Smart ang Pinoy Publication

Tel. Nos. 2110 -5516 to 18 Fax. No. 2152-9328 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.smartpinoy.com/hk August 2015 Volume 4 No. 7

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Buhay SpiritwalDiscover biblical teachings and get closer to God by nurturing your spiritual life.

05

Lovingly Yours, Tita Kerry

Get advise and tips on OFW life, love, and family matters only from Tita Kerry.

10

Tara Na, Byahe TayoAlamin at puntahan ang magagandang lugar sa Pilipinas kasama ng iyong mga mahal sa buhay.

23A day in the Life of

an OFW HeroContinue to improve your capacity to earn money and learn about self-fulfillment and dignity.

07

Insi

de

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SMART ANG PINOY04PARENTING TIPSDEALING WITH LIES

Kapag nahuhuli natin ang ating mga anak na nagsisimulang magpalusot, o di kaya ay medyo inuuto o ginogoyo tayo, ano ang ating gagawin para magkaroon ng mga anak na sa paglaki ay magiging makatotohanan? Mga batang hindi nangangatwiran kapag mali to the extent of telling lies para lang makalusot. Kapag nakagawa ng isang bagay na mali, dapat aminin at humingi ng dispensa. Ano nga ba ang ating gagawin? 1. Tingnan ang edad ng ating mga anak. Kapag batang-

bata pa, mga two or three years old, minsan hanggang four or five, medyo talagang magaling ang kanyang fantasy. “Nay! Nay! Alam mo, nakakita ako ng...” Wala naman talagang nakita. “Nay! Alam mo ba nakakain ako ng...” Hindi naman talaga yan nakakain. Ang tawag riyan ay pantasya; hindi ito pagsisinungaling. Ito ay dala ng kanilang kakayahang mag-isip nang sobra-sobra. Hindi rin naman nila kayang isipin kung paano ihihiwalay ang totoo sa hindi. Pero ito ay sa talagang batang-bata pa. Tingnan natin ang edad, kasi doon nakasalalay ang ating pagkaunawa kung nagsisinungaling ang bata at hindi na pantasya - gusto lang talagang mabilog ang ating ulo. The best po talaga is to observe. May mga pagkakataon naman na dahil sa takot, the child may invent a story to free himself from accountability.

2. Check if we encourage ang pagsisinungaling ng bata. Kids tend to lie dahil ang magulang ay modelo. Kapag mayroong iniiwasan tayong tao at sinagot ng ating anak ang telepono, “Hello? Nay! Nay-”. Ang bulong naman natin sa ating anak, “Shhh...sabihin mo, wala ako dito.” O di ba, tayo ang naging modelo ng pagsisinungaling?We encourage lies pag tayo mismo di naman natutupad ang salita. “Sige, anak, sabihin mo lang sa akin ang totoo sino ang nagdumi rito. Di ka masasaktan.” Pagkasabi ng totoo - “Ako nga po.” Sinasabi ko na nga ba eh!” - ayon, nahagupit ang bata! Di na iyan maniniwala at lagi na siyang matatakot. Kung ano ang iyong napag-usapan sa pagsabi ng totoo, tuparin po natin ito. Whatever consequence was agreed upon, give it. Another way kung saan naitutulak ang ating anak

sa pagsisinungaling ay ang sobrang taas ng ating inaasahan sa kanya. Halimbawa, napapagod ang bata. “Basta anak, mamaya, memoryado mo na iyan.” Tapos, heto ka na, “O, anak namemorize mo na?” “Opo, nagmemorize na po ako.” Nagsinungaling siya kasi di pala niya kaya, kasi napapagod siya.

3. Ipakita ang pagpapahalaga sa pagsasabi ng totoo while kids are still very young. Two years old ang bata at hindi pa gaanong nagsasalita nang diretso. Kararating-rating lang ninyo, tapos dala-dala niya ang nabasag niyang flower vase. Sabihing, “Ay, naku, ang bait naman ng anak ko, nagsabi ng totoo na siya ang nakabasag ng flower vase,” kahit sa loob-loob mo, “Naku, ang mahal-mahal ng vase na iyan.” Pero mas mahal ang ugali na dapat maituro sa bata.

4. Avoid judging. Halimbawa, may suspetsa tayong nagsisinungaling ang bata. Huwag nating diretsuhin, “Anak, nagsisinungaling ka naman eh!” Sa halip, “Sige anak, makikinig ako. Ano nga iyon? Ah. O tapos?” Para naman magkaroon tayo ng check and balance; hindi po agad dirediretso. At hanggang maaari, huwag magkumpara sa mga nagdaang panahon. Iwasang sabihin, “Gaya nung isang araw, nagsinungaling ka; ngayon, huwag kang magsisinungaling.” Tapos na ang kahapon; iba na ngayon at lalo na ang bukas.

5. Kung lagi nating nahuhuli ang bata na nagsisinungaling, tingnan natin ang mga issues kung bakit. Frequent lies may mean that the child is too afraid to tell the truth. Minsan siguro ay nasaktan ang bata nang sabihin niya ang totoo. Siya ba ay may ibang problema na di natin nalalaman? Ano ang katotohanan?

Let us watch how we respond to the honest talks ng ating mga anak. Siguruhing nauunawaan nila na ang ginawang pagsasabi ng tapat ay mabuti, at ang pagsasabi ng totoo ay isang matuwid na gawi. No white lies. Lahat ng lies ay kasalanan.

Abangan sa susunod na issue: “Diverse Kids”. For any comments, send your message to 152869.

Source: www.chinasmack.com

Dr. Bessie Rios

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SMART ANG PINOY 05BUHAY SPIRITWALSpiritual Marathon

Greg M. Matubis Jr.

Marathon is a very common sight nowadays as people become more conscious of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Some join the activity for fun and to keep their body fit while others have higher goal of winning and getting a prize or an award. Whatever the motive is, the runner plans and prepares for training before the event to ensure that he finishes the race.

On the day of the marathon itself, however, the runner does not focus on each painful, jarring step nor the burning thirst and mounting fatigue lest he would lose the race long before it was ever finished. While running, if he looks at the details, the need of each moment and the pain of getting there, it would lessen his motivation and intimidate him to go all the way. He can only accomplish his goal if he sees the big picture.

Certainly, the same thing happens with the spiritual marathon that we are running now. When we focus on the details - the insurmountable challenges of our daily lives, the overwhelming needs or the uncertainties on how situations might turn out - faith can drain us out and eventually our motivation disappears and discouragement sets in. We lose hope as we take our minds off the big picture. Our perspective becomes distorted and the race becomes a painful experience that we may or may not even finish.

The Lord provides a way out in the midst of the challenges that we encounter in running the spiritual race. The Bible

tells us in Hebrews 12:1-2 “...let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

In order for us to survive and finish the race, it is important to run well with perseverance and gaze at someone who has experienced and finished the race successfully - Jesus. We have to look up to Him who not only finished the race well but makes himself available to fill us with all the strength and endurance that we need to run successfully like Him.

Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. He will watch over, care and sustain our saving faith for us to run the race and finish victoriously. He does not only lead us in our daily walk with Him but He brings our spiritual journey to completion. He endured every temptation, overcame every obstacle and won the battle on the cross. The joy that was set before Jesus is the joy of fulfilling the will of the Father.

As Jesus lives in us, we can look up to Him all the time and be lifted up by what He did for us in obedience to the Father. The only way to overcome the challenges of running the spiritual race is to gaze upon Him who won it. We should look upon Him as the crown that will last forever.

Abangan sa susunod na issue: “The God of Abundance”. For any comments, please text your message to 152869.

Source: http://www.natureperformance.com.au/

“ “The Lord provides a way out in the midst of the challenges that we encounter in running the spiritual race.

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ALAMIN ANG BATASFive-Six-Seven

Si Myla ay isang single mom na nagsusumikap at mag-isang nagpapa-aral sa kanyang tatlong anak matapos siyang iwanan ng kanyang asawa. Naisip niyang magtayo ng isang negosyo at nangailangan siya ng Php 500,000.00. Dahil dito, tinanggap niya ang alok ng kanyang kapitbahay na si Andrew na pautangin siya ng nasabing halaga na may kaakibat na 7% interest kada buwan. Nangako si Myla na babayaran ang nasabing halaga sa loob ng dalawang buwan.

Bilang garantiya, nagbigay si Myla ng isang post-dated check na maaaring ideposito sa loob ng 30 araw. Subalit may usapan sila na hindi ipapasok ni Andrew ang tseke at babayaran niya ito ng aktual na halaga. Dahil hindi nakabayad si Myla makalipas ang isang buwan, napilitan niyang hulug-hulugan ang kanyang utang sa loob ng maraming buwan at sa paiba-ibang halaga sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng maraming tseke. Nakaabot sa halagang Php 925,000.00 ang naibayad ni Myla kay Andrew. Nang ipasok ni Andrew ang huling tseke, tumalbog ito dahil sa kulang ang pondo.

Dinemanda ni Andrew si Myla sa balanse ng kanyang utang. Ayon kay Andrew, sa Php 925,000.00 na naibayad ni Myla, Php 625,000.00 rito ay interes at tanging Php 300,000.00 lamang ang kabayaran ng principal. Dahil dito, meron pang utang si Myla na Php 200,000.00. Sa pananaw ni Andrew, dahil sa boluntaryong pagpayag ni Myla na magbayad ng 7% interes, dapat itong respetuhin ng Korte. Dumipensa si Myla na sa laki ng kanyang nabayaran, maaari nang masabing bayad na ang kanyang utang kay Andrew.

May karapatan ba si Andrew na pilitin si Myla na bayaran ang balanse ng utang?

Wala. Sa kabuuan, hinahayaan ng ating batas na

mag-usap ang mga partido patungkol sa interes na dapat ipataw sa isang pangungutang. Subalit kinikilala din ng hukuman na ang hindi makataong interes ay maituturing na illegal. Sa isang desisyon ng ating Korte Suprema (Menchavez v. Bermudez, October 2012), ang interes na 5% kada buwan o 60% kada taon ay maituturing na “unconscionable” o kalabisan. Bagamat binigyan ng batas ng pagkakataon ang mga partido na mag-usap ng interes sa isang utang, ang interes ay dapat reasonable at hindi maituturing na kalabisan. Dahil dito, maituturing na walang bisa ang napag-usapang 5% interest kada buwan at maituturing na bayad na ni Myla ang kanyang utang kay Andrew sa laki ng naibayad na nito sa kanya.

MGA ARAL: 1. Ang interes sa isang usapan ng pangungutang ay

dapat na napapaloob sa isang malinaw na kasulatan. 2. Kung ang interes sa isang kontrata ay

mapapatunayang “unconscionable” o may pagmamalabis, maaari itong ipawalang bisa ng Korte at bawasan.

3. Dapat tandaan na bagama’t maaaring ipawalang bisa ang pinag-usapang interes, may obligasyon pa din ang nangutang na bayaran ang halagang inutang.

Ang artikulong ito ay para lamang sa pangkalahatang

kaalaman at hindi maaaring maituring na legal na payo. Kumunsulta sa isang abogado kung may legal na pangangailangan. Para sa iyong mga kumento, katanungan o legal issues na gusto ninyong mailathala sa kolum na ito, please send your message to 152869 or e-mail us at [email protected]

Atty. Alex A. Rios

Source: business.inquirer.net

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Poverty is one critical problem that the country continues to face. Although figures show that our economy is growing, more and more Filipinos still consider themselves poor, and that is not difficult to prove. Roam around the streets of Metro Manila and you will see beggars, children selling goods, unsightly shanties or families living under the bridge. With many Filipinos living below the poverty line and with very few employment or livelihood opportunities, some become desperate and resort to begging. Begging is an obvious form of mendicancy, but it is far from the only one.

What are the other signs that tell we are already developing a culture of mendicancy, and is this ever a good thing?What is Mendicancy Culture?

Medicancy in itself is defined as “the practice of begging, as for alms”. As it applies to culture, the practice of relying on handouts or the “kindness” of people for money or other forms of help. A culture of mendicancy basically creates people who may always be waiting on handouts; expecting that others with more means will readily assist them, thereby taking away the need or the urgency to make their own way in life.More Obvious Forms

If you are a Filipino commuter, you may find it common to see individuals riding buses, pretending to be Bible preachers and collecting money afterwards. They pass out white envelops to passengers for donations. Children who jump onto jeepneys cleaning shoes might not be new scenery to you. These street kids quickly clean passengers’ shoes by simply wiping it with a rug, then later ask for money. You may see adults carrying infants, beggars singing or playing instruments, and

many others. Filipino tribes coming from different provinces asking for money in the city is also not a usual sight. There are Aetas, Badjaos, Igorots and other groups who would often travel during Christmas season to beg for alms. These are among the most obvious forms of mendicancy, and surely, you can name more when asked.Less Obvious Forms

It is easy to name the obvious forms of begging we see in the country, but there are less obvious forms we might not even be aware of. Our country gets more than our share of typhoons a year. In fact, an average of 19 typhoons enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility annually. There is no need to ask why, because we can never control the forces of nature. Instead we need to focus on our preparedness and the ability to bounce back after a disaster.

It is a fact that we are one of the most disaster-hit nations, and this also puts us on international news. The result? Many countries offer aid in different forms. It is not a bad thing to receive help, especially if voluntarily given. However, since we lack preparedness and rehabilitation plans after a disaster, foreign countries tend to see us rather helpless and cannot help but offer their help. We, on the other hand, somehow get used to their assistance and expect help every time we are hit by a disaster. Shouldn’t we be improving our plans on how we can avoid as many people to be victims of typhoon or think of ways on how we can build stronger homes?

The number of overseas Filipino workers is constantly increasing. This still has a lot to do with poverty, but what does it have to do with mendicancy? The billions of yearly remittances help the economy, and these

A Day in the Life of an OFW HeroMENDICANCY CULTURE AMONG FILIPINOS - IS IT A BAD THING?

Randell Tiongson, RFP

Source: http://www.randelltiongson.com/

remittances are also what OFW families use to afford a more comfortable life. There is danger that the OFWs’ families may become dependent on them, and we can already see this in reality. There is also a tendency for the country to become overly dependent on remittances instead of pursuing better economic development plans.

A culture of mendicancy is obviously a dark phenomenon. It does reflect inability to fight poverty, unwillingness to strive harder in life, and dependency. Every individual, regardless of sex and race, has to have the drive to make him or herself better. We have to continually grow and improve not just in terms of the ability to earn money, but to improve oneself. Filipinos should not always live by others’ generosity. Surely, there are struggles and sufferings, but we must take these as challenges to strive harder in life. We all have to learn about self-fulfillment and dignity. We only have one life to live, so we better make the most of what we can.

References:h t t p : / / e n g l i s h . s a f e - d e m o c r a c y .

org/2008/07/08/mendicanc y- in- the-philippines/

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/50520/ofw-remittances-promote-mendicant-culture/

Randell Tiongson, RFP is an author, trainer and columnist on personal finance. To read his personal finance blogs, visit www.randelltiongson.com

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SMART ANG PINOY08Beauty TipsHealthy Hair, Healthy You - Summer Hair Care

Rachel M. Manuel

How to achieve healthy and fabulous hair in summer? Here are some healthy ways:1. Summer shampoo break

Sa kagustuhan nating laging malinis ang buhok, madalas ang paggamit natin ng shampoo. Lingid sa ating kaalaman, ang araw-araw na paggamit nito ay nagiging sanhi ng panunuyo ng ating buhok. Gumamit ng shampoo every other day para mahayaan ang buhok na maglabas ng natural oil. Sa panahon ng summer, kailangan ng mas maingat o malumanay na pangangalaga ng ating buhok. Ang paggamit din ng medyo malamig na tubig sa pagbanlaw ng buhok ay mainam para masarhan ang hair cuticle at magkaroon ng natural na kintab ng buhok.

2. Chemical treatment breakSa panahon ng summer, iwasan natin ang paggamit ng matatapang na chemical sa pagpapaganda ng buhok katulad ng pangkulay, hair straightening at bleach.

3. Avoid using heated hair styling toolsMas makakabuti na ipahinga muna ang ating buhok sa paggamit ng curling irons, hair irons at hot blow dryer. Mainam na patuyuin ang buhok gamit ang natural na paraan katulad ng hangin. Kung kinakailangan man nating gumamit ng blow dryer, gumamit ng leave-in conditioner para maprotektahan ang buhok sa labis na exposure sa init.

4. Conditioning treatmentSa panahon ng summer, ang buhok ay laging nakalantad sa arawan. Dahil dito, ito ay nangangailangan ng moisture replenishment at deep conditioning treatment. Gumamit ng conditioner lalo na sa nasirang buhok at hayaan itong nakababad sa loob ng 10-15 minutes bago banlawan.

5. Protection and cover upHindi lang ang balat natin ang nasusunog kundi pati rin buhok hanggang sa anit. Gumamit ng leave in hair products with SPF protection kung kayo ay pupunta sa beach or outdoor swimming pool. At para rin maiwasan ang labis na pagkabilad ng buhok sa arawan, magsuot ng sombrero upang matakpan ang buhok. Tandaan na sa paggamit ng sombrero, siguraduhing may sapat na sirkulasyon ng hangin at hindi ito mahigpit na pipigil sa pagdaloy ng dugo sa ulo.

6. Trim Ang init ng araw ang nagbibigay ng tuyong buhok kaya marapat lang na mag-trim ng dulo ng buhok every 4-6 weeks lalo nasa panahon ng summer. Ang pamumula at pagkulot ng dulo ng buhok ay senyales na ito ay nalantad ng husto sa arawan kaya nararapat lang ang paggupit ng nasirang bahagi nito.

7. HydrateLaging tatandaan na panatilihin ang roots ng buhok to be properly hydrated sa lahat ng oras. Ang tubig ang laging best choice hindi lamang sa buong katawan kundi pati na rin ang buhok. Uminom ng sapat na dami ng tubig upang mapanatiling presko, maganda at malusog ang ating buong katawan mula ulo hanggang paa.

Keep your hair happy and healthy all summer long! Reference: Philippine Digest

Want beautiful summer hair? Who doesn’t? Pero bago maging maganda ang ating buhok, dapat muna itong maging malusog. Ang panahon ng tag-araw ang nagpapatingkad ng natural na highlight ng ating buhok. Ngunit ang katotohanan, ang init na dala ng sikat ng araw ay nakakapagpababa ng protective protein sa buhok na nagiging sanhi ng pagkukulay kalawang at pagiging marupok nito, gayundin ang pagkawala ng kintab nito o sa madaling salita, ito ay nagiging sanhi ng damaged hair.

Source: www.humanhairstyler.com Source:www.humanhairstyler.com

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PASALOADSa SMART Pinoy, pwede nang mag pasa ng load sa iyong kaibigan

o kamag-anak sa patingi-tinging halaga.

I-text ang SMART Pinoy Mobile number na papasahan <space>Amount and send to 1528808

EX. 90990990 5 send to 1528808

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*$0.12 sending fee will be charged per Pasaload transaction. Consume load within 24 hours

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Two ways to Top up the RV: Dial 152831 + <16-digit PIN> and press CALL orDial *143* + <16-digit PIN> + # and press CALL

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0909Kantahan, Tugtugan at iba paMusika at Teatro (Part 2)

Eric Narvaez

Magandang pagbati muli sa ating mga kababayan dito sa Hong Kong at ramdam na natin ang sunod-sunod na pag-iba ng panahon. Noong nakaraang article ay pinag-usapan natin ang mga kahalagahan ng Musika at Teatro. Ang teatro sa ating mga Pilipino ay naging bahagi na ng ating kultura sa loob ng maraming dekada. May ibat-ibang kategorya ito pero isa sa mga ninuno nito sa ating bansa ay ang tinatawag nilang Zarzuela.

Tama, bago dumating ang mga musicals na ngayon ay pumapayagpag sa broadway ay mayroon na tayong mga musicals na Zarzuela. Noon 1990’s ay naging bahagi din ako nito. Pagkatapos nito ay mga dayuhang palabas na ang mga nasaksihan natin. Sa ngayon ay nagagalak akong nagsisimula na uli tayong maglikha ng orihinal nating musicals. Isa sa hinihintay ko ay ang Bituing Walang Ningning- the Musical na ipapalabas sa ating bansa.

Ang propesyon na ito ay hindi lamang sa isang bahagi kundi ang tatlong mahalagang abilidad na dapat ay mayroon kayo kung kayo ay papasok sa Musical Theatre. Una ang Pag-awit. Hindi lang boses ito kundi, ang lakas, tapang at emosyon ng inyong boses. Ito ang mga quality ng ating mga nangungunang broadway artist tulad ni Lea Salonga, Leo Valdez, Monique Wilson at marami pang iba. Pangalawa ay ang abilidad mo sa acting. Napakalaki ng pagkakaiba ng pag-arte sa harap

ng camera kung ikukumpara sa teatro. Dapat ay mai-express ito ng malaki at creative na paraan.

Sa broadway stage ay nagaganap lang ang pangyayari sa isang focus ng manonood. At iyon ay ang buong entablado kung saan nandoon na lahat. Nagpapalit ng props, background at iba pa. Kaya malaking pag-acting ang kinakailangan dito. At ang pangatlo ay ang pagsasayaw. Ang pag-awit at pagsasayaw ang pinakamahalagang aspeto kung kaya ito tinawag na Musical Theatre. Lahat ng mga broadway show ay may kasamang pagsasayaw. At hindi lang simple ito. Dapat angkop ito sa flow ng storya. At siyempre kailangan ito ng malaking projection ng boses at acting kung sumasayaw ka na.

Tunay ngang napakalaking challenge ito kung papasukin mo ang propesyon na ito pero magiging isa kang tanyag na artist kung ikaw ay nasa musical theatre. Halos lahat ng mga artista sa atin ay dumaan o nanggaling sa Musical Theate at isa na ako doon. Dito sa Hong Kong ay may malaking mga oportunidad tayong maka-bahagi sa Musical Threatre kung ito ay hahanapin mo. Mayroon tayong mga community of actors na nagbabahagi ng break kung kayo ay mag-aaudition. Sa pahahong ito, madiin kong sinasabi na i-involve natin ang ating mga anak sa larangan na ito upang sila ay lalo pang gumaling at lumago. Maganda ito para sa kanilang future.

Source: www.playbill.com

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Lovingly Yours, Tita KerryJun Paragas

Dearest Tita Kerry,Tawagin niyo na lang akong Jubail, 49 years old, dalaga at almost 12 years na rin dito sa Hong Kong. Apat ang kapatid ko Tita Kerry na umaasa sa akin sampu ng aking mga pamangkin sa kanila. Dahil wala akong asawa at hindi na nakapag-asawa ay napaglipasan talaga ako Tita Kerry at kahit magsisi ako ay huli na at hindi ko na maibabalik ang nakaraan. Galing ako sa isang magulong pamilya Tita Kerry dahil hiwalay ang nanay at tatay ko at pareho silang nagkaroon ng kanya-kanyang ibang pamilya at ibang anak maliban sa amin. Saksi din ako sa palaging pag-aaway nila noon at mismong sa harap namin ay nakikita ko ang pananakit ni tatay kay nanay at naaawa kami sa nanay namin na iyak lang ng iyak noon. Sa murang isip pa lang nasabi ko na sa aking sarili na hindi ako mag-aasawa para hindi ako masaktan at hindi mangyari sa akin ang ganito. Kahit may isip na ako Tita Kerry at alam ko na ang tama at mali dahil nasa High School na ako noon. Saksi pa rin ako sa pagloloko ng tatay ko, kaliwa’t kanan at dahil hindi na nakayanan ng nanay ay lumayas ito sa amin at iniwan kaming lahat at ang huling nabalitaan namin ay bumalik ito sa probinsiya namin at nagkaroon na rin ng ibang pamilya. Sa murang edad ay napasabak na kami sa mga pagsubok, problema at hirap ng buhay. Imagine Tita Kerry, layasan ka ng nanay mo at hindi mo alam kung saan nagpunta at naroon ang tanong na bakit kami iniwanan at bakit hindi kami sinama sa paglayas niya sa tatay namin.Sa bahay naman ay siputin at dili kami ng tatay namin at pupunta lang ito para magbigay ng konting pera na panggastos namin para hindi sabihin na iresponsable siya at ang lakas nga ng loob niya na sabihin sa amin, “Kita niyo ang nanay niyo iniwan tayo pero ako hindi ko kayo iniwan at sana maintindihan niyo ako kung maghanap ako ng iba at magkaroon ako ng ibang pamilya dahil kasalanan ng nanay niyo iyan.”Ang hirap Tita Kerry ng lumaki sa ganito ka-iresponsableng pamilya kaya nga ang takot at galit ay naroon sa akin kaya ng magkaroon ako ng chance na magka-trabaho noon ay iniwasan ko ang mga lalaki at iniwasan ko ang maligawan kaya lalapit pa lang ang lalaki sa akin o magpaparamdam ay iiwas na agad ako. Para hindi kami magkahiwa-hiwalay ay sinikap ko na punuin ang pagkukulang ng mga magulang ko sa mga kapatid ko at kahit pangalawa ako sa panganay ay parang ako na ang naging panganay. Kaya nga ng mag-abroad ako at napunta dito ay mas lalong lumaki ang responsabilidad ko sa mga kapatid ko. Pinag-aral ko ang dalawa kong kapatid at walang nakatapos sa kanila at nasayang lang ang perang pinapadala ko noon at ang nangyari ay nag-asawa sila

at nagkaroon ng mga anak at sa akin pinapasan ang pag-aaral ng kani-kanilang mga anak. Tutal naman daw ay wala akong anak di mga pamangkin ko na lang ang tulungan ko.Aaminin ko sa iyo Tita Kerry na ngayon ay parang nag-iisip ako. Sobra na ang ginagawa ko at kapag nagkakaroon kayo ng topic about this na masyadong tumutulong ay napapa-aray ako at sasabihin ko na lang “sapul na naman ako nila kuya Mike.” Dumarating din sa akin na bakit ganito ang naging palakad ko sa sarili ko, bakit hindi ako nagkaroon ng pamilya at bakit hindi ko napaglabanan ang takot na magkapamilya.

Ngayon ay dumating sa akin ang tawag ng pag-ibig na pilit kong pinaglalabanan dahil may nakilala ako sa social networking site at naging kapalagayang loob ko siya. Biyudo na siya Tita Kerry at may dalawang anak at naging tapat naman siya sa pagsasabing malungkot ang buhay ng isang biyudo lalo na at bata pa naman siya. Dalawang taon ang tanda niya sa akin at para akong na bato-balani na sumagot sa mga tanong niya at naging tapat din ako sa pagsasabing takot ako sa mga lalaki at siya lang ang nakapalagayan ko ng loob at nakausap ng matagal ng ganito dahil umiiwas talaga ako.Kamakailan lang ay nagtapat siya sa akin at bakit daw hindi ko bigyan ang sarili ko ng pagkakataon na magkaroon ng pamilya at magkaroon ng asawa tutal naman ay biyudo siya at walang sabit ay pwede kaming magkatuluyan at wala namang tutol ang kanyang dalawang anak. Bigla akong kinabahan Tita Kerry at nagtatatalo ang isip ko at nagbalik ang mga pangyayari sa buhay ko nang maliit pa ako at nasanay sa pag-aaway ng aking mga magulang. Bigla akong kinabahan na naman at nagtalo ang isip ko na baka saktan lang din ako ng lalaking ito at hindi maging successful ang buhay may asawa. Nasabi ko ito sa mga kapatid ko at tutol sila na mag-asawa ako at better daw na huwag na lang akong mag-asawa at tulungan na lang sila tutal may edad na rin ako at hindi na magkakaanak. So sumatutal ayaw nilang mawalan ng tutulong sa kanila.Nawa’y mabasa mo ito Tita Kerry at hihingi ako ng tulong sa iyo na sana ay mapayuhan mo ako. Pwede pa kaya akong mag-asawa at magkapamilya at paano ko maaalis ang takot na ito sa dibdib ko. Aaminin kong may nararamdaman ako sa kanya at pilit ko lang itong pinaglalabanan. May pag-asa pa kaya ang gaya ko. Yours truly,Jubail of Jordan, Kowloon

Payo sa sulat ni Marlyn (Letter-sender in July 2015)Dearest Marlyn,Una sa lahat ang aking taos pusong pasasalamat sa iyong pagsulat at pagtitiwala. Sana ay sumaiyo ang pagpapala ng Maykapal at nawa’y hipuin ng kanyang mapagpalang kamay ang iyong isipan at damdamin ng ikaw ay magkaroon ng kapanatagan, katiwasayan at liwanag ng isipan para makapag-desisyon ng tama at naaayon sa kagustuhan ng Maykapal.Nawa’y hipuin din ng mapagpalang kamay ng Poong Hesus at ang Diyos ama ang isipan at damdamin ng inyong mga anak lalo na ang mga naririto sa Hong Kong ng mapagtanto nila ang kanilang pagkakamali. Mas maganda po na pagtuunan niyo rin ng pansin ang sarili niyo at tutal nagawa niyo na ang lahat ng dapat niyong magawa bilang ina ng inyong mga anak lalo na sa dalawa niyong anak na babae. Hindi sila matututo at hindi nila mapagtatanto ang kanilang pagkakamali kung palaging kayo ang susuko sa kanila. Dapat nilang malaman na anumang bagay na ginagawa nila sa inyo ay gagawin din sa kanila ng kani-kanilang mga anak at ang hapdi at kirot na nararamdaman niyo bilang ina ay mararamdaman din nila sa darating

na panahon.What you reap is what you sow. Kung ano ang iyong itinanim ay siya mo ring aanihin kaya kung ako ang nasa katayuan niyo ay hindi ako susuko sa kanila at titiisin ko kahit masakit sa akin ang hindi nila pagkibo dahil wala akong pagkukulang at wala akong dapat na pagsisihan dahil ginawa ko ang lahat ng pagsasakripisyo para sa kanila at hindi sila makakarating sa kanilang status ngayon kundi sa inyo. Hayaan niyong anihin din nila ang lahat ng ginagawa nila sa inyo at mas mabuting sila ang ilapit niyo sa ating Ama kapag kayo ay nagdarasal at kapag kayo ay nakikipag-usap sa kanya ay alisin niyo ang galit at poot na namamahay sa inyong dibdib dahil mas lalo niya tayong kalulugdan.Maging matatag po sana kayo Nanay Marlyn at alalahanin niyo ang bunso niyo na nagmamahal sa inyo kaya iwaksi niyo ang hindi magandang pag-iisip lalo na ang wakasan ang inyong buhay. Hindi po sagot iyan at dalangin ko ang kaliwanagan ng inyong damdamin at pag-iisip.

Lubos na Sumasaiyo,Tita Kerry

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Source: www.colourbox.com

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SMART ANG PINOY 11RECIPIENT OF

Dear Smart Pinoy,

Hello, I would just like to show my appreciation and gratitude for the very special treatment day last July 18, 2015. The spa was very relaxing and the staff were accommodating. I really also cannot forget that special dinner.

Thank you so much for the wonderful experience!

Respectfully yours,

Cathy Hadap (Niece)

Thank You Letters

Request from Milanie Bigtas (55th Recipient)

Dear Wish Upon a Smart,

Ako po si Milanie Bigtas at sumulat po ako sa inyo upang sa pamamagitan po ng inyong programa ay mabigyang kaligayahan ang aking dalawang mahal na magulang. Nagtataka po siguro kayo kung bakit dalawa ang nanay ko, ang Tita Marissa Hadap ko po na siyang nag-iisang kapatid ng aking magulang ang siyang nagpalaki sa akin habang ang aking tunay na magulang na si Eugenia Bigtas ang siyang nagtataguyod sa aking mga maliliit pang kapatid. Napakabuti po nilang mga magulang kaya sa pamamagitan po ninyo ay nais ko po silang mabigyan ng kaligayahan.

Ang akin pong kahilingan para sa kanila ay kahit isang araw lang po ay makapag-relax sila at makakain sa isang restaurant. Upang maramdaman po nila kahit isang araw ang magkasama silang dalawa. Sana po ay mabigyang kasagutan ninyo po ang aking munting kahilingan. Maraming salamat po at sana ay tumagal pa ang inyong programa.

Lubos na gumagalang,

Milanie Bigtas Sai Kung, NT

Milanie’s biological mother, Eugenia Bigtas (green top) and her foster mom, Marissa Hadap were treated to a full body relaxing SPA and delicious dinner courtesy of Smart Pinoy and Pinoy Tayo Sanman.

Catherine Hadap (left) and Josie Hadap (right) with the recipients of Wish Upon a Smart.

Dear Smart Pinoy,

Nais ko pong magpasalamat sa Smart Pinoy dahil nabigyang katugunan ang aking kahilingan para sa aking mga magulang. Labis-labis na kaligayahan ang nadama nila dahil sa inyo.

Patuloy pa po sana kayong makapagbigay-kasagutan sa mga munting kahilingan naming mga OFW. God bless Smart Pinoy. Maraming- maraming salamat po.

Gumagalang, Milanie Bigtas

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SMART ANG PINOY12Success StoryThe Street Smart College Drop-Out

Jalilo Dela Torre

Barangay San Vicente is the third most populous in Butuan City, straddling the mighty Agusan River, and to own and operate a sari-sari store right in the barangay center and beside the highway was right on the money, the most critical of all factors for business success being location, location, location. Nelsie must have been aware of the importance of location when she purchased out of her savings from working abroad this spot now occupied by her small business, and the lot right next to it for future expansion. For someone who hasn’t graduated from college, she displayed business savvy in choosing this spot, and in the way she dealt with customers during the interview.

Born in Bayugan, Agusan del Sur, Nelsie had 8 brothers and sisters. Food and shelter were eked out from the meager earnings of her father, a marginal farmer. She was a working student at the Agusan National High School, night class. After graduating from high school, she asked her employer to help her through college, and, fortunately, the employer obliged. On her first year in college at the NORMISIS, now Caraga State University, she married Warlito,

her present husband. She had a leg up in college, taking up AB Sociology, but on her third year, her family went through a severe financial crisis, which needed her personal attention. She never wanted to go abroad for work, preferring to finish her college education and work her way up. She figured that as long as she worked hard, her pay would increase over time. But her fate led her somewhere else. In the meantime, she had to attend to her husband’s case which saw him end up in jail for 8 months.

Nelsie narrated her story in an upfront and unembellished manner, not even pausing at what clearly were embarrassing incidents in her life, like the incarceration of her husband. We were right in front of her store, her stock and wares hanging down from the low roof like some fiesta buntings, tricycles and motorbikes zipping by. She was furiously fanning herself to ward away the heat wave, while my own sweat was dribbling down my chest.

“I couldn’t find any other solution to our financial problems but for me to go abroad and work,” she found herself justifying her decision.

In 2000, she was in Kuwait, working for an employer who treated her shabbily and didn’t care one way or the other whether she had eaten or rested after a hard day’s work. But she endured the constant hunger pangs because she had to raise money to pay their debts back home, accumulated due to her husband’s jailing and her father being in and out of the hospital. She stayed with her employer for almost two years. At one time, she was so fed up she wanted to go to the Embassy to complain. But she was so broke she tried to borrow money for bus fare from a Filipina friend. She refused to lend the money to Nelsie, and she realized this is how life was overseas: you have nobody but yourself to rely on for help.

Finally, she came to the end of her wits, and decided to escape to the Embassy. She still had a month’s salary coming to her, but she didn’t mind it as reaching the Embassy was more important to her. At the POLO shelter, she met all sorts of Filipina domestic helpers who have run away from their employers with problems of all types and severity. This only served to strengthen her resolve not to go back to Kuwait anymore. She had saved enough to start a small business, she thought, and she wanted a new start in life. Anyway, she figured she had already sent enough money to her husband and her parents, so it was time for her to think about herself and the business she was planning to start.

She put up the sari-sari store, and began to build her small house. But after two months at home, her savings were gone. She needed to go back abroad to finish her house construction and to put in more capital to her store. She found a job in Lebanon in 2003. But the Israeli-Lebanese conflict forced her to consider returning to the Philippines, but how, she asked herself. Her husband and her parents also begged her to come home. On TV, she learned also that she wasn’t alone as the entire Filipino community in Lebanon was also suffering from the same anxiety and physical deprivations arising from the war. But she decided to hang on and prayed hard. The smoke and the dust finally settled, and Nelsie managed to stay on for another year. All the while she was thinking of her younger sister whom she wanted to finish college. It didn’t matter, Nelsie told her, that I’m sacrificing a lot, for as long as you can complete your college education and thus be able to help our family. The same sister is now in Turkey, married and working as a caregiver, and sending money home. She has also invested in her own house and lot in Butuan.

After finishing her own contract, Nelsie returned to the Philippines, but after only two months, she decided to go back to Lebanon. Again, she worked for another two years and told her employer she didn’t intend to renew her contract. Her employer begged her to stay, and offered to increase her salary twice to make her stay. In 2007, she felt a discomfort in her left chest. She used it as a reason to ask for permission to return to the Philippines, but her employer refused on the ground that she could seek treatment for Nelsie in Lebanon. But she felt the pain growing. She’d actually been to see three doctors already but she didn’t get the relief she wanted. She begged her employer to release her, but again her salary was increased to $400 and a rest day. She reluctantly agreed, but two weeks later, she decided it was time, and so in 2008, she flew home.

Back home, she had already invested in the construction of two boarding houses, so this was what sustained her after her return. She used the NRCO assistance as additional capital for her store.

Is she worried about the many competitors in the same neighborhood?

“Not at all,” she said. “I’ve learned from a DOLE seminar that competition is good, but I just need to differentiate my merchandize. So, I have stocks—like RTW clothes—which my competitors don’t carry.”

Did she have plans to return overseas?“Working abroad is tempting because of the

high pay, but I realize that working away from the family is not worth it. You sacrifice too much for something you can earn here anyway, provided you work hard for it. Although I’m not earning from my business as much as I used to earn abroad, I’m consoled by the fact that I’m here with my family, and I need not worry about them.”

What advice did she have for OFWs who are also planning to go into the small grocery business?

“It’s very important to keep records every day, so you would know whether you made or lost money every day. It is important to keep track of one’s earnings and expenses, so that you preserve the capital and just live on part of the profit,” she counselled.

She also doesn’t recommend that the OFW send home everything she earned: “Just send what is needed by your family. It’s very important that you save money for yourself, to ensure your family has savings at the end of your contract.”

Nelsie is also a member of the local forced-savings pool, to which she contributes P1,000 a week. She has since becoming a member already received nearly P70,000 from the pool, which she invested into buying more merchandize for her store. At this time, she learned about the NRCO assistance to displaced OFWs being handed out by OWWA. She attended a seminar conducted by OWWA, and in no time at all, had additional capital for her store.

The 2-hectare farm which her sister invested in has been leased by a neighbor and is earning a substantial sum for her.

Nelsie has several business ideas in her mind, including an appliance store, and a dry-goods store.

She then ticked off her brothers and sisters who are now either living in Davao or in Manila. They all have also grappled with the harsh realities of poverty, but have risen out of it due to their own hard work and sacrifices. Nelsie as the first to venture abroad has been the key and the spark. She continues to keep an eye on her extended family, not being blessed with children of her own.

Looking back at her life and work overseas, she expressed no regrets because she believes that although she hasn’t achieved her dream of graduating from college, she has nevertheless attained what she set out, which is to get her sister through college, and to save enough to invest in a business.

“The DOLE and other agencies are there to help us, and I can testify to this when I ran away from my employer, but because of the sheer volume of Filipinos working abroad, we can’t always expect them to be there all the time. We should also be able to help ourselves. I suggest therefore that we should be wary about abusive employers and illegal recruiters, learn what is there to learn before we leave for overseas, and just be disciplined about savings. Some of my friends mocked me for not continuing with my work abroad, but I told them, I’m happy here with my business. It doesn’t earn as much as I did before, but I’m here with my family. I encourage all female OFWs to come home and engage in business so we don’t become slaves in other lands forever,” Nelsie concluded.

As I was putting away my video equipment, I realized that I’ve just been educated by somebody who has not even completed a college degree. I thought about all the college graduates who are now jobless, and I thought, they could all learn from Nelsie, diminutive, non-articulate in English, but strong in character, street smart, committed to her family, and willing to take risks to attain her goals in life. I was slightly baffled by the sweet ironies of life, but life isn’t always one simple, predictable, straight line, is it?

NELSIE GASQUE-PULIDO, Domestic Worker, Kuwait, Lebanon, 2000-2008; Small Business Owner, 2008 to present, Bgy San Vicente, Butuan City.

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SMART ANG PINOY 13

The Story of My LifeMary Fe Gula

Greg M. Matubis, Jr.

Ako si Mary, tubong Mindanao, bunso sa anim na magkakapatid: 2 lalaki at 4 na babae.

Sa magkakapatid, ako lang ang hindi nakatuntong ng kolehiyo. Nagkataon kasi na after I finished High School, tatlo sa mga kapatid ko ang nasa College so I decided na mag-work muna ako. Natanggap naman ako sa isang Chinese Restaurant as P.O.S. Encoder. Natutunan ko ring mag-handle ng food reservation para sa mga function. Naging kuntento na ako sa naging takbo ng buhay ko. Nakakapagbigay na ako ng pang libro at iba pang pangangailangan ng mga kapatid ko na College that time.

Hindi na ako nagka-interes pang mag-aral lalo na’t ang mga kasamahan ko sa resto ay may mga tinapos din. Naisip kong pareho lang naman kami ng trabaho at kinikita. Lumipas ang apat na taon, nagsawa rin ako sa trabaho ko sa resto. Naghanap ng panibagong karera sa buhay at dito ako pinalad mapunta sa Hong Kong kung saan ang ibang kapatid ko ay mga OFW din. Ang isa nga sa amin ay nasa Canada na ngayon. Bago siya nagpunta doon, nagtrabaho muna siya sa Hong Kong bilang OFW sa loob ng tatlong taon. Bago naman siya pumunta ng Hong Kong, siya ay isang guro sa Pilipinas.

Hindi naging maganda ang buhay ko sa naging amo ko noon. Naging napakahirap sa akin na tapusin ang isang linggo hindi dahil sa trabaho kundi dahil sa hindi magandang pagtrato nila sa akin. Alila ang turing sa akin at nagtatrabaho pa ako sa bahay ng magulang niya. Halos hapunan lang ang kain ko noon at ako na ang bahala sa breakfast at lunch ko. Sinasabi ng mga kapatid ko na sagot-sagutin ko raw para magbago o kaya

kung hindi ko na kaya, umuwi na lang ako sa ‘Pinas. Pero lahat tiniis ko dahil iniisip ko na hindi lang ako ang nahihirapan, may mas nahihirapan pa sa akin at yung iba ay sinasaktan physically.

Maraming naging grounds upang mag-break ako ng kontrata sa dating kong amo. Sabi nga ng ilan, manlaban ako para ma-release at mabayaran niya ako. Subalit wala akong ginawa sa mga payo nila sa akin dahil gusto kong panatilihin ang magandang samahan at maging maayos ang aming paghihiwalay. Naniniwala ako na kapag gumawa ka ng mabuti sa iyong kapwa, they will wish good things for you. Let’s bear in mind that “it pays to be considerate.”

I was very considerate that even ang matandang Chinese na nasagi lang ng trolley ko sa tram ay sinadya niyang tadyakan ng napakalakas ang paa ko. Ipinikit ko na lang ang mata ko at hindi na lang kumibo. Prayers also help a lot. Tanggapin lang ang mga paghihirap, huwag magalit sa mundo lalo na sa Diyos dahil binigyan ka ng mahirap na buhay. Lagi lang iisipin na hindi naman lahat puro paghihirap. Darating ang panahon na makakaahon ka rin sa anumang pagsubok na dinaranas mo ngayon.

Masasabi ko sa aking sarili na napagtagumpayan ko na ang mga kahirapang naranasan ko maging sa aking buhay. Masasabi kong harvest time na ng aking itinanim. Magaan at masaya ang buhay ko ngayon. Kaya dapat huwag tayong mapagmalaki at huwag nating ilagay sa utak natin kung ano mang bagay ang meron tayo. Sa kabilang dako, manatiling nakaapak ang ating mga paa sa lupa. Laging tandaan na pwedeng mawala ang lahat sa isang kisap mata lang kapag tayo ay umabuso.

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SMART ANG PINOY14

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SMART ANG PINOY 15

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SMART ANG PINOY16

Be a recipient of this Program and receive HK$500 load and Php5,000 worth of remittance thru Smart Pinoy Remit!

Have you ever done something in your job that your employer really appreciated? If you did, you can be nominated by your employer to the “Outstanding Filipino Worker (OFW)” Program of SMART Pinoy. Here’s how to join:

To give recognition to outstanding Filipino worker for his/her exemplary and extraordinary work performance, the employer needs to send a nomination letter that contains a description of the qualities of his/her employee that would justify his/her recommendation for the Program. The employer may cite a specific situation or incident on why his/her employee deserves to be given the OFW Award. The winner may be recognized for going the extra mile, years of service or a situation that will “wow” his/her employer for an excellent performance.

There will be one winner per month and nominations shall be sent on or before the 10th day of the month at [email protected]. Nomination letter should contain the following details: name of employee, first 4-digits of employee’s HK ID, SMART Pinoy Mobile Number, copy of employment contract, name and signature of employer, mobile number of employer and description or justification for the nomination. Aside from the fabulous prizes, the winner’s nomination letter will be published in SMART ang Pinoy publication the following month.

You may advise your employer to use the form on the right.

Invite your employer to nominate you!

Pasulatin sa amin ang inyong employer at magkaroon ng chance na manalo ng HK$500 load at Php5,000 worth of remittance thru Smart Pinoy Remit!

May nagawa ka bang kakaiba para sa iyong employer na labis niyang ikinatuwa? Kung meron, maaari mo siyang pasulatin sa amin para ikaw ay ma-nominate sa “Outstanding Filipino Worker” Program ng Smart Pinoy.

Para mabigyan ng recognition ang iyong magandang nagawa, kailangan magpadala ng nomination letter ang iyong employer at isalaysay niya kung bakit ka nararapat ma-nominate sa programang ito. Maaaring magbigay ng isang sitwasyon o pangyayari ang iyong employer na makapagpapatunay sa kabutihang nagawa mo sa kanila o sa ibang tao. Ito ay maaaring may kinalaman sa isang bagay na nagawa mo na higit pa sa inaasahan ng iyong employer, patuloy na walang sawang paglilingkod sa nakalipas na mahabang panahon o napa “wow” mo siya sa isang kakaibang nagawa mo sa iyong trabaho.

May isang winner bawat buwan at ang nominasyon ay maaaring ipadala bago ang ika-10 ng araw ng buwan sa [email protected]. Kailangan ilagay sa nominasyon ang mga sumusunod: pangalan ng worker, unang apat na digits ng kanyang HK ID, Smart Pinoy Mobile Number, kopya ng employment contract, pangalan at lagda ng employer, mobile number ng employer at ang justification para sa nominasyon. Ang winner ay makakatanggap ng HK$500 worth of load at Php5,000 worth of remittance. Ilalagay din namin ang nomination letter ng nanalo sa susunod na issue ng Smart ang Pinoy Publication.

Ang programang ito ay para sa ating mga OFW dahil nais naming kilalanin ang inyong galing, sipag at tiyaga. Kung may nagawa kayo na labis na ikinatuwa ng inyong employer, sali na at baka kayo na ang susunod na Outstanding Filipino Worker!

Dear Smart Pinoy,

Very truly yours,

Name and signature of employer

Nomination Form

Notes:

Worker: Please provide this form to your employer to fill-in in case you would want to be nominated for the Outstanding Filipino Worker (OFW) Award.Submit the form together with a copy of your employment contract at SMART Pinoy Center Shop 109 , Worldwide House, 19 Des Voeux Road, Central.

Employer: You may cite a specific situation/incident or provide justification on why your worker deserves to be nominated for this Program. Worker should be currently employed by the employer.

Name of Worker :

First 4-digits of HK ID No.:SMART Pinoy Mobile Number of Worker: Mobile Number of Employer:

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SMART ANG PINOY 17

Awardee

Mary Jane Valdez (middle) was awarded “Outstanding Filipino Worker” for July 2015 by Greg M. Matubis, Jr. (right), Marketing Officer II of PLDT Hong Kong at PLDT HK Office on 26 July 2015. Her employer, Wan Yuk Ming (2nd from left) together with Ma Hon Man and Toviel Ma, employer’s husband and son, respectively witnessed the awarding. Valdez received HK$500 worth of airtime load, Php5,000 worth of PLDT HK Remittance Gift Certificates and a bag of goodies from Smart Pinoy.

July 2015

Dear SMART Pinoy,

I wish to nominate Mary Jane T. Valdez to the Outstanding Filipino Worker program. Mary is such a nice and cheerful helper. I’m proud to say that she is a part of my family. She has shown all the abilities on household chores and caring for my family with love in her heart.

I appreciated her so much for being patient, humble, and compassionate towards my family. Like for instance when my husband and I went to another country for a vacation and we entrusted our son to her and we were amazed when we came back because our son had a program at school and he needed a costume, Mary sewed a beautiful costume for him. And when my sister-in-law was giving birth to her child, Mary took the initiative to look after her children while she and her husband were in the hospital.

My family liked her very much because of her kind heart and we are so blessed to have her as our helper and it is a great privilege. We thank God for giving her to our family.

Very truly yours,

Wan Yuk Ming

Dear SMART Pinoy,

First of all, I would like to thank God for being so faithful and to my employer Ms. Wan Yuk Ming and her family for supporting me in this program. Thank you also to the management and staff of Smart Pinoy. May God bless your program for His glory! I also want to say thank you for the love of my International Christian Assembly (ICA) family in Chaiwan especially to the Pastors for nurturing us the way God wants us to be. To God be the glory!

Again, thank you and God bless!

Very truly yours,

Mary Jane ValdezWong Tai Sin

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SMART ANG PINOY18SMART Pinoy Community

New SMART Pinoy Subscribers

Square and Compass Club Hong Kong 9-PIN No Tap Bowling Tournament

Dragon Bowling Sports CentreHo Man Tin, Kowloon

11 July 2015

Jesus is Lord Church Hong Kong Chaiwan, North Point, Shek Kip Mei

Tuen Mun and Sai Kung 12, 19 and 26 July 2015

SMART Pinoy Summer SamahanWorld-Wide House Exhibition Area

Central, Hong Kong1 July 2015

FCBO Awarding of Top Player

Newly arrived OFWs from Pacific Jet Consultants subscribed to Smart Pinoy Service. They immediately activated Smart Pinoy’s UNLImited internet Service and purchased RV50 and RV20 to contact their relatives back home.

The bowlers from PLDT Hong Kong. From left: Greg Matubis, Jr., Vic Fronda, Rachel Manuel and Jonatz Tanguilig.

Smart Pinoy offered UNLIMITED Internet Service to JIL members at HK$78 only to commemorate JIL Church’s 30th anniversary in Hong Kong.

Rafael “Paeng” Nepomuceno (center), six-time World Bowling Champion as special guest with Edith G. Gomez, PLDT Hong Kong General Manager and Amil A. Azurin, Head of Marketing and Product Group, PLDT Global Corp and AVP & Head - Marketing PLDT SME NATION.

Praise and Worship at JIL Chruch in Shek Kip Mei.

JIL Hong Kong Regional Head Pastor Egay Robles (right) happily announces the winner of the main prize for the raffle draw at the Thanksgiving gathering of JIL pastors, leaders and performers. PLDT Hong Kong General Manager Edith Gomez awards 0+ Fab Go to Elmer Agno.

Pastor Tony Lee thanked the JIL leaders and performers for their support and active participation at JIL Hong Kong’s 30th Anniversary celebration held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wanchai on 5 July 2015.

JIL pastors, leaders and PLDT Hong Kong executives and promoters pose for a souvenir photo after the Leaders’ meeting at JIL Church in Chaiwan.

Nonoy Guitche (center) of Rary Team was awarded Php1,000 worth of PLDT HK Remittance gift certificate as top player for the week in SMS Polling for the top 12 best players of the Filipino Community Basketball Organization (FCBO) and Smart Pinoy Cup Men’s Class B Division held at Southern Playground on 19 July 2015.

Another batch of newly arrived OFWs from Pacific Jet Consultants are now subscribed to Smart Pinoy. They activated the UNLImited Internet Service of Smart Pinoy and topped-up RV100 and RV50 and availed of Load and Save.

PLDT Hong Kong bowlers show off their award for Best in Uniform and 2nd Place in Class B Mixed Category. From Left: Francis Ita-as, Edith Gomez, Rachel Manuel and Jonatz Tanguilig.

Praise and Worship at the first service at JIL Church in Chaiwan.

Smart Pinoy subscribers enjoyed the day with karaoke singing, kinect dance and parlor games. They have activated their UNLIMITED Mobile Internet Service for a special discounted rate of HK$78, availed of Load and Save thru RV100 top-up and dropped entries to “Be Smart Pinoy, Be Happy Promo” for a chance to win a House and Lot plus other exciting prizes.

Smart Pinoy subscribers availed of special discount upon subscription to UNLIMITED Mobile Internet Service of Smart Pinoy.

Top 3 winners of Smart Pinoy Karaoke competition pose with PLDT HK executives. From left: Francis Ita-as, Sales Manager; Joanna M. Uson, Senior Marketing Manager; Adel Menong, Smart Pinoy Idol 2014 finalist; Rhen Villanueva (1st runner-up); Junelynn Degorio (Grand winner); Arlyn Ayunan (2nd runner-up); and Greg Matubis, Jr., Marketing Officer.

Grand winner of Smart Pinoy Karaoke Competition, Junelynn Degorio with her rendition of “If I Ain’t Got You” popularized by Alicia Keys.

Rafael “Paeng” Nepomuceno (4th from right) and Wu Siu Hong (right), East Asian Games Gold Medalist with the Board of Directors of the Philippine Association of Hong Kong and Peya Travel.

Members of JIL in Shek Kip Mei activated their Smart Pinoy SIM to avail of the Load and Save Promo where they earn Php100 rewards for every top-up of Recharge Voucher 100.

Kinect dance video-game experience is absolutely fun!

A special song number from Benjie Bolibol and Adel Menong, grand champion and finalist, respectively of Smart Pinoy Idol 2014.

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SMART ANG PINOY 19Movie Premier of “The Breakup List”

Caritas Community Centre, Kowloon 12 July 2015

Opening of 2015 Asian Migrant Women’s Volleyball Tournament

Bayanihan Kennedy Town Center 12 July 2015

Unified Workers Hong Kong Search for Ms. Filipina Top Model

& Coronation of Ms. OFW HK Star 2015 Bayanihan Kennedy Town Center

12 July 2015

Guardians Magic Group International WorldwideHong Kong SAR Chapter

6th Year Founding Anniversary Celebration Causeway Bay Community Complex

19 July 2015

Jesus is Lord Church Hong Kong 30th Anniversary

117th Philippine Independence Day Kapangyawan Ball Fu Lum Palace, North Point

12 July 2015

Smart Pinoy loyal subscribers pose with Joanna Uson (center), Senior Marketing Manager of PLDT Hong Kong before the premier showing of “The Breakup List”.

Smart Pinoy Volleyball Team composed of Bayanihan volunteers pose before the game starts.

Certificate of Appreciation was given to SMART Pinoy as one of the sponsors of the event.

Newly inducted Officers of Kabalikat OFW Bicol International (KOBI) headed by President Fayeh Guevarra with Consul General Bernie Catalla.

Smart Pinoy Volleyball Team at the Opening Ceremonies of the Tournament.

Candidates for Ms. Filipina Top Model during the announcement of winners.

Awarding of the First batch of Corps of Diplomatic Volunteers, the volunteerism platform of the DFA Office of United Nations and International Organizations with DFA Assistant Secretary Jesus Gary Domingo (right).

Lillian Largado, Singing sensation grand winner with Singing organizer, Maui Subile.

The Grandeur Dancers won “Best in Production” award and grand Champion in Hip Hop dance showdown competition with Fayeh Guevarra (2nd from left).

PLDT Hong Kong General Manager Edith G. Gomez (center) with the Officers and members of Philippine Alliance Hong Kong.

Enthusiastic crowd can’t wait to see the lead actor of the movie premier.

Consul General Bernie Catalla (left) of the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong with Edith Gomez and Amil Azurin, PLDT Global Head of Marketing and Product Group.

Piolo Pascual greeted the fans during the premier showing of his movie with Sarah Geronimo.

Winner of Ms. Fat-talbugan 2015, Happy Vingua with judges (from left): Edward Loreto, KOBI President Fayeh Guevarra, GMGIW President Ricky Marquez, Corelene Cruz, NCMF Mico Bolor, LBC Anna Lam and Arnold Cereno, GMGIW Founder Norma Capistrano and DFA Assistant Secretary Jesus Gary Domingo.

Consul General Catalla (left) awards the members of the Executive Committee of the Philippine Alliance Hong Kong during the event.

Filipino Community leaders participated actively in the Kapangyawan Ball.

PLDT Hong Kong Team joins JIL HK’s 30th Anniversary celebration held at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 5 July 2015. From Left: Vic Fronda, Sales Executive; Joanna Uson, Senior Marketing Manager; Francis Ita-as, Sales Manager; and Greg Matubis, Jr., Marketing Officer.

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SMART ANG PINOY20Balitang Konsulado

Bernardita L. Catalla

Consul General

HK audiences go mad about MADz magic

World-renowned choral group, the Philippine Madrigal Singers or MADz, captivated the hearts of Filipino, local and expatriate communities in their series of activities in Hong Kong in June 2015.

MADz’s two performances at the University of Hong Kong’s (HKU) Grand Hall on 9 June and at the Asia Society’s Miller Theatre on 10 June, respectively, garnered standing ovations from the elated crowd. In response, the MADz gave two encores after each performance to the audiences’ sheer delight. Concert at HKU

The MADz’s kick-off performance at the HKU Grand Hall was in celebration of the 117th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. The venue was filled with attendees from the diplomatic corps, Filipino Community, expatriates, locals, as well as HKU officials including its President and Vice Chancellor Peter Mathieson, alumni and students.

HKU Grand Hall is considered the best concert hall in Hong Kong with the finest acoustics and impressive sight lines for the audience. As a teaser for the concert, a MADz quartet gave their rendition of the Philippine national anthem at the cocktail reception.

Known for their use of the madrigal idiom where the singers are seated in a semi-circle and without a conductor, the group’s concert repertoire started with classical and Renaissance music A cappella Overtures and Mas Vale Trocar which filled the 834-seat HKU Grand Hall with pure voice---without any vocal enhancements nor musical accompaniment.

The MADz then surprised the audience by singing three Chinese songs namely Mo Li Hua, Fe Yang Ge and Yueliang Daibiao Wo de Xin or The Moon Represents My Heart, a very famous love song.

To pay homage to the Philippines, the MADz sang an array of Filipino songs from all over the country including their rendition of Da Coconut Nut which tells of the many good things one can get from the coconut tree and its fruit. While singing the song, the group deviated from their madrigal style by giving the audience a song-and-dance performance complete with comedic antics and Michael Jackson-like moonwalks.

Cliniquing WorkshopAs part of the MADz’s outreach program,

the group conducted a cliniquing workshop on 10 June at the HKU Library Extension 1 with around fifty (50) participants composed of SERVICE 100 Domestic Workers Empowerment Project members, as well as representatives of university, church and OFW choirs. During the workshop, the MADz choirmaster, Mr. Mark Anthony Carpio, taught the participants vocal and choral singing techniques. The workshop is the first-ever musical training conducted by a Filipino choir at HKU.

Mini Concert at Asia SocietyThe workshop was followed by an intimate

concert at the Asia Society Hong Kong Center’s Miller Theater. Mr. Ronnie Chan, Chairman of Asia Society Hong Kong (AHSK) and Ms. Alice Mong, ASHK’s Executive Director, graced the event.

The MADz serenaded the multicultural audience with Filipino, Chinese, English and French love songs. Their transition from classical such as Cantate Domino, to Filipino folk songs including Pamulinawen and the famous Filipino children’s Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut), to a range of modern hits prompted the special guest, Professor Adrian Walter, Director of the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, to express his awe at how the group was able to perform contemporary songs in a classical way.

The MADz’s performances in Hong Kong left a positive imprint in the hearts and minds of the local, international and Filipino audiences. The group is truly one of the Philippines’ foremost ambassadors for music.

After the standing ovations, the audiences could not get enough of the group’s enchanting musical magic. Just to cite an example, as soon as the the MADz got out of the HKU Grand Hall after their 9 June concert, the crowd continued to applaud them until they reached the lobby of the Lee Shau Kee Lecture Centre for their meet-and-greet session. What a sight to behold!

The MADz in Hong Kong was part of a concert series in China which started on 30 May in Chongqing followed by performances in Shanghai and Xiamen. Hong Kong was the group’s last stop and was a follow-up to the equally successful Hong Kong tour in January 2014 under the auspices of the Philippines-China Years of Friendly Exchanges.

The concert was organized in partnership with ASHK and HK Friends of MADz to celebrate Philippine Independence Day and the 40th Anniversary of Philippines-China Diplomatic Relations.

At the event’s cocktail reception, the crowd could not get enough of MADz’s musical magic that the group obliged them with two more encores.

The MADz has also shown their expertise in various styles and forms with their line-up of pop songs such as Marry You by Bruno Mars and Happy by Pharrell Williams.

At the end of their concert, one can only hear a chorus of “More! More! More!” from the audience which inspired the MADz to sing two encores namely Whitney Houston’s Queen of the Night, and the Disney hit Circle of Life which featured the MADz’s amazing voice talent in imitating animal sounds magically transported the audience to Simba’s jungle. One soprano tweeted like a wild bird while a booming tenor’s voice roared like a mighty lion!

The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong SAR partnered with HKU-Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS) under its SERVICE 100 Domestic Workers Empowerment Project for the concert which also served as a tribute to the student volunteers and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) participating in the project.

The Philippine Madrigal Singers (MADz) during their concert at the University of Hong Kong’s (HKU) Grand Hall on 9 June 2015 in celebration of the 117th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and as a tribute to the participants of the HKU-CEDARS’ SERVICE 100 Domestic Workers Empowerment Project.

A standing ovation for the MADz during the concert at HKU’s Grand Hall.

Above and below photos: MADz Choirmaster, Mr. Mark Anthony Carpio, teaching vocal and choral singing techniques to the Cliniquing Workshop participants at HKU on 10 June 2015.

Consul General Catalla during her remarks at the MADz concert at the Asia Society Hong Kong Center on 10 June 2015.

The MADz at their concert at the Asia Society Hong Kong Center.

The MADz with the workshop participants.

The MADz during the cocktail reception following their performance at the Asia Society Hong Kong Center on 10 June 2015. In photo are Consul General Catalla (center in multi-colored top), Mr. Ronnie Chan, Chairman of ASHKC (beside Consul General Catalla), Ms. Alice Mong, Executive Director of ASHKC (first from left) and HK Friends of MADz.

The MADz magic captivates the Hong Kong crowd.

The MADz out of their “shell” singing the story of the many uses of the coconut tree and its fruit in Da Cococnut Nut.

MADz Fans (clockwise from top): Officials, student ambassadors and participants of HKU-CEDARS’ SERVICE 100 Domestic Workers Empowerment Project including Dr. Albert Chau, HKU Dean of Student Affairs (standing, rightmost) and Dr. Michael Manio; Consul General Bernardita L. Catalla (center in beige) and Philippine Consulate General personnel; and Filipino Community and expatriate audience.

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SMART ANG PINOY 21Primary students learn PH history at “Freedom” Exhibit

28 June 1015 – Students with their teachers from the Hong Kong Taoist Association Wun Tsuen School (HKTAWTS), visited the “Colors of Freedom” exhibit which is on display at the Gallery Room of the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong SAR (PCG-HK).

The viewing of the exhibit was the culminating activity of the Walking Tour organized by Lakbay Dangal, a Filipino organization that spearheads tours to the Philippine historical markers in Hong Kong.

Vice Consuls Fatima Guzman-Quintin and Alex O. Vallespin and Cultural Officer Maria Eloisa C. Abad welcomed the group. VC Vallespin gave a brief introduction on what the exhibit is about,

citing the significant symbolism attached to the Philippine flag, beginning from the Filipino revolutionaries’ struggle for independence during colonial times up to the time the country gained its much cherished freedom after the second world war – a symbol of unity, oneness in aspirations, and an emblem of patriotism and bravery.

The students showed much interest in the stories being conveyed by the exhibit by interacting with and asking questions to VC Vallespin.

The PCG-HK will continue its partnership with local primary and secondary schools to further enhance understanding between Filipinos and Hong Kongers through cultural interchange.

Left photo: The exhibit creates plenty of interest among the students. Right photo: The event ends with a photo session - (Standing L to R) VC Vallespin, members of Lakbay Dangal, HKTAWTS teachers and Cultural Officer Loise Abad; (Seated) HKTAWTS students.

Students and teachers from the HKTAWTS eagerly listen to VC Vallespin’s brief lecture on the history of the PH flag.

CONSULATE GENERAL OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINESPHILIPPINE OVERSEAS LABOR OFFICE

ANNOUNCEMENTISSUANCE OF OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT

CERTIFICATES (OECs) AND OTHER POLO SERVICES Starting Sunday, 05 July 2015 will be at

Floors 1101 & 1601 Tower I, Admiralty Centre, Harcourt Drive

Tel. no. (+852) 28660640/Mobile hotline 55291880

Issued on 2 July 2015NENITA CRISTETA O. GARCIA

Labor Attaché

Transactions & Services(Applicants should get their queue numbers before proceeding to their assigned floors)

Assigned Floors & Schedule

1101 1601

Processing of OECs 9am-4pm

Individual Contract Processing (Transfer) 9am-4pm

Submission of Agency Contracts 9am-12noon

Reprocessing of Agencies’ Pending/Rejects/ Expedite 9am-12noon

Application/Release of Agency Accreditation/Job Order Request 2-4pm

Processing of Renewal of employment contracts (Recontract-OWWA) 9am-4pm

Filing of Complaints Against Accredited agencies, employers & workers 9am-4pm

Advice & Computation 9am-4pm

OWWA Trainings (by schedule) tba tba

DATE OF THE EXAMINATION : 27 SEPTEMBER 2015VENUE : TO BE ANNOUNCED

HOW TO APPLYSTEP1

STEP2

Note: 7th August 2015 – Deadline of Submission Please bring the original copies of the documents for counter-checking

Please call POLO Hotline at 5529 1880For further information.

CONSULATE GENERAL OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

NOTICE OF BOARD LICENSURE EXAMINATION FOR PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS

Applicants shall register via On-Line Application System (OAS) at www.prc.gov.ph/online/application.

Submit the following Basic Documents to the Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines. Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) Room 1101, 11th floor, Admiralty Centre, Tower 1 18 Harcourt Road, Hong Kong SAR:

A. Photocopy of Transcript of Records B. Photocopy of valid passport C. Four (4) passport size pictures with complete name tag in white background

ADVISORY to OEC-APPLICANTSWHAT BMOnline PROCESSING OF OEC-APPLICATION

WHEN

EFFECT 23 JUNE 2015

SESSIONS TIME SCHEDULE

START END 1 10:00AM 11:30AM2 1:00 PM 2:30PM3 3:00 PM 4:30PM

Maximum of 18 OEC-APPLICANTS per session

HOW

1. Please register at [email protected] by sending your:

2. POLO Office will confirm your registration with a message: “WELCOME AND NOTED”. Please come 20 minutes before your scheduled session.

WHERE

OWWA COMPUTER ROOMConsule General of the Republic of the Philippines

Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)Unit 1101, 11th Floor, Admiralty Centre, Tower 1

18 Harcourt Road, Hong Kong SAR

WHAT TO

BRING

1. Passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date of departure from the Philippines.2. Valid Work Visa/Work Permit or Equivalent Document3. Proof of employment returning to the same employer (Contract of Employment, Certificate of Employment, Company ID, Pay Slip)

A. COMPLETE NAMEB. HKID NUMBERC. MOBILE NUMBER

D. PREFERRED TIME/ SCHEDULE OF SESSION

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SMART ANG PINOY22

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SMART ANG PINOY 23Tara Na, Byahe Tayo!Pagudpud - Boracay of the North

Vic Fronda

BeachesPagudpud has three different beaches: Maira-ira

Point which is also known by its moniker, Blue Lagoon and the other name Malingay Cove (It is not a lagoon – it is more like a cove), Saud and Pansian – all white sand beaches. Pansian is the furthest of the three which is almost at the border of Cagayan province and rarely gets any visitors at all, if any. The two most popular are Maira-ira and Saud. Saud is where all the resorts are and when we say that the waters off Saud are emerald-colored even during cloudy weather or when its waves are rough– we are not kidding you. The beach is long, palm-fringed and with less people and on a clear day, one can see the Bangui windmills in the distance. The waters can be rough and dangerous during the rainy season as Saud faces the open sea and the current can be very treacherous so adequate caution and common sense are very important.

Maira-ira meanwhile has a shorter beach but has calmer waters compared to Saud. Unlike Saud with sudden drops a few meters from the shore, Maira-ira boasts of a mostly gently sloping beach into the ocean. Maira-ira is more scenic as well, the beach forming a graceful arc, with some rock formations on the right end and the islets of Dos Hermanos (Two Brothers) that seem to be guarding the cove to the left end. The Dos Hermanos islets, which can be reached by motorized boats off Maira-ra meanwhile pride themselves with their caves, rock formations, and a smattering of colorful tropical fish.

Source: http://tourism-philippines.com/pagudpud/

Falls and CavesAside from the stunning beaches, Pagudpud offers

a lot of other attractions as well. The waterfalls of Kabigan and Saguigui on Barangay Balaoi are quite dramatic. Kabigan Falls is 80 feet surrounded by lush forest and a concave basin and practically reminds us of those picturesque waterfalls of the jungles of the

Caribbean while Saguigui Falls is a smaller waterfall and very hard to get to.

Not to be outdone, Bantay Abot Caves and Timmangtang Rock in Sitio Gaoa also in Barangay Balaoi are other interesting spots in the area. Bantay Abot means “a mountain with a hole” and sometimes called “the underground sea” as there is luxuriant greenery on top of the cave. Bantay Abot Caves had a hole in the middle of the mountains where the waves crashed until it was wrecked in a massive tremor in the ‘80s. Inside the cave is a church where one can hear the echoing sound of the waves, hear the swallows that swarm in the late afternoon and other birds chirp freely. The shore of the caves has white sand mixed with shells and rocks and has quite a great view of the sea and the rugged mountains.

A few meters away is the Timmangtang Rock, a bell-shaped rock covered with vegetation and with the Bantay Abot Caves is collectively named as “Lover’s Rock” with Bantay Abot being the female and Timmangtang as the male – possibly an obvious reference to the male and female nether regions, hey?

Still on Sitio Gaoa, a panoramic view of the Pasaleng Bay, Maira-ira Point and on a clear day Babuyan Island way up north can be at the Nacatnagan Cliff, 150 feet above sea level. As an Ilocano word meaning “fell down”, stories of Nacatnagan tell that in old times, two carabaos (Philippine water buffaloes) climbed the mountain and fell down the cliff, thus, its name. The cliff has an untouched forest teeming with wild animals, wild orchids and rare ferns along its slippery and steep slopes.

Every April, Pagudpud celebrates the Kangayedan Festival.

My to do List:1. Beach-hop Maira-ira, Pansian and Saud.2. Chill in the cool waters of Kabigan Falls.3. Hike to Nacatnagan Cliff.4. Explore the caves of Bantay Abot.5. Island-hop to Dos Hermanos.6. Drive along the Patapat viaduct.7. Kayak along the Bolo River.

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SMART ANG PINOY24Kwentong PinayPatawarin

Violy Pascual Napakahirap magpatawad, mas lalong higit ang kalimutan ang mga nagawang kasalanan sa iyo na hindi kapata-patawad. Kung hindi ka naman magpapatawad, nakakulong ka sa iyong poot at sama ng loob ngunit ang nagkasala ay hayahay ang buhay na parang walang anuman ang nagawa.

Nagka-iyakan ang dalawang matalik na magkaibigan, parehong kasambahay sa Hong Kong matapos mapag-usapan ang salitang pagpapatawad. Ang asawa ni Ely ay nagkaroon ng isang anak sa ibang babae habang siya ay nangangamuhan sa Hong Kong. Nasa kolehiyo ang nag-iisang anak na babae at walang permanenteng sahod ang asawa kaya hindi bumitaw si Ely sa kanyang trabaho kahit durog-durog ang kanyang dibdib. Taon ang lumipas na walang koneksyon ang mag-asawa at bago magkaroon ng bakasyon si Ely, ang kanyang mga magulang ang naghimok at gumawa ng paraan upang mag-usap muli.

Masunurin siyang anak at upang hindi maiskandalo, natanggap muli ni Ely ang kanyang asawa ngunit sa kaibuturan ng kanyang puso, kinamumuhian niya ang asawa. Habang tumatagal lalong nabubuhay ang galit sa asawa kaya ang relasyon ay wala ng tamis. May apo na sila kaya ang atensyon panggitna ay ang bata. Halos lahat ng tao sa paligid, inaakalang maayos na ang lahat ngunit sa kaibigang si Ela binubuga ni Ely ang kanyang hindi nagbabagong damdamin na lalo pang bumibigat na sama ng loob. Nakikinig lang si Ela, hinahayaang ibuhos ang mga luha upang gumaan ang dala-dalang pighati. Memoryado na niya ang “sweet & sour & bitter”, kwentong pag-ibig ng kaibigan. Hindi pwedeng kontrahin ang nagdadalamhati ngunit hangga’t may pagkakataong makasingit kapag maganda ang pag-iisip ni Ely, itinutulak ni Ela ang kaibigan na pag-aralan unti-unti ang magpatawad.

Nagkaroon ng eksenang may nagpapahaging ng interes kay Ely sa internet at naiba ang kanyang

aura. Hindi man sang-ayon si Ela, natutuwa siya na naiba ang pinagkukwentuhan nila. Ang dating paulit-ulit na himutok ay napalitan ng kilig at saya habang nagkukwento. Nagdadalagang muli ang kaparang kilos at utak ni Ely. Ikinaka-alarma ni Ela na magkahulugan ng loob si Ely sa kapwa OFW na nasa Saudi at pamilyado pa. Tunay na kaibigan, pasingit-singit ang paalala na ang pamilya ay siyang una sa lahat.

Kinukumpara ni Ely ang pagiging napakamaalalahanin ni Saudi Boy at ang kanyang asawa na magti-text lang kung kailangan ang pera. Dinadalasan ni Ela ang depensa sa asawa ni Ely, pinapaalala na marami ring magandang pinagsamahan ang mag-asawa bago naganap ang kasalanang mortal. Nagkakaroon na ng debate ang matalik na magkaibigan at nararamdaman na ni Ely na nagagalit na si Ela. Ang katwiran niya, kung malinis at tama ang intensyon mo sa kaibigan, ipilit mo hanggang sa matauhan. Huling tinuran ni Ela, huwag muna tayong mag-usap hanggat hindi ka nakikinig sa akin. Walang makausap si Ely kaya dalawang linggo lang, pinakiusapan niya si Ela na magkita sila at nangakong makikinig na siya sa kanyang kaibigan.

Sa dalawang linggo na walang kausap, napagtanto ni Ely ang pinapasok na mas magulong buhay. May humaplos sa kanyang isip, na siyang dasal ng kaibigan. Hindi lang ang pagputol sa ugnayan ng kaulayaw sa internet kundi ang pagpapatawad sa asawa. Nagpaalam magbakasyon bago magpasko at handa na siya na panimulang bubuoin ang nabasag na relasyon nilang mag-asawa. Panay ang huntahan nilang magkaibigan, ang planong panibagong yugto ng pag-ibig ang detalyeng kanilang hinihimay.

Naniniwala pa rin si Ely na ang magpatawad ay higit na makakagaan sa kanya at makawala sa bigat ng dinadala sa dibdib. Lahat tayo ay may pagkakataon pang magpatawad. Source::www.huffingtonpost.com

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SMART ANG PINOY 25Tumawa Ka MunaSmart Jokes

TO WAIT - Iyan ang huni ng ibon . “To wait-to wait-to wait” (imported ang ibon kaya slang!) THE EGG - Ito ang bagay na mas nakakalamang ka sa kanila, kaya “the egg “ mo sila. LOVING A NAME- Iyan ang kasunod ng labinlima. SHE FEEL YOU - Iyan yung nilalagyan ng toothpaste. THE RICH ZOO- Heto yung daan na hindi liko-liko “the rich zoo lang”

Bakit yung bulaklak ng ikinakasal inihahagis para masalo at malaman kung sino ang susunod? Bakit di rin subukan ihagis yung bulaklak ng patay para malaman kung sino yung susunod atnang mapaghandaan naman!

Motto daw ng bansa natin ay: It’s more FUN in the Philippines: Kaya pala puro: Kidna-FUN Holda-FUN Karna-FUN Kahira-FUN FUN-darayaFUN-lilinlang FUN-darambong FUN-rerapeFUN-kurakotAng di magkalat nito ay FUN-nget !

PAYABANGAN ng PALO Tatay: Sabihin niyo kung ilang hampas at kung ano hihilingin niyo bago ko kayo hahampasin

Juan: Limampung palo tatay.Pedro: Ang konti namanTatay: Ano ang hiling mo?Juan: Lagyan mo ng unan ang likod ko (at pinalo na nga si Juan)Tatay: Ikaw naman Pedro, ilan?Pedro: Isang libo poJuan: Sobrang dami namanTatay: Ano naman ang hiling mo?Pedro: Itali nyo si Juan sa likod ko (Ano kayang nangyari?)

INAY: Binigay na ba card niyo?PINOY: Opo Inay, good news, wala na po akong line of 7!INAY: Talaga? Patingin? English-65; Math-60; Science-69; Pilipino-67Wala nga!

TEACHER: Juan, give me a sentence.JUAN: Ma’am is beautiful, isn’t she?TEACHER: Very good! Please translate in Tagalog.JUAN: Si ma’am ay maganda, Hindi naman, di ba?

PEDRO: Pare, wag mong kalimutan na may handaan sa bahay bukas! Birthday kasi ng inaanak mong KAMBAL!JUAN: Wow, talaga? Sino sa kanilang dalawa?

JUAN: Pare, nanaginip ako kagabi, kasama ko daw ang 85 contestants ng Ms. Universe Pageant!PEDRO: Wow, di JACKPOT ka?JUAN: Oo pare, AKO NANALO!

Mhar and Baby Omang

(2)

(5) (6)

(7) (8) (9) (10)

(3) (4)

(1)

Answer: 1. Bubble Wrap 2. Circuit Board 3. Elephant 4. Lettuce 5. Lighter Trigger 6. Lollipop 7. Marble 8. Sand 9. Sneakers 10. Tomato

Picture PuzzleGuess the Photo

Michael Brice Soriano

Edith G. GomezPublisher

Joanna M. UsonManaging Editor

Greg M. Matubis, Jr.Editor

Ma. Elaine F. SantiagoVic Fronda

Rachel M. ManuelAlex Rios

Bessie RiosRandell Tiongson

Eric NarvaezFederico Paragas

Violy PascualColumnists

Baby L. OmangAnne C. Suaverdez

Khristine M. MarcelinoRichardson B. Sim

Mhar OmangJalilo Dela Torre

Contributors

Joyce LucioLeomar Valiao Israel TandocPia Alejandro

Michael Brice SorianoCreatives

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A U G U S T 2 0 1 5

SMART ANG PINOY26First Time Dad

Hey Readers! Kumusta na kayo? Hope everything is well. Sana ay maayos at masigla kayo. Para sa mga bagong dating pa lang sa Hong Kong, sana hindi kayo masyadong ma-homesick, make sure you have UNLI data or wifi access sa bahay para makapanood kayo ng inyong favorite TV Shows sa ‘Pinas. Intindihin din natin ang sarili natin at mahirap magkasakit sa ibang lugar kung saan ay kayo lang ang mag-aalaga sa inyong sarili. Sabi nga nila, bawal magkasakit!

Daniel is doing good, in fact medyo nagi-increase na din ang kanyang feeding from 2 ounce naging 3 ounce na. Naayos ko na rin ang habit ko na maglinis ng baby bottles. Pwede ko na siyang gawing nakapikit. Haha! Siyempre ang pinaka life-changing experience ay kapag umiyak sa crib ng alas 3 ng umaga ay talagang normal na lang na kailangang bumangon ka at alagaan siya. It is hard but definitely worth the experience.

Richardson B. Sim

Disclaimer: Smart ang Pinoy will not be held responsible for any changes in the schedule made by the association.

Association EventsCalendar of Activities

Sep 20

Dec 13

Sep 06

Aug 30

Aug 23

Aug 23

La Union Federation ofHong Kong

Blue Zone Society Hong Kong

Pinoyshots Photography Club Hong Kong

Join for Care Association Hong Kong

Kayumanggi Magazine

LEDS Group

15th Anniversary and Search for Mutya ng Luzon 2015

Search for a Runway Model 2015

Search for Ms.Pinoyshots Princess 2015

Seminar

Kayumanggi Dance Party and Search for Kayumanggi Summer Queen HK 2015

Graduation Ceremony

Chater Road, Central

Sai Ying Pun CommunityComplex

Grappa’s Wine Cellar

Bayanihan Auditorium

Star PiscesGalaxy of the Star

Bayanihan Auditorium

Aug 02

Aug 02

Aug 02

Tiger Ram

Filipino Alliance Hong Kong

The Filipino Dream (TFD) Hong Kong Angels

Modeling Competition

Search for Mr. and Ms. Intercontinental 2015

Search for TFD HK Angels

Bayanihan Auditorium

Sai Ying Pun CommunityComplex

South Pacific HotelWanchai

Ito ang bagong picture ni Daniel, pasensya na at laging tulog talaga pero araw-araw nag-iiba na ang kanyang itsura, mas nagiging kamukha ko na siya! (sorry Lorie, asawa ko). Hello nga pala sa mga bumabati sa akin sa World-Wide House, medyo madami kayo. Salamat sa pagsubaybay sa kolum na ito. Hayaan ninyo, makikita ninyo din ako sa Central minsan at karga-karga ko si Daniel. Don’t forget to say Hello!

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SMART ANG PINOY 27Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19)We very well know that we get out of life what we put into it. If we aim at nothing, then we will get nothing. You’re in a situation that requires you to decide what you ‘’want’’ from it. You have an opportunity to boost your finances, comfort levels, love and admiration in your world if you’re prepared to give effort toward a particular plan that doesn’t excite you greatly as of now. The choice is yours but the opportunity won’t wait forever. Seize it now. Great opportunities that would shape your future are in for this month’s time, Aries.Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20)Decisions you make for the period now would have serious effects later on in life. You are now having to revisit a decision you made some time ago that you have, until now, believed didn’t require any further thought or re-look. An issue is about to be resolved, once and for all. Property related talks might take the forefront in your life for the month. Children and elder members in the family would keep your hands busy for the whole month ahead.Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21)You have different wishes, goals and ideals in life. Wishing for something to happen can take a lifetime. Desiring something is usually driven by a sense of urgency. A goal is, as the word implies, something that must be achieved within a specific timescale. Perhaps, with that in mind, it’s time to turn a ‘’wish’’ into either a desire or a goal. By doing so, you will accelerate considerably your ability to achieve it. You would be financially stable for the month ahead. Beware of unwanted conversations that might land you in trouble for now.Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22)In the same way songs have the ability to go round and round our heads incessantly, a particular issue is constantly occupying your mind. It’s likely you’re finding it difficult to shake a certain thought despite your efforts to do so. Perhaps though, there’s a reason why you’re unable to shake it. Maybe this has something to do with a certain issue being only partly resolved. You’ve been waiting for more information to be made available to you. It’s coming. With the Sun in your sign glad tidings are forecast for the month ahead, Cancer. Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 22)You know, instinctively, when you’’re right about something or someone. You take on board You know, instinctively, when you’re right about something or someone. You take on board to a point the thoughts of others regarding certain issues but even when strength in numbers exists toward a belief, you’re unable to disregard your own hidden beliefs toward it. You’re about to be proved right about something those around you have had different feelings toward. You can expect both relief and respect to come your way, very soon. Life would be full of ups and downs for the month ahead. Be prepared for a roller-coaster ride.Virgo (Aug 23 – Sep 22)Something that was delayed during its dormant period is showing signs of progressing now in your life for this month. With each passing day, something that seemed unattainable will become increasingly within reach. That would be an auspicious event at home or the higher Source: horoscope.findyourfate.com

SMART Horoscope

Balitang ShowbizBea Alonzo and Zanjoe Marudo spotted getting cozy in London despite recent relationship problem

Bea Alonzo admits problem in her relationship with boyfriend Zanjoe Marudo

Looks like Bea Alonzo, 27, and Zanjoe Marudo, 32, got past the bump in their relationship as seen in their sweet photos circulating online. The two were among the Kapamilya celebrities who headlined the annual Barrio Fiesta show held in London last July 18 and 19.

Although the couple has yet to share photos in their personal social media accounts, TFC (The Filipino Channel) fans who saw them together noted that Bea and Zanjoe were really sweet towards each other. It will be recalled that rumors about the alleged breakup of Bea and Zanjoe’s more than four-year relationship surfaced around the

same time the latter went on a solo trip to Spain two weeks ago.

This was followed by Bea’s admission in TV Patrol’s July 7 episode that she and Zanjoe are going through a rough patch in their relationship, but are trying to resolve it. But the couple obviously resolved their issue. Both were all smiles as they got cozy with each other when they performed “Akin Ka Na Lang” at the Barrio Fiesta event.

Bea admitted in October 2014 that she and Zanjoe are like normal couples with their fair share of relationship troubles usually caused by “lack of time for each other.”

Mabilis na umugong ang balitang hiwalay na diumano sina Bea Alonzo at Zanjoe Marudo nitong nakaraang linggo dahil mag-isa lang na nagbakasyon ang aktor sa Europe. Last week, tumulak mag-isa patungong Madrid, Spain si Zanjoe. Ipinagtaka ito ng marami dahil kapag nagbibiyahe noon si Zanjoe sa ibang bansa ay palagi nitong kasama ang girlfriend of four years na si Bea.

Ngayong Martes ng gabi, July 7, sa panayam sa kanya ni Gretchen Fullido ng TV Patrol, inamin ni Bea na may pinagdadaanang pagsubok ang relasyon nila ni Zanjoe. Pahayag ng Kapamilya actress, “Siyempre, who doesn’t want to stay in a beautiful relationship, ‘di ba? So, nandun kami.” Nakauwi na si Zanjoe sa Pilipinas, at kasalukuyan daw

nilang inaayos ang gusot sa kanilang relasyon.

Sa kani-kanilang Instagram accounts, kapansin-pansing parehong seven weeks ago pa ang huling post kung saan magkasama sila; ito ay kuha sa recent vacation nila sa New York. Sa mga kasunod na mga larawan na ibinahagi nila sa kanilang followers, wala na silang posts na magkasama. Nauna na rito, itinuturing sa showbiz na ideal couple sina Bea at Zanjoe dahil hindi napabalitang nagkaroon sila ng away o alitan.

Nitong nakaraang Abril, habang nagbabakasyon sila sa Japan, ay umugong ang balitang buntis iumano si Bea. Pero mariin itong pinabulaanan ng aktres.

More than a week after Bea Alonzo’s admission that she and boyfriend Zanjoe Marudo are going through relationship problems, the couple were spotted getting cozy at the recently-concluded Barrio Fiesta show in London.

Matagal nang tradisyon ng magkasintahang Bea Alonzo at Zanjoe Marudo na magkasamang nagbabakasyon sa ibang bansa. Pero ikinagulat ng followers nila sa Instagram kung bakit mag-isa lang na bumiyahe last week si Zanjoe papuntang Spain. Dahil dito, umugong ang balitang hiwalay na sila.

Source: www. pep.phSource: Philippine

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studies of a child in the family. Whatever it is do not take your goodness to your head. Lay low for turbulent times are ahead, Virgo.Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)It’s easy to enter into an argument with someone else. Simply oppose a point of view they hold dear. Make it clear that you believe they’re wrong. Have no basis prepared for why you believe they are wrong and you can embark upon a heated dialogue. The best way to counteract an argument is to present indisputable facts in a sensitive way. If you can do so now, then you will cause an unnecessary and tense discussion to cease from happening. There are also other important things in life that need your constant attention, Libra. Be prepared for the rainy days ahead. Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)Get back in touch with your inner warrior for the month. Your situation may feel like you are sYou Scorpios love to tell others what they think or how something ought to be done. You love to be asked but, if you are struggling to conceal your desire to make your thoughts known, then you’’ll often do so without being asked. Do you really care about what others think about something important to you now.. You shouldn’t. You are armed with much more accurate information than they are now for the month period.Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)When we experience revelations, they can be quite intense or intimidating. We prefer to be enlightened in our own way and time but when we experience Eureka Moments, they can be disconcerting. You appear to have been influenced in a strong way by a recent event in your family life. You also appear to have had to come to terms with something faster than you’d have preferred. Soon, you will see why you had to learn as much as you did in such a short space of time. You would have your home full for the month ahead with guests arriving from all quarters.Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)Everyone possesses imaginations. Many people don’t know how to apply them. They prefer to see things as they are or insist upon being doubting until solid evidence to the contrary is provided. Someone in your world is being inflexible and unimaginative. They are refusing to look beyond a situation that you wish they’d be more willing to consider. If it’s logic they want, then give it to them. You can get them to adapt by doing something their way.Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18)For the month you would be encountering obstacles. Are they being put in your way by unseen forces as a joke. Perhaps you believe the cosmos is enjoying watching you struggle with life. The fact is, obstacles you are encountering are not being placed in your way to delay progress within a key area. They exist because they are intended to help you to stop, think and assess a situation in ways you might not have done otherwise and this, you can trust, is something you’ll be grateful for.Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20)You’re being encouraged to make full use of your Piscean intuition now. You can accept a situation as it appears if you wish to. All of the key components to make a decision based on apparent fact are available. If, however, you’re prepared to apply imagination and trust an instinct or two, then you’ll see the reality of a situation. Work a little bit harder to see beyond the obvious and you’ll find a way forward that wasn’t apparent previously. Long distance travels would keep you engaged for most of the month.

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SMART ANG PINOY28