As being the new Editor-in-Chief of Tinig Pinoy effective July 2007, a 4 supplemental pages of Filipino news inside POLITIS, a Greek language newspaper in Cyprus, all articles written by me will be reposted here, especially editorials and other personal opinions about issues concerning OFWs in Cyprus. Tinig Pinoy comes out every 3rd or last Saturday of the Month so watch out for it! Make it a habit to get a copy/ subscribe to the only official Filipino newspaper in Cyprus!

EDITORIAL: (August 2007 Edition)

COME COOK WITH US
By Josephine “Joy” B. Miranda

The July issue of this publication had obviously caught the attention of readers, not much for its well-presented, progressive appearance (in fairness!), but the buzz of negative reactions was solely focused towards an article displaying the disunity of former staff members. We received idiotic text messages afterwards and for the sake of fair and honest reporting, (hold your breath fellas,) I will share one of it below:

“Joy, ang kapal ng mukha mo! Ikaw sana makatulog sa kapal ng mukha mong magprint ng ganyan. Ginawa mong tsismis ang diyaryo. Nasaan na ang sintidokomon mo. Now lumabas ka at justify mong sarili mo sa lahat ng reaction ng readers! Nonsense issue has been published by who is it? A person claiming to be a journalist yet doesnt know where her ethics and manners. Wow grabe! your such a self-ordained! Yes who am I na kilalanin ng Politis? But proud am I! I did it! Now I hope this to be printed next issue: Mis Miranda na kumain ng hindi niya pinaghirapan?”

Pumalakpak po ang aking mga kamay at paa pati na ang dalawa kong tenga after reading and realising kung sino ang source. I will leave that to you folks, to guess kung sino ang sender ng text message na yan.

Meanwhile, heto po ang sagot ko:

Can anybody please tell me the exact meaning of “tsismis?” Because I will tell you what I know. Tsismis is Tagalog term for gossip,(do I really have to explain what gossip means?) The thing is, I am NOT and NEVER will be a gossip-writer. I always believe that in this field, it is my duty to inform the readers. It has been my advocacy to write the truth, no matter how it cost, otherwise, why should I be in the Media in the first place?

Few staff members of Tinig Pinoy were out. Joy Miranda is in. Even if that July article was not published, readers would still wonder what the hell is going on? How and why the reconstruction and reorganization happened? and one question leads to another and so on. It still would boil down to the same interesting question: Why they are out and I am in?

It may have appeared as tsismis to some, especially those who only have a micro-level (Utak bolinao) thinking. But to me, (excuse me,) it is not. “Bakit kailangan pang ipublish and aringan ng mga staff?” Why not? Gee, this is news-writing. If it is a substantial material to the subject which I am writing, then I have to present just how tangible it is. Basically, I always speak about the truth, and the truth is, talagang magulo at nag aaway ang mga dating staff. So how could it become a tsismis when it is real?

In the event that I was invited to join, lalo silang nagkagulo. Meaning, Joy Miranda became the subject of their trouble, as evident by their nasty feedbacks against me. You bet, not a writer like me would suppress such essential facts and by presenting the facts, wala pong connection ang ethics and manners dito.

Hindi po ako mahilig sa gulo pero hindi ko rin po matanggap na ako ang maging sanhi ng gulo sapagkat personally wala akong ginawang masama sa mga datihang staff. That article was published to give signal that NO ONE and I meant NOBODY can make me cringe or shrink in fear in the exercise of my calling. I know that not everyone has a wider and open viewpoint like many people do, especially those who sent us congratulations messages. This I say that is how you tickle the interest of the reading public, majority specifically.

Kung ang pagandahin at iimprove ko man ang mga articles sa diyaryo’ng ito in terms of grammar and composition at hindi kagaya ng dati na hindi mo malaman kung saan papunta ang mga thoughts, ay para sa iba kakapalan ng mukha, salamat po. Kung ang general readers ay matutuwa sa mga well-presented news items dahil maayos na ang pagkakasulat at pag- eedit at hindi na kahiya-hiyang ipabasa sa iba especially non-Filipino readers, ay para sa iba kakapalan ng mukha ko, salamat po uli. Kung ang pag eenforce ng teamwork and proper coordination among the new staff members para hindi na matulad sa dati na walang harmony and control, ay kakapalan pa rin ng mukha ko, dobleng salamat po. Kung ang paglalahad ng katotohanan, nakakahiya man para sa kinauukulan, ay kakapalan ng mukha, then siguro nga, talagang makapal ang mukha ko. To all of this, a very BIG thank you!

Before publishing July edition, the new staff had actually planned to change Tinig Pinoy into another name, but giving credit to those who started it (which of course include Marlyn and Beth) it was unanimously agreed to retain the old name. Hindi po pagkain ang Tinig Pinoy. Ito ay isang kaldero na supposed to be paglulutuan ng mga magaganda, masasarap, informative and productive news items. I am committed at improving this paper and as far as I am concerned, hindi po ako kumakain ng tira ng iba especially panis, bulok at walang lasa. If you are one of those who want to make Filipinos proud of our race, who do not object progress, who can share constructive criticisms, come help us, the new staff, in cooking fresh, delicious and juicy Tinig Pinoy contents. Come cook with us!

By Joy B. Miranda

After almost 20 years of combat against Multiple Sclerosis, my dear brother Jun finally got his long-awaited rest. I should say that part of me is deeply sad to let him go, but another part is happy for him knowing finally that he won’t be suffering anymore…Manuel “Jun” B. Miranda Jr. drew his last breath ten in the morning, Philipppine time last Wednesday, August 8, 2007. He was 36.

I will re-post an article I wrote about him, his battle against his strange, incurable illness, his unrelented patience and perseverance, and most of all, despite of all, his fear to the ALMIGHTY. Published in 2005 in a quarterly magazine of St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Nicosia, I hope that Jun’s story will last a lifetime in all the readers’ minds.

To Jun, be at peace now in God’s loving hands. I will be missing you, we will be missing you. Dimple said that she is sad because she had been a bad niece to you. But you know that your pamangkins cared about you, though sometimes grown ups have had their excuses to spare themselves from taking orders from you. And I knew that you understood it well. And I knew that you cared and loved them well enough to ask our CREATOR to take you in HIS caring hands, because you knew that as you suffer more, we were also in pain especially Mama Terry, and it was just as unbearable as you could imagine.

Our telephone conversation last week had left me in tears, especially when you asked me when am I going back home again. I said probably next year and you replied, “Dugaya pa oy!” But then when I said bye, you just uttered “I love you sis, Im sorry  you have to be away for us, for me.” When Tiny told me that you were gone, then I recollected those last words from you. Oh, Im so sorry Jun, I didnt realise that you were preparing to leave us and you cant wait for me anymore. That leaves me weeping for all eternity! 

My trip home last Christmas was the most memorable event in our lives. We were all together. Sorry for all our shortcomings bro. Thank you for rendering a song to Bea during her debut party. We will keep that video of yours singing a meaningful song, “I will be here.” It has been a tiring 20 years journey Balong. Rest now my ading in God’s care, take our love and prayers. Amen.

REGISTRATION OF MARRIAGE AND BIRTH

The Philippine Honorary Consulate encourages those Filipino citizens who have been married in Cyprus to register their marriage at the Honorary Consulate’s Office.  Please bring with you the original passports of you and your spouse (for reference) as well as the items below:
- registration form (to be filled out at the Honorary Consulate)
- 1 copy of the front page of your passport
- 1 copy of the front page of spouse’s passport
- CYP 20.00
 
The Honorary Consulate likewise encourages Filipino parents (or parent) whose child has been born in Cyprus to register their births at the Honorary Consulate’s office.  Please bring with you the original passports of parent/parents (for reference) as well as the items below:
- 1 copy of the front page of passport (if married, both passports of parents/if not married, only 1 passport is needed)
- 1 copy of the original birth certificate and it’s English translation
- CYP 20.00
 
PASSPORT RENEWALS:
 
Passport renewals can be done within 2-4 weeks, depending on the type of service requested.  Courier pouches are usually sent every two weeks to Athens which gives Filipino citizens a chance to receive their newly issued passports within a reasonable amount of time.
 
Regular passport renewal (3-4 weeks) = CYP 60.00
Expedited passport renewal (1-2 weeks) = CYP 84.00
 
**Please note that the variance in cost is due to the courier charges to Athens and back.
 
For passport renewals please note that you will need to bring your original passport for reference, an extra ID and the following:
- Passport application (to be signed and stamped at the Honorary Consulate’s Office in person)
- 1 copy of the front page of your passport
- 1 copy of the back page of your passport
- 1 copy of an extra ID (Philippine ID, voting card, Temporary visa permit, etc. – as long as it has your name and picture on it)
- 3 passport photos with white background (please be sure they are new passport photos, not old ones)
- CYP 60.00 or CYP 84.00
 
Please note that due to the numerous requests for help in consular matters, the Honorary Consulate’s office is open by appointment only from 9am to 1:30pm.  Please call for an appointment.
 
 
ADDRESS AND CONTACT NUMBERS

Philippine Honorary Consulate of Cyprus

36 Grivas Dighenis Ave. #4C
George & THelma Paraskevaides Foundation Bldg.
1066 NicosiaCyprus
Tel #’s
landline: 22-680806
mobile: 99-377268
Fax: 22-754420

 

By Ester Beatty

After more than three months of non-stop playing of volleyball and basketball, the awarding ceremony of the Inter-community’s St. Catherine Summer Sports League 2007 in Limassol, Cyprus got underway on the 5th August 2007.

Although feeling under the weather, Mr. Arnel Ambon, Committee Vice Chairman & Statistician of the sports league opened the much-awaited ceremony. Mr. Ambon emphasized to all the players and participants alike that with such sport events, he hopes that this will bring us closer in the spirit of friendship, goodwill and unity regardless of our race, religion and nationality.

Fr. Andrew Arhin, organizer on behalf of St. Catherine Catholic Church, delivered an inspirational talk encouraging everyone that through the love of God may this event keep our community stronger and to use what they have learned and experienced from this event positively. Ms. Emilyn Sorilla, Committee Chairwoman, assisted by Ms. Carmel Carton presented the trophies and medals to winners as well as minor awards to players.

 

 

In the volleyball category, Kartoudes Team proved to be too strong for Mantovani Team in the twice-to-beat final games rule, and bagged the 2007 Champions Title. Third and fourth place were Propan and El-Shaddai respectively. Aside from the Championship trophy, Kartoudes team players also received the following minor awards: Mai de los Santos for best team captain, Loida Asug for best stopper award and Amethylen Amoguez received the MVP award.

 

 

 

The best service award was received by Lakshika Muthumali of Ceylon Team while the Best Sportsmanship/Fair-play award was presented to Western Union Team headed by their coach/player “Mummy� Ruth Tagalicud, who kept on encouraging her team to keep smiling even if they were losing badly! Best Manager Award was given to Mrs. Ester Beatty who has shown her total support to her team, Western Union, travelling all the way from Nicosia whenever possible, giving them encouragement even when they were not always winning.

La Maison Team received the best in team uniform as well as the Miss Muse 2007, which was awarded to Ms. Nhorie Joy Elio during the opening ceremony of the league on the 15th April 2007. The best 12 Filipino players were also selected amongst the top four teams who participated in the league for the much anticipated all Filipino (women) Inter-Island Volleyball tournaments, which comprises of the best Filipino volleyball players from the towns of Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia and Paphos respectively, to be held  sometime in September or October this year.

In the basketball event, Antipolo Team claimed the Championship beating La Maison 2-1 games in the best of three series, while Archirodon Team finished third overall. Rodel Ereneo of Antipolo Team was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the league. Miss Crisanta Endozo mesmerized the crowds with her beautiful voice and was joined by Ms. Gemma Cabral to provide the entertainment at the awarding ceremony, which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

 

 

On behalf of the Committees and organisers, Mr. Arnel Ambon expresses his heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors and donors for their generosity and continued support: Mr. Kartoudes for the trophies and medals for the volleyball games; Western Union for the trophies and medals for the basketball games; Columbia Ship Management; Mantovani & Sons Ltd, Imelda Boutique; Ms. Nora Nicolaou, Legion of Mary and El-Shaddai.
Thank you also to the following for providing foods and drinks for this event: Tita’s carinderia, Mr. & Mrs. Demetris Demetriou; Miguela Katidou, Aida of Boracay, Antipolo team and all the volleyball teams.

Without the dedication of the Committees and organisers this event would have been impossible, therefore a BIG THANK YOU to each and everyone: Fr. Andrew Arhin, Emelyn Sorilla, Carmel Carton, Lilian Blanco, Lorna Montemayor, Lanie Efthimiou, Ruth Tagalicud, Rafael Martingano and last but not least, Mr. Leandro Lagan as the leading Referee for all the games.

 

 

 

Family Wants The Truth, Police Slow with Investigation 

(By pinayscandal, Pinoybee.com) 

NEARLY two months after the death of Cecile Megan Anderson, 19, a Filipino American from Dumont, N.J., authorities are still sorting through the details and the girl’s family is getting impatient with the pace of investigation. In what has been ruled by police as a drug overdose, Cecile passed away on June 1st, at Rowan University, which is located in Glassboro, New Jersey.

Bernie Wiesenfeld, spokesperson for the Gloucester County prosecutor’s office, says Cecile’s case has yet to be presented to a grand jury for the possibility of an indictment. The prosecutor’s office, Wiesenfeld added, is awaiting the toxicology reports from the state’s police laboratories before they can proceed. “Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as an expedited lab test,� Weisenfeld told Philippine News.

Wiesenfeld’s explanation for the delay is attributed to the fact that the New Jersey police laboratories have been unusually busy this summer due to a rash of heroin-related deaths, many of them involving the drug Fentanyl.

Criminal charges have been filed by the prosecutor’s office against Christopher McClish, 20, of Old Bridge, on two counts of possession, and two counts of distribution of narcotics. He is known to have been with Cecile on the night of her death. She died while on the campus of Rowan University after she attended a party with the defendant. Cecile passed away while she was with McClish in her parked car.

Cecile had been attending Raritan Valley Community College in Somerville, and was only three classes shy of transferring to Rowan University, where she was interested in pursuing a medical career.

Because of the delay, Cecile’s family has become increasingly dissatisfied with the direction of the investigation. Nelson Datu Anderson, Cecile’s father, says that it appears the defendant had planned out much of the evening’s events. Anderson, who is a Bay Area resident, says that through his own interviews with people who were with Cecile the night she died, he learned that the defendant used his daughter’s car to obtain some of the illegal drugs.

According to the National Drug Intelligence Center website (www.usdoj.gov), Fentanyl is a synthetic derivative of opium, and can be up to 50 times more potent than heroin. When mixed, the combination produces a euphoric but deadly high, especially for users who are new.

Since April of 2006, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency reports that there have been 133 deaths in the state of New Jersey involving Fentanyl, which is used as a general anesthetic for pain relief.

 

By Queenbee – (CBS News)

From Doctors To Nurses, In The Philippines, Some M.D.’s Are Turning To Nursing Instead. Dr. Santiago Rodriguez has been practicing medicine for ten years. But now, he’s training to be a nurse, the easiest way, he ways, to get a visa and work in the U.S.

Dr. Stephen Mercado has a general practice in an Eastern Philippine province. He’s also studying to be a nurse, wants to go to the States, and perhaps, practice medicine. “I can work as a nurse there,” he says. “The pay is good, better, maybe better than a doctor.”

Filipino physicians have been migrating to the United States since the 1960’s and 1970’s, but the more recent outflow is disturbing. According to one study, they no longer leave as medical doctors, but as nurses. The research paper by former Philippine Secretary of Health Dr. Jaime-Galvez Tan says that three years ago, around 5,000 doctors became nurses.

“My latest study is showing that it is increasing numbers and now there are 9,000 doctors who have become nurses. Six thousand of them have left the Philippines mainly for the U.S. To work as nurses,” he says.

The health care system is feeling the effects. At one of the biggest hospitals in Manila, Assistant Director Dr. Emmanuel Montana said that last year, they had 152 interns. “Now we only have five,” says Montana. The number of resident doctors at the hospital has also dwindled. According to Montana, “The other year, we had 300 residents, now we only have 166.”

Even training hospitals have been affected because of doctors switching careers. “Doctors no longer want to train as a resident or to become a specialist, but they’d rather take nursing as a specialty and then move to the U.S.,” says Dr. Jaime-Galvez Tan.

It is in the countryside where the exodus of doctors seems to weigh heavily. An old public health clinic serves more than 150,000 residents. There is only one doctor, Lurinio Villanueva, who struggles to attend to the people, most of them poor, who flock to the clinic everyday. “We lack doctors, that is the situation as of now,” says Villanueva.

A clinic in another rural town has a doctor, but only once a week. It’s a health center far luckier than numerous other such facilities in the country that don’t have a single doctor at all.

“In my study, 80% of government doctors particularly public health physicians, are the ones who have become nurses… and therefore, have left,” says Dr. Jaime-Galvez Tan. Attracted by higher salaries and tired of the political instability, doctors continue to leave the Philippines. Their colleagues at home say this migration puss the medical profession under severe threat of decimation.

Pinoybee.com: Philippine News Democracy