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Archive for November, 2008

Lalaging May Pag-asa

19th November 2008

By Lynn Ricafranca 

Sa mundong ito na ating ginagalawan,  Hindi natin batid kapalarang nakalaan Sa ayaw man o gusto, lahat pagdadaanan, Kaligayahan o kasawian, yan ating mararanasan. 

Kaylayo na pala ng aking nalalakbay, Di na mabilang mga pagkadapa sa unos ng buhay, Pilit pinaglalabanan kahit tadtad pa ng latay, Bumalikwas sa pagsubok, umusad! Tuloy sa pagkaway.

Pira-pirasong pangarap, nagsusumikap mabigyang katuparan, Puso ko ma’y lugmok, at kahit katawa’y mahirapan, Sa dilim ng gabi, di maiwasang sumablay, Pag asa ang tanglaw, liwanag sa madilim na buhay. At habang may natatanaw pang mga bituin sa kalangitan, Buo ang pag -asa kong darating ang bukas na pinaghandaan. Gaano man kapanglaw ang magdamag sa aking buhay, Alam kong sa dako pa roon, puso’y liligaya ring tunay. 

Kaytagal ko na ring inasam na matanaw, Ang buhay kong ito, sisikatan din ng araw; 

Kay haba man nitong gabi, ako’y maghihintay, Alam kong darating din ang bukang-liwayway. 

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According to the Dictionary

19th November 2008

By Johanna Bogbog, Column-writer Published October 2008, Tinig Pinoy- Politis

Partner
      In my previous articles, I used the word ‘partner’ as simple as it means without any malicious intent. Likewise, I used the word ‘anomalous’ simply to state a fact. Surprisingly, two people adulterated the meaning of partner, refused to acknowledge the implications of anomalous, and complained at the KISA basing on these two key words. Because of this, I bought a dictionary and borrowed another to help me explore the meaning of ’partner’ and ‘anomalous’. According to The New Choice English Dictionary, published by Peter Haddock, Bridlington, England, ‘partner’ means: one of two or more persons jointly owning a business who share the risks and profits; one of a pair who dance or play a game together; either member of a married or non-married couple. Likewise, The Pocket Oxford Dictionary, printed by the Oxford University Press, Walton Street, Oxford, describes ‘partner’ as (1) sharer (with person, in or of a thing); person associated with others in business of which he shares risks and profits; wife or husband; companion in dance; player associated with another in game and scoring jointly with him; (2) associate (persons, one with another) as partners. Partner therefore, is simply a companion in doing something. I referred to Bong as Jenny’s partner with the simple reason that they do a lot of things together. When Jenny was with Tinig Pinoy, Bong joined her, when Jenny was displaced at Tinig Pinoy, Bong resigned. When the OFWFC was formed, Jenny is the organizer and Bong is the Chairperson. The two of them are involved with the Red Cross training, the two of them are members of the SJ Social Center, the two of them are involved with the separate celebration of Philippine Independence Day in Nicosia, and every time I see Jenny at the park, Bong is also there. So this is my basis in stating that Bong is Jenny’s partner. For their allegation that Chief Ed Joy Miranda and I are ‘hitting them below the belt’, when we used the word partner, I hereby refute. Nowhere in my articles nor in Joy’s did we write anything about lesbians or homosexuals as they claim. We are aware and we fully acknowledge that the so called ‘third sex’ or homosexuals who are commonly referred to as lesbians and gays are now being accepted throughout the world. Some countries had even granted them the same rights that are being enjoyed by their counterparts. We, at Tinig Pinoy, have nothing against the homosexuals, we respect their identities and accept them as they are. Our family clans are not spared from this phenomenon. We have relatives, and friends for that matter, who are homosexuals. For me, there’s no big deal about the word ‘partner’. I have lots of partners: room partner, writing partner, bus ride partner, watching tv partner, sex partner, dance partner, drinking partner, singing partner, chess game partner, phone call partner, and a lot more partners. There is nothing wrong with a partner. BUT, if you and YOUR PARTNER are doing something which YOU perfectly KNOW is WRONG, then naturally, the word PARTNER to YOU is BAD, as the saying goes: “If you throw a stone to a group of dogs, the one that yelps, is the one that was hit”.Anomalous
            Now, let us look at the word ‘anomalous’. According to the two dictionaries mentioned earlier, anomalous means: irregular; inconsistent; odd and abnormal. Anything that does not follow the normal pattern, rule or regulation is anomalous. Let us take a look at some anomalies done. The overcharging of the passport renewal is irregular; the solicited money for the uniforms of the BIBAK players which was used for something else other than for the original purpose is inconsistent; the handling of passports without any authority is abnormal; the collection of registration fees which is more than the prescribed fee is odd. Let us have another round. The non-presentation of the financial aspect of the OFWFC is irregular; the remittance of the registration fee to the bank account of a private person and not to the account of the organization is odd; promising a lot of help to people in order for them to become members of the OFWFC then do not give them in times of need is inconsistent (to their promises), taking organizational funds for personal expenses is abnormal. But worst of all, forging and encashing your employer’s personal cheque without his knowledge is anomalous, with all its meaning, and… robbery

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Schengen Visa and the Force of Favorability

19th November 2008

(Pinay Sense, Tinig Pinoy-Politis October 2008)

By Joy B. Miranda, Chief Editor

I would like to welcome Jaya to my team. Her section will tackle mostly about Greek language, lessons and all its implications. Hope readers who want to learn this language will find Jaya’s contribution useful. I also would like to thank my staff especially Ester who acts as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of Tinig Pinoy while I am away. As you are reading this, I am probably be still in the US.Taking this US trip, I have learned many vital things which I feel obligated to share with you. When I got my US visa issued by the Consular Section of the US Embassy in Nicosia, questions were raised as to how I was able to get it fast, notwithstanding my work status, and that my being a third country national was not spared from the doubt. My answer was simple. The US government welcomes anyone, anybody for that matter provided that there is no criminal record whatsoever and depending on what kind of visa one has applied for, financial capacity should be taken into consideration. For example, if one applies for a visitor’s visa, a complete and sufficient personal data regarding financial resources should be presented. If one intends to visit the US and there is an invitation from a US resident, the host will likewise present a substantial financial resources data, for the authorities to be sure that as a tourist or a visitor, there is enough capacity (on both the visitor and the host) to provide for the expenses for the whole duration of one’s stay. But most importantly, during the interview, you should be able to convince the visa officer that you have strong ties in your original place or you have a strong reason to come back after the amount of time that you are allowed to stay as visitor in the US. In my case, I must acknowledge that the recommendation and referral issued by Mr. Dionisis Dionisiou gave weight to my US visa application thus the Nicosia US Consular Section granted me 10 years, multiple entries B1-B2 visa category. Meaning, for as long that my purpose is only business, tourism and leisure, I can come to the US in as much as I can in 10 years’ time.  Anyhow, it does not end there.  For a first time visitor like me, there is another round of interview upon arrival at any US destination airport. Again, you have to be careful with what you answer to each question, making sure that you wont give the visa officer any hint that you are a possible future migrant. Otherwise, you will be sent back to where you came from! The key is just to be ready, relaxed and confident at giving your answer, and should maintain that eye contact and smile. At Boston airport, the officer gave me 6 months of stay anywhere in the US (October 2008 until April 2009) for this first trip.

Held at Athens Airport : Another thing that I find important to share with you is about a Schengen Visa.  Boarding a Lufthansa airline at Larnaca, I was confident that my flight from Cyprus all the way to the US will run smoothly. However, I encountered a slight  problem when I arrived at Athens airport. I was held by the Immigration authorities and was not allowed to board the plane heading Frankfurt, Germany, my next stop-over.  As explained, anyone who is not a citizen of Europe should get a Schengen visa. Digging further on this issue, I searched from the internet and found its exact meaning: Traveling on a Schengen Visa means that the visa holder can travel to any (or all) member countries using one single visa, thus avoiding the hassle and expense of obtaining individual visas for each country. This is particularly beneficial for persons who wish to visit several European countries on the same trip. The Schengen visa is a “visitor visa�. It is issued to citizens of countries who are required to obtain a visa before entering Europe. The purpose of the visit must be leisure, tourism, or business. Upon the issuance of the visa, the visa holder is allowed to enter all member countries and travel freely throughout the Schengen area. It is strongly recommended to plan your journey within the timeframe of the Schengen Visa as extensions can be very difficult to obtain, thus forcing you to leave to stay in compliance with the Schengen rules and regulations. A Schengen visa allows the holder to travel freely within the Schengen countries for a maximum stay of up to 90 days in a 6 month period. So to those who wish to travel any European country, apply for the Schengen visa first. The first step in the application process is to download the Schengen Application Guide. The application guide is available in 3 languages: English, Spanish and Chinese. All Schengen countries are in Europe. However, it should not be confused with the EU (European Union). Schengen and European Union are two different agreements between European countries. A total of 30 countries, including all European Union countries (except Ireland and United Kingdom) and three non-EU members (Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland) have signed the Schengen agreement. However, only 15 countries have implemented the common border control and visa provisions.
Going back to my odd situation, the guy whom I believed is in charge of cases like mine (No Schengen visa), have negotiated with Luftansa Airline management. In my defense, it was explained that it was not my fault at all, as it should be checked first-hand in Larnaca Airport if I am a Schengen visa holder or not before allowing to fly, therefore it was a negligence on the part of the airline. After 3 hours, a lady crew managed to transfer me to another route which is understandably not included in the Schengen territory. So, instead of Frankfurt, Germany by Luftansa Airline, I was flown by Swiss Airline to an equally lovely country, Zurich!  Still overwhelmed at how things turned out, I did not realize at all that finally, my feet landed at Boston International Airport, ahead of 20 minutes from my original time travel. October (Fall) is the best time to be here, when the trees’ leaves start to turn from green to yellow and orange.  The places I visited were all wonderful yet I will leave the details in the next issue. In conclusion I would say that I am indeed very lucky and the compass of favorability was heading towards me, otherwise, this US landing will not happen knowing that I am not a Schengen visa holder myself. If its meant to be, God will show the way and all I have to do is pave it. Important: The Schengen Visa holders are not allowed to live permanently or work in Europe.
 

 

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Filipina Still Fights for her Life

19th November 2008

(Tinig Pinoy Headline – October 2008)

By Ester Beatty

While Cypriots were celebrating their Independence Day on 1st October 2008, a Filipina was found laying unconscious on the road after the motor vehicle she was driving hit a pavement somewhere in Strovolos area. Desiree Lopez, known as Daisy to her friends, is still fighting for her life after an accident that happened on the night of 1st October 2008, while going home after her day off. Apparently she was found laying on the road by some motorist and was rushed to the Nicosia General Hospital at around 11 in the evening. Daisy was not wearing a helmet when found on the road. According to initial Police report, nobody was involved in the accident.

Information gathered that earlier that day, her sister relayed the bad news that their brother had passed away, which made her feel so depressed and lonely as she did not even know how it happened. To try to forget momentarily, she joined other Pinays later for a drinking spree and then decided to go home late at night.

Daisy was put in a medically induced coma for almost two weeks, as the doctors would not want her to move at all because of the severity of her head injury. Daisy has no immediate family here in Cyprus, though she has some friends and flat mates who know her quite well and they took the responsibility of informing her family in the Philippines about what happened and subsequently her condition. It was not an easy task to do considering that they have just lost one of the members of their family.

In the early days of her very critical condition, the doctors faced a blank wall as they have no idea how old she is, if she is suffering from any other medical condition or allergic to any medicines, etc. In order to help the doctors in this area, a phone call was made to the daughter of her previous employer (she used to work for an elder person) to find out any medical condition that Daisy might have suffered while she was still working for them. The sad thing is that Daisy has been illegal (no visa) since last year. So when the call to the employer’s daughter was made, the answer was all denial. Daisy was said to be working illegally at the shop of the employer’s daughter until the time of the accident, but for obvious reasons this was also being denied by the daughter.

Speaking to Dr. Pavlides, her attending doctor at the ICU Department of the Nicosia General Hospital, her injury was so severe that she will probably be permanently brain damaged. This means that life will never be the same for her again, that she will need a lot of therapy and medication for the rest of her life.

Last week, Daisy was removed from the ICU and transferred to the Neurological Department. There seem to be a slight improvement of her condition as she was removed from the medically induced coma, was able to wake up, and opened her eyes on her own.

 

 

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