Celebration: Philippine Red Cross 67th Anniversary

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), the country’s premier humanitarian organization, is celebrating its 67th Anniversary on April 15, 2014. Guided by its motto of “Always First, Always Ready, Always There,” the PRC provides timely, efficient and responsive services, especially to the most vulnerable of the Philippine population. Its mission is in accordance with the principles of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Red Cross (IRC) and Red Crescent Movement, of which the PRC is an active member.

PRC was created by Republic Act (RA) 95, Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Charter, signed on March 22, 1947, and inaugurated on April 15, 1947. Its six major services — Blood Services, Disaster Management, Safety Services, Community Health and Nursing, Social Services, and Volunteer Service — embody the fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality of the global organizations with which it is affiliated.

RA 10072, the Philippine Red Cross Act of 2009, affirms the Philippines’ conformity with the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and Statutes of the IRC and Red Crescent Movement. It confirms the PRC as a voluntary, independent, and autonomous non-governmental society in the humanitarian field. RA 10072 changed the name from “Philippine National Red Cross” to “Philippine Red Cross.” The PRC has 100 chapters and sub-chapters nationwide carrying on a wide array of humanitarian services. There are more than a million trained volunteers who respond to emergencies and disasters. The “Red Cross 143 Program” deploys 44 volunteers in each of the nation’s 42,000 barangays. Its youth arm, Red Cross Youth, educates young Filipinos and provides them, through 97 chapters, the venue to use their skills, talents, and idealism in worthwhile activities.

The PRC was set up during Katipunan days when volunteers such as Trinidad P. Tecson, the “Mother of Philippine Red Cross,” took care of Filipino soldiers. The Malolos Republic formed a National Association of the Red Cross on February 17, 1899. The American National Red Cross (ANRC) opened a Philippine Branch on August 30, 1905. An independent Philippine Red Cross was created in 1934. Local Red Cross officials and ANRC reestablished the Red Cross in 1945. Aurora Aragon Quezon, the first PNRC Chairman, received Geneva’s recognition of PNRC on March 29, 1947. The PNRC became a member of the League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on September 17, 1947.

We congratulate the Philippine Red Cross headed by Chairman Richard J. Gordon and Secretary General Gwendolyn T. Pang, its National Board of Governors, Administrators, Officials, Personnel and Volunteers, for being always at the service of the Filipino people in our Republic of the Philippines. CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!

Irma Adlawan as Edna, the OFW (Celebrity World by Crispina Martinez-Belen)

Several years back, government propagandists proclaimed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as the country’s new heroes.

We absolutely agree with the commendation as they have helped a lot in keeping local economy afloat. In fact, most economists would attest that, without them, Philippine economy would have long been derailed.

IRMA ADLAWAN

Note that the country’s almost 10 million OFWs remit an average of no less than $20 billion to the treasury. Also, imagine the purchasing power they provide their families.

However, some government officials, it seems, have made milking cows of our OFWs. To think that they already pay a huge price for their sacrifices. Imagine the pain of having to live abroad, away from your family for years.

This is what we see in the movie “Edna,” with award-winning Irma Adlawan in the title role.

Edna has been working abroad for 10 straight years. Coming home, she is surprised to see her family still in the same predicament she left them. What happened to the money she has been sending?

Worse, she feels detached from her family, who treat her as if she is a stranger. Years of toiling abroad practically destroyed the bond, affection and love they have for each other. How can she recapture the years gone by?

The movie comes in three parts: Edna’s life abroad, her arrival and her resolve.

“My role took so much out of me,” Irma revealed. “The concentration I had to do was so intense. It is the most challenging role I have ever portrayed to date.”

DIRECTOR-ACTOR Ronnie Lazaro with producer Anthony V. Gedang

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The Sogo Urban Adventure Race

The country’s largest hotel chain, Sogo Hotel, held a 24-hour Urban Adventure Race last March 29.

Coinciding with the event is a feeding program at Hotel Sogo Malate, led by invited guest speaker, Robert David Quickly, founder of the Hospitality for Homeless Foundation.

SOGO AMBASSADORS Glaiza Sarmiento and Vince Vargas help distribute gift items to the street children of Manila

The Feeding Program provided its beneficiaries (over 100 kids from Barangay 704, 702, 721, and 734 of District 5 in Manila) with food, linens and school supplies, in cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development District 5, headed by Maria Julie S. Bajelot and the Day Care Worker Association.

Also in attendance to help distribute gift items were Sogo Ambassadors Glaiza Sarmiento and Vince Vargas.

The Sogo Urban Adventure Race included biking, trekking, running, rappelling, urban navigation, raft building and problem solving.

Finishing first for the Elite Men Category was Team Solido of Ernest Louie Peralta and Rassel. At second place was Team Basta Bisaya Gahi of Raquel Espinosa and Roel Ano. At third place was Team EZ Biker of Tristan Justin Valencia and Crisanto Maturana.

PHOTO shows from left, Sue Geminiano, Sogo Hotel marketing manager; Jet Magallanes, Branch Manager of the Year; Father Robert David, Sogo Ambassadors Glaiza Sarmiento and Vince Vargas with the street children (Teresa G. Martinez)

For the Elite Mixed Category, declared first, second and third runners-up, respectively, were: Team Let’s Go of Jimmy Hembra and Claire; Team One of Ryan Christopher Moral and Charwaine Bartolay; and Team MMS1 of Romulo Henson and Heidi Sarno.

Winners received P30,000 (1st prize), P10,000 (2nd prize), and P5,000 (3rd prize).

For the Fun Category, the 1st finisher was Team Geo of Jonathan Capili and Mark Jason Andres; 2nd placer was Conquer Ultra of Benedict Meneses and Emiliano Burgos; and third was Team S05 of John Paul G. Santiago and Alvin Laborte.

Winners received P15,000 (1st prize), P10,000 (2nd prize), and P5,000 (3rd prize).



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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, April 15, go to actress Diana Zubiri, Mrs. Gloria “Baby” Angara, former Cinderella’s Therese Coronel Santos, Rosario Czarina R. Ablaza, actress Susan Henson, Jose Mari Hilario, Marcel Meily, Linda Celestial, Linda Cabrera, Joseph D. Baricana, Wig Tysman, Tommy C. Lim Jr., Dianne Gamboa, Maria Luisa Manahan Medina, Bakary Manka, Eilynn Feliciano, Atty. Gloria Paculdo, Jemmarie F. Ronquillo, Aaliyah Maoie G. Yadori, and Ryan Ramos of Star Magic…

The Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan in Manila (Celebrity World by Crispina Martinez-Belen)

Cesar Millan

Dog lovers will certainly be delighted to know that Cesar Millan, the Mexican-American dog trainer widely known for his popular “Dog Whisperer” series, is coming to Manila. “Dog Whisperer” is broadcasted in more than 80 countries worldwide and has been showing in the Philippines since 2004.

Prior to his TV career, Millan focused on rehabilitating aggressive dogs. He founded the Dog Psychology Center in South Los Angeles.




Millan has also written books including “Cesar’s Way,” which became a New York Times best seller, having sold two million copies in the US alone, and is now available in 14 other countries.

With Ilusión Millan, his former wife, he founded the Millan Foundation. He is working with Yale University to create a children’s curriculum based on his work.

Millan grew up working with animals on his grandfather’s Sinaloa farm. Because of his natural way with dogs, he was called El Perrero, “the dog boy.” Millan crossed the border into the US without a visa when he was 21 years old. His first job in the US was at a dog grooming store.

He eventually created the Pacific Point Canine Academy and later, the Dog Psychology Center, a two-acre facility in South LA specializing in large dogs.

In 2002, after a profile in the Los Angeles Times, Millan started to work on developing a TV pilot for “Dog Whisperer.” The series premiered on Sept. 13, 2004 on the National Geographic Channel, subsequently moving to the Nat Geo Wild channel. The show would become National Geographic’s No. 1 show during its first season.

During his visit, Cesar will conduct a live demonstration of his rehabilitation techniques on April 29, at Eastwood Central Plaza in Libis, Quezon City at 7:30 p.m. The event is produced by MMI and Ovation Productions.

Tickets are now on sale online through www.smtickets.com, www.ticketworld.com.ph, and www.ticketnet.com.ph and at regular ticket outlets. Note: Dogs not allowed during the show.

Sponsors are Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, Nat Geo, Pet One Dog Food, Manila Bulletin, RX 93.1, and 96.3 Easy Rock.

• • •

Meet The 2014 Superbods Finalists

THE 2014 Superbods finalists

Century Tuna has unveiled the 20 finalists who are vying for the grand winner title of Superbods Super Challenge 2014 in Boracay on April 26.

Showing what fitness, beauty, and brains are all about are the 10 female candidates Alaiza Malinao, Catherine Almirante, Darlene Anderson, Diane Tan, Grace Murillo, Michelle Magno, Nic Marable, Nicole Kaufmann, Paula Marciano, and Sara Polverini.

Matching these ladies are 10 fit, good-looking, and outgoing male candidates, namely, Antonio de Murga, Evan Spargo, Gerard Go, Joshua Lubrico, Julio de Leon, Laurens Tolenaars, Marneil Anthony Lim, Mauro Lumba, Miguel Lasala, and Rendon Labrador.

Who will be the Superbods Super Challenge 2014 grand winners? Don’t forget to vote for your favorite candidates via www.centurytuna.ph/superbods.

Superbods Super Challenge 2014 is made possible by AirAsia Zest, CarbTrim, Gold’s Gym, Pearl of the Pacific, San Mig Zero, Solaire Resort & Casino, Gardenia, MediCard, Smart, The District, Zen Wellness Spa, Azur, Bite Me, Black Market, Nereku, Pink Salmon, SM Supermalls & SM Mall Of Asia, Tony Galvez Salon, and Victor Ortega Salon.

• • •

‘Full Circle’ Concerts At The Library

PRIMA DIVA BILLY and Michael Pangilinan

In line with the birthday celebration of Jobert Sucaldito this mid-April, Front Desk Entertainment Production mounts “Full Circle 1” today and “Full Circle 2” tomorrow, April 15, at The Library Metrowalk Ortigas, featuring Prima Diva Billy and Michael Pangilinan. The show starts at 10 p.m.

“New songs, new acts and new look. I prepared beautiful songs for everyone to enjoy,” said Prima Diva Billy.

Billy added, “Ang aking guests sa April 14 is, of course, my younger brother in this business na si Michael Pangilinan, ang gwapong si Chef Anton and Jimmy Bondoc with the Foxy Ladies and Ms. Elizabeth Ramsey.”

“Siyempre, dahil mahal na mahal ko ang Nanay Jobert ko, hindi rin ako magpapatalo, ’no,” said Michael.

“Kasama ko naman dito sina Ate Billy, the Mocha Girls and Mama Gladys Guevarra plus the very special participation naman of Tito Allan K. Patatawanin din sila nina AJ Tamiza and Le Chazz sa araw ko,” he added.

Presenters on both shows are Isabela Governor Bojie Dy and Laguna Governor ER Ejercito.

Major sponsors include Aficionado Germany Perfume, Joel Cruz Signatures, Kirei Beauty and Medical Clinic, Hannah’s Beach Resort (Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte), Quadro Frames, McQueen Petals Flower Shop, Adonix, Antojos Restaurante, Liana’s Supermarket, Zaldy Aquino, Ms. Zeny Dayanghirang and the Rotary Club of Tanauan City.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, April 14, go to Sen. Rodolfo Biazon, Naida Angpin, Chito Bertol, Jerome John hughs, Gloria Garcia Ramirez, Jason Ricketts, Agnes B. Mohamad, Linda A. Carera, Francis Lumunsad, Vicky Divina, Amante Galang, Nanette Manebo, Ms. Mitzi Piad, journalist Cito Beltran, Leane Medina Cruz, Michael Kevin Buan, Maxi Teves, Frances Ejercito, Perci Intalan, Rep. Charlie Cojuangco, Manolet Cruz, and Kristina Snell of Star Magic…

Former President Corazon Aquino battling with cancer, Typhoon Frank

Welcoming the new millennium 2008, with a bang. Newly INQUIRER Lifestyle editor Thelma Sioson-San Juan, who replaces Chelo Banal-Formoso moves to the Learning Section as editor and continued the project from February 1 to June 30, 2008.

Months before the fashion show, On February 1, 2008, Atty. Francis Tolentino was appointed by President Karen Lourdes "Tito Keren" Pascual as the ninth chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). He is the first and only non-resident of Metro Manila to held as MMDA chairman.
On March 24, 2008 when the family of Corazon Aquino announces that the former Philippine President is suffering from colon cancer.
In summer of 2008, David bid farewell to the show, another set of auditions were held at the GMA Network Center. This coincides with the show's first anniversary and as preparation for its relaunch. Unlike the first set of auditions, it was only exclusive for boys 7 – 12 years old to fill David's vacant slot. In the second leg of the Kids on Q Sunday Funday Year 2 on SM Sucat, the newest Q Reporter was introduced to the staff, crew and those who were luckily present during the said event. It was none other than Eugene Herrera who passed the auditions. Despite Eugene's prior public appearance on the second (SM Sucat) and fourth (Eastwood) Sunday Funday, his debut appearance on the show was set on the relaunch episode of KOQ!.
On April 28, 2008 at exactly 12 noon, the Bases, Conversion Development Authority Announced the Subic - Clark Segment of Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway was now open to all vehicles. BCDA said that travel time from Manila to Subic via North Luzon Expressway would now only take 1 Hour and 40 Minutes while the travel time from Clark to Subic would only take 40 Minutes.
The 2008 Sichuan earthquake[10] or the Great Sichuan Earthquake measured at 8.0 Ms and 7.9 Mw, and occurred at 02:28:01 PM China Standard Time at epicenter (06:28:01 UTC) on Monday, May 12 in Sichuan province, killing 69,195 people, and left 18,392 missing.
Filipino movie actor Rudy Fernandez died from periampullary cancer at his Quezon City home on the morning of June 7, 2008. His remains were brought to The Heritage Park in Taguig City, and his interment took place on June 12, 2008 at 3 p.m. for his burial.
On June 8, Ces Orena-Drilon, news anchor of ABS-CBN's late night television program Bandila, together with her crew and a Mindanao university professor, was initially reported to have been kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf in Maimbung, Sulu, by the rebel group Abu Sayyaf.
On June 10, ABS-CBN management issued an official statement, saying that Drilon and her crew are missing in Sulu.
On June 11, ABS-CBN management confirmed that Drilon and her crew have been kidnapped for ransom in Sulu but declared that it "will abide by its policy not to pay ransom because this would embolden kidnap for ransom groups to abduct other journalists..."
On June 12, Angelo Valderama, the assistant cameraman from Drilon's crew, was released. The abductors named Indanan, Sulu mayor Alvarez S. Isnaji as their emissary in the ongoing negotiations for the other captives' release.
On June 16, when the kidnappers Abu Sayyaf issued an ultimatum. The rebel group demanded for ransom amounting to P15 million by noontime of June 17, in exchange for the release of Drilon, Encarnacion and Dinampo.
On June 17, when The Abu Sayyaf extended their deadline for the ransom payment. Later during the day, PNP Chief Avelino Razon said that Drilon and the other hostages are expected to be released within the next few hours. Drilon and the hostages were freed shortly before midnight.
On June 18, Ces Drilon and her crew were taken to Jolo, Sulu. Afterwards, they were brought by the Philippine army to Zamboanga city for a press conference. Philippine Senator Loren Legarda joined the released hostages and was reported to be the negotiator to the Abu Sayyaf. Legarda and the released hostages flew afterwards to Manila for another press conferences, and were brought to The Medical City afterwards for medication.
On June 19, when the PNP declared the Isnajis as suspects in the kidnapping of Drilon, her crew, and Dinampo.
On June 19, Typhoon Frank made landfall in eastern Samar in the central Philippines and travelled northwest over the islands. Fengshen was initially forecast to go through Bicol Region but later on shifted its course further westward, eventually going towards the direction of Mindoro Province. However, before even reaching Mindoro it again shifted its direction northward towards the direction of Metro Manila, mainly because of the weakening of the High Pressure area system in the northern part of the Philippines.[32]
On June 21, when the ship MV Princess of the Stars, owned by Sulpicio Lines that carried 626 passengers and 121 crew members, stalled in rough seas near Sibuyan Island in the central Philippines. The ship left Manila Saturday morning. Typhoon Frank caused the ship to sink, though it was previously reported that the ship experienced engine failure.
With a new reporter and a lot of changes during its first year, Kids on Q needs a new look and Opening Billboard (OBB) for its scheduled relaunch and upcoming second year. The OBB shoot was set on June 4, 2008 with theme park Enchanted Kingdom as its location. All ten Q reporters were present during the shoot, including Eugene. KOQ! team leader Kuya Tonipet acts as the director for the new OBB. It first aired on Kids on Q's Relaunch on June 21, 2008.
On June 22, Typhoon Frank crossed Metro Manila between 5 am and 6 am Sunday.
On June 24, when Philippine President Karen Lourdes Pascual and US President George W. Bush had a meeting at the Oval Palace in White House as part of the Philippine President's 10-day working visit in the USA. Issues on oil and food prices and terrorism were reportedly discussed in their meeting.[34]
On June 29, when Philippine President Karen Lourdes Pascual met with Republican White House Presidential candidate John McCain. The President expressed her gratefulness to the latter's support for the approval of the Veterans Equity bill. Other issues like terrorism in Mindanao were also discussed.[35]
On June 29 when Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao won against David Diaz via knockout in the ninth round to win the WBC lightweight title.
Dayana Mendoza was crowned Miss Universe 2008 at the pageant in the Crown Convention Center, Nha Trang, Vietnam, on July 13, 2008.
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Terminal 3 began partial operations at 05:15am on July 22, 2008 with 16 inbound and outbound domestic flights from Cebu Pacific. Philippine Airlines' budget brand PAL Express and Air Philippines moved their operations to this terminal two days later.


On July 25, 2008 12:01 am, the BCDA announced the opening of the Clark-Tarlac Segment of the Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway. Travel time from Clark to Tarlac was reduced to only 25 Minutes and to travel the entire length of the SCTEx would only take 65 Minutes. At the same time, the travel time from Manila to Tarlac via NLEx and the SCTEx would only take 1 Hour and 25 Minutes.