Sentidokomon

By Joy B. Miranda, Chief Editor -Tinig Pinoy-Politis

I would like to thank Mr. Theo Panayides for writing a feature story about my people titled: “Karaoke Culture Filipinas take to songs on day offs�, a four-page article published in the Living section of Sunday Mail’s Seven Magazine 15-21 February 2009. It featured the love of Filipinos in singing and the numbers of karaoke places scattered in Nicosia where OFWs, mostly karaoke- crazed Pinays frequent on their day-offs. Well, there are a lot more of Karaoke places, not only in Nicosia but also in neighboring cities all over the island. It is typical for every Filipino blood to sing, even if it goes out of tune sometimes. Singing is a common hobby and most of us have Magic sing videoke equipment kept in the house or flats. So in occasions like birthdays and anniversaries, singing is always around. Speaking of singing, Tinig Pinoy is launching a “Talent Quest� Monthly Singing Contest which is open to everybody of any nationality and age that will commence on Sunday March 1, 2009 until June 28, 2009 at 1 pm to be held at Omorfos Kosmos Pub Nicosia.  There will be two winners each month who will each receive a gift certificate from    plus a trophy from Solonas Solomonides for the first place winner. Those who did not win can still join in the succeeding months until the finals. All the monthly winners (1^st and 2^nd) will compete for the finals which will be on June 28, 2009 and there shall have 2^nd and 1^st place winners along with the champion who will all receive cash prizes, trophies and gift certificates from same food brand  . Only one entry song is allowed. Interested parties may please contact the Tinig Pinoy Staff to register. Contestants this Sunday are requested to come to Omorfos Kosmos Pub at 11 in the morning to prepare your songs. If you have a voice, a talent, sing it out loud and win prizes!
 

You have a voice? Speak it out!
 

The article we published last month had raised the eyebrows of those who were mentioned in the story. In my job being the editor, it is expected that I could get reactions good or bad, and believe me, I welcome both. I do not take sides but I always make sure that what we published is factual and we keep in our hands the reporter’s documents such as pictures, video and voice records, etcetera, for support and proof. I have placed my email address at the editorial board of Tinig Pinoy so any reaction, comments, complaints and feedbacks can formally reach the chief editor’s desk and can also be published when situation calls for it.
Last few weeks ago a guy called up to my staff and demanded us to apologize saying we have caused damage to their association by mentioning it in the news story published last issue. He can not reach through my number so he started pestering my staff by threatening he will get a lawyer to sue us or send the writer back home or words to that effect. This guy even called up the girl who told the story to us and likewise, threatened the girl to be block-listed in the immigration and to send right away back to Philippines. Geezzz!
Here is what I can say. We do not intend to offend anyone with our factual reporting but should you think it was really quite damaging then write to us. If you want to give your side of the story, then you may write to us your story and we will publish it. You do not have to threat us or anyone for that matter because you do not have the right to do so. If you want us to make an apology, we will do it only if we really find ourselves to be at fault, which in this issue, we are not. And for you to say that you will get a lawyer, go ahead, make my day, because we will get our own defense as well should you wish to make the matter worst. And for your information, all the conversations you made and the future calls that you will make with my staff are all recorded. For those who think that they can do anything to helpless Filipinas, please bear in mind that there exists a “watchdog� to expose any abuses verbal or in any form. For Filipinas who have problems with their employers and other work-related issues, please do not hesitate to tell us so we can try to help find a remedy by calling the attention of the proper authorities. If there are people who are threatening you, email me write away. There is Tinig Pinoy – Filipino voice who will speak out for you.