Pinoy International

EDITORIAL

2008-08-16T17:35:00.000-07:00

Mahahalata sa SONA ni Pang. Arroyo, sa pagtaya ng gubyerno, hinibang na tayong lahat ng gutom. Ipinatatanggap na lamang sa ating wala silang pananagutan, ni paliwanag, sa mabilis na paglalim ng karalitaan sa bansa. Inaasahan nilang ipagpapasalamat na natin ang awa at mumong limos na kanilang alok. Pinaniniwala tayong pagpiga pa ng buwis ang ultimong solusyon sa krisis. Rurok na ito ng pagmaliit at pag-insulto ng pamahalaan sa kakayahan ng mamamayang limiin ang mali sa tama, ang buktot sa makatarungan.

Malamang dahil laging bundat at marangya ang pamumuhay, hindi batid ng mga nasa kapangyarihan ang ginagawa ng lagi’t-laging gutom sa tao.

Taliwas sa inaasahan ng gubyerno, hindi minamanhid ng pagdurusa ang mamamayan. Bilang ng mga tsuper, may 20 beses na tumaas ang presyo ng langis mula Enero hanggang Hulyo. Bawat araw, mas nakakapamitig ng binti ang pagpila ng mamamayan para sa NFA rice. Kinukwenta-kwenta ng mga manggagawa kung magkano ang dapat nilang sahurin para makapamuhay ng disente ang kanilang pamilya. Doble, triple man ang trabaho, laging nakatutok ang isang tainga ng mga OFW sa mga kaganapan sa iniwang bansa.

Malayo sa pangarap ng pamahalaan, hindi sila pinapanginoon ng masa kapalit ng mga pakitang-taong limos. Habang nakapila sila sa pagkuha ng P500 pantawid kuryente, habang inaabot nila ang sari-saring pautang package, nagpupuyos ang kanilang kalooban dahil hinuhubdan sila ng gubyernong ito ng dignidad at ginagawang mga kaawa-awang pulubi.

Pinapatalas ng pang-araw-araw nilang pakikihamok sa buhay ang pagsuri ng mamamayan sa reyalidad. Nasusuma nila, higanteng tubo ang kinakabig ng mga kumpanya ng langis sa lingguhang pagtaas ng presyo nito. Nakikita nila, mga dayuhang kumpanya, malls at golfcourse na ang nakatayo sa dating malalapad na taniman ng palay. Nasusubaybayan nila, lalong yumayaman ang pamilyang Arroyo habang nasa kapangyarihan. Mahirap tanggapin ang sinasabi ni Pang. Arroyo na biktima ang lahat sa kasalukuyang krisis. Alam ng mamamayan, kahit pa nga sa aksidente at kalamidad, mayroong may kasalan, may kailangang managot.

Kung kaya, labindalawang beses mang sinambit ni Pang. Arroyo ang VAT sa SONA, parang mantra mang inulit-ulit niyang sasagipin tayo ng VAT, hindi nito malilinlang ang mamamayan. Batid ng mamamayan, ipinagtatanggol ni Arroyo ang VAT dahil pondo itong mawawaldas sa katiwalian at pambayad utang sa mga dayuhan. Kalabisan nang kumbinsihin pa tayong maniwala na dapat pang kuhanan ng dugo ang agaw-buhay nating katawan para gamiting pampataba sa mga dayuhan at nasa kapangyarihan.

Hindi batid ng pamahalaang Arroyo, higit na nakahihibang kaysa gutom ang pagkalunod sa yaman at kapangyarihan. Kung kaya iniisip nitong mangmang at wala sa katinuan ang mamamayan. Kung kaya inaakala nitong sapat na ang kanyang pag-arte sa SONA at ilang kusing na kawanggawa para himasin ang disgustadong mamamayan.

Higit sa anupaman, tinuturuan ng kagutuman ang mamamayan na hanapin ang solusyon sa kanilang kalagayan. Dahil walang laman ang sikmura, sa naghihimagsik na damdamin sila humuhugot ng lakas. Hindi malayong maganap, habang naglulunoy ang pamahalaang Arroyo sa kanilang kahibangan, gugulantangin na lamang sila ng pagsambulat ng galit ng sambayanan.

Foreign maids hit decision to exclude ongoing contracts on suspension “A heartless decision”

2008-08-16T17:30:00.000-07:00

by Eni Lestari

“With the exclusion of ongoing contracts in the suspension of the levy, the HK government has once again shown how heartless it is when it comes to foreign domestic workers,” this was the statement of the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body (AMCB) as the Executive Council announced the implementation of the levy suspension starting August 1, 2008 but only for new contracts.

Staging a picket at the Central Government Offices in response to the government’s announcement, the AMCB expressed fears “an open season of termination” as employers will scramble to avail of the levy suspension.

“In the current design of the suspension, it does not show the government’s sincerity or flexibility. Instead what we are witnessing is the government’s obvious refusal to make our condition even slightly better,” AMCB spokesperson Eni Lestari said.

Lestari lambasted the HK government for the latter’s response to the concerns of premature termination of ongoing contracts due to the selective suspension of the levy. According to the government, it will leave to the discretion of the immigration director to allow for “advanced contract renewal” to enable the foreign domestic workers to stay in HK while their contracts are being processed.

“The government definitely missed the point, only aggravated the FDWs’ anxiety and complicated the process with the implementation of this new policy,” said Lestari. “This government has the habit of putting FDWs in a difficult position. With the decision of the HK government on the levy suspension, FDWs are put in a situation that is inconvenient, full of hassles, bureaucratic.”

Lestari said that “advanced contract renewal” is a vague process, lacks clear guidelines and does not allay worries of FDWs

“Does the new term say that even if an FDW has worked for only a month, for example, her contract can already be renewed now? Will this be considered as termination of contract? If so, does it mean that even if we can stay in Hong Kong, we cannot do any work while our papers are processed? The government is even thinking of a quota system to face the deluge of termination and applications. How are we to survive while we are waiting for more than a month? Additionally, what will happen to entitlements such as the long-service payment and severance payment?” she asked.

Lestari believed that the only beneficiaries of such scheme will be the employers who will be able to avail of the suspension, recruitment agencies who will be able to get more fees for the processing of applications and consulates of labour-sending countries for the fees it will charge to applicants.

“The best and simplest way to solve all these problems will be to implement the suspension of the levy without exclusion. Why make it complicated and difficult? The option that the government has offered for ongoing contracts is practically not an option at all considering the problems it will create. With the way the government is heading on this suspension, FDWs will surely find ourselves at the losing end,” she said.

The situation, she added, will be even worse for those who will not be rehired by their employers because the government’s proposal doesn’t guarantee that the current employees will be rehired. If they find a new employer, they still have to go out of Hong Kong to await their visa.

Last Sunday, more than 1,000 foreign domestic workers rallied at the Central Government Office (CGO) to demand the coverage of all FDW contracts – ongoing and new ones – and its immediate implementation. Testimonies were also given by several FDWs whose contracts were terminated or threatened with termination as well as those applying for a new visa but whose employer either withdrew or deferred its issuance.

“It is a heartless decision that has shown the HK governments’ discrimination against and total lack of concern for FDWs. Will chief executive Donald Tsang feed the families of those who will face the axe?” she remarked.

Lestari said that the decision of the government will be met by more protests of FDWs. She announced that in August 17, the AMCB will mobilize more migrant workers to continue the call for an all-inclusive levy suspension.

While the suspension of the levy is the government’s acknowledgment of her group’s position that the levy is burdensome, cruel and unjust, said Lestari, its decision does not dispel the FDWs’ fears of losing their jobs.

“We will monitor and document cases of termination resulting from this decision. The true stories of our fellow migrant workers will expose the injustice that this government has brought us,” she relayed.

Finally, Lestari called for more FDWs to take part in the actions. She also called on for the local people to support the call of the AMCB.

Lestari reiterated long-standing call for the abolition of the levy and the significant wage increase for FDWs. She blamed the levy for the drastic wage cut imposed to FDWs in 2003 and, according to her, “the continued collection of the levy has also held our wage hostage.”

Also, Lestari called for the abolition of the New Conditions of Stay or Two-Week Rule that, she said, has put FDWs in their current vulnerable position.

“The attacks to our rights must stop. We’ve been severely battered already. There is no recourse for us but to fight back,” she concluded.#

That rainy SONA

2008-08-16T17:17:00.000-07:00

By Pamela Pangilinan

It was raining like hell that day. Thousands of people along Commonwealth Avenue did not seem to mind the shower. Red flags were waving; wet placards were everywhere while policemen couldn't wait for the day to end. Mrs. Arroyo was sputtering empty promises and made up accomplishments in front of her bored congressmen and senators.

While trying to listen to the muffled voices of the speakers on the stage, my thoughts persistently wandered on something else. Has he eaten his lunch yet? I hope he doesn't catch pneumonia. I wonder where he is. After coming up with excuses to look for him, I finally gave in. Foregoing the umbrella (just in case he sees me first, I don't want him to think that I'm such a sissy missy), I looked for the avocado green flag to catch a glimpse. Just a glimpse, I told myself.

Then there he was, sitting under the rain, satisfied with the company of comrades to keep him dry and warm. As usual, looking so unkemptly cute. Not heeding the promises I have made, I walked up to him and tried to sound nonchalant, "have you eaten lunch yet?" For whatever reason, his yes sounded like Freddie Mercury belting out Bohemian Rhapsody to me. Okay, he was still doing well. I tried to calm myself, didn't look at his eyes, because otherwise "I'm dead". I had to summon all the strength left in me not to stare in his heavenly eyes, just to be sure that I will be able to maintain an intelligent conversation, least a coherent one with him.

And that scene was from SONA (State of the Nation Address) two years ago.

What has changed? Nothing much really. The reasons that drove the people to the streets to call for the ouster of Gloria two years ago are the very same reasons that they have for this year. More and more people are hungrier than they were two years ago, in fact.

Well, after past and present governments decided that we need to have more hectares of land for golf courses, super malls, subdivisions, cash crop plantations, and mining than for rice fields, it won't take a genius to solve the rice crisis. Most unfortunately, we're not only out of rice, sense and logic among Mrs. Arroyo's political and economic thinkers seem to have run out before the rice did. And so the dimwits decided to import more rice. An imbecile government official one time gallantly mentioned in an interview that we are very lucky because the price of rice in our country is much cheaper than that of Vietnam's. Then someone please explain to me why on earth are we importing rice from Vietnam?

Motorists and commuters for months now are not thanking God when it is Friday. It is because oil companies are increasing their prices every Friday. In the defense of these weekly price hikes, the oil cartels are whining that business is not good and they are "nalulugi". If they refer to billions of pesos in profits as "lugi", then how much blood do we need to bleed just to make business good for them? The government, not missing a beat for media mileage, announced that the high cost of oil is a blessing in disguise. It encouraged everyone to think economical or healthy and take the LRT and MRT instead, or ride bicycles to work. I, even before this weekly price hikes happened, was forced to shed off pounds and inches just so that I could squeeze myself into overcrowded couches of the MRT. I have seriously contemplated of buying a bike to save on fare, but have you seen those red plated SUVs zooming along EDSA? I would rather die of natural causes. I have seen pink fences, pink urinals, pink waiting sheds, pink islands constructed in every corner of Metro Manila, but I don't see any bike lanes for those who are braver and more adventurous than me.

Mrs. Arroyo's government imposed 12% VAT on petroleum products, just so she can have the people line up to collect their one time "pantawid kuryente" assistance worth P500. Why not forget VAT and at least make the hard life easier? But oh no, she would not. She would rather have the people from Tondo, Payatas or Commonwealth wait in queue under the sun to a get a morsel of the money stolen from them. She, in her less that five foot frame has reduced the poor people to beggars.

It has been 2 years since that rainy SONA. Nothing has changed much. The Filipino people still do not have land to till, decent jobs, food on the table, and access to social services. We still have crooks for government officials and a stealing, congenital liar for a president who fattens up her husband with the people's money.

The people have the same reasons why they are protesting on the streets.

It has been two years now since that rainy SONA. I still worry that he might catch pneumonia when it's raining, still wondering if he has eaten lunch. He still is the same unkemptly cute person that he was two SONAs ago. What has changed? I now have the liberty to be lost in his eyes without the fear of revealing how I feel. I do not have to worry about not having any intelligent thing to say. Why, this man hangs on to my every word no matter how mundane my chosen topic is. (Had I known!)

Also, I do not miss out the umbrella anymore. Good for me.

You know what, I know three people who made promises two SONAs ago. But only two kept their promises (Gloria was not one of them). Why? Because we still have the same reasons for falling for each other as we had that one rainy SONA.

Ang Kabilang Mukha ng Eraserheads Reunion Concert

2008-08-16T16:58:00.000-07:00

ni Mac Ramirez

Kabilang ako sa napakaraming mga kabataang lumaki at namulat noong dekada ‘90. Panahon iyon ng muling pag-arangkada ng Pinoy Rock na may ilang taon ding natulog. Panahon din iyon kung saan sa halos lahat ng kalye, eskinita at eskwelahan sa Metro Manila, may mga kabataang kasama sa banda o kaya’y nagbabalak magtayo ng banda. Sa resurgence ng Pinoy Rock noong early 90’s, hindi matatawaran ang malaking kinalaman ng grupong Eraserheads nina Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala at Marcus Adoro.

Bago sila sumikat, tila bahagyang nahirapan ang mga naunang banda sa kanila na mahuli ang kiliti ng publiko. Pero nang mag-umpisang marinig ang mga kantang “Pare ko,” “Ligaya,” “Toyang,” at “Tindahan ni Aling Nena” ng Eraserheads noong 1993 sa kanilang unang album na Ultraelectromagneticpop!, agad tinangkilik ng buong bansa ang dating para sa marami’y “puro ingay lang” na mga banda - nag-umpisa ang Eraserheads Mania. Tuloy, pati ako, nagpabili sa Nanay ko ng drumset at pares ng sapatos na Converse Chuck Taylor, pinraktis ang kanilang mga kanta at nagtayo ng sariling banda.

Nakita ko ng live sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon ang Eraserheads noong Mayo uno ng 1993 sa Amoranto Stadium. Hindi ko makakalimutan ang pa-morningang konsyerto na iyon na alay sa mga manggagawang Pinoy. Kasi naman pumutok ang labi ko dahil sa tama ng lumilipad na takip ng maliit na drum. Pero kahit duguan ang bibig pati damit (naging pula nga ang puti kong suot), nag-enjoy pa rin ako sa dami ng mga bandang maghapon at magdamag na nagpalitan sa entablado.

Kalaunan, grumadweyt din ako sa impluwensiya ng Eraserheads at Beatles, at nag-umpisang makinig sa iba pang mga tugtugan. Hindi na kami nambubulahaw sa mga kapitbahay namin noon ng paulit-ulit na tugtog ng Toyang at Pare Ko (mas maingay na) at nag-umpisa na kaming sumali sa lahat ng Battle of the Bands na mabalitaan. Pagkatapos din ng ilang taon at sunud-sunod na hit albums, nag-disband ang Eraserheads na tinagurian na ring Beatles ng Pilipinas at nagkani-kaniya nang buhay ang mga miyembro. Marami ang nagulat sa kanilang biglaang pagkakawatak-watak, madami rin ang istorya at haka-haka ukol sa dahilan nito.

Pero kahit ganoon, malaki pa rin ang pasalamat ko sa Eraserheads dahil sa himig nila ako nagsimulang ma-hook sa musika at pagbabanda. Hanggang ngayon nga, kahit puro agiw na yung drumset ko sa bahay, tumutugtog pa rin ako paminsan-minsan. Kaya’t nung mabalitaan ko kalian lang na may pinaplanong reunion concert ang E-heads, na-excite ako at agad inalam kung talagang totoo nga ba ito.

E = 83008

Pag-search ko sa Google, nawindang ako sa dami ng blog posts tungkol sa tsismis ng reunion concert. Mga blind item pa ang gimik! May mga ibinigay na clues panaka-naka; gaya ng litrato ng chuck taylor, blurred na picture ng banda at mga miyembro at isang imahe ng titik E na may numerong 83008.

Narito ang ilan sa mga naglipanang blog posts:

“The reuniting band members have already signed the contract and this may-jah event will happen sometime around the last quarter of this year. The venue might probably be at the Pasay Area. Somewhere near that humongous Mall. They are expecting an audience of 35,000.”

“Decoding: “83008” can be a date right? And “E‘ could mean Eraserheads. So does it mean that their reunion concert will be on August 30, 2008? Will the venue be at SM MOA Complex/Grounds/Open Field or, could it also be at the CCP? Am I asking a question? Or, am I stating a fact here? =D Well, it’s the perfect time for them to reunite and for sure, a lot of their fans will be happy if this will be true.”

Ang sabi pa sa mga tsismis sa blogosphere, isang malaking kumpaniya ng sigarilyo ang nakatakdang mag-spo

nsor ng 45 minute concert, at P10 milyon daw ang bayad sa kada isang E-head.

Hanggang sa noong July 13, 2008, kinumpirma na ni Ricky Lo sa kaniyang artikulo sa Philippine Star ang bali-balitang konsert. “Yes, it’s confirmed: The Eraserheads are reuniting after many years of being apart, not for good but only for one show slated for Aug. 30 at the CCP Open Grounds.”

“According to the STAR source, all the original members… are performing — Ely Buendia, Buddy Zabala, Marcus Adoro and Raimund Marasigan. This piece of good news should make the Eraserheads fans very happy,” sabi ni Ricky Lo.

At totoo namang ‘di mapakali sa saya ang sandamukal na mga alagad ng E-heads, lalo na nang ‘opisyal’ na ianunsyo na sa Eraserheads mailing list and mensaheng ito:

“Yes it’s true. It’s been in the works for several months na. Marlboro is sponsoring this concert and paid each of the members a staggering P10M each to do a full 45-minute set. This is the official announcement:

No more blind items my dear friends. Yes. We are confirming it. There is no point denying: August 30, 2008 will be LEGENDARY!!!

The country’s most influential band ever will be reunited for ONE NIGHT ONLY.

This once in a lifetime experience will be staged at the CCP opengrounds. Tickets are free and you can download it early August. Website to be announced. ONE BRAND. ONE BAND. ONE NIGHT ONLY…”

Shrewd, manipulative marketing

Pero kung sadyang napakarami ang naglundagan sa tuwa sa balitang muling pagsasama ng iniidolong Eraserheads, may ilan din naman ang di naiwasang punahin ang maitim na adyenda sa likod ng reunion concert.

“Assuming that all that has been written about this supposed concert is true … I think the Eraserheads are doing a great disservice not just to the generation of Filipinos who were weaned on their music but also to the younger ones who are bound, I am certain, to love their songs,” pakiwari ni Caloy Conde, isang journalist at blogger.

Sa kaniyang blog na naka-post sa pinoypress.com (Why the Eraserheads’ Reunion Concert Sucks); tinukoy niya na isang “shrewd” at “manipulative” na marketing gimmick lamang ito ng Marlboro at ginagamit lamang daw ng kumpaniya ng sigarilyo ang kasikatan ng Eraserheads para bumenta ang kanilang produkto.

Kasi naman, ani Conde, ipinagbabawal na ngayon ng batas ang anumang advertisements ng ‘nakamamatay’ na sigarilyo, kaya sa ganitong paraan naisip ng kumpaniya na ilako ang produkto.

“What Marlboro did was to create the buzz, which later turned into an event that found its way to the mainstream press. In the process, Marlboro got the attention that it craves to sustain interest in its deadly product. Intelligent as they are, the Eraseheads must realize by now that they are being used by Marlboro to peddle a product that has been proven to be so fatal as to force the government to ban their advertisement and promotion in the popular press. I hope that, as the Eheads enjoy the millions that they will earn after this so-called reunion concert, they can sleep better at night,” dagdag pa ni Conde.

May punto naman itong si G. Conde, isang tuwirang pambabaluktot sa batas ang ginagawa ngayon ng kumpaniyang Philip Morris (gumagawa ng Marlboro) para lamang makabenta. Gayunpaman, kahit ako ay aminado na mahusay at pumatok ang kanilang gimik – pinag-usapan, pinag-piyestahan at inaabangan na ngayon ng buong bayan ang konsyerto. Ayon nga sa maraming mga usisero diyan sa tabi-tabi, kahit pa biglang iurong o hindi na ituloy ang Eraserheads reunion concert, wala lang ito sa Marlboro. Ang dami na kasi nilang inaning marketing points sa dami ba naman ng excited na mga Pinoy sa internet.

Pero ako, panonoorin ko pa rin ang reunion concert sa simpleng dahilan na gusto ko ulit marinig at makitang magkasamang muli ang banda na kinagiliwan ko noong hayskul. Hiling ko lang, sana wala nang lumilipad na takip ng drum sa konsyertong ito. Kitakits!###

Kung Saan P7 Lang ang Pamasahe

Mac Ramirez

Alas-kuwatro pa lang ng umaga, gising na si Mang Daniel Soriano, 41, para umpisahan ang maghapong kayod sa manibela. “ ‘Pag hindi ako magsisipag, walang kakainin ang pamilya ko,” aniya, kaya naman ‘hataw’ kung bumiyahe itong si Mang Daniel.

Pero habang maraming mga tsuper ang natuwa sa pagtaas ng minimum na bayad sa pamasahe patungong P8.50 kamakailan dahil na rin sa di maawat na pagtaas ng presyo ng langis at mga produktong petrolyo, wala naman raw itong epekto kay Mang Daniel. Kasi naman, sa lugar kung saan siya bumabiyahe, pitong piso lang ang pamasahe - di hamak na mas mababa sa itinakdang singil ng gubyerno.

EDSA-Bagong Barrio sa Caloocan ang ruta ni Mang Daniel. May halos isang daan ding dyip ang bumabagtas sa rutang ito. “Wala naman kaming magawa. Hindi kami puwedeng magtaas ng pasahe kasi wala nang sasakay sa‘men,” paliwanag ni Mang Daniel habang naghihintay sa pila at sukbit-sukbit pa sa katawan ang sisidlan ng kinita sa maghapon.

May mga bumibiyahe din kasing mga tricycle sa ruta nila na pitong piso din ang sinisingil sa mga pasahero. Kaya naman hindi maaaring sumabay ang mga tsuper ng dyip sa Bagong Barrio sa minimum fare increase na itinakda ng Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board o LTFRB.

Kalbaryo ng mga tsuper sa Bagong Barrio

Sa katunayan, noong Hulyo 7 lamang naging pitong piso ang minimum na pamasahe sa dyip sa Bagong Barrio. Bago nito, limang piso lamang ang kailangang bayaran ng mga pasahero.

Ito ang matinding kalbaryo ni Mang Daniel, sampu ng kaniyang mga kapwa tsuper sa Bagong Barrio. Sabi nila, hirap na hirap na sila sa halos lingguhang pagtaas ng presyo ng krudo. “Hindi na ba matatapos ang mga pagtaas na ito?,” tanong ni Mang Daniel. “Hirap na hirap na kaming mga drayber dito.”

Tatlong daang piso ang karaniwang boundary ng mga tsuper sa Bagong Barrio at P250 naman kung walang pasok. Sabi ni Mang Daniel, suwerte na raw ang mga drayber doon kung makapag-uwi sila ng kita na P200. “Ang kumikita lang talaga dito ng malaki ay ang mga kumpaniya ng langis. Sabi nila nalulugi sila kaya kailangang magtaas ng presyo, kalokohan ‘yon. Imposibleng malugi sila” bulalas pa niya.

Limandaang piso hanggang P700 daw ang ginagastos ng mga tsuper sa Bagong Barrio sa krudo pa lamang. Kung kaya minsan, si Mang Daniel, alas-dose na ng hating-gabi natatapos sa pamamasada, may maiuwi lang kahit kaunting pera sa pamilya.

“Minsan nga pangkain na lang, kulang pa. Wala na nga kaming panahon mag-hapi-hapi,” sabi ni Mang Daniel, sabay tawa. Nang makapanayam ng Pinoy International mag-aalas-singko, Linggo ng hapon; wala pang boundary si Mang Daniel. Idinagdag pa nga niya, baon na baon na siya sa utang. Humiram lang daw siya ng isang libo sa nagpapa-five six noong Sabado para lang may ipantawid sa gutom. May mga kailangan din daw kasing bilhin sa eskwela ang dalawa niyang anak sa hayskul. Daing pa ni Mang Daniel: “Sa sitwasyon nga naming mga drayber ngayon, hindi ko na nga alam kung papaano ko papaaralin ang mga anak ko sa kolehiyo. Bahala na.”

The IMA Communique

2008-08-16T16:37:00.000-07:00

The IMA recently concluded its founding assembly in Hong Kong. A communique has been released. Please read more below.

"For a long time, others spoke on our behalf. Now we speak for ourselves."

The message was clear: the time for the voice of the grassroots migrants has come with the resounding success of the International Migrants Alliance (IMA) founding assembly.

They came from all corners of the world. One hundred and sixty seven delegates representing 118 organizations from 25 countries participated in the founding assembly of the first international formation of grassroots migrants on June 15 and 16 in Hong Kong. Among these, 102 were present as founding members (regular and associate members) while 16 have come as observers. The assemblies also noted six organizations who have signified to become founding members but were unable to attend due to visa and financial issues.

In the spirit of international solidarity, the participants shared each other's experiences, learned from each other's actions, debated and reached unities that shall propel the IMA in its future programs.

Inputs from a battery of speakers who were mainly from grassroots organizations of migrants were helpful for the participants to arrive at common understanding of major issues that migrants face. After a painstaking process of finding common grounds, the basic principles of the IMA were firmed up.

With the approval of the IMA Constitution, the election of its leadership and first set of officers and the approval of the General Program of Action (GPOA), the IMA was finally born.

United we shall break the chains of globalization.

The first day of the assembly featured presentations on the different themes relevant to migrants.

Held at the City University of Hong Kong and co-organized by the Women Empowerment in Moslem Context of the Southeast Asia Research Center (WEMC-SEARC), the program was attended by more than 350 migrants including about 200 foreign workers – mostly domestic workers – from Hong Kong.

A well-applauded video that showed the situation that migrants face and why building the IMA is imperative opened the program. The crowd was moved, agitated and was put in high spirits to make the assembly a success.

As the names of the organizations attending the IMA were then called, it even heightened the atmosphere of the success of the assembly.

The Very Revd Andrew Chan, dean of the St. John's Cathedral and board member of the Mission for Migrant Workers (MFMW) and the Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM) that are both based in Hong Kong, welcomed all the delegates and bid the conference to achieve its aims.

Afterwards, renowned advocate for migrants, Dr. Irene Fernandez of Tenaganita (Women's Force) delivered the keynote address to the assembly. She expounded on the global context of the current migration process, how these processes have changed and were shaped by the developments of the global capitalist system, as well as the increased forced migration, especially of women.

She also took note of the apparent debate between the right to migrate against the right of people against displacement. She said that such was a false debate, imposed by people with a superficial understanding of what it means to be a migrant. "Free movement and the right not to be displaced, are two essential elements to the assertion of collective and individual self-determination," Fernandez explained.

Finally, Dr. Fernandez congratulated all the delegates of the IMA as she also called for revolutionary changes "to break these chains of global exploitation and oppression."

Dr. Fernandez's address was then followed by a battery of panel speakers.

The first panel consisted of noted anti-globalization activists who elaborated on the theme of Wages, Job Security, Remittances and GATS Mode-4. These topics were elaborated on by Mr. Aziz Choudry of the GATT watchdog and MR. Sonny Africa of the respected research think-tank Ibon Philippines. The presentation of Mr. Jose Gonzales of Frente Indígena de Organizaciones Binacionales gave a concrete face to the ill-effects of globalization as he expounded on the situation of migrant agricultural workers coming from Mexico.

In the second panel that focused on the War on Terror, Immigration and Refugees and the Criminalization of Undocumented Migrants, speakers that included Ms. Sarwat Viqar of the Center for Philippine Concerns in Canada, Mr. Ufuk Berdan of the Federation of of Turkish Workers in Europe and Mr. Terence Valen of the Filipino Community Center in the United States discussed how the US-led war on terror has eroded the rights of migrants especially with many anti-migrant policies. Mr. Ramon Bultron of the APMM meanwhile expounded on the general situation that faces the undocumented migrants and their different concerns.

Afterwards, Filipino migrants in Hong Kong from the Cordillera region in the Philippines presented a short play that depicted, in a "Torch Relay" the history of the struggle of Filipino migrants in Hong Kong.

The third panel was composed of regional and national women leaders who talked about violence against women, trafficking and globalization. Speakers were Ms. Emmi de Jesus of the militant women's group Gabriela in the Philippines, Ms. Asfinawati of Asia Pacific forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD) and Hsiao-Chuan Hsia of the Trans Asia Sisters Association of Taiwan (TASAT) which is an organization of immigrant brides in Taiwan.

The last panel of the day tackled the issue of Health, Family and the Social Costs of Forced Migration. Speakers for the panel were Ms. Valentina Soe of the regional group CARAM-Asia, activists from Australia Ms. Vivi Germanos-Koutsounadis of the Greek Orthodox Community of the New South Wales and Ms. Jane Brock-Corpus of the Immigrant Women Speakout Association, Prof. Robyn Rodriquez of Philippine Forum and the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns in the US, and Mr. Syamsul of SEKBER-BMI which is an organization of returned migrants and families of migrant workers in Indonesia.

In the evening, the IMA delegates discussed and approved the IMA's Basis of Unity that shall serve as the Alliance's guiding principles in its work and activities in the future.

United in one stand, firm and resolute

On the second day, the panel that tackled Organizing, Building of Alliances and Campaign Strategies was held. Panel speakers were all grassroots migrant leaders from different countries – Ms. Connie Bragas-Regalado of Migrante International in the Philippines, Ms. Teresa Gutierrez of the May 1st Coalition for Immgirant and Worker Rights in the US, Ms. Wol San Liem of the Migrants' Trade Union (MTU) in Korea and Ms. Eni Lestari of the Asian Migrant's Coordinating Body (AMCB).

The panel presentations became very important inputs in the finalization of the Alliance's Constitution and General Program of Action.

Plans included in the GPOA included activities and programs for education and information, campaign and mobilization that will pick up from the IMA concerns expressed in the panel topics, international advocacy including challenging the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) in the Philippines this October, and expansion of the Alliance including the formation of country chapters and recruitment of more members from the regions of Africa and Latin America.

The finalization of the IMA's GPOA elated the delegates as it provided the roadmap of what the IMA wishes to to achieve for the next three years.

To lead the IMA, members of the International Coordinating Body (ICB) were chosen by the different global regions as well as elected at-large.

To ensure that global regions are represented in the IMA leadership, regional caucuses were held to elect their representatives to the ICB. Among them were Jose Gonzales of FIOB for Latin America, Teresa Gutierrez of May 1st Coalition for Immigrant and Worker Rights for the USA, Sol Pajadura of Migrante-Ontario for Canada, Mr. Ramesh Pandit of Nepalese Labour Organization for South Asia, Mr. Ufuk Berdan of ATIK for Europe, Mr. Nhel Morona for Middle East and Africa and Dr. Irene Fernandez for East Asia and Oceania.

Among those ICB members elected at-large were: Ms. Tess Tesalona of Immigrant Workers Center, Canada; Prof. Robyn Rodriquez of Philippine Forum, USA; Ms. Rumana Sheikh of BOMSA, Bangladesh; Ms. Grace Punongbayan of MIGRANTE-Europe; Ms. Eni Lestari of AMCB,HK; Mr. Ali of Federation of Workers from Turkey in Switzerland; Hsiao-Chuan Hsia of Taiwan; Ms. Connie Bragas-Regalado of Migrante-International, Philippines.

Associate members that comprised NGOs and migrant-serving institutions also selected among themselves two members who will sit as ex officio members to the ICB – Ms. Wahu Kaara of Kenya Debt Relief Network and Mr. Ramon Bultron of the Asia-Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM). Ms. Kaara vowed to assist the IMA in its priority of expanding membership in the African region.

These seventeen members comprised the newly-constituted ICB of the IMA.

The ICB then elected among themselves officers of the executive committee.

Elected members of the executive committee were: Eni Lestari of AMCB-HK, chairperson; Ufuk Berdan of ATIK-Europe, vice chairperson; Connie Bragas-Regalado of Migrante-Philippines, secretary-general; Teresa Gutierrez of the May 1st Coalition for Immigrant and Worker Rights in USA, deputy secretary-general, and; Tess Tesalona of Immigrant Workers Center in Canada, Treasurer.

Migrants on the march, onward we shall move

The establishment of the IMA marked a historic chapter in the movement of migrants and immigrants for rights and welfare and for comprehensive social change.

It was a timely effort of the migrants of the world to forge a stronger and higher unity in the face of daunting problems and issues that worsen the exploitation and oppression of the migrants.

Indeed it is now time to "speak for ourselves."

For we are the migrants forced to leave our countries and families. We are the ones displaced by poverty, political persecution, war on terror, economic hardships and other social ills perpetuated by imperialist globalization.

We are the grassroots migrants. With our solidarity, we shall speak and we shall fight to gain more victories. #

IMA Founding Assembly Participating Organizations

Regular Members (70)*

Australia(6): Gabriela Australia, Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales, Immigrant Women's Speak Out Association-Australia, Migrante Perth, Migrante Sydney Neighborhood – Inner West of Sydney, Migrante-Melbourne. Austria (1): AYIGF-Federation of Workers from Turkey in Austria. Bangladesh (2): Bangladeshi Ovibashi Mohila Sramik Association, IMA Research Foundation. Canada (6): Migrante Ontario, Pilipinong Migrante sa Canada, Pinay, South Asian Women's Community Center, Ugnayan ng Kabataang Pilipino sa Canada, Immigrant Workers Centre. Denmark (1): Ugnayan sa Radyo Pinoy. Germany (3): ATIK-Confederation of Workers from Turkey in Europe, ATIK-Yeni Kadin Woman Commission Germany, ATIF-Federation of Workers from Turkey in Germany. Hong Kong (16): Abra Tinguian Ilocano Society, Asian Migrants Coordinating Body, Asosiasi Tenaga Kerja Indonesia, Association of Concerned Filipinos, Association of Sri Lankans, Cordillera Alliance, Filipino Migrant Workers Union, Filipino Women Migrant Workers Association, Friends of Bethune House, Mission Volunteers (MOVERS), PILAR, Pinatud A Saleng Ti Umili, Thai Regional Alliance, United Filipinos in Hong Kong, LIKHA, PIC Choir. Indonesia (1): SEKBER - Family of Migrants. Italy (1): UMANGAT. Japan (4): Filipina Circle for Advancement and Progress (FICAP), KAFIN, KAFIN-Tokyo Akishima, Philippine Women's League of Japan. Korea (2): KASAMMAKO, New Era Foundation. Macau (2): ATKI Macau, Migrante Macau. Malaysia (2): Nepalese Labor Organization, TENAGANITA. The Netherlands (2): HITIF-Federation of Workers from Turkey in Holland, Migrante Europe. New Zealand (1): MIGRANTE-New Zealand. Philippines (2): Migrante International, Coalition of Agricultural Workers Internonational. Switzerland (1): ITIF-Federation of Workers from Turkey in Switzerland. Taiwan (3): Migrante – Taiwan, Trans-Asia Sisters Association of Taiwan, Taiwan International Workers Association. United Kingdom (3): Migrante UK, Tohum Cultural Center, YDG-Europe. United Arab Emirates (1): Migrante UAE. United States of America (10): Anakbayan Los Angeles, Anakbayan New York New Jersey, BAYAN-USA, Frente Indígena de Organizaciones Binacionales, Habi Arts, Bayan USA, May 1st Coalition for Immigrant and Workers Rights, Movement of Action, Inspiring Service (MAIZ), Philippine Forum, Migrante New York, Chelsea Uniting Against the War.

Associate Members (32)

Australia (3): Australia Asia Workers Link, Philippine Australia Solidarity Association, Work@Justice. Canada (5): CATTA, Centre for People's Concerns (CAP-CPC), Movement Against Rape and Incest, Philippines-Canada Solidarity for Human Rights, Women of Diverse Origins for March 8. Hong Kong (6): Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants, Asian Students Association, Bethune House Migrant Women's Refuge, ENGENDER Hong Kong, Mission For Migrant Workers (HK) Society, St John's Cathedral HIV Education Centre. Indonesia (1): Indies. India (1): Sahanivasa. Japan (1): Filipino Migrants Center. Kenya (1): Kenya Debt Relief Network. Malaysia (2): CARAM – Asia, Pesticide Action Network – Asia Pacific. Pakistan (1): Roots for Equity. Philippines (7): Alliance of Health Workers, Center for Women's Resources, GABRIELA, IBON, Institute of Political Economy (IPE), Solidarity and People's Advocacy Network, Student Christian Movement of the Philippines. Taiwan (2): Labor Rights Association, New Immigrants Labor Rights Association. Thailand (1): Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development. United States of America (1): Filipino Community Center-San Francisco

Observers (16)

Australia (2): Asian Women at Work, Researchers from the University of Sydney. Canada (1): Vancouver Bus Riders Association. Hong Kong (3): World Student Christian Federation Asia Pacific, Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions, Asian Monitor Resource Centre. Indonesia (2): Partisan Foundation, Solidaritas Perempuan. Japan (3): Asia Wide Campaign (AWC-Japan), Global Collaboration Center, Japanese Filipino Children's Network. Korea (1): Migrants Trade Union. New Zealand (1): GATT-Watchdog. Philippines (1): Gabriela Women's Party. Thailand (1): Global Alliance Against Trafficking of Women. United States of America (1): Critical Filipino Studies Collective.

*Six organizations who were not present during the assembly but signified their intent to join the IMA as regular members are: Japan (3) – DUYAN, League of Filipino Seniors, Philippine Society in Japan. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (2): Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan-Migrante Al Jouf, Migrante-Jeddah-KSA. Korea (1): Migrant Workers Television South Korea (MWTV).

The 2008 State of the Nation Address of Bogus President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

2008-08-16T16:31:00.000-07:00

A Statement by Bayan-Canada National Organizing Committee^*

Whether on Sunday, July 27 or the Monday after, whether in Canada's west coast gateway, Vancouver, to its capital, Ottawa, and Canada's financial heartland, Toronto, in between; Bayan-Canada organizations from the west to the province of Quebec, will be holding various events from a People's Festival, a People's Worship, and a picket in front of the Philippine Embassy to celebrate the Filipino people's movement as it struggles for a better future for the Filipino people and international solidarity, and to unmask the glittering falsehoods that will be peddled on July 28 in the Philippine Congress.

As you know, that very day the bogus President of the Republic of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, will be delivering her fantastical state of the nation address. She will stand there before a body that is overwhelmingly made up of ill-gotten millionaires to weave a mendacious tale of advancement for the Filipino people. Ever mindful of the largess out of Macapagal Arroyo's schemes to cling to the throne, the Philippine Congress will sycophantically grunt at this fool's gold as their minds wander off to thoughts of another year's worth of pork barrel.

As the great anti-imperialist author Mark Twain once made popular, there are "lies, damned lies, and statistics." No doubt Arroyo will dip frequently into her grab bag of numerical sorcery to chant her incantation that her so-called Medium Term Philippine Development Plan of 2004-2010 is actually working. This kind of plan, premised as it is on the old wives' tale that subjecting a maldeveloped country's proto-industries to the brutal competition of a world market dominated at all levels by imperial powers develops that country, has been cliché in the Philippines now for a century. Only a psychotic can believe that doing the same thing again will somehow get different results.

To disabuse us of this notion that any development is actually happening in the Philippines, we need only recall that the National Statistics Office of the Philippine government can actually claim with a straight face that April 2008 unemployment in the Philippines is only 8%. Just to compare, Canada's unemployment rate is said to be only 6.2% by Statistics Canada. In other words, we are supposed to believe that a country in deep, deep, deep, deep, deep depression and backward maldevelopment has barely worse unemployment than one of the richest countries in the world possibly in the throes of a mild economic contraction?

This staggers the mind and no Filipino, except in the worst bad faith, will believe it. To be fair, perhaps the numbers were conjured by leaving out the fact that last year 1,070,192 Filipinos were deployed abroad as overseas workers, not to mention those that actually emigrated, or did not return after doing some tourism, etc.

The Filipino people know the palpable truth through the ache of their growling stomachs, and the silent emptiness of another loved one in strange foreign lands just so the family might survive another day that the country's situation is again worsening as it did the year before, and the year before that, and so on. The most accurate way to picture the direction of the Philippine economy is going down stairs. On those rare best of years, when everything goes right, it either does not get worse or it gets just a little worse. This is one of those years in which not only are the Filipino people hit with weekly oil price increases of P1.50, rice prices have already soared by 1/3 and corn prices by 1/5 even as daily minimum wages hover between P345 or P382, or between $8.00 and $9.00 Canadian per day.

As we vow to redouble our efforts to arouse, organize and mobilize the Filipino people in Canada to struggle for a brighter future for the Filipino people overall, and to defend our rights and improve our welfare in Canada; we also call on our Canadian friends to redouble their efforts to arouse, organize and mobilize the Canadian people to pry away the blood-soaked talons of its imperialist state from its loving embrace with the Philippine fascist state.

*Bayan-Canada organizing committees exist in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.

A victory for Juana Tejada is a victory for all Filipino migrants

2008-08-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

Migrante-Ontario is pleased with the decision of the Citizenship and Immigration Canada to grant Juana Tejada her dying wish to stay in here. Indeed, we recognize this as a victory for Juana, and this also is a victory for all Filipino migrants, especially those who are still under the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP).

"It has been determined that you meet the eligibility requirements to apply for permanent resident status as a Member of Live-in Caregiver class," read the decision letter dated July 17, 2008.

This decision did not come easy. Juana and her husband were put in a very difficult situation. They had to endure anxiety and emotional letdowns after her application was twice refused because she was diagnosed with terminal illness. But despite frustrations, Juana remained persistent and confident. Through her lawyer, she challenged the previous decisions, and subsequently made an appeal on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.

"This victory is our community's victory. It is a victory for other Juana Tejadas out there, it is a victory for all Filipino migrants," said Marco Luciano of Migrante. "It's a very significant step towards our campaign for the fundamental changes to the LCP," he added.

While we celebrate this triumph, we remain vigilant. There are reasons to be so especially after the recent passing of the Bill C-50. This new policy seeks "to make it impossible for immigrants to determine not just the conditions of their work, but also of their own lives in Canada."

"We cannot allow this to happen again to others. No live-in caregiver should ever have to go through this harrowing process, like Juana Tejada did," Rafael Fabregas, Juana's lawyer, said in a statement released yesterday. "In recognition of their contributions and sacrifices, they deserve a more certain future," he added.

As we have said, Juana deserves the right to permanent residency. Since she arrived in Canada in 2003, she surmounted every difficulty working under the LCP – all in the service of a Canadian family, and by extension, in the service of Canadian society.

Again, while celebrate this victory, we remain vigilant and determined to pursue our campaign for fundamental changes to the LCP. Certainly, we stand firm and resolute in our commitment to continue our fight for justice, and for the rights and welfare of all Filipino migrants.

Expose and oppose political concessions and patronage in the appointment of new OWWA Administrator – Migrante ME

2008-08-16T16:13:00.002-07:00

An alliance of overseas Filipino workers’ organizations in the Middle East today said that political patronage and concessions will play a vital role in the appointment of new administrator for the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration, "thus should be expose and oppose!"

“Under Mrs. Arroyo’s leadership, political patronage and concessions play a vital role in the appointment of new OWWA administrator, a position vacated by now Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito Roque that should be exposed and opposed by OFWs and their families,” said John Leonard Monterona, regional coordinator of Migrante Middle East.

“The OWWA as a “juicy” agency with an almost P10-B thrust fund collected from the US$25 from every OFWs, Mrs. Arroyo would certainly appoint someone she could be trusted, that someone should be from her political company, a necessity for her political survival in the midst of her dwindling popularity and net-satisfaction ratings by the public who is more disappointed, enraged but are protesting her”, Monterona added.

Migrante’s Monterona said that as much as Mrs. Arroyo remains in office, it is but politically wise for her to appoint someone whom she can be trusted and someone willing to obey and implement her anti-people and anti-OFW policies and programs, such is the like of Mr. Romulo Neri, who knows how to keep her “secrets” in the dark.

Monterona said that though many OFWs prefer to have a new OWWA administrator who is a ‘true-blooded’ OFW who really understands the aspirations, concerns and issues of OFWs, he said with much doubt if Mrs. Arroyo would appoint from among the aspiring OFW leaders, but she would rather appoint from among her political minions who are actually losing candidates waiting for their “pay-back” time to be appointed by Mrs. Arroyo.

“That’s the very reason why losing senatorial candidate Prospero Pitchay is being eyed as OWWA administrator and according to reports his appointment paper was already been signed by Mrs. Arroyo”, Monterona added.

Monterona said that his group won't be surprised but will stage protests if Mrs. Arroyo appointed someone with concluded political concessions from among her political allies who lost in the senatorial election as she already appointed Ralph Recto, Tito Sotto, Mike Defensor, and even to some “insiders” who are eager enough to be appointed as OWWA chief.

Monterona said with an anti-people and most anti-OFW president, the woes and worsening plight of OFWs abroad would not end by Mrs. Arroyo’s appointing of a new OWWA administrator.

“OFWs and their families should collectively work hand in hand with other social classes and sectors to contribute meaningfully establish a more democratic and representative government, unlike the present Arroyo government that has been controlled by local big landlords and businessmen in cahoots with US and First World countries’ monopoly capitalists that displace thousands of workers who were forced to work abroad only to be maltreated, abused and neglected by their own government,” Monterona ended.

For reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante Middle East regional coordinator

Mobile No.: 00966 564 97 8012

9 out of 10 NCR residents want Oil VAT scrapped

2008-08-16T16:11:00.000-07:00

IBON Survey / July 26, 2008
Reference: Ms Rosario Bella Guzman (IBON executive editor)

In spite of aggressive government efforts to justify the 12% value added tax (VAT) on oil, almost nine out of 10 Metro Manila residents still feel that the said tax must be scrapped.

In a metro-wide survey conducted by IBON Foundation on July 12-13, 87.33% of respondents agree with the proposals to scrap the VAT on petroleum products.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is expected to highlight the supposed benefits of the people from government's growing collections from the VAT in her State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

Various groups have been calling for the cancellation of the VAT on oil in the face of escalating pump prices with several legislative proposals implementing the said measure currently pending in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has also called for at least a review of the oil VAT. Estimates show that at current price levels, removing the controversial tax can reduce pump prices by more than P7 per liter.

IBON's special survey was conducted across NCR and has a margin of error of plus of minus three percent.

Below is the tabulation of results of the respondents' perception on the removal of the value-added tax on petroleum products.

Do you agree with the proposals to remove the VAT on petroleum products?
Yes 324 87.33
No 31 8.36
Don't Know 16 4.31
371 100.00

*IBON Foundation, Inc. is an independent development institution established in 1978 that provides research, education, publications, information work and advocacy support on socioeconomic issues.

NYC Fil-Am Women Speak Out Against GMA's SONA

2008-08-16T16:02:00.000-07:00

FiRE/GABRIELA USA stands together with the true PEOPLE'S SONA

Fifth Ave, NYC- In the hustle and bustle of NYC with tourists and businessmen hurrying through the streets, FiRE, a group of NYC Fil-Am women and other Fil-am organizations protested against GMA's State of the Nation Address (SONA) in front of the Philippine Consulate. GMA's speech held great promises of budget increases for education, agriculture, senior services, and other basic services-- however, the budget would come from the Value Added Tax (VAT) program, which taxes all basic commodities in the Philippines. But how could workers be able to pay the VAT when there hasn't been a wage increase in 10 years! Again, GMA strikes again with another year of lies and deception to try to appease the current economic crisis that compares to times of the Great Depression.

FiRE (Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment), a group of Fil-am women and daughters of migrant women, denounced GMA's lies and words of deception to the Filipino people. During her address, GMA hardly recognized the difficult labor and suffering of the true state of the nation that is abroad. From the teachers, to the nurses, and to the domestic workers that are exported and trafficked to the U.S. from the Philippines at 3,000 people per day with the majority being women, GMA did not take into account how these women's basic human rights are being oppressed. For examples, Hazel, who was raped by a US serviceman in Japan, who has not had justice served since the charges were dropped by Japanese government; or the Sentosa 27++ nurses who were illegally recruited and trafficked to the US by the Sentosa Recruitment Agency. Instead of making sure that these women workers rights are being upheld, instead GMA and her administration, admire deeply these migrant women for their huge remittance checks that they must send back to their families which keeps the economy afloat.

"GMA does not care for the women of the Philippines that have sacrificed their lives to go abroad abandoning their own children to take care of others'. She does not care for the women that have been raped, tortured, daring their lives to work abroad. She only cares for that big fat remittance check," exclaimed Jackie Mariano from FiRE. "As Filipinas in the U.S., we stand together with our sisters and brothers in the Philippines who joined the streets today in the annual SONA mobilization with 13,000 people strong. There is hope for the Philippines. We've ousted Marcos and Erap. We can do it again!"

Itanong kay Ate Gina

2008-08-16T15:37:00.000-07:00

Tanong: Isang pagbati! Nais ko po sanang humingi ng tulong tungkol sa problema ng yumao kong kapatid na isang OFW na namatay sa labas ng bansa. Pumunta siya sa bansang UAE para magtrabaho bilang waiter sa isang kilalang hotel. Makaraan lamang ng dalawang linggo ay ibinalita sa amin na ang aking kapatid ay nagpakamatay. Tumalon daw siya sa building na kanyang tinitirhan. Naiuwi po ang kanyang bangkay makalipas ang isang linggo.

Labis ang paghihinagpis ng buong pamilya sa nangyari sa kanya at hindi kami makapaniwala na siya ay magpapakamatay. Bago siya umalis ay napakarami niyang pangarap sa sarili at sa aming pamilya. Sa paghahangad ng magandang buhay ay isang malamig na bangkay ang aming sinalubong sa airport, kasabay na naglaho ang kanyang mga pangarap. Nakakapanghinayang ang nangyari sa aking kapatid. Isang malaking kawalan ito ng buong pamilya.

Sa ngayon ay nais naming makamit ang hustisya. Pwede kaya naming sampahan ang recruitment agency na nagpaalis sa kanya, pati na ang kumpanyang kanyang pinagtrabahuhan sa Dubai? Ito lamang po at sana ay mabigyan ninyo kami ng payo kung ano ang dapat naming gawing hakbang kaugnay nito. Maraming salamat!

( May of Muntinlupa)

Sagot: Maraming salamat sa sulat na pinadala mo, May. Nakikiramay ang buong staff ng Pinoy Interantional, hindi lamang sa iyo, kundi sa lahat ng mga pamilya na nawalan ng mga mahal sa buhay na nagtatrabaho sa labas ng bansa. Alam nating ang tanging hangarin nila ay mabigyan ng magandang buhay ang pamilya.

Alam mo ba na araw araw ay 3,000 mahigit kababayan natin ang lumalabas ng bansa upang magtrabaho at may 6 hanggang 10 bangkay ang iniuuwi araw araw? Nito lamang nakaraang buwan, dalawa hanggang apat na OFW sang napabalitang nagpakamatay sa labas ng bansa. Diumano’y tumalon sila sa building, pinukpok ang ulo sa tiles at marami pang iba.

Kayo ba ay naniniwala sa mga balitang ito? Sa totoo lang nakakalungkot ang katotohanan na sa napakaraming kaso ng mysterious death sa nakaraang ilang dekada, ni isa dito ay hindi nabigyan ng katarungan. Halimbawa dito si Jhoana Tatoy, ilang araw lamang sa Dubai ay nabalitaan ng pamilya na nagpakamatay daw dahil sa homesick, pero duda ang pamilya sa resulta ng autopsy galing sa labas ng bansa. Nandiyan din sina Catherine Bautista, Louella Montenegro at Luz Pacuan, mga DH sa Lebanon na namatay noong 2005 dahil tumalon daw sa veranda ng bahay ng kani-kanilang mga amo. Marami pang iba na hindi natin mababanggit.

Sa ngayon, meron tayong batas, ang Republic Act 8042, na para daw sa karapatan at kagalingan ng mga migrante. Gayunpaman, babasahin ito ay maraming kulang para mabigyan ng tunay na proteksyon ang mga migrante. Walang sinasabi ang batas na maaring imbestigahan at sampahan ng kaso ang mga recruitment agency o kaya ang mga employers / kumpanya ng mga OFWs na namatay sa loob ng bahay ng employer o habang nagtratrabaho sa kanila.

Gayunpaman, iminumungkahi kong gawin ang mga sumusunod para maipaglaban ang katarungan para sa iyong kapatid:

Maaaring lumapit sa OUMWA-DFA para magkaroon ng imbestigasyon sa labas ng bansa tungkol sa nangyari sa kapatid mo.
Kumunsulta sa isang abogado hinggil sa kasong maaaring isampa, lalo na laban sa recruitment agency dito. Marami namang mga abogado ang nagbibigay ng libreng serbisyo para hindi na kayo magastusan pa.
Sa panghuli, pwedeng lapitan ang Senate o Congress para sa isang masusing imbestigasyon sa nangyari sa kapatid mo at sa iba pang mga OFWs na namatay sa kaduda-dudang paraan. Maari ding magkaroon sila ng mga resolusyon hinggil dito.

Tanong: Isang magandang araw sa lahat ng staff ng Pinoy International!

Nais ko pong isangguni ang aking problema tungkol sa aming kapitbahay na nagre-rekrut ng mga tao para magtrabaho sa labas ng bansa. Sa kagustuhan kong mag-abroad, isa ako sa nahikayat niya at pinangakuan ako ng magandang trabaho at mataas na buwanang sahod. Hiningian ako ng P35,000 para sa visa at airfare. Nagdesisyon ang pamilya na mangutang ng pera at naibigay ito noong December 2007. Ayon sa rekruter ay makakaalis na ako sa January 2008, inaayos na umano niya ang aking mga papeles at marami daw akong kasabay paalis.

Umasa ako na makakaalis ng buwan na iyon pero hindi po ito nangyari. Ang masaklap po nito ay hindi na siya nagpapakita. Marami po kaming niloko ng rekruter na ito. Sa tuwing pinupuntahan namin sa bahay nila ay sinasabi sa aming na wala na ito at nag-abroad na daw! Hindi po kami naniniwala sa kanila. Alam namin na pinagtataguan na lamang niya kami. Ano po ang pwede kong gawin para mabawi ang perang binigay namin sa kanya? Ito lamang po, sana ay mabigyan ninyo ako ng payo hinggil sa aming problema. Salamat po!

Sagot: Salamat sa sulat na ipinadala mo. Para sa iyong kaalaman, ayon sa datos ng POEA, may sanlibong kaso ng illegal recruitment ang naisampa sa kanilang tanggapan, pero mula dito ay labing-isa lamang ang naisampa sa korte. Hindi pa alam kung ano na ang nangyari sa mga kasong ito.

Karaniwan na itong problema ng ating mga kababayan na nagnanais na magtrabaho sa labas ng bansa. Kumbaga, talamak na ito sa buong Pilipinas. Kaya naman dapat na mag-ingat at siguraduhin na ang taong ating kakausapin hinggil sa pag-aapply ng trabaho sa labas ng bansa ay konektado sa isang recruitment agency na lisensiyado ng POEA. Sa kabilang banda naman, dapat din nating malaman na kahit lisensiyadong mga recruitment agency ang ating in-apply-an ay possible pa rin tayong maging biktima ng illegal recruitment.

Hindi naman kita dini-discourage na magsampa ng kaso laban sa taong ito. Ang mga nabanggit sa itaas ay mula sa karanasan namin sa pagha-handle ng mga kaso, lalo na sa kasong illegal recruitment. Siguro mas mainam na paghandaan ang pagsasampa ng kaso laban sa taong ito. Makabubuti na kausapin mo at hikayatin ang mga nabiktima ng illegal recruitment para mas mapatibay ang kaso laban sa taong ito.

Ito ang mga hakbang o mungkahi na pwedeng gawin:

Kumunsulta sa isang abogado na nagbibigay ng libreng serbisyong legal. Dapat alam ninyo ang eksaktong pangalan at tirahan ng taong inirereklamo ninyo.
Gumawa ng affidavits ang bawat isa sa inyo at dapat notaryado ito.
Kung walang abogado, mungkahi kong lumapit kayo sa mga opisyal ng baranggay o sa police station na nakakasakop sa inyong lugar at idulog ang inyong problema para mapuntahan ang bahay ng rekruter.
Kung hindi ito magiging epektibo, pumunta kayo sa NBI Anti-Trafficking Division sa inyong lugar para magkaroon ng imbestigasyon hinggil sa taong nabanggit. Ang NBI na rin ang magre-refer sa korte para sampahan ng kaso ang taong ito
Maaari ding lumapit sa POEA at sila naman ang bahalang mag-indorso sa korte ng kasong ito.

Lagi ko namang binabanggit, mas mainam kung meron tayong organisasyon na pwedeng lapitan. Pwede po kayong mag-email sa amin para sa ibang detalye. tanong_ategina@yahoo.com o kaya tumawag sa 09058361412.

Joke, Joke, Joke

2008-08-16T15:03:00.000-07:00

Mother superior: Hala, layas dito sa kumbento!

Madre: Bakit po? Dahil po ba sa paggamit ko ng vibrator?

Mother superior: Hindi, ayoko lang may nakikiaalam sa gamit ko!

-----

Sa isang classroom...

Titser: Class, what is ETHICS?

Pilo: Etiks are smaller than ducks.

Titser: Okey, that duck will lay an egg in your card.

-----

Rodrigo: Bakit bad trip ka?

Harry: Nagtampo sa 'kin ang utol ko.

Rodrigo: Bakit naman?

Harry: Nakalimutan ko kasi ang birthday niya.

Rodrigo: 'Yun lang? Anong masama ru'n?

Harry: Ang masama ru'n... twins kami! Twins!

-----

Flight Instructions

All too rarely, airline attendants make an effort to make the in flight "safety lecture" and announcements a bit more entertaining. Here are some real examples that have been heard or reported:

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES

On a Continental Flight with a very "senior" flight attendant crew, the pilot said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached cruising altitude and will be turning down the cabin lights. This is for your comfort and to enhance the appearance of your flight attendants."

JAPAN AIR LINES

"In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, masks will descend from the ceiling. Stop screaming, grab the mask, and pull it over your face. If you have a small child travelling with you, secure your mask before assisting with theirs. If you are travelling with more than one small child, pick your favourite."

BRITISH AIRWAYS

"As you exit the plane, make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses."

QANTAS AIRWAYS

Another flight attendant's comment on a less than perfect landing: "We ask you to please remain seated as Captain Kangaroo bounces us to the terminal."

NORTHWEST AIRLINES

After a particularly rough landing during thunderstorms in Memphis, a flight attendant on a Northwest flight announced, "Please take care when opening the overhead compartments because, after a landing like that, sure as hell everything has shifted."

PHILIPPINE AIR LINES

We're now preparing to land at San Francisco International Airport. Kindly straighten up your seats, turn off all electronic gadgets, pull up your window shades and buckle up for safety. We hope you enjoyed flying with us as much as we did.

Sa wikang atin po, tayo po ay papalapag na sa paliparang pangkalawakang internasyonal ng San Francisco. Paalala po lamang sa ating mga kababayan -- ang mga unan, kumot, headset at iba pang kagamitan sa eroplano ay di po kasama sa pasalubong. Huwag po lamang baklasin ang LCD-TV na nakadikit sa silya.

-----

Inosente na batang matalino

A first-grade teacher, Ms. Neelam was having trouble with one of her students the teacher asked,"Boy, what is your problem?"

Boy answered, "I'm too smart for the first-grade. My sister is in the third-grade and I'm smarter than she is! I think I should be in the third-grade too!"

Ms. Neelam had enough. She took Boy to the principal's office. While Boy waited in the outer office, the teacher explained to the principal what the situation was. The principal told Ms Neelam he would give the boy a test and if he failed to answer any of his questions he was to go back to the first-grade and behave. She agreed.

Boy was brought in and the conditions were explained to him and he agreed to take the test.

Principal: "What is 3 x 3?"

Boy: "9".

Principal: "What is 6 x 6?"

Boy: "36".

And so it went with every question the principal thought a third-grade should know. The principal looks at Ms. Neelam and tells her, "I think Boy can go to the third-grade."

Ms. Neelam says to the principal, "I have some of my own questions. Can I ask him ?" The principal and Boy both agree.

Ms. Neelam asks, "What does a cow have four of that I have only two of?

Boy, after a moment "Legs."

Ms. Neelam: "What is in your pants that you have but I do not have?"

Boy: "Pockets."

Ms. Neelam: What starts with a C and ends with a T, is hairy, oval, delicious and contains thin whitish liquid?

Boy: Coconut

Ms. Neelam: What goes in hard and pink then comes out soft and sticky? The principal's eyes open really wide and before he could stop the answer, Boy was taking charge.

Boy: Bubblegum

Ms. Neelam: What does a man do standing up, a woman does sitting down and a dog does on three legs? The principal's eyes open really wide and before he could stop the answer...

Boy: Shake hands

Ms. Neelam: Now I will ask some "Who am I" sort of questions, okay?

Boy: Yep.

Ms. Neelam: You stick your poles inside me. You tie me down to get me up. I get wet before you do.

Boy: Tent

Ms. Neelam: A finger goes in me. You fiddle with me when you're bored. The best man always has me first. The Principal was looking restless, a bit tense and took one large Patiala Vodka peg.

Boy: Wedding Ring

Ms. Neelam: I come in many sizes. When I'm not well, I drip. When you blow me, you feel good.

Boy: Nose

Ms. Neelam: I have a stiff shaft. My tip penetrates. I come with a quiver.

Boy: Arrow

Ms. Neelam: What word starts with a 'F' and ends in 'K' that means lot

of heat and excitement?

Boy: Firetruck

Ms. Neelam: What word starts with a 'F' and ends in 'K' & if u dont get it u have to use ur hand.

Boy: Fork

Ms. Neelam: What is it that all men have one of it's longer on some men than on others, the pope doesn't use his and a man gives it to his wife after they're married?

Boy: SURNAME

Ms. Neelam: What part of the man has no bone but has muscles, has lots of veins, like pumping, & is responsible for making love ?

Boy: HEART.

The principal breathed a sigh of relief and said to the teacher, "Send this Boy to the University, I got the last ten questions wrong myself!"

-----

CALL CENTER CONVERSATION

Actual dialogue of a former WordPerfect Customer Support employee.

Operator: “Ridge Hall, computer assistance; may I help you?”

Caller: ”Yes, well, I’m having trouble with WordPerfect.”

Operator: “What sort of trouble?”

Caller: ”Well, I was just typing along, and all of a sudden the words went away.”

Operator: “Went away?”

Caller: ”They disappeared”

Operator: “Hmm. So what does your screen look like now?”

Caller: ”Nothing.”

Operator: “Nothing?”

Caller: ”It’s blank; it won’t accept anything when I type.”

Operator: “Are you still in WordPerfect, or did you get out?”

Caller: ”How do I tell?”

Operator: “Can you see the ‘C: prompt’ on the screen??”

Caller: ”What’s a sea-prompt?”

Operator: “Never mind, can you move your cursor around the screen?”

Caller: ”There isn’t any cursor; I told you, it won’t accept anything I type.”

Operator: “Does your monitor have a power indicator?”

Caller: ”What’s a monitor?”

Operator: “It’s the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV. Does it have a little light that tells you when its on ? ”

Caller: “I don’t know.”

Operator: ”Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where the power cord goes into it. Can you see that??”

Caller: ”Yes, I think so.”

Operator: “Great. Follow the cord to the plug, and tell me if it’s plugged into the wall.

Caller: ”Yes, it is.”

Operator: “When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that there were two cables plugged into the back of it, not just one?”

Caller: “No.”

Operator: ”Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and find the other cable.”

Caller: “Okay, here it is.”

Operator: ”Follow it for me, and tell me if it’s plugged securely into the back of your computer.”

Caller: “I can’t reach.”

Operator: ”OK. Well, can you see if it is?”

Caller: “No.”

Operator: ”Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean way over?”

Caller: “Well, it’s not because I don’t have the right angle – it’s because it’s dark.”

Operator: ”Dark?”

Caller: “Yes - the office light is off, and the only light I have is coming in from the window.”

Operator: “Well, turn on the office light then.”

Caller: “I can’t.”

Operator: ”No? Why not?”

Caller: “Because there’s a power failure.”

Operator: “A power …. A power failure? Aha. Okay, we’ve got it licked now. Do you still have the boxes and manuals and packing stuff that your computer came in?”

Caller: “Well, yes, I keep them in the closet.”

Operator: “Good. Go get them, and unplug your system and pack it up just like it was when you got it. Then take it back to the store you bought it from.”

Caller: ”Really? Is it that bad?”

Operator: “Yes, I’m afraid it is.”

Caller: ”Well, all right then, I suppose. What do I tell them?”

Operator: “Tell them you’re too stupid to own a computer!”

-----

Mga Payo ng mga Magulang ( ng kapitbahay ko )

Hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan ang mga mumunti ngunit ginintuang butil ng payo na naikuwento ng kalaro ko, kaya heto, aking ise-share sa inyo:

1. Si Inay, tinuruan niya ako HOW TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL

DONE. "Kung kayong dalawa ay magpapatayan, doon kayo sa labas! Grabe kayo, kalilinis ko lang ng bahay."

2. Natuto ako ng RELIGION kay Itay. "Kapag 'yang mantsa 'di natanggal sa carpet, magdasal ka na!"

3.Kay Inay ako natuto ng LOGIC. "Kaya ganyan, dahil sinabi ko."

4. At kay Inay pa rin ako natuto MORE LOGIC. "Kapag ikaw ay nalaglag diyan sa bubong, ako lang mag-isa ang manonood ng sine."

5. Si Inay din ang nagturo sa akin kung ano ang ibig sahibin ng

IRONY. "Sige ngumalngal ka pa at bibigyan talaga kita ng iiyakan mo!"

6. Si Inay ang nagpaliwanag sa akin kung ano ang CONTORTIONISM. "Tingnan mo nga yang dumi sa likod ng leeg mo, tignan mo!!!"

7. Si Itay ang nagpaliwanag sa akin kung anong ibig sabihin ng STAMINA. "Wag kang tatayo diyan hangga't di mo natatapos yang lahat ng pagkain mo!"

8. At si Inay ang nagturo sa amin kung ano ang WEATHER. "Lintek talaga kayo, ano ba itong kuwarto nyong magkapatid, parang dinaanan ng bagyo!"

9. Ganito ang paliwanag sa akin ni Inay tungkol sa CIRCLE OF LIFE. "Maharot kang bata ka, iniluwal kita sa mundong ito, maaari rin kitang alisin sa mundong ito."

10. Kay Itay ako natuto kung ano ang BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION. "Tumigil ka nga diyan! Huwag kang mag-iinarte na parang Nanay mo!

"11. Si Inay naman ang nagturo kung anong ibig sabihin ng GENETICS.

"Nagmana ka ngang talaga sa ama mong masamang ugali!"

12. Si Inay naman ang nagpaliwanag sa amin kung anong ibig sabihin

ng GRATITUDE. "Maraming mga batang ulila sa magulang, di ba kayo nagpapasalamat at mayroon kayong magulang na tulad namin?"

13. Si Itay naman ang nagturo sa akin ng ANTICIPATION. "Sige kang bata ka, hintayin mong makarating tayo sa bahay!"

14. At si Itay pa rin ang nagturo kay Kuya kung anong ibig sabihin ng

RECEIVING. "May palo ka sa akin pagdating natin sa bahay!"

15. Si Inay naman ang nagturo sa akin kung ano ang HUMOR. "Kapag naputol yang mga paa mo ng pinaglalaruan mong lawnmower, wag na wag kang tatakbo sa akin at lulumpuhin kita!"

16. At ang pinakamahalaga sa lahat, natutunan ko kina Inay at Itay

kung ano ang JUSTICE. "Isang araw magkakaroon ka rin ng anak, tiyak maging katulad mo at magiging pasakit din sa ulo!"

-----

BILL GATES RECRUITS A NEW CHAIRMAN

Bill Gates organized an enormous session to recruit a new Chairman for

Microsoft Europe.

Exactly 5,000 candidates assembled in a large room.

One candidate is MARIO DIMACULANGAN.

Bill Gates: Thank you for coming. Those who do not know JAVA may leave.

2,000 people leave the room.

MARIO says to himself, 'I do not know JAVA but I have nothing to lose if

I stay. I'll give it a try'

Bill Gates: Candidates who never had experience in managing more than 100

people may leave. 2,000 people leave the room.

MARIO says to himself ' I never managed anybody but myself, but I have

nothing to lose if I stay. What can happen to me?' So he stays.

Bill Gates: Candidates who do not have management diplomas may leave. 500

people leave the room.

MARIO says to himself, 'I left high school at 15 but what have I got to

lose?' So he stays in the room.

Lastly, Bill Gates asked the candidates who do not speak Serbo - Croat to

leave. 498 people leave the room.

MARIO says to himself, ' I do not speak one word of Serbo - Croat but

what do I have to lose?' So he stays and finds himself with one other

candidate.

Everyone else has gone.

Bill Gates joined them and said 'Apparently you are the only two

candidates who speak Serbo - Croat, so I'd now like to hear you have a

conversation together in that language.'

Calmly, Mario turns to the other candidate and says `Ano ba yan, dong?'

The other candidate answers 'Ewan ko ba, pare!'

-----

CIVILIZED

IDOT: "Kumusta na? Long time no see ah!"

BONI: "Kararating ko lang galing sa Zamunda."

IDOT: "Zamunda?"

BONI: "Doon kami nadestino."

IDOT: "Hindi ba maraming cannibals doon?"

BONI: "Nakakatakot nga, pero mga edukado na ngayon sila."

IDOT: "Hindi na ba sila kumakain ng tao?"

BONI: "Nangangain pa rin ng tao, pero gumagamit na ng kutsara!"

-----

ABOUT EGGS

Limang klase ng egg preservation?

Maalat-alat: salted egg iyan.

Maitim: century egg.

Mabuhok: balut iyan.

Mabaho: bugok iyan.

-----

MRS: Lolokohin ko mister ko.

Magpapanggap akong pick-up girl ako.

Pagkita kay Mister: Hi Pogi! AVAILABLE ako

ngayon....

MR: Ayoko sa yo!! Kamukha mo misis ko!!

-----

NAGBAGO NA

Nagbalikbayan ang mister ni Mona.

MONA: Honey, ang mga sigarilyo ba'y para sa kamag-anak natin?

RAMON: OO. Hindi na ako naninigarilyo, nagbago na ako.

MONA: Itong mga alak, sa kamag-anak rin natin?

RAMON: Oo, hindi na ako umiinom, nagbago na ako.

MONA: Siguro itong make-up kits para sa akin.

RAMON: Hoy bruha, para sa akin 'yan. Di ba sabi ko, nagbago na ako.

-----

LOTTO

HUSBAND: (SHOUTING!) Honey, mag-empake ka na,

nanalo ako sa lotto.

WIFE: Wow! Anong dadalhin ko?

HUSBAND: Wala akong pakialam, basta lumayas ka na!

-----

AGAW-BUHAY

Nakaupo sa tabi ng kanyang asawang agaw-buhay si Juan. Hawak hawak niya ang kamay nito at nararamdaman ni Juan na hindi na magtatagal at babawian na ng buhay ang kanyang asawa.

"Juan, bago ako mamatay, mayroon akong gustong ipagtapat sa iyo."

"Mahal, huwag ka ng magsalita at makakasama pa sa iyo."

"Pero Juan, kailangan talagang malaman mo na........"

"Sssshhhh, kung ano man iyon ay hindi na mahalaga, ang importante ay nasa tabi mo ako sa huling sandali mo rito sa mundo."

"Juan, nais kong ipagtapat sa iyo na pinagtaksilan kita, sana ay patawarin mo ako."

"Alam ko iyon, kaya nga kita NILASON eh."

-----

son: DAD, nagpatattoo ako

dad: wow!! ang anak ko, macho talaga!!

son: (habang tinuturo ang nakataas na kilay) pantay ba?

-----

TIM: Naholdap ako, muntik na akong mapatay!

ROB: Bakit di ka humingi ng tulong?

TIM: Nag-text naman ako sa pulis, kaya lang reply nila......"HU U? WER DID U GET DIS NUMBER?"

-----

Nagkaroon ng exam ang agencies ng USA para malaman kung sino sa mga agencies ang magaling mag execute ng man-hunt. Ang mga participants ay:

NYPD

FBI

CIA

PNP = Pilipinas (Special International Guest Participant)

Isang puting rabbit ang papakawalan sa isang gubat. Each agency will be given three (3) months to find the rabbit.

Unang grupong contestant, NYPD.

Pumasok sa gubat ang kanilang search and rescue squad, SWAT, at pinalibutan ng mga police ang buong gubat. Ipinasok rin nila sa gubat ang kanilang detectives, at experts sa paghahanap ng nawawala.

After 3 months, lumabas ang NYPD sa gubat.

Nag release sila ng press statement, "After 3 months of intensive search for the white rabbit, we regret to inform you that because the rabbit had a head start, it was able to elude our units, and was able to pass through our dragnet. The rabbit has escaped."

Next ang FBI.

Pumasok rin sa gubat mga FBI, dala dala ang mga helicopters, mga sniffing dogs, at sari saring experts para hanapin ang rabbit.

After 3 months, lumabas ang FBI sa gubat.

Nag release rin sila ng press statement, "After 3 months of finding the white rabbit, we had some interesting leads. However, as we were closing in on its location, somebody must have tipped it off, and it was able to elude us by disguising as a deer. The rabbit has escaped."

Next ang CIA.

Pumasok ang CIA, at dahil meron silang special powers to request assistance from the US Military, dinala na rin nila ang US Army para tulungan sila sa paghanap.

After 3 months of firefight, bombing, and special operations, lumabas ang CIA sa gubat.

Sabi nila sa press statement, "We used everything at our disposal. We didn't leave any stone unturned. We bombed everything in sight. I'm sure, you will not find any rabbit there anymore. He's probably scattered all around the forest in tiny little pieces!"

Last, but not least, the PNP.

Napatawa ang ibang agencies dahil ang pumasok lang sa gubat na PNP ay lima lang.

Pero laking gulat na lang nila dahil next day mismo, lumabas ang PNP, dala dala ay isang grizzly bear, na naka posas, bugbog sarado ang mukha, halos sarado ang isang mata dahil sa bugbog, duguan, at sumisigaw, "OO NA! OO NA!!! AKO ANG WHITE RABBIT!!! AKO ANG WHITE RABBIT!!!"

-----

3 boys at the mall:

BOY 1: Shucks! ang cute nung girl.

BOY 2: Sexy pa! Grabeh..

BOY 3: Sino? Yung Naka-mini skirt?

tawagin ko ha...

KUYAAAH!!!

-----

Two men drinking:

MAN1: Pre, baket hanggang ngayon, wla ka pa ring juwa? tingnan mo ako, nakakailan na. Wala ka bang natitipuhan?

MAN2: (blushed) Meron.. Manhid ka lang kasi eh.

-----

More men drinking...

MAN1: Pare, pinapili ako ng misis ko e. kaibigan o pag-ibig

MAN2: So, pinili mo kaibigan, kaya ka nadito?

MAN1: Hindi, pare! Pag-ibig. I love you, Pare!

-----

DOC 1: I'm feeling guilty, I had an affair with my patient.

DOC 2: Relax! it happens often in our profession!

DOC 1: Anong relax?... beterinaryo ako!

-----

Speaker: Who among you had an affair with a ghost?

a Man raises his hand

Speaker: Oh, great. Would you share with us your affair with a ghost?

Man: Ay! ghost ba? Akala ko goat!

-----

Baby lamok: Mommy pwede ba ako manuod ng concert? pls....

Mommy lamok: Ok pwede anak. basta ingat ka sa palakpak....

-----

PEDRO: galing aq sa doktor. nakabili n q ng hearing aid! grabeeee!!! ang linaw na nang pandinig ko!!

JUAN: talaga...? magkano bili mo??

PEDRO: kahapon lang.......

------

BF: bumili aq ng 3 tickets sa isang concert.. cgurado magiging masaya gabi naten...

GF: ha?? bakit?

BF: isa sa tatay mo, isa sa nanay mo, at isa sa kuya mo... sa concert sila. sa bahay tayo!

end

Issue 7: June 2008

2008-08-16T11:33:00.000-07:00

Cover and Back Page

Page 2-3

Page 4-5

Page 6-7

Page 8-9

Page 10-11

Page 12-13

Page 14-15

Issue 6: March 2008

2008-04-01T00:35:00.000-07:00

CoverPage 2-3Page 4-5Page 6-7Page 8-9Page 10-11Back Page

Issue 5 Part 1

2008-02-19T23:09:00.000-08:00

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6

Issue 5 Part 2

2008-02-19T23:03:00.000-08:00

Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13