suit against any of the corporations would only mean a waste of time and money for the investors. He said that since the corporations were the first ones to file the dissolution, any complaint to be filed would be held in abeyance. SEC currently has jurisdiction over the matter, he said.

De La Cerna said that those who have been investing in the corporations for over three years have already gotten more than what they have invested. Those who were only able to invest for a year however may have not yet gotten back their investments, he added.

as of 01/22/2009 9:33 PM

As of the moment, this is my song:

2009-01-20T21:35:00.000-08:00

You watch the season pull up its own stage
And catch the last weekend
Of the last week
Before the gold and the glimmer have been replaced
Another sun soaked season
Fades away

You have stolen my heart
You have stolen my heart

Invitation only, grand farewells
Crash the best one
Of the best ones
Clear liqour and
Cloudy eye
Too early to say goodnight

You have stolen my heart
You have stolen my heart

And from the bottle flow, we are in celebration
One good stretch before our hibernation
Our dreams are sure
And we all will sleep well
We'll sleep well

You have stolen
You have stolen my
You have stolen my heart

I watch you spin around
In the highest heels
You are the best one
Of the best ones
We all look like we feel

You have stolen my
You have stolen my
You have stolen my heart

http://abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/17/09/firecracker-nearly-spoils-sto-ni%C3%B1o-feast-cebu

2009-01-17T18:35:00.000-08:00

A fluvial procession nearly became another tragic religious event on Saturday after a boat full of Sto. Niño devotees sank off Mactan Island in Cebu province.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said its members rescued all the 35 passengers from the motorized banca marked Kent and Kelly after it sank along Mactan channel, about 50 meters away from the 1st Mandaue-Mactan Bridge at 7:40 a.m.

The boat was following 87 other boats, when it was hit by a firecracker. Water flowed through the hole created by the firecracker's blast.

Captain Simplicio Gilig, commander of PCG Mactan, said the passengers panicked and jumped off the boat.

Gilig said PCG members escorting the fluvial procession rushed to the panicked devotees and rescued them. He said some passengers managed to swim to the PCG boat.

Gilig said the passengers were all taken to a medical boat for treatment. Some passengers only experienced difficulty in breathing, he said. With a report from Carine Asutilla, ABS-CBN Central Visayas

http://abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/15/09/big-waves-wash-out-houses-cebu

2009-01-15T11:13:00.000-08:00

Big waves wash out houses in Cebu

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN News Central Visayas | 01/15/2009 9:25 PM

Many houses in Cebu province have either been washed out or covered in sand as big waves spurned by storm surges affected many coastal towns.

Carlito Cagang, 54 years old, now stays under a tree after his house was ruined by big waves last Tuesday. Cagang is worried if he can still build a new house. He said that he has been paying for it for 20 years.

Cagang’s house was just among the 26 houses in Ginatilan town in Cebu province which were destroyed by big waves.

He said that around 1 a.m. last Tuesday, water from the sea were already coming inside his house. He said he immediately took his personal belongings out from his house. A few minutes later however a big wave washed his house out.

Barangays Guiwanon, Palanas, Looc, San Roque, and Poblacion in Ginatilan were affected.

In Samboan town, 26 houses were also destroyed from the storm surge. Barangays Poblacion, Kolase, Tangbo, Bonbon, Suba, and Sr. Sebastian were affected.

Couples Benjamina and Carlito Rodriguez were among more than 30 families who lost their home.

The couple, with three of their kids, are staying in a small house across the street which is adjacent to the house which was destroyed by the strong wind and big waves last Tuesday. Carlito built the small house the morning after the incident. At night however, they would stay at Suba Barangay Hall.

In Dumanjug town, ten houses were totally damaged. Barangay Looc was the only barangay affected. 37 families were immediately evacuated to a gym. The families however would return to their destroyed homes in the morning and sleep at the gym or the chapel during the night.

The residents said that their homes were destroyed last January 7. Some houses were uprooted while others were buried in the sand.

The houses were located more than 20 meters from the shoreline but last week during a high tide, the waves would reach their homes carrying sand with it.

Every night since the incident their place gets flooded with seawater. The flood would reach knee-high.

The towns of Malabuyoc and Alegria were also affected but only electrical posts were uprooted and coastal roads were destroyed. But buses and other vehicles can still pass through it.

The Office of Civil Defense however does not have a record of anyone hurt during the incident. Local government units are currently giving assistance to the victims and are repairing road damages.

Not allowed to sail
Meanwhile, because of the storm surge many pumpboats and fastcrafts travelling from Santander to Negros Oriental were not allowed to sail. Many of the employees are not earning.

Matilde Ba-at, owner of 11 pumpboats in Lilo-an, Santander said that 88 of the pumpboat crews are currently not earning.

The barge in Bato, Lilo-an were only the ones allowed by the Coast Guard to sail and carry passengers as well as cargoes to Negros Oriental and back.

Delays in travel is expected however after one of the five Maayo Shipping barge was hit by a big wave when it was about to dock at the port in Santander last Wednesday. Minor damage was sustained but the cargoes and the passengers including the contingents for Sinulog from Sta. Catalina town in Negros Oriental are safe.

Port Collector Giselo Rusiana said that since they are the only ones that will be able to accommodate passengers and cargoes for Negros and back, they are expecting higher revenue despite the cut in trips because of the one barge that can not be allowed to sail yet.

The fishermen in Samboan and Dumanjug are the most affected however. Most of the small boats were carried to dry lands.

60-year old Rodulfo Aranas said he is raising five kids through fishing. He said that he and his neighbors have not been out to fish for more than a week already because of the big waves.

Aranas said that in order to have something to eat, they wait for low tide and pick seashells instead.

as of 01/15/2009 9:25 PM

http://abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/14/09/nbi-no-mass-burial-unidentified-victims-%E2%80%98frank%E2%80%99

2009-01-14T07:15:00.000-08:00

NBI: No mass burial of unidentified victims of ‘Frank’

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN News Central Visayas | 01/15/2009 12:16 AM

Dr. Renato Bautista, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) - Disaster Victims Identification (DVI) team leader, clarified that the Interpol and his team are not planning to cremate or conduct a mass burial for the unidentified bodies of the victims of Typhoon Frank especially of a boat tragedy last year.

Bautista said that many relatives of the victims came to their office after reading a report that a mass burial and cremation for unidentified bodies of the victims of the ill-fated MV Princess of the Stars and other victims of Typhoon Frank will be conducted.

Bautista clarified that they will not make any move without consulting the relatives of the victims.

He said that in the end, it will be the family’s decision that they will follow. Bautista said that the families can either agree to mass cremate the bodies, conduct a mass burial, or both.

Bautista stressed however that these are just possibilities and that there is no plan for it.

Bautista cited the earlier Superferry 14 tragedy, wherein the families of the victims agreed to cremate the bodies and had the ashes distributed to the families.

He said that they have not yet started consulting the families regarding the possibilities since they are still waiting for the other results of DNA samples.

275 identified from ‘Princess’
Bautista also clarified that there have been 275 bodies identified from the 307 bodies recovered on the first salvage operation in Sibuyan Island last year. 235 bodies were identified through DNA samples matching while 40 were identified through fingerprinting, dental samples, and positive identification of the families. He said that the first batch of the dead bodies were still identifiable physically.

Out of the 275 identified bodies, 76 bodies remained unclaimed. 63 of them are in Cosmopolitan, six in Bantayan Island, and seven in Cadiz.

On the second batch, 199 body bags arrived in Cebu. Each body bags contained several body parts from several victims. Bautista is not sure as to how many victims were inside the body bags. Out of the 199, only four were identified.

Bautista said that they are still waiting for DNA results. He said that more ante-mortem samples are needed to identify the bodies. He said that they plan to get more samples in IloIlo. Bautista also said that not all of the bodies they have now are from the sunken MV Princess of the Stars.

On February 5, the Interpol will turnover their work to NBI-DVI in identifying the bodies.

He said that since their job started, they were able to collect 239 case files of the victims, which will also be turned over to them. He said that the case files will serve as reference. A case file contains photos of the cadavers and photos of the victims when they were still alive. It also has DNA matching results and DNA sample forms.

President Arroyo, International Commission on Missing Persons Director General Kathryne Bomberger, and Interpol Director General Ronald Noble are set to attend the turn-over ceremony at the city hall of Cebu City.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/13/09/cebu-groups-slam-oust-cj-puno-moves

2009-01-13T11:08:00.000-08:00

Cebu groups slam 'oust CJ Puno' moves

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA , ABS-CBN Central Visayas | 01/13/2009 11:49 PM

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines’ Cebu and Cebu City Chapter, Cebu City Regional Trial Court (RTC) judges, representatives of law universities and students and civil society groups signed a statement condemning the reported plan in Congress to impeach Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice Reynato Puno because of a leak on an unofficial SC decision on an election case.

Spokesperson of Cebu City RTC Judge Gabriel Ingles said that after a report about the alleged ouster moves against Puno, Executive Judge Meinrado Paredes gathered the consensus of all the judges through text messaging and came up with the Statement of Deep Concern.

The judges said that though the plot to oust Puno is still unverified, the issue has been so loud that they need to express their gravest concern.

The judges maintain that they see Puno as someone who exercises judicial independence. They believe that he is an obstacle to any politicians who wants to “destroy our democracy in order to stay forever in power and place our country under the rule of men not law.”

Lawyer Noel Adlawan, Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cebu chapter president, said he also believes that any move to take away Puno from his position is in line with the administrations’ call for Charter change. He said that Puno has been expressing his disagreement on Cha-cha.

Lawyer Briccio Boholst, IBP-Cebu City chapter president, said that they are bothered with the reported move to oust Puno. Boholst said that the intervention of the other branches on the judicial system has happened before during the time of former Chief Justice Hilario Davide.

“There is another attempt to influence the Supreme Court, this must be stopped and the other branches of the government should be called on to respect the separation of power,” Boholst said.

Law student leader, Aaron Pedrosa says that if Puno would be impeached, it would leave the justice system with President Arroyo’s allies. Pedrosa said that Arroyo had appointed seven of her allies to work in the judiciary.

Mark Chang, National Association of Law Students in the Philippines national president, said however that it is just political maneuvering.

“This ouster move on January 19 by our own lawmakers is a political maneuvering. We call on the Malacañang to spare the judiciary from politics,” said Chang.

Chang also said that if the lawmakers will continue their plan, it will only suggest that they are biased. He said that the impeachment complaint against Puno is groundless and immature compared to the impeachment complaint filed against President Arroyo
.
“There was this substantial complaint against Arroyo but they chose to ignore it,” Chang said.

Civil society representatives also defended Puno. Vince Cinches, Fisherfolks Development Center executive director, said that Puno has been strong in implementing easy access of justice to marginalized people. He said that if Puno would be impeached, the last bulwark of democracy would be lost.

Dennis Abarrientos, Karapatan - Central Visayas secretary general, meanwhile said that during Puno’s term as chief justice, many political killings were brought back to court because of the writ of amparo and habeas data. He said that losing Puno in the position would mean killing the hope of the families to bring justice to their love ones who are victims of political killings.

The group further stated that despite the fact that the country is facing several problems including lay-offs and unemployment, and climate calamities, some members of Congress are “still pushing for their own personal agenda.”

They said that Congress should instead come up with a bill to address the problem on global warming affecting human and economic development. They are also asking Congress to produce a substantial bill that would protect human rights.

The group strongly believes that the call for impeachment of Puno has become a political tool to serve selfish political ends.

The joint statement signed by the representatives from different sectors in the society would be given to the House of Representatives and to the Office of the President.

They are calling other civil groups to join in condemning the plan of impeachment against Puno.

http://abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/12/09/cv-fiscals-want-pdea-execs-also-go-leave

2009-01-12T11:31:00.000-08:00

CV fiscals want PDEA execs to also go on leave

By CARINE M. ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN News Central Visayas | 01/12/2009 10:52 PM

State prosecutors of Central Visayas on Monday asked President Arroyo to also order some members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to take a leave of absence.

Central Visayas Regional State Prosecutor Fernando Gubalane was in Manila on Monday to attend the gathering of all regional state prosecutors following an order of the president to all the officials and fiscals of the Department of Justice (DOJ) involved in the ongoing probe into the bribery allegations on the “Alabang Boys” drug case to take a leave of absence.

Gubalane said that the DOJ personnel honored the order of the president but said that they are asking her to let other members of PDEA allegedly involved in the same scandal to also take a leave of absence
.
In a phone interview, Gubalane said that it is unfair on the part of the fiscals to be the only ones to go on leave. He said that there are members of PDEA who are involved in the scandal and should also be temporarily relieved from duty as the investigation continues.

Gubalane also said that the Ombudsman will conduct an investigation on the alleged bribery and said the fiscals welcome it.

State Prosecutor Llena Ipong meanwhile said that some of the prosecutors in Central Visayas received a text message coming from their fellow fiscals in Manila asking for support. She said that they are urging them to wear red armband as a symbol of protest to the latest order of Arroyo for fiscals to take a leave of absence.

Ipong said however that none of them will wear an armband since their office in the region has not yet come up with a stand whether or not they should support the protest. She said that they need Gubalane to return first to Cebu and organize a meeting.

Provincial Prosecutor Pepita Jane Petralba for her part also said that their office has not yet come up with a stand either. She said that if it is regarding the president’s order, she said it would be hard for them to choose on who they should side.

She said that even if they should convene, it will not guarantee that they will have a stand for the matter. She said that they did not receive any communication from DOJ Manila that is asking them to join in the protest against the president’s order similar to what the regional office received.

as of 01/12/2009 10:52 PM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/10/09/cebu-schools-shine-sinulog-sa-kabataan-fest

2009-01-11T11:14:00.000-08:00

Cebu schools shine in 'Sinulog sa Kabataan' fest

By CARINE ASUTILLA, ABS-CBN Central Visayas | 01/10/2009 11:06 PM

CEBU CITY - Pajo Elementary School in Lapu-Lapu City and Carcar National High School grabbed the top spot of yesterday’s Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan at Cebu City Sports Center.

The event started with a street dancing from Capitol to Cebu City Sports Center. Seventy-two Philippine flags were carried by CAT cadettes of Abellana National High School leading the street dancing of the 18 school participants.

Silveria Arce, Principal of Pajo Elementary School, said that they did not expect to win, but they were already hoping to move a place higher from the 5th place they were last year.

Arce said that they did not have enough time to practice but the students were able to catch up.

“We only had two weeks of practice, but the students were able to learn fast the blocking and the dance steps,” said Arce.

March Mandal, choreographer of Pajo Elementary School, which represented the Lapu-Lapu City Division, said that their dance concept was all about lovers brought together by Sr. Sto. Niño.

He also said that the dance theme was patterned after Leyte’s Binuyugan Festival.

Pajo Elementary School also won for their orange Filipiniana the Best Costume award.

Aida Babao, Principal of the Carcar Central National High School, said that they were already expecting to snatch the first place, saying it has been easy for them to prepare for the said contest.

What they have presented for Sinulog sa Kabataan was the same with their presentation in Kabkaban Festival in Carcar City last year, where they also won first place.

Other winners for the High School category were; Kulturang Tayuranon from Tayud National High School in Consolacion for the 2nd place; Mandaue Integrated Dance Group, 3rd place; Lilo-an National High School; and Guinsay National High School.

For the Elementary category, Kawayan Elementary School in Dalaguete won the 2nd place followed by Tugbongan Elementary School in Consolacion; Naga Central Elementary School; and Sogod Central Elementary School.

http://abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/05/09/rural-bank-mandaue-city-declares-bank-holiday

2009-01-05T19:07:00.000-08:00

robbed a bank?

2009-01-04T22:21:00.000-08:00

I am STUBBORN

I've never ROBBED A BANK?

I will never MARRY WHEN I REACH 30

I wish I HAVE THICKER HAIR

The craziest PERSON I KNOW IS VERA

The silliest AND SWEETEST PERSON IN THE WORLD IS MY TATAY

Why DO I HAVE TO TELL MY PARENTS I’M OK WHEN I’M NOT?

I love MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, DX

I hate CONTROLLING AND BACKSTUBBING PEOPLE

I cannot stand CONTROLLING AND BACKSTUBBING PEOPLE

I will always COME HOME

I have A TEDDY BEAR NAMED YEYEX

I need TO CONTRIBUTE STORIES OFTEN

I still FEEL I’M ALONE

I fear DEATH

I kissed DX WHEN HE WENT TO SIQUIJOR FOR A COVERAGE (DI PA KAMI ADTO HEHEHE)

I might try TO TRAVEL ABROAD OR AROUND THE COUNTRY WITH MY FAMILY

I used to DANCE, READ, WRITE, SING, EAT, AND SLEEP A LOT

plot of "the curious incident of the dog in the night-time"

2009-01-02T23:56:00.000-08:00

Christopher discovers the dead body of Wellington, his neighbour's dog, speared by a garden fork. Mrs Shears, Wellington's owner, calls the police. The police try to grab Christopher; they caution him after he hits one of the officers. He decides to investigate to clear his name. However, he is severely limited by his fears and difficulties when interpreting the world around him. Throughout his adventures, Christopher records his experiences in a book, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. During his investigation, Christopher meets people whom he has never before encountered, even though they live on the same street.

Ed, his father, discovers the book and confiscates it from Christopher, after a brief fight between them. In his search for the hidden book, Christopher uncovers a trove of letters to himself from his mother, dated after she allegedly died — which his father had also concealed. Christopher had been told by Ed that she died of a heart attack, Christopher assumes it's an aneurysm, but judging from the letters, Christopher concludes that she is still alive and that his father has lied to him. He is so thoroughly shocked by this fact that he is unable to move, curls up on the bed, vomits, and groans for several hours until his father returns home.

Ed realises that Christopher has read the letters and cleans him up. He then confesses that he had indeed lied about Judy's death and also that it was him who killed Wellington, stating that it was a mistake resulting from his anger after a heated argument with Mrs Shears.

Christopher, having lost all trust in his father and fearing that he may also try to kill him since he had already killed Wellington, decides to escape from home and live with his mother. Guided by his mother's address from the letters, he embarks on an adventurous trip to London, where his mother lives with Mr Shears.

After a long and confusing journey, evading policemen who have been dispatched to find him (after Ed called the police about his disappearance), and feeling ill because of the overwhelming information from the crowds and the signs in the trains, he finally finds his way to his mother and Mr Shears' home, and waits outside until they arrive.

His mother, Judy, is happy at his arrival and tries to keep him with her; she cannot believe that Ed would tell Christopher that she was dead. His mother decides to let Christopher stay with her and Mr Shears in their small London apartment. Mr Shears doesn't want Christopher living with them and never did. Moreover, very soon after arriving, Christopher wants to return to Swindon in order to take his mathematics A-level. His mother eventually leaves Mr Shears, their relationship having apparently broken down because of the conflict over Christopher.

She then moves into a rented room in Swindon and, after an argument with Ed, agrees to let Ed meet with Christopher daily for a short while. However, at this stage, Christopher remains terrified of his father; he hopes Ed will be imprisoned for killing Wellington. The story ends with Ed getting Christopher a pet dog, because Toby, Christopher's pet rat, had died, and promising that he will rebuild trust with Christopher slowly, "no matter how long it takes," in his daily, brief sessions. Christopher asserts that he will take further A-level exams and attend university. He completes his first mathematics A-level with top grades and — despite previously wanting to be an astronaut — his ultimate goal is to become a scientist.

The book closes with Christopher optimistic about his future — since he successfully solved the incident of the murdered dog, went to London on his own, found his mother, and got an A in his A-level maths exam.

first cry of the year (literally and figuratively)

2009-01-02T17:33:00.000-08:00

an argument over who raised a voice first always gets me a little emotional. it always surprises me when he shouts at me or shouts back at me during an argument that both of us know the reasons are immature and clearly do not deserve our time and energy.

and besides, I've never been shouted at by a man in my entire life. so it really does break my heart. and that's why i had my "first cry of the year"... same reason for the past 17 months.

this long distance relationship sometimes sucks especially when both of us are tired and we still want to end our day with a phone conversation seeking comfort from each other's voices. but unfortunately, the cold air of dawn gets into our tired heads pushing our warmth away.

what's worst... is he never let go of whatever we are fighting about. he is the type of person that wants everything to be done and over with at the very minute it started, while im the type of person that normally drops the argument and prefers to keep silent for a couple of minutes, breathe, and get back on the matter with a much cooler head.

often, (or always) I put down the phone or turn my cellphone off. DX would call me several times. sometimes, it reaches up to 20 missed calls before I'd answer the phone again. he does all the talking while i keep silent trying to figure out if it's smart to talk back, give up, or say sorry and laugh about it instead. but always, we end up saying sorry to each other, taking the blame, and start being sweet again.

i wonder if this is healthy. if this is the kind that would make us grow individually and as partners. if this will last.

so here's my analysis:

1. he shouts back at me because he has also never experienced being shouted at by a girl or anyone for that matter.

2. he wants (the argument) it done and over with right away because he is afraid to lose me. that i might end up breaking up with him.

3. i cry easily on matters like this because i can't take the fact that someone disagrees with me.

4. i feel this way because i still hate the fact that im in a long distance relationship. im disappointed because this is the second time i've been in this kind of relationship.

and why is he not giving up on me? he always say i've changed a lot since the first time we met, since the first two months we were together in Dumaguete. he even told me i have the most undesirable characteristics of a woman.

but why is he not giving up on me?... one time he said, it's something he can disregard, and that if he should count the times i've been the best girlfriend, it's like he has won the lottery.

honestly, there are times i think that this is not forever, that he's not the guy im going to spend the rest of my life with... but then again, who? who's the guy im going to be with forever? who am i going to marry and have children with?

should i wish for someone and something not there? I mean... if you think about it... he's the one person i have now, he's the one person i want to have phone conversation with at the end of the day, he's the one person i want to argue with because i know we'll be ok in no time.

this is just a matter of prayer i guess. if i want to, if we want to, this can be forever. faith.

if the card readers we both asked for predictions for the new year told us we can find other partners in life, that's just a card and the readers are just human. who knows, they don't have 20/20 vision.

note: this post is supposedly for DX only but because your my bestfriend and my maid of honor in the future, iapil tika ver.

NY's reso

2009-01-01T19:37:00.000-08:00

it's never too late to change ugly attitudes or change directions, so here are my 9 NYR for 09.

1. learn to control my temper

2. better time management

3. loosen up a little bit, have fun

4. be more open-minded

5. spend more time with family, travel

6. learn to communicate, communicate effectively in a relationship

7. read books again

8. write poems again

9. attend story con on time

A day before 09

2009-01-01T01:30:00.000-08:00

1. i'm broke.

2. i felt like quitting my job (for some immature reason).

3. i thought i should get married this year, quit my job, and be a full-time housewife.

4. wished for the rain to pour heavily, when it did, i prayed for it to stop.

5. visited a card reader for a new year story, he said long engagements do not work for me and that i should get married soon (perfect!).

6. took my sister for a 30-minute shopping at sm. she wanted a new pair of jeans for new year. with the money i borrowed from ms. v, we purchased a green apple colored skinny jeans and a green apple colored thong sandals. (don't ask, she just said "hmmm... murag vitamins sa mata ang color, i like it").

7. i thought i should start reading books again, went to powerbooks and bought a novel, "the curious incident of the dog in the night-time" by mark haddon. released in 2003, the story is about an autistic 15-year-old kid who wants to solve a murder case and write a novel about it, a neighbor's dog was killed.

8. bought a dark cherry mocha frappucino at starbucks, the sticker went to ms. roda's card, two more stickers and she'll get that red organizer!!! (she gave me that special assignment before leaving for Davao).

9. had dinner at andok's, the cashier said she knew me... ( "ummmm... Karen Asutillo? happy new year ma'am").

10. it was really hard to find a cab, but it was harder to find a jeepney with vacant seats.

11. a woman sporting a katie holmes hairstyle accidentally stepped on my right foot she said sorry but accidentally dropped her groceries on my left foot when she sat beside me.

12. brought my sister to the station. had 10pm-6am night shift (2pm-10pm on Jan.1), i left her there the entire time while i hopped from one police alarm to another. first a shooting incident in Lahug, a lechon house owner was killed. next, another shooting alarm, then a fire alarm, stubbing alarm, firecracker victims rushed to hospitals. (my sister stayed awake the whole time i left her).

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/29/08/six-families-mandaue-city-lose-homes-fire

2008-12-29T00:17:00.000-08:00

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/21/08/family-found-dead-lapu-lapu-city

2008-12-21T02:20:00.000-08:00

http://abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/18/08/fisherfolk-talisay-city-protest-%E2%80%98meager%E2%80%99-city-aid

2008-12-18T15:49:00.000-08:00

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/17/08/after-bank-holidays-bsp-wants-central-bank-act-amended

2008-12-17T11:10:00.000-08:00

also check allvoices.com contributed news. :)

http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/2039454

2008-12-17T00:32:00.000-08:00

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/16/08/lear-corp-mactan-lays-120-workers

2008-12-16T11:22:00.000-08:00

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/16/08/pdic-assures-worried-depositors-closed-rural-banks-cebu

2008-12-16T11:20:00.000-08:00

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/15/08/depositors-learn-holiday-banks-cebu

2008-12-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

http://abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/11/08/cops-nab-13-ktv-bar-lapu-lapu-%E2%80%98vagrancy%E2%80%99

2008-12-11T11:08:00.000-08:00

... taga Ubay, Bohol ang usa nila.

http://abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/12/10/08/bohol-town-parades-lanterns-x%E2%80%99mas-festival

2008-12-10T11:22:00.000-08:00

those little lanterns were like fireflies... a 71-year-old woman said, she's never heard of a Christmas Festival, "kanang festival ba, abi nakog para pista ra na, pwede pud diay pasko?"

http://abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/09/08/two-cebu-rural-banks-declare-%E2%80%98holiday%E2%80%99

2008-12-09T11:11:00.000-08:00

i'm a little bit worried, my nanay's money for her "lending" naa sad sa rural bank sa Calape. basin magkalit sad sila'g close... patay na.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/pinoy-migration/12/04/08/members-defend-ngo-japinos-vs-allegations

2008-12-04T11:07:00.000-08:00

... reply reply reply

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/pinoy-migration/12/03/08/japino-mothers-file-complaint-against-ngo-mandaue-city

2008-12-03T00:59:00.000-08:00

..karon pa ko nga Japino diay na sila. :)

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/02/08/estimated-200-year-old-sea-turtle-rescued-cebu-city

2008-12-02T11:05:00.000-08:00

...pilit kaayo iyang luha

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/01/08/cebu-youth-groups-volunteer-poll-registration-assistance

2008-12-01T11:06:00.000-08:00

Ug sa dihang mga UPian ra sad ang news sources...

An old email

2008-11-13T01:11:00.000-08:00

Once in a while
You are in my mind
I think about the days that we've had
And I dream that this would all come back to me

If only you knew every moment in time
Nothing goes on in my heart
Just like your memories
How I long here to be with you once more

You will always gonna be the one
And you should know
How I wish I could have never let you go
Come into my life again
Oh don't say no

You will always gonna be the one
In my life
So true I believe I can never find
Somebody like you
My first love

Once in a while you are in my dreams
I can feel the warmth of your embrace
And I pray that one day you'll come back to me

If only you knew every moment in time
Nothing goes on in my heart
Just like your memories
How I long here to be with you once more

You will always be inside my heart
And you should know
How I wish I could have never let you go
Come into my life again
Please don't say no

Now and forever
You were still the one
In my heart
So true I believe I can never find
Somebody like you
My first love

You will always gonna be the one
And you should know
How I wish I could have never let you go
Come into my life again
Oh don't say no

You will always gonna be the one
So true I believe I can never find
Now and forever

"Wish I could prove I love you
But does that mean I have to walk on water?
When we are older you'll understand
It's enough when I say so
And maybe some things are that simple"

TV Patrol Central Visayas wins CMMA Best TV News Program!!!

2008-10-29T01:57:00.000-07:00

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!

Wala lang. hehe

No? unya dinhi ko nag-work... weird.

On the side of me by Corrine May

2008-10-17T01:08:00.000-07:00

A E F#m D

I'm not the easiest person to love

A E F#m D

I'm often the one who lets things go unresolved

Yet you choose to be

on the side of me

F#m D

on the side of me

Yet you choose to be

on the side of me

F#m D

on the side of me

A E F#m D

A E

I'm not too proud of some things

F#m D

I've done in my life

A E

The skeletons in my closet

F#m D

Are too big for me to hide

Yet you choose to be

on the side of me

F#m D

on the side of me

Blessed Charity

You're on the side of me

F#m D

on the side of me

A E F#m D

'Cause everyone needs a friend to hold

A E

when it's cold outside

F#m D

and there's no place to go

A E F#m D

Everyone needs a friend to hold

A E

all alone I cried

F#m D

there was no place to go

F#m E D

I remember when nobody cared

A E F#m D

but you

A E F#m D

I'm not the easiest person to love

A E F#m D

But you, you've opened your heart to show me what I'm worth

'Cause you choose to be

on the side of me

F#m D

on the side of me

What a mystery

You're on the side of me

F#m D

on the side of me

A E F#m D

'Cause everyone needs a friend to hold

A E

when it's cold outside

F#m D

and there's no place to go

A E F#m D

Everyone needs a friend to hold

A E

all alone I cried

F#m D

there was no place to go

F#m E D

I remember when nobody cared

F#m E D

I remember when nobody cared

F#m E D

Nobody cared

A E F#m D

But you

Yeah you choose to be

on the side of me

F#m D

on the side of me

from Justin who got it from Ara :)

2008-10-06T03:44:00.000-07:00

The One Word Survey:

1.) Yourself: Carine
2.) Your boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse: DX
3.) Your hair: straight
4.) Your mother: funny
5.) Your father: smart
6.) Your favorite item: guitar
7.) Your dream last night: work
8.) Your favorite drink: frap
9.) Your dream car: red
10.) Your room you're in: clean
11.) Your ex: Cagayan
12.) Your fear: snake
13.) Your strength: family
14.) Your future career: mother
15.) You in 10 years: married
16.) What you're not: kikay
17.) What you are: happy
18.) Friends: cool
19.) Family: happy
20.) Muffins: butt (hehehe)
21.) Wishlist: complete
22.) Travel: Palawan
23.) Last thing you did: eat
24.) Food: sinigang
25.) What are you wearing: jeans
26.) Favorite weather: rainy
27.) Favorite book: Albom
28.) Favorite season: Christmas
29.) Favorite hobby: sing
30.) Candy: sweet
31.) Tv show: TVPCV
32.) Color: yellow
33.) Everyday: happy
34.) Style: cute
35.) Time: quick

"that's not my name" but I love it...

2008-09-11T21:39:00.000-07:00

Real Name: Carine Era Mozo Asutilla (Carine pa lang maglisod na sa spelling... paglitok pa kaha... Only my nanay wrote and said it right the first time... hehehe)

Because my name's too complicated... gibunyagan ko sa uban.... ang uban pang-lambing sab.

Nak, Ning, Ga---- Nanay and Tatay

Teyen---- Tiyo Ekyong, Era and Loui (sis and bro)

Nang, Mahal---- DX

Ate Ngen-Ngen--- my little cousins

Yah--- my bigger cousins (hehehe) girl cousins

Pi--- my older cousins--- boy cousins and some neighbors

Yen----- friends, relatives

Yennibear, Yennibu, Baby yen---- classmates and schoolmates in college

Yinyin---- Jessa, and high school classmates

Ca--- te Mars Alison

Hart---- church people, seminarians

Carya---- News team in Dumaguete

Day--- Sir Randy

Gwapz--- Kuya Junjie Mendoza (I call him Kuya Gwapo) hehehe

Gwapa--- Najib Cubio (I also call him gwapo) hehehehe

Winces--- teachers back in grade school

Basta't Kasama Kita

2008-09-06T18:51:00.000-07:00

dong & Jessa

Sa tuwing tayo'y magkakalayo

hindi matahimik ang puso ko

bawat sandali hanap kita

'di mapakali hanggang muling makapiling ka

dahil kung ika'y makita na

labis labis ang tuwang nadarama

magisnan lamang ang kislap ng iyong mata

kahit ano pa ay kakayanin ko na

CHORUS:

Basta't kasama kita

lahat magagawa

lahat ay maiaalay sa'yo

basta't kasama kita

walang kailangan pa

wala nang hahanapin pa

basta't kasama kita

giliw,sana ay ikaw na nga

ang siyang mananatiling kasama ko

dahil kung ika'y mawawala

pati lahat sa buhay ko'y maglalaho

(REPEAT CHORUS 2x)

walang kailangan pa

wala nang hahanapin pa

basta't kasama kita

http://www.angelfire.com/crazy/donnah24/bastatkasamakita.html

your call by secondhand serenade

2008-09-02T01:42:00.000-07:00

Waiting for your call, I'm sick
call, I'm angry
call, I'm desperate for your voice.
I'm listening to the song we used to sing in the car.
Do you remember, butterfly, early summer?
It's playing on repeat...
Just like when we would meet.

'Cause I was born to tell you I love you,
and I am torn to do what I have to,
to make you mine.
Stay with me tonight.

Stripped and pollished, I am new, I am fresh.
I am feeling so ambitious; you and me, flesh to flesh.
Because every breath that you will take
while you are sitting next to me
will bring life into my deepest hopes.
What's your fantasy?
What's your, what's your, what's your, what's your...

'Cause I was born to tell you I love you,
and I am torn to do what I have to,
to make you mine.
Stay with me tonight.

And I'm tired of being all alone,
and this solitary moment
makes me want to come back home.
( I know everything you wanted isn't anything you have.)

'Cause I was born to tell you I love you,
and I am torn to do what I have to,
'Cause I was born to tell you I love you,
and I am torn to do what I have to,
to make you mine.
Stay with me tonight

taxi song with ms. roda and greggyboy

2008-09-02T01:26:00.000-07:00

Jamie Rivera
Pangarap Ka Na Lang Ba

talaga yatang wala ng pag-asa
upang ako'y ibigin pa
pano mangyayari gayong
ako'y di mo pansin
pano mo malalaman sayo'y may pagtingin

lagi na lamang sa aking isipan
sana nama'y iyong maramdaman
masabi ko na sana
na minamahal kita
doon mo lang malalaman
pag-ibig ko'y hanggang

pangarap ka na lang ba
o magiging katotohanan pa
bakit may mahal ka ng iba
ngunit di bale na
kahit mahal mo sya
mahal naman kita

duncan sheik : for you

2008-08-24T01:49:00.000-07:00

for you i wanna sing the happier song
for you i wanna try to right all my wrongs
for you i'm gonna break my bad habits
there's a golden ring and i want you to have it
here's a golden ring and i want you

for you i'm gonna sit and patiently wait
it's great if you're early, but it's fine if you're late
for you i feel love and i just wanna show it
you're a beautiful girl and i want you to know it
you're a beautiful girl and i want you to know it
it's an infinite world and i want you

once again
i am open
once again
i am open
for you i am waiting on the ticket line
i gotta get back, i don't wanna waste time
but the people are tired and the line is so long
so all i can do is sing this song

Na-ajo Ko Nija

2008-08-14T02:54:00.000-07:00

By: Carine Era Mozo Asutilla

Ajo ko mutambling

Nga mag-una ang u

Muambak, unja mutugpa

Sa usa ra katiil

Ajo pud ko mukao’g pait ug hang

Muton pud ug liso sa santol

Kamao gani ko mukatkat lubi

Unja mukambajot sa hakhak

Daghan ko’g nakamauhan oi

Sukad hingbija ka.

from: blog.wyzemoro.com

2008-08-10T04:46:00.000-07:00

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) herein referred to as the “Parties” to this Agreement.

Terms of Reference

The context of referents follows:

The Agreement for General Cessation of Hostilities dated July 18, 1997 Between the GRP and the MILF, and its Implementing Administrative and Operational Guidelines;

The General Framework of Agreement of Intent Between the GRP and the MILF dated August 27, 1998;

The Agreement on the General Framework for the Resumption of Peace Talks Between the GRP and the MILF dated March 24, 2001;

The Tripoli Agreement on Peace Between the GRP and the MILF dated June 22, 2001;

The Tripoli Agreement Between the GRP and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) dated December 23, 1976 and the Final Agreement on the Implementation of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement Between the GRP and the MNLF dated September 2, 1996;

Republic Act No. 6734, as amended by R.A. 9054, otherwise known as “An Act to Strengthen and Expand the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)”;

ILO Convention No. 169, in correlation to the UN Declaration on the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples, and Republic Act No. 8371 otherwise known as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997, the UN Charter; the UN Universal Declaration on Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and internationally recognized human rights instruments; and

Compact rights entrenchment emanating from the regime of dar-ul-mua’hada (or territory under compact) and dar-ul-sulh (or territory under peace agreement) that partakes the nature of a treaty device. For the purpose of this Agreement, a “treaty” is defined as any solemn agreement in writing that sets out understanding, obligations, and benefits for both parties which provides for a framework that elaborates the principles declared in the Agreement.

Have agreed and acknowledged as follows:

CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES

1. It is the birthright of all Moros and all Indigenous peoples of Mindanao to identify themselves and be accepted as “Bangsamoros”. The Bangsamoro people refers to those who are natives or original inhabitants of Mindanao and its adjacent islands including Palawan and the Sulu archipelago at the time of conquest or colonization of its descendants whether mixed or of full blood. Spouses and their descendants are classified as Bangsamoro. The freedom of choice of the Indigenous people shall be respected.

2. It is essential to lay the foundation of the Bangsamoro homeland in order to address the Bangsamoro people’s humanitarian and economic needs as well as their political aspirations. Such territorial jurisdictions and geographic areas being the natural wealth and patrimony represent the social, cultural and political identity and pride of all the Bangsamoro people. Ownership of the homeland is vested exclusively in them by virtue of their prior rights of occupation that had inhered in them as sizeable bodies of people, delimited by their ancestors since time immemorial, and being the first politically organized dominant occupants.

3. Both Parties acknowledge that ancestral domain does not form part of the public domain but encompasses ancestral, communal, and customary lands, maritime, fluvial and alluvial domains as well all natural resources therein that have inured or vested ancestral rights on the basis of native title. Ancestral domain and ancestral land refer to those held under claim of ownership, occupied or possessed, by themselves or through the ancestors of the Bangsamoro people, communally or individually since time immemorial continuously to the present, except when prevented by war, civil disturbance, force majeure, or other forms of possible usurpation or displacement by force, deceit, stealth, or as a consequence of government project or any other voluntary dealings entered into by the government and private individuals, corporate entities or institutions.

4. Both Parties acknowledge that the right to self-governance of the Bangsamoro people is rooted on ancestral territoriality exercised originally under the suzerain authority of their sultanates and the Pat a Pangampong ku Ranaw. The Moro sultanates were states or karajaan/kadatuan resembling a body politic endowed with all the elements of nation-state in the modern sense. As a domestic community distinct from the rest of the national communities, they have a definite historic homeland. They are the “First Nation” with defined territory and with a system of government having entered into treaties of amity and commerce with foreign nations.

The Parties concede that the ultimate objective of entrenching the Bangsamoro homeland as a territorial space is to secure their identity and posterity, to protect their property rights and resources as well as to establish a system of governance suitable and acceptable to them as distinct dominant people.

5. Both Parties affirm their commitment to mutually respect the right to one’s identity and the parity of esteem of everyone in the political community. The protection of civil rights and religious liberties of individuals underlie the basis of peace and justice of their totality of relationships.

6. Both Parties agree that the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) shall have the authority and jurisdiction over the Ancestral Domain and Ancestral lands, including both alienable and non-alienable lands encompassed within their homeland and ancestral history, as well as the delineation of ancestral domain/lands of the Bangsamoro people located therein.

7. Vested property rights upon the entrenchment of the BJE shall be recognized and respected subject to paragraph 9 of the strand on Resources.

TERRITORY

1. The Bangsamoro homeland and historic territory refer to the land mass as well as the maritime, terrestrial, fluvial and alluvial domains, and the aerial domain, the atmospheric space above it, embracing the Mindanao-Sulu-Palawan geographic region. However, delimitations are contained in the agreed Schedules (Categories).

2. Toward this end, the Parties entered into the following stipulations:

a. The Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as the Parties to this Agreement commit themselves to the full and mutual implementation of this framework agreement on territory with the aim of resolving outstanding issues that emanate from the consensus points on Ancestral Domain.

b. The Parties confirm their understanding that the mutual goal of reaching an agreement on Bangsamoro territory specific to mapping the outlying borders and the boundaries affecting local government units will lead to consolidation of the agreed texts on the Ancestral Domain Strands.

c. The Parties affirm that the core of the BJE shall constitute the present geographic area of the ARMM, including the municipalities of Baloi, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagoloan and Tangkal in the province of Lanao del Norte that voted for inclusion in the ARMM during the 2001 plebiscite;

d. Without derogating from the requirements of prior agreements, the government stipulates to conduct and deliver, within six (6) months following the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain, a plebiscite covering the areas as enumerated in the list and depicted in the map as Category A attached herein (the “Annex”). The Annex constitutes an integral part of this framework agreement.

e. The areas covered by Category B has already been reflected on a map and officially agreed by both Parties.

f. Internal Waters:
The Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) shall have jurisdiction over the management, conservation, development, protection, utilization and disposition of all natural resources, living and non-living, within its internal waters extending fifteen (15) kilometers from the coastline of the BJE area.

g. Territorial Waters:
(1) The territorial waters of the BJE shall stretch beyond the BJE internal waters up to the Republic of the Philippines (RP) baselines south east and south west of mainland Mindanao. Beyond the fifteen (15) kilometers internal waters, the Central Government and the BJE shall exercise joint jurisdiction, authority and management over areas and [of] all natural resources, living and non-living contained therein. The details of such management of the Territorial Waters shall be provided in an agreement to be entered into by the Parties.

(2) The boundaries of the territorial waters shall stretch beyond the 15-km BJE internal waters up to the Central government’s baselines under existing laws. In the southern and eastern part of the BJE, it shall be demarcated by a line drawn from the Maguling Point, Palimbang, Province of Sultan Kudarat up to the straight baselines of the Philippines. On the northwestern part, it shall be demarcated by a line drawn from Little Sta. Cruz Island, Zamboanga City, up to Naris Point, Bataraza, Palawan. On the western part of Palawan, it shall be demarcated by a line drawn from the boundary of Bataraza and Rizal up to the straight baselines of the Philippines.

The final demarcation shall be determined by a joint technical body composed of duly-designated representatives of both Parties, in coordination with the appropriate Central Government agency in accordance with the above guidelines.

h. Sharing of Minerals on Territorial Waters:
Consistent with paragraphs 5 and 6 of the provisions on Resources, all potential sources of energy, petroleum in situ, hydrocarbon, natural gas and other minerals, including deposits or fields found within the territorial waters, shall be shared between the Central Government and the BJE in favor of the latter through production sharing agreement or economic cooperative agreement.

i. Activities Allowed on Territorial Waters:

(1) The Parties shall have authority to carry out the following activities within the territorial waters:

(a) Exploration and utilization of the natural resources, whether living or non-living within the territorial waters;

(b) Establishments and use of artificial islands, installations and structures;

(d) Protection and the preservation of the marine environment;

(e) Conservation of living resources;

(f) Regulation of shipping and fishing activities;

(g) Enforcement of police and safety measures, including interdiction of the entry and use of the waters by criminal elements and hot pursuit of suspected criminal elements;

(h) Regulation and control of contraband and illegal entry of prohibited materials and substances, including smuggling; and

(i) Such other measures as the Parties may otherwise mutually agree.

(2) Activities relating to exploration and utilization of non-living resources, as well as paragraphs (c) and (d) of the Authorized Activities will be carried out on a joint basis agreed by the Parties which may be in the form of production sharing agreements or joint development pacts.

j. Establishment of a Joint Commission:

(1) The Parties shall establish a Joint Commission, which shall elaborate the modalities for the implementation and the carrying out of the Authorized Activities and the measures adopted in cases of allegation of breach, and carry out any other functions which may be assigned to it by the Parties for the purpose of implementing the joint management of resources.

(2) The Joint Commission shall consist of one representative from each Party, who are assisted by advisers as may be needed. The conclusions of the Joint Commission shall be adopted by consensus and shall only be recommendatory in nature. Only when the conclusions of the Joint Commission are adopted by the Parties do they become binding on the Parties.

k. Demarcation and Status of Territorial Waters:

The demarcation and status of the BJE territorial waters shall be finally determined together with the demarcation and final status of Category B of the BJE.

3. From and after entrenchment of compact rights over the Bangsamoro homeland and the territorial jurisdictions for associative governance shall likewise embrace those under proclamation for agricultural and human settlements intended for the Bangsamoro people, all alienable and disposable land, pasture lands, timberlands together with all existing civil and military reservations, parks, old growth or natural forests declared as forest reserves, watersheds, mangroves, fishponds, wetlands, marshes, inland bodies of water and all bays, straits and channels found within the BJE.

4. All territorial and geographic areas in Mindanao and its adjacent islands including Palawan, and the Sulu archipelago that have been recognized, and/or delineated as ancestral domain and ancestral land of the Bangsamoro people as their geographic areas, inclusive of settlements and reservations, may be formed or constituted into political subdivisions of the Bangsamoro territorial jurisdictions subject to the principles of equality of peoples and mutual respect and to the protection of civil, political, economic, and cultural rights in their respective jurisdictions.

5. For purposes of territorial delimitation, the Parties have agreed to the joint determination of geographic areas encompassed within the territorial borders of the Bangsamoro homeland and territory based on the technical maps and data submitted by both sides as provided above.

RESOURCES

1. The Bangsamoro juridical entity is empowered with authority and responsibility for the land use, development, conservation and disposition of the natural resources within the homeland. Upon entrenchment of the Bangsamoro juridical entity, the land tenure and use of such resources and wealth must reinforce their economic self-sufficiency. Among the purposes or measures to make progress more rapid are:

a. Entry into joint development, utilization, and exploitation of natural resources designed as commons or shared resources, which is tied up to the full setting of appropriate institution, particularly affecting strategic minerals.

b. Stimulation of local economy by a range of mechanism, in particular the need to address unemployment and improvement of living conditions for the population in the Bangsamoro juridical entity;

c. Intensification of measures needed to uproot the cause of poverty in the Bangsamoro juridical entity through responsible harnessing and development of its natural resources; and

d. Undertaking program review of public services, industrial or trade-related and agrarian-related issues in situations of different sectors of the society in the Bangsamoro juridical entity, which acquire communal character deriving from the special nature of their industry.

2. The Bangsamoro People through their appropriate juridical entity shall, among others, exercise power or authority over the natural resources within its territorial jurisdiction:

a. To explore, exploit, use or utilize and develop their ancestral domain and ancestral lands within their territorial jurisdiction, inclusive of their right of occupation, possession, conservation, and exploitation of all natural resources found therein;
b. To conserve and protect the human and natural environment for their sustainable and beneficial enjoyment and their posterity;

c. To utilize, develop, and exploit its natural resources found in their ancestral domain or may enter into a joint development, utilization, and exploitation of natural resources, specifically on strategic minerals, designed as commons or shared resources, which is tied up to the final setting of appropriate institution.

d. To revoke or grant forest concessions, timber license, contracts or agreements in the utilization and exploitation of natural resources designated as commons or shared resources, mechanisms for economic cooperation with respect to strategic minerals, falling within the territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro juridical entity;

e. To enact agrarian laws and programs suitable to the special circumstances of the Bangsamoro people prevailing in their ancestral lands within the established territorial boundaries of the Bangsamoro homeland and ancestral territory is within the competence of the Bangsamoro juridical entity; and

f. To use such natural resources and wealth to reinforce their economic self-sufficiency.

3. The Bangsamoro Juridical Entity, and the Central Government agree on wealth-sharing based on a mutually agreed percentage ratio in favor of the Bangsamoro juridical entity through an economic cooperation agreement or arrangement over the income and revenues that are derived from the exploration, exploitation, use and development of any resources for the benefit of the Bangsamoro people.

4. The Bangsamoro juridical entity is free to enter into any economic cooperation and trade relations with foreign countries: provided, however, that such relationships and understandings do not include aggression against the Government of the Republic of the Philippines; provided, further that it shall remain the duty and obligation of the Central Government to take charge of external defense. Without prejudice to the right of the Bangsamoro juridical entity to enter into agreement and environmental cooperation with any friendly country affecting its jurisdiction, it shall include:

a. the option to establish and open Bangsamoro trade missions in foreign countries with which it has economic cooperation agreements; and

b. the elements bearing in mind the mutual benefits derived from Philippine archipelagic status and security.

And, in furtherance thereto, the Central Government shall take necessary steps to ensure the Bangsamoro juridical entity’s participation in international meetings and events, e.g. ASEAN meetings and other specialized agencies of the United Nations. This shall entitle the said juridical entity participation in Philippine official missions and delegations that are engaged in the negotiation of border agreements or protocols for environmental protection, equitable sharing of incomes and revenues, in the areas of sea, seabed and inland seas or bodies of water adjacent to or between islands forming part of the ancestral domain, in addition to those of fishing rights.

5. Jurisdiction and control over, and the right of exploring for, exploiting, producing and obtaining all potential sources of energy, petroleum, in situ, fossil fuel, mineral oil and natural gas, whether onshore or offshore, is vested in the Bangsamoro juridical entity as the party having control within its territorial jurisdiction, provided that in times of national emergency, when public interest so requires, the Central Government may, during the emergency, for a fixed period and under reasonable terms as may be agreed by both Parties, temporarily assume or direct the operations of such strategic resources.

6. The Bangsamoro government-take or profit split from total production shall be shared with the Central Government on a percentage ratio of 75%/25% in favor of the Bangsamoro juridical entity. All royalties, bonuses, taxes, charges, custom duties or imposts on natural resources and mineral resources shall be shared by the Parties on a percentage ratio of 75%/25% in favor of the Bangsamoro juridical entity.

7. The legitimate grievances of the Bangsamoro people arising from any unjust dispossession of their territorial and propriety rights, customary land tenures, or their marginalization shall be acknowledged. Whenever restoration is no longer possible, the GRP shall take effective measures of adequate reparation collectively beneficial to the Bangsamoro people, in such quality, quantity and status to be determined mutually by both Parties.

8. All proclamations, issuances, policies, rules and guidelines declaring old growth or natural forests and all watersheds within the BJE as forest reserves shall continue to remain in force until otherwise modified, revised or superseded by subsequent policies, rules and regulations issued by the competent Bangsamoro authority or juridical entity.

9. Forest concessions, timber licenses, contracts or agreements, mining concessions, Mineral Production and Sharing Agreements (MPSA), Industrial Forest Management Agreements (IFMA), and other land tenure instruments of any kind or nature whatsoever granted by the Philippine Government including those issued by the present Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) shall continue to operate from the date of formal entrenchment of the Bangsamoro juridical entity unless otherwise expired, reviewed, modified and/or cancelled by the latter.

10. The Parties recognized an immediate need to establish a five-member Bangsamoro economic-expert mission (the “Mission”) bearing in mind that the functioning of the economy and the operation of institutions involve financial and other resource management as well as parallel or complementary means, by which the Bangsamoro Development Agency will manage and administer resources acquired for the above purposes, especially in coordinating strategies and programs for cooperation in all fields.

11. The said Mission acts as a link in the conduct of Bangsamoro juridical entity’s associative parallel relationships and shall cooperate fully with all organizations involved in implementation of the peace settlement. It shall launch a plan and joint international appeal for the repatriation and development of the conflict affected areas in Mindanao. Persons appointed thereto must be familiar with the specific economic, political and legal characteristics in the Mindanao-Sulu-Palawan region and must possess recognized competence, integrity, and high moral standing.

12. Cognizant that the Bangsamoro economic-expert Mission will benefit from international expertise, both the Central Government and the BJE hereby join the Third Party facilitator in inviting international funding institutions or equivalent entities for reconstruction and development to appoint two members and to designate one as the Chairman. The BJE shall designate one member as Co-Chairman. The remaining two members shall each be designated by the Central Government and the BJE.

GOVERNANCE

1. The recognition and peaceful resolution of the conflict must involve consultations with the Bangsamoro people free of any imposition in order to provide chances of success and open new formulas that permanently respond to the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people.

1. The ultimate objective of entrenching the Bangsamoro homeland as a territorial space is to secure their identity and posterity, to protect their property rights and resources as well as to establish a system of governance suitable and acceptable to them as a distinct dominant people. The parties respect the freedom of choice of the indigenous peoples.

3. The Parties agree to invite a multinational third-party to observe and monitor the actual implementation of the comprehensive compact which will embody the details for the effective enforcement of this Agreement. The participation of the third-party shall not in any way affect the status of the relationship between the Central Government and the BJE.

4. The relationship between the Central Government and the Bangsamoro juridical entity shall be associative characterized by shared authority and responsibility with a structure of governance based on executive, legislative, judicial and administrative institutions with defined powers and functions in the comprehensive compact. A period of transition shall be established in a comprehensive peace compact specifying the relationship between the Central Government and the BJE.

5. The modalities for the governance intended to settle the outstanding negotiated political issues are deferred after the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain.

The establishment of institutions for governance in a comprehensive peace compact, together with its modalities during the transition period, shall be fully entrenched and established in the basic law of the Bangsamoro juridical entity. The Parties shall faithfully comply with their commitment to the associative arrangements upon entry into force of a comprehensive compact between the MILF and GRP.

7. The Parties agree that the mechanisms and modalities for the actual implementation of this MOA AD shall be spelt out in the comprehensive compact to mutually take such steps to enable it to occur effectively.

Any provisions of the MOA on Ancestral Domain requiring amendments to the existing legal framework shall come into force upon signing of a comprehensive compact and upon effecting the necessary changes to the legal framework with due regard to non derogation of prior agreements and within the stipulated timeframe to be contained in the comprehensive compact.

8. The parties agree that the BJE shall be empowered to build, develop and maintain its own institutions, inclusive of, civil service, electoral, financial and banking, education, legislation, legal, economic, and police and internal security force, judicial system and correctional institutions, necessary for developing a progressive Bangsamoro society the details of which shall be discussed in the negotiation of the comprehensive compact.

9. The Parties further agree to undertake activities which will enhance the capacity of the government institutions during the transition through technical assistance, information-sharing and human resource development.

10. Matters concerning the details of the agreed consensus points on Governance not covered under this Agreement shall be deferred to, and discussed during, the negotiations of the comprehensive compact.

Ingon Ini Ko Kanimo

2008-07-07T01:12:00.000-07:00

by Carine Era Mozo Asutilla

Andam na kong mubuhi...

Kalimtan ka

Og ang tanan mahitungod kanimo.

Andam na ko nga mudawat

Nga sa kahangturan di ikaw

Ang akong makauban.

Andam na ko ana.

Andam na ko nga itugyan ka

Sa kagahapon.

Apan di pa ko andam

Nga itugyan ka sa uban.

Di pa ko andam.

...pls find me mp3 ani beh...

2008-07-01T04:43:00.000-07:00

Almost Lover lyrics

You fingertips across my skin
The palm trees swaying in the wind
Images

You sang me spanish lullabies
The sweetest sadness in your eyes
Clever trick

I never want to see you unhappy
I thought you'd want the same for me

Goodbye, my almost lover
Goodbye, my hopeless dream
I'm trying not to think about you
Can't you just let me be?
So long, my luckless romance
My back is turned on you
I should've known you'd bring me heartache
Almost lovers always do

We walked along a crowded street
You took my hand and danced with me
Images

And when you left you kissed my lips
You told me you'd never ever forget these images, no

I never want to see you unhappy
I thought you'd want the same for me

Goodbye, my almost lover
Goodbye, my hopeless dream
I'm trying not to think about you
Can't you just let me be?
So long, my luckless romance
My back is turned on you
I should've known you'd bring me heartache
Almost lovers always do

I cannot go to the ocean
I cannot drive the streets at night
I cannot wake up in the morning
Without you on my mind
So you're gone and I'm haunted
And I bet you are just fine
Did I make it that easy for you
To walk right in and out of my life?

Goodbye, my almost lover
Goodbye, my hopeless dream
I'm trying not to think about you
Can't you just let me be?
So long, my luckless romance
My back is turned on you
I should've known you'd bring me heartache
Almost lovers always do

--click this for video: http://kriziabosita.multiply.com/video/item/14

thanks kriziabosita!!! i love your page!!!

...a friend got confused...

2008-06-28T18:53:00.000-07:00

My friend's a girlfriend material slash "asawahunon nga type"... slash buotan, stick-to-one, walang ka-adve-adventure sa buhay, in short boring. She's been with this guy for quite awhile now... treated right "yes", happy "maybe", satisfied "maybe". From the very beginning, she was aware that they don't have anything in common... most of the time di magkatagbo ilang mga utok... but because the guy displayed so much care, so much love, and sweetness, and all... my friend said "why not?". My friend's been to a lot of relationships in which, mas dako ang iyang love compared to the love nga gi-invest sa iyang partner and she thought, "this time balihon na sab nato"... So there... she was "happy"... the guy was so consistent and she has never been with a guy sooo consistent... but later, consistency became a bore na para niya. My friend, subconsciously, ni-entertain sa idea nga mangitag adventure... well, came the adventure she was looking for. She met a guy, "a friend of a friend"... well, he's really not the kind that my friend would be interested into... but I don't know, nagka-click ra sila. "He's cool, and pretty much a gentleman, and he knows how to have fun." They've been out for several times, "the boyfriend doesn't know... the boyfriend is confident his girl's doing no such thing." My friend keeps telling me, "he doesn't need to know, we're going out as friend and nothing more." The guy's aware my friend's in a relationship but it never seemed to bother him. And honestly, I've never seen my friend sooo happy when she talks about him and all the fun stuff they've done together. So I told her, "di man gyud na pwede nga magdugay nga ing-ana ang situation, you have to decide, you have to choose, or else, everyone gets hurt." Og tuod man... months past... si guy nag-moda, and he asked my friend, "what am i to you?". My friend felt the pressure. Mao na ni ron... naproblema na siya... she said, "di ko mubuwag sa akong uyab."... kay "1) he has not done me wrong, 2) he's happy and I believe I'm happy with him, 3) i just can't break his heart... and lalalala." A friend then said to my friend, "the guy has no right to demand anything from you since the guy knew from the very beginning kung unsa iyang position ug asa ra siya nga ang-ang." I said to my friend, "he took the risk, gi-sawo pud nimo, it's a messy situation, pero and dapat musulbar, ikaw ra." My friend replied, "naglibog ko unsa akong buhaton, I don't want to lose my boyfriend and I don't want to lose him either." Another friend of my friend said, "you can't have both girl... you must choose, and must choose to be happy."

Mabuang man jud ko sa movie... labaw na sa mga songs jud!!! hahay...

2008-06-26T04:12:00.000-07:00

Soundtrack: Serendipity
Title: When You Know (Shawn Colvin)

When you know that you know who you love, you can't deny it.
Or go back, or give up, or pretend that you don't buy it.
When it's clear this time you've found the one, you'll never let him go
Cos you know and you know that you know.

When you feel in your skin in your bones and the hollow
Of your heart, there's no way you can wait till tomorrow.
When there isn't any doubt about it once you come this close
Cos you know and you know that you know.

You can feel love's around you like the sky 'round blue
This is how love has found you, now you know what to do.

When you know that you know who you need, you can't deny it.
Or go back, or give up, or pretend that you don't buy it.
When it's clear this time you've found the one, you'll never let him go
Cos you know and you know that you know.

And it's time you come in from the cold.
Haaa...
And you know that you know

==============

Soundtrack: Serendipity
Title: 83 (John Mayer)

II have these dreams I'm walking home
home where it used to be
everything is as it was
frozen in front of me

here I stand six feet small
romanticizing years ago
well it's a bittersweet feeling
hearing "Wrapped Around Your Finger" on the radio

and these days
I wish I was six again
oh make me a red cape
I wanna be Superman
oh if only my life was more like 1983
all these things would be more like they were at the start of me
I had it made in 83

thinking about my brother Ben
I miss him everyday
he looks just like his brother John
but on an eighteen month delay

here I stand six feet small
and smiling cause I'm scared as hell
kinda like your life is like a sequel to a movie
where the actors' names have changed

well these days
I wish I was six again
oh make me a red cape
I wanna be Superman
oh if only my life was more like 1983
all these things would be more like they were at the start of me
if my life was more like 1983
plot a course to the source of the purest little part of me

and most my memories have escaped me
or confused themselves with dreams
if heaven's all they want it to be
send your prayers to me care of 1983

you can paint that house a rainbow of colors
rip out the floorboards
and replace the the shutters
but that's my plastic in the dirt

whatever happened to my
whatever happened to my
whatever happened to my
whatever happened to my lunchbox
when came the day when it got
thrown away
don't you think I should have had some say in that decision

more like
more like
more like 1983

==========

Soundtrack: Serendipity
Title: Like Lovers Do (Heather Nova)

There is a paradise that can be found
A better life to bring us round
And all we really need to do
Is see the world like lovers do

I want to take it easy, take it slow
To catch a fire and let it go
I want to give myself to you
So we can live like lovers do

Like lovers do, I want to feel that way
Like lovers do, they lose themselves for days
And I need to feel that way

I can hear you thinking what I feel
I know that what we've got is real
And all we need to get us through
Is just to live like lovers do

Like lovers do, I want to feel that way
Like lovers do, they lose themselves for days
And I need to feel, I need to feel that way
Give me strength to give myself to you
Like lovers, lovers do

===========

Soundtrack: Serendipity
Title: Waiting In Vain (Annie Lennox)

From the very first time I rest my eyes on you, boy,
My heart said follow through
But I know now that I'm way down on your line
But the waiting feeling's fine.
So don't treat me like a puppet on a string
'Cause I know how to do my thing.
Don't talk to me as if you think I'm dumb,
I wanna know when you're gonna come.

See, I don't wanna wait in vain for your love,
I don't wanna wait in vain for your love,
I don't wanna wait in vain for your love,
'Cause summer is here, I'm still waiting there,
Winter is here and I'm still waiting there.

Like I said, it's been three years since I'm knocking on your door
And I still can knock some more.
Ooh boy, ooh boy, is it crazy love ? I wanna know now
For I to knock some more. You see...
In life I know there is lots of grief
But your love is my relief.
Tears in my eyes burn, tears in my eyes burn
While I'm waiting, while I'm waiting for my turn.

See, I don't wanna wait in vain for your love,
I don't wanna wait in vain for your love,
I don't wanna wait in vain for your love,
I don't wanna wait in vain for your love,
I don't wanna wait in vain for your love,
I don't wanna wait in vain for your love,
I don't wanna wait in vain for your love,
'Cause summer is here, I'm still waiting there,
Winter is here and I'm still waiting there.

Like I said, it's been three years since I'm knocking on your door
And I still can knock some more.
Ooh boy, ooh boy, is it crazy love ? I wanna know now
Like I said, tears in my eyes burn, tears in my eyes burn
While I'm waiting, while I'm waiting for my turn, see
Ooh boy, ooh boy, is it crazy love ? I wanna know now
For I to knock some more.
In love I know there is lots of grief
But your love is my relief

http://balaybalakasoy.blogspot.com/2008/06/ingon-bitaw-ko-nga-ako-ang-unang.html

2008-06-02T23:30:00.000-07:00

KABISDAK

2008-05-29T22:57:00.000-07:00

http://balaybalakasoy.blogspot.com/2008/05/unsay-mga-gikinahanglan-aron-molambo.html

For KABISDAK

2008-05-28T03:07:00.000-07:00

Unsay Mga Gikinahanglan Aron Mulambo Ang Gugma Ug Mulungtad Ang Panag-uban

(Matod sa akong mga ginikanan nga 23 katuig na nga nagminahalay)

By: Carine Era M. Asutilla

Una, Respeto.

Kung di gyud siya

Ayaw 'sab og pugsa.

Unya dugangi'g Pagsinabtanay.

Kung unsa'y iyang gusto

Sabta, ayaw una'g reklamo.

Pakapini'g Pagpaubos.

Kung siya mangasaba

Ayaw nala’g istorya.

Dugangi'g Pasensya.

Hinumdumi siya tawo ra

Masayop panagsa.

Kinahanglan sab 'dunay Pagsalig.

Tagai siya'g kahigayunan

Ayaw dayon pagduda.

Ubani sab og Pag-amuma.

Nga way katapusan

Ayaw pangwenta.

Unya...

Ayaw 'sab diay kalimti ang Uwag.

Kanang lami nga pagpamungot

Sa usa'g usa.

from chayat's bummeround.blogspot.com/ (MAD PARTY CONVERSATIONS)

2008-05-21T03:37:00.000-07:00

FOR YEN

Mental Snapshot:

Yellow. Sunlit and sun-kissed from 17 years of looking out from her shore in an island a whole afternoon away from where she sat, when she suddenly turned around, sunlit, and told me the first story she shared with me.

6 years later and counting, she shares stories on TV sun kissed still, and sunlit.

I can't give you the billboards you've always wanted, but Happy Birthday, Cheshire Cat.

SHARK

2008-05-13T03:59:00.000-07:00

"sometimes im so good, i scare myself"

Carine

2008-05-13T03:55:00.000-07:00

What Carine Means

http://www.blogthingsimages.com/whatsyournameshiddenmeaningquiz/name.gif" height="100" width="100">

You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily.

You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind.

A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.

You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.

You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.

You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.

You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.

You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.

You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.

You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.

You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.

You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.

At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's">http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyournameshiddenmeaningquiz/">What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Tuesday: think of happy thoughts... it might take you to a beautiful place

2008-05-13T03:46:00.000-07:00

Monday: life is hard... and i don't want to make it harder

2008-05-12T04:38:00.000-07:00

Ikatulo na ka

2008-05-10T04:46:00.000-07:00

(Carine Era M. Asutilla)

Pataod-taod pa kunuhay ka

Og pulseras sa akong bukton

Sus ganahan ra sab ko

Kay lage, ambungan ka

Og sa tinuod lang,

Ikaw ang labing ambungan

Nga nakauban ko’g panihapon.

Humuka ra sab sa akong ilong oi...

Nisugot man dayon ko...

Nga magsawo ta og kaon.

Usa ka adlaw ug usa ka kagabii ra ta

Nga nagtextanay ug nagtawaganay.

Gidani ra man ko nimo

Sa imong pasalubong

Nga mga burloloy

Mao nga nitunga gyud ko

Sa imong imbistasyon

Nga panihapon.

Gipakita mo pa ang mga hulagway

Sa lugar nga imong gibisita

Diin gilaay ka kay wa kay kaistorya

Ug kanako ni-text ug tawag ka.

Unya human sa kaon

Gihagit pa ko nimo

Nga mutan-aw og sine...

Sugot ra sab ko,

Kana pa, libre.

Pwerte gyud nakong lingawa

Lami pa ang salida

Mas lami pa gyud ka

Susama sa usa ka pongpong

Sa gumamela nga puwa

Way baho, apan makaako gihapon ka

Ug halad ini sa mga santo

Matag flores de mayo.

Unya paghuman sa salida

Ingon ka nalingaw ka

Ingon sad ko nalingaw ko.

Ingon ka lahi ko sa uban na nimong nakuyog

Nibagtik gyud akong dunggan dong!

Ay sus!

Buwakon, tikalon ra gyud mo

Ikaw na gyud ang ikatulo...

If I know, biyaan ra sab ko nimo.

they all said i'm fragile

2008-05-10T03:49:00.000-07:00

it must be in the way i talk or the way i walk. maybe in the way i dress or the way i eat. it must be in the way i smile or laugh or clap my hands. I don't know. duh, they broke my heart.

sies

2007-12-03T20:42:00.000-08:00

a kid to a wealthy man:

uno
dos
tres
kwatro
singko

wan handrid
to handrid
tre handrid
por handrid
payb handrid

wan tawsan
to tawsan
tre tawsan
por tawsan
payb tawsan

wan milyon
tomilyon
tre milyon
por milyon
payb milyon

kapuya pud ani oi
daghana pud ani oi
tag sies ra man
ang putos sa pan.

veraburustychayatliyow

2007-10-22T08:33:00.000-07:00

so this is my fourth night here in cebu... and it doesn't feel yet that im actually back here. and it wouldn't be the same cebu if di ko kakita sa upat.

vera and i see each other everyday though but taphaw ra... there are always these news stories to write or videos to edit or events to cover... so wala jud.

miss them... more than i've ever missed them when i was stillin dumaguete... how sad, naa na gani ko cebu di na noon magkakita. how i wish i get my day off before i'll be sent back to dumaguete.

we shape each other

2007-08-09T07:28:00.000-07:00

dance laugh sing walk run climb swim read eat sleep watch... best verbs with you.

headache?

2007-07-30T07:43:00.000-07:00

HIGH SCHOOL REUNION

2007-07-30T07:20:00.000-07:00

PANGANGAN HIGH SCHOOL MAIN
RUBY REUNION ON AUGUST 11-12, 2007
BATCH '70-07

ana

2007-07-10T05:47:00.000-07:00

i remember we ran to the stage for a 3-minute novelty dance...

laughing so loud, probably louder than the sound box.

playing with the disco lights.

the three of us were like the dancing queens of "discoral".

and i guess i'll remember you forever with how you were that night...

i miss you.

listener

2007-06-30T03:34:00.000-07:00

A month ago...

I wished for someone who could just sit right there next to me...
sits straight, and listens closely.

For someone like me, who has been away from home
and has nothing but only pictures in my head
of friends and talks over coffee and doodles of poetry...
or of six people in a dinning table sharing a bowl of warm soup for breakfast...
nothing is more precious in the moment than having someone to listen to all my stories about home and the people closest to me until nothing is left untold and nostalgia dries out, leaving my system for good.

Kick

2007-06-18T04:44:00.000-07:00

--"Rose" you're too good to follow rules, aren't you?--

It's already a torture waking up with the same thought every single day-- "asa mi mangitag balita?"

It's even more a torture to me seeing my report on TV not as interesting as the other news stories for the day.

...then I have to deal with people not as dedicated a worker as they should be.

I will have myself a "red hot chili peppers" sound trip... and imagine kicking asses.

Home

2007-06-17T01:06:00.000-07:00

Can't Stop by Red Hot Chili Peppers

2007-06-12T06:38:00.000-07:00

Can't stop addicted to the shin dig
Cop top he says I'm gonna win big
Choose not a life of imitation
Distant cousin to the reservation
Defunkt the pistol that you pay for
This punk the feeling that you stay for
In time I want to be your best friend
Eastside love is living on the westend
Knock out but boy you better come to
Don't die you know the truth is some do
Go write your message on the pavement
Burnin' so bright I wonder what the wave meant
White heat is screaming in the jungle
Complete the motion if you stumble
Go ask the dust for any answers
Come back strong with 50 belly dancers

[Chorus:]
The world I love
The tears I drop
To be part of
The wave can't stop
Ever wonder if it's all for you
The world I love
The trains I hop
To be part of
The wave can't stop
Come and tell me when it's time to

Sweetheart is bleeding in the snowcone
So smart she's leading me to ozone
Music the great communicator
Use two sticks to make it in the nature
I'll get you into penetration
The gender of a generation
The birth of every other nation
Worth your weight the gold of meditation
This chapter's going to be a close one
Smoke rings I know your going to blow one
All on a spaceship persevering
Use my hands for everything but steering
Can't stop the spirits when they need you
Mop tops are happy when they feed you
J. Butterfly is in the treetop
Birds that blow the meaning into bebop

[Repeat Chorus]

Wait a minute I'm passing out
Win or lose just like you
Far more shocking
Than anything i ever knew
How about you
10 more reasons
Why i need somebody new just like you
Far more shocking than anything I ever knew
Right on cue

Can't stop addicted to the shin dig
Cop top he says I'm gonna win big
Choose not a life of imitation
Distant cousin to the reservation
Defunkt the pistol that you pay for
This punk the feeling that you stay for
In time I want to be your best friend
Eastside love is living on the westend
Knock out but boy you better come to
Don't die you know the truth is some do
Go write your message on the pavement
Burnin' so bright I wonder what the wave meant

Kick start the golden generator
Sweet talk but don't intimidate her
Can't stop the gods from engineering
Feel no need for any interfering
Your image in the dictionary
This life is more than ordinary
Can I get 2 maybe even 3 of these
Come from space
To teach you of the pliedes
Can't stop the spirits when they need you
This life is more than just a read thru

Karen

2007-06-09T04:40:00.000-07:00

I wish my name is Karen... spelled that way and pronounced as how it should be. A name familiar to everyone... and can be remembered easily.

My name is Carine. It's C-A-R-I-N-E.

Often I get my name spelled in receipts of my laundry as C-A-R-E-N sometimes C-A-R-R-E-N
then C-A-R-I-N.
Other times K-A-R-I-N or the simple and common K-A-R-E-N...
And oh... also C-A-R-I-N-G and K-A-R-I-N-G.

I get my name even tortured when pronounced... and it gets me rolling my eyes when my name's forgotten.

I wish my name is just a simple Karen. Why did my parents ever think of something difficult to name their first baby? hay...

Maselang Bahaghari by ERASERHEADS

2007-06-08T01:34:00.000-07:00

Akala ko ay dagat, yun pala ay alat
Akala ko'y pumasok, sablay
Pikit ko ang aking mata, ikaw ang nakikita
Akala ko'y wala ng saysay...

Maselang bahaghari sa aking isipan
'Wag kang mabahala di kita malilimutan
Paglipas ng ulan ay mapapangiti ang araw
'Wag sanang mawala ang maselang bahaghari

Akala ko ay cool ako, may ulap na sa ulo
Akala ko'y ang pera'y tunay
Pikit mo ang iyong mata, ano ang nakikita
Akala ko'y wala ng saysay...

Maselang bahaghari sa aking isipan
'Wag kang mabahala di kita malilimutan
Paglipas ng ulan ay mapapangiti ang araw
'Wag sanang mawala ang maselang bahaghari

never say you're not cut for it

2007-06-07T04:45:00.000-07:00

rain

2007-05-26T20:11:00.000-07:00

We welcomed the angry rain, which i supposed signaled the beginning of the rainy season last night in party faces and in string bikinis. The bikinis we failed to wear this summer.

We ran around the rooftop at Ms. Ging's place, sung, and danced with the lightning as our disco light and the roaring thunder as Puff Daddy.

The three of us girls (Ms. Ging, Jonifel, and I) had something to celebrate. Maybe for the two of them it was about losing pounds, being single, and a successful career life. For me it was independence, freedom, and probably maturity.

Last night, as raindrops did its forte, which is reviving the world, I gathered thousands of them in my palms and thought of my hands and my life as one of their handiworks.

When She Cries by Restless Heart

2007-05-25T19:24:00.000-07:00

The road I have traveled on,
Is paved with good intentions.
It's littered with broken dreams,
That never quite came true.
When all of my hopes were dying,
Her love kept me trying.
She does her best to hide,
The pain that she's been through.

When she cries, at night,
And she doesn't think that I can hear her.
She tries, to hide,
All the fear she feels inside.
So I pray, this time,
I can be the man that she deserves.
'Cos I die a little each time,
When she cries.

She's always been there for me,
Whenever I've fallen.
When nobody else believes,
She'll be there by my side.
I don't know how she takes it,
Just once, I'd like to make it,
Then there'll be tears of joy,
That fill her lovin' eyes.

When she cries, at night,
And she doesn't think that I can hear her.
She tries, to hide,
All the fear she feels inside.
So I pray, this time,
I can be the man that she deserves.
'Cos I die a little each time,
When she cries.

Instrumental Break.

So I pray, this time,
I can be the man that she deserves.
'Cos I die a little each time,
When she cries.

Ocean Size Love by Leigh Nash

2007-05-25T19:15:00.000-07:00

I know what I'm doing may be dumb
I know I should not be staring at the sun

But the thought of you leads me to temptation

It's the same whatever side you're on
Separated we are delicate and small
And the space between, needs our attention
I see you right in front of me, as close as you can get
And I pray that you won't leave, this daydream yet

And it might seem much too far, to get back to where you are
But it's close enough, with an ocean size love
So if you can't reach out to me, send a sign across the sea
And I'll pick it up, with an ocean size love

I don't have to worry any more
If I really need you I'll go to the shore
And the thought of you there is my protection
I see you right in front of me, a vision in my head
And I know this is as real, as a daydream gets

And it might seem much too far, to get back to where you are
But it's close enough, with an ocean size love
So if you can't reach out to me, send a sign across the sea
And I'll pick it up, with an ocean size love

You make no sound, but I can hear you in the wind
I can see this never ends, like the sea, like you for me

And it's close enough, with an ocean size love
So if you can't reach out to me, send a sign across the sea
And I'll pick it up, with an ocean size love
And it might seem much too far, to get back to where you are
But it's close enough, with an ocean size love
So if you can't reach out to me, send a sign across the sea
And I'll pick it up, with an ocean size love

Oh, oh...