By Joy Miranda – Pinay Sense

The theme for this imonth is about Christmas, so as you can see, most of the articles speak about the celebrations with accompanying pictures. In fact, all the pages are picture-packed that it almost appear like a photo album anymore (laughs)! Well, a picture speaks for itself, no need for more words, so be swayed by smiles of people in it. The recently concluded pre- Christmas party held at Navarino Wine Lodge last 27th November was a big blast for everyone especially so that they could not get enough of it thus another night out (which is less formal) is up tonight, 11th December, and was agreed to be held at Omorfos Kosmos this time. Before the year ends, the over all coordinator Ester Beatty offered her house to be the venue for a new year’s eve celebration with everybody bringing in their own foods and drinks! Party fever is very high and personally I felt so happy for everybody taking time out to celebrate the occasion but most especially doing it “the Filipino way”. Quoting Philippine Honorary Consul Shemaine Bushnell- Kyriakides in her brief message during the party, “For Foreigners who have not been to Philippines, Christmas is the best time to go… it’s very hard for a lot of Filipinos to be away from families… but this celebration will give a bit of a “taste of home.” Indeed, “a taste of home,” it is, this time of the year always reminds me of my roots. Adding to the event that night was the celebration of Tinig Pinoy’s 5th year existence in Cyprus courtesy of course by Politis. I gave certificates of appreciation to my staff, to an avid reader and to the publisher, Mr. Dionysis Dionisiou. I also made mention of the efforts of all those who had been part of it. Ester Beatty reluctantly received her certificate saying that she does not deserve such. In my speech I said that the perseverance of Tinig Pinoy can only be credited to those people who stood by me, walked beside me and acted along-side me. In all my years being the editor in chief, and with staff and contributors who come and go, I can only single out one person who NEVER leave me, nor turn her back on me, and who never deny any single favor that I asked especially for the sake of Tinig Pinoy, and that person is Ester Beatty. In fact, days ago she is not well, still we have Tinig Pinoy today because NO sickness can stop her dedication. She got up and did the encoding in my absence.

Simply, Christmas is giving and the spirit is seen everywhere, but the JOY of it is felt through the people who are so self-less enough to share their precious time, under any circumstance, on a daily basis. Lady Ester, I am truly humbled by your dedication which is beyond measure and your total commitment to community service. With people like you always aid me to understand what Christmas really is. Thank you and may your tribe increase! Merry Christmas everyone!

I put DENGUE in the front news because I still can not get over with this eerie feeling, having had lost two relatives in just two weeks last month. In an article posted in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it says that Dengue Infection is a leading cause of illness and death in the tropics and subtropics with more than one-third of the world’s population living in areas at risk for transmission. As many as 100 million people are infected yearly, Dengue is caused by any one of four related viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. There are not yet any vaccines to prevent infection with dengue virus (DENV) and the most effective protective measures are those that avoid mosquito bites. When infected, early recognition and prompt supportive treatment can substantially lower the risk of developing severe disease. Dengue has emerged as a worldwide problem only since the 1950s. Although it rarely occurs in the continental United States, it is endemic in Puerto Rico, and in many popular tourist destinations in Latin America and Southeast Asia; periodic outbreaks occur in Samoa and Guam. Well, Philippines is not spared from it. As they say, an insect particularly a mosquito, knows no person, no age, no gender to choose to bite. I lost a young cousin who was a mother of two, and another much younger boy cousin who orphaned a year old child, after only a week of being bitten by this deadly Aedes Aegypti mosquito. MedicineNet.com provided us the Dengue Fever Symptoms and Signs, whereas, after being bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus, the incubation period ranges from three to 15 (usually five to eight) days before the signs and symptoms of dengue appear. Dengue starts with chills , headache, pain upon moving the eyes, and low backache . Painful aching in the legs and joints occurs during the first hours of illness. The temperature rises quickly as high as 104 F (40 C), with relative low heart rate (bradycardia ) and low blood pressure (hypotension). The eyes become reddened. A flushing or pale pink rash comes over the face and then disappears. The glands (lymph nodes) in the neck and groin are often swollen.I am trying to understand how such (death) thing could happen so fast that had left the whole family in disbelief and grief, yet seriously I hope it could make everyone aware that any bite from a mosquito should not just be ignored. We should be mindful of any itchiness in our skin before it is too late! Maria Fe Miranda Foronda and Raymond Jay Beldua Nudalo, I hate to see both of you go at this young ages of yours, but so long… Rest in eternal peace with our Creator. ***

I do not like goodbyes, but inevitably it strikes me again what with the sudden passing of two dear cousins. Well, that one is forever. I had a temporary “farewell moment” with friend Jason Chue, the Political Officer of the Embassy of the United States of America here in Cyprus as he is moving to Washington, DC this month. He held a Farewell Reception last 8th September 2010 at the J. Fullbright Center, Nicosia. I claimed it as a temporary goodbye because I will surely see him again in the near future, right, Jason? Allow me to be a bit sentimental as I share with you folks some lyrics of the song “Constant Change” by Jose Mari Chan. I am quite sure you would also feel nostalgic remembering it. Especially for you Jason, (I could have sung it to you on a videoke session!) click YouTube if you want to hear it completely.

“We’re on the road, we move from place to place, and oftentimes when I’m about to call it home, we’d have to move along, life is a constant change; The friend we knew, we meet along the way, too soon the times we shared form part of yesterday, coz life’s a constant change, and nothing stays the same, oh no…

Why couldn’t we, keep time from moving on? Hold on to all the years before this moment’s gone… Why must we live the days at such a frightening pace? We’re all like clouds, that move across the skies and changing forms before our very eyes…”

By Josephine B. Miranda

(Media and Communication Team)

One heart, one soul. A catchy theme for His Holiness’ visit to Cyprus. I am trying to absorb the implication of this phrase, especially when you have to note its indicative plurality. Between the Pope and the entire Christian community, what does that mean? What is its relevance? One heart, one soul. How can it be? How can be the Pope and the people be one at heart and one at soul? Peace. That’s the ready answer. Yet again, are we ready to claim that illusive peace when disorder is commonplace?

As the news of his visit to Cyprus was confirmed, media reports had it that there are fanatical orthodox groups planning for a protest rally at the Ayio Kyriaki Church in Paphos. Another report said that an organization called the Pancyprian Orthodox Christian Movement (PAHOC) had distributed an anti- Pope leaflets written in Greek, in oppose to the up-coming visit to the island, “and harshly criticising Cypriot Bishops and President Christofias for remaining quiet about recent paedophilia scandals within the Catholic Church,” Politis paper reports.

In His Holiness’ visit to Portugal on May 14, 2010, Pope Benedict admitted that the greatest burden the catholic church is facing is not the sin outside, but from within the church itself. In a press release, he said that,

“This we have always known, but today we see it in a really terrifying way. The biggest weight on the church doesn’t come from the enemies outside but is born from sin inside the church…and so the church has a profound need to relearn penance, to accept purification, to learn on the one hand forgiveness but also the necessity of justice, because forgiveness does not substitute justice.”With this statement, it is crystal clear that the top leader of the Catholic Church is no blind to what is happening around and exhausting all the possibilities of a peaceful dialogue aimed at combatting the most pressing problem of unfaithfulness amongst the few church leaders and personalities. Further in Portugal, Pope reminded the Portuguese faithfuls that “Christ’s resurrection was an assurance that no adverse power would be able to destroy the Church. With this assurance, he said, faith was well founded,” “but this faith needs to come alive in each one of us.” The Pope reiterated that “A vast effort at every level is required if every Christian is to be transformed into a witness capable of rendering account to all and at all times of the hope that inspires him. Only Christ can fully satisfy the profound longings of every human heart and give answers to its most pressing questions concerning suffering, injustice and evil, concerning death and the life hereafter.”

The idea that there are quite a number of people who try to point out the negative aspect, that most have only singled out the mistakes of the limited few and blaming the Pope for his inaction is indeed enivitable, thus opposing this visit. Yet the majority of the Catholic Communities, the Maronites, Latin and expatriate Catholics are welcoming not just His Holiness presence but the chance of showing solidarity in the Church founded by the faith on Christ. Let us give way to an article below as published in the Holy Cross Newsletter.:

Good News in the Catholic Church

We are accustomed in our day and age to hearing the scandals, failures and sins of our leaders blasted across the leading news stories of the media. The Catholic Church is no exception to this, especially in these last weeks and months. Our Pope has publicly denounced the scandals and sins of certain priests and pastors of the Church, has vowed that justice will be brought to bear, and has promised that the Catholic Church will do penance for their sins, that have hurt and wounded persons and caused others to lose faith in Christ’s “One, Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church” on earth. During his recent visit to malta, the Pope met with victims of abuse, and wept with them.

However what the media does not say is that this very small percentage of unfaithful, unworthy pastors does not represent the whole Catholic Church. The media does not mention the thousands of good, faithful priests, who devote their lives to the Church and in fine service to God’s people, local communities and the world at large. It is no small thing that many priests, beloved and highly esteemed, celebrate their 5oth, 60th and even 70th Anniversaries of Priesthood, long years of self-sacrificial giving to the Church and the people, as good pastors and shepherds of the flock of Christ, under Jesus, the True and Good Shepherd of His Church. There are countless servants of the Lord, who have laboured faithfully for many years in distant Missions of the Church, often unknown and unrecognized, who have left their homes, countries, families and positions to follow the call of the Lord, some of whom have been laid down their lives in the footsteps of their Master. Yes, there is a lot of good news in the Catholic Church today, which we seldom hear.

This is the “Year of the Priest,” Let us respect and affirm and pray for our priests, pastors and teachers, as they seek to lead and guide us, as St. Francis admonished us to do. Let us pray for the unfaithful priests, who are now suffering for their past sins and failures, that the Lord will have mercy on them. Let us pray for the victims of abuse, that they may know the gentle, healing touch of Jesus in their lives. May we support and remain loyal to our Church, which is the Body of Christ in the world today. And when the Pope comes to visit us in Cyprus this coming June, may he shed tears of JOY, to be here among us. (A parishioner of the Holy Cross)

Peace in the midst of world’s disorder is cynically entertaining, and yet, challenging. The Pope being the head of the Roman Catholic church and the Sovereign of the Vatican City has carried this most challenging task of upholding peace under any circumstance. This is never an easy task, but in my own understanding, there is a way to make it happen, there is hope to make the church whole again. In this particular pastoral visit, Pope Benedict XVI continues to deliver the message of Christ’ love and encourages the dialogue amongst all the Christians and non Christians for the attainment of peace and reconciliation…to be One Heart, One Soul.

Hello folks! It has been half a year that I did not post anything here. Well, aside from taking a great holiday to Philippines (50 days!) last Christmas until the new year, I have decided to really relax my mind from blogging and concentrate on savouring the moments with family and friends back home. I did enjoy a lot despite the many unwanted happenings here in Cyprus like the signature campaign to stop the publication of Tinig Pinoy. Soon as I came back to Cyprus, I right away reported to Politis to discuss the matter together with my staff. The meeting went well, as the Boss signified further his trust and confidence to yours truly. 

Let me thank you for standing by, my mailbox has been receiving “new user registration” notice, meaning more and more are visiting this site. With that, I feel I should get back posting materials again so as not to waste your time in browsing it. Never the less, I may have missed few months of posting, but this writer in me is just around the corner, and now ready to render service to everyone again! Enjoy browsing!

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)    

(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.