Sentidokomon

KISA – Action for Equality, Support, Antiracism, in cooperation with the communities of migrants and refugees, organises  the well-known annual Rainbow Festival.  It’s an antiracist, multicultural event featuring songs, dances, exhibitions, competitions, games, food and many other activities from different countries of the world. This year, it will take place on 1^{st November in Nicosia and 8th November in Limassol. Like all other years, there will be a “Mini Bazaar” and therefore appealing for your unwanted used clothes especially winter ones, for women and children, toys, blankets etc. If you would like to offer any of the above, please contact us by email or call us at 22878181.}

^{Meanwhile, Scarlet Tugbo will sell Filipino foods during the festival and proceeds will go to the Typhoon victims in her own place Quezon province. Please support this cause.}

By Joy B. Miranda - (Pinay Sense - October 2009 issue)

Just plain respect

My late father used to tell me, “put yourself on other people’s shoe, and you’ll stay out of trouble”, or, the opposite version, “never step on other people’s shoe, otherwise, you will be in trouble”. 

Last month’s headline (Cargo Box Business, Inireklamo) has drawn different reactions from readers. Some sent us a thumb’s up praises for exposing the anomaly, and some were just plain upset especially of course, Dong. Sometimes it is really surprising to one day find our name in the news, much more shocking to see it in the headline. For the writer, any reaction is highly anticipated. But, did we ever ask ourselves once, “Why I am on the news- headline? What have I done (right or wrong) to get the writer’s attention?” Many still do not understand the duty of Tinig Pinoy or are simply ignorant of what a media person’s duty is. Right after we published the cargo box which was sent to La Union, Philippines 7 months after pick up even if it was already paid after two months, and worst, it contained rubbish items like worn out shoes, clothes, delapidated bags and expired dry goods, Tinig Pinoy staff then received angry text messages from Dong. As he could not reach me, Dong sent out nasty messages especially to Ester Beatty. Below in full text, are Dong’s messages.

1. “Wala kayo panalo sa akin kahit headline nyo ako dahil kayo corrupt, ako d ako katulad w. union at wala ka ‘k’ dahil aso ka lang ugok.”

2. “Abangan nyo news para sa inyo bumili ka soon ng Cyprus weekly d kayo recognize na association gumagawa kayo ng pera illegal hehehe humanda kayo sa akin.”

3. “Gago ka nalaman ko ikaw pres. ng wala kwenta association corrupt tandaan m lintek lang ang wala ganti magsasama ako ng lawyer.”

4. “Nalaman ko na ilegal yan c Joy Miranda ngayon magharap tayo at kung cno pres. ng Tinig Pinoy malaki babayaran nyo d nyo alam punot dulo magkaroon lang kayo ng issue manira na kayo ng tao. inumpisahan nyo tatapusin natin. kahit maubos bahay at lupa ko dito wala ako pakialam ipapadampot ko yan editor mo. Pinaalam ko na ito sa abogado ko at accountant malaki paninira yan gnawa nyo.

When I delivered my speech during the 2nd anniversary of Tinig Pinoy (November 2007), I have quoted fellow media person who said, “Journalists or media practitioners are messengers who bring in the necessary information and this is a point that most of the people missed to understand. Instead of listening and doing something about the message, they are shooting or attacking the messengers. They make possible attempts to curtail the freedom of expression, that media have become easy targets of attacks. They fail to see that media persons are carrying out the role as a watchdog of democracy.” This is exactly what this person is doing to us. Here are my answers Dong: First of all, I do not know you nor your costumer Imelda Cendana. She came and told us her bad experience against your cargo box company complete with pictures as proof. For fairness’ sake, I interviewed you over the phone about the matter. You admitted that you have instructed your relative (nephew) to open the box and changed its contents. Why? Prior to it, you instructed your broker to deliver a wrong box or a box which belonged to another person. Why? Was it right? I have mentioned to you that our conversation was for Tinig Pinoy, yet obviously you were carried away by your sudden anger that you thought I or the person talking to you that time was just a nobody. So when you saw it in the news, you right away threw stones on us instead of contemplating on the reason why we published it! Your costumer Imelda Cendana has a message to express to you which she believed that only Tinig Pinoy can deliver, telling you that what you did to her box was wrong, and a message to all to make them aware about it as there might be a possibility that it could happen to anyone as well. You did it to Imelda, you can do it to others, too, unless, there is something that could stop you from doing it again, and that something is Tinig Pinoy. Hindi po istupida ang editor ng Tinig Pinoy na basta na lang magpublish ng walang katibayang maipresenta. Ang manira ng reputasyon is not my cup of tea, excuse me. So stop saying that I have caused damaged to your business because it is not our fault why somebody has aired to us her sentiments against you. Imelda went to Philippines early this month for her to see the box. She will take photos again to give to us. A duty to carry out Imelda’s message is what I did, but it’s a pity you did not understand what this duty is. Bakit hindi mo harapin ang totoong problema mo sa costumer, ayusin ang gulo, kung may mali, aminin na may pagpapakumbaba, instead na kung sino-sino ang pinagbabalingan mo at kung anu-anong kahambugan ang pinagsasabi mo? Bakit sa amin ka nagagalit gayong hindi naman magpapadiyaryo ang costumer kung hindi naagrabyado? Kung ikaw kaya ang nasa lugar ni Imelda, matutuwa ka bang palitan ng mga basura ang box mo? Try to put yourself in your costumer’s shoe, Dong. It’s not funny, right? Malamang hindi lang padiyaryo ang gagawin mo, baka ipakain mo pa sa buwaya! Two weeks ago, you went to pick up another box from a new costumer who asked about you being headlined. You answered, “Dinemanda ko na si Joy Miranda pati ang Politis.” Hay, Diyos ko nimo Dong!… Hanip talaga sa yabang yang balat mo, hindi hamak na mas matindi pa sa super bagyong Pepeng. Tinig Pinoy is not an association therefore there is no president, ok? It does not produce a single cent so we cant be corrupt, ok? and Joy Miranda is not stupid to be doing this publication if she is illegal, ok? at yaman din lang na uubusin mo ang bahay at lupa mo, eh idonate mo na lang sa mga biktima ng bagyo, ok? at kung gusto mong ipadampot ang editor ni Ester, halika translator din naman ako sa immigration office so ikaw na escort ko punta tayong dalawa, deal? and excuse me, I do not write false news because I deliver only the facts. My writing style is sometimes quite harsh especially when being challenged, yet I never write anything which is unreal. Lastly, Tinig Pinoy is fair, so if you want to air your side, you can email me and I will publish it. Imelda Cendana’s niece showing off the worn out shoe and flip-flops

Thank you

I have many times featured her here, and I will do it again now. October 1st was supposed to be her birthday but when we teased her for a party, she cried. She cried because she said her house was drowned by the rushing flood water and she could not reach nor contact her children. The next day, she texted Ester and me urging us to do something about the catasthropic calamity which happened in Luzon. I could not help but wonder how big the heart this lady has. With her persistence, Ester then called all the leaders for the meeting, hence, the fund raising took place. She actively involved herself in the aim to help the typhoon victims. Tirelessly prepared the foods to sell outside the church, and many times sacrificing her time at work.The lady I am talking to here is none other than Scarlet. Selfless Scarlet

In the two Sundays of fund-raising activities, organizers have collected an amount of 8,856.66 euros. I thought to myself, mangyayari kayang makapagpadala tayo ng ganito kalaking halaga sa mga flood victims kung walang Scarlet na unang nangulit kay Ester na gumawa ng aksyon? Scarlet will once again raise funds for her kababayans in Quezon through food-selling at the Rainbow Festival both in Nicosia and Limassol. Spontaneous. Selfless. She acts, she does, she helps. Why I feature her again? Because she was being humiliated on the day the cash donations was endorsed to the honorary consul. Thank you, Bernadette. You know that Scarlet is one of the initiators and she went there to cover the turn over but was insulted in the end. More evidence? Of course! She is one of the organizers, and for record purposes, there is nothing wrong to cover it. Thanks to you again, Bernadette, sa pagmamaniobra mo. If pag eendorse lang ng pera ang sadya mo doon, hindi na mangyayaring mapahiya pa si Scarlet. She deleted the video record. I know you have put a lot of efforts to the fund raising yourself, but with your insensitive and careless cross over, you have no idea kung ilang tao ang nainsulto mo. So stop wondering why Ester has not returned your calls. Sana naisip mo yan. We gave in to your desire to submit the money to the consul for the sake of unity, but then again at the PHC’s office nigara na pud ka sa imong pagpalapad. Tomorrow, Sunday, before sa gawain ninyo, magdasal ka muna ng kapatawaran. Sabi mo pa hindi ka banal, nagsisimula ka pa lang magpakabanal. I dont know kung ano ang koneksyon nun sa fund raising, but isa lang masasabi ko, hindi ka magiging banal kung puno ng pagkukunwari ang puso mo. Sa bawat gawain mo, isipin mo na maraming hindi natuwa sa inyo ni Fr. Zach. Oh, thanks to him also, for helping the Filipino Community. It would have been appreciated well kung nagkaroon kayo ng konting courtesy sa mga organizers, The fact that as far as this matter is concerned, ang dapat na tanging role lang ng pari ay mag announce. Next time, please do not step on other people’s shoe para maiwasan ang misunderstanding. Matuto tayong lumugar ng maayos. Just plain respect for others. and thank you. Scarlet, mabuhay ka. Thank you for your big heart. if not for you, Filipino Community in Cyprus will not be able to start sending help. God bless you Ading and I am always hats off on you!. Nuggets of wisdom for today dedicated to Dong and Bernadette: “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” (Abraham Lincoln)    

By Maria Nieves - (Tinig Pinoy - October 2009 issue)Like all other Filipinos around the globe, the Filipino Community (FilCom) in Cyprus also did a fund raising activity to help the victims of super typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng which hit most parts of Manila and northern Luzon, Philippines. The fund raising which was spearheaded by Mrs. Ester Beatty, was done for two consecutive Sundays, October 3 and 11, 2009. The organizers were able to collect an amount of 8,856.66 euros Cyprus-wide and on 14th of October, 2009, the said amount (minus the charge) was sent to Sagip Kapamilya of Abs-Cbn Foundation, Inc. It can be recalled that on 26th of September 2009, super typhoon Ondoy or internationally known as typhoon “Ketsana”, has devastated the country’s capital, causing huge damages to properties, leaving hundreds as homeless and losing dear ones. Immediately after, a very concerned Ester Beatty has emailed all the Filipino leaders in Nicosia to sit down and discuss what to do. A meeting was set in her residence and it was agreed by everybody to sell Filipino snacks and delicacies in front of the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Nicosia. The next day after the meeting, Ester then talked to Fr. Andrew Arhin and asked him to send the proceeds of the fund raising tor the intended recipient (in case Fr. Umberto Barato will not be around). On the first Sunday the organizers were able to collect 1,739.29 euros in Nicosia alone. Aside from the snacks selling, second hand clothes were also sold and there were boxes provided by El Shaddai- Nicosia where church-goers placed in their cash donations, plus the collections from the morning and evening masses. The word has spreaded out all over Cyprus as head organizer Ester also called on the participation of all the Catholic Priests in the land to help dessiminate the information. After the first Sunday, she was invited to speak at radio station Rik 1 for the donation appeal. In the middle of this first week activity, Sis Bernadette of El Shaddai has mentioned to Ester that there might be one cargo company in Limassol that will donate a 20ft. relief container, which, she said, still awaiting for its confirmation. Having that in mind, Mrs Venny McCullie, Joy Miranda and Ester Beatty sat down together in front of the computer and researched how much money it incurs to send a relief container from Larnaca port to Manila. Ester has emailed her contact in the Philippines and asked if there is a custom charge to transport a relief container if it is done for charity and most especially if it will be sent through the International Red Cross. Ester has grilled her mind off into it and was adamant to know in advance what to do or prepare in advance where to get the funds, in case the container will be confirmed. The following day, Ester got the reply from her contact who said that it might cost the recepient about 340 euros. Ester right away forwarded the email to Joy Miranda and both discussed that should the container be confirmed, a prospected sponsor will be tapped to shoulder the cost. Later on same day, Sis Bernadette sent a text to Ester about the container’s confirmation with a less charge of only 110 euros here. Ester then informed Bernadette about the charge in the Philippines, while at the same time started to send out the flyers asking for relief items to fill in the container. As this developed, Ester again has called for a meeting regarding the container, to inform and update everybody about the plan of asking for a sponsor to shoulder the cost. But before she could lay it on the table, Bernadette interrupted saying that Fr. Zach from Limassol has cancelled the container because according to Bernadette, Fr. Zach said that it is not worth for the recipient to spend such amount for a garbage. Hearing this statement, Joy Miranda blurted out to Bernadette “Oh, just like that? You cancelled the container shortly after confirming it to Ester and after we already have spreaded the appeal for in kind donations?” Bernadette explained that Fr. Zach decided to cancel it after knowing the cost and insisted that she texted Ester right away about the cancellation. Ester in turn gave Bernadette a look of confusion denying to have received the cancellation. “Marami kang sinasabi na nainformed mo ako pero hindi maliwanag at malabo gaya ng nakipag appoinment ka kay consul that you did not even bother to ask first if libre ako,” Ester said. Disappointed, Ester told everyone, in that case,”I’l take over with the container, I’ll handle it!”  Not known to Bernadette that many nights since the fund raising started, Joy Miranda, Scarlet Tugbo, Venny McCullie and Ester Beatty did not stop discussing how to make this endeavour successful, to widen the scope of help the FilCom in Cyprus could extend to the victims. While Ester was awaiting for Bernadette’s container to be confirmed, Ester too, on her own, solicited another 20ft relief container purposedly to send to her province Cagayan, as it was badly hit by typhoon Pepeng. The Five Continents Cargo company has pledged Ester to donate and send it to Cagayan. “Yung kay Bernadette, kapag approve na, will be sent to Manila through the International Red Cross. Itong galing sa Five Continents, akin ito, para sa mga kababayan ko sa Cagayan,” she said. “With the turn of events, mabuti na lang may back up na container pala si Ate Ester, kung hindi mapapahiya tayo dahil nai-announced na sa lahat, marami nang nagbigay ng mga damit, bakit nagdedesisyon yan sina Fr. Zach at Bernadette ng basta-basta, ano ba yan?” was a comment of another member of the organizers.The tension between Bernadette and the rest of the organizers started when Bernadette said that Fr. Zach has instructed her to make an appointment with the honorary consul to ask the latter that she will be the one to send to ABS CBN whatever cash this fund raising gets. As it turned out, Bernadette heeded the instruction of Fr. Zach to go straight to the PHC and made appointment without even informing Ester first hand. Joy Miranda straight away opposed to the idea saying that the first plan was for Fr. Andrew (Fr. Umberto was away) to send the money, giving credit to the church which have helped in so many ways for this aim. Further, Joy Miranda reiterated that this fund raising is not an exclusive activity of El Shaddai therefore Fr. Zach or Bernadette should not make decisions on their own alone, causing an indirect insult to the organizers themselves. “This is a team effort, we should work as a team and decide as a team!” Joy Miranda stressed. Bernadette defended herself saying that “Gusto lang masiguro ni Fr. Zach na nasa ayos ang pera so dapat si consul ang magpadala dahil yun din ang advised ni welof (referring to Welfare Officer Tobias). Tapos na, okey na kay consul.” This statement has all the more irated Miranda saying that, “Look, we or I have nothing personal against the consul, the point is, you should have consulted the rest of us to discuss this matter. With your action, you were being unfair to Ester, showing her on the face that hindi katiwa-tiwala ang organizers dito, which I am part of it.” Miranda further argued that, “we are doing this in good faith, with all our good intentions, aiming to help our kababayans, and we are aware that meron ka talagang maririnig na pagdududa, whether we like it or not, that is why we get the church and priests involved here in the first place! The money will be sent by the church representative, that’s a majority’s decision.” Joy Miranda’s sentiments were being supported by the others who were at the meeting. Then Bernadette bursted out into tears, saying “naiipit na ako, nakakahiya kay Fr. Zach at kay Consull. Please Joy, pwede kalimutan na lang natin ‘to, and lets move on?” Everybody was silent, but when Cora Hammoud, who acted as treasurer, said to Joy Miranda, “Paano yan, na schedule na kay consul na iturn over sa kanya ang pera.” It was then that Joy cooled down, saying, “okay, be it.” The meeting was adjourned after Joy and the majority gave in to Bernadette, decided to set aside the differences and go on with the aim to help. The relief container (Five Continents) will continue and drop off donations was set until October 31st only. It will be forwarded to Manila on mid- November. The next Sunday all the organizers were present at the church and the cash count afterwards went off smoothly. The money were endorsed to PHC and was sent to ABS CBN last 14th of October. Head organizer of the said fund raising, Ester Beatty, who flew to Houston, Texas, USA last Friday accompanying her husband for a business trip, conveys her gratitude to the following who helped, donate and share their precious time for the success of this event. Maraming salamat to Scarlet Tugbo, Venny McCullie, Joy Miranda, Cora Hammoud, Cathrine, Matthew and Nora, Five Continents Cargo Philippines, Western Union, Sisters of St. Joseph, SJSC Filipino Group, Smart Flat ladies, Letty Ramos (Legion of Mary), Bong Jusi (OFWFC), Catholic Charismatic Renewal (Nicosia and Larnaca), El Shaddai, Sister Aida (Church of God), Mrs. Myrna Nicolao, Bro. Carlos, Mrs. Josefino Martinez, Pafos Catholic Church, St. Catherine Catholic Church (Limassol), St. Mary of Grace Church (Larnaca), Holy Cross Catholic Church (Nicosia)), the Catholic priests for announcing the appeal, Cypro-Philippine Association, Renalyn Clavesillas of UN, Cyprus Indy Media, Ester’s Quilting group, and to the anonymous donors, everyone, Filipinos or non-Filipinos, thank you all for your generosity!

A lady patiently carrrying the donation box during Sunday mass as part of the Filipino Community (FilCom) fund raising for the typhoon victims in the Philippines. 

Tinig Pinoy- Filipino Voice has stepped into another milestone as it reaches 4th year of circulation this November. Thank you to all the readers and contributors and most of all to Politis. Photo shows Chief Ed Joy Miranda with Politis Edition Counsellor Dionisis Dionisiou, TP staff Scarlet Tugbo and Prof. Romeo Narvaez (MSU-Gen San City). Cheers!

By Arnel Ambon
The St Catherine Summer Sports League 2009 in Limassol was concluded last 16^th August 2009 with the awarding ceremony of all deserving players and teams. Ceylon team, which is known as the Sri Lankan, retained the 2009-Volleyball Championship after a postponed final, which started on 02 August and finished on 09 August 2009. The sports league started with six volleyball teams namely Astrapi, Bibak, Ceylon Five Continents, Pinoy Mart and Western Union and the game format comprised of single round robin for the elimination round. Due to the minimal number of participating teams, the Olympic format with cross knockout in the semi-final and final was not employed. Teams Pinoy Mart and Bibak were eliminated after the round-robin games being the bottom two teams after the elimination round, the top four teams in order of rank were Western Union (winning all their round-robin games), Ceylon, Astrapi, and Five Continents. Team Western Union competed against the Ceylon for the 1^st and 2nd place while Astrapi and Five Continents played for the 3^rd and 4^th place respectively. The round robin games were dominated by Western Union team with a record of  5-0 (win-loss) followed by the Sri Lankan with 4-1. It was a close battle between the two teams and both went up to play in the finals. In the Championship games, the Sri Lankan gave all what they have got and unleashed their killer set and attacks coupled with floating serves. Western union defended heavily by blocking and digging the attacks but the Sri Lankan in the end dominated the game, winning the championship with 3-0 sets. Astrapi dominated Five Continents during their game for the 3^rd and 4^th place.    Here are the results and minor awards given to teams and individual players in Volleyball: Winner – Sri Lankan, Runner-up – Western Union, 3^rd Place – Astrapi and 4^th Place – Five Continents. MVP – Lakshika Muthumali (Sri Lankan), Best Player – Loida Asug (Western Union), Best Passer – Mary Ann Albores (Astrapi), Best Digger – Loida Asug (Western Union), Best Server – Mary Grace Reodica (Astrapi), Best Hitter – Lakshika Muthumali (Sri Lankan), Best Setter – Joy Montejo, Best in Sportsmanship – Team Bibak, Best Manager – Melanie Racaza (Astrapi).
Meanwhile, in the Basketball event, there were three competing teams. The game format initially was set to single round robin but due to the players’ demand, it was extended to double round robin. All the teams tied up after the double round robin and the tie breaker rule points quotient system have to be applied to get the team standing. Team Zen Room waited for the finals while team Kabayan and Ilocos King competed for 3^rd place. Ilocos King took the third place overall and team Kabayan competed with Zen Room with the best of three games for the championship slot. Team Zen Room eventually won the final games.

 Here are the results of the final standing and corresponding minor award in Basketball: Winner – Zen Room, Runner-up – Kabayan and 3^rd Place – Ilocos King. MVP was awarded to Rodel Ereneo of Zen Room team. Overall, the games have been conducted successfully without interruptions. There were some minor disagreements and clarifications concerning decisions of the referees but the players accepted the decision in a sportsmanlike manner. No yellow or red card was handed to any players in the volleyball team and no disqualification of players or teams have been applied. Special thanks to Parish Priest of St Catherine Church, to all the sponsors, volunteers and referees who have endeavoured to share their time. Most importantly, this sports league would have not been possible without the driving force and total dedication of the committee chaired by Ms Emelyn Sorilla. A big salute to them all.

By OFW Guide
Philippine Association of Service Exporters, Inc (PASEi) recently recommends a more comprehensive proposal regarding the additional insurance that Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) will benefit.
The association recently opposes the recent statement of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) regarding the latter’s stand that additional insurance for OFWs should be voluntary and not compulsory.
Victor E. R. Fernandez, Jr, president of PASEI claims that POEA’s objection on the House Bill 5649 and Senate Bill 3286 that seek to amend Republic Act No. 8042 or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 is baseless.
“The objections that the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) interposes are based on conjectures and not on facts. There are enough safeguards that had been incorporated in the law. POEA cannot logically answer and present their objections impartially since POEA prefers to see the OFWs suffer than try the solutions offered by the industry,” says Fernandez on his statement.
Fernandez added, “The proposal of PASEI is more comprehensive compared to the current proposals being put forward under the Senate Bill No. 3286 and House Bill No. 5649 which limits the proposed liability insurance to money claims or damages.
Under the PASEI’s proposal OFWs will be entitled with these benefits:
 
Accidental Death Benefit- USD15,000
Survivor’s Benefit- USD10,000
Total Permanent Disablement- USD7,500
Repatriation
 
Bodily Remains- US$4,000
(Including burial, up to the maximum reimbursement)
Other Causes - USD1,000
and Emergency Evacuation 
 
Subsistence allowance- USD600
Payment for legitimate monetary claims- USD4,500
 
Under their proposal, insurance companies will be liable if they failed to comply with their monetary obligations to OFWs who suffered accidents, death, etc.
Moreover, all recruitment agencies will also lose their license to operate and their directors and officers will also be disqualified from engaging in business of recruitment/placement agencies if the premium cost of the compulsory insurance will not be given to OFWs.
“On the other hand, escrow is limited to unpaid wages only. It does not cover repatriation of remains and burial, life and accident insurance, subsistence allowances, repatriation for other defined causes and total permanent disability.
In the end, the compulsory insurance coverage of all legally POEA-processed workers at no cost to the worker and at no cost to government may guarantee direct, immediate and more expeditious delivery of benefits to the OCWs.” The statement read.

By Joy B. Miranda

(Tinig Pinoy- Pinay Sense September 2009 issue)

I received an email again from one of our avid readers Mr. Pambos Kourtoulos and I was honestly touched by its content. As we dont have space for the “Letters from the readers section in this issue, I would just answer it here, sharing my own personal view. The email below, viz:

Dear Joy, I hope you had a good summer break. I read your article regarding Cory Aquino (Pinay Sense - August 2009 Issue), and I agree with everything you say. I am sure I was not the only one who watched the TFC channel everyday, watching the daily news leading to the vidual and the final rest of Cory. The people liked her as a president because of her honesty and her willingness to get things done. With the up coming elections in 2010, I can only say to the pinoys here and the rest of the world that just because someone can sing, or someone is a great actor or even can punch an opponent into the ground in a boxing ring, does NOT give them full knowledge of how to run a country. Cory Aquino was a diamond, the filipino people should accept no less next year. Regards, Pambos Kourtoulos

To Pambos, unfortunately, Filipinos are generally soft-hearted people, and this soft-heartedness sometimes leads to being naively stubborn or worst, unknowingly stupids. First, by electing actors, entertainers and candidates with less academic background or no political experience, into government offices. Second, by refusing to take lessons from the past, the mistakes of choosing incompetent, holy corrupt and greedily ambitious candidates. Third, by simply having short memories, forgetting in one day the years of exploitations done by manipulative elected officials that we reelect them again. Fourth, Majority of Filipinos, sad to say, are just like that, blinded martyrs and unwise willing victims. On the contrary, however, Filipinos are non-judgemental and natural forgivers, and as we forgive, we also believe. Like we forgive a less- educated or less experienced candidate who aspires for a government seat. Apparently, Filipinos believe that one’s lacked of education is pardonable, and that everyone should be given a chance. There are people who are successful in this category. Take for instance the multi-awarded actress Vilma Santos. She has no college degree. She was criticized, under-estimated and even laughed at that most people said she is only good in acting and dancing. Yet, where is this woman tagged as “the star for all seasons” in Philippine show-business now? Three terms as Lipa City Mayor and currently Batangas Governor and recently been wooed to run for vice - presidential post in 2010 elections. I have a list of people like Vilma Santos who were not born politicians, yet destined to be true public servants. This, I believe, is what the rest of Filipino people, especially the majority of the poor people, the most vulnerable and most taken advantaged sector,  hope to see in every candidate, educated or not, experienced or not, moneyed or not, just be a true public servant. In my early years as a media practitioner, I got the chance to brush elbows with a lot of local and national politicians, but I stopped participating in any election after Cory Aquino. Suffice it to say but my country, Philippines, is a very rich, beautiful country. I already lost count on how many articles about politics that I wrote in the past, yet in all those times of featuring politicians, I have not so far known anyone who is as honest as Cory, and it is a shameful truth indeed, that we keep on repeating history, re-installing those that are opportunists and only after their personal gains. If you try to study the presidentiables, they are all the same, highly educated, well-experienced politicians, but, do we see a better change for the rest of Filipinos? Why are we here digging other people’s dirt for a living? Why should we be separated from our families just to support, feed and educate our children? Why local workers are receiving very low wages while rich people become even more richer? Corruption is one of the oldest issues and believe me, it is there and will be in the future, unless, there is another Cory Aquino or the people will finally be wise enough to put a halt to this never-ending sad, boring story of Philippine politics. I guess, Filipinos just continue to hope. I may not vote, still, I continue to hope, that we shall have one day a kind of government that is honest in serving its people. I know it is not easy running a government office, but what makes it even more difficult is not the previous occupation nor social standing of an elected official, but the inability to act, justify and meet the demands of the office they chose to be elected upon.

By Ester Beatty with reports from Cathrine Beatty)

The Championship games of the Philippine Basketball League (Cyprus) 2009 were held on the 9^{th of August 2009 at the Keravnos indoor gym in Strovolos, Nicosia. Interorient vs. eCorLive faced each other for the championship title while Sushi-la and Philtrust were supposed to vie for the third and fourth spots.The championship games were scheduled to start at 9am with the third and fourth spots game to be played first. However, one of the teams (Philtrust) were rather bitter about losing in the semi-final games last 2nd of August 2009 and therefore decided to forfeit the game and not any member of the said team had showed up at all. This caused considerable problems for the Committee members, not only financially but also the wasted time for the preparation of the games, as the team did not even have the decency to inform any of the Committee members that they would be doing such forfeiture.} 

^{Sushi-la team got third place due to default, and judging by their performance throughout the league, they deserved it. Philtrust’s unprofessional and unsportsmanlike behaviour was very disappointing, because even though they would not come first or second, they still had the chance to try to get third place. However, they were bitter about losing to eCorLive in the semis and so decided as a team that a forfeit would be the better option. Up to the last minute of the scheduled game, numerous phone calls and text messages to the team manager/coach as well as to the team captain were done but not been returned nor answered. Eventually, the team manager/coach returned a call at approx.10 AM, (an hour after the game schedule) after the Committee’s chairperson, Ester Beatty, sent them a message saying that they were all very unprofessional and were showing unsportsmanlike behaviour. The manager/coach then asked if they could still play if his team would show up, but it was too late! Due to the first game not being played, players from eCorLive and Interorient were told to be at the court right away. However, Interorient team who came from Limassol (minus one of their best players named Alex Colongan who was not able to come with his team due to his work commitment) had not been expecting the first game to be cancelled and so the championship game could not commence until10:30am.The game was fast paced from the beginning, with both teams defending their baskets as well as possible. The score was tight, and there was never more than a five-point gap between the two teams. At the end of the 1st quarter, eCorLive was ahead by 15-11 points and during the 2nd quarter, they were leading by 29-24. But when the stop-time rules came into effect in the 3rd & 4th quarters, Interorient managed to close the gap by scoring 17 points in the 3rd quarter against 13 for eCorlive, decreasing their deficit by just one-point. In the 4th quarter however, eCorLive put a tight defence against InterorientThe game was fast paced from the beginning, with both teams defending their baskets as well as possible. The score was tight, and there was never more than a five-point gap between the two teams. At the end of the 1st quarter, eCorLive was ahead by 15-11 points and during the 2nd quarter, they were leading by 29-24. But when the stop-time rules came into effect in the 3rd & 4th quarters, Interorient managed to close the gap by scoring 17 points in the 3rd quarter against 13 for eCorlive, decreasing their deficit by just one-point. In the 4th quarter however, eCorLive put a tight defence against Interorient’s number one point-guard Caloy Walid, who scored a total of 23 points with four 3-pointers in the game. During the last 3 minutes of the game, it looked like the game would proceed to overtime as both teams were tied at 56-56. Eventually eCorLive won the championship with a final score of 65-60. Scorers for eCorLive: Jeffrey Sarmiento (15), Angelo delos Santos (15), James Fuerte (13), Donald Catimbang (8), Ruel Dadua (8), James Calicdan (2), Rhai (2). : Jeffrey Sarmiento (15), Angelo delos Santos (15), James Fuerte (13), Donald Catimbang (8), Ruel Dadua (8), James Calicdan (2), Rhai (2).Scorers for Interorient: Caloy Walid (23), Donald Luzon (14), Marvin Santos (11), Nicko Julongbayan (10), Jhun (2). Caloy Walid (23), Donald Luzon (14), Marvin Santos (11), Nicko Julongbayan (10), Jhun (2).Spectators were given a very thrilling and exciting finale to the Championship games as both teams had tried their best not to concede any mistakes to their opponent. Nevertheless, eCorLive had the more disciplined players and a good team effort helped them prevailed this time. They lost to Interorient in the finals for the PBL 2007.}

Caloy Walid (23), Donald Luzon (14), Marvin Santos (11), Nicko Julongbayan (10), Jhun (2).Spectators were given a very thrilling and exciting finale to the Championship games as both teams had tried their best not to concede any mistakes to their opponent. Nevertheless, eCorLive had the more disciplined players and a good team effort helped them prevailed this time. They lost to Interorient in the finals for the PBL 2007.Soon as the game concluded, the awarding followed through. Miss MUSE PBL (Cyprus) 2009 was awarded to Miss Dina Ambrosio of Interorient.

The top five scorers in the whole league were James Fuerte of eCorLive with 104 points, followed by Caloy Walid (Interorient) - 102 points, Donald Luzon (Interorient) - 92 points, Alex Gamier (Aces) - 77 points and Angelo delos Santos (eCorLive) - 77 points.

The 3-pointers award was given to Caloy Walid (Interorient) for amassing fourteen 3-pointers during the whole league. Best in Team Uniform went to Sushi-la and Aces (Carwash) deservedly won the Sportsmanship award for being the only team who never made any complaints during any of their games despite having just 8-players (at most) playing during the duration of the league.

The Most Valuable Player was chosen as the best player during the whole league games and not only during the Final, and that the winner can be awarded to any players from any teams so long as he deserved it. The Referee and Committee members have unanimously decided that Caloy Walid of Interoriet deservedly won the award as the best player of the whole league games, he consistently lead his team all throughout their games.

The Committee members would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Keravnos for the use of the premises (outdoor and indoor courts). We would also like to thank the following for their generosity: The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) Cyprus for sponsoring the trophies, Mrs Cora Hammoud, Mr. & Mrs. Panicos Georgiou (Philippines Quiapo Kiosk Limassol), Mrs. Merly Millard & Mrs. Wilma Dayrit for sponsoring the medals and thanks to everyone who brought food, though there were people who did not appreciate the gesture of the committee inviting all to join the celebration when quoted as saying “Pati ba naman sa pagkain eh obligado pa kami?” or words to that effect. A BIG THANK YOU also to Mr. Nemanja Bjedov, the official Referee of the league games. He had shown his complete professionalism and utmost patience most especially in dealing with difficult situations during the games. It was not an easy task to have a league games without the commitments of the Committee members so well done to Scarlet, Kim, Cris, Venny, Cathrine, Cora and myself for sacrificing our valuable time on Sundays even when we are being baked alive under the searing heat of the sun.