Global Filipino Forum

Filipino Schools and Churches in UAE

2010-04-23T21:15:00.000-07:00

Schools

Far Eastern Private School
P.O. Box 29047
Sharjah, U. A. E.
Tel : 06-5389556
Fax: 06-5389557

New Filipino School
P. O. Box 3695
Sharjah, U. A. E.
Tel : 06-5361331
Fax: 06-5368228

United International Private School
P. O. Box 60817
Dubai, U. A. E.
Tel : 04-2543888
Fax: 04-2543889
E-mail : uipsinet@emirates.net.ae
Website: www.uips.co.ae

Pioneer International Private School
P.O. Box 5043
Abu Dhabi, U. A.E.
Tel : 02-6424622
Fax: 02-6426233

Philippine National School
P.O. Box 31874
Abu Dhabi, U. A. E.
Tel : 02-4492998
Fax: 02-4494850

PISCO Private School
P.O. Box 29317
Abu Dhabi, U. A. E.
Tel : 02-6416044
Fax: 02-6422880

Churches

St. Mary's Church, Dubai

St. Joseph Church, Abu Dhabi

Mar Thoma Church, Mussafah, Abu Dhabi

St. Francis, Jebel Ali

St. Mary Church, Al Ain

St. Anthony of Padua Church, Ras Al Khaimah

Should you want to add your organization or any info for free please send an email to info@pinoyexpatuae.com

*Special Thanks to Diomedes Delen for your contribution.

Camelback Displays

2010-04-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

There is even a line of printed flooring, so you can add a logo or message to the flooring. trade show exhibits is also available for exhibitors and adds a nice comfortable touch to any exhibit. Just open the site and you will find the prices and products info available there.
Site above also offers you a full line of table covers. You can print your corporate logo for your entry way in a number of different formats from inlay to full color custom printing. Indoor or Outdoor Available. Therefore you can choose whether to use commercial enterence mats, welding safe mats, floor protection mats, anti fatigue mats, commercial logo mats and others.
One more that usually use for trade exhibition is table top display. With the help from above site, your logo canopy can display colorful graphics prominently and professionally. Printed logo canopy using EZ Up products and other styles of printed tents are used by a wide variety of companies selling products on the go. Great for outdoor events, these canopies are the mainstay of presenters at all types of fairs and festivals.
To get the things in order to use in the trade shows, I recommend you one site, it is www.camelbackdisplays.com. It is a leader in designing and providing portable trade show exhibits to customers around the world. It has committed to the high quality, portable products that meet the needs of each company in the trade or special event.
We can say that it offers online sales of various equipment used for exhibition purposes as such directors chairs. It has affordable display flooring with top quality and a lot of which are green products. Trade show flooring comes in a variety of styles and shapes.
How to make your products or your company products known by the public and sold out? One of the effective ways to overcome it is to do a presentation and exhibition to client. To perform these activities, you need some necessary supporting facilities and the appropriate tool to make trade show exhibition, the benefit of this for example is customers are able to see the real products rather than only see through television or newspaper. Customers can also buy the products that they need directly. I am sure it will increase your sales as well ,So, for one stop shopping for factory priced trade show exhibits, display and tradeshow booths, just trus to www.camelbackdisplays.com!

Home Security at you fingertips

2010-02-22T23:51:00.000-08:00

When it comes to ADT one company stood above the rest, www.homesecurityteam.com is the company you need if you are looking for the best Home Security in your area. This company is known all over the US because of its affordable Home Security services. You’ll surely find the right Home Security System in your area, for homesecurityteam.com has services in all States of the US.

The company’s biggest advantage to other ADT Security System providers includes; Low monthly fees, easy-to-use home systems, fast response and ADT security 24/7. This holiday seasons home security systems is one of the best buys, knowing that this systems will give you the protection you and your family needs. Secure your precious belongings with home security systems found at homesecurityteam.com.

A dream came true... DirectTV

2010-02-22T23:46:00.000-08:00

Are you ready to have the true pleasure of movies or your favorite matches? Then why are you wasting time and money in other connections when you can have Direct TV. I know after watching a single episode, you would like to watch the whole series of that especially as the picture and sound quality of Directtv is amazing. People get addicted to it! No wonder this technology is becoming so popular with everyone.

I first tried this technology when I first moved to this city. One of the most prominent reasons for Direct TV getting famous is the selection of Direct TV Packages that they offer. No more watching useless channels just because you have paid. You can select your favorite channels and have to pay only for them. Everyone has this source of entertainment in their homes, so if you think in the right way then you can save a lot of money, which you can use on many other things.

According to research and short survey I made before getting this connection, I came to know that directsattv.com is providing the best features with many facilities. Even after four years, this company is still entertaining me to the fullest.

In need of cash advance?

2007-12-11T22:44:00.000-08:00

Have you been in a situation where you want that extra 200$ to repair the problem house or to buy new clothes and toys for the kids but you are one week away for your next pay check?

This is normal, we all sometimes fall into this kind of situation.
Traditional lenders like banks for example lend this amount in a form of consumer loans so called cash advance but in order to do so you have must have a good credit history plus the whole procedure might take some time.

This is where the online cash advance and payday loans came into the picture. Many websites have been created to cater the needs of the people for cash advance. The good point is you can apply for a payday loan without having them take into consideration your credit history. The process is very easy and you’ll get a quick response from the companies offering the service.

There are lot of websites offering such kind or services, one of them is CashAdvance1500.com.The site is of great use. It contains a large number of sites giving the above services but furthermore advices and information that someone should about how these sites work what to except from them and what to look out.

Give it a visit and you won’t regret it.

Cash Adavance and Payday Loans

2007-12-11T22:41:00.000-08:00

Are you short in cash but quite hesitant borrowing money from your friends or relatives… Admit it, it is quite awkward to borrow money from friends and relatives. I understand that, I feel the same way to. I found a good solution to this kind of problem, cash advance or payday loans. This is what people usually prefer when they need money quickly to pay their almost due credit card bills and avoid the late payment fees and finance charges. Don’t let yourself get a bad record for overdue credits. This will affect you in the future.

I have came along with a lot of website offering payday loan and cash advance and they really are easy to access. The application process is verr easy and you’ll get quick response from them. So whether you need money to pay your utility bills, pay your house rent, or pay credit card bills, you can have it.

Make use of their offerings. They are there to help you solve your financial crisis. Don’t put yourself into a bigger trouble. Act immediately when you badly need it. They are more than willing to help and assist you of your financial needs.

Applying for this kind of loans is as easy as 1, 2, and 3. Act now!

Youngblood : Weeping for the living

2007-04-11T23:46:00.000-07:00

First posted 02:03am (Mla time) Mar 25, 2006
By Ala Paredes
Inquirer

Editor's Note: Published on Page A11 of the March 25, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

IN THE Ateneo Art Gallery, there is one painting that I will never forget. It is entitled "Children Begging For Food" by Kathe Kollwitz. It's a simple work, very rough and done only in charcoal. It shows three very small, hungry children, arms extended and holding empty bowls, much like that famous scene in the movie "Oliver Twist" where the title character says, "Please sir, I want some more."

What's most striking about the painting is the expression on the children's faces. It reminds me of fish that die out of the water with wide, unseeing eyes and parched, parted lips. The soul-lessness in their faces is frightening, a feeling that was heightened when I read that the artist was influenced by what she had seen in poverty-stricken neighborhoods and concentration camps during World War II.

I remembered the painting when I heard the stories being told by ABS-CBN Broadcasting insiders about the "Wowowee" stampede in the PhilSports Arena (formerly Ultra) last Feb. 4. The accounts I heard were enough to make anyone weep-but more for the living than for the dead.

I was told that near the entrance to the PhilSports Arena, as many as five dead bodies were already stacked one on top of the other but some people still clambered over them in an attempt to get in. And even as the police were carrying the bodies away, some people were still asking if they could please have the tickets of the dead. It was also said that when relatives of some of the victims got money, they immediately divided it among themselves.

I don't know what it's like to be so poor that one would fight tooth and nail for the opportunity to win a few thousand pesos. But are our people really so desperate that they can't think beyond what they're going to eat for the day? Have we really sunk so low?

But low is a relative term, and these people live much different lives from mine. How do I know I wouldn't do the same thing if I were in their place? I've never had to struggle to keep body and soul together. I don't know what acts I am capable of committing until I experience what it's like to starve. One never knows the depths of depravity one can sink into until he has to fight for survival.

So how can we go any higher if our people have nothing in their stomachs? How can we strive for a higher culture if we can't even satisfy basic needs? We are so poor in many ways -- materially, culturally, morally.

I have the same confession to make as many people I know: I shun the poor out in the street, often unconsciously. When I pass by them, I find myself trying not to look them in the eye. When they come up to me and beg for money, I wish they would go away.

Why? Because such encounters bring me face to face with the same, old, tormenting dilemma: Should I give this guy money or not? Wouldn't giving him money only make him dependent on others and make the problem worse? But then again, doesn't he need this money more than I do? It's a battle between mind and conscience. And as I struggle to make a decision, the beggar becomes more insistent, making me slightly nervous.

Sometimes conscience wins out and I give him change, but maybe it's really just to shut him up. Sometimes my brain wins and I politely tell him to go away. Either way, I end up with a heavy, uncomfortable feeling that I can't quite place. But since I'm in a hurry, I just brush the bad feeling aside. It's not your problem anyway, says my brain.

Want to know what that feeling is? It's guilt and anger. It's the same collective guilt that privileged people in this country share, the ones who have shelter, food to eat, a promising future, and money to spare for new clothes, nights out and vacations. The guilt is always there, telling you: "You're well-off, and they're not. You went to a good school, and they will never be able to afford it. You're living in this house, using the Internet on your fancy computer, while outside, your neighbor worries what her kids are going to eat today and the next few days." It's the kind of guilt that reminds us always that we could have been born in their place.

We're angry with ourselves for allowing this to continue day after day, mainly because we feel so powerless and because we don't know what we can do to change things. We're angry with ourselves because we know we use apathy to shield ourselves from the distress we'd otherwise experience from seeing these people suffer.

I wish I could propose some grand solution to this problem, but I don't have one. I'm no hero. Just like everyone else, I wish I didn't feel so damn helpless.

Sure, we can complain about our President, or join NGOs and charities that cater to the needy. But we know that this isn't all about the President, and it isn't just about how much food and money we can give away. This is about poverty that seems to have penetrated the material aspect and entered our souls. This is about all of us.

After the "Wowowee" incident, we find ourselves searching for answers, trying to see what we have become as a people more clearly. We are all outraged, shocked, disappointed, trying to make sense of the tragedy. No matter how angry you may be, and whether you find answers or not, please do not commit the single biggest sin you can make against our country, which is losing hope.

If you are angry, be glad you are still capable of feeling anger unlike the many who are too jaded and hopeless to feel anything.

Ala Paredes, 22, is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the Ateneo de Manila University.

Does it take a man to complete a woman?

2007-04-11T23:43:00.000-07:00

By Shiveena Parmanand
Inquirer

“SHIVS, women today have only two options: They can either get married or become hags,” one of my teachers very smugly informed me a few months ago. I’m not sure if he was being serious or he was being sarcastic, but his words continue to haunt me to this day.

There are so many confident and accomplished women in my school and community -- all but one of our school paper’s editorial board are females, the main officers of our student council are females -- and all around the world, women are climbing up the social, economic and political ladders. Even our President is female (OK, not a brilliant example right now). So it was just disheartening to have it flung at me so carelessly that society continues to think women’s achievements pale in comparison with their marital status.

Thankfully (or maybe not, since it sweeps the issue under the rug), we have become too politically correct to say things like that in a formal classroom setting. But looking back, I realize that I shouldn’t have been so shocked to hear that remark. My teacher’s way of thinking is neither new nor uncommon. That idea is heard everywhere from online dating ads to the advice columns where lovelorn women bemoan their fate and even schools, apparently!

My generation of females faces an incredibly difficult challenge. On one hand, there are more opportunities available to us so that we are able to see what the world has to offer us and more importantly what we have to offer it. On the other hand, we are still being held back. People who are in positions of authority continue to impress upon us the absolute importance of marriage. Brilliance and ambition are not enough for a woman to be considered a success, not if she’s going to remain unmarried. She has to have a man to complete her, to support her and protect her.

While filling out my college application forms, I have to skip about a decade ahead into my future and formulate the standards by which I will judge myself. As I attempt to come up with a list of women I consider successful, I ask myself how large a role their marital status played in their careers. Right now, my goals go far beyond marriage. Does that mean that I am destined to become an ugly, old woman (Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary’s definition of a “hag”) because my goals are more career-oriented and individualistic? Do I have to re-evaluate the things I want to do and make sure that marriage takes precedence over everything else, lest, God forbid, I waste my youth trying to find myself and in the process fail to find a husband and end up being a hag?

I cannot understand why we continue to think that marriage is the only way to happiness and completion, what with all the stories we hear about marital infidelity, domestic abuse, marital rape and even murder. How much longer are we going to pretend that these things do not happen at all, cannot happen to us, or were deserved by the victims? How much longer will our so-called authority figures tell little girls that unless they are married they will end up being old, ugly women?

Shiveena Parmanand, 16, is a student at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University High School.

'Fugly' once

2007-03-28T00:21:00.000-07:00

‘Fugly’ once

By Crispy
Inquirer
Last updated 01:28am (Mla time) 10/07/2006

Published on Page A13 of the October 7, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

YOU know when proud parents go into a mock argument over who among their children took after their intelligence or lovable personality or nice physical attributes? “Sa akin yata nagmana ’yan” [“Of course, he/she took after me”], they would say.

I was the kid who excelled in school, so I used to hear that line from my parents whenever I brought home my report card or flashed gold medals or earned merit ribbons from a declamation contest or a science quiz bee. And it felt good.

But it felt different when I heard one of them say, “Kamukha mo siya” [“She looks like you”], and the other protested, “Hindi, mana siya sa ’yo.” [“No, she got her looks from you.”]

I overheard that exchange when, perhaps out of sheer boredom (or plain tactlessness), my parents started discussing who among their children were good-looking and who in particular looked like them. And sadly, I was the kid they were talking about when both of them jokingly denied any genetic responsibility for my less-than-dazzling looks. It seemed as if nobody wanted to be my “kamukha” (look-alike).

I heard those remarks when I was 13 years old, and that was when I came to realize that I was not beautiful. I struggled through my teen years up to my early 20s with a lot of hang-ups and insecurities, thinking I was smart but “fugly” (f---king ugly).

Now I am 28, and surprisingly, I turned out OK. Meaning I didn’t morph into a murderous sociopath (hurrah!) despite the many disparaging remarks that mercilessly crushed my self-esteem. Apparently I’m made of sterner stuff, though it took a while before knew I had it in me.

What’s a camera-shy girl to do when a photographer asks her, “Why do you hate to have your picture taken? ‘Hindi ka naman masyadong pangit’ [After all, you are not that ugly].” (I am quoting him verbatim.) Nasty.

What’s a nice, bright-eyed girl to do when, at the five-star hotel where she works, a snooty guest tells her, “Are you really working at the PR department? You don’t look like a glamorous PR person. You’re kinda more suited to desk jobs.” (I swear that is verbatim, too.) Nastier.

What’s a dark-skinned girl to do when her mother thoughtlessly remarks, upon seeing the new Nescafé commercial, “Ang pangit ni (name of model); ang itim pa niya” [“How ugly she is; and she is so dark”], little knowing that so many people had already told her daughter her “truly Filipina” looks and morena color reminded them of a younger (name of model). Nastiest.

What’s a girl to do? I took it all in. Cried a little. Wallowed in self-pity a little. Cursed a little. Sighed a little. Contemplated tearing out their hair or gouging out their eyes a little.

But I was generally OK. I comforted myself with the thought that, cliché though it may be, every girl is beautiful in her own unique, quirky way. It doesn’t matter how much a woman’s looks deviate from other people’s pre-conceived notions of physical beauty, because true beauty is so much more than rosy cheeks, perfect teeth, slender arms, not-a-strand-out-of-place hair, or flawless legs.

Again it is a cliché, but real beauty comes from within: essentially, what you get when you strip someone of her makeup, stylish clothes, snobbish job title, monthly salary, hunky boyfriend and what-have-you. It is what you get regardless of her age, complexion, body type, waistline, bra size or the shape of her nose. It is strength and resoluteness of spirit, integrity, compassion, passion, plus a lot of wit and good-natured humor. Beauty is moving with ease and confidence, being straightforward, making no excuses, enjoying life.

I’m still the same fugly girl, going by the conventional standards of beauty. No fairy godmother has come into my life and magically changed my looks. It was my attitude and outlook in life that changed. And that was when the magic kicked in.

I am what I am and I love what I see in the mirror every day. The ugly duckling has not turned into a beautiful swan, but it has become a full-grown, wiser duck.

People say true beauty radiates from within and that there’s a certain delicate beauty in minimalism and simplicity.

Because I grew up believing I was ugly, I found it uncomfortably amazing that someone actually described this duckling as someone “who looks so plain and so simple at first glance but has the unexpected beauty that creeps up and grows on you the longer you look at her -- ‘paganda nang paganda’ [growing more and more beautiful].” And that’s verbatim again.

To this day, my heart still skips a beat whenever I hear people tell me in all sincerity that I am simple but beautiful. The key word here is “sincerity,” and I can’t ask for more.

Crispy, 28, works in a government corporation as a communications specialist.

Students taken hostage in Philippines

2007-03-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Students taken hostage in Philippines
By PAUL ALEXANDER, Associated Press Writer

MANILA, Philippines - A day-care center owner hijacked a busload of his students and teachers and drove them to Manila's city hall Wednesday to demand better housing and education for the children.
ADVERTISEMENT

Jun Ducat and at least one other hostage-taker scribbled in large letters on a sheet of paper, taped to the bus' windshield, that they were holding 32 children and two teachers and were armed with two grenades, an assault rifle and a pistol, officer Mark Andal said.

One child with a fever was released after four hours, and then was driven away in an ambulance.

They said they were demanding improved housing and education for 145 children in a day-care center in Manila's poor Tondo district where the incident, televised live around the world, appeared to have begun. The driver was released soon afterward.

"I love these kids; that's why I am here," Ducat, identified by police and parents as the day-care center owner, told DZMM radio by cell phone. "We have a field trip. I invited the children for a field trip.

"You can be assured that I cannot hurt the children. In case I need to shed blood, I will not be the first to fire. I am telling the policemen, have pity on these children."

A standoff mounted as dozens of police surrounded the bus near Manila's city hall, and bomb squads and SWAT teams also were on the scene.

TV footage showed the young children, one in sunglasses, waving from the windows. A woman with her arm around a child could be seen making a hand signal asking for a phone as one of the gunmen held a grenade at her shoulder.

The woman reassuringly massaged the shoulders of one boy as she walked away from the front of the bus and the curtains were pulled shut. The children were allowed to wave again later, apparently to show they were OK, before the curtains were closed again.

Mothers of some hostages went on radio to tearfully appeal for their children's safety.

"We are asking him to free the children, to let our kids out," said Dema Arroyo, mother of 6-year-old hostage Angelica. "We will forgive him if he will free our children. We have no ill feelings toward him. He is a good person."

Ducat said he was asking in the children's interests.

"To the parents of the kids I am with ... I am asking for justice so they can have continued education up to college," Ducat said.

Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral talked with Ducat and offered assurances that the children would get a good education.

There were no details released on the ages of the children but the ones that could be seen through the bus windows appeared to be in early grades or preschoolers.

About 2 1/2 hours after the standoff began, Sen. Bong Revilla, who said he knows Ducat, was allowed to board the bus for negotiations.

Revilla emerged 45 minutes later and reported that the children were in good shape. He said Ducat was holding a grenade with the pin pulled out, and that his hands were shaking.

The engine of the purple-and-gray bus continued to run, providing air conditioning as midday temperatures reached 93 degrees. Ice cream was being brought for the hostages, Revilla said.

A police officer, standing about 15 yards away, held up a cardboard sign offering a telephone land line as another officer held up the handset. A third officer used a bullhorn.

Ducat, who claimed to have food for two days, refused to take the phone, saying he was afraid it would explode.

Ducat was involved in a 1989 hostage-taking with two priests in which he used fake grenades, but the priests did not press charges in what was described as a contract dispute.

In 1998, he climbed to the top of a tower to protest against the candidacy of a politician who he said was not a real Filipino citizen.

He was disqualified as a congressional candidate in 2001. It was not immediately clear why, but he was well known to local officials.

"I know him as a very, very passionate individual who has his own kind of thinking on the solutions to our problems," Manila Mayor Lito Atienza said. "But we cannot agree with his ways."

10 Ways To Win A Friend And A Way To Lose Him/Her

2007-02-20T02:51:00.000-08:00

1. Be Kind. Always treat people with kindness and humility.

2. Be Accommodating/Hospitable.

3. Always pretend as if you like to listen to his/her not-so-interesting stories

4. Be respectful. Remember that respect begets respect

5. Laugh with him/her. After all laughter is the best medicine (any connection?)

6. Try to be with him/her when he/she needs someone to talk to. ALways be at his/her side.

7. Be sensitive but never should you be over sensitive, Too much of everything is not good.

8. Praise him/her. If he/she needs to be praised for a job well done then he/she deserves it.

9. Have some time to talk about your lives - family, friends, etc. In short, try to know him/her better

10. Trust him/her. This may be difficult but if he/she is worth to be trusted then why not give him/her a chance!

And the way to lose him/her?
Just be honest and upfront and you will surely lose him/her.Believe me i've experienced it. It only shows that they are just friends, not real/true friends because if they are they would understand and appreciate your honesty.

-----

For those people who have betrayed me I still thank you for being a part of my life. Let me borrow some phrases from Simple Plan's Thank You... "Thank you for showing me that best friends cannot be trusted"!

About the Author:Glen is a graduate of Behavioral Studies at the University of the Philippines in Mindanao. He is currently working as Sales and Marketing Specialist for an Adveriting company in UAE. Visit his blog at www.gpsantillan.blogspot.com

Love, Forgiveness and Gratitude

2007-02-20T02:49:00.001-08:00

I get so frustrated with the futility of people’s lives. Most people are so concerned with trivialities and protocol that they completely fail to see the reasons why they are here on earth. I don’t mean that we should be irresponsible – there are some things that need to be done to earn a living or for the sake of safety or hygiene. And of course it’s always a good idea to pay your bills on time. But does it really matter if you didn’t watch a particular TV show tonight or if you ate tea an hour later than usual? Some people’s lives are so regimented that they are not consciously aware of what they are doing most of the time; most of their everyday functions are performed on autopilot.

And does it really matter if you don’t have the latest DVD, the fanciest mobile phone or more clothes than you can possibly fit into your wardrobe? I think many people need to get their priorities right! There are only three things in life that really matter - love, forgiveness and gratitude. Get these right and nothing else really matters; everything else will fall into place without a struggle. Of course you will still have challenges in your life but they will no longer seem insurmountable. Solutions will present themselves much more readily!

It isn't a coincidence that nearly all the songs we hear on the radio are about love because love really is what "makes the world go round". Without love we are nothing. I am not referring specifically to romantic love; we can love in many different ways. But the love of God goes beyond any mortal feelings. I would never have believed that a few short years ago. Regardless of what some religions may preach about God being jealous or demanding, that isn't true. God is pure love, nothing else. He loves us all without reservation, without judgment, no matter what we do in our lives or even if we believe in His existence. Hate is self destructive; it never hurts the person it is aimed at, only ourselves. Love is a much better solution.

We tend to think that when we have problems that someone else is to blame. But that is not the case at all. It is our own perception of the situation. We blame others so that we can avoid looking at the real issue behind the problem. Problems occur for one reason only and that is so we may learn a lesson. And that lesson is often about forgiveness.

Do you want a better life than what you have right now? I think most of us do. An important factor in improving your life is gratitude. When we take a little time each day to give thanks for what we have, we will open a channel to receive more of the good things. This is just the way the universe works. Thank God for the gifts you receive every day, thank your partner for being with you (and maybe putting up with your bad habits), thank your friends for being there for you when you need them, thank your children for choosing you to be their parent (and yes, we do choose our own parents before we incarnate into a human body). There are many things to give thanks for every day.

So life isn’t about blame, it’s about learning forgiveness. It isn’t about hate; it’s a lesson in love. And it isn’t about resentment; it’s a lesson in gratitude. As we learn these lessons and incorporate them into our daily living, the quality of our lives is vastly improved. And you will feel different because your life will be more peaceful and harmonious than it ever has been before. And you will attract a great deal more of what is good into your life.

About the Author:
My aim is to help as many people as possible realise their full potential from both a human and spiritual perspective. My website provides resources for personal and spiritual development including articles, newsletter and help available by email.Pat Campbell "TheArcher" http://www.eyeofthearcher.com.au/

The politics of loving

2007-01-14T23:48:00.000-08:00

The politics of loving

Danilo Araña Arao
Philippine Daily Inquirer (Youngblood), 14 February 1995, p. 9

LOVE cuts across all classes and races, and even activists cannot escape it, no matter how hard they try.

In line with this, I remember a true story written by Quijano de Manila and included in his book "Reportage on Lovers" about two Kabataang Makabayan members falling in love, and fulfilling a vow to watch each other's back as they pursue revolutionary ends. This love affair had a tragic twist for the man, since his beloved turned out to be a military agent who had him arrested. The moral of the story: Activists who fall in love must carefully investigate their partner's class background, which the man in the story surprisingly failed to do.

Indeed, progressives tend to believe that love cannot exist between two people coming from different social classes, for the simple reason that the prevailing class conflict would definitely go against them.

Of course, there is a way out for an impoverished person to end up with a rich loved one: The former should try to convince the latter to give up material wealth in favor of taking the side of the "lower" class. Theoretically, there is not much problem in case the couple comes from the same social class, since they are aware of each other's situation and would most likely be motivated to change society for the better --- if not for themselves, for the sake of their children.

Most progressive groups adhere to this concept of class love, and frown upon the elite's practice of sex love. The latter refers to love in its commercialized form, highlighted by material and sexual rewards. Contrary to popular notion that activists are promiscuous and are likely to be exposed to orgies during educational discussions or late-night meetings, they actually have the strictest policies prohibiting lovers from engaging in sex until after they are married.

Anyway, sex love prevails in our society today, as seen in promises of World Youth Day delegates to stay "clean and pure" until they walk down the aisle. It is also manifested by the Catholic Church's hardline stance against the use of artificial methods of birth control, since these may encourage promiscuity among today's youth.

The traditional celebration of Valentine's Day around the world also has vestiges of sex love, given the de facto obligation between lovers to give each other a valuable gift (the more expensive, the better). As confirmed by most World Youth Day delegates, there is also strong peer pressure to engage in sexual activities without being fully aware of birth control methods or even the grave implications of such acts (e.g., unwanted pregnancies).

Simply put, sex has become a commodity to be consumed mainly for pleasure. In the final analysis, this has also become a major cause of the degradation of women's status in society.

I guess all these are enough reasons to believe class love is better than sex love. After all, we can find relevance through the former and consequently remove the commercialism associated with loving. Suffice it to say that only through class love can we relate the feeling of care and being wanted with the prevailing societal conditions. In the process, we can ensure that our partners will work with us in the struggle for social emancipation.

With the passage of time, the love that exists between two people would be the key toward understanding the imperative for social action, which can go as far as revolution. If and when they reach this level of ideological development, it is likely that their marriage would be officiated by neither a fiscal nor a priest, and that their exchange of vows would take place in an area unknown to the "enemy."

Yes, time will come when misunderstandings will arise from the relationship, which are quite normal for lovers. But those engaged in class love know how to transcend petty squabbles given their deeper understanding of each other.

They possess the kind of love that does not diminish, but actually grows with the passage of time. After all, love for progressives is like the revolution. It is a protracted struggle where lovers fight not only for themselves, but for the nation's future.

At this point, I consider myself lucky, because...

-----------------------------------------

Danny Arao, 26, teaches Political Science at De La Salle University.

Change It Up

2007-01-14T23:21:00.000-08:00

Are you doing the same things you've always done but are somehow hoping for different results? It's been said over and over again that you can't expect different results from doing the same thing. If you're looking for different results, look at some ways to change your activities.

Are you frustrated with your results, but keep doing the same thing, thinking that some day the flood gates will open and success will come rushing your way? It's been said again and again by experts in many fields that you won't get different results by doing the same thing.

Seems like common sense, right? Then why do we continue to do the same things we always do but somehow expect to eventually get different results? Often we think that if we keep plugging along and "paying our dues" that someday all our hard work will pay off and we will be rewarded for our efforts. In some cases, that may be true, but it is certainly the exception rather than the rule. If we want different results, we need to change the way we do things.

Although sometimes it may be necessary to completely revamp your entire approach, in most cases, you probably only need to change a tactic or two to start seeing better results. And if you change something small, and it makes things worse, it's fairly simple to revert back to the method that was at least partially working for you, and you can change something else.

Use common sense. Analyze your approach and have a clear vision of what you want your results to be. Where would changes make sense and not be counter-productive? Do you have an experienced mentor you could consult who may be able to lead you in the right direction? Do you have a client base that you could conduct market research with to determine what would make them want to buy your product? If all else fails, you can always consult trusted friends, associates or even family members to get a fresh viewpoint on the situation.

Often, we are so consumed in our own tasks that it is hard for us to be objective and we often miss obvious answers that lie right before our eyes. Unbiased outsiders, however, are at an advantage, and sometimes those who are completely unexperienced in a given field can provide the most advantageous insights, albeit unwittingly. You may be looking at your situation from such a technical perspective that it never occurred to you that a completely common sense solution is right there.

Don't be afraid to try something new. You may be astounded by your results, and even if you aren't, you'll become more adaptable to change and more prepared to change to meet demands in your marketplace. Your changes don't have to be permanent. You are in charge of your own actions and destiny, so you can continue to change until you achieve the results you desire.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Angela is a Life Coach, and publisher of Life Synergy Solutions - Lessons From a Life Coach, a website dedicated to helping people achieve total success in all areas of their lives. Visit her website for more great articles and info, or to inquire about a free initial coaching session, at http://www.24success.com.

Career Advice: Three Secrets to Telling Your Story for Career and Life Success

2006-12-12T22:09:00.000-08:00

The following are three secrets to putting you on the fast track to career and job advancement:

When was the last time you received a job promotion? You are doing a great job at work but everyone else seems to get the promotion you want. You may even start making excuses as to why you are not getting the career promotions you deserve. Well, I ask you the following question:

Did you ever tell your story?

The following career advice story will show you how to put your career on the fast track:

Recently, I was facilitating an oceanfront retreat for over two hundred employees of a university. During this session, I had the participants think of something or somebody they appreciate. I then asked for volunteers to share with the group whom or what they appreciate and why this is important to them.

Lonnie volunteered and stood up in front of the group to share his thoughts of appreciation. Lonnie explained that in his job he helps children improve their lives. He mentioned that whatever the lowest pay and title scale was, he was at that level. However, he said that was all right because of the joy he received from helping the children. You could hear and sense the passion in his words as he shared his experiences with the audience.

About a month later, Lonnie was in another workshop I was facilitating, and he asked to speak with me before the start of the session. I could see the excitement in his eyes as he explained what had happened to him since the oceanfront retreat. One week after sharing his story at the retreat, he received a call from the Office of Academic Affairs. Someone of influence, who was impressed with Lonnie’s speech and the way he told his story that day, wanted Lonnie to come in for a job interview. Lonnie went to the interview and received the job of Assistant to the Dean of Academic Affairs, with a substantial increase in pay and title. That was a career quantum leap from just a couple of weeks earlier.

So what happened?

Lonnie told his story for career success. Like so many of you, you are toiling away in your careers everyday and making a difference for your organization. But if no one knows about your successes, your passions, and your ideas, you will not achieve job and career success.

The following are three secrets to putting you on the fast track to career and job advancement:

1. It’s Not What You Know... - I’m sure you have heard the old saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” when talking about getting ahead in life. Well, in this new age of information and self responsibility, I am declaring that this saying is dead. Instead, I always say the following:

“It’s not what you know. It’s not who you know. It’s who knows what you know that creates success for you.”

There are people doing a great job everyday. There are people everyday that know people of influence. Yet, unless these people of influence know what you know (your skills, your knowledge, your ideas), you won’t be put in a position for success. Lonnie, during his two-minute presentation, let people of influence know that he was passionate about helping children at his job and he was willing to do it for little compensation. That’s a powerful message. It moved people to help him and make him a part of their team.

2. Prepare Yourself for Powerful Story Telling – When the opportunity comes to tell your story, will you be prepared? Lonnie was prepared and made the most of his opportunity. However, I have seen many opportunities vanish for a person to tell his/her story because of the fear of speaking in front of a group or in a meeting. Whether it’s in a job interview, monthly meeting, or at a conference, have the confidence to tell your story. You may never get another opportunity to do so. Have the courage to work on your presentation skills. There are various resources for improving your presentation skills. You can take a class, join Toastmasters, or hire a presentation skills coach.

Also, outline what you will tell in your story. Think of your successes and how you achieved those successes. Thinks of the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Express the joy you felt while achieving your goals. Relate how your activities helped you develop your skills, your creativity, and your determination. Let your passion show in your story.

3. Create Opportunities to Tell Your Story – When Lonnie volunteered, he created an opportunity to tell his story. How can you create opportunities to tell your story? You can volunteer for job-related assignments and give reports during management briefings. You can be active in workshops or seminars and tell your story among a variety of people that normally might not be exposed to your story. Join various associations and groups and tell your story. This is a great way to network among people who are active in their industries. Contribute your story to your in-house publication, local newspaper, or magazine. Create a blog or website and tell your story. The more you tell your story to a wide variety of people, the greater the opportunity to increase your success. Apply these powerful career advice secrets and put your career advancement on the fast track. Tell your story and others will sit up and take notice.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ed Sykes is a professional speaker, author, success coach, and leading expert in the areas of leadership, motivation, stress management, customer service, and team building. You can e-mail him at mailto:esykes@thesykesgrp.com, or call him at (757) 427-7032. Go to his web site, http://www.thesykesgrp.com, and signup for the newsletter, OnPoint, and receive the free ebook, "Empowerment and Stress Secrets for the Busy Professional."

‘RP lost credibility in scrapping summit’

2006-12-12T22:07:00.000-08:00

‘RP lost credibility in scrapping summit’

The Philippine Star 12/13/2006

TOKYO (AFP) – Japan’s economy minister said yesterday that the Philippines lost credibility by postponing twin Asian summits this week and doubted Manila’s stated reason of an impending typhoon.

Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Akira Amari also said he believed the summits were effectively cancelled as the rescheduled January dates would not suit all the leaders.

The abrupt postponement of the ASEAN and East Asia summits "surely lowered the credibility of the Philippine government," Amari wrote on his blog.

"Officials concerned actually see the summits as de facto called off, considering the tight schedules of national leaders in the next six months," Amari said, in unusually blunt remarks about a friendly nation.

President Arroyo made a last-minute decision Friday to postpone the two summits in Cebu, citing an approaching typhoon.

The announcement came amid fears of a terrorist attack as Britain, Australia, the United States and other nations had warned against travel to Cebu.

"Considering the size of the typhoon and that it passed by Sunday morning, the reason for the rescheduling was difficult to understand," Amari wrote.

"(Philippine) media have reported the real reason might have been the warnings of a high possibility of terrorist attacks, released not only by Britain but also the United States immediately before the events," he said.

"It is extremely dangerous in security terms for leaders from 16 nations to gather at a hotel in Cebu, which is packed with tourists."

He contrasted the Philippines to communist Vietnam, which was host to the 21-nation Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit last month.

"The difference between the Philippines and Vietnam, which banned the entry of people not related to the APEC forum, was as clear as daylight," he said.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe went ahead with a shortened visit to the Philippines and held talks in Manila with Arroyo.

Reports have said Abe is unlikely to attend the postponed summits due to plans to visit Europe and parliamentary commitments.

Japanese foreign ministry officials refused to confirm the reports, saying the Philippine government was arranging the postponed events.

Do not let your outside influences get in the way of being successful

2006-12-12T22:03:00.000-08:00

There are so many people I talk to who are beaten down by outside influences, such as their spouses, family members, friends, and social influences. Everybody is willing to put their two cents in on what is right for you.

People have this bad habit of classifying individuals, and putting them in what they consider to be a suitable box. It really doesn’t matter if you are happy, fulfilled, or want to do better. People love to say the stereo typical things like, are you crazy, you have a family and responsibilities. What do mean you want to start a business and fulfill your life time dream?

Many of these people have a secret lives, and use the internet as a way of trying to build up the nerve to do what they want. They spend numerous hours looking at other people’s successes, and really it just makes them more and more miserable. Once and awhile they actually find a situation that makes sense to them, but as soon as they get really close, they back down because they do not want to deal with the backlash from the box people.

The long and short is not everybody is going to agree with what you want to do, believe in your idea, or see the benefits at the end. If you have the desire to change your life, do better, be successful, then you need to go for it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Arnold Nadler is a long-time entrepreneur and founder of The Startup Business Doctor, a private company specializing in helping new and small businesses get their company off the ground. Programs include professional coaching, franchise opportunities and inexpensive advertising packages. You can get more information at StartUpBusinessDoctor.com

TransCo assures typhoon-hit areas power restored before Christmas

2006-12-11T22:16:00.000-08:00

TransCo assures typhoon-hit areas power restored before Christmas
By Donnabelle Gatdula
The Philippine Star 12/12/2006

The National Transmission Corp. (TransCo) yesterday assured the residents of the affected areas of the recent typhoons that it is trying its best to put electricity back before Christmas.

TransCo said the power restoration works in the islands of Samar, Leyte, and Panay have already begun following the onslaught of typhoon Seniang in the Visayas.

Just a week after super typhoon Reming toppled steel towers and transmission line facilities in Southern Luzon, TransCo has dispatched anew its linemen and other field personnel to start power restoration works in the Visayas.

TransCo vice president for Visayas and Mindanao Operation and Maintenance Lorrymir Adasa said that TransCo linemen have already energized yesterday four typhoon-affected lines — the Panitan-Roxas, Panitan-Mianay, and Mianay-Dao 69-kV lines in Panay, and the Babatngon-Tacloban 69-kV line in Leyte.

Power has also been fully restored in Cebu yesterday afternoon following the energization of the Compostela-Medelin 69-kV line.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, 99 percent of Samar, 38 percent of Panay, and 13 percent of Leyte are still without power because of typhoon Seniang’s strong winds.

TransCo has already deployed emergency restoration structures (ERS) in strategic locations to serve as temporary towers to replace damaged steel and wooden poles.

Adasa said aerial surveys via a helicopter and an airplane to assess the scope and magnitude of damage has already started in Cebu and will continue tomorrow in Panay, Samar and Leyte as soon as weather and visibility conditions improve in the said areas.

Moreover, National Electrification Administration (NEA) administrator Edith Bueno said they are coordinating with various electric cooperatives in power restoration on the distribution side in Bicol, Mindoro and Marinduque.

She said a special group, Task Force Kapatid, is in place in these areas at present.

According to Bueno, there are 370 line personnel from ECs in North Luzon (Regions 1 and 2), Central Luzon, Region 4 (Batangas EC), and the Visayas (Regions 6,7 and 8) together with 35 boom trucks, line trucks and other vehicles that have been deployed in these areas.

The NEA chief said they have sought the help of these ECs to help put back power in the major backbone lines of these ECs before Christmas.

She said as of now, Naga is lighted and its surrounding area coverage, Pili and Iriga of Camarines Sur, Ligao and Pulangi of Albay.

Bueno said the schedules for energization in these areas are synchronized with TransCo.

"NEA is in-charge of the overall restoration for the distribution systems of ECs. We have created seven teams of engineers to supervise restoration," she said.

Five Lies You Are Being Told

2006-12-11T22:10:00.000-08:00

Have you heard these common lies, and do you know what the truth is?

We hear lies all the time. Of course we know that when a politician says "no new taxes," he is lying. But then there are the more subtle lies that aren't so easily spotted. Here are five lies you should watch out for.

The Bigger Size Is Always Cheaper

It used to be true. The "family" or "institutional" cans, jars and packages of food cost less per ounce. Some retailers have recently been overpricing large items knowing that many will assume they are the better buy without doing the math. Look at the price per ounce or pound.

News Can Be Objective

There are unlimited "stories," but limited time or paper. Should a reporter cover the building of a new school, or the opening of a new clothing store, or the famine in some African country? Even if every fact is correct, choosing to cover one story over another reveals a bias, as does choosing how to cover it. It is better to simply understand what those biases are than to pretend that news can be objective.

Alternative Medicine Is Dangerous

Dangerous compared to what? Heart doctors have thousands die on the operating table and no one says a thing. If one person dies from after using an herb, though - even if thousands have been saved by it - there are calls for it to be banned. All treatments have their risks, but let's be fair in our comparisons.

Statistics Are Objective

It is all in how they are used. If an oil company's profit on assets rises from 4% one year to 8% the next, did profits rise by 4% or 100%? That depends on who's counting. Rising 4% to an 8% profit still leaves them below the profit levels of most businesses, they might honestly point out. Of course, they did make a 100% more money this year, a reporter might note, to whip up an anti-oil company "story".

If It Saves One Life It's Worth It

Each of us can rightfully put unlimited value on our own lives. Actions to save others lives, though, have to take into account the cost. As a nation, we could save 45,000 lives by strictly limiting highway speeds to 20 miles per hour, but that is too high a price for us. The question then, is how much is it actually worth to us to save a life. Looked at in this honest way, more lives will be saved, because regulations will be aimed at maximum efficiency in achieving results.

There are hundreds of common lies that we are told by "experts," politicians, and salesmen. Sometimes we can spot the lie a mile away, and other times they are subtle and believable. Sometimes they are lies we want to hear.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Copyright Steve Gillman. Discover more lies in the e-book "99Lies", part of the "You Aren't Supposed To Know" package at: http://www.TheSecretInformationSite.com

Quick Weight Loss: Treadmill Workouts Offer An Effective Remedy

2006-12-11T21:36:00.000-08:00

Most people do not realize the urgency of losing weight. It is thus essential to find a way that is handy as well as quick for your weight loss. One very healthy alternative is working out on a treadmill. No other equipment could be as better as treadmill in offering you quick weight loss with little or probably no side effect.

If you are the one afflicted with obesity or who carry a weight that is not suited to your height and built, you must resort to lose your weight. If you don't do so you may fall prey to various severe complications. Most of the Americans are badly struck by this menace of excess weight that has resulted in high incidences of cardiovascular complications across the United States. The reason behind this high incidence of cardiac complication is your negligence towards your increased weight.

Most people do not realize the urgency of losing weight. It is thus essential to find a way that is handy as well as quick for your weight loss. One very healthy alternative is working out on a treadmill.

No other equipment could be as better as treadmill in offering you quick weight loss with little or probably no side effect. Motorized treadmills with their preprogrammed workouts for weight loss offer you an effective remedy to your obesity.

People of all age groups can easily perform workout on treadmills to shed their weight. Treadmills through display panels enable you to know details of losing weight. By constantly keeping track of shedding you can do workout as per your requirement.

Treadmill particularly proves beneficial for cardiac and high cholesterol patients and helps them reduce their weight without affecting their vulnerable physiological condition. Specialized cardiac treadmills come with preprogrammed cardiac exercises that are of great assistance to cardiac patients in lowering their weight and in turn helps keep their cholesterol under control.

Losing weight through treadmills can definitely be enjoyable experience as lots of customized options are available on treadmills these days. For example you can listen to music or watch your favorite album while doing weight loss workout on it.

Treadmill saves you from monotony of jogging or walking exercise and is far better equipped to help you in your quest to shed weight. Treadmills with varying incline and speed breaks monotony of workout session.

Treadmill comes in a wide variety. You may buy a treadmill seeing your weight loss need. If you don't have an increased weight loss and a little extra fat is there on you, you may choose a walking treadmill as you don't need too much of exercise. However if you are obese and your weight has become a hindrance in your normal activities you should opt for a running treadmill as you are needed to perform rigorous exercises.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The auther writes articles on different topics. To get more weight loss articles visit http://www.thelosspill.com/

‘Seniang’ leaves 3 dead

2006-12-10T21:38:00.000-08:00

‘Seniang’ leaves 3 dead
By James Mananghaya
The Philippine Star 12/11/2006

Disaster officials said nearly 60,000 people left their homes in Albay for fear of another deadly mudslide from Mayon volcano. A rain-triggered avalanche of mud and ash from Mayon at the height of typhoon "Reming" on Nov. 30 left close to 2000 people dead or missing. Seniang was barely felt in Cebu, where two major regional summits had been postponed due to the typhoon.

The government postponed the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and East Asia summits to January next year due to typhoon worries, but some quarters believe a looming political unrest was behind the decision.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, Seniang was at 90 kilometers northwest of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, with winds of 120 kph near the center and gustiness of about 150 kph.

Anthony Golez, deputy administrator of the Office of Civil Defense, said only the villagers living in hazardous areas such as near waterways or mountains were evacuated.

Details on the casualties were sketchy, but one was believed to have died in Tacloban City where two others were reported injured. In Tanauan, Leyte, a man suffered injuries after being hit by a falling tree.

An NDCC bulletin said 8,292 passengers were stranded in various ports in Regions V, VI, VII and VIII.

Region VIII, except Southern Leyte, remained without power. Bantayan Island and the rest of the northern part of Cebu, particularly the towns of Liloan, Compostela, Carmen, Catmon, Bogo, San Remegio, Tudela, Camotes Island and Danao were without electricity as of yesterday.

As heavy rains lashed the Bicol region yesterday, families huddled in schools and churches serving as evacuation centers, sleeping on mats and cardboard sheets laid upon concrete floors.

Some of those evacuated were allowed to return home but others were told to stay in the evacuation centers due to fears the continuing rains would result in new mudslides. The massive mudslides buried whole towns.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Seniang did not bring much rains and winds to Cebu City, and in fact had already weakened considerably when it hit the city on its way to Bantayan Island.

Chief weatherman Nathaniel Cruz said Seniang only brought about 55 millimeters of rain in the city compared to the more than 100 millimeters in other areas affected by the typhoon.

He declined to say whether the summits would have been successful had organizers pushed through with it today.

Seniang forced the cancellation of some domestic flights of Philippine Airlines, Southeast Asian Airlines (SeaAir), Cebu Pacific Airways, Air Philippines, and Asian Spirit. SeaAir said it will resume flights today to accommodate those affected by the cancellation of flights last Sunday.

Alfonso Cusi, Manila International Airport Authority general manager said no international flights were affected by Seniang. He said he expects domestic air traffic to normalize today.

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said that based on the weather bureau’s advice there will be regular classes today except in areas still reeling from the effects of Reming. Classes in these areas will resume in January.

Storm signal No. 3 (100-185 kph winds) was still hoisted over southern Occidental Mindoro, southern Oriental Mindoro and the Calamian Group of Islands.

Storm signal No. 2 (60-100 kph winds) was up over the rest of Mindoro, Romblon, Aklan, Antique and the islands of Lubang and Cuyo.

While signal No. 1 (30-60 kph winds) was in force in Masbate, Sorsogon, Albay, Burias Island, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Marinduque, Batangas, southern Quezon, Laguna, Cavite, Bataan, Metro Manila, Iloilo, Guimaras, Capiz, and northern Palawan.

Seniang was seen at 250 kms northwest of Coron this morning. By tomorrow morning Seniang will be over the South China Sea. Seniang is the 19th weather disturbance to hit the country this year. With Helen Flores, Rainier Allan Ronda, AFP, AP

May I Have Your Attention, Please? Five Ways to Retain Focus and Stay in the Moment

2006-12-10T21:37:00.000-08:00

Whether you find it difficult to remain attentive with customers, peers, family or yourself, the ability to remain connected without daydreaming is possible. So how do you stay present and in the moment? The following are five ways to help keep your head in the game and strengthen your attentiveness skills:

Today many of us frequently feel stuck in overdrive - days crammed with too much to do mixed with an unhealthy dose of frequent distractions, all vying for our attention at the same time. This can cause our minds to be constantly racing which, in turn, can make focusing our attention seem like an impossible task. Is it any wonder we find it difficult to pay attention for more than ten seconds at a time without a sense of dread that we might miss something?

When our attention is spread too thin, we run the risk of putting our relationships in peril. Once others believe you have willingly disregarded their presence, whether intentional or not, your inattentiveness can foster ill-feelings including anger, annoyance or resentment. Whether you find it difficult to remain attentive with customers, peers, family or yourself, the ability to remain connected without daydreaming is possible. So how do you stay present and in the moment? The following are five ways to help keep your head in the game and strengthen your attentiveness skills:

Practice doing one thing at a timeWhenever possible, do one thing at a time. Whether it’s your children describing their day or your partner boosting about a big accomplishment, stop what you are doing and focus solely, giving this person your undivided attention.

Make contactAs you focus solely on the conversation, make eye contact. You’ll find it’s difficult to maintain eye contact and multitask at the same time. Listen with your entire being (mind, body, spirit) and show others you are present and completely focused on the conversation – smile, nod, raise your eyebrows, shrug your shoulders, light up your eyes.

Slow downMany of us are conditioned to be in a rushed state of mind because we live in a society that demands achievement be attained quickly. This is precisely the reason many of us find it so difficult to concentrate on one thing at a time. In the rush of “doing,” the special moments pass us by. Make a commitment to slow down and focus on the here and now.
Commit yourself There are conversations we anticipate will progress quickly, and others we know will be time-consuming. When engaged in conversation, commit yourself to the time necessary to complete the dialogue. If you find the time allotted is insufficient to conclude the talk, arrange for a mutually beneficial time to complete the discussion.

See every interaction as an opportunity to connect Every contact you have with someone presents an opportunity to connect with that person, to learn a bit more about them. It’s important to remember you can choose to relate with others positively or negatively. Whenever you come upon someone, always ask yourself this question – “What will I miss if I choose to tune out?” Listen to your response, and let this guide your actions and your choice.

The ability to remain in the moment is a matter of personal choice. Make a commitment and follow these simple steps and you’ll expand your interpersonal skills to new heights of success.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joy Fisher-Sykes is a highly sought after expert, professional speaker, author, and success coach in the areas of leadership, motivation, stress management, customer service, and team building. You can e-mail her at mailto:jfsykes@thesykesgrp.com, or call her at (757) 427-7032. Go to her web site, http://www.thesykesgrp.com, and signup for the newsletter, OnPoint, and receive the free ebook, "Empowerment and Stress Secrets for the Busy Professional."

How Carrot Juice Can Boost Your Life

2006-12-10T21:32:00.000-08:00

Carrot juice isn't just good for your night vision - it's also good for bone development, energy, healthy skin and reproduction! Learn how carrot juice can give your diet the boost that it needs in this informative article.

Drinking the "Miracle Juice"

Drinking carrot juice is one of the most popular ways that you can provide a boost to your diet. Frequently called the "miracle juice" due to carrot juice's many healthful benefits, many people the world-over have seen greatly improved health from drinking carrot juice on a regular basis. Not only is carrot juice delicious on its own, carrot juice is also ideal to combine with other juices to make a drink the whole family can enjoy. And juicing carrots is easy!

Carrot Juice is the Richest Source for Many Vitamins

Carrot juice is one of the richest sources of vitamin A, as well as an excellent source of other vitamins, such as B complex. Carrot juice is rich in mineral content with high levels of calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, chlorine, sulfur, and iron. Vitamin A is needed for the body for many essential functions such as:

Good vision, especially at night or in darkened conditions
Good bone and tooth development
Healthy reproduction, both for the male and the female
For healthy skin and mucous membranes. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to dry, rough and scaly skin. Increasing Vitamin A is a fast way that restores and heals healthy skin and can prevent future problems
Protection of the body through its use as an antioxidant, potentially reducing the risk, or even rid the body, of certain cancers and cancer tumorsResistance to infectious diseases
Vitamin A is especially necessary in the diet of expecting mothers to build up and maintain the health of both the mother and the developing child. Fresh carrot juice should be included in the diet, not only during pregnancy, but also while nursing the baby.

How to make Carrot Juice

Juicing carrots is fast. Preferably buy organic carrots to gain even more benefit and better nutrition. Clean the carrots using water and a stiff vegetable brush. Do not peel, as valuable vitamins and minerals are contained in the skin and the upper surfaces. Juice using any good juicer machine from one of the major juicer manufacturers (buy online through our recommended suppliers.) Remove the carrot juice from the juicer. It should be drunk immediately it is made. If this is not possible, save the carrott juice in an air-proof container that should then be stored in a refrigerator.

Carrot juice can be blended with most other juices. Carrot juice is a delicious drink that can be enjoyed by all members of the family at any time of the day and drinking it will help cleanse the body and prevent illness.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

This article was written by Piers Crispin, a writer on consumer affairs. Please visit juicers.organic-knowledge.com for more information on Carrot Juice, as well as articles on juicing.

What If This Were Your Final Moment?

2006-12-06T01:37:00.000-08:00

What If This Were Your Final Moment? by Ann Stewart

What if you were hit with a sudden tsunami right now, without warning? You're lazing on a beautiful beach, when suddenly this humungous skyscraper of water is leaning over you! You have nowhere to go. In fact, you don't even have time to collect your thoughts and get up! What do you do? How do you react in that split second?

In situations such as this people have seen their whole life flash before their eyes. As I'm writing this, the Lord is reminding me of that very same thing I experienced so very long ago! On a trip to Colombia with my family, we were walking on a narrow foot bridge the width of a man, hung over a very steep ravine. You had to hold onto the thick horizontal cords which supported the swaying passage. In split-second three-year-old, I-can-do-it-myself exuberance, I had let go of my father's firm grip and slid through the flimsy rigging.

At this moment I'm surprised my memory is being brought back so vividly! The deep abyss was strewn with huge rocks. My three-year history flashed before my eyes at whirling speed. No; I do not remember those scenes, but wish I did!

I had landed between boulders on a patch of soft, horizontal patch of spongy moss. Praise God for the craggy obstructions that kept me from tumbling a long way down! All I remember was being surprised at how miraculously my father was right scooping me safely into his arms.

Whether a tsunami, stroke, or miss-step off a fragile hang bridge hits you by surprise, will you safely land in your Father's secure lap?

Will you be calling on the Name of Jesus? Do you know the Power that is in that Name? The Bible states that all who call on the Name of Jesus shall be saved. (Acts 2:21) "Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts. 4: 12)

Do you know where you're going after you die? Are you absolutely sure that you will be going to heaven? You can be, you know! But don't wait for something drastic to happen first! Today is the day of your salvation. (2 Cor. 6: 2)

God loves you so much that He sent His only-begotten Son to die for you. Everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) Mankind has inherited Adam's sinful nature. Jesus came down to restore your spiritual connection to God through His death on the cross. Just as Adam chose to disobey God, you have a free choice to receive His free gift of restoration. God will never force any action on your part.

God's Love is total and unconditional. Whether you are the worst sinner in the world, don't think you're worthy of God's love, or that somehow you have to earn it, know this: God Loves You! Reach out to Him; He is waiting for you.

"The Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear. (Isa. 59: 1) "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isa. 1: 18)

Why would God want to do that, you may ask? Because on the cross, Jesus was wounded for your failings, bruised for your sins, and punished for your peace! (Isa. 53: 5)

Take Him up on His offer of unconditional love. It is free and available to everyone. Be assured that when calamity suddenly comes rushing at you, you will know that the eternal God is your refuge, and that "underneath are the everlasting arms." (Deut. 33: 27)

About the Author
Ann Stewart is the author of "With Wings As Eagles" For encouragement, faith and inspiration in the storms of life, subscribe to her weekly newsletter: http://www.lifealteringwords.com

Highly Effective Habits of Wealthy People

2006-12-06T01:32:00.000-08:00

Highly Effective Habits of Wealthy People by Anandrahi

Most of the people think that they can amass a lot of wealth if they are lucky, or a wise professional tells them which career to choose. Although you may find a path to a good career with a sound advice but it is not the way to great riches. You can't even become very rich by dreaming about sudden inheritance from somewhere. According to researches 80% of the millionaires or billionaires are self-made.

These billionaires didn't inherit their wealth from parents or any uncle. They are first generation success stories. Amazingly none of them won any lottery ever. Lotteries are actually dangerous because they make the people lazy and ruin their life and career. Moreover most of the immensely rich people are not even highly qualified. You will get more acquainted with the idea if you read the short biographies of the highly rich people at the website of Forbes.

So how do most of the entrepreneurs become rich? They too have many weaknesses like all other people. You see them on TV; you read about them in the newspapers; you are amazed at their life style and accumulations. And you envy at their luck or achievement. If you have an opportunity of talking to them you will find them simple human beings like most of other people. Still they are very rich and successful because they have different way of thinking and habits.

1. BECOME PROACTIVE

Highly successful people are very confident and real go-getters. In spite of adverse circumstances or tough oppositions they always maintain a strong hope and continue working hard. They are ready to work 16 hours or more in a day to hit their target. Nothing can stop or daunt their efforts. Their thinking is always positive. Defeat is also a sign of future victory for them. So, hurdles and failures make them even more enthusiastic and determined.

2. THEORY OF SHORT JUMPS

They never wait for long jumps. Their objective is to move with determination in the direction of their aim. Mostly they believe in the theory of short jumps although they jump more often then you or me. And whenever there is right opportunity they go for long jumps too. But they know the wisdom that always going or trying for long jumps may actually disorganise your business ventures.

3. TRY DIFFERENTLY

While most of the people want to walk on the beaten path the highly successful people take risk and try a different way. But their new technique or way is always a calculative or well-thought move. Read the success stories of Bill Gates (Microsoft), Larry Ellison (Oracle), Richard Branson (Virgin), Murdoch (News Corporation) or Laxmi Mittal (Mittal Steel). They succeeded by inventing new products or new ways or doing business.

4. DON'T PAY INTEREST WITH YOUR EARNINGS

Instead of earning a lot most of the people are dying poor. The simple reason - they are becoming habitual of using credit cards, getting most of their things financed, applying for more and more loans. As a consequence they end up in paying almost half of their earrings in paying interest. Wily financial institutes and banks are coming with newer and clever schemes to suck your money out of you. They invest your money to earn more. Why can't you do the same? And till you do you will continue to live a hand to mouth existence.

So concentrate towards debt reduction seriously and gradually eliminate all the debts (one by one). Save money in bank, and invest a portion in gold so that you are able to manage without debt. Get new attitude of a winner now - Save First, Buy Later.

5. CONTROL YOUR EXPESES

Do maintain a diary of personal income and expenses. Watch your outgoing and incoming financial flow carefully. Cut down fat from your expenses to make your financial management healthy and sound. Many millionaires are extremely miser and save as much money and as they can. But entertainment and a few luxury items are also necessary to enjoy life. You are expected to curtail unnecessary expenses, and try to do your best with minimum amount.

Read more at: http://www.thewritersonline.com
About the Author
Anandrahi is international writer and educationistThe Writers Online Read or Write Your Way to Success Anandrahi.com Smart Way to Personal Development

How To Secretly Hypnotize Anyone Instantly

2006-12-06T01:26:00.000-08:00

How To Secretly Hypnotize Anyone Instantly

Some methods that produce immediate hypnosis are called as Instant.

And to produce this immediate or instant hypnosis we have two techniques and these techniques appropriately are called as instant induction techniques.

1. The first technique is based on post hypnotic suggestions. The subject when enters the deep hypnosis is given a signal which is an indication for him to go into hypnosis immediately.

This signal can be anything. A simple word, a touch on a particular place of body or even snap of fingers. But this should be agreed upon between the hypnotist and his subject (the person being hypnotized). The instruction or signal has to be given in a precise manner for the subject to carry it immediately.

This indication in form of a signal becomes permanent after a few repetitions.

2. The first one was inducing instant hypnosis after being hypnotized. Now in the second method, even without being hypnotized previously.

For this method to work, the person being hypnotized instantly has to believe that something usual is going to happen. After that, a sudden instruction of snap of fingers will make the person go into hypnosis.

The handclasp exercise good example for this. The subject is told to clasp his hands and that at the count of three he cannot free his hands. An instruction 'sleep' at the time when the subject is trying to free his hands takes his into hypnosis.

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The very fact that he is trying but unable to free hands is an indication that he is almost in a hypnotic state.

All the techniques of speed hypnosis, instant hypnosis or rapid techniques are based on the same principle that the subject should feel that something unusual is going to happen. A command to go into hypnosis does the rest.

Indirect or Disguised Technique
It simply means the approach is made in such a way that the person is guided into hypnosis without making him aware that the condition he is in right now is hypnosis.

This indirect method of hypnosis depends on the subject misconception of hypnosis. The average person's knowledge of hypnosis is that he has to be unconsciousness or asleep to be in a hypnotic state. Since unconsciousness and sleep has nothing to do with hypnosis, a person can be guided into hypnosis without he being aware of it.

In indirect or disguised technique the words hypnosis, sleep or relax are not used.

The best technique used in indirect hypnosis is progressive relaxation.

Waking HypnosisTwo ways to waking hypnosis

The first method is with post hypnotic suggestion. It means when the person is hypnotized and in a hypnotic stage he is told when he awakens, although he is wide awake in every respect, he will do exactly what is told.

When the hypnotist wakes the person he hypnotized and give simple suggestions which are within the scope of his level of hypnosis. For example when you tell him to raise his foot from the floor he cannot do it. You tell him he cannot separate his hands he cannot. This is waking hypnosis.

The second way is by extending the suggestibility tests. You can start this with simpler techniques like arm rising and falling test. And when this works you can do falling backward test and then later hands clasp test.

When a person is not able to separate hands in waking state it mean he is actually in waking hypnosis.

The important thing is the ability to accept or not accept suggestions depends upon thoughts, beliefs of the person being hypnotized. The mind is capable of doing many different things, but the person being hypnotized has to keep his mind exclusively focused on one main thing.

How to secretly hypnotize anybody and make them do what you want?
Whether you are a skilled with hypnosis or not, this is one mastery course you can’t afford not to add to your shelf.

Check out here before it is too late
http://www.hypnosisglobal.com/secretlyhypnotize
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pradeep Aggarwal is a world renowned hypnosis guru.
He offer free 15 part free ecourse on How to Become a Master Hypnotist.
Go and register here now at www.hypnosisglobal.com/ecourse.

Facts and Trivia: Chocolates

2006-12-06T00:51:00.000-08:00

Facts and Trivia: Chocolates

Job Openings - Job Hunting Tips: How to Get “That Job”

2006-12-06T00:42:00.000-08:00

Job Openings - Job Hunting Tips: How to Get “That Job”

A Journey to Remember: Phobia : Name it!

2006-12-06T00:39:00.000-08:00

A Journey to Remember: Phobia : Name it!

Travel & Leisure: Siargao Island: Hidden Tropical Jewel and the Philippine Surfing Capital

2006-12-06T00:34:00.000-08:00

Travel & Leisure: Siargao Island: Hidden Tropical Jewel and the Philippine Surfing Capital

What You Should Know About Filipina Girls!

2006-12-05T20:28:00.000-08:00

What You Should Know About Filipina Girls!
by: Xylene Belita

Interested about Filipina girls? Well, lucky you, you have made the right choice!

Let me tell you more about Filipina ladies... Filipina girls or Filipina women. Well, they are known worldwide for their stunning beauty and sweetness. Many beautiful Filipinas are considered as among the most beautiful women of the world. Beautiful Filipinas have won international awards on beauty contests worldwide.

These pretty Filipinas are not only beautiful Filipina women, but are also really a delight to be around you because of the famous Filipina disposition and personality, which is to be really sweet, cheerful and thoughtful. Can you imagine having a Filipina girl who will love you truly?!

Many Filipinas are looking for pen pals all over the world. So maybe, you want to find your Filipina pen pal? There are many websites out there. You can actually join chatrooms for free at several sites like yahoo, or at FilipinaKisses.com which is also free to join.

The average Filipina is cautious about how she conducts herself, especially Filipina girls coming from the provinces. This is because in the rural areas, everyone knows everything about everyone. So, to avoid being subject of the grape vines, you should be a Filipina girl who is proper in her actions.

What is being a proper Filipina girl? The Filipina, a 'True Filipina' in the Philippines, is really the girl who will take a man seriously, if only he is really willing to visit her family and introduce himself formally to her parents. It is rather inappropriate to court a Filipina girl and formalize the relationship without informing her parents! That is the way it is in the Philippines. It is always expected that the guy must show his face to the Filipina girl's family… or else her family will not approve of you!

Furthermore, Filipina women are expected to be playing hard to get. It is seen as an inappropriate behavior in a courtship dance if the Filipina women will be easy to get. It is also one way by which Filipina women can measure the sincerity of her admirer. Love and romance is a serious business with conservative Filipina women, whether they are from a city like Manila or the provinces.

If you fall in love with a Filipina, then you must rather court her in the conservative courtship way, and it is the way to win the Filipina heart. When you are going out with a Filipina, talking to her, or calling her on the phone. You can also have long distance Filipina dating through online chat, phone calls and emails. Eventually, you will be able to come and visit her someday.

You should be aware that the word 'Pinay' is the local language or Tagalog version of the word “Filipina”. It means a “Filipino woman”. The male version of it is the word “pinoy” which also means a “Filipino man”.

Many western men who marry a Filipina wife, swear they make the best wives in the world. A Filipina wife is not only beautiful, but is also loyal, loving and faithful forever. If you have not found your Filipina lady yet, consider joining Filipino dating sites like FilipinaKisses.com, and hopefully, you will find your Filipina dream girl.

The Filipina heart is sweet, loving, faithful, romantic, loyal and everlasting in their love. If you want to win the Filipina heart of a Filipina girl, you should be patient in your courtship and be really thoughtful and romantic. The Filipina heart will slowly melt to your heart's desire.

Filipinos, as citizens of the Philippines, are not only living in the Philippines but are also found all over the world. “Filipino” is a general term used to call both Filipino men and women, and it is also the national language of the Philippines. The Filipino men are handsome and romantic, and there are some foreign women who have finally figured out that the Filipino men can also be quite a catch.

There are many single Filipino women and Filipino men who are looking for chat, dating, romance, love, serious relationship and marriage. There are many Filipino singles to choose from, and you will surely find a Filipino single that will be right for you. I do recommend FilipinaKisses.com for meeting single Filipino men and women.

Remember, Filipina girls are very sweet, and very caring and loving in their ways. But first, you must win their Filipina hearts... from then on, you will be showered with all her love.

About The Author
Xylene Belita
Are you still single and searching? Visit http://www.FilipinaKisses.com and meet single Filipino men and women for online chat, friendships, dating, love, romance or more!

Aging In A Straightjacket? How To Avoid Being Old

2006-12-05T20:20:00.000-08:00

Aging In A Straightjacket? How To Avoid Being Old by: Barbara Morris, R.Ph.
by: Barbara Morris, R.Ph.

I recently asked my newsletter subscribers “What kind of help do you need but are not finding in your quest to Put Old on Hold”. One respondent replied, “How to stay young forever.”

Facetious answer? Doesn’t matter. Let’s be honest. Every woman (and probably every man) would like to stay young forever. While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, most would agree that a dry, wrinkled, debilitated face and body is not appealing.

But not to worry -- you can stay young forever.

First, let’s start with your face. You can buy beauty same as you buy a car – on time. Cosmetic procedures of all kinds are becoming easier, safer and more affordable. When you look as good on the outside as you are healthy on the inside, nothing beats the “wow” effect of a successful cosmetic procedure. You are back in the game.

Next, your body reveals what and how much you eat and if you exercise. If you can’t control food intake and are not motivated to exercise, you can always find a doctor who will suck fat out every inch of your body.

So much for physical beauty. It’s yours if you want it. You can look any way you want to look for as along as you want. You can keep guys gasping in wanton appreciation forever.

But you and I know that staying young forever is not all about looking like a Barbi doll. There is something far more important.

It’s about being young inside. It’s being 40-50 with “insides” that function like a 25 year old. And the only way you are going to achieve that is by conscientious attention to how you treat your body day in and day out. There is no magic pill. No doctor can do it for you.

Having “young insides” includes having a young attitude. If you can control what goes on in your head, you have it made.

You have to work at having a young attitude because everything in our society militates against it. Once past midlife, tradition dictates that you think, act, dress, walk and talk in socially accepted ways. It’s like a straightjacket; the older you get the tighter the straps on the straightjacket squeeze the young attitude out of you.

You have to hold onto a young attitude while you still have one. After it’s lost it’s tough to get it back.

Once you arrive at seniorhood, a young attitude is severely challenged. You begin to do “senior” things: you go to the senior center with like-minded friends, reminisce about the past, and trade stories about aches, pains and doctors. You go to bingo and the casino and do other socially accepted but stagnating things women your age are supposed to enjoy doing. (By the way – nothing wrong with bingo and all the rest if that's what makes you happy.)

You accept the culturally imposed straightjacket as “this is the way it’s supposed to be.” With each passing year, the straps on the straightjacket continue to tighten. Your reflection in the mirror gradually becomes that of a squeezed, drained, blank, little old lady.

Here’s the antidote: Don’t allow your young attitude to be hijacked by outdated cultural norms.

One of the best ways to avoid an old mindset is to choose friends very carefully. If you are 50 and associate primarily with other 50 year olds, you are going to adopt an old attitude before you know it. We learn from each other. We copy each other’s behaviors; we adopt each other’s thinking.

To stay young mentally, regular association with young people is a must. But don’t wait for them to come to you. Young people hang with other young people. They don’t have the maturity to pursue and value older friendships.

If you still work and meet younger people, you are in luck. If you are retired, get a job that puts you in contact with young people. Go back to school or volunteer to mentor young people.

I know from personal experience the value of being around young people. You won’t always like what you see or hear; you may be dismayed by some of their ideas and behaviors, but you will benefit from their energy, enthusiasm and openness. It will force you to rethink some of the social straightjacket thinking society foists on people as they continue to age past midlife.

A bonus: If you maintain a young attitude, and you are looking for a significant other, your chances of catching a “live one” escalate astronomically! Remember, youthfulness attracts youth; “oldness” attracts what is old.

About The Author

Barbara Morris, R.Ph. is a pharmacist and youth preservation strategist. She is author of Put Old on Hold. Sign up for her newsletter at http://www.PutOldonHold.com and receive bonus ebook, "Diva Tested Tips for Fabulous Skin."

TIPS On Making Money On The Internet! by Lance Teo

2006-12-05T04:53:00.000-08:00

Can You Make Money On The Internet! True or False?
There are many sites that you can easily find ways of making money on the internet, but obviously most of these are scams. Of course, making money on the internet is possible, but not in the ways that you are likely to be told.

There is no get rich quick scheme that is guaranteed - if someone had thought of the secret to make hundreds of thousands of dollars over night, they would be using it for themselves, not selling it to you for thirty bucks.

Nonetheless, it is possible to make money over the internet. First of all, you can work from home, which is always very nice. Besides that, there are many other advantages
to making money on the internet.

You can set your own hours, get money as soon as you complete your projects, and be your own boss. Besides this, if you are good at marketing yourself, the world wide web gives you unprecedented abilities to reach out to other people and make connections or sell your services quickly. However, there is no miracle solution. Just because you don't have to leave the house to make money on line, doesn't mean you don't have to hustle.

You have to develop them yourselves through getting referrals from people you have worked for. Although you often never meet the people you work for face to face, when you make money over the internet, it is basically just like anywhere else in life: it is all about the connections.
Here are some pointer that all of you out there should note. The survey site , majority of them are targeted at American citizen it about 3/4 of them . Only about 1/4 are reserve for international group. If there are 500 survey site that need to fill up , fill up at least 4/5 of it, it no pain no gain. Simply put it , you are not alone taking survey, there are thousand other competing for that 1 survey. But of course , if you get select once , the same company might knock on your door again.

Below is a list and guide of 20 most sought after money making site. Remember , if you don't like the product, you can alway ask for a refund. All of them come with a 100% money back guarantee between 30-60 days So it a win - win situation for all.

1) SurveyIncomeSystem - New #1 Survey Site
Take online surveys: from $5 to $75 each (sometimes more) Participate in Focus Groups: up to $150 per hour Try new products: $5 to $10 or even more (plus you get the products free!). Take telephone surveys: up to $120 per hour. Preview new movie trailers: anywhere from $4 to $25 per hour.

2) Forex Trading Machine
No interpretation or judgment required. Since this is a 100% mechanical trading strategy you will be trading completely stress free. This is key with ANY trading strategy. Human emotions is what ultimately breaks traders. With Forex Cash Cow you are guaranteed to not have this problem. The forex market is known for it's large price swings that when properly traded result in amazing profits. Forex Cash Cow not only trades these price swings with great success BUT it identifies only the best of the best swings, the top percent.

3) Free Trial Period - Make $1000 A Day!
Make a deposit to secure your spot for eight weeks to try this for FREE & pay only AFTER you make money!!

4) Google Cash.
Official Google Cash How to Earn Thousands Writing Google AdWords Part-Time updated w/ 24 videos.Google Cash will show you how to earn boatloads of cash, immediately, by writing moneymaking ads promoting the products and services of others. Every time your ad results in a sale, you get paid. But it gets even better than that. For some offers, all that is required is that the user signs up (for information, a free ecourse, etc.). You get paid every time a user signs up. He doesn't even have to buy anything! It's win-win for everybody concerned..

5) Cbmall: InfoProduct Affiliate Storefront
Profit from the best-selling CB products promoting one Url. Highly automated system with Cb Search Engine. Discover 15 Powerful Ways The CBmall System Creates AutoPilot Income For You

6) Surveys4Checks.com - New Survey Site!
Start taking surveys and making money today! Since most of our companies just provide you with a survey to fill out online or through email, you can start immediately after signing up. Within 25 minutes you can have your membership paid for, guaranteed or your money back! Pretty amazing deal isn't it?

7) Paid-Surveys-At-Home.com.
YOU WON'T FIND A BETTER JOB! Work from wherever you want, whenever you want. Your days belong to you again.

8) The Perfect Money Formula!
Free access to a website that will actually give you the Money Loophole opportunities available to you everyday. These websites are updated real-time and will provide a stream of opportunities everyday as and when they become available

9) TopOnlineSurveys.com
TopOnlineSurveys and its partners bring you fresh opportunities to express your opinions, participate in online focus groups, try out new products, be heard AND be paid to boot!!! How would you like to sit in the comfort of your own home, fill out surveys online, and participate in online focus groups and get a nice big paycheck at the end of the month!!

10) Dave's Cool Little Website.
Make Money With eBay, Adsense, and Clickbank , All From One Very Cool Little Website

11) SurveyScout.com - Paid For Your Opinions.
Whether you're looking to make a few extra bucks a month to cover a new car payment, or you're looking for a full-time income you can earn from home, this is one of the easiest and most fun ways to make money

12) Ultimate Wealth Package.
Get ready to start earning a full time income online working just part time from your computer. If you want to start making several hundred even up to a thousand dollars per day working just a few hours a week

13) SaleHoo: Wholesale Directory & Resources.
SaleHoo, you can be sure that you will find only the best and most GENUINE, LEGITIMATE wholesalers and distributors that will sell you original, brand new, products at the most unbelievably discounted prices, plus thousands of other wholesale suppliers that will ship anywhere in the world and even some of the time the shipping is FREE! Free help for beginners!
14) The Multiple Streams Of Income System!
Included in the Forex Enterprise system is a Custom Turnkey Money Making Website that helps you start earning immediately. When your own site is created, you'll have a place online to start building your opt-in list, but you'll also have unlimited earning power in the form of affiliate sales and Google AdSense revenue!

15) Jason James Presents: Membership Riches.
How to quickly create your own wealth-generating power house from scratch - even if you don't know nuts about programming or running a membership site

16) Brand New Paid Survey Site!
Best Tracking System On CB! Just sign Up and it Works! Now with Msn/Google/Yahoo Tracking!

17) The Rich Jerk.
From Google Adwords, to Google Adsense. From search engine optimization, to sales letters. From wholesale buying & selling of the hottest consumer products on Ebay, to unique investment opportunities

18) LegitOnlineJobs Cb's Best Work At Home.
99% of income opportunities are scams, and that he could show you a Real Opportunity to Earn $200+ Per Day working from the comfort of your home... would you be interested? Video Guide Plus Over A Dozen Other Work At Home Offers!

19) Wanna Quit Your Job With Google Adwords?
Formula for making $ from Adwords, in super rapid time, and from just a few top secret techniques, that the "other guys" won't tell you about.Most Adwords guides are no help... you need an edge if you plan on making a real killing... and that is where the unique Adwords Miracle package comes in.

20) UncleSamsMoney - Cb's #1 Grants Program.
Grant programs are not Loans. You decide how much you need. As long as the amount is lawful and you meet the Foundations and Government Agencies Requirements, the money is yours to keep and never needs to be repaid. This grant money is non-taxable and interest-free! Grant programs don't require a credit checks, collateral, security deposits or co-signers, you can apply even if you have a declared bankruptcy or have bad credit. You as a tax payer and U.S. citizen are entitled to apply for this money.

About the Author
Author Info ...
Feel free to use this article on your website or ezine as long as the following information about author/website is included. http://www.makemoneyhappily.com/lance/

ABC's of Success: Making Your Dream Come True

2006-12-05T02:39:00.000-08:00

"To follow without halt, one aim; there is the secret of success. And success? What is it? I do not find it in the applause of the theater; it lies rather in the satisfaction of accomplishment." (Anna Pavlova

Any success in life involves a blending of mind and heart with action. Only by committing our intellect, will, time, and energy can we achieve that Olympic gold, that certificate of appreciation, or that "A" on a spelling test.
When we look at high achievers in any field or endeavor, we see common elements. Whether we want to follow their lead and go for the gold or whether we want to set less ambitious goals or none at all, the model is there and the decision is ours.

The ABC's of winning:
A: An accomplishment or goal. We conceptualize an achievement, such as running a three-minute mile, winning an election, or losing 20 pounds of excess body fat.
B: Belief in the goal. We recognize our objective as achievable, that is, within human grasp. Playing Rachmaninoff's concerto or growing a 1000-pound pumpkin must be, for us, a real possibility.
C: Confidence in our ability to achieve the goal. Believing we can succeed builds gradually from birth. When even our minor accomplishments are recognized, approved, and rewarded by those significant in our lives, our self-confidence grows. We internalize their views and feelings; and when these positive self-images combine with an inherent talent, accomplishment is unlimited:
"When I was a child, my mother said to me, 'If you become a soldier, you'll be a general; if you become a monk, you'll end up as the Pope.' Instead, I became a painter and wound up as Picasso."
Believing in, first, the achievability of a goal and, second, our ability to reach the goal, sets the stage for action and becomes for us a self-fulfilling prophecy:
"If you think you can, you can. And if you think you can't, you're right." (attributed to both Henry Ford and Mary Kay Ash)
D: Defining the goal as worthy of pursuit and deciding to work for it. At this point our values enter the picture. Is it more important to become a firefighter or an American Idol? Our value system shapes our personal decisions about what is and what is not worth pursuing.
Kaitlyn, six years of age and in the first grade, outdistances her peers on the track. Her red shoe markers--earned for every five miles completed--are multiplying quickly. Will she see her newly-discovered ability as worthy of her passion and dedication? Will she choose to devote time and energy to pursuing track records or other unrelated accomplishments? What she deems worthy will direct her decision.
E: Setting an effective step-by-step action plan and exerting effective effort. The stories of the most accomplished persons illustrate the time and energy needed to perfect a golf swing or become a prima ballerina. "Practice makes perfect," our mothers told us. Vince Lombardi put it this way:
"Dictionary is the only place that success comes before work" (Vince Lombardi)
Sustained effort requires a passion and zeal truly our own. What once may have been the dream of others for us, translates into accomplishment only when the burning desire becomes lodged deep in our heart.
"Success isn't a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire." (Arnold H. Glasow)
F: Following through with constancy of purpose and dedication and allowing failures to be only temporary setbacks. Tenacity and persistence are messages many children hear around the dinner table and on the playing field: "The Connollys don't quit," "Don't give up, and don't give in." or "Quitters never win, and winners never quit."
Success, thus, means following the lead set by exemplars of excellence. First, look carefully at your interests and find something you are passionate about. Look realistically at the skills you currently possess as well as your potential. Rather than a headlong, helter-skelter dash, set a plan and bolster your self-confidence by focusing on minor accomplishments. Don't be surprised by setbacks, and don't be fearful of them. Detours on the road to success are only temporary glitches. Work through them and keep your eyes on the ultimate goal. Follow the roadmap you have set and visualize success while you enthusiastically devote time and effort. Enlist the aid and support of family and friends. Telling them about your plans can help keep you on track. In addition to the emotional support, you may need their support in other ways. And, most importantly, never give up.
2006 All Rights Reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sally A. Connolly, a retired school counselor and teacher, is editor of A BOY FROM LAWRENCE: The Collected Writings of Eugene F. Connolly (2006). Midwest Book Review says this verbal scrapbook of a teacher’s spiritual journey is “filled with such treasures. It is recommended for those in need of comfort, illumination, redirection, grace, or prayer.” For more information, go to http://www.freewebs.com/aboyfromlawrence.

Instill New Positive Habits

2006-12-05T02:32:00.000-08:00

Instill new positive habits into your daily routine and discover the key to gradually becoming a better person with minimal effort.

Do you know how long it takes to form a new habit? On average, it is said that it takes about 21 days, or three weeks, to form a habit. So with the New Year approaching us, I thought it appropriate to talk about instilling new positive habits for those of us who set New Year's resolutions. With that being said, also note that it takes about twenty-one days to break an old, bad habit. So whether you're trying to start something positive, or rid yourself of a negative habit, the news is good - three weeks. Three weeks doesn't seem all that long if you think about it, now does it?

With the three-week goal in mind, developing new habits or getting rid of old doesn't seem that intimidating. All you have to do is focus on those first three weeks, and after that, the going gets easier. Even if you don't have any bad habits you want to get rid of (if that's you, I'd encourage you to take a closer look, we all can improve somewhere), it's important to continue the self-improvement process by trying to pick up little positive habits here and there. It doesn't even have to be anyting major, such as vowing to get up three hours early every morning to do a high-intensity cardio workout. The little things are sometimes just as important. Decide to make a habit of taking the dog for a walk each morning, or taking a bag of baby carrots to work to snack on instead of buying potato chips from the vending machine.

It takes three weeks to form a new habit, so if you pick a little thing here and there and work on it for awhile, you can pick up new little positive habits pretty frequently. When all those little positive habits start to build up, you can look back and be proud of all the positive changes you've made in your life. Start small before tackling the big ones. Take five minutes each morning before you get out of bed to think positive affirmations. This alone could make a tremendous difference in each day of your life, and allow you to start your day in a positive and happy mood. Once you've tackled several small things, you will start to feel more confident in your abilities to change your behaviors and you'll feel like you can do anything (and, of course, you can!).

The key here is to make sure you diligently follow through each and every day for the first three weeks. We want to make a new habit, so these things become part of your daily routine without you even thinking about them. We don't want you to do something and have to force yourself to suck it up and do it each and every time, we want it to come naturally, so you feel good about it. Think about how good it will feel when a friend asks you how you manage to stay so fit, and you casually respond that you get up half an hour early every single day and go for a jog. Your friend will then praise you for being so driven and dedicated. You can secretly chuckle because it's not that big a deal for you - it's just what you do without even thinking.

Once you master a new habit, pick another one. Soon you will find yourself doing all sorts of wonderful things that are good for you, and it's just your way of life. Hopefully, picking a new positive habit will also eventually become a habit for you, and a part of your routine that you look forward to. It's a small step to take towards becoming the person you know you can be.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Angela is a life coach, and is webmaster and owner of the website Life Synergy Solutions, a site dedicated to being the best, most comprehensive guide to personal and professional development.

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2006-12-05T00:14:00.000-08:00

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Location of Philippine Embassy

2006-12-04T23:59:00.000-08:00

PHILIPPINE EMBASSIES(as of 13 October 2006 )

1. ABU DHABI
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES H.E. (Mr.) LIBRAN N. CABACTULAN Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Villa No. 2 Street 5, E-18/02, Plot No. 97behind Al Falah Plaza, Madinat Zayed P.O. Box 3215, Abu Dhabi UNITED ARAB EMIRATESTel. Nos. (00-9712) 641-5922 / 641-5944 / 641-3212Fax No. (00-9712) 6412559Email: mailto:%20philemae@emirates.net.ae/ abudhabipe@dfa.gov.ph

2. ABUJA
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES H.E. (Mr.) MASARANGA R. UMPA Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 16 Lake Chad Cresent cor. Kainji St.Maitama District, Abuja, P.M.B. 8092, WUSEFEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIATel. Nos. (234-09) 413-3649 / 7981/ 7982Fax No. 00-234-9-413-7650Email: abuja_pe@yahoo.com / abujape@dfa.gov.ph (Jurisdiction: Burkina Faso)

3. AMMAN
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES H.E. (Mr.) JOSE P. DEL ROSARIO, JR.Ambassador Extraordinary and PlenipotentiaryNo. 5 Salem Al Batarseh St., Al Sahil AreaWadi Al Seer, Amman, JORDANP.O. Box 925207, 11190 Amman, HASHEMITE KINGDOM OF JORDANTel No. (962-6) 592-3748, 592-9402, 592-9403Fax No. 00-962-6 592-3744 / MP: (962-77) 743-5435Email: mailto:ammanpe@index.co.jo/ ammanpe@dfa.gov.ph

4. ANKARA
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES H.E. (Mr.) BAHNARIM A. GUINOMLA Ambassador Extraordinary and PlenipotentiaryNo. 56 Mahatma Gandhi Caddesi, Gaziosmanpasa, 06700, Ankara, TURKEYTel. Nos. (90-312) 446-5831Fax No. 00-90-312-4465733Satellite Phone: (90-592) 2111779Email: mailto:%20ankarape1@marketweb.net.tr / mailto:ankarape@dfa.gov.ph / mailto:%20athenspe@dfa.gov.ph(Jurisdiction: Cyprus)

6. BAGHDAD
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESMR. WILFREDO R. CUYUGAN Charge d'Affaires, a.i.House No. 4, Zukak No. 22, Mahalat 915Hay Al-Jamia, Al-JadriyaP.O. Box 3236, Baghdad, IRAQTel. Nos. (964-1) 778-2247 / MCI No. +1-914-360-5098Satellite Phone No. 00-88216-6322-5158Email: baghdadpe@dfa.gov.ph
BAGHDAD SATELLITE OFFICE IN AMMANGround Floor, Philiuppine Embassy - Amman BuildingNo. 7 Salem Al Batarseh St., Wadi SeirAmman, HASHEMITE KINGDOM OF JORDAN

7. BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Ms.) VIRGINIA H. BENAVIDEZAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary No. 17 Simpang 126, Km. 2, Jalan Tutong,Post Code BA 2111, Bandar Seri Begawan, BRUNEI DARUSSALAMTel. Nos.(673) 2241465; 2241466; 2238845Fax No.00-673-223-7707Email: mailto:%20bruneipe@brunet.bn / mailto:%20bruneipe@dfa.gov.ph Website: http://www.philippineembassybrunei.net/

8. BANGKOK
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES H.E. (Mr.) ANTONIO V. RODRIGUEZAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 760 Sukhumvit Road, cor. Soi Philippines(Soi 30/1) Bangkok 10110, THAILANDTel. Nos. (662) 259-0139, 259-0140; 258-5401Fax No. 00-66-2-259-2809 / 259-7373Email: mailto:bangkokpe@dfa.gov.ph inquiry@philembassy-bangkok.net Website: http://www.philembassy-bangkok.net/

9. BEIJING
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Ms.) SONIA C. BRADYAmbassador Extraordinary and PlenipotentiaryNo. 23 Xiu Shui Bei-jie, Jian Guo Men Wai, Beijing, 100600PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINATel. Nos. (008610) 653-22518; 6532-2451; 6532-1872 & 6532-4678 Fax No. 00-8610-65323761; 6532-1921ATN Hotline (Mobile Phone) 13911180495Email: mailto:%20beijingpe@cinet.com.cn / beijingpe@dfa.gov.ph Website: http://www.philembassy-china.org/

10. BEIRUT
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Mr.) AL FRANCIS C. BICHARAAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 1st and 2nd Floors, Design Building cor. Abdullah Machnouk andRafic Raslan Sts., Raouche, Beirut, LEBANONP.O. Box No. 136631, Beirut, LEBANONTel. Nos.(961-1)791-092;791-093; 791-094Fax No. 00-9611-791-095Email: beirutpe@cyberia.net.lb / mailto:%20beirutpe@dfa.gov.ph

11. BERLIN
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Ms.) DELIA DOMINGO-ALBERTAmbassador Extraordinary and PlenipotentiaryUhlandstrasse 97, 10715 BerlinFEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANYTel. No. (49-30) 864-9500, 864-5026 / 5023 / 5021Fax No. 00-49-30-873-2551 / Duty Officer: 0173-521-5703Email: mailto:%20berlinpe@t-online.de / berlinpe@dfa.gov.phWebsite: http://www.philippine-embassy.de/

12. BERNE
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES MR. LAMBERTO V. MONSANTOCharge d'Affaires, a.i.Kirchenfeldstrasse 73-75; 3005 Berne, SWITZERLANDTel. Nos. (41-31) 350 1717Fax No. (41-31) 352 2602Email: berne_pe@bluewin.ch / mailto:%20bernepe@dfa.gov.ph Website: http://www.mypage.bluewin.ch/berne_pe(Jurisdiction: Principality of Liechtenstein)

13. BRASILIA
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES H.E. (Ms.) TERESITA V.G. BARSANAAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary SEN - Avenida das Nacoes, Lote 01Brasilia, D.F. CEP 70431-900, BRAZILTel. Nos. (55-61) 3224-8694; 3223-5143Fax No. 00-5561-3226-7411Email: mailto:%20ambaphil@persocom.com.br/ mailto:%20brasiliape@dfa.gov.phJurisdiction : Republic of Colombia, Republic of Venezuela and Republic of Suriname)

14. BRUSSELS
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES Mission of the Philippines to the European CommunitiesH.E. (Ms.) CRISTINA G. ORTEGAAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 297 Avenue Moliere 1050 Brussels, BELGIUMTel. Nos. (322) 340-3377 / Duty Officer (0473) 967966Fax No. 00-322-3456425 / Car Phone (0486) 509217Email: brusselspe@brutele.be / mailto:%20brusselspe@dfa.gov.ph Website: http://philembassy.be/

15. BUCHAREST
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES (5/00)H.E. (Ms.) RUTH MORALES PRADOAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Strada Carol Davila 105-107, Sector 5Etajul 5, Apt. 10-11 Bucharest 050456 ROMANIATel. Nos. (4021) 319-8252 / 319-8254 / 319-8256Fax No. 00-4021-319-8253Email: mailto:%20daciafil@dnt.ro / mailto:%20bucharestpe@dfa.gov.ph(Jurisdiction : Bulgaria and Moldava [oversight])

16. BUDAPEST
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES (4/00)H.E. (Mr.) ALEJANDRO D. DEL ROSARIOAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 1026 Budapest , Gabor Aron utca 58 Budapest, HUNGARYTel. Nos. (361) 200-5523 / 5524 / 5526Fax No. 00-361-200-5528 / MP: +36-30-202-1760Email: mailto:%20phbuda@mail.datanet.hu / mailto:%20budapestpe@dfa.gov.ph (Jurisdiction: Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro)

17. BUENOS AIRES
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESMr. RAUL H. DADOCharge d'Affaires, a.i. Mariscal Ramon Castilla 3085 1425 Buenos Aires, ARGENTINATel. Nos. (00-5411) 4807-3334; 4807-3883Fax No. (00-5411) 4804-1595Email: mailto:%20pheba@fibertel.com.ar / mailto:%20buenosairespe@dfa.gov.phWebsite: http://www.buenosairespe.com.ar/ (Jurisdiction: Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia)

18. CAIRO
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Ms.) PETRONILA P. GARCIAAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Villa 28, Road 200, Degla, Maadi, CairoARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPTTel. Nos. (202) 521-3062/ 3064/ 3065Fax No. (202) 521- 3048 / MP: 20-127436482Email: mailto:%20cairope@starnet.com.eg / cairope@dfa.gov.ph(Jurisdiction: Sudan)

19. CANBERRA
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES H.E. (Mr.) ERNESTO DE LEONAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, Canberra, A.C.T. 2600P.O. Box 3297, Manuka, Canberra, A.C.T. 2603 Canberra, AUSTRALIATel. Nos. (612) 6273-2535 / 2536Fax No. 00-612-6273 3984 / MP: 61-408-7353383Email: cbrpe@philembassy.au.com / mailto:%20canberrape@dfa.gov.phWebsite: http://www.philembassy.au.com/ (Jurisdiction: Nauru, Tuvalu, Vanuatu)

20. CARACAS
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES H.E. (Mr.) RONALD B. ALLAREY Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Quinta Filipinas, Quinta Transversal de AltamiraEntre Cuarta y Quinta Avenida, Urbanizacion de AltamiraMunicipio de Chacao, Caracas, VENEZUELA Tel Nos. (58-212) 266-4725 / 4731; 267-8873 Fax No : (58-212) 266-6443 Direct Line: (58-212) 2667709Email: caracas@embassyph.com / caracaspe@dfa.gov.ph

21. DHAKA
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Mr.) NORBERTO R. BASILIOAmbassador Extraordinary and PlenipotentiaryHouse No. 6, Road No. 101, Gulshan II, DhakaPEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESHTel. Nos. (8802) 988-1590 to 93 / 988-1578Fax No. 00-8802-882-3686Email: philemb1@citechco.net / mailto:%20philemb2@citechco.net / dhakape@dfa.gov.ph

22. DILI
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. FARITA A. AGUILUCHO-ONGAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Rms. 8-10, Hotel Turismo, Rua Direitos Humanos,Bidau Lecidere, Dili, EAST TIMORTel. No. (670) 331-0408Fax No. (670) 331-0407Email: Philippine_EmbassyinDili@fastmail.fm / mailto:%20dilipe@dfa.gov.ph

23. DOHA
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESS H.E. (Mr.) ISAIAS F. BEGONIAAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Villa # 7 A1 Eithar Street, Saha 2, West Bay AreaDoha, STATE OF QATARP.O. Box No. 24900Tel. Nos. (974) 4831-585; 4836-871 / VOIP: 1-845-201-0277Fax No. 00-974-483-1595Thuaya Satellite: +88216-66661585Email: mailto:%20dohape@qatar.net.qa / mailto:%20dohape@dfa.gov.ph

24. HANOI
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES H.E. (Ms.) ESTRELLA BERENGUELAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 27-B Tran Hung Dao Street, Hanoi,SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAMTel. Nos. (84-4) 943-7873/ 3849/ 4493Fax No. 00-844-943-5760Email: phvn@hn.vnn.vn / mailto:%20hanoipe@dfa.gov.ph / mailto:%20hnpe2000@yahoo.com

25. HAVANA
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES H.E. (Mr.) GEORGE B. REYESAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Quinta Avenida, No. 2207 Esq. a24Miramar, Playa, Havana, Republic of CUBA Tel. Nos. (53-7) 204-1372/ 1551/ 1553Fax No. 00-537-204-2915Email: mailto:%20%20philhavpe@enet.cu / mailto:%20havanape@dfa.gov.ph(Jurisdiction: Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti & Jamaica)

26. HOLY SEE (VATICAN)
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Ms.) LEONIDA L. VERAAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Via Paolo VI, No. 29 00193 Rome, ITALY Tel. Nos. (0039-06) 683-8020 / 683-3205Fax No. 00-396-6834076ATN No: (39-06) 6880-9219Email: mailto:%20vaticanpe@philamsee.mysam.it / mailbox@philamsee.mysam.it / mailto:%20vaticanpe@dfa.gov.ph

27. ISLAMABAD
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Mr.) JAIME J. YAMBAOAmbassador Extraordinary and PlenipotentiaryHouse No. 12, Street No. 12, F/2, IslamabadP.O. Box 1052, Islamabad, PAKISTANTel. Nos.(9251) 265-3680;2653661; 2653682; 2653670Fax No. 00-9251-265-3665Modem No: (9251) 2824942Satellite Phone: +88216-89802263; 89802267; 89802270Email: mailto:%20isdpe@isb.comsats.net.pk / islamabadpe@dfa.gov.ph

28. JAKARTA
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Mr.) SHULAN O. PRIMAVERA Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary # 6 - 8 Jalan Imam Bonjol, Menteng,Jakarta Pusat 10310, Republic of INDONESIATrunkline (62-21) 3100334; Office of Minister (62-21) 3100345Fax No. 00-6221-3151167Email: mailto:%20phjkt@indo.net.id / jakartape@dfa.gov.ph

29. KOROR
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES (01/22/01)H.E. (Mr.) RAMONCITO N. MARIÑOAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 2nd Flr, Minami Bldg. Iyebukel, Koror, REPUBLIC OF PALAU 96940: P.O. Box 1447Tel. Nos. (680) 488 5077 / 5482Fax No. 00-680-488-6310Email: mailto:%20philkor@palaunet.com / mailto:%20kororpe@dfa.gov.ph

30. KUALA LUMPUR
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Mr.) VICTORIANO M. LECAROSAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary No. 1 Jalan Changkat Kia Peng 50450 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIATel. Nos. (603) 2148 4233; 2148 4654; 214 84682 & 2148 9989 Fax No. 00-603-2148-3576Email: webmaster@philembassykl.org.my / consular@philembassykl.org.my Website: http://www.philembassykl.org.my

31. KUWAIT
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES H.E. (Mr.) RICARDO M. ENDAYA Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Area 7, Street 103, Villa 503, Jabriya, P.O. Box 26288 Safat 13123, STATE OF KUWAITTel. Nos. (00965) 534 9099; 534 5762 Fax No. 00-965-532-9319Email: kuwaitpe@philemb.fasttelco.com / kuwaitpe@dfa.gov.ph Website: http://www.philembassykuwait.gov.kw/

32. LONDON
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Mr.) EDGARDO B. ESPIRITUAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 9A Palace Green, London W8 4QE,UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAINTel. Nos. (44-20) 7937-1600Fax No. 00-44-20-7937-2925 / MP: 0044-78-02790695Email: mailto:%20londonpe@dfa.gov.ph Website: http://www.philemb.org.uk/

33. MADRID
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Mr.) JOSEPH DELANO M. BERNARDOAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Calle Eresma 2 (Chancery) / Calle Guadalquivir 6 (Consular Section)28002 Madrid, SPAINTel. Nos. (34) 917-823-830Fax No. 00-34-914-116-606Email: MADRIDPE@terra.es / mailto:%20MADRIDPE@filipinas.e.telefonica.net%20 Website: http://www.telefonica.net/web/philmadrid or http://www.philmadrid.com/(Jurisdiction: Spain, Morocco, Andorra)

34. MANAMA
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES H.E. (Mr.) EDUARDO PABLO M. MAGLAYAAmbassador Extraordinary and PlenipotentiaryVilla No. 992, Road No. 3119, Manama Town 331, KINGDOM OF BAHRAINP.O. Box 26681, Adliya, BAHRAINTel. No. (0973) 17250990Fax No. 00-973-17258583Email: manamape@batelco.com.bh / mailto:%20manamape@dfa.gov.ph

35. MEXICO
EMBAJADA DE FILIPINAS H.E. (Mr.) JUSTO O. ORROS, JR.Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Sierra Gorda #175, Colonia Lomas de ChapultepecDelegacion Miguel Hidalgo, C.P. 11000 MEXICO D.F.Tel. Nos. (0052-55) 5202-8456 / 9360Fax No. (0052-55) 5202--8403 / MP: (55) 2771-3776Email: mailto:%20ambamexi@att.net.mx / mailto:%20ambamexi@yahoo.com.mx / mailto:%20mexicope@dfa.gov.ph(Jurisdiction: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and Belize)

36. MOSCOW
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Mr.) ERNESTO V. LLAMASAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Karmanitsky, Pereulok 6/8 Moscow 121099 , RUSSIAN FEDERATIONTel. No. (7-095) - 241-0563 to 65; 241-4831; 241-2586Fax No. 00-7095) - 241-2630Email: mailto:%20moscowpe@co.ru / mailto:%20moscowpe@dfa.gov.phWebsite: http://www.phil-embassy.ru/(Jurisdiction: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakstan, Kyrgystan, Tajikstan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan)

37. MUSCAT
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Mr.) ACMAD D. OMARAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Building No.1041/1043,Way No. 3015, Al Kharjiyad St. Shati Al Qurum; Muscat, Sultanate of OmanP.O. Box No. 4, Madinat Qaboos Postal Code 115, SULTANATE OF OMANTel. Nos. (00968-24) 605-140 / 143/ 335; 695-359Fax No. 00-968-24-605-176Email: muscatpe@omantel.net.om / muscatpe@dfa.gov.ph

38. NAIROBI
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESMs. BERNARDITAS C. MULLERCharge d'Affaires, d.m.P.O. Box 47941, State House Road (next to Hillcrest College)00100Nairobi, KENYATel. No. +254-20-272-53-10Fax No. +254-20-272-53-16Email: mailto:%20nairobipe@philembassy.or.ke / mailto:%20nairobipe@dfa.gov.ph(Jurisdictions: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda)

39. NEW DELHI
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Ms.) LAURA Q. DEL ROSARIOAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary50-N Nyaya Marg. Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, INDIATel. Nos. (91-11) 2688-9091; 2410-1120Fax No. 00-91-11-2687-6401/ MP: (0091) 9811701553Email: mailto:%20newdelhipe@bol.net.in / mailto:%20newdelhipe@dfa.gov.ph Website: http://www.philembassynewdelhi.com

40. OTTAWA
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Mr.) JOSE S. BRILLANTESAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 130 Albert Street, Suite 606, OttawaOntario K1P 5G4 CANADA Tel. No. (613) 233-1121Fax No. 00-613-233-4165Email: embassyofphilippines@rogers.com / mailto:%20ottawape@dfa.gov.phWebsite: http://members.rogers.com/embassyofphilippines

41. PARIS
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Mr.) JOSE A. ZAIDE, JR.Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 4 Hameau de Boulainvilliers / 45 rue du Ranelagh 75016 Paris, REPUBLIC OF FRANCETel. Nos. (00.33.1) 44-14-57-00; 44-14-57-01 to 03Fax No. (00.33.1) 44.14.57.03Email: mailto:%20ambaphilparis@wanadoo.fr / mailto:%20parispe@wanadoo.fr

42. PHNOM PENH
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Ms.) LOURDES G. MORALESAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary No. 33 Road 294 Khan Chamcarmon, Sangkat Tonle BassacP.O. Box 2018 Phnom Penh, Kingdom of CAMBODIATel. No. (85523) 215145, 222303; 222304Fax No. 00-855-23 215143Email: phnompenhpe@online.com.kh / phnompenhpe@dfa.gov.ph

43. PORT MORESBY
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESMr. HERMOSO A. BELARMINOActing Head of Post Lot 1, Section 440, Islander Village, Hohola, NCDPAPUA NEW GUINEA P.O. Box 5916, Boroko,N.C.D. PAPUA NEW GUINEATel. Nos. (675) 325-65-77; 325 6414Fax No. 00-675-323-1803Email: pompe@datec.net.pg

44. PRAGUE
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES H.E. (Ms.) CARMELITA R. SALASAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Senovazne Namesti 8, 110 00, Prague 1, CZECH REPUBLICTel. Nos. (420) 224-216-397 / 224-216-385Fax No. (00-4202) 2421-6390 / Duty Officer(420) 607-850-764Email: praguepe@phembassy.cz / praguepe@dfa.gov.ph

45. PRETORIA
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Mr.) VIRGILIO A. REYES, JR.Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary54 Nicolson St., Muckleneuk, 0181,Pretoria, SOUTH AFRICAP.O. Box 2562, Brooklyn Square 0075, PretoriaTel. Nos.(27-12) 346-0451; 346-0452 / MP:+27-82-556-9935Fax No. 00-2712-346-0454 / Emergency Contact No. (27-82) 823-2528Email: pretoriape@mweb.co.za / mailto:%20pretoriape@dfa.gov.phWebsite: http://mzone.mweb.co.za/residents/pretoriape/

46. RIYADH
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES Mr. NESTOR PADALHINCharge d'Affaires, a.i. Site D3 Collector Road C, Diplomatic Quarter, P.O. Box 94366, Riyadh 11693KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA Tel. Nos.(9661) 488-0835; 482-0507/ 3615/ 3816Fax No. 00-9661-488-3945 / 482-1856Email: mailto:%20filembry@sbm.net.sa / filembry@mailandnews.comWebsite: http://www.filembry.org

47. ROME
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Mr.) PHILIPPE J. LHUILLIERAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 112-114, 00136 Rome, ITALYTel. Nos. (39-06) 3974-6621Fax No. 00-39-06-3974-0872 / Duty Officer's MP: +39348970110 Email: mailto:%20romepe@dfa.gov.phJurisdiction: Albania and San Marino)

48. SANTIAGO
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Ms.) MA. CONSUELO PUYAT-REYESAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Felix de Amesti No. 367, Las Condes, Santiago, CHILETel. No. (56-2) 2081313, 2081939, 2281670Fax No. 00-562-2081400Email: mailto:%20santiagope@dfa.gov.ph / mailto:%20embassyphil@vtr.net / mailto:%20embafilsantiago@vtr.net (Jurisdiction: Chile, Bolivia and Ecuador)

49. SEOUL
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES (04/02/01)H.E. (Ms.) SUSAN O. CASTRENCEAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 34-44 Jin Song Bldg, Itaewon I-dong, Yongsan-GuSeoul 140-863, REPUBLIC OF KOREATel. Nos. (822) 796-7387 to 89Fax No. 00-822-796-0827Email: mailto:%20seoulpe@gmail.com / seoulpe@dfa.gov.ph

50. SINGAPORE
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Ms.) BELEN F. ANOTAAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 20 Nassim Road, REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE 258395 Tel. Nos. (65) 6737-397; 623-53705; 673-54166Fax No. 00-65-6733-9544Email: mailto:%20php@pacific.net.sgWebsite: http://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg/

51. STOCKHOLM
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Ms.) VICTORIA S. BATACLAN Ambassador Extraordinary and PlenipotentiarySkeppsbron 20, 1 tr 111 30, Stockholm, SWEDENP.O. Box 2219, 103 15 Stockholm, SWEDENTel.Nos. (46 8) 235-665, 230-606Fax No. 00-46-8-140-714 Duty Officer: (46-70) 947-2358Email: ambassador@philembassy.se / mailto:%20stockholmpe@dfa.gov.ph Website: http://www.philembassy.se/

52. TEHRAN
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES Mr. LAUREANO C. SANTIAGOCharge d'Affaires, a.i. No. 77 Khorsand Street, Valie-Asr Avenue Tehran, IRANTel. Nos. (00-9821) 2204-3272; 2203-2108; 2203-7992; 2205-7515Fax No. 00-9821-2203-7991Email: tehranpe@yahoo.com / mailto:%20tehranpe@dfa.gov.phWebsite: http://www.philippineembassy.ir/ or http://www.philippine-embassy.ir

53. TEL-AVIV
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Mr.) ANTONIO C. MODENAAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary No. 18 Bnei Dan Street, Tel-Aviv, ISRAELTel. Nos.(972-3) 546-1499; 544-0527; 602-0549Fax No. 00-972-3-604-1039Email: mailto:%20filembis@netvision.net.il / telavivpe@dfa.gov.ph

54. THE HAGUE
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Mr.) ROMEO A. ARGUELLESAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 125 Laan Copes Van Cattenburch 2585 EZ, The Hague, KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDSTel. Nos. (31-70) 360-4820; 360-4821 & 365-85-66Fax No. 00-3170-3560030 / Duty Officer: +31-64-883-6066Email: mailto:%20ph@bart.nl / consular@philembassy.nl.com / thehaguepe@dfa.gov.ph

55. TOKYO
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES H.E. (Mr.) DOMINGO L. SIAZON, JR.Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 5-15-5, Roppongi Minato-ku; Tokyo 106-8537, JAPANTel. nos. (813) 5562-1600Fax No. 00-81-3-5562-1603 PC PLUS No: (813) 55621570Email: mailto:%20phjp@gol.com / mailto:%20info@philembassy.net / mailto:%20tokyope@dfa.gov.ph Website: http://www.tokyope.org/

56. TRIPOLI
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Mr.) BAYANI V. MANGIBINAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary KM 7 Gargaresh Road, Hay Al Andalous, Tripoli GSPLAJP.O. Box 12508, Tripoli, LIBYATel No. (218-21) 483-3966 / 484-1582Fax No. 00-218-21-483-6158 / Telex: 20304 AMBAPHIL LYEmail: mailto:%20tripoli_pe76@lttnet.net / mailto:%20tripolipe@dfa.gov.ph (Jurisdiction: Valleta, Malta)

57. VIENNA
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Ms.) LINGLINGAY F. LACANLALEAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Laurenzerberg 2, A-1010 Vienna, AUSTRIATel. Nos. (43-1) 533-24-01Fax No. 00-431-533 240-124 / Emergency No: +43-6991-232-+2034Email: mailto:%20office@philippine-embassy.at / mailto:%20viennape@dfa.gov.ph / mailto:%20philippinen@inode.atWebsite: http://www.philippine-embassy.at/(Jurisdiction: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Mission of the Philippines to IAEA, UNIDO, CTBTO and UNOV)

58. VIENTIANE
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Ms.) ELIZABETH P. BUENSUCESOAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ban Saphanthong Kang, Sisattanak District, LAO PDRP.O. Box 2415Tel Nos. (856-21) 452-490 / 491; 951-195Fax No. 00-856-21-452-493Email: pelaopdr@laotel.com / mailto:%20vientianepe@dfa.gov.ph

59. WASHINGTON
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESMr. WILL C. GAACharge d'Affaires, a.i.1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW,Washington D.C. 20036, U.S.A.Tel. No. (1202) 467-9300; 467-9363Fax No. 00-1-202-328-7614; 467 9417 and 1-202-467-9417Email: phembassyusa@verizon.net / mailto:washingtonpe@dfa.gov.phWebsite: http://www.philippineembassy-usa.org/

60. WELLINGTON
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINESH.E. (Mr.) BIENVENIDO V. TEJANOAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 50 Hobson Street, Thorndon,Wellington, NEW ZEALAND; P.O. Box 12-042, Wellington, NEW ZEALAND; Tel. Nos. (64-4) 4729-848 & 4729-921Fax No. 00-644-472-5170 / MP: 64-25-222-1115Email: embassy@wellington-pe.co.nz / mailto:%20wellingtonpe@dfa.gov.ph(Jurisdiction : Tonga, Samoa and Fiji)

61. YANGON
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES `H.E. (Ms.) PHOEBE A. GOMEZAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary No. 50 Saya San Road, Bahan Township, Yangon, UNION OF MYANMARTel. Nos. (951) 558-149 to 151Fax No. 00-951-558-154Email: yangonpe@mptmail.net.mm / mailto:%20yangonpe@dfa.gov.ph

Source: www.dfa.gov.ph

News from The Philippine Star

2006-12-04T00:49:00.000-08:00

‘State of national calamity’
By Paolo Romero
The Philippine Star 12/04/2006

President Arroyo declared yesterday a "state of national calamity" as hopes for finding survivors of typhoon-triggered mudslides in Albay vanished, with emergency workers fearing the death toll could exceed 1,000.

Mrs. Arroyo ordered the release of P1 billion initially for relief and rehabilitation efforts in areas affected by "Reming" (international code name Durian) and two previous destructive typhoons this year — "Milenyo" and "Paeng."

The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) reported 309 bodies were retrieved, 298 people remained missing and 414 were injured three days after Reming struck, triggering deadly mudslides from Mayon volcano in Albay.

Aside from the Bicol region, Reming also ravaged Marinduque and parts of Mindoro.

Sen. Richard Gordon, who heads the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), said the death toll could easily reach 700 "on the low side," based on official casualty figures and reports his group obtained from mayors of devastated villages.

As emergency workers and residents continued to dig bodies from the mud, PNRC officials said they had confirmed 406 deaths and another 398 missing.

"Many are saying the death toll could exceed 1,000," Gordon said. "People are telling us entire families and villages have disappeared.

"There are many unidentified bodies, there could be a lot more hidden below. Whole families may have been wiped out," Gordon told AP by phone.

Gordon said in one funeral parlor, 40 bodies had gone unclaimed. "If they were unclaimed, it is likely their relatives were buried as well," he said.

"At a certain point in time, we will just have to say, we cannot do anymore. We are not going to find any more (bodies)," Gordon added.

In a rare case, residents of the riverside town of Rawis used handtools in a desperate attempt to reach five college students they believed were trapped in a ruined dormitory.

No survivors are known to have been pulled from the swampy land since the first hours after Reming blasted ashore Thursday with winds gusting up to 265 kph.

PNRC said as many as 31 villages with some 14,871 residents were hit by the mudflows.

The PNRC has also been asked to look for two foreigners missing in Albay province. Brecon Wieyan, 24, from Australia, and John Cochrin, 59, from New Zealand were on their way to Sorsogon when the typhoon struck.

The first funerals took place Saturday evening as bodies rapidly decomposed in the tropical heat.

All but two dozen of the deaths occurred in worst-hit Albay, including 165 in the town of Guinobatan, swamped by floodwaters in Mayon volcano’s foothills. Four other provinces reported fatalities, but accurate casualty figures were hard to come by, with the disaster’s devastation so widespread and power and phone lines down. In some places, rescue workers found only body parts.

"We need food, tents, water, body bags," PNRC official Andrew Nocon told dzMM radio Saturday. "We sent initially 300 bags, but we need more."

Ramses Valerio, science research specialist for Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said heavy rains could still trigger mudslides around Mayon. "There is danger if river channels overflow due to heavy rains," he said. Valerio said there is still a large amount of mud in and around Mayon’s crater. Tsunami scare
Tales of tragedy and loss abound as power, communications and water remain out of service in most of the Bicol region, further hampering rescue and relief efforts.

At a hospital in Legazpi, survivor Arthur Atierros, 37 tried to comfort his distraught wife Mercy, 35, whose leg was amputated after the wall of their home collapsed on her.

Their nine-year-old daughter, Armira stood nearby, the only one of four children they were able to find after mud swamped their home.

Atierros said he and his relatives carried his wife for eight hours on a makeshift stretcher to the hospital.

Nearby, Adrian Bagasala was tending to his 29-year-old wife, Ivy, who also had to have her leg amputated when their home collapsed.

Bagasala said he dug his seven-month pregnant wife out of the mud but the strain caused her to go into labor, giving birth prematurely. The infant died soon after birth.

Silangan Santander, 21, attended a funeral for her brother, Larry. Only his lower torso and legs were found near the sea.

Deeply traumatized by the tragedy, Albay’s coastal residents reacted in terror to rumors of a coming tsunami yesterday.

Cedric Daep, chief of Albay’s Provincial Disaster Management Office, said hundreds of people - some even crying - ran in panic while dozens of others begged for rides from motorists along Maharlika Highway. There had also been cases of vehicle smashup along the highway.

Daep said a woman who had just delivered a baby hurriedly left a hospital and was nearly hit by a rushing vehicle. He said there had also been reports of injuries from stampede and of people dying of heart attack.

"We had to make a denial, that there’s no truth to the tsunami reports through mobile public address system from Legazpi City up to the coastal towns of Albay’s first district including Tabaco City," Daep told The STAR. Country grateful
Mrs. Arroyo ordered no letup in the search for survivors even as she led the nation in thanking the international community for the "outpouring of sympathy" and assistance.

"Even as the nation continues to grieve on this tragedy, the Filipino people are grateful for the outpouring of prayers and support extended to us from all around the world," Mrs. Arroyo said.

The latest pledge of assistance amounting to US$780,000 came from Australia which also conveyed its condolences through Ambassador Tony Hely.

"This (outpouring of support) must send a clear message to us all to keep our hopes high and have unity amid the challenges posed to us by this calamity. All resources of the government will continue to be mobilized without letup as we pin hope against hope on the search of survivors," she said in a statement.

"We need to rise up from this trial and help rebuild devastated communities and lives," she said. Earlier expressions of sympathy and aid pledges came from the Vatican, Canada, Spain, Russia, Japan, Pakistan, Singapore, New Zealand, United States Agency for International Development, the Netherlands. and the International Federation of Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies.

Presidential Chief of Staff Michael Defensor, Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. and NDCC deputy executive director Dr. Anthony Golez flew to Albay yesterday on a C-130 cargo plane along with Japanese and Spanish rescue volunteers and 80,000 pounds of relief goods that included medicines, clothes and canned food.

"We were ordered to embed ourselves in the area (Bicol region) to make a final estimate of the cost of repairs and rehabilitation and to consolidate and coordinate government and private restoration efforts," Andaya said in a telephone interview.

"It’s important that we get a picture of the situation so we will know where to pinpoint aid, in this way, we will be sending the right kind of aid in the right amount or right volume to the right people who will need them," he said.

Andaya said Defensor "will be the President’s eyes and ears on the ground" who "will give feedback and requests to Manila so that things needed can be dispatched immediately."

He said that aside from food and medicines, earthmoving equipment and chain saws are needed in the affected areas, particularly Albay.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said a total of 170,000 pounds of relief goods have been airlifted so far to the Bicol region and Marinduque.

Press Assistant Secretary Joe Capadocia said the President will visit Bicol tomorrow before proceeding to a Cabinet meeting on anti-poverty programs in Iloilo City.

Capadocia said Mrs. Arroyo will take an early plane to Pili, Naga and then proceed to Pasacao, Camarines Sur on a helicopter. From Pasacao, she will take the same chopper to Legazpi City to meet with local officials. After the visits, she will proceed to Iloilo for the Cabinet meeting. Damage report
The Office of Civil Defense said more than 832,000 residents of 1,019 villages in the Bicol region, Marinduque, and parts of Mindoro were affected by Reming. Of the figure, nearly 17,000 individuals are in evacuation centers.

More than 28,000 houses in the affected areas were totally destroyed and roughly 91,000 partially damaged.

OCD placed the damage to infrastructure and agriculture at P23.2 million and P11 million, respectively.

OCD said the Bondoc Peninsula in Quezon and the Bicol region are still without power due to the tripping of the 230 kilovolt Gumaca-Labo and Tayabas—Naga line. Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro are also without electricity as of press time.

But the Maharlika Highway from Manila to Legazpi and Sorsogon is now open to all types of vehicles, OCD said.

Reports from Catanduanes as of Saturday showed 11 people dead, and two each missing and injured, Maj. Ernesto Torres, Army spokesman said.

For nearly three hours late Thursday afternoon, mudslides ripped through Mayon’s gullies, uprooting trees, flattening houses and swallowing people.

"Every corner of this province has been hit. It is a total devastation," Albay Gov. Fernando Gonzalez said earlier. "Never before in the history have we seen water like this. Almost every residential area was flooded."

The disaster came after some 30,000 people were evacuated from the slopes of Mayon in August amid signs that the volcano was again erupting. However the residents were allowed to return home in September after the volcano simmered down. - With Cet Dematera, James Mananghaya, Helen Flores, AP, AFP

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/News200612040401.htm

The Philippines: Facts & Figures

2006-12-01T01:36:00.000-08:00

Introduction Philippines

Background: The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during the 16th century; they were ceded to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. In 1935 the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth. Manuel QUEZON was elected President and was tasked with preparing the country for independence after a 10-year transition. In 1942 the islands fell under Japanese occupation during WWII, and US forces and Filipinos fought together during 1944-45 to regain control. On 4 July 1946 the Philippines attained their independence. The 20-year rule of Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986, when a widespread popular rebellion forced him into exile and installed Corazon AQUINO as president. Her presidency was hampered by several coup attempts, which prevented a return to full political stability and economic development. Fidel RAMOS was elected president in 1992 and his administration was marked by greater stability and progress on economic reforms. In 1992, the US closed its last military bases on the islands. Joseph ESTRADA was elected president in 1998, but was succeeded by his vice-president, Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, in January 2001 after ESTRADA's stormy impeachment trial on corruption charges broke down and widespread demonstrations led to his ouster. MACAPAGAL-ARROYO was elected to a six-year term in May 2004. The Philippine Government faces threats from armed communist insurgencies and from Muslim separatists in the south.
Geography Philippines
Location: Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam
Geographic coordinates: 13 00 N, 122 00 E
Map references: Southeast Asia
Area: total: 300,000 sq km
land: 298,170 sq km
water: 1,830 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly larger than Arizona
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 36,289 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: irregular polygon extending up to 100 nm from coastline as defined by 1898 treaty; since late 1970s has also claimed polygonal-shaped area in South China Sea up to 285 nm in breadth
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: to depth of exploitation
Climate: tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April); southwest monsoon (May to October)
Terrain: mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Philippine Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Apo 2,954 m
Natural resources: timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, copper
Land use: arable land: 19%
permanent crops: 16.67%
other: 64.33% (2005)
Irrigated land: 15,500 sq km (2003)
Natural hazards: astride typhoon belt, usually affected by 15 and struck by five to six cyclonic storms per year; landslides; active volcanoes; destructive earthquakes; tsunamis
Environment - current issues: uncontrolled deforestation especially in watershed areas; soil erosion; air and water pollution in major urban centers; coral reef degradation; increasing pollution of coastal mangrove swamps that are important fish breeding grounds
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants
Geography - note: the Philippine archipelago is made up of 7,107 islands; favorably located in relation to many of Southeast Asia's main water bodies: the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea, and Luzon Strait
People Philippines
Population: 89,468,677 (July 2006 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 35% (male 15,961,365/female 15,340,065)
15-64 years: 61% (male 27,173,919/female 27,362,736)
65 years and over: 4.1% (male 1,576,089/female 2,054,503) (2006 est.)
Median age: total: 22.5 years
male: 22 years
female: 23 years (2006 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.8% (2006 est.)
Birth rate: 24.89 births/1,000 population (2006 est.)
Death rate: 5.41 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.)
Net migration rate: -1.48 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2006 est.)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2006 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 22.81 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 25.59 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 19.89 deaths/1,000 live births (2006 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 70.21 years
male: 67.32 years
female: 73.24 years (2006 est.)
Total fertility rate: 3.11 children born/woman (2006 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: less than 0.1% (2003 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 9,000 (2003 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths: less than 500 (2003 est.)
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria are high risks in some locations
animal contact disease: rabies (2005)
Nationality: noun: Filipino(s)
adjective: Philippine
Ethnic groups: Tagalog 28.1%, Cebuano 13.1%, Ilocano 9%, Bisaya/Binisaya 7.6%, Hiligaynon Ilonggo 7.5%, Bikol 6%, Waray 3.4%, other 25.3% (2000 census)
Religions: Roman Catholic 80.9%, Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%, Aglipayan 2%, other Christian 4.5%, Muslim 5%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1% (2000 census)
Languages: two official languages - Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English; eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 92.6%
male: 92.5%
female: 92.7% (2002)
Government Philippines
Country name: conventional long form: Republic of the Philippines
conventional short form: Philippines
local long form: Republika ng Pilipinas
local short form: Pilipinas
Government type: republic
Capital: name: Manila
geographic coordinates: 14 35 N, 121 00 E
time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Administrative divisions: 79 provinces and 117 chartered cities
provinces: Abra, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Aklan, Albay, Antique, Apayao, Aurora, Basilan, Bataan, Batanes, Batangas, Biliran, Benguet, Bohol, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cavite, Cebu, Compostela, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Eastern Samar, Guimaras, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, Isabela, Kalinga, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, La Union, Leyte, Maguindanao, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Mountain Province, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, North Cotabato, Northern Samar, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Palawan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Quirino, Rizal, Romblon, Samar, Sarangani, Siquijor, Sorsogon, South Cotabato, Southern Leyte, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tarlac, Tawi-Tawi, Zambales, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay
chartered cities: Alaminos, Angeles, Antipolo, Bacolod, Bago, Baguio, Bais, Balanga, Batangas, Bayawan, Bislig, Butuan, Cabanatuan, Cadiz, Cagayan de Oro, Calamba, Calapan, Calbayog, Candon, Canlaon, Cauayan, Cavite, Cebu, Cotabato, Dagupan, Danao, Dapitan, Davao, Digos, Dipolog, Dumaguete, Escalante, Gapan, General Santos, Gingoog, Himamaylan, Iligan, Iloilo, Isabela, Iriga, Kabankalan, Kalookan, Kidapawan, Koronadal, La Carlota, Laoag, Lapu-Lapu, Las Pinas, Legazpi, Ligao, Lipa, Lucena, Maasin, Makati, Malabon, Malaybalay, Malolos, Mandaluyong, Mandaue, Manila, Marawi, Markina, Masbate, Muntinlupa, Munoz, Naga, Olongapo, Ormoc, Oroquieta, Ozamis, Pagadian, Palayan, Panabo, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Passi, Puerto Princesa, Quezon, Roxas, Sagay, Samal, San Carlos (in Negros Occidental), San Carlos (in Pangasinan), San Fernando (in La Union), San Fernando (in Pampanga), San Jose, San Jose del Monte, San Pablo, Santa Rosa, Santiago, Silay, Sipalay, Sorsogon, Surigao, Tabaco, Tacloban, Tacurong, Tagaytay, Tagbilaran, Taguig, Tagum, Talisay (in Cebu), Talisay (in Negros Oriental), Tanauan, Tangub, Tanjay, Tarlac, Toledo, Tuguegarao, Trece Martires, Urdaneta, Valencia, Valenzuela, Victorias, Vigan, Zamboanga
Independence: 12 June 1898 (from Spain)
National holiday: Independence Day, 12 June (1898); note - 12 June 1898 was date of declaration of independence from Spain; 4 July 1946 was date of independence from US
Constitution: 2 February 1987, effective 11 February 1987
Legal system: based on Spanish and Anglo-American law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (since 20 January 2001); note - president is both chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (since 20 January 2001); note - president is both chief of state and head of government
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with consent of Commission of Appointments
elections: president and vice president (Manuel "Noli" DE CASTRO) elected on separate tickets by popular vote for a single six-year term; election last held 10 May 2004 (next to be held in May 2010)
election results: results of the election - Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO elected president; percent of vote - Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO 40%, Fernando POE 37%, three others 23%
Legislative branch: bicameral Congress or Kongreso consists of the Senate or Senado (24 seats - one-half elected every three years; members elected at large by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Kapulungan Ng Mga Kinatawan (212 members representing districts plus 24 sectoral party-list members; members elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms; note - the Constitution prohibits the House of Representatives from having more than 250 members)
elections: Senate - last held 10 May 2004 (next to be held in May 2007); House of Representatives - elections last held 10 May 2004 (next to be held in May 2007)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - Lakas 30%, LP 13%, KNP 13%, independents 17%, others 27%; seats by party - Lakas 7, LP 3, KNP (coalition) 3, independents 4, others 6; note - there are 23 rather than 24 sitting senators because one senator was elected vice president; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Lakas 93, NPC 53, LP 34, LDP 11, others 20; party-listers 24 (2004)
Judicial branch: Supreme Court (15 justices are appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial and Bar Council and serve until 70 years of age); Court of Appeals; Sandigan-bayan (special court for hearing corruption cases of government officials)
Political parties and leaders: Kabalikat Ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) [Ronaldo PUNO]; Laban Ng Demokratikong Pilipino (Struggle of Filipino Democrats) or LDP [Edgardo ANGARA]; Lakas Ng Edsa (National Union of Christian Democrats) or Lakas [Jose DE VENECIA]; Liberal Party or LP [Franklin DRILON/Eli QUINTO]; Nacionalista [Manuel VILLAR]; National People's Coalition or NPC [Frisco SAN JUAN]; PDP-Laban [Aquilino PIMENTEL]; People's Reform Party [Miriam Defensor SANTIAGO]; PROMDI [Emilio OSMENA]; Pwersa Ng Masang Pilipino (Party of the Philippine Masses) or PMP [Joseph ESTRADA]; Reporma [Renato DE VILLA]
Political pressure groups and leaders: AKBAYAN [Reps. Etta ROSALES, Mario AGUJA, and Risa HONTIVEROS-BARAQUIEL]; ALAGAD [Rep. Rodante MARROLITA]; ALIF [Rep. Acmad TOMAWIS]; An Waray [Rep. Horencio NOEL]; Anak Mindanao [Mujiv HATAMIN]; ANAKPAWIS [Reps. Crispin BELTRAN and Rafael MARIANO]; APEC [Reps. Ernesto PABLO, Edgar VALDEZ]; Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC) [Reps. Edgar VALDEZ, Ernesto PABLO, and Sunny Rose MADAMBA]; AVE [Rep. Eulogio MAGSAYSAY]; Bayan Muna [Reps. Satur OCAMPO, Joel VIRADOR, and Teodoro CASINO, Jr.]; BUHAY [Reps. Rene VELARDE and Hans Christian SENERES]; BUTIL [Rep. Benjamin CRUZ]; CIBAC [Rep. Emmanuel Joel VILLANUEVA]; COOP-NATCO [Rep. Guillermo CUA]; GABRIELA [Rep. Liza MAZA]; Partido Ng Manggagawa [Rep. Renato MAGTUBO]; Veterans Federation of the Philippines [Rep. Ernesto GIDAYA] (2006)
International organization participation: APEC, APT, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, BIS, CP, EAS, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS (observer), ONUB, OPCW, PIF (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Willy C. GAA
chancery: 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 467-9300
FAX: [1] (202) 328-7614
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, San Jose (Northern Mariana Islands), Tamuning (Guam)
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney
embassy: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita 1000, Manila
mailing address: PSC 500, FPO AP 96515-1000
telephone: [63] (2) 528-6300
FAX: [63] (2) 522-4361
Flag description: two equal horizontal bands of blue (top; representing peace and justice) and red (representing courage); a white equilateral triangle based on the hoist side represents equality; the center of the triangle displays a yellow sun with eight primary rays, each representing one of the first eight provinces that sought independence from Spain; each corner of the triangle contains a small, yellow, five-pointed star representing the three major geographical divisions of the country: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao; the design of the flag dates to 1897; in wartime the flag is flown upside down with the red band at the top
Economy Philippines
Economy - overview: The Philippines was less severely affected by the Asian financial crisis of 1998 than its neighbors, aided in part by its high level of annual remittances from overseas workers, and no sustained runup in asset prices or foreign borrowing prior to the crisis. From a 0.6% decline in 1998, GDP expanded by 2.4% in 1999, and 4.4% in 2000, but slowed to 3.2% in 2001 in the context of a global economic slowdown, an export slump, and political and security concerns. GDP growth accelerated to about 5% between 2002 and 2005 reflecting the continued resilience of the service sector, and improved exports and agricultural output. Nonetheless, it will take a higher, sustained growth path to make appreciable progress in the alleviation of poverty given the Philippines' high annual population growth rate and unequal distribution of income. The Philippines also faces higher oil prices, higher interest rates on its dollar borrowings, and higher inflation. Fiscal constraints limit Manila's ability to finance infrastructure and social spending. The Philippines' consistently large budget deficit has produced a high debt level, and this situation has forced Manila to spend a large portion of the national government budget on debt service. Large unprofitable public enterprises, especially in the energy sector, contribute to the government's debt because of slow progress on privatization. Credit rating agencies have at times expressed concern about the Philippines' ability to service the debt, though central bank reserves appear adequate and large remittance inflows appear stable. The implementation of the expanded Value Added Tax (VAT) in November 2005 boosted confidence in the government's fiscal capacity and helped to strengthen the peso, which gained 5.7 percent year-on-year, making it East Asia's best performing currency in 2005. Investors and credit rating institutions will continue to look for effective implementation of the new VAT and continued improvement in the government's overall fiscal capacity in the coming year.
GDP (purchasing power parity): $412.5 billion (2005 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate): $91.36 billion (2005 est.)
GDP - real growth rate: 4.8% (2005 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP): $4,700 (2005 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 14.4%
industry: 32.6%
services: 53% (2005 est.)
Labor force: 36.73 million (2005 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 36%
industry: 16%
services: 48% (2004 est.)
Unemployment rate: 8.7% (2005 est.)
Population below poverty line: 40% (2001 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.3%
highest 10%: 31.9% (2003)
Distribution of family income - Gini index: 46.6 (2003)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7.6% (2005 est.)
Investment (gross fixed): 15.5% of GDP (2005 est.)
Budget: revenues: $12.38 billion
expenditures: $15.77 billion; including capital expenditures of $2.4 million (2005 est.)
Public debt: 72.3% of GDP (2005 est.)
Agriculture - products: sugarcane, coconuts, rice, corn, bananas, cassavas, pineapples, mangoes; pork, eggs, beef; fish
Industries: electronics assembly, garments, footwear, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food processing, petroleum refining, fishing
Industrial production growth rate: 2.2% (2005 est.)
Electricity - production: 47.82 billion kWh (2003)
Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 55.6%
hydro: 17.5%
nuclear: 0%
other: 26.9% (2001)
Electricity - consumption: 44.48 billion kWh (2003)
Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2003)
Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2003)
Oil - production: 14,360 bbl/day (2003 est.)
Oil - consumption: 335,000 bbl/day (2003 est.)
Oil - exports: 0 bbl/day (2001)
Oil - imports: 312,000 bbl/day (2003)
Oil - proved reserves: 152 million bbl (1 January 2004)
Natural gas - production: 2.3 billion cu m (2003 est.)
Natural gas - consumption: 2.3 billion cu m (2003 est.)
Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2004 est.)
Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2004 est.)
Natural gas - proved reserves: 106.8 billion cu m (1 January 2004)
Current account balance: $2.354 billion (2005 est.)
Exports: $41.25 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Exports - commodities: electronic equipment, machinery and transport equipment, garments, optical instruments, coconut products, fruits and nuts, copper products, chemicals
Exports - partners: US 18%, Japan 17.5%, China 9.9%, Netherlands 9.8%, Hong Kong 8.1%, Singapore 6.6%, Malaysia 6%, Taiwan 4.6% (2005)
Imports: $42.66 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Imports - commodities: raw materials, machinery and equipment, fuels, vehicles and vehicle parts, plastic, chemicals, grains
Imports - partners: US 19.2%, Japan 17%, Singapore 7.9%, Taiwan 7.5%, China 6.3%, South Korea 4.8%, Saudi Arabia 4.6%, Hong Kong 4.1% (2005)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $18.5 billion (2005 est.)
Debt - external: $65.71 billion (2005 est.)
Economic aid - recipient: ODA commitments, $2 billion (2004)
Currency (code): Philippine peso (PHP)
Currency code: PHP
Exchange rates: Philippine pesos per US dollar - 55.086 (2005), 56.04 (2004), 54.203 (2003), 51.604 (2002), 50.993 (2001)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Communications Philippines
Telephones - main lines in use: 3,437,500 (2004)
Telephones - mobile cellular: 32.81 million (2005)
Telephone system: general assessment: good international radiotelephone and submarine cable services; domestic and inter-island service adequate
domestic: domestic satellite system with 11 earth stations
international: country code - 63; 9 international gateways; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 2 Pacific Ocean); submarine cables to Hong Kong, Guam, Singapore, Taiwan, and Japan
Radio broadcast stations: AM 369, FM 583, shortwave 5
note: each shortwave station operates on multiple frequencies in the language of the target audience (2004)
Radios: 11.5 million (1997)
Television broadcast stations: 225; note - 1373 CATV networks (2004)
Televisions: 3.7 million (1997)
Internet country code: .ph
Internet hosts: 111,262 (2006)
Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 33 (2000)
Internet users: 7.82 million (2005)
Transportation Philippines
Airports: 256 (2006)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 83
over 3,047 m: 4
2,438 to 3,047 m: 7
1,524 to 2,437 m: 26
914 to 1,523 m: 36
under 914 m: 10 (2006)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 173
1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
914 to 1,523 m: 69
under 914 m: 99 (2006)
Heliports: 2 (2006)
Pipelines: gas 565 km; oil 135 km; refined products 105 km (2006)
Railways: total: 897 km
narrow gauge: 897 km 1.067-m gauge (492 km are in operation) (2005)
Roadways: total: 200,037 km
paved: 19,804 km
unpaved: 180,233 km (2003)
Waterways: 3,219 km (limited to vessels with draft less than 1.5 m) (2005)
Merchant marine: total: 403 ships (1000 GRT or over) 4,661,285 GRT/6,426,183 DWT
by type: bulk carrier 82, cargo 115, chemical tanker 13, container 6, liquefied gas 5, livestock carrier 17, passenger 9, passenger/cargo 73, petroleum tanker 42, refrigerated cargo 15, roll on/roll off 13, vehicle carrier 13
foreign-owned: 66 (Greece 5, Hong Kong 3, Japan 26, Malaysia 1, Netherlands 19, Norway 3, UAE 1, US 8)
registered in other countries: 41 (Australia 1, Bahamas 1, Cambodia 1, Cayman Islands 1, Comoros 1, Cyprus 1, Hong Kong 16, Indonesia 1, Panama 13, Singapore 5) (2006)
Ports and terminals: Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iligan, Iloilo, Manila, Surigao
Military Philippines
Military branches: Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): Army, Navy (including Marine Corps), Air Force
Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service (2001)
Manpower available for military service: males age 18-49: 20,131,179
females age 18-49: 20,009,526 (2005 est.)
Manpower fit for military service: males age 18-49: 15,170,096
females age 18-49: 16,931,191 (2005 est.)
Manpower reaching military service age annually: males age 18-49: 907,542
females age 18-49: 878,712 (2005 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure: $836.9 million (2005 est.)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 0.9% (2005 est.)
Transnational Issues Philippines
Disputes - international: Philippines claims sovereignty over certain of the Spratly Islands, known locally as the Kalayaan (Freedom) Islands, also claimed by China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," has eased tensions in the Spratly Islands but falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by several of the disputants; in March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord to conduct marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands; Philippines retains a dormant claim to Malaysia's Sabah State in northern Borneo based on the Sultanate of Sulu's granting the Philippines Government power of attorney to pursue a sovereignty claim on his behalf
Refugees and internally displaced persons: IDPs: 150,000 (fighting between government troops and MILF and Abu Sayyaf groups) (2005)
Illicit drugs: domestic methamphetamine production has been a growing problem in recent years; longstanding marijuana producer

Source: https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/print/rp.html

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