Filipinos in South Korea

Philippine close deal for ISRAEL MISSILE SYSTEM after USA dishonored MDT for China's invasion in Scarborough

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin will arrive Israel this week to close the deal with surface-to-air missiles or multiple launch rocket systems were being offered by Israel's  Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. "SAMs and MLRS are mobile anti-aircraft weapons designed against jet fighters," Delivery would take around 3 - 6 months and expected to be already in the Philippines on or before December 2013 

While the Philippines keeps hoping for USA to come for a rescue and honor the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) during the china's invasion in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, USA opted not to side with the Philippines but take its neutral stance proving that the USA-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty is futile. The very important decision of USA proves that they could not honor what they have signed for the Philippines.

In its territorial dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), the Philippines has tended to look to the United States for help, a mindset that, according to an Ateneo professor, should be "emancipated" from if it is to assert its independence.

As published by the Inquirer (June 11) Expert says Philippines can't rely on US vs China it has been proven by the action by the Washington not siding to the Philippines during the china's invasion in the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.

The Philippines as an independent country must have to learn itself how to defend from bully and how to guard its sovereignty. The US-Philippine Defense Alliance is just for business and defense supply not fighting with the Philippines when it comes to war as USA clearly said as "Philippines is a Strategic Alliance of the USA which mean everything would end up into Strategy not action or actual protection.

USA indeed helps the Philippines by providing training and support against the international Abu sayaff terrorists linked to Al qaeda but USA is not allowed to fight with the Philippines as it is against the Philippine constitution.

While previous administrations are not interested in upgrading the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Pnoy is a big brother twists the past into a new face of the AFP by providing a slice of budget for the upgrade of the Philippine armament.

And here it comes a new interest of "SAMs and MLRS are mobile anti-aircraft weapons designed against jet fighters," from Israel is scheduled to close deal within this week and expected to arrive the Philippines by September to December 2013.

Philippine Closing Deal with Israel' Missile System

Amid rising tensions over territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine government is eyeing to close deal for the purchase of anti-aircraft guided missiles from Israel.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the surface-to-air missiles or multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) were being offered by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. and Israel Military Industries Ltd., both based in Israel.

"SAMs and MLRS are mobile anti-aircraft weapons designed against jet fighters," the source said, adding that these had been suggested some time ago but had not been taken seriously because the defense establishment had no interest in investing at the time.

"Now, here comes the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea, and at last they've opened their eyes," the source added.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin will arrive Israel this week (3rd Week of June 2013) to close the deal with the prospective suppliers.

"If you have an agreement this would hasten the procurement process, say in three to six months you would already have the weapons. The agreement gives you the leeway to access all the information you want know about a particular weapon you want to procure," the source said.

Manila Standard tried to reach Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo and spokesman Peter Paul Galvez for confirmation, but both did not return calls or answer text messages.

In his first year in office, President Benigno Aquino III had released 75 billion to fund the upgrading of the military's capability through the procurement of ships and aircraft.

Gazmin then said they had some 138 big-ticket defense items that were being considered on a government-to-government procurement basis.

Part of this buildup was the recent procurement of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, a rehabilitated US Coast Guard cutter introduced in the 1960s.

The refurbished cutter, procured for will be the country's most modern warship and is expected to arrive in July or August.

But Senator Gregorio Honasan seemed unimpressed with the extent of help offered by the United States, and called for a review of the US Visiting Forces Agreement and the Mutual Defense Treaty, which he described as useless.

"We are not getting anything out of it. We have many international economic, military and security arrangements with other nations but why did they not say anything while the Scarborough Shoal standoff was heating up?" said the former Army colonel.

Because of this, Honasan said the country should abrogate all treaties that do nothing to help the country.

At the same time, however, he said a joint fishing agreement with Taiwan would be beneficial because it would afford protection to fishermen from both countries.

His remarks follow the May 9 fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman by Philippine Coast Guard personnel in the Balintang Channel that soured relations between Taiwan and the Philippines.

Also on Friday, the Foreign Affairs Department said it welcomed the filing of a resolution in the US Senate in support of a peaceful resolution to territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

"We understand that the resolution has yet to undergo the necessary congressional process before it is passed by the US Senate, nonetheless, we extend our appreciation on the mere fact that some US senators have deigned it necessary to express their views on a fundamental issue that affects the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region," the department said in a statement.

"The Philippines especially appreciates the reaffirmation of the peaceful resolution of disputes, including through arbitration; its condemnation of the use of threat or use of force; its recognition of the significance of the role of ASEAN and of the code of conduct; and its support for the ongoing and deepening efforts of the US in the region relating to ensuring freedom of navigation, maintenance of peace and stability, and respect for universally recognized principles of international law."

With Report from Manila Standard Today and Israel defense

National Security Council recommending $3 Billion USD Annual Defense Budget; 18 Chinese maritime ships intrude Philippine territory

$2.84472 Billion USD or ₱122,322,960,000 Billion Philippine Peso is required Annual Defense Budget to Defend the Philippine Territory. Photo - Panatag Shoal / PhilSTAR

Deputy Director –General of the National Security Council Secretariat urge the government to raise the Annual Defense budget to 1% of the total GDP of the Philippines.

In 2013, Philippine GDP is $284.472 Billion US Dollar of which 1% or $2.84 Billion USD annual defense budget is required to have a minimum credible deterrent power to block intruders.

18 Chinese maritime ships operating within Philippine territory

About 18 Chinese vessels are intruding into Philippine territory, raising the need to pour more resources to defense spending, a security official said Thursday.

Vicente Agdamag, Deputy Director-General of the National Security Council Secretariat, said the deployment of the ships is in line with China's aim to consolidate its control over the West Philippine Sea.

"Right now, there are 18 maritime surveillance ships operating in our area," Agdamag said during the Air Force's Air Power Symposium 2013 in Pasay city.

Agdamag did not say what types of ships were deployed and where they are located. He, however, enumerated incidents showcasing China's aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea.

These include the imposition by China of an "exclusion zone" in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, which is well within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

The shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, is 124 nautical miles from the nearest point in Zambales province.

 "Lately, we received reports that surveillance ships are imposing a 24-kilometer wide ban on the fishing area so in fact, they are imposing an exclusion zone already in Bajo de Masinloc," Agdamag said.

Chinese occupation of the Panatag Shoal began on April 10, 2012, when surveillance vessels from Beijing prevented the Philippine Navy from arresting Chinese fishermen who had poached endangered marine species.

Other incidents enumerated by Agdamag were:

The challenging by a Chinese patrol ship of a vessel conducting a survey for Forum Energy about 85 nautical miles off Palawan in March 2011

The grounding of a Chinese Navy frigate on Hasahasa Shoal, which is 60 nautical miles from Rizal, Palawan on July 11, 2012

China's establishment of Sansha City in Woody Island to exercise administrative control over areas in West Philippine Sea last year. The Woody Island is about 460 nautical miles from Zambales coast

China's announcement in November 2012 that Hainan police would board foreign vessels in disputed areas

The harassment by Chinese ships of a vessel carrying Pag-asa Island Mayor Eugenio Bito-onon in November 2012. The mayor and his companions experienced a similar harassment on May 16, the ship (ML Queen Seagull) of KIG Mayor Eugenio Bito-onon with 154 passengers and 14 crew as harassed by Chinese naval ships within the vicinity of Ayungin

The conduct of patrols and training missions of a squadron of three People's Liberation Army (PLA) vessels last February

The deployment of modern warships by the PLA last March to carry out training missions in the Bashi Channel

The conduct of an eight-day military drill in Spratlys by Chinese forces also last March. One destroyer, two frigates, an amphibious ship, amphibious tanks and land-based fighters participated in the drill

last April 21, based on aerial surveillance, five China maritime law enforcement agency ships, four China maritime surveillance vessels with bow number 262, 263, 72, 75 and one FLEC with bow number 302 were monitored south of Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag shoal,

Bigger defense spending sought

Agdamag cited the need to hike the budget for defense spending to enable the country to have a minimum deterrent capability, which he defined as a capability that imposes a risk that a hostile force would find unacceptable.

He recommended increasing the investment for defense by 0.5 percent to 1 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). The GDP is the sum of all products and services produced by an economy in a given period. It indicates the size of an economy.

Agdamag said at present, defense spending is just equivalent to 1.1 percent of the 2.006 trillion national budget.

"We are recommending an additional of 0.5 to one percent not only to be at par with our neighbors and more importantly to develop a modicum of a credible defense capability to protect our maritime and strategic interest," he said.

"We need to enhance to our security alliance with our allies and our neighbors especially the United States," he added.

China has been constructing structures in disputed areas to assert its territorial claims, triggering concerns among other claimants in the region.

It has built a military garrison in the Mischief Reef or Panganiban Reef, one of the areas being claimed by the Philippines. Mischief Reef, which is about 70 nautical miles from Palawan, has been occupied by China since 1995.

China initially built structures on stilts at the reef, supposedly to provide shelter for fishermen but these were later on converted into a military garrison with powerful radars.

China has also installed a powerful radar station in Subi Reef, an islet 12 nautical miles southwest of Pag-Asa Island, which is part of Kalayaan Island. The Chinese began constructing the four-story structure, including a lighthouse about seven years ago.

China has also sent ships in the Ayungin Shoal, another Philippine-owned area located 105.77 nautical miles from Palawan.

With report from philStar, Manila Standard Today, and GMA News

Philippine NBI recommend filing Criminal Charges Against PCG who defend the Philippine Territory ; killing Taiwanese Poacher

NBI Recommend filing Criminal Charges to Philippine Coast Guard that shoot dead Taiwanese poacher to the Philippines territory. Philippine Coast Guard slam the NBI's recommendation as they are just doing their job per order to defend the Philippine territory. The shooting incident occurred 79.2km Island of Luzon in the Philippine territory and 316.8km from Taiwan. Photo from INQUIRER

A Philippine government's investigating body has recommended the filing of criminal charges against several members of the Philippine Coast Guard for the death of a Taiwanese fisherman off northern Luzon in the Philippine Sea on May 9.

In a report sent to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) identified the Philippine Coast Guard personnel who fired their guns on the Taiwanese fishing vessel, the Guan Ta Hsin 28, including the person whose bullet fatally killed Hung Shih chen, the Inquirer quoted an unnamed source as saying.

"The shooter was identified through a cross-match between the slug recovered from Hung's body during autopsy and the signature of the coast guard's M14 rifle," the source explained, adding that Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has received just a "thin report" because the annexes have yet to be forwarded to her.

The NBI has not specified if the coast guards would be charged with murder or homicide because of unresolved debates over the Philippine Coast Guard using "superior strength versus the Taiwanese fishermen," and that the killing of the Taiwanese fisherman was "not premeditated," said the source.

The Philippine Coast Guard said the shooting targeted the engine of the Taiwanese fishing boat to stop it from trying to ram the coast guard's vessel.

The shooting incident occurred 79.2km off island of Luzon in the Philippine territory and 316.8km from Taiwan, the source said. It was earlier identified as the Balintang Channel off northern Luzon.

The report has been forwarded to President Benigno Aquino, said Justice Secretary de Lima who refused to give more details. The presidential palace has not made an official statement regarding the matter.

The Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), the de facto embassy of the Philippines in Taiwan, including the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), the de facto embassy of Taiwan in Manila have not confirmed receiving copies of the report.

The family of the Taiwanese fishermen has already filed murder charges against the Philippine Coast Guard in Pingtung County District Attorney's Office in southern Taiwan.

Two investigating bodies from the Philippines and Taiwan held parallel probes on the incident last week.

Taiwan demanded an official apology from the Philippine government, but rejected President Aquino's apology when he said the killing was not intentional.

Taiwan also demanded compensation for Hung's family and punishment for those who shot him.

Taiwan also froze new jobs for Filipino workers in Taiwan; suspended tourist travel to the Philippines; and temporarily ended trade and cultural exchanges with the Philippines.

With reports sources from BBC News, Gulf News and Philippine Daily Inquirer

President Aquino Call all Filipinos to Unite & lay down one's life to defend the country from threats of the sovereignty and security

115th Philippine Independence Day 2013. With the cooling down of nationalism in the Philippines President Aquino calls all Filipinos to Unite & lay down one's life to defend the country from threats of the sovereignty and security.

Aquino on Independence Day: Follow Bonifacio

It's Independence Day, and President Benigno Aquino gives this annual ritual a twist. Unlike presidents before him, Aquino takes the celebration to the shrine of a hero for the poor.

For the first time, President Benigno Aquino leads the 115th Independence Day rites at Liwasang Bonifacio.

It's a shrine devoted to Andres Bonifacio, the hero who led the armed revolution against Spain.

The Palace says it's a recognition of Bonifacio's role in history. The country marks Bonifacio's 150th birth anniversary this year.

Watch the video here http://bit.ly/19uryDT

Aquino says Filipinos should follow Bonifacio's example. He calls for courage and love of neighbor.

BENIGNO AQUINO III, PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT: Maliwanag po ang pahiwatig ng kanyang tindig: Karangalan ang magtaya ng buhay para sa bayan; taas-noo nating maipagmamalaki ang mga naiambag natin para sa kalayaan. Kasabay nito, tila mapanghamon din ang titig ni Bonifacio: Ikaw, Pilipino, ano na ang nagawa mo para sa iyong bandila at kapwa? (It's clear in his posture: It's honor to lay down one's life for the country; we take pride in our contributions to promote our freedom. At the same time, Bonifacio's gaze poses a challenge: You, Filipino, what have you done for your flag and your neighbor?)

Aquino says this in the face of protests over government services.

In Tutuban, Bonifacio's birthplace, militant groups denounce Philippine independence as fake. They downplay the government's economic gains.

A day before this, the National Statistics Office reports more Filipinos are jobless in April compared to the same period last year. This, despite a stellar 7.8 percent growth in the country's economy.

PATERNO ESMAQUEL, REPORTING: One hundred and fifty years ago, Andres Bonifacio fought to uplift the plight of the masses. But the same issues hound the poor to this day, posing a challenge for the Philippine government.

Aquino says ending poverty is everyone's responsibility.

BENIGNO AQUINO III, PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT: Huwag sana tayong maghintay pa ng tatlondaang taon, o ng tatlong dekada, o kahit ng tatlong taon, bago tayo magpasyang magbuklod para maging malaya tayo mula sa gutom, kahirapan, o anumang banta sa ating soberenya't seguridad. Hindi tama na mapahaba pa ang pagtitiis ng mga Pilipino ni isang minuto. (Let us not wait for 300 years, or 3 decades or even 3 years before we come together in order to free ourselves from hunger, poverty or whatever threats to our sovereignty and security. It is not right to prolong the suffering of Filipinos by another minute.)

Today, Independence Day, Bonifacio, the hero of the masses, shines above other heroes from that era – a fitting symbolism for Aquino, whose stellar economic numbers have yet to trickle down to the working man.

Paterno Esmaquel, Rappler, Manila.

With report from – Rappler.com

China scared other bidders and dominates again in ₱3.76-billion Philippine MRT Rail Bids for Expansion

For the expansion of the Metro Railway Transit, the Department of Transportation and Communications announced the ₱3.76-billion financial proposal of China's Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Co. CNR Group satisfied the eligibility requirements during the opening of its offer late Tuesday.  A Metro Rail Transit (MRT) train is seen Manila on October 31, 2010. AFP PHOTO/NOEL CELIS (Rappler.com)

China's dominance in the world for Engineering Design and Construction (EPC) projects has been proven not only in the Philippines but almost all part of Africa and Latin America.

With the Bidding SOP; winning bidders would be awarded to the lowest bidder, China led that system as the Government will give more incentives to any Chinese firms who win any bidding for foreign projects such as tax exemption for the income of such project and even the Chinese government sometimes will shoulder the loses of any private firm just to win the project and to offer the lowest bid.

For every EPC project that invites Chinese firm to join the bidding, most Europeans, Koreans and Japanese firms will usually back out as proven for so many EPC projects Chinese firm would really win with their lowest bid and government's backup.

According to most Korean company, if Chinese will join bidding for EPC projects, they could just be wasting money to join the bidding because China would really dominates and the same thing happened in the Philippines' Bid for MRT project which other bidder back out after knowing that Chinese firm is invited to join the bidding.

How to invite bidders without driving away the other participants?

If the Bidding SOP; winning bidders would be awarded only to the lowest bidder, then the world would expect that China will dominates but if the system would change into the lowest "Quality" bidder, then it could invite other firm as many firms are more experienced in doing EPC project than china. Requiring at least 20 years of experience in such project would surely disqualify Chinese firm to join the bidding.

Other reasons also matters under the table issues.

Only Chinese firm left in bidding for MRT expansion

The DOTC is now evaluating a single proposal by a lone bidder Chinese manufacturer for the 3.77-billion expansion of the Metro Railway Transit's capacity through the addition of more trains after another firm was disqualified and three would-be bidders did not submit bids at all.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) announced that the P3.76-billion financial proposal of China's Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Co. CNR Group satisfied the eligibility requirements during the opening of its offer late Tuesday.

DoTC's bids and awards committee did not open the proposal of the Chinese firm CSR Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Co. Ltd., whose submission lacked certain technical requirements.

CSR Zhuzhou was to file a motion for reconsideration or MR, DoTC undersecretary for legal Jose Perpetuo Lotilla told reporters after the opening of the proposal. He said the plan was for the DoTC to "resolve the MR as soon as possible"

In light of its compliance with the DoTC's requirements, Dalian Locomotive's proposal will now be evaluated by the agency. If it passes this process, the company will be awarded the project, Lotilla said.

"There were only two bidders but we just opened one. It's not as good for government," Lotilla noted.

He also declined to comment on how long the evaluation process would take, given the technical nature of the project.

"This is a highly technical bid. We are talking about train systems. So there is a technical proposal, and that is subject to post-qualification," Lotilla said.

The transportation department pushed for the bidding after it dropped a plan to acquire second-hand trains from a Spanish manufacturer.

"We looked at our options for purchasing some of the coaches from Metro de Madrid, but it turns out that this would not have significantly improved the  timeframe we are working on," DoTC spokesperson Michael Sagcal said in a separate statement. "So we decided to continue with the ongoing procurement of new trains instead.  This should also result in lower maintenance costs."

Through the capacity expansion, DoTC will add 48 train cars to MRT 3, which runs 16.9 kilometers on EDSA from North Avenue to Taft Avenue and serves an estimated 600,000 passengers a day, well above its designed capacity of 350,000, the transportation department said.

The elevated MRT 3 train service has a fleet of 73 train cars, serving passengers at supposedly three-minute intervals. DoTC said the addition of new cars will cut the waiting time to 2.5-minute intervals.

With report from INQUIRER

The ₱7.8-Billion Philippines’ biggest International Airport in CIC will open to the city of Gold & Waterfalls in June 15

New gateway to Northern Mindanao gets 'safety approval'

Situated in the center of the Cagayan- Iligan Corregidor (CIC), Philppines' one of the biggest International Airport is scheduled to open this Saturday June 15, 2013.

President Aquino inspected yesterday the 7.8-billion Laguindingan International Airport here, dubbed as the gateway to northern Mindanao, which is set to open on June 15.

The Laguindingan International airport, which can cater up to 1.6 million passengers a year, is the first newly-built airport to be opened under the Aquino administration. The new airport, a joint project of the Philippine government and the Export-Import Bank of Korea, however still lacks the Instrument Landing System (ILS) to accommodate flights beyond sunset. For now, the new hub will operate using visual flight rules (VFR) to assist pilots to operate the aircraft during daytime and clear weather.

Flights will depart the Laguindingan airport from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., except when there is severe weather disturbances, officials from the Civil Aeronautics Authority of the Philippines said.

"The navigational aids will be installed no later than May 2014. But we are trying to expedite that process to put all of these aids in place sooner than that," he added.

"It is much safer here compared to Lumbia airport. And that has been attested to by (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines) director-general William Hotchkiss when they met with all the stakeholders," the President told Palace reporters in a chance interview.

The Lumbia airport in Cagayan de Oro City – a 30-minute drive from Laguindingan – is on an elevated and mountainous area, which is blamed for navigational problems, particularly during nighttime, apart from the zero or poor visibility during inclement weather. Flights are sometimes diverted to Cebu.

"The general opinion is even without the navigational aids, this Laguindingan Airport is safer than Lumbia, owing to its terrain, the ridges up to the approach when the planes take off," Aquino said.

The International airport in Laguindingan sits on a 180-hectare land in Barangay Moog, Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, and is located 46 kilometers from the city center of Cagayan de Oro and 61.9 kilometers from Iligan City.

Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno thanked the Aquino administration and the Korean government for the facility.

Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said the new airport is "one of the country's biggest," and is capable of accommodating A320-330 Airbus planes, which can carry more than 300 passengers.

He said airplanes can land here "any day of the year under any weather condition" and it is a "much safer" facility.

The idea of building an airport here was first raised during the time of Aquino's mother, the late President Corazon Aquino.

The Laguindingan International airport can connect to both Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities, and accommodate around 1.6 million passengers every year.

It is seen to boost the tourism department's "It's more fun in Philippines" campaign.

The airport has a terminal of 7,184 square meters. It was constructed with the support of Korea Eximbank with a loan of $48.2 million and export credit of $62.8 million, or $111 million of the total project cost of $167 million.

Abaya said the operation and maintenance of the Laguindingan airport would be bid out to the private sector through the public-private partnership program. 

What's inside the City of Waterfalls (Iligan City) and the City of the Golden Friendship (Cagayan de Oro City)?

Cagayan de Oro City - may very well be the happiest place in the country. The "City of Golden Friendship," as it is sometimes called, is home to especially friendly and warm Filipinos. Their ready smiles are a fitting welcome, with Cagayan de Oro's accessible location also making it the "Gateway to Northern Mindanao." of golden Friendship.

Cagayan de Oro's much talked-about whitewater rafting and river trekking makes it the premier whitewater destination in the country. The Cagayan de Oro River is famed for challenging rapids that quickly follow one after the other. It's really an experience like no other and well worth the initial scare. They say the wild river helps you discover your inner strength and endurance. Nice! Character-building fun!

Still not enough thrills for you? Make sure you visit the Macahambus Hill Cave and Gorge. Ask your Tourism officer about the Battle of Macahambus Hill, the first Filipino victory against the Americans. Admire the view from the 120-meter long Sky Bridge suspended 120 feet from the ground, and then take the 120-meter breathtaking zipline.

More action-packed fun awaits you at Jatico Adventures. A five-course zipline, ATV rides, and hiking trails are among the many things on offer.

Not to be missed are the Mapawa Nature Park for its waterfalls, trekking, and rappelling.

It's not all thrill rides though. What's a great adventure without culture and heritage?

Understand local customs and traditions at the Museo de Oro. Or acquaint yourself with the people of Northern Mindanao at the Museum of Three Cultures. and the Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village for its showcase of tribal houses of the Subanen Tribe set amidst nature trails.

At the General MacArthur Marker, you'll learn more about the role played by Cagayan de Oro in history and about US General MacArthur, one of the most important figures of World War II.

Admire the centuries-old stained glass panels of the Gothic St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral. While nearby, the tree-lined Gaston Park is a relaxing haven in the city.

In Cagayan de Oro, the month of August is synonymous with the Kagay-an Festival. This almost two week-long celebration has a carnival-like atmosphere, and is dedicated to its patron, St. Augustine. It's a full-blast party, with activities such as agricultural trade fairs and a cultural street dancing parade and competition. The highlight of the celebration is the Golden Float Parade. Make sure to bring your shades! The bright colors will dazzle you.

Cagayan de Oro has something for the eco-tourist as well as the sports lover. So, grab your backpacks and head to where nature's beauty will thrill you. This happy place could very well leave you with a smile on your face.

Iligan City – the City of Waterfalls

Iligan City is part of the province of Lanao del Norte. It's mostly bordered by land, except for its west where Iligan Bay lies. The city is made up of flat cultivated coastal land, volcanic hills, and mountains with waterfalls and cold springs.

The area's climate is temperate. The city isn't in the path of typhoons, and the rain falls evenly.

The city is part of the Cagayan de Oro-Iligan Corridor, the fastest developing area in Northern Mindanao. But while very much a city, Iligan is still connected to nature.

Of its approximately 20 waterfalls, Maria Cristina Falls is the grandest. Its power is such that It supplies hydroelectric power to a large part of Mindanao.

A little more unexpected is the National Power Corporation (NPC) Nature Park – a nature park within a hydroelectric power plant.

Natural springs are also an attraction. Of the more than a dozen known ones, the most popular is Timoga Cold Spring.

The 487-meter Mt. Agad-Agad may be Iligan's highest mountain, but it's an easy climb. It's a popular spot for hiking and camping.

Iligan also has something for the more laid-back traveler. The Anahaw Open Amphitheater is the city's premier music, sports and event venue.

There's also the Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House, the only house in Mindanao that two Philippine presidents have lived in. The family of presidents Diosdado Macapagal and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (his daughter) donated the house to the city government.

With report from PhilSTAR , Yahoo News and Its More fun in the Philippines

2nd High Endurance Warship BRP Alcaraz left South Carolina Monday Arriving the Philippines

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) docked at Charleston, North Carolina. Credit: US Coast Guard

Cuisia to BRP Ramon Alcaraz crew: We are for peace but be prepared to defend Philippine territory

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA – As the newest Philippine warship makes its way to the Philippines from Charleston, South Carolina, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia Jr. told the officers and crew of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz that the Philippines will exert all efforts to ease the tension in the West Philippine Sea, but is also ready to defend it, if needed.

"To be able to make sure the BRP Alcaraz will be properly managed, I think you had a very extensive training, I'm sure the Filipino people are eagerly waiting," Cuisia said.

On the eve of its departure to the Philippines, Cuisia visited the vessel and congratulated its officers and crew for a job well done.

For about a year, the BRP Alcaraz underwent a $15.6 million retrofitting and extended refurbishment while its officers and crew underwent training with the US Navy.

Formerly known as USCGC Dallas, the BRP Alcaraz is the second Weather High-Endurance Cutter the Philippines has acquired from the US government.

The 378-foot warship and its 88 Filipino officers and crew will be joining its sister ship, the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, which was also acquired from the US Navy in 2011.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank the US Government and the US Coast Guard," Cuisia said.

The Philippine envoy also said that the name of the newest warship comes with great responsibility. World War II hero, Commodore Ramon Alcaraz, was credited for downing three enemy planes during the Japanese invasion and for having a distinguished record during his service to the Philippines.

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz left South Carolina on Monday morning (June 10, 2013) and is expected to arrive in the Philippines in the first week of August.

What's onboard?

Frigate for Philippines is equipped with latest gun.

BRP Ramon Alcaraz is fitted now with 2 Mk38 Mod 2 automatic cannon systems as among the first ships in the world to be equipped with state-of-the art cannon systems.

The Mk38 Mod 2 is designed to counter high-speed maneuvering surface targets and will be installed also in almost all US surface ships by 2015. It was commissioned by the US Navy following the terrorist attack on the USS Cole in 2000.

"The Pentagon has awarded a $1.8 million ( 74.4million) contract for the purchase of modern weapons systems which are installed now in the BRP Ramon Alcaraz. Capt Elson Aguilar, Naval Attache at the Office of the Defense and Armed Forces Attache at the Philippine Embassy, was quoted as saying last year that that acquisition of the 25mm autocannons are part of a $24 million contract with BAE systems for the purchase of 21 units of the remotely controlled naval gun systems and spare parts for both the US and Philippine navies.

Two 25mm autocannons fitted on the BRP Ramon Alcaraz as part of the frigate's air and surface defense system. The remotely controlled chain gun system can fire as many as 180 25m rounds per minute at targets as far as two kilometers.

He added that the autocanon can be fired manually if the sensors are damaged or if the vessels lose power.

"The Mk38 Mod 2 will allow the Alcaraz and the Del Pilar to track and fire at targets automatically in both day and night using single shot, low speed or high-speed automatic fire," Aguilar said, adding that the autocannon can be fired manually if the sensors are damaged or if the vessels lose power.

The two Mk38 Mod 2 systems will complement the existing weapons system that consists of the Mk75 76-mm Oto Melara main battery and four M2HB .50 caliber machine guns.

The addition of the modern ships to the Philippines fleet will be a big boost for the navy which had long suffered the reputation of being among the most poorly equipped in Southeast Asia.

It is the second Hamilton-class cutter acquired by the Philippines under the Excess Defense Article and Military Assistance Program.

The first, the Del Pilar, was turned over to the Philippine Navy in May 2011.

With report from ABS-CBN News and Gulf News

15 food products from Taiwan Banned in Singapore, Malaysia & the Philippines; contains Maleic Acid- FDA

After the Warning advisory from Singapore and Malaysia, the Philippines followed Banning the Taiwan Products that contains HO2CCHCHCO2H which is said to harm human's kidney.

THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Philippines banned 15 food products from Taiwan as they contain maleic acid with a chemical symbol HO2CCHCHCO2H.

In an advisory, the FDA said that aside from not being registered in the country, the 15 food products have been found to pose health hazards due to the presence of maleic acid.

"Maleic acid is NOT an approved additive for manufacturing food products," said the FDA.

The 15 Banned products from Taiwan were identified as the following:

  1. Hong Tapioca Starch
  2. Redman Black Tapioca Pearl
  3. Sun Right Indica Rice Powder
  4. Top 1 Tapioca Pearls
  5. Tea World Tapioca Starch Ball
  6. Unbranded Starch Ball
  7. Ding Long Tapioca Pearls
  8. Sun Chi Noodles
  9. T & M Resources Corp Tapioca Pearls
  10. Pure Tea Tapioca Pearls (White)
  11. Pure Tea Tapioca Pearls (Black)
  12. Full Free Green Tea Tapioca Ball
  13. Full Free Yam Tapioca Ball
  14. Long Kow Vegetarian Instant Rice Noodle
  15. Long Kow Rice Noodle with Thick Soup.

The FDA said the long-term consumption of high levels of maleic acid could harm one's kidney.

The health agency said the ban is being imposed in accordance to the provisions of the Consumer Act of the Philippines, and the FDA Act of 2009, which prohibits the manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, offering for sale, distribution, transfer, non-consumer use, promotion, advertising, or sponsorship of any health product that is adulterated, unregistered or misbranded, products contaminated with unsafe substances.

"Products contaminated with maleic acid are, thus, considered illegal," said the FDA.

The ban shall remain unless the concerned food products are tested for safety by the FDA on the presence/absence of maleic acid to the said products and are subsequently registered.

"The FDA shall continue to monitor the entry of food products from Taiwan in the Philippine market," assured the FDA.

The ban comes amid the tension between Taiwan and the Philippines spurred by the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman in the disputed waters off Batanes last May 9 by the Philippine Coast Guard. (HDT/Sunnex)

With report from Sun Star, Channel New Asia & Silliyal

Philippine Inventors and Scientist Decries for NO Support from the Government

Francisco Pagayon meets fellow inventors.

Filipino inventors showcase products in Quezon City shop

Filipino inventors have formed a cooperative and set up a showroom in Quezon City to put on display their best inventions and introduce them in the market.

Francisco Pagayon, president of the Filipino Inventors' Society, says the group established the Filipino Inventors' Society Producer Cooperative to serve as the business arm of the organization.

FISPC then set up a showroom at the ground floor of Delta Building at the corner of West Avenue and Quezon Avenue to put on public display many useful local inventions in a show of Filipino ingenuity and entrepreneurship.

The showroom houses various innovative products that are designed for fuel and energy conservation, environmental protection, water purification, alternative medicine, personal care and recreation.

It showcases the Filipino genius as it contains inventions on the following:

  • Police patrol weaponry
  • Car care
  • Home protection
  • Agriculture
  • Food and health supplements, and many others that could not be found elsewhere, says Pagayon.

Among these inventions are solar-powered postharvest facilities and converters, anti-car napping computerized security system, Anos firetrucks for narrow streets in major cities, fire blanket, water-fueled flashlights, green engine oil products, anti-fungal soap, organic medicine and other organic products.

Pagayon says the showroom is in response to the lack of government support and official indifference to the plight of many inventors, who have been frustrated by their inability to find a niche in the local market and obtain commercial success for their inventions.

An inventor himself, Pagayon has mass produced the multipurpose Probaton truncheon for Filipino police personnel and village watchmen.

He says the inventors grouped themselves together amid the lack of state support and indifference to Filipino inventors.

"While inventors in other countries are held in awe and respect by their governments to obtain state support and patronage, Filipino inventors have to live with the frustration for the lack of support," Pagayon says.

"They hardly enjoy state subsidy, tax or credit incentives, and patronage for their invention products," he says.

Pagayon and other inventors then opted to find ways to alleviate the plight of many inventors. His answer: entrepreneurship.

FIS, established on Oct. 14, 1943, is the oldest non-government group of Filipino inventors, researchers, technologists, scientists, industrial designers and engineers.

The group aims to generate, produce and market indigenous inventions and technologies to help attain economic progress and industrial prosperity for the country.

With report from Manila Standard Today

KOREA Inviting PHILIPPINE company; Show your Product to Increase EXPORT

Local firms invited to join Korean trade fairs

Filipino firms are being encouraged to participate in trade fairs in South Korea to increase exports of Philippine products to that country.

Ki Bong Moon, second deputy head of the trade and investment unit of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) - Korea Centre, said in an interview the organization is working with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Center, for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) to encourage Filipino firms to take part in trade fairs being held in South Korea.

"There is very low awareness on Philippine products (in South Korea) so we invite Philippine companies to go to Korea," he said.

To encourage Filipino firms to take part in trade fairs in South Korea, he said the ASEAN-Korea Centre is providing airline tickets and accommodation of selected companies during the trade shows.

The companies are selected by the organization with the DTI and CITEM based on a set of guidelines.

Moon said that for an upcoming trade fair for healthy food to be held in August, the ASEAN-Korea Centre is inviting two Filipino companies to participate.

For another food trade show being held in November, he said four Filipino firms would be invited.

He said the organization wants to encourage Filipino firms to participate in South Korea's trade fairs so that more Philippine products would be made available in Korea.

He noted that exports of South Korea to the Philippines were valued at $8.2 billion in 2012.

Philippine exports to South Korea however, amounted to a much lower $3.2 billion last year.

"We want to encourage Philippine manufacturers to bring their products to Korea," Moon said noting that the Philippines has many products which could cater to the Korean market.

He said among the Philippine products of interest to South Koreans are muscovado and calamansi.

"It is very critical for the Philippines to increase its exports to Korea," he added.

The ASEAN-Korea Centre is an intergovernmental organization mandated to promote the economic and socio-cultural cooperation between ASEAN member states and Korea.

Among the ASEAN member countries, the Philippines is Korea's fifth largest trading partner with trade volume between the two hitting $11.5 billion last year.

With report from philSTAR

Health research initiatives begins in The Philippines, $800 Million US Dollars

Laboratory Medicine -Manila Doctors Hospital

A new law is expected to boost medical research in the Philippines, potentially opening doors to greater private sector involvement in the health services industry.

On May 7 President Benigno Aquino ratified legislation passed by the parliament earlier this year that formalizes the Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) and establishes the Philippine National Health Research Fund.

The PNHRS's main role will be to set policies and directions, periodically review and approve long-term plans and programs, and evaluate and approve the national health research agenda. The PNHRS will be governed by a council headed by the secretary of science and technology and the secretary of health, with representatives from the Commission on Higher Education, the chancellor of the University of the Philippines-Manila, the executive director of the National Nutrition Council, the director of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, as well as five representatives from the private sector.

The PNHRS itself is not new, although formalizing its status and funding marks a policy change. The program was initially set out in the middle of the past decade to finance the training of more health scientists and provide the necessary resources for undertaking research aligned with the government's health strategies. Among the key agencies involved in the scheme are the Department of Health; the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), an agency under the Department of Science and Technology that serves as the national coordinating body for health research; and the Commission on Higher Education.

Research and development work to be conducted within the remit of the PNHRS will in part be financed by the higher taxes on cigarettes and alcohol that went into effect on January 1. The price of cigarettes is expected to double by 2017, while the cost of a bottle of beer is will rise by P23.50 ($0.56). The PCHRD will receive 10% of the revenues collected, which will then be used to fund the PNHRS.

This would represent a significant financial boost to health research, as official estimates put the earnings from the so-called sin tax at $800m for 2013, thus potentially channeling $80m into the system this year alone.

According to Juan Edgardo Angara, a representative in parliament and one of the authors of the PNHRS bill, the program will provide a framework to strengthen cooperation among the various stakeholders in health research, including private sector players.

"The country must provide for a favorable research environment wherein government agencies, non-government organizations, public and private hospitals, academic institutions and private agencies can optimize their research activities," Angara said.

The Aquino administration has already been pushing to encourage greater private sector involvement in the health care industry. Through its public-private partnership program, the government has partially corporatized some hospitals and health centers, opening them up to private investment and management. With the PNHRS fully operational, there will likely be greater support for private research projects, which could benefit such segments of the economy as the pharmaceutical sector, with the $14bn industry currently growing at a rate of between 3% and 4% each year.

Even with additional funding and a structure to steer and monitor health research activities, it will take time for the Philippines to address structural weaknesses. At present, the country is lagging in most international assessments of research support. Spending on research is around 0.03% of national health expenditure, well short of the 2% recommended by the World Health Organization. Total outlays on research and development in all fields, not just health, account for just over 0.1% of GDP, according to the World Bank, compared to Singapore's 2.37%.

By building capacity for research and development, the PNHRS will help fuel the innovation that could ultimately improve the health of the nation.

Oxford Business Group

CHINA made - IOS/Android “WeChat” Spy Apps downloaded and patronized by Millions of PINOYS? BEWARE!

CHINA "WeChat" Sees Huge Boost in Philippines After Star-Studded TV Ads - Iya Villania and Drew Arellano

Since ramping up TV and social marketing in the Philippines last month, China-made messaging app WeChat has been holding onto the top position in the country's free app rankings for both iOS and Android.

As we've seen in other countries, there is a WeChat television advertisement being aired in the Philippines, which of course helps boost the app's popularity there. In the country, WeChat's chosen brand ambassadors are Iya Villania and Drew Arellano.

Looking over the app charts, WeChat's closest rivals look to be Japan-based Line and Viber. The latter two are currently placed in the top seven free overall apps on Google Play. Viber though, is not as popular on iOS, it is ranked at 34th while Line occupies the fourth spot there. Of course, downloads don't equate to active user numbers.

Just last week, we saw WeChat attempt to bring its battle with Line to the Nokia Asha platform, which will help in emerging markets like the Philippines. The Tencent-run app records a staggering 195 monthly active users right now, with the latest number of users outside China being 50 million.

Tencent is pushing WeChat particularly hard in Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, and Mexico, where it already seems to be taking off.

Will the app prevail in its battle for the Pinoy market against the other chat apps? And let's not forget Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. There are still a lot of users to be won over.

ASEAN countries must beware as USA and China is now sparring for Cyber Espionage initiated by China leaking all Future US Defense Plan and technology with the same issue happened in Australia and South Korea. This "WeChat" App might find vulnerabilities of your phone leak your all confidential information to untrustworthy China.

With report from Tech In ASIA

Investment Recommendation: Bitcoin Investments

Live trading with Bitcoin through SimpleFX Trading platform would allow you to grow your $100 to $1,000 Dollars or more in just a day. Just learn how to trade and enjoy the windfall of profits. Take note, Bitcoin is more expensive than Gold now.


Where to buy Bitcoins?

For Philippine customers: You could buy Bitcoin Online at Coins.ph
For outside the Philippines customers  may buy Bitcoins online at Coinbase.com